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      Eagle-eyed fans spot Kylian Mbappe’s ‘nice’ reaction to Declan Rice’s goal in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid

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      EAGLE-EYED fans spotted Kylian Mbappe’s “nice” reaction to one of Declan Rice’s free-kick goals last night.The Arsenal star struck from two set-pieces as his side beat Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash.Kylian Mbappe was spotted reacting to one of Declan Rice’s free-kick goalsRice inspired Arsenal to a 3-0 win over Real Madrid last nightCredit: EPAMikel Merino went and added a third to make sure the Gunners put one foot in the semis against either Aston Villa or Paris Saint-Germain.And current Champions League holders Real, who have won the competition a record 15 times, were left shellshocked ahead of next week’s return leg at the Bernabeu.Superstars like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr were unable to get a grasp on the game.While boss Carlo Ancelotti cut a frustrated figure as he watched counterpart Mikel Arteta dominate the touchline.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Real ace Mbappe caught fans off-guard as he reacted to the second of Rice’s free-kick goals.The £105million midfielder curled a beauty round the Real wall, with the shot then finding its way into the far-top corner.It sparked wild celebrations among Arsenal players and supporters.While Los Blancos players appeared to become even more desolate at the prospect of a European exit.Most read in Champions LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesHowever, Mbappe seemed to show his appreciation for Rice’s strike as he made his way back to the halfway line.The striker, who joined Real on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, watched Rice’s free-kick sail past Thibaut Courtois.’Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goalsMbappe then turned on his heels before retreating down the pitch.And as he did so, the French World Cup winner was seen raising his eyebrows and flicking his head in acknowledgement of the hit.Fans were quick to clock it, with one saying: “It’s a nice reaction, just utterly stunned and in awe.”Another declared: “Bro was taking notes in his mind.”One noted: “He noticed it was a sweet free-kick.”Another added: “He knew it was well hit.”Arsenal ratings vs Real Madrid as Declan Rice’s free-kick thunderbolts earn him an ELEVEN out of 10BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid – and the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night.Rice’s epic showing was enough to earn him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners… More

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      Declan Rice reveals he ‘DEFIED’ Arsenal orders by shooting from free-kick against Real Madrid after chat with team-mate

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      DECLAN RICE revealed his stunning free-kick against Real Madrid was not part of the plan – after he defied Arsenal’s set-piece guru. Rice curled a stunner past Thibaut Courtois before matching it moments later with an equally sensational top corner strike.Declan Rice defied Arsenal’s set-piece coach to shoot against Real MadridCredit: EPANicolas Jover urged Rice to crossCredit: YouTube/Amazon Prime Video SportInitially, fans online gave credit to set-piece coach Nicolas Jover – who has played a huge part in Arsenal’s success from corners this season. But Rice revealed it was actually words of wisdom from team-mate Bukayo Saka that inspired the first of his two stunners.The midfielder was given instructions to deliver the ball into the box but thought better of it. Told that he “defied” Jover, Rice said: “Yeah, I know! Bukayo said, the actual words were, ‘If you feel it, go for it.’READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I looked at the wall and looked at the keeper and thought I could bend it and that’s what happened.”As it turns out, Jover was not the only one telling him not to shoot – ignoring even his captain. Rice said: “I don’t know if it will ever sink in. “I fancied both (free-kicks) and to have the confidence, I am a bit speechless. “Martin [Odegaard] was saying to cross, I said it doesn’t make sense to chip it like that. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We practice them all the time, Jover is telling me to cross and it didn’t make sense.”Rice and Mikel Merino help Arsenal take a commanding 3-0 lead to Madrid in Wednesday’s quarter-final return tie.’Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goalsBefore the game, Rice had only taken 12 free-kicks as a professional without scoring – but two came in one match. Manager Mikel Arteta said: “Declan’s been very determined because we have said in the last few months that we have not scored a direct free-kick in three-and-half years.“So, to score two goals in 12 minutes of that magnitude and of that quality from the same player, a player that has never scored a free-kick before in his career, what are the odds?“This night was all about two factors; one is the atmosphere that we created 15 minutes before kick-off with something I haven’t seen before.”And then the magic, the individual moments that decide all matches. And the first two goals from Declan sums up the night.”Rice revealed Bukayo Saka urged him to shootCredit: Getty More

