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      Arsenal tipped to finish FOURTH by Jamie Carragher as he predicts race for Champions League places

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has predicted Arsenal will go from playing second-fiddle in the Premier League title race to scraping into the Champions League qualification spots.The Gunners are on a woeful run of league form that has seen them fail to win all but one of their games since April 1, with a 2-1 win over Fulham giving way to just one win in five.Jamie Carragher has predicted Arsenal to finish below two other teams owing to their poor Premier League formCredit: GettyThe Gunners have lost 21 points from winning positions this season and won just one of their last five league gamesCredit: RexMikel Arteta’s side have led in all of those fixtures but failed to win four of them – meaning they have lost 21 points from winning positions this season, their joint-most alongside 2019/20.The run saw draws with Everton, Brentford and Crystal Palace before losing to Bournemouth, while their only win in this period was a 4-0 thrashing of ten-man Ipswich.This ultimately saw them hand the title to Liverpool, who were crowned champions for a record equalling 20th time – although they have shifted focus to their Champions League run.However, the North London club’s dreadful form is threatening to see teams below them in the table catch up to them as the Champions League race heats up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester City have won four of their last five league games to reinforce their grip on a spot, while likewise Newcastle have won six of their last seven league outings.Below the Middle East owned clubs, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa all remain in contention for the coveted fifth Champions League qualification place, with only goal difference to separate them.And speaking to Sky Sports, former Liverpool star Carragher predicts Arsenal to fall as low as fourth during the run-in.He said: “I still think Newcastle and Manchester City can actually catch Arsenal.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”Just with the situation Arsenal have in the Champions League… they go to Anfield, they’ve also got to play Newcastle as well. It’s a brilliant race.”Aston Villa have to win in the next couple of games to give themselves a fighting chance.”Arsenal boss Arteta shuts down reporter after being asked revealing question ahead of crucial PSG Champions League clashIf Arsenal were to maintain second spot in the league, they run the risk of eclipsing the record set between Man City and Manchester United in 2017/18 for the most points between the champions and runner up.Should champions Liverpool beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge later today, the gap between first and second will stand at 18 points.The record set by the Manchester clubs in 2018 was a 19-point gap, though that was a season Pep Guardiola’s side became the first-ever English top flight centurions.Liverpool host the Gunners next weekend, so could extend the gap to a colossal 21 points without Arteta’s side losing grip on second.Carragher, 47, also reckons Nottingham Forest and Chelsea will miss out on the final Prem Champions League spot, with Aston Villa leapfrogging them both.He continued: “Playing Spurs and Manchester United in their (Aston Villa) last two games might actually fall into their lap in terms of the Europa League final as well.”I think this is going to go right to the wire. I don’t think Nottingham Forest are going to make it now, Villa might make a late push. I still think Chelsea will find it difficult looking at their fixtures.” More

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      ‘Not acceptable’ – Arsenal captain Odegaard fumes after Bournemouth defeat as boss Arteta urges players to ‘use rage’

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      ARSENAL captain Martin Odegaard slammed his team’s “sloppy” and unacceptable performance after the shock loss to Bournemouth.The Gunners wasted a 1-0 lead as Declan Rice’s opener was cancelled out by Dean Huijsen’s equaliser before Evanilson turned the game on its head and gave the Cherries a 2-1 win at the Emirates on Saturday.Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard slammed the performance against BournemouthArsenal boss Mikel Arteta sent a message to his players ahead of the match with Paris Saint-GermainAnd Odegaard, 26, didn’t hold back during his post-match interview as the North Londoners have now dropped 21 points from a winning position.Plus, second position is now in peril as third-placed Manchester City are three points behind and a victory for Newcastle at Brighton would see them getting only two points behind Arsenal.The playmaker admitted the hosts lost control of the game after Huijsen levelled the score and insisted they should learn some valuable lessons ahead of Wednesday’s crunch clash with Paris Saint-Germain.Odegaard told Sky Sports: “Massive disappointment. I think we started the game pretty well. Read More on Arsenal”We got the goal and felt like we controlled pretty much everything, but they score and we lose control of the game.”We never find the rhythm after that, it is too chaotic and too sloppy from us. The second half is not acceptable.”We have to move on as we have a massive game coming up. We have to get ready for that and analyse this game as well.”This is what we want — we want to compete in every competition. We wanted to come here and do a good game and win, but that wasn’t the case.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal are now set to take on PSG in the Champions League semi-finals at Parc des Princes in a crucial second leg after losing 1-0 in north London on Tuesday.And manager Mikel Arteta urged his players to use the “anger, frustration, rage, [and] disappointment” against the French champions.’Captain on and off the pitch’ – Fans love Arsenal star Martin Odegaard’s classy gesture on international dutyArteta said: “Well we have a lot to do, yes, because mathematically we are not qualified, we haven’t had the right to finish second yet so we still have a lot to do.”It created a lot of anger, frustration, rage, disappointment. Let’s use all of that on Wednesday. That’s what we have to do.” More

