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      The nightmare scenario that would see Arsenal MISS OUT on top-five finish as horror Premier League run is laid bare

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      ARSENAL are out of the Champions League and no longer able to win a trophy from a season that promised so much.But that doesn’t mean Mikel Arteta’s side have nothing to play for.Arsenal went out of the Champions League after a 3-1 aggregate defeat to PSGCredit: PABut now the manager must rally the troops to make sure they are playing in next year’s competitionCredit: GettyA shock 2-1 loss to Bournemouth means Arsenal have now won just three of their last ten Premier League gamesCredit: GettyArsenal still have work to do to make sure of qualifying for the Champions League next seasonWith Man City finding some form in third place and now just three points behind the Gunners, the prospect of Pep Guardiola maintaining his record of finishing above the Gunners in every season he’s managed in England looms large.Although they have had some memorable nights in Europe, Arteta’s men could hardly be more out of form in the Premier League.They have won just three of their last ten matches, allowing Liverpool to stroll to the title.However, there is a greater danger lurking than just wounded pride if an underwhelming end to the season sees Arsenal unable to manage a second placed finish.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThat is because there is still the possibility of missing out on Champions League football altogether.This season, it should be easier than any other to secure a place in Europe’s elite club competition.That’s because the top five will qualify for the Champions League as a result of the Premier League being one of the two strongest in European competition this season.But Arsenal still have work to do with City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa all capable of overtaking them.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKArsenal’s next game is a trip to newly-crowned champions Liverpool, where they’ll hope to break an Anfield duck that has lasted 13 years.Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla were the scorers when Arsenal last won at Liverpool back in September 2012. ‘I don’t like your vibe’ – Ian Wright calls out Paul Scholes in heated row over ArsenalA nightmare scenario could see Arsenal finish outside the Champions League placesThey then have the all-important home game with fourth-placed Newcastle, who are on 63 points.Should they win that match, they would reach 70 points and automatically qualify for the Champions League.Aston Villa, in seventh, are currently on 60 points and would be unable to catch Arsenal in that scenario.Sixth placed Nottingham Forest, on 61 points, and fifth placed Chelsea, on 63 points, still have to play each other, meaning only one of the two teams can reach 70 points.Arsenal face a trip to champions Liverpool, a six-pointer at home to Newcastle and a final day at basement club SouthamptonFortunately for Arsenal, they then face a final-day trip to a Southampton side who will go down as the joint-worst in Premier League history if they are unable to pick up another point in their final three matches.If Arsenal can pick up two points from their games against Liverpool, Newcastle and Southampton, that should be enough for Champions League qualification.That’s because their goal difference is 12 goals better than Newcastle and Chelsea, 21 better than Nottingham Forest and 27 better than Aston Villa.But if they pick up a point or less, that will open the door to all their rivals.Read More on The SunAston Villa will need to win their three games against Bournemouth, Tottenham and Man Utd to have any chance of finishing above Arsenal.While a point for the Gunners will mean Nottingham Forest would also need to win their remaining three games to finish above them. More

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      Watch Chelsea star Estevao Willian’s latest wondergoal as fans tip him to rival Yamal like Messi and Ronaldo

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      CHELSEA starlet Estevao Willian was tipped for an epic rivalry with Lamine Yamal as he netted another wonder goal.The Brazilian ace has only just turned 18 but is already being hailed as a future Ballon d’Or winner.Chelsea starlet Estevao Willian struck another stunner for PalmeirasCredit: AFPHis goal inspired his side to Copa Libertadores victoryCredit: ESPNEstevao agreed a £28million deal to leave Palmeiras for Chelsea last summer, with the move set to be finalised this summer.And Enzo Maresca has reportedly decided to keep the teen in his squad following an incredible run of form.The ace struck 15 goals last year for Palmeiras and already has eight in the new term.Estevao, already a Brazilian league title winner and four-time senior international, has a habit of netting worldies.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut his latest one saw fans gasp in amazement.Palmeiras took on Cerro Porteno in their Copa Libertadores group stage game last night.And it was Estevao who opened the scoring moments before half-time with an incredible left-footed howitzer from outside the box.The shot nearly took the roof off the net as it helped Palmeiras eventually seal a 2-0 away win.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut fans were left claiming that Estevao is a one-off generational talent.They believe he will end up being a rival to Barcelona’s 17-year-old superstar Yamal.Enzo Fernandez and Noni Madueke lead Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after win over LiverpoolAnd some feel it could even echo the goal-fest rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.One said: “Just as we had the Messi vs CR7 era, the next big rivalry will be Estevao vs Yamal!”Another declared: “How does he generate this much shot power?”One noted: “Another reason we’re going to be so much better next season.”Another added: “Best under-18 player in the world not named Yamal.” More

