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      Where it’s all gone wrong for Real Madrid, from the Mbappe dilemma to Ballon d’Or strop and even Wag blasting Ancelotti

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      REAL MADRID were supposed to be world beaters this year.Ending last season as Spanish and European champions they – finally – added Kylian Mbappe, the star who had been in their sights for the past three years.Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid as a free agent over the summerLos Blancos suffered back-to-back defeats at the Bernabeu after AC Milan’s 3-1 winCredit: RexVinicius Junior scored Madrid’s only goal against the Rossoneri from the spotCredit: AlamyBut after back-to-back Bernabeu thumpings, first at the hands of Barcelona and then AC Milan, even Carlo Ancelotti appears to be scratching his head.Speaking after the Milan humbling, their second defeat in four Champions League games, Ancelotti said: “What’s not so normal is that this team had a very good run and has fallen so fast.”But that is part of football too: when you think everything is perfect, you fall.”The reality is what was seen on the pitch. We have to be worried. We’re lacking something.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOn recent performances, lacking something appears to be quite the understatement – Don Carlo has a lot on his plate.Mbappe’s Madrid move hasn’t got off to great startMBAPPEAfter years of flirting the French superstar finally arrived in the Spanish capital this summer, albeit off the back of a deflating Euro 2024.He was supposed to be the final piece in an already impressive jigsaw but his arrival has caused more problems than it has solved.Mbappe has eight goals in all competitions, six of which came in an impressive run of five games, but the forward has unsettled Ancelotti’s plan.Most read in FootballAnd his shot conversion rate as plummeted down from an average of 21 at Paris Saint-Germain to just 11.42 at Madrid.Against Barcelona, his first taste of a fixture he will have played over in his head time and again over the years, things went badly wrong.The forward was caught offside a shocking eight times – more than any player in one game across Europe’s top league for eight years.Mbappe might have to learn how to play as a number nineJude Bellingham kicks bottle in fury after he is subbed in AC Milan defeat as Thierry Henry gives theory behind strop But merely pinning the problems on his arrival could be misleading.Spanish football expert and pundit, Terry Gibson, told SunSport: “People couldn’t be more wrong.”He is an easy target, there are loads of reasons why they are faltering.”He suffered at the start before he scored a goal, but got going and his goalscoring record is good.”He has moved to a new club, league and position but he is working hard and is a constant threat.”There are other reasons Real Madrid are struggling.”It has made it complicated for Ancelotti to find a way of playing but he has failed so far this year to find a system.”Madrid already trail LaLiga leaders Barcelona by nine points and are in the bottom half of the Champions League table.BELLINGHAMAnother who looks a touch lost is last season’s boy wonder, Jude Bellingham.By this time last year, 14 games into his debut season at Madrid, Bellingham had 13 goals. The England star is still waiting for his first of the campaign.Fatigue over the summer with the Three Lions spilled into injury at the start of this season, with the 21-year-old missing four games.But even when fit he looks well off his best, shunted around by Ancelotti as the Italian struggles to find a role for last season’s talisman.During the summer Ancelotti insisted Mbappe and Bellingham would gel just fine, stating the best players can adapt to any situation. But neither look happy and the Englishman booted a water bottle after being hooked against Milan midweek.Jude Bellingham kicked a water bottle in frustration after he was subbed off during Madrid’s latest Champions League defeatBellingham and Mbappe’s talents are yet to gel at MadridCredit: ReutersThierry Henry leaped to his defence, detailing just how Mbappe’s languid form was hurting Bellingham.Speaking on CBS, he said: “It’s always Bellingham trying to make the run, trying to make the team play, running in