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      Kaoru Mitoma latest Premier League star to pile praise on Man Utd defender and admits he made match ‘a complete defeat’

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      KAORU MITOMA had praise for FA Cup opponent Aaron Wan-Bissaka and admitted a “complete defeat” in their individual battle.The Japanese international has been one of the surprise packages of the season for Brighton and he has frequently left defenders unable to deal with his pace and movement.
      It was a frustrating afternoon for winger Kaoru Mitoma against Aaron Wan-BissakaCredit: Getty
      But Mitoma could hardly find a way around Wan-Bissaka as Manchester United and Brighton went all the way to penalties in the FA Cup semi-finals.
      Solly March missed his sudden death spot-kick to send United through and Wan-Bissaka was lauded by fans for his performance.
      Mitoma admitted he was impressed as well.
      As quoted by One Football, the 25-year-old said: “I regret that I didn’t score a goal despite having a few chances to do so.
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      “And it’s difficult to score penalties so I think I could have done something more before that.
      “I also need to improve. [Wan-Bissaka] is a strong opponent … this is what I thought while I was playing. But there were a lot of [times] where his legs stretched at the end or he got the ball back.
      “I think it was a complete defeat.”
      Wan-Bissaka was also praised by Leicester and England star James Maddison.
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      The midfielder tweeted: “AWB is ridiculously good at 1 v 1 defending. Probably the best in the world bar none. So many wingers run out of ideas when playing directly against him.”
      Wan-Bissaka has only been drafted into team due to the Red Devils’ defensive injury crisis.

      Diogo Dalot has been Erik ten Hag’s preferred right-back when everyone is fit.
      Wan-Bissaka had initially struggled to get into United’s team in the first-half of the season but has had far more games this calendar year. More

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      Supercomputer leaves Arsenal fans reeling with shocking prediction for Premier League title-deciding showdown v Man City

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      ARSENAL fans have been left reeling after a supercomputer predicted their Premier League crunch match against Manchester City.The Gunners face the Citizens at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow night in what could be a title-deciding fixture.
      A supercomputer has predicted Arsenal’s result at Man CityCredit: Reuters
      Arsenal are five points ahead of Man City but have played two more games than their hosts.
      If they lost, the Citizens would have the advantage heading into the final Premier League fixtures.
      And Opta’s supercomputer has predicted that to be the case.
      The system has suggested that Pep Guardiola’s side have a 62.6 per cent chance of winning the clash.
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      While Mikel Arteta’s title chasers have only been given a 15.1 per cent chance of claiming the vital three points.
      But the supercomputer has estimated that is Man City win the tie, than their chances of retaining the Premier League title will be significantly boosted.
      The Citizens will see their chances of lifting the trophy at the end of the season increase to 91 per cent.
      If Arsenal win though, it is still suggesting that the race will be a tight one, with them only having a 51 per cent chance of going on to win the league.
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      Should the game end in a draw, the supercomputer expects that Man City will eventually overtake the Gunners and claim the title, with their chances rated at 72 per cent.
      And Arsenal fans have reacted on social media and have been left shocked after seeing the chances of winning slashed.

      One fan tweeted: “It’s mad how quickly the title race landscape has changed in just the past three games.”
      A second commented: “Three consecutive draws really hammered us. Need a win on Wednesday, otherwise, it is curtains.”
      While an optimistic fan looking past the prediction wrote: “None of these figures wears a jersey.” More

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      Tottenham flops to refund fans from own wages for tickets after 6-1 humiliation at Newcastle

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      TOTTENHAM stars will refund the fans who watched their horror 6-1 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday.Spurs conceded five goals in the opening 21 minutes, leading several hundred supporters to leave the game early.
      Tottenham lost 6-1 to Newcastle and conceded five goals in the opening 21 minutesCredit: Getty
      Hundreds of Tottenham fans left earlyCredit: Getty
      Interim manager Christian Stellini was sacked and the players have released a statement apologising for the abysmal display.
      It read: “As a squad, we understand your frustration, your anger. It wasn’t good enough.
      “We know words aren’t enough in situations like this but believe us, a defeat like this hurts.
      “We appreciate your support, home and away, and with this in mind we would like to reimburse fans with the cost of their match tickets from St James’ Park.
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      “We know this does not change what happened on Sunday and we will give everything to put things right against Manchester United on Thursday evening when, again, your support will mean everything to us.
      “Together – and only together – can we move things forward.”

