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      Arsenal player ratings: Gabriel Martinelli shines against Fulham but Jakub Kiwior struggles after Gabriel injury

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      BUKAYO SAKA marked his return from a 101-day absence by scoring just seven minutes after coming on the pitch as Arsenal waltzed to a 2-1 victory despite a late scare.The Gunners will know their title challenge is all-but-over, however they still went about putting any remaining pressure on Liverpool with absolute professionalism against London rivals Fulham.Bukayo Saka came back with a bang, scoring just seven minutes after coming on the pitchCredit: GettyMikel Merino scored yet another goal in his make-shift striker roleCredit: GettyMikel Merino notched another goal with a deflected finish to further prove that he’s the best option Arsenal have up top amid their attacking injury crisis.While Saka’s headed finish gave Mikel Arteta and Arsenal fans confidence they will have some threat when they face Real Madrid in the Champions League next week.However, the night was marred by injuries to Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber – knocks that will be cause for concern ahead of that mammoth quarter-final on the horizon.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Hall rated Arteta’s men on their return to the Emirates after the break…READ MORE ON ARSENALDavid Raya – 7Week by week Raya is staking a claim as one of the best goalkeepers in the league.He doesn’t have to face a barrage of shots as part of this Arsenal team, but rarely falters when he is called upon.His distribution and preventative high claims are also among the best around.There was little he could have done to stop Rodrigo Muniz’s deflected goal.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesJurrien Timber – 6It looked like the Dutchman’s night was going to be cut short around the half an hour mark when he went down clutching his knee.Fortunately, he was able to play on and even managed to test Bend Leno with a stinging effort in the second half.Unfortunately his earlier knock proved too much and he was taken off with a niggle in the 75th minute.Arsenal could now be without at least two starting defenders for their clash with Real Madrid.Jurrien Timber was substituted with an injury in the second halfCredit: PAGabriel Magalhaes – N/AJust when Arsenal fans thought they were creeping out of their injury crisis with the return of Bukayo Saka, they lose another top star.Gabriel hobbled off after just 15 minutes to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior.Arteta – and every Arsenal fan up and down the country – will be hoping the wall at the back will be fighting fit for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid next week.Arsenal lost their star centre-back Gabriel early in the first halfCredit: GettyWilliam Saliba – 6Stepped up to the plate in Gabriel’s absence and looked assured both on and off the ball.His frame did wonders to prevent Raul Jimenez from fashioning any chances in dangerous areas.However, he wasn’t able to do enough to stop Rodrigo Muniz from batting it against him to pull a late goal back for Fulham.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Every time you see Lewis-Skelly play you wonder how he’s only 18 and not a seasoned pro with years of experience at the top.He didn’t set the world alight against the Cottagers, but looked just as assured and comfortable as he always does – this time without Gabriel by his side.While he also made an important bloke to prevent Muniz after Fulham had pulled back a late goal.Mikel Arteta has splashed the cash to have a plethora of options at left-back, yet it seems like the Hale End academy graduate is now the number one choice for that position.Thomas Partey – 7Almost gifted Fulham a golden opportunity with a loose header in the first half, but saw David Raya pop up to save the day.Despite a few loose touches he did enough to keep the ball moving in central areas.He’s become an important starter for Arsenal this season, yet still seems to be on his way out in the summer on the expiration of his deal.Declan Rice – 6He’s not a glamorous footballer, but he’s always going to give 100 per cent no matter what.Certainly not his worst game in an Arsenal shirt, but by no means his best.Martin Odegaard – 5Another frustrating night for the Arsenal captain who seems to have been unable to find the keys to unlock the low block his side faces each week.The Norwegian is certainly one of the best talents in the league, but has only shown it in glimpses this season.Arsenal as a whole looked a bit laboured and lacklustre at times, often that’s a result of the way Odegaard is playing. When he ticks, the