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    John McGinn tweet goes viral as he shares bizarre moment Leicester ace Ndidi gave him ‘little surprise’ during game

    JOHN McGINN had plenty to celebrate yesterday.The Aston Villa skipper helped inspire a 2-1 win over Leicester, saw Lamare Bogarde make his Premier League debut and got a little bonus from Wilfred Ndidi.Wilfred Ndidi and John McGinn come together accidentally in an awkward poseCredit: AFPMcGinn celebrated Villa’s win with a cheeky post on XCredit: GettyVilla beat Leicester 2-1 to go sixth in the Premier LeagueCredit: PAMcGinn, 29, shared photos from the 2-1 victory in a cheeky post on X which has since gone viral.He captioned the images: “Big win away from home, debut for Lamar and a little surprise #UTV.”The third and final picture showed Ndidi getting up close and personal with McGinn after an accidental coming together and fans were loving it in the comments.One replied: “Brooo, What is Ndidi doing?”READ MORE FOOTBALLAnother joked: “It’s never to early to get your prostate checked folks…..”A third noted: “Looks like he’s about to throw you down an alley for a strike.”Amadou Onana and Jhon Duran scored their second goals of the season to put Villa in the driving seat after 73 minutes.New signing Facundo Buonanotte pulled one back for the Foxes but they could not find a second to earn a point.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVilla boss Unai Emery was delighted with the result.He said: “I’m very happy, we competed like we did in the first two matches, (August is) a difficult moment for every team because of playing with the transfer window.PREM RULE CHANGES”Those points today and in the first match against West Ham are fantastic to play and win being away. “Being competitive and achieving the points, and even playing against Arsenal at home we competed well.”We are trying to be consistent with the same ideas, style. Today I am very happy.”We closed August with six points and have to be happy but keep going.” More

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    Sol Bamba’s touching final tweet as former Leicester and Cardiff star tragically dies at 39 after health battle

    SOL BAMBA’S final tweet was a heartfelt tribute to former manager Sven Goran Eriksson.The retired defender tragically passed away aged 39 after falling ill on Friday following a brave fight with cancer.Sol Bamba passed away this week after a brave fight against cancerCredit: Instagram @solbambaThe defender played for Leicester from 2011-2012Credit: GettyHe paid tribute to former Foxes boss Sven-Goran Eriksson in his final post on XCredit: GettySol Bamba had three children with wife ChloeCredit: Instagram @solbambaTributes have flooded in from former clubs, as well as Bamba’s heartbroken wife Chloe.Eriksson’s tragic death aged 76 after his own battle with cancer was confirmed by his family on Monday.Bamba played under the Swede with Leicester and the Ivory Coast and paid a moving tribute to the manager.He wrote: “Deeply devastated by the news of Sven’s passing today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He was not just an exquisite person, but he was also the best coach I’ve ever had, inspiring my journey as a player but also as a manager.”My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Sven.”A fan later replied under the post: “Quite fitting your own final message was one of such respect and sincerity. Incredibly sad news. RIP Sol.”Bamba was working as a technical director for Turkish club Adanaspor when he was taken ill before a game against Manisa BBSK on Friday.Most read in FootballA statement from Adanaspor posted on Saturday night read: “Our Technical Director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the Manisa Football Club match played yesterday, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there. Our condolences to his family and our community.”Bamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while at Cardiff but managed to return to the field for the Bluebirds after being declared cancer-free following chemotherapy.Sol Bamba is a Cardiff legend after helping the Bluebirds to promotionCredit: Instagram @solbambaHe will be sorely missed by many fansCredit: Instagram @solbambaHe had three children – Roonea, Lily and Amy – with wife Chloe, who paid tribute to the popular former defender.She wrote: “For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism.”Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31st August.”These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it.”I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best.”Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.”It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking.”What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.”BAMBA’S HEALTH BATTLESSol Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma on Christmas Eve 2020 before undergoing four months of chemo.He told Mail Sport in 2022: “After the first chemo I was down for four days.”I could not get out of bed. I lost weight. After that, I told my missus, ‘I’m not going for the second round’. The way I was, in that moment, it was awful.” But the defender quickly rose to the occasion and was lauded for raising awareness of the disease as he battled it head on.Speaking to the Guardian in November last year he said: “The way I went about it, people gave me praise … it was too much.”That’s just what I’m like. I understand some people prefer to shy away from it, but I’m different. I’m just being myself.“Even clubs now are being careful now when they do medical checks, all the way from Premier League to League Two, which is massive. In our game we talk about injuries but you never think about cancer.”Bamba was given the all-clear in May 2021, but said he still had to be “careful”, paying regular visits to the doctor.“Unfortunately when you’ve had cancer once, you always have to double check and make sure it doesn’t come back,” he continued. “Is it behind me 100%? Well, I wish but you never know.”Incredibly, he returned to playing football just five months after his diagnosis.At the time of his comeback, he said: “When I was going through chemo, I never thought for one minute I would come back and play. And I never thought about scoring penalties at Old Trafford – nights like that seemed a million miles away.”Cardiff said Bamba was a “club legend” and his death brought them the “deepest sadness”.The club wrote: “As a player and coach, Sol’s impact on our football club was immeasurable. He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman.”Leeds said in a post on X: “Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away.”Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMiddlesbrough said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39.”Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time.” More

