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      Ian Wright delivers brutal dig to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side for another second place finish in Premier League

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      ARSENAL legend Ian Wright aimed a brutal dig at Mikel Arteta’s side, who are set for yet another second-place finish for the third year in a row.The Gunners are currently a staggering 12 points behind Premier League champions Liverpool in the table following a fifth consecutive trophyless campaign.Arsenal legend Ian Wright aimed a brutal dig at Mikel Arteta’s sideArteta saw his Arsenal team finish second for the third year in a row amid a fifth consecutive trophyless campaignBut Wright had immense praise for Arsenal’s women who ‘saved the club from embarrassment’The North Londoners also experienced a heartbreaking Champions League semi-final elimination to Paris Saint-Germain, with Arteta, 43, insisting his team was better despite losing both legs.Rivals Tottenham rubbed some added salt to their London foes’ wounds by winning the Europa League and ending 17 years of hurt since the last time they won a trophy.But Arsenal Women brought a massive smile to the club following an epic Champions League triumph over Barcelona.Renee Slegers’ side picked up a heroic 1-0 victory over Barca thanks to Stina Blackstenius’ winner on Saturday at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.Read More on ArsenalAnd Wright sang the women’s team’s praises by insisting they “saved the club from embarrassment”.The pundit insists the team deserves massive respect as no one believed they could pull it off against Barcelona, who had won the Champions League three times in the last four years.The former striker is adamant the ladies deserve a parade, just like the men would get if they had won a trophy this season.Wright told TNT Sports: “Saved the club from the embarrassment of getting nothing this season when we played so well in the season with the men.Most read in Football“The ladies have saved the club, we have got something to celebrate. Of course they need a parade, they have beaten Barcelona in the Champions League [final], no one gave them a chance. “Even I was saying it was going to be tough because they [Barcelona] average four goals a game!Mikel Arteta gives passionate speech to fans in Emirates after win over Newcastle“So we needed to score goals to make sure that we beat them, in the end it was only one but everybody wrote them off. “They deserve everything they are getting, all the accolades because this is a magnificent achievement. “Look how far it’s come, I remember the Champions League being at Boreham Wood, look where we are and Arsenal winning it, it’s amazing!” More

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      Jack Grealish ‘dropped from Manchester City squad for final game of season’ as £100m man edges closer to transfer exit

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      JACK GREALISH has been dropped from Manchester City’s squad to face Fulham this afternoon.Pep Guardiola’s side need a point to guarantee Champions League qualification for next season.Jakc Grealish has largely been stuck on the bench with City this termCredit: GettyGrealish, 29, has fallen out of favour this term, starting just one Prem match in 2025.According to the Telegraph, the former Aston Villa star will not feature at all at Craven Cottage.SunSport revealed yesterday that Grealish believes he may have to leave City in order to force his way back into the England set-up.The attacker was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest squad announced on Friday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGrealish is set to for summer talks with City chiefs in order to determine his future.The 39-cap star has two years remaining on his contract at the Etihad.Guardiola opted to leave the former £100million man on the bench even as his side chased an equaliser in last week’s FA Cup final.The City boss instead turned to 19-year-old Claudio Echeverri, despite the Argentine having been yet to play since his February arrival.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGuardiola recently pleaded for City chiefs to trim his squad ahead of next season.The 54-year-old admitted: “I said to the club I don’t want that [a bigger squad].’I will quit’ – Pep Guardiola gives Man City ultimatum over squad issue that is ‘impossible for my soul'”I don’t want to leave five or six players in the freezer. I don’t want that. I will quit. Make a shorter squad, I will stay.”It’s impossible for my soul to [tell] my players in the tribune [stands] that they cannot play.”Grealish’s availability is set to spark transfer interest this summer.But his £300,000 a week wages may provide a hefty stumbling block.The England hopeful could even go out on loan in a bid for first team football. More

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      Gary Neville being banned by Nottingham Forest ‘triggered widespread alarm’ as Premier League and Sky hold urgent talks

