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      If Arsenal lose to Liverpool, they are OUT of the Premier League title race… the gulf is massive’

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      LOSE to Liverpool, and Arsenal are out of the Premier League title race.That is according to Paul Merson, who believes the Gunners cannot afford to fall behind because the “gulf is massive” at the top.Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes Sunday’s crunch clash against Liverpool is a must win gameMartin Odegaard remains unavailable for selection with the Norway star desperate to return to trainingQuestion marks hang over Bukayo Saka’s availability after the Arsenal ace limped off during England’s 2-1 defeat to Greece in the Nations LeagueArsenal, who sit third in the Prem after a shock 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth last time out, host leaders Liverpool on Sunday.But they will do so without the spine of their team.With captain Martin Odegaard out with an ankle injury sustained on international duty, Bukayo Saka a doubt and William Saliba suspended after a red card at the Vitality Stadium last Saturday.And former Gunner Merson believes Sunday’s crunch clash could determine Arsenal’s Prem title hopes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMerson told Sky Sports: “This is a big football match, a huge football match. “I’d go as far as to say that if Arsenal get beat here, I think they’re out of it. I really do.”And people can say ‘Oh there’s 29 games left’ but after Manchester City beat Southampton, Arsenal will be six behind them.”And if they lose on the weekend, they’re going to be seven behind Liverpool.Most read in FootballArsenal suffered their first defeat of the season after going down to 10 men at BournemouthFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”These teams put up figures and don’t look like they’re going to get beat by the lesser teams. The gulf is massive. I think this is a huge game.”Arsenal could also be without Riccardo Calafiori, who came away from their cagey 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk injured, and Jurrien Timber, who picked up a knock against PSG, when Liverpool come to town.Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal suffered with tiredness against Shakhtar Donetsk Mikel Arteta admitted his side were tired in the second half against Shakhtar, who could have earned themselves a point were it not for David Raya’s excellent save to deny Pedrinho’s long-range shot in the 92nd minute.Liverpool have a couple of injury problems of their own and have a day less to recover after their 1-0 trip to RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday.Goalkeeper Alisson is out with a hamstring injury while question marks remain over Diogo Jota, after the Portugal star limped off in the opening stages of their 2-1 win over Chelsea last weekend.It may not be must-win just yet, but it’s close to must-not-lose for Arsenal.Because while the gulf is massive, the margin for error is small. Mikel Arteta’s side are already four points off leaders Liverpool and three points behind last season’s title rivals City, who host 19th place Southampton, who are winless this term.But Merson might be being too hasty as Arsenal suffered four defeats by New Year last season, going onto to lose five games all season.Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A More

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      I tried £9 ‘best jerk chicken in London’ that is a stone’s throw from Prem ground – I was blown away by the flavour

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      PREMIER LEAGUE fans are treated to some of the best players and managers in the world – and at one ground they can have the best jerk chicken in London.Original Tasty Jerk is just a stone’s throw from Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park stadium.Original Tasty Jerk has become a hotspot for Premier League fansThe takeaway has received rave reviewsSunSport reporter Robbie Murdoch labelled the food ‘outstanding’Fans can get their hands on some tasty jerk chicken for just £9There are a variety of items on the menu including rice and peasJerk seabass is amongst the specialtiesRobbie went for the OTJ mixSide dish options including plantain and dumplingOriginal Tasty Jerk is located a stone’s throw from Selhurst ParkIt is a hotspot for fans – both home and away – on matchday, with queues stretching out the door.And for good reason, having been listed in The Observer’s “30 things we love in the world of food right now” last year.Reviews on Google label the takeaway the “best jerk chicken in the UK” with “magic” in their recipes.Now SunSport can vouch for those claims after trying out a selection of Tasty Jerk’s offerings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReporter Robbie Murdoch ventured to South London where he tasted several dishes and shared his review.He said: “We went for the jerk seabass and the spicy fish melts off the bone.”We also had the OTJ mix, which is a variety of their best meats, plus traditional sides of dumpling, plantain, and rice and peas with extra gravy.”You get an absolute mountain of food which we could not wait to devour on the wall outside – just as thousands of fans do. Outstanding.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans can pick up a meal for as little as £9 with goat and pork also on the menu.And the establishment has become so iconic Crystal Palace even announced the appointment of Frank de Boer by filming the white smoke emitting from the Tasty Jerk chimney in 2017.Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner had expected a better start to the season More

