More stories

  • in

    Man City 1 Everton 1: Defending champions drop more points as Haaland fluffs his lines from penalty spot with shocker

    ERLING HAALAND fluffed the chance to lift the gloom over Manchester City.The Norwegian forward saw his second-half penalty saved by Jordan Pickford – meaning the fallen champs dropped yet more points.Erling Haaland’s goal drought continued as Jordan Pickford saved his penaltyCredit: PAHaaland netted a follow-up effort but was offsideCredit: PABernardo Silva put City in frontCredit: PAIliman Ndiaye fired back with a well-taken equaliserCredit: RexPep Guardiola’s men have now won just one of their last 13 games in all competitions and even their normally deadly striker is misfiring.The Etihad chief had ordered his players to spend Christmas night at the City Football Academy after training in a bid to halt the slide.But there was more bad news ahead of kick-off with England pair Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish ruled out.Even so, it looked like Pep’s decision was the wake up call his players needed after a disastrous couple of months.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey began in confident fashion with Phil Foden’s cross headed against the post by Josko Gvaradiol early on.Inside the first quarter hour, they were ahead as Bernardo Silva latched onto a pass from Jeremy Doku and squeezed his shot over Pickford – via a deflection off Jarrad Branthwaite.Everton have kept clean sheets against Arsenal and Chelsea in recent weeks – but even in their current form City were finding ways through.Silva wasted a golden chance to make it two as he screwed a shot wide after great build up play from Foden and Haaland.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd they were made to pay moments later as Manuel Akanji made a hash of clearing Abdoulaye Doucoure’s shot.It fell to Iliman Ndiaye at the back post and the Senegalese took a shot before steering a rising shot pas Stefan Ortega and into the corner.Man City boss Pep Guardiola ready to make urgent tactical tweak and defends Erling Haaland The confidence which was coming back to City suddenly drained out of them and they looked anxious in the remainder of the first half.After the break they were on the front foot again with Mateo Kovacic volleying wide and Savinho also going close.The Brazilian winger won his team a penalty when he went down under a challenge from Vitaliy Mykolenko soon afterwards.It was a clear penalty but maybe the delay which followed unsettled Haaland as his penalty was tame and comfortably saved by Pickford.Even though the Norwegian headed in the rebound, he was flagged offside – and a golden chance had been wasted.Haaland has been suffering along with his team-mates in recent weeks – and has just four goals in the last dozen games. A real drought by his standards.READ MORE SUN STORIESCity were jittery again and breathed a sigh of relief when Doucoure’s goalbound effort was deflected past his own post by Rico Lewis.In the final few minutes Orel Mangala’s shot took a nick off Akanji and dropped just wide of the post – the way things have been going it would have been no surprise if it had dropped in. More

  • in

    Wolves vs Man Utd live stream FREE: How to watch huge Premier League clash on Boxing Day

    MANCHESTER UNTIED travel to Wolves for a huge Premier League clash on Boxing Day!The Red Devils will be looking to bounce back after they fell to a 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth last time out.Manchester United will be looking to bounce back on Boxing DayCredit: AlamyDean Huijsen, Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo fired the Cherries to victory at Old Trafford – meaning Man Utd spent Christmas Day in the bottom half of the Premier League table for the first time ever.Ruben Amorim’s men now face a tricky trip to a Wolves side who have enjoyed a recent resurgence under new gaffer Vitor Pereira.Gary O’Neil’s successor got his reign off to a flyer, with Wanderers smashing Leicester 3-0 at the King Power last weekend.This evening’s match promises to be a Christmas cracker – and you can catch all the action for FREE!READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHow to watch Wolves vs Man Utd for FREEMan Utd’s visit to Wolves on Boxing Day will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video.The streaming giants will be exclusively airing 10 Premier League fixtures across December 26-27.Should you not currently hold an Amazon Prime subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial, which will give you access to all the benefits of being a Prime member, including streaming access to Wolves vs Man Utd.Which other Boxing Day games are on Amazon Prime Video?All EIGHT Premier League matches will be available to watch on Amazon Prime Video on Boxing Day.Most read in FootballThursday, December 26Man City v Everton: 12.30pm KOAFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace: 3pm KOChelsea v Fulham: 3pm KONewcastle United v Aston Villa: 3pm KONottingham Forest v Tottenham: 3pm KOSouthampton v West Ham United: 3pm KOWolves v Man United: 5.30pm KOLiverpool v Leicester City: 8pm KO More

