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      Mikel Arteta planning tactical switch to cope with Saka injury… and it could mean position change for star Arsenal man

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      MIKEL ARTETA is praying Declan Rice’s versatility can help Arsenal cope without Bukayo Saka.A torn hamstring looks set to rule out England winger Saka until at least March in a massive blow to the Gunners’ title hopes.Arsenal take on Ipswich in the Premier League during the holidaysCredit: GettyArsenal may be without Bukayo Saka until at least MarchCredit: ReutersArsenal boss Mikel Arteta may be set for a major tactical changeCredit: GettyArsenal star Declan Rice may be fielded in midfield or attackCredit: GettyBoss Arteta has been pondering how to set up the team in his absence — and midfielder Rice, 25, will be key to whatever he decides.Three Lions enforcer Rice can operate in a defensive midfield role or further up the field.And Arteta hinted he could be having a go at each of them in a busy festive period that kicks off with Friday night’s Premier League visit of Ipswich.The Spaniard, 42, explained: “With the squad that we have, he needs to be versatile.Read More on Arsenal“With the qualities that he has, he needs to be versatile. With the brain that he has, he needs to be versatile.  With the age that he is, he needs to be versatile.“He can offer so much in relation to the opponent, to the needs in the squad. Putting Declan in a box, there’s no point in my opinion.”The Gunners, who are six points behind leaders Liverpool having played a game extra, travel to Brentford and then Brighton in the league at the start of January.Then, they host Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, with the winners taking on Tottenham or Liverpool at Wembley.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat all adds up to a host of opponents with markedly different styles and Arteta will be relying on Rice to keep the Gunners in shape.The Emirates chief explained: “He’s going play as a No 6 against a low block in relation to what the nine does, he’s going to be with the centre-backs. If the No 10 is man-marking him, he’s going to have another role.”Exposing the secrets of Arsenal’s CHAOTIC corner routines that can win them the Premier League titleArsenal were struggling to score goals from open play before the Carabao Cup and Prem double-header with Crystal Palace.A 3-2  win at home  on Wednesday booked a semi-final berth — and that was followed by a 5-1 league romp at Selhurst Park on Saturday, which saw Saka limp off early on but Gabriel Jesus scored five times in those two matches.How Arsenal set up against struggling Ipswich will depend on where Arteta deploys Kai Havertz, with the German able to play up front or in attacking midfield.Arteta said: “It is always about that. If you cover something, you uncover something else. That is always the dilemma.“We scored goals with Kai on the pitch and with Declan, who is a different profile.“So, is it related to the players, is it related to the intentions of the team as individuals in certain moments of games and confidence? A lot of aspects play a part.”Ipswich lacking confidenceConfidence is something Ipswich are lacking at the moment following Saturday’s 4-0 home thumping by Newcastle.The Tractor Boys have still not won at Portman Road on their long-awaited Premier League return.But they have triumphed twice on their travels — at Wolves earlier in the month and at Tottenham.Gunners fans certainly enjoyed hearing about that one and Arteta declared himself a big admirer of Town manager Kieran McKenna.McKenna, 38, has guided Ipswich from League One to the Premier League in successive seasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Arteta added: “I have a lot of people who know him and they always say great things about him.“They have been very unfortunate not getting the results they deserve. It’s a very tough game for sure.”Arsenal ratings vs Palace as Gunners stuff Eagles at Christmas with Gabriel Jesus rebornGABRIEL JESUS produced his first Premier League goals since January on a day he could have had a hat-trick to continue his good form.Gabriel Martinelli impressed and got on the scoresheet but Arsenal did suffer a blow in the first half as Bukayo Saka limped off with injury, while William Saliba had a rare off day.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated the Gunners display at Selhurst Park.David Raya – 8Lucky to escape a “Fraser Forster” moment as he played Thomas Partey into all sorts of problems early on before he was beaten by Sarr’s curler soon afterwards.But then bailed out Gabriel to foil Mateta when he seemed certain to equalise once again and made more key saves from Sarr and Mateta at the start of the second half. Often there at the biggest moments.Jurrien Timber – 6Dutch defender looked slightly uncomfortable at times on the right as he gave Palace far too much attacking leeway.Booked for taking an age and a half over a throw-in as well although it was not a costly one.William Saliba – 5All over the place in the first half as he seemed determined to open the door to the home side.Saliba stood off Sarr and paid the price as Palace levelled and then made another blunder only for Raya to save from Mateta. Not exactly a dominant performance.Gabriel – 6Saliba’s wobbles meant his partner-in-chief had to stand up and be counted more than normal but he was not at his best either and a booking after half an hour had him walking a tightrope.More of the same after the break. Fortunately Palace’s defensive deficiencies took the sting out of their attacking armoury too.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Youngster is grabbing his unexpected opportunity to make a first-team impact with an understanding of the inverted nature of the Arsenal full-back role.By some distance the best of the four defenders in the Arsenal back division.Thomas Partey – 7Asked to take care of the defensive midfield task but soon to the fore with the lay-off that allowed Jesus to put the Gunners back in front inside the first 14 minutes.Did what was needed defensively and willing to venture forward when the opportunity was there. Solid throughout.Martin Odegaard – 8When the Norwegian turns up, Arsenal turn up.At Selhurst, Odegaard was the orchestrator in chief from the start, dropping deep to pick up possession and then keeping it simple and effective. The skipper is a leader.Kai Havertz – 8Back in midfield having played most of the season up top but he was in the perfect centre-forward’s position to tap into the empty net when Jesus’ header came back off the post.Home hands went up but there were only the five Palace defenders playing the German onside. A tidy display on the ball but did leave his side slightly open defensively.Bukayo Saka – 7The early loss of the England winger to a worrying knee injury could be a major blow to Arsenal’s title chances.Always the out-ball, Saka had signalled his ongoing threat as he made space to deliver the cross that led to Jesus’ early opener. He could be missing for a while now.Gabriel Jesus – 9Midweek hat-trick against Glasner’s men earned him only fourth Prem start of the season and how he took the chance with the early double and another effort off the post that led to a simple Havertz goal.The Brazilian had been waiting more than 10 months for a top flight goal and got two in eight minutes. One against the woodwork and another missed sitter, too. He must want to play Palace every week.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Took the corner that led to Jesus’ second but then switched to the right flank after Saka limped away and supplied the cross which ended with Havertz making it three before netting himself from close range.Arteta will need that level of return from the Brazilian over the coming weeks if this title challenge is going to be a real one.Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Saka, 25) – 6Belgian will have to step up if Saka is out for a long spell after his injury and his low cross ended up bringing the Arsenal fourth.Declan Rice (for Havertz, 58) – 8England star came on to secure the game after Arsenal’s sloppy start to the second half and set up Martinelli with his first touch before steering home the fifth.Riccardo Calafiori (for Lewis-Skelly, 58) – 6Martinelli’s strike meant the game was over before the Italian had touched the ball. That makes it easier.Ethan Nwaneri (for Gabriel Jesus 86) N/A More

