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      Mikel Arteta may buy a striker this month, but one player does not solve Arsenal’s issues as another title slips away

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      THE greatest hits of Arsenal’s season will inevitably play out across the land in the coming days after another knife to the heart of their title dreams.‘We need a striker. We need an out-and-out goal scorer. We can’t win a trophy without a No.9.’Mikel Arteta was left frustrated once again with his Arsenal squadCredit: GettyKai Havertz scored but it was not enough to beat Aston VillaCredit: GettyThose prayers may yet be answered during this transfer window, even if time is running out to find what many fans and pundits alike believe to be the missing piece to the jigsaw.But regardless of whether that mystery man finally arrives at the Emirates, either this month or in the summer, he will be walking into a team and a club currently on their knees both mentally and physically in their pursuit of English football’s Holy Grail.As a standalone result, blowing a two-goal lead at home to Aston Villa is a tough pill to swallow, having dominated for large periods in a must-win game to keep the pressure on leaders Liverpool.Now six points adrift with Arne Slot’s Reds having played one less after 22 games, it is not over, nor is it looking likely they will overhaul that ominous gap.read more arsenalBut in the wider context of the Gunners’ campaign, their progress under boss Mikel Arteta and the vast sums invested in recruitment over the past five years, it paints a much bleaker picture.Arsenal remain far away from ending their 21-year wait for a Prem crown they so desperately crave – and it is not purely down to lacking an Erling Haaland or Alexander Isak-type figure.Since Arteta took over in December 2019, around £700m has been spent on new players. A huge squad overhaul that has lifted them from mid-table obscurity to genuine challengers.And yet, against Villa, injuries to a few key players saw Arteta put out a worryingly patched-up XI with a bench that is laughable when compared to their rivals in terms of depth and quality.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMidfielder Thomas Partey was at right-back. Full-back Jurrien Timber was at centre back. Left winger Gabriel Martinelli had to do a job on the right.Loanee Raheem Sterling was the only recognised attacking sub alongside three academy kids in Maldini Kacurri, Ismeal Kabia and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji who have little to no senior experience.Of course, injuries have played a part this term.Striker Gabriel Jesus will miss most of 2025 with an ACL rupture. Winger Bukayo Saka is out until at least early march after undergoing hamstring surgery. Right-back Ben White is close to a return following a knee operation. Defenders William Saliba and Riccardo Calafiori were absent on Saturday night with minor muscular issues.Despite all this, Arsenal should have beaten Villa thanks to goals from Martinelli and Kai Havertz before an eight-minute second half collapse that saw Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins make the most of defensive errors from Partey and Mikel Merino to earn a momentum-crushing point in North London.The issue then, is clear. Arteta still requires near-perfection – his best 11 players on the pitch at all times – for his side to consistently gobble up wins and keep pace at the top.Lone sad Arsenal fan being asked to leave by securityAnd when that is not the case, cracks start to show and the foundations become rocky, shown by their recent FA Cup third round exit to Manchester United and Carabao Cup semi-final first leg defeat to Newcastle.It was the same in 2022/23 when they fell short to Manchester City after Saliba’s back injury, and again last season with Partey and Timber absent for large periods.City may also be suffering thanks to a medical team working overtime, but they can still call on the likes of £100m signing Jack Grealish, £55.5m forward Jeremy Doku and Ilkay Gundogan in reserve, and are adding further names to that list in this window.In search of a late winner at Brentford on Saturday, Liverpool threw on club-record £85m buy Darwin Nunez, the Uruguayan scoring twice in injury time to seal the deal.Arsenal desperately need a world class forward, but they also still need to add to a squad that can deal with the rough and tumble of gruelling league campaigns when injuries go against them.As Arteta said when asked about his options post-match: “We’re very short”.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Spaniard slumped to his knees when Merino’s 87th deflected winner was ruled out by VAR for a Havertz handball. Luck is against them right now, but it takes more than luck to win a league title. More often than not, it requires money, and lots of it. More

