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      Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard slammed for PSG no-show – but shock stats prove he is being LET DOWN by team-mates

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      IT is very easy to blame Martin Odegaard when Arsenal have lost this season – but don’t be so quick to point the finger.He is the club’s captain and talismanic figure, so often relied upon for magic moments and so often delivering over the past few seasons.Martin Odegaard has hit a rough patch but he might not be to blameCredit: RexThis term, those moments have been few and far between, with just five goals and nine assists in 40 appearances in all competitions.In second half injury time, losing 1-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in last night’s Champions League semi-final first leg, Odegaard was subbed off by Mikel Arteta for 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, having completed just 20 of 23 attempted passes and created one chance.That about sums up Odegaard right now.The French media went in hard on the Norwegian in their ratings. Get French Football News gave him 4/10. Maxi Foot went with 3/10.READ MORE IN ARSENALFoot Mercato compared Odegaard to a “ghost” who “continually made bad decisions”.It feels as though this campaign has taken its toll on Odegaard, each and every game looking like a painful struggle when normally he is effortlessly brilliant.His execution, his inspiration, his consistency, has been lacking, and that can be attributed to a number of factors.An ankle injury picked up on international duty with Norway on September 9 derailed his momentum at the start of the season, returning nearly two months later and just one goal in his next 18 matches.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThen the 26-year-old became a father for the first time in early December with his wife Helene, a significant period that will have left him exhausted mentally and physically.And then, perhaps most significantly, came the injuries to key players. First it was Bukayo Saka, then it was Gabriel Jesus and then it was Kai Havertz, all by the start of February.The spotlight, the scrutiny, the pressure on others suddenly honed in on Odegaard. The expectation was that he would rise to the challenge and drag Arsenal to glory.Any fan who has watched Arsenal recently can tell you that has not happened. He is letting games pass him by instead of taking them by the scruff of the neck, pulling rabbits out of the hat.And yet, the stats tell a slightly different story, that Odegaard DOES step up in the absence of others, but is being let down by those currently around him.Since the start of last season, when playing with Havertz up top, Odegaard has 14 goals and 13 assists, and per 90 minutes on average creates 2.5 chances, produces 2.7 crosses and plays 7.2 passes into the box.In the 20 games played without the German striker, Odegaard has just two goals and seven assists, but has produced per 90 minutes more chances [2.9], more crosses [3.5] and more passes into the box [8.6].It is the same story with Saka. With the England winger on the pitch since 2023/24, Odegaard has scored 11 goals with 15 assists, and averages per 90 minutes 2.5 chances created, 2.1 crosses and 6.8 passes into the box.Without him, Odegaard’s goal and assist tally drops to five, but racks up per 90 minutes 2.8 created chances, 5.4 crosses and 9.5 passes into the box.Odegaard’s numbers rise but his goal involvement does not. What does that tell us? It shows the likes of Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard are not making the most of Odegaard’s positioning and vision at times, leaving Arsenal’s playmaker frustrated and isolated.It is arguably why he lost possession 14 TIMES against PSG, as well as losing six of his eight ground duels.And between them, Merino, Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have missed a joint 21 big chances this season.Read More on The SunAs the saying goes, “a bad workman blames his tools”, but Odegaard may have a point.Following a summer of rest, recovery and family time, joined in pre-season by new signings with a view to quality over quantity, we will likely see Odegaard return to his best. More

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      Arsenal’s chance of winning Champions League revealed by supercomputer after 1-0 loss to PSG