  • in

    Man City transfer blow as star Premier League midfielder says he ‘feels at home’ where he is and is ‘very happy’

    BRUNO GUIMARAES has reiterated his commitment to Newcastle amid transfer links away from St James’ Park.The Brazilian, 27, has become a star man on Tyneside since moving from Lyon in January 2022.Bruno Guimaraes has reiterated his love of the ToonCredit: PAGuimaraes has been linked with Manchester City ahead of next month’s transfer window.Pep Guardiola’s side are keen to bolster their midfield ranks having struggled without injured Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.The Newcastle star appears likely to stay at St James’ Park, however, given his recent comments.He said: “They took us in like family. We are Geordies now. I feel very, very happy in the team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I think I have a new home outside of Brazil. If one day I come back to Newcastle, they will always take me as part of the family.”I want both my sons to know exactly what I’m doing here. We have a special history for them so the connection we have is unbelievable.”I feel like one of them so every time I play, I don’t just play for Bruno or my family – I play for Newcastle United.”I’m not speaking this like, ‘Oh, he’s lying’. When I lose, I get upset because I lose and Newcastle lose. I feel like a fan.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Even when I retire, I will support the team because they made me feel at home since my first day here.”City are unlikely to make a move for Guimaraes next month.Pep Guardiola says ‘I’m the manager and I’m not good enough’ as Man City lose again But Guardiola has spoken of his desire for January reinforcements.He told Amazon Prime Video: “We have to add players, definitely. You know, we struggle — especially at the back and in the middle so I think we have to.But saying that, I do not know what is going to happen. The transfer window in winter is not easy but everyone is aware of that.”Even our players are aware of our situation and what we need to do.”City are interested in Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani.The Frenchman, who is out of favour at PSG, has also attracted attention from Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool.Pep Guardiola wants January reinforcementsCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Man Utd have had ‘multiple approaches’ for £86m flop Antony despite just one goal all season

    MANCHESTER UNITED have received “multiple approaches” for Antony ahead of the January transfer window.The £86million flop is having another difficult season at Old Trafford, scoring just one goal in ten appearances.Several clubs are interested in a January move for AntonyCredit: GettyAntony, 24, has made just three starts in all competitions and played just 50 minutes in the Premier League this term.His Man Utd misery could finally come to an end next month with several teams eyeing up the winger.Antony’s agent Junior Pedroso told Give Me Sport: “Many clubs have approached us for Antony’s move in January. “These clubs wanted to understand the situation for Antony, so I can confirm that there’s concrete interest.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”To be fair, Manchester United have never expressed any interest to sell or loan out Antony to us. We never received this sort of communication so far. “Man Utd management never told us that they want Antony to leave.”I can say that Antony’s future is very much tied to Manchester United’s interests. “If the club thinks it would be a good idea to loan Antony out in January so he can get more minutes and regain his trust, we will work together on that option.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Otherwise, Antony is working hard to regain his place and show his best skills under Ruben Amorim.”Antony was reportedly close to leaving in the summer amid interest from Fenerbahce and his former club Ajax.Watch Man Utd star Antony show off hidden talent as fans say ‘he’s finding another job already’Gary Neville previously called the deal that saw him arrive in 2022 as “one of the worst transfers United ever made”.Inside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into jobBy Neil CustisThe blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed in November that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.Defeat Nottingham Forest in December, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.READ MORE ON MAN UTD’S CHAOS  More

  • in

    ‘I ain’t paying £10m… because of everything’ – Former Man Utd star slams Rashford and says he should move to MLS

