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      Former referee Dermot Gallagher spots VAR ‘optical illusion’ in Chelsea’s controversial goal against West Ham

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      DERMOT GALLAGHER pointed out a flaw with the VAR system… it can be littered with “optical illusions”.The former match official was appearing on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch to discuss two major incidents in Chelsea’s controversial win over West Ham.Dermot Gallagher called this still image an ‘optical illusion’Dermot Gallagher believes it was the correct decision to allow Chelsea’s goal to standIn the build up to Pedro Neto’s all-important second-half equaliser, Jarrod Bowen was bundled over by Levi Colwill.No foul was given and play waved on, as Chelsea went up the other end to score.But the goal itself was also mired in controversy after Marc Cucurella was adjudged to NOT be offside.Neto whipped the ball across with the left-back in an offside position.READ MORE SPORT STORIESHowever, there was much debate as to whether Marc Guiu got a flick on the ball en-route to Cucurella.If he had, then Cucurella would absolutely have been offside.The ball came across to Neto, who smashed the ball into the back of the net.After a VAR check, the goal was allowed to stand, with Guiu therefore not adjudged to have got a flick.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGallagher – who admitted the collision between Bowen and Colwill could perhaps have been a free-kick for West Ham – said it looked as though Guiu got a touch based on a still photo.However, he called it an optical illusion as he pointed to the fact you couldn’t see a touch when watching the video.Chelsea vs West Ham: Player Ratings BreakdownGallagher said: “If he touches it, without doubt Cucurella is offside.”But you look at it, there’s one angle that I think is an optical illusion…”It looks as though he touches it but it’s a still photo and I think still photos can be deceiving.”You look at it and there’s no evidence he’s touched the ball.”So I feel he’s duty bound to allow the goal.”Gallagher went on to admit while the foul on Bowen should have been given, enough time had passed between that incident and the goal to not go back and check it.On the goal, the Premier League commented: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as there was no factual evidence that Guiu made contact with the ball in the build-up, therefore there was no offside offence.”CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS: Levi Colwill’s sluggish performance saved by Pedro Neto’s best showing in a Blues shirtCHELSEA capitalised on the failures of their rivals to move up to fourth in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over West Ham.A host of changes from Enzo Maresca upped the tempo in the second half, and they paid dividends with Pedro Neto driving home an equaliser in the 63rd minute after a shot from Fernandez.Jarrod Bowen had capitalised on a Levi Colwill error to fire West Ham ahead.Fans grew optimistic as the home side grew into the game, which culminated in a deflected Cole Palmer effort sending the Bridge into raptures as they went 2-1 up.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated Chelsea’s performance.Filip Jorgensen – 7It would’ve been a tough task to disappoint Chelsea fans after what they have seen from Robert Sanchez in recent weeks.There wasn’t an awful lot he could do about the opener, and actually made some pretty good stops to prevent his side being more than one goal down at the halfway point.Those saves proved vital, and he should expect to start against Brighton up next.Reece James – 6His crosses from the right were good throughout the first half, but there was no one clinical enough in the box to grab him an assist.Strong defensively, but ultimately didn’t have much to do in that aspect with Chelsea dominant on the flanks.Tosin Adarabioyo – 7Strong in the air and pretty good across the ground.Perhaps could have done a little more to prevent Bowen opening the scoring as he seemed to stand and watch him shoot, but overall was good and is growing into a good, consistent Premier League centre half.His vital block in added time might well have been the difference between three points and one.Levi Colwill – 3His awful backpass rolledBowen in perfectly to give the Hammers the lead just before first half-time.A lousy and sluggish performance improved in the second half after his side took the lead, but he was fortunate not to cost his side points tonight.Marc Cucurella – 7Inverted well from left back into midfield in a role that looks made for him, he was strong in his tackles and good in the air from start to finish.Got into dangerous