      Tottenham have just one win in five games and have declined further since Antonio Conte was sacked.
      Ryan Mason is now interim boss while chairman Daniel Levy continues his search for Conte’s permanent successor.
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      Levy also accepted the performance at St James’ Park was “unacceptable” in a letter he wrote to fans.
      It read: “Sunday’s performance against Newcastle was wholly unacceptable. It was devastating to see.
      “We can look at many reasons why it happened and whilst myself, the board, the coaches and players must all take collective responsibility, ultimately the responsibility is mine.
      “We are all clear we need to deliver performances which earn your amazing support.” More

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      Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic leaves old pal Rio Ferdinand in stitches with cheeky dig at old club chief Ed Woodward

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      NEMANJA VIDIC left former Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand in stitches.That’s after aiming a cheeky dig at ex-Red Devils chief Ed Woodward.
      Nemanja Vidic left Rio Ferdinand in hysterics when they reunitedCredit: FIVE
      Vidic made a hilarious dig at ex-United chief Ed WoodwardCredit: Reuters
      The legendary centre-backs played together at Old Trafford for nine years, securing five Premier League titles and one Champions League.
      Ferdinand and Vidic both departed the club in 2014, a year after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
      But they remain firm friends off the pitch.
      And Vidic, now studying to be a coach, made a surprise appearance on Ferdinand’s Vibe with Five podcast to discuss all things United.
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      But the Serbian ace, who finished his career with Inter Milan, made Ferdinand howl with laughter after a hilarious quip about ex-CEO Woodward.
      When asked if he had any regrets at United, Vidic joked: “The only thing I have as a regret is that I didn’t have Ed Woodward in my time.”
      This caused Ferdinand to burst out laughing, with Vidic adding: “Why are you laughing?”
      Ferdinand answered: “Because of money. You’re talking money and contracts.”
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      Vidic and Ferdinand won five titles and a Champions League togetherCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The duo then high-fived, with Vidic continuing: “You know what I am talking about. But do I regret it?
      “David Gill and Fergie were at the club, trying to set up the levels of salaries, structure — what they have now, what they are going to get, what you have to do to get there. So if you ask me for regrets…
      “I think Woodward had a lot of time to bring the club in the right direction. 
      “I think Richard Arnold is doing well in a short period of time, bringing in Erik ten Hag and certain things they did in the last six months, one year is showing the club is strong. I see some improvement.” More

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      Newcastle’s summer transfer warchest revealed with Eddie Howe having huge budget to splash on European adventure

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      EDDIE HOWE will have up to £150million to bolster his Newcastle squad this summer.The Toon are laying plans to prepare their squad for a Champions League campaign next season and are prepared to spend between £100-150million.
      Eddie Howe will be given big funds to strengthen this summerCredit: Rex
      Newcastle have been linked with a move for Kieran TierneyCredit: Alamy
      Newcastle are currently third following their 6-1 hammering of Tottenham on Sunday, six points clear of Spurs in fifth having played a game more.
      The Magpies have been planning for the summer with two separate budgets depending on where they end the season, with £150million the top end.
      With Champions League football looking more likely by the week, the higher end of the budget can now be considered.
      Howe is keen to add a defensive midfielder and a left-back ahead of the new campaign.
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      Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes has shone in the holding role this season, but the former Bournemouth manager would like to bring in a more natural defensive midfielder, allowing the 25-year-old to play further forward.
      Dan Burn has also impressed at left-back, but is a better option centrally with Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney being considered as a target.

      Elsewhere, Newcastle are looking to add to their attacking options with a winger who is able to cut inside and create problems for opposing defences.
      Bayer Levekusen’s French winger Moussa Diaby is a long-term target for the Toon and has nine goals and eight assists in 28 Bundesliga outings this season.
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      Furthermore, should they be able to stretch the budget far enough, Howe wants to add more cover at the back with a younger, right-sided centre-half.
      Both Burn and Sven Botman are left-footed defenders leaving Fabian Schar, 31, and Jamal Lascelles, 29, as the more comfortable options on the right. More

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      Mikel Arteta reveals tactical masterstoke for Arsenal’s crunch Man City tie as he shares ‘best recipe’ to stop Haaland