whole team does too.Martin Odegaard has struggled to live up to the heights he set for himself last seasonCredit: GettyGabriel Martinelli – 9Regularly made Timothy Castagne look silly throughout the match and get into dangerous positions by the byline.But despite fashioning plenty of opportunities, the Brazilian was – as per usual – struggling with his end product in the first half.It almost seemed as if every shot or final pass was rushed or snatched at for the opening 45 minutes.That changed in the second half when his delightful flick perfectly teed up Bukayo Saka for a dream return to action.Finally looked like he had the goal to top off a spectacular performance in the dying moments, but was deemed to be marginally offside when his effort found the back of the net.Gabriel Martinelli’s spectacular flick set up Bukayo Saka’s goalCredit: AFPEthan Nwaneri – 7Bright spark in the opening exchanges and volleyed one right down the throat of Bernd Leno in the 21st minute as he looked the most likely to find the back of the net at first.Instead it was his cutback that helped open the scoring when he placed it on to the boot of Mikel Merino to poke home the first goal of the night.Replaced by Saka in the second half in perhaps a foreshadowing of what might happen to his role in the squad for the remainder of the season.Mikel Merino – 8Merino has stepped up the role of of make-shift striker with the sort of professionalism you would want from any player in your team.He might not make darting runs behind the back four, or curl delightful efforts round the keeper, but he’s certainly got a knack for goal.His punt towards goal took a healthy deflection off Jorge Cuenca to send it into the corner, but he won’t care – now netting an impressive five goals in eight games as a centre-forward.He almost made that six when he rifled another effort goalward from a corner in the 60th minute.Merino found the corner with a deflected shot to open the scoringCredit: GettySUBSJakub Kiwior (for Gabriel, 15mins) – 4Always a tough task to replace one of the best defenders in the league, but didn’t do enough to impress at all.Sloppily gave the ball away to gift a golden opportunity to Adama Traore in the second half, but was lucky to see the shot blazed wide.He was partly to blame for leaving Rodrigo Muniz wide open for his wayward header on the 80th minute mark – once again saved by sloppy finishing.With each game that passes it seems to be more obvious that the Polish international just isn’t at the required level.Jakub Kiwior allowed Adama Traore a golden opportunityCredit: ReutersBukayo Saka (for Nwaneri, 66mins) – 8The Emirates erupted in its loudest cheer of the night when Saka made his return to action after 21 games and 101 days on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.That was until he nodded home the Gunners’ second just six minutes after crossing the line and an even louder roar bellowed around N5.Read More on The SunArsenal have missed him dearly, and a return right before perhaps the biggest European game in the Emirates era could be crucial for Mikel Arteta’s side.Bukayo Saka reminded everyone watching what they had been missing with a goal just six minutes after he came onCredit: GettyLeandro Trossard (for Timber, 77mins) – 5Had very little impact on the match coming on so late, but did nick the ball off the foot of captain Odegaard who was lining up a thunderous effort. More

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      Nottingham Forest 1 Man Utd 0: Anthony Elanga haunts old club as Murillo makes LAST-SECOND clearance to win game

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      MANCHESTER UNITED old boy Anthony Elanga zapped his former employers with a lightning goal and edged Forest a step closer to the Champions League.United boss Ruben Amorim noted before the game how Old Trafford exiles Marcus Rashford and Antony were currently thriving on loan.Anthony Elanga refused to celebrate after scoring the winner against old side Man UtdCredit: GettyThe Red Devils crashed to a 1-0 defeat at Nottingham ForestCredit: RexMurillo made an incredible last-second clearance off the line to ensure the resultCredit: ReutersNuno Espirito Santo’s side remain on course for Champions League footballCredit: ReutersBut it was another former Red Devils wideman who scored the early, only goal in a game in which the visitors did everything but score.TNT Sports claimed Elanga, who joined Forest in the summer of 2023, had run 85 metres in nine seconds before slotting past Andre Onana in the fifth minute.If that is true, perhaps he is in the wrong sport.