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      Arsenal’s ‘spooky’ April curse leaves fans astonished with third Mikel Arteta season on verge of being torpedoed

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      ARSENAL fans have bemoaned their April “curse” as another season threatens to go off the rails in the month.Defeat in the Champions League to Bayern Munich last night saw the Gunners dream of making a first semi-final since 2009 left in tatters. Mikel Arteta’s side have fallen foul of their April curseCredit: RexIt is the third year running Arsenal have seen their season derail in AprilCredit: GettyThat followed a 2-0 loss at home to Aston Villa which saw Manchester City regain the advantage in this season’s title race, another dream of the Gunners having not won it in 20 years. However, a consistent reality of the last three seasons has seen results for Mikel Arteta’s side crumble in the month of April.When Arsenal were gunning for the top four in 2022, a three-game stretch at the start of the month saw them lose to Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton.And despite bouncing back to win their final two games of the month, in the end it would cost them as two back-to-back defeats in May allowed Tottenham to pip them to fourth.READ MORE ON ARSENALMeanwhile, last season saw Arsenal in a title race, but three draws on the spin against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton before a defeat to Manchester City saw them relinquish their top spot.And history in threatening to repeat itself this season.Thomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against ArsenalFANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
      With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
      The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
      And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
      One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
      “Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches…”
      Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
      Read more on Tuchel’s genius here.

      Arsenal, who are in a title race and the Champions League quarter-finals, have seen their form slip up massively.Despite a wins over Brighton and Luton at the start of the month, this followed a 2-2 draw at the Emirates against Bayern Munich, before a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa and 1-0 loss to Bayern yesterday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReacting to the deja vu results, one fan said online: “Arsenal in April, spooky times.”A second said: “April curse continues.”‘Nothing is authentic about this club’ – Arsenal fans brutally trolled for bizarre ‘Ford Fiesta’ chant in MunichA third added: “Football heritage.”Another said: “Arsenal is the biggest April fool.”Arsenal have three games left in the month to try and dispel their curse and get their season back on track, with those matches coming against Wolves, Chelsea and Tottenham.Arsenal April fixturesHere’s how Arsenal have performed in the April over the last three seasons.
      2021/22
      Crystal Palace (A) 3-0 L
      Brighton (H) 1-2 L
      Southampton (A) 1-0 L
      Chelsea (A) 2-4 W
      Man Utd (H) 3-1 W
      2022/23
      Leeds (H) 4-1 W
      Liverpool (A) 2-2 D
      West Ham (A) 2-2 D
      Southampton (H) 3-3 D
      Man City (A) 4-1 L
      2023/24*
      Luton (H) 2-0 W
      Brighton (A) 0-3 W
      Bayern Munich (H) 2-2 D
      Aston Villa (H) 0-2 L
      Bayern Munich (A) 1-0 L
      *Wolves, Chelsea and Tottenham still to play
      Overall April record in last three years:
      Played: 15, Wins: 5, Draws: 4, Losses: 6 More

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      Euro 2028 stadium lies in ruins just four years before UK and Ireland host with weed-covered ground ‘£230m over-budget’

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      A FOOTBALL stadium set to be used for Euro 2028 is yet to be fully funded.Casement Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is set to undergo a major redevelopment in preparation for the tournament.Casement Park is set to be redeveloped for Euro 2028Credit: PacemakerThe stadium has been unused for over 10 yearsCredit: PacemakerThe redevelopment is expected to cost around £308mCredit: PacemakerHowever, the estimated cost has increased to £308million – £230m more than the initial projection. The original cost of rebuilding the stadium 10 years ago was estimated to be around £77.5m.But at present there is not a funding package in place to pay for the works.Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris has pledged £62.5m, with the Irish government promising £42.8m and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) offering £15m.Read More on FootballHowever, that amounts to less than half of the overall estimated cost.The UK government is allegedly prepared to contribute, but it is yet to give an exact figure.Casement Park has been left unused for over 10 years and it currently lies overgrown.However, there are plans in place to turn it into a 34,500-seater stadium in time for Euro 2028.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe planned stadium will be primarily used for gaelic games with the option of playing other sports too, including football and rugby.Wembley Stadium, Hampden Park, Villa Park, the Aviva Stadium and Everton’s new ground are all among the proposed locations for Euro 2028.Inside England’s stunning Euro 2024 hotel with golf course, spa and robot More