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has revealed Arsenal’s chances of winning the Champions League.The Gunners lost the first leg of their semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates.Arsenal’s chances of winning the Champions League have been slashedCredit: ReutersThe Gunners lost the first leg of their semi-final to PSGCredit: GettyOusmane Dembele’s 4th-minute goal was enough to give the French giants the advantage ahead of the second leg next week.PSG will have home advantage for the return fixture as they look to break their Champions League voodoo.The Parisians have never won the competition despite notable arrivals of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in recent years.Like PSG, the Gunners have also never tasted success in the Champions League and are up against it ahead of their visit to the Parc des Princes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis has been reflected in the chances of Mikel Arteta’s side progressing to the final and lifting the trophy.The supercomputer at Fruity King has revealed that the North London outfit has just a 12.7 per cent chance of winning the tournament.Arsenal will need to come from a goal down to knock out PSG and then topple one of Barcelona or Inter Milan to win the competition.The odds of the Gunners turning the semi-final score around have been given as just a 23.3 per cent chance.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPSG have been named the favourites to go all the way with a 42.6 per cent chance of making history.If Luis Enrique leads the club to the trophy, then it would be the first time a French club has won it since Marseille in 2023.Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry give their verdict on Arsenal’s defeat to PSGArsenal’s odds could have been boosted if Mikel Merino had stayed onside when he headed home in the second half.Barcelona are the second favourites to win the tournament with a 23.8 per cent chance, while Inter Milan has a 20.9 per cent chance.Before the match at the Emirates, the Gunners were judged to be the least likely to win the Champions League.The previous supercomputer’s odds were higher, with a 22.8 per cent chance of success and a 42.9 per cent chance of reaching the final.Arteta, 43, has insisted that his team will need “something special” in order to go all the way.He said: “If you want to win the Champions League final, you have to do something special.”We’re going to have to do something special in Paris to be there.”We have a lot of chances to be in that final.Read More on The Sun”As I repeat myself, you have to do something special in the competition to have the right to be in the final. And the time to do it is going to be in Paris.”One development that could boost Arsenal’s hopes is the doubt over Dembele after he needed tests on a hamstring injury.Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Raya saves keep Gunners in it and poor Odegaard subbed offARSENAL face an uphill battle next week.The Gunners suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their all-important Champions League semi-final home leg.Ousmane Dembele stunned the Emirates Stadium into silence when his first-time shot hit the post and bounced over the line just three minutes into the match.After a nervous start, it took the Gunners around 20 minutes to settle.But when they did, the momentum began to swing in their favour.Just moments into the second half, Mikel Merino finally put the ball in the net – only for it to be chalked offside after a lengthy VAR check.And Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard forced worldy saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma.David Raya then produced stunning stop from Goncalo Ramos as the Gunners held on at 1-0.It’s not over – there is still at least 90 minutes to be played.But away from home, it will not be easy.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Arsenal’s stars on the night…Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      Europe’s friendliest club hoping to use secret weapon to take down Tottenham after incredible rise

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      THEY say people from Scandinavia are among the happiest – and it seems the same can be said for footballers too.For Tottenham face the friendliest club on the continent on Thursday in the Europa League semi-finals.Bodo/Glimt have seen a number of players sold and then re-signedBodo/Glimt aren’t paying attention to Tottenham’s dismal Premier League seasonTottenham and Bodo/Glimt will face in the Europa League semi-finalsBodo/Glimt have created a strong atmosphere that convinces players the grass is not greener elsewhereBodo/Glimt’s unlikely run to the last four has been powered by a number of players sold and then re-signed to the collegiate Norwegian outfit.Forward Jens Petter Hauge, for example, discovered the grass not to be greener elsewhere compared to Bodo’s plastic pitch when he first left for AC Milan in 2020.He came back to his hometown club permanently earlier this year, following a stint at Eintracht Frankfurt, whom Spurs saw off in the quarter-finals.Those returning are content to do so because of the pally atmosphere at the small club from the Arctic circle. Read More on FootballSporting director Havard Sakariassen, 48, explained: “We have some guys in our team, Patrick Berg, Frederik Andre Bjorkan, Jens Petter Hauge, Hakon Evjen, who have left us and tried the other side, going to European clubs.“It has a value in itself, in your life, to be able to play at this level in your hometown, also with your friends.“The culture in the club here is something they really enjoy. “Of course, over the years, we have become competitive in Scandinavia regarding salaries and the business part of it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“But I think it has to be rare to be able to play football with your mates at this level anywhere in Europe and that has a value.”Bodo/Glimt grabbed headlines by battering Jose Mourinho’s Roma 6-1 in 2021.Ange Postecoglou says he will be around ‘for a little bit longer’ after Tottenham victory over Eintracht Frankfurt They then played Tottenham’s North London rivals Arsenal a year later, also in the Europa League, but lost both group games without scoring a goal.They have developed considerably since then, against the odds given their relatively tiny resources compared to some of the clubs they have seen off in Europe.They have beaten FC Twente, Besiktas, Olympiacos and Lazio already this season.While they certainly will not be taken lightly by Spurs chief Ange Postecoglou, whose Celtic side lost twice to Bodo/Glimt in the Europa Conference League three years ago.Sakariassen, who had two stints at the club as a player, added: “For us every game is learning and we have played a lot of difficult games against good teams in Europe since we played Arsenal some years ago.“We have cracked some codes regarding performance, especially away. Manager’s impact“To be more cynical, not to be naive going to play against good teams in Europe.“It’s maybe a better squad but also a better prepared Bodo/Glimt at this point.”Bodo/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen has been an integral part behind the club’s rise, having been in charge since 2018.He has been linked to numerous posts, including Leeds and Brighton, in recent years.Sakariassen is relaxed about his manager’s situation – while he reads nothing into Spurs’ atrocious league form ahead of the first-leg showdown in N17.The supremo added: “Of course Kjetil is an attractive coach, that’s just the nature of what we do.’We have all the tools’“I know that he enjoys being in Bodo, he enjoys working at this club. “Should he for some reason decide to do something else I think we should applaud him to the airport and say thank you. “But I’m not afraid of that at all, and I think that we will work here for more years to come – but who knows.“I don’t think we look at Tottenham’s league form at all. We know that we meet a good team, tremendous football players at a high, high level.Read More on The Sun“But we also walk into this game with confidence that whoever we meet we believe we’re able to compete. “I truly believe we have all the tools to be brave enough to go out in London and just be Bodo/Glimt.” More

