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      Arsenal’s once reliable defenders starting to creak but should Dream Team bosses hold their nerve?

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      DREAM TEAM managers accustomed to Arsenal clean sheets will have noticed a worrying trend of late.Following their 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, the Gunners have now failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five domestic fixtures.Saliba owners endured a miserable Saturday eveningCredit: Dream TeamMikel Arteta’s side did keep PSG at bay in Gameweek 6 but there’s no denying the points have dried up for David Raya (£4.9m) and company recently.Arsenal’s goalkeeper has mustered 13 points from his last four outings, as has Gabriel (£5.4m), while William Saliba (£5.2m) has notched just nine in the same time frame as a result of his much-discussed red card at the Vitality Stadium.The Frenchman was the most-popular defender in Dream Team heading into Gameweek 8 and so plenty of gaffers will be seeking a replacement to step in while the 23-year-old is suspended.It should be noted that Saliba will only miss one game (vs Liverpool) as he was dismissed for a professional foul against the Cherries.Saliba’s red card has prompted an early wave of transfers ahead of Gameweek 9Credit: RexMore broadly, Dream Team bosses will be wondering whether Arsenal’s expensive defensive assets are worth sticking by now the clean sheets have dried up.Last season, the North London side kept 18 clean sheets in the league alone with Manchester City and Everton their closest rivals in the metric on 13 each.At the start of the current campaign, it was normal service resumed as they registered three clean sheets in their first four league games (four in five in all competitions) but they’ve since conceded to Man City, Leicester, Southampton and Bournemouth in succession.Arsenal even conceded a goal to Bolton in their otherwise emphatic Carabao Cup victory in the third round.Most read in FootballThere’s no shame in conceding to Pep Guardiola’s side but given the other opponents, Dream Team managers would have expected at least one domestic clean sheet from the last four Gameweeks.Raya remains Dream Team’s top goalkeeper but his returns have decreased of lateCredit: GettyIt’s been a different story in the Champions League, where they’re yet to concede having drawn 0-0 with Atalanta and dispatched PSG 2-0.A similar outcome at home to Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night would be warmly welcomed by many gaffers.Looking further ahead, Arsenal are set to embark on a relatively tricky run of fixtures from Gameweek 9 onwards.They’re due to host Arne Slot’s league leaders next Sunday with Preston, Newcastle, Inter and Chelsea to follow before the November international break.For such a long time, Dream Team bosses haven’t had to worry about Arsenal defenders at all but they now face a test of patience.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWCalafiori has outscored Gabriel, Raya and Saliba over the last four GameweeksCredit: GettyIt should be noted that Raya still leads the way among keepers with 57 points in total while Gabriel is currently ranked fourth among defenders on 66 points.Additionally, Riccardo Calafiori (£3.8m) has scraped a respectable 21 points from his last four outings thanks to his tackles, shots on target and bonus points.The fact Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester United all failed to keep clean sheets at the weekend meant Arsenal assets weren’t punished to the full extent, although Saliba obviously dropped down the rankings having incurred minus three points.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe situation at the Emirates is not a disaster by any means but Dream Team managers have a decision to make – stick or twist?A solid showing against Shakhtar in midweek would settle a few nerves.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Fans puzzled as former Man Utd star from David Moyes era links up with football royalty for legends game