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      Manchester City line up stunning January transfer for former star as Pep Guardiola tries to save horror season

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      MANCHESTER CITY are lining up a stunning January move to re-sign Douglas Luiz, according to reports.Pep Guardiola is planning a mid-season squad overhaul to save City’s troubling campaign and Luiz, who joined Juventus last summer, is among those being lined up.Manchester City are on the market for a new midfielderCredit: AlamyDouglas Luiz has been linked with the champions, according to the AthleticCredit: AlamyCity are in the process of a hectic transfer window this month after a troubling first half of the season. Guardiola’s men are eighth in the Premier League and 15 points behind table-topping Liverpool.According to The Athletic, their focus will now turn to adding a midfielder to the squad before the window closes on February 3.Among them is Juventus midfielder Luiz, who was on City’s books between 2017-19.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 26-year-old Brazil international joined Juve from Aston Villa last summer but has struggled to make an impact, playing only 16 times this season.City would be looking to acquire Luiz on loan until the end of this season, with no obligation to buy.But Juventus, who paid £42.2m for Luiz last summer, prefer a sale or loan with an obligation to sign him in the summer.City have been depleted in that area since losing Ballon d’Or winner Rodri to a serious knee injury in September.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLuiz made the summer move from Birmingham to Turin alongside his footballer girlfriend Alisha Lehmann.He made more than 200 appearances in all competitions for the Villans, while scoring 22 goals and 24 goals.Erling Haaland signs stunning nine-and-a-half-year Man City contract and ‘one of sport’s most lucrative contracts ever’ Swiss star Lehmann played 15 games for Aston Villa Women last season, scoring two goals, while also adding two goals in the FA WSL Cup.Guardiola is also considering a defensive revamp.Talks are ongoing with Lens for centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov and Palmeiras over defender Vitor Reis.City have also seen a bid rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt for forward Omar Marmoush.Luiz has been limited to 12 appearances this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Why are Man Utd wearing black armbands against Brighton?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are wearing black armbands for their Premier League match against Brighton. United sadly lost one of their most famous sons on Friday night, as Denis Law died after a battle with dementia.Man Utd are wearing black armbands todayLaw scored 237 goals for Man Utd and helped them to two league titles, an FA Cup and the 1968 European CupLaw’s family confirmed his passing in a statement released via the club.It read: “Manchester United is deeply saddened to share the following statement on behalf of the Law family.”It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away.”He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.Read more on Denis Law“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.”Tributes poured in for the striker, who scored 237 goals for United and helped them to two league titles, the FA Cup and the 1968 European Cup.Law, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1964, also played for Man City and famously helped United get relegated with an incredible back-heel goal late in the season.Why are Man Utd wearing black armbands against Brighton?Man Utd are wearing black armbands in tribute to Denis Law – who was known as The King of the Stretford End.Most read in FootballIt is a traditional sign of mourning and respect for someone who has passed away.United will also hold a minute’s applause at Old Trafford in honour of Law, who was part of the Holy Trinity along with George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.Fans lay down flowers, shirts and scarves next to Sir Bobby Charlton’s Old Trafford statue Tributes to Denis LawMourners began arriving at Old Trafford late on Friday night to lay flowers, scarves and leave messages for Law.The Holy Trinity have a statue outside the ground with people gathering there to pay their respects and more arriving throughout Saturday and ahead of kick off on Sunday.One message, written on a football shirt, contained a famous quote from journalist Hugh McIlvanney.It read: “If you were to send a man out to score a goal to save your life, send for the Lawman.”More flowers were laid at another Law statue in his hometown of Aberdeen.Former United players and others from the football world also sent messages on social media.Former team-mate Brian Kidd wrote: “He was slight, with the heart of a lion.”An unbelievable finisher, he scored every type of