positions going forward, but couldn’t add the finishing touches to his game on this occasion.Moises Caicedo – 7Tenacious tackling and energy is what the home fans have become accustomed to seeing from their Ecuadorian destroyer.Glimpses of that in the first half extended into a mature and controlled second 45 minutes where he looked to have Mo Kudus’ number.Enzo Fernández – 5Missed a huge chance to give Chelsea the lead which he rolled past the left hand post from a few yards out.It was his blocked effort which bounced out for Neto to level the scoring, but overall the Argentine looked a bit off the pace in midfield.Noni Madueke – 4Perhaps should’ve had a goal and assist in the first half an hour as he was set up by Nicolas Jackson and put the ball on a plate for Fernandez, but neither chance was converted.His best moment of the second half was when he bodied the referee, before being subbed for Christopher Nkunku.Cole Palmer – 7A quiet first half had the travelling fans comparing him to Andy Irving, but he soon showed them up.Almost scored a free-kick similar to the one we saw against Brighton this season, but it was well saved by Alphonse Areola.It was his deflected effort that put his side in the lead as he grew into the game more and more.Jadon Sancho – 4His quick feet made him a threat on the left-hand side in the first half, but again his end product or lack thereof would’ve cost Chelsea if his replacement didn’t bail them out.Was subbed five minutes into the second half for Pedro Neto.Nicolas Jackson – 3Showed some promising signs early on with a good ball into Noni Madueke, who narrowly missed the goal.Aside from that, he looked like a striker utterly devoid of any confidence and was poor before being hooked for 18-year-old Marc Guiu.SUBSMarc Guiu (Nicolas Jackson, 51) – 5Didn’t really do a lot wrong or right after coming on for Nicolas Jackson.Certainly looks more confident in the Conference League, but Premier League minutes in the tank will do him good.Pedro Neto (Jadon Sancho, 51) – 8His best performance in a Chelsea shirt since he joined.A composed finish saw him level the scoring before more great work in the build up sawPalmer rifle home a deflected effort.Great energy, work rate, and end product from Maresca’s own Portuguese magnifico.Malo Gusto (Reece James, 60) – 6Was energetic and strong after replacing captain Reece James, also playing a part in the goal that put his side in the lead.His passing was good and he looked more like the player who became a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge last campaign.Christopher Nkunku (Noni Madueke, 60) – 5Did a job for the team out of position on the left-hand side in Jadon Sancho’s position. 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      Jermaine Jenas’ talkSPORT comeback is a ‘glimmer of hope’ woke cancel culture is almost over

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      COULD Jermaine Jenas’s return to broadcasting signal the beginning of the end of the toxic cancel culture which has, for so long, plagued our society?Sadly, probably not.Jermaine Jenas on talkSPORT the day he was sacked from the BBCCredit: UnpixsJenas is due to return to broadcasting at the weekendCredit: AlamyJenas spoke exclusively to the Sun about the texts scandal in AugustCredit: Andrew StyczynskiBut his talkSPORT comeback does provide us with a glimmer of hope that people can make mistakes and not have their careers ended for good.Now, before I go any further, I’d like to make clear I do not condone his actions which forced BBC bosses to wield the axe on his roles there.Sending what one of his female colleagues on The One Show said were unsolicited flirty texts is wrong, and he has caused suffering to multiple women – not least his poor wife Ellie Penfold.His actions cannot be excused, and BBC bosses were right to give him the boot from The One Show and his Match of the Day punditry gig.READ MORE ON JERMAINE JENASBut should a man who has held his hands up and apologised profusely really be banished from doing any job ever again?The answer from the woke brigade would be a resounding yes, of course.But while what Jenas did was wrong on multiple levels, he has not done anything criminal.He apologised, in an interview with The Sun, to those he had hurt – his family, friends and, most importantly, the women he had messaged.Most read in FootballHe even admitted he had started receiving therapy, confessing he probably has a “problem”.Now he has been offered a role back on talkSPORT – where he was working as news of his sacking broke last August – as part of the commentary team for this Sunday’s FA Cup clash between Aston Villa and Spurs.Jermaine Jenas hints at next job as he teases ‘exciting stuff’ he has been working on after BBC axingAnd he clearly still has something to offer.Here is a 41-year-old man who spent 13 years as a professional footballer, making 341 appearances for clubs including Premier League sides Spurs and Newcastle, and winning 21 senior England caps.A man who was once touted by the great Gary Lineker as his successor as Match of the Day host.So well done to talkSPORT chiefs for giving him a lifeline.And here’s to hoping others will be prepared to follow suit and fight back against cancel culture. More

