Football

WHEN Martin Keown waved goodbye to Arsenal after their Invincible season, his son Niall joined him on the pitch.The 58-year-old played ten games as the Gunners went unbeaten to clinch the title in 2004.Martin Keown with his sons Niall (left) and Callum (right)Credit: AFP – GettyNiall Keown had a career as a centre-back like his dadCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowKeown left Arsenal after an 11-year spell at Highbury that summer and said farewell to fans alongside his two kids Niall and Callum.His youngest son Niall went on to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a tough tackling centre-back.The 29-year-old came through the ranks at Reading, where his dad ended his playing career in 2005.Niall played twice for them before going on loan to then Scottish Premiership side Partick Thistle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe temporary stay was turned permanent in the summer of 2017.In total, Keown Jr featured 65 times for the club across three seasons before heading to St Johnstone on loan.And while north of the border, he represented the Republic of Ireland’s Under-21s instead of England as he was eligible through his grandmother. But after a positive start to his career, a knee injury forced him into retirement in 2020.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNiall has since admitted he felt there was extra “pressure” put on him as a youngster due to his father’s reputation. While his dad now works as a pundit for TNT Sports, Niall is busy at Oxford United.He is involved in the youth setup, working as a coach with the Championship club’s Under-16s.The forgotten Arsenal wonderkidsArsenal ratings vs PrestonARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.Tommy Setford – 6A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.Jurrien Timber – 7Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-timeWilliam Saliba – 7Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.Jakub Kiwior – 8Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.Jorginho – 7Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.Mikel Merino – 7A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.Ethan Nwaneri – 9Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.Raheem Sterling – 7The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.Gabriel Jesus – 8Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.SubsThomas Partey – 6Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.Kai Havertz – 8Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.Bukayo Saka – 6More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.Ayden Heaven – 6Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes. More

A tasty top four battle kicks off a belting Super Sunday this week when Tottenham host Aston Villa.Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a sensational £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the Premier League showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsSpurs vs Aston Villa: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Spurs vs Aston Villa: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

A FORMER Valencia CF player was tragically killed in the devastating flash floods that rocked Spain.The Spanish football club has paid tributes to José Castillejo, 28, a midfielder who also played for teams like Torre Levante, Paterna and Eldense.Ex-Valencia player José Castillejo was killed in the flash floods in SpainCredit: TwitterDozens of villages in Valencia have been covered in a murky brown sludgeCredit: ReutersCars have been piling up after being swept away in the torrential rainCredit: GettyIt said in a statement: “We regret the death of José Castillejo, a victim of the Dana disasters.”He was part of the club’s Academy until his youth stage and has played for several teams in the Valencian Community. RIP.” Eldense also paid tragic tribute to the rising star, saying, “Terrible news comes our way due to the catastrophic DANA.”We deeply regret José Castillejo’s passing at 28, a former blue-and-red player in the 2015/2016 season. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.” A young footie star, Castillejo was trained at the Valencia youth academy before playing for local Spanish clubs like Torre Levante, Paterna, Eldense, Buñol, Recambios Colón, CD Roda and Villamarxant. He also went on to play for CD Eldense during the 2015-2016 season. It comes as horror flash floods turned Valencia into an apocalyptic wasteland following Spain’s deadly floods.Officials say 202 people have been killed so far in Valencia with many fearing the casualties will continue to rise in the coming days as the army begins to be rolled out.Most read in FootballThree deaths were also reported in neighbouring regions – taking the death toll in Spain to 205. Images from Thursday afternoon show the aftermath of the country’s worst natural disaster in living history.Hundreds of abandoned cars and trucks can be seen trapped in murky brown sludge on the highway.Civilians were made to ditch their motors as the torrential rainfall and flash floods engulfed much of eastern Spain on Tuesday.Spain’s transport minister has been one of many officials scrambling to try and contain the crisis.More rain pounds flood-blitzed Spain TODAY after people drown ‘like rats’ as Brit killed & final toll feared to hit 100sValencia’s regional president has called on the Spanish military to help rescue and ultimately recover those still trapped in their homes and major flood zones.In a post on X Carlos Mazon said: “I have just requested the incorporation of the army and the available land, sea and air forces to reinforce the logistical tasks and the distribution of aid to the population.”There are already over 1,000 soldiers from Spain’s emergency rescue units in Valencia.Video captured the moment one man in a bright yellow top smashed through a glass door to save children from drowning.He was forced to wade through the murky water which had risen to waist height before saving several terrified locals.DEVASTATING FLOODSElsewhere, brave rescuers airlifted a baby and an elderly woman from the devastating Spanish floods.Footage showed how an elderly woman, who seemed to be unable to move, was airlifted in a metal cage.The roads below her were seen to be covered in mud and cars were piled up on debris.A separate video showed the heartbreaking moment a baby was saved and airlifted onto a plane in a rescuer’s arms, in the country’s worst-hit region of Valencia.Across the region, trees had been uprooted in the storms and cars had piled up on each other like dominoes.Powerlines were also brought down as the strength of the unexpected torrent even tore apart bridges sat in its way.A terrifying video caught the moment an entire bridge in Paiporta, Valencia, where at least 40 people have died, was wiped out in seconds.It comes as further rainfall is expected tomorrow and in the coming days.Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez has declared Valencia a disaster zone as he warned the public about the incoming weather.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “The most important thing is that I know Spanish people are aware that this phenomenon has not finished.”All of those who have been affected, please stay at home.”The footie star also played for Eldense in the 2015-2016 seasonA supermarket in Valencia has been trashed in the floods as people frantically try to find food and drinkCredit: AP More