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      FOUR Ballon d’Or winners, countless World Cup League heroes, and Marouane Fellaini teamed up in a star-studded legends super-side.But fans have been left puzzled after spotting former Manchester United star Fellaini playing in a clash of the titans exhibition tie in South Korea.Football legends from around the world gathered for a game in South KoreaBut a group of harsh fans have questioned why Marouane Fellaini was involved after spotting him pictured next to Brazilian Ballon d’Or winner KakaThe game saw a unique game of teams made up of attackers vs defenders, including Clarence Seedorf and Thierry HenryRetired football royalty from around the world assembled in South Korea for a spectacular attack-vs-defence showdown on Saturday.The aptly named FC Spear was made up of some of the best former forwards the game has ever seen.While Shield United featured some of the most prominent defenders and holding midfielders to have ever played the beautiful game.But it was the latter defensive outfit who emerged victorious, after thumping the attacking team 4-1.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe winning outfit was made up of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic Yaya Toure, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Carles Puyol and former Man Utd keeper Edwin van der Sar.While 2007 Ballon d’Or winner Kaka, Eden Hazard, Carlos Tevez, Michael Owen made up their ‘attacking’ competition captained by Didier Drogba and managed by Thierry Henry. But the biggest shock for many fans was the presence of ex-United and Everton midfielder Fellaini for the glittering attacking side.Football lovers were quick to call out Fellaini’s shock inclusion after spotting Alessandro Del Piero’s Instagram post.Most read in FootballEdwin van der Sar played in goal for the winning side FC SpearFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne user wrote: “Why on earth is Fellaini there?🤣”A second said: “Wow, all those legends…and Fellaini😶.”Rio Ferdinand and Man Utd legends dress up in traditional South Korean robes While another added: “I’m sorry but how was Fellaini asked? He was good but not on their level.😂”Fellaini starred for the Red Devils between 2013 and 2019, making 177 appearances having travelled with former boss David Moyes from Everton.Before that he made the exact same appearances for the Toffees, scoring 33 goals during five years in the Merseyside, where he was a crucial leader in the team.Former United star Berbatov also appeared for FC Spear in front of 64,000 excited fans in Seoul.The winning goals came from Toure, Seedorf, Park Joo-ho and Javier Mascherano.While the only consolation FC Spear came from United legend Park Ji-Sung’s penalty.Three former Korean internationals filled in the gaps where necessary, including goalkeeper Kim Byung-ji.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe legends also participated in preliminary events that pitted players to see who is better at shooting and one-on-one situations.The game has been described as an exhibition and was organised by South Korean game company Nexon.The legends match occurred in Seoul, South Korea in front of some 64,000 fansRio Ferdinand, Carles Puyol and Ricardo Carvalho played for the defensive side Shield United More

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      ‘Sergio Busquets is an absolute crybaby – I gave Barcelona legend a stern warning’

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      SERGIO BUSQUETS has been labelled a “crybaby” and “whiner” by Wesley Sneijder.Sneijder, who starred for Real Madrid and Inter Milan, slammed the Spaniard as he reflected on their past battles.Wesley Sneijder has recalled how he did not like playing Sergio BusquetsCredit: GettyHe labelled him a ‘crybaby’ and ‘nasty guy to play against’Credit: GettySneijder recalled Busquets antics in the 2010 Champions League semi-final to try and get Thiago Motta sent offCredit: AP:Associated PressThe Dutchman recalled how the Barcelona legend’s antics got under his skin.Speaking to Ziggo Sports, he said: “He was an extremely annoying player, he was always giving it to others but he could never receive it.”The second leg of the 2010 Champions League semi-final game was one that particularly irked Sneijder when Thiago Motta tackled the midfielder. Sneijder said: “In 2010 we beat Barcelona 3-1 at home, then we had to go to Camp Nou and after eight minutes Busquets started rolling on the ground while looking through his hands to see if Motta had a red card.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He then got up again and was fine, the crybaby. A nasty guy to play against.”He continued: “I had fights with him in every game.”Sneijder also revealed how he warned Busquets about meeting in Ibiza, adding: “I’ll see you in Ibiza in the summer, then you and I will talk again.”Under Jose Mourinho that season, Inter Milan emerged with a remarkable win over Pep Guardiola’s Barca side – considered by many to be the greatest team in football history.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey then went on to bag the continental Treble, a first in Italian football history.Meanwhile, Sneijder was full of praise for the recently retired Andres Iniesta. World Cup fans all say the same thing as Sergio Busquets runs into Leon Goretzka – and German’s reaction is pricelessUnlike his old rival and team-mate, 36-year-old Busquets continues to ply his trade in Major League Soccer alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. More

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      Jamie Carragher is warned ‘don’t bring that here’ live on Sky Sports after Liverpool’s win over Chelsea

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER was ordered not to bring his “CBS chat” live on Sky Sports after covering his beloved Liverpool’s win over Chelsea.The Reds beat the Blues 2-1 at Anfield thanks to a stunning display by Curtis Jones, who won a penalty that led to Mohamed Salah’s opener and scored the winner after Nicolas Jackson’s equaliser.Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates ordered Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards not to bring their ‘CBS chat’That comment led to the entire panel laughing their socks offCarragher and Richards work together at CBS with Thierry Henry and Kate AbdoCredit: GettyCarragher provided punditry alongside former team-mate Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards, with whom he also covers the Champions League on CBS.The ex-England international insisted Jones “should have” been awarded another penalty for Liverpool.Presenter Kelly Cates immediately responded: “You’ve firmed up a bit.”Richards addressed his fellow CBS analyst: “You were 50-50 at half-time, has someone been in your DM’s?”Read More on FootballThe panel then burst into laughter before Carragher quipped: “No it was a penalty, you leave my DMs out of it.”Cates replied: “Alright, don’t bring your CBS chat on here”And Sturridge ended the funny segment by saying: “Chill out man, what’s going on.”Carragher and Richards often find themselves taking a cheeky dig at each other live on the CBS studio alongside fellow legend Thierry Henry and presenter Kate Abdo.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, the duo are usually more subtle when working with Sky Sports.The pair will be returning for the Champions League action this coming Tuesday on CBS.Gary Neville’s sheepish reaction after Jamie Carragher says Cristiano Ronaldo has ‘pied two of us off’They will be covering Arsenal clash with Shakhtar Donetsk before Manchester City’s encounter with Sparta Prague and Liverpool’s visit at RB Leipzig on Wednesday. More