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      MIKEL ARTETA believes he has the “best recipe” to stop Erling Haaland when Arsenal visit the Etihad.The Gunners boss was full of praise for the striker ahead of Wednesday’s title clash.
      Mikel Arteta has a plan in place to stop Erling HaalandCredit: PA
      The Arsenal boss was full of praise for the strikerCredit: Alamy
      Haaland has scored 32 Premier League goals this season but Arteta has a plan to stop him that relies on a key tactic.
      When asked how Arsenal would stop Haaland from scoring, Arteta added: “Preventing the source is the best recipe.
      “We are working on their threats and their weaknesses. We know what they are. With City it starts with the goalkeeper. Just focus on us.
      “We know what they can do. They can do so many things that you have to be adaptable.
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      “You can’t compare him [Haaland] to anything else. He is able to do that because the set-up is suited to him and he has good players around him.
      “With him they have the capacity to play in a different way.
      “You can’t give anything away. Big teams will punish you if you give things away and we have done that before.”
      Haaland, 21, scored when the sides met at the Emirates in February with Manchester City running out 3-1 winners.
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      The Norwegian exploited space in the Arsenal box and found the bottom corner with brilliant precision following Kevin De Bruyne’s cutback.
      De Bruyne leads the Prem assist charts with 15 and he could hold the key to unlocking Arsenal’s defence once again. More

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      Where Arsenal’s 2009 Youth Cup winners are now from shock early retirement to journeyman flop and even an accountant

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      IT’S a big week for Arsenal football club as the senior team get geared up for a potential title decider against Manchester City. But it’s not only Mikel Arteta’s men who have it all to play for this week.
      Sanchez Watt and Jack Wilshere proudly held the youth cup after a 6-2 aggregate win over LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      Some familiar names graced Arsenal’s first-leg line-up v Liverpool in 2009
      Arsenal’s U18s team have a Youth Cup Final against West Ham coming up as the young Gunners look to claim the trophy for the first time since 2009.
      That talented team beat Liverpool’s youngsters 4-1 and 2-1 over two legs with Jack Wilshere among the scorers.
      SunSport had a look at what happened next for the talented crop of youngsters and how their football careers turned out.
      James Shea
      James Shea started in between the sticks for Arsenal in both legs and conceded one in each game.
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      The keeper, now 31, has gone on to enjoy a really solid career.
      While he never made it into the Arsenal first team, he spent time at non-league Harrow Borough before getting a move to EFL side AFC Wimbledon in 2014.
      Three years later he joined Luton, where he remains to this day, with the Hatters aiming for promotion to the Premier League.
      Craig Eastmond
      Craig Eastmond made four senior senior appearances for Arsenal while also being sent out for a handful of loan spells.
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      He would jump ship permanently in 2013 and join Colchester before heading to Sutton in 2015.
      The midfielder remains at the League 2 club and has made well over 300 appearances for them.
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      Thomas Cruise
      Thomas Cruise retired in 2016 after three years with Torquay United.
      The former footballer, now 32, began a new and quieter life as an accountant after the ups and downs of the beautiful game.
      He only made one senior appearance for Arsenal but it was a memorable one.
      The left-back played all 90 minutes against Olympiakos in a 2009 Champions League group game only months after the Youth Cup triumph.
      Kyle Bartley
      Bartley has carved out a solid career West Brom since leaving ArsenalCredit: PA
      Kyle Bartley is a name that should be familiar to most football fans who regularly watch the EFL.
      The defender, 31, has been out and about since leaving Arsenal in 2012.
      He enjoyed a six year spell at Swansea which included multiple loan spells before settling with West Brom in 2018.
      Bartley has made 51 appearances in the Premier League.

