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      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hasn’t changed his clothes since MID-FEBRUARY as rival coach jokes he won’t get close to him

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      ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta revealed he wears the same clothes in the dugout during every winning streak.Arteta has led his team to a surprise Premier League title hunt as the Gunners are top of the table with five points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.
      Mikel Arteta has adopted a strange ritual amid Arsenal’s title challengeCredit: Getty
      Arteta pictured on February 18, after Arsenal’s 4-2 win over Aston VillaCredit: Alamy
      He’s pictured again in the exact same outfit on March 1 after beating EvertonCredit: EPA
      The Spanish tactician is exhausting all possible ideas to help the North Londoners win their first title since 2004, and that includes giving in to a rather strange superstition.
      The 40-year-old wears the exact same jumper, trousers and shoes after every Arsenal win, which means he hasn’t changed his clothes since February 15 when they lost 3-1 to City.
      Arteta told The Telegraph: “I am a very methodical, routine person.
      “When we are winning, I don’t like to change my clothes, I like to maintain exactly the same jumper, trousers and shoes as before. If we lose, I change to something different.
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      “They’ve given me the opportunity to do what I love most, in the club that I absolutely love, respect and admire. I love what I do, every day.
      “So when I have some doubts, or feel pressure, I just come back to that: How do you feel about what you do? And it doesn’t get any better than this.”
      The odd ritual appears to be paying off as Arsenal have won 19 out of 25 Premier League matches, which is more than anyone else in the top flight.
      Arteta’s men have also emerged victorious out of all their last three league matches heading to Saturday’s clash with Bournemouth at the Emirates.
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      That means the Spaniard has only changed his attire six times across all competitions this season.
      The Cherries’ manager, though, Gary O’Neil jokingly admitted he prefers to keep his distance from his Arsenal counterpart after hearing about his bizarre habit.
      O’Neil said: “Maybe just don’t go too close to Mikel if he hasn’t changed his clothes for a while.”
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta never changes his clothes during a winning streakCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal and Chelsea handed huge transfer blow as Moises Caicedo signs new four-year Brighton deal

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      MOISES CAICEDO has signed a new-four year Brighton contract, just weeks after the Arsenal and Chelsea target pressed for a move on Instagram.The Seasiders announced the Ecuador midfielder, 21, has agreed a deal until 2027.
      Midfield powerhouse Moises Caicedo has surprised many by agreeing a new deal with BrightonCredit: Getty
      It comes just a day after Caicedo appeared to delete his Instagram account, having also changed his agent in January.
      Arsenal reportedly had a £70million bid for the 28-cap powerhouse rejected just before the transfer deadline.
      And it’s thought Chelsea too had an offer rejected.
      At the same time, Caicedo posted a long message on Instagram expressing his desire to leave.
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      But Brighton dug in and also gave him a stay-at-home warning.
      Manager Roberto De Zerbi then returned him to the squad.
      Now Caicedo has accepted a new deal, although it’s unclear if there are any get-out clauses.
      And resilient Brighton go into Saturday’s home Premier League clash with West Ham in an impressive eighth position.
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      Earlier this week Caicedo seemingly ditched his ‘moises_caicedo55’ Instagram account.
      it follows his outspoken social media statement – pretty much a transfer request – in January.
      He wrote ten: “I am grateful to Mr. [Tony] Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I always play football with a smile and with heart.
      “I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador. My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador.
      “I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful.
      “The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity.”
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      I play for Chelsea and captained England Under-15s… but now I’ve been called up for Cameroon