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      THE Premier League and Sky Sports have engaged in high-level talks following Nottingham Forest’s controversial decision to ban Gary Neville.Sky had initially planned for Neville to be at the City Ground for this afternoon’s crucial clash between Forest and Chelsea.Gary Neville will not feature on this afternoon’s coverageCredit: GettyEvangelos Marinakis spoke to Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch after the recent draw with LeicesterCredit: AFPThey were later informed by Forest that Neville, 50, would be denied accreditation for the match.According to the Mail, the decision has prompted “alarm” among broadcasters and the Premier League.The latest domestic TV deal saw Sky land four of five packages as they and TNT Sports combined for a four-year, £6.7billion contract.Further talks have reportedly been set, with the Premier League, Sky Sports and TNT Sports all concerned over the precedent set by Forest’s decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNeville recently criticised Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, calling the Greek’s on-pitch row with boss Nuno Espirito Santo “scandalous”.Marinakis claimed to have been seething following the 2-2 draw with already-relegated rivals Leicester due to the decision to initially allow Taiwo Awoniyi to keep playing following a worrying collision with the post.Awoniyi was later placed in an induced coma after requiring surgery on a ruptured intestine.Neville posted at the time: “What the Forest owner has just done on the pitch over at the City Ground is absolutely scandalous.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”If I was Nuno, I’d be going and having a very strong word with him, because that is an absolute scandal.”He’s just qualified them for a European competition, and from where that club’s been, and to be remonstrated with on that pitch in front of the club’s fans is an absolute joke.”Jamie Carragher in huge row with Gary Neville over Arsenal title prediction and striker claimNeville later responded to Forest’s decision on social media.The former Manchester United star wrote: “I was contacted by Sky Sports earlier on in the week and told that I would be commentating at the City Ground on Sunday for the Nottingham Forest v Chelsea match.”I was informed yesterday by Sky Sports that Nottingham Forest would not give me an accreditation or access to the stadium as a co-commentator. I’ve had no choice but to withdraw from the coverage.”I’ve dished out my fair share of criticism and praise in the last 14 years of doing this job and have never come close to this unprecedented action.”‘IT’S DISAPPOINTING’He continued: “Personally, I think it’s disappointing that a great club like Nottingham Forest have been reduced to making such a decision.”Whilst they have every right to choose who they let into their own stadium, it’s symptomatic of things that have happened over the last 12 months with the club.”I wish the coaching staff, players and fans of the club all the best in their quest to achieve Champions League football.”Neville’s post received several laughing emojis from Jamie Carragher.While his pal David Beckham cheekily added: “Must of (sic) been something to do with that 7-1 game back in the day,” followed by a laughing emoji.A Sky Sports spokesperson went on to reveal to SunSport that they had been forced into ripping up their coverage plans for the match.They said: “Sky Sports was subsequently informed by Nottingham Forest that Gary Neville would be denied accreditation to the match.Read More on The Sun“This was an unprecedented and unwelcome step.”As a result, Sky Sports has decided to revise its production plans and has taken the decision to present the game from Sky Studios in west London.” More

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      Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim to grab microphone and APOLOGISE to fans at Old Trafford after Aston Villa clash

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      RUBEN AMORIM is ready to apologise to fans for Manchester United’s awful season but will not offer an explanation — as it would take too long!The boss will speak to the crowd after leading his flops on a red-faced lap of Old Trafford today following the final game of a disastrous campaign against Aston Villa.Ruben Amorim is ready to apologise to fans for Manchester United’s awful seasonCredit: GettyAngry fans will be addressedCredit: ReutersSunSport revealed no Man Utd star is safeCredit: GettyHe will not sugar-coat the fact his six months in charge have been a horror show.Amorim said: “I know the manager addresses the public and I will because the least I can can do is talk to the fans and say what I want to. “It is tradition and we have to face it. It will be the biggest mistake if we don’t.“If there is a season we need to do it, it’s this one. And it will be an apology, I think it is clear.READ MORE IN football “An explanation? You don’t have time! So we will try to be honest . . . I will be honest with the fans and I will say what is in my mind and what is in my heart.”SunSport revealed on Friday that Amorim will stay on at United next term but no job is safe on the playing staff.Alejandro Garnacho, dropped to the bench for the 1-0 Europa League final defeat to Spurs in Bilbao on Wednesday, could be one of the first stars to leave, with his brother accusing Amorim of “throwing him under the bus”.The Portuguese boss, 40, has won just six of 26 Prem games since replacing Erik ten Hag in November, with the side in 16th. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said he would quit if fans or the owners did not want him but insists he has no regrets about taking the job.The former Sporting Lisbon chief is even happy he took over in mid-season, despite previously claiming his ideal choice would have been to wait until the summer.How Tottenham won the Europa League final v Man UnitedHe said: “I’m really glad that I arrived six months before we start a new season, as I think we are going to avoid a lot of mistakes that would be in the next one.“Now is the time that we can use all that suffering to change things in the summer . . . and when I say in the summer, it’s not just the players.“There are a lot of things that we need to change in our club. So we are doing that — we did it for six months. We changed in every aspect of our club.“We suffered a lot but I’m really glad I came six months earlier because it’s going to help me a lot next season.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe consoles Amorim after defeat to SpursCredit: Alamy More

