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      I fell out with Arteta and his Arsenal staff over their touchline antics – I hope Man City win the title

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      MIKEL ARTETA and his coaching staff have no love lost with former Oxford United manager Karl Robinson.Robinson faced off against Arteta and Co when Arsenal paid Oxford a visit in the FA Cup third round.
      Karl Robinson is not Mikel Arteta’s biggest fanCredit: Getty
      He explained Arteta’s antics when Arsenal faced Oxford left a sour tasteCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      But despite losing 3-0 – courtesy of a brace from Eddie Nketiah and a Mohamed Elneny header – it was the antics of Arteta and his staff, rather than his team’s performance, which riled up Robinson.
      Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “I have seen it first hand (Arteta’s antics), it isn’t necessarily always him though.
      “I think there is one or two behind him that don’t conduct themselves great at time, which I was shocked by.
      “Listen, they were moaning at us for going down and wasting time. I tell you what, we will play Arsenal, right, and we will give you all the ball, 95 minutes.
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      “We are obviously going to be looking to set-plays and taking more long throw-ins.
      “It is part and parcel of what we have to do, but you are better than us. Then, they were having ago at me for doing that.
      “I think I said one or two things and I might have been wrong. They were calling me all sorts it was quite funny.
      “One of his staff members was calling me a cheat, this, and that, and I said ‘thank you.’”
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      Arsenal would be knocked out of the competition by title rivals Manchester City in the fourth round, and Robinson also hopes Pep Guardiola can clinch the title ahead of his former pupil.
      Robinson declared: “I want City to win it [the title], because of Guardiola.”
      And asked whether his rationale came down to his fractured relationship with Arteta, he added: “Yeh, probably. 
      “I just love Pep Guardiola and I’m just addicted to watching Man City play. I respect what Arsenal have done, they have been outstanding.
      “Without what Arsenal have done this season, the league would have been completely boring. It will go down to hopefully the last few games.
      “That’s why we do have the best leagues in the world, and part of that is having competition for Manchester City over the last three or four years and they are certainly going to do that.”
      Arsenal’s gap to City is now down to just four points after they threw away another two goal lead against West Ham.
      Consequently, the clash between the pair on April 26 has grown to be potentially the most pivotal game of the season. More

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      Major change to ITV coverage before FA Cup final as TV bosses look to give fans blockbuster day of sport

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      ITV are planning to move the Epsom Derby to an earlier slot in order to broadcast it immediately before the FA Cup final, according to reports.The terrestrial broadcaster is the home of UK racing, with the Derby one of its biggest events.
      The Epsom Derby could be given a new start timeCredit: AFP
      Last year’s FA Cup final kicked off at 4:45pmCredit: Getty
      Since 2015 it has been shown at 4:30pm in order to try and gather as big an audience as possible.
      This year it is set to take place on Saturday, June 3 – the same day as the FA Cup final.
      With ITV going up against the BBC, who also hold rights to the FA Cup final, they reckon that showing the Derby immediately beforehand could help retain viewers for the football.
      The Cup final kick-off time has yet to be confirmed by football chiefs.
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      Manchester City play Sheffield United in the first semi-final this Saturday, with Manchester United taking on Brighton in the second on Sunday.
      The final kick-off time will depend on who wins – with factors such as travel being taken into account.
      Last year’s final kicked off at 4:45pm, and according to the Mirror, the Epsom Derby could be moved to an earlier 4pm slot in order to get straight to the football afterwards.
      Along with Cheltenham and the Grand National, the Derby is one of the biggest events on ITV’s extensive racing schedule.
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      The terrestrial channel recently confirmed that they have secured exclusive rights to UK racing through to the end of 2026.
      This year will mark the first time that the FA Cup final has ever been played in June.