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      Arsenal join THREE Premier League rivals in transfer race for PSG frontman Randal Kolo Muani after Bukayo Saka injury

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      FOUR Premier League clubs are battling for the signature of France star Randal Kolo Muani.Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City have been exploring a deal for the speedy Paris Saint-Germain frontman.Randal Kolo Muani has been linked with a move away from PSGCredit: GettyAnd Arsenal have joined the race, with winger Bukayo Saka facing more than two months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou desperately needs options given his side’s injury crisis.And Kolo Muani’s electric pace and ability to play anywhere along the frontline appeals.City boss Pep Guardiola wants to freshen things up given their dreadful form and a loan deal would suit both parties.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPSG are keen on an obligation-to-buy clause with Frenchman Kolo Muani not part of boss Luis Enrique’s plans.Liverpool are weighing up their options with Mo Salah out of contract in the summer and allowed to talk to foreign clubs in the January window.Boss Arne Slot is a big fan of Kolo Muani, who has performed better for country than club of late.The 26-year-old was chased by Europe’s biggest clubs after scoring 26 goals and providing 17 assists for Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022-23.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBukayo Saka is set for a spell on the sidelinesCredit: RexHe joined PSG for £80million in September last year. But he has scored just four times in 14 appearances for the club this season and made just two Ligue 1 starts.He was not in PSG’s squad for recent games with Monaco and Lyon.Tottenham boss Postecoglou REFUSES to answer questions after his team ship another hatful of goals in Liverpool lossEnrique said: “I could speak about it, but I won’t.“My decisions say it all, even if all of my decisions can be changed.”Kolo Muani netted in the penalty shootout as France were beaten by Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final.He was also denied by keeper Emi Martinez’s ‘save of the century’.France boss Didier Deschamps continues to pick Kolo Muani despite his lack of game time.Aston Villa also had dialogue with PSG, who were interested in a swap with striker Jhon Duran.But Villa are not interested in parting with the Colombian ace, 21. More

