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      Man City plan £50m transfer swoop for LaLiga star and Euros winner – six months after he snubbed Liverpool move

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      MANCHESTER CITY are planning a £50.3million January swoop for Martin Zubimendi — six months after he turned his back on Liverpool.The 25-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder was on Anfield’s summer hitlist  and was close to sealing a deal before a U-turn meant he stayed put.Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a transfer target for Man City in JanuaryCredit: GettySpain’s Euros winner also insisted last month he wanted to remain at boyhood club Sociedad, saying: “The best solution is staying. “I want to grow and develop here.”But 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.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTheir failure to cope with the long-term absence of crocked Ballon d’Or winner Rodri continued with last night’s 2-1 defeat at Brighton — their fourth loss in a row. And Zubimendi — who came on for Rodri at half-time in Spain’s 2-1 Euros final win over England — would be an ideal replacement.Rodri, 28, is out for the season after rupturing his ACL during September’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.The pair have played together for their nation, giving City the potential of a mouthwatering defensive midfield partnership when Rodri returns.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe release clause in Zubimendi’s contract would not be a problem, although manager Pep Guardiola was initially not keen on making any major moves in the January market.City’s injury pile-up and dismal form could signal a rethink, as Guardiola is equally reluctant to pile too much pressure on his younger players.Top 10 best paid managers in world as sacked Roberto Mancini is knocked off No1 spotOne potential stumbling block could be ongoing uncertainty about the Spaniard’s own future.There is still no sign of a definite decision over his plans beyond the summer. More

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      Liverpool vs Aston Villa LIVE SCORE: Darwin and Salah score but Trent INJURED as Reds capitalise on Man City loss

