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    Fans convinced Eric Dier is forcing Tottenham exit as he unfollows Spurs and removes all mention of club on Instagram

    TOTTENHAM fans are convinced that Eric Dier is set to leave the club after he unfollowed the club on Instagram and removed all mention of Spurs from his profile.With captain Hugo Lloris frozen out and vice captain Harry Kane leaving the club for Bayern , there was speculation that Dier might step into the role.
    Eric Dier appeared to unfollow the Spurs official account before later re-following them againCredit: Rex
    But new manager Ange Postecoglou has named Son Heung Min as captain, with Cristian Romero and James Maddison as his assistants.
    That led to fans on Twitter peculating that Dier had lashed out after being snubbed for the captaincy.
    One fan tweeted: “In other news. Eric Dier has unfollowed Spurs and removed all Spurs related headers on his Instagram profile.
    “Might mean nothing at all but could mean something. Is he off? Has he thrown a tantrum because he’s not going to be captain?”
    READ MORE ON TOTTENHAM
    Another Spurs fan replied: “Never mind captain, he’s not in the squad I’d say.”
    A third fan tweeted: “Hopefully he’s being included in a deal for Eze.”
    A fourth fan wrote: “Reckon hes been told he wont be Captain and that in fact we may sell him as we look to bolster the defence.
    “Definitely a toys out the pram moment.
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    “He’ll know what rumours would spread from doing such a thing.”
    Dier has just a year remaining on his Spurs contract and had looked set to sign an extension last season.
    A severe dip in form during the season run-in looks to have left the club with cold feet however and there is no deal on the table as of right now.
    The Spurs defender has responded to the backlash by following the official Spurs account on Instagram and posting a series of photos to his story of him working hard in training. More

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    Arsenal player ratings: Bukayo Saka back with a bang but Kai Havertz looks just as lost on home debut

    BUKAYO SAKA and Gabriel Martinelli showed a signal of intent against Nottingham Forest today, that they are ready to come back and challenge for the title again. The two wingers put in a sensational display in a 2-1 victory, which saw Mikel Arteta’s men put back into second place in the table, at least until the 3pm kick-offs began.
    Bukayo Saka looks set to light up the Premier League once again this seasonCredit: Getty
    Kai Havertz was far from his brilliant best in his Arsenal Prem debutCredit: Reuters
    Mikel Arteta’s summer recruits looked impressive, particularly in the first half of the game.
    Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber seemed to instantly settle into the match, with the latter looking comfortable in a variety of positions so far.
    However, the same can’t be said for £65 million Kai Havertz, who looked lost in midfield for the Gunners, and failed to make a real impact in the game.
    There was room for improvement for both teams, but with a long season ahead, their best is yet to come.
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    Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Arsenal display.
    Aaron Ramsdale – 5
    Had little to do, but did what was asked of him to get the victory. Admittedly looked a little shaky at times in the second half and lost the clean sheet.
    The arrival of David Raya could be good for him.
    Ben White – 6
    Reverted back to his preferred centre-back spot for today’s game, good passing range and showed great recovery pace too.
    Most read in Football
    William Saliba – 7
    A solid, dependable defensive display, combined with a deft ‘Sergio Busquets to Messi’ like assist for Bukayo Saka’s rocket.
    Proved why he is one of the world’s best and most valuable centre-half’s.
    Jurrien Timber – 7
    Inpenetrable in the left back spot and looked comfortable on the ball too before he hobbled off with an injury early in the 2nd half.
    Will prove valuable for Arteta, especially if he is that good at right-back, centre-back and in midfield as reported.
    Partey only misplaced six of 102 passes
    Thomas Partey – 6
    Looked comfortable deputising in the right-back position for most of the game. Strong on and off the ball.
    Declan Rice – 7
    Looked at home playing at the carpet, and seemed to slot into Mikel Arteta’s plans seamlessly.
    Didn’t need to do anything extraordinary, but perhaps that is testament to his lack of errors.
    Declan Rice slotted in seamlessly into the Arsenal midfield
    Martin Odegaard – 6
    Tricky feet and some lovely deft passes. Captain fantastic who led by example today.
    However, missing some end product, and we have seen him dazzle in this league.
    Kai Havertz – 5
    Failed to really settle into the game, and didn’t light up the pitch in the same way the fellow new signings did.
    Odegaard looked streets better than him in the advanced number 8 position. His best is yet to come.
    Bukayo Saka – 8
    Terrorised the Forest defence, and gave ex-Chelsea left back Ola Aina a torrid time, leaving him booked after 28 minutes.
    Scored a stunner on the 32nd minute to double the lead for The Gunners. Big season inbound.
    Saka was a thorn in Forest’s side
    Gabriel Martinelli – 8
    Showed absolutely sublime skill to assist Eddie Nketiah for the opener, and pressed the Forest defence really well.
    Eddie Nketiah – 7
    Continued his fine goal-scoring record to grab Arsenal’s first goal of the 23/24 campaign with a deft finish.
    Proved to the world why Arsenal are looking at selling Folarin Balogun, and not him.
    Eddie Nketiah scored Arsenal’s first goal of the 23/24 Premier League campaign.Credit: Getty
    Subs
    Takehiro Tomiyasu (for Jurrien Timber, 49 mins) – 5
    Was bought on out of necessity for the injured Jurrien Timber, not as good as him on the ball, but a pretty solid defensive showing.
    Leandro Trossard (for Eddie Nketiah, 73 mins) – 5
    Failed to really impact the game, but some nice touches nonetheless.
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    Gabriel (for Gabriel Martinelli, 85 mins) – 5
    Did his job and made sure that Arsenal secured all three points.
    Mikel Arteta will be impressed with his new recruits on the whole todayCredit: Reuters More

