Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Fist-swinging street fighter Matheus Cunha is making us forget everything we once knew about Brazilian footballers

      by

      IT IS TIME to forget everything we used to believe about ­Brazilian footballers.Gliding around a pitch, Samba ­soccer, tiny sky-blue shorts, lovers, philosophers, 40-a-day smokers. Gone.Matheus Cunha was sent off for lashing out at Milos KerkezCredit: GettyHe had scored a spectacular goal earlier in the gameCredit: GettySocrates became iconic for his long hair and headbandCredit: Getty – ContributorHe smoked regularly during his playing daysCredit: Times Newspapers LtdConsigned to the dustbin of history in just a few weeks. Matheus Cunha has replaced all that with the 2025 version.An eye-bulging, fist-swinging, raging street-fighter looking for a tear-up on the cobbles of any market town.Those who grew up in the late 1970s and 80s have fuzzy childhood memories of Socrates, Zico, Falcao.Football at a snail’s pace. Ice-cool virtuosos waltzing while the Europeans combusted under searing sunshine at World Cups.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEven if they didn’t win, they lost in style and with good grace.Socrates was more than an elegant midfielder.He got through almost as many women as fags, was married four times and loved a beer.And it only further romanticised his reputation during the politically incorrect 20th Century.A left-leaning intellectual, Socrates wouldn’t punch a four-eyed, ginger-haired, Ipswich steward.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd rather than kick s**t out of Bournemouth’s left-back, he would light up a B&H and consider Karl Marx while performing keepy-ups.Wolves’ irascible striker should take note as he awaits the outcome of a second FA misconduct charge in less than two months.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsThe Brazilian is facing an extended banCredit: GettyGrabbing Milos Kerkez by the throat and appearing to launch his head towards the young Serb in last Saturday’s FA Cup tie felt quite un-Brazilian.Then fighting the friends trying to save you from further trouble is simply not done down in Rio.And if you harbour ambitions of a move to clubs like Arsenal, who are taking a serious interest in Cunha’s abilities, it might pay to be a bit more Socrates and a little less sock it to ’em.For years Brazil maintained a dignified position as the intelligentsia of the game. Brazilian footballers were a beacon on the South American continent.They were not the snappy Uruguayans overly-aggressive Argentines — they were jazz musicians in football boots.Even hot-headed ex-Chelsea and Wolves striker Diego Costa opted to represent Spain despite being born not far from Brazil’s Atlantic coast.It’s not that silly to think his government quietly suggested he switch nationalities because his fiery temper would ruin their reputation.Cunha is not all bad news.The sensational goal scored with a tiny backlift of his right boot prior to his latest meltdown would win serious approval from the ghosts of Brazil’s silky past. Which begs the question why such a talented player is so far removed from the Samba stars of yesteryear?The closest to an answer is that prior to pre-globalised football, the transfer rat-run between Latin America and Europe was a barely-trodden path.Socrates spent one season outside of his homeland — playing roughly two dozen games for Fiorentina in Italy.Plus a cameo role as player-coach of non-League Garforth Town in his 50s.Zico played less than 40 times for Udinese, also of Italy, then wound up his career in Japan.Falcao managed 100 or so appearances at Roma over two years.But the vast majority of their careers were spent safe from the Europeanisation of their approach to the beautiful game. That has all changed.Real Madrid’s dynamic winger ­Vinicius Jr was shipped to Real Madrid’s youth set up at 18.Willian was carted off to Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk at 19 on a pathway to England. It’s a now familiar pattern.Cunha quit South America before kicking a competitive ball aged 18 to join Swiss side Sion.From there he headed for RB Leipzig, Hertha Berlin and Atletico Madrid, before landing up in the Black Country where he is now fighting the world to avoid Premier League relegation.Perhaps he has just been tainted by the European model of pumped-up, win-at-all-costs football.REF’S SLOT OF BOTHERArne Slot has been fined for his outburst at Michael Oliver after the Merseyside derbyCredit: ReutersLET us all stop and think of David Coote for a moment as Liverpool boss Arne Slot goes back to work £70,000 lighter.Slot’s incendiary outburst at ref Michael Oliver at the end of last month’s fiery Merseyside derby showed what officials have to put up with at times.And it has parallels with his predecessor Jurgen Klopp raging at Coote for not awarding his team a penalty against Burnley some years earlier.As indefensible as ‘not sober’ Coote’s racist remarks were, he didn’t come up with the idea of letting rip at the German for a bit of fun.It was a reaction to the kind of in-your-face verbal violence Oliver had to swallow at Goodison Park when Slot’s team had simply drawn a match.This was Slot’s first serious offence in the Premier League, so let’s give him that.But referees are human despite what many people think. They have feelings.And long memories.CIT IT OUTNico O’Reilly helped Man City past Plymouth in the last round of the FA CupCredit: GettyANYONE else an ABC in the FA Cup this year? Anyone But City!It’s not their fault but to reinstate some romance back into the competition, can one of the other seven quarter-finalists win itManchester City have won the Prem four times in a ­row, FA Cup twice in the past six years and the bloody Champions League.Any two from Preston, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Fulham, Brighton, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest would make for a refreshing final on May 17 — and a memorable day out for their fans.JURGEN’S JACKPOTJurgen Klopp admitted he was out of energy as Liverpool managerCredit: AlamyJURGEN KLOPP said he had ‘run out of energy’ so needed to quit Liverpool at the end of last season.Yet the club’s accounts show Klopp and his staff still trousered a whopping £9.6million pay-off.I know you can get money for voluntary redundancy but were Liverpool looking to cut numbers like Manchester United are? And even if they were, would Klopp have been ‘at risk’.Such generosity. Not so much You’ll Never Walk Alone as you’ll never need a loan. Not with that kind of golden goodbye anyway.READ MORE SUN STORIESWAD-ING INJames Wage beat Luke Humphries at the UK OpenCredit: GettySTORY of the week has to be darts’ lickgate scandal where James Wade was called ‘disgusting’ for licking the neck of rival Luke Humphries at the UK Open.Perhaps that is what they mean by ‘tongue-sten shafts’? More

