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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

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      Arsenal fans in disbelief as Wolves star grabs Gabriel Jesus’ bum before Brazilian wrestles him to ground

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      GABRIEL JESUS refused to turn the other cheek after having his BUM grabbed during Arsenal’s clash with Wolves.The Brazil striker was bent over to put his right boot back on after a challenge.Gabriel Jesus fell pray to an unusual tacticHe was not pleased with the offenceJesus protests his innocence as Yerson Mosquera asks for a cardWolves star Yerson Mosquera saw his opportunity and pounced, reaching around and clearly grabbing Jesus’ rear.Jesus was understandably annoyed and shoved the defender to the ground.Somewhat harshly, he was given a yellow card.And Gunners fans were not happy with Mosquera, or referee Jarred Gillett.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote: “The guy is something else…”A second posted: “Something has to be done with the officiating in this league. It’s outrageous.”A third added: “We all know about refs and VAR…joke.”A fourth fumed: “Welcome back to some of the worst referrees in Europe.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMosquera also clashed with Kai HavertzCredit: ReutersTo add fuel to the fire, Mosquera was lucky to still be on the pitch after an earlier clash with Kai Havertz.The German was initially at fault as he dragged his rival to the ground.Arsenal need major transfer clear out to beat Man City to Premier League title | Troy DeeneyBut Mosquera’s hands appeared to be around Havertz’s neck while he lay on the floor – although he withdrew them in time to avoid any attention from the officials.Arsenal ultimately had the last laugh as Havertz’s first-half header and Bukayo Saka’s superb effort secured the points.The Gunners were not at the best but did enough to win in front of their own fans.Next up is a trip to Aston Villa next weekend. More

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      Chelsea and Arsenal blow as Victor Osimhen ‘chooses next team’ and will wait until end of transfer window for dream move

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      VICTOR OSIMHEN is tipped to reject Chelsea and Arsenal – so he can wait up to two weeks for his dream move.The Napoli striker has a £100million-plus release clause in a contract expiring in June 2026.Napoli main man Victor Osimhen could be off and running at the end of the season, but maybe not to the Premier LeagueCredit: RexAnd Premier League giants have shown the strongest interest in the Nigerian over the past two seasons.Manchester United were linked with the 25-year-old at one stage.But Paris Saint-Germain have stepped up their hunt over the summer.And it’s claimed the battle for his signature is now between just three clubs – Chelsea, Arsenal and the French giants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg believes PSG would have to offload a big-name attacker before they could lure Osimhen.Portugal star Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani are the two main players on that list.And Plettenberg reckons Osimhen has not only set his heart on joining PSG, he is also prepared to hold on until the eleventh hour of the transfer window to seal a deal.Chelsea’s faltering hopes to sign the goal-getter have been matched by their frustration at failing to permanently move out 31-year-old frontman Romelu Lukaku.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd whatever happens, Osimhen is said to be determined to leave Napoli.The ex-Lille ace might fancy the idea of succeeding Kylian Mbappe as PSG’s main man.SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesMbappe netted emphatically on his Real Madrid debut on Wednesday as the Spaniards won the Uefa Super Cup with a 2-0 victory over Atalanta.Osimhen notched 41 goals in 57 matches over the last two seasons in Serie A.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Bukayo Saka shines in opening day win but Oleksandr Zinchenko could lose place after Wolves show

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      ARSENAL stormed to a 1-0 victory over Wolves in their season opener at the Emirates.Bukayo Saka’s brilliant 74th minute strike put the Gunners back in control after Kai Havertz opened the scoring inside 25 minutes.Kai Havertz put Arsenal 1-0 up inside 25 minutesCredit: PABukayo Saka’s sublime strike up the Gunners in cruise controlCredit: GettyHavertz put Arsenal’s first Prem goal of the season away from five yards out.Before finding himself on the wrong side of a tussle with Yerson Mosquera in the second-half.Wolves were enjoying a good spell of pressure but Saka brought the Emirates to its feet with a fine curling finish from 15 yards.The England international also assisted Havertz’ opener.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHere is how SunSport’s Isabelle Barker rated the Gunners display.David Raya – 9Produced a jaw-dropping save in the opening-half on an awkward Jorgen Strand Larsen header. Saved Saliba’s skins late on when he nearly produced a monumental cock-up by passing the ball straight to Cunha. Ben White – 7White wanted a goal so bad, had two shots in the opening half and was linking the play well. Most read in FootballOleksandr Zinchenko – 6Put the Gunners under pressure at times to highlight why the club signed Riccardo Calafiori in the summer. The Ukrainian left-back also looked weak defensively.With the return of Jurrien Timber, Zinchenko could see himself out of the starting XI.Zinchenko failed to impress during Arsenal’s winCredit: GettyGabriel – 7  Was mostly rock solid at the back and was more reliable than Saliba but still made a few questionable tackles.William Saliba – 6Was the culprit of a number of poor passes. Had a disastrous spell which gifted Wolves a chance, forcing Raya into that blinding save in the first-half. He then passed the ball straight to Matheus Cunha who so very nearly equalised in the second-half. Martin Odegaard – 7Martin Odegaard led Arsenal to their first win of the new seasonCredit: GettyThomas Partey – 7Solid display, buzzed about all over the pitch and was neat and tidy with his distribution. Nearly made it 2-0 in the second-half with a rasping, low shot. Declan Rice – 6Had little influence throughout the game and came off injured on 84-minutes. Bukayo Saka – 10The opener was all about the cross from Saka. It was an inch-perfect, in-swinging cross into the box, the keeper couldn’t come for it, the defenders didn’t want to knock it into their own net, and Havertz took full advantage. He wrapped up a perfect performance by firing a rocket into the top corner to make it 2-0. READ MORE SUN STORIESKai Havertz – 8His opener had been brewing for a while when he produced a crisp finish on 25 minutes. He has now scored 10 goals in his last 15 Premier League games. Scuppered a golden chance early in the second-half though. Havertz was hit in the face by Yerson Mosquera leaving Arsenal fans fumingCredit: GettyGabriel Martinelli – 7Solid performance but was wasteful and selfish when he could have laid the ball back to Declan Rice when he was wide open. SubsJURRIEN TIMBER – 7GABRIEL JESUS – 7LEANDRO TROSSARD – 7Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal players plotted this season’s title battle with Man City HOURS after final day heartbreak

