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      in Soccer

      My dad is flying high as National League boss… but I’m making my own way in the Premier League and England’s Under-21s

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      JACK HINSHELWOOD is enjoying a “family feel-good factor” as an ever-present in his unbeaten Brighton side — while dad Adam is flying high in the National League as manager of York.The 19-year-old, who netted a thumping header in Sunday’s 2-2 home draw with Nottingham Forest, represents the fourth generation of his clan to play professionally.Jack Hinshelwood’s header put Brighton 2-1 up in Sunday’s home Premier League clash but fellow unbeaten side Nottingham Forest nicked a 2-2 drawCredit: RexHinshelwood, seen celebrating his goal, has shown maturity this campaign by playing at left-back after previously mainly featuring on the rightCredit: PADad Adam Hinshelwood managed sixth-tier Worthing then took over York last season to keep them up and guide them to third place this termCredit: Ian WhittakerHe revealed: “It’s a good feeling in my family at the moment with my dad doing so well.“There was a point last season where I was injured and he’d just got the job and we were having a bit of a tough moment.“But we’ve come through it together as a family.“To see him flying now, I am really happy — and I hope it carries on because it brings that family feel-good factor.”READ MORE TOP STORIESAdd in Jack’s recent debut for the England Under-21 side that beat Austria 4-1 at Kenilworth Road and the Hinshelwoods — including his uncle Martin, a former Brighton boss — are on a roll.Jack said: “I had to get about 12, 13 tickets for them to come and watch — which is usual for most home games as well.“It’s always nice to have them in the crowd — especially when it’s a landmark moment and you get a good result.“Having them there to talk to is really helpful, I think — something other people might not have.Most read in FootballThis old Hinshelwood family picture includes Jack, far right, dad Adam, fourth right, and grandfather Paul, second rightFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“But at the same time they let me just crack on.“They know I know what I need to do to be successful.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsSeagulls’ manager Fabian Hurzeler rates Hinshelwood a future captainCredit: Reuters“And I have to listen to people at this club and not be satisfied with where I am at but keep working hard to improve.”Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has talked of the academy graduate as a “future leader” of the team and praised his “unbelievable” attitude and mindset.That has helped him adjust to playing at left-back this season after making most of his 17 Prem appearances on the right.He insisted: “To be honest, I’m not really bothered where I play. Whatever gets me in the team, I am happy.“I just want to be out there playing football, as simple as it sounds.”One of his most testing afternoons came against Bukayo Saka in last month’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates.He admitted: “I can more than acknowledge that the first ten to 15 minutes was tough.“It was what I was expecting but to get through that and not concede early, which helped, enabled me to really grow into the game.“I am young and learning — it was a great experience for me.”“It’s what I’ve been working towards my whole life — to be in these moments.“I am just really enjoying the challenges that I am coming up against and I don’t fear anything, to be honest.”Sunday’s dramatic stalemate left Brighton both unbeaten on nine points from five games.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth managers saw red in an ugly flare-up after Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was sent off for his second yellow card – a reckless lunge.But even that exchange couldn’t overshadow Danny Welbeck’s glorious free-kick goal for the Seagulls.Here’s another view of Hinshelwood’s brilliant goal vs ForestCredit: RexThe Sussex teenager has the world at his feetCredit: PA More

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      Middlesbrough coach Grant Leadbitter hoping to save lives as he backs cause close to his heart on Sunderland return

