Premier League

ARSENAL have emerged as serious title contenders after moving four points off Liverpool.The Gunners racked up their 12 victory of the campaign with a 2-1 win over rivals Tottenham on Wednesday.Arsenal have many reasons to feel they could beat Liverpool in the title raceCredit: EPAAnd it means the race for top spot in the Premier League won’t be decided until Arsenal take on Liverpool in a crucial clash on May 10.Arne Slot’s men have shown they may not be able to steamroll their way to the title, having drawn four matches in the past six weeks.Indeed, there are plenty of reasons for Gunners fans to feel positive about their season, having narrowly finished behind Man City in the past two years.Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman looks at why it could finally be Arsenal’s time to end their Premier League title drought…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLIVERPOOL’S TOUGH RUN-INARSENAL and Liverpool face each other on May 10 in what will be their third-final match of the Premier League season.However, the quality of opponents in their other remaining games differ greatly.Before going to Anfield, Arsenal have home games against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth to look forward to.There’s another tricky home test against a resurgent Newcastle side afterwards.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut the Gunners end their season with a trip to bottom-place Southampton, which should be a straight-forward victory.As for Liverpool, their final two games are away to Brighton and at home against Crystal Palace.Arteta not sure about trophy hopes after ‘incredible’ Arsenal loss But before Arsenal, Liverpool first welcome Tottenham to Anfield.They then travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.And the tough run of games could take their toll on several ageing senior stars.Arsenal have the better record in a mini-table between the teamsCredit: GettyMINI TABLE JOYBOTH teams have played just eight of the exact same fixtures this season.But it’s Arsenal who come out on top in a mini league.The Gunners have won six of those eight games while drawing one and losing one.As for Liverpool, they have won five of the same eight, drawing two and also losing one.Arsenal scored 21 goals in those matches, with Liverpool bagging one more for 22.But the Reds also conceded more goals, shipping 11 to Arsenal’s seven.Arsenal vs Liverpool mini-tableBrighton (H) – Arsenal 1-1, Liverpool 2-1Crystal Palace (A) – Arsenal 5-1, Liverpool 1-0Leicester (H) – Arsenal 4-2, Liverpool 3-1Man Utd (H) – Arsenal 2-0, Liverpool 2-2Newcastle (A) – Arsenal 0-1, Liverpool 3-3Nottingham Forest (H) – Arsenal 3-0, Liverpool 0-1Tottenham (A) – Arsenal 1-0, Liverpool 6-3West Ham (A) – Arsenal 5-2, Liverpool 5-0Arsenal – W6 D1 L1 F21 A7Liverpool – W5 D2 L1 F22 A11Liverpool are still sweating over the futures of three starsCredit: EPAREDS’ CONTRACT DISPUTESLIVERPOOL have been on a roll this season, with key men Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all playing major parts under Slot.However, the trio have also been dealing with an additional narrative over their futures.Each star is out of contract this summer, and none of them look close to penning an extension.Van Dijk has remained tight-lipped over his future while Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid.As for Salah, he’s already declared it will be his final season at Anfield.Foreign clubs can now strike pre-contract agreements with all three players as manager Slot faces an anxious wait.And it’s just one more major headache for Liverpool to deal with as they also focus on their football and results.Arsenal have been hit by numerous injury issuesCredit: GettyARSENAL’S DUE LUCKARSENAL are sure due a bit of good fortune this season.The Gunners have been hit by multiple injuries, with key men including Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard missing chunks of the season.Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu have been big misses in defence.While Gabriel Jesus has become the latest casualty after picking up an ACL problem.It means things can only get better for Arsenal as more and more players return to action.As for Liverpool, they have been fortunate to keep their key men fit while also playing in the Champions League.And starting the same players several times a week could come back to haunt Slot down the line.Arsenal fans also feel they have been on the receiving end of several dodgy decisions from referees.And the second half of the season could see things balance out for Mikel Arteta.Man City will be out to spoil the partyCredit: AlamyCITY PARTY POOPERSA fifth consecutive title may look out