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      Rico Lewis branded ‘savage’ with fans convinced he made bold gesture towards Arsenal crowd following Man City defeat

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      RICO LEWIS has been branded a ‘savage’ for allegedly gesturing to Arsenal fans at the weekend.The City academy product was trusted to play in midfield by Guardiola after an excellent performance in midweek against RB Leipzig.
      Lewis was trusted to play in midfield by manager Pep GuardiolaCredit: Getty
      But City came out on the wrong side of a pivotal clash in the title race against Arsenal.
      A late goal for Gabriel Martinelli ensured that The Gunners took all three points and entered the second international break two points ahead of City.
      After the game, the 18-year-old gestured to the Arsenal fans who were celebrating a result with such potential significance in the title race.
      Lewis pointed at Manchester City’s gold Premier League badge in response to the celebrations – reminding fans that it was City that came out on top in the title race last season.
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      Fans on X, formerly known as Twitter, loved the gesture – with one saying: “Savage Rico” alongside two laughing emojis.
      Another said: “Disrespectful but he had to show them their place.”
      A third wrote: “Love the confidence.”
      But an Arsenal fan replied: “Still can’t change the score, sorry.”
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      The City youngster pointed to the gold Premier League logo on his shirtCredit: Getty
      A reminder to Arsenal fans that it was City that came out on top in the title race last seasonCredit: Getty
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      Lewis wasn’t the only City player engaging in antics after the final whistle, as Kyle Walker had a bust up with Arsenal’s coaching staff after refusing to shake their set-piece coach’s hand.
      City enter the international break off the back of back to back losses against Wolves and Arsenal.
      The Cityzens will host Brighton in the Premier League when the break is over which will be followed by a trip to face Young Boys in the Champions League. More

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      Ex-Man City star banned from driving & given community work after being caught in Mercedes while disqualified

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      A FORMER Manchester City star has been banned from driving and given community work after being caught behind the wheel while disqualified.Leeds United player Ian Poveda was caught driving a Mercedes-Benz AMG A180 while banned in Manchester on April 14 of last year.
      Ian Poveda was caught driving a Mercedes-Benz AMG A180 while bannedCredit: Rex
      The young winger figured for Pep Guardiola’s first team just once
      The 23-year-old appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
      He was handed a six month driving ban and a community order for 140 hours of unpaid work.
      Poveda was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge and court costs, but avoided a fine.
      The young winger figured for Pep Guardiola’s first team just once.
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      He joined the Whites on a permanent deal in 2020 and played for a number of clubs throughout his youth career including Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona.
      The offence happened while Poveda was on loan with Blackburn Rovers and out injured.
      Asked about his court appearance in September, manager Daniel Farke said: “I respect my players as being human beings and also mature, and they have a private life.
      “Obviously I always prefer when in their private life everything’s okay, but like all human beings [have to be] also professional.
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      “We all have sometimes our times when it’s also a bit tough for us due to private reasons or whatever and then we still have to keep going in our job.
      “So again, it’s also like I asked him to be professional and to concentrate on the hard work.”
      Poveda has made four appearances for the Championship side this season.
      The Sun has contacted Leeds United for comment. More

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      New footage shows what started Kyle Walker and Erling Haaland’s furious bust-up with Arsenal staff after Man City defeat

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      NEW footage of Kyle Walker’s bust-up with Arsenal’s set-piece coach has emerged.The England international squared up to Nicolas Jover – who used to work at City – moments after the defending Premier League champion’s defeat at the Emirates on Sunday.

      Kyle Walker had an angry exchange with Arsenal set-piece coach Nicolas JoverCredit: SKY SPORTS
      He ended up confronting Jover and was quickly backed up by Erling HaalandCredit: SKY SPORTS
      A melee ensued as members of both teams got involvedCredit: SKY SPORTS
      The incident was sparked by Walker’s furious snubbing over Jover’s offer of a post-match handshake, which the set-piece specialist didn’t bite his tongue over.
      An angry Walker took umbrage with something the German-born Frenchman said and decided to square up to him, with Erling Haaland backing him up.