    • 288 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      AZ Alkmaar 1 Tottenham 0: Lucas Bergvall scores comical own goal to leave Spurs with it all to do in the second leg

      by

      LUCAS BERGVALL’S unlucky slice left Tottenham in a pickle at the home of the Cheese Farmers.But Ange Postecoglou’s side can count themselves lucky they are still in this Europa League tie because, in truth, they stunk the place out.Tottenham suffered a dismal Europa League defeat to AZ AlkmaarCredit: GettyTottenham ace Lucas Bergvall scored an own goalCredit: PAThe Dutch side have the advantage ahead of the return fixtureCredit: RexAnge Postecoglou claimed he always wins a trophy in his second season at clubsCredit: AlamyAZ Alkmaar are known as the Cheese Farmers, or Cheese Heads, on account of the city they represent having a strong association with the beloved dairy product.They even have a cheese museum in the town centre.Maarten Martens’ team certainly put on a tasty display too with ex-Spurs striker Troy Parrott giving his old side a difficult night throughout.It was Parrott’s knockdown which Bergvall managed to hook into his own net on 18 minutes.Read More on FootballSpurs must now battle to turn this tie around in the second leg at home on Thursday or risk another season without any silverware.That scenario would pile pressure on boss Postecoglou given his injury-hit side have plunged to 13th in the Premier League table.To make matters worse, returning England striker Dominic Solanke came off crocked late on – despite being introduced as a sub just 19 minutes earlier.Anyone expecting AZ to be a pushover clearly had not seen how they put Galatasaray to the sword 4-1 at home in last month’s play-offs.Most read in FootballRoy Keane gives savage response to James Maddison’s dig as Ian Wright tells Tottenham star ‘you can’t f***ing win’But even so, considering how much this game meant in the context of Tottenham’s season, Postecoglou’s side were surprisingly woeful.In fact, they were lucky not to be out of the tie completely by half-time.The Aussie had opted to leave his returning big-hitters Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Solanke on the bench and they were all missed.Spurs looked open at the back and toothless up top with poor Mathys Tel feeding off scraps and struggling badly to make an impact.Parrott, in contrast, looked a right handful against the side that sold him to AZ in the summer for £6.7million.It was from the Irishman’s knockdown from a Peer Koopmeiners corner that the hosts’ flukey opener came about.Troy Parrott shinesParrott controlled it back towards goal at the far post but when Bergvall went to clear it, the young Swede sliced it backwards, over Djed Spence on the line and into his own net.On the half hour, AZ had a brilliant chance to double their lead when Parrott was suddenly sent racing clear.But the 23-year-old was denied an 18th of the season by a crucial stop from alert Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario with his left foot.Then just before half-time there was a mad scramble near Spurs’ goal where they somehow did just enough to prevent the ball from crossing the line before Bergvall hacked it away.Dire first halfAfter such a dire 45, it was no surprise to see Postecoglou make a change during the interval as the ineffectual Tel was hooked for Wilson Odobert.Yet the hosts’ dominance just continued into the second period – save for an early Bergvall strike which went narrowly wide.Once again Vicario came to the rescue when he palmed away Ernest Poku’s low drive at his near post.Solanke was finally thrown into action with 19 minutes to go – coming on for the anonymous Son Heung-min – but then had to come off again after taking a whack.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt capped an awful night for Postecoglou whose only saving grace is that they are not out of the tie altogether.But if they fail to turn this around next Thursday, well… that’s just hard cheese. More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd files: Ruben Amorim’s wife glum in gloomy Manchester as boss targets shock Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have endured yet another difficult week.Last weekend, Ruben Amorim’s beleaguered side bowed out of the FA Cup to Fulham at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim’s side bowed out of the FA Cup last weekendCredit: GettyThe Red Devils lost to Fulham on penaltiesCredit: PAAs usual on a Thursday, SunSport’s team of experts take you through the latest goings on behind the scenes at the Theatre of Dreams.CHECK MATEMANCHESTER United are monitoring Jean-Phillippe Mateta and could make a shock summer swoop for the Crystal Palace striker.In-form French frontman Mateta has emerged as a major target for the goal-shy Red Devils.Ruben Amorim admitted following their FA Cup penalty defeat to Fulham that his side is suffering from a goalscoring problem.It means securing a striker in the summer has now become a priority for Old Trafford chiefs.Top of the list is Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres, Amorim’s former striker at Sporting Lisbon.But despite Gyokeres being keen on the idea of a reunion with Amorim, he’s pushing for a move to a Champions League club, which would make a switch to United a total non-starter.This has led to United casting their net wider, and they’ve watched Mateta’s last three Premier League matches.United’s scouts were also watching on as Mateta was pole-axed by the kung fu assault by Millwall keeper Liam Roberts in Saturday’s FA Cup fifth round tie, which saw the Eagles ace ferried to hospital before receiving 25 stitches in a head wound.Mateta has been in a rich vein of form since the turn of the year, scoring eight in as many Prem games including a double in Palace’s 2-0 win at Old Trafford.The striker, 27, has scored 34 goals in 106 Prem appearances – with 40 of those off the bench – since converting his initial loan move from Mainz into a permanent £11m deal in January 2022.His mobility and willingness to toil as the arrowhead means Amorim’s scouts believe he would be a prime fit for the manager’s favoured 3-4-3 formation.The chance to switch from Selhurst to Old Trafford would appeal to a player who believes he is ready to play on one of the game’s grander stages if the opportunity arrives.