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      Arsenal wonderkid Lewis-Skelly’s mum reveals he’s ‘still on washing-up duty’… and how she nearly missed Man City goal

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      MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY’S mum has admitted she nearly MISSED her son’s first Premier League goal for Arsenal at the weekend.The Gunners cruised to a 5-1 win at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with Lewis-Skelly a standout player.Myles Lewis-Skelly’s mum has revealed she nearly MISSED her son’s first senior Arsenal goalCredit: The Sports AgentsThe teenager scored a crucial goal for the Gunners against Man City on SundayCredit: GettyThe 18-year-old scored his team’s third goal of the match before replicating Erling Haaland’s signature ‘zen’ celebration in front of the home fans.But his mum, Marcia Lewis, has admitted she cannot recall the strike.Speaking to Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan on The Sports Agents podcast, Marcia revealed: “Do you know what? I have two things. I’m dyslexic and I have a really, like, short attention span.”So, it was all going a bit quick. So I was like, ‘Oh, oh, oh.’Read More on Arsenal”And sometimes I even struggle to work out where Myles is on the pitch.”Asked by Chapman if she saw the goal, she added: “I think so! He’s got a very similar build to [Jurrien] Timber, so I sometimes get them mixed up.”Oh my god, did I really say that!”Logan then went on to ask what Lewis-Skelly is like at home as he is so highly regarded at Arsenal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMarcia responded: “He is surrounded by amazing people and family and friends and he is just a normal kid.”You know, you get the usual banter when he’s still got to empty the dishwasher and tidy his room, yeah…’Head is gone’ – Guardiola’s bizarre reaction after he is told about Lewis-Skelly mocking Haaland in Arsenal celebration”He’s a lovely boy, but I don’t know anything else. He’s just Myles and he’s very respectful.”Marcia put herself through a Masters degree in football business at University before passing Fifa’s football agent exam and becoming her son’s agent.Her master’s thesis was on the parent experience in youth football where she interviewed 18 parents with children aged 15 to 21 and found four recurring problems.Marcia also aims to help and support other parents going through similar experiences.The scheme, known as the No1 Fan Club, includes various resources, a community chat network, workshops and even a book club – all tailored towards providing wisdom, education and support for parents.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Inside unusual top flight clash starting in 17th minute with suspended players allowed to play and new signings banned

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      A TOP FLIGHT European football game with a unique set of one-off rules left one side with only 14 players available for selection.The Serie A clash between Fiorentina and Inter Milan was rescheduled to February 6 after it was abandoned in December.Fiorentina manager Raffaele Palladino was left with only 14 players due to an odd set of rules in a rearranged game against Inter MilanCredit: GettyThe original game on December 1 was postponed after Edoardo Bove suffered a cardiac arrestCredit: RexThe game was suspended and rearranged for February 6, leading to some rarely-seen rules being usedCredit: ReutersInter’s Denzel Dumfries, who is set to serve a one-game suspension, was allowed to play due to not being suspended in the original fixtureCredit: GettyThe original game on December 1 was postponed after 22-year-old Edoardo Bove collapsed on the pitch following a cardiac arrest, with the game being abandoned in the 17th minute. Fiorentina star Bove was nursed back to health in hospital before breaking his silence in an emotional social media post.But while he continues his recovery on the sidelines, Fiorentina have been left shorthanded in playing the remainder of the fixture at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.Rules for the game, which was 0-0 before it was abandoned, said it would resume from the 17th minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe rules forbid players who were not registered at the time of the original game from playing, while stars who were banned or subbed off by the time of the suspension also cannot play.On the flip side, players currently banned could feature.It means Inter’s Denzel Dumfries and Fiorentina’s Pietro Comuzzo – who both need to serve one-game bans after picking up yellow cards last weekend – were permitted to play tonight.Both stars were named in their club’s respective starting XIs for the game, but neither will be able to play in the club’s next fixture on February 10, ironically when they play out the reverse fixture at the San Siro.Most read in FootballThe registration rules mean new signings were not able to be included in the matchday squad.And it meant Fiorentina were unable to field six new signings; Michael Folorunsho, Pablo Marì, Ched Ndour, Nicolò Fagioli and Nicolò Zaniolo, who all joined the club in the January transfer window.That snag left Fiorentina, where ex-Manchester United star David De Gea plays, with just 14 senior players available for selection.Fiorentina star collapses in terrifying scenes as Serie A clash suspendedManager Raffaele Palladino explained in his pre-match press conference: “As you know, we can’t play the new players for Thursday, there will be very few of