More stories

  • in

    ‘Final nail in the coffin… he’s cursed’ – Fans think West Ham destined to be relegated as top transfer target revealed

    WEST HAM are weighing up a move for Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale as Graham Potter prepares a summer overhaul.Ramsdale, 26, is expected to leave Saints after just one year following their swift return to the Championship – and has a relegation release clause of around £18million.Aaron Ramsdale has just suffered his third drop from the PremCredit: GettyBoss Graham Potter wants a new spine for his West Ham squadCredit: RexBut many Hammers fans reacted with shock – because the “cursed” keeper has just suffered his THIRD demotion from the top flight.The former Arsenal man moved to the south coast late last summer in an £18m deal which could have risen to £25m.But with Saints relegated, the England ace will be looking to remain in the Premier League while the club will want to recoup every penny they can.Ramsdale is unlikely to be short of suitors, with Newcastle also linked.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe made 37 appearances under Toon boss Eddie Howe on loan with Bournemouth, but endured the drop, then saw the same fate befall him at parent club Sheffield United the following year.One fan claimed on X: “That’s the nail in West Ham’s coffin. Ramsdale is a curse.”Another labelled Ramsdale “The Relegator Mark II” and a third posted: “If we want to guarantee relegation then go ahead.”A fourth joked: “I’m actually excited to see West Ham do well in the Championship in 2 years.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut there were more balanced opinions too, such as: “I think he is a good keeper but we can do better.”Hammers boss Potter, 49, wants to bring in a new spine at the London Stadium this summer.Dani Dyer reveals whether she will take West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen’s surname after marriage The ex-Chelsea manager started with Lukasz Fabianski as his first-choice keeper but has since reinstalled Frenchman Alphonse Areola as No1.Fabianski is out of contract this summer but the club hold a one-year option to extend his deal while Areola is under contract until 2027.Ramsdale would only be interested in the move, and West Ham would only fork out £18m, if he were to be first choice.That means one of either Fabianski or Areola would have to depart for the deal to happen – with Areola being the more likely given his resale value.Potter is also keen to add a defender, central midfielder and striker this summer.But the Hammers may be forced to sell before they buy in order to satisfy financial rules.Read More on The SunRamsdale will be one of a number of players to leave Saints following their drop.Kyle Walker-Peters is out of contract and will depart, while Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who scored on his England debut this season, has moved agents and is keen to remain in the Prem. More

  • in

    Chelsea ratings: Tyrique George breaks deadlock with first Blues goal but tired Cole Palmer hooked at half-time

