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      Frustrated Mikel Arteta admits misfiring Arsenal are suffering ‘engine trouble’ with title hopes hit by more injury woes

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      MIKEL ARTETA fears “engine trouble” is damaging Arsenal’s drive for a first Premier League title in 21 years.Blowing the lead at Chelsea means they now sit nine points behind leaders Liverpool with no wins from the last four league games.Mikel Arteta says injuries have forced him to chop and changeCredit: GettyArsenal’s star Englishmen Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka went offCredit: RexAt least Arteta welcomed back playmaker Martin OdegaardCredit: GettyAnd boss Arteta reckons injuries to key players are forcing him to chop and change so much that the season is stalling.The Spaniard said: “We had a very clear intention of what we could do as a team and that was about making the pieces in the car much better, more efficient and unpredictable.”But what we found out was that every day we had to change something big – the engine, the wheels or the steering wheel because we have problem after problem.“There’s nothing that we can do about that. What I’m praying is that after the international break we have the team fully physically equipped.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“That they are available and that they are fit, because it’s been a nightmare for eight weeks.“Doubt after doubt, issue after issue, not only with the ones that are not able to play, but with the ones who are able to play only for certain moments and not able to play.“So I’m just asking that, because the desire the team has and how much we want it there’s no question. It’s going to come. We just need that on our side to be more consistent.“When it gets nasty, show your teeth and show how much you want it.Most read in FootballAs Arsenal’s form dips through injuries, Arteta himself took a slide, as he fell over in despair after a last-gasp Leandro Trossard missCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”When it’s Disneyland it’s very easy. Everybody’s next to you, telling you how beautiful you are. When it gets dark and difficult and everybody’s questioning it, that’s when I want to see people.”Arteta himself took to tumbling over – accidentally crashing to the floor in frustration after Leandro Trossard wasted a gaping chance at the deathChelsea Player Ratings vs ArsenalArteta’s woes worsened when his England duo Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka asked to come off with knocks.He has welcomed back skipper Martin Odegaard to help Arsenal ‘flow’ again but also blames lack of concentration for letting the lead slip.They did the same twice in the same game against title rivals Liverpool last month.Gabriel Martinelli put Arsenal ahead on 60 minutes only for Pedro Neto to smash a stunning equaliser ten minutes later.Arteta said: “I’m very disappointed with how we conceded their goal. That’s nowhere near the standards of our defensive habits, how we allowed it.“The moment you give space and time to any of their players with the quality that they have you’re going to get punished, so that’s not bad luck.“That’s not very much like us. I think today in that sense with the way we conceded, we have to fault ourselves. “That’s something that we have to do better, especially when you’re not scoring two or three goals and, at the moment, we are not.“I’m disappointed with the result because I think we deserved more. And at the same time very proud of the team for the way we played against this opponent in this stadium.“Chelsea have battered everyone here and it wasn’t the case today.“After their goal the team showed its teeth. We took risks, we were very aggressive, we created three big chances. Unfortunately we weren’t able to put the ball in the net, but we deserved to win it.”Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca believes his team is still some way behind clubs like Arsenal, who finished second last season.But the Italian is convinced that his young squad is only getting stronger. Winger Noni Madueke stomped off down the tunnel when he was substituted in the 68th minute.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaresca said: “Very soon, we are going to win these types of games. For sure, we at least 100 per cent deserved a point.“The problem is that when you change a player, they are never happy. But it’s not only about Noni, it’s about all the players.”Enzo Maresca believes Chelsea are close to matching the Prem eliteCredit: Getty More

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      Non-league club score 4 INJURY-TIME goals to clinch epic 6-5 win with stunned boss saying ‘I’ve no idea how we won’

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      A FOOTIE team scored four injury-time goals to clinch a 6-5 victory.Non-league Yarm & Eaglescliffe FC were 5-2 down at ­Sunderland West End after 90 minutes.But in a stunning turnaround, the Teesside team netted in the 92nd, 93rd, 94th and 96th minutes.Yarm manager Glenn Kyle, 61, confessed: “We had a bad day at the office for 90 minutes.“I’ve no idea how we won. “I’ve never experienced anything like it.Read More on Sport“When the winner went in, it was just bedlam.“Even the ref was in shock. “It’s something I will never see again.”Top scorer Tom Atkinson, 29, a gas engineer, scored four of the goals.Most read in FootballThe win keeps Yarm at the top of the Northern League Division Two.Sunderland said online after the match: “Well it would have been 1st game on Match of the Day.”Fans hail ‘greatest comeback ever’ as Sheffield Wednesday come from 4-0 DOWN after first leg to reach Wembley on pensNon-league Yarm & Eaglescliffe scored four injury-time goals to clinch a 6-5 victory More