“Anthony Elanga, he left ‘cos you’re s**t,” was the gleeful song from the home fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut United weren’t s**t. They were the better side for most of the rest of the game, creating far more chances and keeping the home fans sweating right until the final whistle.Diogo Dalot hit the crossbar in the first half, while Alejandro Garnacho and Mason Mount both went close in the second.Yet Elanga’s strike proved enough to earn Nuno Espirito Santo’s side the victory and so to complete their first league double over United since 1991-92 under Brian Clough.Now Forest need only a few more wins to guarantee that they will be competing for the Big Ears trophy that Old Big ‘Ead lifted twice.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordMeanwhile, United are heading for their own 1970’s throwback – their worst league finish since they were relegated 31 seasons ago.As kick off approached, the Forest fans launched into a couple of quick bursts of Que Sera in celebration of the penalty shootout win over Brighton that had earned them a trip to Wembley for an FA Cup semi final.Ex-Man Utd star Memphis Depay sparks mass brawl with cheeky trick as four red cards are handed out in derby clash This game was all about securing a passport to Europe, and preferably into the top-tier competition that they won twice in the good old days.And they scored a trademark goal inside five minutes to make the perfect start.Cup hero goalkeeper Matz Sels’ save from Bruno Fernandes’ 20-yard shot from outside the box was a little untidy.But Forest’s break from the resulting corner was laser-guided brilliance.Elanga needed just five minutes to open the scoringCredit: RexHe ran the length of the pitch before firing homeCredit: GettyHow United found themselves, after their own corner, three against two home attackers is one thing.The way that situation became two against two was all about Elanga’s lightning speed and Morgan Gibbs-White’s lung-busting run alongside him.You wondered if Gibbs-White was going to end up cursing his team-mate for not passing.Yet the former United trainee used the decoy to perfection and slotted past Onana while Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu could only look on helplessly.Murillo’s clearance was as good as a goal for ForestCredit: PAFans and players are now dreaming of European football next seasonCredit: GettyWith pleasing symmetry, it was the 23rd time Forest had scored first in a Premier League game this season and the 23rd in which United had conceded first.Yet United were soon creating chances, albeit mainly from distance or corners.The visitors, in the Forest supporters’ eyes, were also playing against referee Jarred Gillett, who was not awarding the free kicks that they felt their team deserved.Garnacho somehow avoided a booking for a nasty foul on Ryan Yates.Diogo Dalot hit the crossbar after another dangerous corner, and Sels was grateful that Gillett did spot a foul in the scramble that followed.It was a dismal result for Ruben AmorimCredit: RexUnited could not find a way throughCredit: PAForest failed to make the most of another couple of breaks and were otherwise pretty unthreatening going forward.They suffered further discomfort when right-back Ola Aina went off injured and Nuno made a double change to bring on a third centre back in a bid to stem the United tide.The half ended with Onana catching a Morato header and Nikola Milenkovic making a crucial tackle on Garnacho before Casemiro fired wide.Amorim replaced Manuel Ugarte with Rasmus Hojlund at half time and restored Fernandes to the deeper midfield role where he’d excelled in recent matches.Onana had been cheekily described in the matchday programme as “capable of both the sublime and the ridiculous”. The save he made low to his left early in the second period from Yates’ header was the former.The Red Devils will have to regroup for Sunday’s derbyCredit: ReutersUnited were decent but could not take any of their chancesCredit: GettyGarnacho fired over the bar before Amorim saved Casemiro from himself, having seen the Brazilian booked for one foul on Yates and generally look like a red card waiting to happen.Fernandes was starting to ping passes from deep. When Garnacho was ruled offside from one, he was booked for kicking the ball away.From the next, the Argentine collected neatly and turned inside, only for Yates and Morato to deflect the ball to safety. Yates reacted as if he had scored.Garnacho then fired just wide and the game was right in the balance.Next it was substitute Mount’s turn to hold his head in his hands after he, too, sent a shot just off target.Read More on The SunNeco Williams ended a rare Forest attack by shooting off target just before six minutes of stoppage time. Harry Maguire, on as as centre forward, had a shot cleared off the line by Murillo at the death and United could not find the equaliser they deserved. More