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      GRANT LEADBITTER uniquely enjoys legendary status at both Sunderland and Middlesbrough – but he will be wearing much more important colours ahead of tomorrow’s derby.The 38-year-old came through the ranks at his boyhood Black Cats and played a huge role under Roy Keane in their 2007 promotion campaign.Grant Leadbitter captained Middlesbrough to promotion in 2016Credit: GettyThe star enjoys legendary status at both Boro and SunderlandCredit: PA:Empics SportHaving followed the Irishman to Ipswich, he returned to the region in 2012 with Boro and captained them to the Premier League in 2016.Leadbitter headed back to his first love Sunderland two years later and became the first player since Bobby Kerr in 1973 to lift a trophy for the club at Wembley when they won the Football League Trophy.The much-loved midfielder hung up his boots in 2021 but is now back at Boro as Michael Carrick’s first-team coach.As he prepares to head to the Stadium of Light and to the spot where his late father’s ashes are buried under the pitch, Leadbitter is now backing something else very close to his heart.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe is a patron of the If U Care Share Inside Out campaign that encourages people to talk by ‘getting what’s on the inside out’.Fans will spot players from both teams wearing the If U Care Share Inside Out t-shirts in the warm-up before the lunchtime showdown in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day.The idea is the brainchild of the Chester-le-Street based mental health and suicide prevention charity If U Care Share.The charity was founded by Matthew Smith and his family in 2005 after his brother Daniel O’Hare’s death by suicide and it has provided prevention advice and support to families affected by suicide. Most read in ChampionshipLeadbitter said: “It’s a very important cause to me and a lot of people from the North East. “Dan’s family started the charity in his memory and his younger brothers Matthew and Ben have dedicated themselves to raising awareness.“In memory of Daniel, we are hoping to help other people, and that is so important. It’s about making sure no one else takes their own life and trying to get the statistics down.Roy Keane made £800 off Sunderland players but lost dressing room with training ground trick that immediately backfired“Both ourselves and Sunderland promote the charity every year and it’s all about creating awareness.“On Saturday, there will be nearly 45,000 at the Stadium of Light with a lot more people watching at home, and if we can deliver a message, even if it’s to just one person, we could save another precious life.”Last month Matthew completed a 700 mile to every Premier League ground to raise vital funds for the charity, running from Bournemouth, across the south coast, through the seven London clubs, before a gruelling leg to Ipswich, followed by the Midlands, Liverpool, Manchester, before landing at St. James’ Park less than three weeks later.The aim is to raise £135,000 – with 135 being the number of people such as family, friends, work colleagues, health and emergency professionals – who are impacted when one person takes their own life.If U Care Share co-founder Matthew added: “We would like to thank Sunderland and Middlesbrough football clubs for their continued support for the Inside Out campaign and giving such prominent backing to a simple message which saves lives.”Visit ifucareshare.co.uk for more info.If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.Players from both teams will wear these t-shirts pre-matchCredit: MFC More

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      David Raya went from playing non-league and returned from facial reconstruction to become Arsenal hero with wonder save