behind, trying to break the line.”I think there is a little frustration. Your nine isn’t going, and your 10-ish is going. I know it can happen sometimes but not all the time. Every single time.”He’ll do it because he has to do it, because his desire speaks, his will speaks.”You don’t win games like that. You don’t win games with your 10 breaking the line, coming back, trying to bend his run, trying to defend, trying to go the other side. And then after, he gets substituted?”I would have been upset too.”Thierry Henry stuck up for Jude Bellingham after Tuesday’s defeatCredit: X / CBSSportsGolazoMIDFIELD MESSDue to injuries and absences, with Luka Modric also on the wane, Ancelotti has failed to settle on any sort of structure in the middle.Dani Carvajal’s injury at right-back means the likes of Bellingham are having to be re-shuffled to cover rather than played in his best position.Aurelien Tchouameni, part of the succession plan to replace Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro, was whistled off in midweek and is fast becoming a scapegoat.Gibson said: “There is enough there for Ancelotti. It should be Tchouameni, Camavinga and Valverde and Bellingham at the tip of the diamond and then Vini and Mbappe.”They have to go and get a right-back in January, they won’t win things this year without a right-back.”They got away with this last year because they had Nacho. He has left and no one else came in.”Casemiro’s replacement Aurelien Tchouameni is faced becoming a scapegoatCredit: GettyANCELOTTI QUESTIONEDHe may be the best of the best when it comes to managers in Europe in recent years, but at Real Madrid no one is above criticism.There are already rumours swirling of a return for Zinedine Zidane, while fans will cast eyes towards Xabi Alonso working wonders at Bayer Leverkusen.Gibson said: “I am looking at him and thinking he is changing players and formations. It looks really untidy at the moment. It looks like a group of players making it up as they go along.”Zidane coming back would be a popular choice. It would be classic Real Madrid.”I am not saying he should get the sack or leave but there is a big clamour now for Ancelotti to go.”They have got a weird squad. There are superstars all over the place but they lack depth. They got away with it last season.”Carlo Ancelotti is yet to find the right forward systemBEHIND THE SCENESIt is not just on the pitch where things look askew.The hierarchy’s tantrum over Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win, with the club boycotting the ceremony in Paris once it became clear Vinicius would not walk away with the prize, exposed an unhappy camp.That petulance is seeping down to the dressing room too. Ancelotti has insisted there is a “healthy” atmosphere within the squad.But the wife of midfielder Fede Valverde recently broke cover, ranting on social media and asking: “When are they going to understand once and for all that Fede is not a winger?”She then claimed the account had been hacked.Valverde’s wife Mina Bonino appeared to criticise the decision to haul him offMina claimed he was being used wrongly by the managerMadrid boycotted the Ballon d’Or after Man City star Rodri beat Vinicius Jr to football’s top individual gongCredit: RexSUMMERLike all big clubs in Europe, Real Madrid spent most of the summer without their key players.Madrid went on tour to America, where by the end some of the senior players who did travel out were completely fed up – ready to go home.Ancelotti’s squad was packed with youth but those talents have hardly been seen yet.Endrick,18, and Arda Guler, 19, have had limited time on the pitch which, in comparison to rivals Barcelona, is a touch embarrassing.Hansi Flick took a flock of La Masia graduates on their summer tour and has embedded them into the team rather than dropping them back down.Gibson said: “One of the criticisms of Ancelotti is he doesn’t use young players.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Endrick could play centre-forward but that is not being done apart from when he is off the bench, which isn’t often enough.”Guler had a fantastic Euros but hasn’t had a look in.”Ancelotti’s squad was packed with youth but those talents have hardly been seen yetCredit: GettyTurkey international Arda Guler has been limited to roles from the benchCredit: Getty More

