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      Raheem Sterling breaks silence after being left out of England squad with pointed statement on Southgate

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      RAHEEM STERLING has broken his silence after being left out of the England squad.The 28-year-old has impressed in the opening weeks of the season for Chelsea, scoring twice in three games.
      Raheem Sterling has been left out of the England squadCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate revealed Raheem Sterling is “not particularly happy”Credit: PA
      However, he was unable to earn a spot in Gareth Southgate’s squad for upcoming matches versus Ukraine and Scotland.
      On his omission from the team, a statement from Sterling’s camp read: “Raheem will revert to the coach for all comment but would like to reinforce that the decision has been respected.
      “Raheem will continue to focus on his domestic form.”
      Sterling, who has 82 caps for the Three Lions, has now missed the last three England squads, with the previous two due to injury.
      READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS
      On leaving Sterling out, Southgate said: “We were really pleased with the group and to bring Raheem back in, we have to leave somebody out and I don’t think any of the attackers deserved leaving out.
      “It’s really good to see Raheem start the season well, he looks hungry and is an important player for us but in those areas behind the No9, we’ve got a lot of competition for places.
      “He wasn’t available for the last two groups. It’s given others an opportunity to play well and establish themselves.
      “Raheem isn’t particularly happy about it and I understand that but I’m convinced he will have an excellent season at Chelsea.”
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      Southgate has handed first call-ups to Blues defender Levi Colwill and Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.
      Meanwhile, their were also opportunities again given to Lewis Dunk, Fikayo Tomori, Eberechi Eze and James Maddison.
      Jordan Henderson kept his spot despite moving to Saudi Arabia and Harry Maguire was selected again although he is yet to play this season. More

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      Arsenal fans hail MAN UTD for club’s success as bizarre theory claims wheels were set in motion twelve years ago

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      ARSENAL fans are claiming they have Manchester United to thank for their current success as a team.That’s due to being on the wrong end of an 8-2 defeat to Sir Alex Ferguson’s United 12 years ago in August 2011.
      Arsenal fans claim their worst defeat in the modern era is behind their current successCredit: Getty
      The defeat saw them sign Mikel Arteta before deadline dayCredit: Getty
      The club also signed now academy manager Per MertesackerCredit: Getty
      That might sound a bit strange, given that it was Arsenal’s largest margin of defeat since 1927 – and their worst in modern history.
      But in a roundabout way, it has gotten them to where they are today.
      The traumatising loss saw them undergo a late flurry in the transfer window, where they brought in Mikel Arteta, Per Mertesacker, Andre Santos and Park Chu Young.
      While Arteta and Mertesacker were successes on the field, it has been their impact since retiring that has bore most fruit for Arsenal.
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      Arteta would retire at the club in 2014 aged 32 after making 150 appearances for Arsenal.
      Mertesacker would also retire at Arsenal in 2018 after playing 221 time for the club.
      Arteta then immediately joined Manchester City to become Pep Guardiola’s assistant coach – although he also received offers from Arsenal and Tottenham to join their staff.
      The prodigal son would return to Arsenal in 2019 after the club sacked Unai Emery to become The Gunners’ manager.
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      Since returning to the club he has won the FA Cup and turned Arsenal into title challengers again after years in the wilderness.
      Mertesacker meanwhile became the club’s academy manager in 2018 and has seen the likes of Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe come into the team under his tutelage.
      The fan that pointed out the interesting quirk on Twitter said: “It’s funny how the most embarrassing defeat in our history led to us panic buying Arteta and Mertesacker, who now manage the club and academy and have turned the club’s fortunes around.”
      And other fans were keen to chime in on the theory, with one saying: “Wenger’s done it again!”
      Another said: “Arsene Wenger, went to Old Trafford lost 8-2 on purpose to force Kroenke’s hand, signed Arteta who was central in breaking our trophy drought and now manages club, he’s done it again!”
      And a third wrote: “More reason why a revenge for that embarrassing loss should happen this weekend.”
      Arsenal will have an opportunity for some belated revenge as they host United at The Emirates at 4:30pm this Sunday. More

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      Brighton star gets shock call-up to Germany squad for the first time at 32 – 12 years since appearing for youth teams

