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      Wolves star Matheus Cunha could face huge ban as Bournemouth fume at ‘punch, kick and headbutt’ red card rampage

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      BOURNEMOUTH boss Andoni Iraola was furious after Matheus Cunha’s “punch, kick and headbutt” assault on Milos Kerkez led to an FA Cup ban for HIS defender.Wolves star Cunha saw red for violent conduct in extra-time of the 5-4 Cherries shootout win — but Kerkez was also booked in the confrontation.Matheus Cunha headbutted Milos Kerkez in a moment of madnessCredit: RexThe Wolves star ‘hit, kicked and headbutted’ the Bournemouth left-backCredit: GettyCunha was shown a straight red cardCredit: RexFuming Cunha had to be held back by staff and team-matesCredit: GettyAndoni Iraola was unhappy over Kerkez being punishedCredit: RexHis second yellow of the competition means  he is banned for the quarter-final.Iraola said: “Kerkez got a yellow for ‘adopting an aggressive attitude’ but after what they did to Milos, they should reward him.“They punched him, kicked him on the floor and headbutted him and he didn’t react. And yet they punish him. “As a player I would not have reacted like he did.READ MORE WOLVES NEWS“He will not play the quarter-finals, probably the most important game of the season. I am very disappointed.”Cunha, who had earlier scored a brilliant equaliser for Wolves, had to be restrained by club staff.The Brazilian served a retrospective two-match ban earlier this season after a confrontation with an Ipswich steward.The FA said that offence would not automatically increase the three-match suspension for the latest Kerkez clash.Most read in FA CupJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCunha ripped off an Ipswich steward’s glasses earlier this season as his temper flared againCredit: GettyBut Cunha could still get a longer ban due to the shocking nature of the offence.And if referee Sam Barrott reports him for his actions after the red card, it would lead to another misconduct charge, adding to the disciplinary rap-sheet, and bring a further punishment, likely to be at least one extra match.Cunha had to be pulled off the pitch by Wolves’ substitutes and coaching team after refusing to leave when he was shown the red card.Wolves boss Vitor Pereira claimed he had not seen the incident but would not be speaking to Cunha immediately.Pereira said: “If I have a problem with my wife, I say, ‘In this moment I am nervous, you are nervous, it is better to sleep and speak tomorrow’.“In football it is impossible to go into a dressing room with everyone tired and frustrated and to start speaking.“After one day, when we are calm we speak together. The emotional side was very high. There was a lot of pressure.“It should not happen, but this is something that happens in football and we must deal with it.”Luis Sinisterra scored the winning spot-kick to seal the shootout win following a 1-1 draw which saw an 8min 11sec VAR review to rule out Kerkez’s first-half “goal” after the new Semi-Automated Offside Technology FAILED.Pereira confirmed that Cunha would have taken the fifth penalty if he had not been sent off.Instead, Matt Doherty fired wide from the spot when he had the chance to win it.READ MORE SUN STORIESBournemouth captain Lewis Cook then took the shootout into sudden death before Boubacar Traore’s kick hit the bar.The Cherries are into the quarter-finals for only the third time in their history.Manager Vitor Pereira said he will speak to the player when things have settled downCredit: ReutersCunha could be slapped with a lengthy banCredit: Getty More

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      Inside notorious ‘meat market’ Milan club where Kyle Walker ended up with two brunettes ‘who looked like wife Annie’