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      Footballer, 24, found dead in waters of Spanish port as heartbroken club pay tribute to ‘inspiration to us all’

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      A HEARTBROKEN club has paid tribute after one of their footballers was found dead in the waters of a Spanish port.Croatian ace Jakov Jelkic, 24, played for Swiss third-tier team FC Granges-Paccot.Tributes have been paid after footballer Jakov Jelkic tragically drowned in SpainHe was in Alicante with his club for a tournament when the tragic moment occurred, according to Marca.Local police say Jelkic fell into the sea and drowned after a night out clubbing with several teammates.The footballer was last spotted “staggering” out of a bar, “having ingested some type of alcoholic beverage”.Jelkic failed to return to his hotel, where staff reported him missing the following morning.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis family also put out social media messages in a desperate attempt to locate him.But police made a grim discovery on Monday afternoon as they found his body in the water of Alicante’s port.Jelkic’s passing has since been confirmed by cops as an accidental death.And his club paid tribute on social media with a touching statement.Most read in FootballIt read: “It is with great sadness that we learned of Jakov’s passing.“All our thoughts go to his family, friends, teammates and all the people who knew him closely or from afar.Eight bizarre football rules you may not know“His memory will remain forever engraved in our hearts.“A friend, a teammate, an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace.”Fans also paid tribute to Jelkic online.One said: “Forever in our hearts.”Another declared: “In support of the family, players and all his loved ones.”One noted: “This is so sad.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother added: “My condolences to the family, friends and team.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Arsenal fans can’t believe what Myles Lewis-Skelly’s mum said before Man City clash as heartwarming interview goes viral

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      MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY was the talk of the Premier League after his starring display for Arsenal against Manchester City.The 18-year-old put in a performance well beyond his years as he scored his first Gunners goal in the 5-1 thrashing, while also getting a dig in at Erling Haaland.Myles Lewis-Skelly’s mum, Marcia, gave a heartwarming interview about her son before Arsenal v Man CityCredit: tiktokBut one comment she made left fans in uproarCredit: ReutersLewis-Skelly did Erling Haaland’s celebration after scoring against Man CityCredit: GettyHaaland had famously told Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to “stay humble” after their 2-2 draw at the Etihad earlier this season, before later exchanging words with Lewis-Skelly.However, the Hale End graduate got his own back on Sunday as he scored a stunning goal before he then celebrated using Haaland’s signature “meditating” celebration.Fans loved the show of mind games from Lewis-Skelly.But a stunning interview before the game with his mum, Marcia, has now gone viral.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to doseofsociety on TikTok, Marcia was asked to say something the interviewer wouldn’t believe about her.She responded by saying her son was going to play against City on Sunday, before her answer about what it is like to be the mother of a professional footballer stunned fans.Marcia, who is also the agent of Lewis-Skelly, said: “[It’s] Busy, but still a mother.”I think if you get the right people and the right family support then anything’s possible.