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      Jack Grealish facing up to fact he will have to quit Manchester City if he wants to play for England at World Cup

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      JACK GREALISH fears he may have to quit Manchester City to realise a World Cup dream.The out-of-favour playmaker is mulling over his next step, hoping for a potential adventure with England next summer.Jack Grealish fears he may have to quit Manchester City to realise a World Cup dreamCredit: GettyAnd it looks increasingly likely he will cut ties with City to try to secure that international spot.Grealish is desperate to travel to North America but knows remaining on the outside at the Etihad will not help convince Three Lions chief Thomas Tuchel.The forward is aware that he can form part of the German’s plans only if he is fit and performing at the highest level. He was left out of Tuchel’s latest squad announced on Friday.READ MORE IN football The Brummie has also been sidelined by club manager Pep Guardiola — and his treatment during City’s FA Cup final last week has solidified thoughts that it may be time to move on.Argentine Claudio Echeverri, 19, was brought on instead of the £100million man to make his first appearance for the club.Grealish was left kicking his heels on the sidelines.If the situation continues, any hopes he had of representing his country will disappear.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 29-year-old has two years left to run on the six-year deal he agreed back in 2021 when he joined from Aston Villa.But his £300,000-a-week wage packet will prove a stumbling block to any move.’I will quit’ – Pep Guardiola gives Man City ultimatum over squad issue that is ‘impossible for my soul’One step would be for the player to go out on loan. In the past he has been linked with Newcastle but boss Eddie Howe has Anthony Gordon filling that left-side attacking space.Harvey Barnes, too, played there during his formative years, so that appears a non-starter.But there are likely to be other takers — potentially abroad — if Guardiola and Grealish agree it is best for him to take a break from the Etihad.Grealish is mulling over his next stepCredit: Reuters More

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      Jobe Bellingham takes swipe at Sky Sports pundits in live TV interview before awkward moment with panel at Wembley

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      JOBE BELLINGHAM took a swipe at the Sky Sports pundits who doubted if Sunderland’s youngsters had the minerals for promotion.The Black Cats came into the Wembley showdown off the back of horror league form losing five on the bounce. Jobe Bellingham took a swipe at the Sky Sports punditsThey saw off Frank Lampard’s Coventry in the semis to face Sheffield United the play-off final.And Bellingham & Co had to come from behind to win 2-1 with academy graduate Tom Watson scoring a 95th minute winner. Regis Le Bris has put trust in his youthful squad this season, with Bellingham only 19, Chris Rigg, just 17 and Eliezer Mayenda, 20.It had led to questions over their experience – but the players did their talking on the pitch. READ MORE IN football And Bellingham said: “I always believed, you have to believe. “When you’ve got supporters like this and a group of lads like that, you always have to believe.”I always believed and I know people doubted us and that’s understandable, we lost a few games, people talk about momentum.”But I think we did enough, we showed enough throughout the season for people to at least give us some credit going into the play-offs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The typical “inexperienced” by all the ex-pros that speak on Sky but we’ve just proved that don’t matter.”You need experience, of course, with youth like at Sunderland you play loads of games you get that experience. Sky Sports forced to apologise as Sunderland star swears on live TV after last touch for club earns them promotion”You get experience by failing and we failed together so many times and in the end we come good.”Sky pundits Curtis Davies and Jobi McAnuff then probed Bellingham on what ex-pro criticised them. But he said with a smile: “I didn’t say criticising!”Sunderland are now back in the Premier League for the first time since 2017. And Bellingham said: “I’ve been part of this great team so every player has made a name for themselves here. So really proud.”Bellingham celebrates with the play-off trophyCredit: Getty More

