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    Lionel Messi, 37, ‘to sign new Inter Miami contract’ which would see Argentina legend lead MLS side in their new stadium

    LIONEL MESSI is on the cusp of signing a bumper new contract with Inter Miami.The Argentine legend joined the MLS side in 2023 and has since become the face of the league Stateside. Lionel Messi is closing in on a new deal with Inter MiamiCredit: AFPThe forward’s current contract runs out at the end of this yearCredit: GettyInter Miami are due to move into their new £1bn home in 2026Credit: Instagram @intermiamicfMessi, 37, joined as a free agent on a deal that expires at the end of this year. But reports suggest the World Cup winner could be about to extend his stay in the Sunshine State.The Athletic’s David Ornstein claims Messi and Miami are “close to agreement” on a new contract.It would see Messi commit his future to the MLS club, who won the Leagues Cup in 2024 and the Supporters Shield last season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMiami managing owner Jorge Mas has handled the negotiations.He told FDP Radio Miami: “The stars are aligning for something great, for a beautiful future for the club and for Lionel. It’s solely his decision.“I expect that within 60-90 days we’ll have to determine all of this. “My hope has always been – and everything we’re doing – is to see Messi play at our new stadium in 2026. Hopefully, that happens.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFounded by David Beckham, the club are preparing to move to the $1billion Miami Freedom Park stadium from the 2026 season. The new 25,000-seat complex is part of a wider 131-acre development.Lionel Messi has sent fans into a frenzy by launching a treasure hunt as superstar footballer launches new drinkMessi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has scored 42 goals in 48 games since joining Miami.He has been credited with helping bring the MLS to new audiences.And he will lead the team at the revamped Club World Cup this summer.Miami have been drawn alongside Brazil’s Palmeiras, Portugal’s Porto and Egypt’s Al-Ahly in Group A. More

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    ‘What is going on at Spurs?’ – Tottenham fan spotted in stands with PUPPET to watch Europa League clash

    FANS have been left baffled after a Tottenham supporter brought a PUPPET along for the Europa League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.The Spurs fan went viral after showcasing his blue pal during Thursday’s showdown in North London. A Spurs fan was bizarrely spotted holding a puppet during Thursday’s game with FrankfurtCredit: XSpurs laboured to a draw against Eintracht FranfurtCredit: GettyTottenham drew 1-1 with the Bundesliga side to leave the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg.But supporters of teams from up and down the country were more concerned with finding the identity of “Paxton Puppet Man”.The fan was seated behind the goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.He was filmed holding the puppet aloft, with the cuddly figure decked out in his own tiny Spurs shirt and shorts. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne fan quipped on X after the clip went viral: “One muppet watching 11 of them.”Another wrote: “What is going on at Spurs?!And a third joked: “Levy definitely charged him double admission fee.”While a fourth laughed: “Got to fill those extra seats somehow.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKUnfortunately for the puppet, there wasn’t much to shout about after Pedro Porro cancelled out Hugo Ekitike’s early opener. Spurs have won just two of their last eight games across all competitions. ‘Turning gold into c–p’ – Ange Postecoglou kicks off again over criticism of Tottenham penalty farceAnd boss Ange Postecoglou revealed there is a MOLE in the building – who has been leaking his plans. The Aussie revealed: “Look, there is no doubt we have got a leak inside the club.”Somebody who continues to leak out information. They have all year. I don’t know why.”It doesn’t help us. It just makes our job more difficult.“We try really hard to keep things in-house like all clubs because we don’t want on game-day opposition being aware of any sort of team selection.”But we’ve got somebody within our camp who continually gives out information.”We’ve narrowed it down, we’ve been looking at it for quite a while and kind of have a fair idea of where it is coming from.” More

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    World Cup 2030 could make history for TWO reasons as chief proposes expanding tournament to 64 TEAMS