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSShe continued: “Gratitude is important, stay humble, stay grounded as a family and keep the right people around you.”The context of the “stay humble” comment riled up the Arsenal faithful given how they were relishing feeding Haaland and co. dose after dose of humble pie.Arsenal player ratings vs Man City – articleReacting on social media, one fan said: “She even said stay humble.”A second said: “Stay humble eh? Love it mama.”A third added: “She said stay humble, is that a dig at Haaland?”Another said: “She’s brilliant.”A fifth said: “God bless you. She’s sooo grounded.”Devoted Marcia put herself through a Masters degree in football business at University before passing Fifa’s football agent exam.Her master’s thesis was on the parent experience in youth football where she interviewed 18 parents with children aged 15 to 21 and found four recurring problems.To that end, Marcia also aims to help and support other parents going through similar experiences.The scheme, known as the No1 Fan Club, includes various resources, a community chat network, workshops and even a book club – all tailored towards providing wisdom, education and support for parents.And in her viral interview before the City game, Marcia also took the chance to promote the scheme.She said: “Get the support you need. We do that, we have a platform to support parents who are navigating youth football. We’re here to support you parents.”Lewis-Skelly has been a shining light for the Gunners this season, stepping into defence seamlessly from the academy.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has now made 19 appearances for the senior team, with his first goal being scored against City.His exploits look set to fast-track him into Thomas Tuchel’s senior England team.Arsenal player ratings vs Man CityARSENAL stunned Man City 5-1 at the Emirates on Sunday evening.It was an incredible result against their rivals of recent years.Here, we take a look at how the Gunners rated…David Raya – 7/10Had very little to do in the first half but made a brilliant save in the 22nd minute to deny a goalbound header from Josko Gvardiol. Made another stunning save two minutes from the half-time interval, stopping a deflected Savinho shot from close range. Powerless to stop Erling Haaland’s 55th-minute header from briefly levelling the scores.Jurrien Timber – 6Didn’t offer his usual attacking threat going forward but was solid defensively. Picked up a pointless yellow breaking up a harmless counter-attack in the 24th minute. Almost scored late in the second half.William Saliba – 5Didn’t have much to do in the first half but won all his aerial battles in the first 45 minutes. Marshalled the defence well early in the second period but was embarrassingly outjumped and outmuscled by Haaland for City’s equaliser – a major flaw of his that continues to be exposed.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Like his defensive partner, he was seldom called into action in the first half. Dominant in the air in his battles with Haaland, who he trolled after Odegaard’s goal.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Continues to endear himself to the Emirates faithful with composure and tenacity beyond his years as he brilliantly floated between left back and midfield. Put real daylight between the two sides with a thumping finish just after the hour mark. This young lad is a real bright prospect for both the Gunners and England.His trolling of Haaland by copying the Norwegian’s ‘Lotus’ celebration went down a storm with fans.Thomas Partey – 7Steady in the heart of midfield and broke up play well when required. Fired the Gunners back into the lead in the 57th minute with a deflected shot from outside the box.Martin Odegaard – 7Was in the right place at the right time to benefit from the aftermath of an uncharacteristic Manuel Akanji error and break the deadlock. Was at the heart of everything good the north Londoners did going forward.Declan Rice – 6Combative, as always, in the middle of the park and played a role in the home side taking the lead, teeing up Havertz who squared the ball to Odegaard.Leandro Trossard – 6Was particularly lively on the left in the first half, giving Matheus Nunes a real run for his money. His end product, however, wasn’t the best.Gabriel Martinelli – 6Lively on the right wing in the early goings. Found the back of the net in the fifth minute after some beautiful play from Odegaard but was needlessly offside. Forced a good save out of Ortega with a rasping effort in the 68th minute.Kai Havertz – 6Lively early doors, testing Stefan Ortega with a tame shot in the first minute. Teed up Odegaard for a tap in a few moments later. Missed a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 25th minute, dragging the ball wide with the goal at his absolute mercy. Made amends for his howler by finishing an even harder chance in the 76th minute. He well and truly needed that as he looked absolutely devoid of confidence.SUBSEthan Nwaneri – 83 (on for Trossard) – 7Put the cherry on top of the cake with an outrageous effort in second-half stoppage time.Mikel Merino – 83 (on for Odegaard) – 5Raheem Sterling – 89 (on for Kai Havertz ) – N/ARiccardo Calafiori 89 (on for Lewis-Skelly) – N/ARead more on all the latest Arsenal news.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Meet Aston Villa signing Marco Asensio’s stunning Wag, who worked as a waitress in a nightclub and is now an architect

