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      How Bukayo Saka’s injury has wrecked Arsenal’s famous corner routines as Declan Rice stat revealed

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      IN the Dubai heat back in January 2024, Arsenal stumbled upon Declan Rice’s red-hot corner-taking prowess.Following his £105m summer move from West Ham, midfielder Rice took just three Prem corners in 20 appearances to start the 2023-24 campaign before the club’s mid-season trip to the Middle East on January 8.Declan Rice’s corner delivery is in the spotlightCredit: GettyBukayo Saka’s perfect crosses are a thing of the past with the England and Arsenal star out injuredCredit: GettyArsenal worked on corners during their warm-weather training camp in DubaiCredit: GettyAfter a dismal run of one win in five over the festive period, the winter sunshine was the catalyst for Arsenal’s impressive run-in of 16 wins and a draw from their last 18 league matches.Ultimately, still falling short on the final day, finishing two points off champions Manchester City.An added and unexpected bonus of that Dubai camp was Gunners set-piece guru Nicolas Jover discovering and honing Rice’s wand of a right foot from dead-ball situations, specifically corners.What caught Jover’s eye was Rice’s consistency of placement and the rare ability to vary his delivery style — from his looped curlers to the back post to more direct near-post drillers.READ MORE ON ARSENALGunners manager Mikel Arteta said: “Declan has been there since we decided to use him because of his unbelievable deliveries. He is so consistent.“We have scored a lot of goals. That curve, that level, is impossible to maintain. We knew it would fluctuate so we have to improve again.”From January 20, 2024 to the end of the season, Rice took 44 Prem corners, producing four assists in wins against Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Tottenham and West Ham. It was that 6-0 thumping of his former Hammers on February 11, 2024 that really stood out.Most read in FootballSaka managed three assists from 50 corners in the Premier League before his injury this seasonRice has been far less effective from corners this seasonCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRice’s corner saw William Saliba open the scoring and his free-kick was headed in by Gabriel, not to mention a curling worldie of his own to wrap things up against his old chums in East London.Arsenal had found their secret weapon. With Rice’s deliveries from the left and Bukayo Saka’s from the right, they ended the 2023-24 campaign with a joint Prem record of 16 goals from 265 corners.Champions League last 16 draw sees Liverpool take on PSG and Arsenal face PSV That is an average of seven corners per game and one goal every 16 corners. In short, a near-guarantee of goals.But 12 months on from that London Stadium battering, in another title race, with West Ham the opponents again on Saturday, Arsenal’s dead-ball bullies have gone quiet.There is no need for panic. Arteta’s men remain top of the Prem’s corner tally this term with ten goals from 162 taken — four more than nearest challengers Aston Villa, and of Saka’s ten league assists, three have come from corners.But Arsenal’s fearsome aura has faded in recent weeks, especially after Saka tore his hamstring at Crystal Palace on December 21.With Saka out until at least mid-March, the responsibility has fallen on Rice. The variety they once had that saw opposition defenders scrambling is missing.Saka would loft one to the back post for an incoming Gabriel from the right, and moments later Rice would fizz another to the near post for a flick-on — a delivery that on average is half a foot lower.The numbers have also taken a hit. Since April 2024, Rice has registered just one Prem assist from corners.In fact, the midfielder has just one assist from 69 corners taken this term — and no assists from the 21 he has taken since Saka went under the knife.Rice has been unfortunate not to have more assists — his delivery in the 1-1 draw at Fulham on December 8 was tapped in by Saliba AFTER Kai Havertz had helped it on.And Arsenal’s last goal from a corner on January 15 — from yet another Rice delivery — went down as a Dominic Solanke own goal from Gabriel’s header in the 2-1 home victory over Tottenham.But since then, 30 Prem corners have come and gone in games against Aston Villa, Wolves, Manchester City and Leicester with nothing for touchline prowlers Arteta or Jover to wildly celebrate.Ten points from a possible 12 in that run should not be sniffed at, especially with Arsenal’s injury crisis, but with Rice off the set-piece boil and Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard struggling to replicate Saka’s corner routines, Arteta will be wanting more.The Gunners were back in Dubai this month with set-pieces on the agenda.Ironically, it was a corner drill that saw German striker Havertz attempt to block a shot and pick up a season-ending hamstring injury out there.Arteta has been routinely mocked for his Tony Pulis-esque approach.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the Spaniard knows that with no recognised centre-forward and a real lack of attacking fluidity, corners could be their best bet in chasing down leaders Liverpool and keeping their title dreams alive.Rice’s right foot will be in the spotlight more than ever.Arsenal’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has transformed the club’s cornersCredit: GettyMikel Arteta will be hoping Declan Rice is able to find his man in the box a little more in the title run-inCredit: Getty More