    CHELSEA took control of their Europa Conference League quarter-final tie against Legia Warsaw after a 3-0 win in Poland.The Blues had to deal with a raucous atmosphere from the Polish crowd with pre-game pyrotechnics leaving a heavy cloud of smoke in the visitor’s defensive end at the start of the game.Tyrique George celebrated scoring his first Chelsea goalCredit: ReutersNoni Madueke was rewarded with a goal of his own after coming off the bench following an injection of energy into the gameCredit: PAThe home crowd were certainly up for the clash and sang throughout the game, despite precious little happening in the first half.Enzo Maresca clearly gave his side a wake-up call at half-time with the Blues looking energised after the break before Tyrique George reacted quickest to a Reece James shot to break the deadlock.Noni Madueke then grabbed the second a few minutes later as Chelsea made the most of a counter-attack.Madueke added a third, again set-up by Jadon Sancho, 25 seconds after Christopher Nkunku saw a penalty saved. Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Blues in Poland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFilip Jorgensen – 6Not tested in the first half with Chelsea dominating the ball.Looked set to not change second half until he had to save a vicious Patryk Kun shot from close range in the 90th minute.Joshua Acheampong – 6Played more like a third CB with Gusto more advanced inverting from LB and looked comfortable enough in the role. Stepped into a more conventional role and won the ball back high leading to the game’s first shot on target from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.Grew in confidence on the ball and was more involved second half.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTosin Adarabioyo – 5Made some clever line-breaking passes to set the Chelsea attackers away at the Legia defence.Taken off at half-time for Levi Colwill.Fans beg Cole Palmer ‘never change’ as footage of Chelsea star asking waiter bizarre question emerges Benoit Badiashile – 5Showed good strength against the Legia attackers. Nodded down a cross into a dangerous area which needed last-ditch defending to clear.Malo Gusto – 6Playing at left-back today and looked out of sorts after giving the ball away cheaply on a few occasions. Grew into the game and was better with his crosses.Replaced by Mathis Amaugou after the third goal went in.Reece James – 7Back in midfield for the clash and looked comfortable spraying passes about even if he was rarely tested on the ball. Showed some good strength when asked to do his defensive duties.Curled a lovely cross into Dewsbury-Hall just after the break but his midfield partner fluffed his header. Saw shot a shot rebound out for George to score the rebound.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 6Often found himself drifting out to the right-hand side to support Sancho. Had a curling shot palmed away by the goalkeeper for the first shot on target before missing an open header in the middle of the area on the stroke of halftime.Had another superb chance just after the break after ghosting into the box to head a James cross.Cole Palmer – 4Popped up all over the pitch to get on the ball but struggled to find his range, with one pass to Nkunku on a promising counter-attack going behind the striker.Looked tired and was hooked at half-time for Madueke.Jadon Sancho – 7Saw a lot of the ball in the early stages with little tangible output. Seemed to lack either the bravery or know-how to beat his defender, despite often being isolated one-on-one.Moved to the left wing after the break and looked brighter pairing with Gusto. Set up Madueke to score the second goal of the evening. Set up Madueke again 25 seconds after Nkunku’s saved penalty with a good low cross to the far post.Christopher Nkunku – 3Wasted a dangerous counter-attack by dragging a shot wide in the 15th minute, though in his defence the pass he was fed by Palmer was behind him. Put a ball on a plate for Dewsbury-Hall to score but he miscued his header.Moved behind George after the break and looked more interested in the game thereafter. Was just his luck when he won a penalty before seeing the spot-kick saved, with Madueke then scoring 25 seconds later.Tyrique George – 7George reacted quickest to a reboundCredit: ReutersQuiet in the first half but then scored his first senior goal just after the break as he was first to react on a rebound from a James shot when he was moved into the central striker role.Taken off after 75 minutes. But showed bright spots after his move inside.SubsNoni Madueke (for Palmer, half-time) – 9Madueke netted two goals after coming off the bench in the second halfCredit: APMade an impact straight away when he took on his man and managed to send them pedalling backwards. Rewarded for his positive play with a goal set up by Sancho on a Chelsea counter-attack.Added a second seconds after the penalty save as he tapped in a Sancho cross at the far post.Levi Colwill (for Adarabioyo, half-time) – 6Solid defensively on the rare occasions he was tested, but was most impressive spraying passes out of the back line.Marc Cucurella (for James, 58 mins) – 5Almost caught out within moments of coming on after Kun got behind him, only to fire the ball out of play.Read More on The SunMathis Amougou (for Gusto, 75 mins) – 6Made his European debut coming on in Poland. Not much to note after that.Shumaira Mheuka (for George, 75 mins) – 5Saw some powerful bursts into the box late on but was let down by a poor pass or touch. More

  • in

    Man Utd fans hit by chaos in Lyon with supporters missing kick-off after being forced to take buses miles from stadium

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left in a “ridiculous situation” ahead of their Europa League clash with Lyon.Supporters were hit with travel chaos ahead of the quarter-final first leg at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.Manchester United’s away end at Lyon had a lot of empty seats just minutes before kick-offCredit: PAUnited fans have hit out at a logistics “shambles” ahead of their Europa League clash with LyonCredit: AlamyFOLLOW ALL THE ACTION FROM LYON VS MAN UTDUnited were hoping to salvage their season with some European silverware after a dismal campaign.But fans had another mare as they tried to reach the stadium on Thursday.Disgruntled Red Devils on tour took to social media to hit out at a “shambolic” transport situation in the city. READ MORE ON MAN UTDLocal authorities in France put in place a number of restrictions on away fans for the tie.Every United fan was told to collect a wristband from the Eurexpo Conference Centre between 5pm and kick-off.Without a band, they would not be allowed entry to the stadium.The location to pick up the band is over 10km from the ground.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd to top it off, Metro issues across the city saw fans piling onto buses, with roads grinding to a halt.United fans were told they would only be allowed to take designated ‘Shuttle 1 Stadium’ buses from Eurexpo. Man Utd’s secret weapon in Treble-winning season revealed as star who played ‘bigger role than people give credit for’Only supporters who use those buses were granted access to the away end, per The Mail.One fan raged on X: “#MUFC fans facing a ridiculous situation in Lyon. Stadium already miles out of town & they’re being forced to another location by authorities to collect a wristband, before being sent on a bus to the ground.”Another wrote: “Club have sent this SMS to ticket holders for Lyon (a). Can’t say I’m up for a long bus ride in traffic to Eurexpo to pick up a wristband and then another long bus ride to stadium. It’s a shambles and entirely down to local authorities in Lyon.”While a third added: “For the record this is a disgrace from Lyon. The wristband nonsense bad enough but half the transport just isn’t moving anywhere. There’s no excuse for this, no trouble at all. Deserve to have the same done to them next week.”And PA’s chief football writer Simon Peach posted a snap of a sparsely populated away end just minutes before kick-off.It took until seventeen minutes into the match for commentators to confirm the end was full.United put out a statement prior to Thursday and assured fans the club had “fought hard” against the measures.The club even claimed Lyon had originally aimed for two wristband collection points in the city centre. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordIt read: “We appreciate and apologise for the significant inconvenience this will cause to some of your plans.”Please be assured that the club has fought hard to reduce the impact on travelling fans, which originally involved two collection points situated across the city centre.Read More on The Sun”The below protocol has been forced upon us by local authorities and follows similar protocol in place for Frankfurt and Bucharest supporters at previous Europa League fixtures this season. “We must, however, relay the strong advice of the host country security and police forces and ask that you comply with their request.” More