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    Newcastle handed England star transfer boost just hours after Eddie Howe blasted ‘frustrating’ window

    PETERBOROUGH are set to land about £4million from Ivan Toney’s transfer deadline move – although they must give some of the money to Newcastle.Toney moved from Brentford to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia for £40million on Friday but was in the crowd as the Bees saw off Southampton 3-1.Newcastle will receive a fee following Ivan Toney’s £40million transfer to Al-AhliCredit: ReutersEddie Howe has admitted to disappointment at Newcastle’s transfer windowCredit: GettyPosh sold the striker to Brentford for £6m in 2020 although they have banked a further £4m in add-ons.And they will get a similar amount now, although the League One club will also have to give about £1m of that to Newcastle as part of the deal which took Toney to London Road from the north east in 2018.Peterborough signed Toney, 28, from Newcastle for just £350,000.And Toon will be happy to receive a financial boost after a difficult transfer window.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt began with the fear of a 10-point relegation as they stared down the barrel of breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.With just 24 hours remaining until the deadline, they managed to raise the £60m needed through the sales of Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson.But frustrations then turned to incomings.Eddie Howe was keen to bring England centre-back Marc Guehi in from Crystal Palace.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Newcastle failed to reach the £70m asking price, leaving Howe disappointed.Ahead of his side’s clash with Tottenham on Sunday, The Magpies boss said: “I’m not going to sit here and say it’s been a brilliant window.How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch out”We haven’t had the window we wanted, there’s no denying that.” More

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    Sol Bamba’s wife releases heartbreaking statement saying he ‘left earth knowing he was loved’ as ex-Prem star, 39, dies

    SOL BAMBA’S wife Chloe has released a heartbreaking statement after he tragically lost his battle with cancer.The father-of-three’s death aged 39 was confirmed yesterday after he was taken ill while working for Turkish side Adanaspor on Friday.Sol Bamba’s wife Chloe has payed tribute to the gentle giantChloe and Sol have three children togetherCredit: Instagram @cebambaSol Bamba returned to the field after being diagnosed with cancerCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoThe defender is an icon in the Welsh capital after he time with CardiffCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoBamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while at Cardiff but managed to return to the field for the Bluebirds after being declared cancer-free following chemotherapy.He had three children – Roonea, Lily and Amy – with wife Chloe, who paid tribute to the popular former defender.She wrote: “For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism.”Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31st August.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it. “I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best. “Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.”It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking. Most read in Football”What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.”Bamba became ill before a game against Manisa BBSK and later died in hospital.A statement from Adanaspor posted on Saturday night read: “Our Technical Director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the Manisa Football Club match played yesterday, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there. Our condolences to his family and our community.”Bamba’s health battlesSol Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma on Christmas Eve 2020 before undergoing four months of chemo.He told Mail Sport in 2022: “After the first chemo I was down for four days.”I could not get out of bed. I lost weight. After that, I told my missus, ‘I’m not going for the second round’. The way I was, in that moment, it was awful.” But the defender quickly rose to the occasion and was lauded for raising awareness of the disease as he battled it head on.Speaking to the Guardian in November last year he said: “The way I went about it, people gave me praise … it was too much.”That’s just what I’m like. I understand some people prefer to shy away from it, but I’m different. I’m just being myself.“Even clubs now are being careful now when they do medical checks, all the way from Premier League to League Two, which is massive. In our game we talk about injuries but you never think about cancer.”Bamba was given the all-clear in May 2021, but said he still had to be “careful”, paying regular visits to the doctor.“Unfortunately when you’ve had cancer once, you always have to double check and make sure it doesn’t come back,” he continued. “Is it behind me 100%? Well, I wish but you never know.”Incredibly, he returned to playing football just five months after his diagnosis.At the time of his comeback, he said: “When I was going through chemo, I never thought for one minute I would come back and play. And I never thought about scoring penalties at Old Trafford – nights like that seemed a million miles away.”Bamba was a beloved figure in English football after spells with` Leeds, Middlesbrough and Leicester.He played in the Premier League with Cardiff in the 2018-2019 season after winning the Championship runner-up trophy with the club.Cardiff said Bamba was a “club legend” and his death brought them the “deepest sadness”.The club wrote: “As a player and coach, Sol’s impact on our football club was immeasurable. He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman.”Sol Bamba was working in Turkey when he fell ill and passed awayCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoHe bravely battled cancer and leaves behind three childrenCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoSol and Chloe Bamba enjoy a touching moment togetherCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoSol was known for his generous personalityCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoChloe Bamba issued a heartbreaking statement after Sol’s deathCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoLeeds said in a post on X: “Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away.”Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts.”Middlesbrough said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39.”Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBamba was born in France but made 46 appearances for the Ivory Coast – the country of his parents’ birth.After playing he stayed with football and moved into management as an assistant manager with Cardiff in 2023. More