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      IN the hours following their Prem title heartbreak, the Arsenal squad – as well as their families, coaching staff and owner Josh Kroenke – attended a gathering at a venue in central London.But instead of licking their wounds, boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that his players used it to plot this season’s title battle with Manchester City, telling him: “We’re going to do it”.Owner Josh Kroenke joined the players hours after missing out on the titleCredit: GettyMikel Arteta believes his Arsenal squad are hungrier than ever to topple Man CityCredit: GettyThe Gunners came agonisingly close to winning a first league trophy since 2004 last term, finishing two points off winners City with top spot still up for grabs on the final day back in May.A 2-1 victory over Everton at the Emirates was not enough as Pep Guardiola’s City saw off West Ham 3-1 at the Etihad to earn a fourth crown on the bounce.Yet after back-to-back second-place finishes, Arteta is confident his players have what it takes this campaign to finally dethrone the most dominate side in English football history.Asked how hungry his squad is ahead of today’s opener against Wolves, Arteta explained: “Since the last day. It was the same evening as the Everton game. We had a gathering together with all the club.read more arsenal“Everybody was talking about the same thing. They were saying to me: ‘We’re going to be better. We’re going to do it. We want more.’ They are the ones driving that ambition.“We are not going to stop here and that we want much more. We know the things that we can still do better and how the players can still evolve.“How we have evolved as a club is huge as well. How we feel playing at Emirates Stadium is another one.“When you’re looking ahead and see everything that we are doing, everybody is so enthusiastic about it, that willingness to do better, to keep demanding of each other.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“To look for higher ceilings, this is what everybody needs. It’s motivating. It’s inspiring. Every day is something new to look at. We are creating that culture and want to keep going.“It’s like you’re trying to climb the highest mountain, the most difficult leap in the world and you’re surrounded by people trying to achieve the same ambition.Fans can’t stop laughing at Roy Keane’s blunt response to bizarre Mikel Arteta Arsenal ‘pickpocket’ story“The main focus that we have as a coaching staff is to improve our players and give them the best possibility to find a level that probably they haven’t even dreamed about.”Arsenal broke numerous records last season, including most wins in the Prem era [28], their second ever highest points tally [89], most set-piece goals [22] and a league-best defence [29].However, Arteta has told his men to set new standards by using the pain of seasons gone by.He said: “We need to break more of those records again, earn more points for sure. [Last year’s tally] won’t be enough.“With the level we are competing with and every season is getting harder. We are going to have to improve again.“Whether it is pain, whether there are experiences, whether there are moments where you have to accept that somebody else has been better you want to get to where you aren’t.”He continued: “I don’t know what perfect is but it has to be very close to the numbers that we’ve seen in recent years. For me, we’re still very far from perfection.“I want a team that has no roof, can play in any context, dominate the opponent in any circumstance. Can play every three days.“This team still has levels to reach and give me reasons to believe that because I see the way they train and the way they play every day. I believe there are still big rooms to improve.”Having improved their points tally for four seasons on the spin, Arsenal will likely need to do what no Prem team has ever done and see progress for a fifth successive year.But, can it really be progress without lifting the title in 2025? Arteta said: “I would love that feeling bit I cannot think about that right now.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everything I do, I try to win. I try to do it at my best. I am happier afterwards, I feel fulfilled. If I am not able to do it, I try to learn from it. That is the way I am.”Full-back Jurrien Timber [foot] and midfielder Fabio Vieira [hip] are set to make the squad but Takehiro Tomiyasu [knee] and Kieran Tierney [hamstring] remain out injured.Arsenal have a tough start to the new season More