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    Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest LIVE RESULT: Nketiah and Saka fire Gunners to nervy Premier League opening win

    ARSENAL opened up their 2023/24 Premier League campaign with a win against Nottingham Forest – but the Gunners had a nervy ending to the game.Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka put the Gunners in a commanding lead with two sublime finishes.
    However, Taiwo Awoniyi’s late strike forced Arsenal to defend for their lives right until the end.

    RESULT: Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest
    Live stream: BT.com
    TV channel: TNT Sports
    Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Partey, White, Saliba, Timber; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
    Forest XI: Turner; Boly, Worrall, McKenna; Aurier, Yates, Mangala, Aina; Danilo, Gibbs-White; Johnson

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    Follow ALL the action from the Sydney Football Stadium with our live blog below…
    That’s all from the Emirates
    Football is back, the Premier League is back, and – judging by the way they made their fans sweat in the final ten minutes – Arsenal are back.
    Yet the Gunners held on to see off Nottingham Forest and begin the season with three points, following in Manchester City’s footsteps from last night.
    And it means that after one game each, it’s City top of the table with Arsenal second. It seems some things never change.
    The good news is there is a whole season of football still to be played, and if the Premier League has taught us anything, it’s to expect plenty of twists and turns along the way.
    Thanks for joining us and goodbye.
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    Before we sign off for the afternoon, why not remind yourself of all that unfolded during Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest courtesy of Mark Irwin’s match report, beginning with some starting team news ahead of kick-off.
    Mikel Arteta had warned us to expect the unexpected when he announced on Friday afternoon that he wanted to make Arsenal more unpredictable. So maybe we shouldn’t have been quite so surprised when he dropped a major bombshell in their very first game of the new season.Mark IrwinThe Sun

    .css-g9qqck{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-lkp0su{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-1ngsqwo{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1ngsqwo:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1aiajnh{-webkit-box-flex:1;-webkit-flex-grow:1;-ms-flex-positive:1;flex-grow:1;}.css-sughj9{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:28.008px;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:0.5px 0px;}.css-sughj9::before{content:”;margin-bottom:-0.2245em;display:block;}.css-sughj9::after{content:”;margin-top:-0.2425em;display:block;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-17x5lw{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;}.css-dr8sr7{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1tiy4vg{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1pp5s9{margin:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-1pp5s9:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-13krq0h{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-f1cwb0{margin:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-f1cwb0:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-k8qt9h{display:inline-block;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;width:100%;}@media screen and (prefers-reduced-motion: no-preference){.css-k8qt9h{transition-property:color,fill;transition-duration:200ms,200ms;transition-timing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1),cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1);}}@media screen and (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce){.css-k8qt9h{transition-property:color,fill;transition-duration:0ms;transition-timing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1),cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1);}}.css-k8qt9h:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1z6bhn{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;height:88px;}.css-pw771{padding:2px 12px;max-height:75px;overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:2;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1px;}.css-1jpzisj{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;width:100%;max-height:88px;border-width:1px 1px 1px 0;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);}A terror on the right
    Bukayo Saka started the season where he left off the last – by being the standout performer on the pitch.
    The Arsenal star had the joint-most shots, the joint-most touches in the opposition penalty area and provided the most crosses of any player on the pitch.
    Oh, and he scored a screamer too.