of reach for Man City right now.But the champions are sure to have a big say in this season’s race even if they are not there.Pep Guardiola’s men have consistently ruffled the feathers of both Arsenal and Liverpool through the years.And their dismal form this term is sure to come to an end shortly.City have already been beaten by Liverpool while managing to secure a draw against Arsenal.But the Gunners’ next fixture against City is at home.It’s sandwiched between a Champions League group stage game against Girona, which they should win comfortably.While on the other side is the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi at Newcastle, where they already trail 2-0 and may be happy to field a weakened XI.However, Liverpool face a different story as they have to go the Etihad for their City clash.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn top of that, the match is sandwiched between two crunch Premier League games against Wolves and Newcastle – both of which will be must-wins in Slot’s eyes.City have also lost one title race to Liverpool in the past and may deem them the greater threat to their long-term dominance. 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ANGE POSTECOGLOU has a worse Tottenham record than former bosses Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.Spurs’ 2-1 defeat at Arsenal last night made it just one win in their last nine Premier League outings.Ange Postecoglou endured another frustrating eveningCredit: GettyThe North Londoners’ awful form has seen them slump to 13th in the Prem table.Postecoglou, 59, went unbeaten in his first 10 league games in charge last season, winning eight of them.But that honeymoon period now feels long ago, with Tottenham struggling with injuries and incapable of stringing together strong performances.The Aussie has won 36 of his 73 games in charge – while drawing 12 and losing 25 – giving him a 49 per cent win percentage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLConte, 55, lasted three more matches at the helm with 76, winning 41 of them at a percentage of 54 – drawing 12 and losing 23.Mourinho, meanwhile, took charge of 86 games at the Spurs helm.The Portuguese achieved a win percentage of 51, triumphing 44 times, drawing 19 and losing 23.Sandwiched in between the two former Chelsea bosses was Nuno Espirito Santo, who lasted just 17 matches in charge.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYJose Mourinho was sacked by Tottenham in 2021Credit: Marc Aspland – The TimesAntonio Conte’s Spurs reign ended in a furious rantCredit: ReutersNuno Espirito Santo lasted just 17 games in charge of SpursCredit: Marc Aspland – The TimesThe Portuguese, now flying high with Nottingham Forest, won eight times, drew just twice and lost seven games.Tottenham’s last truly long-term manager was Mauricio Pochettino.Ange Postecoglou hits out at ‘vile and detestable’ abuse he suffered at Tamworth and claims he had objects thrown at him The Argentine, who transformed Tottenham into legitimate contenders both in the Premier League and in Europe, managed 293 games as Spurs boss.He won 159 of them, giving him a win percentage of 54, drew 62 and lost 72.Tottenham’s lowest finish since Pochettino’s appointment was eighth in the 2022-23 campaign – although they are currently on track to be worse this time around.Mauricio Pochettino was Tottenham’s most successful manager under Daniel LevyCredit: Getty More

VITOR PEREIRA slammed former club captain Mario Lemina after the wantaway star refused to play against Newcastle.Wolves slipped into the relegation zone after Alexander Isak’s double helped condemn them to a 3-0 defeat at St James’ Park.Wolves manager Vitor Pereira slammed former club captain Mario LeminaCredit: GettyLemina refused to play for Wolves against NewcastleCredit: GettyThe visitors’ task against the in-form Mags was made all the more difficult when their 31-year-old midfielder pulled out.Lemina, who is reportedly on a £45,000-a-week contract, missed the FA Cup win over Bristol City but Pereira had claimed he was available for the trip to the North East until the Gabon ace came to see him.The Wolves boss fumed: “I can’t bring a player who tells me he is not in the mental condition to help the team. He wants to leave.“I don’t know what happened before me, but with this energy and this mentality, I don’t need him. Read More on Football”I prefer to play with another player.“I don’t have anything against Lemina or any issues with him.“He said to me that he wants to leave and he communicated this decision one month ago to the club.”Ex-Fulham, Southampton and Juventus player Lemina began the campaign as Wolves captain but former manager Gary O’Neil took the armband off him following his post-match meltdown at West Ham a month ago.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesLemina has only played just 31 minutes since Pereira was appointed as O’Neil’s successor on December 19.He has since been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and now appears to be doing everything possible to try and force a move to the Middle East.Gary O’Neil confirms Nelson Semedo will replace Mario Lemina as Wolves captain Wolves are believed to be demanding at least £6million for him. More

