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      Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli scored nine goals in one half – then abruptly left to play for another team

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      ARSENAL winger Gabriel Martinelli once scored NINE goals in the first half of a match – before leaving to go and play for another team.The Brazilian is the Gunners’ man of the moment following his late winner against Premier League title rivals Manchester City.
      A young Gabriel Martinelli once scored nine goals in the first-half of a game in BrazilCredit: PA
      It was a stunning way for the second half substitute to mark his return to action after missing five games through injury.
      The 22-year-old has scored plenty of goals throughout his youth and professional career.
      And he ended up representing various junior sides simultaneously.
      On one occasion he was playing for a soccer school with links to Sao Paulo FC.
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      He was only available for the first half as he needed to head off and play for a Corinthians youth side.
      His then school coach Leandro Germano told the Athletic: “Even in the under-nines, you could see that Gabriel was on another level.
      “In one game he scored nine times, then left. That made a real impression on everyone. He was out of this world.”
      On how Martinelli’s style of play has developed, Germano added: “He was always a dribbler.
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      “He liked to go at his man, one on one, but he wasn’t the kind of player who dribbled for the sake of it.”
      The young starlet began his footballing journey on the ‘court’ in Guarulhos- a place he’d go with his father Joao Carlos.
      Together, they would practice shooting, passing, heading and his weaker foot.
      The Brazilian international is likely to get his first taste of Champions League football in the next couple of weeks. More

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      Andros Townsend returns to Premier League in shock free transfer after tearful Burnley rejection

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      ANDROS TOWNSEND has sealed a return to the Premier League by signing for Luton.The 32-year-old was a free agent after leaving Everton at the end of last season when his deal expired.
      Andros Townsend is back in the Premier League with LutonCredit: Instagram: Luton Town
      He has been a free agent since leaving Everton and being rejected by BurnleyCredit: Reuters
      Townsend had been on trial at Burnley during pre-season but failed to win a contract.
      He described the rejection by the Clarets as “the toughest conversation I’ve had in my career” and admitted he broke down in tears when finding out he would not be staying at Turf Moor.
      Townsend revealed: “If I was bad and knew I wasn’t going to get a contract I could prepare myself.
      “But to be looking at houses, looking at schools, talking about squad numbers and then to be told the contract is no longer on offer, it rocked my world.”
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      The winger has been filling his time while he was without a club by appearing as a pundit on Sky Sports.
      Townsend has penned a short-term contract at Luton until January.
      He has become a fan of the newly-promoted side as he lives up the road and he has been training with them in recent weeks.
      He said after signing: “I feel like it’s a good fit and these last couple of weeks have been good for both parties.
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      “I think it had to be right and I feel over the last two weeks we’ve had a look at each other and done that.
      “I’ve seen where I can help this team and on the flipside the manager has seen where I can help – whether that’s on the pitch, in the dressing room or on the training field – with my enthusiasm and experience.
      “Plus, Luton are my local team – I live 20-25 minutes away so I’ve kept my eye on their progress and watching the Championship play-off final and see them win promotion was great for the club.
      “I never thought I’d pull on the Luton shirt, so it’s a huge honour to play again in the Premier League for this club, and hopefully get help this club get as many points as we can and see where it takes us.”
      Townsend is a former England international with 13 caps to his name.
      He begun his career at Tottenham and had several loan spells at the likes of Watford, Millwall and Leeds.
      He earned a permanent move to Newcastle in 2016, playing just 13 times before spending five years at Crystal Palace.
      Townsend joined Everton two years ago but injury restricted him to just 27 appearances.
      Andros Townsend turned to punditry after being left without a clubCredit: Rex More

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      Classy Jack Grealish hailed as ‘top man’ after sweet gesture to young Arsenal fans after Man City’s bitter defeat