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      THE young dark-haired Italian woman squeezed her ample cleavage together and poured a shot of Don Julio tequila down the crevice.Her scantily clad pal, wearing a tight fitting and sparkly mini dress, crouched in front of her and lapped up every last drop of the high end booze as it dripped down her front.A dark-haired woman carries a sparkler on the dance floor of notorious night club Tocqueville 13A scantily-dressed woman carries alcohol with a bottle sparklerKyle Walker was pictured leaving Tocqueville 13, Milan’s hedonistic late night hot spot with two brunettesCredit: BackGridWalker treated the women to the club’s £5,000 Super VIP extravaganceCredit: BackGridReggaeton music boomed in the background as hundreds of revellers took to the dance floor.Welcome to Tocqueville 13, Milan’s hedonistic late night hot spot where the city’s wealthy footballers flock.This is the club where England and Man City footballer Kyle Walker ended up in the early hours of last Wednesday with two brunette women – described as lookalikes of his wife Annie.It’s 25 Euros entry for men and 10 Euros cheaper for women, so as to attract more of the fairer sex to the venue.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERThe nightclub has built a reputation as a “meat-market” – a place where men are on the hunt for women.And as I survey the dance floor, it’s easy to see how men can find a suitor amid the thick fog machine haze that fills the air.The club’s Instagram page is crammed with images of scantily clad women writhing on the dance floor, and DJs spinning hip-hop, reggaeton and afrobeat music.The venue itself, which is spread over two floors and closes at 5am, has built a reputation for hedonistic late night partying.Most read in FootballOn social media revellers can be seen crossing the dance floor waving magnum bottles of Moet & Chandon champagne or Don Julio tequila, with bottle sparklers attached.A nightclub source told Sun Online: “Tocqueville 13 is notorious for footballers, basketballers and wealthy Milano men because it’s filled with hot women. Kyle Walker’s football agent at centre of drugs raid as cops uncover over 90 cannabis plants DAYS after AC Milan deal“Men can go there and splash their cash and are sure to end up with a woman on their arm.“The club doesn’t open until 11.30pm so is very much a late night spot and by the time it closes the sun is coming up.”And if you buy a table you are almost guaranteed to be surrounded by attractive young women.”The club has a “VIP Privè” area where a table and a premium bottle of booze can cost up to 1,500 (£1,237) Euros based on where you want to sit.According to the VIP menu the most expensive bottle of champagne available is a giant three litre Dom Perignon Luminous Jeroboam at 7,000 Euros (£5,774) or a six litre Moët & Chandon Mathusalem Bright Light at 3,000 Euros (£2,474).And to add a little excitement to your night, revellers can snap up a 1.75 litre bottle of Case Azul Reposado Tequila for 2,000 Euros (£1,649).Kyle, 34, was seen with his arm around one of the dark-haired womenCredit: BackGridThe nightclub has built a reputation as a ‘meat-market’ – a place where men are on the hunt for womenMen can go there and splash their cash and are sure to end up with a woman on their arm, a source revealedThe club doesn’t open until 11.30pm so is very much a late night spotCredit: BackGrid More

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      Inside Kyle Walker’s night with 2 party girls in Milan day after wife flew home – & group’s whopping bar bill revealed

