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      John Stones refused to swap shirts with me and told me to ‘f*** off’ after I riled England star up with brutal tweet

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      MANCHESTER CITY star John Stones has been labelled a f***ing s***bag” by former EFL striker Tom Pope.The pair clashed after Pope, now 39, had tweeted about Stones being “soft”.Tom Pope played against John Stones in the FA CupCredit: RexPope, 39, has relived his encounter with StonesCredit: X @IHadTrialsOnceHe wrote: “I know he’s on £150k a week, I know he’s a million times better player than me but I’d love to play against John Stones every week! I’d get 40 a season!”Pope then used the hashtags “soft” and “weakas****”.As fate would have it, Man City subsequently drew Port Vale in the FA Cup in January 2020, giving Pope his chance to go up against Stones.Pep Guardiola’s side went on to win 4-1, but Pope did get himself on the scoresheet at the Etihad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter the game the Stoke-born forward claims he was dragged into the Man City dressing room by Raheem Sterling and Benjamin Mendy, but Stones wasn’t having any of the banter.Recounting the tale while appearing on the I Had Trials Once Podcast, Pope said: “I think he was playing for England and he was so flipping soft.”I can’t remember who he played against, might have been flipping Zlatan or somebody, I can’t remember who it was but he got battered.”I was like, he’s a target man’s dream. Technically he’s unbelievable like, so good. I just tweeted going ‘you’d love to play against him because you’d just batter him’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPope scored against Man City for Port ValeCredit: Reuters”You’re not being derogatory about him because he never gives the ball away, he’s unbelievable on the ball, but if you’re getting balls in and going long you want John Stones over flipping (Virgil) van Dijk marking you don’t you?”When it was put to Pope that Stones has “done well”, the striker responded: “Yeah, he’s just an absolute s***bag. Because you go in their dressing room… I didn’t go in, I was the only one who stayed in our dressing room.Inside hidden meaning behind Man City star John Stones’ incredible leg tattoo that he says shows his ‘dreams come true'”Everybody else after the game came in and had pictures and that. And I just stayed in there, I was in there for about 15 minutes.”And then (Raheem) Sterling and (Benjamin) Mendy came in, ‘get in here, we’ve hammered him for f***ing months over your tweet, the group chat’s been f***ing mayhem’.”I’m like ‘I’m not coming in’, they literally dragged me, I’m going ‘I’m not coming in’.”And then in the end they go, ‘come on please, just come in’. So I walked in and they’re like ‘he’s here!'”And Stones went ‘oh f*** off, no, no’. I went ‘you f***ing s***bag you’.”I said ‘you’ve let a pub player f***ing get in your head that much? Are you alright, you’?’He wouldn’t speak to me'”All the money you’ve got, you’re at Man City and you’ve let that affect you?”He wouldn’t even look at me. I said ‘can I have your shirt?’ He said ‘No, f***off.'”He wouldn’t speak to me.”Pope was a prolific goalscorer for Port Vale, netting more than 100 times for the club across three spells.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also played for Rotherham, Bury and Crewe during his EFL career.Since leaving Port Vale in 2021 he has dropped into non-league, recently leaving Hanley Town to join Kidsgrove Athletic. More

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      Mystery as Kai Havertz denied chance to make Arsenal history but Mikel Arteta has no idea why it happened

