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      Brazil legend Adriano seen partying in the street with no shoes on weeks before returning to play one last match at 42

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      ADRIANO partied on the streets with his friends despite being weeks away from a return to football.The Brazil legend has lived a flamboyant lifestyle since hanging up his boots, including partying on a yacht and being crowned an emperor during carnival.Adriano partied on the street with his friendsCredit: TikTok / nanizin.77He walked around barefootedCredit: TikTok / nanizin.77The former striker is set to play in one final match in DecemberCredit: TikTok / nanizin.77He enjoyed some down time with pals this week, taking to the streets of Brazil for some festivities.Adriano, 42, stumbled around barefooted and laughed and joked with his friends, beer in hand.He also poked his tongue out at someone and jokingly barged one friend.Adriano is just weeks away from making a return to football, with the former striker to play in one final game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 48-cap former Brazil star retired in 2016 but bowed out of the game without saying goodbye to fans.So he will play in one final farewell match between two of his former teams, Flamengo and Inter Milan, on December 15.Adriano will play for both sides, swapping at half-time.He said of his upcoming return: “Many people asked me to say goodbye. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Although I stopped playing a few years ago, I needed this match to end my cycle.”I owed it to everyone who supported me and still supports me.”Brazil cult hero is paraded through streets of Sao Paulo as an ’emperor’ during wild carnival More

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      Furious Cristiano Ronaldo confronts referee at half-time and screams ‘be fair’ as nightmare week continues

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’s horror week continued as he was tormented by fans chanting for Lionel Messi – and had a run-in with a referee. The Portuguese superstar drew a blank as Al-Nassr were held to a 1-1 draw by Al Hilal on Friday. Cristiano Ronaldo had a night to forget against Al Hilal on FridayCredit: ReutersThe 39-year-old went in the book for remonstrating with the referee at half-timeCredit: X / GoalNassrRonaldo was furious at what he saw as unfair bookings to his teammatesCredit: X / GoalNassrRonaldo has netted six times already this season in the Saudi Pro League.But he put up a stinker against the league leaders, picking up a needless booking as Al-Nassr were held to a fourth draw of the campaign. The 39-year-old was booked just before half-time after a furious confrontation with referee Felix Zwayer.Ronaldo remonstrated with the official as the teams walked off to the dressing rooms. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe was caught on camera fuming: “We receive three yellow cards. Al Hilal have zero.”Be fair for both teams!”Ronaldo was also targeted with Messi chants from the travelling Al Hilal support.He raised a sarcastic thumbs up towards the supporters as they taunted the Portuguese star in the second half. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAl-Nassr had led from the first minute when Anderson Talisca lashed in an early opener.But Ronaldo and Co were pushed back after the break as Sergej Milinkovic-Savic netted a deserved late leveller. I watched Cristiano Ronaldo play for Al-Nassr, the atmosphere and standard had me shocked… but he didn’t seem botheredThe draw ended Al Hilal’s winning start to the season, which had seen them take 24 points from 24.Al-Nassr are playing catchup in the league, with Ronaldo’s men six points adrift of top spot after Friday’s game. The incident caps a nightmare few days for CR7. On Tuesday, he blazed a stoppage-time penalty over the bar as Al-Nassr were dumped out of Saudi Arabia’s biggest cup competition.Ronaldo stepped up to take the spot-kick six minutes into added time against Al-Taawoun.But he could only find the stands with his penalty, breaking a young fans phone in the process. More

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      Inside Arsenal fans’ ‘laundry list’ of conspiracy theories including red cards, ‘bizarre’ VAR calls and disallowed goals