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall starHOME IS WHERE THE HEART ISUnited bosses have re-assured parents and players that the academy remains “at the heart” of the club’s strategy – despite 450 job cuts and cost-cutting measures at the club.Academy Director Nick Cox acknowledged it has been an “unsettling” season given poor results on the pitch for the first team and the “difficult decisions being taken to improve the financial position of the club”.But he added that the “development of young players is at the heart of our strategy for returning the club to the top of English and European football” and that the club remains committed to providing the academy with the money and the staff it needs to be successful.He sent out the message to parents and players in the wake of the announcement earlier this week that up to 200 more staff faced redundancy as part of cost-cutting measures introduced by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Several academy staff were made redundant last summer, with some being told the news as shocked children and parents were being welcomed back to Carrington for the start of the season.A source said: “There’s been an awful lot of negative news coming out of Old Trafford so Nick wanted to try and reassure everyone that United is still the best place for their boys.“They have spent several years getting the academy back up to speed after losing out to Man City for a while, so don’t want all that hard work go to waste.”Academy graduate Toby Collyer made his first team debut this season while Chido Obi-Martin – who arrived from Arsenal in October – was one of the few bright spots in the FA Cup defeat by Fulham.Highly-rated Elyh Harrison, Harry Amass, Tyler Fredricson, Jack Fletcher, Sekou Kone and Jack Moorhouse were all on the bench for last month’s defeat at Spurs.United’s Under-18s beat Arsenal 3-2 in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup last week.Chido Obi was in action for Man Utd last weekCredit: GettyThe Red Devils named an inexperienced bench against TottenhamCredit: GettyWINTER OF DISCONTENTManchester United’s winter of misery has put Ruben Amorim in the spotlight.But the city’s miserable winter has taken its toll as well.Training ground talk is that Amorim’s wife Maria has struggled to come to terms with the wind, rain and dark nights over the first few months of his Old Trafford reign.After a preference for the delights of home played a part in Pep Guardiola’s marriage split, there might be some concern if Amorim’s family are not settled in the north west.Ruben Amorim’s wife Maria has not immediately taken to the Manchester weatherCredit: Steve Allen – Commissioned by The SunTRAVEL EXPENSESAny United players unhappy at the prospect of being whisked half way around the world at the end of the season are set to be told there is a financial imperative for the trip.United are due to fly out to the Far East straight after their final Prem game of the campaign against Aston Villa on May 25.Ruben Amorim’s men will meet the Asean All Stars in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur on May 28, with a further stop in Hong Kong.But dressing room moaners will be told the estimated £8m the club will earn from the trip is vital as they juggle their finances ahead of an expected season without any European football and after a campaign likely to bring a substantial cut in Prem prize money.The Red Devils went on a lucrative tour last summerCredit: GettyDORG IN THE FIGHTItalian club Lecce saw United coming in January – which is why they had to pay £25m for left-back Patrick Dorgu.Danish youngster Dorgu joined the Serie A side from Nordsjaelland in his homeland on a youth contract in 2022, becoming a fixture in their first team last term.The deal represented pure profit for Lecce, currently just three points above the Serie A drop zone.And the middle man who put the deal together, long-serving agent Frank Trimboli, pointed to the nous of Lecce sporting director Pantaleo Corvino in ensuring United paid top dollar for a key target.Trimboli explained: “Corvino who has a long tradition of buying players cheap, developing them and then selling on for substantial profits.“In his mind he’d done the research and seen what was out there, understood that January is one of those windows where if you have an asset and have to sell, there’s a premium attached – because it is the worst time to sell.”Another factor was the 2023 sale of Dorgu’s fellow Dane, highly-rated defensive midfielder Morten Hjulmund, to Sporting Lisbon for £18m.Hjulmand had arrived in Italy from Austria’s Admira Wacker for just £170,000 barely 18 months previously.Trimboli added: “They knew what previous players have been sold for and started with that number.“Then it came down to market forces, supply and demand.“United knew what they wanted to pay. Lecce knew what they wanted to receive.“There was a bit of brinkmanship that came into play but eventually they got there.”Patrick Dorgu has had an encouraging start to life at Old TraffordCredit: AlamyDIAL IT DOWNFan favourite Amad Diallo was back at Old Trafford on Sunday – but there seems little chance of supporters seeing him on the pitch before last season.Ivorian Amad, who scored the late Manchester derby winner over City and then netted a hat-trick to pull off the comeback victory over Southampton, was spotted at Sunday’s FA Cup defeat by Fulham.Amad, 22, underwent ankle surgery last month and was wearing a protective boot and using a crutch as he made his way into the stadium.While United have publicly stopped short of ruling him out for the season, he did not look like a player expected to be back on the grass any time soon.Amad Diallo is not expected back this seasonCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Moment IShowSpeed is DENIED entry by security after Thierry Henry and Micah Richards invite him on to CBS Sports show