      Emmanuel Frimpong
      There were high expectations for the now retired Ghanaian Emmanuel Frimpong.
      But ultimately the midfielder, now 31, would only make six appearances for Arsenal and failed to set the world alight in loan spells at Wolves, Charlton and Fulham.
      Frimpong would make brief stints in Russia, Sweden and Cyprus before calling it a day in 2019 due to persistent knee issues.
      Luke Ayling
      It did not work out at the Emirates but Luke Ayling has enjoyed a brilliant career.
      The defender, now 31, made 185 appearances for Yeovil over four years before a two-year stay in Bristol City.
      He then joined Leeds United in 2016 and was promoted to the top flight alongside future Arsenal star Ben White in 2020.
      Henri Lansbury
      Lansbury’s claim to fame is his League Cup goal at White Hart LaneCredit: Graham Hughes – The Times
      Henri Lansbury is best remembered by Arsenal for scoring against rivals Tottenham in the League Cup in 2010.
      But he could not use that moment as a springboard to success and would only make seven other senior appearances, despite Arsene Wenger predicting the midfielder would be a “big player” for Arsenal in 2009.
      He now plays alongside goalkeeper Shea at Luton Town.
      Francis Coquelin
      Coquelin made 160 appearances in Arsenal’s midfieldCredit: Rex Features
      Francis Coquelin was so highly thought of at Arsenal that he made his first-team debut even before the FA Cup Youth Final.
      He would go on to make 160 appearances for the North London club and was part of the squads who won the 2015 and 2017 FA Cups.
      Coquelin, 31, left for Valencia and then Villarreal and he would pick up a Europa League medal when the Spanish club beat Manchester United on penalties in 2021.
      Gilles Sunu
      Winger Gilles Sunu scored the opening goal of the Youth Cup Final first leg but could not make the breakthrough at Arsenal.
      He would leave for France in 2011 and play for several different clubs in the region before rejoining his local side Chateauroux in 2020.
      Jack Wilshere
      Jack Wilshere has impressed with his coaching ability and now leads the U18s after injuries cut his career shortCredit: Getty
      Fans will need little reminding of Jack Wilshere.
      His boundless ability was clear even before the Youth Cup Final and he would quickly emerge as a star of Arsenal’s midfield, making 35 Premier League appearances in the 2010-11 season.
      Persistent injuries unfortunately halted the star in his tracks and moves to Bournemouth and West Ham failed to re-energise his career. He announced his retirement last summer.
      But Wilshere would return to Arsenal in a coaching capacity and his career will come full circle when he leads the Gunners out of the tunnel for the cup final as the U18s boss.
      Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
      Despite scoring in the Youth Cup Final, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas would only make one Prem appearance at Arsenal.
      He then begun a journeyman career around the EFL and played for the likes of Ipswich, Bristol City and QPR.
      Since the beginning of this season, the 32-year-old has been playing in the Indian Super League for Jamshedpur.
      Rhys Murphy
      Rhys Murphy has had a busy career since leaving North London in 2012.
      He has made appearances at 15 clubs between League One and the National League and had a brief stint in the Dutch second division in 2012.
      Since 2021 Murphy, 32, has been playing up front for National League side Southend.
      Sanchez Watt
      Arsenal boss Wenger revealed himself to be a fan of Sanchez Watt, hailing the “street player” as “determined” and possessing good movement.
      But he would only make three appearances in the League Cup before leaving the club in 2013.
      After a number of years in the lower leagues, he finished his career at Wealdstone and retired in 2020.
      Conor Henderson
      Conor Henderson made one appearance in the FA Cup for the Gunners but spent most of his time out on loan.
      The midfielder’s most recent club was with Pirin Blagoevgrad in the top flight of Bulgarian football.
      Oguzhan Ozyakup
      Oguzhan Ozyakup is one of 10 Youth Cup winners who would go on to play for their country.
      The midfielder, now 30, has made 43 appearances for Turkey.
      He also enjoyed a decade at Besiktas after leaving Arsenal before joining Dutch club Fortuna Sittard.

      Cedric Evina
      Cedric Evina enjoyed a solid career in the EFL and gained promotion to the Championship with Charlton in 2012.
      After a few more years knocking around lower league football, he joined non-league Romford but decided to pursue projects outside of football after just a couple of training sessions. More

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      Constantine Hatzidakis to return to action for first time after ‘elbowing’ Andy Robertson for crunch Man Utd clash

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      PREMIER LEAGUE official Constantine Hatzidakis is set to return to action following his encounter with Andy Robertson.Hatzidakis had been suspended pending an investigation after his alleged elbow against Robertson in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on April 9.
      Andy Robertson was caught after Constantine Hatzidakis threw his elbow backCredit: Enterprise
      The incident occurred in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at AnfieldCredit: Enterprise
      Hatzidakis will now return to his Prem duties this weekCredit: EPA
      But the FA announced earlier this month they would be taking no further action against Hatzidakis.
      They said: “We have thoroughly reviewed all of the evidence in relation to the recent incident at Anfield involving the Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson and match official Constantine Hatzidakis, and we will be taking no further action.
      “Our comprehensive process involved reviewing detailed statements from Liverpool and PGMOL, as well as multiple angles of video footage, in relation to both the incident and its surrounding circumstances.”
      Hatzidakis also released a statement of his own revealing he had directly spoken to Robertson to apologise about the incident.
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      He said: “I have discussed the matter directly with Andy Robertson during an open & positive conversation.
      “It was not my intention to make any contact with Andy as I pulled my arm away from him and for that I have apologised.”
      Following the conclusion of the investigation, Hatzidakis is now set to return to his Prem duties this weekend.
      Hatzidakis will be an assistant ref during Manchester United’s crunch clash with Aston Villa on Sunday.
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      But before that, the 38-year-old will also be helping out on VAR for tonight’s relegation six-pointer between Leeds and Leicester.
      During his absence from England’s top flight, Hatzidakis officiated a Championship match between Preston and Blackburn. More