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      LIVERPOOL opened up a five point gap at the top of the Premier League after cruising to a comfortable win against Aston Villa.Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah were on target – but Trent Alexander-Arnold did limp off with an apparent hamstring injury.Earlier, Brighton secured a brilliant comeback win against Man City – with Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley scoring in an epic 2-1 win – as Pep Guardiola lost a fourth consecutive game for the FIRST TIME in his career.In the 3pm matches, Fulham dominated Crystal Palace, Brentford were involved in another thriller and Wolves beat struggling Southampton, while West Ham and Everton were involved in a goalless draw.SCORES…FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from around the grounds with our live blog below…Salah’s recordWe mentioned earlier that Salah has hit double figures in goals and assists in each of his last four seasons.We’d like to apologise to Mo as his record is MUCH more impressive than that. He’s actually hit double figure goals and assists in seven out of eight seasons (and the one he didn’t he still managed 31 goals).Here’s his record in full:2017/18: 44G, 15A2018/19: 27G, 10A2019/20: 23G, 13A2020/21: 31G, 6A2021/22: 31G, 15A2023/24: 30G, 16A2023/24: 25G, 14A2024/25: 10G, 10ACopy linkCopiedMcManaman confidentLiverpool legend Steve McManaman is confident these players can go all the way – as they have done before.Speaking on TNT, he said: “This group of players have been long into a campaign, some of them have won the Premier League and the Champions League so of course they can sustain it.”If they stay fit and roll that starting eleven out and the five or six from the bench then of course they will go all the way.”Copy linkCopied’Keep working hard’Slot was also asked about already being five points clear at the top of the table – but brushed it off.He said: “As a manager if you come into a new club you don’t think about how many points after how many games. “You think about changing the style or keeping it as it was. To change the style you have to do a lot of things on the training ground and in meetings. “The only thing I have thought about is how to implement the playing style and how to make sure the players keep working as hard as they can.”Copy linkCopiedSlot hails work rateArne Slot was also speaking to Match of the Day and said: “Three home games [this week] and that always helps when you play in front of these fans. Tough opponent today, it wasn’t an easy one.”I think it was [even]. They threatened us mainly with their set-pieces which is a big strength for them. They were waiting and waiting for us to lose our patience and then to hurt us on the counter-attack. “The funny thing is we had so much possession and scored our goals from counter-attacks. It was an even game when it comes to chances but we dominated the ball more than they did.”He added: “It’s not the first time we see this [defensive energy]. The team that won the Premier League the last four years has shown us how important work-rate is.”Copy linkCopiedMo goals, Mo assistsOptaJoe has revealed that Mo Salah is the first player in Europe’s top five leagues to reach double figures in goals and assists this season.He has 10 of each and has also achieved double figures in both in each of the last four seasons.Copy linkCopiedTrent update?No big update on Trent Alexander-Arnold as yet, with Slot saying they will have to “wait and see” on an update.He said: “We are really happy that most of our players have stayed fit through this tough run. “We have to wait and see how Trent is doing. If I look at the games that are ahead they are tough. It will be a tough season in general.”Margins are small, we have a margin but it is small. Many challenges to come for us.”Copy linkCopiedMore from SlotOn Salah: “I think he has the best numbers from all our attackers. All our attackers have great numbers but Mo stands out in that aspect.”On counter-attacking goals: “The set-pieces are for someone else. It is not the first time Liverpool score from breaks like that because we have players who are so fast.”On Darwin Nunez: “I wondered what would happen if he wasn’t there because Mo was through on goal. Darwin was there and he scored and that’s good for him. With players around him who score so many goals it’s always good as a striker to get on the scoresheet.”Copy linkCopied’It wasn’t easy’Arne Slot has given his verdict of the match on TNT Sports.He said: “It wasn’t easy like most of our games have been now. Aston Villa were maybe not as aggressive as we thought they would be. “We were patient. One thing they are very good at is set-pieces. “In general we had control over the game and scored from two counter-attacks which is maybe not what we would expect.”Copy linkCopiedMore from EmeryThe Spaniard added: “This year a lot of players have come back from long injuries. “We have to try to keep the same positive attitude and mentality and try to accept sometimes results that we have had this week happen.”Copy linkCopied’We are under our level’Aston Villa boss Unai Emery said his team played the way he wanted “more or less” but lamented players who are not the same level as they were last season.He said: “Liverpool dominated sometimes but they did not have a lot of clear chances to score. We did our work and we had the chances to score in the first half, in the second half, and we played more or less in the way I wanted.”We have to keep improving, recover some players who have just come back after long injuries. Some players are not in the same performance level as last year but today they were a bit better.”The league is tight, there are a lot of teams performing very well and we have to accept that we need to improve. We are under our level from last year a little bit but I am still confident.”Copy linkCopiedArne’s strengthMuch has been made of Liverpool’s attacking form this season – with Mo Salah now top of the goal contributions charts after an assist and a goal against Villa.But it is the defensive record that could prove the difference come the end of the season.Liverpool have now kept NINE clean sheets in 17 matches this season, conceding just 10 goals in total.Copy linkCopiedMatch reportHere’s how Phil Thomas saw the game…Copy linkCopied’We were watching the game’In a rare move for a footballer, Alexis Mac Allister revealed that Liverpool were watching his former club Brighton beat title rivals Man City.He added: “I did know, we were watching the game. I am happy for Brighton. I have special feelings for them, I am very grateful. They beat one of the best teams in the world right now but we are not thinking about other teams.”Speaking about Mo Salah, Mac Allister said: “He is so good and so important for the team. He is a legend here. Happy for him and when you have him you know he is going to deliver and get the numbers.”Copy linkCopiedTitle contendersAlexis Mac Allister admits the place Liverpool find themselves in at the minute means they can count themselves as title contenders.He told TNT Sports: “Very big win against a very good team. The goals came in counter-attacks but overall the team played a very good game. “We are happy with it. We know we’re top of the league but there are a lot of teams so we take it step by step.”If we are top of the league by five points then it means something. But we have to go step by step. If you asked me before the season started I would not say we were candidates but now it looks like it.”Copy linkCopiedWhere we standThey had a one-point lead heading into the October break.Now that lead is FIVE for Liverpool going into the November stop.No matter how title rivals Nottingham Forest do tomorrow, they cannot close that gap.Chelsea and Arsenal have a chance to close the gap on Forest and Man City tomorrow when they play one another.Villa in a struggle at the minute.Copy linkCopiedCopying PepUnai Emery is looking to emulate fellow Spaniard Pep Guardiola.Winning European trophies, playing out from the back.And now also, losing four games on the spin. Uh oh….Copy linkCopiedTop of the pile’Liverpool, top of the league. Liverpool, Liverpool top of the league’.That’s the chant around Anfield as the Liverpool players take their acclaim.A huge noise around, they know tonight could be significant.Massive buzz around.Copy linkCopiedFT!Liverpool move FIVE POINTS clear at the top of the Premier League!Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah on the scoresheet in a huge night at Anfield.Liverpool 2-0 Aston VillaCopy linkCopied90 – Liverpool 2-0 Aston VillaFour minutes added on as Villa get themselves a string of set pieces but make a mess of the lot of them.Kelleher claiming the latest under zero pressure.Copy linkCopiedMo of the sameOne assistOne goalOne hell of a playerCopy linkCopied84 – GOAL! LIVERPOOL 2-0 Aston VillaThe Reds are moving five points clear!Pau Torres throws himself to ground in the Liverpool box in frighteningly embarrassing fashion for a centre back.Cringing watching it back for him. Liverpool then clear it into Villa’s half and Diego Carlos as the last man heads it off Salah who bursts clean through.He has two men to square it to for a tap-in, but MO SALAH drives at Martinez and waits for the keeper to sit down before cheekily dinking it over him into the net.Torres still looking for a penalty. The only one he should get is a fine from his manager for that.Three points staying in Merseyside.Copy linkCopied82 – Liverpool 1-0 Aston VillaAgain, nothing comes of the corner.Copy linkCopied81 – Liverpool 1-0 Aston VillaLiverpool break in a 4v1 scenario to kill the game, but that one is Ezri Konsa and he does superbly well to win it.He even falls over and keeps possession to kick it forward.Villa then come forward on the counter again where Duran wins another corner.Copy linkCopiedSeeking the spotlightAustin MacPhee one of several set piece coaches in this division absolutely desperate to show he does something.He’s jumping up and down, waving his arms as Villa get ready to take a corner.The first one they take short and make a mess of it and are lucky to win another.The second time it doesn’t beat the first man. Austin quickly retreats to his seat, and rightfully so…Copy linkCopied76 – Liverpool 1-0 Aston VillaVilla become the counter side this time as Liverpool press for a second.Duran and Maatsen combine to get Philogene away in a 1v1 with Robertson. The defender stands up the Villa man and Diaz works back tirelessly to nick it off his toe.Excellent tracking back and something Liverpool have done ever so well to put themselves in this place at the summit.Copy linkCopied More