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      DESPITE losing Jhon Duran during the transfer window, Aston Villa were able to bolster their attack.In came Man Utd outcast Marcus Rashford, to much fanfare from Villa’s support.Meet Marco Ascensio gorgeous wife Sandra GaralCredit: instagram @ssandragaralStunning Sandra is an architect and interior designerCredit: instagram @ssandragaralAston Villa new boy Marco Asensio began his romance with Sandra in 2019Credit: instagram @ssandragaralWhile, intriguingly, former Real Madrid star Marco Asensio joined on loan from PSG.The 29-year-old Spain international had fallen out of favour at the Parc des Princes under Luis Enrique.So, it’ll be a relief for Asensio that fellow Spaniard Unai Emery could offer him valuable game time instead.Off the pitch, the attacking midfielder is very settled. He married longterm love, Sandra Garal in 2023.Read more football newsThe glam Wag has emerged as one of football’s most popular partners, as SunSport reveals.Who is she?The Spanish beauty, 30, graduated from Madrid’s Superior Technical School of Architecture.She is an architect and interior designer by profession – and runs her own business.But, it’s not all work and no play for Sandra who is a total fashionista.Most read in FootballOn her Instagram, where she over 362,000 followers, she shares her enviable lifestyle.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsThat includes fashion shoots peddling online brands, including yoga wear from alo and jewellery by Luxenter.She plays the role of Wag well – looking glam in designer wear.Last year she attended Milan Fashion Week, where she shared glimpses inside the shows of Louis Vuitton and Elisabetta Franchi.How they metThe couple met at a nightclub in Madrid in 2019.Sandra was reportedly working as a waitress when Asensio laid eyes on her.Early on, they kept their romance private.However, that same year they were guests at Asensio’s former teammate Sergio Ramos’ wedding to Pilar Rubio.Sandra and Asensio said their ‘I do’s’ at Mallorca’s La Fortaleza, in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family.Asensio’s father was his best man, while guests included Gareth Bale and Rafael Nadal.Fashionable Sandra met Asensio when she worked as a waitress in a Madrid nightclubCredit: instagram @ssandragaralSandra regularly shows off her amazing bikini body on social mediaCredit: instagram @ssandragaralAscensio and Sandra got married in 2023 after dating for four yearsCredit: instagram @ssandragaralread more sport featuresThe winger has his own charity, Marco Asensio Foundation which is dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families.Instead of wedding gifts, they asked guests to make contributions to the organisation.Don’t mention Dua Lia…Bizarrely, before Asensio met Sandra he was linked to pop sensation Dua Lipa.The Houdini singer performed in the opening ceremony of the Champions League final featuring his old club, Real Madrid and Liverpool.However, Dua Lipa soon dismissed the reports – insisting she’d never met Asensio.READ MORE SUN STORIESStylish Sandra attends the Louis Vuitton event at Milan Fashion WeekCredit: instagram @ssandragaralSandra always cuts an elegant figure and loves dressing to the ninesCredit: instagram @ssandragaralSandra shares her enviable lifestyle on Instagram to 362,000 followersCredit: instagram @ssandragaralAsensio was linked to Dua Lipa who performed at the 2018 Champions League finalCredit: Getty Images – GettyAddressing the rumours, she wrote on social media: “I haven’t even met Marco Asensio and it is highly unlikely I ever will as my Liverpool supporting manager would never forgive me.”Dua Lipa’s loss was Sandra’s gain, and if his loan at Villa Park is a success maybe we will see her permanently on our shores. More

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      Thomas Tuchel ready to fast-track Myles Lewis-Skelly into England squad after Arsenal starlet’s incredible breakthrough