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      Arsenal 2 Fulham 1: Bukayo Saka scores less than seven minutes into dream return but Gabriel injury taints win

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      MIKEL ARTETA just cannot catch a break as Bukayo Saka’s comeback celebrations were spoiled by yet another crushing injury blow.Twenty games and 101 days after his last Arsenal appearance, Saka strutted on in the 66th minute to a standing ovation and rapturous applause.Saka showed his class in celebrating his goal on his return to the teamCredit: GettyBukayo Saka scored on his return to the team following a 101-day lay-offCredit: GettyGabriel’s injury took the shine off an otherwise superb night for ArsenalCredit: GettySeven minutes later, the Emirates were deliriously on their feet once more as the Gunners’ saviour scored a match-winning header to finally see off Fulham after Mikel Merino’s first half opener and a late consolation from Rodrigo Muniz.Saka’s every touch was hailed and drooled over, the first competitive run-out on a hamstring that had been sliced open and operated on just over three months ago.A real morale-boosting, mood-changing moment in Arsenal’s season – or so we thought.After 13 minutes, centre-back Gabriel pulled up clutching his own hamstring, hobbling off with the look of a man who knows he is now a serious doubt for the visit of Real Madrid to North London for next week’s Champions League quarter final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJust as Arsenal’s campaign faded after Saka’s hamstring issues – getting knocked out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup and falling adrift in the Prem title race – their chances of progressing in Europe have now taken a huge hit to the gut.It does not stop there. Jurrien Timber had struggled for large parts before being subbed off in the 78th minute.As boss Arteta has done all season, he will need to find the answers to stop Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham without potentially two of his defensive starters, with Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White also doubts.At least they will be taking on Los Blancos with Saka back to fitness, and back to form, scoring his sixth Prem goal this term, picking up right where he left off in December.Most read in FootballThe 23-year-old started against the Cottagers on the bench, Ethan Nwaneri rewarded for his fine form in Saka’s absence with another start on the right wing.Fulham and Marco Silva – so often the architects of Arsenal’s downfall in recent years, without a league defeat to them since March 2023 – made five changes in their attempts to keep chase with the top four.’Captain on and off the pitch’ – Fans love Arsenal star Martin Odegaard’s classy gesture on international dutyMikel Merino’s deflected shot gives Arsenal the leadCredit: GettyThe Spaniard celebrates firing Arsenal in frontCredit: GettyThe Emirates atmosphere was subdued, beginning the day 12 points off leaders Liverpool, and Arsenal did not turn up in the opening stages. Misplaced passes galore.Arteta could not be blamed for turning to his bench and wondering how long he needed to wait before chucking Saka on to provide some sort of spark.A wholly uninspiring start, and then a hugely demoralising moment for Gabriel that nearly descended into a farce as he hit the floor chasing back a Fulham counter.Arsenal decided to play on and attack for a further two minutes, refusing to kick the ball out as Gabriel remained flat on the turf.Arteta and what looked like the entire coaching staff were begging their players to stop the game, as was Declan Rice, but they were ignored.Inevitably, the visitors won it back and pounced from deep, well within their rights to play on, despite hypocritical protests from Arsenal.Gabriel was forced to get back up and hobble back into the defensive line. Luckily, Fulham could only muster winning a corner before the crippled defender could be subbed off.His replacement, Jakub Kiwior – making his first Prem appearance since December 8 in the 1-1 draw at Fulham – instantly slipped and nearly let Raul Jimenez through.Fulham’s Mexican forward was involved again as Arteta was forced to contemplate another defensive injury substitution in the 28th minute.Timber went down off the ball, having felt the full force of a Jimenez follow-through. This time, the ball was kicked out and the Dutchman received treatment.He had been a doubt after suffering from illness over the international break, but was able to carry on. Saka then strolled down the touchline, lifting the atmosphere somewhat.The players on the pitch were huffing and puffing. A break was desperately needed. Nwaneri