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      Newcastle ace Kieran Trippier enjoys night out with stunning group of party girls amid marriage woes

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      NEWCASTLE United’s Kieran Trippier has a night out on the Toon after his team’s win over Arsenal.The footie star, 34, chatted to four women but seemed more sedate than on a previous night out, when he was seen hoisting a blonde girl aloft. Kieran Trippier was seen with a group of party girls in a Newcastle bar, who were hanging on his every wordCredit: XTrippier wore the same jacket earlier in the day as he embraced Arsenal pals at matchCredit: Wife Charlotte has since moved out and the pair do not wear their wedding ringsCredit: GettyThat outing — in May last year — fuelled rumours about his marriage to wife Charlotte. She has since moved 200 miles away and the pair have ditched their wedding rings.Kieran is pictured at Newcastle’s Stack bar last Saturday wearing the same £2,000 Gucci jacket he wore pitchside on TV while greeting Arsenal pals just hours earlier.A fan who was in the bar said of the footie star: “He wasn’t in the VIP area. READ MORE ON KIERAN TRIPPIER”He looked relaxed and was enjoying the attention.“He was deep in conversation. There was lots of laughing and joking.”They appeared to be hanging on his every word.”Earlier in the day Newcastle had beaten Arsenal 1-0, with a goal from striker Alexander Isak.Most read in FootballStunning party girl caught up in Newcastle ace Kieran Trippier’s marriage riddle revealed as tattooed call centre workerNewcastle United star Trippier looked relaxed as he laughed and joked with the girls, a fan saidCredit: EPA More

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      Andy Carroll puts £8.5m mansion up for sale amid fury from wife Billi Mucklow as he moves on with new love