    Arteta praises ‘beast’ Nketiah
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta held up Eddie Nketiah as a ‘great example’ following his exploits against Nottingham Forest, and suggested that there is more to come from his striker while Gabriel Jesus is out injured.

    Steady Eddie sets Arsenal on way
    Eddie Nketiah stepped in for the injured Gabriel Jesus this afternoon, and fired Arsenal on their way with their opening goal of the season.
    The 24-year-old has now has scored 14 goals in his last 16 starts at the Emirates Stadium in all competitions, and became the first English player to score the Gunners’ first Premier League goal of a season since Theo Walcott in 2016-17.
    Despite his attacking exploits, Nketiah afterwards praised his team’s defence for seeing the game out.
    We had a really good start and scored the two goals, but they crept back into it, especially late on. It was a bit of a nervy finish but I think we defended really well and I think we deserved the three points.Eddie NketiahTNT Sport

    Match stats from the Emirates
    Arsenal’s 79% possession almost counted for nothing as they failed to kill the game off.
    However, the Gunners survived a late scare to earn three points on the opening weekend.

    Full time – Arsenal 2-1 Nott’m Forest
    The Emirates breathes a collective sigh of relief as Michael Oliver blows his full time whistle.
    Despite dominating the game for the best part of 82 minutes, Arsenal found themselves desperately holding on after Taiwo Awoniyi’s late strike gave Nottingham Forest hope against the odds.
    However, the Gunners held firm in the final moments to claim three points in a game settled by Bukayo Saka’s super strike.
    One thing is for certain, it’s not going to be boring watching Arsenal this season.

    Arsenal 2-1 Nott’m Forest
    90+8. Bizarrely, with the game entering its eighth minute of stoppage time, these clubs have unwittingly broken the Premier League’s 3pm television blackout.
    Points deduction!
    Arsenal 2-1 Nott’m Forest
    90+7. Odegaard almost seals the deal in fine fashion as his curler from the edge of the box leaves Turner flatfooted.
    Just over.
    Arsenal 2-1 Nott’m Forest
    90+6. The Arsenal fans are whistling for full time…
    …but the game continues.
    Arsenal 2-1 Nott’m Forest
    90+5. Deep into stoppage time, Forest win a free-kick on the right, midway inside the Arsenal half.
    As it’s launched goalwards, Saka goes down under McKenna’s challenge – seemingly trodden on – but it goes unnoticed by the officials.
    Despite being a player short, the Gunners scramble it away.
    Arsenal 2-1 Nott’m Forest
    90+3. Amid all the chaos, Bukayo Saka has been awarded the TNT Sport Player of the Match by Ally McCoist.
    The young Arsenal star won’t care about that if his team don’t see this one home.
    Arsenal 2-1 Nott’m Forest
    90+1. Kai Havertz wins Arsenal a corner despite a blatant handball as he ran through on goal.
    Meanwhile, Chris Wood is on for Forest along with Cheikhou Kouyate. I think we’re going route one…

    Arsenal 2-1 Nott’m Forest
    90. The board goes up to show that there will be SEVEN minutes of added-on time.
    A lot can happen in seven minutes.
    Arsenal 2-1 Nott’m Forest
    89. It’s the Nottingham Forest fans making all the noise.
    They still believe in miracles.
    Arsenal 2-1 Nott’m Forest
    87. As Saka passes up a half-chance, Mikel Arteta races to the edge of the technical area.
    He’s going crazy, unable to believe that his team have got themselves into this position after dominating for so long.
    Arsenal 2-1 Nott’m Forest – Arsenal substitution
    86. Now Mikel Arteta sends for Gabriel.
    The Brazilian is on with a job to do: keep Forest out.
    The centre-back replaces Gabriel Martinelli.
    Arsenal 2-1 Nott’m Forest
    85. The game is really stretched now, and there definitely feels like there is another goal in this, one way or the other.
    Arsenal 2-1 Nott’m Forest
    83. Ooof! Forest fancy this now!
    Straight from kick-off, they work the ball forwards again, and it falls kindly for Gibbs-White to volley over from 25 yards out,
    Arsenal 2-1 Nott’m Forest
    82. Inside the final ten minutes, and it’s game on!
    From an Arsenal corner, Forest tear downfield and halve the deficit.
    The speed of one substitute, Anthony Elanga, breaks the home side’s backline, and his fizzed cross is expertly steered in at the near post by another substitute in Taiwo Awoniyi.
    They couldn’t, could they?