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      Supercomputer predicts Champions League with two English sides meeting in final and another falling to familiar foe

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the rest of this year’s Champions League and it reckons we will have an all English final.In the tournament’s new format, there are eight games in the league phase before the knockout rounds.Pep Guardiola congratulates hat-trick hero Viktor Gyokeres after Sporting Lisbon thrashed Man City 4-1Credit: GettyReal Madrid star Jude Bellingham celebrates after winning the Champions League at WembleyCredit: AFPThe top eight go through to the last-16 as seeds, while teams placed 9th to 24th meet in a play-off to become their opponents.We are halfway through the Champions League’s expanded group stage and plenty of shock results mean that CSDB.gg’s supercomputer is predicting several surprise finishes.The number cruncher thinks Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will all be involved in the play-off round alongside Aston Villa and Celtic.Sporting’s demolition of City and Inter Milan’s hard-fought victory over the Gunners this week sees both of them come in the top eight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLiverpool will end the league phase top and undefeated thanks to seven wins and a draw.Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain are the biggest casualty of the new league phase and are predicted to finish 27th.In the play-off round, teams that come between 9th and 16th are seeded and have the second leg at home.The rules see Arsenal face Villa and Mikel Arteta’s side are expected to come through 4-2 on aggregate.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn the last-16, the AI claims Liverpool will beat Barcelona, the Gunners will knock out Bayern Munich and City will batter Monaco.Real Madrid have played Pep Guardiola’s men in each of the last three Champions League campaigns and the supercomputer says they are going to meet again in this season’s quarter-finals.Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City The Spaniards got the better of them last time and the same will happen again – with a shock 5-1 aggregate victory predicted.Meanwhile, Arsenal will beat Atalanta and Liverpool will end Sporting’s dream run.The semi-finals see Liverpool knock out champions Real Madrid in a thriller and Arsenal to get revenge on Inter Milan.This means the simulation is going for the first all-English final since Chelsea beat Man City in 2021.And in the final, the supercomputer says Liverpool will llift the trophy after a 1-0 nervy win over Arsenal.It would be the seventh time the club has tasted Champions League glory and complete a stunning first season for manager Arne Slot.Supercomputer predicts Champions League knockout stages Scores on aggregate:Play-offAtletico 3-2 GironaBarcelona 6-1 BrestJuventus 2-1 FeyenoordAC Milan 2-2 Benfica (Benfica win on pens)Man City 4-1 StuttgartLille 4-3 CelticPSV 1-6 Real MadridArsenal 4-2 Aston VillaLast-16Liverpool 2-1 BarcelonaDortmund 3-4 Real MadridInter 3-2 BenficaAtalanta 2-0 AtleticoSporting 3-1 LilleBayern 3-5 ArsenalMonaco 1-6 Man CityQuarter-finalReal Madrid 5-1 Man CityLiverpool 4-3 SportingInter 4-3 JuventusAtalanta 0-4 ArsenalSemi-finalReal Madrid 2-4 LiverpoolInter 3-4 ArsenalFinalLiverpool 1-0 Arsenal More

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      Germany forced to abruptly remove player from Nations League squad list after realising he was LATVIAN

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      GERMANY were forced to fix their Nations League squad list after accidentally including a player from LATVIA.Helmond Sport loanee Dario Sits was bizarrely named in Julian Nagelsmann’s squad for the upcoming international break.Latvia international Dario Sits was mistakenly named in Germany’s latest Nations League squadBut the 20-year-old is not German – he’s actually from a land nearly 721 miles away.Sits’ name was quickly removed after Germany realised their strange faux pas.The federation blamed a technical error in the database.Sits made his debut for Latvia last month and the closest he’s come to the German national team was when he played against their U21s in 2022.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe young forward stars in the Dutch second division, where he’s on loan from Serie A side Parma.Meanwhile, the actual Germany squad contains a few other surprises.Manchester City backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega could win his first cap with Barcelona’s Marc-Andr ter Stegen out for the season.Ter Stegen, 32, was forced to undergo knee surgery on his patellar tendon in September.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal forward Kai Havertz and Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala return after missing Germany’s last games with injuries.But Havertz was forced off with a bloodied face in the dying embers of Arsenal’s 1-0 Champions League defeat to Inter Milan.The Gunners’ star was involved in a horrid head collision with an Inter Milan player, leaving him with blood pouring down his face.Germany host Bosnia and Herzegovina on November 16 before travelling to Hungary three days later.And Sits’ Latvia face League C Group Four leaders North Macedonia and Armenia.Havertz left the pitch at San Siro covered in bloodCredit: RexWho are these famous footballers? More

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      ‘Who does such a thing?’ – Lloris slams Levy for message he had engraved on Spurs stars’ Champions League watches

