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      Watch amazing moment dancing Declan Rice gatecrashes West Ham U18 dressing room after FA Youth Cup thrashing of Arsenal

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      DECLAN RICE danced into the West Ham Under-18s dressing room after they thrashed Arsenal to win the FA Youth Cup.The young Hammers defeated Jack Wilshere’s side 5-1 at the Emirates in front of 7,000 of their travelling fans.
      Declan Rice joined the party inside the Under-18s dressing roomCredit: @StoolFootball
      The West Ham youth team demolished Arsenal in the finalCredit: @StoolFootball
      Declan Rice has been mentoring some of the playersCredit: @StoolFootball
      George Earthy, Callum Marshall, Gideon Kodua, Kaelan Casey and Josh Briggs all got on the scoresheet.
      After the match, Rice gatecrashed the wild celebrations as the club won the cup for the first time since 1999.
      The first-team captain ran into the dressing room and began to dance and rap with the squad along to Lil Baby’s 2017 hit Freestyle.
      It has been a fantastic year for the double-winning West Ham Under-18s after they picked up the league title to add to their trophy cabinet.
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      The season has also seen wonderkids Divin Mubama, Ollie Scarles and Casey get first-team minutes in the Conference League.
      Rice, who came through the academy himself, has been mentoring a lot of the youngsters.
      Director of football and club legend Mark Noble also pays close attention to the squad.
      Both sat in the stands alongside former assistant boss Stuart Pearce and golfer Billy Horschel last night.
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      West Ham fans are keen to see more of their youngsters get minutes for the senior outfit, with plenty joking they are better than the first-team after they smashed Southampton 6-1 in the semi-finals.
      And there is big hope for them as the last time the Irons won the Youth Cup 24 years ago the likes of Michael Carrick and Joe Cole were in the team.
      Rice will now turn his focus to keeping West Ham in the Premier League and lifting silverware of his own.
      David Moyes’ side face AZ Alkmaar in the last-four of the Conference League.
      Rice’s long-term West Ham future is in doubt amid interest from Arsenal.
      West Ham won the Youth Cup for the first time since 1999Credit: Alamy More

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      Man Utd fans fume as Sam Johnstone gets away with lunging challenge that would have earned Casemiro a ‘300-match ban’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are up in arms after Sam Johnstone was booked for a challenge they think would have seen Casemiro sent off.The Crystal Palace goalkeeper had a moment of madness in the last minute of Tuesday’s visit to Wolves.

      Sam Johnstone dived in recklessly on Pedro NetoCredit: Getty
      Casemiro was sent off for a similar tackle last monthCredit: AP
      The former United keeper took a heavy touch and in a desperate attempt to win the ball he lunged in on Pedro Neto.
      But he was out of control with both feet coming off the ground.
      He made slight contact with the ball but the dangerous tackle could have injured Neto, and referee David Coote awarded Wolves a penalty which they scored.
      However Johnstone only received a yellow card, leading many United fans to complain.
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      Many believe Casemiro, who has received two red cards this season, would have been sent off if he had committed such a foul.
      One fan said: “Casemiro getting a 300 match ban for that.”
      Another added: “Identical to Casemiros tackle and he was sent off. The consistency of officiating is awful. If Casemiros was a red, this is also a red.”
      A third wrote: “The inconsistency is mind boggling!! Can someone explain to me how Casemiro gets a red for almost the exact same type of challenge and he gets a yellow????”
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      And another commented: “That’s a more severe version of what Casemiro got a red for!!!”
      Casemiro received a red card for a studs-up tackle on Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz last month.
      But United decided not to appeal the sending off, with the Brazilian receiving a four-match ban. More

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      Mauricio Pochettino verbally agrees to become Chelsea manager after meeting Blues chiefs in Spain on Monday

