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      Millionaire rapper Snoop Dogg wants to invest in Celtic after seeing Wrexham success plus ‘their mascot is a hound’

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      SNOOP DOGG wants to invest in Scottish champions Celtic.The millionaire rapper has been inspired by the recent success of Wrexham under their Hollywood owners.Snoop Dogg wants to invest in Scottish champions CelticClub mascot Hoopy the Hound is a key factor in Snoop’s desire to invest in the BhoysCredit: GettyActors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the Red Dragons in 2020 and have since transformed their fortunes.Following back-to-back promotions, Wrexham are back in League One this season for the first time in 19 years.Snoop is now ready to get into club ownership himself with his beloved Celtic.As well as Wrexham’s fortunes, he is also keen to get involved due to the Bhoys’ mascot Hoopy the Hound.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe hip-hop icon told the Daily Record: “I love what Ryan has done with Wrexham – it’s just a great story.”Investing in a sports team has been something I have been looking at for a long time – if the chance came to invest in Celtic, I would be crazy not to take a look at it.”I have watched so much soccer in Europe but I have never seen fans like the Celtic fans. There is something so special about them.”There is a reason why their fans are talked about across Europe – the best players and coaches in the world tell you there is nowhere like Celtic Park and I want to be a part of that.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Their mascot is a hound – you couldn’t make that up. Snoop Dogg becomes Hoopy the Hound – that’s gotta be a match made in heaven. The headlines write themselves.”Snoop has made no secret of his passion for the Hoops in the past, having been recognised as one of the club’s most famous fans.‘I’m not sure that was pragmatic enough for some’ says Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers as he responds to doubters after Atalanta draw As well as proclaiming they “are my boys”, he has been pictured in their famous green and white several times.However, he appeared to switch sides last September as Celtic began their Champions League campaign.The 53-year-old performed in a Feyenoord shirt at a concert in Rotterdam on the same night Celtic faced the Dutch side.Snoop will be hoping for more success for his team this Sunday, though, as Brendan Rodgers’ side visit Motherwell.A win would take the Hoops back to the top of the Scottish Premiership on goal difference ahead of Aberdeen.Wrexham’s success under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds has inspired SnoopCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League flop, 33, left looking sheepish after scoring ‘own goal of the year’ to cost his team a point