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      Carlo Ancelotti risks Uefa punishment as Real Madrid boss breaks protocol after Man City win

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      REAL MADRID boss Carlo Ancelotti risks an earful by UEFA for breaking protocol after a dramatic Champions League victory over Manchester City.Ancelotti, 64, saw his Real side draw 1-1 with City on Wednesday at the Etihad after the hosts’ captain Kevin De Bruyne cancelled out Rodrygo’s opener.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti risks UEFA punishment after breaking protocolCredit: RexReal Madrid manager Ancelotti went to the mixed zone after full-timeCredit: GettyHowever, Los Blancos prevailed during a dramatic quarter-final penalty shootout thanks to the heroics of Andriy Lunin who handed his team a 4-3 win after denying Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic.However, the Italian tactician’s triumph may be spoiled a bit after he appeared to go against UEFA rules regarding post-match interviews.Regulations state both managers must be made available to attend the post-match presser about 20 minutes after the end of a match.But the ex-Chelsea and Everton boss spoke with journalists in the mixed zone instead. Read More on FootballThat is where Ancelotti said: “Everyone thought we were dead, but nobody can do that, Real Madrid never dies.”Madrid have done it many times. It’s this badge. In the shootout we were convinced we would qualify. Andriy had a fantastic game.”I really like it when a team sacrifices, fights. Besides the quality. This is the only way to win here.”Nevertheless, Ancelotti did conduct post-match interviews with various rights holders, such as TNT Sports and LiveScore.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAncelotti will now look to extend Real’s record Champions League triumphs by sealing the club’s 15th crown, which would mark his third with the Merengues.The Madrid giants are now set to lock horns with Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.Jude Bellingham cheekily calls out Micah Richards for breaking promise after ‘little wager’ before Man City lossBayern punched their ticket to the final four after eliminating Arsenal. More

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      Bernardo Silva ‘incredibly stressed and had complete meltdown’ before Real Madrid penalty, says body language expert

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      BERNARDO SILVA had a “meltdown” as he was taking his penalty last night, a body language expert has claimed.The Portuguese star played 120 minutes as Manchester City took on Real Madrid at the Etihad.Bernardo Silva’s spot kick was saved by Andriy LuninCredit: RexLunin made an easy save after opting not to diveCredit: RexSilva was left devastated by his missCredit: GettyCity went on to lose the shoot-outCredit: APFollowing their 1-1 draw, the two sides went to penalties to decide the quarter-final tie.When Silva stepped up it was 1-0 to City, with Julian Alvarez having scored and Luka Modric’s effort having been saved by Ederson.The attacking midfielder couldn’t extend his side’s advantage, however, instead tamely striking his effort down the middle.With Andriy Lunin opting not to dive, he was presented with an easy save.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSSilva had been made to wait to take his spot kick, after Modric had kicked the ball into the crowd following his miss.He then appeared nervous as he stepped up, poking his tongue out.Speaking to OLBG, body language expert Darren Stanton pointed to Silva’s nervous wait.He said: “The crowd might have been giving Bernardo Silva time to compose himself by holding onto the ball, but it might have come across as a sign of disapproval from the fans. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”This would have caused a more stressful wait for the player before taking his penalty.”Stanton then gave his verdict on Silva sticking his tongue out, continuing: “It reminds me of someone having a kickabout in a park, it lacked any focus, or passion, get up and go.Jude Bellingham cheekily calls out Micah Richards for breaking promise after ‘little wager’ before Man City loss”The tongue is the most significant gesture, it’s got several connotations depending on the context. Kids will do it for fun, sticking their tongues out.”But one of the main reasons people do it is when people try to concentrate and focus. He was sticking his tongue out in a pacifying gesture.”He was incredibly stressed under incredible pressure. But in slow motion, everything was wrong about the whole thing.”Stanton concluded by claiming that Silva looked to be in “meltdown”.He added: “The goalkeeper didn’t even have to move, it’s like kids in the park playing a normal game, using jumpers as goalposts. You can’t believe it was a professional footballer who took that shot. “We don’t know what he was thinking, but from a body language point of view, he’s having a bit of a meltdown. It’s a crisis of confidence.”The facial expression with his eyes just seemed to go into space, and the tongue is the main thing.For some reason, in that moment, he’s had a complete meltdownBody Language Expert”He was trying to concentrate but at the same time, the way his tongue stuck out, he was trying to reassure himself. That’s what children do.”For some reason, in that moment, he’s had a complete meltdown regarding his confidence in his abilities and craft.”City went on to lose the shoot-out 4-3, with Lunin also denying Mateo Kovacic – after the Croatian’s former Chelsea team-mate Antonio Rudiger told him which way to dive.Following his heroics, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, standing in for Thibaut Courtois, said: “I needed to take a risk with one of the kicks, we picked one (to stay in the middle) and thank goodness it worked out in our favour.”It’s an away Champions League game and we went through a lot of suffering… but I’m very grateful to the team for everything they’ve fought for.”I can’t imagine myself running like my team-mates did today.”He also told Marca: “We prepared it with the goalkeeping coach and there were three players with whom we had doubts about whether to stay in the middle or not.”READ MORE SUN STORIESReal Madrid will now face Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, after the German side defeated Arsenal 3-2 on aggregate.City, meanwhile, will turn their attention back towards domestic action – with an FA Cup semi-final against Brighton to come on Saturday. More