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      FOOTIE’S Andy Carroll has put his £8.5million house up for sale amid fury from estranged wife Billi Mucklow.Billi, 36, has told pals she does not want him turning up unannounced since he moved out.Andy Carroll has put his £8.5million house up for sale amid fury from estranged wife Billi MucklowCredit: GettyAndy has moved on with celebrity make-up artist Lou TeasdaleShe is also angry at how he has moved on with celebrity make-up artist Lou Teasdale, 42 — and feels he is flaunting their romance.Carroll, now with French side Bordeaux, bought the six-bed house in Essex from singer Sir Rod Stewart five years ago for £4.1million.A source said: “Billi has been left hurt and blind-sided that Andy appears to have moved on so quickly with Lou. It feels very public and embarrassing, especially as they only split in summer.“Billi has a close-knit family and they have been left livid with Andy over his lack of loyalty, but are rallying around her to support her.Read More on Sport“Billi wants to cut ties but she doesn’t like the idea that Andy can come and go as he pleases.”She realises the house is part of their divorce discussions, but she doesn’t want him turning up unannounced, particularly with his new girlfriend.”The house is set in 25 acres and boasts a pool, tennis court, boating lake and football pitch. We told how the couple, who have three children aged nine, six, and four, had split in September. Most read in FootballHe was pictured with Lou soon after.  Ex-Liverpool, Newcastle and England striker Carroll got engaged to Billi in 2014 and they married in 2022.Billi’s fury over Carroll’s girlThe wedding was almost called off after a picture emerged of him passed out in bed with two women on his stag do.Billi forgave him when one of the women insisted nothing sexual happened. More

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      Thomas Tuchel in talks with Marcus Rashford over England lifeline and says ace could have helped Three Lions WIN Euros

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      NEW England boss Thomas Tuchel has handed Marcus Rashford an olive branch.The German told the Manchester United forward that he wants him  in his Three Lions squad  — as long as he keeps his form up.Marcus Rashford has a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad – as long as he performs for Man UtdCredit: AFPTuchel reckons England lost Euro 2024 because Gareth Southgate axed Rashford from his squadCredit: GettyThe left-sider has not played for England since March’s friendly defeat to BrazilCredit: GettyTuchel, who starts work in January, made contact with Rashford’s camp and confirmed he is a huge admirer of the striker.A source revealed: “Tuchel contacted Marcus and his representatives and told them he saw Marcus as an essential part of the England squad.“He said he believed a big part of England’s failure to win Euro 2024 was not having Marcus as an option.“Other teams fear his abilities and Tuchel said he believed without Rashford, England didn’t offer a strong attacking threat on the left and that made them easier to play against as a lot of the ball came down the right.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Tuchel is a huge admirer of Marcus. It’s a great boost for him and another encouragement to try and get back to his best.”Rashford, 27, was left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad after scoring just eight times last season. But the striker has already bagged four goals and three assists in a struggling United team this term.And he is doing extra one-to-one training in an effort to regain his form and fitness.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRashford is likely to get the chance to impress Tuchel when United take on Leicester on Sunday.His last appearance came from the bench in Thursday’s Europa League win over PAOK.Thomas Tuchel ‘was NOT England’s first choice and Pep Guardiola could still get the job’Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024Rashford has four goals in 17 games this season, with just one strike coming in the Premier League.And he was left out of Lee Carsley’s final England squad for the upcoming Nations League games with Greece and the Republic of Ireland.Rashford has 17 goals in 60 caps for England after making his debut in 2016.But he has played just once for his country this year, with his last appearance coming in March’s friendly defeat to Brazil.Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. More

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      Liverpool 2 Aston Villa 0: Reds march on in huge clash but win marred by worrying Alexander-Arnold blow