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      CLASSY Jack Grealish was hailed as a “top man” after putting a smile on the faces of several young Arsenal fans.That’s despite his Manchester City side having just lost at the Emirates.
      Jack Grealish was hailed for his classy behaviour after Man City’s defeat to Arsenal
      Grealish posed for photos before handing one young fan his shirt
      Grealish was an unused sub as Pep Guardiola’s Treble winners crashed to a 1-0 defeat in north London.
      Gabriel Martinelli pounced late as City lost to Arsenal for the first time in eight years.
      And the Gunners are now joint-top of the table with Tottenham, with City trailing by two points.
      It was sure to be a gloomy journey back north for the champions, who have lost two on the bounce.
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      But Grealish made sure he returned to the Etihad having done some good by making the days of two young Arsenal supporters.
      The England star clambered into the stands after the final whistle to pose for a photo with one kid Gooner decked out in an Arsenal jersey.
      The youngster beamed from ear to ear as Grealish leaned over for a snap.
      But City’s star winger wasn’t done just yet.
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      As he turned back towards the pitch, he moved his City top before throwing it into another kid’s outstretched arms.
      The fan bounced with delight as he realised he had his hands on Grealish’s top.
      And supporters went online to call the ex-Aston Villa star as “top man.”
      One said: “Jack Grealish is such a stand up dude. Respect.”
      Another declared: “He is down to earth.”
      One noted: “Impossible not to like him.”
      Another added: “I’m a United fan but he’s a top guy.” More

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      FA pushing for major VAR change in huge boost to fans at matches after Tottenham vs Liverpool blunder

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      THE FA is pushing to allow VAR communications to be broadcast in stadiums.Wembley bosses feel that letting fans in grounds and at home to hear what VARs are saying to referees will give more clarity to supporters.
      The PGMOL came under fire for making a huge error during Tottenham’s clash with LiverpoolCredit: Sky Sports
      Luis Diaz was deemed to be offside when he wasn’tCredit: Premier League
      Officials are now pushing for VAR communications to be broadcast in stadiumsCredit: Getty
      It was only three days after Liverpool’s Luiz Diaz’ goal at Spurs was wrongly disallowed by a major VAR blunder that the chaos surrounding Darren England’s mistake was aired.
      Current International FA Board rules mean it is forbidden to broadcast the conversations live.
      But FA chief executive Mark Bullingham will urge a rethink and change of policy at head month’s Ifab “business meeting” which will set the agenda for the formal Law-deciding AGM in March.
      Bullingham said: “The fans is in the stadium should never know less than the fans watching on TV.
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      “Live broadcasting of the conversations is something we have talked about in multiple IFABS. 
      “Generally there is a split in the room, often it between the marketing-and-commercial people and the referees. 
      “Our point of view would normally be that transparency is a really good thing.
      “We want fans to have the maximum experience.
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      “More transparency shows how difficult the referee’s job is and it has worked in other sport.
      “But there is an understandable nervousness from others that the referee’s job is hard enough as it is.”
      Bullingham, though, may have to do a lot of persuading.
      Patrick Nelson, chief executive of the Belfast-based Irish FA, said: “We just need to see more evidence on this at the moment. 
      “It’s interesting when we look at recent examples but we still need to remember that VAR as an entire concept is relatively in its infancy compared to the game of football and compared to IFAB. There is still more that we can learn.”
      Fifa now allows mic’d up referees to announce why they have changed an on-field decision after VAR intervention, although giving no details, with Bullingham feeling that is “a step forward”.
      Refs’ chief Howard Webb suggested on Tuesday night that he wanted a change in the Ifab VAR protocols that prevented England from telling ref Simon Hooper to stop play and award Liverpool a goal after the game had restarted.
      Bullingham intends to gauge the views of the Ifab board – half of which is composed of the four Home Nations with Fifa supplying the other four votes – over whether that is a possible move.
      So far, though, Ifab has been resistant, suggesting a single error by officials in one country should not necessarily force a rewriting of the regulations.
      But Bullingham will strongly resist calls for MORE powers for VARs to interfere outside the current realm of “match-changing decisions” such as goals, penalties and red cards..
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      The idea of extending the scope to allow VAR overturns for free-kick decisions, bookings, corners and throw-ins is due to be discussed at next month’s meeting.
      But Bullingham vowed: “We would be really reluctant to have a game that was stopped a lot more than it currently is. That will be a proper discussion.” More

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      Man Utd fans say ‘we’re BACK’ after beating Barnsley in secret friendly with forgotten man on scoresheet

