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      What Arsenal’s win over Man City means for title race as Premier League supercomputer predicts final table

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      ARSENAL’S vengeful demolition of Manchester City might not mean much for the Premier League title race come May.That is according to the latest supercomputer predictions.Arsenal battered Manchester City 5-1 at the Emirates on SundayCredit: GettyThe Gunners moved six points behind Prem leaders LiverpoolCredit: AFPGabriel screamed into Haaland’s face at 1-0Credit: RexThe Gunners put in a superb performance over hapless City as they ran out 5-1 winners in a spiky showdown at the Emirates on Sunday.Erling Haaland cancelled out Martin Odegaard’s opener before Thomas Partey hit and teenagers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri scored either side of Kai Havertz. But the goals told half the story as Gabriel screamed into Haaland’s face at 1-0 and Lewis-Skelly brutally mimicked the Norwegian’s meditation celebration.Haaland bit back by showing the home fans his golden Prem badge on his City shirt, before dad Alfie trolled Arsenal on X.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe win has Arsenal fans dreaming of a title push as they moved within six points of Prem leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand against Merseyside rivals Everton pending.But the CasinoHawks’ number-crunching machine thinks Arne Slot’s side will run away with the Premier League.The AI calculator believes Liverpool win finish a huge NINE points above Mikel Arteta’s chasing men in a boring two-horse race.It is predicted that Liverpool will win 29, draw six and lose just three to finish on 93 points – six shy of Jurgen Klopp’s title winning 2019-2020 season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Arsenal are forecast to lose two more games and finish second for the third consecutive year.And the AI boffins have Nottingham Forest finishing third to record their best-ever Prem finish on 74 points, 10 behind Arsenal. Mikel Arteta enjoyed every minute of Arsenal’s thrashing of Man City It comes after Forest smashed Brighton 7-0 on Saturday, as Chris Wood’s goal tally hit 17 after bagging a hat-trick.Meanwhile, seven-time champs City, who are suffering by their standards, are set to finish inside the top-four and qualify for the Champions League next season. That would be Pep Guardiola’s lowest-ever finish in the English top-flight since he took over the reigns at the Etihad nine years ago.But rivals Manchester United have it far worse after losing 2-0 to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday.The miserable Red Devils are predicted to finish 12th after equalling a humiliating 132-year home record.That would be the lowest the iconic club have EVER finished in the league since its inception in 1992.Meanwhile, Bournemouth and Newcastle are set to beat Chelsea for Europa League qualification, as the Blues might be forced to play Conference League football for consecutive seasons.Fulham (61) take eighth with Aston Villa (61) ninth, both ahead of Brentford (50) and Brighton (48).While Tottenham, who finished fifth last year before being decimated by injuries this term, could finish a lowly SIXTEENTH, and one point behind Everton.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut it spells good news for Leicester fans as Wolves, Ipswich and Southampton are predicted to be relegated.The Saints are set to finish on 18 points and overtake Derby’s embarrassing, record-low tally of 11 points from the 2007-08 season.The AI computer has Tottenham finishing 16thCredit: PAArsenal player ratings vs Man CityARSENAL stunned Man City 5-1 at the Emirates on Sunday evening.It was an incredible result against their rivals of recent years.Here, we take a look at how the Gunners rated…David Raya – 7/10Had very little to do in the first half but made a brilliant save in the 22nd minute to deny a goalbound header from Josko Gvardiol. Made another stunning save two minutes from the half-time interval, stopping a deflected Savinho shot from close range. Powerless to stop Erling Haaland’s 55th-minute header from briefly levelling the scores.Jurrien Timber – 6Didn’t offer his usual attacking threat going forward but was solid defensively. Picked up a pointless yellow breaking up a harmless counter-attack in the 24th minute. Almost scored late in the second half.William Saliba – 5Didn’t have much to do in the first half but won all his aerial battles in the first 45 minutes. Marshalled the defence well early in the second period but was embarrassingly outjumped and outmuscled by Haaland for City’s equaliser – a major flaw of his that continues to be exposed.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Like his defensive partner, he was seldom called into action in the first half. Dominant in the air in his battles with Haaland, who he trolled after Odegaard’s goal.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Continues to endear himself to the Emirates faithful with composure and tenacity beyond his years as he brilliantly floated between left back and midfield. Put real daylight between the two sides with a thumping finish just after the hour mark. This young lad is a real bright prospect for both the Gunners and England.His trolling of Haaland by copying the Norwegian’s ‘Lotus’ celebration went down a storm with fans.Thomas Partey – 7Steady in the heart of midfield and broke up play well when required. Fired the Gunners back into the lead in the 57th minute with a deflected shot from outside the box.Martin Odegaard – 7Was in the right place at the right time to benefit from the aftermath of an uncharacteristic Manuel Akanji error and break the deadlock. Was at the heart of everything good the north Londoners did going forward.Declan Rice – 6Combative, as always, in the middle of the park and played a role in the home side taking the lead, teeing up Havertz who squared the ball to Odegaard.Leandro Trossard – 6Was particularly lively on the left in the first half, giving Matheus Nunes a real run for his money. His end product, however, wasn’t the best.Gabriel Martinelli – 6Lively on the right wing in the early goings. Found the back of the net in the fifth minute after some beautiful play from Odegaard but was needlessly offside. Forced a good save out of Ortega with a rasping effort in the 68th minute.Kai Havertz – 6Lively early doors, testing Stefan Ortega with a tame shot in the first minute. Teed up Odegaard for a tap in a few moments later. Missed a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 25th minute, dragging the ball wide with the goal at his absolute mercy. Made amends for his howler by finishing an even harder chance in the 76th minute. He well and truly needed that as he looked absolutely devoid of confidence.SUBSEthan Nwaneri – 83 (on for Trossard) – 7Put the cherry on top of the cake with an outrageous effort in second-half stoppage time.Mikel Merino – 83 (on for Odegaard) – 5Raheem Sterling – 89 (on for Kai Havertz ) – N/ARiccardo Calafiori 89 (on for Lewis-Skelly) – N/ARead more on all the latest Arsenal news. More

