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      ‘Can’t make this up’ – Arsenal fans moan that Isak is OUT vs Liverpool… but table shows they should be happy about it

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      ARSENAL fans moaned after Alexander Isak was ruled out of Newcastle’s clash with Liverpool – even though the table shows they should actually be HAPPY about it.The Gunners were in action against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night and looking to keep up the pressure in what is increasingly becoming a one-horse title race.Arsenal fans moaned after Alexander Isak missed Newcastle’s trip to LiverpoolCredit: AlamyLiverpool were already 11 points clear of second-place Arsenal, who lost to West Ham at the weekend.And Arne Slot’s men made that a 13-point gap after beating Newcastle 2-0, while the Gunners were held to a 0-0 draw at the City Ground.However, Liverpool were given a gift before their game against the Magpies.Newcastle have been carried to sixth in the table by striker Isak.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Swede has banged in 19 goals and is their biggest threat by a mile.Fortunately for Liverpool, Isak missed out on Newcastle’s trip to Anfield this evening with a groin injury.But Arsenal fans were left complaining about Liverpool at not having to face one of the league’s best players.One said: “Isak injured, you can’t make this up.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother declared: “Arsenal fans going mental.”One noted: “Most gifted title run in history.”‘Second again, ole ole’ – Brutal West Ham fans taunt Arsenal with three cheeky chants after stunning the EmiratesAnother added: “Happy days for Liverpool.”However, the Premier League table suggests that Arsenal should actually have been happy about Isak’s absence.That’s because they were closer to sixth-place Newcastle than to league leaders Liverpool before kick-off.Toon were only nine points behind the Gunners.One fan chuckled: “Always something to moan about.”Another added: “Every team has injuries, it’s unfortunate.” More

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      Patrick Dorgu SENT OFF for potential leg-breaker after VAR check as he suffers nightmare first half for Man Utd

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      PATRICK DORGU was sent for an early bath at a rain-soaked Old Trafford after a horror tackle. The Manchester United defender saw red for a late lunge on Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson. Patrick Dorgu was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Omari HutchinsonThe 20-year-old endured a miserable half at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersThe defender was given a straight red after a VAR checkCredit: GettyDorgu was partially at fault for the Tractor Boys taking the lead after a comedy mix-up with keeper Andre Onana.And just before the break he was given a straight red card for a potential leg-breaker on Hutchinson. Referee Darren England had not initially seen the challenge, with VAR recommending another look. Dorgu dived in late on Hutchinson, who had slipped in the wet conditions at the Theatre of Dreams. READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe 20-year-old’s studs planted down firmly on the winger’s shin. And England had no hesitation in showing a straight red card following the VAR check. One fan gasped on X: “Yeeesh. That’s a leg breaker right there. Glad Hutchinson is okay.”Another sighed: “This job only gets harder and harder for Amorim every week.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile a third commented: “Should get more than three matches.”Dorgu’s nightmare game started with a shocking error to gift relegation-threatened Ipswich the lead.Ruben Amorim admits he and Man Utd players ALL fighting for their jobs between now and the end of the seasonMan Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Maguire saves the day after Onana makes case to be WORST ever signingMANCHESTER UNITED eased their fears of the drop in a topsy-turvy relegation six-pointer with Ipswich.The Red Devils triumphed 3-2 despite playing the second half with ten men.A major cock-up from Patrick Dorgu and Andre Onana saw Ipswich take a third-minute lead through Jaden Philogene.Then, after United had recovered to lead 2-1, Dorgu saw a straight red card for a poor challenge on Omari Hutchinson.Philogene scored again to level it before the break only for Harry Maguire to nod in to be United’s saviour.But who was United’s best player on the night?Here, SunSport’s Phil Thomas reveals his Manchester United player ratings…After a long ball downfield, Dorgu was chased by Philogene and looked set to tap the ball back to Onana.But the United keeper came rushing out of his goal, resulting in a disastrous failure of communication.Dorgu failed to look up and his backpass sailed right by Onana, who dived to try and stop the ball.With both United players stranded, Philogene could just walk through and tap into an empty net. United hit back through a Sam Morsy own goal and Matthijs De Ligt to take the lead.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut following Dorgu’s moment of madness, Philogene tapped in his second to level things up at the break.Harry Maguire got his pals out trouble with a header almost straight after the break before United held on for a much-needed 3-2 win. More

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      Why is Arne Slot not on the touchline for Liverpool vs Newcastle?