goal.”He said to me: ‘If you’re ever wide, don’t look up, put the cross in early. If I’m not there it’s my fault’. He was usually there.”Sir Matt [Busby] loved him. We all did. He was the King of the Stretford End.”The Trafford Pub in Manchester has a mural of LawMourners arrived at Old Trafford throughout Saturday and SundayFormer Man Utd captain Bryan Robson added: “We have lost one of football’s giants both as a player and a gentleman.”It’s incredibly sad, he was more than just a fantastic footballer, he was a fantastic man.”David Beckham wrote on Instagram: “Tonight we lost a true gentleman of the game. Our heart goes out to Denis’s family.”Our hearts are heavy tonight. A legend on the field but the perfect gentleman off.”Gary Neville, who played 400 times for United during a two-decade career, wrote: “Rest in Peace Denis.”A great footballer and a great man. It’s a privilege and an honour to have spent time in your company. The King of the Stretford End.”United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney took to X, adding: “Legend. Thoughts with all Denis’ family and friends.”Rod Stewart, who was great friends with Law, posted a picture of the pair of them together and wrote: “Farewell my hero – Rest in Peace”.Is Dennis Bergkamp named after Denis Law?Yes, this may sound like a myth because of the different spelling but it is true.Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp is named after Denis Law – his father Wim being a keen amateur footballer and huge fan of the United star.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe different spelling isn’t even down to a misspelling, rather that a local registrar forced the Bergkamps to add an extra ‘n’.They refused to recognise the name as they felt it was too similar to Denise without it. More

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      ‘I’m flabbergasted’ – Paul Merson tears into Thomas Partey’s ‘schoolboy’ defending as Arteta blasts performance vs Villa

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      MIKEL ARTETA blasted the defensive errors that left Arsenal’s title hopes in tatters.Two blunders from Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino allowed Aston Villa to come back from 2-0 down.Paul Merson has ripped into Arsenal’s makeshift defender Thomas ParteyCredit: GettyOllie Watkins dented Arsenal’s title hopes again – after scoring at the Emirates in AprilCredit: ReutersWatkins was left unmarked on the edge of the six yard boxAnd Gunners title winner Paul Merson let rip at Partey over his ‘schoolboy error’ that gifted Ollie Watkins Villa’s equaliser.Merson fumed: “I don’t know what Partey was thinking. Certain players let Arteta down.”Thomas Partey has played for one of the most disciplined teams in the whole of Europe at Atletico Madrid and you cannot do that.”That cannot win you league titles.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSArteta, who saw Merino’s late ‘winner’ ruled out by VAR for a Kai Havertz handball, admitted: “The way we defended can’t be part of our game.”We have to blame ourselves. You can’t defend like that if we want to be at the highest level in this country.”What we did for the second goal is nowhere near the standard that is required.”Merson added: “Thomas is on his man (Watkins) and then just leaves him to score.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I don’t know what he’s trying to do. And that’s what Mikel is talking about.”You won’t see a worse defensive goal than that all weekend. They were schoolboy errors.Lone sad Arsenal fan being asked to leave by security”Merino lets Youri Tielemans run off him for the first goal and I can’t believe what I saw with Partey. I am flabbergasted. I am really worried about their mentality.”Missing crocked William Saliba, Arteta’s side capitulated as Tielemans and Watkins scored to leave Arsenal six points adrift of Liverpool, who have a game in hand.It meant Arsenal have now dropped 12 points from winning positions this term, their worst record since 2020-21.Sky pundit Merson said: “I don’t care what division you are in, those two goals can be stopped if you do your job.”Former Arsenal star Paul Merson gave a damning assessment of Arsenal’s defensive errors against VillaCredit: GettyOllie Watkins was free to fire past David Raya to level the scoreCredit: GettyThe studio then erupted in laughter when Merson said the referee should have given Partey a microphone to explain himself mid-game.Merson added: “You want to stop the game with the Partey one when Watkins scored and tell the ref to give him a mic and go up to him and ask, ‘right what were you thinking?’.”I dread to think what Jamie Carragher is going to do to him on Monday Night Football. Jamie would never have done that.”Jamie must have played 600 or 700 games or even more. He would have never done that in his life. Never ever. He would’ve said ‘right that’s my man and I’m standing with him’.”Arteta said he is “very worried” about Saliba, who will have a further scan on his hamstring injury today.He added: “For sure I’m worried. Especially with the numbers we have in the squad and looking at our bench, very worried.