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      How Arsenal spent ENTIRE Man City clash winding up Erling Haaland – from brutal celebrations to grabbing shorts

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      ERLING HAALAND might remember the day he reached 250 club goals in precisely the opposite way he’d like to.Blame Arsenal for that, with a tireless display of winding-up the Manchester City striker that went far beyond their 5-1 victory.Erling Haaland and Gabriel were up close and often personalCredit: RexHaaland bagged a landmark goal – but was almost debagged by GabrielCredit: GettyBrazilian star Gabriel thought he was a roaring success in taunting HaalandMan City’s Matheus Nunes finally took issue with GabrielCredit: RexSuch a dire loss was only the final insult for the 24-year-old, who won the Prem title and Golden Boot in his first two seasons at the Etihad.Haaland’s “Stay Humble” message for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta last September ignited discontent between certain players at both clubs.And you didn’t have to read between the lines on Sunday to see which two players had claimed the lead roles.Arsenal centre-back Gabriel had gone into the match saying: “It’s a battle, a war”.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSAnd judging by his efforts almost every time he came up against the Norwegian, it was also combat he took personally.When Martin Odegaard rammed the Gunners in front after just two minutes, Gabriel roared with joy right in the face of Haaland.Many viewers were impressed with the calm way the former Borussia Dortmund hero dealt with that – as he virtually ignored the Brazilian.Myles Lewis-Skelly then showed that Arsenal believe you are never too young to goad the goal GOAT.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe 18-year-old swerved in a classy third goal and sunk to the grass for what fans labelled a a “s***house” Haaland-style celebration.The defender sat with his arms out and eyes closed – while team-mates lauded him from above.Arsenal player ratings vs Man City – articleMeanwhile, Gabriel continued his series of niggly encounters with Haaland – sometimes appearing to push him away off the ball.The two exchanged words at one moment, with the forward responding by smiling.And Gabriel’s worst moment – or best, depending how you look at it, arrived when the Gunners were 4-1 up.Myles Lewis-Skelly mimicked a Haaland celebration with his goalCredit: GettyGabriel turned it into a tug of war at one stageCredit: RexMany fans were impressed Haaland didn’t appear to look back in angerCredit: GettyThe 27-year-old was on the ground when he reached out to tug down at Haaland’s shorts from behind.Again the City man, this time quite literally, appeared to take the matter in his stride.He glanced round to see what was happening but carried on walking away.Unfortunately for Haaland, Sunday meant could also be seeing the back of his third Prem crown in a row.Fourth-placed City are now 15 points adrift of leaders Liverpool.There was friction on the final whistle too, but this time Gabriel was initially on the receiving end as City’s Matheus Nunes gave him an ear-bashing, with Arteta restraining his man. Needle from Gabriel, yes. Haaland is an adult.Fan’s verdictSome fans reacted to the Gunners merciless treatment of Haaland by warning him: “If you talk the talk you have to walk the walk.”Another suggested: “The Prem has missed something like this.”And a third argued: “As it should be. A defender should rattle strikers and that’s what big Gabby is doing.”But others praised Haaland for appearing to keep his composure.Sky Sports posted a clip of a string of incidents involving the 6ft 4ins ace and his man marker, adding the words: “It’s safe to say there was a bit of needle between Haaland and Gabriel today…”But one fan posted: “Needle from Gabriel, yes. Haaland is an adult.” READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, the mature performance as a team came from Arsenal, with City gifting the Gunners their opener then collapsing in the last 34 minutes.Poor Haaland had to grin and bear all that too.Haaland and Gabriel grabbed the limelight in one sense at leastCredit: GettyGabriel turned into the quiet one when Nunes badgered him at the endCredit: RexArsenal manager Mikel Arteta stepped in as Gabriel reacts to NunesCredit: PA More