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      MIKEL ARTETA and Arsenal fans were left scratching their heads after Kai Havertz was denied the chance to make history.The Gunners claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk as a first-half Gabriel Martinelli strike cannoned off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk and into the goal after hitting the post.Mikel Arteta admitted he was unsure why Kai Havertz did not take the penaltyHavertz had the chance to match Thierry Henry’s record with a goalCredit: GettyInstead Leandro Trossard stepped up to take it but fluffed his linesCredit: RexThe hosts were on top for most of the game, but had a few late scares.That could have been avoided when Arsenal were given the chance to double the lead from the penalty spot with 15 minutes to go.A VAR review had revealed that Valeriy Bondar had handled the ball in the box.However, with the North Londoners usual takers Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard sidelined through injury, it was left to a new star to take on the mantle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHavertz, 25, appeared to be the obvious choice, given he had scored 20 of his 21 career penalties.The German was set to match an all-time club record by Thierry Henry by scoring in eight consecutive home games. But surprisingly, it was team-mate Leandro Trossard who stepped up to take the kick.Yet the Belgian – who was already enduring a below par night – fluffed his lines as his weak strike down the middle of the goal was saved by Riznyk.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal held on to their win and clean sheet thanks to some late heroics from David Raya, though Arteta might have wished his team had added a layer of comfort.Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted he was not sure what the reason was behind the decision.Arsenal player ratings vs ShakhtarHe told Amazon Prime Sport: “I don’t know.”I don’t know the conversation because he’s one of the takers but Leo decided to take it. Okay, he missed it, [but] that’s it unfortunately.”Speaking in his post-match press conference he doubled down on the answer, adding: “They made a decision. The penalty takers normally are Bukayo and Martin. Unfortunately Leo missed it.”Reacting to the penalty miss on social media, one fan said: “You get a penalty and give it to Trossard yet your best penalty taker (Havertz) is on pitch. We can really take risks and that’s not acceptable.”A second said: “Havertz has scored 20 of the 21 penalties he’s taken in his career. Why was Trossard taking it?”A third added: “Havertz is way too nice too. Should have snatched the ball straight away from Trossard.”Despite continuing their unbeaten Champions League run, the Shakhtar win has proven costly with Riccardo Calafiori now looking set for a spell on the sidelines after going off injured.With Arsenal also confirming yesterday they would not appeal William Saliba’s red card from the Bournemouth game, it means they will be without a number of key stars as they host Liverpool on Sunday.READ MORE SUN STORIESArteta described Calafiori’s injury as worrying, while he has also cast doubt on Bukayo Saka’s availability for the match.With Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard also sidelined, they could be without as many as six first team stars against the Premier League leaders.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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      Man Utd ‘contact Barcelona legend Xavi over replacing Erik ten Hag’ as three-man shortlist emerges if he is sacked

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have contacted former Barcelona boss Xavi over potentially replacing Erik ten Hag, according to reports.The 44-year-old has been out of work since leaving Barca at the end of last season.Xavi has been linked with replacing Erik ten Hag at Man UtdCredit: PAThe former midfielder has been a free agent since leaving Barcelona at the end of last seasonCredit: EPATen Hag, 54, has come under intense scrutiny so far this season.Following the Red Devils’ 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham last month, the Dutchman’s United future appeared to be in severe doubt.They have since drawn away matches at Porto and Aston Villa, before coming from behind to beat Brentford at Old Trafford last Saturday.According to the Mail, United chiefs have identified Xavi as a possible Ten Hag replacement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey claim that contact has twice been made between United and Xavi via intermediaries in recent months.Man Utd CEO Omar Berrada jetted out to Barcelona last Thursday for meetings as part of a four-man delegation.Figures within United claim that several meetings have taken place in the Catalan city recently due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos taking part in sailings America’s Cup there.Xavi began his managerial career with Qatari side Al-Sadd in 2019.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter winning a league title and six domestic trophies, the former midfielder was appointed Barca boss in 2021.Amid financial turmoil off the pitch, Xavi guided the Blaugrana to a LaLiga title during the 2022-23 season, also winning the Spanish Supercup in 2023.Xavi to leave BarcelonaFollowing a 5-3 defeat to Villarreal in January, Xavi announced that he would be stepping down as boss at the end of the season.In April he had a change of heart, however, saying he would fulfil his contract, which had been set to run until 2025.But the following month, the club legend was sacked by club president Joan Laporta.Prior to Xavi, Thomas Tuchel and Gareth Southgate had been linked with the Man Utd job.Both have subsequently been ruled out of contention, however, with Tuchel accepting the England job and Southgate vowing that he won’t coach for 12 months.In addition to Xavi, United are claimed to be interested in former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic and current Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim.The latter, however, is also being strongly linked with Manchester City, should Pep Guardiola leave the Etihad at the end of the season.Alejandro Garnacho is United’s top scorer in the leagueMan Utd’s next five gamesNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Ally McCoist on heartbreaking moment live on air when he got call to tell him Rangers legend Walter Smith had died