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      Ange Postecoglou appears to angrily STARE DOWN Tottenham fan as flops are booed off after Ipswich shock

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU appeared to angrily stare down a Tottenham fan after his flops were booed off the pitch against Ipswich.Spurs looked to be flying high several weeks ago when they dumped Man City out of the Carabao Cup.Ange Postecoglou appeared to angrily stare down a Tottenham fanThe incident came as Spurs lost 2-1 at home to IpswichCredit: GettyThey then thrashed Champions League outfit Aston Villa 4-1 at home.And despite seeing their B team lose 3-2 in the Europa League to Galatasaray, supporters were extremely confident of a big victory against struggling Premier League newbies Ipswich.Kieran McKenna’s promoted side were yet to win a game this season.But the Tractor Boys upset the odds to seal an incredible 2-1 triumph in North London.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpurs fans were left enraged by the result as they jeered players off at the final whistle.However, that wasn’t the only incident at full time.As Tottenham boss Postecoglou headed to the tunnel, he zoned in on one fan giving it large.It is not known what the supporter – or supporters – said or did.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Postecoglou was clearly annoyed by it. And he stopped dead in his tracks at the tunnel entrance before looking upwards and staring at the naughty fan.Chelsea fans LOVE Eden Hazard’s reaction as Blues legend is pranked by barber with Tottenham shirtThe result marked Ipswich’s first win of the seasonCredit: GettyPostecoglou insisted he should take the blame for Spurs’ inconsistencyCredit: GettyTottenham’s boss held his glare for several seconds, with some staff members also joining him.But Postecoglou eventually headed inside and undoubtedly gave his Spurs players a dressing down.Speaking in the tunnel, the Australian said: “We were very passive, we didn’t get the tempo or intensity right. Ultimately, it’s my responsibility.“It’s got nothing to do with the players. The inconsistency we’re having this year is down to me.“I’ve got to make sure that I try and find a way for us to become a more consistent side.“The fans will be disappointed, they have a right to be. Like I said, the responsibility lies with me to fix it.”Big Ange also hit out at Ipswich for perceived time wasting, adding: “I think it’s the way the Premier League is going.“It’s pretty strategic now. It’s funny – I always liked the Premier League because it wasn’t like that.“You’d watch teams play in Europe and get frustrated by it, but now it’s part of the game here as well. There’s nothing we can do about it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“For us, if we want to mitigate those things – because we don’t do it and we want the game to be played – then we shouldn’t give opportunities for the opposition to do that.”Postecoglou has the international break to “fix” things – then faces Man City away in the first game back. More

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      Bizarre reason Ivan Toney is loving life in Saudi Arabia revealed – and it reminds him of home

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      ENGLAND striker Ivan Toney is loving Saudi — because it reminds him of Milton Keynes.The star, 28, is “idolised” in Jeddah, which boasts modern buildings dotted around grid-like roads.England striker Ivan Toney is loving Saudi — because it reminds him of Milton KeynesCredit: GettyIgnoring the hot temperatures, there are similarities to the Bucks city in which Ivan previously lived — and where he met Katie Bio, mother to his two children.A pal said: “Ivan is loving life there because it reminds him of MK.”They have the same system of roads and buildings.“If it wasn’t for the sunshine, you could think you were in Buckinghamshire.”read more on ivan ToneyToney lived there when playing for Peterborough before moving to Brentford. He is said to be on £20million a year after a transfer to Al-Ahli in the summer.Saudi’s strict betting laws are also good for the star, previously banned for gambling.Ivan also has special permission to live out of wedlock.Most read in FootballThe pal added: “The lack of temptation suits Ivan after everything he’s been through. “Getting out and about because of the culture and heat is tough — but that means he’s getting quality time with the family.” Ivan Toney makes very generous offer to pals in leaving speech before Britain’s new highest-paid player jets to SaudiIvan is said to be earning £20million a yearCredit: GettyIvan transfered to Al-Ahli in the summerCredit: GettyA pal of Ivan’s said Jeddah has ‘the same system of roads and buildings’ as Milton KeynesCredit: GettyJeddah boasts much warner tempreturesCredit: Getty More

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      Kai Havertz gets instant karma as he SHUSHES Chelsea fans after scoring against former side but VAR ruins it immediately