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      FOOTIE love rat Kyle Walker hits the town with two party girls — 24 hours after wife Annie flew home to England.The Three Lions and AC Milan ace, 34, got touchy-feely with the Annie lookalikes at a hotel bar and club until around 2am.Kyle Walker hit the town with two party girls — 24 hours after wife Annie flew home to EnglandCredit: BackGridThe love rat got touchy-feely with the Annie lookalikes at a hotel bar and club until around 2amCredit: BackGridHe treated the pair to £5,300 Super VIP extravagance at the Italian city’s star-studded Tocqueville 13Credit: BackGridWalker has found a new club — whisking the two girls to the nightspot a day after his wife and boys ­jetted back to England.The Man City ace, on loan at AC Milan, enjoyed a £5,300 Super VIP extravagance with the pair at the Italian city’s star-studded Tocqueville 13.Sources at the nightclub say the group partied into the early hours.Earlier Kyle was seen with his arm around one of the dark-haired women, both lookalikes of wife Annie, as they left a hotel bar to go to the club at 2am. Read More on SportOur exclusive photos show Kyle, who was wearing his wedding ring, appearing to touch one woman’s hair as she flicks it back flirtatiously.At Tocqueville, the £150,000-a-week England defender’s group spent £2,474 on a table at the heart of the club. They paid £1,200 for a magnum of Dom Perignon champagne and £1,600 for a 1.75-litre bottle of Clase Azul Reposado tequila.Sources say the group partied until 4am, although Kyle left before then. Most read in FootballOne said: “Kyle made sure he got one of the best tables for him and the girls and didn’t hold back. He played it cool in terms of ­dancing — but seemed to have a great time.”A day earlier, on Monday, Kyle, Annie and their four boys were seen shopping in Milan.Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner set to get £750k to star in Celeb Big Brother – but only if bosses agree to strict ruleKyle and Annie, currently going through a divorce, were seen leaving the Prada shop at tourist hotspot Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.She and the boys are thought to have flown back to the UK that evening.The following night, on Tuesday, Kyle, currently sidelined by injury, went to the Casa Cipriani Hotel where he arrived at 10.45pm.The hotel offers £1,000-a-night suites and a private members’ restaurant and bar, the Living Room, which was packed with celebrities for Milan Fashion Week including Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio and his Italian girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti.Kyle, in blue trousers, white Prada T-shirt, a striped cardigan and baseball cap, is understood to have met the two women inside the Living Room, which has live entertainment and DJ sets.The women were seen giggling as they left the Living Room at around 2am on Wednesday.Kyle ushered them into an electric BMW iX7 which was driven two miles to Tocqueville 13. The women were dressed elegantly, with one in a white fur coat and the other a long burgundy coat.An onlooker said: “The women looked at ease in Kyle’s company, sticking close by his side.“It appeared as if they had spent a good few hours together, they were laughing and joking as Kyle’s driver collected keys at the valet.“At one point one woman flicked back her long brown hair and Kyle reached over to touch it.“He then had his arm around the woman’s waist. He looked like the cat that got the cream.An onlooker said: ‘The women looked at ease in Kyle’s company, sticking close by his side’Credit: BackGridThe women were dressed elegantly, with one in a white fur coat and the other a long burgundy coatCredit: BackGridThe onlooker said: ‘At one point one woman flicked back her long brown hair and Kyle reached over to touch it’Credit: BackGridA day earlier, on Monday, Kyle, Annie and their four boys were seen shopping in MilanCredit: BackGrid“Kyle was obviously having a good time, but whatever the situation, it doesn’t look good when Annie had just flown home following a family get-together.”Tocqueville 13’s Instagram page is crammed with images of scantily clad women writhing on the dance floor, and that night was dubbed ICON, with DJs spinning hip-hop, reggaeton and afrobeat music.The venue, which is spread over two floors and closes at 5am, has built a reputation for hedonistic late-night partying.On social media, revellers can be seen crossing the dance floor waving magnum bottles of Moët & Chandon champagne with bottle sparklers attached.Another Milan nightlife source said: “Tocqueville 13 is notorious for footballers, basketballers and wealthy Milano men because it’s filled with hot women.“They can go there and splash their cash and are sure to end up with a woman on their arm.Walker joined AC Milan on loan in the January transfer windowCredit: GettyThe love rat fathered two kids while still married to Annie with ex Lauryn Goodman“The club doesn’t open until 11.30pm so is very much a late-night spot and by the time it closes the sun is coming up.”Kyle’s two companions were spotted together the next day, later on Wednesday, wearing sunglasses, outside the swish Portrait Hotel.Sources close to Kyle said the women were friends of a man — his Italian agent — he was having ­dinner with in the private members’ club at Casa Cipriani Hotel and were sitting on a nearby table. The source said they were later joined by other people known to Kyle’s agent when they moved on to the club.They insisted Kyle didn’t drink any alcohol and left the club earlier than the others.Kyle joined AC Milan on loan in the January transfer window after asking Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola if he could leave for a new challenge.WHAT HE ORDERED£1,600 1.75l Reposado Tequila£1,200 magnum of Dom Perignon£2,474 for VIP tableKyle and wife Annie married in 2021 and have four sons — Roman, 12, Riaan, nine, Reign, seven and baby Rezon, born last April.The star has been at the centre of a love spat between Annie and his ex Lauryn Goodman, 34, with whom he fathered two kids while still married to Annie.After confessing to fathering the second child with Lauryn, Kyle was kicked out of the family home in December 2023.Annie, heavily pregnant at the time, vowed it was the last straw after several previous scandals and filed for divorce in August.In an exclusive interview with The Sun, the footie ace apologised and begged for forgiveness, vowing to clean up his act.Despite the strains placed on her relationship with Kyle, Annie brought the kids over to Italy to watch their dad’s AC Milan debut.Last month she whisked her kids to Dubai during half-term. While there they enjoyed a night out with the Rooneys, before flying to Milan to see Kyle again.Since his move Kyle has been staying in a suite at a five-star hotel in Milan.The right-back played through a muscular problem to his left thigh when AC Milan were knocked out of the Champions League by Feyenoord on February 18.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has missed games against Torino and Bologna and was said to be unlikely to feature in tonight’s match against Lazio.Annie, who ditched her wedding ring weeks ago, was seen out in Cheshire on Friday.Big-time player to dad of 6 By RYAN PARRYKYLE Walker’s complex lovelife began in 2019 when he and sweetheart Annie Kilner briefly split.He had a fling with influencer Lauryn Goodman and she gave birth to son Kairo in April 2020.Kyle and Annie reconciled and wed in 2021. In 2023 Lauryn said she was pregnant again. Daughter Kinara was born in August.At Christmas 2023 Lauryn texted Annie to say Kyle was the dad.He apologised in a Sun exclusive in January 2024.That April Annie gave birth to fourth son Rezon.She filed for divorce from the ace last October. More

