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      Decision made on Everton’s FA Cup clash with Peterborough after safety threat amid extreme weather

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      THE FA Cup third round clash between Everton and Peterborough WILL take place as planned amid weather and travel concerns.Officials met with relevant authorities at 1pm this afternoon to evaluate the conditions.Everton’s FA Cup match against Peterborough could be in doubtCredit: RexIt was eventually decided the match will go ahead as scheduled, with fans urged to take extra care and time when travelling to Goodison Park.A statement from Everton read: “Our third-round @EmiratesFACup tie with @theposh will go ahead as planned this evening (kick-off 7:45pm).”A safety meeting was held this afternoon to assess the weather and travel conditions for fans attending the tie, which confirmed the game can go ahead.”Everton Staff and a crew from @lpoolcouncil’s Streetscene Services team have been treating the roads and footpaths around the stadium since the morning to ensure they are as safe as possible for supporters accessing the stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Anyone attending Goodison Park is advised to prepare for the cold conditions, take care and to allow extra time that may be needed in travelling to the game, including being aware of any advice and weather warnings that may be in place in areas fans are travelling from.”No further snow is currently forecast for the Merseyside area, but temperatures will barely be above freezing around the scheduled kick-off time of 7:45pm at Goodison Park.Merseyside has been hit with a yellow weather warning for the sixth successive day amid freezing temperatures.The game between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday came close to being axed.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSnow and ice have caused traffic chaos, school closures and rail cancellations in the area.Manchester Airport’s runways were temporarily blocked off this morning and flights cancelled as five fresh warnings were issued across the UK.Gary Neville’s brutal Secret Santa present for Jamie Carragher ‘rejected’ by EvertonThree motorways, the M56, M60 and M62, were also hit with hefty delays causing mayhem for commuters on Thursday.A statement from Peterborough read: “Any supporters using the official coaches are advised to arrive as planned for a 1pm departure, all supporter coaches will departure as soon as we receive confirmation that the game will go ahead.”The FA Cup match between Everton and Peterborough could see Ashley Young face his teenage son, Tyler, on the pitch.Asked during an interview with talkSPORT which team the family will be supporting, Young Sr said: “Let’s put it this way… they’ve not got Everton shirts, so they’ve all gone and leaned towards Tyler’s side.”I even think my own parents are actually leaning towards Tyler’s side as well. So I’m just out here cheering on myself.”I’m just a lone wolf, that’s just me. But I get it.”I understand it, but after the game they’ll be back on my side once we’ve won. So it’s all right.” More

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      I sell ZIPS for a living after being released from EFL club… now I want to help Tamworth knock Tottenham out of FA Cup