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to become the next Chelsea manager.The former Tottenham boss has been locked in talks with Todd Boehly and Co after emerging as frontrunner for the job.
      Mauricio Pochettino has verbally agreed to become Chelsea managerCredit: PA
      And TalkSport claims a verbal agreement has now been struck, with Chelsea hoping to confirm a deal for Pochettino by the end of the week.
      It’s believed the Argentine tactician held fresh talks with Chelsea in Spain on Monday.
      A plan outlining details for the club’s long-term vision was discussed.
      Both parties left satisfied after a “very positive” meeting.
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      And Pochettino has now given his verbal consent to replacing caretaker boss Frank Lampard at the end of the season.
      Chelsea hope to conclude a deal “imminently”, having held previous talks with the likes of Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann.
      Poch would not take charge at Stamford Bridge until the summer.
      But his Wikipedia page has already been changed, saying he’s been “appointed as the head coach of Chelsea on a two-year deal.”
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      Boehly is now hopeful of confirming his new man by the end of the week.
      Pochettino is believed to have impressed the American with his commitment to working with youngsters.
      Chelsea have splashed out over £600million since Boehly’s Clearlake Capital group took over from Roman Abramovich last year.

      And Poch has reportedly identified the likes of £88m winger Mykhailo Mudryk and academy defender Levi Colwill as integral to his vision.
      The ex-Spurs man is also set to oversee a huge clear-out, with Chelsea currently boasting well over 30 first-team stars.
      And there could even be fresh chances for flops like Romelu Lukaku, who could be the answer to the Blues’ problems up front.
      Mauricio Pochettino has managed four clubs More

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      I won the Treble with Man Utd and a team-mate hid from Roy Keane for weeks after ‘getting him suspended for final’

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      A MANCHESTER UNITED legend has revealed how a Treble-winning team-mate hid from Roy Keane “after getting him suspended” for the Champions League Final.Sir Alex Ferguson’s side achieved icon status back in 1999 as they clinched the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League.
      Roy Keane was suspended for the 1999 Champions League finalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Team-mate Jesper Blomqvist hid from him after the booking that ruled him outCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      One of the standout displays of that season was in Europe in the semi-final second-leg as they took on a star-studded Juventus team.
      A 1-1 draw at Old Trafford made the Italians favourites back on home turf, and two early goals Filippo Inzaghi left United with everything to do.
      Captain Keane pulled one back with a header but he found himself receiving a yellow card just 33 minutes into the game – meaning that he would be suspended for the final should they get there.
      Despite that personal disappointment, the Republic of Ireland midfielder sucked it up and went on to produce an incredible display as the Red Devils went on to complete an incredible comeback and win 3-2 thanks to strikes from Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole.
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      That set-up the showdown with Bayern Munich, in which United came from behind again at the death to famously seal the Treble and lift the Champions League trophy due to goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      But recalling that night in Turin and Keane’s performance, ex-United left-back Denis Irwin said: “We were two goals down against one of the best teams we played against in that era and he pulled a rabbit out of the hat with a fantastic headed goal and then his performance was just fantastic.
      “They had an incredible midfield with Davids, Deschamps and Zidane, but Keaney took them all on that night and came out on top. He was just incredible and it was a tragedy that he couldn’t play in the final.”
      However, he also revealed how the winger playing in front of him was left majorly concerned about Keane’s backlash after it was his wayward pass that led to the now Sky Sports pundit’s booking.
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      Irwin added: “I remember Jesper Blomqvist was trying to avoid Keaney for a few weeks after that semi-final because it was his pass that led to the booking.
      “Roy had a word with him on the field at the time, but I think Jesper thought more would come.
      “A lot of the lads were wary of Roy and didn’t want to upset him, so poor Jesper probably feared what was coming to him.”
      Irish ace Irwin moved to United in 1990 and was undoubtedly one of Fergie’s greatest signings as he proved a snip at just £625,000 from Oldham.
      In 12 years at Old Trafford, he made 296 Premier League appearances and won seven league titles, as well as two FA Cup winner’s medals, a League Cup and the Champions league and European Cup Winners’ Cup.
      He was also an expert at both free-kicks and penalties, and he managed to score 22 league goals for the club throughout that period. 
      The now 57-year-old, who also won 56 caps for Ireland, left United for Wolves in 2002 and helped them to win promotion to the top-flight via the play-offs.
      He retired from playing at the end of the following campaign having made 75 league appearances for the Molineux outfit.
      Denis Irwin was one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s greatest signings at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Arsenal boost as target Ivan Fresneda drops huge transfer hint ahead of summer window