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      ARNE SLOT insisted the era of heavy metal football was over – yet for two madcap, marauding moments the speakers went back on.For no more than a flash and a flicker…but still enough to send Liverpool five points clear after a Red arrows raid that had all the hallmarks of the previous Anfield gaffer.Liverpool continued their fine form with a 2-0 win over Aston VillaCredit: GettyThe Reds are now five points clear at the top of the tableCredit: AFPArne Slot brought back memories of heavy metal football to AnfieldCredit: PAUnai Emery saw Villa rack up their fourth defeat in a rowCredit: GettyA couple of rampant end-to-end counter thrusts served up every week under Jurgen Klopp, finished by a Darwin Nunez piledriver and a magical Mo Salah clip for a 2-0 win.Ever since Slot stepped into Klopp’s shoes, the gameplan has been more methodical than mayhem. The days of 100mph, in-your-face football aren’t the Dutchman’s style.How ironic, then, that it took a breakaway goal straight from the Klopp handbook for them to find a way to break the deadlock.A length-of-the-field assault stemming from a Villa corner, and a finish which threatened to take the net from its moorings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was certainly enough to send Anfield wild. Although to be fair, that stunning Brighton win had got this place buzzing half an hour before they even kicked off on Merseyside.You know those famous European evenings they speak of so fondly here? Well there was a very similar air to events last night, thanks to that result at the Amex Stadium.It was as though every Kopite realised that what they initially felt would be just one more step down a nine-month journey, could actually be a giant stride instead.Make no mistake, there was that feel about it all. Knowing this was a chance to open up daylight on City going into the international break.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAgainst a side whose form as they arrived in town couldn’t have offered a starker contrast to the Reds, either after four games without a win – the last three of them losses.The perfect setting for an Anfield onslaught, you thought. For Liverpool to tear out of the traps and put their opponents on the canvas before they know it.Liverpool have put Jurgen Klopp’s sprawling £4million home for sale – after Anfield successor Arne Slot turned it down.Only the 2024-25 version doesn’t tend to do that. It is a more measured, pick-your-moments one.Mind you, when those moments arrive, the end product is just as devastating as any of those blow-your-socks off days under Klopp. As we saw after 20 minutes.Liverpool were actually defending a corner when it broke to Virgil van Dijk a couple of yards outside his own box.The Reds skipper didn’t need to pause, didn’t need to look up. He knew Mo Salah would be on his bike and clipped the most measured of balls for the Egyptian.Darwin Nunez opened the scoring after 20 minutesCredit: EPAHe put the finishing touches on a counter-attack reminiscent of the Jurgen Klopp daysCredit: PASalah went stumbling courtesy of the backtracking Leon Bailey…but not before he had slid a pass forward to Darwin Nunez.And although a rather hefty first touch initially seemed to have taken him too wide as he rounded keeper Emi Martinez, Nunez spun and smashed in the opener.In a nano-second yells for Bailey to be sent off turned to screams of celebration at the breakthrough.And credit to referee David Coote as well, for letting play continue when Bailey laid a hand on Salah’s back.Although perhaps that is being a little kind to the official, as it was hard to say whether he was waving play on or to signal there had been no foul by the Villa man.Thank Heavens, then, that Nunez buried the chance. No case to answer…and no chance of keeping out a thunderbolt that nearly took the net from its moorings.Only a second Prem goal of the season for the Uruguayan forward – and ten minutes later he really should have been celebrating a third.Again it stemmed from a Villa corner, and again they were sliced open by a lightning strike. Excusable once, but a second time? No wonder manager Emery looked ready to explode.Mo Salah made sure of the result with a strike in the 84th minuteCredit: GettyHe celebrated with Reds fans after sending his side well clear of Man CityCredit: GettyHe surely would have done if the finish from Nunez had been as deadly as his first, too, when Salah once more sent him scooting clear.But this time, for all it was a far kinder angle to the left of the penalty spot, he blazed over and Villa breathed again.You still never really felt it would come back to haunt Liverpool. Yet minutes later it so very nearly did.Again it was a Villa corner, but this time Lucas Digne’s delivery found Amadou Onana’s head, and Caoimhin Kelleher produced a fine reaction save to tip it over.Trent Alexander-Arnold hobbled off with an injuryCredit: RexHe is now a doubt for England’s upcoming Nations League matchesCredit: AFPAnd the Liverpool keeper did the same again soon after, when Digne whipped over another that would have gone in without a touch had he not been so alert.Just as Ryan Gravenberch was when he threw himself to block Ollie Watkins when he seemed certain to bury the follow-up.The lead remained intact – but not until four minutes from time could they ever relax. And wouldn’t you know, it took another full length raid to bring it about.There was a hefty slice of luck when Diego Carlos headed against Salah on halfway, and the Kop striker went streaking through.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was a bad night at the office for Aston VillaCredit: ReutersEmi Martinez and Co have now lost four on the bounceCredit: AFPBut there was nothing fortunate about his finish, waiting for Martinez to commit before dinking into the far corner.Job done – once it was confirmed, with Pau Torres laughingly trying to claim a penalty at the other end – and five points clear. More

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      Liverpool injury blow as Trent Alexander-Arnold hobbles off in worrying scenes before England games