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      CALLUM COCKERILL-MOLLETT realised a footballer’s life is full of unexpected twists when he was released by Walsall as a 22-year-old.That’s when he decided to turn part-time with Tamworth and move into a business that has even more ups and downs… selling ZIPS for a living!Callum Cockerill-Mollett sells zips for a living alongside his playing careerCredit: GettyCockerill-Mollett decided against going full-time after leaving Walsall in 2021Credit: GettyNow, the football-playing businessman can’t wait to get his teeth into Tottenham Hotspur, when he faces Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs in the FA Cup on Sunday.The former Republic of Ireland Youth international told SunSport how he became the Lambs’ very own Lord of the Flies!The left-back revealed: “In my final season at Walsall there was a massive turnover of players and everyone who was out of contract was allowed to leave.”I had some interest from other full-time clubs but most of them would have involved relocating to the other side of the country.Read More in Football”When nothing concrete actually materialised I decided to turn part-time.”So that summer I went in with my dad, Neil and started working full-time in his zip business.”I’d spent time around the factory while I was playing so I had a rough idea of what the business was about.”Footballers retire early and I knew I wouldn’t go down the coaching route, so I always had the zip business in the back of my mind.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Now I help my dad run the company.”We have around 30 staff and we are a wholesale manufacturer of zips.FA Cup third round draw in full as Arsenal host holders Man Utd and Man City get another dream draw He runs the zip business alongside his dadCredit: Facebook”You can’t come in and buy one or two zips from us, we deal in hundreds or thousands at a time.”We buy the raw materials from abroad and we create all kinds of zips.”Jacket zips, pocket zips, shoe zips, zips for jeans – you name it, we can produce it.”But our biggest sellers are probably sofa zips which are used in sofa cushions.”We supply some of the biggest sofa brands in the UK.”Cockerill-Mollett admits it’s hard to convince people he’s not joking when he tells them what he does for a living.”When I was full-time with Walsall and people asked me what line of work I was in, you can’t really say anything other than: ‘I play football.'”People kind of look at you strangely when you say that.”But now when I say: ‘I sell zips,’ people still look at me even more strangely!”Their first reaction is: ‘What do you mean you sell zips?'”If they’re wearing a jacket I’ll point to the zip and say: ‘You know this thing here – someone’s got to make them!'”It’s only when friends and family see our big factory in Leicester that they realise it’s quite a serious business.”The company is called Zipex UK and we are one of the only manufacturers who still make zips in the UK.”Most people import them from China.”But we are one of the few firms you can call and say I need 116cm in this type of zip and we can make thousands of them.Tamworth face Tottenham in the FA Cup this weekendCredit: ReutersLeicester fan Cockerill-Mollett hopes to get James Maddison’s shirtCredit: Alamy”I suppose we’re flying the flag for Britain.”However, on Sunday Cockerill-Mollett will be flying the flag for Tamworth as they look to pull off an FA Cup giant-killing act against Premier League giants Tottenham.Tiny Tamworth are currently priced at 2,500/1 rank outsiders to win this year’s FA Cup.Yet Leicester-born Callum kicked off his pro career with Walsall in 2016 – the year Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester City stunned the world by beating Spurs to famously romp to the title.That 5,000/1 shot was dubbed the Greatest Sporting Miracle of all time.Now Foxes fan Callum hopes to create another sensational shock on Sunday, with The Lambs priced at 15/1 to beat Spurs.”When you’re non-league you’re hoping to draw one of the Premier League big boys,” he said.”When Spurs name came out after ours I was a bit shocked and then my phone never stopped ringing.”It’s a bit surreal but it is what it is. When you’ve made it through three rounds, as we have we deserve a bit of glamour.”We’ve earned our Spurs, so to speak, beating Macclesfield, Huddersfield and Burton Albion.”As a Foxes fan I will never forget that famous title win. I celebrated with all the Leicester supporters at Victoria Park, when the team came on stage and Kasabian played.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I know miracles can happen and I wouldn’t mind getting James Maddison’s shirt on Sunday if he plays – but I think quite a few of the lads are thinking the same way.”  Whatever happens on Sunday, it will be business as usual for the only Cockerill in the Tamworth camp, when he makes a speedy return to the zip trade on Monday!Tottenham beat Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals on WednesdayCredit: EPA More

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      Tamworth manager quits support worker job to become full-time boss days before Tottenham FA Cup clash

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      TAMWORTH have invested a chunk of their FA Cup cash windfall to secure Andy Peaks as their full-time boss.The 54-year-old has been rewarded for steering part-time Tamworth to a money-spinning FA Cup showdown with Spurs, after beating Macclesfield, Huddersfield Town and Burton Albion, to reach the third round.Andy Peaks has been made full-time Tamworth managerCredit: PAPeaks previously split his time as a support worker at Tresham College in Kettering, with his role as Tamworth’s part-time boss.But SunSport can reveal the club have moved swiftly to persuade Peaks to turn full-time after ploughing some of the profits raised by Sunday’s glamour tie to secure his long term future.Peaks has been a sensation since he took charge of Tamworth in February 2022, after quitting Rushden and Diamonds to take over from Gary Smith.He saved the club from the drop in his first season in charge after leading the relegation-threatened Lambs to a 13-game unbeaten run.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPeaks followed that achievement up with sensational back-to-back promotions – first from the Southern League Premier Division – and then as shock winners of the National League North.Tamworth’s part-timers started this season as favourites for relegation against their full-time opponents in the National League.But Peaks has successfully steered the Staffordshire minnows to 16th in the 24-team league, seven points above the drop zone with a game in hand.Just as importantly he has earned Tamworth a £250,000 windfall by reaching the third round of the FA Cup where Spurs lie in wait on Sunday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Lambs were widely criticised for their pricing policy for the Spurs game and accused of fleecing loyal fans, by charging £38 for a terracing ticket.However, the club have shown they intend to use that cash to invest in a bright future under Peaks, who has never hidden his desire to manage full-time.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeHe was linked with the Northampton Town job recently, before Kevin Nolan took charge.Now SunSport can reveal Tamworth have tied Peaks down with a new two-and-a-half year full-time contract and have vowed to spend their FA Cup cash on improving the infrastructure of the club.Peaks has led Tamworth on a sensational run into the FA Cup third roundCredit: PA More

