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      Arsenal wonderkid Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, ‘was built in a lab’, says Declan Rice as he hails ‘special’ teen

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      DECLAN RICE says Arsenal wonderkid Myles Lewis-Skelly is so good he must have been built in a LABORATORY.The Gunners’ outstanding Hale End academy graduate was a revelation in Friday’s 1-0 Prem win over Ipswich which sent Mikel Arteta’s men second in the table.Myles Lewis-Skelly has impressed his Arsenal teammates since bursting onto the sceneCredit: GettyThe 18-year-old impressed as the Gunners beat Ipswich on FridayCredit: GettyDeclan Rice joked the teenager is so good he’s been built in a labIslington-born MLS, 18, was selected at left-back ahead of Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Kieran Tierney.And £105million Arsenal midfielder Rice, 25, declared: “This kid is just special, very special. He can go to the top.”For an 18-year-old to be that good, that comfortable, that strong, it was like he was built in a lab. I said that to him the other day.”It’s just ridiculous how good he is, but he has a long way to go. He’s so level-headed, he’s got a great family around him.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”His mum looks after him really well and all the boys at the training ground do, too.”We have a really good crop of youngsters coming through and he can be what he wants to be.”He just needs to stay focused and always want more – and he can do that.”Boss Arteta added: “Myles is a special character.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He is well ahead of his age and he has qualities where he adapts to the way we’re playing. Credit to him.”Lewis-Skelly’s emergence is a bright light for Spaniard Arteta, who has been rocked by England winger Bukayo Saka’s hamstring surgery which has ruled him out for “more than two months.”Arsenal player ratings: Havertz shines in different role but Jesus can’t keep up hot streak against IpswichGabriel Martinelli swapped from his usual left-wing spot to fill the Saka void on right against the Tractor Boys, with Belgian international Leandro Trossard playing on the left.Trossard set up Kai Havertz’s winner and England ace Rice added: “Leo does it time and time again. He can go on his left, can go on his right, he creates, he scores.”He wasn’t feeling too well, so to put in a 90-minute shift like he’s done, credit to him.”He’s one of my good friends here, he’s a special player and it was a big win for us.”Arsenal ratings vs IpswichBy Katherine WalshARSENAL leapfrogged Chelsea back into second in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Ipswich.Kai Havertz’s close-range finish midway through the first half proved to be the difference between the title-chasing Gunners and relegation-threatened Tractor Boys. Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Arsenal players at the Emirates Stadium…David Raya – 5Cut a lonely figure and must have been cold standing on his goal-line for most of the first half as his team-mates enjoyed 84 per cent possession.Had his first touch on 31 minutes but was called upon more in the second half as Ipswich grew into the game.Jurrien Timber – 6Got the fans on their feet with a glorious run through the middle of the park inside 19 minutes, but his limp long range shot was easily kept out by Muric.Clearly had a licence to roam, cutting in from full-back and driving up the pitch.William Saliba – 7Joined Gabriel in the highest line set-up of the season. The pair of them were at the edge of Muric’s box for most of the first half.The Frenchman was solid in dealing with a boisterous Liam Delap.Gabriel – 8Great game for the Brazilian to ease back into 90 minutes after starting against Crystal Palace on Saturday.Caused his usual nuisance in the opposition area from corners but missed a sitter from a Rice set-piece in the 64th minute.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Getting more and more impressive each week. The way he moves with that low centre of gravity makes him so hard to dispossess.But a poor clearance saw Ipswich enjoy a first spell of possession before the hour mark.The 18-year-old was poked and prodded by Ipswich striker Delap and Kalvin Phillips at times but dealt with it well.Declan Rice – 7Rice was pushed into a defensive No6 role but didn’t have to stay there long.Energetic as always and added another level of attack he got his foot on the ball and won a dangerous free kick on the edge of the area.Kai Havertz – 8Officially back in midfield in Saka’s absence after having played most of the season up top.But the German was in the perfect elusive centre-forward’s position to tap home with a breakthrough opener inside 23 minutes.Rotated and exchanged the No9 role – perhaps Arteta has found a new partnership that may see them through this spell without Saka.Martin Odegaard – 6Rare off evening for the Arsenal captain but nothing too drastic. Uncharacteristic air ball inside six minutes and wasn’t as sharp in his passing.Perhaps missing the chemistry he has with Saka and lost the ball cheaply at times.Gabriel Martinelli – 6All eyes were on the winger as he filled in for Saka on the right-hand side.The Brazilian perhaps lacks the directness of the Gunners’ starboy, but he saw plenty of the ball and linked up well with Jesus.Whipped the first ball in for Havertz’s goal which came out to Trossard who provided the assist.Leandro Trossard – 7Started on the left and kept the ball alive to steal a yard on Ben Johnson and provide Havertz with a wicked cross and his 12th goal of the season.Troubled Ipswich’s Johnson with his direct running and tireless work rate throughout.Gabriel Jesus – 5Jesus clearly had the bit between his teeth at the moment after last week’s goal rush.Couldn’t quite hold his run well enough when breaking through after 34 minutes for his offside goal. Perhaps over eager at that moment.Looked disappointed when he was subbed off with 20 minutes remaining.It extended the Gunners’ unbeaten Emirates run to 17 matches and cut Liverpool’s lead at the top to six points ahead of the Reds’ visit to West Ham tonight.Arteta’s title-chasers travel across London to Brentford on Wednesday for their first of NINE matches in January.Thomas Frank’s Bees have dropped only four points at home this season. And Rice continued: “It will be a massive game, they are a great team.”Brentford have got some really good individual, quality players.”They have had an amazing run at their stadium so it is going to be tough, but it is down to us again to prepare and be ready.”Three days later the Gunners visit Brighton before the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle and then an FA Cup third-round showdown with Manchester United – both at the Emirates.Rice reflected: “2024 has been a good year. We have done well, but it is not what we want.”Hopefully, the new year brings trophies, to make that next step to be among the elite.”We can keep winning games, but it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t win silverware.”Arsenal have finished Prem runners-up to Manchester City in the last two seasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd on this season’s title battle, where Arne Slot’s rampant Reds have a game in hand on Arteta’s men, Rice added: “Massive respect to Liverpool, they’re full throttle.”They don’t let anyone breathe and we need someone to help us out so they can drop some points.” More