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      CHELSEA youngster Ben Elliott has been called up to represent Cameroon – having previously captained England Under 15s. The starlet qualifies for both countries as he was born in England but has a Cameroonian parent.
      Attacking midfielder Elliott is among Chelsea’s most exciting youth prospectsCredit: Rex
      England could now miss out on a potential star of the future after the African country swooped for the 20-year-old.
      Elliott is an attacking midfielder and among the most exciting young prospects playing at Chelsea.
      He is now part of Cameroon’s 34-man squad for the upcoming international break.
      They have two matches against Namibia, home and then away five days later, as the pair scrap for African Cup of Nations qualifications.
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      The matches are set to be Cameroon’s first games since their shock 1-0 victory over Brazil in the World Cup in a tournament which yielded encouraging results but also saw conflict within the squad.
      Elliott will be hoping to feature as he looks for another milestone in his promising career.
      He signed for Chelsea at the age of eight on a youth contract before singing a professional deal in November 2019.
      Since the 2020/21 season he has been appearing with Chelsea U18s.
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      The next season saw early parts of Elliott’s campaign blighted by injury before he bounced back.
      He has yet to make an appearance for Chelsea’s senior team.
      But he will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of players like Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham who have all broken into the first-team ranks in recent years. More

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      Chelsea chiefs ‘SPLIT over Graham Potter’ with board questioning if under-fire boss commands respect to halt slump

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      CHELSEA chiefs are split over Graham Potter’s future at Stamford Bridge, reports claim.The Blues boss is under pressure following a run of six games without a win.
      Reports claim the Chelsea board are split over Graham Potter’s futureCredit: Getty
      Todd Boehly is claimed to be supportive of PotterCredit: Getty
      But the Chelsea hierarchy are divided on whether Potter has what it takes to turn things around, according to the Daily Mail.
      It’s claimed that within some areas of the club there are doubts over the former Brighton boss.
      However, the Mail say that Todd Boehly IS thought to be supportive of Potter behind the scenes.
      Boehly is co-controlling owner at Chelsea and reportedly thinks Potter should be given more time.
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      The American businessman is said to believe another change of manager would set the team back in its rebuild.
      Despite that, Potter is said to be facing a fight to convince some chiefs that he remains the best person for the job.
      Poor results against Leeds and Borussia Dortmund in Chelsea’s next two games could leave Potter facing the axe.
      Chelsea’s owners have supported Potter and recognise it will take time for the £600million worth of new signings to gel.
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      They also know the new manager’s appointment is a long-term project, just as he demonstrated at Brighton.
      But there is claimed to be some scepticism over how Potter has handled the club through difficult moments since taking over from Thomas Tuchel in September.
      Potter admitted on Friday that “results haven’t been good enough” in recent weeks and months.
      But the Chelsea boss insisted he still has the backing of the board.
      He said ahead of the Leeds clash on his conversations with the owners: “There is support and, of course, I’ve spoken to them. But I’m not going to hide behind that.
      “The results haven’t been good enough for us and I’m responsible for that.
      “When you’re a coach, if the results are good you accept the criticism and noise that comes with it.
      “My job is to stay with the team, stay focused, try to prepare the team as well as I can, and win the game tomorrow.” More

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      Football chiefs reveal shock new law to clamp down on ‘s***housery’ – with rule coming into effect THIS SUMMER

