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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

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      Arsenal suffer double injury blow just seven days before Real Madrid clash as Gabriel and Timber forced off vs Fulham

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      ARSENAL star Gabriel was forced off just 16 minutes into his side’s Premier League clash with Fulham – before Jurrien Timber later limped off too.The Brazilian went down in his own box appearing to clutch his hamstring.Gabriel felt discomfort in his right legCredit: GettyThe Brazilian went down requiring treatmentCredit: GettyGabriel, 27, looked gutted as he went offCredit: ReutersArsenal bizarrely played on for around two minutes, not kicking the ball out despite protestations from their manager to do so.When the ball did finally go out of play, Gabriel received treatment from medical staff.He subsequently shook his head as he was replaced by team-mate Jakub Kiwior.Gabriel’s injury comes just seven days before the Gunners’ Champions League quarter-final first leg tussle with Real Madrid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe centre-back has been a near ever-present for Arsenal this season.He has started 28 of their 30 Premier League matches, only missing two in December due to a knee injury.The commanding defender has also been selected in nine of the Gunners’ 10 Champions League games this term, including both legs of their last 16 triumph over PSV Eindhoven.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.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesGabriel was in clear distress as he was treated on the pitchThe Arsenal stalwart looked gutted as he trudged offTimber had to come off with around 15 minutes to goCredit: PA”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.”‘Embarrassing our manager is taking that…’ – Eagle-eyed Chelsea fans fuming after spotting Maresca’s gesture to TimberWhile Mikel Arteta claimed he didn’t know the extent of the injury after the game.The Arsenal boss said: “He felt something in his hamstring. We don’t know [how bad].”Arsenal endured another injury scare shortly after Gabriel went off.In a coming together with Raul Jimenez, Jurrien Timber appeared to come out worse for wear.Following treatment, however, the Dutchman was able to continue.Timber had gone down early in the first half too, but played on until his second knock.Arteta revealed that both Timber and Gabriel will be assessed tomorrow, but cast doubt over their inclusion in upcoming clashed with Everton and Real Madrid.He said: “We don’t know how they are going to be. We will be assessing them tomorrow.”Mikel Merino had given the Gunners the lead before half-time to raise spirits.However, in another worrying development for Gunners fans and Arteta, Timber limped off with around 15 minutes to go.Read More on The SunDespite the injury worries, Bukayo Saka returned after 101 days out and scored after just seven minutes to double Arsenal’s lead.Muniz scored late on but it was too late to salvage a point.Saka scored on his return to actionCredit: Reuters More

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      Thomas Tuchel’s first England away game moved to entirely new country over stadium issue

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      ENGLAND head coach Thomas Tuchel’s first away game will be held in Barcelona rather than Andorra, UEFA has confirmed.The new boss opened his reign with a pair of Wembley wins against Albania and Latvia as World Cup qualification got underway in March.Thomas Tuchel’s first away game in charge of England will take place in Barcelona instead of AndorraCredit: RexRCD Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium will play host to the fixtureCredit: GettyEngland return to action in June away to Andorra, where the Euro 2024 runners-up last visited in a World Cup qualifier in October 2021.The Andorran FA has yet to announce the venue but UEFA confirmed Tuchel’s side will play the June 7 fixture in Spain rather than in the principality, as SunSport revealed last month.The European governing body confirmed the RCDE Stadium, which is LaLiga side Espanyol’s home ground, is to host the Group K fixture.Andorra were hoping England would open their new stadium in the town of Encamp but it is not going to be ready.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEspanyol’s RCDE Stadium can hold 40,000 fans, which means many more England fans would be able to travel.Especially given that England’s last trip to take on Andorra saw them play at the Estadi Nacional in the capital, Andorra la Vella – a ground which only holds 3,000.England played Andorra in Barcelona in both 2007 and 2008, with both games at the Olympic Stadium.It’s understood that Villa Park has been lined up for the reverse fixture against Andorra on September 6.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEngland will be away from Wembley for six months as they also play a home fixture at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground when Senegal come for a friendly on June 10.England will return to Villa Park for the first time since 2005 – a 0-0 draw against the Netherlands.Roy Keane delivers verdict on Thomas Tuchel after two games with England and claims he’s been handed ‘easy start’While they haven’t staged a game at the City Ground since 1941 – a wartime friendly against neighbours Wales.And you would have to go even further back to 1909 to trace the last competitive England game played at Forest’s ground. More

