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      Kai Havertz ‘can’t hit a barn door’ and will ‘let Arsenal down’ this season, says ex-Tottenham star in scathing attack

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      KAI HAVERTZ has been slammed for his Community Shield horror show – with Jamie O’Hara claiming Arsenal’s new star “can’t hit a barn door”.Mikel Arteta signed Havertz, who regularly played up front for Chelsea, to play in midfield.
      Kai Havertz has been slammed by Jamie O’Hara for missed chances in the Community ShieldCredit: Alamy
      But Gabriel Jesus’ injury meant the German player in attack against Manchester City on Sunday… and wasted a pair of golden opportunities in the first half.
      City keeper Stefan Ortega thwarted him twice from close range with a pair of incredible saves.
      Luckily for Havertz, his mishaps did not matter as the Gunners bagged a 4-1 victory on penalties after drawing 1-1 in the game.
      But Gooners were left in no doubt that their £65million summer signing should have hit the back of the net.
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      And ex-Totthenham star O’Hara didn’t hold back as he raised his own concerns.
      He told talkSPORT: ” Kai Havertz, Arsenal fans can have their say on this, but he can’t hit a barn door.
      “We know what he’s going to give you – he’s going to give you hold up play, he’s going to work hard, but he’s going to let you down when it comes to the crunch.
      “And they have to sort that problem because [Gabriel] Jesus is injured. He picks up too many injuries.”
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      While O’Hara’s colleague Jermaine Pennant added: “Kai Havertz had the better opportunities.
      “This game shouldn’t have gone to penalties. It should have been won after 90 minutes.”
      Arteta insisted he was happy with Havertz’s contribution and singled out the “superb” star – who scored 32 goals in 139 appearances for Chelsea – for praise after the Wembley clash.
      The Spanish boss said: “The way he pressed and how intelligent he is to try and understand certain spaces and the timing of it, he was great and got in great positions to score.
      “He was unlucky not to score but he was very physical when he needed to be, so I was very pleased with him.”
      Havertz will be aiming to prove his critics wrong in the Gunners’ Premier League opener at the Emirates against Nottingham Forest, this Saturday.
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      Havertz’s misses didn’t cost Arsenal as they beat Man City 4-1 on penaltiesCredit: Getty More

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      Nottingham Forest ‘reach transfer agreement to sign Arsenal star’ in huge hint David Raya will complete Gunners transfer

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST have reached an agreement to sign Matt Turner from Arsenal.The development is a huge hint that David Raya is set to complete his move to the Gunners.
      Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement to sign Matt TurnerCredit: Getty
      David Raya is set to join Arsenal from BrentfordCredit: Getty
      Arsenal have been locked in talks with Brentford over a deal for the Spanish goalkeeper.
      Despite having their £23million opening bid rejected, negotiations are advancing with Raya into the final year of his contract.
      He is understood to have already agreed personal terms as Arsenal prepare to make him their replacement for Turner.
      According to The Athletic, the USA international will have a medical with Forest on Monday.
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      He has agreed to join Steve Cooper’s side to solve their goalkeeper crisis ahead of the new season.
      Forest were left short in the position after Dean Henderson and Keylor Navas’ loans came to an end.
      Raya is set to head to the Emirates Stadium as Turner’s replacement to provide direct competition to Aaron Ramsdale.
      Turner made seven appearances across the Europa League and FA Cup for Arsenal last term after signing from New England Revolution.
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      He was also on the bench for Sunday’s Community Shield victory at Wembley Stadium.
      Mikel Arteta’s side beat Manchester City 4-1 on penalties after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw. More

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      Man Utd star Raphael Varane slams football chiefs for ‘damaging the game’ and asks ‘why aren’t players being heard?’

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      RAPHAEL VARANE has slammed the FA over new rule changes that will see Premier League referees add on more minutes to games.The new set of rule changes seek to curb the amount of time wasting by following the 2022 World Cup’s lead – which saw long periods of added time become common place.
      Varane has slammed players’ congested schedulesCredit: Getty
      But Varane has taken to Twitter to express his, and he says other players, concerns about the amount footballers are being forced to play.
      He has accused the FA of “damaging the game” and claims “players are not being heard” in the cutting statement.
      He tweeted: “We had a meeting last week with the FA. They recommended from the referees new decisions and rules.
      “From the managers and players, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players physical and mental well-being.
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      “Despite our previous feedbacks, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players. We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100% to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?
      “As a player I feel very privileged to do the job I love every day but I feel these changes are damaging our game. We want to be at our maximum level, the best we can be and put on amazing performances for fans to celebrate every week.
      “I believe it is important that we, players and managers, highlight these important issues as we want to protect the game we love and give the fans our best.”
      The rule changes were announced at the end of last month and could see games regularly last over 100 minutes.
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      Longer games have been a feature of the women’s World Cup in Australia with the clock essentially paused for any stoppages in a match.
      Mens football got its first taste of the new rules during the Community Shield final between Arsenal and Manchester City yesterday with Arsenal scoring a 101st minute equaliser.
      City manager Pep Guardiola was critical of the amount of time added on in the game and said that games would last until “tomorrow morning at 8am” if the rule changes remain in place.
      Guardiola’s criticism echoed that of Varane’s when he said that managers and players had not been consulted enough when the rule changes were proposed.
      He said: “We will have to get used to this. We were winning 1-0. I had a feeling that not much happened to extend eight minutes.
      “But it is a good question for the international board and all the people because they don’t consult with the managers, they don’t consult with the players.”
      Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also fell foul of the new rule changes when he was shown a yellow card by Stuart Atwell after waving an imaginary one in an attempt to get Rodri booked. More