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      PASCAL GROSS has been called up by Germany for the first time aged 32.The Brighton star has been in stunning form for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
      Pascal Gross has excelled since joining Brighton in 2017Credit: Rex
      Gross featured for Germany’s youth teams up to Under-20 level.
      He earned four caps for Die Mannschaft’s Under-20s between 2010 and 2011, playing against Switzerland, Poland and twice vs Italy.
      The attacking midfielder has finally been called up to the senior squad for upcoming friendlies with Japan and France.
      Hansi Flick’s side will host next summer’s Euro 2024 tournament.
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      Gross left Hoffenheim in 2011, signing for Karlsruher in the German second tier.
      Five seasons at Ingolstadt followed, with the final two coming in the Bundesliga.
      He joined Brighton for just £3million upon their promotion to the Premier League in 2017.
      The versatile star has proven himself to be a key man under Chris Hughton, Graham Potter and now De Zerbi.
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      He has played 217 times for the Seagulls, scoring 28 goals and laying on 39 assists.
      Of Gross’ 28 goals for Brighton, 27 have come in the Premier League.
      He scored his latest during Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham.
      In doing so, he became Brighton’s all-time leading goalscorer in the Prem, overtaking the tally of 26 previously set by both Neal Maupay and Glenn Murray.
      Earlier this year, De Zerbi gushed over Gross’ qualities.
      He said: “Pascal Gross is one of the best players I’ve had in my career. He’s a fantastic player. He can play everywhere on the pitch.
      “He is fantastic in terms of attitude, passion. He’s very clever in understanding different situations. I’m lucky to have him in my team.
      “He’s a leader, like (Lewis) Dunk, like Adam Lallana, (Danny) Welbeck. They are different types of leaders, but they are always positive guys.
      “The secret of Brighton is not the coach or the style of play — the secret is that part of the squad.”
      Gross, 32, scored his 27th Premier League goal for Brighton last weekendCredit: Alamy More

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      Tottenham consider ‘Conor Gallagher bid with Cole Palmer Chelsea transfer opening door to late £50m deal’

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      CHELSEA’S late swoop for Man City’s Cole Palmer could pave the way for Conor Gallagher to join Spurs, according to reports.The Blues are set to steal highly-rated Palmer from the Treble winners in a shock £45m deal before tomorrow’s transfer deadline.
      Chelsea are set to sign Manchester City’s Cole PalmerCredit: PA
      This has paved the way for Spurs to open an offer for Conor GallagherCredit: Getty
      Gallagher, 23, has been a key asset starting in every fixture under new boss Mauricio Pochettino.
      He even captained Chelsea in their Carabao Cup victory over Wimbledon on Wednesday night.
      But Palmer’s arrival will see the England star drop down the Stamford Bridge pecking order.
      And, with Chelsea still needing to recoup funds from their huge transfer binge, Gallagher is set to be shown the exit.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL
      According to the Telegraph, this has encouraged Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou to make a late pivot for Gallagher as he is desperate for midfield talent.
      Gallagher will not come cheap, however, with Chelsea already rejecting a bid worth £40m from West Ham last month.
      And a bid of around £50m might be necessary for Postecoglou to get him.
      Brennan Johnson is another one of the Aussie’s top targets as he continues trying to cover the massive hole left by Harry Kane.
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      But Spurs are refusing to pay for his hefty £50m price tag which is stalling talks with the Nottingham Forest youngster.
      They are also set to be pipped by Brighton to a loan deal for Barcelona star Ansu Fati.
      Crystal Palace’s Ebere Eze has also been linked but the Eagles will fight to keep the winger.
      Spurs are refusing to pay for Brennan Johnson’s £50m price tagCredit: Alamy More

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      Carabao Cup fans spot HUGE blunder during the third round draw and Newcastle fans will be most upset

