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      Man Utd flops set unwanted Premier League record as Arsenal and Man City fill almost entire PFA Team of the Year

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      MANCHESTER UNITED hit another new low as they set an unwanted Premier League record.It’s the first time in the Prem era United have gone two seasons in a row without having a player in the PFA Team of the Year.Man Utd hit another new low as they set an unwanted recordCredit: GettyIt’s the first time in the Prem era United have gone two seasons in a row without a player in Team of the YearCredit: GettyIn a season full of unwanted records that saw them finish in an unprecedented eighth in the Prem, the Red Devils have added yet another bad omen.While the red side of Manchester has been subject to a downward spiral since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, players have still managed to often sneak into the Team of the Year XI.Of course, years have come where no United player has featured in the star-studded XI, but it’s never happened for TWO consecutive seasons.Cristiano Ronaldo – who returned for his second spell in 2021 – was the last Old Trafford player to make the top line-up in 2021/22.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw made the 2020/21 XI after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finished second behind Manchester City.Paul Pogba made the XI in 2019 – even though United finished sixth.David de Gea was often their saving grace, featuring as the No1 goalkeeper for four consecutive years between 2015-2018.This time round the PFA Team of the Year features five Arsenal players and four City stars.Most read in FootballThe 2023/24 Premier League Team of the YearFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal loanee David Raya – who joined on a permanent basis from Brentford this summer- edged out Alisson to a spot between the sticks.While William Saliba, Virgil van Dijk, Gabriel and Kyle Walker made up a back line of zero City representatives for the first time since 2020.Arsenal vs Wolves: Player RatingsRodri was named in the heart of the midfield trio, while Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard also got the nod in the XI.Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and Aston Villa’s topscorer Ollie Watkins made up the front three.The last time United went two seasons without a player featuring in the best starting XI was between 1986-87 and 1987-88. But it did happen THREE times in a row between 1979 – 1980, when Liverpool and Arsenal were dominating the league.Arsenal stars dominated the starting XIGianfranco Zola presents Cole Palmer with his PFA Young Player of the Year trophyCredit: PA More

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      Premier League 2023/24 Team of the Year revealed with FIVE Arsenal players lining up and only four clubs featuring

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      THE PFA Premier League Team of the Year has been announced – with runners-up Arsenal dominating the star-studded XI.Mikel Arteta’s Gunners fell agonisingly short in a thrilling final day of the 2023/24 season, ultimately coming up two points adrift of eight-time champs Manchester City.Arsenal stars dominated the PFA Team of the YearDeclan Rice was named in the midfield XI after a stellar debut season for ArsenalCredit: GettyGabriel got the nod at the backCredit: GettyPhil Foden claimed the most coveted prize on the nightThe Emirates side played superbly all season – and their squad has been rewarded by their fellow pros by having no fewer than FIVE stars voted into the campaign’s best XI.While Premier League champions Man City only have FOUR players in the line-up.Arsenal loanee David Raya – who joined on a permanent basis from Brentford this summer- edged out Alisson between the sticks.While top defensive duo William Saliba and Gabriel were an obvious choice at the back.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe PFA opted for another centre-half in Virgil van Dijk to shore up the back-line.The Liverpool captain, who finished third in Jurgen Klopp’s final season, beat title winners John Stones and Ruben Dias to the other position, with Kyle Walker in at right-back.Rodri was named in the heart of the midfield trio, while Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard also got the nod in the XI.That means it’s the first time since 2019 that Kevin de Bruyne has failed to make the best starting side.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd in a repeat of last year, only FOUR clubs are represented – Arsenal, City, Liverpool and Aston Villa.It’s the first-time Phil Foden and Ollie Watkins have been picked in the PFA XI, both notching 19 goals a piece.Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher make Prem predictions as Man Utd icon reveals why his club will come above Liverpool And Erling Haaland jumps straight back into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for the second successive campaign.Foden was named the PFA Player of the Year, having already landed the Football Writers’ Association award three months ago.Chelsea and England whiz Cole Palmer claimed the Young Player of the Year gong at the Manchester Opera House.Haaland’s 27 goals means he nabbed the Golden Boot for the second year in a row.Notable exemptionsSuperstar Palmer – who enjoyed the best-ever Premier League debut campaign – failed to get the nod in the XI despite scoring 22 goals last term.While Bukayo Saka also failed to make it after his form somewhat dropped off towards the end of last season.Despite many believing De Bruyne is the greatest ever Prem midfielder, the Belgium international missed most of the early campaign through injury.He still managed ten assists and four goals in 21 domestic appearances.Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is another notable exception.READ MORE SUN STORIESSalah struck 18 times to take his overall Premier League tally to 155, a number since raised to 156 after striking at Ipswich on Saturday.The Egyptian star is a two-time recipient of the PFA Player of the Year award – in 2017/18 and 2021/22.Man Utd fan and rapper Aitch attends the PFA Awards 2024Credit: GettyJules Breach and Alex Scott stunned on the red carpet before the ceremony commencedCredit: GettyOllie Watkins and his finacee Ellie Anderson arrivaed to pick up his first mention in the team awardCredit: RexPep Guardiola wore a dashing suit to the awards night in ManchesterCredit: GettyFoden arrived with missus Rebecca Cooke and young son RonnieCredit: GettyThe Man City ace won PFA Player of the YearCredit: PA More