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    Declan Rice’s red card against Brighton was a poor decision – referee Chris Kavanagh went looking for trouble

    DECLAN RICE’S dismissal against Brighton was a poor decision by referee Chris Kavanagh.The Arsenal midfielder was shown a second yellow in the 49th minute for delaying a restart.Arsenal’s Declan Rice received a second yellow card after kicking the ball awayCredit: GettyFormer Premier League referee Mark Halsey disagreed with Kavanagh’s decisionCredit: PAHowever, the ball was rolling when Brighton’s Joel Veltman took the free-kick, so the restart would not have taken place as it would have been wrong in Law.Therefore, the delaying a restart does not apply.Kavanagh went looking for trouble and he found it.A referee of his calibre at this level should not be sending players off for this.READ MORE ON ARSENALHe should have managed the situation better by speaking to both players.Rice should have received a final warning for flicking the ball away and Veltman was also lucky to escape punishment for kicking the England star.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had a valid point when he highlighted Kavanagh’s inconsistency.Kavanagh acted on Rice but why didn’t he punish Joao Pedro for booting the ball downfield?Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSArsenal ratings vs BrightonARSENAL drew 1-1 with Brighton in a game that turned when Declan Rice was sent off for a daft second booking.Here, we take a look at how the players rated…David Raya – 6/10Initially had very little to do but was solid on the few occasions he was called upon. Denied Yankuba Minteh in the first half with a routine save.Stopped his side from going 2-1 down in the 75th minute, brilliantly saving Yasin Ayari’s shot at a largely open goal.Ben White – 6Spent large portions of the match in the Brighton half supporting Saka.Was solid defensively against the tricky Karou Mitoma.William Saliba – 6Continues to show an incredible ability to read the game and positional awareness. Thwarted the few Brighton attacks which managed to make their way into the box before Rice’s red.Gabriel – 5Marshalled the defence well with Saliba but seldom found himself in a one-on-one situation before Rice’s red. Was too far apart from the Frenchman in the build-up to Brighton’s equaliser.Jurrien Timber – 6Switched off and allowed Minteh to ghost in behind him for a header early in the first half but was solid after that lapse in concentration.Martin Odegaard – 7Was at the centre of everything good the Gunners did, pulling the strings from the first minute of the match.Should’ve put his side ahead in the 17th minute when he ghosted onto a cross into the box.Thomas Partey – 6Anchored the midfield well and showed new signing Mikel Merino that he won’t give up his place in the starting XI without a fight.Declan Rice – 4Tenacious on the left side of the midfield and was a threat going forward in the first half.Stupidly put his team under pressure just after the restart by getting himself sent off for kicking the ball away.Bukayo Saka – 7Was lively from the outset, tormenting Seagulls left-back Jack Hinshelwood every time he ran at him.Should have scored in the eighth minute when Odeegard beautifully teed him up for a close-range effort.Made up for his poor finish with a stellar assist for Havertz after bullying Lewis Dunk off the ball. Should’ve got a better connection on Havertz’s 77th-minute cross to restore the North Londoners’ lead.Kai Havertz – 8Was anonymous for large portions of the match but constantly made his brilliant runs in behind which created space for his team-mates.Produced a deft finish over the advancing Bart Verbruggen in the 37th minute to break the deadlock.But he missed a sitter in the 75th minute that would’ve restored his side’s advantage.Leandro Trossard – 6Struggled to get into the match against his former club and cut a frustrated figure on the left wing.But he produced a good save from Verbruggen just before the half-time interval.SubsRiccardo Calafiori – 6The Italian was thrown on to shore up the defence after Rice’s red card and did just that, as well as offering an outlet on the left wing.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Tried his best but failed to inject his usual energy into the game.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5The Ukranian was brought on to further bolster the struggling defence but almost cost his side the game in stoppage time by allowing Carlos Baleba a free header in the box.Or even Bukayo Saka, who committed a worse offence than Rice by throwing the ball away in injury time after Brighton won a free-kick.It’s the inconsistency from our officials that really annoys managers, players and fans.How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch out More