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWatkins felt his side were fortunate with the handball. He said: “Seeing it back, I’m not sure. It’s gone in our favour if I’m honest.”If that was against me I’d have been a little bit disappointed. But that’s what VAR is there for.”Arsenal ratings vs Aston VillaArsenal’s title hopes took a huge hit as they threw away a two-goal lead against Aston VillaLeandro Trossard turned provider for the Gunners to set up both goals as it looked like they would cruise to three points.But defensive lapses from two stars cost Arteta’s side dearly.Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.GABRIEL – 7Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.THOMAS PARTEY – 6A great stint at right back but one lapse in concentration cost Arsenal the lead, losing track of Watkins in the box before he volleyed in.MIKEL MERINO – 6A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half.He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1. Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7Integral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinelli for the opener before blazing over himself.The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8Again, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range.The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better. That will do wonders for his confidence.SUBS:RAHEEM STERLING (MARTINELLI, 82) – 6A few darting runs, but added virtually nothing, other than a needless yellow card. A cameo that screamed “lacking confidence”. More

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      Jimmy Calderwood dies aged 69 as tributes pour in for legendary ex-Aberdeen and Dunfermline manager

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      LEGENDARY Scottish football manager Jimmy Calderwood has passed away at the age of 69.The popular former Aberdeen and Dunfermline manager had been battling dementia.Jimmy Calderwood was hugely popular during his time in charge of DunfermlineCredit: Times Newspapers LtdHe led Aberdeen on a famous European run in 2007/08Credit: AFPCalderwood led Kilmarnock to league safetyCredit: PA:Press AssociationJimmy’s partner Yvonne was by his side when he passed awayCalderwood, who also bossed Kilmarnock and Ross County, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2015.He passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning with devoted partner Yvonne Buchanan and her two daughters by his side.Heartbroken Yvonne said: “What can I say? I’ve lost the love of my life to a very cruel disease.“We shared so many special moments together, especially with my children – Mark, Carla and Jolana – and we are all devastated.“We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported and loved him. Your kindness, care and unwavering support meant the world not only to him but to all of us.“I’d like to extend my gratitude to the staff at Abbotsford House in Bearsden, Glasgow.“We kindly ask for privacy during this incredibly sad time and thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers.”Born in Glasgow, Jimmy Calderwood made his first team breakthrough as a player with Birmingham City.Most read in FootballHe would go on to make 145 league appearances for the Blues before heading to the Netherlands in 1979.Calderwood would go on to spend a significant period of his life in the country.A midfielder, he played for Sparta Rotterdam, Willem II, Roda JC and Heracles Almelo during a decade-long playing spell in the Netherlands.He remained in the country after retiring as a player and his first two managerial jobs were there.Calderwood was Willem II boss from 1996 until 1997 before spending two years in charge of NEC Nijmegen.A return to Scottish football materialised and in 1999 he was appointed manager of Dunfermline Athletic.He would go on to become one of our game’s most recognisable, entertaining and well liked characters.A hugely popular figure at East End Park, Calderwood would go on to enjoy a successful five-year stint with the Pars.Calderwood led Dunfermline to promotion to the SPL just months after his appointment.The club were comfortably safe in their first season back in the top tier before going on to secure a top six finish in the 2001/02 season.They would go on to finish in the top six again in each of the next two seasons, ending the 2003/04 campaign in fourth.That was a particularly successful season for Calderwood and Dunfermline, who also reached the Scottish Cup Final where they would ultimately lose to Celtic.That success also saw the Pars qualify for the Uefa Cup, but Calderwood wouldn’t be in charge for their foray into Europe – the club’s first