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      EXCITED Manchester United fans proclaimed “we’re back”… after Erik ten Hag’s side beat Barnsley 3-0 in a secret friendly.The Red Devils downed the Tykes in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Carrington on Tuesday.
      Donny van de Beek made the scoresheet in a secret friendly against BarnsleyCredit: Getty
      And even forgotten star Donny van de Beek snuck onto the scoresheet against the League One side.
      The Dutchman was among a handful of first-team stars to feature for United, having made only one league appearance this season – as an 88th-minute sub in their defeat to Crystal Palace.
      But the former Ajax star was able to turn things around as he hit the back of the net on Tuesday.
      And fans loved it after they said the Red Devils are back in action after a rough start to the season.
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      One fan said: “DONNYYYYYY WERE SO BACKKKK.”
      Another put: “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re so back.”
      A third added: “We’re back.”
      Controversial winger Antony also featured to get some much-needed game time.
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      Antony only recently returned to the squad after a series of domestic abuse allegations were made against him by former partners.
      Antony was back in England last month and attended a voluntary interview with Greater Manchester Police.
      He denies the allegations made against him in both the UK and his homeland.
      United have made a poor start to the campaign and sit 10th in the table going into the international break.
      The club are yet to pick up a point in their Champions League group with two losses from two.
      Scott McTominay did at least spare their blushes at the weekend with his two goals in stoppage time to beat Brentford 2-1.
      United will be hoping to build on that when they return from the international break against Sheffield United on October 21.
      Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo was originally set to play at Carrington but his return to action was delayed.
      Coaches believed it was too soon for the 18-year-old to feature after suffering an ankle injury during pre-season.
      Antony returned to play after being out of the first team over sexual abuse allegationsCredit: PA
      Kobbie Mainoo is still yet to return after suffering an ankle injury in the pre-seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Roy Keane reveals how Arsenal can win Premier League but vows ‘I’ll never make that mistake again’ over title prediction

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      ROY KEANE has explained how Arsenal can win the Premier League this season.But he stopped short of making a title prediction after vowing he will “never make that mistake” having previously backed against Man City.
      Roy Keane revealed how Arsenal can win the Premier League this seasonCredit: Reuters
      The Manchester United legend thinks Manchester City are in line to regain the title – unless Arsenal add a new addition to the squad.
      Arsenal snatched a crucial 1-0 victory against last term’s Premier League champions Manchester City at The Emirates on Sunday.
      Their impressive performance against City raised eyebrows on who will be taking the trophy home come the end of the season.
      Keane, 52, vowed the Gunners need to recruit a striker to the squad to take the top of the table.
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      He said on Gary Neville’s Stick to Football podcast by Sky Bet: “Arsenal can win the league, but they would need that striker. It’s great when you’re watching a team that can play.
      “That is good in possession, but also physically strong. We’ve seen Manchester City over the last few years, they’ve got bigger – obviously set pieces are huge. 
      “We’ve seen players this season come off the bench for Arsenal, they are big, strong, physical players who can get you over the line in tight games.” 
      Arsenal No9 Gabriel Jesus has returned after undergoing knee surgery but has failed to make a breakthrough yet.
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      The 26-year-old has scored one league goal this term with team-mate Eddie Nketiah stepping in with two goals in the last three games.
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      But the Man Utd legend did carry on to say how much the North London club have progressed this term despite Jesus’ injury.
      However, he pledged to never write off last year’s Treble winners and admitted that was his biggest “mistake” a few years ago.
      He continued: “City are obviously having a difficult spell. It was a poor game against Arsenal.
      “I thought it was really poor quality but it was edgy. I certainly won’t be writing Man City off.
      “When you look at the two league games last year, Man City were so far ahead so there’s definitely been progress for Arsenal.
      “I wouldn’t change my mind in terms of who I think will win the league – it’ll be Man City. 
      “You look at the last time they played Arsenal in the Community Shield – obviously some class it as a friendly, but they won that game.
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      “That will only give Arsenal that bit of confidence and belief. They won it without Saka, who’s a huge player up front.
      “City were missing a lot of players. A few years ago we watched City vs Manchester United at Old Trafford in the derby, and United wrote off City. I’ll never make that mistake again.” More