    MARCUS RASHFORD could end up moving to an MLS club, claims former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster.Rashford, 27, is out of favour at Old Trafford under boss Ruben Amorim.Marcus Rashford is out of favour at Man UtdCredit: GettyBen Foster had his say on Rashford’s futureCredit: TikTok / benfcyclinggkThe forward has been left out of United’s last three matchday squads.He recently admitted that he is ready for a “new challenge” and is thought to be available for around £40million.But Foster, 41, doesn’t think the Red Devils will get anywhere near that price.Speaking on his Cycling GK podcast, he said: “Marcus Rashford, there’s so many people that talk about him that say ‘on his day, on his day’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”His day is once every 10 games. Genuinely, it’s once every 10 games and you can’t have a luxury player in the modern game that will give you one game out of 10, it’s as simple as that.”Coupled with fact that he gets so much reputation and baggage and everything that comes with it, I don’t think Mikel Arteta wants that anywhere near that Arsenal.”He has to get away from Manchester United. I think it’ll be an MLS (transfer) or something. It’s going to have to be a massive wage cut.”Rashford earns in the region of £325,000 a week and is under contract at United until the summer of 2028.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has made 15 Premier League appearances this season, scoring four goals.On what could be holding Rashford back, Foster added: “Once that fire goes, can you get that back? It has to come from him. I don’t think he can get it back.Ruben Amorim explains why Marcus Rashford is still exiled at Man Utd despite ‘wanting to play’ “Again, you’re talking about money which does really ruin everything lads.”Once people have that massive contract and they’ve got that five years in the bank and they’ve got everything they’ll ever need for the rest of their life, that takes it (that fire) away.”They were talking £40m you know as well. Even 10, I ain’t paying £10m… because of everything.”Amorim, 39, was recently asked about Rashford’s situation by Sky Sports.’A HARD SITUATION’The Portuguese said: “It is a hard situation. I understand that these players have a lot of people around them, making choices that are not the first idea from the player.”I am always here to help Marcus as another player. I have to do what I have to do.”They chose to do the interview as it is not just Marcus. I have understood that.”As a coach I focus on performance and the way you train. The rest, it is better for me and the club to deal with that when the time comes.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMan Utd are set to take on Wolves later today.Rashford’s last appearance came in the 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12. More

  • in

    The reason why flying wing-back Amad Diallo was ignored by former Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag, according to ex-coach

    MANCHESTER UNITED ace Amad Diallo was snubbed by former manager Erik ten Hag because he favoured players he’d signed.That is according to former United first team coach Benni McCarthy, who worked under Ten Hag for two years before his departure last summer.Ex-Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag didn’t use Amad Diallo oftenCredit: RexEx-Man Utd coach Benni McCarthy claims Ten Hag preferred his signings over AmadCredit: GettyTen Hag opted for the likes of Antony and Rasmus Hojlund, who cost a lot of moneyCredit: GettyMcCarthy, 47, watched Amad’s development at Old Trafford but also saw him being omitted and getting offloaded on loan to Rangers and Sunderland.The South African coach claims it was because Ten Hag preferred the likes of Antony and Rasmus Hojlund as he pushed club chiefs hard to splash the cash for them and knew the former very well from Ajax.The former West Ham and Blackburn star added that the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford were also ahead of the Ivory Coast international on the pecking order.McCarthy told Podcast and Chill Network: “Tactically, when we set up, the manager felt that Antony was the best, better player for the job that he wanted because he knew Antony from Ajax.Read More on Man Utd”He was his player, so he invested in him, and the club supported him. “So, of course, he had to support the player that he bought, I think that’s why he persisted in playing Antony. “It’s because he knew the capabilities when Antony was at his best.”And then you had Garnacho who was also playing well, scoring goals. Rashford, on any given day, could demolish anyone. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And then you’ve got Hojlund, you spend £70million on bringing him in, so he has to play.”So someone’s got to [miss out], and unfortunately for Amad, the manager goes with the player he thinks is probably more capable for those type of games tactically, defensively and attacking.”Once Ruben Amorim replaced Ten Hag in the Man Utd dugout last month, Amad was immediately established as a key player.The versatile winger has played in all of Amorim’s nine matches in charge, mainly as a right wing-back in his manager’s favoured 3-4-3 formation.Man Utd chef dances around with Amad, Hojlund and Onana in dressing room after incredible win over Man City And the 22-year-old ace has amassed a total of one goal and four assists in all of his six Premier League matches under the Portuguese tactician.The ex-Atalanta ace repaid Amorim’s faith by leading the Red Devils to a stunning comeback victory against Manchester City at the Etihad two weeks ago.Amad won the penalty that led to Bruno Fernandes’ equaliser before scoring the winner himself to make it 2-1 for the visitors. More

  • in

    Stunning apartment inside former Premier League stadium listed up for sale with sleek kitchen and nod to former glory

