Longtail

IT is the Premier League’s first Glove Affair for 31 YEARS.Uniquely among the managerial fraternity, both Julen Lopetegui and Nuno Espirito Santo were goalkeepers in their playing careers before becoming bosses.Former goalkeeper and Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo hosts West Ham on FridayWhile ex-LaLiga stopper and West Ham gaffer Lopetegui makes up the historic clashThe last time two stoppers faced each other in opposing dugouts in the top flight was on Friday, April 9, 1993.Tottenham crushed Norwich 5-1 at White Hart Lane — ex-Colchester keeper Mike Walker was manager of the Canaries, while former England No 1 Ray Clemence was in caretaker charge of Spurs along with Doug Livermore.However, Friday’s clash at the City Ground, as surprise package  Nottingham Forest face under-performing West Ham, represents the FIRST time two permanent chiefs who were former goalies going head to head.Any suggestion you have to be crazy to become a keeper in the first place has been shot down by the Hammers manager.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWell-travelled Spaniard Lopetegui laughed: “This is a big lie! A very big lie.“Normally the most sensible people in the dressing room are the goalkeepers. Believe me.“You can say they are different but not crazy.”There is an eight-year age gap between Lopetegui, 58, and Nuno, 50, but they are both ex-Porto managers and they crossed paths earlier this century in LaLiga combat.Most read in FootballJulen Lopetegui played 149 LaLiga matches over nine seasonsNuno was called to the senior Portugal squad competing in Euro 2008, replacing the injured Quim, but did not play a matchFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLopetegui, who also coached at Real Madrid and Sevilla, said: “I’m a little bit older than him. “Yes, I remember him as a keeper. I played against him as a coach, too. But we were never keeper on keeper. I didn’t play against him as a keeper.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese model“Who was the better goalkeeper? Ha, I forgot my time. I don’t remember a lot. Maybe me. I don’t know.”Goalkeepers is a key theme of West Ham’s selection approach, as matchday 10 represents their first league visit outside of London.Frenchman Alphonse Areola was dropped after the 4-1 defeat at Spurs even though he had started in the opening eight league ties.Pole Lukasz Fabianski was given the responsibility for the home match with Manchester United last Sunday and pulled off several great saves to help the Hammers win 2-1 — a result that saw the Old Trafford axing of Erik ten Hag.Lukasz Fabianski was instrumental in keeping United goalless before half-time on SundayAsked if he empathised with Areola’s disappointment, Lopetegui said: “I was a goalkeeper a long time ago. But I understand.“I can change other positions. I repeat, you don’t change one player, it’s not about thinking that something is wrong with him.“It’s thinking that maybe you’re going to be positive with this change.“Sometimes it’s going to happen or not. In football, we don’t have a crystal ball. But we try to take the decision that we think will always help the team.“Did I get dropped? A lot! In my opinion, to my coaches, I was right! It’s like this.“We trust Alphonse a lot. He did very well in this team before. But we decided that in this match, Lukasz was more ready and maybe it was good to put him in for different reasons.READ MORE SUN STORIES“All of them have to be ready to play. It’s up to us to decide who is going to be in or not.“It’s not because we don’t trust them. It’s good, this kind of inside competition, to be more competitive.” More

WHEN Ruben Amorim arrives in Manchester, he has got a LOT of mess to sweep up in a short space of time.I really like Amorim — he is an excellent coach and everything about him is world class, even the way he has conducted himself in leaving Sporting Lisbon.Ruben Amorim has been confirmed as the new Man Utd managerIt is not yet known if interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will stay on as part of Amorim’s staffTroy Deeney has urged Amorim to kick Van Nistelrooy to the curbBut he has a heck of a job.I am not saying these United boys are not fit but they will be nowhere near fit enough for Amorim. His Sporting teams run their arses off.There are going to be a lot of ups and downs between now and January 1 and then — oh my God — is he going to have to come out with a broom and sweep the lot.If you’re walking into that s**tshow with that ball of yarn to untangle, where do you begin? Good luck with that, Ruben.READ MORE ON MAN UTDYou’ve got to get rules in place, because sacked Erik ten Hag apparently tried to lead that club like a dictator and, from what I have heard, the Carrington training base is completely divided as a