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      Inside Bayer Leverkusen’s wild dressing room party with Xabi Alonso drenched in beer THREE TIMES as Bayern reign ends

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      BAYER LEVERKUSEN celebrated their Bundelisga title in wild fashion after beating Werder Bremen.Fans invaded the pitch at full-time and the players continued the party into the dressing room.Xabi Alonso helped himself to a massive beerCredit: X @@bayer04_enHe was then drenched in lager by Josip StanisicCredit: X @@bayer04_enAlonso was also soaked again in the press conferenceCredit: APFew escaped a soaking in the Leverkusen dressing roomCredit: X/@bayer04_enLeverkusen’s title was the club’s first ever top flight crown and first trophy since 1993.The club still have the possibility of winning a treble as they are in the final of the DFB-Pokal and one step away from the Europa League semi-finals.However, that did not stop the players from enjoying themselves after sealing the Bundesliga title.Manager Xabi Alonso was the victim of being covered in beer on two occasions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe first came in the dressing room as Josip Stanišić poured a class of lager over his head.The second came during his press conference as his players ran in and soaked him in litres of beer.Striker Victor Boniface also delivered a pouring of beer over the Spaniard’s heads.Another clip online showed stars such as Edmond Tapsoba and Álex Grimaldo singing together and spraying more beer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERStar full-back Jeremie Frimpong live streamed part of the jubilations.Fans spotted a moment during the stream in which he spoke to former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka.As Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen seal Bundesliga title and leave Harry Kane on brink of trophyless seasonFrimpong teased the midfielder by saying, “You came from Arsenal and you won it here.”Xhaka was also a recipient of having beer poured over his head, while Frimpong also splashed Tapsoba after chasing him around the dressing room.West Ham fans also popped up on social media, with many saying, “Drink up” ahead of the club’s Europa League second leg on Thursday.The Hammers are currently 2-0 down after goals from Jonas Hofmann and Boniface.The players were dancing in the dressing roomCredit: X @@bayer04_enThe Bayer Leverkusen players enjoyed the title celebrationCredit: X @@bayer04_enOne Hammers fan posted: “Drink as much as you need lads, as much as you need.”A second wrote: “Keep drinking, season over lads.”Another joked: “Remember to stop drinking roughly about 10pm Thursday night.”READ MORE SUN STORIESLeverkusen were not the only team to have some wild celebrations this weekend.Wrexham celebrated achieving back-to-back promotions after sealing their spot in League One with a thumping win over Forest Green Rovers.How Xabi Alonso transformed Bayer LeverkusenBayer Leverkusen are the story of European football this season after being transformed by Xabi Alonso. CHARLIE WYETT looks at this stunning turnaround at the BayArena.
      FROM RELEGATION BATTLERS TO CHAMPIONS-IN-WAITING, IS THIS ALL DOWN TO ALONSO?In a nutshell, yes. He was appointed on October 5, 2022 when Leverkusen were second from bottom in the Bundesliga with five points from their opening eight games but incredibly, they ended up finishing sixth.Now, they are 16 points clear of Bayern with six games left.WHAT ARE HIS TACTICS?A hallmark of Alonso teams is a commitment to a fast-paced approach. With the ball, he likes to dominate possession and play in compact triangles but, a bit like Jurgen Klopp, he likes to get the ball up early into the final third.This season, 3-4-2-1 has become his preferred formation, with three centre-backs, wing-backs, a double-pivot in midfield and three forward players.WHAT ABOUT HIS TRANSFER BUSINESS?All eyes in Germany last summer were on Harry Kane’s arrival at Bayern Munich but Leverkusen delivered some clever work in the transfer market.They lost last season’s 14-goal top scorer Moussa Diaby to Aston Villa for £43million but spent the money wisely.Granit Xhaka arrived from Arsenal and is known as The King. Germany winger Jonas Hofmann joined for just £8.5m and left-back Alejandro Grimaldo was snapped up from Benfica on a free tranfer.Victor Boniface, top scorer in last season’s Europa League with six goals, signed from Union Saint-Gilloise for just £17.2m.SO WHAT ARE LEVERKUSEN’S STRENGTHS?They have been scintillating up front. Attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, 20, has been outstanding, along with Xhaka, centre-back Jonathan Tah and joint top-scorer at Euro 2020 Patrik Schick.Nigerian Boniface was a huge success until his injury at the Africa Cup of Nations but he has just returned.WHAT WAS THE REACTION WHEN ALONSO CONFIRMED HE WOULD STAY FOR NEXT SEASON?As you would expect, the club’s fans — fearing their manager was off to Liverpool or Bayern Munich — were absolutely delighted. But inside the club there was not much surprise.Sporting director Simon Rolfes enjoys a great relationship with Alonso, who earns £5m-a-year.DID HE EXPECT TO DOTHIS WELL?In his first press conference of the season, Alonso was asked whether he was aiming for the Bundesliga title. He surprised the journalists by saying: “August is not the time to speak about medals but let’s see in May . . . ”WHO WILL THEY SELL NEXT?The club have a remarkable record of nurturing and selling top talent, including Kai Havertz (Chelsea) and Son Heung-min (Tottenham).Now, it looks as though Wirtz could be next, although he would cost over £100m. Arsenal full-back target Jeremie Frimpong, 23, has a £34m release clause. More