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      £45m Premier League star reveals he spends summers working as a farmer four thousand miles away

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      MATHYS TEL has revealed his farming pastime — as Tottenham prepare to take on the Tractor Boys.The 19-year-old, signed on loan from Bayern Munich for the rest of the season, was born in Paris but his family hails from Guadeloupe.Mathys Tel has revealed his love for farming with his family in GuadeloupeTel joined Tottenham on a six-month loan from Bayern Munich in JanuaryTel goes over to the French colony in the Caribbean every year to see them.And the striker — whose side face Ipswich at Portman Road on Saturday —  is happy to get his hands dirty helping his grandpa out with growing fruit and vegetables.The France Under-21 star said: “That’s my country. My parents and my sister come from there. I was born in a small part of Paris.“Every year I go — one week, two weeks  — but I need to go there, for myself, for my confidence.READ MORE TOTTENHAM NEWS“Just to see my father happy, my little cousin happy, it brings me a lot of energy.“I help out my grandfather with agriculture.“I take some gloves and big shoes, so that’s good!“It doesn’t matter where I play my football, you have to be humble.  That’s why I go to Guadeloupe to see my family whenever I can.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTel ended up being one of the most exciting transfers of the January window.He completed a deadline-day loan move from Bayern to Spurs, who hold a £45million option to sign him permanently.Spurs fans hold sit-in protest against board and owenrs after Man Utd winGiven Spurs’ horror injury crisis since November – Tel was thrown straight into the deep end in North London.Despite being a Tottenham player for only 21 days, the teen has already played three times.He was subbed on during the club’s 4-0 Carabao Cup second leg defeat at Anfield and started in their 2-1 FA Cup exit to Aston Villa.The forward was then handed a full Prem debut in Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday. More

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      Leicester vs Brentford LIVE SCORE: Premier League updates as Foxes look to climb out of bottom three – latest

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      LEICESTER welcome Brentford to the King Power Stadium for a huge Premier League clash on Friday Night Football.The Foxes can climb out of the bottom three with a win as Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side look to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.Brentford sit comfortably in midtable, but victory this evening could ignite their aspirations for a spot in Europe next season.Kick off time: 8pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Premier LeagueLive stream: NOW/Sky Sports appLeicester team: Hermansen, Coulibaly, Okoli, Faes, Kristiansen, Soumare, Ndidi, El Khannouss, De Cordova-Reid, Ayew, Vardy.Brentford team: Flekken; Ajer, Collins, Pinnock, Lewis-Potter; Norgaard, Janelt, Damsgaard; Mbuemo, Wissa, SchadeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below… More

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      Next time Jude Bellingham wants to launch X-rated rant at referee he should copy former Wimbledon champion instead

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      FIERCE criticism of referees is practically a national habit, either in stadiums or at the TV.And why not? If we wish to send hot air at such targets and without much chance of reprisal, well, good luck to us.Jude Bellingham was sent off and handed a two-match suspension for his outburst towards the referee last weekendCredit: ReutersPity the poor ref, though, because it is as certain as thunder following lightning that some people will go too far.That is what the brain-dead do when they utter death threats at referees or spit out racial slurs.The question is what is the difference between fair criticism and a blurted insult.Did Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham stray too far when he muttered “f*** off” or f*** you” in the direction of referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero? The hugely talented 21-year-old says it was directed at himself.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ref said it was aimed at him and he had the red card!A Spanish Football Federation panel could have banned him for up to 12 weeks — it ended up being just two.Bellingham is no innocent Brummie abroad. He has been sent off as a Real player once before and should know that while “f*** off” is often aimed at someone’s own failings, it can easily be misunderstood.There is a much bigger aspect to this. On-field reaction to rulings might be generally overlooked. In the real world, not so much.Most read in FootballOfficials are given a tough task to deal with the complaints of playersCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNo one expects going to a match to be like attending church, but some of the bile delivered at refs and players is gruesome.Racial abuse must be eradicated, not only is it a short cut to hatred on a major scale but also to violence, mass murder and even war.Jude Bellingham caught ‘humbling’ LaLiga rival who threatened to knock Real Madrid team-mate out ‘in 10 seconds’Football is a physical and highly competitive sport. Surely that should be enough for supporters who like it for those reasons as well as for its immense skill, character and mental toughness.The crucial part of any competition is good refereeing which in many ways is like policing.In football, the job is no 90-minute picnic and there’s never been a ref, copper or judge who got everything right.Most of them understand this and quickly grow a thick skin. But no skin is thick enough to resist threats of physical harm to close relatives or themselves.We all need protection and no one more so than the man or woman who is, as the saying goes, “in the middle”.Key to good order is that at a certain level there must be rights of appeal. High-level football in general does this well and efficiently.Though I must add that what and how a comment was made is definitely an area of contention.Self-blaming language is a part of every sport: There’ll be plenty of it in a rugby scrum and inevitably after a dropped catch at cricket.Nowadays umpires at big matches are blessed with instant access to incidents so errors are as rare as six overthrows.But football is emotional and action never stops: No wonder, then, that VAR can be so controversial.But one sport had an appeal of its own — tennis with John McEnroe v Umpire. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe pleaded “you cannot be serious”. Perfect.It is what Bellingham could say and then get on with the game.John McEnroe would plead ‘you cannot be serious’ when decisions didn’t go his wayCredit: Getty More