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    Everton make £20m-rated Luton striker Elijah Adebayo top transfer target

    EVERTON boss Sean Dyche will make Luton striker Elijah Adebayo his top target in January.The Goodison chief expects to lose Dominic Calvert-Lewin at some stage and his spies are focusing on the 26-year-old Hatters hitman as his replacement.Luton striker Elijah Adebayo is being eyed up by EvertonCredit: GettyAdebayo scored 10 Premier League goals last seasonDyche would have bid for Adebayo last week if efforts to move DCL had come to anything, but he will be back.Championship side Luton are open to a sale in the £15m-£20million range.Everton would have enough to attempt a move if they sell England striker Calvert-Lewin, 27, who is out of contract next summer and stalling over a new deal.Crystal Palace are also checking out Adebayo just in case Jean-Philippe Mateta attracts a buyer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWe revealed that Eagles are keen for Mateta to sign an extension but there has been little progress and the Frenchman, 27, may fancy a glamour move.Adebayo’s Luton team-mate, Joe Taylor, missed out on a Deadline Day move to Championship rivals Huddersfield — despite being sent to Yorkshire to sign.The striker, 21, was due to go on loan for the season but the Hatters failed to find a replacement for him and had to call him back.And Luton missed out on Leicester’s Tom Cannon as the Republic of Ireland forward, 21, chose to join Stoke on loan.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey have started their Championship campaign in a dreadful way, picking up just one point from four games.They have lost to Burnley, Preston and QPR and drawn with Portsmouth.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelRob Edwards’ men were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by QPR earlier this week. More

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    Erik ten Hag taunts Liverpool as Man Utd boss reminds Reds he’s won MORE trophies than them since joining

    ERIK TEN HAG taunted Liverpool by bragging they cannot match Manchester United’s trophy haul during his two-year reign.The Red Devils host their Kop rivals on Sunday.Erik ten Hag has won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup as Manchester United bossCredit: APArne Slot will face Man Utd for the first time as Liverpool manager on SundayCredit: GettyAnd boss Ten Hag spiced up the clash by pointing out only City can better his EFL and FA Cup silverware since he took charge in 2022.He said: “Behind City we have won the most trophies over the last two years, so we have performed better than anyone else.“Those are the facts. This year we want to win trophies and I am quite confident we will build on this.“It is what I’ve done for the last 11 years, so I am just patient and waiting.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDTen Hag’s debut campaign at Man Utd ended a six-year trophy drought, as they won the Carabao Cup and were runners-up in the FA Cup as Pep Guardiola led City to the Treble.Last season they beat their Manchester neighbours in a Wembley repeat, while Liverpool won last term’s Carabao Cup.United also played a big part in wrecking hopes of a Kop domestic clean sweep in Jurgen Klopp’s final year, dumping them out of the FA Cup, before a battling draw helped end their title hopes.Those were two high spots in a season woefully short of them for Ten Hag.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAt one stage it looked like not even that derby win at Wembley would save his job.New part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually stuck with him, triggering a 12-month contract extension and following up with a £173million splurge on five signings.Did Mazraoui Just Solve Man Utd’s Attacking Problems? | Tactics ExposedAn angry Ten Hag insists United are heading in the right direction — and has no interest in getting the plaudits for his trophy double.He added: “I am sure we have not only progressed but won trophies.“There is only one thing in football — whether you have won prizes, won trophies or not.“After City, we have won the most and I don’t care if I get credit or not.“As far as I know the fans are happy with me but it’s not about me, it’s about United.”Sunday is the first Premier League meeting between Ten Hag and fellow Dutchman Arne Slot.The pair have faced each other while in charge of Ajax and Feyenoord respectively.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Ten Hag wants the United faithful to turn Old Trafford into a cauldron on Sunday afternoon against the rivals they hate above all others.He said: “I’m sure the fans are ready, together with us, to take the fire and take on this challenge.” More