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      Arsenal boost in transfer hunt for Mikel Merino as Real Sociedad chief makes ‘unfortunate’ admission about midfielder

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      ARSENAL are closing in on a move for top midfield target Mikel Merino.The Spaniard was omitted from Real Sociedad’s squad to face Real Vallecano as they kicked off their LaLiga campaign with a 2-1 defeat.Mikel Merino could be heading to North LondonCredit: GettyThe playmaker won Euro 2024 with SpainCredit: GettyHe has Premier League experience with NewcastleCredit: PA:Press AssociationNow, president Jokin Aperribay has confirmed that talks are underway with the Gunners and a deal is possible.Per Chris Wheatley, he said: “Unfortunately, one of the teams we didn’t want to show up showed up [Arsenal]. “When we consider that the offer is good, we will say yes. “We know what Merino’s wishes are, so we decided not to call him up [to the squad].”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSociedad manager Imanol Alguacil admitted before Sunday’s game that Merino’s absence was due to a potential transfer.He said: “I’ve left Merino out of the squad as there are talks with other clubs… and this is the best solution now.”Arsenal’s initial bid of £21.5million was rejected, but they are now preparing an improved offer of £30m to secure a transfer.Sporting director Edu has been actively involved in negotiations for the Euro 2024 winner, 28.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFormer Newcastle ace Merino has one year remaining on his contract and played a pivotal role for Spain in Germany this summer.He scored the crucial second goal against Germany in the quarter-finals, a looping header that found the net in the 119th minute, securing Spain’s victory.Arsenal vs Lyon: Player Ratings RevealedThe star also contributed to Spain’s 2-1 win over England in the final, coming on during the closing stages to help see out the match.Last season the midfielder made 45 appearances across all competitions for Sociedad, scoring eight goals.The Gunners have already secured Italian international defender Riccardo Calafiori for £42million and made David Raya’s loan move from Brentford permanent.Meet the Arsenal Wags from Strictly star to a flight attendantTolami Benson – partner of Bukayo SakaBenson and Saka have kept information on their relationship largely quiet.They do not appear on each others Instagram pages but she was seen speaking to Saka at the 2022 World Cup.Helene Spilling – partner of Martin OdegaardA professional dancer from Norway who rose to fame in the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, the pair were first spotted together at the Football Awards in March 2023. Sophie Weber – partner of Kai HavertzWeber works as a model and social media influencer and is the most high profile member of the group on online with almost 400,000 followers on Instagram.They are childhood sweethearts having grown up in the same neighbourhood.Milly White – partner of Ben WhiteThe couple got engaged in 2022 before tying the knot officially in May last year. They have matching “I love you tattoos” on their wrists. Milly White works as a model.Laura Trossard Hilven – partner of Leandro TrossardThe pair met in 2014 before getting married in 2019.They have two sons together, Thiago and Amadeo.Lauren Fryer – partner of Declan RiceLauren Fryer and Declan Rice have been together since 2015. She tends to keep a lower profile compared to some of Arsenal’s other Wags but is no less stunning.She sadly deleted all pictures on her Instagram after suffering horrific abuse by vile trolls.Georgina Ramsdale – partner of Aaron RamsdaleGeorgina Ramsdale works as a flight attendant.The couple got married last June after the Arsenal star proposed in 2022. They originally met in 2019. More

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      Why does Eddie Nketiah mime a ‘phone call’ when celebrating goals for Arsenal?

