Premier League

ARSENAL fans are convinced Manchester City’s equaliser in Sunday’s 2-2 thriller should not have been allowed to stand.John Stones fired in after Mateo Kovacic’s shot was blocked with seconds left on the clock.Fans claimed Josko Gvardiol pushed Myles Lewis-Skelly out of the wayThe tussle opened up space for Mateo Kovacic’s shot on goalHe also appeared to tussle with another Arsenal star moments before the goalThe goal broke Arsenal hearts after they had put up a valiant effort defending their 2-1 lead with ten men for the entirety of the second half.But now fans claim Stones’ goal should have been chalked off because of a foul.They argue Josko Gvardiol pushed Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly out of the way as the ball was played back to Kovacic, creating space for his shot on goal.One fan said: “Man City’s equalising goal should have been disallowed.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”Look at Gvardiol continuously pushing Lewis-Skelly until he is ‘out of the way’ of the incoming shot by Kovacic. VAR must have missed this on the check.”Another supporter added: “If he had fell under that challenge before the shot, I believe that would’ve been given but he was naive there.”However several fans hit back, suggesting if that was given then many goals from corners would have to be disallowed.One fan said: “Absolutely nothing wrong with that, if that’s a foul 100 per cent of the time a corner comes it will be a penalty or foul, physicality is part of the game.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile another added: “Absolute nonsense, grow up.”However, Arsenal fans had plenty of other complaints about the officiating with some suggesting Leandro Trossard should not have received a second yellow for kicking the ball away.Man City vs Arsenal WagsSome Gunners stars also protested when Jeremy Doku kicked the ball away after the whistle went, but referee Michael Oliver did not warrant it an offence as the ball went in the direction of where the free-kick was to be taken from.There was also controversy after the goal when Erling Haaland threw the ball at Gabriel’s head. More

MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has opened up about a blazing row he once had with Sir Alex Ferguson.Scholes established himself as one of the best midfielders in Premier League history during his 19-year spell with the Red Devils.Paul Scholes has recalled a blazing row he had with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: YouTube/Football’s GreatestScholes admitted Sir Alex went ballistic at himCredit: GettyDuring that time he made over 700 first team appearances and won over 20 major trophies – including the Champions League twice.The 49-year-old’s former team-mates, Gary Neville and Roy Keane, recently claimed he was the “teacher’s pet” during his time at Old Trafford.Neville suggested he “could never put a foot wrong” in the eyes of legendary manager Ferguson.However, Scholes insists that was not the case,Read More in FootballSpeaking on his new show, Football’s Greatest, the ex-United star told co-host Nicky Butt: “Everyone says I was like a teacher’s pet and I never got [the hairdryer], but I did.”I remember one in particular at Newcastle away. I was actually sub in the game.”I think we’re getting beat 3-0 at half time, he brings me on with 20 minutes to go, maybe. And we get back to 3-2. I’m not saying that it’s nothing to do with me. “We get back to 3-2 and I tried a flick in the middle of the pitch in the centre circle, they broke and scored.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Alan Shearer scored to make it 4-2. So we couldn’t get back into the game. And he went ballistic at me. He went absolutely…”Do you know when I got a b****cking, or the hairdryer, as it was called, I always took it. I never answered back in my life.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-Ups”There were some people, you’ll know, there were some people that answered back all the time. I think you’d be the one to answer back.”But for some reason that day, I kept answering back. I didn’t agree with what he was saying. So, he kept saying stuff, ‘You’ll never play for this club again,’ and all that usual kind of stuff.”I got back on the bus that night. I remember thinking, ‘I’m gone. This is me, Monday morning. I’m signing for somebody else.'”After re-watching the match, Ferguson apologised to Scholes in a private meeting the following week.The former England star concluded: “He ended up watching the game back on Sunday and he came to me on Monday morning, and I thought, ‘I’m in big trouble here.'”He actually apologised to me. He said ‘I was wrong, you had an influence on the game.'”Fellow United hero Butt quickly responded: “I told you you were his teacher’s pet.” More