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      Man Utd legend Roy Keane rules out Patrick Vieira and Steven Gerrard when naming toughest ever opponent

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane has revealed the toughest opponent he ever played against during his glittering career.Keane, 53, came up against some of the greatest players of the modern era.Manchester United legend Roy Keane revealed his toughest ever opponentCredit: X/itvfootballKeane had some unforgettable classhes with Arsenal legend Patrick VieiraCredit: GettyKeane also collided with Liverpool icon Steven GerrardCredit: GettyBut Zinedine Zidane stands out as Keane’s hardest ever opponentCredit: GettyThe iconic midfielder’s intense clashes with Arsenal hero Patrick Vieira are the stuff of legend.The Republic of Ireland great also got to face Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard when he was coming up in the Premier League.But the popular pundit ultimately went for Ballon d’Or winner Zinedine Zidane.Keane told ITV: “I’d probably say… Not gonna say Vieira, not Gerrard…Read More on Man Utd”Truthfully, Zidane would probably be the toughest opponent. Big, strong boy.”Technically brilliant, very aggressive, scored on the big occassions.”So Zidane would have been the toughest I’ve played against.”Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordKeane and Zidane, 52, collided in the middle of the park five times in the Champions League when the former played for Man Utd and the latter competed for Juventus as well as Real Madrid.Most read in FootballThe Irishman won two of those encounters, including the 3-2 win at Juve in 1999 during United’s Treble run in what was one of his greatest individual performances.Roy Keane shakes head and gives brutal side-eye at Ian Wright’s antics live on ITV during FA Cup coverageZidane emerged victorious from another two with a score of 1-0 with the Bianconeri away in 1996 and 3-1 with Real at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2003. More

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      Man Utd fans fume as Nottingham Forest ‘take the p***’ out of Andre Onana with savage description in matchday programme

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST’S official matchday programme pulled no punches when discussing Manchester United.Nuno Espirito Santo’s high-flyers welcome the Red Devils to the City Ground this evening.Nottingham Forest’s matchday programme featured a ‘Ones to Watch’ sectionForest’s programme wasn’t too complimentary about Andre OnanaForest go into the match sitting a staggering ten places above Ruben Amorim’s side in the Premier League table.And their media team haven’t been afraid to stick the boot in pre-game.Forest’s matchday programme, as is customary for most teams, included a “Ones to Watch” section for their visitors.Including a player from each position, the feature spotlighted Andre Onana, Matthijs de Ligt, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd fans couldn’t help but notice the brutal entry for the Man Utd goalkeeper, which included the excerpt: “Onana is capable of both the sublime and ridiculous between the posts and he can possess erratic tendencies at times.”Seeing the comment, one fan fumed on X: “Taking the p*** that. If only United put ‘Elanga couldn’t hack the pressure at United but is thriving at his new tiny club’ in their programme.”While a second wrote: “Rivals clocked that they can just shoot at the goal post and they are gonna score.”A third added: “They violating man I need a masterclass from u now Onana.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOnana has not always had it easy at Man UtdCredit: GettyThe feature also included a backhanded compliment for De Ligt.It read: “United’s recruitment has been questionable at best in recent years butthe addition of De Ligt has proved to be a very decent signing based on form this season.”Bruno Fernandes responds to Roy Keane’s scathing criticism of Man Utd captain live on Sky Sports Their section on the Man Utd captain then began: “Love him or hate him, there is no denying the talent that Fernandes bring to the pitch whenever he features for Manchester United.”Fernandes is very much the United captain and even when others around him have crumbled this season, he’s the figure who has stood tall and continued to lead by example at Old Trafford.”The Hojlund section did not include anything outrageous.Although it did point out that the Dane ended his “long goal drought” in the match against Leicester prior to the international break.”As it happened, Hojlund was named as a substitute by boss Amorim.But Onana, De Ligt and Fernandes were all in the starting XI.Rasmus Hojlund was named on the bench at the City GroundCredit: Getty More