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      Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka shows off dramatic new look as he and family go skiing during Christmas holiday

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      GRANIT XHAKA has shown off a dramatic new look during a family skiing holiday.The former Arsenal star took to the slopes during the Bundesliga’s winter break.Granit Xhaka showed off a new look while on holidayCredit: Instagram / granitxhakaThe midfielder has gone for a buzzcutCredit: Instagram / granitxhakaXhaka, 32, left the Gunners in 2023 for Bayer Leverkusen and has become one of the side’s key players.He played a crucial role in the team winning the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal last term.This included a run of 51 matches unbeaten under manager Xabi Alonso.But unlike Arsenal, Xhaka gets the festive period off work due to the winter break in Germany.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe midfielder has taken the opportunity to go on holiday with their pregnant wife, Leonita, and their two daughters, Ayana and Laneya.They visited the Arosa Kulm Hotel and Alpin Spa in Switzerland and enjoyed some time trekking on the slopes.He shared snaps from the trip on Instagram with the caption: “Family Time is the Best Time.”However, Xhaka looked nearly unrecognisable with his new haircut, which can be seen in the pictures.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Swiss international has clipped most of his hair off as he has gone for a buzz cut.Fans have been left shocked by the bold new look as they reacted in the comment section.Chrissy Teigen in sweary rant at British ‘knbs and tts’ after backlash over mistaking major error after watching Arsenal playXhaka is currently starring for Bayer LeverkusenCredit: RexOne posted: “Xhaka buzz cut before GTA 6.”A second commented: “They aren’t ready for buzzed Xhaka.”A third wrote: “Just when he couldn’t be more intimidating in midfield.”A fourth said: “Looking good Granit.”Xhaka will return to action with Leverkusen on January 10 against Borussia Dortmund.It will have been five weeks since their previous game, which was a 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the DFB Pokal.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Steve Cooper lined up for return to management with Championship club – but would have to accept big drop from Prem