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      Arsenal ‘to be offered PSG star Kolo-Muani’ as Gunners boss Arteta looks for Saka replacement after injury

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      ARSENAL are set to be offered the chance to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo-Muani in January, according to reports.The Gunners could be on the lookout for attacking reinforcements next month after losing Bukayo Saka to injury last week.Arsenal are reportedly set to be offered the chance to sign Randal Kolo-MuaniCredit: GettyThe Gunners needs attacking reinforcements after Bukayo Saka picked up a hamstring injury last weekCredit: RexMikel Arteta revealed that Saka will be out for “many weeks” after the winger was substituted off in Saturday’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.And Saka could miss FIFTEEN matches as the star faces being out until March after leaving Selhurst Park on crutches with a torn hamstring.But Arteta and Co could be handed an attacking lifeline in PSG star Kolo-Muani with The Standard reporting the Parisians may offer the versatile striker to Arsenal in January.They claim that the north London outfit are one of a number of clubs that PSG could offer Kolo-Muani to in the coming weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe French international, 26, has struggled for game time this season and would benefit from a loan move elsewhere.Kolo-Muani has made just two starts in Ligue 1 this term, despite his mega £75m transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023.Despite mainly operating as a striker, Kolo-Muani is often able to play off the left and right hand side, meaning he could help provide cover for Saka if he was to join Arsenal.Arsenal aren’t currently thought to be looking for a new wide forward in January, but injury to Saka and Raheem Sterling could force their hand.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMikel Arteta has claimed that he is focused on filling Saka and Sterling’s gaps from within the squad, listing the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri as potential replacements.Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Ipswich on Friday, Arteta reiterated that point but kept his options open for a potential arrival in January. Bukayo Saka is spotted on crutches after Arsenal’s win at Crystal Palace“My focus honestly now is just about within the squad, the resources we have to be as competitive as we possibly can,” he said.“We have many, many options to do that. And if something unbelievable [becomes] available and if the club is willing to do it, we’ll have to consider it.”Mikel Arteta hasn’t ruled out signing a new forward in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

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      Most successful Premier League club on Boxing Day revealed – and they’re not even in the top half of this year’s table