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      LIVERPOOL welcome Newcastle for a huge Premier League clash TONIGHT!The Reds are flying high at the top of the Prem table, sitting 11 points clear of Arsenal in second.Arne Slot was involved in a firey exchange with the match officials after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw away at Everton earlier this monthCredit: ReutersArne Slot will not want his side to take their foot off the gas despite their hefty advantage.Liverpool will need to be on their A-game this evening against Champions League hopefuls Newcastle.But the Reds will be without their gaffer on the touchline – SunSport details the reason why below.Why is Arne Slot not on the touchline for Liverpool vs Newcastle?Slot will be missing from the touchline for Liverpool’s next two games as a result of being handed a two-game touchline ban plus a £70,000 fine for his actions post-match at the Merseyside derby earlier this month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLiverpool were informed of the FA’s decision to ban Slot yesterday (Tuesday), which means he will be absent from the touchline for Newcastle tonight and their following Premier League game on March 8, which is Southampton. Following the full-time whistle of the pulsating 2-2 draw between the two Merseyside clubs, Slot was seen exchanging words with one of the assistant referees before shaking hands with referee Michael Oliver, who showed him a straight red card.The FA deemed Slot acted in “an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards both the match referee and an assistant referee after the match had finished.”Slot admitted the charge.Most read in FootballThe Dutchman’s assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, was also handed a straight red and a £7,000 fine, so he, too, will miss Liverpool’s next two Premier League fixtures for a similar charge.Former Everton defender Johnny Heitinga is expected to be the man in the dug-out for both games as Liverpool aim to close in on the title.What’s been said?Here’s what Arne Slot had to say on his red card following the Liverpool vs Everton match: ”Emotions got the better of me. If I could do that differently, if I look back I would love to do that differently, and I hope to do that differently next time.”I think what happened was that the extra five minutes ended up being eight. It happened a lot.”I should have acted differently after the game, but it’s an emotional sport and sometimes individuals make wrong decisions and that’s definitely what I did.” More

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      Why is Alexander Isak not playing for Newcastle?

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      ALEXANDER ISAK will not play for Newcastle against Liverpool tonight due to an INJURY. With 19 goals in 24 appearances this season, the Newcastle striker has been one of the Premier League’s most imperious players. Isak has been an ever-present for Newcastle this season but will not feature in the crucial clash at AnfieldOnly Mohamed Salah has scored more goals than the Swede in the division.However, Isak, 24, has been pulled out of the Magpies’ team for this evening’s blockbuster match on Merseyside due to a “slight groin problem.”After recovering from a hamstring injury, Eddie Howe selected Callum Wilson to start in his stead. This is the England international’s first start of the Premier League season.LIVERPOOL VS NEWCASTLE LIVE – LATEST UPDATESREAD MORE IN NEWCASTLE UNITEDAgainst the table-toppers, Wilson, who entered the game as a late replacement in Newcastle’s 4-3 victory against Nottingham Forest, will be flanked by Antony Gordon and Jacob Murphy.A short statement on Newcastle’s official X account stated, “Alexander Isak misses out through a slight groin problem this evening,” prior to kickoff. More

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      ‘Opening the comedy show early’ – Onana and new signing Dorgu in shocking mix-up in latest Man Utd disasterclass