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      Former Champions League defender scores FIVE goals in just 34 minutes on sensational debut for non-league team

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      ROMA hero Kostas Manolas scored FIVE goals in just 34 minutes on his debut with a Greek non-league club he surprisingly joined after leaving Serie A.Manolas, 33, made a name for himself in Italy and Greece, which led to interest from the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea throughout his career.Kostas Manolas scored five goals on his debut for Greek non-league side PannaxiakosCredit: Getty – ContributorManolas made a name for himself at Serie A with Roma and stood out in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty – ContributorThe centre-back burst onto the scene with Olympiacos and the Greek national team, whom he helped reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time ever in 2014.The defender joined Roma 10 years ago where he scored eight goals in 206 appearances.The ex-AEK Athens star also helped the Italian giants reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2018 with a sensational goal in a famous 3-0 win over Barcelona at the Olimpico.After brief stints with Napoli, Emirati outfit Sharjah and Salernitana last season, Manolas made the decision to relocate to his homeland of Naxos with his family.Read More on FootballThat led to him joining local club Pannaxiakos, who compete in the fourth division, after a few training sessions with them during pre-season.The ex-Greece international received a hero’s welcome and many within the club see him as the man that will lead them to the third division.And Manolas honoured their faith in a stunning debut, despite playing out of a position as a CENTRE-FORWARD against Marpissaikos on Sunday.According to Sport24, the ex-Napoli star started for the Cycladic outfit and scored a staggering five goals.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe versatile defender led his new team-mates to a stunning 12-1 win over Marpissaikos.That led to manager Giorgos Mostratos hauling him off after just 34 minutes in the first half.Kostas Manolas returns to LaLiga club Olympiacos to a hero’s return Manolas’ move to Pannaxiakos has been described across Greek media as the “transfer of the year”. More

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      Liverpool Champions League winner ‘ordered to LEAVE new club after refusing to board team bus’

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      A FORMER Liverpool Champions League winner has been ordered to leave his club after refusing to board the team bus.The Guinea international joined Werder Bremen from the Reds on a free transfer last summer.The midfielder has been suspended by Werder Bremen since April for refusing to board the team busCredit: GettyManager Ole Werner has ordered the player to leave the clubCredit: GettyHe penned a three-year deal through to 2026 but has now been told he is free to leave the Bundesliga side.The player, who carried the flag for his country at the Olympic Games, has been suspended and banned from the first-team since April after refusing to board the team bus.The incident came about after he found out he was not starting their league clash with Werder Bremen.Just over six months on, manager Ole Werner has now said the player needs to leave.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe told Kicker: “I do believe that we have been very, very humane and very, very transparent with him at all times since he joined us.”[Naby] Keita is not our issue right now, and I believe that it’s best for both sides to simply look ahead and into the future, to see what good solutions Naby can find for himself and what solutions we can find without him.”However, Keita has claimed he apologised for the incident, although Werner is not aware of it.The Bremen boss added: “It could be that it somehow happened in the meantime, it just wouldn’t have reached me.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, Keita explained to The Guardian: “In my last year at Liverpool, I didn’t play much and when I arrived here, I was motivated.”We’ll have to talk about the bus incident one day, but everyone who knows me knows that I’m a professional and that I’m not undisciplined.Premier League trials radical new corner rule endorsed by Gary Neville that will prevent ‘ridiculous situation’Keita said he has apologised for the incident before April’s clash with Bayer LeverkusenCredit: Getty”Despite everything, I apologised to the group even before the end of last season because we’re all human and nobody’s perfect.”Wherever I’ve been, from Salzburg to Leipzig to Liverpool, I’ve always tried to be exemplary.”The 29-year-old continued: “A lot of people say to me: ‘Naby, you’re injured, why don’t you want to play for Bremen?’ I say: ‘No, I’m fine.'”Since I came back from the Africa Cup of Nations [in February], all I’ve wanted to do is play for the fans and the club. But it’s not up to me.”The club decided to put me with the under-23s. I’m training with them and helping the youngsters while I wait for the wheels to turn.”The fans have shown me a lot of love and they deserve to see me return that love on the pitch.”READ MORE SUN STORIESKeita won seven trophies in five years at Anfield, including the Champions League, but has made just five appearances for Bremen.He has not been included in a matchday squad since the bus incident in April, with his last appearance coming the previous month.The midfielder won seven trophies with Liverpool, including the Premier LeagueCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      Bayern Munich make TWO subtle changes to iconic badge but can you spot it?