    THE WORLD CUP could expand to 64 teams in a radical transformation, it has been revealed.An official proposal from Conmebol president, Alejandro Dominguez, for the 2030 tournament was submitted on Thursday.The 2030 World Cup could expand to 64 teams as part of a new proposalCredit: PAA 64-team tournament would mean more than a quarter of Fifa’s 211 member nations would qualify.The 2022 World Cup in Qatar played host to 32 teams, while the 2026 tournament – hosted between USA, Canada and Mexico – will have 48 teams.The 2026 expansion is already facing criticism for diluting the quality of the nations involved.A total of 12 third-place teams will be able to make the knockout round, while under a 32-team format the top two from the group reach the knockout stage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootball’s governing body, Fifa, is aware of the 64-team proposal.President Gianni Infantino, who participated in the Conmebol Congress, noted the “exceptional milestone” of the centennial tournament.The idea was first flouted last March by a delegate from the Uruguay Football Association during an online meeting of the ruling council of world soccer’s governing body.However, Dominguez has now put the idea into motion for the 100-year anniversary of the tournament.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSpeaking at Conmebol’s 80th Ordinary Congress, he said: “This will allow all countries to have the opportunity to live the world experience and so nobody on the planet is left out of the party.”We are convinced that the centennial celebration will be unique because 100 years are celebrated only once.”UK to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as Fifa chief Gianni Infantino confirms just ‘one valid bid’ for tournamentThe 2030 World Cup will already make history to be the most widespread edition of the tournament with six host nations spread across three continents.Uruguay, the hosts of the first-ever World Cup in 1930, will host one game, while Paragauy, Argentina, Spain, Portugal and Morocco co-host.The expansion would likely most heavily benefit Conmebol, with all 10 member countries able to make the tournament proper – and therefore allowing Venezuela, who have never qualified, to play.Dominguez added: “That is why we are proposing, for the first time, to hold this anniversary with 64 teams, on three continents simultaneously.”A Fifa statement on the idea on Friday said it had a “duty to analyse any proposal from one of its Council members”.Fifa’s 75th congress will be held on May 15 in Paraguay, when the proposal could be discussed.Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has already positioned himself against the idea, calling it a “bad idea” earlier this month.He said at a news conference: “This proposal was maybe even more surprising for me than you. I think it is a bad idea.”With 48 teams, the 2026 tournament will have 104 matches.Read More on The SunBut an increased 64-nation format would see 128 matches played – a dramatic increase from the 64-games seen at World Cups between 1998 and 2022.Earlier this month it was announced the UK is set to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup after the Home Nations bid was confirmed as the “sole bidder”. More

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    ‘The state of our club.. trolling fans’, moan Tottenham supporters as ex-ARSENAL transfer bigwig lands shock Spurs job

    TOTTENHAM have hired former Arsenal bigwig Vinai Venkatesham as their new chief executive.The British-Indian supremo, 44, will take over in the summer and be responsible for all operations on and off the pitch in his new role after crossing the North London divide.Tottenham have appointed ex-Arsenal bigwig Vinai Venkatesham as their new CEOCredit: ReutersVenkatesham held a post at Arsenal for 14 years before leaving at the end of last seasonCredit: GettyVenkatesham, who is currently a non-executive director of the British Olympic Association, stepped down as CEO of the Gunners last summer and has rejected other jobs in the meantime.He said: “I’m excited to be joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer.“After taking some time to recharge and evaluate my options, I believe this is an exceptional opportunity to work with Daniel, the Board and all of the staff, to take the club forward.”It remains to be seen if this will impact the role of chief football officer Scott Munn.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Aussie, 51, has been in his role in charge of all footballing departments – de facto No2 to chairman Daniel Levy – since September 2023.Levy said: “The club has experienced significant growth in recent years, making it crucial to expand our executive management.“I have known Vinai for many years, having worked together in the Premier League and the ECA (European Club Association). “I am personally delighted that he has agreed to join our board as we build for success.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, the appointment of someone with 14 years of history at Arsenal has not gone down well with Spurs fans.Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Is this seriously the state of our club where we hire the former CEO of Arsenal?”‘We want Levy out’, chant Tottenham fans as thousands swarm streets in latest furious protest against club’s ownerA second said: ” Yeah Levy is trolling the fanbase again. “This is the last straw. A director from Arsenal! #Levy out.”A third said: “The term ‘tone deaf’ is spectacularly lost on this club.”Another said: “Embarrassing.”Spurs face Wolves this Sunday as they aim to climb towards the top half of the Premier League table.Ange Postecglou’s side drew 1-1 with Eintracht Frankfurt last night in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.The competition is the final chance for Ange Postecoglou’s side to win some silverware this season, with the second leg to be played out next week. More

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    Iconic stadium of English football giants set for major overhaul including 20,000 more seats as they submit shock plans