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      ‘Antony’s aura is enough’ – Fans stunned as Real Madrid’s title challenge derailed at Man Utd loanee’s Real Betis side

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      FANS have hailed Antony’s “aura” after Real Betis dented Real Madrid’s title hopes.The LaLiga hopefuls were beaten 2-1 at the Benito Villamarin and missed out on the chance to go top of the table.Antony played all 90 minutes against Real MadridCredit: APReal Madrid missed out on the chance to go top of LaLigaCredit: GettyIsco netted the winning goal from the spot for the hostsCredit: EPAAntony, 25, played the full 90 minutes for Betis as he continued his impressive run of form.The Manchester United winger did not score or assist but proved to be a constant thorn in the visitors’ side.Brahim Diaz did fire Carlo Ancelotti’s side into the lead in the tenth minute.However, Antony’s team-mates Johnny Cardoso and former Real star Isco turned the match on its head.READ MORE ON ANTONYCardoso scored the equaliser before Isco converted from the spot after Antonio Rudiger brought down Jesus Rodriguez in the box.But fans on social media are convinced that the result was down to the “aura” of Antony.One posted: “Antony’s aura is enough for a victory.”A second commented: “Antony’s impact is strong.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third wrote: “Antony aura it is.”A fourth said: “Hail Lord Antony.”Antony shows his excitement as he joins Real Betis Antony is enjoying playing for Manuel PellegriniCredit: EPAHe has already scored twice in LaLigaCredit: ReutersAnother added: “Let’s all laugh at United for loaning out Antony.”The result leaves Real tied on 54 points with leaders Barcelona but the Catalonians have a crucial game in hand.Antony joined Betis on loan until the end of the season from the Red Devils.He has already made a good impression in Spain with two goals and two assists in his first five outings in LaLiga.His appearance against Getafe was cut short after he was sent off.But the suspension was then overturned – allowing him to play against Real.Old Trafford bosses will be hoping his good form continues so he can be sold for a hefty fee in the summer.Antony has admitted that he has regained his “confidence” since moving to Spain.He has also insisted playing under Betis boss and former Man City and West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has helped him.He told Estadio Deportivo: “The most important thing to regain my confidence was to reconnect with myself.”I found myself here and that’s why I’m very happy at Betis. Every day I feel more secure.”Pellegrini is very important to me. Before signing with Betis, I spoke with him, and he gave me a lot of confidence.”His experience and history give me energy every day to do well.”When I made the decision to come here, it was to find myself again, as I mentioned before.”There is always pressure, but the greatest pressure I felt was when I was living in the poor neighbourhoods of Brazil, thinking about my family and everything.”The club forked out an eye-watering £85.5million on the Brazilian back in the summer of 2023.Manager Ruben Amorim has been asked about the winger’s upturn in form since leaving Manchester.The Portuguese coach has insisted the different physicality level in Spain has helped Antony to shine.He told TNT Sports: “When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there.”If you don’t have physicality, you will struggle a lot.”Antony is so much better now in Spain. It’s [because of] a lot of factors but I guarantee you it’s physicality.”The former Ajax man has also revealed that he is “happy” in Betis but has remained coy on his future.Antony has been tipped to make a permanent exit from Old Trafford in the summer, but he is remaining tight-lipped on his future.He said: “I’m very happy here, but I don’t know what will happen in the future.”I always say that I enjoy every day with the club, the city and everything that surrounds me, and I give my best for the team.”It’s still too early to talk about my future.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know how much money they paid for me.”I worked and continue to work hard to perform at the highest level, but I don’t focus on transfer prices, neither mine nor any other player’s.”Ruben Amorim has addressed Antony’s success since leaving on loanCredit: GettyHe is not concerned with his price tagCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Still a baller’ – Marcus Rashford equals Man Utd feat in 420 fewer games for Aston Villa as renaissance continues