ARMANDO BROJA is set to become the second loanee to return to Chelsea this month after picking up a horror injury at Everton.Trevoh Chalobah is back in west London after being recalled from his Crystal Palace spell on Wednesday.Armando Broja is set to be recalled from his Everton loan by ChelseaCredit: GettyThe striker is out for 12 weeks after picking up an ankle injuryCredit: GettyChelsea have already brought back Trevoh Chalobah from Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyNow, the defender is set to be joined by another Cobham misfit in the shape of Albania international Broja.The Chelsea striker joined the Toffees on loan last summer but has so far made just six appearances in all competitions due to an Achilles tendon issue.Broja’s latest minutes came off the bench in last week’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Peterborough.However, the Chelsea forward needed oxygen and was stretchered off the field after suffering a fresh injury.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd new Everton boss David Moyes has now confirmed that Broja has hurt delicate ligaments in his ankle.It means the ex-Southampton loanee is set to miss 12 weeks of football.But it could also end his time at Everton, with Moyes admitting Broja is likely to return to Stamford Bridge.The Toffees gaffer said: “We think he is going to be out for somewhere between 10-12 weeks.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“It’s his ankle ligaments. It will probably mean there’s a possibility he will have to go back to Chelsea.”A recall for Broja means Everton may seek out a new striker this month.Chelsea vs Bournemouth: Player Ratings articleMoyes is also thought to be in the market for a winger.And reports claim that could see Jack Harrison’s loan from Leeds terminated too. More

FUMING Roy Keane told “rubbish” Rod Stewart to retire after the music legend “had a go” at Manchester United’s iconic former captain.Glastonbury headliner Stewart, 80, called out Keane, 53, three years ago in a raving rant.Roy Keane has told ‘rubbish’ Rod Stewart to retire from singingStewart previously branded Keane a ‘bully’ in a rant three years agoCredit: GettyThe ‘Maggie May’ hitmaker was unimpressed with Keane’s behaviour when the Irishman argued with fellow pundit Jamie Carragher over Cristiano Ronaldo’s form at Man Utd.Stewart branded Keane a “bully” in a breathless statement while also questioning the seven-time Premier League winner’s credentials as a manager.Stewart told talkSPORT in December 2021: “I think Roy can be a bit of a bully sometimes.“I admired him as a player but he’s a bit of a bully. I think there’s a way of speaking your mind and I think he’s far too aggressive.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He was an elite player but do you think he could be a good manager with that approach?”Stewart’s words clearly left their mark on Keane though, with the Old Trafford favourite yet to forgive and forget.Talking to Carragher, Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Jill Scott on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane blasted Stewart as a “rubbish” singer.He also declared that the Faces front-man “slags everyone off.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd Keane ended by telling Stewart to take a leaf from the books of professional sportsmen by retiring from music.When reminded about Stewart’s previous rant about him by Neville, Keane said: “He has a go at everybody! Who does he think he is?”Fuming Roy Keane tells ‘rubbish’ Rod Stewart to retire after he ‘had a go’ at Man Utd icon Scott then asked Keane what he had done to upset Stewart.Keane replied: “I did nothing, why do you think I did something? Rod Stewart slags everybody off, who does he think he is?“He has a go at everybody, he has a go at everybody! Rod Stewart. Who does he think he is? He’s not great. Great at what? Singing? I saw him a few years ago, he was rubbish.“Rubbish, I swear. He was rubbish that night. It’s like we have bad games. I didn’t say he’s not a good singer, he was just rubbish that night I saw him.“(What made him bad?) His voice! He had a bad night. He’s pushing on a bit now, there must come a point like a boxer where for a singer you go, ‘You’ve had a good run, enough’s enough’.“We’ve had it as players. When do people say to a singer, ‘Come on, you’ve had a good innings, enough’s enough, get off the stage’. Get off the stage Rob. Yeah that’s right. Get him on here.” More