JAMIE CARRAGHER reckons Arsenal are taking advantage of a football loophole.But Paul Scholes labelled the tactic “cheating”.Jamie Carragher called out David Raya and Arsenal for exploiting a loophole in the rulesCredit: GettyCarragher compared the tactics to Jose MourinhoCredit: YouTube @TheOverlapThe Gunners tried every trick in the book in an attempt to cling on to all three points at Manchester City on Sunday.Those infamous “dark arts” included David Raya going down and allegedly needing treatment during the second half.Unlike outfield players, when a goalkeeper is tended to by the team’s physio, they do not need to go off the field before returning to play.Therefore, Arsenal know they can help run the clock down and delay play by helping Raya.READ MORE ON ARSENALThis has been a tactic used throughout Raya’s time with the Gunners, often going down when Arsenal are under pressure and the opposition are gaining momentum as a way of taking the sting out and calming things down.Speaking on Sky Bet’s The Overlap Fan Debate, Carragher likened the tactic to a Jose Mourinho masterclass.He said: “Being a defender, I sometimes watch the game, and everyone wants to play the same way, so I was intrigued watching this attack against defence. “It reminded me of Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan going to Barcelona all those years ago when they had a man sent off early in the game. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Mourinho was always ahead of the game in trying to gain an advantage and there is one thing I do notice at Arsenal more than anywhere else, and I don’t know whether the stats back me up. “David Raya goes down a lot more than other goalkeepers in tense situations because the rule is that a goalkeeper can’t go off.Mikel Arteta says ‘I would be very thick’ if he repeated previous mistake as Arsenal boss defends tactics vs Man City “So that’s definitely one the coaching staff at Arsenal are switched on more than anyone else. I see Raya go down in high-pressure situations.”However, Scholes chipped in and was far less diplomatic.The ex-Manchester United midfielder replied: “Cheating, that’s called Jamie. “I’ve seen it loads of times watching at Salford. “The keeper goes down and the other ten players are with the manager getting tactics. Referees will see it and pick up on it.”In Raya’s defence, he was spotted limping after full-time at the Etihad with his knee bandaged – suggesting the injury claims had some legitimacy this time.So much so that Raya is a doubt for the League Cup trip to Bolton tonight, where 16-year-old Jack Porter could be drafted in for a shock debut. READ MORE SUN STORIESRaya’s antics on Sunday came back to bite him, though.Because plenty of time-wasting in injury time saw more minutes added on – and John Stones scored the dramatic equaliser in the 98th minute to snatch a point. Mikel Arteta tried as many dark arts as possible at the EtihadCredit: EPAPaul Scholes was less impressed and labelled it ‘cheating’Credit: YouTube @TheOverlap More

FORMER Manchester United star Phil Jones has lifted the lid on the time he let rip at Ralf Rangnick with an X-rated blast.The Old Trafford favourite lined up for United in their 4-0 drubbing by Liverpool in 2022.Phil Jones admits letting rip at Ralf Rangnick with an X-rated blastCredit: YouTube/High PerformanceRangnick ‘humiliated’ Jones by subbing him at half-time in a defeat to LiverpoolCredit: EPAThe Red Devils had failed to click under interim boss Rangnick following Ole Gunner Solskjaer’s sacking.And despite putting in an admirable performance at Anfield, Jones was hauled off by Rangnick at half-time with Liverpool 2-0 up.The former England centre-back admits the decision left him feeling “humiliated”.And Jones gave Rangnick an X-rated blast for his cruel substitution.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 32-year-old told the High Performance podcast: “I’ve never lost my head in a dressing room and I’ve never been emotional enough to lose myself in the dressing room.”And I think that’s the only time in my career that I completely lost it. I was absolutely raging. Raging. That he humiliated me.”Humiliated me in front of an Anfield crowd first and foremost, fearsome rivals, and the fans and my family and the players.”We were 2-0 down at half-time, weren’t great, I don’t think we had a shot on target first half. Nothing was coming off. And I’d actually done alright in the game.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Considering where I’d been, what I’d been going through, knee and injury-wise.”I’ll look back at the game and I’ll highlight anything, I didn’t give the ball away, I was calm under pressure. Ex-Man Utd star Phil Jones opens up on mental health trauma caused by vile trollsJones retired from football this summer and is now a youth coach at Man UtdCredit: GettyHe was once hailed as a future captain by Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty“I’m not saying I was exceptional, but I definitely didn’t deserve to come off at half-time.”There were far worse players on the pitch that day, I was the easy one to come off. You’re an easy scapegoat.”Jones’ admission came after he was hailed by fans for an impressive appearance on Sky Sports.The ace, who retired in August and is now a youth coach at United, also recently opened up over his mental health battle.And he is now looking to make his own way as a manager in the beautiful game.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages.But he still can’t get over Rangnick’s decision to haul him off two-and-a-half years ago,Jones continued: “At half-time I remember Ralf came in and said, ‘I’m going to make a change, Phil’s going to come off.'”I remember the whole dressing room went like [eyes open] as if to say, ‘Is he bringing Phil off here?'”I took my boots off and I slammed them on the floor and I said, ‘You’re taking the p*** out of me’. “Everyone said, ‘Calm down, calm down.’ I get irate now (thinking about it), it really got to me. I just couldn’t get my head around it. “I apologised afterwards, I said, ‘It was out of character for me, I shouldn’t have done that, at that moment that was not what was needed in the dressing room,’ but you can understand I was pretty peeved off.”Jones spent 12 years playing for United, winning a title, FA Cup and Europa League in the process.A £16.5million signing from Blackburn in 2011, he was once hailed by Sir Alex Ferguson as a future United captain.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Jones’ career was blighted by injury and he only ever made a relatively few 229 appearances before being released in 2023.The defender failed to find a new club between then and the summer, forcing his decision to retire and take up a full-time coaching role. More