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      When is the FA Cup third round? What’s the prize money and what third round games are on TV?

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      THE FA Cup is the oldest and most renowned annual knockout competition in world football.It gives lower League teams a chance to fight Premier League giants for a hallowed trophy and a large cash prize.The prize money for the FA Cup has been revealed after a major change to the rulesHowever, unlike in years gone by, this year’s FA Cup will see one massive rule change.A surprising new six-year agreement between the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League, means that Cup replays will be SCRAPPED.That does mean that for the first time third round losers will earn prize money.Last season, the competition was won by Manchester United, as the Red Devils unexpectedly defeated rivals Manchester City 2-1.When is the FA Cup third round?The FA Cup third round takes place this weekend, with a hectic 32 matches across four intense days of football.Starting with the clash between Sheffield United and Cardiff City on Thursday, the first of three matches that night.There will be 19 matches on Saturday with non-stop football from 12pm until 8pm.Sunday has a further seven matches including the biggest clash of the weekend, when Arsenal host Premier League rivals Manchester United.The action concludes on Monday night with the tasty London derby between Millwall and Dagenham & Redbridge.What is the prize money in the FA Cup third round?As mentioned above, for the first time ever, third round winners are entitled to prize money as potentially lucrative replays have been scrapped.Third round losers will get now earn £25,000 while winners see £115,000 added to their coffers.As the competition progresses, the financial stakes climb which encourages the teams to perform at their best ability in every round.For winning the competition, one team will receive a whopping £2MILLION.The runners up get £1m, with no change to the money available for winning games from the fourth round onwards.For lower league clubs that go on a good run, the prize money can make or break their finances for the season.Arsenal v Man Utd FA Cup historyAFTER drawing each other in the third round of the FA Cup, it will be the 17th time Arsenal and Manchester United have faced off in the competition.They previously met in the 1997 and 2005 finals, both won by Arsenal.The last match came in 2019, which was won by United.Overall Arsenal have six wins while United have eight, while they share two draws.United’s tally of 22 goals is also superior to Arsenal’s 20 in these games.Wayne Rooney is the top scorer in the fixture, with three of his goals against the North London side coming in the FA Cup.Bukayo Saka leads Arsenal’s tally at the moment with six goals, though these have all been in the Premier League.The full breakdown is below:Extra Preliminary Round winners (221) – £1,125Extra Preliminary Round losers (221) – £375Preliminary Round winners (136) – £1,444Preliminary Round losers (136) – £481First Round Qualifying winners (112) – £2,250First Round Qualifying losers (112) – £750Second Round Qualifying winners (80) – £3,375Second Round Qualifying losers (80) – £1,125Third Round Qualifying winners (40) – £5,625Third Round Qualifying losers (40) – £1,875Fourth Round Qualifying winners (32) – £9,375Fourth Round Qualifying losers (32) – £3,125First Round Proper winners (40) – £45,000First Round Proper losers (40) – £15,000Second Round Proper winners (20) – £75,000Second Round Proper losers (20) – £20,000Third Round Proper winners (32) – £115,000Third Round Proper losers (32) – £25,000Fourth Round Proper winners (16) – £120,000Fifth Round Proper winners (8) – £225,000Quarter Final winners (4) – £450,000Semi Final winners (2) – £1,000,000Semi Final losers (2) – £500,000What FA Cup third round games are on TV?Thursday, January 97pm – Sheffield United vs Cardiff City (BBC Wales)7.45pm – Everton vs Peterborough United (BBC iPlayer)7.45pm – Fulham vs WatfordFriday, January 107.45pm – Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth8pm – Aston Villa vs West Ham United (ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday, January 1112pmBristol City vs Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City vs Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers12.15pmLiverpool vs Accrington Stanley (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmExeter City vs Oxford UnitedPreston North End vs Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth vs West Bromwich AlbionReading vs BurnleySunderland vs Stoke CityNottingham Forest vs Luton TownBrentford vs Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City vs Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea vs Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)Leicester City vs Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)5.45pmMan City vs Salford City (BBC One and iPlayer)Leeds United vs Harrogate Town (BBC iPlayer)6pmLeyton Orient vs Derby CountyCoventry City vs Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town vs Wigan AthleticSunday, January 1212pmHull City vs Doncaster Rovers12.30pmTamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmArsenal vs Man Utd (BBC One and iPlayer)Newcastle United vs Bromley (BBC iPlayer)Ipswich Town vs Bristol RoversCrystal Palace vs Stockport County4.30pmSouthampton vs Swansea City (BBC Wales)Monday, January 13 7.30pm – Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (ITV4 and ITVX) More