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      THE most successful Premier League club on Boxing Day has been revealed and they’re not even in the top half of this year’s table.Analysts looked at more than 32 years of data to work out a host of fascinating stats to reveal the teams with the most wins and losses.Take the quiz hereCredit: gettyIt turns out that Manchester United fans have it best at Christmas – as they’ve won more Premier League Boxing Day games than any other club.United have not only won the most games with a whopping 21 victories, but they’ve also scored the most goals, hitting the net 76 times on December 26th.At the other end of the table, Newcastle have lost more than any other side when playing on Boxing Day, going down 15 times in 32 games played – and conceding as many as 45 goals.Four teams – Manchester City, Everton, Chelsea and Aston Villa – feature in both top 10 lists due to having a high number of wins and losses from the festive fixture over the years.read more in premier league The findings come after research of 2,000 footie fans found four in 10 look forward to Boxing Day football more than any other day on the footballing calendar.The festive footie beat out transfer deadline day (13 per cent) and even the Carabao Cup final (10 per cent) as the day in the season fans enjoy most.Among the best things about the day are the fact almost every side plays and being able to chow down on turkey sandwiches while watching.It also emerged the typical football fan will watch as many as five matches over the packed festive schedule, racking up more than 10 hours of live sport in total.Most read in FootballA spokesperson for Lottoland.co.uk Sportsbook, which commissioned the study and also created a tool to allow fans to try and predict the scores for this year’s matches, said: “It’s truly a late Christmas gift to football fans.“While the occasional player may moan about having to train and eat pasta throughout the festive period, fans get a feast of football to enjoy.Man Utd player ratings: Tyrell Malacia hooked after first-half disasterclass as Bruno Fernandes offers glimmer of hope“There’s just so much to love about it, and the Boxing Day fixtures are among the first people will look out for when they are released.”The research found most fans don’t have a huge amount of sympathy for Premier League players who have to ‘work’ on Boxing Day, unlike most of the rest of the country having the day off.With 27 per cent admitting they don’t have very much sympathy, while 34 per cent feel none whatsoever.Other reasons people love the season’s sport include having people around the home to watch games with (22 per cent) and finally saying goodbye to “Christmassy” TV and films (17 per cent).While 13 per cent see switching off from family duties and on to 90 minutes of sport as a great way to have a break from their nearest and dearest.It also emerged 29 per cent are even likely to tune into games their team isn’t playing, just because they’re on TV.And 34 per cent are particularly looking forward to this year’s December 26 fixtures because the title race is so intriguing.Nearly a fifth (17 per cent) even enjoy the sport on the day after Christmas more than they do opening presents.But three in 10 claimed their favourite team losing on Boxing Day has the power to ruin the entire festive season for them, according to the OnePoll.com figures.Lottoland.co.uk Sportsbook’s spokesperson added: “Of course, watching loads of football is lots more fun if your team happens to be winning.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Losing two or three games in quick succession is nobody’s idea of a good time.“But for the neutrals who don’t have a particular horse in the race, the endless supply of action can only be a good thing.”TOP 10 TEAMS WITH THE MOST WINS ON BOXING DAY:Manchester United (21 wins)Liverpool (17 wins)Arsenal (16 wins)Chelsea (13 wins)Tottenham Hotspur (13 wins)Everton (11 wins)Manchester City (11 wins)Blackburn Rovers (7 wins)West Ham United (7 wins)Aston Villa (5 wins)TOP 10 TEAMS WITH THE MOST LOSSES ON BOXING DAY:Newcastle United (15 losses)Aston Villa (14 losses)Leicester City (11 losses)Everton (10 losses)Middlesbrough (9 losses)Manchester City (7 losses)Sunderland (7 losses)Norwich City (7 losses)West Bromwich Albion (7 losses)Chelsea (6 losses) More

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      How long is Bukayo Saka injured for and what games will the Arsenal star miss?

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      BUKAYO SAKA is no doubt one of Arsenal’s brightest stars as he causes a threat to every team he comes up against – but the Gunners will have to continue without him for a while.The England star had to be forced off just 23 minutes into Arsenal’s 5-1 thrashing against Crystal Palace with a hamstring injury.Bukayo Saka is facing a lengthy time on the sidelinesCredit: GettySaka was then later spotted leaving Selhurst Park on crutches.Mikel Arteta admitted in his post-match press conference that he is ‘worried’ about his talisman.And SunSport can explain why as the severity of Saka’s injury has now been revealed.How long is Bukayo Saka injured for?Bukayo Saka is set to be sidelined for up to FIFTEEN games after tearing his hamstring against Crystal Palace.Read more on Bukayo SakaThis is Saka’s third hamstring injury in the 2024/25 campaign after he picked up a similar knock while on international duty with England during the October and November fixtures.However, none of those setbacks were serious enough to keep him out of action on a long-term basis.What games will Bukayo Saka miss for Arsenal?Bukayo Saka will be unavailable for several crucial matches such as the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle, the FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester United.And the North London derby against bitter local rivals Tottenham.Most read in FootballHere are the 15 matches Saka is set to miss:Premier League unless statedIpswich (H) – December 27Brentford (A) – January 1Brighton (A) – January 4Newcastle (H) – January 7 (Carabao Cup)Man Utd (H) – January 12 (FA Cup)Tottenham (H) – January 15Aston Villa (H) – January 18 Dinamo Zagreb (H) – January 22 (Champions League)Wolves (A) – January 25Girona (A) – January 28 (Champions League)Man City (H) – February 1 Newcastle (A) February 5 (Carabao Cup)Leicester (A) February 15West Ham (H) – February 22Nottingham Forest (A) – February 25What has been said?Boss Mikel Arteta revealed on Monday Saka, 23, will be out for “many weeks” — but the winger is expected to miss a big chunk of this campaign.Arteta admitted: “It’s not looking good. He’s going to be out for many weeks.“I cannot be too specific because I don’t know — but it will be many.“The sample in this case is very small because he had very little issues.“But looking at him, the way he recovers from game to game, we can be hopeful we’ll make that period shorter.”The Spaniard said: “He is gutted. You can tell he has not been injured before as he was really emotional and down. We must lift him up.”Arteta will only dip into the transfer market to replace Saka if “something unbelievable” came up in next month’s window.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “My focus is just about within the squad — the resources we have to be as competitive as possible.“We have many options to do that. But if something unbelievable is available, and if the club is willing to do it, we will have to consider it.” More