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      ARSENAL striker Eddie Nketiah likes to celebrate every goal with a phone call.There could be many calls on the cards for Eddie as Arsenal anticipate a ‘bidding war’ for their record breaking striker to transfer next season. But who is the striker and why does he mime a ‘phone call’ when he scores?Eddie Nketiah is known to his ‘phone call’ goal celebration but what does it mean?Credit: GettyWho is Eddie Nketiah?Edward Nketiah is an English professional footballer.Born May 30, 1999, to Ghanaian parents Eddie grew up in Lewisham, South East London.The young striker was scouted by Chelsea FC at the age of nine while playing for Hillyfielders, a south-east London Sunday team.Eddie joined the Arsenal Academy in 2016 after leaving Chelsea the previous year.More from SportOn September 28, 2017, Eddie was called up to the first team for Arsenal’s UEFA Europa League match against BATE Borisov.In January 2019 he was set for a loan move to Bundesliga club FC Augsburg transfer window, but due to an injury to Danny Welbeck, Eddie stayed at Arsenal.In January 2019, he reportedly turned down a call up from the Ghana national team, with Eddie favouring the choice to play for the England squad.He went on to captain the England under-21s for the first time in September 2020, scoring a memorable hat-trick during a 6–0 victory over Kosovo that year and again in 2023 with Arsenal in a 5-0 win over Sheffield United.Most read in FootballWhy does Eddie Nketiah mime a ‘phone call’ when he scores a goal?Some players like Jude Bellingham use hand gestures to join in with the crowds excitement, while others perform somersaults. For Eddie it’s his signature ‘phone call.’Eddie’s goal celebration sees him mime making a call after he accurately connects the call with the back of the net. Arsenal vs Wolves: Player RatingsThe Gunner striker first performed the routine after scoring in the Gunners’ 3-2 defeat of Everton in February 2020.Revealing the meaning behind his goal jubilation Eddie told Arsenal:”It’s just a little phone call! In pre-season Arsenal Media came up with a little thing ‘call me if you need a goal’ so I have kind of just stuck with it. “A lot of my friends like it so they are eager for me to dial them up if I get on the scoresheet so I try to enjoy each goal, whether that is youth level, in the park, anywhere I always try to celebrate and enjoy it and it is always a blessing to score.”Eddie Nketiah scores and celebrates 1-1 victory with his signature moveCredit: Kevin Quigley NMC PoolHow many goals has Eddie Nketiah scored for Arsenal?The Arsenal academy graduate has scored a total of 46 goals for his team since his football career began with the youth squad in 2016.The hat trick hero broke Alan Shearer’s goal scoring record of 13 for the under-21s in 2017 – finishing with 16 goals from 17 appearances at that level.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn January 2023, Eddie was belatedly recognised for his achievement in becoming England U21s’ record goal scorer and was presented a commemorative golden boot.The 25-year-old played 27 games for Arsenal last season with five goals and two assists. However, this could be his last season with Arsenal as other premiere league rivals bid to Arsenal for a potential transfer next season. More

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      Why does Martin Odegaard place his hands over his ears after scoring a goal for Arsenal?

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      PLAYERS often celebrate goals with unique gestures that reflect their personalities and sentiments, turning each goal into a personal statement of triumph and individuality. With the Premier League back in full swing, it’s the perfect time to see how players like Odegaard are making their mark on the game.Martin Odegaard had his senior debut at the age of 15Credit: GettyWho is Martin Odegaard?Martin Odegaard, born on December 17, 1998, in Drammen, Norway, is a professional footballer.He plays as a midfielder and captains both Arsenal in the Premier League and the Norway national team.His career began at age 15 with Strømsgodset, where he became the youngest player in Norway’s top division, Tippeligaen, and its youngest goalscorer. In 2015, he signed with Real Madrid, where he initially struggled for consistent playing time. read more on martin odegaardHe spent several seasons on loan at clubs including Heerenveen, Vitesse, and Real Sociedad, where he won the Copa del Rey in 2019.Odegaard joined Arsenal on loan in January 2021 and made a strong impression, leading to a permanent transfer later in the year. He was appointed Arsenal captain in 2022 and has since been a key player, earning awards such as Arsenal Player of the Season for 2022–23 and being named in the Premier League Team of the Year.Internationally, Odegaard made his senior debut for Norway at just 15 years old, becoming the youngest player to represent the country. Most read in FootballHe was later named Norway’s national team captain in March 2021.Why does Martin Odegaard place his hands over his ears after scoring a goal?Odegaard was defended by his manger for his celebrationCredit: AlamyMartin Odegaard’s celebration with his hands over his ears is a response to criticism he received, particularly from Jamie Carragher. After Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool earlier in the 2023/24 season, Carragher criticised Odegaard for his celebratory actions.He suggested he was overdoing it and should move on quickly from the moment.His gesture of placing his hands over his ears can be seen as a symbolic way of blocking out outside criticism and noise, showing that he is unfazed by the negative feedback and is focused on his performance and feelings.It’s a way for him to assert his individuality and confidence despite external opinions.When inquired about the meaning behind Odegaard’s distinctive celebration, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told reporters: “I don’t know. I didn’t notice that he made that gesture.”But he was really happy in the dressing room with the way he played again today. “I think he was exceptional.”I don’t think he needs to send any message. “He needs to be himself and he needs to do what he feels. “And if he feels to do something, do it and deal with the consequences because some people are going to like it and some people won’t.”This unique celebration follows a trend among his Arsenal colleagues, who each have their distinct ways of marking their achievements. For instance, Gabriel Jesus often mimics holding a ‘phone’ to his ear, adding a playful touch to his celebrations. Kai Havertz, on the other hand, cups his ears after scoring and Bukayo Saka celebrates by holding the corner flag.Each player’s celebration style adds a personal touch to their on-field success and reflects their individuality.READ MORE SUN STORIESHow many goals has Martin Odegaard scored for Arsenal?As of August 2024, Martin Odegaard has scored 31 goals in 123 Premier League appearances for Arsenal. His goal-scoring record highlights his significant contribution to the team, showcasing his ability to impact matches as a midfielder. More