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      Mikel Arteta is in the doghouse with Arsenal fans and running out of time to show he has pedigree to end trophy drought

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      IT IS A WELL KNOWN fact that dogs learn through repetition.Especially their names. Call it over and over again and soon your clever pooch will be your loyal pal performing tricks for treats.Mikel Arteta is under pressure to win another trophy with ArsenalCredit: AFPArteta won the FA Cup with Arsenal just months after taking over but is yet to secure any other titlesCredit: APSo spare a thought for Arsenal’s poor pet chocolate labrador.Boss Mikel Arteta came up with the idea of having man’s best friend live at the club’s training ground to give the place a family feel. And she was named ‘Win’.That is not a word being heard quite as often as it should at London Colney today. At least not when it comes to getting over the line and winning a trophy.A crushing home defeat to Newcastle in last night’s Carabao Cup semi final first leg leaves Arteta licking his wounds after blowing a great chance of silverware.Read More in FootballWin will be licking other bodily parts as per usual.The concept of having a dog at a Premier League training ground is a positive one even if the choice of name is so North London and cringey.And there is no doubt that Arteta has re-energised Arsenal in the five years since he took over as manager in December 2019.But Tuesday’s inglorious stuffing feels like a barometer moment in the Spaniard’s time at the club. And the pressure is increasing.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArteta introduced a dog named Win to the training ground two years agoCredit: GettyAs if to ram the message home in terms that Win would understand – Arsenal have let the lead slip five times this season – twice against Brighton but more importantly against their main rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea. Boom boom.All of those games ended in draws, dropping vital points in the title race in the process.Arsenal player vs Newcastle in the Carabao Cup first leg tie at the Emirates (1)Arteta won the FA Cup at the end of his first half season in charge – breathing life into a flatlining football giant in December 2019 when taking over from the uninspiring Unai Emery.Victory in the 2020 FA Cup final over Chelsea should have been the trigger for more trophies to follow.But since then there has been nothing tangible to celebrate. No open top bus parade through the London Borough of Islington where skipper Martin Odegaard can show off a shiny cup.Since the FA Cup win four and a half years ago, even car-crash Manchester United have won something. And they are considered a laughing stock, now taking a punt on their third manager since Arteta took over the reins at the Emirates with a mission to make Arsenal great again.Ironically, Manchester United beat Newcastle in the 2023 Carabao Cup Final.The Geordies are renowned as serial chokers. Seven times losers in the FA Cup Final, twice in the League Cup, even throwing it away five times in the old Charity Shield. Without a major domestic trophy in 70 years.Succumbing to the Toon at home in such a feeble way does not mean Arteta’s time is up. Far from it, even if social media tells a different story with the notoriously fickle Gooners jumping on their keyboards over their chai lattes to ensure ‘Arteta Out’ has been trending.His 59.2 percent win rate is superior to that of his immediate predecessor Unai Emery and surprisingly better than that of Arsene Wenger – the man who laid the foundations for modern Arsenal.The French legend won 57.3% of his 1235 games. But Arteta has had only 262 so far which makes it slightly easier to maintain a higher ratio of victories.Wenger also had the Premier League in the bag in his second season – ripping the trophy from the best Manchester United team of all time led by the most successful British manager in history in Alex Ferguson.Arteta has enjoyed three full seasons of goodwill as he attempts a similar assault on football’s Mount Everest, overhauling Manchester City’s imperious four-in-a-row champions.The Gunners suffered a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final on TuesdayCredit: EPAAlexander Isak was a thorn in Arsenal’s side againCredit: GettyThat’s a big ask and the club and the fans have been patient up to now. It’s still too early to panic but there is a growing fear Arsenal have reached a ceiling unless