Premier League

MIKEL ARTETA used a unique method to teach his players a lesson.The Arsenal boss took inspiration from Oliver Twist during a dinner with his squad.Mikel Arteta had a unique method for teaching his Arsenal players an important lessonCredit: GettyArteta hired professional pickpockets to pinch valuable items at a team dinnerCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard and Co were left frantically patting their pockets in search of missing valuable items.However, it was the work of their own Artful Dodger instead of a group of petty criminals.Arteta had secretly hired a team of professional pickpockets for a dinner with his players.Unknown to the squad, the sleight-of-hand artists were tasked with going around the tables at the event.READ MORE ON ARSENALThey then pinched valuable items including phones and wallets from the Arsenal stars.At the end of the meal, Arteta stood up in front of the group to ask them to empty their pockets.Several players were left shocked to find they were missing their belongings.Arteta used the event to teach his squad the importance of being ready, alert and prepared at all times.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt was all part of an approach to rebuild the club, changing the atmosphere both within the squad and the stadium.The Spaniard has also swapped volume for intensity in training and brought in the club dog Win.’They took it away from us… next year we’ll be even more determined’, says Arteta after Arsenal title heartbreakArteta used the event to teach his squad to be ready, alert and prepared at all timesCredit: EPAAs a result, he has over seen Arsenal’s transformation into title challengers since his appointment in December 2019.He followed an FA Cup triumph in 2020 with a return to the Champions League in 2023.Arsenal also achieved a second successive runners-up finish behind Manchester City last season, having not placed as high since 2016.The Gunners, who made the last eight of the Champions League last term, have also seen steady year-on-year progress in their league finishes.Arteta is now preparing for his fifth full season in charge and hoping his players can pick City’s pocket and snatch the Premier League title.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

SOUTHAMPTON’S pre-season clash with Lazio descended into chaos when players from both sides brawled on the hour mark.Saints aimed to step up their Prem preparations by welcoming the Serie A giants to St Mary’s.Carlos Alcaraz was involved in a furious altercation with Alessio RomagnoliCredit: RexThe pair clashed during this evening’s pre-season friendlyCredit: RexSaints boss Russell Martin attempted to break things upCredit: RexAlcaraz was fuming as he received his marching ordersCredit: RexRussell Martin’s side took the lead on just five minutes, when Carlos Alcaraz set up new boy Ben Brereton Diaz to score.Lazio levelled in the 32nd minute via a stunning goal by Taty Castellanos.The match reached its major flashpoint on the hour mark.Following a foul on one of his Lazio team-mates, Danilo Cataldi looked to confront a Southampton player.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlcaraz, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus, came steaming in to defend his team-mate – shoving Cataldi away.Cataldi then appeared to put his hand on Alcaraz’s neck, with the enraged pair then exchanging shoves.At this point several of Cataldi’s Lazio team-mates arrived to back him, with Alcaraz’s Southampton pals not far behind.All hell then broke loose, with plenty of pushes from both sides – and a furious Alcaraz having to be restrained.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSaints boss Martin stepped in to try and intervene, but was unable to prevent his Argentine star being sent off.Lazio were also reduced to 10 men, with Alessio Romagnoli being sent off for his role in the drama.Premier League boss Russell Martin has found love with former glamour model Lucy PinderCataldi survived the incident without a red card, but was notably substituted just a few minutes later.During the match, Southampton debuted their “bold” new third kit.The pink Puma effort is described as “striking” by the Saints, who would have hoped for its debut not to be best remembered for a brawl.Tonight’s friendly went on to finish 1-1, with neither side able to score after being reduced to 10 men.After the match Martin – who SunSport revealed has recently started dating former glamour model Lucy Pinder – told the Daily Echo: “Well, I think two people set it off. One of ours, one of theirs.”Then their guys end the pitch and so do ours. Their guys want to protect their mate and ours want to protect his.”So no, I’m fine with that. I’d rather it didn’t descend into what it did, but I like the fact we were aggressive tonight and we managed the game really well for a young team. “Physically, I thought we were really, really good. Last week against Oxford United, we lacked character, personality and aggression.”Tonight we had loads of that, maybe a bit too much. But I’d rather the balance be that way than the other way.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSouthampton will continue their pre-season programme by facing Getafe on Saturday.They will then get their Premier League season underway on August 17 with a trip to Newcastle. More