  • in

    Legia Warsaw 0 Chelsea 3: Blues have one foot in Conference League semi-finals as Sancho shines despite exit links

    THE flares and pyrotechnics were in the home areas but it was Chelsea who delivered the second half explosives to effectively seal their place in the Europa Conference League semi-finals.This Blues team which cost over £1billion to put together has not exactly set alight the tournament which was introduced by Uefa for the game’s paupers.Noni Madueke made the difference after coming onCredit: PAJadon Sancho provided two assistsCredit: ReutersMadueke taps in Chelsea’s third from close rangeCredit: GettyTyrique George scored the first senior goal of his careerCredit: RexBut no other team in the Conference League can afford to take off a player like Cole Palmer at half-time and introduce a player like Noni Madueke.Blues manager Enzo Maresca was rewarded for his change with Madueke playing a part in the first goal, scored by teenager Tyrique George, before the England international grabbed the next two goals.Madueke’s second goal, for 3-0, came 25 seconds after striker Christopher Nkunku missed a penalty.And while Chelsea failed to score in the first half for a seventh successive game, they are in a good place for next week’s second leg when Legia and 1000 of their notorious fans – after a five-match away ban – will head to Stamford Bridge.READ MORE IN CHELSEAFor Chelsea, this was a first ever competitive game in Poland and it looks as though a second one in the same country will follow next month.While only 742 of Chelsea’s hardcore away support were allowed into this quarter-final first leg – and they were kept in for 60 minutes after the match for their own safety – the supporters will surely be heading back here in much greater numbers on May 28.As expected, the atmosphere inside the Polish Army Stadium was pretty lively and the home ultras’ constant use of flares is certain to land them with a Uefa fine. Another one.Chelsea were poor in the first half and created very little with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall having their only shot on target.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut four minutes into the second half, Reece James’ long-range shot was parried by the home keeper Kacper Tobiasz and George neatly tucked away the rebound for his first senior goal.That certainly took the sting out of the tie and the second goal duly followed with keeper Tobiasz at fault again, this time his poor clearance being cut out by James.Chelsea’s £115m ace Moises Caicedo has £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without valid licence near training groundChelsea ratings vs Legia Warsaw as Tyrique George scores first ever Blues goalCHELSEA took control of their Europa Conference League quarter-final tie against Legia Warsaw after a 3-0 win in Poland.The Blues had to deal with a raucous atmosphere from the Polish crowd with pre-game pyrotechnics leaving a heavy cloud of smoke in the visitor’s defensive end at the start of the game.The home crowd were certainly up for the clash and sang throughout the game, despite precious little happening in the first half.Enzo Maresca clearly gave his side a wake-up call at half-time with the Blues looking energised after the break before Tyrique George reacted quickest to a Reece James shot to break the deadlock.Noni Madueke then grabbed the second a few minutes later as Chelsea made the most of a counter-attack.Madueke added a third, again set-up by Jadon Sancho, 25 seconds after Christopher Nkunku saw a penalty saved.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Chelsea victors…Jadon Sancho, who did little in the first half but played with a bit more zip after the break, picked out Madueke and he stroked a shot into the bottom corner from near the penalty spot.Chelsea were awarded a spot-kick after a foul on Dewsbury-Hall but Nkunku , who looks devoid of all confidence, saw his penalty saved by Tobiasz.Yet just 25 seconds later, Sancho burst down the left and his cross was turned in at the far post by Madueke.For Maresca, he can once again focus on claiming a top five spot in the Premier League with a game at home to Ipswich on Sunday.And due to this result, the Italian coach can make a few more changes for the second leg before trying to clip the wings of their lofty west London neighbours Fulham three days later. More