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      PLENTY of Arsenal fans are convinced the Premier League and its referees are out to derail their title ambitions.So much so that they claim there is a whole “laundry list” of conspiracy theories going against them.Arsenal fans are convinced they are the victims of various refereeing conspiracy theoriesCredit: GettyMikel Arteta debunked the allegations but has certainly expressed his anger at officialsCredit: APOf course, while there is an understandable desire for more consistency across the division, the outrageous suggestions have no actual footing or proof.And plenty of controversial VAR decisions over the last year have gone FOR the Gunners.Despite this, many of their fans continue to blast the PGMOL online.Words such as “cheat” and “corrupt” regularly get bandied about whenever their team fail to pick up all three points. READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd one fan fumed this week: “I don’t give a f*** what anybody tells me, I genuinely believe there is a conspiracy to stop Arsenal from winning the Premier League by Premier League referees. “We just have a laundry list of examples. I can’t be going crazy here. This is ridiculous.”Their own manager Mikel Arteta has certainly had his complaints – but even he had to debunk his supporters for their conspiracy theories accusations. But here are some of the most contentious calls which have riled up Arsenal fans the most on social media…Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNEWCASTLE GOAL STANDSThe one that really kick-started the complaints came at St James’ Park in November 2023 when Anthony Gordon’s winner was allowed to stand. The ball looked as though it might have gone out of play before calls for a foul and an offside. Refs’ chief Howard Webb reveals Declan Rice red card was correct – but Arsenal wronged by different incorrect decisionNewcastle’s goal was allowed to stand even though the ball looked like it went outCredit: Sky SportsArteta blasted the calls as “embarrassing” and a “disgrace” – even though Kai Havertz was lucky to escape a red card in the game. Arsenal fan fury escalated a year on when Aston Villa’s goal was ruled out when the ball was adjudged to have crossed the byline in the build-up. HAVERTZ HANDBALLArsenal suffered another 1-0 defeat last December, that time at Aston Villa.The Gunners thought they had scored a last-gasp equaliser but it was chalked off for a Havertz handball.But upon seeing the replays, some Gunners fans were convinced the ball actually hit Matty Cash’s hand in a second handball.And their misery was compounded when it was confirmed that if a team-mate put the ball into the net, it may well have stood. Kai Havertz had a goal at Aston Villa ruled out for handballCredit: GettyRICE REDThe big one to trigger the 2024-25 season’s complaints came at the end of August when Arsenal hosted Brighton.Already on a yellow card, Declan Rice petulantly flicked a rolling ball away from Joel Veltman, who was lining up a free-kick. Veltman ended up kicking Rice who went down, only to be given his marching orders with a second yellow from Chris Kavanagh for “delaying the restart”. Arsenal quite rightly pointed to the lack of consistency as Joao Pedro received no punishment for kicking the ball down the pitch when it had already gone out for a throw. The Gunners were in total control but the red card changed the game and it finished 1-1.Declan Rice got himself sent off with this silly kick of the ballCredit: TNT SportsTROSSARD SUFFERS SAME FATEAnd Rice was not the only Arsenal player to be sent off for a second yellow this season after delaying the restart.Just three weeks after the Brighton incident, Leandro Trossard saw red in similar fashion away at Manchester City. Again already on a yellow, the whistle had already gone for a foul when Trossard thumped it clear and Michael Oliver brandished the second yellow.Jeremy Doku escaped a caution because he was knocking the ball back to where a free-kick was given in the same game. Arsenal were quick to point out Oliver refereed some matches in the UAE – and therefore implied he was on the payroll of Manchester City’s owners and would then be biased against Arsenal. It finished 2-2 at the Etihad after Arsenal had clung on to their lead until the 98th minute. Leandro Trossard had the same experience at the EtihadCredit: APSALIBA SENT OFFArsenal picked up their third red card of the season when William Saliba was dismissed at Bournemouth – and they went on to lose 2-0. Rob Jones initially showed Saliba yellow card for pulling back Evanilson just into the Gunners’ half – but VAR intervened and decided he had denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.And as a result, it was upgraded to a red card.Just 24 hours later, Arsenal fans kicked off that Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo stayed on the field following a similar incident at Anfield. William Saliba hauled down Evanilson at BournemouthCredit: PAA yellow card was initially shown but it was upgraded to a redCredit: GettySTONES’ GOAL STANDSOn the day after the defeat at the Vitality, the mood amongst Gunners supporters worsened when Manchester City grabbed an injury-time winner at Wolves.John Stones’ header was originally written off for offside – before the VAR decided Bernardo Silva was not interfering with Jose Sa despite being in an offside position. John Stones’ winner for Manchester City was allowed to stand despite Bernardo Silva’s positioningCredit: PALIVERPOOL PART IThen came the 2-2 draw with Liverpool last