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      ‘I don’t like your vibe’ – Ian Wright calls out Paul Scholes in heated row over Arsenal

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      ARSENAL legend Ian Wright collided with Manchester United icon Paul Scholes, who insisted Mikel Arteta’s men “bottled” the Champions League game with Paris Saint-Germain.The two Premier League heroes locked horns on the latest edition of The Overlap – brought to you by Sky Bet – before Wednesday’s semi-final second leg with PSG at Parc des Princes.Manchester United legend Paul Scholes insists Arsenal ‘bottled’ it against Paris Saint-GermainArsenal legend Ian Wright would have none of Scholes’ heavy criticismWright, 61, and Scholes, 50, joined Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Jill Scott to analyse the Gunners’ 1-0 loss in the first leg last week at the Emirates.And the Man Utd legend insisted the North Londoners ruined their chances of winning their first ever European title.Neville asked his former team-mate if he thought Arsenal bottled it, to which Scholes confidently responded: “Yeah.”Wright, though, took great exception to that heavy criticism as he immediatey fired back: “Bottled what? No, we didn’t bottle it. If you bottle it you lose two and three. Seriously Scholesey…”Read More on ArsenalScholes responded: “No, you just lose…”Wright insisted Arsenal were still alive as there was a second leg to play with a manageable aggregate: “No, we haven’t lost, though. it’s half-time, Scholesey. See how we play tonight!”Scholes, though, went even further as he stated Arsenal have proven to be prone of bottling must-win situations, such as last season’s goalless draw at Manchester City that effectively cost them the Prem.The former midfielder explained: “I thought you had to win that. Alright the away goal rule doesn’t count anymore, does it? I think they’ve bottled it in a few big games.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesWright asked: “When?”Scholes said: “I’ll go back to City last season, City away. When you had the chance to win the league.”Eni Aluko’s former England team-mate Steph Houghton publicly backs Ian Wright in TV pundits’ rowWright stated: “Yeah, but that’s last season.”Scholes said: “But I’m just saying, it’s the same group of players really. Same manager.”And that was when Wright had enough of all the negativity and lashed out: “I don’t like your vibe Scholesey.”Scholes didn’t budge as his experience has taught him a team needs to go above and beyond to win the big matches.And the United legend suggested Arsenal gave too much value on their two triumphs against Real Madrid as they forget that is something that took place in the quarter-finals.Scholes insists the big games don’t really start until the semi-finals, which means the home matches must be won: “The big occasion. Last big game you won was probably Real Madrid.”Real Madrid criticismWright responded: “Yeah.”And Schoels continued: “Is it that big?”Wright replied: “Massive!”Scholes asked: “Quarter-final?”Wright insisted: “It’s f****** massive!”Scholes stood his ground: “It’s not massive, is it? It’s not that big.”Read More on The SunWright insisted: “It’s not over yet, I told you we have to do this in the next couple of weeks and then you can give me this vibe.”Unfortunately, Wright’s confidence didn’t pay off as Arsenal were eliminated from the Champions League after losing 2-1 in the return leg at PSG. More

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      Man Utd to wear new kit for West Ham clash as they ditch usual shirts for powerful show of support