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      FOOTBALL chiefs will today confirm a new law to ban Emi Martinez-style shoot-out antics.The game’s law-making body, the International FA Board, has agreed a major clampdown after Aston Villa keeper Martinez used every trick in the book during Argentina’s World Cup shoot-out wins over the Netherlands and France.
      Aston Villa keeper Emi Martinez sparked a rule change after his World Cup anticsCredit: Getty
      IFAB is set to end Emi Martinez-styled mind games on penalty kicksCredit: AFP
      Emiliano Martinez has been using mind games with Aston Villa and ArgentinaCredit: Getty
      SunSport revealed the plans were being strongly discussed in January.
      And at its annual general meeting in London today, Ifab will confirm the law change to come into effect from July 1.
      The amendment to Law 14 will state: “Goalkeepers must not behave in a way that unfairly distracts the kicker at a penalty kick or during penalties.”
      That means bookings and eventually dismissals for keepers who deliberately engage in gamesmanship tactics at spot-kicks or in shoot-outs.
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      Martinez’s outrageous behaviour in Qatar was the spark for the law change.
      The Villa gloveman engaged in a series of acts against both Holland in the last eight clash and the final against France, including booting the ball out of the box on one occasion and picking it up, walking back to his line before throwing it away on another.
      That will now be outlawed and bring a yellow card in the first instance and a red for a repeat performance, which would mean an outfield player having to go in goal during a shoot-out.
      In another change, referees will be ordered to add on extra time at the end of each half to take account of goal celebrations as well as substitutions, injury stoppages and VAR interventions.
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      While that does not mean mandating World Cup-style time-keeping in the Prem – England’s opener against Iran lasted 117 minutes – it is anticipated that five or six minutes will be added to the second halves of most games.
      Ifab will also confirm guidelines to determine what is considered “deliberate play” by a defender which will mean an attacking player is not deemed offside if the ball reaches them.
      One example being used would mean Harry Kane’s equalising penalty against Germany in the Nations League last season would now not be awarded because he would be flagged offside with the defender’s touch ruled as unintentional. More

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      Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes teases ‘new job’ in subtle dig at boss in now-deleted tweet

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      ARSENAL star Gabriel Magalhaes has issued a now-deleted enigmatic post after missing out on Brazil’s squad.Gabriel has played a major role in the Gunners’ Premier League title challenge this season after forming a strong partnership with William Saliba at centre-back.
      Gabriel Magalhaes issued a now-deleted enigmatic post on Twitter
      Gabriel Magalhaes wasn’t included in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming friendlyCredit: Getty
      However, Brazil caretaker manager Ramon Menezes, who took over from Tite after a poor 2022 World Cup showing, didn’t include the defender for the upcoming friendly.
      The 25-year-old didn’t seem too pleased with that development as he took to Twitter to share an apparent tongue-in-cheek response.
      Gabriel tweeted: “New job”, and accompanied his post with a basketball and a winking emoji.
      That appeared to be a subtle dig at Menezes with the ex-Lille star hinting he may try his luck at another sport.
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      However, the Brazilian deleted his post soon after with his exact message still not confirmed.
      Brazil are scheduled to take on Morocco in Tangier on March 25.
      That will be the Selecao’s first match since their humiliating World Cup exit at the hands of Croatia, who eliminated them from the quarter-finals in Qatar.
      Morocco, on the other hand, will be hosting the Brazilians shortly after becoming the first ever African nation to make it to the competition’s semi-finals.
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      Menezes called up a number of other Premier League stars for the international friendly.
      Those are Manchester City’s Ederson, Nottingham Forest’s Renan Lodi, West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta and Wolves’ Joao Comes.
      Tottenham’s Emerson Royal and Richarlison as well as Manchester United’s Casemiro and Antony also join them.
      Chelsea January signing Andrey Santos has made the squad as well after he was shipped back on loan at Vasco da Gama.
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      Arsenal ace Gabriel Magalhaes appeared to take a dig at Brazil’s caretaker bossCredit: Getty
      There were some other notable omissions, such as Liverpool’s Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino as well as Barcelona’s Raphinha and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes.
      Gabriel’s Arsenal’s team-mates Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus are omitted with the latter still injured after the World Cup.
      Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar is also not included as he is currently nursing an ankle injury. More

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      Chelsea dealt fresh blow with Mason Mount OUT of Leeds match with injury and Reece James a doubt for crunch clash