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      Jacob Murphy leaves Newcastle pals in stitches with hilariously exaggerated Sela Cup trophy lift as fans call him ‘gift’

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      NEWCASTLE winger Jacob Murphy left his team-mates in stitches with his trophy lift yesterday.The Magpies topped off their pre-season preparations with an emphatic 4-0 win over Villarreal at St James’ Park.
      Murphy embraced the pre-season spirit by lifting the trophy in an over the top fashionCredit: twitter @nufcbloguk
      The winger jogged on the spot before thrusting the trophy aloftCredit: Newcastle
      Newcastle won the Sela Cup after beating Villarreal 4-0Credit: Getty
      The two sides were competing for the inaugural Sela Cup – with Fiorentina and Nice also competing in the pre-season tournament.
      A changed Newcastle side beat Fiorentina 2-0 on Saturday before naming a full strength team against Villarreal.
      Murphy got on the score sheet alongside midfielder Joelinton and there were two goals for new boy Harvey Barnes.
      The win meant Newcastle went through their pre-season unbeaten as they prepare for their Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday.
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      Club captain Jamaal Lascelles lifted the pre-season trophy in what is always a slightly awkward moment for players.
      But club joker Murphy embraced the awkwardness with an over the top trophy lift.
      As the cup was passed from player to player, Murphy seized his opportunity by doing a shuffle before running past the players and lifting the trophy aloft.
      He clearly cast away any awkwardness among the squad as his team-mates laughed at and applauded his efforts.
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      The Newcastle cult hero has previously been dubbed “the king of memes” owing to his shocked celebration during Newcastle’s 6-1 rout of Tottenham last season and waving Southampton’s Duje Caleta-Car off the pitch after he was sent off against Newcastle.
      The winger has become a clear fans favourite for his performances on the field and personality away from it.
      One fan wrote on Twitter: “I love Murphy. His goal today 👌”
      Another wrote: “We can’t ever let him leave.”
      A third wrote: “Warming up for the Champions league later this season.”
      While a fourth added: “Love him! 🥰.”
      Murphy started 14 games in the Premier League last season as the team qualified for the Champions League for the first time since the 2002-03 season.
      He will face increased competition for places this season as he competes for a position on the wing with Barnes, Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron – but remains a key member of the dressing room.
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      Harry Maguire hits new low as he’s ‘scolded by Man Utd academy star 12 years younger than him’ in horror half

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans reckon Harry Maguire has hit a new low after teenage team-mate Dan Gore joined his critics during a hapless display against Athletic Bilbao.Academy product Dan Gore, 18, appeared to have a word with Maguire for failing to react properly to a pass in a first-half where the 30-year-old also gifted the only goal away.
      Harry Maguire’s display against Athletic didn’t go down well with fansCredit: AFP
      United teenager Dan Gore had a word with Maguire in the Dublin friendlyCredit: Sportsfile
      The deposed England centre-back surrendered possession, which ultimately led to Nico Williams sweeping Athletic in front.
      Maguire was booed as the warm-up game in Dublin continued – at the end of a week where United rejected a £20million bid for the defender from West Ham.
      But many viewers claimed his worst moment came when Gore intervened.
      Some might think that was merely the youngster having the confidence and intensity to speak his mind to any colleague, regardless of age or experience.

      But most were less sure, one saying: “How embarrassing when you’re a senior pro at the club and 29 years old getting shouted at by an 18 year old. Harry Maguire has been soooo bad.”
      Another argued: “The fact that an academy player is having a go at the captain is enough to make his captaincy the 2nd biggest mistake in United’s history, the first is the Glazers.”
      A third suggested: “God he deserves the boos.”
      And with Maguire’s future up in the air before next weekend’s Premier League kick-off, a fourth observer posted: “I do not understand why we rejected  the offer from West Ham. We’ll never get anything better than 20m for him.”
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      Maguire did go someway to redeeming himself by claiming the assist for Facundo Pellistri’s late equaliser as the teams drew 1-1.
      Earlier this summer Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag stripped Maguire of the captaincy.
      He’s been replaced as skipper by Bruno Fernandes. More

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      Why is there so much added time in football matches this season?