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      How Arsenal’s DJ brutally trolled Erling Haaland just seconds after Man City thrashed 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium

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      ARSENAL’S DJ savagely trolled Erling Haaland after Manchester City’s humuliating 5-1 loss at the Emirates.The Gunners destroyed their Premier League rivals in a match that saw them getting some revenge after losing the title to City by a whisker the previous two seasons.Arsenal destroyed Manchester City at the EtihadCredit: GettyArsenal’s DJ then decided to troll Man City superstar Erling HaalandCredit: GettyThe North Londoners opened the scoring with Martin Odegaard after just two minutes but Man City equalised with Haaland, 24, in the second half.Mikel Arteta’s men then went on full blast as they thrashed the Citizens with goals by Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri.This marked another embarrassing display for Pep Guardiola’s men, whose woeful season continues.However, the Emirates’ DJ decided to pour some more salt in the visitors’ wounds.Read More on ArsenalAnd they targeted Haaland following his confrontation with Arteta in the two teams’ first Premier League meeting at the Etihad in September where they drew 2-2.After a fiery clash in Manchester the star striker was heard telling the Arsenal boss: “Stay humble, eh? Stay humble.”That was after the Spanish tactician was fuming with John Stones’ last-gasp equaliser taking place after the allocated seven minutes of stoppage time.Haaland also had a furious confrontation with Gabriel Jesus and Lewis-Skelly after his comments towards Arteta.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Arsenal DJ never forgot and decided to poke some fun on the Norway international after the final whistle.That is why Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Humble’ hit started echoing around the Emirates.’Bro thinks he’s Kate Abdo’ say fans as David Jones introduces very familiar panel for Sky’s coverage of Arsenal vs CityThis was seen as a direct hit for Haaland after a miserable performance. More

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      Newcastle 1 Fulham 2: Toon dealt major blow in Champions League hunt as visitors battle from goal down to snatch victory