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      Gabriel Jesus celebration: Why does the Arsenal foward hold a ‘phone’ to his ear after scoring a goal?

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      GABRIEL Jesus has captivated fans with both his goal-scoring prowess and unique goal celebrations.His return to the Premier League with Arsenal has reignited excitement and here is everything we know about his goal celebration.Gabriel Jesus joined Arsenal in 2022Credit: ReutersWho is Gabriel Jesus?Gabriel Jesus, born April 3, 1997, is a Brazilian football player.He began his career at Palmeiras, where he won multiple titles, including the Copa do Brasil and the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.His standout performances led to a high-profile transfer to Manchester City in January 2017, where he contributed to four Premier League titles, three EFL Cups, and an FA Cup over his five years with the club.In July 2022, Jesus joined Arsenal in a transfer valued at £45 million.read more on Gabriel JesusHe quickly became a key player, making an immediate impact with his goal-scoring and playmaking abilities. Internationally, Jesus has been a significant presence for Brazil, playing in the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups and winning the Copa América in 2019. Why does Gabriel Jesus do the phone celebration?Jesus is honouring his mother during his goal celebrationCredit: GettyGabriel Jesus’s signature phone celebration is a heartfelt tribute to his mother, Vera Lucia Diniz de Jesus. The celebration began in 2016 during a World Cup qualifying match for Brazil, where Jesus celebrated a goal by mimicking a phone call.Most read in FootballThe gesture, which Jesus elaborated on in interviews, reflects the close bond he shares with his mother and his gratitude for her unwavering support throughout his career.He said in an interview: “It was a joke with my friends, a ‘Hello, mother’. “My friends know why. My mother knows too.”It was a celebration for them.”Jesus also revealed during his time at Manchester City: “When we were kids, my mom would be calling me all the time to find out where I was, and if I didn’t pick up, she’d start calling all my friends.”When I pick up the phone, it is in honour of my mother and our struggle. “But it is also in honour of my friends and family and Coach Mamede and everyone in Brazil who helped me get here. “Whenever I score for Manchester City, my mother calls me. “As soon as the ball hits the back of the net, the phone rings.”It doesn’t matter if she’s back home in Brazil or if she’s in the stadium watching me.”She calls me every time. So I run to the corner flag, and I put my hand to my ear, and I say, ‘Alo Mae!’ (Hello mum).”He is not the only Arsenal star uniquely celebrating goals.For example, Kai Havertz’s celebration involves cupping his ears after scoring.READ MORE SUN STORIESHow many goals has Gabriel Jesus scored for Arsenal?As of August 2024, Gabriel Jesus has scored 15 goals for Arsenal.Jesus has made 213 appearances in the Premier League in total and has scored 73 goals. More

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      ‘We need to use this time very wisely’, says Jonas Eidevall as Arsenal gear up for new season