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      Devastating Bukayo Saka injury update as Arsenal star faces FIFTEEN games out with hamstring KO

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      ARSENAL’S title hopes have suffered a hammer blow as Bukayo Saka could be out until March.The Gunners star is set to be sidelined for up to 15 GAMES at a crucial stage of the season.Bukayo Saka tore his hamstring against Crystal Palace on SaturdayCredit: GettyThe England winger was seen leaving Selhurst Park on crutchesCredit: The SunSaka tore a hamstring in the first half of Saturday’s 5-1 win at Crystal Palace.Boss Mikel Arteta revealed on Monday Saka, 23, will be out for “many weeks” — but the winger is expected to miss a big chunk of this campaign.Arteta admitted: “It’s not looking good. He’s going to be out for many weeks.“I cannot be too specific because I don’t know — but it will be many.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“The sample in this case is very small because he had very little issues.“But looking at him, the way he recovers from game to game, we can be hopeful we’ll make that period shorter.”Arsenal are third in the Premier League and six points behind leaders Liverpool, having played one more match.The Gunners now face 15 games in all competitions until February 25 — starting against Ipswich at the Emirates on Friday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSaka has 15 goal contributions in the Premier League this seasonThat does not factor in the possibility of Arteta’s men, who are in four competitions, also progressing in the cups.Arteta will only dip into the transfer market to replace Saka if “something unbelievable” came up in next month’s window.Major Arsenal blow as Bukayo Saka sidelined for ‘many weeks’ after being forced off with injury He added: “My focus is just about within the squad — the resources we have to be as competitive as possible.“We have many options to do that. But if something unbelievable is available, and if the club is willing to do it, we will have to consider it.”England ace Saka left Selhurst Park on crutches.Arteta revealed the England ace, who has scored nine in all competitions and supplied ten Prem assists this season, was devastated.The Spaniard said: “He is gutted. You can tell he has not been injured before as he was really emotional and down. We must lift him up.”Raheem Sterling is the obvious replacement on the right flank but the Chelsea loanee got a knee injury in training.Arteta added: “He’s going to be out for weeks but we need more tests.”15 matches Bukayo Saka is set to missPremier League unless statedIpswich (H) – December 27Brentford (A) – January 1Brighton (A) – January 4Newcastle (H) – January 7 (Carabao Cup)Man Utd (H) – January 12 (FA Cup)Tottenham (H) – January 15Aston Villa (H) – January 18Dinamo Zagreb (H) – January 22 (Champions League)Wolves (A) – January 25Girona (A) – January 29 (Champions League)Man City (H) – February 1Newcastle (A) – February 5 (Carabao Cup)Leicester (A) – February 15West Ham (H) – February 22Nottingham Forest (A) – February 25 More

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      England’s so-called elite would welcome an escape to a Euro Super League as their time ruling the Prem’s now over