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      ‘For a Spanish person it is strange’ – Marc Cucurella reveals thing he doesn’t like in Chelsea song about him

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      MARC CUCURELLA does have massive hair but he doesn’t like lager . . . That simple message is unlikely to prompt a rethink of the chant being sung in praise of the Spanish defender having frizzy locks and a thirst for Estrella, who has become an acquired taste like the famous beer from his homeland.Marc Cucurella has transformed his Chelsea fortunesCredit: GettyBoss Enzo Maresca has pushed Cucurella up into a more adventurous roleCredit: RexAfter a difficult start  at Stamford Bridge, Cucurella is regarded as a versatile left-back and goalscoring midfielder.Blues fans have been loving his displays as they sing: ‘He eats paella, he drinks Estrella, his hair’s f***ing massive.’That chant in his honour — to the tune of La Bamba —  has come from the stands more frequently in recent weeks.Grinning widely, Cucurella, 26, joked: “I don’t like Estrella, I don’t like the beer, I don’t like wine. I tried it but don’t like it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“For a Spanish person it is strange  — but it’s the truth. I only like vodka.”There is no doubt that despite the jokes and even though he does not like wine, the dedicated pro has matured like a good vintage from any vineyard back home.A burglary at his home soon after  joining Chelsea in August 2022 hampered  attempts to settle in — but that is in the distant past now.Cucurella is quite short — a half pint if you like — but  is full  of character and spikiness when it comes to the Chelsea cause.Most read in FootballCucurella says he knows his quality and ‘my family believe in me’Credit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt is a huge turnaround from his  first season when personal problems and the transition of leaving Brighton to become a key signing in an experimental, but expensive squad  affected his  confidence.The £55million transfer fee was  questioned. His quality and durability doubted. ‘I played five minutes and it was my fault’ – Chelsea star opens up on horror season after big money transfer But Cucurella is now a major weapon in the Chelsea armoury.He has scored six goals this season — impressive for a full-back. And all coming since mid-December when head coach Enzo Maresca began tinkering with his team and pushed Cucurella upfield.He now slots in midfield when Chelsea are on the offensive and has scored twice as many goals as star forward Cole Palmer since that point in time when the manager switched tactics.Ahead of hosting Liverpool on Sunday, Cucurella said: “I feel very proud because when I joined  it was tough.“It was my first season and I tried to work hard, not say anything, work in silence. “I know my qualities, my family believe in me. So I try to work hard every day, show my qualities in training.“And then when I have the opportunity, I try to do it in the games. Now  my team-mates and  staff give me  confidence.”Cucurella is urging team-mates to use the awkward moment of forming a guard of honour for Liverpool as inspiration  for future glory.Tradition demands the newly-crowned Premier League champions are afforded an official tribute from their next  opponents after winning the title.It is a painful experience applauding  a rival team but defender Cucurella hopes it can put fire in the bellies of  the Chelsea players dreaming of one  day being on the receiving end.The Spaniard said: “They deserve it because they have been there all season.  If we need to do it, we do it.“This is before the game. It is a process and is not important.“Once the game starts we go for our objectives. We try to fight with everything and fight for the three points.“I don’t remember doing one before, this is the first time. Hopefully, we can have this as well in the next few years.“It’s what we are fighting for and  what we are trying to do.”We train every day for winning every game, for playing these important games… and we start to build something important.Marc CucurellaChelsea players had to endure the embarrassment of forming a guard  of honour at Stamford Bridge when Leicester won the title in 2016.Blues stars such as Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and Cesar Azpilicueta were forced to bow down before the Foxes on their home turf.Not easy for a bunch of players who were ruthless and serial winners — a mentality that current Blues boss Maresca is trying to reintroduce.First step is bidding to win the Conference League — and Chelsea have one foot in the final after trouncing hopeless Swedes Djurgardens 4-1 on Thursday in their semi-final first leg.And Cucurella added: “We train every day for winning every game, for playing these important games, reach finals, play for titles.“This is our main objective and we start to build something important.”Liverpool have lost only two Premier League games on their march to a record-equalling 20th league title.Read More on The SunChelsea are 22 points adrift of them, have suffered eight losses in the league and  dropped points against lowly teams like relegated Ipswich.Maresca is sweating on the fitness of keeper Robert Sanchez while he has been monitoring forward  Christopher Nkunku ahead of this afternoon’s game. 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      Liverpool ready to let Trent Alexander-Arnold join Real Madrid EARLY… but it will cost the Spaniards