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      FANS say an amazing stat shows Marcus Rashford has “turned into Pirlo”.The loanee created SIX chances for Aston Villa against Cardiff – equalling his highest tally in 426 matches for parent club Manchester United.Marcus Rashford has impressed in his first few weeks at VillaCredit: GettyThe striker was virtually frozen out at Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe England forward, 27, fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim at home-town club United this season.But since his February switch, fans reckon he’s transformed from rudderless Red Devil to venomous Villain in just six games.Rashford bagged 138 goals and 63 assists in nine years at Old Trafford.And in his month with Villa he’s notched three assists from just 285 minutes of action.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIndeed he teed up the first of two goals for fellow temporary signing Marco Asensio as Cardiff were KO’d 2-0 in the FA Cup on Friday.Fans then reacted with awe after learning the Mancunian had matched his career-best achievement of supplying half a dozen scoring opportunities in one game.One observer called it a “brutal stat” and added: “Rashford’s been having a nightmare season but this really puts into perspective how badly things have gone for him at United before he joined Aston Villa.”Another pointed out: “Rashford is still a baller.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd a third made a reference to an Italian pass master that even the 60-cap ace himself might never have imagined.The fan wrote: “Bro turned Pirlo overnight creating chances here and there…”Awkward moment Aston Villa keeper refuses to move out of net and let kids take penalties at half-time of Crystal Palace clash A fourth admirer insisted: “He’s on fire.”And as Rashford stews over his long-term future, another supporter urged him: “Cook Rash Cook.”SunSport revealed last month he has not written off his dream of joining Barcelona.But the Spanish giants’ sporting director Deco dented that hope by insisting Barca were not “desperate” to sign him. More

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      Sandro Tonali and stunning partner Juliette Pastore get engaged as Newcastle star’s Wag shows off sparkling ring

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      SANDRO TONALI is set to tie the knot with stunning partner Juliette Pastore after proposing with a huge ring.The Newcastle star announced their engagement on Instagram with a loved-up post.Sandro Tonali is set to tie the knot with partner Juliette PastoreCredit: Instagram / @juliette_pastoreJuliette showed off her gleaming ring on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @anitamorii via @juliette_pastoreThe loved-up couple have been together since 2019Credit: Instagram / @juliette_pastoreJuliette is a fashion designer and modelCredit: Instagram / @juliette_pastoreTonali and Juliette shared a kiss, while the model and fashion designer flashed her gleaming ring at the camera.The Italian midfielder simply captioned the post “YES” alongside a wedding ring emoji.Toon team-mates Bruno Guimaraes, Martin Dubravka and Emil Krafth commented on the post to say congratulations to the happy couple.Tonali and Juliette, both 24, reportedly began dating in 2019.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe duo are believed to have briefly split, before rekindling their romance in 2021.Juliette proved an instant hit with Newcastle fans when Tonali joined the club from AC Milan in the summer of 2023 in a £60million deal.She was on the private jet that initially brought him to the North East, hopping off in a cleverly chosen black and white top.Away from cheering on her husband to be at St James’ Park, the influencer runs her own clothing label named Juliette.24 Club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSShe specialises in taking old vintage clothing and transforming it into something up to speed with modern trends.March has the potential to be an extra special month for Tonali, with Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on the 16th.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires After serving the end of his ten-month betting ban, Tonali has featured 32 times this season, scoring three goals.She has her own fashion business called Juliette.24 ClubCredit: Instagram / @juliette_pastoreJuliette and Tonali both hail from BresciaCredit: Instagram / @juliette_pastore More

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      Man City 3 Plymouth 1: Nico O’Reilly double spares Pep’s blushes after almighty scare against Championship strugglers