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      Newcastle’s real cup final is against Everton and the prize is keeping Isak out of Arsenal and Liverpool’s clutches

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      FOR MANY Newcastle supporters it’s been the season of a lifetime.Finally the 70-year wait for silverware is over after they beat Liverpool at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup.For Newcastle, Sunday’s match against Everton is hugeCredit: PAA win should see the Magpies secure Champions League footballCredit: GettyHowever, as always in football, the good times rarely last and they perhaps face an even bigger ‘cup final’ this Sunday.And the prize could very well be Alexander Isak in addition to Champions League football.A few days ago it was all positivity as the confident Toon Army headed to Arsenal dreaming of a fourth-straight win over the Gunners and climbing to second.But Declan Rice’s strike not only ruined their hopes of a highest Premier League finish since 1997, it left them stuck in a tense final day shootout for a top five finish in a match that may also prove to be pivotal for the long-term future of Isak.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFirst things first, Newcastle will be desperate just to have the Swedish superstar back in Black and White this weekend against Everton.Despite their 27-goal top scorer being off form for several weeks, he was sorely missed at the Emirates.And, if anything, his reported valuation of £150m actually INCREASED despite him not even being on the field due to a “minor groin issue”.Isak, a £63m arrival from Real Sociedad in 2022, has missed four top-flight matches this season with the Magpies collecting only a point without him and failing to even score in open play.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSShould Newcastle lose on Sunday, it could spell the end of Alexader Isak’s time at the clubCredit: GettyEddie Howe knows more than anybody how vital the 25-year-old is to his team and needs him more than ever against the Toffees at St. James’.Though his absence also highlighted just how much he cannot afford to lose Isak either – no matter what money is on offer.Inside Newcastle’s £3BILLION new stadium plans with St James’ Park project to rival Old TraffordArsenal, who many opposition fans cheekily joked he skipped facing as they are his ‘parent club’, have held an interest in the hotshot for years.They are continually linked with a move for him but now they also face competition from Premier League title winners Liverpool.Howe recently revealed his sense of frustration that star men like Isak, captain Bruno Guimaraes and winger Anthony Gordon are constantly linked with moves away.But until Newcastle are playing Champions League season-after-season and able to compete financially with the top guns now their recent PSR constraints holding them back then the speculation and interest will not go away.And even Howe is too long in the tooth to stick his flag in the ground and declare that Isak will 100 per cent still be in the North East next term.Although he was also clear that everyone at the club knows the only way to reach the top is hang on to the striker and their other crown jewels no matter what money may be on offer.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate for an out and out striker and Isak certainly fits the billCredit: AFPHowe said: “I never make those guarantees about any player and it’s not to do with Alex’s future but I’d be foolish to sit here and do anything like that. We want to keep our strongest players, I’ve said that ever since I’ve been here and sat in this seat.“We have to try and keep our best players and bring in more good players to make us even stronger because the ambition of the club and everyone connected with the club is long-term success and that’s the only way to get that.”While the above words have been twisted, spun and even claimed to be Howe opening the door for a big-money exit, one of their top priorities is to re-open talks on a contract extension for the goal-getter.Newcastle are under no pressure to sell and have him tied down on a package worth around £130,000-a-week until 2028.But they have been expecting more noise from rival clubs to try and unsettle their talisman and are also bracing themselves for similar tactics regarding Guimaraes and Gordon.Tentative contract talks took place in the Autumn but both camps were happy to push them back until the end of the season.Liverpool romped to the Premier League title this season, but boss Arne Slot will not rest on his laurelsCredit: AlamyIsak’s goals, including the Wembley winner, have definitely pushed up his bargaining power.Now Newcastle, even with the Carabao Cup as some potential leverage, desperately need their own bargaining chips bolstered – and Champions League qualification would certainly do it.It is a stage all of the big hitters want to play on and Isak has already had a taste of it on Tyneside.After sticking around despite missing out on Europe completely last season, the idea of another campaign not being able to perform on the grandest stage will not be greeted warmly.That is why to avoid months of speculation, rumours, whispering and even potential unrest from the player himself that a potential defeat to the Blues could bring, it is vital that Newcastle take matters into their own hands come Sunday.A second Champions League qualification in three years and a piece of silverware to boot are the perfect ingredients for both camps to begin thrashing out an extended contract.A victory for Toon would be a win for everybody associated with the Mags and the forward while it would also deliver a crushing blow to the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool.However, if David Moyes’ men come and spoil the St James’ party, then a very different summer transfer window could lay for Howe and his recruitment plans.Read More on The SunBut rather than finish on that worrying note, at least the man himself has previously stated that he believes he can achieve his football ambitions at Newcastle.Isak declared: “That’s why I came here.”Several clubs have been considering a move for IsakCredit: Getty More