had forced Bernd Leno to palm away his volley into the ground.The England Under-21s international then drove and pulled back for Merino, the Spaniard clumsily sorted out his feet and poked into the far corner via a deflection from Jorge Cuenca – his seventh goal of the season.A messy stand-out from a forgettable half of football. Fulham trudged down the tunnel without a first-half shot on target. It took seven minutes of the second half to change that.Jimenez raced down the left of the box with Timber on his backside and David Raya’s unconvincing flap into the middle of his box had to be hoofed away by Myles Lewis-Skelly.Arsenal were trying to jam themselves into first gear. Timber smacked an effort into the chest of Leno and Merino had a close-range volley well blocked.But the arrival of Saka was what they needed – their starboy getting on the end of a Merino cross that was flicked to the back post by Martinelli.Read More on The SunWithout Gabriel, Arsenal made a meal of seeing this one out, somehow allowing Muniz to find Raya’s bottom corner in injury time.An ominous sign for the impending welcome of Carlo Ancelotti’s Galacticos. More

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      Diletta Leotta risks wardrobe malfunction in dressing gown with stunning DAZN presenter ‘to blame for Karius’ injury’

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      DILETTA LEOTTA risked a wardrobe malfunction in a dressing gown as fans joked the stunning DAZN presenter was “to blame for Loris Karius’ injury.”Leotta cut a glamorous figure as she relaxed in a scenic snap on social media.Diletta Leotta risked a wardrobe malfunction in a skimpy dressing gownFans joked she was to blame for hubby Loris Karius coming off injured at the weekendCredit: GettyLeotta reported on Napoli’s 2-1 win over AC Milan at the weekendThe Italian beauty left little to the imagination as she draped herself in a barely-there white dressing gown.Leotta kicked back on a chair as she read over some notes.While in the background, she shared a gorgeous view of Naples.Leotta captioned the picture: “24 hours in Naples.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe was visiting the southern Italian city to present coverage of Napoli’s 2-1 win over AC Milan on Sunday.But Leotta is sure to have rushed back to the family home after partner Karius was ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.The former Liverpool and Newcastle goalie now plays for German side Schalke.But he was left in a world of pain when he was forced off in their 3-3 weekend draw with Greuther Furth.Most read in FootballAnd fans joked it was Leotta who was responsible for Karius coming off early.One said: “She is to blame for Karius’ injury.”Sports presenter and ex-Premier League Wag Diletta Leotta stuns in see-through top for live TV broadcast Another declared: “You are and always will be number one.”One noted: “You make me dream.”Another added: “Fantastic.”Karius and Leotta met in late 2022 and enjoyed a whirlwind romance.They got engaged and married in 2023, while welcoming their daughter Aria in August that year.Leotta recently opened up over their first meeting at Paris Fashion Week three years ago.She said: “Loris came in and I said, ‘Girls, the man of my life has come in’.Read More on The Sun“That was absolutely amazing.”A glimpse inside Diletta’s glamorous life with partner Loris Karius…Diletta Leotta and boyfriend Loris Karius saw in the new year togetherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/The footballer brought Diletta a cake to her hospital bed as she gave birth to their first child on her own birthdayCredit: INSTAGRAM / dilettaleottaThe pair posed together in ‘2023’ sunglassesDiletta is one of the Serie A’s best loved presentersCredit: GettyDiletta stunned as she presented the Turin derby on Italian TVCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaThe glamorous TV host put on a leggy display pitchsideCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaAnd boasts 8.9million followersCredit: GettyDiletta gave birth to her first child with Karius in August 2023Credit: Instagram / @dilettaleottaDiletta is no stranger to some extravagant outfits on her InstagramCredit: @dilettaleottaDiletta and Karius in MilanCredit: The Mega AgencyThe Italian beauty on holiday with KariusShe has flipped between blonde and brunette looksCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/She has previously worn an outfit similar to her Tomb Raider lookCredit: @dilettaleottaDiletta with a pared back lookCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaDiletta Leotta is reportedly dating Loris Karius after he visited her in MilanCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaLeotta has 8.6million Instagram followersCredit: GettyShe is a presenter for DaznCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaLeotta burst on to the scene with Sky SportsCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaShe posts regularly updates on Instagram to the delight of her fansCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaDiletta has 8.5million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaThe Italian works for DAZNCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta More