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will not wear their usual home kit against West Ham at Old Trafford.The Red Devils host the Hammers in the Premier League on Sunday in the battle to avoid finishing 17th. Manchester United will wear special edition home shirts this weekendCredit: GettyThe Snapdragon branding will be replaced with the (Red) charity logoCredit: Manchester United / Snapdragon / REDBut United’s red home shirt is being changed for the match.Rather than the logo of sponsors Snapdragon on the front of the jersey, the symbol for (Red) will feature instead. The special edition changed tops will also be used for Manchester United Women’s WSL clash with Arsenal on Saturday. The one-off shirts from the matches will then be sold off on online auction site MatchWornShirt to raise funds, with net proceeds going to (Red)’s campaign against health injustice. READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe agreement for the one-off edit is part of Qualcomm Technologies’ £60million-a-year deal with United. (Red) is a charity that tackles health inequality and provides life-saving programmes in vulnerable communities.It was set up by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006 to help fight Aids.The organisation has teamed up with a host of major global brands including Apple, Beats, Nike, AmEx, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, Louis Vuitton, Panasonic, Fiat and more.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordIn total, (Red) has raised more than £587million for the Global Fund, helping 320m people worldwide. After announcing the deal with United and MatchWornShirt, (Red) president and COO Jennifer Lotito said: “We believe in the power of collaboration to drive change, and this collaboration is a great example of that mission in action. “These incredibly special shirts represent more than just match-worn memorabilia.”They are a powerful way to engage fans and raise funds to drive more impact where it is needed the most.”United are not the only team to wear a different kit for charity reasons.Arsenal have worn a completely white kit for FA Cup third-round matches in recent years as part of the club’s stand against knife crime and youth violence. And The FA rules state clubs can get permission to change their kit to represent a registered charity up to three times in a season.Clubs will often use the opportunity to place their own foundation on the front of their shirts in place of the regular sponsor’s logo. The FA guidance reads: “The officially designated name, logo or emblem of a registered charity may appear as one single area on shirts, provided that such name, logo or emblem does not exceedan area of 100 square centimetres. “Alternatively, such a charity name, logo or emblem may appear on shirts in the space reserved for the main club sponsor, eitheralone or in combination with a club sponsor logo, provided that a total area of 250 square centimetres is not exceeded. Read More on The Sun”Before any such charity name, logo or emblem is used on shirts, permission must be granted from the Competition in which the shirts are to be worn. “Such permission may only be granted for a maximum of three charities for use by any one club in any one season.”Arsenal have worn totally white kits in the FA Cup in recent yearsCredit: GettyTottenham used a Philippines-based breast cancer charity on their shirts against Luton last seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Pep Guardiola and wife Cristina Serra ‘still estranged and will remain so’ despite reports they were rekindling marriage