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      Fans spot ‘error’ that gives them the ‘ick’ in stands at Nottingham Forest stadium as unusual reason is revealed

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      FANS spotted an apparent ‘error’ that gives them the “ick” in the stands at Nottingham Forest’s stadium.But there is actually an unusual reason behind the strange quirk. The ‘e’ in Nottingham Forest is lower case – when the rest of the word is in capitalsCredit: GettyThe unusual quirk is consistent across the Brian Clough Stand seats and the club’s badgeCredit: GettyThe City Ground has been in the news ahead of the final day of the Premier League season.That is because Forest shockingly BANNED Gary Neville from commentating on their crunch clash with Chelsea as both sides try and qualify for the Champions League. The club blocked Sky Sports’ accreditation request because Neville described Evangelos Marinakis’ public on-pitch row with Nuno Espirito Santo as “scandalous”. Much to David Beckham’s amusement, it means Neville will not be at the City Ground on Sunday – and therefore will not see the strange grammatical ‘mistake’.READ MORE ON NOTTINGHAM FORESTIn the Brian Clough Stand of Nottingham Forest’s home ground, a pattern of white seats spell out ‘Forest’ in between two tree badges. But while the ‘f’, ‘o’, ‘r’, ‘s’ and ‘t’ are all in capital letters, the ‘e’ is lower case as the odd one out.The format is the same on the club’s crest, too. And it sparked a message on social media surrounding the odd decision. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne person wrote: “Bit of an ick this but I really can’t work out why they have left the letter ‘e’ lower case but capitalised the rest? “Surely there’s some ‘dull excuse’ behind all this?”Abandoned iconic UK stadium left to rot 110 years after hosting FA Cup final getting new lease of lifeHowever, there is an explanation. The design has been in place since 1973 after fan and calligrapher David Lewis won a competition to create a new badge for the club.Explaining the ‘e’, he told Nottinghamshire Live: “If you’ve got the badge on top and the word Forest underneath, the word Forest needed to be distinctive and individual.’The original idea had a very round ‘o’. I then got on to the more condensed letters, which seemed to have a bit more solidity and link to the badge.”It so happened that the lower case ‘e’ does fit in between the ‘R’ and the ‘S’ rather than a straight ‘E’.’SERIF OF NOTTINGHAM'”Also, I wanted it to be a bit more personal – a bit less like a company and more like a football club.’It’s a unique Forest then, rather than anybody’s Forest.”Then wrapping the tail of the ‘r’ around it was almost like an affectionate thing. It was something which was more personal.”That was the idea, to make things more personal, more unique, more like it’s our Forest, not just the word ‘Forest’.” The reasoning is well known by Forest fans – and there were plenty of replies to the post on Facebook.One said: “It’s a logo, if it caught your attention then it’s worked.”Another wrote: “Because we’re Forest and we do what we want.”Read More on The SunA third added: “It just looks cool like that.”And a final user very cleverly joked: “It’s the font. Serif of Nottingham.”Forest fan David Lewis designed the club’s badgeCredit: Rex More