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      ARSENAL fans’ hearts were in their mouths when Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui appeared odds-on to header a rebound home from his saved penalty.But, hero of the hour David Raya, 29, pulled off the most epic of double saves to ensure the Gunners ended up unscathed in their Champions League opener in Bergamo.Brilliant David Raya has established himself as Arsenal’s No1Raya’s wonder double save against Atalanta spared Arsenal’s blushesA horror injury playing for Blackburn left Raya’s career hanging in the balanceJust 10 years ago, the Spain international was turning out for non-league Southport.However, it was a moment at Blackburn that would define the shotstopper’s incredible courage and bravery.It was an incident that could have, ultimately, put an end to Raya’s career before he would become No1 at the Emirates.In a collision with West Brom’s Jay Rodriguez at the Hawthorns, the former Brentford goalie suffered a serious face-altering injury.Read more football newsMedics rushed to the pitch to give him oxygen, as he lay stricken on a stretcher.He was immediately hospitalised, where he was treated for his injury.Former Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray revealed the sickening extent of the blow in his post-match interview.’His nose was almost pushed into his skull’Speaking to BBC Sport, Mowbray revealed: “The players were feeling sick with what they saw.Most read in Football”He is in hospital. The bone at the top has been pushed into the skull almost and the nose is sort of hanging off really. The players could not look at it, it was that bad.”Baggies forward Rodriguez was equally as shocked and revealed he was devastated about what happened. Arsenal star David Raya shows off new look after undergoing hair transplantHe said: “It’s not nice to see. I was chasing the ball, I tried to get out of the way but I’ve caught him with the top of my foot. “I’ve been told he’s gone to hospital and I’m gutted about that.”Luckily, Raya’s injury was less serious than first feared.When he returned, he wore a protective mask for two weeks.He did have to have nose reconstruction surgery, but waited until the end of the season.At the time, Raya told the Lancashire Telegraph: “It’s not impeding me to breathe or anything and if I had the surgery now [during that season], I would be out for six to eight weeks.”I think it’s the right decision to wait, even though my nose isn’t the same.”It can happen to anyone, it can happen with a header to a centre-back, so that won’t change my type of play or anything.”Players were left shocked by Raya’s horror injury to his noseRaya wore a protective mask when he returned from injury for two weeksNon-league startBefore Raya’s move to North London was completed this summer in a £27million deal, he was plying his trade in the lower leagues.Raya joined Blackburn when he was just 15 from third tier Spanish side UE Cornella for the meagre fee of just £10,000.For the 2014-2015 season, he was loaned out to non-league Southport to ease their relegation fears from the Conference Premier at that time.”He was a young goalkeeper right down the pecking order at Blackburn,” ex-manager Gary Brabin said.”You’re thinking, ‘is he going to be experienced enough for this relegation battle?’ Because you need strong characters.”A new manager comes in, the team is bottom of the league and a lot of people’s heads were down and they were considering what’s next. But that wasn’t the case with David. He was an unbelievable character, confident and bubbly and it was lovely to feed off that and spread it among the squad. It was a great team spirit.”It was his feet that really impressed me. The way David was so confident, we played a lot more football on the ground than other teams at our level and we quickly got out of those bottom four places. He was integral to that because of how good he was.”We felt safe having him at the back and it wasn’t just keeping the ball out, he was starting our play. He was our starting point and it was successful for us.”Raya was plucked from obscurity when he played for Spain third tier team UE CornellaBlackburn Rovers signed Raya when he was just a 15-year-old prospectFor the 2014-15 season, Raya was loaned out to non-league Southportread more sport featuresEstablishing himselfBy the 2017-18 season, 6ft Raya established himself as Rovers No1.His ability on the ball, as well as his cat-like reflexes propelled his side to promotion from League One to the Championship.One thing that stood out amongst his peers were the size of his hands.Former player coach at Rover, Steven Drench, who Raya once called his mentor, also revealed how the future Prem keeper stood out amongst his peers.”The thing about David is he’s not your normal 6ft 4in, 6ft 5in goalkeeper and he’s been fighting against that stereotype,” Drench told Sky Sports.”So, he has to have that little bit more spring, power and athleticism.”You have to be able to make those saves that would be top-drawer saves. But the way he moves around the goal and the way he plays with his feet makes him the all-round package.”When he made a save, we’d always joke that he’d spin on his bum and go the other way. I didn’t want to take that away from him because he could cover the goal that quickly.”You see some of the saves he makes now, he’s saving the ball two or three yards past his post because his feet are that quick. He’s that agile and powerful that when he does take that step, he’s covering more of the goal. He’s making difficult saves look very, very easy.READ MORE SUN STORIESRaya celebrates with fans after helping Rovers get promotedNow Raya is a firm favourite with the Arsenal faithful”And if you ever meet him, he has hands like shovels, they’re massive.”It’s those shovels Ollie Watkins and now Mateo Retegui can testify thwarted their goal efforts. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Man Utd’s Old Trafford architects’ incredible projects from entire futuristic desert city to strange dog kennels