      A minor scuffle ensued as members of both teams intervened but cooler heads eventually prevailed, although Walker was still the picture of anger as he trudged off the pitch.
      Haaland also had to be held back before eventually being led down the tunnel.
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      FA chiefs have decided NOT to take any action against Walker over the incident.
      Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said he “didn’t see” what sparked the incident, which City chief Pep Guardiola refused to be drawn on.
      “I know what happened, but I don’t want to say anything,” the Spaniard said. “They [Arsenal] know it.”
      Arsenal ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a deflected strike from substitute Gabriel Martinelli in the 84th minute.
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      An elated Mikel Arteta said: “I’m so proud.
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      “It was the moment with the right people and the right players.
      “We knew we would have to suffer and we did that.
      “You need a big performance and the crowd too. It feels like a big win.
      “I think the way we started we conceded the corner and then we gained some control and in the second half we started really good.
      “We were there and really aggressive. The changes helped as well.
      The quality they produced in the goal was top.
      “City give you a lot of problems and we gave them a lot of issues as well. It is not easy to get out.
      “You need the right timing, the right movement, the right moments. I like the courage.
      “You are going to have these hard moments against this team.
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      “You have to be direct and manage the emotions and make sure you don’t get caught against this team.”
      Gabriel Martinelli’s deflected 84th-minute strike proved to be the differenceCredit: GETTY More

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      Arsenal suffer injury blow as William Saliba forced to withdraw from France squad following Man City win

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      ARSENAL have been hit with a potential injury blow after William Saliba pulled out of the France squad today.The defender picked up an injury in the side’s 1-0 win over Manchester City.
      The defender picked up the injury in Arsenal’s victory over Manchester CityCredit: PA
      The French national team announced in a tweet that the defender had been forced to withdraw from the squad after suffering an injury to his right toe.
      He will be replaced by Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo.
      Given the game against City has only just finished, France or Arsenal have not put a date on the Frenchman’s return yet.
      The defender will be assessed at Arsenal’s London Colney training centre in due course.
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      The defender was excellent again for The Gunners as they beat rivals Manchester City 1-0 in a huge step in the title race and was instrumental in keeping Erling Haaland quiet.
      He won 100% of his duels in the game, had a 97% pass accuracy and has now gone eight Premier League games without being dribbled past.
      Saliba played the full 90 for Arsenal and did not immediately appear in discomfort at the end of the game.
      That’s led to some Arsenal fans online to speculate over the true severity of the injury.
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      One fan tweeted: “We’ve pulled him out, let’s goooo.”
      Another added: “Saliba not going to an international break” alongside a gif of Arsene Wenger celebrating.
      And a third wrote: “My manager finally learning the dark arts.” alongside a picture of Mikel Arteta.
      The clear implication being that Saliba is having his minutes managed ahead of what could be a title charge this season for Arsenal. More

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      Man City hero Jack Grealish’s muscular calves turned into calendar for third time

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      JACK Grealish fans can get a kick out of a calendar of his muscular calves.Kevin Beresford, 71, created it a third time, saying the Man City ace’s pins, are even “more defined and groomed”.
      Jack Grealish fans can get a kick out of a calendarCredit: Getty
      A fan created a wacky calendar of the ace’s muscular calvesCredit: dullkev.com
      It’s a step up from the Worcestershire man’s other previous calendars celebrating allotments, car parks and roundabouts.
      Grealish, as well as his calves, had a crucial role in Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning squad last season.
      We previously revealed how Grealish was named Manchester City’s worst dressed player — despite seeing himself as a trendsetter.
      Winger Grealish, 28, had previously said his team-mate Rodri had the most offensive clobber, describing it as “awful”.
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      But the tables were turned on the England star when the Spanish midfielder said in an interview that he thought Grealish was the club’s worst dressed player.
      Grealish posted the clip on his Instagram page alongside a shocked face emoji.
      In the interview, 27-year-old Rodri is asked who is the worst-dressed on the team.
      He replies: “They say it’s me but I don’t agree. I think it’s Jack.”
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      Kevin Beresford, 71, created the calendar for a third timeCredit: dullkev.com
      Kevin said the Man City ace’s pins are now even ‘more defined and groomed’Credit: dullkev.com
      The calendar is named ‘The Wonderful World of Jack Grealish’s Calves’Credit: dullkev.com
      It’s a step up from the Worcestershire man’s other previous calendarsCredit: dullkev.com
      Grealish, as well as his calves, had a crucial role in Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning squad last seasonCredit: dullkev.com More

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      How Man City and England star went from playing in the World Cup to becoming a millionaire selling toilet paper

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      A LEGENDARY footballer and England star went from playing in the World Cup to becoming a millionaire toilet paper tycoon.Iconic former Manchester City striker, Francis Lee, scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for the club.
      The iconic footballer went from playing in the World Cup to a millionaire selling toilet paperCredit: Getty
      Tragic news of the England legend’s death at the age of 79 after a long battle with cancer was announced yesterday.
      The iconic player was a legend in his native Lancashire and had become a household name across a successful 17-year career.
      He won the First Division title, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup during his seven years at Maine Road between 1967 and 1974.
      The player stared his career at Bolton in 1959, and went on to earn 27 caps for England between 1968 and 1972, scoring 10 goals.