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      ASTON VILLA flop Leandro Bacuna scored a comical and DECISIVE own goal which saw his team lose 1-0 late on at Fortuna Sittard.Bacuna, 33, was captaining Dutch side Groningen who now sit 15th – just outside the Eredivisie relegation zone.Former Villa man Leandro Bacuna was left red-faced after blasting the ball into his own net from two yards outThe decisive error saw his Dutch side Groningen lose 1-0The ex-Premier League star held onto the the roof of the net looking devastatedHis moment of madness means Groningen have suffered five consecutive defeats after winning promotion last season.With the score tied 0-0 in the 86th minute, Fortuna Sittard took an in-swinging corner and managed to get a low shot off.But goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen kept the ball out by pushing it out to left-back Wouter Prins, who was standing at the front post.With the ball moving fast, Prins could only tap it away centrally towards an incoming Bacuna, who was two yards away from the goal line.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe former Aston Villa star tried to clear it over the bar – but somehow lashed it into his own net even though he was only a yard out.A devastated Bacuna stood with his head in his hands and held onto the the roof of the net looking shell-shocked.The unbelievable howler also left his team-mates wrecked, with Prins picking the ball up and booting it in the air in frustration.After the match, Bacuna said: “I was emotional, went inside and didn’t thank our fans. I’m not happy about that and I apologise. I also have to be there for the team.”Most read in FootballBacuna was left devastated after failing to clear an attempt in the 86th minuteFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans couldn’t believe what they witnessed as they stormed social media stating this might have been the worst own goal this year.One fan wrote: “Bacuna with an own goal of the year contender.”‘I wouldn’t want to be the VAR’ gasps Mike Dean as Aston Villa goal overturned in controversial circumstancesAnother commented: “Why has he just blasted in????”While one more said: “That’s really unbelievable. Poor fella. Hard luck in recent times.”Dutch footie analyst Wim Masker added: “This is really an incomprehensible own goal.”Fans were quick to call out Bacuna after he was dropped to the bench for oversleeping before their 1-0 defeat to FC Utrecht last week.To make matters worse, he will miss Groningen’s next match against NEC Nijmegen, after picking up his fifth yellow of the season, for kicking the ball away earlier in the game.He is the older brother of former Birmingham, Rangers and Huddersfield midfielder Juninho Bacuna, who now plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Wehda.Bacuna made more than 130 appearances for Villa and was a regular when they were relegated in 2016, when the club had four different managers.He often shifted between playing at right-back and central midfield.During his time in the Prem, Bacuna fell out with the Villa Park supporters during their relegation campaign in 2015-16.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was once singled out with insults about his baby daughter in fan attack on rock-bottom squad, according to The Mirror.Bacuna was issued with a three-match suspension for his headbutt on assistant referee Mark Russell in 2017.How Unai Emery has transformed Aston VillaBy Graeme BryceASTON VILLA suspected they were on to a winner when they enticed four-times Europa League king Unai Emery away from Villarreal in October 2022.They will certainly never bag a bigger bargain than the £5.2million compensation fee they paid the La Liga side for their Spanish tactical genius.Emery started the way he meant to continue at Villa, ironically beating Sunday’s opponents Manchester United 3-1 on his debut – to record Villa’s first home Premier League victory over United since August 1995!And he has continued smashing records and setting new standards ever since, culminating in Wednesday’s incredible win over six-times European champions Bayern Munich.Emery credits his Basque upbringing for his workaholic nature and he is first into Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training base before 8am every morning – and he is usually the last there, switching the lights off when he leaves around 9pm most nights.A Villa insider once summed it up by saying: “It’s not unusual for managers to spend long hours at the training ground, chatting to staff, having cups of coffee. Unai is different, he doesn’t do down-time, it’s full on work-mode from the minute he arrives to the minute he leaves.”On away trips Emery opens his laptop as soon as he boards the team coach and starts analysing his own team’s performance as well as the opposition.”He will watch all of our games seven or eight times and does the same for our opponents,” says Villa’s Director of Football Operations, Damian Vidagany – one of 23 Spaniards Emery has taken with him to Villa, including the world-famous transfer guru Monchi.Emery trusts Monchi to supply the talent he needs from £50million record signing Amadou Onana to £8million bargain-buy Morgan Rogers and then he improves them beyond recognition.Lesser managers would have written hotheaded hitman Jhon Duran off as a troublemaker – cut their losses and flogged him this summer after a series of high-profile PR gaffes.But Emery was cold and clinical and asked himself one question – does the kid have any worth to me? Once he decided he did, he put an arm round the youngster and talked him through how he would transform him into one of the world’s great strikers.Now the smile is back on Duran’s face, never more so than after his stunning winner against Bayern, which underlined Emery’s extraordinary man-management skills. Training is meticulous and repetitive until players get the drill with the aid of constant video reminders, both collectively and individually, while his army of coaches work tirelessly on improving individual players’ skill-sets and game intelligence with tailor-made sessions.Against Bayern Emery not only set Villa up brilliantly defensively to frustrate the Bavarian giants, who failed to score for the first time this season. He also hammered home over and over again verbally and visually with video clips, Manuel Neuer’s tendency to stray miles off his goal line in his sweeper-keeper role.Jhon Duran’s first-time finish to send the ball soaring over a stranded Neuer was pure genius – but the seed to try such an outrageous attempt was planted in his head by another genius.Take a bow, Unai Emery! 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      Wolves lining up £20million transfer for Watford Euro 2024 star to help rescue them from Prem relegation