ARSENAL sent a brutal warning to their Premier League rivals as they demolished German invincibles Bayer Leverkusen.The Gunners triumphed 4-1 over Xabi Alonso’s side thanks to goals from Oleksandr Zinchenko, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.The Gunners enjoyed their latest pre-season workoutCredit: GettyArsenal blew Bayer Leverkusen away with a first-half blitzCredit: AlamyUkrainian Zinchenko opened the scoring with a sublime finish early on, and Belgian team-mate Trossard followed up barely 60 seconds later to double the scoring.A revitalised Jesus added a third just before half-time, with Havertz making it four midway through the second half.Adam Hlozek pulled one back for the German side with 76 minutes on the clock, before a drab final quarter as the Emirates emptied.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated every Arsenal performance…READ MORE ON ARSENALDAVID RAYA – 6Had next to nothing to do other than Leverkusen’s late consolation. The simplest 90 minutes of his 2024 so far.BEN WHITE – 6Worked hard as usual but less threatening in attack without Saka ahead of him in the first 45 minutes.GABRIEL – 6Untroubled for most parts. Got some air in his lungs and avoided injury.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Copy and paste from Gabriel’s comments. Subbed off at half-time and rightly so.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 8In the absence of left-back competition Jurrien Timber and new-boy Riccardo Calafiori, the Ukrainian was impressive on the ball and fairly solid off it.His looping pass for Havertz ultimately saw him launch a fine strike into the bottom corner.Three reasons Arsenal’s new signing Riccardo Calafiori is a huge upgrade JORGINHO – 6Marshalled, scanned, covered. Nothing we don’t already know.KAI HAVERTZ – 8Involved in both goals and everything good about Arsenal, back in a midfield role where he started his Arsenal career before finishing last season up top.Roamed forward to tee-up both Zinchenko and Trossard for their first half strikes.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Quiet by his standards but showed his class where possible. Some cute dinks and touches drawing appreciation from the stands.FABIO VIEIRA – 5Did not look entirely comfortable out on the right wing but looked sharp on the ball, yet there continues to be question marks over where he fits into Arteta’s plans.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8Another player involved in the thick of it from the off. Dummied on the edge of the box for Zinchenko’s opener and then showed great composure to finish a minute later.If he carries on like this, that left wing spot for the opener against Wolves is his…GABRIEL JESUS – 9Looks super fit and super energetic, a welcome change from the start of last season where a dodgy knee hampered his pre-season.Who needs a new striker when the Brazilian is in this sort of form, running from his own half to put away Arsenal’s third inside 38 minutes.Gabriel Jesus performed brilliantly against LeverkusenCredit: ReutersLeandro Trossard caused plenty of problems on the left wingCredit: RexSUBSTITUTESDECLAN RICE (JESUS, 45) – 7The metres were gobbled up as expected and looks ready to get stuck in again after his prolonged break following England duty.BUKAYO SAKA (VIEIRA, 45) – 8It is like he had never been away, producing an assist 17 minutes of coming on with a darting run down the right flank.JAKUB KIWIOR (SALIBA, 45) – 6He may have been linked away this summer but he is a sturdy back-up in his favoured centre-back role, despite being used as a full-back last term.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (ZINCHENKO, 45) – 7Did not look out of place and looks comfortable acting as an inverted full-back, something Arteta will love, as well as his ability to recover and make a tackle.THOMAS PARTEY (ODEGAARD, 63) – 6Needs to put his fitness issues behind him and will hope this is just one of numerous games this season where he can slot in with help out.ETHAN NWANERI (JORGINHO, 63) – 6A mixed bag from the talent everyone has their eyes on with some encouraging runs cancelled out by a few sloppy passes, but another game experience to aid his development.AYDEN HEAVEN (GABRIEL, 70) – 6A towering unit and one that can hold his game in a senior game. Still has lots to learn and definitely one for the distant future.JOSH NICHOLS (WHITE, 70) – 6A very different prospect to White. Slight in frame but quick with and without the ball. Another that will likely stick with the Arsenal academy sides for now.EDDIE NKETIAH (HAVERTZ, 70) – 6READ MORE SUN STORIESHas the look of a man who needs to leave. Barely got involved in the action up top but not helped by the drop in atmosphere and intensity of the game.GABRIEL MARTINELLI (TROSSARD, 81) – N/ABukayo Saka played the second half for ArsenalCredit: GettyDeclan Rice returned to action for the GunnersCredit: Getty More