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have enlisted help from a global architecture group to develop a ‘masterplan’ for the Old Trafford area.The Red Devils are looking to build a new stadium that will act as a ‘Wembley of the North’.Man Utd have appointed an architect group to help with the development of a new stadiumCredit: RexNew co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has ambitious plans for the build, including a 100,000-fan capacity.He also wants to regenerate the club-owned land surrounding the stadium by incorporating mixed-use developments that will benefit the local community.With Man Utd intent on building a “world-class football destination and home” for supporters, club officials have appointed world-renowned group Foster + Partners.The company has been involved with a number of huge projects, including the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium in London.Read More in FootballIt also helped to build the Lusail Stadium, which hosted the final of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.But Foster + Partners do not just operate in sport…South Sabah Al-AhmadLord Foster, the group’s founder and executive chairman, is currently helping to develop South Sabah Al-Ahmad – a brand-new city located 80km south of Kuwait City in the Middle East.It will be a home to around 280,000 people and create 145,000 jobs in a diverse range of industries.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe new futuristic desert city, which spans 22,000,000 square metres, is expected to be completed by 2040.It is also anticipated to cost £7.6BILLION ($10bn).The group is currently helping to develop a huge city in the Middle East named South Sabah Al-AhmadCredit: Foster + PartnersIt will be a home to around 280,000 peopleCredit: Foster + PartnersInside the SoFi Stadium as Man Utd look for inspiration for new Old Trafford Dog kennelsFoster + Partners is also in the dog kennel market having created two innovative designs.One of the products, the Dome-Home, features a geodesic shell structure with a removable fabric liner.It received a gold at the International Design Awards.The company also developed the Barc kennel, which is made up of a few components that can be easily put together and taken apart.The Company has also helped with the development of dog kennelsCredit: Foster + PartnersOne Beverly HillsAmong several other projects, the group is also helping to transform 17.5 acres of land in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.The masterplan will introduce 10 acres of open space and breathtaking gardens, which will be a sustainable oasis of wellness, encouraging exploration and relaxation.The landscape architect, RIOS, has curated over 200 species of California native plants and trees including palms, oaks, sycamores and succulents to be integratedSome parts will be open exclusively for residents, club members and hotel guests with the remaining areas accessible to the public.It is set to be completed in three years.An area in Beverly Hills is also under developmentCredit: Foster + PartnersHuaxing New TownHuaxing New Town is located at the centre of the Suzhou Creek CBD in Shanghai.Foster + Partners was tasked with developing the 253,000 m2 area back in 2018.The new development consists of two office towers and a connecting retail podium. The tallest tower – around 320 metres high – is set to offer spectacular views of Huangpu River Bay, West Bund and Suzhou Creek.Huaxing New Town consists of two office towers and a connecting retail podiumCredit: Foster + PartnersThe OneThe 80-storey structure in Toronto will become Canada’s tallest building and its second tallest man-made structure after the CN Tower.The first 18 storeys will include restaurants, event spaces, two major retailers and a luxury hotel.Toronto’s Apple store is also expected to move into the building.It is set to be completed next year.The One is a new skyscraper set to open in Toronto next yearCredit: Foster + PartnersBattersea Roof GardensDeveloped as part of the Battersea Power Station masterplan, the garden has 23,000 plants and 55 trees.The mixed-use building features 436 apartments and a hotel.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt sits alongside 50 Electric Boulevard, a wellbeing-centred office building with 200,000 square feet of new workspace.Battersea Roof Gardens opened last year.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      in Boxing

      ‘He won’t want me to end the gravy train’ says former world champion as he calls out Jake Paul ahead of Mike Tyson fight

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      A FORMER Brit world champion has sensationally claimed Jake Paul won’t fight him for fear it’ll bring an end to his lucrative “gravy train”.The YouTuber has ruffled plenty of feathers in the boxing world since turning pro back in January 2020, drawing criticism from many of the sport’s purists.Jake Paul has been on the receiving end of several callouts from retired prosCredit: GETTYEx-super-middleweight champ Carl Froch has been chasing a fight with Paul for well over a yearCredit: GETTYBut the 47-year-old reckons The YouTuber is too scared to fight himCredit: STEVE BELLAnd he’s received absolute pelters following the March announcement of his controversial clash with 58-year-old Mike Tyson.Former Disney star Paul hasn’t been short of fight offers from retired world champions in recent years, including one from Brit Carl Froch.But the former WBC super-middleweight champion reckons the social media sensation will do everything in his power to avoid sharing the ring with him.’The Cobra’ told snooker legend Stephen Hendry: “He’s a commodity, Jake Paul. READ MORE BOXING NEWS”He knows how to make money. So you’ve got to give him respect for that. But he’s not a boxer, [he’s] useless.”Which I keep reminding him about. And you never know. “If I keep poking the bear enough me might just [fight me].”I think he just knows he’ll get beat and he doesn’t want me to end the gravy train.Most read in Boxing”He doesn’t want to get better, does he, by a guy that’s been retired ten years.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFroch, 47, shared fight fans’ outrage when it was announced that Paul would throw down with former undisputed champ Tyson.And ‘The Cobra’ can’t foresee any other outcome than a Paul pounding of the near-pensioner-aged great.Watch Francis Ngannou brutally tell Jake Paul what ‘specimen’ Mike Tyson will do to him after training with boxing iconHe said: “Mike Tyson is an old man, 58 years old by the time he gets into the ring.”You can’t beat the clock. In a game like this, you can play. But physically, – he’s 26 years old. He’ll have a round in him.”If he caught Jake Paul with a big shot, he’d probably iron him out. But is he going to catch him? No.”He’s there to make the numbers up, Tyson.”Tyson hasn’t set foot in the ring since his Covid clash with fellow icon Roy Jones Jr in November 2020, in which he looked every bit his then 54 years.Jake Paul is gearing up to throw down with boxing legend Mike Tyson in NovemberCredit: Rex More