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      WOLVES will make Watford’s Georgian star Giorgi Chakvetadze a top target in January as they seek a Premier League saviour.Gary O’Neil’s men need new attacking inspiration and lively Chakvetadze, 25, has been on top form this season.Wolves are eyeing a January move for Watford midfielder Giorgi ChakvetadzeCredit: RexScouts watched the midfielder against Leeds on Tuesday and he is short-listed as a buy if the Molineux club can wheel and deal in the window.Wolves have been sellers recently but a purchase may save their top-flight skins.Watford would want up to £20million for a player who signed a fresh five-year deal only a month ago, however, and other Prem clubs have an eye on Chakvetadze.The Georgian international initially joined the Hornets on loan from Gent last summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis loan move was then made permanent in February for around £2million.As well as penning a new deal, he has scored once and provided two assists in 12 Championship appearances this term.Meanwhile, the midfield ace also has nine goals in 33 caps for Georgia.He made his international debut in 2018 aged just 18 and was part of the Crusaders’ Euro 2024 squad.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWilly Sagnol’s side were one of the surprise packages of the tournament in Germany during the summer.Chakvetadze played in all four of their matches as they reached the last 16, losing to eventual winners Spain.I watched Cristiano Ronaldo play for Al-Nassr, the atmosphere and standard had me shocked… but he didn’t seem botheredHis arrival would boost Wolves’ survival hopes after a difficult start to the season.O’Neil’s side are currently 19th following Saturday’s dramatic 2-2 draw at Brighton.However, they have yet to win any of their opening nine Premier League fixtures. More

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      Former Liverpool striker now runs ice cream shop selling award-winning Sicilian granita

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      FORMER Liverpool star Krisztian Adorjan has this week announced his retirement from football aged 31.Having hung up his boots, the Hungarian will now be able to spend more time running his Budapest ice cream shop.Krisztian Adorjan excelled in Liverpool’s academyCredit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionHe has since opened an ice cream shop in BudapestCredit: Instagram @ilbrunogelatoAdorjan joined the Reds aged 16 in 2009 and was on their books for five years.The forward impressed for Liverpool’s academy sides, and was even their Under-21s’ top scorer during the 2012-13 season.He trained with the Reds’ first team and also featured in pre-season under Brendan Rodgers, but never managed to earn a senior competitive appearance, despite coming close.Following a loan spell in the Netherlands with Groningen, Adorjan left Anfield permanently for Italian side Novara in 2014.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe went on to play for clubs in Albania and Ireland, before returning to Hungary in 2021.That year, he launched a separate business venture.In an article published by We Love Budapest, it was confirmed that Adorjan had opened an ice cream shop in the Obuda region of the city alongside business partner Fabio Marconi.Having played in the country during his football career, Adorjan brought authentic Italian ice cream to his home city.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVisitors are spoiled for choice at Adorjan’s ice cream shopCredit: Instagram @ilbrunogelatoThe ice cream shop received favourable reviews in 2021Credit: Instagram @ilbrunogelatoMarconi has plenty of pedigree in the field.Having made ice cream for VIPs at the Sanremo Music Festival, he also won the 2017 world championship with his Sicilian granita.How Liverpool outsmarted Chelsea with Slot’s genius ‘traffic jam’ trick and Curtis Jones masterclassWith plenty of flavours available to customers of Adorjan and Marconi’s Bruno Dolce & Caffe, granita is something of a delicacy.It is described as being like a combination of ice cream, ice slush and sorbet.Adorjan most recently played for second tier side Budapest Honved.Earlier this week, alongside several photographs, including some from his Liverpool days, Adorjan announced his retirement.’THANK YOU FOOTBALL’He wrote: “How could I forget you when my first love was you?! I am who I am because of you.”I will be grateful for everything you taught me and gave me for the rest of my life.”Thank you Football.”His post received comments from several of his former Liverpool academy team-mates.Northern Ireland international Ryan McLaughlin wrote: “What a player. Born on the half turn. Pleasure to play with you mate.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Stephen Sama said: “Was a pleasure to play with you all the best in your future.”Joao Teixeira added: “What a player ! And even better person ! Pleasure my friend.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Real Madrid 0 Barcelona 4: Mbappe suffers NIGHTMARE in his first Clasico as Lewandowski double sees Barca run riot