  • in

    Tottenham vs Frankfurt LIVE RESULT: Spurs held by Frankfurt in tense first leg in London

    TOTTENHAM were held to a 1-1 draw with Frankfurt in London.Ange Postecoglou will know the European competition is Spurs’ only hope of saving their season after a torrid domestic campaign.The North London club failed to get their quarter-final off to a flying start, and now must go to Germany and WIN if they are to go through. Kick off time: 8pm BSTTV channel: TNT Sports 3Live stream: discovery+CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below… More

  • in

    Former EFL owner agrees £25million deal to buy Reading with race against time to save crisis club from administration

    ROB COUHIG has agreed a £25million deal to buy Reading and save the club from administration.The former Wycombe owner has revived a takeover offer he made to Reading owner Dai Yongge last summer after a rival bid from Robert Platek collapsed earlier this week.Rob Couhig has agreed to buy Reading and save the club from administrationCredit: GettyThe former Wycombe Wanderers chairman (blue tie) has paid £25mCredit: PAReading fans have long protested over Dai Yongge’s ownershipCredit: PACouhig faces a race against time to get the deal done as the EFL have given Yongge a deadline of April 22 to sell the club.The Chinese businessman was disqualified under the league’s owners’ and directors’ test in February owing to debts and court rulings in China.  Couhig is understood to have agreed to pay more of Yongge’s asking price up front than he did last summer in order to complete the purchase this month. The American lawyer has also agreed to conduct quicker due diligence and to a shorter cooling-off period than is customary in such transactions.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe EFL are being kept informed of the negotiations between Couhig and Reading.And they are hopeful that the sale will finally be completed to end a long-running saga.Reading have been for sale for almost 600 days.Yongge has signed exclusivity deals with five different buyers, including twice with Couhig.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe EFL’s position is that Reading must be sold by 22 April.But the EFL Board could grant an extension if necessary if they judge that a deal is close to completion at that point.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline loomsDespite turmoil off the pitch, the Royals have mounted an unexpected playoff charge in League One.Reading currently sit in sixth, with a two-point cushion to Bolton in seventh. They have won three of their last four games, including a 3-1 win over Shrewsbury on Tuesday.The Royals take on Northampton Town this weekend. Reading, Couhig and the EFL declined to comment when approached by SunSport. More

  • in

    How Ruben Amorim can fix Man Utd’s Alejandro Garnacho problem with key role vs Newcastle