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      Rafa Benitez ‘in talks over new job thousands of miles away with club who denied ex-Liverpool boss, 64, major trophy’

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      RAFA BENITEZ is the top candidate to take over as manager at Sao Paulo.Former Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton boss Benitez, 64, has been out of a job for a month after being sacked by Celta Vigo.Rafa Benitez is the top candidate to become manager at Sao PauloCredit: GettyBenitez has history with Sao Paulo as they cost him the Club World Cup while at LiverpoolCredit: APAccording to Arquibancada Tricolor, however, the Spanish tactician is the “strongest name” linked with the top job at Sao Paulo.Talks started on Sunday and appear advanced as both parties are confident there will be a “positive outcome”.Negotiations have been brokered by super agent Giuliano Bertolucci, who represents some of the best Brazilian players like Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos.If Benitez signs with the Brazilian giants then he will be linking up with the same team that denied him the Club World Cup in 2005.Read More on FootballLiverpool took on Sao Paulo in the final in Yokohama just seven months after the Miracle of Istanbul.The Reds became European champions after beating AC Milan in a dramatic penalty shootout following an unforgettable 3-3 draw in the Champions League final.The Merseysiders were then looking to become world champions when they took on the then Copa Libertadores winners.However, Paulo Autuori’s men prevailed in Japan with a 1-0 victory thanks to Mineiro’s winner.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBenitez, though, did win the UEFA Super Cup with Liverpool the same year.Steven Gerrard and co defeated then UEFA Cup winners CSKA Moscow 3-1 at Stade Louis II in Monaco.11 forgotten stars who define Liverpool vs Man Utd rivalryDaniel Carvalho opened the scoring for Valery Gazzaev’s men but Djibril Cisse equalised for Liverpool to force extra-time.The Reds sealed the trophy as Cisse completed his brace before Luis Garcia scored the third. More

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      Huge fight breaks out in tunnel after PSG clash as Barcelona stars ‘went after Kylian Mbappe following boasts’