weekend. Arsenal were incensed that a late winner was not allowed.Although it was not immediately clear why, Anthony Taylor blew the whistle WAY before the ball eventually ended up in the net.Havertz bundled Trent Alexander-Arnold to the ground to get to the loose ball as it came back off the post, anyway, so there was no way the goal would have counted.Still, Arsenal fans reckon the so-called “phantom goal” could come back to haunt them come the end of the season.Anthony Taylor had already blown the whistle before Arsenal’s so-called ‘phantom goal’Credit: GettyLIVERPOOL PART IIIn the same game, the Gunners felt they should have had a penalty for a strong challenge from Ibrahima Konate on Gabriel Martinelli.Replays and the Premier League Match Centre on X both confirmed the Reds defender won the ball.And the Gunners fans seemingly forgot about Martin Odegaard’s blatant handball at Anfield last season that went unpunished.READ MORE SUN STORIESIbrahima Konate produced a superb sliding tackle on Gabriel MartinelliCredit: GettyLIVERPOOL PART IIILastly, some Arsenal fans even claimed David Raya’s yellow card for time wasting was “pre-meditated” by Taylor.One even went back and counted the exact number of seconds Liverpool took over corners to compare to Raya in a desperate attempt to drive home the conspiracy theory agenda. David Raya was booked for timewasting during the thrilling 2-2 drawCredit: GettyLiverpool impressed at Arsenal, but it was a match Jurgen Klopp probably would’ve wonBy Jordan DaviesON the face of it, Liverpool continue to go from strength to strength with Arne Slot’s tenure still in its infancy.Away at Arsenal as title contenders — with a formidable record at the Emirates having won four of their last six there — the Reds fought back, not once, but twice to earn an impressive point to remain four clear of the Gunners.Nine games in, Liverpool have seven wins, 22 points collected and sit in second in what is one of the club’s best ever starts to a Prem campaign.Nothing to sniff at there, and that is without mentioning three straight wins in the Champions League and a 5-1 Carabao Cup third-round thumping of fellow top-flight side West Ham.So to even attempt to pick flaws in Slot’s start with a run that solid would come across needlessly pedantic, deliberately nit-picky.But, and there is a but, given the standards Liverpool have set in these early months, it needs to be said: this draw in North London was a massive missed opportunity.And to go one step further, maybe this is a game Jurgen Klopp would have found a way to win?It has been a long time since Arsenal have gone into a game feeling so vulnerable defensively with world-class centre-back William Saliba missing through suspension.Full-back Riccardo Calafiori was also out injured, usual right-back Ben White began the game at centre-half and midfielder Thomas Partey started on the far right side of the defence.And then, in a chaotic second half, both Jurrien Timber and Gabriel limped off, forcing Gunners boss Mikel Arteta to swap around his back line THREE times by the 76th minute.And yet, despite all of that, a Liverpool side boasting attacking talents like Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo were hardly making the home fans sweat with a peppering of the Arsenal goal.It was not until a Klopp-style counter-attack from back to front in the 81st minute did the visitors properly test the home defence.But even that finish was a tame one — Salah tapping in past David Raya into an almost empty net.And with nine minutes left plus seven minutes injury time, the expected onslaught for another, to nick all three points — the tally-ho approach — never came.Not Klopp’s heavy metal style, more pleasant folk music with a ukulele in a country pub.You get the impression that Slot was delighted with this outcome.For large parts, Liverpool were defensively sound, gave very little away and snuck away back to Merseyside with a point tucked under their arm and a bloody nose avoided.Yet it was in these sorts big blockbuster matches that Klopp and Liverpool thrived over their nine-year romance, full of excitement, thrills and last-gasp wins that earned them a Prem trophy in 2019-20 and plenty more down-to-the-wire chases with Manchester City.And with Arteta’s Arsenal on their knees — quite literally in some cases — and hanging on for dear life, these are the moments in title races that require a bit of crazy, not caution.A Klopp team of the past would have gone completely and totally Kloppy, throwing men forward at will, blasting their opponents away and forcing the ball into the net through passion and thunder alone, regardless of how open it left them at the back.Slot is not this sort of coach.He is measured, considerate, calm. Good qualities, but not always needed in do-or-die matches that ultimately determine where you finish in May.It is hard to say if this will come back to haunt Slot, who still insists on avoiding any use of the phrase ‘title contenders’ despite clearly being title contenders.With Aston Villa and Manchester City visiting Anfield over their next five Prem outings, we will see whether the Dutchman can loosen the leash and let his team grab games by the scruff of the neck instead of playing it safe.Because as we have seen in this league, going for broke often rewards you — just ask the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola.Fortune favours the brave.Slot needs to discover his own version of that if he is to truly emulate Klopp and transform this Liverpool side into one capable of seizing moments when they matter most. More