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      STOKE are ready to sound out the experienced Steve Cooper as they look for a managerial saviour.The Potters axed Narcis Pelach, 36, on Thursday after a nightmare nine-match winless run.Stoke are considering appointing Steve CooperCredit: PAPelach only took charge in September and won just three of his 19 games.Cooper, 45, is available after his short Leicester spell — and he previously did well at Nottingham Forest and Swansea.But it is a big drop for him to take on Stoke, who are 19th in the second tier.Ryan Lowe is in the frame but is similar to Steven Schumacher, who was axed by Stoke in September.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLowe left Preston in August but does not have the depth of Cooper’s CV.Cooper has a Championship promotion under his belt having guided Forest to the Prem in 2022.He also kept them in the top flight before he was sacked in December 2023.Prior to that he spent two years at Swansea where he boasted a 45 per cent win ratio.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSStoke are on the search for their seventh manager in six years, having already sacked Schumacher as well as Pelach this season.The club have reportedly fielded “a lot of interest from high calibre” candidates, with Mark Robins and Russell Martin amongst those linked. More

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      Ex-Man City star Mikheil Kavelashvili sworn in as PRESIDENT of Georgia after ‘Putin helped his party rig election’

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      A FORMER footballer who played for Manchester City has been sworn in as the new President of GeorgiaMikheil Kavelashvili, 53, who played for the blues from 1995 to 1997, has today taken office – but the former midfielder has been accused of being a “puppet” for Vladimir Putin.Kavelashvili scored one goal for Man City across four appearancesCredit: AlamyKavelashvili is known for his far-right ideologies and his connections to the billionaire oligarch who founded Georgia’s ruling partyCredit: APSupporters of the Georgian opposition take part in a protest action in Tbilisi, Georgia, 28 December 2024Credit: EPAThe former football star is known for his profanity-laden tirades in Parliament, as an MP since 2016 for the increasingly authoritarian ruling Georgian Dream party.Georgian Dream, founded by billionaire businessman and former Georgian PM Bidzina Ivanishvili, has been accused of dragging the country back into Russia’s sphere of influence.Kavelashvili was the only candidate for the job and is thought to have been picked for his loyalist stances towards Georgian Dream. Kavelashvili was sworn in behind closed doors on Sunday to become Georgia’s sixth President.read more in georgiaBut constitutional law experts — including one author of Georgia’s constitution, Vakhtang Khmaladze — called his election “illegitimate”.The outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili has said the same thing of Kavelashvili’s appointment.Kavelashvili has previously slammed the West for wanting “as many people as possible (to be) neutral and tolerant towards the LGBTQ ideology, which supposedly defends the weak but is, in fact, an act against humanity”.This comes as a wave of anti-government protests have gripped Georgia in recent months, as foreign powers seek to prevent the country from aiding Putin’s effort to overthrow Ukraine.Most read in FootballOn Friday, Washington imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili, arguing he undermined the country’s democratic future for Russia’s benefit.The Sun reported on the riots at the time, as brutal clashes erupted against the ruling Georgian Dream party, which has been accused of using Vladimir Putin to rig the election and secure it’s victory.Riot cops fire tear gas & beat up furious protesters hurling fireworks in 3rd night of violence against pro-Putin regimeThe streets of Georgia’s capital Tiblisi were filled with riot cops armed with a water cannon, tear gas, and pepper spray against pro-Western demonstrators.Fiery pictures showed cops dragging people as they called officers “Russians” and “Slaves.”Protesters also shot fireworks at police as cops who tried to violently disperse crowds.These riots were sparked when the country’s “pro-Putin” government put a pause on its long-standing bid to join the EU until 2028.One protester, historian Nika Gobronidze, 53, said: “I can hardly imagine anyone less suited for the role of head of state.”Caligula wanted his horse to be a consul, our oligarch wants his puppet Kavelashvili to be a president.”In 2022, Kavelashvili, alongside other Georgian Dream lawmakers, established a parliamentary faction called People’s Power.This is an anti-Western group that officially split from the governing party.READ MORE SUN STORIESKavelashvili scored his debut goal for Manchester City against their bitter rivals Manchester United.He then joined Swiss club Grasshoppers, where he spent most of his time on the bench, before stints elsewhere in Switzerland at Zurich, Luzern, Sion, Aarau and Basel.Several political figures have condemned Georgia’s new President as being “illegitimate”Credit: EPA More

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      Aston Villa chiefs slam FA for upholding Duran’s three-game ban for red card and question ‘credibility’ of organisation