bold moves are made.Their arch-tormentor Alexander Isak, opening scorer against them last night, is a £150 million transfer target.Former players like Paul Merson are demanding swift action by the board to sign the Swede and provide Arteta with the dedicated number nine they appear to crave so badly.Kai Havertz is only three goals behind Isak this season but will never be the consistent out-and-out centre forward they so painfully lack. Neither is Gabriel Jesus.It’s curious that in more than five years Arteta has overseen a net spend of £483.79 million but he is yet to find a player like Isak to lead the forward line with such venom.Wenger got away without one too for donkey’s years but then he had Thierry Henry and few players compare favourably to the masterful Frenchman.It is no shame to have finished second in the Premier League twice in succession to imperious Man City.But the dominant force in English football suddenly looks fallible so there’s a big excuse for failure gone.Champions League quarter finals last season, the last 16 of the Europa League the year before that. Gallant defeats but defeats nonetheless.The title race looks beyond them this season. Third time in a row.Arteta is a bright, young, energetic coach with a lengthy managerial career ahead of him at only 42.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd if he takes Arsenal up to St.James’ Park next month and turns Newcastle over in a stunning second leg comeback to get to Wembley, ignore all of the above.But for now time is not on his side as the clock keeps ticking and Arsenal’s near-misses mount up.Arsenal ratings vs Newcastle as Havertz fluffs golden chance with academy statlet the only bright light for GunnersARSENAL have a mountain to climb to reach the Carabao Cup final after a shock 2-0 first-leg defeat to Newcastle.Here SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates every Arsenal player on a disappointing night at the Emirates…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Looked nervy with ball at feet at times but could do nothing to stop Alexander Isak’s brilliant close-range finish.Unlucky to see his palmed save tapped in by Anthony Gordon.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8The academy product was very impressive again. Turned out of danger well at both ends of the pitch. So calm under pressure.GABRIEL – 6Gave Isak far too much space to manoeuvre a shot in the box before the Toon’s second. Wasteful and ineffective from corners.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Had an early effort blocked near the line by Dan Burn. Was dealing with Isak well until losing a header to Sven Botman that saw the Toon striker score.JURRIEN TIMBER – 5Missed an absolute sitter from a yard out from a corner.Was then caught sleeping just after the break to allow Gordon to double Newcastle’s lead.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Linked defence and attack fairly well without ever really doing anything spectacular.DECLAN RICE – 6Plays Jacob Murphy onside from a flicked on free-kick that leads to Newcastle taking the lead.Took more responsibility in the second half on the ball.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Heavily man-marked by Joelinton but looked back to his very best after a spate of illness.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Much more direct in his running. Unlucky not to open the scoring with his driven shot hitting the post after a half-way line sprint.Continued to be positive in his play – just lacked the finishing touch.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Sneakily got away with dragging Isak down to stop the Swede joining a Newcastle counter in the first half and a good first-time pass to set Martinelli away. Those were his only highlights.KAI HAVERTZ – 5May just be back from a sickness bug, but the big German did very little, apart from somehow fluffing a header wide unmarked from six yards.SUBS:JORGINHO (PARTEY, 59) – 7Some nice passes into dangerous areas and sprayed the ball about with conviction.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 59) – 6Lively and sharp without every really testing Newcastle’s back four or goal.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (LEWIS-SKELLY, 77) – 5Booked within a minute of coming on for a rash challenge on Joelinton. More

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      Mikel Arteta faces third different ball this week after Newcastle excuse as Man Utd target FA Cup surprise vs Arsenal