    LEEDS UNITED are submitting plans to bolster Elland Road’s capacity by nearly 20,000 – whether they win promotion or not.Leeds City Council have confirmed that the Championship leaders, who host Preston on Saturday, are expected to put in a formal planning application “imminently” to increase their home to 56,500.Leeds United are submitting plans to increase the capacity at Elland RoadCredit: RexThe increase will add 20,000 more seats to the iconic groundCredit: RexShould they be approved, then the plans would also see the area around the ground regenerated with the stadium becoming a “thriving 365 day a year destination”.Work could potentially start on the west stand within the next year with the second phase of the redevelopment then being on the north stand.James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Elland Road and Leeds United are part of the heart and soul of the city, and the club deserves a stadium befitting of its special status and incredible fans.“Naturally we’re keen to support this however we can, and to work closely with the club to ensure they are in the best possible position to achieve their ambitions and build a bigger, brighter future for the club, their supporters and sport in the city.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe plans are due to be discussed on 23 April at a meeting of the council’s executive board.Paraag Marathe, chairman of Leeds United and president of the club’s owners, 49ers Enterprises, said back in September: “The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium, coupled with the legacy of Leeds United, is unprecedented.“Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club and I am excited that we are going to be able to welcome thousands more supporters to every game, in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road.”While the club waits for the green light on their stadium, Daniel Farke’s side will be hoping to take another step towards the Premier League in front of a current capacity crowd of 37,792 at Elland Road.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, he will have to do that without two of his most influential players.Defender Pascal Struijk hobbled off at Luton Town last Saturday and was replaced by Ethan Ampadu for the midweek victory over Middlesbrough.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline loomsNow Farke has revealed that the vice-captain’s campaign is over, even if they have to face the play-offs.He said: “I can officially confirm the season is over for him, he has a fracture in his foot.“Thank God he doesn’t need surgery but he will definitely be out for about 10 weeks. He will be ready when pre-season starts for next season.”Joe Rothwell was already ruled out for three weeks with a calf injury and now Farke has revealed that star winger Dan James, the matchwinner at Boro, will miss out too against Preston and is also a doubt for crunch clashes with Oxford and Stoke.He said: “He came out with some hamstring problems. It will be a tight race for the Easter weekend.“Our medical department will try everything to make him available for these games but it will be a tight race.” More

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    Why Jacob Murphy and Bruno Fernandes will decide Newcastle vs Manchester Utd | Experts’ best bets – Weekend Wager

    SUNSPORT’s finest are back with another set of tips for this weekend’s Premier League action – and a wildcard punt on The Masters.There’s a bumper selection of fixtures to get our teeth into as the Prem run-in continues. Jacob Murphy is featured in this weekend’s best betsCredit: GettyArsenal take on Brentford in a London derby in the evening kick-off on Saturday. While Manchester United head north to Newcastle for a juicy Super Sunday clash.The Masters runs through the entire weekend – plus we have a very special tip for the Scottish Grand National. Here are the thoughts of host Kweku Afari, broadcaster Toni Afoke and Betfair’s James Mackie as they eye the best bets of the weekend.READ MORE ON SPORTArsenal vs Brentford – Saturday, 5.30pmToni – BTTS, Arsenal to win, Merino to score at 6/1.Arsenal will have one eye on the Champions League second leg against Real Madrid. Despite that, I still think the Gunners are going to win this one.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKI’m going for both teams to score, Arsenal to win, and for Mikel Merino to score. Most read in FootballMerino has got six in his last ten and I think Brentford are good enough to find the net at the Emirates. Ian Wright fears three Arsenal superstars could run down contract, including Saka Kweku – Saka to score or assist, Saka to be fouled 2+ times at 2/1This is a little cheeky bet builder. Saka’s a player who also needs to get minutes in his legs. He’s a player that is very, very durable. Anything good that comes from Arsenal comes from Bukayo Saka. He’s got 15 goal involvements this season. James – Leandro Trossard 3+ shots and Yoane Wissa 3+ shots at 4/1Leandro Trossard is being backed to bring his shooting boots against BrentfordCredit: GettyTrossard has had three or more shots in four of his last five Premier League outings for Arsenal, having 19 in total. That’s an average of 3.8 per 90 minutes, which is an absolutely cracking record.Wissa has had three-plus shots in 10 of his last 12 Premier League appearances.He had three shots and scored at the Emirates last season – he’s the man to follow. Newcastle vs Manchester United – Sunday, 4.30pmAlejandro Garnacho averages over 3 shots per game this seasonCredit: GettyToni – Under 2.5 goals, Manuel Ugarte to be booked, Alejandro Garnacho 2+ shots at 10/1 Anyone who watches Man United knows that Garnacho loves a shot.He’s averaging 3.51 per 90 in all competitions this season.Newcastle are not going to need a lot of goals to beat Man United.United have failed to score 16 times this season, which is the most since 1989. Kweku – Jacob Murphy to score or assist at 9/5Murphy has been so instrumental for Newcastle this season.In the absence of Anthony Gordon, who’s been injured for the last couple of weeks, Murphy’s definitely come to the fore. He’s been directly involved in 19 goals and 33 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring eight and assisting 11. And if you look at this Newcastle side, they’re very, very functional. What they do really well is use their wide men.James – Bruno Fernandes to score or assists at 9/5Bruno Fernandes is a superb price to either score or assistCredit: GettyUnited would be nowhere without Bruno Fernandes this season.He’s created 15 chances across his last three Premier League appearances and created three-plus chances in each game. He’s averaging 2.6 chances created per 90 minutes this season.And I think at 9/5, for him to score assist, I think that’s cracking value, I really do.The Masters – Round 3 bet James – Any Round 3 Par 3 hole-in-one at 12/1Overall, there’s been at least one ace at the 16th hole at Augusta in six of the last nine years. And you’re getting even money for one to happen. Doesn’t matter across day one, day two, day three, and day four. So I think that’s a cracking bet.Scottish Grand National Macdermott is among the favourites for the big race at AyrCredit: PAJames – Macdermott 8/1I can’t look away from a Willie Mullins run. He’s going to clean up again. Read More on The SunAnd I actually think the horse he’s going to do it with is the horse he won it with last year, called MacDermott. This is a win only bet, not each way. This horse will either win or will fall out the back of the TV because that’s the type of horse he is. More