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      KAI HAVERTZ received instant karma for shushing Chelsea fans in a goal celebration as VAR ruled the effort out for offside.The German was heavily involved in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with the Blues at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.Kai Havertz received instant karma as he shushed Chelsea fans after scoring against his old sideCredit: GettyThe Arsenal star was deemed offside by VAR as the Gunners drew 1-1 at Stamford BridgeGabriel Martinelli opened the scoring in the second half with a pinpoint strike at close range.But Pedro Neto’s blaster from distanced ensured Chelsea bagged a point at home.Things could have turned out differently though had an earlier Arsenal goal from Havertz been allowed to stand.The former Blues star was routinely booed by the Stamford Bridge faithful, 16 months after swapping West London for the capital’s north.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, despite Havertz scoring the goal that secured Chelsea’s second Champions League triumph in 2021, it appeared the feeling ran both ways.The German slipped in behind during the first half of the game to slot past Robert Sanchez and give Arsenal the lead.Havertz immediately burst into jubilant celebrations and even SHUSHED Chelsea fans as he goaded them with gleeful intent.The Bridge was shocked into silence at seeing a former son come back to haunt them in such brutal fashion.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the smirk was quickly wiped from Havertz’s face when it was announced that VAR was taking a look for a potential offside.Refs back at Stockley Park took their time to examine Havertz’s body when he moved to receive the ball.Arsenal player ratings v Chelsea (1)Havertz looked to have given Arsenal the lead against ChelseaCredit: GettyVAR quickly intervened as fans reacted to Havertz’s choice of celebrationCredit: GettyAnd the lines were then drawn up to reveal he was fractionally offside.Chelsea fans cheered loudly as Havertz’s goal was then ruled out on the big screen.The forward’s head immediately dropped as karma took its course instantly.And supporters reacted on social media in mixed fashion.One said: “Shame on him.”Another declared: “This is so painful.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “He will score again.”Another added: “Was he meant to not celebrate?” More

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      Man Utd set unwanted Premier League record despite thumping Leicester 3-0 in Van Nistelrooy’s final game

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      MANCHESTER UNITED broke an unwanted club record despite Ruud van Nistelrooy signing off in style.The Red Devils beat Leicester 3-0 in the interim manager’s final match at the helm.Ruud van Nistelrooy’s spell as interim boss has come to an endCredit: GettyVan Nistelrooy’s future is unclear with the incoming Ruben Amorim set to appoint his own assistant coaches.The Dutch legend has overseen cup wins against Leicester and PAOK, as well as a Premier League draw with Chelsea and today’s victory over the Foxes for a second time.Despite the upturn in form, United are still languishing in 13th.And it is the first time the club has ever gone into the November international break in the bottom half of the table in Prem history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet they are only four points away from third after Chelsea and Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw.Van Nistelrooy was serenaded by the Stretford End as he lapped up the love from supporters on his way to the tunnel after today’s game.The club icon, who scored 150 goals for United as a player, said after the game: “It is a closure to the block of four games and the future is open.”It was a beautiful moment to be able to share that with the supporters, it was special.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”A beautiful moment and to show gratitude to them [the fans], I can’t thank them enough.”On his efforts since Erik ten Hag’s sacking, he added: “We tried to stabilise after a difficult and emotional period.’That is so disrespectful’ says fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fan”We wanted to get players performing at their best, we got the right feeling to them and got them believing in themselves.”This spell was a big responsibility, I took it very seriously. “I wanted to help and get United into a better place, that was my goal.”With three wins and a draw it is a standard where you want to grow to as a club.”Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want? More

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      Man Utd slammed for selling burnt pie at Old Trafford as sickened fans say ‘fitting for the season they’re having’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been used to half-baked performances this season.This time they got a performance at full heat on the pitch – but a burnt pie off it that was as dark as any display under Erik ten Hag.Supporters responded with scorching comments to this grim fareBruno Fernandes was the main man as Man Utd beat Leicester 3-0Credit: GettyOld Trafford supporters loved Sunday’s 3-0 win over Leicester, with Bruno Fernandes notching a goal and an assist.But they found one fan’s shocking picture of an overdone offering from the catering department too tough to chew. Perhaps United only “singe when they’re winning” – as the crusty calamity in the stands coincided with a tasty triumph out in the middle.And caretaker chief Ruud van Nistelrooy certainly got a rousing response at the end, after bowing out with three wins and a draw before incoming boss Ruben Amorim jets in this week.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLBut United supporters were animated with anger rather than approval when seeing a snap of the BLACK-CRUSTED pie, which was sold for £4.80.Meanwhile, rival fans pounced on the chance to troll the Red Devils, who still sit just 13th in the Premier League.One said: “A bit like Ten Hag… well fired.”Another added: “Typical United. An overcooked, over priced mess.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third observer warmed to the theme with: “It’s fitting for the season they are having to be fair.”A fourth kept the insults sizzling by claiming: “Looks as good as their title chances this season.”Emotional Ruud van Nistelrooy given incredible ovation at Old Trafford with Man Utd interim still unclear on his futureAnd a fifth fan maintained the culinary comparisons as he posted: “Burnt offerings, bit like what they serve up on the pitch.””Absolute shambles,” was a more blunt reaction from another supporter after the pie was spotlighted on Sports Scran, a social media site featuring the best and worst “cuisine” available for fans.It came after Ten Hag was toast following only four wins in 14 games, leading to Van Nistelrooy’s short and sweet stint in charge.Now Amorim will arrive from Sporting Lisbon hoping to give United fans something to savour after a raw deal for years.Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want? More