us. “14, to be precise, with two players that we are trying to recover. “I’m sure that those few will play a great game. Given the moment, we need to be even more of a team and get 100 per cent out of every single player. We will try to make things difficult for Inter. “We will add some U-19 players who have already trained with us in recent days.”By contrast, Inter are only forbidden to use one player, January signing Nicola Zalewski.Inter currently sit three points behind top club Napoli in the league table, while Fiorentina are down in sixth, three points outside of the top four.Bove, who was in attendance at the game, underwent surgery to install an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) – identical to Christian Eriksen – following the cardiac arrest.However, ICDs are not permitted in Serie A, meaning Bove is not eligible to play for the club.READ MORE SUN STORIESFiorentina won the game 3-0 thanks to a second-half brace from Moise Kean.Bove was hugged by team-mates as he congratulated them on the win after he entered the field.Bove was in attendance at the gameCredit: ReutersUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Liverpool vs Tottenham live stream FREE – how to watch Carabao Cup semi-final

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      LIVERPOOL welcome Tottenham to Anfield for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final TONIGHT!Spurs arrive on Merseyside with a slender one-goal lead after they stunned the Premier League leaders with a 1-0 win in the first leg.Lucas Bergvall’s late strike in the first leg is what separates the two sides ahead of the reverse legCredit: GettyLucas Bergvall’s 86th-minute strike was the matchwinner in early January, leaving Liverpool with it all to do this evening.Many will fancy Arne Slot’s men to turn the tie on its head, with the Reds leading the scoring charts in the Premier League this term and Spurs having a leaky, inexperienced backline.Tonight’s blockbuster Carabao Cup semi-final second leg will not be one you will want to miss – and you can tune in for absolutely NOTHING!How to watch Liverpool vs Tottenham for FREELiverpool vs Tottenham will be broadcast for FREE on ITV1.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans can live stream the crunch Carabao Cup semi-final second leg via the ITVX app/website.This follows an agreement between Sky Sports, ITV, and the EFL to give all UK football fans the chance to watch free-to-air coverage of select Carabao Cup and EFL fixtures.Sky Sports Football will also be airing the match, but you will require a valid Sky Sports subscription to watch the game on that channel.Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog of Liverpool vs Tottenham.Most read in FootballWhat happened in the other Carabao Cup semi-final?Newcastle brought a two-goal lead back to Tyneside after Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon fired the Magpies to a 2-0 win at Arsenal in the first leg.The Gunners left themselves with it all to do in front of a raucous St James’ Park on Wednesday night.But it was Eddie Howe’s men that looked the most dangerous from the off despite having a two-goal advantage.Jacob Murphy extended the Toon’s aggregate lead to 3-0 early in the first half after he tapped in from close range following Isak’s shot cannoning off the inside of the post.Just after the interval, things got even better for the North East outfit after Gordon pounced on a slack pass from David Raya to all but send the Geordies to Wembley.Arsenal failed to complete a comeback for the ages, meaning Newcastle await in March’s blockbuster final for either Liverpool or Tottenham.Newcastle have secured their spot in the Carabao Cup finalCredit: GettyUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Todd Boehly blasted by Chelsea fan group over role at ‘illegal’ ticket site charging £9,000 for Premier League games

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      TODD BOEHLY has been accused of a ‘breach of trust’ by Chelsea fans for his involvement in a ticket resale company.Chelsea co-owner Boehly is also a director of US based Vivid Seats which is labelled ‘unauthorised’ by the Premier League.Fans called into question Todd Boehly’s role in a firm reselling ticketsCredit: GettyVivid Seats is advertising VIP packages for title-chasing Liverpool’s final home game against Crystal Palace for more than £9,000.Chelsea’s Supporters Trust issued a statement on the matter which read: “Vivid Seats currently lists hundreds of Chelsea FC general admission tickets at significantly inflated prices.“As these tickets are not sold by the Chelsea FC website they are considered by the club to be ‘illegal’ sales.“Within the recent CST ticketing survey, many CST members suggested that Mr Boehly’s connection with Vivid Seats is a ‘breach of trust’ and could be a conflict of interest.READ MORE TOP STORIES“It is within Mr Boehly’s best interests to investigate these issues and address supporters’ concerns.”We do not believe it is appropriate for any Chelsea tickets or wider Premier League tickets to be listed on the Vivid Seats website.”Vivid Seats are offering tickets for Chelsea’s home game against Liverpool on May 3 for £1,445.Customers from the UK are informed they are not allowed to purchase tickets. Chelsea take a tough stance on ticket touting and say that fans found to be selling tickets for inflated prices will face sanction.Most read in FootballBoehly is in the middle of a takeover battle with business partner Behdad Eghali. Each wants to buy the other out at Stamford Bridge.