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      Wild scenes as Bayer Leverkusen fans invade pitch DURING match as Alonso’s side win Bundesliga and deny Harry Kane title

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      FANS raced on to celebrate BEFORE the final whistle as Bayer Leverkusen sealed their first ever Bundesliga title with a 5-0 defeat of Werder Bremen.Incredibly, Xabi Alonso’s men ended Bayern Munich’s 12-year grip on the crown without losing a single league game all season.Fans don’t hold back on the final whistle with an amazing pitch invasionCredit: GettyXabi Alonso revels after Leverkusen sealed their first top-flight crownCredit: EPASome fans came on ahead of the final whistleCredit: RexLeverkusen supporters surged on to enjoy a moment of historyCredit: GettyHat-trick hero Florian Wirtz sparked frenzied joyCredit: ReutersLeverkusen team-mates rushed to mob Granit Xhaka after he made it 2-0Credit: ReutersVictor Boniface’s first-half penalty and a worldie from Arsenal hardman Granit Xhaka made it 2-0 before Florian Wirtz fired the first hat-trick of his career.It’s the first major trophy of ex-Liverpool midfielder Alonso’s managerial career – with a Treble still possible this campaign.Unbeaten in all competitions, Leverkusen have one foot in the Europa League semis having beaten West Ham 2-0 in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.They also play Kaiserslautern in the DFB Pokal final, who are second bottom of the German second division.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLeverkusen supporters lit flares and some surged onto the pitch once Wirtz made it 5-0 just ahead of stoppage time.Leverkusen have five Bundesliga games remaining to ensure they finish this season as ‘Invincibles’.If they do so, they would be the first German club to ever achieve that feat.Leverkusen’s fine form has in part seen Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich turn into a nightmare.Most read in FootballFans got ready to rush out at 4-0 up and some couldn’t contain themselves when the fifth goal went inCredit: GettyVictor Boniface’s penalty put Leverkusen on the way to a title-clinching winCredit: AFPGranit Xhaka, take a BOW! 🤩An absolute WORLDIE from the Swiss midfielder, as Leverkusen look to have all but won the Bundesliga 🏆 pic.twitter.com/SuA4gVpLnY— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 14, 2024