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      Man Utd scout ‘Serbian Jude Bellingham’ with Ruben Amorim looking to add goals in summer transfer window

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      MANCHESTER UNITED scouts are on the trail of a talented Serbian teenager who is being compared to Paul Pogba and Jude Bellingham.The Red Devils’ search for fresh talent to overhaul an attack set to record their lowest tally of league goals in over 30 years has taken them to Belgrade.Ognjen Ugresic has been compared to Jude Bellingham and Paul Pogba in styleCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s spies have identified 17-year-old Partizan Belgrade midfielder Ognjen Ugresic as a future prospect worth further inspection.According to reports, United have been to see him live in recent weeks after he made his first Serbian Super League start in early April.Ugresic scored his first top-flight goal in a 3-1 win over Radnicki Nis last weekend and, if he continues to impress, may soon be on the wanted lists of every major European club.His agent certainly thinks so as Ostoja Stjepanovic confirmed that several big names, including some from Serie A, have made inquiries.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the former Macedonia international believes it is too soon for Ugresic to leave Partizan.Stjepanovic said: “I can confirm that the media reports are based on reality, there is interest in him from several sides.“Not only Manchester United scouts are following his development, there are also teams from Serie A.“However, it is too early for him to change his environment now, because in the coming seasons he should get the opportunity to play for Partizan and further develop and progress.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAlthough protective of his client, the agent is not afraid of drawing comparisons between the youngster and two of the best central midfielders to have graced the game in the last decade.“His style is similar to Jude Bellingham or to some extent Paul Pogba,” he told Nemzeti Sport.“His technique is exceptional, but he also has speed, despite his height. “He plays behind the strikers, has good vision, participates in actions, is intelligent…“He has developed a lot under the leadership of Srdan Blagojevic, but he still needs time.“We have been working together for three and a half years, I see huge potential in him. “His parents and he made a lot of sacrifices to get to the Partizan first team, they travelled three hours by car and back every day to training.”Man Utd player ratings vs BournemouthBy Katherine WalshMANCHESTER UNITED managed to secure a 1-1 draw against 10-man Bournemouth in the sixth minute of injury time.Rasmus Hojlund’s last-gasp equaliser leaves United 14th in the Prem, after Evanilson was sent off for serious foul play with 20 minutes to go.Man Utd target Antoine Semenyo fired the home side into the lead with a thunderbolt opener, after a calamity of mistakes while playing out from the back.Yet United somewhat responded well, mainly through Alejandro Garnacho’s flurry of chances.So was the Argentine the star player for Man Utd? Check out how the players rated. More