in 35 years.That’s because he left the club to take over at Aberdeen ahead of the 2004/05 campaign.Jimmy Calderwood’s managerial careerWillem II 1996-97NEC Nijmegen 1997-99Dunfermline Athletic 1999-2004Aberdeen 2004-09Kilmarnock 2010Ross County 2011Go Ahead Eagles 2012De Graafschap 2014Dunfermline revealed the news of Calderwood’s passing and paid tribute to their former boss.Dunfermline CEO David Cook said: “On behalf of everyone at Dunfermline Athletic, we are all shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Jimmy Calderwood.”Jimmy constructed a fantastic squad of players in the early 2000s that had Pars fans on the edge of their seats with his bold attacking style of football.”He brought some magnificent moments to this club, none more so than helping us reach the Scottish Cup Final in 2004. The sea of black and white at Hampden was testament to the force he had created.”The top six finishes would continue for Calderwood at Aberdeen, who led the Dons to third spot in 2006/07.That gave them a place in the Uefa Cup the following campaign and it proved to be a memorable one for Aberdeen.Reaching the group stage, the Dons progressed from a group that contained Atletico Madrid, Panathinaikos, Copenhagen and Lokomotiv Moscow.That set up a round of 32 clash with the German giants Bayern Munich.On a famous night at Pittodrie, the Dons held Bayern to a 2-2 draw in front of a raucous, sell-out crowd.They’d ultimately fall to defeat in Germany.Calderwood signed a contract extension later that month but just over a year later he departed the role, despite qualifying for European competition once again.In a statement, Aberdeen said: “Everyone at Aberdeen FC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former manager Jimmy Calderwood.”The thoughts of all at the club are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”He would return to management the following year, taking over at Kilmarnock in January 2010.Calderwood would galvanise a struggling Killie side and would secure their top division status on the last day of the season.After leaving Killie that summer, he had another brief stint the following year, this time at Ross County, then in the second tier.Once again, safety was the objective and an objective Calderwood met.He also enjoyed trophy success with the Staggies who won the Challenge Cup under his leadership.’The manager Rangers almost had’By DAVID LEGGATJIMMY CALDERWOOD was the manager Rangers almost had.In fact he was absolutely convinced he would be the man to take over from Alex McLeish in the summer of 2006.That belief stemmed from a chat he told me he’d had with then Rangers owner Sir David Murray as it became clear big Eck’s trophy-laden spell was coming to an end.Jimmy and I became pals more than half a century ago when he had just broken into the Birmingham City side at the same time that I arrived in the city to become chief football writer of the biggest-selling Saturday sports paper in Britain, the Sports Argus.We quickly became good pals as our backgrounds were the same. Working class guys from Glasgow who loved football and supported Rangers.That friendship endured and it was why he invited me to stay over in his family home in Aberdeen after his side had beaten McLeish’s Rangers at Pittodrie on a frozen night.It was in his living room that he revealed to me the chat he had had with Murray which led him to believe he would be the man to succeed McLeish.Read David Leggat’s tribute to his lifelong friend Jimmy Calderwood in full.Calderwood returned to the Netherlands as Go Ahead Eagles boss in 2012 before becoming boss at De Graafschap in 2014, in what would be his final managerial role.He would leave the club less than a month after being appointed in January after being furious at the decision to sell a couple of key players.Just over three years later, in August 2017, Calderwood revealed the heartbreaking news that he was battling dementia.The legendary boss said he’d been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s two years previously and had been receiving treatment.Speaking at the time, he said: “If, by making this public I can help others talk more openly about dementia, then that will be something positive.”That is why I have spoken with Alzheimer Scotland and invited them along to join me today.”I haven’t been comfortable with keeping this as a secret and when I recently heard that an old team mate of mine in Holland is also living with Alzheimer’s Disease, it prompted me to go public.”Right now I am still fine, except for being a bit forgetful with some names but I am determined to continue enjoying my life.”Four years later, Calderwood’s son Scott – who worked alongside his father in football – delivered a harrowing update and revealed that Jimmy no longer knew who he was.And now comes the devastating news that Jimmy Calderwood has passed away, just over seven years on from revealing his health