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      HUGO LLORIS has taken a swipe at Daniel Levy for his decision to hand out posh watches with the word ‘finalist’ engraved to Spurs players ahead of the 2019 Champions League final.Frenchman Lloris, who made 447 appearances for the North Londoners, captained Spurs as they lost to Liverpool to finish runners-up in Europe’s elite club competition that year.Hugo Lloris has hit out Daniel Levy for watches he handed out to the Spurs playersCredit: ReutersBusinessman Levy has been Spurs chairman for 23 yearsCredit: AlamyBut four days before the showpiece Spurs chairman Levy decided to mark the occasion by giving each squad-member a luxury aviator wristwatch, with the support of a sponsor.It was a well-meaning gesture but it was the message etched on the pricey gift that Lloris found tin-earned at the time and still does to this day.Writing in his autobiography being serialised in The Guardian, World Cup winner Lloris said: “At first, we were excited to see the elegant boxes.“Then we opened them and discovered that he’d had the back of each timepiece engraved with the player’s name and ‘Champions League Finalist 2019’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“‘Finalist.’ Who does such a thing at a moment like this?“I still haven’t got over it, and I’m not alone. If we’d won, he wouldn’t have asked for the watches back to have ‘winner’ engraved instead.“I have considerable respect and esteem for the man and all he has done for the club as chairman – I got to know him – but there are things he is simply not sensitive to.“As magnificent as the watch is, I have never worn it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I would have preferred there to be nothing on it. With an engraving like that, Levy couldn’t have been surprised if we had been 1-0 down after a couple of minutes: so it was written.”Spurs did indeed go down 1-0 inside two minutes thanks to a controversial penalty dispatched by Mo Salah, before Divock Origi doubled the lead late on.Tottenham snubbed Ollie Watkins transfer as Jose Mourinho refused to pay price tag and signed flop striker instead The spot-kick, awarded when the ball hit Moussa Sissoko’s body and rebounded onto his hand, still narks Lloris.That is because 24 hours after the final the rules were changed, meaning it would not have been given the following day.While Lloris, who ended up winning nothing during his 12 years with Spurs, left that final disappointment questioning how much the club really wanted to be the best.The 37-year-old, now with LAFC in the MLS, added: “At the post-match reception at the hotel, I had the impression that some people from the club and certain players were not sufficiently despondent at having lost.“When I returned to my room on the night of the final, I think I had the same feeling as Mauricio (Pochettino, the manager at the time) and Harry (Kane): does the club really want to win?“Real Madrid would never have celebrated a lost final, and we shouldn’t have either.”Amazon documentaryLloris also hit out at the subsequent decision “made without the consent either of the squad or the manager” to allow the Amazon cameras in to film their All or Nothing documentary.The goalkeeper said the players had to be “careful all the time” with what they said and how they acted, adding that the show which earned the club £10million was a “constraint” in its filming and “had consequences”.Pochettino’s successor Jose Mourinho ended up being the star of that documentary.But it was the mind of a manager that came after the Special One who Lloris also gave a fascinating insight into – that of Antonio Conte.The firebrand Italian was as “extreme and eruptive” behind closed doors as he appeared to be on the touchline, according to Lloris.A man who struggled to contain his frustration when results started turning for him at Tottenham, whose strong personality meant wingers scared of him “preferred to play on the side of the pitch opposite the dugout”.Conte took Spurs to the Champions League but it all unravelled for him two seasons ago when he left the club in March 2023 having metaphorically torched the club and players in an unforgettable post-match press conference at Southampton.One particular defeat, in which Lloris did not even play, against Slovenian minnows Mura in the Uefa Conference League had Conte raging.Lloris explained: “Even though I wasn’t playing, I was still entitled to his screams and reproaches, just like everyone else.READ MORE SUN STORIES“After the defeat in Maribor, he had screamed: ‘Mura, Mura, who’s Mura?! We lost to Mura!’ I can still hear him.“If a player needed a little love, he’d better not knock at Conte’s door. For Conte, trust is earned in training. He has no filter; he’s sincere, honest.” More

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      Viktor Gyokeres set to spark massive summer transfer battle with Man Utd to be joined by Chelsea and Arsenal in race