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      PEP Guardiola found his FA Cup hero just in the Nico time…but he didn’t half sweat for a while first.With just 15 minutes of this last 16 clash left, Argyle were still all square and dreams of an even greater shock than dumping Liverpool in the previous round were alive.Maksym Talovierov headed Plymouth ahead in the first halfCredit: GettyNico O’Reilly netted the equaliser for Man CityCredit: GettyHe then netted the go-ahead goalCredit: GettyKevin de Bruyne sealed the victory in the final momentsCredit: GettyYet then, Nico O’Reilly, the local-born teenager in a galaxy of Galacticos, pounced to head in his second goal of the day and there was an almighty sigh of relief all around the Etihad.Everywhere except the massed ranks of travelling Pilgrims, that is, who were instead cursing O’Reilly for giving their fairytale a Grimm ending.For seven magic minutes they actually led the Premier League winners of the last four years as well, thanks to Maxi Talovierov’s never-to-be-forgotten header.But a minute before the break O’Reilly ghosted in to meet a Kevin De Bruyne free kick curled in from the right and it was even stevens again.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAlthough, if you wanted to be harsh, questions could be asked of Argyle keeper Conor Hazard, who got a full hand to the ball, without the strength to palm it to safety.Having said he had plenty of moments prior to that, most notably getting fingertips to De Bruyne’s low angled strike a couple of minutes before City’s leveller.But he had also been rooted to the spot when Ilkay Gundogan had rattled an upright when it was still goalless – although to be fair it was struck so ferociously no keeper on earth would have moved.There were also occasions the Plymouth keeper was left thanking the men in front of him, too – none more than when Maxi had deflected a Phil Foden shot wide.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSYet equally he had a few heroic moments of his own as well, as City – well, certainly their manager – grew increasingly frustrated.Admittedly not as many, and rarely with the same sense of drama, as the stack-‘em-high number of stops when Liverpool were whipped off at the knees in the previous round.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall starPlymouth put in a brave performance at the EtihadCredit: GettyPep Guardiola will be relieved after seeing his team come from behindCredit: GettyThat unforgettable fourth round triumph when the Pilgrims became the favourite other team of every fan in the country outside Anfield.And with Guardiola at one stage getting so frustrated that he was throwing his arms around like a bald-headed Bruno Fernandes, you did wonder if they could possibly do it again.After all, despite City’s monopoly on possession for long periods, there will be days Plymouth’s backline boys work harder for their dough in the Championship than this.Largely, it should be said, thanks to Maxi Talovierov and Nikola Katic prowling the backline with such a fearsome menace they were like a pair of footballing Krays.Put it this way, Argyle’s defensive duo have such an intimidating air, you imagine they rarely get below a seven in the local paperHow fitting, then, that when Plymouth did snatch their out-of-the-blue lead, one of them was the hero.It came from Matthew Sorinola’s 37th minute corner, which Maxi met unopposed to head into the corner. The City boys were probably too scared to get close enough to stop him.At the opposite end of the pitch 8,000 travelling fans went wild. First Liverpool, now this…it was fast becoming the ultimate FA Cup fairytale. Only it didn’t end that way.For just when they looked destined to reach the base camp of taking their lead into the second half, up popped O’Reilly and it was suddenly all square again.And with Argyle barely setting foot in the City half – let alone penalty box – after the break, surely it was only a matter of time.Hazard had to react smartly to paw one over the tip when De Bruyne tried to catch him out, while Rico Lewis went close with the most acrobatic of volleys.It was fast becoming a repeat of the Alamo-style onslaught they had faced in the fourth round…only this one didn’t have the same happy ending for the underdogs.They could claim a mini-victory, at least, in forcing Guardiola to chuck on Erling Haaland from the bench after an hour as the hunt for a winner grew more frantic.Yet when not even he could find a way through as Hazard pulled off a stunning rub-your-eyes double stop 15 minutes from the end maybe, just maybe, they could hang on.When Jack Grealish curled one from the left to hand Haaland a point blank header, he surely had to score.But only did Hazard block his header, he somehow managed to turn Bernardo Silva’s follow-up behind as well.It was a jaw-dropping save on a par with Jim Montgomery’s unforgettable effort in Sunderland’s 1973 Wembley triumph.Only this one didn’t have the same memorable ending…in fact barely 60 seconds later he was picking the ball out of his net.READ MORE SUN STORIESFrom Phil Foden’s corner, O’Reilly outmuscled Jordan Houghton at the far post and it was relief all round at last for the men in sky blue.Breathing space that became feet up and relax when De Bruyne tapped in a third seconds from the end…but it took one hell of a fight to get there. More

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      Arsenal’s Max Dowman, 15, is most exciting young talent in the country – no wonder Arteta is desperate to unleash him