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      THERE’S a reason why the idea of a European super league has been floated again.And a reason why England’s wealthiest clubs won’t be running a mile from the plan.Manchester United were humiliated against BournemouthCredit: RexThe Cherries ripped the Red Devils apart 3-0 at Old TraffordCredit: GettyPep Guardiola has overseen an incredible run at Manchester CityCredit: PAThe Cityzens have lost nine of their last 12 gamesCredit: GettyBarcelona and Real Madrid are backing the latest edition of the Super League schemeCredit: GettyThat reason is: Manchester United 0 Bournemouth 3.The fact the ‘smallest’ club in the Premier League can crush England’s largest club on their own turf, not just in one fluke result but in two consecutive seasons, is definitive proof anything can happen in the world’s richest domestic competition.Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Fulham were promoted together in 2022 and all sit in the top half of the table because they have enough cash, and competence, to assemble squads with at least two very decent players in every position.Brighton and Brentford also sit above United, approaching the halfway point of the season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhich torpedoes the idea of the ‘rich getting rich and the poor getting poorer’. Because, in the Premier League, there is no poor.Real Madrid and Barcelona — who are backing the latest Super League scheme — are deeply envious of the Premier League because it’s basically bloody brilliant.United and the rest of the traditional English elite are tempted by a super league because they can no longer guarantee themselves European football — and because it would offer them more money to distance themselves from those well-run upstart clubs.On Sunday, I landed after a seven-hour flight from the Middle East, during which five Premier League games had been played.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTwo of the results — Tottenham 3 Liverpool 6, as well as Bournemouth’s latest drubbing of United — made me laugh out loud.And yet it’s not even all that surprising any more.Unify League explained after European Super League launches again in new format Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs haven’t had what you’d have once called a single bog-standard, easily predictable result, either positive or negative, in any domestic match since they beat Brentford 3-1 on September 21.Perhaps the 4-1 win over West Ham in October — but even that was the crushing of a local rival, involving a comeback, a red card and a mass brawl.And it’s not just Spurs, of course.A few weeks ago, I predicted, half-jokingly, that there might not be  Champions League football in Manchester next season for the first time in 30 years.Now there is nothing vaguely funny about that statement. In fact, it’s entirely likely.City’s phenomenal meltdown — one win and nine defeats from 12 games in all competitions — has been analysed until the cows come home.But if Real, Barca or any other European powerhouse had suffered similar issues to Pep Guardiola’s side — key injuries and a squad which has aged in fast-forward — their results wouldn’t have been nearly as bad because there’d have been a comfy win or two to pick up.Which would avert the complete confidence collapse  City have suffered.Instead, City lost to Bournemouth and Brighton and was drawn to Crystal Palace. Because they are all decent teams.Before City’s horror run, their previous three league games were single-goal victories over Fulham, Wolves and Southampton.Fulham had a superior ‘expected goals’ count to City at the Etihad. It took a controversial 95th-minute winner to defeat Wolves.Guardiola caused much amusement at the time by praising Russell Martin’s Saints to the hilt after City’s 1-0 home win.Pep wasn’t being patronising. He was being serious.He knew that even the bottom team could visit the champions and cause serious problems.So even City’s 12-game run does not represent such a sudden fall off a cliff edge. It was coming — because the Premier League is too bloody brilliant.United’s crisis has been dragging on for 11 years but the depths of their fall couldn’t be replicated by the richest clubs in Spain, Germany, Italy, France or anywhere else.In 55 league games since the start of last season, United have a goal difference of -2.A decade or so ago, England’s leading clubs were protected against such failures by a Champions League income which gave them a substantial and meaningful wealth gap over the smaller clubs.That has now been negated. The Premier League is so wealthy, so competitive, that the biggest clubs need a bigger cushion to protect themselves from their own failings.In Europe’s other major leagues, that buffer still exists. But Real, Barca and other major Continental clubs know that, as the global fascination with the Premier League grows, the more gloriously unpredictable it becomes.And so, another imaginary super league.This one, laughably called the Unify League because the ‘Ripping Everything To Shreds League’ would sound too obvious, and it would supposedly be based on merit with promotion and relegation and no automatic membership for the elite.Which makes it more palatable than the previous imaginary European super league – which England’s erstwhile ‘Big Six’ all signed up to.The 96-team Unify League would consist of a Star League, a Gold League, a Blue League and a Union League — making it sound as if the whole thing has been concocted by a bored nine-year-old boy in his bedroom.And yet it is backed by Real chief Florentino Perez, substantially more powerful than a bored nine-year-old boy in his bedroom.It has been dreamt up out of fear and envy by those who can’t hack the fact that the Premier League is so bloody brilliant.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd at some point, whether in this decade or the next, one of these imaginary European super leagues — perhaps a worldwide super league involving the Saudis and others — will come to fruition.So, for now, enjoy Tottenham’s lunacy, relish City’s meltdown and savour United’s prolonged crisis. Because the Premier League, in all its current glory, is too good to last. More