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      ENGLAND manager Thomas Tuchel is monitoring Myles Lewis-Skelly ahead of a potential call-up.The Arsenal full-back, 18, has become a regular for Mikel Arteta’s side of late.Myles Lewis-Skelly has been an Arsenal regular of lateCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel is reportedly considering the Arsenal full-backCredit: GettyWith the Three Lions having struggled at left-back, Lewis-Skelly could be fast tracked into the senior squad.Tuchel, 51, is said to hold some reservations over the Gunners teenager’s age and lack of experience.Lewis-Skelly has not even yet debuted for England’s Under-21s, let alone the senior side.With Tuchel short at left-back, however, Lewis-Skelly has a chance to quickly becoming part of the squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to The Times, Tuchel has twice personally checked in on the Arsenal academy graduate’s progress.They add that England staff are “stepping up” their scouting of Lewis-Skelly.Tuchel is set to take charge of the Three Lions for the first time against Albania at Wembley on March 21.Three days later his side will host Latvia in a further World Cup qualifier.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYLewis-Skelly, who has made 10 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, will hope to be involved.Luke Shaw has been England’s preferred left-back in recent years but has been dogged by injuries.’I’m getting emotional’ – England manager Thomas Tuchel’s comments on Cole Palmer leave Chelsea fans close to tearsThe Manchester United star has played just three times this season, but could be in line to return in the FA Cup this weekend.Meanwhile, Ben Chilwell will hope to return to contention after joining Crystal Palace on loan from Chelsea.Chilwell is a player Tuchel knows well from his time at Stamford Bridge.Lewis Hall has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Newcastle and earned his first two caps earlier this season.While Djed Spence has recently excelled at right and left-back for Tottenham.Tuchel did not attend Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City on Sunday.READ MORE SUN STORIESInstead he headed to Italy to watch AC Milan’s 1-1 draw with city rivals Inter.The match was Kyle Walker’s Milan debut, while Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham were also in action.Tuchel watched Kyle Walker in action last weekendCredit: Rex More

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      LaLiga chaos as referees willing to go on STRIKE after Real Madrid statement claiming decisions are ‘manipulated’

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      LALIGA referees are reportedly considering going on strike after a letter from Real Madrid questioning their integrity.In a bombshell statement, the Champions League winners said “decisions against Real Madrid have reached a level of manipulation and adulteration of the competition that can no longer be ignored.”LaLiga referees are willing to go on strike after Real Madrid issued a statement claiming their decisions were ‘manipulated’Credit: AFPReal Madrid were left furious after this challenge on Kylian Mbappe was only punished with a yellow cardCredit: DAZNVinicius Jr also saw a goal disallowed due to this off-the-ball challenge from MbappeLos Blancos were left furious with the quality of officiating during their 1-0 loss at Espanyol.Vinicius Jr saw a first half goal disallowed for an off-the-ball foul by Kylian Mbappe.And Espanyol’s Carlos Romero was only shown a yellow card for a studs-up lunge on Mbappe, before going on to score the winning goal.The Real Madrid letter also stated: “The scandal generated by this match has once again had worldwide repercussions, with the international press denouncing the biased use of VAR in Spain and the lack of credibility of Spanish refereeing.”READ MORE ON REAL MADRIDAnd the club called for the VAR audio footage of the incidents in question to be released immediately.But, answering a question from a caller, Cope journalist Isaac Fouto claimed that some referees in LaLiga are in favour of going on strike in response to the accusations.He said: “There are referees from the First Division who believe that they should go on strike.”But he added: “The strike is either everyone [or no-one]… some have said they will go, but everyone has to go.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It is being considered, it is being considered in the environment. If this takes this turn, the competition will stop.”Following the Real Madrid letter, the Spanish FA [RFEF] released a statement backing its officials.Wholesome moment Jude Bellingham leaves a young Real Madrid fan crying with happiness as he hands him his shirtThe RFEF commented: “The refereeing task, by its very nature, is subject to review and analysis.”But this cannot lead to generalised accusations that cast doubt on their integrity, as this not only affects the referees themselves, but also erodes the credibility of soccer as a whole.“It is important to reflect on the consequences of this type of systematic questioning of refereeing. “Constantly delegitimizing the work of referees outside the established channels generates a climate of mistrust that benefits neither Spanish football nor its competitions.”Meanwhile Carlo Ancelotti has come out and said that the refereeing is better in the Premier League than LaLiga.The Real Madrid boss said: “What league has the best referees? Difficult to say. It’s a tough job. “What I can say is referees suffer less pressure in England, so they do their job better.” More