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThey spearheaded a takeover of the club in 2022 after previous owner Roman Abramovich was forced to sell up in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.The club has been contacted for comment.KSI announces Wayne Bridge replacement for Misfits Boxing after ex-Chelsea star pulled out over John Terry jibeMeanwhile, fans have also criticised how the club handles some of its players.Joao Felix scored just 12 minutes into his AC Milan loan debut – five months after his unsuccessful £45m switch to Stamford Bridge.Some supporters reckon the former Atletico Madrid winger’s instant turnaround in fortunes sums up the Blues’ woes with a handful of big-name under-achievers in their large squad.One fan posted: “We can now agree Chelsea ruins players.”Another wrote: “Chelsea has ALWAYS ruined players, they were the club that would buy players so other teams couldn’t and then sit them on the bench.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      ‘I played a Premier League game with a STEAK in my boot – it was almost cooked by half-time because I was sweating’

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      FORMER Premier League star James Collins has revealed that he once played a match with a STEAK in his boot.The ex-centre back suffered a broken foot during his time with Aston Villa but refused to sit on the sidelines.James Collins has revealed he once played a match with a steak in his bootCredit: PA:Press AssociationCollins revealed he was told to use the steak after suffering a broken footCredit: X @PeterCrouchPodInstead, he started the following match – but used a hunk of meat to cushion the area surrounding the injury.Speaking on That Peter Crouch Podcast this week, Collins admitted: “I’m not sure you’re going to believe it but it 100 per cent happened.”So I was at Villa and I basically broke the top of my foot. But I was one of those players, you know, you want to play on, I was fine.”On the Friday before this particular game, I forgot who we were playing, I got the broken foot.Read More in Football”Our doctor at the time said: ‘Right, you’re going to think I’m mad but we’re going to get some cling film and put a steak at the top of your foot to take the pressure, or whatever, away from the broken bone.'”So I played a Premier League game with like a 10oz sirloin at the top of my foot!”It couldn’t be a fillet, I wouldn’t get my boot on!”Honestly, a game with a lump of steak cling filmed to the top of my foot. It did f*** all!Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWho are these famous footballers?”But it was almost cooked by half-time because I was sweating!”Collins left Aston Villa in 2012 to re-join West Ham.I tried following Gareth Bale’s diet to see if I could be as good as himHe made 214 appearances for the Hammers before joining Ipswich Town.The Welshman called time on his playing career in 2020.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Champions League and Euros winner Alvaro Morata gets humbled as fans of his new club don’t seem to have a clue who he is

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      ALVARO MORATA breezed through a handful of Galatasaray fans and NONE of them recognised him.Morata, 32, has played in almost every single major competition in football throughout his successful 15-year career.Alvaro Morata just recently joined Galatasaray on loan from AC MilanBut Galatasaray fans didn’t appear to recognise MorataMorata, though, went on to score on his second match with GalatasarayCredit: GettyThe striker starred for Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid Juventus and Spain, while he also spent three years on Chelsea’s books.The Spain international has also won a raft of major honours, such as two Champions League titles with Real, two Serie A honours with Juve, the FA Cup with the Blues and Euro 2024 with his national team.However, it seems like some fans of his new team still don’t know exactly who he is…Morata completed a shock loan move to Galata from AC Milan in the closing stages of the January transfer window.Read More on FootballThis poses as yet another surprise transfer the Turkish giants complete after their stunning loan swoop for Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen last summer.Very few expected Galatasaray to pull off yet another coup by signing Morata just seven months after he joined Milan.Nevertheless, the fans appear to still getting used to the centre-forward in their squad.A clip appeared to show the Spain international checking in to a hotel in Bolu ahead of Thursday’s Turkish Cup clash at Boluspor.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA few Galatasaray fans were spotted outside the hotel waiting to greet the players – some of the excited bystanders appeared to be looking forward for an autograph or a selfie.However, none of them recognised Morata, who was wearing a black cap but was otherwise quite recognisable.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsA couple of them made eye contact with the player, while some others didn’t even look twice.If anyone didn’t know who the Chelsea flop actually was, they must certainly know by now after Galata’s 4-1 win at the Bolu Ataturk Stadium.Morata led Okan Buruk’s side to a 4-1 victory as he scored his first goal in his second appearance on 21 minutes to equalise for the visitors.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Who is Liverpool vs Tottenham referee Craig Pawson and how do in-stadium VAR announcements work?