      “Franny” Lee was awarded with Man City’s Player of the Year award in 1970 as well as the First Division Golden Boot in 1972.
      Lee won the second First Division title of his career when he joined Derby in 1974.
      Two years later year he hung up his boots. However, he returned to Man City in 1994 where he held the job of chairman for four years.
      After his retirement from playing, Francis went on to continue his successful career as a businessman.
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      The entrepreneur had set up a company manufacturing toilet and kitchen roll made from recycled paper when he was still a footballer.
      Based in his hometown of Westhoughton, Bolton, F.H Lee eventually expanded to selling handkerchiefs, kitchen foil, and cling film.
      It went on to become a major UK supplier to several huge firms.
      Comedy legend Peter Kay even worked for the company as a young man.
      Speaking to The Bolton News, Francis once said: “I was in business all the time I was playing football.
      “It was part of the condition set by my father that if I wanted to try and become a footballer I had to plan for when the game had finished.”
      He also added racehorse training to his list of profitable ventures after his final match.
      In 1984, the toilet roll company sold for a whopping £8.35million.
      Following his death, Man City released a statement yesterday  saying: “It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and Chairman Francis Lee, aged 79.
      “A Club legend in every sense, Francis made 330 appearances for City, scoring 148 goals.”
      It continued: “Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.
      “As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast.
      “More tributes from the club will follow in the coming days.”
      The England star is survived by his wife, Gill, and their three children, Charlotte, Jonny and Nik.
      Read More on The Sun
      Francis Lee scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for Manchester CityCredit: PA
      He won the First Division title, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ CupCredit: PA More

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      Man Utd transfer blow as right-back target is set to sign new long-term deal with Bayer Leverkusen

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong.Frimpong, 22, is a long-term target for United with the club having tracked him in the summer.
      Frimpong is a long-term Manchester United targetCredit: Getty
      The Dutchman is no stranger to Manchester, having played for United’s rivals City from 2010 until 2019 as a youngster.
      The right-back represented City regularly in the UEFA Youth League and Premier League Two but never played a senior game for the Cityzens.
      He then moved to Celtic in 2019 where he made 51 appearances before joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 for a fee of up to £11.5million.
      United looked at signing the defender in the summer but were quoted prices of up to £34million so cooled their interest to focus on other targets.
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      Fabrizio Romano now reports that the defender is set to sign a new long term deal with Leverkusen to extend his stay in Germany.
      Romano says the deal is set to be signed imminently and will see the defender extend his contract in 2028.
      He also claims that there is keenness on Frimpong’s side to seal the deal quickly.
      Top clubs across Europe, including United, have been tracking the defender but he appears to be happy in the Bundesliga.
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      The 22-year-old has played 103 times for Leverkusen, scoring 13 times and assisting 23 times.
      Leverkusen are the surprise package of the Bundesliga this season and currently sit top of the table.
      They play Molde on Thursday in the Europa League. More

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      Justin Allen: Guardiola’s comments show everything that’s wrong with the Prem… I’d love to see him try to boss Exeter

