Premier League

BELGIUM legend Radja Nainggolan slammed fellow Golden Generation stars Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois as “divas”.Nainggolan, Lukaku, Hazard, De Bruyne and Courtois were all part of the greatest Belgian side that was tipped to dominate world football but ended up fizzling out without a single trophy to show.Belgium’s Golden Generation has fizzled out in the last few yearsCredit: AFPBelgium legend Radja Nainggolan slammed fellow Golden Generation stars as ‘divas’Credit: GettyEden Hazard has retired and Thibaut Courtois has fallen out of favourCredit: AFP or licensorsKevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are one of the few Golden Generation stars leftCredit: GettyThe quartet shone bright during the 2018 World Cup when they finished third after beating England and made the quarter-finals at Euro 2020 where they were eliminated by eventual winners Italy.However, Belgium quickly dwindled as they were eliminated in the group stages of the 2022 World Cup and knocked out of the Euro 2024 Last 16 after barely making it to the knockouts.Nainggolan explained the Golden Generation never worked out because it had too many players that wanted to stand out as “the protagonist”.The 36-year-old compared the situation he faced with that of Paris Saint-Germain who had the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar and still didn’t manage to achieve anything notable.Read More on FootballNainggolan told Gurulandia: “I think it’s like Paris Saint-Germain, with all these phenomena Messi, Neymar, Mbappe.”We had Lukaku, Hazard, De Bruyne, Courtois. When you put all these players together, there are too many protagonists, too many divas.”They all wanted to be protagonists, to be the most important player, and that can’t work.”The Golden Generation has been dying out in the last few years with Hazard retiring, Courtois falling out of favour and Nainggolan being axed.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDe Bruyne hinted he could be following them out the exit door last week after a miserable 2-0 Nations League loss in France.Cameras caught the Manchester City superstar having a heated discussion with departing sporting director Frank Vercauteren.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsAnd the playmaker appeared to be saying “I quit” in his native language.The Belgium captain’s post-match comments fuelled fears he may be on his way out as he slammed the performance and criticised manager Domenico Tedesco’s tactics. More

ARSENAL fans have praised Gabriel’s wife after she brilliantly trolled Tottenham.The centre-back scored a towering header as the Gunners beat their bitter rivals 1-0 in yesterday’s North London derby.Gabriel’s wife trolled Spurs by posting his two man of the match awards he got against themCredit: @gaabiseveroShe also posted another snap of the accolade alongside the caption ‘home sweet home’Credit: @gaabiseveroGabriel scored the winning goal in the derbyCredit: AlamyGabrielle Figueredo married Gabriel last yearCredit: Instagram / @gaabiseveroShe has 166,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @gaabiseveroWith Arsenal missing several key players like Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, Gabriel rose to the occasion and had a huge impact in both boxes.After the game, he was handed the man of the match award – despite Sky Sports mixing him up with team-mate Gabriel Jesus.He took home his accolade and his wife Gabrielle Figueiredo showed it off in style.She first posted a photo of the award alongside the caption: “Home sweet home.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd then she uploaded a second image of the trophy alongside the one he got last season after another excellent performance in the derby.Gabriel earned the prize for playing a crucial role in Arsenal’s 3-2 win away at Spurs back in April.Fans found his wife’s trolling of Tottenham brilliant, with one saying: “What a flex.”Another added: “Spurs owner.”Most read in FootballA third commented: “She knows the drill.”Arsenal fans react to derby win over Spurs and reveal players who impressed them the mostShe recently gave birth to a daughter named MayaCredit: Instagram / @gaabiseveroGabrielle wows in bikinis on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @gaabiseveroArsenal ratings vs Spurs as Gabriel is the hero in feisty North London derbyGABRIEL headed in the only goal of the game as a depleted Arsenal snatched all three points in the North London Derby.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Gunners players…DAVID RAYA – 8/10Commanded his area well, and was a safe pair of hands throughout the game. Another great showing in what has been a spectacular start for the Spanish stopper. JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Did well from an attacking perspective, charging down the left hand side on various occasions. Solid defensively too against Spurs’ flying right side of Johnson and Porro.Some would argue he should’ve been sent off for a challenge on Pedro Porro in the first half, but he escaped despite squaring up to Vicario in the aftermath.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8A really good recovery challenge in the first half to deny Dominic Solanke, despite being booked early on.You can always count on Saliba to put in a solid display, and he didn’t disappoint today with fantastic passing out from the back too. GABRIEL – 9A fantastic defensive showing throughout, reinforced with a towering header inside the box to give his side the lead from a set piece (shock). Has formed an impeccable partnership with Saliba, personified by their heartwarming celebration together after the opener. He’s the man. BEN WHITE – 6Gave away the ball in a dangerous position in the first half, with Solanke failing to capitalise and had a tough first half against the quick feet of Heung Min-Son.Was not able to demonstrate the dangerous right-hand side overlap we saw work so effectively last season, but wasn’t threatened in the second 45.JORGINHO – 4Struggled to replace the suspended Declan Rice for this North London derby, whom the Gunners really missed.A tough task, but didn’t come close to matching Rice’s intensity or ability to drive the ball up the pitch which left Arsenal weak in the forward areas.