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      Emotional West Ham legend, 71, who works as a pallbearer selling cup memorabilia so it can be enjoyed after he’s gone

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      ALAN TAYLOR was West Ham’s FA Cup final hero 50 years ago – scoring both goals in their 2-0 win over Fulham.He remains the only player in FA Cup history to net doubles in the quarter-final (versus Arsenal), semi-final (against Ipswich) and final en route to lifting the trophy.Alan Taylor is selling his incredible collection of memorabiliaTaylor was West Ham’s FA Cup hero, scoring twice in the quarters, semis and finalCredit: RexHe is auctioning off his FA Cup winners medal, shirt and match ballNow half a century on, Taylor is parting with his football treasures — in particular his prized No 9 shirt from the final and FA Cup winner’s medal.His Hammers memorabilia goes under the hammer at Stacey’s Auctioneers in Chelmsford on April 28, with his shirt and medal expected to fetch at least £10,000 each.An emotional Taylor, 71, said: “For 50 years I have cherished these items. I’ve had them on display in my house and admired them every day.“But at my time of life you start looking at different aspects — and my memorabilia was one of those things.“I didn’t like the thought of them gathering dust up in a loft somewhere.“I have a son who doesn’t have children to pass them on to.“In fact, it was Gary who suggested offering the items to collectors who will, hopefully, enjoy them as much as we have.“Sadly, West Ham don’t have a museum — they could have kept them so all fans had access to them.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAlan Taylor’s collection up for saleHis 1975 FA Cup final No 9 shirt and winner’s medal The actual Cup final match ball Alan’s Cup final tracksuit topHis PMD Golden Goal award for his Cup final exploitsAlan’s 1975 Charity Shield runners-up plaqueRunners-up medal from the 1976 European Cup Winners’ Cup finalHis 1976 European Cup Winners’ Cup tracksuit topRunners-up medal from the 1975 Anglo-Italian Cup“Hopefully, they will go on display publicly somewhere. I want them to go somewhere where they are as loved as they have been for 50 years.“I have often taken some items to the stadium when I’ve taken charge of tours there. It’s incredible the joy it brings to so many supporters.Watch shock moment West Ham Utd legend makes surprise appearance in EastEnders – in never-seen-before crossover for Billy’s stag do“Fans take pictures, reminisce about that time and provide some of their own memories, which is fascinating.“It makes me emotional when my son Gary talks about how my achievements made him feel so proud. “But he says it doesn’t matter if I have the memorabilia or not — he feels exactly the same. That’s what made my mind up.“For 50 years, the shirt has been framed and, with the rest of the collection, been in a cabinet in our lounge.I didn’t like the thought of them gathering dust up in a loft somewhere.Alan Taylor“Each night it has been lit up and been very much part of the furniture.“It’s going to be empty without them  — they have taken pride of place.”As well as his ambassadorial role at West Ham, Taylor continues his unusual line of work as a funeral pallbearer.He said: “I’ve worked in the funeral business for 13 years. It’s the worst time for people but, hopefully, I’m able to make sure everything runs as sensitively and smoothly as possible.“I lost my mother-in-law last year and it was no less painful for me  and my family.”Taylor now works as a pallbearerCredit: The SunTaylor was just 21 and at Rochdale when he was snapped up for £40,000 by John Lyall at West Ham, in 1974.Rochdale played in the earlier rounds of that 1974-75 FA Cup campaign but, as fate would have it, Taylor had been injured — meaning he was not cup-tied for the Hammers.It was not until the night before their quarter-final at Arsenal that the striker found out from manager Lyall that he would be playing his first full game.Norfolk-based Taylor said: “I had just been a lad enjoying playing football in the fourth tier at Rochdale.“But, out of the blue, Lyall and West Ham came in for me. Within six months I had scored two goals in the quarter-final, semi-final and final — and had helped the club win the FA Cup.“I will never forget scoring that first double at Arsenal. We played in the most diabolical conditions at Highbury. But what a result.”Taylor still thrives on his match-day role at West Ham.He added: “I love it. I had five of the most enjoyable years wearing  claret and blue, so to be part of the hospitality on a match day means so much.It’s going to be empty without them  — they have taken pride of place.Alan Taylor“However, seeing the team struggle this season has been a tough watch. But it seems so much better since Graham Potter has taken over.”Taylor accepts it is a different world for players in the top flight today.But he said: “I still love the fact a player like Jarrod Bowen has come through the ranks at Hereford — just as I had done at Rochdale — and is now captain at West Ham.”What is set to change for Taylor,  wife Jeanette, son Gary and daughter-in-law Julie, is that there will be a desperately sad empty cabinet in their lounge after the Chelmsford auction at the end of this month.He added: “It’s going to be very emotional but if someone gets half as much love as we have had for 50 years, then I could not be happier.”Taylor fires Irons to glory March 8, 1975 Quarter-final, HighburyArsenal 2-0, Taylor scores bothApril 9, 1975, Semi-final replay, Stamford BridgeIpswich 2-1, Taylor scores bothMay 3, 1975, Final, WembleyWest Ham 2-0 Fulham, Taylor scores bothWest Ham squad: Mervyn Day, John McDowell, Frank Lampard Sr, Billy Bonds, Tommy Taylor, Kevin Lock, Billy Jennings, Graham Paddon, Alan Taylor, Trevor Brooking, Pat Holland. Sub: Bobby Gould. Manager: John LyallFulham: Peter Mellor, John Cutbush, John Fraser, Alan Mullery, John Lacy, Bobby Moore, John Mitchell, Jim Conway, Viv Busby, Alan Slough, Les Barrett. Sub: Barry Lloyd. Manager: Alec Stock More