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      ALLY McCOIST has told of his heartache at the passing of Scotland and Rangers legend Walter Smith.McCoist, 62, worked with Smith during stints with the national side and a return to their beloved Ibrox.McCoist played under the legendary manager at RangersCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe later joined his coaching team at IbroxCredit: ReutersThe much-loved Smith died after a battle with cancer in 2021 leaving his family and friends devastated.TV host McCoist has revealed how he received the news his former mentor had passed away aged 73.Detailing the moment in his new book, Dear Scotland: On the road with the Tartan Army, he said moments of football joy had turned to worry after Smith confided his illness with him.He said: “That joy turned to deep concern when some years later, Walter sat me down for a chat and told me he had cancer.“As usual, he was worried about the people he was telling, remaining upbeat and keeping that sense of humour, and as the months passed – with the operation seemingly a success – we hoped that he had rid himself of it.“But the cancer came back, and in the autumn of 2021, we received the news that he had died.”McCoist told how a phone call from Smith’s son Steven had broken the dreaded news of his friend’s passing.He said: “I was working at TALKSPORT, doing the breakfast show, when I saw I had a missed call from Steven, Walter’s son. I knew what was coming.Most read in Football“I’d been to the hospital and at the house to see him, and so knowing how unwell he was, I took myself away to make the call back.“Silence. It is hard to know what to say, but knowing just how much Walter adored his wife Ethel, his kids and his grandkids, and the severe grief they were now going through, my thoughts were immediately with them.Ally McCoist meets Sir Alex Ferguson in new TNT Sports show Ally’s Social Club “Neil and Steven are two chips off the old block, the best company like their father, and I am so pleased to call the whole family friends.“In the spring of 2024, Rangers unveiled a statue of Walter Smith. It depicts the man beautifully, and is the perfect tribute to all that he gave to the club and to the game.“It stands on the corner of the Copland Road stand, a spot that Walter first strolled along with his grandad Jock to see the club they loved, and one that he would serve so well.“Walter served the whole country in so many different ways, and all the achievements, the titles and the medals that he accumulated will always be there to remind us of what he did.Walter Smith’s statue being unveiled outside IbroxCredit: PA“They are not what really matter, though. Not in the long run. At Walter’s memorial service, I was honoured to be asked to say a few words.“In conclusion, I quoted the great American poet and activist, Maya Angelou, who wrote, ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’”Today, I can think about my friend and whilst the pain of not having him with us remains, it subsides as I close my eyes and think of everything he was to me in my life. I can think of Walter and I can remember how he made me feel. Special.”Dear Scotland: On the road with the Tartan Army is published on October 24.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur New YouTube ChannelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…MONDAYGo Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.WEDNESDAYRobert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.FRIDAYGo Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Ex-Newcastle coach recalls famous Champions League night when unlikely hero came up trumps against Gianluigi Buffon & Co