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      Bukayo Saka shows class in celebration as he scores just SEVEN MINUTES into Arsenal return after 101 days out injured

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      BUKAYO SAKA scored just seven minutes into his first appearance in 101 days.The Arsenal star, 23, had been missing since undergoing hamstring surgery in December.Bukayo Saka headed home from close rangeCredit: ReutersSaka celebrates his comeback goalCredit: PAThe England winger hugged Arsenal fitness coach Sam Wilson after his goalBoss Mikel Arteta revealed on Monday that Saka was fully ready and raring to go.The winger was named on the bench for tonight’s clash with Fulham and was thrown on for Ethan Nwaneri in the 66th minute.Just seven minutes later he found the net, heading home from close range following Gabriel Martinelli’s flick.Saka immediately ran over to the Arsenal bench to celebrate.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe England star singled out fitness coach Sam Wilson.Arsenal’s No7 has known Wilson for several years, having also worked with him in the Gunners’ Under-21s team.The North Londoners had already led 1-0 when Saka was introduced, courtesy of Mikel Merino’s heavily deflected first half effort.Rodrigo Muniz went on to score a late consolation, although Arsenal saw out a 2-1 victory.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesArsenal fans were thrilled to welcome back their star manArteta’s side lost Gabriel to injury just 16 minutes into the contest.The Brazilian went down holding his hamstring following a chase with Adama Traore.’Captain on and off the pitch’ – Fans love Arsenal star Martin Odegaard’s classy gesture on international dutyGabriel, 27, went off shaking his head and was replaced by Jakub Kiwior.The centre-back is now a huge doubt for next week’s huge Champions League clash with Real Madrid.Reporting on the injury on Sky Sports News, former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood said of Gabriel: “He won’t be the first player to have popped a hamstring trying to chase Adama Traore.”That’s what happened in the middle of the pitch and it looked like he just ripped it. That is his season over.”If that’s a bad hamstring that is him finished. He’s walking off but he’s shaking his head, he doesn’t look good.”Jurrien Timber was also brought off in the 78th minute after struggling throughout the game in another worrying sign ahead of the Madrid clash.Read More on The SunArsenal are next in action on Saturday when they face Everton at Goodison Park.Saka and Co will then host Real Madrid next Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.Gabriel was forced off with injury during the first halfCredit: Reuters More

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      Inside David Beckham’s 50th birthday celebrations including MONTH of lavish parties with huge guests

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      DAVID Beckham has kicked off his 50th birthday celebrations — which include a month of partying.The former England skipper, who owns US club Inter Miami, got the ball rolling with a posh bash at his favourite restaurant in the city.David Beckham, pictured with wife Victoria, has kicked off his 50th birthday celebrations — which include a month of partyingCredit: instagramGuests included 6ft 4in quarterback legend Tom Brady and 7ft 1in basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal and Jamie SlaterCredit: instagramGuests included 6ft 4in quarterback legend Tom Brady and 7ft 1in basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal.The sporting giants towered over 5ft 11in Becks and his shorter pal, Authentic Brands founder Jamie Salter.Also attending the do at swanky Italian diner Cipriani was Becks’ wife Victoria, and their children Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13.Eldest son Brooklyn, 26, had work commitments.Read More on FootballBecks’ big day is not until May 2, but a source explained: “This party took place so early because of the Inter Miami schedule. “They played the night before and a lot of people flew in to watch that too, including Jack Whitehall.“They hired out Cipriani, which is an old favourite of the Beckhams. There was a free bar, and they all partied late into the night.