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      THE EFL admitted a blunder in the Carabao Cup draw left Newcastle facing Manchester City.The 27 teams who progressed to the third round on Tuesday night were given numbers in alphabetical order.
      Newcastle United should have been ball number 19 with Norwich City ball number 20Credit: twitter @nufc_hq
      The draw took place on Sky SportsCredit: Rex
      Yet SunSport understands a “human error” saw Norwich given number 19 ahead of Newcastle in 20th for Wednesday night’s draw, meaning the Magpies host Treble-winners City while the Championship Canaries travel to Fulham.
      The EFL says there is no requirement for numbers to be allocated in alphabetical order, insisting the draw is valid.
      A spokesperson said: “The numbers for the Round Three draw of the Carabao Cup were allocated and communicated in advance of the draw taking place on Wednesday evening and were drawn in-line with the usual strict protocols and conditions. 
      “The League accepts that the list published was not in alphabetical order, however, under Cup rules, the draw does not require for numbers to be allocated on that basis.
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      “The EFL views the draw as completely valid with no impact to competition integrity.”
      The sides that went through on Wednesday were not listed in alphabetical order, hence why Chelsea were number 28.
      The EFL’s statement comes after Newcastle fans on social media spotted the blunder.
      A Newcastle fan account tweeted: “If Newcastle were given their correct number in the draw (19) we would have drawn Fulham away.
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      “As you can see, draw numbers are done in alphabetically, with the only mistake being Norwich and Newcastle in the wrong order.
      “Hmm @CarabaoCup.”
      Another added: “I don’t really mind playing City, but that is weird.”
      A third said: “We should appeal the draw and let them do it again for all.”
      But some fans were more stoic about the whole thing with one saying: “To be the best you have to beat the best.”
      Newcastle enjoyed an excellent Carabao Cup campaign last season as they reached the final on the way to finishing fourth in the league.
      To go one better this season they will have to get through a tough test against Manchester City at home.
      The ties for the third round will be played on the week commencing September 25. More

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      Chelsea fans baffled by club’s brand new away kit as they ask ‘why would they do that?’

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      CHELSEA fans fear they will never be able to play in their stunning new away kit.The Blues unveiled their change strip for the 2023/24 season on Thursday morning.
      Chelsea have released their new away kitCredit: Instagram @chelseafc
      Fans fear they’ll never be able to play in the kitCredit: Instagram @chelseafc
      Inspired by the 1990s, the dark blue shirt includes a diamond pattern and gold trim.
      The club have also described the Nike jersey as the “perfect look for Chelsea away”.
      However, supporters have pointed out the kit’s similarities to Chelsea’s traditional blue home shirt.
      They fear it may limit the club’s opportunities to wear their new away strip.
      READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS
      One concerned fan tweeted: “Why would your away kit be almost identical in colour to your home kit??”
      Another added: “How can the home & away kit colour clash?”
      A third fan also wrote: “I like it but I thought an away shirt was meant to be a different colour to blue.”
      Meanwhile, one more commented: “Of course Chelsea decide to have two kits of very similar colours for the season.”
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      The dark blue shirt is similar to Chelsea’s home jerseyCredit: Instagram @chelseafc
      Players including Malo Gasto modelled the new shirtCredit: Instagram @chelseafc
      Chelsea are yet to release their third kit for the 2023/24 season.
      The new away kit will also not be debuted until after the international break at the earliest.
      Mauricio Pochettino’s side travel to Bournemouth on September 17 in their next away match, providing the first chance for fans to see the new kit in action.
      The kit has been described as the ‘perfect look for Chelsea away’Credit: Instagram @chelseafc
      Chelsea could debut the kit away to Bournemouth on September 17Credit: Instagram @chelseafc More

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      Watch incredible timelapse video of Luton’s new stand being built so club can play in Premier League