      by

      MICAH RICHARDS apologised to IShowSpeed after he was DENIED entry by security after being invited on to the CBS Sports show. The American streamer was in London when he was told to come into the studio by pundit Richards. IShowSpeed was denied entry by security into CBS’ studiosCredit: CBSFootage of the incident emerged onlineCredit: CBSBut footage showed Speed – real name Darren Jason Watkins Jr – being denied access by the show’s security. So Richards said live on air: “I would like to apologise to IShowSpeed. I’ve been DMing him and he said he wanted to come on the show.”And he came yesterday but his access got denied. I didn’t know he was coming yesterday!”The legend that he is IShowSpeed couldn’t get through the doors. Rejection. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But what I would like to do, what I would like to do, IShowSpeed we would like you to come tonight we’re here till 11pm, Kate, is that right? “We could have a bit of fun. London time of course, we could have a little bit of fun with Thierry and Jamie.” Speed – an avid Cristiano Ronaldo fan – amazingly did show up to the studio eventually – and BACKFLIPPED off the desk. The American social media star recently played against Richards’ CBS colleague Thierry Henry in a charity game in Qatar in February. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Speed claimed Henry’s former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he was faster than the Gunners legend. Speed, 20, said to Henry: “I was talking to your manager and he said you were faster than me [in your prime].”Henry, 47, replied: “Oh yes, maybe. With the ball, for sure,’ said Henry. ‘(Without the ball), I’m not too sure. Check the videos!” The Premier League winner then invited Speed onto the show but he later told Kate Scott, formerly Abdo: “I didn’t! I stay in my lane. I just pass on the message.” Micah Richards left speechless at Kate Abdo introduction on CBS Sports as fans say ‘he turns up to work to get bullied’ More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      How Myles Lewis-Skelly handed Thomas Tuchel major England dilemma with best and worst of Arsenal wonderkid on display