“David is planning other events and will be turning 50 in style. Most read in Football”He will do a big dinner for his family and friends closer to his birthday and then will spend the day itself doing something with just Victoria, their parents and the kids.“They like to keep their actual birthdays more private and Victoria will be planning something very special.”Watch as David Beckham gives fans rare look inside Cotswolds homeWhen the former Spice Girl hit 50 last year, Becks hired out Mayfair private members club and whisked her off for a remote romantic break.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      ‘I had family members die due to drugs’ – Robbie Fowler lifts lid on infamous ‘coke’ celebration in Merseyside derby

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      ROBBIE FOWLER has lashed out at the “bitter Blues” who made his life a misery by spreading cruel rumours that he took drugs in his free-scoring Anfield pomp.The Liverpool legend launched an emotional attack on Everton fans as he revealed the secret heartache behind one of the Premier League’s most infamous celebrations.Robbie Fowler performed his infamous celebration during a Merseyside derby in 1999Credit: Getty Images – GettyFowler, now 49, received a hefty fine for his celebrationCredit: Getty Images – GettyGoal machine Fowler opened up while recalling the pretend coke-snorting celebration in front of Toffees supporters after netting in a 1999 Mersey derby.Police officers intervened to keep the peace among furious fans after Fowler knelt to the ground and pretended to hoover up the by-line in a bid to have the final word.But he ended up copping a four-match ban and £32,000 fine from the FA  — and had his wages docked by Liverpool.And the former England striker admits he is still hurt by the scurrilous rumours.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith Arne Slot’s Prem pacesetters facing an Everton side revitalised by David Moyes at Anfield on Wednesday night, memories will come flooding back of Fowler’s antics.But the background to the slur would make the rumour-mongers wince, as the ex-player explained at An Evening with Robbie Fowler in Congresbury, Somerset.He said: “I was accused of being on drugs for a number of years, which was ridiculous because I’m genuinely anti-drugs.“And even nowadays I still get a little bit of stick about being on drugs, being on cocaine or whatever.Most read in FootballFowler has lifted the lid on his infamous celebrationCredit: Getty“But I’m very anti-drugs and I’ve even had family members who have passed away through drugs so this was all very difficult to take.“For me, it’s been completely wrong that I had to put up with these accusations because they were completely unfair.Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports “I was even having people writing on the wall outside our home that I was a smackhead or I was this or that. So, it got to a point where it was all really embarrassing.”He is particularly upset that his late dad Robert Snr, who died in 2017, was forced to face malicious rumours.Fowler, who turns 50 next Wednesday, added: “I’ll always remember my dad came up to me once and put me on the spot. He said, ‘Look son, I’m hearing all sorts of rumours that you’re on drugs, so tell me, are you or not?’“I said, ‘Dad, I really can’t believe you’ve asked me that’ — and he apologised and said he’d never ask me that question again.“This dragged on for a number of years until I finally thought, what can I do to combat it and stop the rumours?Next thing I was on my hands and knees to ram the rumours down their necks.Robbie Fowler“I knew the rumours were coming from Everton fans, so I thought to myself, next time we play them, if I score I’ll rub salt into wounds with a bit of mimicking.“And it all fell into place. I scored a penalty right in front of them and next thing I was on my hands and knees to ram the rumours down their necks.“Unfortunately, the whole thing ended up costing me £64,000. That’s a lot of money these days — but back then in 1999 it was a f***ing hell of a lot of money.“It was just me getting my own back after getting so much stick from Everton fans.“I wanted to wind them up. Do I regret it? No, I don’t. But I do regret the reaction it stirred because some people thought I was endorsing it by treating it lightly.“It wasn’t to do with endorsing drugs at all — it was just to get back at those Everton fans.“Would I do it again? If someone else was to pay my fine — yes, of course.”Fowler scored 183 goals in 369 Reds games and netted six times against their neighbours from across Stanley Park, including two in that 3-2 win that sparked uproar.’I GREW UP AN EVERTONIAN’But it could have been an entirely different story had the Toxteth lad chosen Everton over Liverpool where he honed his craft under record marksman Ian Rush.