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    Andre Onana could be DROPPED by Man Utd for Newcastle clash after Lyon disasterclass and war of words with Nemanja Matic

    RUBEN AMORIM is considering taking Andre Onana out of the firing line for Sunday’s trip to Newcastle.The Manchester United No1 had a difficult week after initially being involved in a war of words with former Red Devils midfielder Nemanja Matic.Ruben Amorim could take Andre Onana out of the firing line for Sunday’s trip to NewcastleCredit: RexThe goalie made several howlers against Lyon after his war of words with Nemanja Matic this weekAmorim refused to rule out replacing Onana in the Premier League this weekendCredit: GettyHe then had a nightmare game in the Groupama Stadium – as he blundered for both of Lyon’s goals in the 2-2 draw.Onana was understood to feel deflated after the match – although Amorim said he had not spoken to his keeper.His team-mates rallied round him afterwards and echoed the manager’s claims that nobody is blaming the keeper.Joshua Zirkzee – who scored United’s second goal in Lyon – was on the wrong end of a terrible ordeal at the hands of supporters against the Toon in January.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAsked about Onana, he said: “We’re one team – so we’re not going to take someone out for making mistakes. That’s ridiculous.”Amorim was planning to make changes for the game at St James’ Park – making the second leg against Lyon his priority.And one of those could be pulling Onana out and replacing him with understudy Altay Bayindir.Asked if he would make changes for the trip to Tyneside, Amorim said: “Sometimes winning games is the best way of preparing for the next one.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“But of course, I am going to be careful with some players but again we need to be competitive.“We will make this evaluation with all the staff and all the data that we have.Andre Onana suffers shocking howler to put Man Utd behind after being booed and insulted during warm-up over Matic spat“Then, because we know already the players, we will try to protect the ones that it will be hard to make a lot of games.”But several United stars gave Matic – who said Onana was “one of the worst keepers in United’s history” before kick -off – a slew of gifts on Thursday night.Meanwhile, United’s legendary former keeper Peter Schmeichel said: “There are so many issues for Ruben Amorim to sort out.“I would be very uncomfortable pointing to one player but it’s not great to watch.“You never feel safe because you always feel the other team are going to come back.”Man Utd ratings vs Lyon as two Onana blunders earn under-fire keeper a ONE out of 10MANCHESTER UNITED were left ruing calamity goalkeeper Andre Onana as two massive blunders saw them leave their Europa League quarter-final first leg with a 2-2 draw against Lyon.The season-defining clash for both clubs became even spicier ahead of the game following a war words between Onana and ex-Red Devils star Nemanja Matic, with the Serbian dubbing the goalkeeper “one of the worst in United history”.It certainly riled up the home side’s crowd, who made their voices known as Ruben Amorim named an unchanged team – for the first time since his arrival – from the Manchester derby.But Onana was found wanting when he failed to save Thiago Almada’s inswinging free-kick to give the hosts the lead.Leny Yoro nodded in an equaliser just before the interval after Manuel Ugarte’s volley.And Joshua Zirkzee looked to have won the game for the visitors with his late header converting a Fernandes cross.But United’s joy was short-lived as Onana parried a shot straight to Rayan Cherki in added time, and the midfielder tapped in to leave the tie on a knife-edge.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils in France… More

