Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-up

      by

      DAN ASHWORTH has left Manchester United following showdown talks last night.The sporting director’s shock exit comes after just five months at Old Trafford. Dan Ashworth has left Man Utd after just five monthsCredit: PASir Jim Ratcliffe has played a huge role in the boardroom shake-upCredit: AlamyAshworth was involved in the club’s summer transfer business and the decision to keep – and then sack – Erik ten HagCredit: GettySunSport exclusively revealed three weeks ago how United’s new hierarchy were locked in a blame game over their summer business.Ashworth joined the club in July following a lengthy gardening leave period after he quit Newcastle.The 53-year-old was appointed by Man Utd to oversee “performance, recruitment and operations”, with the Red Devils agreeing to pay £3million in compensation to the Toon.But following showdown talks with CEO Omar Berrada after the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest last night, Ashworth quit by mutual consent.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA club statement read: “Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement.”We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future.”The Athletic claims Sir Jim Ratcliffe was pivotal in the call to part ways.Ashworth played a huge role in United’s £183million summer spending spree during the first transfer window under Ineos leadership.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe club signed Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs De Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui. Ashworth was also involved in the decision to initially keep Erik ten Hag and hand him a new contract, only to for him to be sacked just 14 games later.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’The former FA chief, who was credited with creating the “England DNA”, was quoted in the statements confirming every signing.But we did not hear from him on Ten Hag’s axing or on the appointment of Ruben Amorim. Ashworth’s departure comes as a huge shock to many, with one fan saying: “Man Utd waited longer to get Ashworth out of Newcastle than he has lasted in the job. Mad.”Another added: “Utterly embarrassing and the amount of time and money to secure him. The direction of the club is meant to be based on the structure and at this moment that feels insecure. Shambles.”But others defended the decision, commenting: “If someone isn’t working, then get rid. No point keeping someone if its not working.”Ratcliffe previously hailed Ashworth as “clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world”.But he was apparently not a good “fit”, according to the Mail. But yesterday he suggested United are still miles behind where they need to be when it comes to transfers.United chiefs have been at war over their summer spending spreeCredit: GettyRatcliffe said: “We’ve not been good enough at recruitment, you probably agree with that. Everybody would agree with that.”And until we’re as good as anyone in the world, then it’s not good enough for Manchester United.”We must have the best recruitment in the world. Data analysis comes alongside recruitment. It doesn’t really exist here. We’re still in the last century on data analysis here.“There’s an immense amount of useful data that we can get from data analysis and we’re in the ‘very poor’ bracket with data analysis here.”These things don’t happen overnight. You can’t just flick a light switch and sort out recruitment. It’s all about people and we need to find the right people.”Who is Dan Ashworth?DAN ASHWORTH is a true footballing man who has progressed through the game’s ranks all the way from player to club director.He never made it to the top as a player, instead featuring for a number of non-league sides and in the US.After hanging up his boots he quickly moved into the backroom, landing his first job at Peterborough.His big break came at West Brom, before he moved on to the Three Lions job where he was instrumental in creating ‘England’s DNA’.Two roles with Premier League clubs followed before Man Utd swooped in the summer.So what’s next for Ashworth?READ HIS FULL STORY HERE:As for Amorim, he said in his first press conference after joining last month that he wants the final say on transfers.He explained: “Everybody has to work together and for that we have to improve the process of recruitment, the data, the profile of players we want.”But I have to have a strong position on that because I am the coach. I know how to play, so I think it’s all together but the final word should be the manager.”Not just because it’s your right but your responsibility. Because, in the end, the result is to me, so I think it’s all together to improve the process of recruitment.”I have a great responsibility when we choose players because this is something that should be done this way. I’m the manager, the head coach, so I have to choose the players.”When Ashworth’s Newcastle exit and United arrival was finally secured, he said: “This remains one of the biggest football clubs in the world, but that is not our measure of success; the focus is on getting back to being among the best on the pitch. “It won’t happen overnight, but, together with Omar and his new leadership team, we will not rest until we have achieved it.“Although I grew up in Norfolk, I’ve always had a strong attachment with Manchester because my mum and dad were born in Middleton and my grandparents lived their whole lives there.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When I visited as a boy, my dad would take me to games across Greater Manchester and I remember the thrill of my first visit to Old Trafford in the late 1970s, watching the likes of Lou Macari, Jimmy Nicholl and Arthur Albiston.“I can’t claim to have been a partisan United fan – my dad enjoyed watching all the local teams – but I remember the special buzz that always seemed to surround games at Old Trafford, and it’s something I have experienced many times since during my career in football.”United’s summer transfer signingsArrivals:Leny Yoro (Lille) – £52mManuel Ugarte (PSG) – £50mMatthijs De Ligt (Bayern) – £43mJoshua Zirkzee (Bologna) – £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui (Bayern) – £16mSekou Kone (Guidars) – £1m More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Beleaguered Man City boss Pep Guardiola involved in bizarre interview when discussing Rico Lewis red card