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      Tottenham want to go from Harry Kane to Harry Potter as they plot transfer for Turkey star who’s obsessed with wizard

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      Tottenham want to go from Harry Kane to Harry Potter, according to reports.Ange Postecoglou’s side are plotting a transfer for winger Kerem Akturkoglu.
      Tottenham want to sign Kerem Akturkoglu from GalatasarayCredit: Getty
      The Turkish winger is nicknamed Harry PotterCredit: Instagram / @keremakturkoglu
      The Turkey international, who won the league with Galatasaray last season, is nicknamed Harry Potter.
      And he has produced some more magical displays to help them to an unbeaten start this term.
      Akturkoglu scored the Istanbul club’s second goal in their shock 3-2 Champions League win at Manchester United last week.
      Rated at £15million, he is under contract until 2026.
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      Spurs scouts checked on the 24-year-old at Old Trafford and reports in Istanbul claim they will send spies to monitor the Izmir-born ace on Thursday.
      Akturkoglu is due to play in Turkey’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Croatia in Osijek.
      He has won 22 caps, scoring four goals, since making his senior debut in 2021.
      Back in 2021, the winger lifted the lid on his Harry Potter nickname after mimicking the wizard with his goal celebration in a win over Antalyaspor.
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      Spurs scouts saw Akturkoglu score against Manchester United last weekCredit: AP
      After the match, he explained, via fotoMac: “They started a Harry Potter analogy.
      “I love Harry Potter too, we have been thinking about this goal celebration for a long time. It was our fate today.”
      West Ham have also been linked with a move for Akturkoglu, with the report adding that their scouts are monitoring his displays as well.
      The winger has hit five goals in 15 club appearances this term, setting up seven more.
      Akturkoglu has 33 from 133 games all told with the Super Lig giants.
      They signed him from third-tier Erzincanspor in 2020, and he has since developed into one of Turkey’s top stars.
      Liverpool showed interest in him a year ago, but he stayed put – and helped Galatasaray finish eight points clear of nearest rivals Fenerbahce. More

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      Premier League legend blasts ‘stubborn’ Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta for making David Raya ‘mistake’

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      PREMIER LEAGUE legend Frank Leboeuf has blasted “stubborn” Mikel Arteta for sticking with David Raya.The Arsenal boss dropped long-time No 1 Aaron Ramsdale for the former Brentford keeper in recent weeks.
      Frank Leboeuf has slammed Arsenal boss Mikel ArtetaCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Leboeuf has accused ‘stubborn’ Mikel Arteta of refusing to bring back Aaron RamsdaleCredit: Getty
      David Raya has been kept in Arteta’s starting XI ahead of RamsdaleCredit: Getty
      That’s despite the England international shining in the Gunners’ unlikely title challenge last season and signing a new contract in the summer.
      Ramsdale started the new campaign between the sticks and avoided any serious blunders – only to see himself dropped for Arsenal’s win at Everton last month.
      Raya – signed on a free transfer from the Bees in August – took his spot, and hasn’t given it back since.
      That’s despite the Spaniard looking shaky at times, especially in the first half of Sunday’s victory against Manchester City on Sunday
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      Many Gunners fans have called for Ramsdale to get his spot back.
      But former Chelsea ace Lebouef reckons Arteta is too stubborn to perform a U-turn.
      Speaking to ESPN, he said: “Arteta has to be stubborn because he made a mistake in my point of view so he has to carry on with Raya.
      “Because Arteta made that decision he has to stick with it otherwise he’s going to lose all the credit he made on the decision he made. It doesn’t make any sense to me.
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      “Ramsdale was the goalkeeper of the season last season but it wasn’t what he wanted.
      “I think he wants to copy Guardiola with what he did with Manchester and getting the right goalkeeper who can dictate the game from behind and be the first good passer.
      “But you have to have a goalkeeper and if he doesn’t catch the ball?
      “The stats about clean sheets don’t reflect what Raya does because maybe the defenders are better now than when they started the season.
      Ramsdale has become very familiar with the bench in recent weeksCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More