      Victor Boniface sent Leverkusen on the road to a title-clinching victoryCredit: EPACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWith Bayern winning the last 11 Bundesliga titles on the bounce, a 12th looked a dead cert when he made the £104million move from Tottenham last summer.But things began to turn sour for Kane when Bayern were knocked out of the DFB Pokal by third tier minnows Saarbrucken in November.As Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen seal Bundesliga title and leave Harry Kane on brink of trophyless seasonSeveral fans brought mock ups of the Bundesliga title with themCredit: ReutersThe Bayer team were welcomed with flares as they arrived at the stadiumCredit: RexThat helped lead to a wretched run of form that saw Thomas Tuchel told he would be relieved of his duties this summer back in February.Kane’s last chance of a trophy this season relies on the second leg of Bayern’s Champions League tie with Arsenal – having drawn the first leg of the quarter-final 2-2 at The Emirates.Leverkusen’s rampant form and Alonso’s glittering playing CV has seen him linked with top jobs across Europe.The Spaniard played for Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid throughout his career and was seen as the ideal candidate to succeed both Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel at their respective clubs.However he dramatically reaffirmed his commitment to Leverkusen last month, saying: “This is the place to be for me. My job at Bayer is not over.”I want to help the club, and help the players to develop, the board is great… it’s all fantastic here.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m still a young coach but I think this is the best decision for my future. I took my time and I’m sure about that.“I’m grateful to Bayer and the board, the players, the fans… I feel that this is the best way, to continue together.”Alonso was anointed the new king of LeverkusenCredit: ReutersFans brought their own Bundesliga trophies to commemorate the momentCredit: GettyAlonso’s ‘secret plan’SPANISH football expert Guillem Balague has claimed that Xabi Alonso has a “secret plan
      Balague told the BBC’s The Football News Show: “I’ll tell you a little secret.
      “When he went to Bayer Leverkusen, he told his agent ‘do you know what, I am thinking that if it doesn’t go well at Bayer Leverkusen, I’ll go back to Real Sociedad’.
      “But if it goes well, from here, it’s Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich.
      “Let me add Manchester City to the equation and that’s where Xabi Alonso could go next.
      “When, is a different matter.”
      For now though, Alonso is staying at Leverkusen having confirmed earlier this year that he would remain in charge beyond this summer.

      Xabi Alonso’s face adorned some of the trophiesCredit: Rex More

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      Huge Arsenal boost as Bayern Munich hit with two major injury blows for Champions League second leg

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      ARSENAL have been handed a major boost ahead of the second leg of their quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich.That’s after another Bayern player picked up an injury ahead of their clash on Wednseday.Kingsley Coman was withdrawn with injury against KolnCredit: GettyGnabry is a doubt having been taken off against ArsenalCredit: Getty Bayern managed to sweep FC Koln aside yesterday with a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Raphael Guerreiro and Thomas Muller.But winger Kingsley Coman picked up an adductor muscle injury in the match and had to be withdrawn in the 50th minute.The club have confirmed Coman is likely to miss the Arsenal game.In addition to France international Coman, Thomas Tuchel confirmed he has two more injury problems ahead of the crunch clash.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe told Sky: “The big downside to the whole game is the injury to Kingsley Coman. It makes me very sad because I know how hard he worked and how important he is for us. “First Serge Gnabry is out, then he [Coman] and Leroy Sane are doubts [for Wednesday].”In addition to the three injuries to Bayern’s wingers, they will also be without another key player due to suspension.Alphonso Davies’ yellow against Arsenal in the first leg means he will miss the game at the Allianz.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSManuel Neuer is also having his minutes managed having only returned from injury for the first leg against Arsenal.The German no1 was rested in Bayern’s victory over Koln.Raging Bukayo Saka pushed away from referee after Arsenal are denied last-minute penalty against Bayern Munich Thomas Muller was asked about Bayern’s injury concerns going into their second leg with Arsenal.The forward insisted he had seen the club cope without its stars before and said: “It’s not the first time in my time here that we lost important players towards the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the Champions League, that was the case with Rib [Ribéry] and Rob [Robben] from time to time.”How Arteta made Arsenal horrible again, with Tony Pulis tactic and gentle star turned into Diego Costa-style hate figureBy Dave Kidd
      BOTTLERS, chokers, shandy-drinking southern softies.
      These were the charges levelled at Arsenal when they blew the title last season.
      And even if the actual reason they failed was because William Saliba got injured and Rob Holding had to start, Mikel Arteta clearly took those accusations to heart.
      If his team are not crowned champions next month, the Gunners boss has categorically ensured that they won’t go down being accused of nicey-niceyness.
      Because, as well as being thrillingly entertaining and free-scoring when they want to be, this season’s Arsenal are also thoroughly horrible.They are not here to make friends. They are not interested in being anybody’s second-favourite team.
      And so, six days after stink-bombing the Etihad with a display of Mourinho-esque anti-football for a 0-0 draw, Arsenal turned up at the home of former bogey-team Brighton and s***housed their way to a thoroughly impressive 3-0 win.
      How wonderful for the travelling Gooners to witness Ben White — against his former club — going down as if he’d taken a bullet to his neck when Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan brushed against him.
      White is renowned as a gentle and decent bloke, intelligent enough to challenge the zeitgeist and claim there might be things in life other than football.
      And yet suddenly he’s become some Diego Costa-style anti-hero hate figure, his wife goading the masses by posting social-media pictures of them playing a childish card game on a sun lounger after he’d refused an international call-up.
      Because Arsenal are horrible again. Even Ben White is a villain.And that might just be Arteta’s greatest triumph.
      Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More