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      ASTON VILLA chiefs have accused the FA of lacking “credibility” after the club’s appeal against Jhon Duran’s red card was rejected.Manager Unai Emery was livid ref Anthony Taylor’s decision to send off the 12-goal Colombian striker for a Boxing Day stamp on Newcastle’s Fabian Schar was not overturned by VAR.Aston Villa’s appeal to overturn Jhon Duran’s red card has been rejectedCredit: GettyVilla have hit out at the FA, with Duran now set to miss three gamesCredit: AlamyDuran will now be forced to serve a three-match ban and Villa bigwigs Damian Vidagany and Monchi have let rip over “all these unfair decisions”.Former Villa star and club ambassador Ahmed Elmohamady also branded the FA’s rejection of their appeal “disgraceful.”Duran, 21, was given a straight red by Taylor in the 3-0 defeat at St James’ Park and will now miss tomorrow’s Prem game with Brighton, then a Leicester clash and an FA Cup third-round tie at home to West Ham.Villa’s director of football operations Vidagany stormed: “Three matches for Jhon Duran. You know what? The most damaged here is not Villa, it is the credibility of the ones that made this decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We are going to keep fighting, nothing will destroy us and we will overcome all these unfair decisions. And we will behave like gentlemen.”And president of football operations Monchi posted: “We can understand a mistake, because to err is human, but to insist on the mistake only creates doubts about the system.“I came from a place [Sevilla] where the motto is ‘never surrender’.  We will continue fighting for our club.”And Elmohamady also posted: “It’s absolutely disgraceful, it was never a red in the first place.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe PGMOL insist VAR Graham Scott agreed with Taylor’s decision.But Emery moaned: “I can accept the other team asking for a red card. But VAR please!Aston Villa to build Premier League’s largest beer hall as they announce stunning redevelopment plans next to stadium Damian Vidagany and Monchi hit out at the FA for not reversing Duran’s redCredit: GettyNewcastle legend Alan Shearer reckons it was not a red card for DuranCredit: Getty“His reaction after was ‘Sorry, sorry’. I don’t think he kicked him on purpose.“It’s a very big punishment for this action.”Emery was backed by ex-Toon ace Alan Shearer, who called the red  card “harsh”, saying Duran lost his balance after twisting his left ankle before making contact with Schar. More

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      Arsenal and Man City ‘dream’ of signing midfielder who rejected Liverpool but Reds have not given up hope

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      ARSENAL and Manchester City could battle for Martin Zubimendi next month, according to reports.The midfielder has caught the eye of Europe’s top clubs with his performances for Real Sociedad and Spain.Arsenal and Man City want to sign Martin ZubimendiCredit: GettyMan City are in the market for a defensive midfielder with key man Rodri out for the season.Arsenal are also understood to be interested in Zubimendi, who reportedly turned down a summer move to Liverpool.Fabrizio Romano revealed the clubs who are monitoring the 25-year-old, though explained why a January move could prove tricky.He told Men in Blazers: “There is a player who is a dream target for all the top clubs around Europe – for Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal and many others – it’s Martin Zubimendi.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“They all want to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, the real point is that Zubimendi at the moment is still not opening the door to a January exit.“Next summer could be different but for January the situation is still quiet around him so I’m not sure it will be possible.”Zubimendi is believed to have a £51.7million buyout clause in his Sociedad contract, although even if that is triggered it could prove difficult to persuade the Spaniard to leave.He said earlier this year: “The best solution is staying. I want to grow and develop here.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever sources insist Zubimendi has had a change of heart and is keen to play in the Premier League after all.And that has put City on high alert.Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka is set to miss months after surgery as he gives injury update on Arsenal star More

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      Newcastle will demand more than £150MILLION for Alexander Isak as Arsenal face transfer battle with Liverpool