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      How net transfer spend of Premier League ‘Big Six’ compares since Pep Guardiola’s arrival with Man Utd outspending City

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      PEP GUARDIOLA hit the panic button in the January transfer window.After the worst run of his managerial career – which included five defeats in a row before collapsing against Feyenoord – he sanctioned a whopping £182million outlay to try and rescue Manchester City’s season.Pep Guardiola is spending his way out of trouble amid a difficult season for Man CityCredit: GettyMan City have splashed the cash in January including £64m on Omar MarmoushCredit: GettyCity started off their New Year spending spree by landing centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov for £33.6m.The Premier League’s first Uzbek player was followed to the Etihad by fellow defender Vitor Reis for £29.6m.Guardiola then bolstered his attack with the biggest signing of the January transfer window in England, dropping £64m on Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt.Juma Bah joined for £5.1m and then City ensured they secured the four biggest deals of the month by snapping up £50m Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez on deadline day. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTogether with Savinho as their main new acquisition back in the summer for £21m, City spent more than £200m on players this season. But they also made £159m in sales.More than half of that came from Julian Alvarez’s exit to Atletico Madrid while Joao Cancelo headed to Saudi Arabia and once again the cash added up by letting a host of academy graduates go. But City’s £201m expenditure and £42m net spend were both far exceeded by neighbours Manchester United.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRuben Amorim’s main signing in January was the £29m dropped on left-back Patrick Dorgu – adding to the £200m spent in the summer on the likes of Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte. With only £86m raised in departures, the 2024-25 net spend was £143m. Meet Man City signing Nico Gonzalez, who is son of Pep Guardiola’s former team-mate and could be £50m Rodri solution And that was the biggest of the ‘Big Six’ this season – therefore extending their ‘lead’ as the overall biggest net spenders among the elite English clubs since 2016, when Pep Guardiola arrived. 1. MAN UTD – £1billionSince 2016, Manchester United have spent a staggering £1.37billion on new players.Paul Pogba’s £89m arrival that year remains the club record, although Antony (£85.5m), Harry Maguire (£85m), Romelu Lukaku (£75m), Jadon Sancho (£73m) and Rasmus Hojlund (£72m) all arrived in massive deals.Their biggest signing this season was Leny Yoro for up to £52m. United’s record sale remains Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for £80m in 2009 so the highest fee received in the period since 2016 is the £73m they got from Inter Milan for Romelu Lukaku in 2019.Ironically, the money banked for Mason Greenwood (£26.6m) and Scott McTominay (£25m) in the summer are among the biggest United sales of all time.Across the period from 2016, United have sold £371m worth of players – the lowest in the ‘Big Six’ – to take their overall net spend to just about exactly £1bn. Man Utd are the biggest net spenders in the Premier League – and unveiled new signings Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven on SundayCredit: Getty2. CHELSEA – £836millionChelsea’s crazy spending has gone to even more bonkers levels since Todd Boehly took over in 2022. But in the last nine seasons, the total is barely believable: a staggering £1.97bn. This season’s £54m deal for Pedro Neto does not even make the top ten on their list – behind the likes of Wesley Fofana (£75m), Kai Havertz (£70m) and that man Lukaku again (£97.5m).Chelsea are the only English team to have spent £100m-plus on two different transfers – the £106m for Enzo Fernandez and £100m, possibly rising to £115m, for Moises Caicedo. But while Chelsea are the biggest Prem spenders, they are also the biggest Prem sellers, racking up £1.13bn in player exits – including £88m (Eden Hazard to Real Madrid), £65m (Havertz to Arsenal) and £60m (Mason Mount to United) – as their net spend works out as £836m. That