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI scored twice as Barcelona shattered Real Madrid’s 42-game unbeaten run in LaLiga.But it was a night of frustration for Kylian Mbappe in his first Clasico as the Frenchman saw TWO goals ruled out for offside.Robert Lewandowski outshone Kylian Mbappe as his double downed Real MadridCredit: GettyLewandowski scored twice after the break as Barcelona won 4-0 at the BernabeuCredit: GettyInstead it was Lewandowski who was the star of the show as he netted his 16th and 17th goals of the season to send Barca six points clear at the top.Lewandowski’s first, in the 54th minute, followed a superb pass by Barca’s latest youth talent Marc Casado.And he followed it up with a header almost immediately after the restart to silence the Santiago Bernabeu.In fact, it should have been a historic hat-trick as Lewandowski somehow hit the post with an open goal after Raphinha’s cross cut out Los Blancos keeper Andriy Lunin.read more football newsLamine Yamal made it a rout in the 77th when the teenage phenom somehow rifled a shot from an angle over Lunin.Raphinha got involved in the burgundy-and-blue party when he broke free with Madrid pressing forward and chipped the keeper in the 84th.Mbappe had a frustrating first game against Barcelona in a white shirt.The France star was repeatedly caught offside by Barcelona’s synchronized back four and failed to beat second-choice goalkeeper Inaki Pena one-on-one with his team down two goals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMbappe has two goals ruled out for offside on a frustrating nightCredit: ReutersJude Bellingham was off the boil for MadridCredit: ReutersHansi Flick, meanwhile, had a night to remember in the first Clasico for the German coach.Barcelona still have financial troubles that cast doubt over their future but they have made huge steps forward since Flick replaced Barcelona great Xavi Hernandez in the summer.Inside Real Madrid’s incredible hi-tech free-kick training as stars use robots to hone technique Casado, an unknown reserve team player until Flick picked him to be his holding midfielder, was one of five home-grown players that Flick put in his starting line-up, the same 11 that beat Bayern Munich 4-1 in the Champions League three days before.A total of six players under 22 years old started for Barcelona, led by 17-year-olds Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, and showed no signs of being intimidated by the scenario.Yamal upstaged Mbappe this summer when Spain beat France en route to winning the European Championship.And he did it again when he displayed the finishing touch that Mbappe was lacking.Mbappe himself was ruled offside no less than five times in the first half hour, as Barcelona pressed high up the field.While Jude Bellingham was largely anonymous as the game slipped away from the increasingly desperate hosts.Vinicius Junior, who is set to win the Ballon d’Or on Monday, didn’t fare much better as he missed a golden chance to give Madrid the lead in the first half. More

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      Ipswich star drops ‘worst performance in Prem history’ with red card, own goal and giving penalty away on first start

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      HARRY CLARKE suffered a nightmare first Premier League start with the most unwanted hat-trick. The Ipswich defender, 23, got the nod from Kieran McKenna for the trip to Brentford.Harry Clarke endured the worst first Premier League start possibleCredit: GettyHe was sent off for two yellow cards in the second halfCredit: ReutersBut the right-back could not have had a worse afternoon at the Gtech Community Stadium. It had all started well for Clarke and his Tractor Boys team-mates as they took a 2-0 lead, looking on course for their first win of the season – as fellow Premier League full debutant George Hirst scored.However, ex-Arsenal academy ace and England Under-17 international Clarke inadvertently ensured they would not secure all three points.Yoane Wissa pulled the first Brentford goal back on 44 minutes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThen in the first minute of injury time, Wissa looked for goal again – as the defender slid in to try and clear.Instead, unlucky Clarke only managed to knock the ball over the line with his arm as the Bees equalised.They then took the lead six minutes into the second half from the penalty spot – after Clarke was penalised for pulling Keane Lewis-Potter down.Initially, a free-kick was awarded and a yellow card brandished – before VAR took a look and overruled for a spot-kick, which Bryan Mbeumo duly dispatched. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Clarke’s horror game culminated in a second yellow card and subsequent red for diving in on Lewis-Potter on 69 minutes. As a result, he became just the second player in Premier League history to achieve the triple whammy of scoring an own goal, giving a penalty away and being sent off. ‘I wouldn’t want to be the VAR’ gasps Mike Dean as Aston Villa goal overturned in controversial circumstancesThe first was Jan Bednarek against Manchester United in Southampton’s thumping 9-0 defeat in February 2021. And fans were quick to take to social media to react to Clarke’s dreaded debut. One said: “Harry Clarke has got to hold the record for the worst game ever by a PL player. You gotta feel for him.”Another wrote: “Harry Clarke has had an absolute nightmare today.”A third added: “Harry Clarke will never forget this day.”And a final user joked: “Harry Clarke’s first ever Premier League start going well then.”To make matters worse, after Liam Delap looked to have rescued a point for Ipswich, Clarke could only watch on helplessly as Mbeumo’s cross ended up in the back of the net for a 96th-minute winner.The own goal bounced in off the right-back in unfortunate scenesCredit: GettyThe referee initially gave a free-kick but it was changed to a penaltyCredit: ReutersThe performance matched Jan Bednarek’s against Manchester United in 2021Credit: GettyTV fixtures in DecemberHere are all the games that will be televised in December…Tuesday 3 December19:30 Ipswich v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Leicester v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)Wednesday 4 December19:30 Everton v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Man City v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Southampton v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Aston Villa v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)Thursday 5 December19:30 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)Saturday 7 December12:30 Everton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 8 December14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Chelsea (Sky Sports)Monday 9 December20:00 West Ham v Wolves (Sky Sports)Saturday 14 December17:30 Nott’m Forest v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Sunday 15 December14:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Man City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)19:00 Southampton v Spurs (TNT Sports)Monday 16 December20:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Saturday 21 December12:30 Aston Villa v Man City (TNT Sports)17:30 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Sunday 22 December14:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Thursday 26 December12:30 Man City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Chelsea v Fulham (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Nott’m Forest v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)17:30 Wolves v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:00 Liverpool v Leicester (Amazon Prime Video)Friday 27 December19:30 Brighton v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Ipswich (Amazon Prime Video)Sunday 29 December14:30 Leicester v Man City (Sky Sports)17:15 West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 30 December20:00 Man Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports) More