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE sparked a 60-man brawl after Paris Saint-Germain knocked Barcelona out of the Champions League, according to reports. The French giants ran out 6-4 aggregate winners thanks to a 4-1 win over Barcelona in the second leg on Tuesday, with Mbappe scoring twice.Kylian Mbappe reportedly triggered a 60-person brawl in the tunnel after PSG beat BarcelonaCredit: GettySome ‘vindictive’ comments were made by Mbappe that angered Barcelona playersCredit: ReutersAnd reports in Spain have now revealed things got heated after the final whistle.According to Mundo Deportivo, PSG players left the pitch at Barcelona’s temporary home of the Olympic Stadium in an excited manner and made no attempts to hide it, to the annoyance of some Barcelona stars.But when Mbappe, 25, entered the tunnel the tension boiled over. The Frenchman is said to have entered the tunnel to head to the dressing room shouting and celebrating in a “vindictive way” with some team-mates. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMbappe, who is fluent in Spanish, is then alleged to have said: “This is football and it is on the field where we have to talk.”His comments enraged more than one Barca star as they believed him to be addressing them.This then led to a confrontation with insults and shouting as a shoving match ensued, with players and staff involved as security personnel tried to defuse the situation.The report says there were more than 60 people in the crowd.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFortunately, the report adds that no physical damage or injury was inflicted on anyone.It’s also been claimed Mbappe made a provocative gesture towards Barca fans as he left the pitch, shouting “let’s go” in French.Micah Richards told to ‘consider other career paths’ after dreadful Champions League prediction re-emergesMbappe has confirmed he will be leaving PSG when his contract expires in the summer, with Barcelona’s rivals Real Madrid believed to be his next destination on a free transfer.PSG will face Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals of the Champions League.Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will compete in the other semi-final after defeating Manchester City and Arsenal respectively. More

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      I was destroyed for signing ‘failure’ Rasmus Hojlund until Man Utd splashed out £72million for him

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      FORMER Atalanta head of football Lee Congerton was ridiculed for signing Rasmus Hojlund… until the Dane went on to move to Manchester United for a huge profit.Hojlund, 21, had signed for Austrian side Sturm Graz in January 2022 after failing to hit the heights at FC Copenhagen.Rasmus Hojlund signed for Man Utd from Atalanta last AugustCredit: Getty Images – GettyLee Congerton brought Hojlund to AtalantaCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowThe striker showed promise in ItalyCredit: GettyJust six months later Congerton had seen enough from the Dane to splash out £17million to sign him – to the disapproval of many observers around the club.”The reality is they destroyed me in Italy during that time,” Welshman Congerton, 50, told the Telegraph.”This foreign guy in Italian football has bought a player from Austria, born 2003, who had been a failure in Copenhagen.”After just one goal in his first 11 Serie A appearances, Hojlund eventually caught fire – netting in his next three.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaving scored 10 goals for Atalanta in all competitions, he had shown enough promise for Man Utd to fork out £72m to sign him last August.Congerton continued: “If you take away the World Cup, 10 months later, we sold him for €85 million (£72m). That is Atalanta. It’s simple.”They know what they are. They rely on the academy and the scouting.”Having played at semi-pro level in Wales, Congerton has gone on to forge a successful career in executive roles.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHaving worked with Frank Arnesen at Chelsea and Hamburg, Congerton went on to hold important positions at Sunderland, Celtic and Leicester.He then spent two seasons at Atalanta, before leaving last month for a gig with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.I’m a private chef to football stars, Man Utd’s Rasmus Hojlund is obsessed with baked treat – I make him two a weekCongerton proudly watched from afar as Atalanta, featuring many of his signings, stunned Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield last week.Following the conclusion of his Saudi adventure, whenever that may be, he would love another crack at working in England.He added: “Frank always said he could see me going to different places. I have adventure in me and have been fortunate that my wife has been like that too in terms of trying something new.”I could have stayed at each club longer but it was my choice. You get to three years and I think I need that stimulation. I like to grow things but am always excited by a new challenge.”Like his start at Atalanta, Hojlund took a while to get going at United, failing to score in his first 14 Premier League matches.He then hit an amazing hot streak, netting seven in his next six Prem outings.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis old side Atalanta, meanwhile, replaced him with West Ham forward Gianluca Scamacca.The 25-year-old has excelled since returning to Italy, bagging 14 goals thus far – including two at Anfield last week. More