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      NEWCASTLE completely blew it and threw away the lead to lose to Fulham.Eddie Howe revealed his “desperation” to take the club back to the Champions League pre-match but those hopes suffered a crushing blow with this 2-1 loss.Fulham dealt Newcastle a severe blow to their Champions League hopesCredit: GettyNewcastle ace Jacob Murphy opened th scoring for NewcastleCredit: RexFulham star Raul Jimenez equlised against NewcastleCredit: ReutersFulham star Rodrigo Muniz turned the match on its headCredit: ReutersAnd a second-straight home defeat was the worst possible preparation for the Magpies ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg against Arsenal.However, Fulham’s second-half fightback has them dreaming of Europe once again after Rodrigo Muniz came off the bench to win it.Newcastle looked to be cruising to an eighth league win out of nine after Jacob Murphy had given them a half-time lead.Instead, a sloppy display after the break cost them as Raul Jimenez levelled before the Brazilian’s late dagger through the heart.Read More on FootballIt had all started so well for the Magpies and things could have been much different if top scorer Alexander Isak had his shooting boots on.Murphy’s early cross would usually have been bread and butter for Isak, but the in-form Swede’s air-kicked attempted volley let the visitors off the hook.Fulham, though, still failed to clear properly and within seconds another ball was whipped in that Bruno Guimaraes headed over.Isak’s next meaningful involvement was being the victim of a clothesline after cutting past Joachim Andersen, earning the Danish centre-half the game’s first booking.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAntonee Robinson soon joined him for tugging back Guimaraes to stop a breakaway and when Anthony Gordon blazed after a one-two with Joelinton frustration was starting to grow.Finally, in the 28th minute, we had the game’s first shot on target when Bernd Leno saved Fabian Schar’s effort.Footage resurfaces of what Eddie Howe said about England job as he is tipped to succeed Gareth SouthgateAdama Traore headed wide as Marco Silva’s men provided a warning of their own but the deadlock was almost broken in spectacular fashion when Sandro Tonali’s thunderous 30-yeard half-volley smashed the back off the bar.And the woodwork was still shaking when the goal eventually came moments later as Gordon charged forward down the left and his low cross deflected straight into the path of the onrushing Murphy to slam home.Now the whole place was rocking as the Toon smelt blood, and full-back Tino Livramento found himself through for a second but was denied by a great save courtesy of Leno’s leg.It remained just Murphy’s goal at the break with the away side still yet to test Martin Dubravka.However, within moments of the restart, Emile Smith Rowe twice forced the Slovakian keeper into action.Calvin Bassey headed over as their fast start continued and almost the whole of St James’ held its breath before letting out a sigh of relief when Jimenez’s low shot towards the bottom corner was deflected just the wrong side of the post.Fulham comebackA goal was coming, the whole of Tyneside could feel it, and it deservedly went the way of Fulham following a brilliant counter just after the hour.The West Londoners charged forward in numbers after stealing possession deep in their own half as the Toon defence desperately tried to backpeddle.Traore found Robinson from the left at the back post as the skipper put it first time back into the box for Jimenez to pull the trigger and find the net, albeit with the help of a deflection of Murphy, to wrongfoot Dubravka and make it all-even.Suddenly, the usually bouncing black and white cauldron had turned into an arena of nerves, and the game remained on a knife edge.Isak, who had been off it all day, almost produced a spark of magic when he curled one off the angle of the post and bar from the edge of the area.But, the late twist was to come up the other end courtesy of a former Middlesbrough man.Andreas Pereira swung a free-kick into the near post that fellow sub Muniz flicked past Dubvravka to win it.READ MORE SUN STORIESFulham are now back looking up the table after bouncing back from last week’s loss to Manchester United.While Howe must lift his troops to defend their 2-0 advantage against the Gunners and seal a date with destiny at Wembley. More

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      Karren Brady: English football is NOT broken – Government are searching for problems and could get us BANNED