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      Borussia Dortmund have penalty overturned by VAR DURING ex-Man Utd star’s run up in never-before-seen moment

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND were denied a goal in a never-before-seen moment during their game against Borussia Monchengladbach.The Bundesliga giants were leading the match 2-1 at Borussia-Park as they looked to keep pace with RB Leipzig in the Champions League spots.Marcel Sabitzer had two penalties against Borussia MönchengladbachCredit: APHe converted both effortsCredit: GettyThe second was stopped for a VAR check during his run-upCredit: AFPThe referee could be seen blowing his whistle just as Sabitzer was about to strike the ballDortmund started the match well as they raced into a 2-0 lead inside 28 minutes thanks to a brace from Marcel Sabitzer.Monchengladbach found a way back into the tie as Maximilian Wober bagged in the 36th minute.Former Manchester United loanee Sabitzer then thought he had the chance to restore his side’s two-goal lead in the 51st minute.Karim Adeyemi appeared to be brought down by Jonas Omlin as the referee pointed to the spot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSabitzer stepped up to take the penalty but as he was about to kick the ball the referee blew his whistle once again.As the ball hit the net, the players were subject to a very late VAR check on the incident.The decision arrived to overturn the penalty as Omlin was judged to have won the ball fairly.Fans were left in shock as they reacted on social media.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne posted: “Sabitzer was taking a penalty, converted the penalty but just when he was about to hit it, the referee stopped him and went for a VAR check to CANCEL the penalty. Remarkable moment!”A second commented: “What in the name of VAR is that in Bundesliga?”I’m Dortmund’s sexiest fan and I double up as a lingerie model and nurse.. Marco Reus is the love of my lifeA third wrote: “The game is gone man honestly.”A fourth said: “Such a heartbreaker.”A fifth fumed: “Since when can you do that.”Another added: “Surely they can’t do that? the pen has already been called.”To make matters worse, the decision denied Sabitzer a hat-trick in the match.Adeyemi was then sent off in the 55th minute for a second bookable offence.However, Dortmund were able to hold on to the slender lead and take three points home with them. More

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      Harry Kane pictured training with Bayern days after 3 of his kids were saved by hero nanny in three-car smash