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      Arsenal’s title hopes are OVER if they lose to Liverpool, warns Gunners legend Tony Adams

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      TONY ADAMS has warned Arsenal ahead of today’s Prem showdown with Liverpool: Lose and you can forget the title.Gunners legend Adams believes they will have more chance of lifting the Champions League if they slip SEVEN  points  behind  Arne Slot’s Reds and SIX behind Manchester City.Arsenal’s legendary captain Tony Adams says the Gunners’ title hopes will be OVER if they lose to LiverpoolCredit: GettyMikel Arteta has an injury headache for the crunch title clashCredit: GettyThe ex-Arsenal captain, four times a champion with the club, said: “This is not quite a must-win game but it is a must-not-lose.“We can’t lose, because then we would not be far off having more chance of winning the Champions League than the title, even this early.“At the back end of the season, you will also have a City squad that has been rotated and is full of beans. Usually they don’t lose a game.“You have to stay in touch with your rivals. If you get to April within three points of the title, you still have a chance.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAdams is the only player to win the title in three different decades — skippering the Gunners to glory in 1989, 1991, 1998 and 2002.But Adams, 58, feels his injury-hit former club have it all to do at the Emirates this afternoon.Defender William Saliba is banned after a red card against Bournemouth.Boss Mikel Arteta fears Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber will not be fit while skipper Martin Odegaard is a long-term absentee.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTony Adams: Red cards are sign of a winning mentality… Arsenal need to be MORE aggressiveBACK in the day at Arsenal, red cards were regarded as signs of a winning mentality — not a failing that could cost them titles.The Gunners go into Sunday’s clash with Liverpool without defender William Saliba after he became the THIRD player in Mikel Arteta’s squad to be sent off this season.When fellow Frenchman Patrick Vieira was dismissed in a home game with the Reds in August 2000, there was indeed talk of crisis in Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal team.But for Arsenal’s captain that day, Tony Adams, Vieira’s disciplinary record and reaction to his latest misdemeanour were water off a duck’s back.Adams told SunSport’s Dan King, chuckling: “It was par for the course, Patrick getting sent off — everyday occurrence. “If I thought Patrick was being out of order, I would have had a quiet word. But I wasn’t going to go up to Patrick and say, ‘Calm yourself down, for God’s sake!’“Because that was half of his game. I needed that from him.“And if sometimes we got red cards — and Arsene said, ‘Oh, I didn’t see it’ — then that’s the way it was.”“When they were closing down people, putting in tackles and getting involved, putting pressure on teams and maybe mistiming a tackle to get a yellow or a red, I didn’t have a problem with that.“I would rather have had that than have no-one getting sent off and accepting losing every week.”I’d like Arsenal to be MORE aggressive in making tackles and closing down.”Read Tony Adams’ full thoughts on Arsenal’s red card woes…Adams added: “With Saliba out and the injuries, everything is pointing to an away win.“As soon as Saliba went off against Bournemouth, you saw it fall apart. We lost our balance.’If Arsenal lose to Liverpool, they are out of the Premier League title race… the gulf is massive’“It’s the first time in about three years that we’ve had a few injuries and it is highlighting weaknesses in the squad.“City have got an array of talent. That level of quality throughout your squad makes a difference over the season.”Adams is also not sure if Arteta has a centre-back good enough to make up for the absence of Saliba.The ex-England captain said: “When we won the league in ’89, we had me and Steve Bould, with Dave O’Leary as back-up.We can’t lose, because then we would not be far off having more chance of winning the Champions League than the title, even this early.Tony Adams“If one of us was out, we were OK. When you have that level of quality in your squad, you are winning titles.”But Adams reckons they CAN get a result.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “Liverpool are confident and Mo Salah is on fire but I have a funny feeling Arsenal will get a point.“I would love it if we got all three — and if that means getting another red card in the process, so be it.”Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A More