    One back!

    Arsenal 2-0 Nott’m Forest
    80. Orel Mangala is the latest player to pick up a yellow card for a cynical tug on Martin Odegaard’s shirt.
    Arsenal 2-0 Nott’m Forest
    78. Chances from corners at both ends.
    First, Saliba is unable to get a telling connection on Saka’s cross moments before Boly is put off by Rice’s presence.
    Arsenal 2-0 Nott’m Forest
    76. Declan Rice almost caps his Arsenal debut with a goal!
    In arguably the best move of the half, the hosts pour forward before Havertz tees up the former West Ham man 25 yards out.
    Rice connects with a crisp first-time effort that Matt Turner does brilliantly to tip on to the base of the post.
    Arsenal 2-0 Nott’m Forest – Arsenal substituion
    74. And now Arsenal’s second substitution.
    Leandro Trossard is on for the opening goalscorer, Eddie Nketiah.
    Load more entries… More

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    How Ten Hag will set out his Man Utd XI this season with host of options after £179million transfer spree

    ERIK TEN HAG has got the Premier League and his own fans second-guessing as to how he will line up this season.The flexibility of his squad has given him a myriad of options not least with the arrival of £60million man Mason Mount.
    Erik ten Hag has spent £179million this summerCredit: Rex
    Bruno Fernandes is the new Manchester United captain for this seasonCredit: Reuters
    Now with a recognised striker in Rasmus Hojlund up front, they have the extra potency that was missing from last season when they were the lowest scorers in the top six.
    The first choice back four pretty much picks itself with the only real battle between Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot at right back.
    The calmness of Raphael Varane and the tenacity of Lisandro Martinez has proved to be a great combination in the centre of defence with Victor Lindelof an able deputy.
    Luke Shaw meanwhile has returned to his best from on the left under Ten Hag.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    It is in midfield where the options come, depending on opponents and situations in games.
    Casemiro will be the one consistent sitting in front of the back four.
    But there are three options as to who sits with him, if he always needs someone at all.
    For example in the pre-season friendly against Lens he was there on his own as Ten Hag switched to 4-1-4-1 which allowed Mount to operate alongside Bruno Fernandes further forward.
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    How Manchester United could line up this season
    That is a positive option with Antony and Marcus Rashford wide and Hojlund up front when he is available.
    Mount can also drop deeper alongside Casemiro with the license to bomb forward when the situation presents itself.
    Of course last season Fernandes dropped deeper on occasions into a quarter-back role which he operated well in.
    That would then allow Mount to be the number ten.
    Let’s not forget Christian Eriksen who had such a good first season at the club alongside Casemiro.
    If Ten Hag can get the best out of Jadon Sancho there is another option.
    He will operate wide at the start of the season with Rashford as a number nine.
    But in pre-season Sancho was also used as a false nine which the manager felt worked well.
    How Manchester United could line up against Wolves
    One big difference this season will be how United build their moves up from the back.
    David de Gea has gone and Andre Onana has arrived in his place as much for his ball-playing abilities out from the back.
    He will be much higher up the pitch as a sweeper-keeper, like Ederson at Manchester City when the ball is in the opponent’s half.
    He will be ready to pounce if the ball breaks towards him and immediately set moves going again to add an extra urgency to the side.
    It promises to be an exciting ride this season with Ten Hag insistent that he has the right foundations now to aim higher than last season’s third spot.
    Read More on The Sun
    The Carabao Cup win gave the squad extra confidence, while the FA Cup Final suggested how far away they remain from Manchester City.
    But with plenty of aces in that pack he now has to shuffle prepare for a title tilt this time around.
    An alternative option for Erik ten Hag’s line up this season More

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    Man Utd ‘want £50m-rated Everton star as Sofyan Amrabat alternative as transfer talks for Fiorentina midfielder stall’