    A STUNNING apartment inside an iconic former Premier League stadium has gone up for sale.And there is even a nod to the glory the club enjoyed while playing at the ground.This one-bedroom apartment has gone on the marketCredit: Location LocationThe sleek kitchen features integrated appliancesCredit: Location LocationThe massive windows ensure it is very lightCredit: Location LocationThe bedroom boasts fine views over the cityCredit: Location LocationThe bathroom includes a shower-bathCredit: Location LocationThe one-bedroom pad hit the market today and there will no doubt be a clamour from fans of the historic club desperate to get the keys.That is because the 552-square-foot property is built into the North Stand of Highbury.The former home of Arsenal was converted into flats when the Emirates Stadium opened in 2006. And one of them in the N5 postcode has gone up for sale with estate agents Location Location. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe apartment on the fifth floor boasts an open-plan living area and a sleek kitchen with integrated appliances.The bedroom and living room both have huge windows with lovely views over North London.And if that wasn’t enough, Flat 51 even has its own private balcony to soak up the summer rays. But, of course, the block is part of the old stadium – and that means there are a few Arsenal touches residents can enjoy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe famous white facade and Arsenal Football Club lettering remain on the exterior.As do the epic marble hallways, complete with Arsenal statues and the Gunners logo on the floor. Inside the former Premier League stadium converted into stunning flats worth almost half a BILLION poundsAnd the grassy communal gardens at the complex are – naturally – where the pitch once stood. Living at Highbury also has its own other perks, too.There is a 24-hour concierge service, underground bike storage, an on-site gym and the Piccadilly Line within short walking distance. Flat 51 launched on the Location Location website this morning with offers in excess of £450,000. One beloved fan could live at the former home of their teamCredit: Location LocationFlat 51 went on the market for £450,000Credit: Location LocationPlenty of storage is included – potentially for more silverwareCredit: Location LocationHighbury was converted when Arsenal moved into the EmiratesCredit: Location LocationThe pitch is now a communal grassy gardensCredit: Location LocationThe entrance still boasts the famous old facadeCredit: Location LocationThe marble hallways remain – as does the Gunners logoCredit: RexLife at the old Highbury has plenty of perksCredit: GettyThe Piccadilly Line is a short walk awayCredit: GettyThe shape of the old stand is clear to seeCredit: GettyA private balcony is a perfect spot to enjoy eveningsCredit: Location LocationThe North Stand flat is being sold by Location LocationCredit: Location LocationApartments are also in the East StandCredit: Location LocationThe flat is located in the N5 postcodeCredit: Location Location More

  • in

    Mikel Arteta planning tactical switch to cope with Saka injury… and it could mean position change for star Arsenal man