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      Atletico Madrid suffer ‘worst VAR decision ever’ as fans fume at ‘robbery of the highest degree’ in Champions League

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      ATLETICO MADRID fans and boss Diego Simeone have been left fuming after they conceded a harsh-looking penalty during their Champions League clash with Lille.Madrid were looking to get back to winning ways in the competition after suffering a huge 4-0 defeat to Benfica last time out.Atletico Madrid fans and players were left fuming that Marco Guida had awarded a penaltyCredit: EPAJonathan David converted the penalty to make it 2-1 to LilleCredit: AFPDiego Simeone received a yellow card for his protestsCredit: GettyHowever, they ended up falling to a 3-1 defeat at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday night.They had taken the lead after eight minutes through Julian Alvarez.However, the French outfit managed to equalise with super-sub Edon Zhegrova in the 61st minute.With the balance of the game on a knife edge, referee Marco Guida then awarded a penalty to the visitors.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was initially assumed that this was given for an alleged handball by Koke.But it was later revealed that the spot kick was awarded for a trip by the Atletico Madrid captain immediately afterwards.And replays showed that the ball never touched Koke’s arm but that of a Lille player.The footage also revealed that Koke made only minimal contact with his opponent during the incident immediately afterwards which saw the penalty awarded.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVAR reviewed the incident and after several moments ruled that the on-field decision should stand, though Guida did not go to the monitor to check. Jonathan David stepped up to slot home the subsequent penalty in the 74th minute, before later adding Lille’s third goal of the night in the 89th minute.’Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark HalseySimeone, 54, was furious at the decision and received a yellow card for his protests. Speaking after the game, he said: “It wasn’t a penalty.”We’ve been watching the replays, the referee must have made a mistake about what he saw, and those on the VAR weren’t able to help him.”Fans echoed the emotive Argentine’s sentiment on social media, with one saying: “VAR did NOT overturn Lille’s penalty???????????? This may be the worst VAR decision I have ever seen.”Lille’s had handball, not Atletico’s player. Madness. Maybe I’m blind, someone explain.”A second said: “Lille is robbing you at home. Zero respect for this team in this competition of the f***ing devil. “They have whistled for a penalty for Koke’s touch on the boot of a guy who was falling to the ground.”Another said: “Keep rewatching this Lille penalty, and there’s no explanation as to why this was given. “There was no foul. There’s a Lille handball in the box before the call. There’s no handball by anyone from Atleti. So what exactly is the decision for? A robbery of the highest degree.”And former Champions League final referee Mateu Lahoz said: “It is possible that the referee makes a mistake and sees Koke’s handball. But VAR is a tool that has to help. “The VAR referee had no experience, he was not given the opportunity, he was not invited to see it. It is impossible to explain what he called.”He added: “It’s a black night for refereeing. The VAR came in for plays like these.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe result leaves the Spanish side down in 27th in the table, with their next game seeing them take a trip to Paris Saint-Germain.Meanwhile, Lille are 15th in the table and firmly in the play-off spots, with their next game seeing them host Juventus.New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink. More

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      Sofyan Amrabat opens up on Man Utd exit and says ‘you’ll have to ask Mr Wilcox’ before adding ‘I hope they lose’