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE football on TV reached for the stars last Wednesday.Four English teams and one Scottish side featured on separate TNT screenings.Man City were one of five British teams involved in a brilliant Champions League nightCredit: RexMoving between four sets might have caused some confusion, dizzy spells and a little irritation at missing goals, but so what? It was live viewing at its best.All doubts about the complexity of the one division with 36 clubs were forgotten as the mind-provoking puzzle unravelled.The end result was a wonderful evening of entertainment.When I saw the first table I wondered if the compilers were bonkers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt would work financially for clubs and players but would it for spectators and, particularly, for neutrals?But it did for me. Channel juggling, I caught a number of spectacular goals and plenty of gaffes.Celtic’s comeback at Villa Park was thrilling and Manchester City needed a serious Pep-talk at half-time. As for Liverpool… cor blimey.And the overall result was a big win for European football and the Premier League.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYWhich is why I am so concerned about the letter Uefa sent to the Secretary of State Lisa Nandy raising their concerns about the creation of an Independent Football Regulator, as usually football regulation is managed by the national federation — the Football Association.One of Uefa’s fundamental requirements is that there should be no Government interference in the running of football.Government announces plans for new football regulatorThe proposal is not just to regulate football through the Bill but to actually take it over.From being able to define when a season is, to how money is distributed through the pyramid.To set up rigid financial systems, introduce new license conditions under which clubs can operate, and introduce subjective ownership and directors tests.Determine how revenues are allocated between and within divisions, whether parachute payments can exist and in what form, and what clubs can actually spend their money on.League One spent more on transfers this month than the 20 LaLiga clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid. The English pyramid is not broken or on the precipice in the slightest.Many fear this is largely a solution in search of a problem.Not a single club has gone into administration in more than three years since a fan-led review.League One spent more on transfers this month than the 20 LaLiga clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid.The English pyramid is not broken or on the precipice in the slightest.Which is why the Uefa statement is so alarming.If the autonomy of sport and fairness of competition is broken would “the ultimate sanction be excluding Premier League teams and the England team from Uefa and competitions”.READ MORE SUN STORIESFans will ask questions when there is no point in watching the Champions League on TV any more as the Premier League clubs are not playing in it, having been kicked out for introducing a regulator which has broken Uefa rules.But by then, of course, it will be too late.Lisa Nandy has been written a letter by UefaCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal face nightmare path to Champions League final as play-off draw leaves fate in the balance

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      ARSENAL face a potential nightmare journey to Champions League glory following the play-off draw.The Gunners qualified automatically from the league phase after finishing third behind Liverpool and Barcelona.Arsenal face a potentially tricky path to the Champions League finalCredit: AlamyBut they have been dealt a tough draw with Juventus potentially up next if the Italian side beat Lille.Alternatively, Arsenal could play the winner of Feyenoord or AC Milan, depending on the draw for the Round of 16.If they progress an even more difficult quarter-final clash will await.That is because Arsenal have been picked out in the same side of the draw as Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.READ MORE ON ARSENALThey could face any of that trio or one of Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid or Celtic.Liverpool, Paris St Germain or Barcelona could come next in the semi-final, so the Gunners face a massive challenge to get to Munich.City have been tasked with the same nightmare run – only they face an game extra against Real Madrid in the play-off, with both juggernauts failing to finish in the top eight.By contrast Liverpool have an easier set of fixtures up until the semi-final, with PSG and Borussia Dortmund arguably the most difficult teams they could potentially face.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Gunners could face a nightmare runAston Villa were pulled out on the same side of the draw as Liverpool and could face Club Brugge, Atalanta, Sporting or Dortmund in the Round of 16.City’s horror draw means they face Arsenal, Real Madrid and Liverpool in the space of a few weeks next month.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘calm and composed’ youngster Ethan Nwaneri for Champions League victory More

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      Man City face horror February of SEVEN games including Liverpool, Arsenal and Real Madrid that may derail top four push