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      Huge Premier League boost as Arsenal win over Real Madrid CONFIRMS fifth place will qualify for the Champions League

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      THE Premier League will officially have FIVE teams in the Champions League next season.Arsenal secured the extra place with a huge 3-0 win over reigning European Champions Real Madrid on Tuesday night.The Premier League will officially have five teams in the Champions League next seasonCredit: APThe extra place was confirmed when Arsenal beat Real Madrid on TuesdayCredit: GettyIt took England’s coefficient points total up to 24.535 – leaving the nation top of the Uefa table.Both Spain and Italy are battling it out for second, with Spain on 21.678 points and Italy on 20.187 points.Regardless of competition, each Uefa win is worth two coefficient points, a draw gets one point and nothing is given for a defeat.Points gained by all teams in a coefficient are added together and the total score is divided by the number of clubs a country has in Europe that season. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat gives the coefficient average, which the table is based on.Arsenal and Liverpool are both set to earn a Champions League place for the 2025-26 season.Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Newcastle, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Fulham and Brighton are all battling for the remaining places.England needed just one team in Europe to win this week to guarantee five places in the Champions League next season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSArsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium.Declan Rice broke the deadlock with a stunning free kick in the 58th minute.’Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goalsHe then bettered that with another strike into the top-right corner.And Mikel Merino made it three with a composed finish in the 75th minute.After the match, Mikel Arteta said: “When you’ve not played this team for 20 years then you have the chance to write your own history and it is nights like these where you can do that.”They were magic moments. We have a lot more to give. It will give us even more belief.”I did believe and you have to believe. The crowd was incredible, they gave us so much energy.”Race for the Champions League places More

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      Paul Merson suffers awkward wardrobe malfunction live on Sky Sports as he jumps up to celebrate Arsenal goal

