Premier League

ARSENAL’S recent revival has coincided – not surprisingly – with the return of Martin Odegaard from injury.The Norwegian is Mikel Arteta’s captain and very much the leader of the team.Martin Odegaard is the key to Arsenal’s title challengeCredit: RexMikel Arteta’s team have not been the same while the captain has been out injuredCredit: GettyArsenal look a different side when he is in the starting XI, and they sorely missed him when he was out with an ankle injury.He makes them tick, and was at his very best last weekend in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest and in their 5-1 Champions League hammering of Sporting Lisbon.Ex-Chelsea legend and BBC pundit Pat Nevin could hardly contain his enthusiasm for the way he pulled the strings.He said: “The mutual understanding of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard was extraordinary, bordering on psychic. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The latter was playing on a different level to anyone else and several levels above every Forest player.“‌Odegaard was sublime, almost balletic, seeing spaces, gliding into them and effortlessly making passes that his opponents couldn’t even imagine. It all reminded me of Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva at their peak.“Arsenal with Odegaard back in the side look as good, if not better than ever, and this was without the rested Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.”Here are three ways he makes Arsenal a much more formidable team and why he holds the key to the Gunners’ title aspirations this season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRight-side combinationsArsenal’s form dipped while Odegaard was out injured, winning just three of their seven Premier League matches.Given the Gunners’ quality, opponents tend to sit deep and try to cut off the passing lanes into Saka – some even double or triple up on him.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problemBut with Odegaard in the team and playing as the right-sided central midfielder in Arteta’s 4-3-3, Arsenal are far more dangerous. Jurrien Timber combines with and makes a run behind the defensive lineThis creates space for Odegaard to receive the ball from Saka and then deliver a dangerous cross to the far post.Arsenal’s right side combine well and can break down deep defencesWhen Odegaard was out, we saw the likes of Thomas Partey, Mikel Merino, Rice and Jorginho played in midfield – but they lack the creativity and positional awareness of the skipper. The only player that possesses similar attributes to him is wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri, 17, hence calls for him to get more minutes.Odegaard is comfortable coming out wide and into the channels to overload the opposition and pull players out of position.It hands Saka more in space and therefore Arsenal are not reliant on one player to break down a deep defensive block.Odegaard comes out to receive the ball wide and Timber runs inside. These inter-changing movements are tough for opponents to cope with.Timber’s driving run and Odegaard’s clever movement out wide sees Arsenal progress the ballFinding space Odegaard is a midfielder who provides value for Arsenal both in the way he finds angles for playing progressive passes and in his positioning and movement to receive progressive passes.He scans constantly and moves into areas where he is tough to pick up.When Rice is on the ball, Timber moves inside to support.Odegaard shifts and positions himself centrally in a pocket of space to receive the ball and combine with Jorginho.These quick passes help Arsenal move the ball up the pitch with purpose and break down what is a compact Forest defensive shape.Odegaard scans what is behind him and knows he can move the ball beyond Forest’s midfield with a quick interchangeWhile the positioning and movement from Odegaard is very good, his technical level is sublime.The ex-Real Madrid star can receive passes in the final third and have the poise to release an attacking player like Saka into positions that hurt the last line of the opposition defence.Again, Rice is in possession and as he turns forward, the movement and positioning of Odegaard allows the ball to be played through and beyond the opposition midfield.When the 25-year-old playmaker is missing they simply do not have a player who can find these positions consistently and deep defences can frustrate themOdegaard has the awareness to move into a space where Rice can play a simple yet progressive passCreating space for SakaWhen Odegaard was missing from the Arsenal team we saw a downturn in the form of Saka. This was because teams were starting to try to double or even triple up on him.With Odegaard in the team and positioning himself higher, we see opponents pulled apart as they try to keep both him and Saka quiet.To account for the Norwegian’s positioning, they are not able to commit as many players to covering the