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      HARRY Kane was pictured training with Bayern Munich just days after three of his kids were saved by a hero nanny in a car crash.The striker’s children were “lightly injured” in a three-vehicle accident outside Munich on Monday afternoon.Harry Kane was pictured training with Bayern Munich just days after his kids were in a car crashCredit: GettyThe striker’s children were ‘lightly injured’ in a three-vehicle accident outside MunichCredit: Hohenschäftlarn volunteer fire departmentKane’s three kids were taken to hospital as a precaution – but the ex-Spurs striker confirmed everyone was ‘fine’Credit: Instagram @katekanexThe England captain was in London ahead of his side’s 2-2 Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal.Kane, 30, played and scored in Tuesday night’s game — the day after the crash.Bild published images of an accident between three cars, including a van carrying his children and bodyguard.Three of Kane’s children – Louis three, Vivienne, five, and Ivy, seven – were travelling in the Mercedes and were taken to hospital as a precaution.Read more Sports NewsAnd a British nanny was praised for saving footie star Kane’s children.A young driver in a Renault cut across their people carrier to turn into a junction — crunching into its front and sending both ­vehicles spinning towards an oncoming Land Rover Defender.Despite its airbags being triggered, the nanny calmly brought the £100,000 Mercedes to a halt, steering clear of the out-of-control Renault and avoiding careering into the 4×4.The quick-thinking nanny, 24, was said to be “left terrified”.Most read in FootballA source told The Sun: “The Kane’s nanny did an incredible job of protecting the children.”None of this is her fault. She might be on German roads, but she had right-of-way.A British nanny has been hailed a hero after averting disaster during a car crash when she drove Harry Kane’s children”It was the German driver who cut across her path and smashed into her. She would only have had milliseconds to react.”You can see from the pictures it was a serious smash, but the Kane children would have felt nothing other than a bang. She really has averted disaster.”Local fire chief Daniel Buck said the family’s people carrier “had a lot of damage”.He added: “The good news was nobody had really strong injuries, more minor injuries typical for a car accident.”Thank God nobody was really injured. It was really lucky for all.”The Renault driver, a 20-year-old woman, could be punished with a fine of as little as £150.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe could have been charged with “negligent assault” and, if anyone had been injured, faced up to three years behind bars.Kane’s wife Katie, 31, and their ­youngest child Henry, seven months, were not in the car.Kane at Saebener Strasse training ground yesterdayCredit: GettyThe driver, 20, who crashed into Kane’s kids is said to be facing a fine of £100Credit: GettyThe young motorist smashed into a black Mercedes Vito while trying to turn onto a motorway slip roadCredit: Hohenschäftlarn volunteer fire departmentKane’s side drew 2-2 with Arsenal on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finalCredit: GettyInside Harry and Katie’s life in ‘Germany’s Hollywood’BEFORE finding their perfect family home, Harry and his clan had been staying in Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski, one of Munich’s most prestigious and exclusive hotels.
      The five-star resort is frequented by celebs and footballers, costing an eye-watering £10,000 per night to stay.
      Located 7.5 miles (12km) southwest of central Munich, Grünwald is a popular spot for Bayern players as it is only a 15-minute drive from the club’s training ground.
      Kane is also joining the current Bayern squad living there; Alphonso Davies, Matthijs de Ligt, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Benjamin Pavard and Leroy Sane.
      And Katie could also rub shoulders with a new group of WAG pals including Anika Bissel, the partner of Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Peter Neuer.
      There’s also Leroy Sane’s wife Candice Brook, a US model, TV personality and singer, and Mathea Fischer, the partner of Leon Goretzka.
      The area is known as the “Bavarian Hollywood”, and it is Germany’s wealthiest municipality.
      A source previously told MailOnline: “Grünwald is the Bavarian Beverly Hills. It’s the home of the rich and famous and offers the very best in luxury mansions.
      “I can assure you that the Kane family will be in one of them and will enjoy their new life here.”
      The family have a variety of high-end restaurants and eateries in the area.
      They include Chang, a Michelin guide-listed Asian restaurant, which offers pick ‘n’ mix style sushi for £100, caviar for £450 and ribeye steak for £40.
      Another Bayern star hotspot is Hugo’s, which specialises in truffle pizza and pasta.
      There are also plenty of International schools for the Kanes to choose from for their new little one, including the International Preschool Munich, which has fees of up to £975 per week.  More

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      Harry Kane and Eric Dier taking lessons from Tottenham heartbreak as they bid to save season with Champions League win