ARSENAL’S first-half masterclass saw them cruise to victory over Bundesliga Invincibles Bayer Leverkusen in the Emirates Cup.The Gunners put out a strong starting XI and scored twice in 120 seconds through Oleksandr Zinchenko and Leandro Trossard inside the opening 10 minutes.Oleksandr Zinchenko gave Arsenal the lead from close rangeCredit: AFPIt was a comfortable victory for the Gunners in front of a home crowdCredit: AFPLeandro Trossard finished off a flowing move to double Arsenal’s advantageCredit: GettyThe hosts scored twice within the opening nine minutesCredit: RexGabriel Jesus made it three before half-timeCredit: RexArsenal fans were treated to a dominant display in North LondonCredit: GettyGabriel Jesus then netted a third with a brilliant breakaway solo finish in the 38th minute and Kai Havertz grabbed another after the break to end the contest.Leverkusen nicked a 76th minute consolation on the counter via Adam Hlozek.Three Lions stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were among four half-time substitutions from boss Mikel Arteta as Arsenal saw out a comfortable win back in North London.Skipper Martin Odegaard came off just after the hour mark after requiring treatment, but did not look to be carrying a serious knock.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe big team news before kick-off was the absence of new £42million signing Riccardo Calafiori, as well as Dutch left back Jurrien Timber, sparking injury concerns.However, SunSport understands that Italian defender Calafiori is still being eased into any sort of game time after joining the squad at the end of their States tour on July 29.Timber meanwhile was also left out as a precaution with a small foot issue, but not expected to be of any concern.Both could feature against Lyon on Sunday ahead of their Premier League opener against Wolves on August 17.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKai Havertz added a fourth in the second halfCredit: AFPArsenal fans could not have asked for any more from their teamCredit: GettyGranit Xhaka returned to the Emirates to face his former clubCredit: AFPThe returning Granit Xhaka was given a standing ovation by the fans upon his return for the first time since leaving the club last summer.But Xhaka and Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen looked well behind their opponents in their pre-season fitness levels and preparation as Arsenal ran riot – starting in the eighth minute.Three reasons Arsenal’s new signing Riccardo Calafiori is a huge upgrade Zinchenko picked out Havertz roaming down the left with a chipped ball and the German’s cut-back was dummied by Trossard for the Ukrainian full-back to drive low into the corner.Less than a minute later and Trossard was off the mark with a brilliantly-devised curling effort from close-range after Odegaard picked off a poor pass out from Leverkusen keeper Matej Kovar before Havertz and Jesus exchanged passes inside the box.A dominant Arsenal continued to push with their attack clicking and Jesus – who looks to have finally recovered from his knee and hamstring issues that plagued last season – latched onto a poor throw-in and sprinted from his own half to then cut in and finish past Kovar.Alongside Rice and Saka, Jakub Kiwior and academy lad Myles Lewis-Skelly came on at the break for Jesus, Zinchenko, William Saliba and Fabio Vieira.It did not take long for Saka to get his eye in down the right, skinning Arthur and seeing his low delivery intercepted by Xhaka into the path of an awaiting Havertz in the 65th minute.Further changes to the line-up saw the game ease out, but Arsenal did end the match with three of their back four coming from the academy – Myles-Skelly, Ayden Heaven and Josh Nichols.READ MORE SUN STORIESLeverkusen left their mark with Hlozek breaking through the middle before dinking over Raya, but that will hardly worry Arteta.Arsenal look fit, sharp and hungry. The new season cannot come soon enough.Mikel Arteta will have been impressed by his side’s displayCredit: PAArsenal have a tricky start to the season More

ENZO MARESCA says Chelsea’s poor defending is a hangover from Mauricio Pochettino’s time in charge.The Blues have shipped goals at a worrying rate in pre-season, 12 in five games, as they try to grapple with the new manager’s approach.Enzo Maresca is concerned by his team’s defending with just over a week to go until the new Premier League season beginsCredit: GettyThe new boss hinted at problems left behind from Mauricio Pochettino reignCredit: PAMaresca is concerned by the alarmingly high line that his side are playing that has been exploited during their tour of the United States, which concluded with a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday night.But the Italian says it is a habit from last season, when Chelsea set a club record for goals conceded in a Premier League campaign with 63.Maresca said: “It’s a problem we are trying to solve from pre-season, since day one.”One of my first meetings with the squad was about the amount of goals we conceded last year with the defensive line very high.