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      CHELSEA and Arsenal are set to join Manchester United in the battle to sign Europe’s most in-demand player Viktor Gyokeres.The Sporting Lisbon sensation is now widely expected to leave the Portuguese giants at the end of the season.Viktor Gyokeres is being eyed by Chelsea, Arsenal and Man UtdThe No9 has been linked with a move to follow new United boss Ruben AmorimHe could follow his current boss Ruben Amorim to Old Trafford – with United chiefs willing to pay the £63m it would take to sign him.But Sun Online has learned the Swedish superstar’s advisors are pushing for a move to a club in the Champions League.And that’s put Arsenal and Chelsea, who are bidding to qualify for Europe’s top competition next season, on red-alert. The Gunners might have a head start though.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMikel Areta’s side have been scouting Gyokeres over the past 12 months in their search for more firepower up top.But Chelsea are also on the lookout for a prolific number nine and the young Swede would fit the bill.Both clubs are also in a far better position to be able to offer the player the Champions League football he so dearly craves, with United languishing in 13th in the Prem.Sporting reportedly have a gentleman’s agreement with Gyokeres to let him go for less than his release clause which is set at around £84m.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 26-year-old’s current contract expires in 2028.He has has gone from Championship striker to one of the world’s best in a whirlwind year.Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City The Swedish forward enhanced his reputation with a hat-trick in a shock 4-1 win over Manchester City on Tuesday night.Sporting would look for around £67m but could accept as little as £63m.And that is likely to interest a host of Prem giants.Amorim ruled out taking him with him to United in January – but said he does expect the forward to look for a new challenge in the summer.He said: “I’ve just made peace with the Sporting fans so I’m not even going to make a joke about it.”Gyokeres is a Sporting player and it’s is a great club, he did a lot for the club. He just has to stay and finish the season at the club.”His 66 goals in 67 appearances has already drawn interest from Saudi Arabia.With Gyokeres likely to stay in Portugal for the rest of the season, United are also being tipped to go for another Sporting star.READ MORE SUN STORIESReports say they are tracking 17-year-old winger Geovany Quenda, who has impressed this season.Amorim is preparing to leave Sporting for Old Trafford next week and could bring a couple of players along with him.The striker could swap sunny Portugal for rainy Manchester More

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      Champions League matches have been using incredible hidden technology all season… have you noticed it?

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE matches have been using incredible hidden technology all season long.But have you noticed it?This was the angle fans watching Viktor Gyokeres’ second penalty on TNT Sports sawCredit: TNT SportsViktor Gyokeres fired home his second penalty of the game to round off the emphatic 4-1 victory in Ruben Amorim’s final home game as Sporting boss.After blasting to Ederson’s left with his first penalty, he switched it up and opted to go low to the Manchester City goalkeeper’s right and completed his Champions League hat-trick.With the regular TV camera angle, the advertising hoardings around the pitch all showed Qatar Airways on a purple background as the striker stepped up and fired home.However, replays of the goal shown on TNT Sports, photographers’ snaps and videos taken inside the stadium did not show the Qatar Airways advertising.READ MORE ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUEInstead, the screens displayed adverts for FedEx with the iconic blue and orange writing on a plain white background.And that meant the adverts on the boards showing the goal live on TV were different from what was actually in the stadium.The discrepancy was clear to see in a video uploaded from Gyokeres’ Portuguese actress girlfriend Ines Aguiar, who filmed the goal and put it on her Instagram story. The time, 21:38, was consistent across both her footage and the TV footage – but the adverts were not the same.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen the TV feed cut back from a fan in the crowd, there appeared to be a brief flash of white at the top of the advertising screen – possibly covering the FedEx ad.And Uefa confirmed to SunSport the adverts were indeed being changed for the main broadcast feed.’Referee had no choice but to award a penalty after Tyrone Mings’ schoolboy error – he’s absolutely spot on’The ‘camera one’ view had Qatar Airways around the pitch but inside the ground, there was a different advertCredit: TNT Sports / InstagramPhotos from the stadium also showed the FedEx brandingCredit: ReutersThe hoardings can be remotely edited to suit various broadcast regionsCredit: TNT SportsThis screenshot appears to show the Qatar Airways advert covering the FedEx oneCredit: TNT SportsExplaining the phenomenon, a spokesperson said: “Uefa’s virtual board replacement (VBR) concept has been implemented at selected men’s club competition matches across the 2024-25 season. “VBR replaces advertisements displayed on the in-stadium LED boards in selected markets with alternative advertisements and messaging on the main global broadcast feed. “This approach ensures compliance with local advertising regulations while maintaining visibility for sponsors on the global broadcast feed.”This replacement is visible only on the main broadcast camera (camera one) during live play. “No replacements are made on any other camera during the live match feed or on any camera, including camera one, during replays.”VBR can be implemented either remotely or on-site and can be implemented over any LED boards. “Uefa has appointed several VBR suppliers to manage this process and produce the dedicated feeds.”Uefa has been testing VBR technology for the past six years, with its first official implementation during the 2021–24 cycle of Uefa men’s club competitions, starting with the 2021 Uefa Super Cup in Belfast.”VBR was also used throughout Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.”Supponor is one company that offers VBR services, using “the world’s leading AI software delivering supercharged virtual advertising in live broadcast sports”.The firm specialises in using AI to transform live feeds and adapt advertising for different languages and broadcast regions.Their website says: “Supponor provide a virtual advertising technology solution that replaces and creates in-venue brand placements with real time authentic digital overlays. Developed for any sport, any surface, from anywhere in the world with infinite possibilities.”That can include editing the pitchside advertising hoardings, virtual carpet-style banners next to goals, tunnel coverings and other LED screens around stadiums. This can often be used to exclude betting adverts where gambling is prohibited.The FA, Bayern Munich, LaLiga, Argentina, France, Borussia Dortmund, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Germany, Serie A, the Rugby World Cup and the NHL are all clients of Supponor.READ MORE SUN STORIESTennis’ cinch Championships – aka Queen’s – also used the tech during the 2024 tournament to change up the screens behind the court for various TV viewers.SunSport reported in 2018 that Southampton were planning to become the tenth Premier League side to launch the new augmented reality hoardings at St Mary’s.This demonstrates how the tech can make changes for viewersCredit: SupponorSupponor are one of the companies who specialise in virtual advertisingCredit: SupponorThe AI can include elements such as virtual carpets beside the goalCredit: SupponorTennis also uses the system and was used at Queen’s to cover up betting logosCredit: TGI Sports More