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      SOFYAN AMRABAT has revealed that Erik ten Hag wanted to keep him at Manchester United – but the Old Trafford hierarchy had other ideas.The midfielder also sent a cryptic message to club chief Jason Wilcox ahead of United’s visit to Fenerbahce in the Europa League tonight.Fenerbahce loanee Sofyan Amrabat has opened up on his Manchester United exitThe Morocco international revealed that Erik ten Hag wanted to activate his loan dealAmrabat spent last season on loan at Old Trafford from Fiorentina and racked up 30 appearances across all competitions. He impressed towards the end of the campaign, producing an excellent performance in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City.But that was the last time he would wear the United shirt.On his exit, he told The Mail: “I have a special relationship with Ten Hag since I was a 20-year-old at Utrecht.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”He wanted to keep me this summer so I wish him the best but not for Thursday. I hope they lose.”The Morocco international was then asked if he’d like to share anything else about his departure.To which he cryptically responded: “The only thing that I want to say is that you have to ask Mr Wilcox.”Wilcox, 53, is the technical director at Carrington who has overall responsibility for “football performance, recruitment and operations”.Most read in FootballAmrabat cryptically directed the blame for his failed moved towards Man Utd technical director Jason WilcoxFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTen Hag wanted to activate the option to permanently buy Amrabat for £21m but the United echelons thought otherwise, opting to go for Manuel Ugarte from PSG for £51m instead.Despite a strong performance in the FA Cup final, ongoing injuries meant that he did not start a single Prem game between Christmas and the end of April.Sofyan Amrabat looks shocked after receiving gift off young Man Utd fan in ‘beautiful’ momentAmrabat expressed his desire to join United on a permanent basis after falling in love with the city and the club in an otherwise difficult season.In fact, Amrabat reportedly refused to train with his Fiorentina teammates in a bid to try and force through a return to M16.United mulled over the prospect of re-signing the 28-year-old but a deal failed to materialise.He joined Fenerbahce on loan in August and is set to feature in Thursday’s Europa League tie against his former side.Amrabat will join another Old Trafford outcast in Fred, under former United boss Jose Mourinho, who lifted the Europa League with the Prem giants in 2017.Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8mFred revealed that he was also emotional when United sold him to Fenerbahce for £13m last summer.He told The Mail: “It was tough because we had adapted to life in Manchester and my wife was pregnant. But football is like this and Fenerbahce supported me a lot.”When the Europa League draw pitted Fenerbahce – who beat United 2-1 in their last encounter eight years ago when Mourinho was manager – against the Reds, Fred was straight on WhatsApp to his former team-mates.He revealed: “I messaged Bruno Fernandes saying ‘We will kill you’ and he responded that ‘No, we will kill you’.”But then my friend got a red card against Porto so he won’t play with us.” He admits there is still a tinge of sadness seeing United struggle.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “They are not in the best moment but I support them.”I’m upset when they don’t get good results or don’t play well but against us, it’s different. On Thursday, they can’t play well.”Fred spent five seasons at United after signing for £50m under Jose MourinhoMan Utd player ratings vs BrentfordBy Neil CustisMANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.ANDRE ONANA – 6Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.DIOGO DALOT – 6Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.JONNY EVANS – 7Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.RASMUS HOJLUND – 7After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.SUBSTITUTESJoshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6A change that probably should have come earlier. More

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      Sunderland fans in hysterics as captain Luke O’Nien ‘auditions for WWE’ in post-match brawl at Luton

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      SUNDERLAND captain Luke O’Nien left fans in stitches after launching himself into a post-match brawl against Luton.The Black Cats came from behind to claim a 2-1 win at Kenilworth Road thanks to goals from Chris Rigg and Romaine Mundle.Sunderland captain Luke O’Nien left fans in hysterics on Wednesday nightCredit: RexO’Nien leapt into the post-match brawl between Sunderland and LutonCredit: XHis jump into the fight was compared to a WWE wrestling moveCredit: XThe three points maintains their impressive start which sees them top the Championship table.But the victory was not without incident after the final whistle.A melee ensued between both sets of players, with members of the coaching staff also getting involved.Skipper O’Nien, 29, then flew into shot as he launched himself over a number of bodies and on top of the fighting.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe centre-back came through the academy of Luton’s bitter rivals Watford.And Sunderland fans were loving the way he reacted to the brawl in “absolutely mad” fashion.One said: “Royal Rumble winner heading in over the top rope.”Another added: “@LukeONien loves it and we love him.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third replied: “Yes but he’s OUR kind of mad 🤣.”While a fourth responded: “Might as well jump…”Chris Rigg talks about his journey to becoming a player for Sunderland O’Nien was one of four players booked for the incident alongside team-mate Jobe Bellingham and Luton pair Tom Holmes and Carlton Morris.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Man City break Man Utd’s impressive Champions League record due to Uefa loophole as fans left fuming