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      Billionaire brothers who ‘invented Facebook’ become co-owners of non-league minnows in huge £3.5m

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      THE billionaire twins who claimed they “invented Facebook” have officially become co-owners of an English non-league side.American tech moguls Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss have finalised a £3.5million investment in eighth tier outfit Real Bedford.Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss have finalised a £3.5m investment in eighth tier side Real BedfordThe Winklevoss’ may be best known from the Oscar winning film ‘The Social Network’, where their early role in Facebook was portrayed by Armie Hammer.The brothers, who unsuccessfully sued Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in 2004, have since gone on to found cryptocurrency exchange Gemini and have a net worth of £2.14billion.Their deal in Real Bedford sees them take a 45 per cent stake in the club to become co-owners.A deal in principle for their investment was reached and announced in April 2024 after Gemini started its sponsorship in January 2022.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut final documents were only signed on Wednesday after full terms were agreed.The investment is in cash, not bitcoin, contrary to reports last year, according to Sky Sports.The identical twins will work alongside chairman and owner Peter McCormack, who is a cryptocurrency podcaster.The investment will be used for the development of a training centre, the launch of a talent academy and to continue supporting youth football.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMcCormack bought Real Bedford – then in the 10th tier and called Bedford FC – in January 2022.He told the BBC: “The fact the Winklevoss twins are now co-owners is massive.Disgraceful moment vicious brawl breaks out between non-league footballer and own supporters as investigation launched “They want to be involved in the running of the club and I will do the day-to-day business but we will be speaking regularly.”This investment is huge for the town of Bedford. The money will be used to help the club pursue its league ambitions.”Rob Hepburn, a corporate lawyer who advised the Winklevoss’ on their investment, told Sky Sports: “It’s a really exciting time for the lower leagues of football in England.”We’ve seen the success that Salford City and Wrexham have had with big injections of cash and Real Bedford look set to continue the trend.”The deal illustrates again the appeal of English football to investors, particularly where there is a media angle to it.”Away from business, the Winklevoss’ are also known for having competed for the USA in the men’s pair rowing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.In 2011, the brothers’ claim that Zuckerberg stole their idea while classmates at Harvard University was dismissed in court as a judge ordered them to accept a cash and stock settlement in the platform.Real Bedford attracts an average of only 300 spectators per game, and the pair hope their investment can help it climb from the eighth tier to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlthough that seems like an unrealistic goal, the club are top of the Southern League Division One Central after back-to-back promotions.The team is in discussions to merge with Bedford Town, which is in the seventh tier. More

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      Tottenham Hotspur say they no longer want to be called ‘Tottenham’ in email to broadcasters

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      TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR have sensationally asked broadcasters not to refer to them as “Tottenham”.For decades, broadcasters of the North Londoners’ matches have referred to the club as “Tottenham”.Tottenham Hotspur have asked broadcasters not to call them ‘Tottenham’ on airCredit: RexThe north London outfit want broadcasters to refer to them by their full nameCredit: REUTERSBut in an email to TV rights holders around the world, Spurs have asked to be referred to by their full name.Broadcasters received the email, details of which have been made public by The Athletic, on February 10.The communication was titled: “Tottenham Hotspur Naming Update.”An excerpt of it read: “Tottenham Hotspur have provided clarification regarding the club’s name.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”They have requested that the club are primarily known as Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs being the preferred short version.”The club have requested that they are not referred to as Tottenham.”Not being referred to as “Tottenham” has actually been the club’s stance since 2011.And they felt it necessary to remind broadcasters of it following a refresh of their brand guidelines after Christmas.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSpurs ran out 1-0 winners over Manchester United last weekendCredit: GETTYSpurs seemingly don’t want to be referred to as “Tottenham”, the area of London in which they reside, in order to increase the global presence of the Tottenham Hotspur brand.SunSport understands that the club sees its brand as comparable to the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa.Mass of fuming Tottenham fans flood streets and chant ‘we want Levy out’ in biggest protest against club’s ownershipIn all three cases, fans choose to refer to those clubs either by their full name or only by their second name – ‘United’, ‘City’ and ‘Villa’.Broadcasters have started heeding the club’s request, with Sky Sports describing Ange Postecoglou as the “Tottenham Hotspur Head Coach” during their coverage of Spurs’ 1-0 win over Manchester United last weekend.Additionally, when the team’s starting XI was displayed on the screen it said “Spurs” at the top.Spurs will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to Portman Road to take on Ipswich Town. More