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA was involved in a bizarre moment with a reporter when asked about Rico Lewis’ red card.Manchester City drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace yesterday to leave them with just one win won in their last nine games.Pep Guardiola bizarrely responded to question about Rico Lewis’ red cardLewis was given a second yellow for a tackle on Trevoh ChalobahCredit: RexGuardiola confronted ref Robert Jones at full-timeCredit: AlamyBeleaguered Guardiola was left fuming when Lewis was sent for an early bath after 84 minutes.The England star picked up a first booking for dissent and then got another following a lunge on Trevoh Chalobah.Replays showed he seemingly did not catch the defender and was in fact caught by the Palace man.Guardiola angrily approached referee Robert Jones on the pitch after the final whistle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked about the incident by the BBC, the City manager said: “It is because it is Rico.”Match of the Day reporter Mark Scott replied: “Sorry?”Guardiola repeated: “It is Rico.”The interviewer was left perplexed, saying: “Sorry, I could not understand.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the boss doubled down: “It is because he is Rico.”Like most viewers, Scott remained confused: “Because it is Rico Lewis you think he got a yellow card?”Pep Guardiola does a Jose Mourinho with gesture to Liverpool crowd as fans convinced Man City boss has ‘lost his mind’Guardiola then turned the questioning on him, asking: “You think it is a yellow card?”The reporter then said: “No, no. I am asking you do you think it was a yellow card?”But we were going around in circles as Guardiola then replied: “It is Rico Lewis.”Lewis, who scored City’s second goal of the game, will now miss next Sunday’s derby against Manchester United.Fans think it has tipped Guardiola over the edge, with one saying: “He has completely lost it.”And it is not the first bizarre moment from the Spaniard in recent weeks, having hit back at chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” by lifting six fingers to represent how many Premier League titles he has won. A clip also emerged on Friday of him being held back from confronting a fan in the street. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal planning shock £20m transfer swoop for Premier League rival’s striker who’s scored just TWO goals this season

      by

      EVERTON will cash in on Dominic Calvert-Lewin next month if the right offer comes in — and £20million could get him.The 27-year-old striker is preparing to end his eight-year stay at Goodison Park.Dominic Calvert-Lewin is ready to leave EvertonCredit: RexArsenal could be tempted into a shock swoopCredit: GettyHis contract expires next June and he has no intention of signing another.Everton remain in dire financial straits with Dan Friedkin yet to complete his £600m takeover.They are determined not to lose Calvert-Lewin for nothing and are ready to listen to bids.Calvert-Lewin can speak to foreign clubs in the January transfer window with a view to signing a pre-contract. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAC Milan fancy the front man, who signed for £1.5m from Sheffield United in 2016.But West Ham and Newcastle — who were linked in the summer — also have him on their radar.Mikel Arteta could also be tempted to boost Arsenal’s title push with Calvert-Lewin.The 11-time capped England international has scored twice in 14 games this season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe has not struck over ten goals in a Premier League term since the 2020/21 season when he hit the back of the net 16 times.And his last Three Lions cap came off the bench in a 4-0 Euro 2020 quarter-final win over Ukraine.Mikel Arteta goes full Arsene Wenger as he struggles to do up his coat after Arsenal’s win over Man Utd More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Piers Morgan leads well-wishes for Michail Antonio after horror crash trapped him in his Ferrari for 45 minutes