GARY NEVILLE has again blasted Arsenal set piece coach Nicolas Jover.The former Manchester United star previously called Jover the “most annoying man in football”.Nicolas Jover can often be seen stood next to Mikel ArtetaCredit: ReutersGary Neville has taken another swipe at JoverCredit: GettyJover, 43, has played a big role in making the Gunners one of the most prolific set piece teams in Europe since joining the club.He can often be seen perched next to boss Mikel Arteta on the touchline when Arsenal stand over a corner or free kick.On the latest episode of Stick to Football, in association with Sky Bet, Neville again revealed his irritation at Jover.”I called him the most annoying man in football… I’m cementing my position,” Neville, 49, said.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I’m doubling down. It’s offending me every week. “I’m going to say this really calmly, I think he’s overreaching his importance.”If a goalkeeper makes a save, I don’t see the goalkeeping coach on the edge of the touchline.”If there’s a good combination of passing in midfield, I don’t see the coach that’s next to Arteta going and getting the glory for it.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”The manager’s at the front, he can’t communicate from 100 yards away, or 50-60 yards away on the touchline to players that know exactly what they’re doing because they’re so methodical on it it’s untrue.”He stands there… I think he’s overreaching his importance, I genuinely believe that.”Mikel Arteta bizarrely appears to blame Carabao Cup BALL for Arsenal’s missed chances as trophy drought set to continueIan Wright hit back: “He is important.”To which Neville added: “That’s how I feel. I get he’s important, he’s doing a great job, but I do genuinely think he needs to sit back a little bit.”I think the players will start to look at him and think, ‘come on’.”Jamie Carragher then weighed in: “I think he’s (Neville) made a great point to be honest. I can’t disagree with it, I thought it was a bit harsh.”The Aston Villa one does the same.”Neville then pointed out that he’s covering Arsenal vs Aston Villa on Saturday evening – joking that Arteta and Unai Emery might as well “sit the f*** down”.Jover, 43, gets plenty of the limelight on the touchlineCredit: Getty More

MARC GUEHI hilariously told Jean-Philippe Mateta to “stop shouting” as the Crystal Palace duo made their way back to the dressing room last night.The pair had just helped the Eagles beat Leicester 2-0 at the King Power Stadium.Marc Guehi and Jean-Philippe Mateta were Crystal Palace’s match winnersCredit: TwitterMateta was buzzing after helping his side triumphCredit: TwitterThe forward produced a cheesy grin even after being told to ‘stop shouting’Credit: TwitterMateta grabbed Palace’s first goal on 52 minutes, before Guehi made the points safe in the 78th.After the game, the pair made their way back to the away dressing room together.As they did so, Mateta could barely contain his excitement.With a member of Palace’s media team recording, the French striker bellowed: “Fantastic! Let’s go!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSoftly spoken Guehi, 24, smiled as he replied: “Stop shouting.”Mateta, 27, ignored his pal – fist pumping into the camera and continuing: “Yes! Fantastic!”The win saw Palace leapfrog Manchester United into 14th, just one point behind Tottenham.Oliver Glasner’s side had to do without loan defender Trevoh Chalobah, who was recalled by Chelsea yesterday.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYMateta was particularly buzzing after Palace’s winCredit: GettySpeaking about the Chalobah situation, Glasner said: “I’m not sure disappointing is the right word. Trevoh had a great time with us.“When you make a loan deal it is usually win-win for everyone, but now Chelsea are the biggest winners because they get a player back who scored three goals and is in much better shape than when he arrived.Chelsea activate Trevoh Chalobah recall clause just hours before he was due to play for Crystal Palace against Leicester”I want to say thanks to Trevoh for his professionalism and for what he invested. He is a very good player and an even better human.”We had a great time together and I wish him all the best at Chelsea.”The Eagles will return to action this Saturday, when they travel to West Ham.Trevoh Chalobah spent the first half of the season on loan at PalaceCredit: PA More