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      Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois’ lifestyles compared, with AJ worth over £200m and ‘Dynamite’ driving a £260k Bentley

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      IT’S literally a clash of the titans.Giant sluggers Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois go head-to-head in a best of British fight between two brilliant heavyweights.Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will duke it out at Wembley StadiumAJ has amassed an incredible net worth over £200millionDubois is believed to be worth around the £5million markIt’s been reported that the prize money on offer for the pair is hugely substantial.AJ is said to be guaranteed £6million, while Dubois can expect a minimum £3.5million.Factor pay-per-view sales and that could mean their earnings will rise substantially.Both boxers already live incredible lifestyles because of their massive earnings through the years.Read more boxing newsHere’s what they like to spend their well-earned money on.Net worthTo spend it, you’ve got to have it.And AJ’s bank has swelled in recent years thanks to some blockbuster bouts and savvy business moves.He has raked in over £200million, thanks to huge pay days when he reclaimed his WBA, WBO, IBO and IBF belts from Andy Ruiz Jr – a career best £66million – to pocketing £31million for defeating Frances Ngannou.Most read in BoxingOutside of boxing, AJ has also invested steadily in property – and owns commercial buildings in Mayfair and Bond Street worth nearly £50million.Dubois’ current earnings are believed to be a lot smaller than AJ’s.How Anthony Joshua has become ‘unbeatable’ in boxing career turnaround with insiders left stunned by heavyweight starHe is believed to be worth around £5million, which has been boosted of late.His first six-figure sum came in 2019 for a fight against Richard Lartey.One of the biggest cheques he received came in 2023, when he was beaten by Oleksandr Usyk.That night he walked away with £1.6million.Adidas boxing, 32Red, and footasylum all add to Dubois’ commercial worth.What’s in their garage?Thanks to his partnership with Jaguar Land Rover, which is rumoured to be worth £790,000 a year, AJ rolls around London in his choice of a fleet of luxury wheels, including a customised white Jaguar XJR, worth £93,000.His favourite motor is his personalised black Range Rover, which he says “looks very professional and sets a standard”.He has come a long way since buying his first car aged 17 – a second-hand Vauxhall Astra that cost £1,500.That said, he loved it – calling the motor a “stable, sturdy car.”AJ has a fleet of motors and is sponsored by Land RoverRegularly, AJ is seen travelling in his favourite Range RoverKind Joshua once bought his old boxing gym a minibusDubois poses with his £75,000 Mercedes V Class vanBut AJ isn’t that flash in comparison to other boxers. There’s no Ferraris or Lamborghinis in sight with his car collection.In any case, he was happy to buy his old gym in North London a new minibus.Despite his more modest wealth, Dubois drives a much more expensive car.It has been reported he gets around in a Bentley Continental GTC convertible that carries a price tag of around £260,000.’Dynamite’ has also been seen behind the wheel of a practical Mercedes V Class van that has a starting price of around £75,000.He once revealed his dream car is a Lamborghini. Perhaps he will treat himself after the AJ fight.Keen travellersWith such a vast wealth at his disposal, AJ is well-travelled.When he isn’t training, AJ enjoys exotic holidays with his family and friends, with his Instagram showing him in Dubai, Jamaica, Miami, Paris and plenty more glam trips.However, he is quite frugal with how he travels.AJ loves travelling on a private jet thanks to a sponsorship with Under ArmourFancy holidays in Dubai allow AJ to relax and unwindKeen traveller Dubois loves seeing the worldDubois poses in Grenada in front of the Concord FallsDubois also revealed he loved staying in MoscowAJ is sponsored by US sportswear giant Under Armour – who provide him with a private jet, as well as paying him a seven-figure salary.Often, trips are sponsored by countries and resorts who want the privilege of having the sporting icon spotted hitting their hottest tourist spots.Like AJ, Dubois also loves travelling and embracing different cultures.Of course, it’s part and parcel of his job.”It’s good when you get to travel and see different places,” he once said.”I went with Alexander Povetkin, who fought Anthony Joshua to Russia and stayed in Moscow for a bit.”On his Instagram, Dubois has also shared pictures of a trip to Grenada, where he saw the picturesque Concord Falls.Luxury itemsWhen it comes to jewellery, AJ loves a good time piece.He owns a £350,000 Audemars Piguet watch that was custom-designed, is made of gold and is diamond studded.AJ flashes his stunning Audemars Piguet watch that cost a pretty pennyDubois has a penchant for very smart and expensive suits from Saville Row’s Aspleyread more sport featuresIn the past, Joshua has spoken before about how it’s the most lavish thing he owns.He has also been seen wearing their sporty Royal Oak Offshore model that costs around £30,000.But Dubois is a man who is a lover of a fine suit.He’s a regular at bespoke Saville Row tailors Aspley, who make sure he looks the business in his pre-fight interviews.Dubois’ dream homeDubois splashed the cash on an Essex home, where he lives with his family, including dad Dave and brothers Prince and Solomon.His sister Caroline reportedly moved out after a family dispute.The mansion features a huge swimming pool, and is lavishly decorated.Wooden sculptures of lions and crocodiles are said to be commonly found around the property.In a video with sponsor 32Red, Dubois gave fans a tour of the place.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey were treated to seeing a modern kitchen, incredible grounds, as well as a trophy room with all his belts through the years.If he overcomes AJ, he will be thinking he can add more to his collection.ANTHONY JOSHUA VS DANIEL DUBOIS: All the information you need ahead of huge world title fight at WembleyDubois lives in a stunning Essex mansion with a swimming poolThe property features a stunning modern kitchenDubois proudly showed of his trophy cabinet in a 32Red promo More