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      MANCHESTER CITY have set a new record for the longest Champions League unbeaten streak… despite going out of the competition to Real Madrid last season.Pep Guardiola’s side sealed the impressive feat by trouncing Sparta Prague 5-0 at the Etihad last night.Man City trounced Sparta Prague at the EtihadCredit: RexThe win made it 26 “unbeaten” in the Champions League for City.They won the competition in the 2023-24 season to achieve a remarkable Treble.City’s Champions League defence came to an end in the quarter-finals last term, when they were knocked out by Real Madrid.The first leg in Madrid finished 3-3, before the Spanish giants triumphed on penalties in Manchester following a 1-1 draw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs both games finished level within regulation time, Uefa view them as draws – despite City losing the tie.This means that in Uefa’s eyes, Guardiola’s men have broken the record of 25 Champions League games unbeaten previously set by Manchester United.Sir Alex Ferguson’s side achieved the feat between 2007 and 2009, winning the 2007-08 competition in Moscow before finally losing to Barcelona in the following year’s Rome final.City’s win last night also saw them claim the unbeaten run record across all Uefa tournaments, taking into account their Super Cup win in 2023.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUefa’s report read: “With tonight’s victory, Manchester City have set a new Uefa competition matches record of 27 games unbeaten.”This passes Espanyol’s previous mark of 26, achieved between 2006 and 2019, with City having last been beaten in a Uefa fixture by Real Madrid in May 2022.”Pep Guardiola says part of him will leave Man City when Txiki Begiristain goes Man Utd fans on social media were left unhappy with Uefa’s verdict.One wrote on X: “Wrong !!!! They lost to real madrid in the champions league last season hahaha community note incoming.”While a posted: “Can’t accept stats like this when they didn’t win the competition last season. They lost in a penalty shootout. Yes, technically not a match lost but they went out. Knock out football has to have a winner and a loser. That’s the game.”A third blasted it as “a nonsense stat”.And another added: “They haven’t. Stop this rubbish. They lost in the UCL semi final last season.”City’s last recognised defeat in Uefa competitions came in their dramatic 2021-22 semi-final against Real Madrid.Riyad Mahrez’s goal had given them a 5-3 lead on aggregate, before Rodrygo’s double in the 90th and 91st minutes stunned City and took the tie to extra time.Karim Benzema then scored a penalty five minutes into extra time to consign City to a 6-5 aggregate defeat.City have so far gathered seven points from nine available during this year’s revamped League Phase.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey drew 0-0 with Inter Milan at home on matchday one, in a repeat of the 2023 final.Goals by Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and James McAtee saw them trounce Slovan Bratislava 4-0 on matchday two, prior to last night’s 5-0 thumping of Sparta Prague.Man City ratings vs Sparta PragueBy Ken LawrenceMANCHESTER CITY put in a five star performance as they romped to victory over Sparta Prague.The Citizens ran out 5-0 winners at the Etihad with Pep Guardiola’s side bagging four goals in the second half.Phil Foden gave the hosts the perfect start as he fired in the opener inside just three minutes.Erling Haaland also got himself on the scoresheet in the second half.The Norweigian striker had plenty of attempts to score, but it was his improvised finish in the 58th minute that found its way past Peter Vindahl Jensen.John Stones made it three with a brilliant looping header to add to his solid performance at the back.Haaland got his second in the 67th minute to make it 44 in the Champions League.Matheus Nunes was also impressed as he netted from the spot in the closing stages, which added to his two assists.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of Pep Guardiola’s side…Stefan Ortega – 5Almost a spectator, but at least it wasn’t cold or pouring down.Nathan Ake – 5Back after injury and unlucky to have City’s second chalked off.Manuel Akanji – 5Training games against his own team-mates are far harder than this was.John Stones – 7Followed his winner against Wolves with another towering header.Rico Lewis – 6The young multi-tasker produced a typical all-action displayMatheus Nunes – 7He claimed two assists and bagged his first-ever Champions League goal from the spot late on.Savinho – 5Supposed to be the new Samba man but didn’t dance that great.Ilkay Gundogan – 7The midfielder cruised through the 100th Champions League game of his career.Bernardo Silva – 6Quiet, effective and a non-stop cog spinning the City wheel.Phil Foden – 7It was a slick early finish in only his fourth start of the season, but the spark faded.Erling Haaland – 9Even Pep Guardiola couldn’t quite believe his amazing airborne strike before he added his second.SubsMateo Kovacic (for Bernardo Silva 69) – 5Couldn’t have had an easier task by the time he emerged.James McAtee (for Gundogan 69) – 5A few minutes of Champions League experience with no strain.Josko Gvardiol (for Ake 74) – 5Just a pleasant walk in the park….Ruben Dias (for Stones 74) – 5He won’t have minded stretching his legs for a bit.Nico O’Reilly (for Haaland 81) – 5The young attacker replaced a living legend. More