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      England legend’s two sons play for Man City with one scoring incredible 20 minute hat-trick after coming on at half-time

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      THE sons of an England legend impressed once again playing together with one scoring a 20-minute hat-trick.Manchester City have two hot prospects on their hands and both helped their Under-21s to a big win in Premier League 2.Reigan Heskey scored a 20-minute hat-trick for Man City Under-21sCredit: Manchester City FCHis first came minutes after he was substituted onCredit: Manchester CityHis brother Jaden also played in the matchCredit: GettyThe pair are sons of England legend Emile HeskeyCredit: GettyThey thrashed Norwich 5-0 to maintain their place at the top of the table ahead of Brighton.City were 1-0 up at half-time before a substitution changed the game and sank their opponents.Reigan Heskey, son of former England star Emile, netted a 20-minute hat-trick before adding an assist for City’s fifth.He struck his first just two minutes after coming on, tapping home a cross from close range.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 16-year-old then slotted a finish into the far corner before completing his hat-trick with a tame effort the goalkeeper could only par into his own net.His dad would have been proud with the effort but there was another Heskey watching closely – his brother Jaden.Jaden Heskey completed 90 minutes playing in City’s midfield, with the pair linking up for the second time in a week.They both played for City U21s in their EFL Trophy penalty shoot-out victory over Grimsby, with Reigan scoring a curler from outside the box.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReigan was delighted with his hat-trick against Norwich and the impact he made off the bench.He told City’s media team: “I came on and made an impact which is what I try to do every time so it was a good performance.Emile Heskey talks about the pressures of mental health on footballers”Every team wants to be top [of the table], you want to win every game week in, week out.”The pressure of having them [other teams] behind us gives us motivation to play well every week.” More

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      Newcastle 1 Arsenal 0 LIVE RESULT: Gunners’ winless streak goes on as Arteta’s side are BEATEN after Isak bullet header