    MANCHESTER United are reportedly considering a shock move to sign Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.The 21-year-old is seen as an alternative to Sofyan Amrabat after transfer talks with Fiorentina have stalled.
    United are now considering Onana as an option over Sofyan AmrabatCredit: Getty
    United had previously made Amrabat a priority target, but talks have stalledCredit: Getty
    The Belgian youngster was one of Everton’s top performers during a troublesome campaign in 2022-23. 
    Onana made 33 appearances for the club as they narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship.
    And according to the Daily Mail, United chiefs believe he would be a great option if they cannot land Amrabat from Fiorentina.
    Transfer negotiations have stalled between United and Amrabat, amid interest from Atletico Madrid and Juventus.

    Amrabat caught the eye of Europe’s elite during Morocco’s trip to the semi-finals of the Qatar World Cup. 
    But United are at risk of missing out on the star, as they must sell a few players to fund the move.
    As such, Atletico are now emerging as the frontrunners to land the 26-year-old midfielder.
    This has forced the Red Devils to look at Onana as an alternative midfield signing.
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    The report does not mention how much Onana might cost Man Utd to sign. 
    Although, sources have previously put his valuation at around the £50m mark.
    Whereas, Fiorentina want around £30million for the 26-year-old Moroccan international, who has one year left on his contract.
    Everton are already looking at bringing in a replacement for Onana and Blackburn’s rising star Adam Wharton is in their sights.
    Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag remains keen to further bolster his midfield this summer, having already landed Mason Mount in a £60million deal from Chelsea.
    United midfielder Fred is due to arrive at Fenerbahce ahead of his £13m move, while Donny van de Beek has been linked with Real Sociedad.
    Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay could follow them out of Old Trafford in the coming days. More

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    Fans love it as Erling Haaland SLAPS Gary Neville after Jamie Carragher’s cheeky comment to Man City striker

    ERLING HAALAND had a playful exchange with Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher following Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Burnley on Friday.The 23-year-old striker scored twice as Pep Guardiola’s side climbed to the top of the Premier League table on the opening day of the new campaign.
    Erling Haaland walked past the Sky Sports pundits after his brace against BurnleyCredit: Sky Sports via Twitter
    And gave Gary Neville a slap on the chestCredit: Sky Sports via Twitter
    And then continued to walk offCredit: Sky Sports via Twitter
    Leaving Nevilles in stitchesCredit: Sky Sports via Twitter
    And he was in high spirits at full time when he took part in a post-match interview with Sky Sports.
    The panel were discussing Haaland’s second goal – whereby his strike rattled the crossbar before hitting the back of the net – when Carragher joked: “You are a great goalscorer, you’ll never be a pundit!”
    Laughing along, the striker responded: “Thank you for that mate. Appreciate that.”
    But just as the interview ended, fans were taken aback after Haaland slapped Neville on the chest.
    Read More on Football
    As the Man Utd icon laughed, Carragher said: “Oh! Ooo. Woah… Hang on!”
    Presenter Kelly Cates then added: “I think that was friendly!”
    One fan took to Twitter to question: “She thinks that was friendly?”
    Another added: “Show some respect man.”
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    While a third joked: “Points deduction for that surely.”
    Haaland and Neville’s interaction appeared far from serious – unlike the striker’s half time altercation with Guardiola.
    The City boss slapped away a Sky Sports camera after shouting at the forward.
    He marched over to Haaland with arms outstretched and was clearly demanding more from the player – despite him bagging a brace in the first half.
    Much of what he said was inaudible but he was heard shouting “That was totally the opposite” before walking to slap the broadcast camera away.
    Haaland appeared to be completely nonplussed by what his manager was saying and did not reveal a response to Pep’s provocation on the pitch. More

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    What will be the first-ever Premier League match shown live on TNT Sports?