    MIKEL ARTETA is praying Declan Rice’s versatility can help Arsenal cope without Bukayo Saka.A torn hamstring looks set to rule out England winger Saka until at least March in a massive blow to the Gunners’ title hopes.Arsenal take on Ipswich in the Premier League during the holidaysCredit: GettyArsenal may be without Bukayo Saka until at least MarchCredit: ReutersArsenal boss Mikel Arteta may be set for a major tactical changeCredit: GettyArsenal star Declan Rice may be fielded in midfield or attackCredit: GettyBoss Arteta has been pondering how to set up the team in his absence — and midfielder Rice, 25, will be key to whatever he decides.Three Lions enforcer Rice can operate in a defensive midfield role or further up the field.And Arteta hinted he could be having a go at each of them in a busy festive period that kicks off with Friday night’s Premier League visit of Ipswich.The Spaniard, 42, explained: “With the squad that we have, he needs to be versatile.Read More on Arsenal“With the qualities that he has, he needs to be versatile. With the brain that he has, he needs to be versatile.  With the age that he is, he needs to be versatile.“He can offer so much in relation to the opponent, to the needs in the squad. Putting Declan in a box, there’s no point in my opinion.”The Gunners, who are six points behind leaders Liverpool having played a game extra, travel to Brentford and then Brighton in the league at the start of January.Then, they host Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, with the winners taking on Tottenham or Liverpool at Wembley.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat all adds up to a host of opponents with markedly different styles and Arteta will be relying on Rice to keep the Gunners in shape.The Emirates chief explained: “He’s going play as a No 6 against a low block in relation to what the nine does, he’s going to be with the centre-backs. If the No 10 is man-marking him, he’s going to have another role.”Exposing the secrets of Arsenal’s CHAOTIC corner routines that can win them the Premier League titleArsenal were struggling to score goals from open play before the Carabao Cup and Prem double-header with Crystal Palace.A 3-2  win at home  on Wednesday booked a semi-final berth — and that was followed by a 5-1 league romp at Selhurst Park on Saturday, which saw Saka limp off early on but Gabriel Jesus scored five times in those two matches.How Arsenal set up against struggling Ipswich will depend on where Arteta deploys Kai Havertz, with the German able to play up front or in attacking midfield.Arteta said: “It is always about that. If you cover something, you uncover something else. That is always the dilemma.“We scored goals with Kai on the pitch and with Declan, who is a different profile.“So, is it related to the players, is it related to the intentions of the team as individuals in certain moments of games and confidence? A lot of aspects play a part.”Ipswich lacking confidenceConfidence is something Ipswich are lacking at the moment following Saturday’s 4-0 home thumping by Newcastle.The Tractor Boys have still not won at Portman Road on their long-awaited Premier League return.But they have triumphed twice on their travels — at Wolves earlier in the month and at Tottenham.Gunners fans certainly enjoyed hearing about that one and Arteta declared himself a big admirer of Town manager Kieran McKenna.McKenna, 38, has guided Ipswich from League One to the Premier League in successive seasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Arteta added: “I have a lot of people who know him and they always say great things about him.“They have been very unfortunate not getting the results they deserve. It’s a very tough game for sure.”Arsenal ratings vs Palace as Gunners stuff Eagles at Christmas with Gabriel Jesus rebornGABRIEL JESUS produced his first Premier League goals since January on a day he could have had a hat-trick to continue his good form.Gabriel Martinelli impressed and got on the scoresheet but Arsenal did suffer a blow in the first half as Bukayo Saka limped off with injury, while William Saliba had a rare off day.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated the Gunners display at Selhurst Park.David Raya – 8Lucky to escape a “Fraser Forster” moment as he played Thomas Partey into all sorts of problems early on before he was beaten by Sarr’s curler soon afterwards.But then bailed out Gabriel to foil Mateta when he seemed certain to equalise once again and made more key saves from Sarr and Mateta at the start of the second half. Often there at the biggest moments.Jurrien Timber – 6Dutch defender looked slightly uncomfortable at times on the right as he gave Palace far too much attacking leeway.Booked for taking an age and a half over a throw-in as well although it was not a costly one.William Saliba – 5All over the place in the first half as he seemed determined to open the door to the home side.Saliba stood off Sarr and paid the price as Palace levelled and then made another blunder only for Raya to save from Mateta. Not exactly a dominant performance.Gabriel – 6Saliba’s wobbles meant his partner-in-chief had to stand up and be counted more than normal but he was not at his best either and a booking after half an hour had him walking a tightrope.More of the same after the break. Fortunately Palace’s defensive deficiencies took the sting out of their attacking armoury too.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Youngster is grabbing his unexpected opportunity to make a first-team impact with an understanding of the inverted nature of the Arsenal full-back role.By some distance the best of the four defenders in the Arsenal back division.Thomas Partey – 7Asked to take care of the defensive midfield task but soon to the fore with the lay-off that allowed Jesus to put the Gunners back in front inside the first 14 minutes.Did what was needed defensively and willing to venture forward when the opportunity was there. Solid throughout.Martin Odegaard – 8When the Norwegian turns up, Arsenal turn up.At Selhurst, Odegaard was the orchestrator in chief from the start, dropping deep to pick up possession and then keeping it simple and effective. The skipper is a leader.Kai Havertz – 8Back in midfield having played most of the season up top but he was in the perfect centre-forward’s position to tap into the empty net when Jesus’ header came back off the post.Home hands went up but there were only the five Palace defenders playing the German onside. A tidy display on the ball but did leave his side slightly open defensively.Bukayo Saka – 7The early loss of the England winger to a worrying knee injury could be a major blow to Arsenal’s title chances.Always the out-ball, Saka had signalled his ongoing threat as he made space to deliver the cross that led to Jesus’ early opener. He could be missing for a while now.Gabriel Jesus – 9Midweek hat-trick against Glasner’s men earned him only fourth Prem start of the season and how he took the chance with the early double and another effort off the post that led to a simple Havertz goal.The Brazilian had been waiting more than 10 months for a top flight goal and got two in eight minutes. One against the woodwork and another missed sitter, too. He must want to play Palace every week.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Took the corner that led to Jesus’ second but then switched to the right flank after Saka limped away and supplied the cross which ended with Havertz making it three before netting himself from close range.Arteta will need that level of return from the Brazilian over the coming weeks if this title challenge is going to be a real one.Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Saka, 25) – 6Belgian will have to step up if Saka is out for a long spell after his injury and his low cross ended up bringing the Arsenal fourth.Declan Rice (for Havertz, 58) – 8England star came on to secure the game after Arsenal’s sloppy start to the second half and set up Martinelli with his first touch before steering home the fifth.Riccardo Calafiori (for Lewis-Skelly, 58) – 6Martinelli’s strike meant the game was over before the Italian had touched the ball. That makes it easier.Ethan Nwaneri (for Gabriel Jesus 86) N/A More