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      ARSENAL extended their winless streak in the Premier League to three games after losing 1-0 at Newcastle. Alexander Isak’s first-half header was enough to secure the three points for the Magpies as Arsenal failed to convert any of their chances throughout a tense 90 minutes at St James’ Park. Kick-off time: 12:30pm GMTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Live stream: discovery+Newcastle starting lineup: Pope; Livramento, Schär, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton; Willock, Isak, GordonArsenal starting lineup: Raya; Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Merino, Trossard; Saka, Martinelli, HavertzFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from St James’ Park with our live blog below…That’s all from NewcastleNewcastle defeated Arsenal 1-0 at St James’ Park to turn the mood around Tyneside.The Magpies got their winner after just 12 minutes when Alexander Isak met a stunning cross from Anthony Gordon and headed the ball past David Raya.The Gunners have found themselves farther from the top amid a season that was supposed to see them challenging for their first Premier League title since 2004.That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a fantastic rest of the day!Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGary Stonehouse from St James’ ParkIf this was Alexander Isak’s Arsenal audition then he passed it with flying colours – but he threw a huge grenade in the title hopes of his potential future employers.Newcastle’s Swedish striker, 25, has been on Mikel Arteta’s radar for months after his blistering form last term.After contract talks were put on hold and with just one goal in his opening seven appearances this season, talk of a £130million transfer appeared to be way off.But what a difference a week makes as his third strike in just six days left Arsenal looking more like title pretenders than contenders as they suffered a second consecutive away defeat for the first time since May 2022.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedArsenal player ratingsHere’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates each Arsenal player:DAVID RAYA – 6THOMAS PARTEY – 7WILLIAM SALIBA – 7GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5JURRIEN TIMBER – 6MIKEL MERINO – 5DECLAN RICE – 6LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5BUKAYO SAKA – 6GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7KAI HAVERTZ – 6SUBS:ETHAN NWANERI (MERINO, 61) – 6OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (MARTINELLI, 61) – 5BEN WHITE (TIMBER, 71) – 6GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD) – 5JORGINHO (PARTEY, 86) – N/ACredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedAnthony Gordon shinesNewcastle star Anthony Gordon stood out against Arsenal at St James’ Park.Gordon dominated down the right flank against Jurrien Timber, who played left-back for the Gunners.The winger even got an assist as he set up Alexander Isak’s winner with a stunning cross.Very well-deserved new contract for the England international.Copy linkCopiedUpdated Premier League tableArsenal are now third in the Premier League table with five points separating them from the top and Manchester City, who have a game in hand.Newcastle, on the other hand, are eighth with three points away from the top four.More below:Copy linkCopiedNewcastle vs Arsenal statsArsenal dominated 64 per cent of possession against Newcastle but barely managed to do much.The Gunners registered 10 shots but only one of them was on target.The Magpies, on the other hand, produced nine shots, four of which were on target.More below:Copy linkCopiedFT: Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalNewcastle picked up a huge Premier League victory over Arsenal at St James’ Park.The Magpies got their winner after just 12 minutes when Anthony Gordon’s crisp cross from the right found Alexander Isak in the penalty area where he headed the ball past David Raya.The Gunners couldn’t respond throughout the game and suffered yet another miserable result.The North Londoners are finding themselves farther away from the Prem summit.Credit: RexCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalPeep!That’s full-time at Newcastle!!!Copy linkCopied90+6 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalYellow cardArsenal star Havertz is booked for dissent in the final few seconds…Copy linkCopied90+3 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalWhat a chance!How did Arsenal miss that?!Saka delivers an incredible cross from the right that both Brun and Schar can’t clear.The ball reaches Rice at the far post but his header is completely weaked and wobbles out for a goal-kick!Copy linkCopied90+1 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalChanceArsenal ace Nwaneri tries an ambitious effort but his shot goes way over the bar.Copy linkCopied90 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalFive more minutes of stoppage time to go.Plenty of time for Arsenal to equalise, but not enough ability it seems…Copy linkCopied88 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalYellow cardArsenal ace Jordinho, who came on for Partey, gets booked two minutes in the match for a rough challenge on Bruno.Copy linkCopied87 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalChanceNewcastle ace Barnes gets his first touch down the right and delivers a cross that finds Joelinton at the far post.The forward gets the header but Raya picks it up with ease.Copy linkCopied86 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalSubstitutionNewcastle boss Howe brings on Havey, who replaces Gordon.A very warm applause for the outgoing England international.Copy linkCopied85 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalArsenal star Jesus goes down inside the area after Hall dispossessed him.The Newcastle ace came from behind and appears to have gotten the ball.Copy linkCopied83 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalNothing is changing really, Arsenal can’t step inside the penalty area against Newcastle’s stunning defence.The Magpies trying to hit on the counter-attack to seal the three points.Copy linkCopied80 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalJust 10 more minutes to go until full-time.Newcastle are very comfortable and – more importantly compact – with midfield and defence in absolute harmony.Arsenal can’t find any space and haven’t been able to create a single dangerous situation for Pope.Copy linkCopied77 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalNewcastle goalkeeper Pope was dealing with a knock that required treatment.But thankfully the England international is fine and back on his feet.Copy linkCopied75 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalSaka is in pain after landing awkwardly in a challenge against Hall – unknown if the Newcastle ace had contact with the winger’s heel.The England international is moving a lot slower, and remember he just returned from an injury!Copy linkCopied72 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalSubstitutionAs promised, Arsenal boss Arteta brings on Jesus and White for Trossard and Timber respectively.Copy linkCopied71 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalYellow cardNewcastle ace Tonalli gets booked shortly after his introduction for stopping an Arsenal counter-attack.Copy linkCopiedJordan Davies from St James’ ParkMikel Arteta is tasking 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri with providing the creative spark to turn this game around for Arsenal – and potentially reignite their season.The teenage sensation – fresh from scoring a worldie against Preston in the Carabao Cup in mid-week – is on for Mikel Merino.Arsenal desperately need control in midfield which is why Oleksandr Zinchenko has also come on at left-back for Gabriel Martinelli allowing Thomas Partey to slip back into a more natural role in the middle of the pitch.Copy linkCopied70 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalArsenal ready to introduce White and Jesus to the game.The Gunners need to show something in attack.Copy linkCopied68 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalArsenal star Rice took a moment for himself as he appeared to be in pain.Lar thing Arteta needs right now…Copy linkCopied More