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      Rio Ferdinand and ‘touchy’ Martin Keown in awkward exchange live on TV after Arsenal’s defeat to Inter Milan

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      RIO FERDINAND slammed Martin Keown for being “touchy” after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan at San Siro.The Gunners suffered their first Champions League defeat of the season with Hakan Calhanoglu’s controversial first-half penalty enough to separate the sides. Martin Keown slammed Martin Keown for being ‘touchy’ about ArsenalThe former centre-backs were on punditry duty at San SiroArsenal have suffered three defeats in their last six in all competitions.While their only wins in that run have come against Shakhtar Donetsk and Preston North End.And there’s no sign of their form changing ahead of what is now a HUGE visit to Chelsea on Sunday.But Arsenal legend Keown is not worried about the Gunners’ dip in form.READ MORE ON ARSENALSpeaking on TNT Sports, he said: “The point I’m making is that in the second half, Arsenal did all they could to score a goal here. And I saw a really good reaction.“Everyone wants to put Arsenal away. I don’t think there’s a massive crisis for Arsenal. I don’t think they’re that far away from getting it right. “They’ve got to keep believing in what they’re doing. Yes they’re not scoring goals but I thought when Ethan Nwaneri came on – perhaps should have been on a bit earlier – and he demonstrated some real quality when he came on.”Fellow pundit Ferdinand replied: “I want to see him more. But I don’t think anyone is trying to put Arsenal away here, Martin, we’re just stating facts.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Keown bit back: “No I’m admiring what Inter Milan are doing. They have a different model. They have a director of football who is coming to the end of his career shall we say?“A lot of people knocking Arsenal, I’m standing up for them a bit tonight.Arsenal player ratings v Inter Milan (1)“I thought they did better. Maybe it was mentioned in the commentary. I thought they had one or two chances that they didn’t put away but they certainly went after their opponents today.”Ferdinand then turned to host Laura Woods and said: “Why are Arsenal people so touchy? “I don’t understand, why is that? No one’s having a dig – we’re not having a dig.”The Man Utd legend’s comment triggered a fit of laughter from the rest of the TNT panel and left Keown speechless.Mikel Arteta was left fuming after a tale of TWO penalties on Wednesday night.Mikel Merino was adjudged to have handled inside the box from close range during stoppage time in the first half.Merino had earlier been denied a penalty after he saw himself on the receiving end of a punch in the head by Inter keeper Yann Sommer.Arteta said: “We were very harshly done. I don’t understand [Inter’s penalty]. It is a deflection. There is no danger, no reaction because it is very close to his body.“There is nothing he can do. I don’t know how you can get away from it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We were told at the start of the season that was not going to be a penalty but it was a different story.“But if that is a penalty then when Merino is punched in the head it is one thousand percent a penalty. It is very difficult to accept that.”Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer appeared to punch Mikel Merino in the head, but Arsenal were not awarded a penaltyArsenal player ratings v Inter MilanTOOTHLESS Arsenal were beaten by a superb Italian job in Milan as they lost 1-0 thanks to a controversial penalty.Here’s how the Gunners stars were rated by SunSport’s Tony Robertson.David Raya – 6Unfortunate with the penalty on an otherwise quiet night. Passing was below par with on three out of nine long passes finding their mark.Ben White – 7Dependable as ever at right back. Can’t be blamed for the defeat from a defensive standpoint.William Saliba – 7Marshalled defence well and produced some strong passes.  Three clearances and six duels won said everything about his performance.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Had a slightly better time in duels than Saliba but was worse on the ball.Jurrien Timber – 7 Had a good rapport with Martinelli down the left flank. Dependable but undone by the controversial penalty call.Mikel Merino – 5 Difficult to see what he brings to the midfield at the moment. Clearly Arteta likes his height and strength, but not on the same wavelength as team-mates tonight. Unlucky to give away the penalty.Thomas Partey – 6Should have been given more licence to roam forward in the second half. But didn’t look like he had the legs to do that job.Bukayo Saka – 6Captain for the night with Odegaard only fit for the bench. Saka was always a threat, but all too often or not chose the wrong option to go inside or out.Gabriel Martinelli – 7Flashes of brilliance and a thorn throughout the clash. Created four chances but team-mates were unable to help him out.Kai Havertz – 6  Couple of flashes of brilliance, including a beautiful curled effort at goal that forced Sommer to punch clear, but needed to be a stronger force up top. Went off with a bloody head in injury time.Leandro Trossard – 6 Buzzed around and had threatening moments. But just didn’t get the ball enough in dangerous positions. More