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      FOOTBALL has returned after a much-needed summer break.But you may be wondering why the matches are now running a lot longer than they used to…
      Incredibly long matches are the norm under new rulesCredit: PA
      Why is there so much added time in football matches this season?
      The Premier League and EFL have launched a strict approach to cut down on time-wasting and increase ball-in-play time this season.
      As seen in the 2022 World Cup and Womens World Cup taking place in Australia, games are likely to consistently last for more than 100 minutes.
      The EFL released a statement on their website on how they plan to enhance ball-in-play time.
      It includes adding more time for injuries and goals, and a blitz on time-wasting tactics.
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      The statement reads: “As the game collectively looks to enhance the amount of time the ball is in play in the forthcoming campaign, the exact time lost when certain game events occur will now be added. 
      “In previous seasons the policy was to add on a nominal period of time for certain game events. The events include:

      Goals and subsequent celebrations
      Substitutions
      Injuries and treatment time (if required)
      Penalties (from moment of offence to the whistle for the penalty kick)
      Red cards (from moment of offence to when the player leaves the field)

      “Alongside a more accurate allowance for time lost during the game, the EFL will also adopt the multi-ball system, which has been proven to increase ball in-play time.”
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      “Match officials will also be taking a more robust approach to dealing with clear/deliberate actions that are impactful in delaying the restart of play, with players cautioned if they are guilty of:

      Delaying the restart of play
      Failing to respect the required distance at free-kicks.” More

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      Bayern Munich ‘have already arranged house for Harry Kane with Germans increasingly confident of £103m transfer’

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      BAYERN MUNICH are so confident of agreeing a deal for Harry Kane this summer that they have found a house for the Spurs star, according to reports.The Daily Mirror report that the club have reserved a luxury Bavarian villa in a “millionaire’s enclave” on the outskirts of the city.
      Harry Kane in training with Richarlison, who could inherit his striker spot if Kane were to join BayernCredit: Rex
      If Kane is to take the club up on the offer, he will reportedly be neighbours with former Bayern chairman and club legend Karl-Heinz Rumenigge and Leroy Sane.
      Bayern are now ramping up pressure on Spurs supremo Daniel Levy to get the deal done – with the club in talks with Kane’s camp about reserving a number for the England captain and reserving him a seat in the dressing room.
      The clubs remain some way apart in terms of valuation – with Bayern’s final offer for the Spurs talisman reportedly being £87million up front plus £8m add-ons.
      Tottenham will reportedly only begin to consider an offer of £120m or more.
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      Harry Kane has just one year left on his current contract and is free to negotiate with other clubs about a free transfer next summer in January.
      Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel is desperate to secure a deal for the England captain and has told Bayern chiefs that the club’s ability to challenge for the Champions League next season relies on bringing in a player of Kane’s calibre.
      Bayern’s chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen will seek to resume talks with Daniel Levy this week after Tottenham refused to engage with Bayern’s self-imposed Friday deadline.

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      Kane would become Bayern’s highest paid player if he were to complete the move with the German club prepared to offer him £400,000-a-week.
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      Bayern will be hoping to have Kane signed in time for their German Super Cup match against RB Leipzig on Saturday.
      As it stands, Kane is set to start for Spurs as captain with the team taking on Brentford in their Premier League opener next Sunday.
      Kane scored four for Tottenham today in their pre-season friendly against Shakhtar Donetsk. More

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      Premier League star ‘refuses Tottenham transfer despite his club trying to force through North London move’

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      TOSIN ADARABIOYO has refused a move to join Tottenham from Fulham.He has rejected the transfer despite the Cottagers trying to force through a deal.
      Tosin Adarabioyo has refused a transfer to TottenhamCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      Spurs are pushing to sign Adarabioyo after identifying him as a target earlier this summer.
      The 25-year-old is seen as a cheaper alternative to Marc Guehi, who Crystal Palace value at £60million.
      However, according to FootMercato, Adarabioyo has made it clear he does not want to join Spurs.
      He would instead prefer a move to French side Monaco, who are also interested in him.
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      Monaco are confident they can complete a deal after being told by the player they are his preferred destination.
      Spurs are continuing to work on the transfer, though, with Fulham reportedly keener to sell him to their London rivals than seeing him go to France.
      Adarabioyo made 29 appearances for Marco Silva’s side last season and is into the final year of his contract.
      Central defence has been a key area in Spurs’ recruitment so far this summer.
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      Youngster Ashley Phillips joined the club from Blackburn on Saturday, with Micky van de Ven also close to signing for the club.
      Spurs have agreed personal terms with the Dutchman, who would arrive from Wolfsburg.
      Elsewhere, James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario and Manor Solomon have all been brought in by Ange Postecoglou ahead of the new campaign. More