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      England’s best goalkeeper stands at 6ft 6in but reveals grandfather wanted him to be a JOCKEY

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      JAMES TRAFFORD has emerged as one of the best young goalkeepers in England.However, his grandfather wanted him to take a different path.James Trafford has revealed his grandfather wanted him to become a jockeyCredit: GettyThe 22-year-old, who is one of the most talked-about players in the EFL right now, was raised on a North Cumbrian family-run farm in the Lake District.Having also worked on the farm growing up, his duties included lambing and mucking out.His grandfather, Bill, wanted him to stay in the farming business if he did not go on to become a professional sportsman.But he was happy to make an exception if Trafford wanted to become a jockey.Read More in FootballTrafford told SunSport: “Grandpa Bill, god bless his soul. I have two cousins then my sister and I. “Grandpa always said, ‘he has to be a farmer’ but he really wanted one of us to be a jockey — but we were all too tall!”The Burnley star neglected the racing route and instead pursued a career in football.He signed for Manchester City at the age of 12 in 2015 and went on to spend eight years with the club before joining Burnley, where he established himself as a regular first team starter.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTrafford has since made 60 appearances for the Clarets and is currently enjoying an incredible run of form.The ex-City star has only let in NINE goals all season, keeping 23 clean sheets. Video emerges of Cole Palmer losing his mind over England starlet James Trafford after Newcastle ‘agree personal terms’Trafford has not conceded a goal in 1000 minutes and is aiming to record his 12th successive shutout when Burnley face Sheffield Wednesday on Friday evening.Despite his growing reputation as one of Europe’s finest talents, with a host of Premier League clubs hoping to snap him up, the youngster still loves getting his hands dirty on the farm.He said: “I enjoy it. I do it to spend more time with dad because I always go out for lunch with my mum when I go home and he’s always working.”When I was with dad last month, I was bedding up all the sheep and putting hay out for the ones outside.”We’ve always done that. I remember as a kid on the tractor where he’d sit on the seat and I’d be on the arm-rest, and our dog would be down there.” More

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      MK Dons to change badge as supporters make ‘unanimous decision’ following two-decade backlash to move from Wimbledon

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      MK DONS are set to change their crest – and fans were given the chance to vote for the club’s new badge.The club were formed in 2004 after Wimbledon FC sensationally upped sticks to Milton Keynes in an unprecedented move.MK Dons are set to change their badge next seasonCredit: GettyDons supporters have been given a choice of three new crests for the teamCredit: WWW.FOOTYHEADLINES.COMThe first season for the club was the 2004-05 League One campaign, in which they were relegated.And over 20 years later, the Dons brass have allowed fans to choose the team’s new crest.An excerpt of a club statement: “After 20 years of football in Milton Keynes, MK Dons are pleased to reveal three new crest designs for supporter consultation as we look to evolve our club identity ahead of the 25/26 season.”Following initial consultation with the MK Dons Supporters’ Board, it became apparent there was a clear desire for an evolution of the club’s identity.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”From the crest on our kits to the branding around Stadium MK and branding across all digital platforms.”After extensive work behind the scenes, we’re now delighted to be able to offer all season ticket holders (including Club Red, Club Gold, Club Platinum, and Club Black hospitality seasonal members) and business stakeholders the chance to have your say in helping to choose our new club crest.”Supporters had up until midnight on February 20 to choose from three new crests.Dons CEO Neil Hart said of the revamping of the badge: “When the new ownership group acquired the club last summer, one of the many things we wanted to learn more about was the club’s identity and branding.Most read in SportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMK Dons are currently toiling in 16th place in the League Two tableCredit: Alamy”This started with informal conversations among staff before the possibility of a brand evolution was brought to the MK Dons Supporters’ Board last month.”Their reaction was one of unanimous enthusiasm, as we look to celebrate the past 20 years of football in Milton Keynes while also paving the way for a new era at the football club.Roy Keane brutally trolled by MK Dons after he blasted them for playing out from the back”This feels like an important milestone in the club’s history and an opportunity for us all to review our brand identity.”As we continue to be focused on improving every aspect of our football club we want our supporters to be at the heart of any important decision-making affecting the club.”So, take your time, review the designs and let us have your feedback.”We can assure supporters we will only evolve the club’s brand and identity with the full support of our loyal fan base and key partners.”The Dons are currently 16th in the League Two table and will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to Valley Parade to take on Bradford. More