result.The expectation is going to be high because United have just spent over £10million getting you and your coaching team over from Portugal.You’re going to have your own fitness and nutrition guys in.Can these players do what you want them to do? Are they fit enough? Probably not.Most read in FootballRasmus Hojlund has been in and out of the starting XI as United sit 14thFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYou’re going to have to tweak everything from gym work to the training routines and during that period you will have a few players dropping like flies because of it.I am glad United got Amorim sorted quickly. Had they not, they would have gone down the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer route again with Ruud van Nistelrooy.The new manager ‘bounce’ and 5-2 thrashing of Leicester in the Carabao Cup was always going to happen. It is no coincidence.Ten Hag would have been watching, thinking ‘How f***ing frustrating is this?’ even if he did deserve to lose his job.Bruno Fernandes scoring his first goals of the season and Casemiro suddenly firing in screamers with an Old Trafford hero like Van Nistelrooy on the sidelines.But a club legend taking over, playing a seriously poor Leicester team in a cup, with a new manager on the way… that was always going to be the case.Marcus Rashford has looked a shadow of his former self during the last 12 monthsMeanwhile, Casemiro has been both criticised and praised in recent weeks after scoring three in two games either side of Erik ten Hag’s sackingIt is like when you’ve been with your partner for a long time.You get dumped, so you go to the gym to get in shape to get someone new. It never lasts.And make no mistake, after this weird ‘new-manager bounce’ phase, reality would have hit them again, because you cannot bulls**t it over the course of a season.They’re 14th in the Premier League for a reason.With the games they have coming up after a free hit against Chelsea on Sunday — PAOK and Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League and Leicester, Ipswich and Everton in the Prem — suddenly United could have picked up some points and the board would think ‘Why not Ruud?’But that would just be bulls**ting it again until the next tough run heading into December with Arsenal, Manchester City and Spurs in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.I remember when Marco Silva was sacked at Watford and Javi Gracia came in and we went on a real run.Why? Partly because we were a really fit team and that paved the way for a clean transition. It is a really underestimated part of it.My one bit of advice to Ruben? Don’t keep Ruud on. You want to clear the decks once you are there, with only your people around you.Troy DeeneyThe person who will come out of this the best? Ruud. He will have a nice pay packet. His stock will rise and he won’t be tarnished with Ten Hag’s tenure.Even if United lose 7-0 to Chelsea, Ruud can say: “It’s not my fault. The players were distracted by Ten Hag going and the new manager.”My one bit of advice to Ruben? Don’t keep Ruud on. You want to clear the decks once you are there, with only your people around you.Only then can you figure out what the problems are — and how to solve them.What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.”VIN SNUB NOT ABOUT RACEYOU look up ‘Ballon d’Or’ right now and the first name that comes up is: Vinicius Jr.A lot has been made of him not turning up to the award ceremony after losing out to Rodri. Was it petulant? Yes. Embarrassing? It depends how you look at it.Vinicius has been exceptional this year, winning LaLiga and the Champions League, but he didn’t do well for Brazil, and that is what has cost him.You look at previous winners, like Lionel Messi last year — he was playing for Inter Miami but won the World Cup for Argentina.Vinicius Jr was shocked after he placed second in the Ballon d’Or on MondayThat’s what clinches a Ballon d’Or, it seems.Rodri did the same with Spain at the Euros. Had England beaten them in the final, it probably would have gone to Jude Bellingham.In my opinion, Vinicius has had the wrong people in his ear telling him he was a cert to win it and it would be unanimous and, I imagine, that has got to him.He has got caught up in it thinking he is going to be elevated to superstar status.I don’t think we should be making this a race issue, which is what is perhaps being implied by his cryptic tweets in the aftermath.Man City ace Rodri was named the world’s best player – but was hit with controversyTo think you’re going to win it, and then you don’t, it must take a lot out of you, especially after a bad weekend where his Real Madrid side have just been battered by Barcelona in El Clasico.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor what it’s worth, I think he should have won the Ballon d’Or.Should he have gone to the award ceremony? Probably, but let’s not pile in on him too much.Ballon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and Ukraine More