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      IT IS 22 years ago since one of the most under the radar but magical European nights occurred at Newcastle – and Steve Harper got an incredible memento.Tino Asprilla’s incredible hat-trick in the 3-2 victory over Barcelona back in 1997 still takes some beating for those members of the Toon Army old enough to remember it.Simon Smith (left) was goalkeeper coach under Sir Bobby Robson (right)Credit: PA:Press AssociationNewcastle United’s Andy Griffin (C) scored the winner against Juventus in 2002Credit: ReutersWhile the stunning 4-1 thumping dished out to Paris Saint-Germain a year ago also goes down as one of the greatest nights in the history of the Magpies.However, another club famed for wearing black and white have also suffered disappointment under the lights at St. James’ – and it was packed with superstars.Alessandro Del Piero, Lillian Thuram, Pavel Nedved, Edgar Davids and Gianluigi Buffon were all part of the Juventus side that suffered a 1-0 loss to Sir Bobby Robson’s Newcastle on this very day in 2002.The Magpies had lost each of their opening group matches that year with a 2-0 reverse at Dynamo Kyiv, a 1-0 home setback to Feyenoord and a 2-0 defeat in Turin leaving them with a mountain to climb.REAL MORE ON FOOTBALLThe probability of them reaching the next round was slim – so much so that Sir Bobby opted to play back-up ‘keeper Harper in order to just give him experience.But it turned into an evening that the Toon legend would never forget as Andy Griffin scored the only goal to secure the win.It was a result that reignited their Champions League campaign, with following victories over Kyiv and in Feyenoord meaning they completed a remarkable turnaround to reach the next stage, where they would eventually be eliminated. Newcastle’s former Geordie goalie coach Simon Smith, who has also worked under the likes of Ruud Gullit, Steve Bruce and Eddie Howe during his two spells at his boyhood club, still remembers the game as if it was just yesterday.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe told Sun Sport: “We thought that we were out. We hadn’t won one of our opening three games and then we had Juventus, who were packed with great players.“But, lo and behold, we won 1-0. We then went on and beat Feyenoord to get through into the next stage.I was earning £10,000 a week at Newcastle before I went to jail and I’d still be in the Premier League now if I’d behaved “There was no pressure at all. It really just felt like we hadn’t done very well and we were going out and Sir Bobby changed his team.“I know Harps played and I think Sir Bobby just wanted to give him some experience of playing in Europe, not thinking that we’d go any further. But he kept a clean sheet.”And Smith’s work was only just beginning once the full-time whistle had gone.He continued: “My main memory of that night is that Harps was desperate to swap shirts with Buffon.“He gave me his shirt to go and swap and I had to go and stand outside of their changing room and ask their staff if Buffon would exchange his shirt after they had just lost.“To be fair to him, he came out and it was a real classic pink and black goalie shirt, and he swapped it for Harps’ blue Newcastle one. A quite remarkable night really.”Newcastle’s Andy O’Brien battles with Juventus’ Edgar Davids in the Champions League matchCredit: PA:Press AssociationSmith enjoyed plenty of memorable moments sat in the dug-out at St. James’ – two of which came when the ground was being redeveloped into the huge arena it is now.He said: “I’ve had two really magical experiences of the place that will always stand out. One was when they built the new stands with the top on.“We had an afternoon out, just before it was finished, and went right to the top and looked down and we all just thought ‘oh my, this is unbelievable’.“Then they arranged for me to take Shay Given and Steve Harper to test out the floodlights when nobody else was there.“We pitched up at St. James’ one night, just the three of us, to have a kickaround and they switched all of the lights on and it was all to make sure that the new lights would not be shining in the eyes of the goalies.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So we did corners, free-kicks etc to make sure that the lights were on the right angle and it was totally unbelievable to be there, just the three of us with no crowd. That was very special.“The other special day was after Sir Bobby’s death and the tribute at the Leazes end with the scarves, flags – that was totally unbelievable.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Manchester United hero Roy Keane tipped for shock return to management in Scottish football

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      ROY KEANE has been tipped for a stunning return to football management – in Scotland.The Manchester United legend has been working full-time as a pundit with Sky Sports and ITV since his last coaching role ended five years ago.Roy Keane has been focusing on his punditry duties for the past five yearsCredit: GettyHe was recently spotted at Cork City vs WrexhamCredit: SportsfileCould he be tempted to return to management in Scotland?Credit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionKeane, 53, was last in the dugout as assistant to Martin O’Neill at Nottingham Forest.He left that position in June 2019 and hasn’t been in management since.Prior to that, he had a five-year stint with the Republic of Ireland national team as a coach, assisting O’Neill.Keane also had a brief spell as Paul Lambert’s No2 at Aston Villa in 2014 but left to focus on his role with Ireland.He has had two front-line managerial roles himself, spending two-and-a-half-years in charge at Sunderland from between 2006 and 2008 and just under two years as boss of Ipswich from April 2009 to January 2011.Now, he’s being mentioned as a potential next manager of Hibs.The Edinburgh club appointed David Gray as the man to succeed Nick Montgomery on a permanent basis, after a period as interim manager.But the Hibees have struggled mightily this season and go into this Sunday’s Edinburgh derby rock bottom of the Premiership table.Most read in FootballSpeculation has mounted that Gray could be sacked after another bad result and according to Gambling.com, former Man Utd and Celtic midfielder Keane is the leading contender.Also priced up by odds-makers are St Mirren’s Stephen Robinson – though he is set to sign an extension with the club – and Scott Brown, the Celtic legend who is currently managing Ayr United.GO BALLISTIC Kris Boyd insists Rangers have got WORSE since Philippe Clement replaced Michael Beale as managerA spokesperson for Gambling.com said: “Roy Keane has made no secret of his desire to get back into management, having been out of the dugout since leaving Ipswich 13 years ago.”The former Celtic midfielder has also been linked with Hibernian in the past. In 2022, he was reportedly keen to replace Shaun Maloney at Easter Road.”Nothing came of the speculation, but Keane is currently the 7/4 favourite to be Hibernian’s next manager.”Hibs are at the foot of the Premiership table after eight league gamesCredit: Kenny RamsayKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Watch moment Arsenal wonderkid’s sub appearance is delayed by wardrobe malfunction as fans say ‘his mum will be fuming’