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      Man Utd Champions League winner, 59, tells Andre Onana ‘you need to shut up at times’ after wild Lyon scenes

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Teddy Sheringham advised goalkeeper Andre Onana to “shut up at times” after his wild Lyon celebrations.Onana, 29, split opinion two weeks ago in the Europa League during a dramatic quarter-final second leg at Old Trafford that saw United going through after an intense 5-4 win on extra time.Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana split opinion with his wild celebration against LyonMan Utd legend Teddy Sheringham loved the passion but believes Onana needs to learn to ‘shut up’ sometimesThe goalkeeper, whose two blunders led to a 2-2 draw in the first leg, was booed by the French fans across both meetings after saying Man Utd are better than the Ligue 1 giants.That led to a fiery response from ex-United star Nemanja Matic, who currently plays for Lyon, as he labelled the Cameroon international “one of the worst goalkeepers in the club’s history”.Onana endured a turbulent week after all that drama and was dropped from Ruben Amorim’s squad for the following trip to Newcastle in order to cool off.And the ex-Inter Milan star couldn’t hold his emotion after Manuel Ugarte’s early opener at Old Trafford as he celebrated in front of the travelling Lyon fans.Read More on Man UtdThe former Ajax keeper ran over in front of the visiting end and performed a jumping, dancing jig, nodding his head in delight.Sheringham watched Onana’s antics and even though he is “all for the passion” he is adamant the player needs to learn to “button his lip” sometimes.The 1999 Treble winner, though, understands what provoked that reaction as players are often under tremendous pressure.Sheringham told CasinoHawks: “With Andre Onana, I’m all for the passion but it’s not about what’s happened in the past and it’s not about saying what you’re going to do, it’s all about results and performances on the pitch. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”You need to shut up at times and just button your lip and just hold your tongue if you can. “But I fully understand the pressure these people are under.”Ruben Amorim responds to question about dropping Andre Onana after disasterclass against LyonOnana has been linked with a summer exit after a series of blunders between the sticks throughout his two-year stint at United.He is likely to be on duty on Thursday night when the Reds take on Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final first leg in Spain. More

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      Rodrygo ‘to LEAVE Real Madrid if transfer offer arrives’ in boost to Premier League sides

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      REAL MADRID star Rodrygo could quit the Bernabeu this summer if a big-money bid lands from the Premier League.The 20-time Brazil international is ready to pack his bags and seek a new challenge, according to reports in the Spanish media.Rodrygo has been brilliant since arriving at Madrid in 2018Credit: APThe arrival of Mbappe has led to a reduced role for RodrygoCredit: RexRodrygo was the hero as Madrid beat Manchester City in 2022Credit: GettyHe has been brilliant for Madrid since signing from Santos for £38million in 2018, helping them win the Spanish Super Cup, La Liga and the Champions League.Rodrygo was the hero in Madrid’s dramatic comeback against Manchester City in the Champions League semi-final in 2022. He came on midway through the second half and scored two late goals that stunned Pep Guardiola’s side and now, he could be playing in the Premier League next season.Real are believed to be looking for around £85million to let the Brazilian leave.REAM MORE FOOTBALL NEWSArsenal have been linked with a move, but it’s Manchester United who are reportedly leading the chase as they search for a statement signing for next season.And the links have gone down well with fans, who believe Rodrygo has all the makings of an Old Trafford great.One said: “Rodrygo would be our best signing in years.”Another declared: “He should come to United without any doubt.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA third added: “Sign him, sign him, sign him.”And one fan claimed: “The ideal Marcus Rashford replacement.”Crocked Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal pulled away from Bukayo Saka after confronting Arsenal star at half-timeRodrygo has scored 13 goals this season, but the arrival of Kylian Mbappe has seen his role reduced, especially with Vinicius Junior untouchable on the left side of Madrid’s attack.Carlo Ancelotti’s side crashed out of the Champions League at the quarter final stage against Arsenal and the club is expected to make big changes this summer to get back on track. More