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      Holden Trent dead aged 25: Tributes pour in for Philadelphia Union goalkeeper after sudden death of MLS star

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      AN MLS footballer has tragically died aged just 25.Philadelphia Union announced the passing of goalkeeper Holden Trent on Saturday afternoon.Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Holden Trent died aged 25Credit: Instagram @holdentrent93The club released a statement on Saturday afternoonCredit: X @PhilaUnionNo cause of death has been released at this stage although Trent was admitted to intensive care on Thursday, according to reports from Yahoo.The club are in mourning following the awfully sad news.They said: “The Philadelphia Union is devastated by the heartbreaking passing of Holden Trent. “While he was a wonderful player and fierce competitor, he was more importantly a devoted son, brother, fiance, and team-mate who made those around him better. READ MORE ON MLS”He embodied the true meaning of determination, dedication and perseverance, and he will be deeply missed. “We extend our greatest sympathies to his family, his fiance and his friends.”Union’s fellow MLS clubs including Portland Timbers, FC Cincinnati, San Jose Earthquakes, Sporting Kansas City, New England Revolution and New York Red Bulls all replied with their condolences. Trent was selected by Philadelphia in the 2023 MLS Draft from High Point University – playing for the club for two seasons and making six appearances for the second team.Most read in FootballHe was also an unused sub eight times for the club in the 2024 season. Trent’s grieving family also posted a statement of their own on the goalkeeper’s Instagram page. They wrote: “We want to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. “Holden passed away this afternoon surrounded by his family and friends.”Details on services and celebration of life are forthcoming.”Our family is deeply touched to see and experience the love you all have for Holden.”Love, Holden’s Family.”Devastated fans and followers flooded the comments with emotional messages of support and love.’WILL CHERISH ALL OUR MEMORIES’One said: “I love you brother, one of the most genuine people I know. I’ll never forget what you have done for me since day one brother, I love you and I’m always going to keep your name alive bro please watch over us bro.”Another wrote: “So sorry Holden – you will be missed.”A third added: “Love you forever Holden.”A fourth replied: “We love you Holden and will keep your love alive.”And a final team-mate typed: “I love you brother. Will cherish all of our memories on and off the field.”Trent and fiancee Brie Losito got engaged at the end of 2023, with the football proposing in Florence on a romantic pre-Christmas trip to Italy. MLS Commissioner Don Garber said: “Major League Soccer joins the Philadelphia Union and our entire soccer community in mourning the tragic passing of Union goalkeeper Holden Trent.
”A young goalkeeper with a bright future, Trent showcased determination and professionalism every day as he contributed to the close-knit goalkeeping unit at Philadelphia.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We extend our deepest condolences to his fiancee, his family and friends, his team-mates and the entire Philadelphia Union community. “MLS is coordinating with the club to provide players and family members with the resources and support they need during this tragic time.”Friends, family and the football community paid tribute to the shot-stopperCredit: Alamy More