      by

      PIERS Morgan has lead well-wishes for Michail Antonio after a car crash saw him trapped in his Ferrari for 45 minutes. The footballer, 34, was airlifted to hospital with “shattered” legs after the horror unfolded on Coppice Row, in Epping, Essex, at around 12.50pm. Piers Morgan has led well-wishes after the horror crashCredit: RexA source told The Sun on Sunday ‘everyone at the club is very worried’Credit: GettyPhotographs at the scene show extensive damage to the front of the FerrariCredit: XThe footballer was trapped for nearly an hour before fire crews cut him freeCredit: XMichail was eventually cut free by fire crews at 1.45pm after being trapped for nearly an hour. Piers Morgan posted his well-wishes on X after shocking photographs from the scene circulated.”Whoa… this looks very bad. Hope he’s OK,” wrote the Uncensored host.When West Ham later posted a major health update stating the player was in “stable condition”, the presenter added: “Good news…”.Michail’s former team-mate Jobi McAnuff, who played with him at Reading, also wrote on Instagram: “Thoughts and prayers to Michail and his family.”It comes after the footballer’s £260,000 Ferrari FF smashed into trees after leaving the road.Ex-wife Debbie travelled from her home in Manchester to be at his bedside.A source told The Sun on Sunday: “He is in a serious condition.Most read in Football“He is conscious and communicating but everyone at the club is very worried. We are all just praying he gets through this.”Onlookers reported grey smoke pouring from the car which crashed in Theydon Bois — close to the home of West Ham owner David Sullivan.One said: “There were other cars stopped and people were on their phones calling 999.“It was awful weather, rain, wind and very slippery on the road. It didn’t look like another car was involved.”It looked like it had spun out of control.“I only found out later who he was. I hope he’s OK.”A motorist who passed the scene added: “The right wing was ripped off, as well as the right front wheel and driver’s door.“I could see firefighters had to cut away parts of the car to get him out. It looked like he had some face injuries.”Another source also claimed the footballer’s legs had been “shattered” in the crash.Horrific photographs from the scene show the shocking aftermath. Michail’s silver Ferrari lay at the side of the road on the verge of surrounding woodland. There appeared to be extensive damage to the front, driver’s side, with the windshield crumpled. Pictures revealed only the back of the car remained in tact.In an update on X, the club confirmed Michail is in a “stable condition” and remains in hospital after the single vehicle collision.The dad-of-four is “under close supervision” but is “conscious and communicating”.”West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area,” the club wrote on social media. “Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.”At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family.”The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.”Fans on X were quick to send their best wishes and prayers following the latest update.One said: “Amazing news. Here’s to speedy recovery Michail take all the time you need.”Another added: “Good news! Glad to hear this.”A third said: “Wishing Michail Antonio a speedy recovery. Glad to hear he’s in stable condition.”Thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time. Hoping for a full and quick recovery.”A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Officers investigating a serious collision in Epping are asking for witnesses and dash cam footage.”We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday 7 December to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari.”Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital.”The vehicle has been recovered and we are no longer on scene.”An investigation will be carried out by our Roads Policing Unit.”If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”Please quote incident 605 of 7 December when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.”Alternatively, please email the investigating officer, PS Mark Hewitt.”An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: “Crews were called to High Road, Epping, at 1.02pm this afternoon after reports of a road traffic collision involving one car. READ MORE SUN STORIES”On arrival firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm. “The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.”The player is in ‘stable condition’Credit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      West Ham’s Michail Antonio trapped in wrecked Ferrari for almost an HOUR before being airlifted to hospital after smash