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      MANCHESTER UNITED hit out at Andre Onana after another horrendous mistake.Ipswich forward Jaden Philogene tapped into an empty net after a moment of madness from Onana and United new-boy Patrick Dorgu.Andre Onana was at the centre of another disastrous goal as Man Utd went behindCredit: ReutersJaden Philogene tapped into an empty net at Old TraffordCredit: GettyOnana had rushed out and missed Patrick Dorgu’s back passCredit: GettyThere appeared to be no communication between Onana and DorguCredit: TNT Philogene could simply run through and pass into the empty netCredit: TNT Ipswich hit the ball long in the early stages at a rain-sodden Theatre of Dreams. Dorgu was chased by Philogene and looked set to tap the ball back to Onana, with little immediate danger. But Onana came rushing out of his goal, resulting in a disastrous failure of communication. Dorgu failed to look up and his backpass sailed right by Onana, who dived to try and stop the ball. READ MORE ON MAN UTDPhilogene was able to jog through and tap into an empty net, as Dorgu threw his hands out in frustration.One fan groaned on X: “Dorgu and Onana open the comedy show early.”And another raged: “Onana is the worst keeper in Prem history.”And a third said: “Dorgu eyes are on the ball, how is he supposed to know if Onana is coming out to get the ball? No sign of Onana shouting or talking to him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut a fourth countered: “I feel like that’s Dorgu’s fault, why is he making a heavy touch when the keeper is clearly running past that space.”While a fifth joked: “What time do Man United kick off? Every 5 minutes by the look of it.” ‘He battered me’ – Wayne Rooney reveals worst ever rollicking from Sir Alex Ferguson and Man Utd legend snapped backMan Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Maguire saves the day after Onana makes case to be WORST ever signingMANCHESTER UNITED eased their fears of the drop in a topsy-turvy relegation six-pointer with Ipswich.The Red Devils triumphed 3-2 despite playing the second half with ten men.A major cock-up from Patrick Dorgu and Andre Onana saw Ipswich take a third-minute lead through Jaden Philogene.Then, after United had recovered to lead 2-1, Dorgu saw a straight red card for a poor challenge on Omari Hutchinson.Philogene scored again to level it before the break only for Harry Maguire to nod in to be United’s saviour.But who was United’s best player on the night?Here, SunSport’s Phil Thomas reveals his Manchester United player ratings…Dorgu’s night soon got even worse after he was sent off for a horror lunge on Omari Hutchinson after 42 minutes.It capped yet another sorry episode in what has been a shocking season by United’s high standards.Going into the game, Amorim’s under-performers had picked up just 15 points from 15 games since he arrived in November.The Portuguese boss said prior to the contest: “This year was really hard for everybody.”We had a lot of changes. But if you have a team that is playing well and winning it is easier for people to understand them.Dorgu was sent off for this challenge on HutchinsonCredit: Getty“But in this moment we are in a difficult period inside the club and on the pitch so we have to fight against this feeling, do our job and try our best to help the team to perform better“I understand all the critics, you have to accept it and try to change it. But since I arrived I expect to win all the games at home.”Despite the poor start, United managed to level midway through the first half.Bruno Fernandes whipped over an inch-perfect free kick, with Sam Morsy only able to head into his own net.And just minutes later Matthijs de Ligt put the Red Devils ahead to put a smile back on Amorim’s face – and save Onana’s blushes.They went into half-time level after Jaden Philogene’s cross went straight in after more confusion in the United box.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Harry Maguire got free in the box to head in what turned out to be the winner just minutes after the break.Victory for United was their first win in the league in exactly a month – and saw them leapfrog Everton into 14th in the Premier League. More

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      Cole Palmer named sexiest footballer of 2025 as Chelsea star joined by Cristiano Ronaldo and Jude Bellingham in top 10

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      HE’S already the man with the best figures in football.And now passionate fans agree – there’s nothing hotter than Cole.Cole Palmer made ‘shorts thrift’ of the opposition for attractivenessCredit: RexCristiano Ronaldo didn’t even make the six pack – as he came eighthCredit: @cristianoJude Bellingham came out top in one region but not overallCredit: SKIMSCristiano Ronaldo famously had a bust made of bronze.But Cole Palmer still destroys him for vital statistics – after being named the sexiest footballer of 2025.The Chelsea hero is already the Premier League king for goals and assists.And a new survey for the UK places Palmer ahead of the pack for attractiveness – in more alluring ways than just stats.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 22-year-old was backed by 19% of respondents – pipping Jude Bellingham (17%) and Jack Grealish (15%).Judging by that trio of creative talents, maybe fans dream of making a play for playmakers?Real Madrid ace Bellingham, Manchester City’s Grealish and fourth-placed Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice all cost £100million-plus.So if money can’t can’t buy you love, maybe an expensive price tag helps with your sexiness.Most read in FootballJack Grealish caused a ripple but only enough for third placeCredit: Twitter @ManCityThis infamous bust of Ronaldo won’t have helped his causeCredit: AFP or licensorsBut this Ron remake in 2017 took a weight off his smouldersBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe poll by Slottozilla asked 2,500 UK adults aged 18-55 to assess the  attractiveness of 50 leading footballers, based on certain criteria.Those qualities included: facial symmetry and features, grooming and personal style, on-field presence and charisma, and social media appeal and engagement.Cole Palmer shows off his goal scoring skills at Chelsea Training HOW THE TOP 10 RANKHERE’S the leading pack after 50 big-name footballers were rated for their attractiveness.1 Cole Palmer (Chelsea & England) – 19%2 Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England) – 17%3 Jack Grealish (Man City & England) – 15%4 Declan Rice (Arsenal & England) – 12%5 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool & England) – 10%6 Bukayo Saka (Arsenal & England) – 8%7 Marcus Rashford (Man Utd & England) – 7%8 Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr & Portugal) – 6%9 Erling Haaland (Man City & Norway) – 4%10 Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid & France) – 2%Trent Alexander-Arnold was the fifth and final player to reach 10%.Next came Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Ronaldo, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in 10th spot.So the leading seven were Lions hearted – all experienced England internationals.Manchester United and Portugal legend Ronaldo, 40, has won five Ballons d’Or.But his 6% score in the sexiness chart was way below the winner of what might for now be called the ‘Palmer Adore’ award.Yet in a regional breakdown for attractiveness, Al-Nassr striker Ron did come first in one area – Northern Ireland.Palmer dominated in the North West & Midlands with a huge 24%, no doubt helped by his roots at home-town club Manchester City.Grealish triumphed in the London & South East, apparently thanks to his “sharp looks and effortless style”.Meanwhile, City team-mate Haaland came out tops in Scotland due to his “powerful physique and striking features”.READ MORE SUN STORIESFans in Wales singled out Bellingham, noting his “confidence and continental charm”. But although Jude was the favourite in the Dragons country, it was Palmer who was the clear victor across the whole of the UK for starting a fire of amorous thoughts.Declan Rice might be reflecting on missing out on the top threeCredit: GettyErling Haaland can celebrate Scotland rating him No 1 for sexinessCredit: Rex More