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      IVAN FRESNEDA has given Arsenal a boost by dropping a huge transfer hint ahead of the summer window. Fresneda, 18, is currently plying his trade for Real Valladolid in La Liga but is widely expected to be on the move at the end of the season.
      Fresneda came close to joining Arsenal in January but the deal fell throughCredit: Rex
      The right back has been on Arsenal’s radar for a while and came close to joining in the January window but a deadline day move collapsed at the last minute, despite a fee of £13million being agreed.
      The Spaniard has also attracted interest from German giants Borussia Dortmund and has been learning English and German.
      It it likely that Mikel Arteta will renew his interest in the summer given that Ben White has predominantly had to fill in at right back this season.
      The teenager is under contract until 2025 but that is unlikely to be an obstacle should he seek a move to the Premier League.
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      But in an interview with The Athletic, Fresneda dropped a huge hint as to where his future may lie.
      He said: “I like Arteta a lot because I think he’s a great coach; I follow the European leagues and I think the work he’s doing with his club is fantastic.
      “But now with [Real Valladolid manager] Pezzolano and before with [previous manager] Pacheta we do that style of play, and that style is the one I like the most.”
      There is expected to be plenty of change in the full back positions at The Emirates this summer with Kieran Tierney linked with a £30m move to Newcastle.
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      Arsenal will look to get their Premier League title challenge back on track when they take on Manchester City tonight in a huge top of the table clash at The Etihad. More

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      Mikel Arteta warns he will ‘KILL’ his Arsenal stars if they show any fear in must-win clash against Man City

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      MIKEL ARTETA is ready to “kill” any of his Arsenal stars who show fear at the Etihad.But rival Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes it would be “a problem” if players were NOT nervous.
      Mikel Arteta has issued his players a warning ahead of Wednesday’s mammoth clash against Manchester CityCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The Gunners arrived at The Hyatt Hotel in Manchester on Tuesday night ahead of the gameCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Arsenal go into the crunch clash having drawn their last three Premier League matchesCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The Gunners are five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, but have played two more games than Manchester CityCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Arsenal take a five-point lead into the clash but know they cannot afford a defeat after three costly draws.
      Arteta said: “I’ve not seen any of my players being intimidated by that challenge and if I do I will kill them because I don’t want that at all.
      “The level of this match demands absolute perfection in every single ball and we have to deliver that in our performance.
      “Going toe-to-toe with City has been great but it’s not enough and now we are in this position we are going to win it.”
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      Treble-chasers City have two games in hand and look unstoppable after going 16 matches unbeaten in all competitions.
      Guardiola said: “It is a good sign, being a little bit nervous.
      “I know it’s normal. The problem would be if I didn’t have that feeling.
      “Being anxious or scared is part of our lives. We don’t have to be perfect.”
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      Arsenal have lost their last 11 league games against City yet Arteta believes the string of defeats has given his reason to be optimistic.
      Arteta, who spent 3½ years as Guardiola’s assistant at City, said: “I am confident we can win because of what I have seen when we played against City in the past.
      “Also what I have seen from my players all season and from the way we have prepared.
      “We know this is going to be a massive game but it is not going to define our season because after this we still have five more fixtures.”
      Guardiola added: “It would always have been so difficult to play them at this stage — but after three games dropping points it will be much more difficult now.”
      I’ve not seen any of my players being intimidated by that challenge and if I do I will kill them because I don’t want that at all.Mikel Arteta
      Arsenal will have to stop 48-goal City striker Erling Haaland without key defender William Saliba, who is again ruled out by a back problem.
      The French international has been sidelined for the last six weeks and Arteta admitted: “Unfortunately there has been no real improvement with William.
      “We’re hopeful he can play again this season.
      “We are preparing for this game without him and our next match against Chelsea will probably come too soon as well.”
      Arsenal have lost their last 11 league games against Wednesday’s opponentsCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The Gunners drew 3-3 against Southampton last time outCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Arsenal have not won the Premier League title since 2004Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Mikel Arteta’s side have just six games left to play this seasonCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