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      PEP GUARDIOLA made two ridiculous comments during the last week that illustrate everything that is wrong with Premier League elites.Don’t get me wrong, Guardiola deserves our respect and adulation for what he has achieved at Manchester City, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. We all marvel at the exhibition of football his teams produce.
      Pep Guardiola made two ridiculous comments last week
      Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was not happy with taking a two-hour bus journey home after their Carabao Cup loss at Newcastle
      But I’d love to see him try managing an EFL club to see how he’d get on.
      When he whinged about his precious City lambs forced to make a two-hour 123-mile coach journey home from Newcastle after Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie rather than fly, I wondered how he might cope if he was in charge of clubs like Exeter and Carlisle?
      Neither team have the luxury of jetting to matches — like the majority of clubs outside the top flight.
      When the Grecians, managed by Gary Caldwell, travel to deepest Cumbria — and vice versa — both teams face a SIXTEEN-HOUR journey … on a coach! That would have surely sent Pep into meltdown.
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      In August for that Saturday game, Exeter broke up their epic trip by taking their team on a five-hour bus ride on Thursday to Mottram Hall in Cheshire where they stayed overnight.
      They then did another three hours to Penrith on Friday to train with another overnight stay before playing the Cumbrians 3pm the next day.
      Exeter boss Gary Caldwell has a far harder job than Pep Guardiola
      Pep Guardiola should try swapping places with Carlisle boss Paul Simpson
      But as soon as the players were showered and changed after the game, they were herded onto a coach to take them directly back to Devon. They arrived into Exeter at almost 2am.
      At least their journey was a happy one after a 2-0 win.
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      Only Bristol Rovers sit within a two-hour radius for the Grecians in League One.
      Pep would also be sent into a spin if he swapped places with Paul Simpson at Carlisle. They are a geographical outpost in the third tier.
      Championship side Plymouth, another team out on a limb, coach to most games. 
      They did fly to Hull on Friday ahead of their clash on Humberside — although had to take a six-hour bus ride home afterwards, getting back around midnight.
      You didn’t hear Pilgrims boss Steven Schumacher whinging.
      It’s good Guardiola’s chairman isn’t Forest Green’s Just Stop Oil campaigner Dale Vince. He’d never endorse flying.
      And I dread to think how many times the likes of Erling Haaland would have to hang around doing keepie-uppies while waiting for them to charge their soon-to-be-unveiled electric bus!
      But when Pep went on to later say he was “not going to waste one per cent of energy for the Carabao Cup” before complaining about how tired his first-team stars are, I had to laugh.
      Pep backed up his reasoning by saying he couldn’t play stars such as Kyle Walker and Ruben Dias because they were “exhausted”.
      City skipper Walker, who has played most, had clocked 11 matches for club and country this season ahead of being left out at Newcastle — only being substituted once, in the 89th-minute of the Premier League opener against Burnley. 
      Yet Exeter captain Will Aimson has not missed a single minute of THIRTEEN matches — while team-mate Alex Hartridge has also started 13 and played more minutes than the Man City star.
      Kyle Walker has played 12 matches for club and country this tem and is “exhausted”
      But Exeter City captain Will Aimson has played 13 and is not “exhausted”
      I decided to give Aimson a call because I was intrigued to know if he was “exhausted” having played more matches than Walker, who is now up to 12, over the same time period.
      “No, I’m feeling great,” Aimson told me as he was excitedly preparing for game No13 against Northampton on Saturday.
      And how is he finding riding on buses before and after games — especially the huge schlep for Carlisle?
      He laughed: “I had a couple of seasons previously at Plymouth so am used to it!“But we pass the time well — playing a few games, catching the late Premier League kick-offs if they’re on and building a rapport.”
      There are countless lower league footballers like Aimson who play 90 minutes twice a week and must endure long coach journeys to and from games.
      You also must remember clubs in the six divisions immediately below the Premier League play eight extra league games a season.
      And it’s even more difficult when you get into non-league. Imagine being a semi-pro at Dover Athletic and having a job on a building site but having to endure a 10-hour round coach trip to Truro City in the National League South.
      I wonder how “exhausted” some of those players are.
      But, thankfully, not everyone in the golden corridors of the Premier League have such a blinkered view of competitions like the Carabao Cup.
      Take West Ham’s Tomas Soucek for example.
      I had a chat with the Czech midfielder after the Hammers survived a huge scare at League One club Lincoln to win 1-0 on Wednesday thanks to his winning goal.
      Tomas Soucek loves playing lower-league teams and scored the winner at Lincoln
      And he told me: “I love these cup matches against lower league opponents because you can see how excited their players are to face a Premier League club.
      “The atmosphere at EFL grounds like this are sometimes better than it is in the Premier League.
      “It’s not a big stadium but the atmosphere is perfect. I love it because we all know where we came from. It’s great to play in this competition.”
      The atmosphere at EFL grounds like Lincoln are sometimes better than it is in the Premier League.Tomas Soucek, West Ham
      Soucek has hit the nail on the head. These matches are huge for clubs like Lincoln. 
      The Carabao Cup is worth an estimated £50MILLION a season to the EFL — which is a lifeline to clubs in the three divisions below the Prem.
      Yes, I know — it’s small change to Guardiola when you consider he spent £210m on four signings this summer. 
      Let’s hope £78m Josko Gvardiol didn’t get too exhausted playing 90 minutes at Newcastle and having to hop on a coach for that damn two-hour ride home.
      Wednesday are a huge turn off
      I MUST have witnessed the shortest fan attendance of the season at Hillsborough on Friday night.
      A Sheffield Wednesday supporter, looking flustered and out of breath, arrived 10 minutes late for their game against Sunderland. 
      He took to his seat, then looked up at the scoreboard to see his team were already 2-0 down, promptly stood up again and walked out!
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      What a sad indictment of how bad things have become for the Owls that fans cannot bear to watch another minute of the shower of rubbish being served up in front of them.
      He would have been better off staying at home to watch Dragons’ Den. Who knows maybe some boffin could invent something new on the show — like a winning Sheffield Wednesday football team! More