threat of the England winger.Arsenal’s No8 can receive centrally and then drive at the heart of the opposition’s defensive line. A left-back or left-holding midfielder then has a dilemma. Close down Odegaard and leave Saka open or stay on Saka and give a player of Odegaard’s skill time on the edge of their box.A driving run creates space wide for Saka or Odegaard will keep goingAnd in the next example, Odegaard is in position to receive the ball in the channel. His positioning has attracted a defensive player to the ball and Saka is able to pick it up 1vs1 against the full-back, where he is simply unplayable. Getting Saka 1vs1 can win Arsenal gamesOn GaardOdegaard is perhaps Arsenal’s most important player. Not only is he the club captain and leader on and off the pitch, he is the key to providing the link between midfield and attack. READ MORE SUN STORIESWithout him the Gunners are one dimensional, much less dangerous and will not win the title.With him they have a far better chance, although Liverpool may disagree… More

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY walking into the Leicester job must have managers further down the leagues tearing their hair out.This week at the Northwest Football Awards, for example, Dave Challinor of Stockport was named manager of the year ahead of Pep Guardiola.Ruud van Nistelrooy’s selection for the King Powercould be seen as another blow to high-achieving EFL bossesCredit: PADave Challinor has transformed Stockport in under three yearsCredit: RexNow that may be because organisers felt he would probably turn up to get his gong, unlike Guardiola.Still, two promotions in 2½  years to lift the area’s poor relation from the National League to League One — where they sit fourth — is incredible.Yet that and a managerial background  at Colwyn Bay, AFC Fylde and Hartlepool would sadly never put him on a Premier League club’s radar.It never does.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVan Nistelrooy was on that radar at the Foxes in the summer after one season managing at PSV Eindhoven before they went for Steve Cooper.Now after a further four games as interim Manchester United boss and he is in at the King Power and Cooper is out.To be fair, Michael Carrick did not do too badly on the back of his three games as caretaker at Old Trafford in 2021.He racked up two wins and a draw and, by the next October, was manager of Middlesbrough.Most read in FootballMichael Carrick has thrived as Middlesbrough chief after his brief stint as Red Devils’ interim bossCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBig names excite fans and Van Nistelrooy has one, literally.At PSV, he won the 2023 Dutch Cup and was runner-up in the league  but walked out amid a dispute with the board over lack of backing in the transfer market — an early red flag.Emotional Ruud van Nistelrooy given incredible ovation at Old Trafford with Man Utd interim still unclear on his futureAfter a year out, this summer he became part of a coaching set-up with Erik ten Hag that oversaw the club’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season.Then came those four games as caretaker.Coincidentally, the first was a 5-2 Carabao Cup win over Leicester.Except it was the Foxes’ second team as Cooper prioritised that  weekend’s relegation six-pointer at Ipswich, which they  drew 1-1.Van Nistelrooy followed it with a creditable 1-1 draw against Chelsea, a 2-0 victory over PAOK in the Europa League,  then a 3-0 win over — guess who? — Leicester again.So hardly the most taxing run of games and that draw with Chelsea was an absolute shocker of a game. Still, he briefly lifted the club  and the reception he got from the United faithful obviously struck a chord with the Foxes hierarchy watching from the directors’ box.That love-in was more to do with his 150 goals for the club way back when, rather than any managerial masterpiece.At a time when image is everything, however, the Dutchman  comes across very well.Van Nistelrooy showed his fiery side to Alex FergusonCredit: GettyJust look at how  Lee Carsley was dismissed  as a potential England boss because of how he handled the media glare.If Van Nistelrooy turned on the charm — like he did in his United press conferences — during his  interview for the Foxes job, you can see why  he got it.That is not to say the  ex-striker, 48, will not do well —  as he leans on the experience of  working with some greats.Like the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, who he gave a volley of abuse to when his boss did not bring him on  in the 2006 League Cup final.There is clearly a fiery side to the man.Worryingly for Foxes chiefs, the story goes that it was not just down to  a lack of support from above that saw Van Nistelrooy leave PSV just before the season ended.Stories in Holland claim  there was  a player revolt behind the scenes…If all the paperwork is done, his first  game as Foxes gaffer  could be at Brentford on Saturday.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Challinor, 49, is set to host Brackley in the FA Cup.It seems if he wants to manage in the top flight, he will have to get there with Stockport. More