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      PAUL MERSON suffered an awkward wardrobe malfunction live on Sky Sports after jumping up to celebrate one of Declan Rice’s incredible free-kick goals.The Arsenal star delivered two dead-ball strikes in the space of 12 minutes as his side thumped Real Madrid 3-0 in the Champions League.Paul Merson suffered an awkward wardrobe malfunction on Sky SportsThe former Arsenal legend was reacting to one of Declan Rice’s free-kicks against Real MadridCredit: EPAMikel Merino also netted in the quarter-final first-leg clash at the Emirates on Tuesday night.And Arsenal are now on the verge of setting up a semi-final tie against one of Aston Villa or Paris Saint-Germain.There were star performances all over the pitch for the Gunners yesterday.But it was Rice who stole the show with two sumptuous free-kicks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe England star, who had NEVER scored one single direct free-kick in his entire career beforehand, hit his first from distance in the 58th minute.However, Rice’s second goal in the 70th minute was even better.Standing at an angle akin to set-piece legend David Beckham, Rice curled a beauty round Real Madrid’s wall and into the far-top corner.Watching in the Sky Sports studio, former Arsenal star Merson was left delighted by the effort.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, as he jumped up in delight to celebrate, fan favourite Merse’s jumper rode up his body, leaving his tummy exposed.Supporters found his cheeky gaffe brilliant though.Declan Rice reveals Arsenal’s set-piece coach told him to CROSS… before firing stunning free-kickMerse’s jumped slid up his body, delighting his fans at homeOne said: “Take off your shirt Mese, I know you want it, come on you Gunners!”Another declared: “Brilliant from Merson.”One noted: “Lol Merson’s belly as he jumps up to celebrate.”Another added: “What an epic reaction, iconic.”Following his jump, Merson had to plenty to say about Rice’s goal too.He boomed: “What a goal, it’s a phenomenal free kick, Rice Rice baby!Read More on The Sun“What a goal, honestly, the first one was good, this one is better!“He’s bent it, whipped it, beat Courtois from there, what a goal.”Arsenal ratings vs Real Madrid as Declan Rice’s free-kick thunderbolts earn him an ELEVEN out of 10BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid – and the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night.Rice’s epic showing was enough to earn him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners… More

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      ‘Isn’t she a Liverpool fan?’ – Dua Lipa spotted celebrating Arsenal win over Real Madrid at Emirates to fans’ confusion

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      DUA LIPA was spotted celebrating Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid at the Emirates – to the confusion of fans. The singer joined the Gunners faithful in cheering on Declan Rice’s two stunning free-kicks as well as Mikel Merino’s late strike. Dua Lipa was spotted celebrating Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid at the EmiratesCredit: Premier SportsFans were surprised by her attendanceCredit: ESPNBut Dua – born in London – has shown her allegiance to Liverpool before – posing with Anfield legend Jamie Carragher. And her Grammy-award winning song “One Kiss” has become a staple of Liverpool matches – played before and after games. So it came as a shock to some when Dua was spotted celebrating Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final win from the Emirates stands. One fan said: “One week Liverpool one week Arsenal.”READ MORE ON ARSENALAnother asked: “Isn’t she a Liverpool supporter.”A third joked: “Liverpool fans sorry.”Despite Dua’s history with Liverpool – she has been known to support Arsenal – posing in Arsenal attire in 2023. And she is not the only one. Most read in FootballThe singer has an affiliation with Liverpool, pictured here with Jamie CarragherDua Lipa pictured in 2023 showing her support to ArsenalCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway is a Gooner while Kim Kardashian and her kids also support Arsenal. And YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI even has a box at the Emirates – meeting with Thierry Henry before the Madrid game. KSI was spotted going berserk after Rice’s free-kick heroics.Kim Kardashian is an Arsenal fanCredit: Instagram/@arsenalAnne Hathaway is also a GoonerCredit: Instagram @annehathawayKSI invited Thierry Henry into his box at the Emirates More

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      Shock moment Aston Villa and PSG fans brawl ahead of Champions League tie as chairs & punches thrown