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      Liverpool vs Newcastle live stream: How to watch huge Premier League clash TONIGHT

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      MIDWEEK Premier League action sees fans treated to a preview of the Carabao Cup final at Anfield as Newcastle take on Liverpool.Arne Slot’s Reds and Eddie Howe’s Toon are set to clash next month at Wembley. Mo Salah is having arguably his best season in a Liverpool shirtCredit: EPA/ADAM VAUGHANAlexander Isak has helped Newcastle reach a cup final and challenge for the top fourCredit: GettyThe Reds have seen the teams chasing them continuously falling over hurdles and must feel as though they already have one hand on the Premier League title.Arne Slot is close to the title in his first season, extending Liverpool’s Premier League lead to 11 points after his side beat City and Arsenal were beaten by West Ham last weekend.In what could be his final season at Liverpool, Mo Salah is putting on a show for Premier League fans.Dubbed “the Egyptian King,” Salah has scored in EIGHT consecutive Premier League games.Read more FootballHowever, Newcastle are not coming to serenade the king and will be looking to add three crucial points to their Champions League charge.Eddie Howe and the Toon know the value of a victory here is worth more than three points – as a win at Anfield would give them a psychological edge ahead of Wembley next month.How to watch Liverpool vs Newcastle and is there a live stream?ALL of the Premier League games between Tuesday, February 25 and Thursday, February 27 are LIVE in the UK.Liverpool vs Newcastle will be live on TNT Sports 1 on Wednesday, February 26.The game will also be available for stream on Discovery+.Alternatively, follow along with SunSport’s live blog.Liverpool vs Newcastle kick-off timeLiverpool vs Newcastle will kick off at 8:15pm GMTAction from Anfield is available LIVE on TNT Sports 1 or for streaming on Discovery+Most read in Football More

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      Erik ten Hag ‘would have sent Marcus Rashford to seventh-tier Macclesfield’ if he’d had enough strikers at Man Utd

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      ERIK TEN HAG said he wanted to send Marcus Rashford to non-league Macclesfield – but he just did not have enough strikers.The forward found himself in hot water twice last season and was disciplined by Manchester United.Erik ten Hag wanted to send Marcus Rashford to MacclesfieldCredit: GettyFirst Rashford was sanctioned after arriving late for a team meeting after apparently oversleeping.He was left on the bench for the next match against Wolves – that was strike one.His next slip-up was more serious as Rashford skipped training to travel to Belfast.Man Utd subsequently fined him two weeks wages after Rashford claimed illness forced him to miss training.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat second act of defiance apparently did not sit well with Ten Hag, who wanted to take a hardline approach to dealing with the England star.According to Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag made his feelings clear to a confidant during a team meeting.The confidant reportedly joked to Ten Hag that if Rashford stepped out of line in the days of Sir Alex Ferguson, he would have been sent to seventh-tier Macclesfield.Ten Hag assured the confidant that if he had enough forwards he would have sent Rashford to Macclesfield himself.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRashford, 27, has since been shipped out on loan to Aston Villa as Ten Hag’s successor Ruben Amorim was also unhappy with his attitude.Amorim slammed Rashford’s training levels, while the player himself admitted he was ready for a new challenge.And he has risen to the task at Villa Park so far, with fans very impressed with his early form.Erik ten Hag reveals he HAS returned to work and may never go back to management after Man Utd sacking More