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      LIVERPOOL and Tottenham are set to clash in a HUGE semi-final tie at Anfield, with both sides aiming for a spot in the Carabao Cup final.Craig Pawson will take charge of the game, with VAR set to continue their trial of in-stadium announcements.Craig Pawson will take charge of the second leg between Tottenham and LiverpoolLucas Bergvall controversially scored the only goal in the first legArne Slot and Liverpool go into the second leg with a mountain to climb, having lost the first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Lucas Bergvall controversially scored the winner for Tottenham, having not seen a second yellow card for a late challenge on Curtis Jones earlier in the game.How do the VAR in-stadium announcements work?VAR has implemented the in-stadium announcements as part of an ongoing trial during the Carabao Cup semi-finals.As usual, the Video Assistant Referee can make decisions in the event of foul play or can advise the referee to go to the monitor to review a decision.Read more FootballLIVERPOOL VS SPURS – LATEST UPDATESIn these instances, once the referee or VAR has made a decision, the on-field referee will broadcast his decision to the stadium via the PA system.The first time this was used in the Carabao Cup was during the first leg of this tie, when Dominic Solanke had a goal ruled out for offside. The system had seen a successful trial at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.Most read in FootballWho is Craig Pawson?Craig Pawson is an English referee who will take charge of the Carabao Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Tottenham.Pawson has been a referee in the Premier League since 2013, after spending a spell as a referee in the Football League between 2008-13.He had been a FIFA listed referee since 2015, but stepped down in 2024.‘The ref made a mistake’ – Virgil van Dijk furious at Bergvall’s winner moments after Spurs star should have seen redWill there be extra time in the Liverpool vs Tottenham game?If Liverpool score once and Tottenham fail to reply then yes, there will be extra time.The game will have an extra 30 minutes should it end level on aggregate after 90 minutes.If the scores remain level after extra time, then the game will be decided by a penalty shootout.What TV channel is Liverpool vs Tottenham on and can the match be live streamed FREE?The Carabao Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Tottenham will be available to watch on Sky Sports, as well as ITV1.The game is available for stream on Sky Go or the Sky Sports app, and will also be available for FREE on the ITVX app/website.The game will kick-off at 8pm GMT from Anfield, with coverage set to start around an hour and a half prior to kick-off.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Inside Arsenal’s season-defining winter break to Dubai with team-bonding sessions, Saka return and 15-year-old in squad

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      FORGET Newcastle. Forget Wembley – Mikel Arteta hopes a trip to Dubai will yet again do the trick for Arsenal.Still licking their wounds from a St James’ Park mauling in the Carabao Cup semi-finals the night before, the Gunners boarded a plane on Thursday morning for more mid-season winter sun.Arsenal are heading back to Dubai on their latest mid-season training campCredit: GettyThe Gunners have used the trip to get their season back on track in the pastCredit: GettyThey will train at the Nad Al Sheba Training CentreCredit: GettyThe team headed out following the Carabao Cup exit to NewcastleCredit: www.arsenal.comThe players appeared in good spirits despite the disappointing defeatCredit: www.arsenal.comBukayo Saka has joined the travelling party as he eyes a returnCredit: www.arsenal.comIt has become a tradition of recent years for Arteta to take his squad to the Middle East – helped by early exits in the FA Cup – to recharge the batteries after a gruelling festive period and prepare for the final push.Last season – following a run of one win in seven in all competitions from December 9, 2023 to January 7, 2024 – Arsenal jetted off to Dubai for some much-needed soul-searching and vitamin D.They ended that campaign with 16 wins from their final 18 Premier League games, pipped to the title on the final day by Manchester City.This term fits the narrative too, Arsenal beginning 2025 with one win in five in all competitions and have been knocked out of two cups before February has really got going.