was helped by fetching big money for Ian Maatsen (£37.5m), Lewis Hall (£28m), Conor Gallagher (£36m) and Lukaku (£25.2m) this term. Pedro Neto doesn’t even crack the top ten biggest Chelsea transfers in the last nine seasons, even at £54mCredit: AP3. MAN CITY – £695millionWe’ve already discussed City’s spending this season but how does that play into the overall picture in the Guardiola era?In total, the Etihad giants are second for outlays on £1.46bn.Marmoush’s arrival is fourth in their all-time list, just behind Ruben Dias and then a way off Josko Gvardiol (£77m) and record-signing Jack Grealish who cost £100m.As with Chelsea, though, City fetch some hefty prices for selling off a wave of youngsters good enough for many teams but just not quite at Guardiola’s required elite level. The Alvarez deal could rise to £81.5m while the money for Taylor Harwood-Bellis (£20m), Liam Delap (£15m), Sergio Gomez (£8.4m) and Tommy Doyle (£4.3m) racks up.After Alvarez, City’s other biggest sales in the period are Raheem Sterling, Ferran Torres, Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane and Cole Palmer (all between £47.5m and £40m). And the total tally is a net spend of £695m with Guardiola in the dugout.4. ARSENAL – £688millionCity’s net spend is just £7m or so more than Arsenal’s over the same period – but they have six more Premier League titles, four more League Cups, an extra Champions League and an extra Club World Cup to show for it, and the same number of FA Cups. Arsenal’s total is £688m in the red – including approximately £23m this season with approximately £100m spent and £77m received. David Raya (£27m), Riccardo Calafiori (£42m), and Mikel Merino (£31m) were the major arrivals but Emile Smith Rowe (£27m), Aaron Ramsdale (£18m) and Eddie Nketiah (£25m) all departed. Arsenal have not been afraid to spend big, splashing out £60m on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and £72m on Nicolas Pepe before the more recent arrivals of £65m Kai Havertz and £105m Declan Rice. The Smith Rowe deal is their fifth-biggest sale ever – and Nketiah ninth – while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain tops the pile on £35m to Liverpool in 2017.Riccardo Calafiori is Arsenal’s biggest purchase of 2024-25 at £42mCredit: Getty5. TOTTENHAM – £580millionTottenham are just shy of the £1bn spending mark since 2016 – on £995m.That includes £145m this season on record arrival Dominic Solanke (£65m), £40m on Archie Gray, £25m on Wilson Odobert and £12.5m on goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky who came in during January. Other major outlays were Richarlison (£50m), Dejan Kulusevski (£25m), James Maddison (£40m), Pedro Porro (£37.3m), Micky van de Ven (£35m) and Brennan Johnson (£47.5m). As for their sales, they total £415m in the time frame – the big one being Harry Kane leaving for Bayern Munich at the beginning of last season for an initial £86m.Kyle Walker’s move to Manchester City in 2017 was worth around £50m but the biggest sales this season were Oliver Skipp to Leicester (£20m), Emerson Royal to Milan (£12.8m) and Joe Rodon to Leeds (£10m). And that all means Spurs are down £580m on transfer fees since 2016.Dominic Solanke set back Tottenham £65m last summerCredit: Getty6. LIVERPOOL – £282millionPerhaps it is no surprise to see Liverpool with the best net spend of the ‘Big Six’ on a mere £282m over the past nine seasons. In fact, the Reds have actually made a profit in the 2024-25 campaign by only buying Federico Chiesa for £10m and raising £50m in sales from Fabio Carvalho (£20m), Sepp van den Berg (£20m) and Bobby Clark (£10m). It continued a wise – and successful – transfer strategy that has seen Liverpool sell big and then wait to find the right players at the right time for the right price. In the pre-2016 era not included in these figures, Liverpool sold Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres and Raheem Sterling.They then secured an eye-watering £145m from Barcelona for Philippe Coutinho in 2018, making up more than a quarter of their £505m in sales during the set period. READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool have not been afraid to splash the cash too – £787m in total since 2016 – with te overall £85.3m deal for Darwin Nunez in 2022 their record signing ahead of Virgil van Dijk (£75m), Alisson (£67m), Dominik Szoboszlai (£60m) and Naby Keita (£53m). Interestingly, Liverpool’s £282m net spend since 2016 is significantly less than West Ham (£451m) and Newcastle (£396m) and just £8m more than Aston Villa after they sold Jaden Philogene (£20m), Diego Carlos (£8.5m) and Jhon Duran (£64m) in January.Liverpool have made a £40m profit this season, signing only £10m man Federico ChiesaCredit: Getty More