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      ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta bizarrely suggested the Carabao Cup ball factored into his team’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on Tuesday.But the Gunners will be forced to play with ANOTHER different football this weekend when they face Manchester United in the FA Cup third round.Mikel Arteta suggested the Carabao Cup ball contributed to Arsenal’s loss against NewcastleCredit: ReutersThe Gunners missed several opportunities on TuesdayCredit: GettyAs things stand, Arsenal remain competitive in four different major competitions – each of which use a different ball.Arteta highlighted the main difference between the Carabao Cup and Prem balls after the club’s defeat to Newcastle earlier this week, citing numerous missed attempts on goal.He explained: “We also kicked a lot of balls over the bar, and it’s tricky that these balls fly a lot so there’s details that we can do better.”But at the end that’s gone, there’s no way back it’s about the next game and that’s our world, the reality is our world.Read More in Football”It’s just different. Very different to a Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies different.”When you touch it the grip is very different as well so you adapt to that.”In response to Arteta’s comments, an EFL spokesperson said: “As is required throughout the professional game, the PUMA ball used in this season’s Carabao Cup and in EFL competition since 2021/22 is tested in accordance with the FIFA Quality Programme for Footballs, and meets the FIFA Quality Pro standard.”In addition to the Carabao Cup, the same ball has been successfully used in other major European leagues, including both Serie A and LaLiga and our three divisions in the EFL.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal’s average shot on target percentage with different footballsThe Gunners have enjoyed a slightly higher success rate in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyArsenal play with the Premier League football mostCredit: Getty”All Clubs play with the same ball, and we have received no further comments of this nature following any of the previous 88 fixtures which have taken place in this season’s Carabao Cup.”Before Tuesday’s semi-final first leg against Newcastle, 27 of Arsenal’s 51 shots in the Carabao Cup this season were on target – an average of 53 per cent with the Puma football.Arsenal player vs Newcastle in the Carabao Cup first leg tie at the Emirates (1)In comparison, 102 of Arsenal’s 197 shots in the Premier League have been on target – an average of 52 per cent with the Nike ball.And in the Champions League, the Gunners have managed to direct 58 per cent of their shots on target – 33 out of 57 shots with the Adidas ball.The Carabao Cup ball slammed Arteta will be used in the Prem next season.SunSport understands that an exact version of the ball has already been developed and agreed as the new Prem model – despite the complaints by some managers about it this season.Like other competitions, the FA Cup also involves the use of a different ball.The beloved domestic competition has its footballs supplied by Mitre.Arsenal will use them for the first time this season on Sunday when they face Man Utd.The Gunners will go into the match with some key players absent.READ MORE SUN STORIESBukayo Saka remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while his replacement, Ethan Nwaneri, is also unavailable due to a muscle problem.Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu both remain absent from the squad due to injuries.Cup ball to be used in PremBy Martin LiptonTHE Carabao Cup ball slammed by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be used in the PREMIER LEAGUE next season.Gunners chief Arteta suggested the “tricky” Puma ball used by the EFL in its flagship competition had been a factor in his side’s shooting woes during the 2-0 semi-final first leg defeat by Newcastle.Arteta said the Puma balls “fly a lot”, admitting “there’s details that we can do better”.Pressed further, Arteta added: “It’s just different. It’s very different to a Premier League ball.“You have to adapt to that because it flies different. “When you touch it, the grip is very different as well, so you adapt to that.”But Arteta  and his players will certainly have to adapt next term as Prem chiefs will switch to the SAME ball for the new season.The Prem has used Nike balls since 2000 but a contract dispute saw the decision to switch to the German manufacturer from the 2025-26 season in what was described as a “lucrative” deal.Sun Sport understands that an exact version of the Carabao Cup ball has already been developed and agreed as the new Prem model – despite the complaints by some managers about it this season.Moving to Puma may, though, help ease the delayed introduction of semi-automated offside technology.The versions used by Fifa and Uefa have been developed in collaboration with Adidas, while Italy’s Serie A has brought in the technology with a Puma ball.PGMOL had hoped to introduce a semi-automated system developed by US-based Genius Sports in the autumn but it is now not expected to be unrolled until next term after issues in decision-making accuracy.Working with Puma specialists, who have already used a similar system, over the coming months should enable a fool-proof version to be ready for the big kick-off in August. 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      FA Cup changes rule for first time in 154-year history with huge impact on mega-money prize pot