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      MANCHESTER CITY manager Pep Guardiola and his wife Cristina Serra “are still estranged” and “will remain so” unless anything dramatic occurs, reports in Spain say.It was claimed last month the couple were trying to give their marriage a second chance after Guardiola and his fashion entrepreneur wife spent three days together at their former Barcelona marital home over Easter.Pep Guardiola and his wife, Cristina Serra, remain estranged following their splitCredit: AlamyThings will remain the same unless something dramatic occursCredit: GettyIt was the second time since news of their shock split became public in January that the former Barcelona footballer had travelled to the Catalan capital and spent time with Cristina.Barcelona-based newspaper El Nacional said after the second reunion they were prepared to “give each another chance” and claimed “all was not lost in their marriage.”But the journalists who broke the story of their shock split last night shot down the chances of a fresh start for Pep and Cristina after their decision to call time on their 30-year relationship.Lorena Vasquez, one of a duo of well-respected Spanish showbiz reporters who call themselves the Mamarazzis, went on a Spanish TV show in February to say they had launched divorce proceedings which were “amicable” because they were using the same lawyer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe also linked the split again to the Man City manager’s unexpected decision last November to renew his contract with the Premier League club until 2027.Overnight, shooting down possibilities of a reunion, Lorena’s colleague Laura Fa said on the Mamarrazis podcast: “It’s been speculated recently that there could exist a possibility of a reconciliation because Pep Guardiola had been seen at his house in Barcelona with the woman who is still his wife and their youngest daughter.“We had already explained that despite separating they would continue to see each other as a family.“That’s why after separating Pep and Cristina went to the theatre with their daughter.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“As the talk of conciliation was so strong we have continued to investigate.”Lorena added: “A lot of this has come about one of the visits Pep made to Barcelona when a photographer managed to get a photo of him.Pep Guardiola aims sly dig at rivals Man Utd hours after their heroic Europa League comeback “We were able to confirm Pep Guardiola spent three days in the city and slept for at least two nights in the house in Barcelona he bought with Cristina where their daughter still lives.“What we know is that the separation is continuing its course and there’s no reconciliation and as far as Cristina is concerned there’s no attempt at reconciliation.“She was the one who sparked the split and gave Pep a sort of ultimatum and he could still be trying to come to terms with the situation.”Laura said: “The house Pep spends time in when he is in Barcelona is still the family home and will be the place he comes to when he returns to the city to see his children or when there are family events here.“Pep and Cristina continue to have a good relationship.“We don’t have many more details about the couple’s intimacy but we can confirm that they are still separated and there is no reconciliation on the horizon.“The thing is that when there’s a good relationship between a couple who have split, it can sometimes cause confusion.”Lorena Vazquez claimed on Spanish TV ‘Y Ahora Sonsoles’ on Antena 3 channel in February: “The divorce is being prepared conscientiously and they have left it in the hands of people they really trust.“What surprises me the most is that both of them have the same lawyer who is arranging the whole thing.“They want it to be amicable for the sake of their children.”She added: “As you can imagine money is not going to be an issue and they are now agreeing on the initial terms to make sure this separation is the most cordial possible.”She went on to say, when asked why she thought Pep was still wearing his wedding ring: “It’s surprising he’s still wearing his wedding ring and I wouldn’t be able to tell you if it’s a symbol he wants to carry on wearing as a homage to his marriage or as an open door to reconciliation, because what we’re being told is that he would perhaps be more open to that than his wife.“What I’m also being told is that Cristina is suffering with the fact her name has come to the fore.Guardiola’s split from his wife was announced earlier this yearCredit: Getty“She has been a person who has always been in the background who never wanted to be known or recognised as the partner of Pep Guardiola although she is very proud to be married to him.“But seeing herself in glossy magazines and seeing herself as the object of the tabloid press is something she doesn’t like at all.“But we know they are very happy that the news has finally come out, or rather than happy I would say relieved.“We had little information when we first came out with the news but we knew it was true, so much so that they themselves have now transmitted the news to all their close friends because initially they wanted to keep information back about the details of the separation.“They are still keeping that information back but they are confirming to anyone that asks them that they are separated.“Although they don’t like being protagonists in anything, there is certain relief on their part that finally their split has come out, there are no third people involved, and that it’s down to Pep’s contract renovation with Manchester City that became very burdensome and was also a surprise for Cristina.Cristina insisted she was “feeling great” in her first comments since news of their split emerged in January as she was pictured shopping alone in Barcelona.She opted for silence when she was subsequently asked by a Spanish reporter about the cause of their break-up and has refused to comment whenever she has been approached since.The couple’s eldest daughter Maria opened up on her parents’ lessons about love after becoming the first family member to speak since the shock news of their split.The pretty influencer and fashionista said in a Spanish magazine interview published around the same time her dad’s break-up with Cristina emerged: “My parents have always advised me to find what I am passionate about.“They encourage me to try new things, to accept failure and to keep searching until I find my calling, because when I do, full dedication will come naturally.“They also remind me that the most important thing in life is to love and be loved.”Read More on The SunThe 24-year-old London-based beauty went on to tell Vanity Fair Spain: “In the end it all comes down to feeling loved.“Even in situations where we feel out of place, they tell me to listen carefully to others, there is always something valuable to learn from each person we meet.” More

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      ‘He’ll be fuming with that,’ says Wayne Rooney after mistaking Cristiano Ronaldo for former Man Utd team-mate