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Struggled in transition with Jorginho alongside him, another player who felt the full force of no Rice and Odegaard.Not fast enough with or without the ball, and will need to perk his ideas up for City next week. GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Looked like a bright spark with his running and forward movement, but was let down by his end product or lack thereof.Worked really really hard throughout, just looks short of confidence in the last actions. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Dropping deeper into more of a midfield role than he’s used to today, it should be noted that he did a job for the team when they needed him. Not the flying efficiency machine we have seen him be from the bench, but his versatility will be needed this season it seems. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Didn’t make the kind of impact on the game we are used to seeing from the brilliant Bukayo Saka, and looked less of a threat without Martin Odegaard to combine with. Did some really good defensive work nonetheless, and delivered the perfect corner to claim the assist for Gabriel’s opener. KAI HAVERTZ – 6A good header in the first half was saved well by Vicario in the spurs net – actually made more clearances (3) than he managed shots on target (2) in the first 45. Was a handful for the Spurs defence, but largely nullified by the pace and power of Mickey Van de Ven and Cristian Romero.  More

MANCHESTER CITY cult hero Brandon Ashton has announced that he will be leaving the club after 15 years.The much-beloved kitman joined the club when he was just 16, and has grown close with several of their first-team stars over the years.Brandon Ashton has announced his Man City exitCredit: instagram @branston93Ashton was a popular figure among City playersCredit: instagram @branston93Plenty of City players have wished Ashton well on social mediaCredit: instagram @branston93Having opted to move on, Ashton announced his decision on social media.He wrote on Instagram: “After 15 years at Manchester City I have decided to leave my role at the club to explore other career paths.”I have had some great experiences, met some amazing people who I know will be friends for life.”For me and my family I feel it is the right time to start a new chapter, and see what new challenges I can be set.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I will always hold Manchester City close to my heart as this club has brought me from a boy to a man.”The memories I have over my time at City will forever be cherished.”I want to thank all the players, management and back room staff I have worked with and also the fans I have had the pleasure to converse with over the years.”I wish the lads nothing but the best this season and in the future.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMany City stars past and present commented on Ashton’s post.Phil Foden wrote: “Will miss you bro.”How much every Premier League club earns in shirt sponsorsWhile Jack Grealish gushed: “Best guy ever!! You will be missed brother.”Kyle Walker added: “Going to miss u mate.”And plenty of former City stars also left comments, including Cole Palmer.The Chelsea talisman, 22, left an X-rated message that read: “B***ock chops.”Former City defender Aymeric Laporte also added: “Thank you bro! All the best.”While Nigel de Jong commented: “Child of the club. Good luck mate.”Ex-City ace and current Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo added: “The man!”Prankster Ashton initially rose to fame on City’s All or Nothing series on Amazon Prime Video.READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring the documentary, then-club captain Vincent Kompany said of Ashton: “Brandon is kind of the heart and soul of the dressing room really, he has this ability to take pressure off.”While Kevin De Bruyne similarly added: “Brandon is kind of the heart and soul of the dressing room really, he has this ability to take pressure off.” More

DWIGHT YORKE has become the latest Manchester United legend to slam Erik ten Hag as he claimed “we’re a million miles away from winning the title.”United have endured another mixed start to a campaign under Dutch boss Ten Hag, with their 3-0 win at Southampton on Saturday ending a run of two straight defeats.Erik ten Hag has been blasted by Man Utd legend Dwight YorkeCredit: RexThe former striker reckons his old side are nowhere near challenging for the titleCredit: EPAGrumbling has already started among the fanbase over a clear lack of identity and playing style.And a supercomputer has predicted that United will emulate last season by finishing a lowly eighth once again.It now remains to be see if Ten Hag can finally mount a title challenge, with rivals Man City already six points ahead in the tableAnd one man who feels United are nowhere near top spot is Yorke.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former strike hit 66 goals in 152 games for the club while winning the Treble in 1999.He believes Ten Hag is not the right manager to land United’s first title since 2013.And Yorke also feels that a series of damning stats prove that the Red Devils have a long way to go before challenging for top honours.He told beIN Sports: “We are a million miles away from winning the Premier League.