      by

      WHEN Thomas Tuchel was appointed England manager back in October, the world had barely heard of Myles Lewis-Skelly.The left-back had only just made his Arsenal debut as a late sub in a 2-2 draw with Manchester City in the Premier League.Arsenal ace Myles Lewis-Skelly offers quite the dilemma to England boss Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyTuchel is set to name his first ever England squadCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly has received two red cards already and almost had a third oneCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly’s temparatent will play a huge role for his England hopesCredit: GettyDuring a post-match fracas at the Etihad, Erling Haaland asked the young Gunner, “Who the f*** are you?” — and Tuchel might well have asked a similar question.Now, as Tuchel prepares to name his first England squad next week, Lewis-Skelly is providing the German’s most fascinating selection dilemma.As Mikel Arteta’s men ran amok in Eindhoven on Tuesday night — obliterating the Dutch champions PSV 7-1 — we saw the good and the bad side of 18-year-old MLS. First, he provided a gorgeous assist for fellow England prospect and old mate Ethan Nwaneri to provide an emphatic finish for the second goal.Read More on ArsenalBut then Lewis-Skelly narrowly avoided a third red card in less than six weeks with two clumsy tackles, which earned him one yellow before he was hooked by Arteta after only 35 minutes.Since Tuchel’s appointment, Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri are the only two kids to have burst on to the Premier League scene and into serious contention.For MLS, the prospect of a lightning-fast promotion into the senior squad is far more likely.The Three Lions have been crying out for a fully-fit left-back for years now.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWith Newcastle’s Lewis Hall – who made his international debut under Lee Carsley in November – ruled out for the season, the Arsenal star has a great chance of being called up.England’s premier left-back Luke Shaw is, sadly, almost permanently injured and there are few other options. Listen to Michael Oliver’s conversation with VAR over Lewis-Skelly red card as Howard Webb says referee got it wrongThe issue is Lewis-Skelly’s temperament.While his first red card against Wolves was rescinded, it was for a wild challenge.His second sending-off, 17 minutes after coming on as sub in the loss to West Ham, saw Lewis-Skelly undone by the positioning of keeper David Raya.It meant his foul on Mohammed Kudus was deemed to have denied a goalscoring opportunity. But in Lewis-Skelly’s first match back, in Eindhoven, the youngster was fortunate to find a lenient referee.Arteta was right to haul Lewis-Skelly off.And then there was the way he marked his first senior goal, mocking Haaland’s goal celebration in the 5-1 hammering of City at the Emirates last month.Was this refreshing self-confidence or premature arrogance?Tuchel faces riskThere is certainly no doubting Lewis-Skelly’s belief but can Tuchel trust such an inexperienced player in World Cup qualifiers?For Nwaneri, just 17 but with eight goals in his breakthrough season, the route to an England place is more crowded.Although his Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka and Chelsea’s Noni Madueke will miss Tuchel’s first squad through injury, England have plenty of wide options.Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen and Eberechi Eze are among them.Tuchel is effectively only in the England job for 16 months, with a contract that runs until next year’s World Cup, so he will have less of an eye on the long-term future than predecessor Gareth Southgate.Unless he can envisage a player capable of featuring in the World Cup final in New Jersey on July 19 next year, he is unlikely to call him up.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor all his promise, Nwaneri is likely to be on the bench once Saka is fit.So he looks destined for a place in the Under- 21 squad. But for left-back Lewis-Skelly, the World Cup could be calling. More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Matheus Cunha facing extended ban as Wolves star is handed extra FA charge after ‘punch, kick and headbutt’ red card