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      NEWCASTLE have reportedly set an eye-watering price tag of more than £150MILLION on Alexander Isak.The Swedish striker has been in fine form this season, with 11 goals in 16 Premier League appearances.Newcastle has set a huge price tag on Alexander IsakCredit: GettyMike Arteta is a long-term admirer of IsakCredit: ReutersArne Slot is on the lookout for a potential replacement for Mohamed SalahCredit: EPAIsak, 25, has only been outscored by Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer in England’s top flight in 2024.The Telegraph has reported that the Magpies quoted a price tag of £150m last summer.This was done in a move to block a potential exit of the Swedish international.Isak still has three and a half years left on his contract at St James’ Park.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe report has added that Newcastle will look to extend his deal at the end of the season and will not lower the asking price.The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with moves for the striker.The Reds could make a move for Isak should Mohamed Salah leave the club at the end of his contract.European giants Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also believed to be tracking Isak.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe interest from the top clubs could start a bidding war and drive Isak’s fee towards a world record number.Neymar’s move from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 is the current record at £198m.Alexander Isak shows off his razor sharp shooting ability in Sweden training The report has claimed that Newcastle are “relaxed” about his situation and have “no interest” in cashing in.A sale would boost Newcastle’s PSR position, with the club currently limited in its ability to sign new players.Contract talks broke down earlier in the year, but Isak has insisted it does “not affect” him.It has been claimed that the constant links over Isak’s potential exit have left Newcastle “bewildered” and believing that it is an attempt to “unsettle” him.Manager Eddie Howe recently hailed the striker’s personality as one reason behind his effectiveness in front of goal.He said: “He is calm, cool, he is what you see on the pitch. READ MORE SUN STORIES”He doesn’t get overly emotional, which for a striker is a great quality.”That coolness you see and calmness in front of goal is part of his personality.” More

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      Inside Laura Woods’ romantic Christmas with Love Island star fiancee Adam Collard as he kisses her growing baby bump

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      LAURA WOODS and fiancee Adam Collard enjoyed a romantic Christmas together as the Love Island star kissed her growing baby bump.The loved-up pair cosied up together during the festive period after enjoying a whirlwind romance.Laura Woods and Adam Collard enjoyed a romantic Christmas break togetherCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardCollard kissed Woods’ bump as they expect their first child togetherCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardThe pair lived their best lives on holiday up northCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardCollard made sure to hit the gym on his breakCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardWoods wrapped up as she enjoyed the wild weatherCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardThe pair gifted each other with plenty of presentsCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardWoods, 37, and Collard, 29, delighted fans when they started dating last year.In July, TNT Sports star Woods announced that she and Collard were expecting their first child together.And in September, they became engaged after Collard got down on one knee during a trip to Cornwall.Woods previously showed off her blossoming baby bump while on TV duties last month and was even presented with a touching gift from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut a latest photo dump from Collard gave fans a new look at the expectant parents.The couple were all smiles as they posed for the camera while enjoying the Christmas break.Woods cradled her stomach as the pair displayed warm smiles.And in another snap, Collard leaned over to kiss Woods’ baby bump as she appeared to play with his hair.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile more showed Woods opening several carefully-wrapped Christmas presents.Other photos revealed the couple also enjoyed a trip to Whitby, staying at Saltmoore hotel which brands itself as “a new wellness-led sanctuary, nestled between the wild North Sea and heather-draped moors.”Inside Adam Collard and Laura Woods’ romantic engagement as Love Island star gets down on one knee at five star hotel in CornwallCollard posted a photo dump of their latest exploitsCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardThe duo took a trip to WhitbyCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardThey stayed at Saltmoore hotelCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardWoods and Collard enjoyed some delicious mealsCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardThey could not get enough of their surroundingsCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardThe pair even tucked into fish and chipsCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardCollard tagged his photos with a caption that read: “A festive bunch. Home and away. Merry Christmas everyone x.“A surprise stay from my girl to @saltmoore. What a place. Couldn’t recommend them enough.”Woods and Collard enjoyed several delicious-looking meals during their time away, including a mouth-watering roast dinner plus fish and chips.A brief clip also saw Woods walking on a very windy beach while staying wrapped up from the cold.While Collard made sure to remain active over the festive break with a sweaty gym session.Fans reacted with delight to the pictures, with one saying: “Hope you had the best Christmas.”Another declared: “You two are so so good together.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Love you two together.”Another added: “Beautiful family.”Woods announced her pregnancy in JulyCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe and Collard have been together since last yearCredit: InstagramThey got engaged in Cornwall in SeptemberCredit: INSTAGRAM @laurawoodsyThe couple are head over heels for each otherCredit: InstagramFans love seeing them togetherCredit: Instagram @adamcollardThe pair will welcome their new child in 2025Credit: Instagram @adamcollard More