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    I love what I’m seeing from Arne Slot – and Liverpool’s unconventional transfer strategy could prove a masterstroke

    YOU only get one chance to make a first impression and, I must admit, I like what I’ve seen of Arne Slot so far.Winning his first two games helps, of course. Although, to be honest, if Liverpool hadn’t beaten Ipswich and Brentford people would have been asking ‘what’s happening here?’Arne Slot has won his opening two games in charge at AnfieldCredit: GettyBut what really impressed me is the way he handled himself after both games with people wanting to know what he’s changed since Jurgen Klopp left.Just because he’s new, people have been saying he must be working on this or that, different patterns or whatever.But Slot was straight up. He said he hadn’t worked on anything particularly new. It was down to good players making the right moves and connecting with each other.Very honest — and he’s dead right as well. There’s no magic formula, you don’t need to tell lads who’ve played together for years where they should be running or when they should be passing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMaybe that’s why he didn’t do a lot of business in the transfer window. Perhaps he looked at what he had and was quite happy with it.I’m sure everyone thought a new manager would mean a few new players at Liverpool, as well. That’s normally the case.But why shouldn’t Slot think ‘you know what, this is pretty decent, I don’t need to change a lot here.’People seem to forget Liverpool were in with a chance of a treble until deep into last season. At one stage they were on about winning the lot.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSlot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan KingLIVERPOOL’S new manager Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.“The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss.I know it all seemed to fall apart pretty quickly in the end but they were in with a shout for a long time.So perhaps Slot came in and liked the look of what he had. It’s not as though he’s short of options either, is it?SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesTwo great full-backs, the goalkeeper, Virgil van Dijk in the middle and Mo Salah’s still a fantastic player — as he showed in last week’s 2-0 win over Brentford.In fact look how many forwards he’s got… Salah, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota. So it’s no surprise he only added Federico Chiesa from Juventus this week.It’s been much the same story at Manchester City and Arsenal, too, because they haven’t done much this summer either.The thing is, having too many players can cause just as many problems as not having enough simply because every time you pick a team, someone gets the needle.Look at the kid at Arsenal last week, Leandro Trossard. He came on in the second half against Aston Villa and scored, but still had the raving hump.All the other lads were jumping around and he was there fuming, like ‘see, how could you leave me out?’It’s something that will never change. They all love you when you pick them and think you’re crap when you don’t!Obviously the more players you have, the more you leave out, and the more unhappy voices in the dressing room. That can cause you aggro, believe me.And Slot’s made a decent enough start with the players he’s got already, although Sunday’s game at Manchester United will be a different level to the two he’s had so far.It’s going to be really tight and we saw last year how United get up for this one. Even so, I can’t see Liverpool losing… it’s just whether they can win it.There’s no doubt that Erik ten Hag is the manager under most pressure after getting chinned late on at Brighton last weekend.It will come down on him early this year if things start to slip, especially with Gareth Southgate lurking in the background now he’s no longer England boss.If Slot can make it three out of three — especially when the third is at Old Trafford — Liverpool have the chance to get a real head of steam.Whether they’ll be able to close the gap on the two who finished above them last time, I don’t know. But they’ll certainly be a genuine force.So if you put a gun to my head, I’d just about favour Liverpool to nick it… although I really wouldn’t be surprised if it ended all square.READ MORE SUN STORIESSven tribute I SPENT four or five days with Sven-Goran Eriksson when we were both working on Soccer Aid a few years ago and loved every minute of it.It was a pleasure to be around him. He was an absolute true gentleman and it was just so very sad to hear of his passing. More