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      ARSENAL wonderkid Myles Lewis-Skelly was left baffled after being temporarily blocked from entering the pitch during Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.The 18-year-old was introduced to replace Riccardo Calafiori in the 72nd minute.Myles Lewis-Skelly was baffled when he was briefly stopped from entering the pitchThe teenager made his second Champions League appearanceCredit: GettyHowever, he was briefly stopped from entering the pitch by the fourth official due to an earring.The official would not let him go on until he took the earring out – even though it was taped up.Lewis-Skelly quickly resolved the issue before running on for his second-ever Champions League appearance.Fans on social media found the mishap hilarious, with one person writing: “Myles Lewis-Skelly trying to come on for Arsenal with a brand new earring taped over. 4th official not having it 😂.”Read More in FootballAnother commented: “They made Lewis-Skelly take out his fresh piercing 😂 He better hope that don’t heal up and close on him.”While a third joked: “Lewis-Skelly’s mum is gonna be fuming 😭 his entry into a champions league game delayed because he has to take his earring off 🤣.”Arsenal went on to win the match 1-0 thanks to an own-goal.Gabriel Martinelli’s 29th-minute strike was deflected in off the back of Shakhtar keeper Dmytro Riznyk.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Gunners had plenty of chances to extend their lead but failed to make the most of them.Leandro Trossard missed a golden opportunity to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot with 15 minutes left to play.Chelsea star spotted at Emirates Stadium watching Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar DonetskThe Belgian fired his shot straight down the middle, making it relatively easy for Riznyk to save.Arsenal now have seven points from three games in the Champions League. More

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      ‘I blame myself and I blame Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s chaos – this is not the same club it used to be’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Patrice Evra has surprisingly blamed himself and Sir Alex Ferguson for the club’s disastrous decade.Since the legendary boss retired, Man Utd have not won the Premier League title and their fifth permanent manager Erik ten Hag is in danger of losing job.Patrice Evra slammed the current state of Man UtdCredit: GettyEvra even blamed Sir Alex Ferguson for the club’s declineCredit: GettyThe Red Devils crashed out the Champions League group stages and finished eighth in the Premier League with a negative goal difference last term.Evra departed Old Trafford in 2014 – a year after Sir Alex quit the club.And the outspoken Frenchman bizarrely blamed himself and his former gaffer for the club’s recent downfall.He told the BBC with a smile: “I blame myself, I blame Sir Alex Ferguson.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEvra continued: “It’s always tough to talk about United right now because back in the day we used to play for the fans, for the badge, for the history.”When we left, we left too early and it’s difficult for the players because they don’t have any example.”I’m not inside, I don’t know what the problem is. The manager Ten Hag is trying to do his best – it’s not good enough. “But it’s not just about this season, it’s since we won the last league in 2013, the club has been in chaos.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I’m a positive man, but it’s tough. Our rivals are getting better than us, play a better style of football. The future is not bright. It’s a tough moment.”Liverpool waited 30 years to win the Premier League again, now it’s been 11 years [since United’s last title]. I don’t want to wait that long.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-Ups”No matter what, I will be a United fan forever, but it’s quite tough to watch United play.”Ten Hag has often claimed success in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup means he should keep his job.But Evra says two trophies is “not enough” for a club like United, explaining: “I’m a straightforward guy. Even if you put the chef as a manager, I will support any manager.I’m not inside, I don’t know what the problem is. The manager Ten Hag is trying to do his best – it’s not good enough.Patrice Evra”Three years [Ten Hag has] been at the club and, yes, he’s won two trophies. “When you’re the manager of United, what people expect from you is to win the league every year.”We need to stop talking about the past. This is not the United it used to be. We have to rebuild it.” More