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      Zinchenko has let Arsenal down when it matters most, slams Gallas as he points out fundamental ‘problem’ in his game

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      OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO has let Arsenal down when it mattered most.That is according to William Gallas.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko has been slated by William GallasCredit: Getty
      The former Gunner blasted the left-back’s defending and said he has been “found wanting” during the title race.
      Gallas also accused the Ukrainian of “sleeping” as Duje Caleta-Car escaped his marking to head Southampton’s third goal during Friday’s 3-3 Emirates draw.
      Former centre-back Gallas said: “The defence was terrible.
      “Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus were below par and Thomas Partey wasn’t at his best.
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      “Zinchenko was sleeping for Southampton’s third goal. It was not the first time he has been found wanting.
      “Defending is not his strength. One versus one is often a problem.”
      The draw was Arsenal’s third on the bounce and left them just five points above second-placed Manchester City, having played two games more.
      Wednesday night’s Etihad clash sees Zinchenko return to his old club for the second time since Arsenal paid City £30million for him last summer.
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      Having won four titles at City, Gallas wants the 26-year-old to use his previous triumphs to help Mikel Arteta’s side.
      He added: “Zinchenko is one of Arsenal’s most experienced players and, in these types of games, you need that experience — you want to see him managing the game.
      “But we haven’t seen that. He hasn’t performed very well in the last few matches.
      “It will be difficult at City, it’ll be emotional.”
      The Frenchman pulled no punches on Zinchenko’s defendingCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League under pressure to break historic 3pm blackout as Eurovision Song Contest creates fixture nightmare

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      MANCHESTER CITY have faced a tough opponent in the forthcoming fixture list — the Eurovision Song Contest.It was announced last week that City’s Premier League match against Leeds will be shown on TV in the UK, despite being moved to 3pm on a Saturday.
      The Eurovision Song Contest is causing fixture havocCredit: Splash
      The fixture was scheduled for Sunday, May 7 but has been brought forward by a day because of City’s Champions League semi-final trip to holders Real Madrid on May 9.
      However, we can reveal that, initially, Uefa wanted the first leg of Real Madrid v City to be played on May 10, meaning the game at the Etihad was to be staged on Tuesday, May 16.
      This meant moving Everton v City back from Sunday, May 14 to the Saturday — to give a three-day gap.
      But Merseyside Police refused to sanction the game being staged on the Saturday, because it clashes with the Eurovision Song Contest in the city.
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      As a result, Uefa switched around the semi-final dates — and that is why the game with Leeds was impacted.
      City host Arsenal on Wednesday hoping to take a commanding position in the Prem title race.
      Pep Guardiola’s side currently trail Arsenal by five points, albeit with two games in hand.
      Should they beat the Gunners they will move to within two points of Arteta’s high-flyers with a pair of extra matches to play.
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      Ahead of the crunch clash, Guardiola said: “It’s an important game, we can get points and our biggest opponent cannot.
      “But we have to focus on what we have to do.
      “We’ve played two times this season and in the FA Cup and there (away at Arsenal in the league) they were really tight games and really difficult.
      “When you play against these teams they can control everything.
      “I’ve said from a long time ago with Arsenal when with Arsene Wenger they always have the incredible details and care of the ball and who they select to play with the biggest quality and biggest skills.
      “But Mikel has brought a new dimension. They are huge competitors in all senses, so aggressive.”
      Pep Guardiola’s side are aiming to take control of the title raceCredit: Alamy More