GABRIEL JESUS knows a young star when he sees one — and has vowed to help Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri reach the top.The Brazilian watched two of the Prem’s best — Phil Foden and Cole Palmer — come through the ranks at Manchester City.Gabriel Jesus has predicted great things for Ethan NwaneriNwaneri holds the record for the youngest ever Premier League playerAnd he hopes his Gunners team-mate, 17, is on the same route right to the top.Nwaneri gave yet another glimpse of his special talent by scoring a beauty in Arsenal’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win at Preston on Wednesday.Jesus says the playmaker may have to be patient, just like Foden was at the Etihad — but is excited to see how far he can go.He said: “I have been with some very special youngsters, like Phil and Cole — and also James McAtee at City, he is also very good. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“So to see Ethan in training and in the game is good, because I am a fan of football.“So when I see someone young with this quality, I am happy and then obviously I want him to grow, grow, grow.“Then if he needs something from me personally, I am here to help him because I am 27.”Gunners starlet Nwaneri rewrote history as the Premier League’s youngest ever player at the age of 15 and 181 days -smashing the previous record held by Harvey Elliott, who was 16 years and 30 days old.Most read in FootballAnd at 17 years and 223 days, he became the youngest Arsenal player to score on his first two starts for the club — eclipsing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s previous mark of 18 years and 44 days.The Arsenal legend also said Phil Foden had to ‘wait his turn’ before becoming one of the world’s bestJesus watched Chelsea’s Cole Palmer come through the ranks at Man CityCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBoss Mikel Arteta believes he is ready to play more regularly — but he also has a huge array of talent to choose from.Jesus says the youngster should look no further than last season’s PFA Player of the Year Foden for inspiration if he gets frustrated at the wait.’Stay humble,’ Erling Haaland tells Arteta who gives him brutal death stare before Gabriel Jesus confronts Man City ace He said: “I saw people like Phil waiting for his chance and then now, look at Phil. He is one of the best players in the world.“So I hope Ethan keeps his toes on the grass, works, and then it’s a question of time for him to shine.”The wonder strike from the young Londoner overshadowed a good night for Jesus, who ended a 274-day goal drought by opening the scoring in the 3-0 Deepdale victory.The £45million forward admits that is not good enough — but insists there are reasons behind his long wait.He added: “It looks a long time — nine months, I understand. But people need to understand I am starting less, I am playing less.“Last season I had a few issues with injuries and stuff that people don’t understand.“But I am not here to make excuses. I know I am the type of player, with my quality, that has to be there and score more. I want to and I am working really hard to get there.”When he does get his opportunities, Jesus has vowed to try his luck more often.He said: “Now I am more focused on goals. Now I am more focused to shoot.“What has changed for me now is I try to look for the goal.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s good to be back scoring and I want to keep scoring when I have my chance.“I am here to work, try to be fit and, when I get my chance, enjoy playing football and try to help the team win.”Arsenal ratings vs PrestonARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.Tommy Setford – 6A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.Jurrien Timber – 7Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-timeWilliam Saliba – 7Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.Jakub Kiwior – 8Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.Jorginho – 7Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.Mikel Merino – 7A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.Ethan Nwaneri – 9Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.Raheem Sterling – 7The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.Gabriel Jesus – 8Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.SubsThomas Partey – 6Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.Kai Havertz – 8Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.Bukayo Saka – 6More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.Ayden Heaven – 6Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes. More