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      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reveals he’s in a secret club that no other Premier League manager can join

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      THE mighty All Blacks have played their part in Arsenal’s return to the summit of English football as Premier League title contenders.Ahead of today’s crunch-clash with England at Twickenham, the New Zealand rugby union team prepared by using the Gunners’ London Colney training facilities on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta is getting coaching support from some of the world’s best bossesCredit: GettyNew Zealand chief Scott Robertson meets with Arteta on ZoomCredit: PABoss Mikel Arteta was hoping to spend some time with their coach Scott Robertson — nicknamed ‘Razor’ — only to miss out due to Arsenal’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie away at Preston.Arteta and Robertson formed a close bond over the years after sharing ideas and philosophies in an international group of coaches who chat regularly in person and on Zoom calls.That group also includes Green Bay Packers chief Matt LaFleur, NBA hall-of-famer George Karl, basketball coach Mike Dunlap and former Red Roses head coach Eddie Jones.Aussie Jones — who is now in charge of Japan’s national rugby team — likened the collection of elite managers and their swapping of ideas to ‘Alcoholics Anonymous’.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd Arteta said of Razor and his three-time world champion All Blacks side: “He’s an inspiration, such a character. I had the chance to meet him and we are in one of the groups together.“It was a shame that the day that we were leaving for Preston when they were coming.“I read a great book. I recommend it to everybody, called Legacy.“It talks about the All Blacks and their culture and their winning mentality and how they approach sport, life, and relationships.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s especially about the importance of clarity, or what it means when you put on a jersey. The sense of belonging to something.“When somebody plays with that feeling, it elevates his level of commitment, it elevates his capacity to perform and impacts the organisation in a different way.”How Arteta dominated Liverpool with stealth Havertz trick before genius Slot switch saved the dayArteta often cites Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as a mentor, but their relationship has changed over the last few years due to Arsenal’s title rivalry with the Citizens.So, Razor has been a go-to sounding board — a man known for thinking outside the box, including breakdancing on the pitch for his players after winning trophies.Arteta has gone down a different route, with unusual pre-match motivational tools such as squeezing lemons, blaring club anthems from speakers during training sessions and hiring undercover pickpockets and freestylers.The Spaniard added: “What I like the most is that you can talk openly with somebody who is doing a very similar job in terms of the demands that we all have.“But, there is no competitive approach there and you can really be transparent and honest and share things that probably with a football coach that is playing in the league, you cannot do.“That’s a really good thing because somebody that is in your shoes daily, needs to make very similar calls even if they are different sports. So, it’s great to have that option.”Arteta will be relying on those tricks of the trade as Arsenal travel to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle in today’s early kick-off knowing there can be no more title race slip-ups.Arsenal ratings vs PrestonARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.Tommy Setford – 6A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.Jurrien Timber – 7Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-timeWilliam Saliba – 7Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.Jakub Kiwior – 8Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.Jorginho – 7Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.Mikel Merino – 7A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.Ethan Nwaneri – 9Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.Raheem Sterling – 7The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.Gabriel Jesus – 8Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.SubsThomas Partey – 6Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.Kai Havertz – 8Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.Bukayo Saka – 6More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.Ayden Heaven – 6Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes.Three red cards in their opening eight Premier League outings have cost them seven points already, leaving them five points off the pace-setters and reigning champions City.Arsenal return to the ground that ultimately cost them the title last season thanks to Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner in a heated 1-0 defeat. They eventually finished the campaign two points off Guardiola’s winners on the final day.Arteta was charged by the FA but found not guilty by an independent regulatory commission for calling officials “embarrassing” and a “disgrace” for passing on three VAR checks on Gordon’s goal — including an offside call, a foul and the ball being out of play.The showdown itself was also close to boiling over after Kai Havertz’s rash lunge on Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimaraes’ elbow on Jorginho.However, Arteta says his squad have become more emotionally “evolved” and “controlled” since then.He added: “The players have a memory of all the games that they play when there are certain situations in specific moments as an individual or a collective at certain grounds.“You relate that particular moment, or that smell, or that visual, with something that happened to you or the team. That’s inevitable.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDefenders Gabriel [knee] and Jurrien Timber [muscular] are expected to be fit after hobbling off during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with title rivals Liverpool.But skipper Martin Odegaard, with an ankle knock, and Riccardo Calafiori, suffering from a knee problem, remain out.The All Blacks trained at London Colney this weekCredit: Facebook/All BlacksGreen Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is also in the elite groupCredit: APHis relationship with Pep Guardiola has changed now they are title rivalsCredit: ReutersArsenal are desperate to avoid another slip-up at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty More