      by

      PREM star Michail Antonio had to be cut from the wreckage of his £260,000 Ferrari yesterday after a horrific road smash.West Ham star Michail was airlifted to hospital after fire crews took almost an hour to free him from the car crash.West Ham star Michail Antonio was said to be in a serious conditionCredit: GettyPrem ace Antonio had to be cut free from his Ferrari after crashing the £260,000 motor into treesThe smashed supercar at the side of the road after the horrific accidentMichail was said to be in a serious condition after hitting trees at Theydon Bois, Essex.Shocking images showed his £260,000 Ferrari FF smashed into trees after leaving the road at 12.50pm.Fire crews alerted by other drivers battled to release the 34-year-old striker by 1.45pm.Dad-of-four Antonio was flown to a central London hospital.READ MORE ON MICHAIL ANTONIOEx-wife Debbie travelled from her home in Manchester to be at his bedside.A source told The Sun on Sunday: “He is in a serious condition.“He is conscious and communicating but everyone at the club is very worried. We are all just praying he gets through this.”Onlookers reported grey smoke pouring from the car which crashed in Theydon Bois, Essex — close to the home of West Ham owner David Sullivan.Most read in FootballOne said: “There were other cars stopped and people were on their phones calling 999.“It was awful weather, rain, wind and very slippery on the road. It didn’t look like another car was involved. It looked like it had spun out of control.West Ham star Michail Antonio involved in horror car crash “I only found out later who he was. I hope he’s OK.”A motorist who passed the scene added: “The right wing was ripped off, as well as the right front wheel and driver’s door.“I could see firefighters had to cut away parts of the car to get him out.”Dad-of-four Antonio was flown to a central London hospitalMichail Antonio was unhurt in another smash in 2019Credit: Chris EadesThe Ferrari FF was the fastest four-seat car in the world when released in 2011Credit: SuppliedEssex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews were called at 1.02pm. Firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm.”The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.”The Ferrari FF was the fastest four-seat car in the world when released in 2011.It can reach 208mph and go from 0 to 62mph in 3.7 seconds.West Ham said in a statement: “We can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident in the Essex area.’Thoughts and prayers’“Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Michail, his family and friends.”“The club will make no further comment this evening but issue a further update in due course.”West Ham face Wolves in their next Premier League match tomorrow night.South London-born Antonio crashed a Lamborghini in 2019.He began his career with non-league Tooting & Mitcham.Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospitalEssex PoliceHe joined the Hammers from Nottingham Forest in 2015 for £7million and is the London club’s all-time Premier League top scorer with 68 goals in 268 games.He was picked three times for England squads but never played. In 2021 he switched allegiance to Jamaica, where his parents are from.He is divorced from Debbie, who he married in 2017, and fronts the BBC’s Footballer’s Football podcast alongside Newcastle’s Callum Wilson.Essex Police are investigating and appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe force said: “We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday December 7 to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari.”Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital.”The crash happened close to the home of West Ham owner David SullivanCredit: Getty Images – GettyPrevious Christmas crash in LamboMICHAIL Antonio was previously involved in another supercar crash — in his £210,000 Lamborghini.He blamed an icy road when he hit a garden wall on Christmas Day 2019 — while dressed as a snowman.He said: “I’m going like 30, maybe 35, on a 30 road.“It holds corners so I’m thinking I don’t even need to brake, I’m just gonna go around the corner, sick car.“As I’m going round the corner, it skids. I s*** myself and slam on the brakes.“Worst thing you can do on ice, slam on the brakes ’cause you speed up. It’s a madness — and I’m in the snowman costume as well.”He walked away unscathed and played for West Ham on Boxing Day in a 2-1 London derby loss at Crystal Palace.By Len Read More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal receive huge transfer boost as star man William Saliba pledges future to club amid Real Madrid interest

      by

      WILLIAM SALIBA has handed Arsenal a massive boost by pledging his long-term future to the club.Spanish giants Real Madrid have made the centre-back, 23, their  No 1 summer target.Saliba joined Arsenal in 2019 and has been a regular for three yearsCredit: GettyBut the Frenchman insisted: “I feel at home here.“I signed for the club five years ago but it’s only my third season and I’m enjoying everything — the players, staff and fans.”And, asked at an Arsenal in the Community visit to Islington’s Ashmount Primary School if he  could envisage staying at the  Emirates for a long time, Saliba replied: “Yeah, of course.”Arsenal splashed out £27million to sign the then 18-year-old from Saint-Etienne in July 2019 before loaning him back.READ MORE TOP STORIESTwo more loan spells at Nice and Marseille followed.But the 6ft 3in ace has now made 102 appearances under Mikel Arteta, establishing himself as one of world’s top defenders.The boyhood Arsenal fan signed  a new four-year  deal at the club last summer.But Carlo Ancelotti’s European champions are battling a defensive injury crisis.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd ex-Bernabeu defender Rafael Alkorta, 56, said: “I love Saliba,  I would definitely sign him.”Meanwhile, the Gunners hope to move four points behind Prem leaders Liverpool with victory at Fulham on SundayArsenal dubbed the ‘new STOKE CITY’ live on Amazon Prime by Man Utd legend after corner masterclassSaliba’s backline colleagues Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori face fitness assessments.Fellow defenders Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still out injured.Arsenal will definitely not have to take on frontman Reiss Nelson.Fulham aren’t allowed to field the loanee against his parent club. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea are bang in the title-race if they beat Tottenham… they’ll be praying Spurs fans are booing Postecoglou again