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      CHELSEA have been dealt fresh injury blows with Reece James and Mason Mount both set to miss the huge clash against Leeds.The Blues are in woeful form, having won just one of their last 11 matches.
      Mason Mount is out of the game versus LeedsCredit: Getty
      Reece James is a doubt tooCredit: Getty
      Saturday’s game versus Javi Gracia’s side, followed by the Champions League decider with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, could decide the future of under pressure manager Graham Potter.
      And he may have to find a way to win without key players like James, who is a doubt, and Mount.
      Potter said: “Mason has had a problem with his lower abdomen area, pubic bone, so he will miss the game tomorrow, I don’t think it will be too long, but too soon for tomorrow.
      “Reece has a little tightness in his hamstring. We are just assessing him but he’s doubtful for tomorrow as well.”
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      This is not the first time James has picked up an injury this season after getting hurt just before the World Cup, which prevented him being part of the England squad.
      And the right-back worsened a knee problem in his first game back from the initial injury.
      It led to James’ personal trainer taking to social media to write an angry and cryptic post.
      Adding to Potter’s woes is that he can’t count on Cesar Azpilicueta, who is yet to pass all the necessary checks after suffering from concussion in a shock 1-0 loss to Southampton.
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      Meanwhile, star centre-back Thiago Silva is expected to be unavailable for six weeks after picking up a knee issue in the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham last Sunday.
      There was a small positive in terms of injury news for Chelsea as N’Golo Kante has returned to training.
      The Frenchman has played just twice this season and not since August because of a hamstring problem.
      Potter said: “N’Golo had his first full training session today but obviously still needs time.”
      Suffering similarly to Chelsea are Leeds, who are also without key players like Stuart Dallas, Rodrigo and Adam Forshaw.
      Pascal Struijk, Liam Cooper, Max Wober and Luis Sinisterra are all doubts too. More

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      Liverpool vs Manchester United headlines this weekend’s Single Game Survivor offerings – win cash!

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      Liverpool vs Manchester United is one of the biggest fixtures in world football – that’s simply a fact.So what better game than a clash at Anfield between English football’s two most successful clubs to headline this weekend’s Single Game Survivor offerings.
      There is plenty to play for at Anfield, with Erik ten Hag’s side- propelled by an in-form Marcus Rashford – chasing more trophies while Jurgen Klopp’s men are hopeful of a late charge into the top four.
      If you can predict how this much-anticipated match will unfold then you could win cash through Single Game Survivor this Sunday.
      Single Game Survivor is all about nailing some in-play questions for quick winnings – we’ve previewed the fixture below to give you a leg up.
      Get your entries in by 4.30pm on Sunday, 5 March!

      PLAY SINGLE GAME SURVIVOR THIS WEEKEND – MONEY TO BE WON ON LIVERPOOL VS MAN UNITED

      Get involved this weekend
      Which team will score first?
      The first goal is always deemed crucial to the outcome of any game, but will it be Liverpool or United that get it at Anfield? These stats might help…
      Scored first (last 5 PL games):
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      Man Utd : Y-Y-N-Y-Y
      Liverpool: Y-GD-Y-Y-N  (GD=goalless draw)
      The visitors shade it – which way do you think it will go?
      Which of these players will be first to take two shots?
      In this category are both Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes, so let’s have a look at which of these talismen are most likely to get two shots off first this weekend.
      Shots per 90 minutes (Premier League 2022/23)
      Salah: 3.2
      Fernandes: 2.2
      Shots on target per 90 minutes (Premier League 2022/23)
      Salah: 1.3
      Fernandes: 0.8
      Which team will be the first to commit five fouls?
      We’re all expecting (and let’s face it, hoping for) a fiery game, but which team will fall foul of the referee early doors? Here is – perhaps – a helping hand…
      Fouls per match (Premier League 2022/23):
      Liverpool: 9.6
      Man Utd: 11.3
      Credit: DREAM TEAM
      Five more questions await you inside the game so sign-up now and enter the mix!
      And don’t forget, you’ve got two lives to play with so there’s some room for error.
      Good Luck!
      ****************************
      You can play Single Game Survivor here.
      Entries for Single Game Survivor Liverpool v Manchester United close at 4.30pm on Sunday, 5 March.
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      Competition rules and terms & conditions apply.
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