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      IT MAY appear to be smooth sailing once again at the Eithad Stadium thanks to recent results, but there’s an iceberg in the distance that could sink their newly patched up superyacht.Man City have been dealt a horror month of fixtures in February that could see their top four hopes come crumbling down.Manchester City have been handed a horror run of fixtures in FebruaryCredit: RexCity have been draw to face Real Madrid in the Champions League play-offsCredit: GettySheikh Mansour and the Man City hierarchy have splashed over £130MILLION this month to try and re-track their uncharacteristic campaign.And they’ll need all of their new arrivals to be on top form if they’re going to navigate a February that will see them take on the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid.Their nightmare month begins on Sunday with a visit to face recent rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.Before a trip to take on Leyton Orient in the FA Cup offers an unhelpful additional fixture against a side on flying form just three days before a huge European clash.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity’s narrow qualification for the next stage of the Champions League means they will have to take part in a two-legged play-off round to book a spot in the last 16.And unfortunately for them, they’ve been drawn against Spanish giants Real Madrid.The Cityzens will play Madrid either side of a home game against Eddie Howe’s red hot Newcastle United side on February 15.As if that wasn’t difficult enough, after returning from the Spanish capital, City will have to play league leaders Liverpool in the same week.Most read in FootballMan City face Arsenal this SundayCredit: GettyThe play league leaders Liverpool right after their trip to MadridCredit: EPACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTheir February ends with a visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a ground they have only ever won one Premier League game at.The February slog could have huge ramifications on City’s league position as they fight to secure a spot in the top four.Man City boss Pep Guardiola looks forward to the return of injured players to help Champions League campaign City are currently fourth in the league, ahead of Newcastle in fifth on goal difference.While they trail Liverpool in first place by some 12 points.Pep Guardiola has urged his team to remain focused during the tricky run of fixtures, claiming it’s nothing new for the four-in-a-row champions.He said: “The schedule is what it is. In the Premier League every team has to play everyone, but it normally happens here in the Premier League, always they have the toughest schedules for the European teams at the toughest stages.“It’s tough playing against Real Madrid and the problem is, in the middle, playing Newcastle. They are always so kind with the calendar!”For many, many years it has always happened that way.”He added: “For many, many years before I came here, it’s always been like that.“So it’s not complaining because you had incredible success dealing with this calendar.“Always it has been like that and we accept it. I’m not complaining because we won the treble and quadruple doing it like that.“I said many times in the past, last season, we played the quarter-finals against Madrid and three days later we had the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley when we could have had more days. It’s always been like that.“And we survive and we don’t survive because Madrid is better, because the opponents are better.“But the calendar, I remember when I was in Barcelona training, and I followed the Premier League because it is the most attractive league in the world and Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho, Arsene Wenger made the same complaints.“So now you cannot ask me about the calendar because it’s from a long, long time ago.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s not as though the difficult fixtures stop when February does either, City take on high-flying Nottingham Forest as their first game in March.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Premier League closing in on EXTRA Champions League spot for next season after English clubs dominate European groups

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      THE Premier League has closed in on an extra place in next season’s Champions League after dominating the first phase of the new expanded competition.Six of the Prem’s seven sides earned automatic qualification for the last 16 of their respective competitions, with Liverpool and Chelsea achieving top seeding spots and Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs in the top four.Prem clubs have excelled in Europe this seasonCredit: ReutersIt means that with the initial league phase of the three revamped competitions now concluded, English sides have picked up an average of 20.892 coefficient points.That puts the Prem more than 3.7 points clear of third-placed Spain, the equivalent of 13 individual match wins, in the fight for an extra place in the elite competition.And it gives Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Newcastle even more encouragement as they seek a place in the most prestigious club competition in football.Across the 54 matches played by Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea – who had to play a two-legged Conference League qualifier, Prem sides have won 37 and lost just eight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBy contrast, Italy’s eight sides amassed 32 wins between them, losing 15, Spain clocked up 31 victories but had 19 defeats and Germany’s 29 triumphs were almost cancelled out by 26 losses.And with Liverpool, Arsenal, Villa, Spurs, United and Chelsea all qualifying automatically for the last 16 of their respective competitions, the English sides have added a further 62.25 bonus points already.England’s aggregate total of 146.25 points is the highest by 7.75pts, with Italy on 138.5 and Spain on 120.25.But the position was strengthened by England having just seven teams in Uefa action, compared to the eight for Italy and Germany who earned an extra Champions League slot last term, as total points are then divided by the number of competing teams each nation has at the start of the season.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile all the English sides have reached the knock-out phase, the other major nations have seen clubs fall at the league hurdle.The Bundesliga lost both Leipzig and Stuttgart in the elite competition, while Bologna and Girona also missed the Champions League cut, meaning they cannot add to their countries’ totals.Ally McCoist explains the new Champions League format Hoffenheim made an early Europa League exit as did French outfit Nice – also part of United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos sporting empire.That means Germany are almost out of contention already.England’s huge advantage – plus the European form of the teams – means it would need a huge meltdown when the teams return to Uefa action for fifth place in the Prem not to earn a place among Europe’s elite.Despite their Prem wobbles, United and Spurs are now on course for a potential Europa League final showdown in Bilbao after finishing third and fourth in the league phase.It means they cannot play each other until the Final, when a sixth Champions League spot would also be on the line.Germany’s debacle leaves the Bundesliga fifth and more than six full coefficient points behind England, with Italy and Spain seemingly fighting for the second extra slotUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More