battle.Since the news broke, tributes have flooded in to one of Scottish football’s most beloved characters.Jamie Langfield, who was Aberdeen goalkeeper under Calderwood, posted a heartfelt tribute to his former boss.He said: “Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of Jimmy Calderwood, he was the main reason I went on to have the career I did, he took a chance on me when no one else would, we had our ups and downs but he was so positive with me and help me in so many ways. What a great man.”Another ex-Dons star, Richard Foster, said: “What a sad day. Jimmy had such a profound impact on my life – professionally and personally.”We didn’t always see eye to eye and had some cracking arguments over the years but he gave me some of the best experiences of my career and I owe him so much.”One thing is for sure, he will be remembered throughout the game. A Scottish football giant.”Kilmarnock added: “Everyone at Kilmarnock Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Jimmy Calderwood. Our thoughts are with Jimmy’s family and friends at this time.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Scottish FA said: “We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jimmy Calderwood after his passing today.”Jimmy Calderwood played for Birmingham CityCredit: GettyHe won the Challenge Cup with Ross CountyCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowJimmy Calderwood revealed his health battle in 2017Credit: Keith Campbell – The Sun GlasgowHe will be remembered as one of Scottish football’s most popular charactersCredit: Les Gallagher – The Sun GlasgowKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday live stream FREE: How to watch huge EFL clash today

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      LEEDS welcome fierce Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday to Elland Road TODAY!Daniel Farke is looking to lead the Whites back to the Premier League after his side failed to make an immediate return to the top flight last season.Leeds’ Yorkshire derby with Sheffield Wednesday will be free to watchCredit: GettyLeeds were on the receiving end of play-off final heartbreak last May, with Adam Armstrong’s strike firing Southampton to the big time.Now, the Whites are on a nine-match unbeaten run and will remain top of the Championship with a win over their Yorkshire rivals this afternoon.But Sheffield Wednesday arrive at Elland Road in decent form themselves, and the Owls will be looking to secure three points to push towards the play-off spots.It promises to be a blockbuster Yorkshire derby – and you can catch all the action for FREE!READ MORE IN EFLWhen is Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday?Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday will take place on Sunday, January 19.Kick off is scheduled for 12pm GMT.Elland Road will host.How to watch Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday for FREELeeds vs Sheffield Wednesday will be broadcast LIVE on ITV1 You can live stream the match for FREE on the ITVX app/website.The Championship fixture is available on free-to-air TV after Sky Sports, ITV, and the EFL reached an agreement to give fans the chance to watch the EFL and EFL Cup for absolutely nothing. Most read in EFLITV’s coverage of the second tier continues with the Tees-Wear derby between Middlesbrough and Sunderland on Monday, February 4. More

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      ‘Cry me a river’ – Match of the Day pundit Ashley Williams cheekily trolled after getting Arsenal ace’s name wrong TWICE

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      ASHLEY WILLIAMS was cheekily pulled up after getting Jurrien Timber’s name wrong TWICE on Match of the Day.Williams, 40, was appearing on Saturday night’s show, which featured highlights of Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.Ashley Williams was trolled after mistakenly referring to Jurrien Timber as JustinCredit: BBCWilliams was highlighting why Timber and Thomas Partey had cost Arsenal against Aston VillaCredit: BBCBut viewers at home wondered why he had not been pulled up on itCredit: BBCHowever, while analysing the game, fans noticed a slight error made by the former defender.The Welshman was heard accidentally referring to Gunners star Timber as “Justin” – possibly in a mix-up caused by pop star Justin Timberlake.Viewers were left doing a double-take as Williams then made the same mistake again moments later.And fans couldn’t help but poke fun at the former Swansea and Everton star.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTaking to social media, one fan said: “Can someone tell Ashley Williams that Arsenal’s Timber is called Jurrien, not Justin?”A second said: “Justin Timber…(lake)”A third, referencing the hit song by Timberlake, added: “Justin Timber?! Cry me a river, Ashley Williams.”Another said: “Justin Timber you know.