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      MAX DOWMAN is quickly proving to be the most exciting young talent in the country.At 15-years-old, the Hale End midfielder made a mockery of Arsenal’s FA Youth Cup quarter final against Manchester United on Friday night – despite the eventual 3-2 defeat after extra-time.Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman put on a masterful display in the FA Youth CupCredit: GettyDowman, 15, was the star of the show against Man Utd in the semi-finalCredit: GettyArsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to unleash Dowman into the first teamCredit: GettyUp against opponents two or three years older, Dowman was easily the best player on the pitch, and seemingly on a different planet, already vastly too good for U18s football and the envy of rival academies.As well as the 7,500 fans present at the Emirates, this jaw-dropping performance was streamed live on the FA’s YouTube channel for all to appreciate.If Dowman was not known nationwide already, he certainly is now.By full-time, his name was trending on social media, partly thanks to a mesmerising second half dribble from the halfway line to win a penalty that he then converted to make it 2-1.Read more Arsenal newsIt is no wonder Mikel Arteta is desperate to fast-track another academy star into his senior squad, especially after the frightening impact of Ethan Nwaneri, 17, and Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, this term.Had it not been for red tape, Dowman – who turned 15 on December 31 – may have already made his senior debut, following in the footsteps of Nwaneri who became the youngest ever Premier League debutant at 15 years and 181 days in September 2022.Having been registered for the U15s at the start of the season, Prem regulations state that no player under the U16s age group can be included in a match day squad.It is the same in the Champions League, needing to be at least 16-years-old to feature.Most read in FootballDespite this, Dowman has spent large parts of this campaign training with the first team, including joining the senior stars on their mid-season warm-weather trip to Dubai last month, and will likely be a part of the pre-season travelling party this summer.Mikel Arteta bizarrely hints Arsenal should be mid-table but still won’t give up on title But just like with Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri, Arteta will be patient to find the right moment to unleash him.In January, Arteta said of Dowman – who also plays for England’s U17s: “Very impressive. At his age as well, some of the things he does in training are unbelievable.“He’s a player with huge talent and we have a lot of belief that we can develop him to become one of our own. He’s doing very well so far.“At the moment with all the legislation there are a lot of restrictions for his age, something that in other countries you don’t even mention. It is very difficult to change as well.“We’ll have to wait and see. He’s taking very fast steps because every time you put him in a different challenge, a different level, he overcomes that hurdle really quickly which is great.”Dowman already has an aura about him, hence why he was kicked lumps out of by United’s kids, something he may have to get used to – akin to Jack Wilshere or Jack Grealish.He reacted at the end of the first half when he earned a yellow for a studs up tackle of his own, showing a nastiness to his game.At full-time, after a gruelling 120 minutes, Dowman was clearly angry, but showed his maturity by heading straight to the home fans to applaud them on his own.There was a buzz in the crowd when he glided around the pitch with the ball, untouchable at times.Yet you could tell he was playing with the handbrake on – not wanting to embarrass his opponent too much.Youngster Dowman created a huge buzz at the Emirates in the FA Youth Cup semiCredit: GettyDowman is already training alongside Arsenal’s first team starsCredit: GettyRecords tumble whenever Dowman is involved, becoming the youngest player to feature for Arsenal’s U21s earlier this season.And in September, he was the youngest in history to score in a UEFA Youth League tie in a 4-1 loss to Atalanta at the age of 14 years, eight months and 19 days.Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri were at the Emirates on Friday to watch Dowman and the rest of their former teammates. In another world, they would have been playing.Academy manager Per Mertesacker was also present, smiling as he applauded the team down the tunnel from the director’s box. What a job he has done since taking the role in July 2018.It was not just Dowman who impressed. Centre back Marli Salmon, 15, and keeper Jack Porter made their mark too. The Arsenal’s production line is strong yet again.The U18s were given the first team experience at the Emirates, even playing the anthem ‘North London Forever’ in the dressing room, as well as over the stadium speakers before kick-off.When Dowman was in full flight United’s youngsters couldn’t handle himCredit: GettyDowman will hope to follow Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly into the first teamCredit: GettyMeanwhile, United’s youngsters also stuck to tradition, arriving at the ground in their club-embroidered blazer, shirt and tie.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal coach Adam Birchall said: “[The Emirates] is a spectacular place to come and play your football. It’s where a lot of these lads will go to bed at night dreaming of playing in the end.“When the dust settles, I know that they’ll never forget this night. But we need to make sure that this night, regardless of the score, is a springboard to go and kick on and try to build a career.” More