ARNE SLOT left a reporter embarrassed with an obvious fact about Ryan Gravenberch.The incident occurred after Liverpool secured an impressive 2-0 win over holders Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage.Arne Slot embarrassed a journalist over a question about Ryan GravenberchCredit: YouTubeThe Dutch midfielder starred in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Real MadridCredit: GettyA thriller at Anfield saw both sides miss penalties.But it was the Reds who emerged victorious thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.There were impressive performances all over the pitch from Liverpool.Yet it was in midfield where the game was won.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDeployed in a deep solo role, Gravenberch helped his side control the tempo while dominating Real Madrid trio Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham.The Dutchman’s top show was his latest this season, having become a key player under new boss Slot.But one reporter was left red-faced when asking Liverpool’s manager a question about Gravenberch.Slot was asked at his post-match press conference whether the Reds’ classy playmaker could be the next Toni Kroos.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe ex-Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Germany star retired after the Euros with seven league titles, six Champions Leagues and a World Cup.Unfortunately for the reporter though, Slot responded with an obvious fact.Liverpool boss Arne Slot gives update on Trent injury The gaffer said: “No, because he (Gravenberch) is Dutch, not German.”Gravenberch is in his second season at Liverpool following a £33million move from Bayern Munich in 2023.He struggled to impress under Jurgen Klopp last term despite clocking up 38 appearances in all competitions.But Gravenberch looks a different player in Slot’s possession-focused side, already featuring in 17 matches.And his dad Ryan Snr reckons Liverpool’s new manager is the exact reason why Gravenberch is playing so well.He said: “We are God-believing people, and we think God sent Arne to us and to Liverpool.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Obviously he’s Dutch so when he explains something to Ryan, he can understand it very clearly. He communicates superbly.“The main thing he’s said to Ryan is: ‘I’m going to play you and so it is on you to maintain playing.’ He was very clear about that and that has worked for both sides.” More

RICKY GERVAIS poked fun at Roy Keane with a 14-word post after the Manchester United legend “offered out” a fan to a car park.Keane clashed with an Ipswich supporter after seeing his old side draw 1-1 at Portman Road on Sunday.Ricky Gervais has poked fun at Roy Keane after his clash with an Ipswich fanCredit: InstagramKeane ‘offered out’ the fan to a car park after Man Utd’s 1-1 draw at Portman RoadCredit: https://x.com/adenLFC4lifeThe Irishman was working as a pundit for Sky Sports when the incident occurred.An irate home fan gave Keane a peace of his mind following the ex-midfielder’s beleaguered time as Ipswich boss 15 years ago.This saw Keane confront the supporter before saying: “I’ll wait for you in the car park.”And comedian Gervais could not resist poking fun at United’s former captain on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe creator of TV hits like The Office and Extras was revealed as the guest on the next episode of The Overlap.Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher sparked Gervais’ Keane quip by saying: “Bloody loves football.”Gervais responded: “I’m just glad Roy didn’t want to chat to me in the car park.”This saw fans react in delight, with one saying: “The crossover we all wanted.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother declared: “Can’t wait to watch this.”One noted: “Challenge him to shoe throwing.” ‘If he wants to pay’- Roy Keane accepts Ruben Amorim’s offer to meet Man Utd legend live on TVMan Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Onana saves Amorim from embarrassment in first game as bossMANCHESTER UNITED began the Ruben Amorim era with a 1-1 draw away at Ipswich.Marcus Rashford needed just 81 seconds to put the Red Devils in front at Portman Road, tapping home an Amad Diallo cross.But Ipswich hit back when Omari Hutchinson’s strike flew in via a deflection off Noussair Mazraoui.And it was the newly-promoted side who looked likelier to get a winner in the second half.Here is how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett saw the performances of the Man Utd players…ANDRE ONANA – 7/10United’s best player. Two key stops to deny Liam Delap but no chance for the deflected Omari Hutchinson goal.Then delivered an 87th minute save to keep out an effort from Conor Chaplin.