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      in Soccer

      Ian Wright hails two stars who ‘dragged Arsenal through’ nightmare before Mikel Arteta turned fortunes around

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      ARSENAL legend Ian Wright reckons two academy starlets “dragged” the club through its toughest times in recent years.The Gunners floundered between the end of Arsene Wenger’s 22-year reign in May 2018 and Mikel Arteta’s arrival as boss in December 2019.Ian Wright believes two academy products ‘kept the fans going’Credit: SportsfileMikel Arteta has guided the Gunners to runners-up spot twice in a rowCredit: AlamyUnai Emery, now in charge of Aston Villa, flopped in his 18 months at the helm for Arsenal.The Spaniard was finally sacked when a 2-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt at a half-empty Emirates made it seven winless games in a row.The Gunners were eighth at the time but, after a month under caretaker chief Freddie Ljungberg, Arteta took over to earn a fifth-place finish.The ex-Arsenal midfielder has since guided the club to runners-up spot in the Premier League for the past two seasons.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut Wrighty believes a pair of home-grown talents deserve more credit than many might realise for holding the Gunners together before Arteta’s appointment.One name will be no surprise – because of his achievements then and now.But Wright’s other choice is more thought-provoking – as the player in question has been forced to depart the Emirates to revive his career.Step forward winger Bukayo Saka, now 23, and 24-year-old attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe.Most read in FootballBukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe held Arsenal together, Wrighty claimsCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSaka has gone on to win 42 England caps while fellow Londoner Smith Rowe picked up three before losing his regular Arsenal place, partly due to injuries.Wright said: “When you consider when he (Saka) got into the Arsenal side, where Arsenal were.Arsenal icon Merson says ‘I’ve got more chance of winning Strictly’ in reply to Postecoglou’s second-year trophy claim“It was almost on him and Emile Smith Rowe’s shoulders to try and get Arsenal through a certain period in the (Alexandre) Lacazette and (Pierre-Emerick) Aubameyang period, in and around that time.“He was around 19 and 20. They dragged the club through. “Just being able to support them two kept the fans going and gave Mikel the support he needed. It was down to them two.”Frontmen Lacazette and Aubameyang both finally left the Gunners in 2022 – the latter leaving under a cloud for Barcelona after disciplinary problems at the Emirates.After such an uncertain period, Arsenal have finished second twice in succession – their highest position since 2016, although the last time they actually lifted the Prem crown was 20 years ago.Meanwhile, Saka has become Arsenal’s main man but Smith Rowe left in August for Fulham, where he’s quickly regained his dazzling best form.Arsenal ratings vs Spurs as Gabriel is the hero in feisty North London derbyGABRIEL headed in the only goal of the game as a depleted Arsenal snatched all three points in the North London Derby.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Gunners players…DAVID RAYA – 8/10Commanded his area well, and was a safe pair of hands throughout the game. Another great showing in what has been a spectacular start for the Spanish stopper. JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Did well from an attacking perspective, charging down the left hand side on various occasions. Solid defensively too against Spurs’ flying right side of Johnson and Porro.Some would argue he should’ve been sent off for a challenge on Pedro Porro in the first half, but he escaped despite squaring up to Vicario in the aftermath.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8A really good recovery challenge in the first half to deny Dominic Solanke, despite being booked early on.You can always count on Saliba to put in a solid display, and he didn’t disappoint today with fantastic passing out from the back too. GABRIEL – 9A fantastic defensive showing throughout, reinforced with a towering header inside the box to give his side the lead from a set piece (shock). Has formed an impeccable partnership with Saliba, personified by their heartwarming celebration together after the opener. He’s the man. BEN WHITE – 6Gave away the ball in a dangerous position in the first half, with Solanke failing to capitalise and had a tough first half against the quick feet of Heung Min-Son.Was not able to demonstrate the dangerous right-hand side overlap we saw work so effectively last season, but wasn’t threatened in the second 45.JORGINHO – 4Struggled to replace the suspended Declan Rice for this North London derby, whom the Gunners really missed.A tough task, but didn’t come close to matching Rice’s intensity or ability to drive the ball up the pitch which left Arsenal weak in the forward areas.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Struggled in transition with Jorginho alongside him, another player who felt the full force of no Rice and Odegaard.Not fast enough with or without the ball, and will need to perk his ideas up for City next week. GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Looked like a bright spark with his running and forward movement, but was let down by his end product or lack thereof.Worked really really hard throughout, just looks short of confidence in the last actions. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Dropping deeper into more of a midfield role than he’s used to today, it should be noted that he did a job for the team when they needed him. Not the flying efficiency machine we have seen him be from the bench, but his versatility will be needed this season it seems. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Didn’t make the kind of impact on the game we are used to seeing from the brilliant Bukayo Saka, and looked less of a threat without Martin Odegaard to combine with. Did some really good defensive work nonetheless, and delivered the perfect corner to claim the assist for Gabriel’s opener. KAI HAVERTZ – 6A good header in the first half was saved well by Vicario in the spurs net – actually made more clearances (3) than he managed shots on target (2) in the first 45. Was a handful for the Spurs defence, but largely nullified by the pace and power of Mickey Van de Ven and Cristian Romero.  More