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney poked fun at fellow icon Cristiano Ronaldo.That was after Rooney, 39, mistook Ronaldo, 40, for another former United team-mate.Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney mistook fellow icon Cristiano RonaldoRooney and Ronaldo spent five years together at Man UtdRooney mistook Ronaldo for another iconic Man Utd team-mate in Carlos TevezThe former striker spent five years with CR7 at Old Trafford and together they won the Premier League, Champions League and League Cup.However, the England great couldn’t recognise him during a game he played with Amazon Prime, where he had to guess his former team-mate based on hair style.Man Utd’s record goalscorer got Marouane Fellaini, David de Gea, Nani, David Beckham and of course himself.However, the former Derby boss mistook Paul Pogba for Wilfried Zaha, but got him right in his second guess.Read More on Man UtdAnd then the ex-Plymouth Argyle manager thought Ronaldo was Carlos Tevez.Nevertheless, the pundit managed to brush it off with a cheeky joke about the Portugal captain.Rooney said: “He’ll be fuming with that.”The Everton legend has a history of butting heads with Ronaldo in the past.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe most recent case took place in 2022 when the Al-Nassr superstar put Rooney on full blast for his public criticism – despite their kids enjoying play dates.Ronaldo said three years ago in a tell-all interview that led to the end of his second stint at Man Utd: “It was one year ago, or six months ago. Cristiano Ronaldo appears to argue with himself as he fights back tears after Al-Nassr cup KO”We’re here in my house, he picked up his kids here and he invited [Ronaldo’s son] Cristiano to go to his house to play football.“I really don’t understand people like that. Or if they want to be on a cover of the paper in the news or they want new jobs or whatever.” More

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      ‘Next Season FC’ – Rival fans brutally mock Arsenal after they go trophyless again following Champions League KO to PSG

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      ARSENAL were trolled by rival fans after their heartbreaking Champions League elimination in the semi-finals.The Gunners lost 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday at Parc des Princes and went out with an aggregate score of 3-1.Arsenal were eliminated from the Champions League by Paris Saint-GermainRival fans trolled Arsenal on social mediaArsenal are now five years without a trophyArsenal failed to finally win their first ever Champions League trophyArsenal were trolled for sometimes focusing on next seasonThis marks the North Londoners’ fifth year without a major trophy despite their stunning transformation under manager Mikel Arteta, who took over in 2019.That led to some opposing fans poking fun at the Premier League giants across social media after they failed to finally win their first ever Champions League title.Most of them played out a similar joke that mocked Arsenal’s focus on next season.Manchester United legend Patrice Evra made that running gag famous in a past interview when he compared the London outfit to Netflix.Read More on ArsenalEvra said: “Watching Arsenal is [like] watching Netflix. You always wait for the next season. Every season is going to be like that.”And thus, Arsenal’s rivals shared a raft of memes based on the France great’s quip.One fan shared a snap of a rusty camera and included the following caption: “The camera that captured Arsenal’s last major trophy.”Another drew an “Arsenal cycle” which read: “We’re going to win the Premier League – Yeah, it’s lonely at the top – Bottled everything – We go again next season.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThis fan wrote: “NextSeasonFC, We Tried FC, Netflix FC.”And that one joked: “We’ll Come Back Next Season FC.”Mikel Arteta’s claim that PSG bench told him Arsenal were the better team over two legsArsenal will now be looking to seal second place in the Premier League, while PSG will take on Inter Milan in the Champions League final. More

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      Kevin De Bruyne ‘receives shock offer from LIVERPOOL with Napoli also keen on Man City star in free transfer’

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE has been given a shock offer to stay in the Premier League by Liverpool, reports suggest.The Belgian is out of contract with Manchester City at the end of this season.Kevin De Bruyne has received a shock offer from LiverpoolCredit: RexDe Bruyne is understood to want to continue his career in Europe rather than move to the US or Saudi Arabia.A number of top clubs would love to add the 33-year-old to their ranks.According to Gianluca Di Marzio, chief among these admirers are Napoli.However, he has also been offered the chance to stay in England after receiving an offer from Liverpool.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDe Bruyne’s prime years with City were spent vying for the title against the Reds. Pep Guardiola’s side were able to come out on top more often than not, with De Bruyne winning six titles overall while Liverpool came away with one.But in a shock twist he could now be in line to head to the reigning Premier League champions to bolster Arne Slot’s midfield options.Liverpool are set to splash the cash on several signings this summer and they reportedly are ready to back their manager with the club’s biggest ever budget.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDe Bruyne has also reportedly been the subject of internal transfer talks by Aston Villa.Having joined the Etihad outfit in 2015, he has gone on to make 418 appearances and score 108 goals with 177 assists.Roy Keane cracks joke live on Sky Sports as he tells De Bruyne to join Man Utd More