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      Every Premier League player suspended on Boxing Day and full list of stars who could get New Year’s off with booking

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      FOUR Premier League players will be able to put their feet up on Christmas Day without the pressure of a match the following day.This is due to their suspension from action, which means they will be sidelined for the traditional festive fixtures.Ashley Young is one of four players to be suspended for gameweek 17Credit: GettyHarry Maguire is on the cusp of a suspensionCredit: GettyGameweek 17 commences on December 26, which means clubs will be training and travelling on Christmas.However, there will be four players who will not be involved due to suspension.Those who have accumulated five cautions in the first half of the season pick up a one-game ban.The four players that have reached the threshold are Nicolas Dominguez, Sam Morsy, Lucas Paqueta and Ashley Young.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDominguez will miss Nottingham Forest’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur, while Morsy will be out of Ipswich Town’s trip to Arsenal.Paqueta will not be a part of the West Ham squad that faces Southampton and Young will miss Everton’s visit to Manchester City.While they will be sidelined for the games on Boxing Day they will be back for before the end of the year.To pick up another suspension for accumulated yellow cards they will have to reach 10 cautions.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, there are many players who could play their last game of 2024 on Boxing Day.There are 44 players who are one more booking away from their fifth of the season and therefore a one-game suspension.Man Utd hero Lee Sharpe warns Marcus Rashford potential exit could come back to haunt club if he joins Prem rivals Players suspended on Boxing DayNicolas Domínguez (Nottingham Forest)Sam Morsy (Ipswich)Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)Ashley Young (Everton)This means a booking in their next game will cause them to miss the games before the New Year.Arsenal could lose in-form striker Gabriel Jesus and defender Jurrien Timber if they pick up their fifth yellows of the season.Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim could be handed a headache if Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte get cautioned against Wolves.Liverpool could be without four players for their match against West Ham if Darwin Nunez, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ibrahima Konate are booked against Leicester City.However, Fulham and Brentford can rest easy as none of their players are on the cusp of a suspension.After gameweek 19, the yellow card ban resets and players will have to pick up five more before being banned.Players close to an end-of-year banGabriel Jesus (Arsenal) 4Jurrien Timber (Arsenal) 4Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) 4Matty Cash (Aston Villa) 4Lewis Cook (Bournemouth) 4Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth) 4Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth) 4Adam Smith (Bournemouth) 4Lewis Dunk (Brighton) 4Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton) 4Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea) 4Robert Sanchez (Chelsea) 4Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace) 4Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) 4Michael Keane (Everton) 4Omari Hutchinson (Ipswich) 4Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester) 4Oliver Skipp (Leicester) 4Jamie Vardy (Leicester) 4Jordan Ayew (Leicester) 4Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) 4Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool) 4Darwin Nunez (Liverpool) 4Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) 4Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) 4Harry Maguire (Manchester United) 4Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United) 4Fabian Schar (Newcastle) 4Sandro Tonali (Newcastle) 4Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest) 4Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest) 4Ryan Yates (Nottingham Forest) 4Adam Armstrong (Southampton) 4Mateus Fernandes (Southampton) 4Adam Lallana (Southampton) 4Micky van de Ven (Tottenham) 4Rodrigo Bentancury (Tottenham) 4Guido Rodriguez (West Ham) 4Tomas Soucek (West Ham) 4Edson Alvarez (West Ham) 4Toti Gomes (Wolves) 4Mario Lemina (Wolves) 4Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolves) 4 More