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      What does Viktor Gyokeres’ mask goal celebration mean?

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES is one of the hottest strikers in the world at the moment.The Sporting striker has been banging them in for fun since he swapped Coventry for Lisbon in 2023.Viktor Gyokeres has been touted for a return to EnglandCredit: GettyGyokeres’ eye-catching performances in the Portuguese top flight and the Champions League have caught the attention of many top sides around Europe.Most notably, Premier League giants Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have been credited with an interest in the Swede.The Red Devils will be seen as the clear favourite to land Gyokeres, with Sporting boss Ruben Amorim taking the reins at Old Trafford from November 11.Recent reports state that Sporting are willing to accept a cut fee of £63million for the Swede, which is £20m less than his release clause.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShould the inform striker make a stunning return to England, fans will need to get to know his iconic goal celebration.What does Viktor Gyokeres’ mask goal celebration mean?When Gyokeres celebrates a goal, he locks his fingers together on both hands and covers his mouth and nose to create a mask.The reason behind the striker’s unique celebration was completely unknown until he shared a highlights reel of his goals from the 2023/24 season on Instagram, which included the caption: “Nobody cared until I put on the mask.”The line is a slight misquote from the iconic Batman film The Darts Knight Rises when the villain Bane says: “It doesn’t matter who we are, what matters is our plan. No one cared who I was till I put on the mask.”Most read in FootballGyokeres is still yet to confirm that Bane is the sole inspiration behind his signature celebration, but the caption certainly hints that it could be a nod to the supervillain.Gyokeres has hinted that Batman villain Bane is the reason behind his iconic celebrationCredit: AP:Associated PressThe forward’s former Coventry team-mate Josh Eccles suggested it was a reference to film character Hannibal Lecter.However, Gyokeres revealed that the theory was incorrect.He told a Swedish newspaper: “There were lots of guesses… There was Hannibal Lecter and Batman and everything possible, but nobody got it right.“No-one came close. Yes, it’s a secret. I can clarify that, but not today.” More