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s something we are trying to work on.”Offensively, we are there – the patterns are there. We created chances. “The problem is defensively; when I say defensively I don’t just mean the defensive line, but in general, all the players.”Overall now it’s finished. We head back to London. We have Inter and then an official game.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe added: “It’s a habit. We are not working on defensive lines so high. It’s a habit from last year, or years ago. “We are trying to drop the defensive line a little bit, usually about four or five metres, just to have some advantage.A look at Chelsea’s forgotten wonderkids”Last year, we already conceded many goals with this problem. Hopefully we can solve it very soon.”Chelsea face Manchester City on the opening day of the Premier League season, having been beaten 4-2 by the champions on this tour.Maresca is confident that Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella, who have returned to Cobham this week after time off following the Euros, will be able to feature in the opener.The former Leicester boss also confirmed that other senior players left at home – including Conor Gallagher, who is on the verge of a move to Atletico Madrid, and defender Trevoh Chalobah will not work with his main squad.He added: “At this moment, the players that are here, it’s okay.”We are going to have Cole and Marc there. It’s just two more players. The rest, I think, are doing something apart.” More

MANCHESTER UNITED, Chelsea and Liverpool have all had Premier League fixtures moved after the TV picks for October were released.The Red Devils’ trip to West Ham has been pushed back to Sunday, October 27 at 2pm after initially being scheduled for the Saturday.Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea has been selected for TV on October 19Credit: GettyBut it will not be shown on Sky Sports.The change has been made because Man Utd will play in the Europa League on October 24, while Crystal Palace vs Tottenham has been switched for the same reason.Meanwhile, Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea at Anfield will take place at 5.30pm on Sky Sports on Saturday, October 19.But that could yet be moved to the Sunday if Arne Slot’s side play an away Champions League match on Wednesday, October 2.The games chosen for TV on the opening weekend of October are Crystal Palace vs Liverpool, Everton vs Newcastle, Aston Villa vs Man Utd and Brighton vs Tottenham.After the two-week international break, the Premier League returns on October 19 with Spurs vs West Ham as the lunchtime kick-off.Also broadcast on that weekend will be Liverpool vs Chelsea, Bournemouth vs Arsenal and Wolves vs Manchester City.The only Friday Night Football of the month is the East Midlands derby between Leicester and Nottingham Forest at the King Power Stadium on October 25.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPremier League fixtures for OctoberSaturday 5 October12:30 Crystal Palace v Liverpool* (TNT Sports)Arsenal v SouthamptonBrentford v WolvesChelsea v Nott’m ForestLeicester v AFC BournemouthMan City v FulhamWest Ham v Ipswich17:30 Everton v Newcastle (Sky Sports)*Match will move to 20:00 BST if Liverpool play an away match in UEFA Champions League on Wed 2 OctSunday 6 October14:00 Aston Villa v Man Utd (Sky Sports)16:30 Brighton v Spurs (Sky Sports)Saturday 19 October12:30 Spurs v West Ham (TNT Sports)Fulham v Aston VillaIpswich v EvertonMan Utd v BrentfordNewcastle v BrightonNott’m Forest v Crystal PalaceSouthampton v Leicester17:30 Liverpool v Chelsea (Sky Sports)****Match could move to Sun 20 Oct depending on clubs’ participation in Champions League on Tue 22 OctSunday 20 October14:00 AFC Bournemouth v Arsenal (Sky Sports)***16:30 Wolves v Man City (Sky Sports)******Match could move to Sat 19 Oct depending on clubs’ participation in Champions League on Tue 22 OctFriday 25 October20:00 Leicester v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Saturday 26 OctoberAston Villa v AFC BournemouthBrentford v Ipswich TownBrighton v WolvesMan City v Southampton17:30 Everton v Fulham (Sky Sports)Sunday 27 October14:00 GMT Chelsea v Newcastle (Sky Sports)14:00 GMT Crystal Palace v Spurs****14:00 GMT West Ham v Man Utd****16:30 GMT Arsenal v Liverpool (Sky Sports)****Moved due to a club playing in UEFA Europa League on Thurs 24 OctEverton vs Fulham will then be the late kick-off on Sky Sports on Saturday evening.That is followed by a mouth-watering Super Sunday of Chelsea vs Newcastle and Arsenal vs Liverpool.Wayne Rooney reveals gruelling weight loss technique he would do after turning up at Man Utd pre-season 7lbs too heavy Dream Team’s Fantasy Football GamePLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON!Free to play£50,000 jackpot for overall winner plus weekly prizesPlayers score points in Premier League games, European competitions and both domestic cupsPlay in Mini Leagues against your mates£5,000 prize for Gameweek 1Play via Dream Team’s app or website today!The 2024/25 Premier League season gets underway on Friday, August 16 when Man Utd host Fulham at Old Trafford. More