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      HARRY KANE is using Tottenham’s magical run to the Champions League final five years ago as inspiration to galvanise Bayern Munich’s season.The England skipper joined the German giants last summer from Spurs in a deal worth £104m, dreaming of finally quenching his thirst for titles and silverware.Harry Kane’s debut season with Bayern Munich has been underwhelmingCredit: GettyKane is using the inspiration of Tottenham’s 2019 campaign after their Euro heroicsCredit: GettyInstead, Kane, 30, has endured a nightmare campaign with Bayern so far.For the first time since 2012, the Bundesliga crown will not be lifted at the Allianz Arena, with Bayern 16 points off Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen leaders.Having lost the Super Cup to RB Leipzig back in August, they were also embarrassingly knocked out of the German Cup by third tier minnows FC Saarbrucken.And so, with boss Thomas Tuchel set to leave at the end of the season, Kane’s only hope of ending his first season abroad with a trophy is on Europe’s grandest stage.read more footballTheir quarter final is finely poised after a tense 2-2 first leg draw against Arsenal at the Emirates. Victory in the home second leg next week will book Bayern a semi-final spot against one of Manchester City or Real Madrid.Given their domestic crisis, it would take a brave man to back Bayern to go all the way and lift the Champions League at Wembley on June 1 – a title that has eluded them since 2020.But Kane has previous in this department. In the 2018/19 season, Spurs suffered a dismal run of just three wins from their final 12 Premier League games.However, in Europe – under Mauricio Pochettino – they defied the odds by reaching the Champions League final thanks to miraculous results against City and Ajax in the quarters and semis.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe fairy tale was crushed in the final by Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in Madrid, yet Kane is determined to go one better with six-time Euro champs Bayern.He said: “That [Spurs] campaign is similar because we weren’t having a great time in the league but we found some passion and togetherness in the Champions League.“We managed to get to the final and of course we didn’t manage to win it but that gives me hope that we can find that again,“We know we can perform in the big games, perform in the big quarter final at home next week and try to get back to the final.“It’s a competition the club want to win. Not winning the Bundesliga this year is a tough pill to swallow and it makes this competition even more important.“We have to find that togetherness, we have to find that team ethic where we grind out games because we haven’t done it enough this year.“Being at Wembley is also extra motivation for me personally being my national stadium and it’s still there to try and achieve.”Eric Dier – another former Tottenham star now with Kane at Bayern – added: “We have to have that spirit and I think we showed that spirit. “We showed that commitment, the togetherness you’re going to need. We just have to do it on a consistent basis now.”Whereas Poch’s Spurs class of 2019 had little Euro know-how, Bayern’s squad is overflowing with it. Bayern Munich fans clash with stewards despite stadium ban as Arsenal fans want ticket sellers ‘banned for life’Kane said: “We’ve got a lot of experience in our team, a lot of players who have played in the Champions League for a long time.“Players who have played in finals, won finals and of course you have to lean on that and, as a team, show that on the pitch.”Regardless of Bayern’s failings, Kane has enjoyed a stunning individual season with 39 goals in 37 appearances in all competitionHe admitted: “It’s not the season I wanted with the way the league’s gone but I’m always confident to score goals.“I’m really enjoying my experience in Germany and it was a step that I needed in my career. Fresh stimulus, fresh challenge and new surroundings. I’m really happy that I made the move.READ MORE SUN STORIES“My future is at Bayern Munich. I have a four-year contract. I’m really enjoying it and hopefully I will be able to make something special happen this season.“But if not, I’ll be ready to go again in the summer and turn things around.” More

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      Forgotten wonderkid who almost cost Declan Rice his West Ham place now in Germany and hasn’t played a game this season