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set to visit high-flying Newcastle in one of their toughest tests of the season.The Toon Army have shown no signs of letting up with two wins out of two since they lifted the Carabao Cup to win their first domestic trophy in 70 years.Ruben Amorim will need to get his tactics right if United are to be successful at St James’ ParkCredit: GettyAlexander Isak headed home as Newcastle eased to a 2-0 win at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersAnd Ruben Amorim knows he will have to get his tactics spot on after being outwitted by Eddie Howe in a comfortable Newcastle win at Old Trafford back in December.In the latest episode of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our expert Dean Scoggins looks ahead to the big game…TOON OF SPACENEWCASTLE are very, very brave in the press and will try to turn the game into a midfield battle which they are confident of winning.Brazilian duo Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton will be asked to press high and ensure the majority of the game is played in the final Man Utd third.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSBut, unlike a lot of teams, the Magpies’ back four will continue to occupy deeper positions so as not to be beaten by a ball over the top.This could leave up to 60 yards of space to be patrolled by Sandro Tonali alone, which is where Bruno Fernandes comes into the picture.Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton will press high for NewcastleCredit: AlamyThere is a 60-yard space that Newcastle’s style of play leave openLEADING FROM THE FRONTIF Bruno Fernandes can occupy the space between the Newcastle midfield and defence, I don’t think the back four will follow him in.They would rather risk having space in front than behind.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKYou could then end up with a split defence with the two players on the left sticking back while those on the right come forward.If that happens, there will be a little offside line for the likes of Alejandro Garnacho to exploit.Bruno Fernandes should have plenty of space to operate inCredit: AlamyBruno Fernandes can hurt Newcastle if he occupies these kind of spacesMan Utd’s secret weapon in Treble-winning season revealed as star who played ‘bigger role than people give credit for’GARNA GO FOR ITTHERE has been a lot of talk about Man Utd dropping out-of-form Garnacho, but I can’t see it happening in this game.Amad Diallo is still injured and they have nobody else with the pace Ruben Amorim is looking for.And if United get things spot on, I can see Garnacho having a lot of success in this game.It will be up to Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee to keep the Newcastle defenders occupied and, from there, the team will need to get the ball to Garnacho quickly.If that happens, he will be able to do a lot of damage in a one-on-one battle with Kieran Trippier.But if the build-up is slower and involves a lot of passes, Fabian Schar or Jacob Murphy will be able to quickly double up on Garnacho to cover 34-year-old Trippier.Many are expecting Garnacho to be dropped, but I think he could turn his form around in this gameCredit: GettyGarnacho hasn’t been at his best this seasonGarnacho can get at Kieran Trippier in these areasFLICKING THE SWITCHONE card Newcastle could play is to switch the full-backs around, with Livramento a natural right-back and Trippier having played for England on the left.This would allow the 22-year-old ex-Southampton star to deal with the pacey threat of Garnacho and Dorgu, and Trippier to use his experience to keep his eye on the crafty Fernandes and the more defensive-minded right-back Noussair Mazraoui.It would also give Newcastle the chance to fire in-swinging crosses towards a Man Utd defence that has struggled in the air.Kieran Trippier (above) could move to the left to allow Tino Livramento to deal with the threat of GarnachoCredit: PAHEADS, YOU WINNEWCASTLE eased to victory at Old Trafford with two early headers from Alexander Isak and Joelinton, so the Man Utd defence will have to be on its toes in the North East.Though Harry Maguire is the best header of the ball in Ruben Amorim’s squad, I would like to see the Man Utd boss put Leny Yoro on dangerman Isak.The Swedish striker will normally look to receive knockdowns rather than challenge in the air, and Man Utd should try to avoid Maguire being caught in a foot race with him the way Virgil van Dijk was at Wembley.Therefore, I’d expect Maguire to play on either side of the back three and Yoro in the centre.Read More on The SunUnited will also be in with a much better chance of winning if Matthijs de Ligt is back to help Maguire deal with the aerial threat.And during set pieces, they will need to try to keep a high line to give as much space as possible for Andre Onana to come out and command his area.Harry Maguire will need to be at his best to combat Newcastle’s aerial threatCredit: GettyKieran Tripper could cause problems with crosses in from the left sideAndre Onana will have to come off his line and into the danger zone to claim crosses More

  • in

    Why rising Lioness star Michelle Agyemang has been tipped for the top by Arsenal and England icon