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      Jack Grealish beams as he and Sasha Attwood are seen out for the first time with baby Mila and dog Skye

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      PROUD dad Jack Grealish beamed as he and Sasha Attwood enjoyed a family day out with their new baby girl and pet pooch.Sasha and Jack welcomed little Mila in September and took to Instagram earlier this month to announce their happy news.Jack beams as he visits a farm shop with his growing familySasha glowed as she dressed comfortably for the outingThe footie ace laughs as he scoops up their pet poochNew mum Sasha looked over the moon during their family day outAnd they were seen looking over the moon as they visited a local farm shop this week.New mum Sasha glowed as she dressed comfortably in a black tracksuit. She pushed her baby daughter in a grey and black pram. Meanwhile Manchester City midfielder Jack was equally casual in a puffer jacket, joggers and designer trainers.More on Jack GrealishThe couple – who have been together for 10 years – welcomed Mila just hours before Jack lined up for Manchester City to play Newcastle on September 27.Describing his hectic 24 hours days later, the England favourite told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Obviously had a little girl last Friday. It was the best moment of my life, as you can imagine.”I don’t really know how to explain it. You feel so many good moments in your life, but that just tops everything.”It was an unbelievable day, because actually Sasha had a scan on the Friday morning and then she realised she was going to come a few weeks early, so I had to leave training on the Friday.Most read in Football”I got the train up to London and then it happened on the Friday afternoon. I stayed there obviously for two or three hours, and then I had to get a plane all the way to Newcastle.”I arrived at probably gone midnight at the hotel and, yeah, I was playing the next morning at 12:30 at Newcastle away. It was an unbelievable 24 hours.”Jack Grealish owes Trent Alexander-Arnold £500 as he’s made to regret wager within seconds during England clashJack and Sasha announced Mila’s arrival with a black and white photo of the tot gripping a finger with the words “Mila Rose Grealish 27/09/24.”The couple only revealed they were expecting in July, with a snap of Jack cradling Sasha’s blossoming bump.Jack has since opened up on the hectic 24 hours that saw him become a dad for the first timeJack and Sasha have been together for 10 yearsCredit: Instagram More

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      ‘This guy isn’t real,’ say Chelsea fans as new signing breaks Neymar’s record in Brazil

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      CHELSEA fans have been left gushing over new signing Estevao Willian after he broke a record held by Neymar.The teen sensation has earned the nickname “Messinho”, and it appears to be with good reason.Estevao Willian has left fans stunned ahead of his transfer to ChelseaCredit: GettyHe has broken a record held by NeymarCredit: GettyThe Brazilian winger has been in impressive form for Palmeiras, with 16 goals to his name this season in all competitions.But a goal and assist in his most recent Brazilian Série A game against Juventude has seen him eclipse Neymar’s record for most goal contributions in the competition for an under-17.He now has a total of 18, made up of ten goals and eight assists.Neymar’s record was set back in 2009, and saw him contribute a total of 16 goals and assists.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAhead of completing his transfer to Chelsea next summer, worth up to £53million, fans have been left stunned by his talent, and a clip showing he maybe won’t stay down as often as Neymar either.Reacting on social media, one fan said: “This Estevao guy isn’t real.”Being able to be that good on the ball and make the right decisions almost every time, having the burst to go past players on the wing and having the awareness to do it centrally and make runs in behind and finish too.”A second said: “Estêvão Willian is a warrior.”Most read in FootballNeymar breaks down in tears and reveals ‘each day I am away is a day of suffering’ after injury hellA third said: “The talent of this guy is crazy.”Another said: “Defenders will suffer next season.”Neymar has also heaped praise on the prodigy, saying: “Congratulations Estêvão Willian for breaking the record!” He continued: “I hope you continue shining & enchanting people with your football.”Neymar, 32, achieved his record with Santos before joining Barcelona in 2013. He later moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he had an underwhelming spell, before joining Al Hilal where he has struggled with injury. More