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD is set to join Real Madrid from Liverpool for less than £1million in time for the Club World Cup.As SunSport reported in December, Real want the defender to be available for their opening game of next month’s Fifa competition.Liverpool are set to allow Trent Alexander-Arnold to join Real Madrid early for a feeCredit: EPAAnd reports in Spain say Kop chiefs are prepared to let that happen for a token fee, while saving a month of the England star’s wages.Despite suggestions that Alexander-Arnold might join Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk in penning a new deal, Liverpool are resigned to the home-grown full-back leaving for the Bernabeu.His contract expires on June 30 but Real are keen on pushing through a move before then.Two special transfer windows — from June 1 to 10 and June 27 to July 3 — will allow Club World Cup sides to improve their squads.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReal are said to be willing to pay £850,000 to bring in TAA before the end of his deal, ahead of playing Saudi side Al-Hilal on June 18.Some Reds fans are upset that the club are set to lose the player for so little.They point to the example of Jack Grealish, who signed a new deal at hometown club Aston Villa before joining Manchester City for £100m — money that was used to help transform Villa.Meanwhile Liverpool are keen to tie down versatile forward Luis Diaz with a longer contract.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Colombian, who has just over two years left on his current deal, has been linked with Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League.Diaz, 28, has enjoyed an impressive season at the Reds.HOW LIVERPOOL WON THE TITLEHe is known to have dreamed of playing for Barca.But there is huge scepticism about the cash-strapped Catalans’ ability to pay big fees. More

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      Man Utd line up axed Chelsea scout with Sir Jim Ratcliffe pinning all hopes on him to transform woeful transfer policy

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      OLD TRAFFORD chiefs are ready to sign up talent-spotting king Jim Fraser — after his Chelsea exile.Fraser spent 20 years at Stamford Bridge before being axed last year.Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to end transfer failingsCredit: PAPotential Man utd recruit Jim Fraser is seen presenting Alfie Gilchrist with his award as Chelsea Men’s Academy Player of the Year last MayCredit: GettyRichard Fraser discovered many young talents for Chelsea, like Reece James and Mason Mount, and is now set for Old TraffordCredit: AlamyNow his gardening leave is ending and he looks set to  join Manchester United.United are in the process of cutting about 200 jobs behind the scenes and also getting rid of several  scouts.But minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sees Fraser as a key capture as they plan to sign leading young talent for the future.He was Chelsea academy chief and boasts a huge reputation for unearthing top young stars.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt the Blues, he helped to discover the likes of Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, Reece James and Tammy Abraham.Other gems included Marc Guehi, Levi Colwill and Dominic Solanke.This fits with  Ratcliffe’s push to discover talent at United — rather than spend fortunes on risky big-name signings.United’s shake-up  has begun, with leading figures like David Harrison — their director of football operations —  leaving.Most read in FootballThe club’s top brass have tried to delay the announcement of major redundancies until the end of this season.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSCost-cutting chiefs held club-wide reviews, including senior scouting, with many interviewed about their roles.The month-long process ended a few weeks ago but the final cull was not meant to be made public at such a vital moment. ‘Do you know the rules-‘ – Bruno Fernandes gives blunt Spanish interview after red card controversy in Man Utd clashThere were fears the axings would hurt morale in the final weeks of  the season as they chase Europa League glory.It comes as Real Madrid attempt to set up a bizarre deal with United as the Spaniards eye Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras.Los Blancos reportedly hope to use the 22-year-old’s former club United as a “bridge” to help recruit the £51millon-rated star.The Red Devils sold Carreras for just £5.1m – but with a £15.3m buy-back clause.Real aim to work with United so that the Prem giants activate the defender’s relatively cheap asking price.Madrid could then step in to buy him – for a fee still well below £51m. More

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      Mason Greenwood puts Premier League on red alert with ex-Man Utd striker desperate to return to England