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      JONAS EIDEVALL hopes Arsenal’s pre-season test will determine which players gel best on the pitch before their push for silverware next term.  And the Gunners chief wants his ace to have a fast start in the qualifiers for the Champions League group stage.Jonas Eidevall’s players will take on a Washington Spirit in the first game of their pre-season tour laterCredit: GettyTheir clash with the NWSL team comes four days after the club signed Sweden forward Rosa Kafaji from BK HackenCredit: GettyTonight the WSL side take on Washington Spirit in the United States in their first game of their first pre-season tour across the pond.  The Gunners will also face title-holders Chelsea on August 25 in the first meeting of the sides since Sonia Bompastor began her role as the Blues new head coach in July.  Their clash with Chelsea could offer a glimpse of a new look for the side attack following the arrivals of Spain and Sweden forwards Mariona Caldentey and Rosa Kafaji.The duo sealed summer transfers from Barcelona and BK Hacken to the Women’s League Cup holders with with Cloe Lacasse and WSL record scorer Vivianne Miedema leaving the club.Read More Football StoriesAlong with full-back Emily Fox and centre-back Laia Codina, Caldentey will join the squad on Monday after their duel with Washington Spirit. Eidevall, who guided Arsenal to League Cup wins this year and last year, said: “We need to see which players gel best with each other and what relationships we can develop.”That’s the process that we’re starting here (the US) now.”We haven’t had any sessions with the whole squad yet.Most read in Football”The whole squad (of 29) will probably be here on the 20th, so that process does not really start until then. We need to use the time very wisely.”It’s not only with our forward line but other units have players with different qualities too.“I think that’s really exciting because we have one way of playing but we can shape that in forms that are going to be as optimal as possible through game-state or opponent.”Arsenal’s duels with Chelsea and Washington Spirit, who are managed by former Barcelona head coach Jonatan Giraldez, will be followed by them facing Rangers in a Champions League qualifier.The Gunners will host the Scottish Women’s Premier League in the first round clash to qualify for the contest’s group stage on September 4thThe winners of this one-off match will take on the victors of a clash between Atletico Madrid and Norwegian side Rosenborg BK in a bid to reach the next stageWith his side suffering an unexpected qualifier knockout loss to Paris FC last term, Eidevall is keen to see them get off to a flier this year.He adds: “We’re only playing one game, so it’s not a two-legged qualifier which is very different.”You could see that in the game against Paris when we were knocked out. Eidevall hopes to guide his team through the Champions League qualifiers to the contest’s group stage this seasonCredit: Getty”The stress of conceding a goal in the second half is totally different compared to if you were playing a return leg.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The reaction of the team is going to be way different which makes the margins much smaller in these games.”We need to start fast to get those margins on the right side for us and we need to get the right answers against Washington so we have a good foundation to build from.” More

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      Mikel Arteta compares Bukayo Saka to LIONEL MESSI after Arsenal star’s shining role in opening-day win over Wolves

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      MIKEL ARTETA saw shades of Lionel Messi in Bukayo Saka’s strike against Wolves.Opponents must know by now not to allow the Gunners’ talisman to cut onto his left foot.Bukayo Saka celebrates his brilliant effortCredit: GettyIt was a familiar sight for Arsenal and England fansCredit: RexMikel Arteta is a huge fan of SakaCredit: AFPLionel Messi also boasts a wand-like left footCredit: GettyBut Wolves – like many before them – were powerless to prevent Saka, 22, getting off the mark for the season with another well-taken goal for his growing collection.Arteta drew comparisons to another left-footed maestro in 37-year-old great Messi when asked to explain why.He said: “With good players, it’s like that. “With Messi I know he’s gonna come here and put the ball there, but he does it all the time. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You can’t stop him. That’s the quality of the players.”Saka, Declan Rice and David Raya all played despite long runs at Euro 2024.And Arteta hailed the trio for their dedication to the cause.He said: “I’m not surprised [they came back straight away]. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”That was their mentality straight away after the last game. “They said, ‘I’m gonna be ready for the first game.’ Arsenal release 2024-25 third kit with bold new colour as fans say ‘I speak for us all when I say we’re in love with it’ “I spoke to them after the summer, and tried to arrange a plan.”They wanted to come back and be here early. They were already getting prepared when they were on holidays. “This is the mentality that we need.”If players are doing that compromise, it will grow around the team and they will step up the level. That’s what we need.”Kai Havertz and Saka scored either side of the break for a 2-0 win that was perhaps slightly flattering for the Gunners.Wolves boss Gary O’Neil thinks Arsenal’s clinical finishes gave them the edge.He said: “I thought we were good. I was pleased. I obviously don’t like losing but we gave Arsenal a tough game. We restricted them to not too many chances.”In terms of being in the game and having a chance I felt that, at 1-0 down, we were more likely than them.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They found two moments of quality and we just missed a couple of ours.”Wolves star Yerson Mosquera was lucky to stay on the pitch after appearing to grab Havertz’s neck and Gabriel Jesus’ BUM.Yerson Mosquera clashed with Kai HavertzCredit: ReutersMosquera also grabbed Gabriel Jesus’ rear More