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      Steven Gerrard holds meeting with Al-Ettifaq chiefs amid calls for him to quit £15.2m job after disaster run of results

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      STEVEN GERRARD held talks with Al-Ettifaq’s chiefs this week as he fights to keep his £15.2million-a-year job.Gerrard, 44, is facing calls to leave after a string of poor form was compounded by a shock cup exit. Steven Gerrard held talks with Al-Ettifaq owners as he fights to keep his £15.2m jobCredit: GettyThe Liverpool and England legend is now 16 months into his whopping £15.2m-per-year contract in the Middle East. And things have got off to a torrid start this season with his star-studded side winning just three of their opening eight league games.Things only got worse when Al-Ettifaq crashed out of Saudi Arabia’s biggest cup competition to a second division side. Gerrard’s team lost 3-1 to Al-Jabalain in the King Cup of Champions round of 16, with the former Aston Villa boss benching Moussa Dembele. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ex-Three Lions captain revealed he held crisis talks with Al-Ettifaq’s owners – but vowed to fight for his job. He said: “On the back of recent results in my position you are always aware of disappointment from fans, I have to take that responsibility on my shoulders.”That is what I will do and continue to fight and work to improve the recent results.”I don’t react, change or get overconcerned about social media or anyone on the outside of Ettifaq’s opinion, my priority is this club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I listen to the people within and continue to support my players.”I meet Mr Hatim (head of football Hatim Al Misehal) after every game and we talk football, where it is a win, loss or draw, we have fantastic support, myself, the staff and the players from the management team.I played with Frank Lampard at Chelsea and we never lost.. but I’d still rather line up alongside Steven Gerrard'”We did meet yesterday but we meet after every single game.” Al-Ettifaq are currently 11th in the Saudi Pro League, only five points above the drop. That is despite boasting a squad with players such as Dembele, Georginio Wijnaldum and Demarai Gray.Pressure is mounting on Gerrard as fans and pundits are beginning to voice their concern over his ability to lead the team to success.Al-Ettifaq managed a sixth place finish under his guidance last season, finishing some 48 POINTS behind champions Al-Hilal.Watching LiverpoolGerrard recently revealed he scheduled his team’s training sessions so that he could watch Liverpool games.The revelation only incensed his critics. The Premier League legend looked to explain those comments, saying: “I am aware of where it came from.”I was on a podcast trying to raise money for a children’s charity to make the charity survive and continue.”I was asked if I still followed Liverpool and I said, ‘Of course I still follow Liverpool,’ they played a huge part of my life and shaped me as a player, person and coach I am today. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I want to make it abundantly clear my priority is Ettifaq, I have a contract with Ettifaq and I am in a real privileged position.”I respect all my previous clubs, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Rangers and LA Galaxy, but my main importance is this job and trying to make this club in the best possible way on and off the field. I am all in and I will continue to be all in.” More

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      Ruben Amorim press conference in full: New Man Utd manager gives very honest answers including January transfer plans