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      Brazil ‘to wear RED kit at 2026 World Cup as Michael Jordan deal sees traditional colours replaced’

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      BRAZIL are set to wear RED for the first time in 106 years at the 2026 World Cup.The Seleaco’s second kid will also replace the traditional Nike logo with the iconic Jumpman logo of basketball legend Michael Jordan. Brazil’s home kit will still be golden yellowCredit: GettyThe Jordan Brazil 2026 away shirt will break away from tradition for the first time in 67 years, according to website leaks Footy Headlines.The exact shade of red and the full kit design have not yet been leaked, but early indications suggest a modern, vibrant red base.Brazil’s second jersey has been blue since the 1930s, but it became a staple base during the 1958 World Cup.The world’s most successful footballing country will, of course, stick to their iconic golden yellow strips for their main kit at the 2026 edition in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe collaboration comes after Brazil signed fresh terms with the Swoosh for another 12 years, taking their partnership into a fourth decade.The renewed partnership will continue to support both men’s and women’s national teams, including youth, Olympic, and futsal squads, and continue providing the teams with their uniforms. It combines Brazil’s iconic football legacy with Jordan’s streetwear and NBA culture influences, which Nike want to spread in South America.The Jordan Brazil 2026 away shirt will be available from March next year.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSParis Saint-Germain previously partnered with Jordan’s Nike brand in 2020.And Jordan also released a special-edition Brazil jersey back in 2016.Argentina humiliate Brazil 4-1 with Emi Martinez even doing keepy ups in his own box in fiery World Cup qualifier The proposed red design was reportedly inspired by Brazil’s early football history, as the same colour was worn in the Copa America between 1917-1919.Although it hasn’t been used since, the colour red holds deep cultural significance in Brazil.The country’s name comes from the Pau-Brasil tree, known for its vibrant red dye, which played a central role in Brazil’s colonial past. More

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      Man Utd in huge double injury boost as Amad Diallo returns to training ahead of season-defining Athletic Bilbao clash

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      AMAD DIALLO has given Manchester United a huge injury boost ahead of their crunch Europa League tie on Thursday. Ruben Amorim’s side are preparing to face Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final. Amad Diallo was back on the pitch at Carrington on WednesdayCredit: ReutersBoss Ruben Amorim is looking to keep United’s season aliveCredit: ReutersDiallo has been out of action for the Red Devils since suffering an ankle injury in early February. But he returned to the Carrington training pitch on Wednesday as the squad prepares to jet to Bilbao.Diallo’s status for tomorrow’s match has not yet been confirmed. He could however feature this weekend as United take on Brentford in the Premier League. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd the 22-year-old – who has netted nine goals and contributed eight assists this season – should be fit for next week’s second leg at Old Trafford.Amad’s return to the squad will add a much-needed attacking boost to Amorim’s shot-shy team. He has reportedly recovered in “record time” after injuring his ankle ligaments against Leicester. Diallo had originally been expected to miss the remainder of the season following his diagnosis. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMatthijs De Ligt also took part in the open training session after he suffered a muscle injury last month. The Dutchman has missed the last six games, with the Red Devils keeping just one clean sheet in that period. Gary Neville reveals fear with Liverpool to become most successful English team everClub captain Bruno Fernandes spoke out earlier this week and admitted winning the Europa League would not save United’s season.Amorim’s men are currently 14th in the Premier League with 10 wins from 34 games.Fernandes said: “I wouldn’t say it’s a reward.Man Utd player ratings vs BournemouthBy Katherine WalshMANCHESTER UNITED managed to secure a 1-1 draw against 10-man Bournemouth in the sixth minute of injury time.Rasmus Hojlund’s last-gasp equaliser leaves United 14th in the Prem, after Evanilson was sent off for serious foul play with 20 minutes to go.Man Utd target Antoine Semenyo fired the home side into the lead with a thunderbolt opener, after a calamity of mistakes while playing out from the back.Yet United somewhat responded well, mainly through Alejandro Garnacho’s flurry of chances.So was the Argentine the star player for Man Utd? Check out how the players rated.”I think it will just be successful in terms of the Europa League.”It’s very important to do that, to get the silverware this season. “But it won’t save anything.” More