      The mid-season World Cup pushed the usual schedule back by a number of weeks, with the Champions League final not taking place until June 10.
      While the 2020 FA Cup final was also pushed back, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was not played until August 1. More

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      Panicking Man Utd fans all ask the same question with cult hero tipped to solve centre back crisis for FA Cup semi-final

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are panicking as to how Erik ten Hag will solve the club’s centre-back crisis for the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton.The clubs meet at Wembley on April 23 for a spot in the final but United could be stretched for options in the heart of the defence.
      Lisandro Martinez picked up an injury against SevillaCredit: Getty
      Raphael Varane also suffered a knockCredit: Getty
      While Harry Maguire is suspended for the semi-finalCredit: Rex
      Phil Jones may be recalled if he is fitCredit: Getty
      Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane both picked up injuries against Sevilla in the Europa League, which could rule them out of the tie.
      While club captain Harry Maguire is suspended for the semi-final, and Luke Shaw is still on the mend from his recent injury.
      Which means that the club’s only available centre-backs would likely be Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones.
      Jones has barely played for the club over the last few seasons due to injury and falling down the pecking order.
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      The former England international has not played this season, leaving fans discussing the club’s options on social media.
      Some fans were up for giving the Premier League winner a chance.
      One tweeted: “One more last time.”
      While a second said: “Enters Sir Phil Jones.”
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      Although one fan was completely against the idea as they declared: “I don’t care, bring someone from the academy, definitely better than Phil Jones dawg.”
      However, other fans were predicting that either Scott McTominay or Casemiro could be utilised as a makeshift defender.
      One fan wrote: “Casemiro has played there this season and didn’t look out of place.”
      A second commented: “Casemiro I expect. He played him there with Lindelof against Burnley in the cup just before Christmas.”
      Scott McTominay and Casemiro could fill in at centre back if neededCredit: Getty
      A third added: “I’ll take the stick for it, but McTominay at CB as a stopgap isn’t the worse choice in the world.”
      In February, Ten Hag revealed the reason for Jones’ absence from the squad this season.
      The United boss said: “For the whole season he’s injured. I can’t say [if Jones will play again this season].
      “What I can say is that he’s not available for training since the first day of training this season so I think there’s not an opportunity for you to recover quickly and be available quickly.” More

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      How Man Utd will be forced to line up without Martinez, Varane and Rashford for FA Cup semi-final against Brighton

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will be forced to rely on several back-up players when they face Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final.The clubs meet at Wembley on April 23 for a spot in the final but United could be without three key players.
      Marcus Rashford is currently sidelined for Man UnitedCredit: PA
      Lisandro Martinez was stretched off against SevillaCredit: Getty
      Raphael Varane also picked up a knock in the Europa League clashCredit: AP
      How Man United could line up against Brighton
      Marcus Rashford could miss the match after the club confirmed he will be out for a “few games” following an injury during the win over Everton.
      This means that Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag could give a chance to Anthony Martial to impress on the left wing.
      The French attacker is capable of playing across the frontline and could fill in for the England international if he is unable to feature.
      Alternatively, exciting prospect Alejandro Garnacho would also be able to deputise off the left-hand side.
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      But the main issue for the Dutch manager is in the heart of his defence.
      Lisandro Martinez was carried off the pitch in tears in the Europa League clash against Sevilla.
      The Argentine pulled up with nobody near him and could be set for a spell on the sidelines.
      Fellow centre-back Raphael Varane also picked up an injury in the game as he was withdrawn at half time.
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      That means Ten Hag will likely have to rely on back-up and Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones, due to Harry Maguire being suspended.
      The other option of Luke Shaw being used in the centre-back role is also scrapped due to his injury.
      Ten Hag could also opt to play Scott McTominay as an emergency defender.
      Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof could have to play in defenceCredit: Getty
      An alternative line-up for the FA Cup semi-final More

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      Arsenal sent blunt warning as Rodri reveals Man City are out to clinch historic Treble as they close gap on title rivals