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      RUBEN AMORIM held his first press conference since being confirmed as the new Manchester United manager on Friday night.Strangely, though, that came after his current side Sporting smashed Estrela Amadora 5-1.Ruben Amorim spoke to the media following Sporting’s 5-1 win over Estrela Amadora on Friday nightCredit: PAAmorim will take charge of two more matches as head coach in Portugal – against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday and then his final game against former club Braga next Sunday.Then Amorim officially replaces Erik ten Hag as the new permanent Red Devils boss on November 11 after United stumped up £9.2million to get him out of his Sporting contract.And following Friday’s announcement of his imminent arrival at Old Trafford, Amorim was quizzed on his new job.That included giving a host of very honest answers, including his January transfer plans.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHere’s what Amorim had to say…ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT  “It was a very unusual week.“Obviously, since this whole situation came about I’ve felt different. I understand the anger of some fans and the disappointment. But that’s life. I was moved by the ovation and that’s how it is. “Even the other statement, when it came out, was on a match day. But clubs are now listed companies and they have to present all these things. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”There were two statements. But that’s how things are, there are things that we can’t control. “ON SPORTING FANS’ REACTION“I’m very grateful to the fans and to everything here. People think I wanted to leave straight away. Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarre”In the next home game, whether we win or lose by 15-0, I’ll be there to see what the fans want to give me. “I understand their anger, but we move on and time heals everything. It was the best period of my life.”ON DECIDING THIS WAS HIS FINAL SEASON AT SPORTING”At the beginning of the season, and the chairman is there to confirm it, I had a conversation with him and director of football Hugo Viana.”I said that, whatever happened, it was my last season at Sporting. The president can confirm that.”The season started and we started to have a very good season. United came along, paid the clause, above the clause, and the chairman defended his interests. “I never discussed anything with the chairman.”ON WANTING TO JOIN UNITED NEXT SUMMER”The only request I made to United was that it would be at the end of the season and they told me that wasn’t possible, that it was now or never or Manchester would go for another option. “So I had three days to decide on something that would radically change my life.”ON OTHER OFFERS”It’s not the first time that I’ve been requested and had my clause paid by another club. Nor the second. It’s very hard for me to leave.”I don’t want another team.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.”After Sporting I wanted that one, Manchester, and I want that context because that context allows me to do things my way and the club believes me that way.”There’s a time when I have to take a step forward in my career. That’s what happened. “It was harder for me than for any Sporting fan, believe me, but I had to do this.”ON DIFFICULT DECISION”There was no confusion at all. We have to safeguard everyone’s interests. “Far from playing the victim, I’m sorry. “I said I would stay for as many games as necessary. I didn’t say anything earlier because I couldn’t. That’s how the decision is. “The club knew that if I rejected it, I wouldn’t have it in six months. And I knew that in six months I would know that I wouldn’t be at Sporting. “The only club that I wanted and that moved me was United. It got to a point where I had to decide and I did. “Now I’m going home much more relaxed because I have explained. “People say ‘it’s about the money’, but there was another team that wanted to hire me before and they paid three times more than Manchester.”ON THREE MORE GAMES AT SPORTING AFTER ANNOUNCEMENT”I have to do what Sporting decides. I prefer it that way. “I don’t leave the players in the lurch. “Against Nacional, I felt they were more anxious because I felt they didn’t know what to expect. “I’m happy to stay and I won’t leave my players in the lurch.”ON SPEAKING TO ANY UNITED PLAYERS”As for United, I haven’t spoken to anyone, not even the players. “I’m totally focused.”On the 11th we will have the opportunity to talk about Manchester United. At the moment I am at Sporting. “I wanted to explain all this to Sporting fans. The focus now is on Sporting. Then we will talk about Manchester United.”I changed my mind several times. My concern is not to harm the Sporting team, we’ll see later. I’ll have that concern when I’m at United.”ON JANUARY SIGNINGS FROM SPORTING”Viktor Gyokeres costs 100m and it’s very difficult. “I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January. “I will take my staff with me. That was always one of my conditions. I brought them with me since Casa Pia.”What does it mean to me? It was the best period of my life. Everyone at Sporting knows how important it was to me. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I understand the disappointment of the fans and that leaving in the middle of a season that could be historic.”But today is not the farewell, we still have two important games against City and Braga, to maintain our lead.”The Portuguese gaffer has two more games in Portugal before taking over at Old TraffordCredit: GettyAmorim promised not to poach Viktor Gyokeres in JanuaryCredit: Getty More