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“When talking about the current manager, this was a person to take us forward and we thought after the first season this was the guy.“What has happened? Yes we have managed to win the FA Cup last season, but where we are doesn’t mean that we’re a good team after winning the cup.Chelsea boss Maresca aims cheeky dig at Erik ten Hag after Jadon Sancho makes dazzling debut after Man Utd transferMan Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scoresMARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…Andre Onana – 7Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.Noussair Mazraouri – 7Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.Matthijs De Ligt – 8Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.Lisandro Martinez – 7Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.Diogo Dalot – 5Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.Kobbie Mainoo – 6United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.Christian Eriksen – 7A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.Bruno Fernandes – 7Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.Amad Diallo – 7Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.Marcus Rashford – 7Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.SUBSGarnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6“Winning a cup is great, we’ve got to keep the trophy cabinet ticking over.“But where we are as a football club, the identity in terms of how we play, where we finish, goals conceded, number of goals that we’ve scored is the worst in our history since the Premier League starts in 1992.”Yorke’s sentiments echoed those of Old Trafford icon Cristiano Ronaldo, who last week sparked a row with Ten Hag after claiming the club “need to rebuild everything”.Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Ronaldo said: “As I told you, Manchester, they need to rebuild everything, in my opinion.“The coach, they say they cannot compete to win the League and Champions League.“[As] Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the League or Champions League. “You have to be, to mentally say, listen, maybe we don’t have that potential, but I cannot say that. We’re going to try. You have to try.”While Yorke’s fellow Treble winner Teddy Sheringham has also laid into the state of the club.He said: “When you’re finishing eighth in the Premier League, that’s quite clearly not good enough, for Man United. What has happened? Yes we have managed to win the FA Cup last season, but where we are doesn’t mean that we’re a good team after winning the cup.Dwight Yorke“Full stop. End of story, for me. You’ve got to change what’s going on. “When you look at the inconsistency of last season, and that has followed on, without a shadow of the doubt in the first three games of this season… you can see there’s been no change whatsoever. “Different players, maybe. But still no change in the philosophy, and the way Erik ten Hag wants to play.“Look, I don’t want to see people getting sacked. It’s not nice to say that people shouldn’t be in certain positions, but he shouldn’t be there. It’s not good enough for Man United. READ MORE SUN STORIES“They’ve fallen way below the expectancy levels, and to think that it’s alright to finish eighth… it’s just wrong. “Do I think the manager will be there at the end of the season? No, I don’t. I think he’ll be gone by Christmas.” More

TOTTENHAM’S horror traditional derby record under Ange Postecoglou has been laid bare following yesterday’s defeat to Arsenal.Spurs crashed to a 1-0 loss at home despite facing a Gunners side missing several first-team stars.Ange Postecoglou’s terrible record against Spurs’ traditional rivals has been revealedCredit: AlamyDeclan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Oleksandr Zinchenko were among those unavailable for the crunch clash.But Mikel Arteta’s men dug deep to produce a strong defensive performance and clinch victory through Gabriel Magalhaes’ 64th minute header.The result leaves Spurs in 13th place with just four points from four games.They’ve now lost back-to-back games following a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle before the international break.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut supporters are now becoming even more alarmed after realising Postecoglou holds a terrible record against Spurs’ classic London rivals.Despite also facing teams like Brentford, Crystal Palace and Fulham, Tottenham fans live for wins over historic rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham.But since Postecoglou’s arrival in the summer of 2023, they are yet to win a single match in seven attempts against their traditional enemies.Starting in September last year, Spurs drew 2-2 with Arsenal before suffering a devastating 4-1 home defeat to Chelsea two months later.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDecember then saw them lost 2-1 at home to West Ham.And in April’s return fixture, Spurs could only manage a 1-1 draw in the East End.Fans fume at ‘pure robbery’ after Arsenal star Jurrien Timber avoids red card after referee ‘bottles it’That same month saw Tottenham beaten 3-2 at home by local rivals Arsenal.And weeks later they were defeated 2-0 at Stamford Bridge by Chelsea.Yesterday’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal was just the latest in a long line of poor results against their London neighbours.And fans reacted with disbelief on social media.One said: “It’s the history of the Tottenham.”Another declared: “Such a poor, poor record.”One noted: “It’s starting to annoy me now.”Another added: “I no longer recognise my club.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSpurs fans can feel happier when Postecoglou’s results against the other London sides are taken into account though.In six games against Brentford, Fulham and Palace, Tottenham secured an impressive four wins and just one defeat. More