“In terms of childhood heroes, I loved strikers like Marco van Basten who was unbelievable but can’t look any further than Ian Rush,” continued Fowler, nicknamed ‘God’ on the Kop.“I grew up an Evertonian and you were supposed to hate Rushy because of the amount of goals he scored against Everton.“But I appreciated good football and appreciated Rushy because he was brilliant. He was always helpful to me as I came through the ranks.Read More on The Sun“I know that they all are now, but I was never a bitter Blue. And I’m proud of my little place in derby and Anfield history.“I got the last derby goal in front of the old Kop (in 1994) and it was the winner (in a 2-1 victory) which made it extra special.” More

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      Anthony Elanga sparks debate over celebration after scoring sublime goal against Man Utd

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      ANTHONY ELANGA scored a wondergoal against former club Manchester United as fans hailed it the “goal of the season” – but left viewers divided with his celebration.The Nottingham Forest star, 22, scored what proved to be the winner within five minutes thanks to an outrageous solo effort.Anthony Elanga refused to celebrate wildly, despite the special nature of the goal, merely pointing to the skyCredit: RexElanga picked the ball up in his own half, drove up the pitch and poked homeCredit: GettyFans were divided over Elanga’s muted celebration, as some called it ‘cold’ while others thought he should have gone biggerCredit: ReutersAs the Midlanders cleared their lines from a corner, Elanga picked the ball up in his own half.The Swedish international weaved his way through three Man Utd defenders and kept going all the way into United’s box.He covered an incredible 85 metres in just nine seconds hitting around 21mph, keeping near-Olympic 100m pace, to catch United on their heels.Micky van de Ven’s 23mph sprint remains the quickest by a Premier League star this season, with Matheus Nunes and Bryan Mbeumo hot on his heels – but Elanga’s feat is all the more impressive as hit top speed with the ball glued to his feet.READ MORE SPORT STORIESThe speedster then poked the ball past Andre Onana – whom Forest had “taken the p*** out of in their matchday programme – to give his team the lead.Elanga, showing respect for the club he joined aged 12, refused to celebrate.But fans were more than happy to celebrate on his behalf.One wrote on X: “Elanga just scored the goal of the season against United.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother said: “Elanga becomes 2012 Messi.”A third compared him to Liverpool’s leading man, writing: “Elanga wtf!! That was Salah’s standard.”Roy Keane names toughest ever opponent and favourite stadium and coach in Q&AElanga spent 11 years at Man Utd but was sold by Erik ten Hag in 2023Credit: GettyHowever, some supporters were frustrated with Elanga’s celebration, pointing to the way he was treated by United, as he was shoved out the Old Trafford exit in 2023.One pointed out: “Elanga celebrate man the deserve the rudest celebration for the way they treated you.”But another countered: “Elanga that was some cold celebration.”Another summarised: “Fair play to Elanga though. Outstanding goal and a very muted celebration. Showing his respect and class.”After the game, Elanga told TNT Sports: “It is about attacking the space and getting to the opposite goal as quick as I can. I saw the space and I believe I’m one of the fastest players in the league.”The finish is something I have been trying to work on. Left foot or right foot, I am quite comfortable with both feet this season.”All you want to do is keep on improving, coming here is about playing and developing.”I appreciate Manchester United so much as I learned a lot there. I am enjoying my football and I want to keep on going.”Many Man Utd fans were left frustrated by their club’s treatment of the 21-cap international winger.Elanga had shown great promise and had forced his way into the first-team, making 37 Premier League appearances in his final two seasons.Yet, despite showing huge potential, Erik ten Hag sold him to Forest for just £15million.Read More on The SunElanga has gone on to become a key cog in Champions League-chasing Forest’s XI, as well as Sweden, despite their wealth of attacking talent including Alexander Isak and Dejan Kulusevski.The winger now has six goals and eight assists this season, with his new side third in the table and United enduring a miserable campaign, currently 13th.What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.” More