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    ‘I preferred to wait to publish this’ – Edu releases lengthy statement as Arsenal gardening leave finally expires

    EDU GASPAR has released an emotional tribute to Arsenal fans after his final day with the club.Having joined as technical director in 2019, Edu became the sporting director in 2022, working closely with Mikel Arteta to overhaul the culture at the Emirates.Edu Gaspar has paid an emotional tribute to Arsenal fans following his official exitCredit: GettyArsenal’s new sporting director is former Atletico Madrid chief Andrea BertaHe is widely credited with doing an excellent job and playing a crucial role in Arsenal’s rebuild into a title-chasing side.Edu, who was last month replaced by Andrea Berta, was on gardening leave until this week, and he has paid farewell to the Gunners. He posted on Instagram: “Thank you, Arsenal. Thank you, Gunners!”With a heart full of gratitude, today formally I close one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional life.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”After five and a half years, my journey officially as Sporting Director of Arsenal FC has come to the end.”I joined the club in July 2019 as Technical Director, with the challenge of bringing Arsenal with the mission of bringing Arsenal back where it belongs among football’s elite, driving a cultural shift, keep competing for trophies, and making Champions League qualification the minimum expectation for a club of Arsenal’s size. “Later, I had the honour of becoming the first-ever Sporting Director in the club’s history, a milestone I will always carry with great pride.”And throughout this process of rebuilding, you the fans were an essential part of everything! Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”To the supporters, my most sincere thank you! The support, the energy, and the connection we felt again in every match were simply special. “The Emirates became an amplified version of the old Highbury atmosphere! To have experienced this alongside you is something I will never forget.”Arsenal’s Kai Havertz hits the gym as he continues his recovery from injury The later added: “It was never easy, but our intense work, united by a true team spirit, made me feel fulfilled throughout all these years!”If I’m only now sharing this message, it’s because I’ve been on garden leave in recent months and, out of respect for the club and everyone involved, I preferred to wait until the final official day of my contract to publish this.”I wish Arsenal FC all the best and every success, and I also send my warmest wishes to the new Sporting Director Andrea, who now takes on this beautiful role.”I leave with a peaceful heart and immense pride in what we’ve built together!”Edu’s 35 signings rankedEDU oversaw the arrival of 35 players during his time at the club.Some worked out better than others.Here, SunSport ranks them from worst to best…35. Nicolas Pepe (£72m)34. Willian (Free)33. David Luiz (£8m)32. Runar Alex Runarsson (£2m)31. Mat Ryan (Loan)30. Fabio Vieira (£34m)29. Neto (Loan)28. Marquinhos (£3m)27. Nuno Tavares (£8m)26. Matt Turner (£5m)25. Cedric Soares (Free)24. Albert Sambi Lokonga (£17m)23. Pablo Mari (£5m)22. Dani Ceballos (Loan)21. Raheem Sterling (Loan)20. Jakub Kiwior (£17m)19. Jorginho (£12m)18. Riccardo Calafiori (£42m)17. Kieran Tierney (£25m)16. Takehiro Tomiyasu (£20m)15. Mikel Merino (£28m)14. Aaron Ramsdale (£24m)13. Oleksandr Zinchenko (£30m)12. Gabriel Jesus (£45m)11. Kai Havertz (£65m)10. Jurrien Timber (£38m)9. Gabriel Martinelli (£6m)8. David Raya (£27m)7. Leandro Trossard (£20m)6. Thomas Partey (£45m)5. Ben White (£50m)4. Gabriel Magalhaes (£27m)3. Declan Rice (£105m)2. William Saliba (£27m)1. Martin Odegaard (£30m)Click here to read more Arsenal stories.Edu is expected to front Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’s multi-club operation which includes the Premier League side, Olympiacos and Rio Ave. He won six trophies with Arsenal during his playing career, including two titles – in 2002 and the Invincible 2004 campaign.As a director, he witnessed one FA Cup triumph and two Community Shield triumphs.The Gunners have finished second in the Premier League in each of the past two seasons, having placed eighth, eighth and fifth in the three campaigns before that.Read More on The SunArteta’s men look set to miss out on the title once again this term as they sit second, 11 points behind leaders Liverpool. But Arsenal have on foot in the semi-finals of the Champions League after hammering 15-time Kings of Europe Real Madrid 3-0 on Tuesday.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