CRISTIANO RONALDO failed to meet Erik ten Hag’s standards before his acrimonious Manchester United exit.That is according to former Red Devils assistant Steve McClaren. Steve McClaren was Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United assistant for two yearsCredit: RexHe got a front-row seat to watch the drama unfold between Ten Hag and Cristiano RonaldoCredit: ReutersMcClaren, 63, was reunited with Ten Hag in 2022 when the Dutchman took over as Old Trafford boss.Fourteen years earlier, they first met as McClaren was appointed FC Twente manager and had Ten Hag as an assistant.So when the former Ajax chief arrived in Manchester, he brought Sir Alex Ferguson’s former No2 McClaren back to the club.And that meant the Yorkshireman got a first-hand view of Ten Hag’s managerial approach – and saw exactly what happened with Ronaldo.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe five-time Ballon d’Or winner infamously had his contract ripped up and he quit United midway through Ten Hag’s first season as the pair fell out.Ronaldo refused to come on, sulked on the sidelines, left matches early and then publicly slated the manager in a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.Ronaldo, 39, explosively revealed he cannot respect Ten Hag because “he doesn’t show me respect” and said he felt “betrayed” by United, who had made “zero” progress since Ferguson’s exit. McClaren, though, believes his boss was in the right as he took a swipe at Ronaldo’s behaviour.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpeaking to The Telegraph, McClaren said: “I couldn’t fault his [Ten Hag’s] approach. “He really handled it very well. I said at the time he was the right man to go in.Man United manager Erik Ten Hag confirms Cristiano Ronaldo Refused to come on against Tottenham and says he has been punishedCristiano Ronaldo vs Erik ten Hag rowMay 2022 – Ten Hag leaves Ajax to become Man Utd managerJuly 2022 – Ronaldo leaves Old Trafford before end of pre-season draw with Rayo VallecanoAugust 2022 – Ronaldo tries to force through a transfer exit from Old Trafford after club failed to qualify for Champions LeagueOctober 2022 – Ten Hag not convinced by Ronaldo and regularly benches him, including as an unused sub in 6-3 Manchester derby defeat October 2022 – Ronaldo refuses to come on as a sub against Tottenham and left Old Trafford early, Ten Hag then suspends star and makes him train aloneNovember 2022 – Ronaldo does explosive interview with Piers Morgan, saying he cannot “respect” Ten Hag, United “betrayed” him and made “zero progress” since Fergie leftNovember 2022 – Man Utd terminate Ronaldo’s £500,000-a-week contract with immediate effectFebruary 2023 – Ten Hag wins Carabao CupMay 2024 – Ten Hag finishes eighth in Premier League but wins FA Cup to cling on to job September 2024 – Ronaldo slams Ten Hag for saying United are not ready to challenge for Premier League or Champions LeagueSeptember 2024 – Ten Hag hits back at Ronaldo for his own views on the state of the club, then indirectly quotes the Portuguese forward’s ketchup bottle analogy “That was shown in the way he handled [the departure of Cristiano] Ronaldo.”He [Ten Hag] came in with set standards. Set rules. Set way of playing. And if you didn’t run, you didn’t play. “He was rigid on that. Which the Dutch are. He knew that was what was needed. “There could be no flexibility, no way the players could manoeuvre [out of that responsibility].“This is what you had to do – or you didn’t play. And he took on Ronaldo, and quite rightly. “Other managers have tried to adapt. Erik didn’t feel it was necessary to do that. “Ralf Rangnick had tried and it hadn’t quite worked out and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the same. So he [Ten Hag] stuck to his guns and developed other players.”Ronaldo left Manchester United to join Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in December 2022.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages.Two months later, Ten Hag led United to the Carabao Cup, ending a six-year trophy drought for the Red Devils, before qualifying for the Champions League.Last season, a disappointing campaign blighted by injuries led to an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League.However, a stunning performance in the FA Cup final saw Ten Hag’s men beat Manchester City.That capped off what McClaren described as a “turbulent” first two seasons for him and Ten Hag at Old Trafford.The arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a minority owner last season also prompted speculation and uncertainty over Ten Hag’s future.McClaren decided to step away, taking on the role as Jamaica national team boss.But Ten Hag, 54, signed a new contract to extend his stay.However, it has been another difficult start to the season with painful defeats against Brighton and Liverpool before a goalless draw with Crystal Palace.And the simmering feud with Ronaldo reared its head again in recent weeks. Ronaldo slammed Ten Hag for suggesting United are not ready to compete for the Premier League or Champions League – then told his former manager to take advice from his new assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy.The Portuguese forward told Rio Ferdinand: “Manchester United, they need to rebuild everything, in my opinion.