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      LEE CARSLEY suffered a major blow to his final England squad after Trent Alexander-Arnold went off injured in Liverpool’s final game before the international break.The defender fell to the floor with a hamstring injury in the 24th minute of Liverpool’s clash against Aston Villa.Trent Alexander-Arnold went off injured in Liverpool’s game with Aston VillaCredit: AFPHe was then replaced by Conor Bradley a minute later.The injury came just moments after David Coote waved away a penalty appeal for Villa after Ollie Watkins went to ground under a tackle from Ibrahima Konate.Darwin Nunez had put the hosts ahead after going around goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.The 26-year-old has been a key star for the Reds under Arne Slot this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlexander-Arnold has played 14 games in all competitions, including 10 starts in the Premier League.His exploits have helped put Liverpool top of the league, a position only strengthened after Manchester City lost 2-1 to Brighton earlier in the day.However, the hamstring injury has also dealt a major blow to Interim England boss Carsley, who will be without his starting right back for Nations League games against Greece and Ireland.He had previously started in each of the previous four games under Carsley, getting a goal in his last outing from an experimental left-back position and an assist from right-back in the game before.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOn Friday, SunSport exclusively revealed how Alexander-Arnold’s contract talks with Liverpool over a new deal were stalling.This is because Anfield outfit do not want to offer the academy graduate a higher wage than Mohamed Salah, 32, and Virgil van Dijk, 33.Lee Carsley reveals classy message to Thomas Tuchel and says new England manager has no influence on his squad His contract with the Reds expires next summer.But with the club negotiating with all three players over new deals, the matter is complicated.Liverpool have made several offers to improve Alexander- Arnold’s £180,000-a-week deal amid strong interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. More

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      Former Arsenal star Carl Jenkinson SENT OFF after just 24 minutes on first start since shock transfer to minnows

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      CARL JENKINSON had a full debut to forget as he was sent off after just 24 minutes for League Two minnows Bromley.The former Arsenal star, 32, completed a stunning transfer to the South London club in late September.Former Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson was sent off for Bromley on his first full startCredit: Getty – ContributorJenkinson signed for the Ravens in SeptemberHe had been without a club since June before signing for the RavensHaving been out of the game since leaving A-League side Newcastle Jets in June, Jenkinson took some time to build up his fitness.He was handed his first Bromley minutes in the 1-0 win at Doncaster, coming off the bench in the 78th minute before being shown a yellow card two minutes later.This was followed up by him playing 15 minutes at Hayes Lane during the 1-1 with Barrow.But today, manager Andy Woodman handed Jenkinson his first start in a Ravens’ shirt.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, it soon turned into a nightmare as he was sent off for two yellow card cautions from referee Scott Oldham picked up in the 12th and 24th minute.Jenkinson’s first booking arrived for a foul against Ethon Archer, before he fouled George Miller for his second bookable offence.It was the fifth time he has been sent off in his playing career, and his first since April 2023Cheltenham took advantage of the extra player by scoring in the 51st minute through Archer. Most read in EFLFortunately for Jenkinson, Omar Sowunmi rescued a point with his 81st minute header.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey survived a 97th minute scare as Matty Taylor hit the post from a corner, but ultimately the points were shared.Reacting to the sending off on social media, one fan said: “I’ve just watched Carl Jenkinson get sent off for the dumbest second yellow I’ve ever seen.”The forgotten Arsenal wonderkidsA second said: “Thoughts of @TheAdrianDurham as Carl jenkinson is sent off after 20 minutes for @bromleyfc.”Another said: “I thought @premierleague officiating was bad but turns out the lower leagues are even worse. “Carl Jenkinson sent off for two fouls. Soft fouls at best. Neither bookable offences and yet the referee decided to make a name for himself.”A fourth added: “In case anyone was wondering what Carl Jenkinson was up to these.”The one-cap England international made his name after signing for Arsenal from Charlton in 2011 before an impressive 2012/13 season for the Gunners.He would go on to star for West Ham, Birmingham and Nottingham Forest with almost 100 appearances in the Premier League before departing for football Down Under.Speaking to club media following his signing, Jenkinson said: “How’s it feel? It’s good, I’m glad it is sorted out now with all the international clearance stuff which was dragging on a bit…”I know Woody from when I was a kid coming through at Charlton… it’s one of them that when you know someone – he was always so easy to get along with even as a young lad…”That led to me reaching out to Woody a couple of weeks ago and saying can I come in and train because I wanted to be fit and maintain my fitness.”We have that relationship where I can ask that question, so it was nice that he said yeah and then that it’s led to this.”Bromley are experiencing their first-ever season in the English Football League after winning promotion via the National League play-offs last season.After a strong start to the season where they won their first two games, they won none of their next nine games.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat was until beating Doncaster towards the end of October, with that result being followed up with consecutive draws.Bromley also secured their place in the FA Cup second round for the first time since 1946 after beating Rochdale in a 4-3 thriller away from home, in which they also had a player sent off. More