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      MASON GREENWOOD is pining for a return to England —  putting a string of Prem clubs on red alert.The forward, 23, left Manchester United for £26.6million last summer and signed a five-year deal with Marseille in the south of France.Mason Greenwood wants to move back to EnglandCredit: GettyHe has scored 19 goals for Marseille this seasonCredit: AFPHe came through the youth academy at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyHe has scored 19 goals in 33 appearances for the Ligue 1 side.But he has faced repeated criticism from manager Roberto De Zerbi and was dropped in March for a perceived lack of work-rate.Greenwood — who had charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour dropped in February 2023 — is yearning for a return to the UK with partner Harriet Robson and their two young daughters.He signed for Marseille following a successful spell in Spain with Getafe.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd a source revealed:  “When Mason first left United he loved Spain.“He and Harriet moved to Madrid and rebuilt their lives.“He loved the fact he could just play football and his life off the pitch was not the subject of such intense focus.“He was really happy to sign for Marseille and loved living in France.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“But he’s been abroad for nearly two years and the novelty has worn off.“Mason’s family visit but he is very introverted and misses his extended family and the friends he has from home.Top 10 highest paid footballersRoberto De Zerbi has been critical of the forward at timesCredit: Getty“A move back to the North West could suit him as he feels the vitriol he previously faced has died down a bit and people may have moved on.”Former Brighton boss De Zerbi dropped Greenwood and criticised his work-rate, saying: “I expect more from him.”Marseille’s Ultras have also unfurled a banner in the stands during games, urging him to  “Get a move on”. More

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      Arsenal boss Arteta shuts down reporter after being asked revealing question ahead of crucial PSG Champions League clash

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      MIKEL ARTETA shut down a reporter after being asked a revealing question ahead of the clash against Paris Saint-Germain.Arsenal travel to France to take on the Ligue giants in the Champions League on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta shut down a reporter after Arsenal’s loss to BournemouthCredit: Sky SportsArsenal looked tired as they threw away their leadCredit: APThe clash is the second leg of the semi-final, with the Gunners losing the reverse fixture at the Emirates.Ousmane Dembele’s goal was enough to hand Paris Saint-Germain a crucial advantage before the game at the Parc des Princes.However, after Arsenal lost 2-1 to Bournemouth in the Premier League, Arteta had to go and face the media.He was asked “did you feel any physical or mental fatigue at all?” about his players.READ MORE ON ARSENALArteta quickly dismissed the suggestion with “No.”He added: “Not mental; fatigue is true but a lot of players had to start.”They were probably conditioned for something else.”Arsenal were the stronger team in the first half against the Cherries.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDeclan Rice netted the opener after a neat move saw him one-on-one and go around Kepa Arrizabalaga.However, the hosts tired in the second half as goals from Dean Huijsen and Evanilson flipped the scores.Declan Rice in rousing speech as he explains what Arsenal stars MUST do against PSG ‘or we die’Jurrien Timber could be back for the second leg against PSGCredit: GettyArteta did insist that he and his players would take the “anger” from the match forward.He claimed that they would use it against the French.He added: “It did not create the right momentum.”It certainly created a lot of anger, frustration, rage, disappointment and let’s use all of that for Wednesday.”That is what we have to do.”The Spaniard was also asked about the fitness of absentee Jurrien Timber.The Dutchman missed the game against the Cherries but could be back for the Champions League fixture.Read More on The SunArteta said: “Yeah there is a chance.”When pushed for more info, he said it is “for the doctor”.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      Relegated Southampton already planning for Aaron Ramsdale transfer exit as they line up EFL star

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      SOUTHAMPTON are checking on Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale.Relegated Saints are keen on Patterson, 24, who is proven at Championship level. Aaron Ramsdale is set to leave relegated Southampton after one seasonCredit: PASaints are lining up a deal for Sunderland star Anthony PattersonCredit: GettyThey could go in with an offer if the Black Cats do not go up via the play-offs.England stopper Ramsdale, 26, is expected to leave St Mary’s, either permanently or on loan.Tottenham watched Patterson while they were seeking cover in goal.And the England Under-21 stopper was also being looked at by Burnley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis form dipped mid-season at the Stadium of Light.But the North Shields-born No 1 has a chance to put himself in the shop window in the play-offs as Regis Le Bris’ side face Coventry over two legs.Southampton are also looking closely at Angers’ Yahia Fofana, 24.The Ivory Coast No 1 is available for around £10million.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd they are considering a fresh move for Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, 22.Saints bid £5m plus extras before the Eagles agreed a loan deal with Sheffield United last summer.Disgusted Southampton fans stream out of St Mary’s 27 minutes into Tottenham clash after going 4-0 downMeanwhile, former boss Russell Martin is a managerial target for both Leicester and Rangers.He was sacked mid-season by Saints and replaced by Ivan Juric, who left last month. More