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 5Slotted in on the right of the three-man defence but unfortunate with the deflection for the goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5Has been suspect this season and will probably be better suited to a back three although still given a tough time by Delap.JONNY EVANS – 5The 36-year-old was targeted by Ipswich for his lack of pace and no surprise he was replaced.AMAD DIALLO – 6Did incredibly well to bomb past Jens Cajuste and deliver the cross for Rashford’s early goal but offered little else.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 5Some nice touches going forward but too lightweight in this position in front of the back three.CASEMIRO – 4Lucky to start ahead of Manuel Ugarte and was really poor.Struggled throughout before being subbed and could maybe have got a block to the Hutchinson shot.DIOGO DALOT – 5Not suited to left wing-back although stayed there when Luke Shaw arrived because the English international replaced Evans in the back three.BRUNO FERNANDES – 5Some of his link-up play was fine but United need a captain who can inspire this team and Fernandes is not the man.Sent a free-kick flashing past the post with 12 minutes left.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5Twice called over by Ruben Amorim in the first half for instructions.Denied by a decent save from Aro Muric 50 seconds into the second half.MARCUS RASHFORD – 6Criticised for his basketball trip to New York so to score after 80 seconds was two fingers up at his critics – but did not offer much after that.SubsUgarte (for Casemiro 56 mins) – 6Shaw (for Evans 56 mins) – 6Hojlund (for Rashford 67 mins) – 5Zirkzee ( for Eriksen 67 mins) – 5Mount (for Garnacho 87 mins) – 5Another added: “Did you enjoy the interview Ricky? Not at all, to some extent, very much so, don’t know.”Meanwhile, the Ipswich supporter had his say on the incident with Keane on Facebook.Neil Finbow wrote: “New claim to fame – just been offered out into the carpark by Roy Keane after a few choice words.“Even Jamie Redknapp had to come over to get him away – just ya average Sunday evening out.”Responding to a comment, he then allegedly wrote: “I was reminding him that he set us back five years and ruined our football club. “I also mentioned how he wasn’t fit to step foot anywhere near our ground [Portman Road].”Oh, and I mentioned about him walking out on a World Cup and breaking Haaland’s leg and putting it in his autobiography.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I hate the bloke, and that’s been boiling up since he got sacked all those years ago.”Finbow went on to write in a further comment: “The truth hurts, mate. I feel sick when I look at him.”Amorim needs A LOT of time on training pitch to fix Man Utd… unfortunately he won’t get it, writes Charlie WyettIN theory at least, the only way is up for Manchester United, writes Charlie Wyett.We are nearly a third of the way through this Premier League season and it is still staggering to see United lurking in 12th place.They have managed just four wins with a goal difference of 0. Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored less.It is certainly not a false position and a point at Ipswich illustrated the massive job that Ruben Amorim faces.United’s fans sang the name of their new manager throughout the game.They also gave the players rapturous applause on the final whistle and although this was an improvement on some of the performances this season, the bar has been set pretty low.The club’s optimistic supporters will see that their team is only six points off the top four.  Ultimately, though, it is difficult to see United even reaching last season’s final position of eighth as they look worse.United’s patched-up defence will improve – and a three-man formation at the back will help them – but you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from. Marcus Rashford struck after 81 seconds and then went missing for the rest of his 68 minutes on the pitch.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were also introduced in that double change midway inside the second half but added absolutely nothing. What a terrible couple of signings they have proved to be and United’s fans would swap both of them for Ipswich’s Liam Delap.Amorim did not celebrate the Rashford goal and paced around his technical area throughout looking uneasy.Each time there was a break in play, he called over players for instructions.Alejandro Garnacho headed over to the touchline on a couple of occasions while there were also words for Diogo Dalot, Casemiro and Jonny Evans.Amorim, a manager with infectious enthusiasm, will be hopeful he can get his message across to all of the players in the next few weeks.But the problem for the Portuguese coach is that this was the first of 10 games in the space of 33 days.What he really needs are spells on the training ground without a midweek game but he does not have that luxury. More