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      LUTON’S Kenilworth Road has undergone an incredible transformation to allow them to play in the Premier League.The Bobbers Stand has been rebuilt over the summer to meet the division’s requirements for broadcasters.
      Luton’s Bobbers Stand has been renovated in 13 weeksCredit: Twitter @LutonTown
      The stadium had to change to meet Premier League standardsCredit: Twitter @LutonTown
      It is ready to host its first Prem game this Friday versus West HamCredit: Twitter @LutonTown
      It held supporters for the first time at 75 per cent capacity on Tuesday as Luton beat Gillingham 3-2 in the Carabao Cup.
      The works caused the club’s first home league game of the season versus Burnley to be postponed.
      But it will finally host a Prem clash this Friday as West Ham make the trip to the newly promoted side, who are yet top pick up their first point of the campaign.
      Luton’s revamp of the Bobbers Stand cost the Hatters £10million.
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      And the club released a stunning timelapse video to show the renovation being done.
      The stand was essentially knocked down and half the pitch was removed to allow for it the ground to become a building site.
      Slowly the 13 weeks of work began to take shape and after relaying the entire pitch as well as adding blue seats, it is now ready for supporters.
      Luton tweeted: “We would like to thank everyone involved in planning and building our new stand.
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      Luton’s Kenilworth Road is not the smallest ground in the leagueCredit: PA
      The new stand was opened for the first time on TuesdayCredit: PA
      “We are at the heart of our local community, and we would like to thank everyone within it for their constant support throughout the process.”
      It takes Kenilworth Road’s capacity from last season’s 10,356 to 11,300.
      This means that Bournemouth take the crown of the smallest ground in the Premier League.
      Despite the improvements there remains hope that Luton will move to a new 23,000-capacity stadium in 2026. More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Madueke shines amid threat of Palmer while Moreira is hooked off at half time

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      CHELSEA had to come from behind to see off League Two’s Wimbledon in the EFL Cup. The Blues found themselves a goal down after James Tilley converted from the spot on 20 minutes.
      Chelsea saw off Wimbledon 2-1Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Noni Madueke’s excellent showing was rewarded when he won a penalty of his own and slotted home before the break, showing possible new boy Cole Palmer that he won;t be brushed aside.
      It took super-sub Enzo Fernandez to come off the bench to win it and here is how Jack Figg rated the Blues.
      Sanchez – 6
      Was at fault for Wimbledon’s equaliser as he rushed off his line, taking out Harry Pell to give away the penalty. The Spaniard did make up for it by looking confident off his line thereafter.
      Disasi – 6
      Made an excellent block in the second half to deny Wimbledon taking another shock lead.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Wimbledon’s Josh Davison, right, challenges Chelsea’s Axel DisasiCredit: AP
      Colwill – 7
      Confident performance from Chelsea’s latest academy starlet. Solid at the back and is proving to be a good passer of the ball.
      Humphreys – 6
      Deployed on the right of the back four and was troubled little. Didn’t need to commit too far forward as Madueke ran the show down his flank.
      Lesley Ugochukwu was Chelsea’s deepest midfielderCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Ugochukwu – 6
      Played the deepest of the three and provided good cover when Wimbledon broke on the counter.
      Gallagher – 7
      Captained the side and stepped up to the responsibility. The England international was positive going forward and pushed Chelsea up the field well.
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      Conor Gallagher captained ChelseaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Maatsen – 6
      Showed signs of promise with quick touches in tight areas. Could maybe have been more selfish with efforts from distance.
      Cucurella – 6
      Booed by the home crowd when his name was read out amid transfer interest from Manchester United. His hopeful pass led to Wimbledon’s mistake for Fernandez’s winner.
      Noni Madueke was the best player of the pitchCredit: Getty
      Madueke – 9
      Simply excellent. Caused defenders nightmares all night running at them with pace and power. His equaliser from the spot, having won the penalty, sealed an excellent performance.
      Moreira – 5
      Struggled with his first touch at times despite some nice link-ups on the left with Cucurella. Looked like a man in need of more minutes.
      Diego Moreira was taken off at the breakCredit: Rex
      Burstow – 4
      Found himself slightly isolated in the first half while leading the line. Looked more confident when Jackson was brought on.
      Subs
      Jackson (for Moreira at half time) – 6
      Real positive off the bench for Chelsea, driving forward and being a menace to defenders.
      Fernandez (for Burstow 65 mins) – 7
      Took his goal well and threatened several times from distance. Blues fans can expect a screamer or two this season.
      Gusto (for Colwill 65 mins) – 6
      Provided much more of a threat down the right flank than Humphreys. Looks to be a good fill in for Reece James.
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      Moises Caicedo (for Madueke 81 mins) – 5
      Helped settle Chelsea’s midfield in a period Wimbledon had success.
      Enzo Fernandez won the game for ChelseaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More