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      BAYERN MUNICH have changed their iconic badge, but traditional fans will be happy to know it’s nothing major.Bayern are one of the greatest football clubs in the history of the game having won a staggering 33 Bundesliga titles and six Champions League trophies.Bayern Munich have made changes to their iconic badge – with this the version they had been usingThis is the NEW version – can you spot the two changes?Harry Kane and his Bayern team-mates are embarking on a ‘new era’Credit: RexHowever, Harry Kane and co are set to embark on a new era with a new logo.But the Bavarians look set for a very smooth transition as the two changes imposed on their popular badge are so subtle fans can barely notice.Can you tell by looking at the before and after badges above?Spoiler: Bayern officials basically maintained the same design but adjusted the colours with the blue and red shades getting brighter and lighter respectively.Read More on FootballFans stormed social media immediately after the grand unveiling and of course many of them can’t spot any major difference.And that of course led to a series of sarcastic comments on Instagram.One fan posted: “A new era.”Another commented: “NGL, even though there’s barely a difference the new one looks worse.”Most read in BundesligaA third wrote: “Bro just turned the brightness up on his device.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis one said: “The designer took 3 months to create this!”That one stated: “Someone got paid a lot of money for this.”Bayern Munich kick off pre-season with huge 14-1 victory – but German giants beat same team 27-0 last yearAnd another fan used the popular meme from The Office’s US version where Jenna Fischer’s character Pam Beesly says: “They’re the same picture”.Harry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.” More

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      Arsenal tipped to sign former Man Utd star, 24, they could get on a free transfer next summer

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      ARSENAL legend Lee Dixon tipped his former club to sign ex-Manchester United ace Angel Gomes, whom they could get for free in the summer.Gomes, 24, has been turning heads ever since rolling credits on his 11-year stint at United where he started out at the age of 6 in the academy.Arsenal legend Lee Dixon tipped his former club to sign Lille star Angel GomesCredit: GettyDixon predicted Arsenal could get ex-Manchester United ace Gomes for free in JuneCredit: AFP or licensorsDixon insists England star Gomes would be a ‘superb’ fit for Arsenal boss Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyThe versatile midfielder moved to France in 2020 and has since amassed a staggering 123 appearances, despite spending a season on loan at Boavista.That earned the defensive midfielder an England call-up by interim boss Lee Carsley and he proved he can play an integral part in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.Gomes has been so good he left United fans scratching their heads and wondering why he was let go.Dixon, 60, urged his former club to capitalise on the Red Devils’ inability to hold on to the England international, whom he described as a “superb” fit and the perfect partner for Declan Rice in midfield.Read More on ArsenalThe former full-back predicted the North Londoners could indeed sign the United academy graduate for next season as his contract with Lille runs out in June.Dixon told plejmo.com: “I think Angel Gomes would fit in at Arsenal superbly.”His qualities are clear to see, he’s a very good link-up player and we’ve seen that he can play alongside Declan Rice.”He’s got a lot of potential and although there will be plenty of clubs looking at him, I could see him at Arsenal next season.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal keep strengthening in their bid to win their first Premier League title since the Invincibles’ campaign in 2004.Dixon believes it is important to end that duck and urged his former club to also work on finally winning their first ever Champions League title.Mikel Arteta lauds Arsenal’s win over PSG The England international is adamant that titles need to be won and even claimed that manager Mikel Arteta would be deemed a “failure” if he failed to win any major trophies at the Emirates.Dixon added: “If Mikel Arteta leaves Arsenal without winning the Premier League or Champions League at Arsenal you’d have to say it’s been a failure because that’s what he is there to do, to win the biggest trophies.”He would be the first to say that and of course we don’t know how long he will be in the job, but not winning one of those would be a massive disappointment.”It’s a tough competition to win of course, but Arsenal’s defence could be the key to winning the Champions League for the first time.”It’s so tough to win, as Arsenal have proved over the years since they got to the final, they haven’t come anywhere close since.”It’s tough with all the big teams and you do need a bit of luck, but you have to have a firm base and they have got that with their defence now.”They’ve got that solidarity to build on and they need to get through the winter months with few injuries, that is the challenge for all the clubs in Europe.”Arsenal legend Dixon believes Gomes would be a stunning partner for Declan Rice in midfieldCredit: Getty More