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      RODRI has warned ­Manchester City’s rivals that his team have the right mentality to win the Treble.Pep Guardiola’s hopes of landing the big three — Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup — have been boosted significantly over the last few days.
      Rodri has sent out an ominous warning to Arsenal ahead of Man City’s run-inCredit: Getty
      First, Prem leaders Arsenal dropped two vital points at Anfield on Sunday, meaning defending their domestic crown is now back in City’s own hands.
      Then on Tuesday evening, Rodri’s stunning opener set the ball rolling on a thrilling 3-0 win over Bayern Munich — which saw them plant one foot in the Champions League semi-finals.
      City’s next challenge comes against Premier League relegation strugglers Leicester on Saturday — and the Spanish midfielder claims their full focus must be on the Foxes.
      Rodri said: “We don’t value any competition over another. We are alive in all three — and will fight until the end for all of them.
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      “Our aim is to go game by game, we don’t think beyond that. We are now back to the Premier League and an intense battle for the title — but our mentality is to win everything.
      “Of course, it would be very special to win our first Champions League.
      “We are on the right path and, if we continue like this, we will have chances at the end of the season.”
      If they are to scoop the lot, City may have to win as many as 15 more matches over the next eight weeks.
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      In the next ten days they face Leicester in the Prem, Bayern in a quarter-final second leg and Championship outfit Sheffield United in an FA Cup semi-final.
      Boss Guardiola has always maintained that winning the three major trophies in one season is close to impossible for an English side.
      But defender John Stones, who almost played alongside Rodri in midfield against Bayern, says that is their target.
      He explained: “We always set high standards for ourselves and try to push for every competition we are in. That’s been happening the seven years I’ve been here.
      “We fight for everything. My goal is to win all three that we’re in.”
      Of all the three still open for City, it is no secret that they would love to win the Champions League for the first time.
      Stones added: “The dream is alive. We take it one game at a time and there’s a lot of steps to get to the final.
      “We have to take those small steps and do the job that is in front of us to eventually get there.”
      While City will take a three-goal lead to Germany next week, they plan to attack Bayern in the Allianz Arena rather than looking to hold what they have.
      Stones added: “It’s never over and that’s the mentality we come with.
      “It’s a great result and sets us up for the next leg but we know we need to go there and get a result again — because this competition throws curveballs.”
      Rodri was on the scoresheet was the Cityzens thumped Bayern Munich on TuesdayCredit: Getty
      Bernardo Silva — scorer of City’s second goal on Tuesday — said the heartbreaking defeat at Real Madrid in last year’s semi-final shows they can take nothing for granted.
      The English side had a 5-3 aggregate lead heading into injury time in the Bernabeu but crashed out in dramatic fashion, losing 6-5 over two legs after extra time.
      Bernardo says that is a major warning ahead of Wednesday’s second leg in Germany.
      The Portuguese ace said: “It’s not over because we’ve had a lot of experience in this competition that shows us what ­happens in the first game doesn’t matter.
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      “It’s a very good advantage for the second leg. But as an example, the game against Real Madrid last season — everybody said it was over and then in the last five minutes everything changed.
      “If you want to win this competition you have to be smart, you have to be ready for every type of occasion.” More

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      Marcus Rashford hands Man Utd huge injury blow as club confirm he will miss number of vital games

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has been ruled out of Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Sevilla. The news comes after Rashford picked up a muscle injury in the 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday.
      Marcus Rashford picked up an injury against EvertonCredit: Rex
      Rashford is set to miss a number of vital games for Man UtdCredit: EPA
      The Englishman is set to “be unavailable for a few games” following the clash on Thursday.
      With Rashford the club’s top goalscorer on 28 goals this season it will comes as a huge blow in the season run-in.
      The club’s next highest goalscorer is Bruno Fernandes with just ten.
      United remain competitive on three fronts, with Rashford firing the way for them in Europe, the FA Cup and their Premier League top four push.
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      However, Rashford’s injury is not believed to be season ending.
      A statement on Man Utd’s website said Rashford “is expected to be back for the season run-in.”
      Erik ten Hag has been bolstered by the recent returns of crocked stars Anthony Martial and Christian Eriksen.
      Meanwhile, Casemiro will also return from his domestic suspension in the comings games after serving his four-game ban.
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      Rashford’s injury means he has joined exciting winger Alejandro Garnacho in the treatment room.
      Ten Hag hinted in March Garnacho may return before the end of the season.