BEN WHITE celebrated Arsenal’s winning goal against Tottenham in James Maddison’s face, new footage has shown.A video of Gabriel’s second half header from behind the goal shows the reaction of the players inside the Spurs penalty area.A new video has emerged of Ben White celebrating Arsenal’s winner against TottenhamCredit: GettyWhite was spotted celebrating in James Maddison’s face during the North London DerbyCredit: GettyWhite can be seen turning to face Maddison as he clenches his fists and cheers in celebration.He then joins his team-mates, who had already wheeled away towards the travelling Gunners fans.Arsenal supporters lapped up White’s “shameless act” after spotting his reaction to the goal on social media.Commenting on the video, one fan wrote: “Ben White celebrating in Maddison’s face. Love it.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “We love his shameless acts.”A third supporter also commented: “It’s a derby ffs, this is exactly what should be happening.”Meanwhile, one more said: “None of this cuddling and hugging opposition managers and players nonsense. As a fan in a derby we want players to give everything and be as passionate as us.”White has emerged as a fan favourite amongst Arsenal supporters in recent months due to his antics.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe has also angered rival fans, though, notably for his play-acting in a win over Brighton in April.The 26-year-old was also spotted trying to undo Guglielmo Vicario’s gloves at a corner during the previous North London derby last term. ‘I’d expect a foul’ – Paul Merson claims Arsenal’s winner at Tottenham shouldn’t have stood as VAR fails to interveneArsenal ratings vs Spurs as Gabriel is the hero in feisty North London derbyGABRIEL headed in the only goal of the game as a depleted Arsenal snatched all three points in the North London Derby.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Gunners players…DAVID RAYA – 8/10Commanded his area well, and was a safe pair of hands throughout the game. Another great showing in what has been a spectacular start for the Spanish stopper. JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Did well from an attacking perspective, charging down the left hand side on various occasions. Solid defensively too against Spurs’ flying right side of Johnson and Porro.Some would argue he should’ve been sent off for a challenge on Pedro Porro in the first half, but he escaped despite squaring up to Vicario in the aftermath.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8A really good recovery challenge in the first half to deny Dominic Solanke, despite being booked early on.You can always count on Saliba to put in a solid display, and he didn’t disappoint today with fantastic passing out from the back too. GABRIEL – 9A fantastic defensive showing throughout, reinforced with a towering header inside the box to give his side the lead from a set piece (shock). Has formed an impeccable partnership with Saliba, personified by their heartwarming celebration together after the opener. He’s the man. BEN WHITE – 6Gave away the ball in a dangerous position in the first half, with Solanke failing to capitalise and had a tough first half against the quick feet of Heung Min-Son.Was not able to demonstrate the dangerous right-hand side overlap we saw work so effectively last season, but wasn’t threatened in the second 45.JORGINHO – 4Struggled to replace the suspended Declan Rice for this North London derby, whom the Gunners really missed.A tough task, but didn’t come close to matching Rice’s intensity or ability to drive the ball up the pitch which left Arsenal weak in the forward areas.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Struggled in transition with Jorginho alongside him, another player who felt the full force of no Rice and Odegaard.Not fast enough with or without the ball, and will need to perk his ideas up for City next week. GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Looked like a bright spark with his running and forward movement, but was let down by his end product or lack thereof.Worked really really hard throughout, just looks short of confidence in the last actions. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Dropping deeper into more of a midfield role than he’s used to today, it should be noted that he did a job for the team when they needed him. Not the flying efficiency machine we have seen him be from the bench, but his versatility will be needed this season it seems. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Didn’t make the kind of impact on the game we are used to seeing from the brilliant Bukayo Saka, and looked less of a threat without Martin Odegaard to combine with. Did some really good defensive work nonetheless, and delivered the perfect corner to claim the assist for Gabriel’s opener. KAI HAVERTZ – 6A good header in the first half was saved well by Vicario in the spurs net – actually made more clearances (3) than he managed shots on target (2) in the first 45. Was a handful for the Spurs defence, but largely nullified by the pace and power of Mickey Van de Ven and Cristian Romero. However, he remained out in the cold for England’s Nations League matches against Ireland and Finland earlier this month.White previously removed himself from consideration for the Three Lions under Gareth Southgate and has not been involved since leaving the 2022 World Cup camp early.For the Gunners, though, he has played every minute of their opening four Premier League matches this season.Sunday’s win leaves Mikel Arteta’s side second in the table and unbeaten ahead of this weekend’s clash with Manchester City.Arsenal fans admitted they ‘love his shameless acts’ after spotting White’s anticsCredit: Getty More