    TNT SPORTS finally start their Premier League broadcasting journey in the 2023/24 season – and fans will get to feast their eyes on a mouthwatering contestDefending champions Manchester City take on Vincent Kompany’s Championship-winning Burnley on the opening day.
    Manchester City start their defence with a tricky tie against BurnleyCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Manchester United are all set to host Wolves for their first fixture in the new season.
    While Liverpool travel to Stamford Bridge where Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea awaits.
    But what is TNT Sports’ first Premier League fixture?
    What will be the first-ever Premier League match shown live on TNT Sports?
    The Premier League has revealed that Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest will be TNT Sports’ first showing of English top-flight football.
    Read more on TNT Sports
    And the highly-anticipated match will take place TODAY – Saturday, August 12.
    Kick-off for Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest is scheduled to get underway at 12:30pm BST.
    Emirates Stadium in North London is the allocated arena for this game and it can host approximately 60,000 supporters.
    What is TNT Sports?
    TNT Sports is the new name for the merger between BT Sport and Warner Bros. Discovery-owned Eurosport.
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    The merger is intended to allow BT Sport to become efficient and offer a more premium product.
    BT Sport currently has rights to some of the biggest football competitions in Europe and the Premier League as well as UFC.
    Meanwhile, Discovery have tennis’ grand slams, the Tour de France and Olympic Games.
    How much will TNT Sports cost?
    BT’s consumer chief and chair Marc Allera revealed that there were no plans to change prices but that “it’s impossible to offer guarantees”.
    Allera said: “This market is moving at a fast pace. How the portfolio evolves determines the price of the product and how much we charge.” More

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    How Chelsea could line up vs Liverpool as Pochettino leads new era and fans pray £750m side finally turn on the style

    FOR NOW, Mauricio Pochettino knows his best Chelsea starting XI.The Blues boss hinted at that after the final friendly of their pre-season tour of the United States, suggesting the team that drew 1-1 to Borussia Dortmund would likely face Liverpool.
    How Chelsea could line up against Liverpool on Sunday
    But what exactly does that look like, and what can we expect from Poch’s Chelsea side that has had around £750m spent on it?
    What formation will he play?
    Poch will stick to what he knows best and go with a 4-2-3-1.
    The full-backs will push high, the wingers will cut inside, the striker leading the line look to hold up the ball and spin while there will almost certainly be two energetic holding midfielders at any given time.
    Poch worked on this a lot in open training sessions in the States so the players should be well rehearsed in his philosophy by now.
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    Mauricio Pochettino knows his best Chelsea teamCredit: Getty
    What will the defence look like?
    The back five – including the goalkeeper – is arguably an area on the pitch that Poch does not need to worry about.
    Kepa is undoubtedly his No.1, despite the signing of Robert Sanchez, while newly appointed captain Reece James and Ben Chilwell will start as full-backs.
    Poch will then hope to build a good partnership between Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill in the heart of defence while the likes of Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana recover from injury and new centre back from Monaco Axel Disasi settles in.
    Is the midfield a concern?
    In short, yes. Chelsea so far have just two experienced senior midfielders in Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher, so they should start against Liverpool.
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    Andrey Santos and Lesley Ugochukwu, both 19, are hardly ready to take on the physicality of the Premier League just yet.
    Chelsea are still waiting to see if they can fill that area with more depth and experience, such as through Brighton’s Moises Caicedo or Leeds United’s Tyler Adams.
    They desperately need one of them, if not both.
    Conor Gallagher could start against LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    Do they have enough firepower?
    Before Christopher Nkunku’s injury against Dortmund that has ruled him out until potentially December, you could have argued yes.
    Nkunku scored three goals in the States, while new centre forward Nicolas Jackson grabbed two, as well as a handful of assists and looked exciting with ball at feet as well as running off it.
    Mykhailo Mudryk also scored across the pond and is starting to show glimpses.
    Youngster Ian Maatsen looks lively, fresh from his loan at Burnley last season.
    But, Nkunku’s knee surgery means Chelsea may have to dip back into the market, again.
    What issues remain?
    Depth, simple as that. The starting XI is promising but look to the bench and all you see are kids, misfits and wantaways.
    Raheem Sterling looks a shadow of the player that shone at Manchester City, Marc Cucurella is not in Poch’s plans.
    Any more injuries like Nkunku’s and Chelsea are in serious trouble.
    And all the while, Romelu Lukaku remains training at Cobham waiting for his move away. Poch has his work cut out.
    Nicolas Jackson is expected to lead the lineCredit: Getty
    How does he get the best out of what he has right now?
    Full throttle Poch-ball.
    Read More on The Sun
    We saw moments in pre-season of the high-pressing, high-speed football that won the Argentine coach so many plaudits at Southampton and Tottenham.
    He will be given time to turn Chelsea around, so why not go for it and attack, attack, attack instead of trying to grind out results waiting for more signings to arrive? More