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      Sheffield Wednesday fan ‘mocks death of ex-Premier League star George Baldock with sick pic’ as cops launch probe

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      A SHEFFIELD Wednesday fan has been spotted appearing to mock the tragic death of ex-Premier League star George Baldock.Pictures show a man holding a phone up to rival Sheffield United supporters with the sick question “Where’s Baldock?” plastered across the screen.A fan was seen holding a phone up to rival Sheffield United supporters with the question ‘Where’s Baldock?’ across the screenCredit: XGeorge Baldock, a Sheffield United legend, died back in October after drowning in GreeceCredit: GettyBaldock, a Sheffield United legend, died back in October after drowning in Greece – as cops launch a probe over the “abhorrent act”.United played Wednesday in the local Steel City derby for the first time since the defender’s death.The derby match is known as one of the UK’s fiercest footballing contests with a number of high profile incidents in recent years.An image of the man holding up his phone has been shared online by angry fellow supporters hitting out at his actions.read more in footballDressed in a black hoodie the Wednesday fan can be seen staring directly into the camera with his phone in his left hand.Across the black screen reads the words “Where’s Baldock?” in white text.Sheffield Wednesday have put out a statement regarding the incident condemning the “appalling behaviour” by their own fan.They said: “The club are aware of an image circulating on social media and roundly condemn this abhorrent act. Most read in Football”We are working together with South Yorkshire Police on an immediate investigation and make it absolutely clear that there is no place in football or society for such appalling behaviour.”Wife of Wednesday captain Barry Bannan also blasted the fan.Chloe Bannan said: “That is absolutely abhorrent, and they’re nothing to do with Wednesday.”George Baldock’s heartbreaking summer farewell message to Sheffield Utd fans re-emerges after star found dead aged 31The Sun has reached out to South Yorkshire police for comment.Sheffield United took home all three points in the game after winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Tyrese Campbell.Just one season earlier, young Bradley Lowery – a loyal Sunderland fan who died of cancer – was also mocked by Sheffield Wednesday fans at a game.Vile yobs flashed a picture of Lowery in the stands of a match at Hillsborough as they laughed at their own sick joke.Baldock’s funeral was held at the end of October with fellow footie stars Dele Alli and Dean Henderson among the players at the sombre ceremony. Born in Buckinghamshire, Baldock had Greek roots through his grandmother and played for the country 12 times.He graduated from MK Dons’ youth set-up, where Alli also played before his move to Tottenham in 2015.Baldock is regarded as a Sheffield United legend for his stint at the clubCredit: GettySheffield United players held up a shirt to Baldock in a touching tributeCredit: GettyPaying a heartbreaking tribute to Baldock earlier this month, Alli said it had been an “honor to know” him.He wrote on Instagram: “No words I could type or pictures I could use would ever be enough.”May your spirit, ambition, determination and humility live on through those who had the honour of knowing you!”I love you brother and will miss you forever!”My thoughts, prayers and heart goes out to your family! Rest in peace Balders.”Baldock made his name with the Blades, playing over 200 times for the club 2017 and 2024.He had joined Panathinaikos from the South Yorkshire side this summer.The defender made four appearances for the Greek side this season, including three in the league.READ MORE SUN STORIESBaldock was found unresponsive in his private swimming pool just a day after his final match.He was also due to fly back to the UK to see his fiancee Annabel and son Brody hours after he was discovered. Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 Premier League minutes – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to.Baldock’s funeral took place in his native BuckinghamshireCredit: LNPBaldock was playing in Greece after joining Panathinaikos in the summerCredit: Rex More