    MICHELLE AGYEMANG took just 41 seconds to produce a moment of world-class magic that wowed fans watching England in the Nations League. On a disappointing night with the Lionesses’ 3-2 loss to Belgium on April 8, her stunning strike on her senior debut was a bright spot.Having shone for England’s Under-19s and Under-23s Michelle Agyemang made a stunning bow by scoring less than a minute into her senior international debutCredit: GettyAgyemang and her team-mate Aggie Beever-Jones are regarded as two of the Lionesses’ most promising forwards with both bagging senior debut goals this monthCredit: ReutersThe WSL starlet has made 14 WSL appearances from the bench for Brighton during her loan stint at the club this termCredit: AlamyAn audacious delivery into the box was followed by a swift and superb volleyed finish from Agyemang. With England blighted by injuries to some of their key forwards, the 19-year-old’s emergence is very timely for boss Sarina Wiegman. Her squad have had rotten luck with injuries recently with Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Lauren James withdrawing from the team’s April international camp. And Lauren Hemp has been out of action last November following a knee op, although the Manchester City forward is back training on grass at her club. Read More Football Stories With these fitness concerns, Agyemang’s goalscoring cameo in the Nations League could prove significant for the Euros titleholders.  On July 5 the Lionesses will kick-off their bid to remain European champions when they take on France. Wiegman’s side are in a ‘group of death’ which also includes 2017 Euros champions the Netherlands and contest debutants Wales. With the tournament’s start in Switzerland less than three months away, Agyemang has provided Wiegman with a fresh option as either a nine or in a wing position. Most read in FootballAnd with her game-changing capability and threat in front of goal, she has made a case for England squad consideration for the Euros. Among those with high hopes for the future of the striker, currently on loan at Brighton from Arsenal, is Gunners legend Kelly Smith. The England icon, who trains the club’s WSL forwards, has backed Agyemang to make her mark. Last August Smith, who scored 125 goals in 144 Arsenal games, said: “What I like about Michelle’s strengths is her hold-up play is really good.”She’s physical, aggressive and got a fantastic shot on her.”The fans always like to see a home-grown player do really well.”It’s a credit to Arsenal, the academy staff and structure we have to develop these players and bring them through.”Here is a look at Agyemang’s football journey and some of the moments that fuelled her rise. Agyemang, currently on loan at Albion from Arsenal, is regarded as one of the Gunners’ rising stars along with Vivianne Lia (left), Freya Godfrey and Maddie EarlCredit: GettyHale End journey Agyemang standout cameo for the Lionesses will not have come as a surprise to those who monitored her progress at Arsenal’s Hale End Academy. The technically versatile and robust forward, who grew up in Southend, Essex, joined the Gunners’ youth set-up at the age of six. During her earliest years there she would play matches with the boys’ Under-7s side, initially in central defence, before specialising as a forward. While playing for Arsenal’s Academy league side in the 2022-23 season Agyemang netted 19 goals in 11 appearances. And her efforts helped the young Gunners end that season as Academy League champions with a five-point lead over runners-up Chelsea.Senior Arsenal debut and rise through England’s ranksIn November 2022 Agyemang made her senior club debut at 16 coming on in the 77th minute of the team’s 4-0 win away against Leicester City in the WSL. Her first senior goal for the Gunners would follow two months later during a 9-0 FA Cup fourth round demolition of Leeds. Just as she did for England, Agyemang showed her knack for making an almost instant impact straight off the bench. Agyemang scored in England Under-19’s 5-1 win against Austria this month before being called up to Wiegman’s squad following an injury to Alessia RussoCredit: GettyIt took her just four minutes to find the back of the net after coming on as a 76th-minute substitute. In 2023 Agyemang was named in the young Lionesses’ side that competed in the Women’s Under-17 Euros. She netted four times during the contest in May that year with her team reaching the semi-finals before being knocked out by Spain. Ex-Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall suggested the then 17-year-old had the tactical and technical knowhow that “outmatched” other players in her age group. And Agyemang demonstrated this a year later helping England’s youth players reach the semis of the Women’s Under-19 Euros. In May 2023, then Arsenal boss Eidevall said: “Michelle has a tactical and technical level and also a physical level that outmatches players at U17 level. “She can do that at senior level too. What she is doing (at the U17 Euros) is no surprise to me at all.”Bright spark for Brighton Last May Agyemang took a significant step in her club career signing her first professional contract with Arsenal. The striker’s first pro deal followed her building up her game time as a dual-registration player with Watford FC after joining them in August 2023.  The first three months of Agyemang’s Golden Girls stint were hampered by injury with the striker sidelined by a knee problem. However the player would make a goalscoring comeback in December that year netting in a 6-0 FA Cup third round dismissal of Southampton. The fourth round of the contest that season would see Watford take on the Gunners with Agyemang starting against the Gunners. And while the Golden Girls were trounced 5-1 Agyemang made her mark scoring the team’s only goal in that game last January. Former Watford Women’s boss Damon Lathrope, now assistant manager of the club’s men’s side, told Gooner Fanzine: “Michelle is an absolute super talent. “She’s physically on a different planet, to be honest, and she ticks a lot of boxes. “She’s technically very efficient. She’s a very good finisher, really powerful, quick and mobile.”Agyemang impressed for Arsenal during their pre-season tour in the summer of 2024Credit: GettyThis season has seen Agyemang clock up minutes in the Women’s Super League after joining Brighton on a one-term loan. Read More on The SunBut while the Albion loan ace has made 14 top-flight appearances from the bench she is yet to make her first start in the league for the Seagulls.Having impressed Wiegman’s England, it would be a surprise if the forward does not feature in Brighton’s first eleven before the end of this season. More