      This could see United handed a double injury boost as the season draws to a close.
      United’s next five fixtures will see them play Sevilla twice, Brighton in the semi-final of the FA Cup as well as Nottingham Forest and top four rivals Tottenham in the Premier League.
      A match against Chelsea is awaiting confirmation on time and date due to United’s progression in the FA Cup. More

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      Arsenal U18 vs West Ham U18 – FA Youth Cup final: Gunners eye silverware as Hammers look to end torrid trophyless run

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      ARSENAL football club as a whole is blossoming and the U18s side are set to feature in the FA Cup Youth Final – but the West Ham youth side stand in their way.Michael Rosiak’s incredible free-kick and Myles Lewis-Skelly’s 121st-minute strike saw the Gunners edge past Manchester City in the semi.
      Myles Lewis Skelly fired Arsenal U18 to the FA Youth Cup finalCredit: Getty
      Divin Mbuma bagged a hattrick to help West Ham book their spot in the finalCredit: Rex
      While Divin Mbuma’s hattrick against Southampton stole all the headlines as the Hammers humiliated the Saints 6-1.
      Jack Wilshere will be desperate to lead his side to silverware in just his first season at the helm of the U18s side.
      However, West Ham’s U18s haven’t secured FA Cup glory in over two decades, so they’ll want to put that torrid run to an end.
      But this could cause implications for the Men’s upcoming match against their bitter London rivals Chelsea.
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      When is Arsenal U18s vs West Ham U18s FA Youth Cup final?

      Arsenal and West Ham’s FA Youth Cup final has been pencilled in for Saturday, April 29.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 7pm UK time.
      Emirates Stadium – the home of Arsenal is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 60,000 fans.
      The Young Hammers thrashed Arsenal 4-1 when the sides last met in November 2022.

      What will happen with Arsenal vs Chelsea?
      The Men’s senior Arsenal team is scheduled to play Chelsea on the same day as the Youth FA Cup final.
      However, reports suggest that the final will be rescheduled to a midweek date instead to avoid the clash.
      SunSport will be on top of updates as soon as the details are provided.
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      Is the FA Youth Cup final on TV and can it be live streamed?
      Details of how to watch the FA Youth Cup between Arsenal and West Ham are yet to be revealed.
      However, the huge encounter is expected to be broadcast on The FA Player – similar to the semi-finals.
      Subscription members of Arsenal.com are also likely to have access to watch the entire action live.
      Team news
      Both managers are expected to go with the same line-up which got them over the line in their semi-finals unless injuries occur. More

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      I won the FA Cup with Arsenal and taught Fabregas how to speak English but I almost became a Man Utd player

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      PHILIPPE SENDEROS has revealed that he almost joined Man United before signing for Arsenal.The retired Swiss footballer joined the Gunners in 2003 and won the FA Cup with the club in 2005.
      Philippe Senderos could have joined Man United before signing for ArsenalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He also had to help Cesc Fabregas with the English language when he joined the clubCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      However things could have been different for the defender, 38, as he admitted that he went to Man United as well as being scouted by Liverpool while he was at Swiss side Servette.
      He told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “I visited Manchester United, and Liverpool came to Geneva a couple of times, but when the opportunity to go to Arsenal came along, and I visited the training ground, experienced the atmosphere around the place and heard from Arsene Wenger, there was no looking back for me.
      “Everything about Arsenal just felt right for me, so it was an easy decision, despite all the noise and rumours.
      I was only 18 when I joined up with the first team, and 19 when I made my debut.
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      “So when people look back on the majority of my time with Arsenal, before my loan moves, they forget I was only 23 or younger.
      “I was learning my trade at the highest level you could ever imagine, and I felt at home straight away.”
      Senderos was a rotaional player in the Gunners squad under manager Arsene Wenger.
      The defender made 64 appearances for the North London side before leaving in 2010 to Fulham.
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      But when he first arrived he was joined by Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas in his home.
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      Senderos has praised the midfielder but did reveal that he had to help him with the language when Fabregas arrived as did not speak English.
      He added: “I was living in digs with Cesc Fabregas when I first moved over, as he arrived shortly after I did, so straight away we struck up a great friendship.
      “We both helped each other settle into life in a new city, in a new country, and I’d do a lot of translating for him as he couldn’t speak English.
      “He moved to the first team very quickly and you could see straight away that he was on a level of his own.
      “It took me a little while to adapt because I faced a lot of injuries in the first full season with the club, but I loved my time there; it’s where I learned to be a professional.” More