“The coach, they say they cannot compete to win the League and Champions League.“[As] Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the League or Champions League. “If Ten Hag listens to Ruud, maybe he can [help himself]. I think it can help a lot because he knows the club and the club should listen [to] the guys who were there.”But Ten Hag hit back – insisting it was Ronaldo’s own assessment that United could not challenge for the biggest titles.Then the Dutchman borrowed a famous quote from his nemesis to discuss Marcus Rashford ending his goal drought.Ten Hag said: “It’s very important. For every striker, they want to be on the scoring list.”Once the first is in, more is coming. Once, a striker was talking about a ketchup bottle, once it’s going, it’s coming more.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThat unusual ketchup reference is an analogy Ronaldo has used to describe a forward finding goal-scoring form.Ronaldo previously offered the condiment-themed advice to Portugal team-mate Diogo Jota, while he has used the quip multiple other times throughout his career – first referencing it back in 2010.McClaren has taken over as Jamaica managerCredit: Instagram / jff_footballHe worked alongside Ronaldo before the Portuguese star had his contract ripped upCredit: EPARonaldo’s interview with Piers Morgan was explosiveCredit: TalkTVTen Hag has won two trophies since Ronaldo left Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

MANCHESTER CITY have released a statement providing an injury update on Rodri after the star travelled to Spain to see a specialist.Rodri was left in agony when he collapsed during City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.Man City have released an update on Rodri’s injury against ArsenalCredit: GettyThe Spanish ace went down after a light tussle with Thomas ParteyCredit: APHe was forced off the field as reporters suggested he’d suffered an ACL setbackCredit: ReutersThe midfielder clutched his leg after a light tussle with Thomas Partey.And he was forced to leave the field with the help of several medics.Pep Guardiola left nobody in doubt over the severity of Rodri’s injury by hailing him as a “strong” player who would never come off willingly.While reports suggested the Euros winner had torn his ACL, potentially ending his campaign.Rodri immediately flew to Barcelona to see a knee specialist.And following initial exams, City confirmed that Rodri has indeed suffered ligament damage to the joint.But they refused to say whether it was an ACL injury, which would deal a major blow to their title hopes.A statement from the champions, which did not put a time scale on Rodri’s absence, read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The injury was sustained during the first half of this weekend’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League. “The midfielder travelled to Spain to seek specialist consultation this week, following initial tests in Manchester. Rodri lands in Barcelona for further medical tests after Man City star suffers ‘suspected cruciate ligament tear'”Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis. “Everyone at the Club wishes him a speedy recovery and mancity.com will bring you regular updates regarding his rehabilitation.”Responding to the latest news, manager Guardiola said: “One doctor said it’s a big, big injury, the other said not as much so we’ll see. “Now it’s important to support him. Safe recovery, I would say not even a speedy recovery. Safe recovery for his future, for his career…”It now remains to be seen whether Rodri’s injury is a serious one, with ACL suffers out for anywhere up to a whole year.Guardiola has no natural replacement in his squad, with Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan the only real options.But if he is out for the season, boffins reckon City will LOSE their title after four wins on the bounce.According to Opta, City have only lost 11 per cent of their games with Rodri in the team since his 2018 arrival.That builds up to an impressive return of 2.36 points per game.Mateo Kovacic is likely to replace Rodri in City’s XICredit: AlamyIlkay Gundogan can also drop deep if neededCredit: AlamyBut when Rodri hasn’t been involved, City’s loss rate climbs to 24 per cent.Their points per game ratio also falls to 2.04.And based on the above, it’s been calculated that City will finish on 80 points this season.The last time a team won the title with that number was Manchester United in the 2010/11 term.And while in another campaign that could potentially be enough for five titles in a row, Arsenal’s recent finishes make that unlikely.Two seasons ago the Gunners finished on 84 points.While last term they picked up an impressive 89 points.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd if Mikel Arteta emulates that number, he is likely to see Arsenal clinch their first title since the InvinciblesBut should Rodri recover quickly, City may yet end on 91 points that secured them their fourth league trophy last term. More