      by

      IT could be a long afternoon for Tottenham against Chelsea on Sunday.We all saw how some Spurs fans booed Ange Postecoglou at the end of the Bournemouth game on Thursday, which shows what they are thinking.Chelsea will put themselves bang in the title picture if they beat TottenhamCredit: ReutersTottenham boss Ange Postecoglou was booed against BournemouthTottenham manager Postecoglou doesn’t have a settled teamCredit: GettyHarry Redknapp claims the Tottenham match may be crucial for ChelseaCredit: RexBut I just don’t know what his best team is or what we will get from them.Yes, Postecoglou has had a few injuries, especially at the back. He’s lost the two centre-halves Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, as well as goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.Despite this they had that really great performance against Manchester City but either side of that they had Crystal Palace, Ipswich and Bournemouth . . . really poor performances.They’ve now had the injury to Ben Davies as well.Read More on FootballSpurs are not a settled team. Even when they’re all fit you are not sure who is going to play.It leaves them very short at the back and if they end up putting Archie Gray alongside Radu Dragusin, I wouldn’t fancy that much especially because the two full-backs love to attack and those two would be exposed.Archie is a fantastic young talent but playing centre-half against a Chelsea side in great form is a brave one.If I was Ange I would look to play a much more defensive-looking team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSI wouldn’t be sitting here thinking, “Right, let’s go and attack them”. It’s not a day for him to be going gung-ho.He will have to make sure he puts in a really solid midfield and maybe forgoes his attacking instincts to get defensive stability in front of that pair at the back.Chelsea ratings vs SouthamptonThat could mean playing five across the midfield and Dominic Solanke on his own up top. Ange cannot afford to be open.The full-backs will have to be told they can’t just bomb forward willy-nilly but have to keep a solid base.You have to stay in the game and be patient. Maybe just take the opportunities when they come — if they get them.I know how much it matters to fans of both teams because this is a huge rivalry now. But if Tottenham fans put pressure on the players, that could play right into Chelsea’s hands.The Blues will have seen what happened on Thursday night and will try to dominate the early exchanges.Chelsea are definitely going there as favourites. They are full of confidence with a spring in their step. Yet at the start of the season they looked a bit of a mishmash and I really couldn’t see them doing anything.It can be a big problem when you have too many players who all think they should be playing. That can lead to a very difficult dressing room.But they seem to have sorted that out and things are going great. The manager is doing a good job and now people are suddenly saying, “Hang on, it’s not impossible”.When you see the team they put out to score five at Southampton in midweek, that shows everybody is buying into what they’re trying to do.Cole Palmer is the main man. He would be the X-factor for any team. But we’re seeing it with Enzo Fernandez as well now. He’s a World Cup winner and starting to show the form they bought him for.It’s the same with Moises Caicedo. Now he’s really showing what he is capable of and they are looking strong in midfield.But I also look at Nicolas Jackson. I have to be honest, when they bought him I thought, “He is just not good enough”.He was going to Bournemouth for £20million but that didn’t happen because he had an injury and I really thought the Cherries had saved themselves £20m.Now Jackson is looking a very useful player. Full credit to the manager because he has given him a bit of self belief and he’s delivering the goods.If Chelsea can continue this run, they will put themselves bang in the picture.D-DAY FOR GARY AND JULENIT will be a nervous night for both bosses at the London Stadium on Monday.For me, it’s a bit early to be thinking about pulling the trigger but West Ham and Wolves are sides that are struggling.Julen Lopetegui is under huge pressure at West HamCredit: GettyI know Gary O’Neil well and feel he’s done a great job, even though it’s been difficult with the injuries and the players he lost.He did a fantastic job at Bournemouth but now he needs a result or two at Wolves.I’ve watched a lot of their games and I feel they have been really unlucky in many of them, but the pressure is growing. The fans seemed to turn on him for the first time at Everton last week. It can get difficult when that happens — and the players sense it.What I do know is that Gary has so much to offer. He’s very good, bright as a button.I saw a lot of what he did at Bournemouth — that was fantastic — and then last year at Wanderers, but he definitely needs some luck to turn it around now.It feels a bit similar for Julen Lopetegui at the Hammers. A lot of it comes down to recruitment. I thought their signings looked good in the summer but German striker Niclas Fullkrug has barely played because he has been injured since he arrived — although he did score that late goal at Leicester.I reckon both managers would take a draw, keep their jobs and get a bit of time, because if anyone does lose the game they’re going to be under severe pressure.If Wolves can keep the crowd quiet and the fans start to get edgy and turn a bit, then it could be a tough night for the hosts.GUNNERS ARE SET TO WINTHERE have been a few people rushing to criticise Arsenal because they are scoring so many goals from set-pieces.Dimitar Berbatov said they were just a modern version of Stoke after the Manchester United game.Arsenal are right in the title mix againCredit: GettyWhat it comes down to is that they have people who want to attack the ball with a bit of movement.Their centre-halves, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, have got a bit of size but REALLY want to score.Rather than moaning about them, you have to put your best markers on their best attacking weapons.I see too many set-plays where forwards are put up against defenders — but forwards can’t defend and they get done. You have to make sure your centre-halves are on their ones.You want a good header of the ball at the near post, someone at the back post and sometimes you can have a spare man and just tell him to go wherever the ball goesAt West Ham I had Julian Dicks, a fantastic header of the ball. I would leave him free to start in the middle, attack the ball and nod it away.If I had to play against this Arsenal side I’d love to have Sol Campbell and Sylvain Distin, who played for me at Portsmouth, as my two centre-backs.Sol was a powerhouse and if he was marking you, you were never going to get ahead of him to that ball. Sylvain was also a big, strong athlete.But with Arsenal you’ve got to be aware of everything because they can hurt you from all over the place.Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are fantastic players. Odegaard pulls all the strings while Bukayo is so dangerous. They are why I think Arsenal will battle Liverpool all the way.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey’re definitely not just a good set-piece team. They are a really good team who are great at set-pieces.And when that ball comes in, they’ve got people who want to score. Fulham will have to be at their very best when the Gunners visit. More