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      THIS is the shocking moment a huge brawl breaks out on the streets of Paris ahead of the crunch Champions League tie between PSG and Aston Villa.Footage shows opposing sets of fans fighting outside of a busy bar in the French capital, with punches, chairs and glasses thrown in the melee.Opposing sets of fans throw punches in a huge brawlCredit: FacebookFans hurl chairs and other missiles in ParisCredit: FacebookPint glasses can be seen flying in shocking footageCredit: FacebookEnglish underdogs Aston Villa are set to take on soon-to-be French champions Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final showdown at the Parc des Princes tonight. Video taken from inside a bar where dozens of fans were drinking overnight shows the brawl in full swing.Fists can be seen flying as supporters clash in the street just outside the window.One set of fans appear to launch their drinks at the oncoming group.read more in Champions League Many of the younger, onrushing supporters have their hoods up as they approach the older looking men.As the fighting continues, a number of bar stools can be seen being used as weapons.One man can be seen carrying a stool across the pavement with the pointed legs directed at the other supporters.Chairs are also seen being hurled back and forth as stunned onlookers watch.Most read in FootballIt is unclear exactly how the brawl started.But unverified claims on social media allege that PSG hooligans had attacked Villa supporters who were drinking in the bar.’He’s lost it there’ – Huge brawl breaks out during Baller League after shocking challenge from former Man Utd starThe Parisians are seasoned campaigners in European knockout football, having reached at least the quarter-finals in each of the past 13 seasons.They’ve already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title with an astounding six games to spare and knocked out tournament favourites Liverpool in the last round.But Villa are in outstanding form and are riding a seven-match winning streak.They breezed into the quarter finals with an emphatic 6-1 aggregate victory over Club Brugge in the last 16. The side have also scored 20 goals and kept five clean sheets in their last seven matches and with four-time Europa League winner Unai Emery at the helm their fans are hopeful for an upset.Aston Villa have finally given us an English side we can all get behindBY Dave Kidd, Sun’s Chief Sports WriterIT was a night of nights in early October when Villa Park welcomed back elite European football after a hiatus of four decades.To be there at one of English football’s grandest, most historic and atmospheric stadiums as Bayern Munich were vanquished in a Champions League group match was a rare privilege.Villa won the game and I left the ground feeling delighted for Villa’s supporters. Which is strange because, usually, when English clubs play in Champions League football, I couldn’t honestly care less whether they win or lose.I don’t think I’m alone in this. The Premier League’s traditional Big Six were difficult to love even before they tried to sell English football down the gurgler by signing up to a breakaway Super League.And Newcastle, with their bottomless Saudi wealth, leave many of us equally cold. But Villa’s European adventure — next stop Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes in tomorrow’s quarter-final first leg — feels different.It feels like a throwback to decades gone by, when English football fans would genuinely want other English clubs to thrive in Europe.When Villa face Qatari-backed PSG in the French capital, most of England — except for the blue half of Birmingham and the Black Country supporters of Wolves and West Brom — will be firmly behind them.And that’s because Villa’s successes under Unai Emery give the supporters of many other clubs something realistic to aspire to.Villa are not a member of the modern elite, with all the spoilt-rotten sense of entitlement that status brings.They are an authentic club, competing at Europe’s top table with underdog status, with a modest net spend, with a likeable, talented manager and with supporters who have followed their club through thick and thin, providing consistently the best atmosphere in the Premier League.Four-time Europa League winner Unai Emery speaking at a press conference ahead of the gameCredit: GettyPSG come into the quarter finals after a huge win over LiverpoolCredit: PAEnglish star Marcus Rashford training with Aston Villa ahead of their UEFA Champions League clashCredit: Getty More

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      Kyle Walker undergoes surgery on elbow fracture and ruled out indefinitely in huge blow to AC Milan star

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      KYLE WALKER has had surgery after fracturing his elbow in training. It is unclear how long the on-loan Manchester City right-back will be out for – with seven games left of the Serie A season. Kyle Walker has had surgery after fracturing his elbow in trainingCredit: GettyA statement read: “AC Milan can confirm that Kyle Walker sustained a fracture in his right elbow today. “To ensure better healing and optimize recovery time, the player underwent surgery in Milan to repair the olecranon through osteosynthesis.“The operation went perfectly to plan. Kyle will begin rehabilitation immediately.”Walker, who turns 35 in May, arrived in Italy in January after leaving City following eight trophy-laden years. READ MORE IN football He has since played eight Serie A matches — starting seven of them — as well as four in the Champions League and two in the Italian Cup.And Walker is expected to make his move to Milan permanent in the summer. The defender – who recently signed an underwear deal with Hugo Boss – did admit his City exit was an emotional one. He revealed on his podcast: “I said to the team manager…the player liaison officer, I said that I wanted to say goodbye to the lads in the canteen before I left when I knew the deal was complete. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“And he actually texted the whole building! So, there were 150 people there and I had to say goodbye, which was a little bit nerve-wracking.”It was sad because as much as people might have this persona about me or whatever, I did speak to completely everyone in that building from the cleaners, to the cooks, to the kit men, to the physios.Kyle Walker signs big money deal to model huge fashion brand’s underwear just like David Beckham“There was the lady there, Emma, that would be behind the counter and serve you food, or get your drinks and whatever.”And even when I looked over at her, I wanted to cry because it was like every day I’ve said, ‘Morning’ to you and given you a cuddle, and all of a sudden now I’m not going to see you anymore, and you don’t think about that when the process is happening, but then when you come to say goodbye, it’s hard.”Walker admits his City exit was emotionalCredit: Getty More