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      THIRD round losers will get prize money for the first time as the FA Cup kicks off for real on Thursday. All 32 teams eliminated at the last 64 stage will be paid £25,000 from Wembley funds, with the winners each bagging £115,000.The FA have announced brand new prize pot rules for the FA CupCredit: GettyFA chiefs agreed the extra payments to compensate clubs for the abolition of all replays from the first round proper.Losing sides in the first and second round earned £15,000 and £20,000 respectively.Although this weekend’s ties will be the last this season that have a financial consolation prize.The total prize pot on offer from the first round onwards has gone up by £2.44m to £20.3m.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut the majority of the extra cash will go to lower league clubs.And there is no change to the money available for winning games from the fourth round onwards.May’s Wembley winners will earn a total £3.91m, just £10,000 more than Manchester United picked up in prize money last term.That compares to the £6.795m that Arsenal earned for their behind closed doors Final win over Chelsea in 2020.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe impact of the pandemic on Wembley finances saw a significant reduction in FA Cup prize money.That has only marginally increased over the intervening four seasons.FA Cup clash DELAYED as referee is substituted after injury… with PA appealing for new official over tannoyThe 12 clubs involved in the third-round matches selected for live screening by BBC and ITV – including Tamworth, who host Spurs on Sunday – will all receive £85,000.In addition, being broadcast on BBC iPlayer and Red Button services will earn Chelsea, Preston, Manchester City and Huddersfield £40,000.While Shrewsbury and Wrexham will split £96,000 equally after their game was chosen by SC4. More

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      West Ham hope to have Graham Potter in charge for Friday’s FA Cup clash even though Lopetegui is STILL manager

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      WEST HAM hope Graham Potter will take charge of their FA Cup game at Aston Villa on Friday night.Potter has agreed to take over at the London Stadium but the club are still finalising the last details of his appointment.Graham Potter is expected to be West Ham’s next managerCredit: PAJulen Lopetegui is set to be sacked by West HamCredit: RexHowever, the Hammers are still yet to sack current boss Julen Lopetegui.Lopetegui was left once again to take charge of training on Wednesday, despite the club being close to appointing Potter, 49, as his successor.West Ham cancelled their press conference which was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, ahead of Friday night’s third round tie at Villa Park.Potter is keen to take training on Thursday and be in the dugout for the game, with the postponed press conference also needing to be held.READ MORE IN football Lopetegui is furious with how the week has played out.On Monday it emerged he had asked technical director Tim Steidten to stay away from the training ground after their relationship broke down.Chairman David Sullivan has led the search for a new manager, though Steidten was the one to initially approach Potter.After talks were re-opened this week, vice-chair Karren Brady has taken charge of direct negotiations.Most read in FootballJulen Lopetegui’s disastrous reignBy Jack FiggJULEN LOPETEGUI replaced David Moyes in May 2024 ready to start a new reign at West Ham – now it’s over before it even got started.The former Spain manager arrived in London with the experience of working with big stars – but his reputation in England needed mending. He won the Europa League with Sevilla in 2020 – joining Wolves two years later. But Lopetegui left after one season having guided Wolves to 13th but walking out over their financial constraints. Following a year out of work, the ex-Real Madrid player agreed to take over from Moyes – who only 12 months earlier led them to the Europa Conference League trophy. But Lopetegui got off to a horror start to life in London, going winless in his first four matches.That is despite spending £123m on signings with the likes of Maximilian Kilman, Niclas Fullkrug and Aaron Wan-Bissaka arriving in the summer.And Lopetegui’s tenure hit an all-time low following a 5-0 loss at home to Liverpool and 4-1 defeat at Man City. The Hammers board had seen enough and started to draw up potential replacements after deciding to sack Lopetegui.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs well as finalising Lopetegui’s exit, a new coaching staff must be appointed.The former Wolves manager brought five coaches with him to east London, all of whom are expected to leave.Potter is looking to initially bring up to four of his own coaching staff with him, while goalkeeping coach, Xavi Valero, is expected to stay.Valero was the one member of David Moyes’ staff to remain in the summer. More