    • 175 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is West Ham striker Michail Antonio? Jamaica star ‘stable’ after horror car crash

      by

      WEST Ham striker Michail Antonio was taken to hospital following a horror car crash.A witness told The Sun they first saw car at 12.50pm on Saturday December 7, but the West Ham star wasn’t cut out by fire crews until around 1.45pm.The Hammers posted confirmation of the smash and an update on the star’s condition: “West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area. Wreckage from Michail Antonio’s horror crashCredit: X”Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.“At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family. “The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.”Who is Michail Antonio?Born on March 28, 1990 in Wandsworth, South London, Antonio is 34-years-old.Starting his career at Tooting & Mitcham United, a non-league side, the attacker climbed the English footballing pyramid to the very top.After impressing in non-league, Antonio secured a move to Reading but spent the majority of his time on loan at other clubs. Loan spells with Cheltenham Town, Southampton, and Colchester led to the forward securing a permanent move after a loan with Sheffield Wednesday.Most read in FootballThe attacker scored 12 goals in 64 appearances for the Owls before making a £1.5 million move to Nottingham Forest.Michail Antonio celebrates scoring a stoppage time equaliser for ForestAntonio netted 16 goals in 50 appearances for Nottingham Forest, a record that caught the eye of Premier League team West Ham United.The Hammers signed the forward for £7 million in September 2015, completing Antonio’s rise to the elite of English football.West Ham United CareerSince his move, Antonio has established himself as West Ham’s all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League.Furthermore, the attacker played a vital role in winning the 2023 Europa Conference League – the Hammers’ first major trophy in 43 years.Antonio has now scored 68 goals for the HammersCredit: GettyInitially, Antonio played a variety of roles in the squad – appearing as a right-back and a winger. Shortly, the attacker established himself as West Ham’s starting forward and remains a key member of the match day squad.International Playing CareerIn 2016, Antonio rejected the opportunity to play for the Jamaican national side and was called up to the England team by Sam Allardyce and Gareth Southgate.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite being called up, the forward never made an appearance for the Lions and switched his allegiance to Jamaica in 2021.Now, the striker has five goals in 21 appearances for The Reggae Boyz. More