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      FORMER West Ham defender Reece Oxford has gone from being rated higher than Declan Rice to Bundesliga obscurity.The centre-back, 25, broke through in East London at the age of just 16 when he started in a 2-0 win away at Arsenal.Reece Oxford has played just three games for Augsburg since 2022Credit: Getty – ContributorReece Oxford, circled, won the 2016 U21 Premier League Cup alongside Declan Rice, fourth from leftCredit: 2016 West Ham United FCHe was playing regularly with Rice – a defender at the time – in the West Ham academy and won the U21 Premier League Cup with him in 2016.And trainee Lewis Page has since revealed Oxford was ahead of the now Arsenal man in the pecking order.He told The Athletic: “I remember having a conversation with him after dinner. Dec [Rice] wasn’t sure if he was going to get a scholarship with West Ham.”He got released by Chelsea and he was worried it was going to happen again.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I was always confident he was going to get one, but at the time the club weren’t sure what was Dec’s best position.”Reece was the main talent at centre-back and I’m not sure if the club thought Dec was good enough to play in midfield. You had Josh Cullen and Ben Marlow who were ahead of him.”But West Ham took the chance and it’s paid off ever since.”Rice ended up playing 245 games for West Ham and becoming club captain.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe also lifted the Europa Conference League, before he secured a £105million move to Arsenal and is now one of the highest-rated midfielders in world football.Meanwhile, Oxford was sold to Augsburg in 2019 after just 17 appearances for the first team.Arsenal star Declan Rice handed custom gift by Frank Lampard to mark his 50th England capAnd while he has played 80 times for the Bundesliga outfit, he has not featured since November 2022.Oxford has endured muscular problems over the last 12 months, the latest in a long line of setbacks.He also suffered a meniscus tear in July 2021 and battled long Covid last season.He has played just three games since the end of the 2021/22 campaign.Declan Rice has become one of the best midfielders in world footballCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal fans rage as Harry Kane escapes red card after elbowing Gabriel in throat in Bayern Munich clash

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      HARRY KANE has escaped a red card after elbowing Gabriel in the throat during a heated Champions League clash.Bayern Munich were 2-1 ahead at the time thanks to goals from the England skipper and Serge Gnabry.Harry Kane escaped a red card after elbowing Gabriel in the throatCredit: @TNTSPORTSThe Bayern Munich striker was only given a yellow for the foulCredit: @tntsportsKane scored a penalty in the first half to take Bayern 2-1 upCredit: @tntsportsIn the second half Kane made contact with the Arsenal defender barging him with a high elbow in the throat, knocking him to the ground.And Gunners fan are baffled at how the Bayern striker only got away with a yellow.One fan said: “Kane should be off after that deliberate elbow refs to scared.”Another added: “A CLEAR red card on Harry Kane not a yellow card! He knew Gabriel was there and purposely elbowed him in the throat!! You have to get these right!! Kane is known to be a dirty player!”READ MORE ON ARSENALA third fan then put: “Kane deliberately elbowing an arsenal player in the throat, not even a VAR check. Alright then.”While a fourth agreed: “That’s a red card for Kane. Elbow on the throat.”The Gunners are in the last-eight of the iconic competition for the first time since 2009-10 and enjoyed the perfect start.Bukayo Saka scored early to send Arsenal fans crazy.Most read in Champions LeagueBut the home side suffered a mini-collapse with Serge Gnabry striking back before Kane – of course – scored at the Emirates with a penalty.However substitute Leandro Trossard fired back in the 76th minute to level the scores.Raging Bukayo Saka pushed away from referee after Arsenal are denied last-minute penalty against Bayern Munich And the Gunners were left fuming after Bukayo Saka skipped around Manuel Neuer in the dying minutes of the game before collapsing to the ground.Saka and 60,000 Arsenal fans, as well as the commentators were adamant that the referee should have pointed to the spot. But Glenn Nyberg waved play-on as the first leg ended in an enthralling draw.Surprised it wasn’t a penalty, says HalseyBy Mark Halsey
      SOME will say that Bukayo Saka initiated the contact, but Manuel Neuer stuck out his leg.
      I was surprised Glenn Nyberg did not award Arsenal a penalty in real time at the end.
      Bayern Munich could have no complaints if it was given, they got away with one.
      Munich were very lucky.
      It is subjective, so maybe that is why VAR did not get involved.
      Had it been given, the decision would not have changed. More