      by

      MATHEUS CUNHA is facing an extended ban after the FA handed him an extra misconduct charge for his antics at Bournemouth.The Wolves striker was sent off in the closing stages of extra-time in the FA Cup clash for grabbing Milos Kerkez around the neck before he appeared to punch, kick and push his head into the face of the Cherries defender.Matheus Cunha was sent off for an altercation with Milos KerkezCredit: GettyThe striker had a bust-up on the sidelinesCredit: RexReferee Sam Barrott showed Cunha a straight red.The Brazilian, 25, then remonstrated with Wolves boss Vitor Pereira and pushed team-mate Dan Bentley as he was ushered towards the changing room.The FA said: “Matheus Cunha has been charged following the FA Cup tie between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth on Saturday, March 1.“It’s alleged that the forward acted in an improper manner around the 121st minute of the fixture after his dismissal. Matheus Cunha has until Monday, March 10 to provide a response.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe straight red card for violent conduct means Cunha is already suspended for Saturday’s Prem clash with Everton, plus matches with Southampton and West Ham.If the misconduct charge is proven, he faces a one-game extension that would see him miss the crucial trip to relegation rivals Ipswich on April 5.Wolves are currently 17th in the league – five points and one place above the third-bottom Tractor Boys.Cunha — Wolves’ top scorer with 15 goals in all comps — was banned for two matches and fined £80,000 by the FA in December after a row against Ipswich.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe clashed with a member of Ipswich’s staff, grabbing the man’s glasses, and could face further retrospective punishment following the latest incident at the Vitality Stadium.Cunha’s ban was reduced after he apologised to the Ipswich security guard and offered to buy him a new pair of glasses.Man Utd and Arsenal in Matheus Cunha transfer battle with Wolves star ready to make summer move More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal raise season ticket prices for THIRD year in a row just weeks after chief pocketed £634,000 pay rise

      by

      ARSENAL have raised season ticket prices for the third year in a row just weeks after one club chief pocketed a pay rise worth £634,000.The Gunners first brought in a rise of 5 per cent for the 2023/24 campaign.Arsenal season ticket prices are rising once moreCredit: RexOne Gunners chief saw their pay increase by £634,000 for 2024Credit: RexAnd last year fans were left outraged after they climbed again.Supporters on average had to fork out an extra £72 for the term.But those figures are on the rise again after prices went up for the 2025/26 season.According to the Mirror, Arsenal season tickets will increase by 3.7 per cent.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt means an ‘upper centre’ season ticket which previously cost £2,050 will now be £2,125 – a £75 climb.While a ‘lower’ one in the wings or corners has gone from £1,073 to £1,112 – up £39.Arsenal are yet to officially announce any rises.But fans will soon be made aware of changes when prices for next season are released in a club communication.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe ticket hike comes after one Arsenal board member was revealed to have bagged a mammoth pay rise for the year.The Telegraph claims the director took home an extra £634,000 for the year.Arsenal legend’s son scores unbelievable volley and leaves team-mates in disbelief That accounts for the price of 298 ‘upper centre’ season tickets for next term.While the same figure would cover the cost of 570 ‘lower’ ones.Reports of price increases have come a day after Arsenal set SIX records in their 7-1 demolition of PSV.The Gunners put one foot in the Champions League quarters as they blew their opponents away.And fans will be hoping it can inspire Arsenal to victory in their next Premier League game against Manchester United on Sunday. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd quickly act to protect Chido Obi as hoax pages emerge after former Arsenal starlet first-team debut

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have come to the aid of Chido Obi after fans set up social media pages impersonating him.The 17-year-old has made first-team three appearances under Ruben Amorim following his move from Arsenal earlier this season.Man Utd are tackling accounts pretending to be Chido Obi onlineCredit: GettyBut since making his debut, the young striker has been the subject of hoax accounts on social media.There has been a surge in pages being created that fool supporters into thinking they are the real player.Man Utd are said to be protective over this happening to teenagers and Obi has been a target.The club recently acted quickly to tackle the issue by removing these fake accounts.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMan Utd confirmed to SunSport its something done “routinely” to help all players.Obi made his debut in a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham on February 16 before getting more minutes off the bench in the 2-2 draw with Everton.The teenager was also subbed on towards the end of normal time as Man Utd crashed out the FA Cup to Fulham on penalties.Obi got into positive positions on Sunday, taking three shots that were all considered “big chances” by stat gurus.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIncredibly, struggling striker Rasmus Hojlund has had the same amount of “big chances” across all 22 of his Prem games so far this season.But Amorim will be without Obi for their Europa League campaign as he has not been named in the squad.’That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueHe failed to make the cut for the A List and is ineligible to be a B List player like most academy stars.Uefa rules say you must be at the club for two years to qualify and Obi only joined from Arsenal in October. More