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      David Beckham admits ‘I wouldn’t say I hated it’ as he lifts lid on how he REALLY felt filming award-winning Netflix doc

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      DAVID BECKHAM has revealed what made him and wife Victoria “worried” and “nervous” about making their tell-all Netflix series.The England and Manchester United legend admitted it was “very difficult” filming the award-winning, four-part documentary.David Beckham says making the hit four-part Netflix documentary was far from easy for him and wife VictoriaBecks, seen here on holiday with Victoria, discussed ‘difficult’ chapters in his life on the show, both as a footballer and a husbandCredit: InstagramThe show called”Beckham” covered tough and controversial moments from his 1992-2013 playing career and marriage dating back to 1999.The Inter Miami co-owner discussed his notorious red card against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup, as well as rumours of being unfaithful to Victoria.Now the 115-cap star, 49, has explained why he went ahead with the docu-series.The Hollywood Reporter quote Beckham as saying: “It was one of those things I knew if I was gonna make it, I was going make it once… it was really difficult.READ MORE TOP STORIES”It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact I was going to make it but there were a few reasons why we wanted to make it. “Through the pandemic, that’s when documentaries really exploded. “It was coming up to the 10-year anniversary of my retirement and I thought, ‘Maybe this is the right time’.”However, Beckham also confessed the uncomfortable side of opening up on camera to the world.Most read in FootballThe Man Utd and Real Madrid legend is now co-owner of MLS side Inter MiamiCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “I can’t lie, it worried me, it made me nervous, it made Victoria nervous.”I wouldn’t say I hated it, I just would say it was very difficult.Emotional David Beckham looks close to tears at Sven-Goran Eriksson’s coffin is led out of church following funeral service in Sweden”We loved the results. But we were talking about things in my career that I’d never spoken about before.”Such frank talking helped make the series as popular with critics as with fans.That success peaked with an Emmy Award earlier this month in the Documentary or Nonfiction Series category. More