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEleven games in 36 days has left the squad on its knees.When the group touch back down in London on Tuesday, a flick needs to be switched if they are to go one better in the Prem and chase down Liverpool’s six-point lead having played a game more than the Reds.Perfection will also be needed to go further than the last 16 in the Champions League next month, a tough ask from a paper-thin squad following Arsenal’s failure to recruit a forward in January.Arteta likes consistency and familiarity in these Dubai trips, so Arsenal will be at the same training centre as last year – the Nad Al Sheba (NAS) sports complex.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt is a regular spot for Prem players during the off-season as well as for intense rehab sessions, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba and Tyrone Mings.Arsenal’s sessions will involve high-intensity bursts and individual muscular conditioning programmes in average temperatures ranging from 22 to 27 degrees.Arsenal vs NewcastleIt also gives a chance for injured players to step up their rehab – crocked duo Bukayo Saka (hamstring) and Ben White (knee) will be on the trip with returns expected within the next month.Arsenal usually stay in hotels near the famous Dubai Palm, with club officials previously raving over having everything at their doorstep away from training, including shopping malls and restaurants.Arteta recently explained: “Of course we will have to modify [the trip]. There are a lot of things that will be very similar. Location, where we are staying, where we train.“But we are going at a different moment of the season, different numbers, probably the team needs a different stimulus, so we are preparing a few things.“Hopefully it will work like it has the last few times.”Families and close friends will be allowed to mix with the group throughout the camp. Last year, Arteta organised a BBQ for the group and staff as a bonding session.The NAS complex has been used by some of world’s top athletesCredit: Instagram / nas_scMarcus Rashford headed there to keep sharpArsenal have gone to Dubai in each of the last few seasonsCredit: Instagram / nas_scThe trip will be very similar from previous yearsCredit: Instagram / nas_scDiogo Dalot made use of the extensive gymCredit: Instagram / nas_scJadon Sancho honed his boxing skills on his visitCredit: Instagram / nas_scNovak Djokovic proved it is suitable for any sports starCredit: Instagram / nas_scThere is a running track around one of the Fifa-level pitchesCredit: Instagram / nas_scArteta also likes to integrate academy players in the training squad. Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, used the 2024 trip well, and is now a regular first-team player.This time around, highly-rated 15-year-old Max Dowman and 16-year-old keeper Jack Porter – who made his senior debut in the Carabao Cup third round against Bolton – have been included.Most importantly, Arteta needs to keep his players fit, especially Kai Havertz – the German international is the club’s only fit centre forward at the club with Gabriel Jesus out for the rest of the season with an ACL rupture.However, there are now concerns over Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian winger has had an MRI scan on his right hamstring after hobbling off in the first half of their 2-0 Toon defeat.READ MORE SUN STORIESBack in November, Arteta admitted he had no idea why Dubai has such a positive impact on his squad, and joked if Las Vegas produced the same results, he would send his players there.The Middle East roulette wheel has been spun once more. Where will it land this time?Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Raheem Sterling is making his first winter training camp trip with ArsenalCredit: www.arsenal.comMax Dowman is heading to the Middle East at just 15Credit: GettyJack Porter, 16, made his first-team debut against Bolton earlier this seasonCredit: GettyDeclan Rice was at the thick of the fun in 2024Credit: GettyYoungsters Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri go this year as first-team regularsCredit: www.arsenal.comLewis-Skelly in action during the December 2022 visitCredit: GettyThe warm weather provides a welcome change from the British winterCredit: GettyThe NAS complex has all the facilities needed for the GunnersCredit: GettyMikel Arteta will hope it can provide a timely boostCredit: GettyWorkouts can be done out in the sunshineCredit: GettyBen White will hope he can use the few days in Dubai as part of his rehabCredit: Getty More