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWilliams’ analysis of the Dutchman came as he explained why he and Thomas Partey playing at right-back in the absence of William Saliba cost Arsenal from the defensive point of view.Arsenal had taken a 2-0 lead with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz but were forced to settle for a draw after goals from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins.Lone sad Arsenal fan being asked to leave by securityWilliams explained that the makeshift right side of the defence left them exposed down that flank, leading to the first Villa goal.Partey was then highlighted as he left Watkins unmarked for him to volley home the equaliser.With Liverpool enjoying a late comeback against Brentford through Darwin Nunez, Mikel Arteta’s side have now fallen six points behind the league leaders, who still have a game in hand.Arsenal host Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League next before travelling to Wolves next weekend.Arsenal ratings vs Aston VillaArsenal’s title hopes took a huge hit as they threw away a two-goal lead against Aston VillaLeandro Trossard turned provider for the Gunners to set up both goals as it looked like they would cruise to three points.But defensive lapses from two stars cost Arteta’s side dearly.Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.GABRIEL – 7Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.THOMAS PARTEY – 6A great stint at right back but one lapse in concentration cost Arsenal the lead, losing track of Watkins in the box before he volleyed in.MIKEL MERINO – 6A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half.He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1. Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7Integral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinelli for the opener before blazing over himself.The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8Again, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range.The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better. That will do wonders for his confidence.SUBS:RAHEEM STERLING (MARTINELLI, 82) – 6A few darting runs, but added virtually nothing, other than a needless yellow card. A cameo that screamed “lacking confidence”. More

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      ‘I’m in shock’ – Watch Lionel Messi ‘traumatise’ fans of Mexican side after trolling them with Inter Miami celebration

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      LIONEL MESSI left rival fans stunned as he trolled them during an Inter Miami celebration.Messi, 37, was back in action with his Major League Soccer outfit in a pre-season friendly.Lionel Messi aimed a message at Mexican fans after scoring for Inter MiamiCredit: Apple TVMessi gestured three fingers up towards the crowdCredit: Apple TVHe then pointed at the supporters of rivals Club AmericaCredit: Apple TVBefore making a zero signCredit: Apple TVThe clash came against Mexican giants Club America in Las Vegas.The Argentine netted his side’s opener in the 34th minute by heading home from close range to level the score at 1-1.However, he appeared to aim a dig at fans of Club America after being the subject of taunts and boos during the first half an hour of the game.And after scoring Messi was seen pointing to his club crest before holding his hand up and gesturing with three fingers up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then followed this up by moving his hand into what looked a zero shape.This was likely to indicate Argentina’s three World Cup triumphs – including the 2022 victory in which Messi captained his nation and the 1986 tournament hosted in Mexico – compared to the Mexico’s tally of none.Messi is generally known for being reserved on the pitch and letting his football do the talking, but is more than capable of a vicious dig towards rivals.Reacting on social media, fans were left stunned by Messi’s gesture, claiming it left his rival supporters “traumatised”.Most read in FootballOne said: “That was so unlike him LOL I’m in shock ahahah.”JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA second said: “He’s actually telling Mexican fans that Argentina has three stars and they have zero. This is a new Messi.A third added: “New exciting side of Messi after years of being humble…kind of cool actually.” Top 10 highest paid athletes in the world revealed with golf star earning more than three times Cristiano RonaldoAnother said: “Savage GOAT.”Inter went on to win the game 3-2 on penalties after a final score of 2-2.Messi joined the David-Beckham-owned franchise in 2023 on a free transfer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.He has scored 34 goals and added 18 assists in 39 games, and guided the club to its first-ever trophy with the Leagues Cup in 2023.Inter Miami will take on New York City in their opening game of the MLS season on February 22. More