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      ‘That’s illegal’ – Gary Neville fumes as retired Man Utd star says he was BANNED from dressing room & trained with U16s

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      FORMER Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has revealed he was once banned from the dressing room by Jose Mourinho.The 39-year-old joined United in a £6.5million transfer from Bayern Munich in 2015 and spent two years at Old Trafford.Bastian Schweinsteiger was banned from the Man Utd dressing roomCredit: PA:Empics SportJose Mourinho ‘illegally’ axed the midfielder from the squadCredit: PA:Press AssociationSchweinsteiger made 31 appearances during his first season with the Red Devils and subsequently earned a spot in Germany’s Euro 2016 squad.But upon his return to Manchester for pre-season after the tournament he quickly found himself out of favour.Speaking to Gary Neville for Sky Bet’s The Overlap, Schweinsteiger revealed Mourinho – who had just been appointed as manager – stopped him from entering the dressing room.The former Germany captain said: “It was 2016 and I was with the German national team, we went far in the competition [Euro’s] reaching the semi-finals, so I stepped in a little later [at Man Utd] and the team were in the US for a pre-season tour.Read More on Man Utd”When I arrived on the first day, I trained with Zlatan Ibrahimović and thought it was great, a player who has the vision and is amazing to play with.”The next day, on my birthday, when I walked into Carrington, John Murtough was there and said that I wasn’t allowed to walk into the dressing room, the coach had said so.”No warning, nothing. I don’t know. Someone could have told me there or explained it to me in a normal way, but okay, I went to the youth dressing room and trained with the under 16s.”Yes, completely [kicked me out of the first team dressing room], so I had to ask him [Murtough] to bring me my cleats and training gear.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I asked him who I was training with, and he said there was the under 16 team, so I went and trained with the under 16’s.”Schweinsteiger went on to reveal the reason behind his dismissal, adding: “I asked him whether I could talk to the manager in the afternoon, so when I came back from training with the under 16s, where I trained so bad because I didn’t know what was going on or it was a joke, I then had a meeting with him [Mourinho] in the afternoon.Gary Neville ‘lost faith’ with ‘scrawny and erratic’ Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd before transformation into a ‘machine'”He explained to me that he didn’t see me happy here at United because when I had my injury, I did my rehab with German doctors, spending time in Germany.”Of course, I came back to United and was in contact with doctors and watched the games – I had a conversation with Louis van Gaal when he was coach, and he said to come on the weekends to United and remain in contact with the doctors, they needed me fit and there was an FA Cup final which I almost played.”That was our agreement and I kept to it. For me, I just wanted to get healthy and wanted to be able to play – I stuck to the agreement with Louis van Gaal but obviously the board thought a little differently about that.”After his meeting with Mourinho, the midfielder trained alone for at least three months with a fitness coach.He was not allowed to be or train with the first team during his banishment.Man Utd are LUCKY to be seventh in the table… one particular stat is terrible, say Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      THE frightening thing about Manchester United’s season is that they should really be LOWER than seventh in the Premier League.
      Even during their current run of one win in seven league matches, United’s results have been better than their performances.
      Erik ten Hag’s team deserved to lose each of their last three drawn games against Brentford, Liverpool and Bournemouth.
      On goal difference, United are ninth in the league, while only seven teams have scored fewer than their 47 goals.
      And if we give any credence to ‘expected points’, then that stat would have them 15th in the table.
      If Ten Hag’s men lose Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final to Championship side Coventry, it should not come as a major surprise.
      Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      To read more from Dave Kidd, click here.

      United legend Neville was left stunned by Schweinsteiger’s exclusion, claiming it was “illegal” treatment.He said: “That’s illegal. I was the PFA Union Representative, and you’re not allowed to do that, you can’t dismiss someone like that, it’s constructive dismissal in some ways.”It’s probably a few years too late, you should have come and seen me at the time.”I’m stunned and embarrassed at what I’m hearing because I always think, players leave clubs and people fall out, but there is a way to do things and a way to behave and act.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSchweinsteiger left Man Utd in March 2017 to join Chicago Fire.He made 92 appearances for the MLS side before retiring in October 2019. More