Premier League

MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY’S mum has admitted she nearly MISSED her son’s first Premier League goal for Arsenal at the weekend.The Gunners cruised to a 5-1 win at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with Lewis-Skelly a standout player.Myles Lewis-Skelly’s mum has revealed she nearly MISSED her son’s first senior Arsenal goalCredit: The Sports AgentsThe teenager scored a crucial goal for the Gunners against Man City on SundayCredit: GettyThe 18-year-old scored his team’s third goal of the match before replicating Erling Haaland’s signature ‘zen’ celebration in front of the home fans.But his mum, Marcia Lewis, has admitted she cannot recall the strike.Speaking to Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan on The Sports Agents podcast, Marcia revealed: “Do you know what? I have two things. I’m dyslexic and I have a really, like, short attention span.”So, it was all going a bit quick. So I was like, ‘Oh, oh, oh.’Read More on Arsenal”And sometimes I even struggle to work out where Myles is on the pitch.”Asked by Chapman if she saw the goal, she added: “I think so! He’s got a very similar build to [Jurrien] Timber, so I sometimes get them mixed up.”Oh my god, did I really say that!”Logan then went on to ask what Lewis-Skelly is like at home as he is so highly regarded at Arsenal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMarcia responded: “He is surrounded by amazing people and family and friends and he is just a normal kid.”You know, you get the usual banter when he’s still got to empty the dishwasher and tidy his room, yeah…’Head is gone’ – Guardiola’s bizarre reaction after he is told about Lewis-Skelly mocking Haaland in Arsenal celebration”He’s a lovely boy, but I don’t know anything else. He’s just Myles and he’s very respectful.”Marcia put herself through a Masters degree in football business at University before passing Fifa’s football agent exam and becoming her son’s agent.Her master’s thesis was on the parent experience in youth football where she interviewed 18 parents with children aged 15 to 21 and found four recurring problems.Marcia also aims to help and support other parents going through similar experiences.The scheme, known as the No1 Fan Club, includes various resources, a community chat network, workshops and even a book club – all tailored towards providing wisdom, education and support for parents.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

FORMER Premier League star James Collins has revealed that he once played a match with a STEAK in his boot.The ex-centre back suffered a broken foot during his time with Aston Villa but refused to sit on the sidelines.James Collins has revealed he once played a match with a steak in his bootCredit: PA:Press AssociationCollins revealed he was told to use the steak after suffering a broken footCredit: X @PeterCrouchPodInstead, he started the following match – but used a hunk of meat to cushion the area surrounding the injury.Speaking on That Peter Crouch Podcast this week, Collins admitted: “I’m not sure you’re going to believe it but it 100 per cent happened.”So I was at Villa and I basically broke the top of my foot. But I was one of those players, you know, you want to play on, I was fine.”On the Friday before this particular game, I forgot who we were playing, I got the broken foot.Read More in Football”Our doctor at the time said: ‘Right, you’re going to think I’m mad but we’re going to get some cling film and put a steak at the top of your foot to take the pressure, or whatever, away from the broken bone.'”So I played a Premier League game with like a 10oz sirloin at the top of my foot!”It couldn’t be a fillet, I wouldn’t get my boot on!”Honestly, a game with a lump of steak cling filmed to the top of my foot. It did f*** all!Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWho are these famous footballers?”But it was almost cooked by half-time because I was sweating!”Collins left Aston Villa in 2012 to re-join West Ham.I tried following Gareth Bale’s diet to see if I could be as good as himHe made 214 appearances for the Hammers before joining Ipswich Town.The Welshman called time on his playing career in 2020.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

FORGET Newcastle. Forget Wembley – Mikel Arteta hopes a trip to Dubai will yet again do the trick for Arsenal.Still licking their wounds from a St James’ Park mauling in the Carabao Cup semi-finals the night before, the Gunners boarded a plane on Thursday morning for more mid-season winter sun.Arsenal are heading back to Dubai on their latest mid-season training campCredit: GettyThe Gunners have used the trip to get their season back on track in the pastCredit: GettyThey will train at the Nad Al Sheba Training CentreCredit: GettyThe team headed out following the Carabao Cup exit to NewcastleCredit: www.arsenal.comThe players appeared in good spirits despite the disappointing defeatCredit: www.arsenal.comBukayo Saka has joined the travelling party as he eyes a returnCredit: www.arsenal.comIt has become a tradition of recent years for Arteta to take his squad to the Middle East – helped by early exits in the FA Cup – to recharge the batteries after a gruelling festive period and prepare for the final push.Last season – following a run of one win in seven in all competitions from December 9, 2023 to January 7, 2024 – Arsenal jetted off to Dubai for some much-needed soul-searching and vitamin D.They ended that campaign with 16 wins from their final 18 Premier League games, pipped to the title on the final day by Manchester City.This term fits the narrative too, Arsenal beginning 2025 with one win in five in all competitions and have been knocked out of two cups before February has really got going.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEleven games in 36 days has left the squad on its knees.When the group touch back down in London on Tuesday, a flick needs to be switched if they are to go one better in the Prem and chase down Liverpool’s six-point lead having played a game more than the Reds.Perfection will also be needed to go further than the last 16 in the Champions League next month, a tough ask from a paper-thin squad following Arsenal’s failure to recruit a forward in January.Arteta likes consistency and familiarity in these Dubai trips, so Arsenal will be at the same training centre as last year – the Nad Al Sheba (NAS) sports complex.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt is a regular spot for Prem players during the off-season as well as for intense rehab sessions, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba and Tyrone Mings.Arsenal’s sessions will involve high-intensity bursts and individual muscular conditioning programmes in average temperatures ranging from 22 to 27 degrees.Arsenal vs NewcastleIt also gives a chance for injured players to step up their rehab – crocked duo Bukayo Saka (hamstring) and Ben White (knee) will be on the trip with returns expected within the next month.Arsenal usually stay in hotels near the famous Dubai Palm, with club officials previously raving over having everything at their doorstep away from training, including shopping malls and restaurants.Arteta recently explained: “Of course we will have to modify [the trip]. There are a lot of things that will be very similar. Location, where we are staying, where we train.“But we are going at a different moment of the season, different numbers, probably the team needs a different stimulus, so we are preparing a few things.“Hopefully it will work like it has the last few times.”Families and close friends will be allowed to mix with the group throughout the camp. Last year, Arteta organised a BBQ for the group and staff as a bonding session.The NAS complex has been used by some of world’s top athletesCredit: Instagram / nas_scMarcus Rashford headed there to keep sharpArsenal have gone to Dubai in each of the last few seasonsCredit: Instagram / nas_scThe trip will be very similar from previous yearsCredit: Instagram / nas_scDiogo Dalot made use of the extensive gymCredit: Instagram / nas_scJadon Sancho honed his boxing skills on his visitCredit: Instagram / nas_scNovak Djokovic proved it is suitable for any sports starCredit: Instagram / nas_scThere is a running track around one of the Fifa-level pitchesCredit: Instagram / nas_scArteta also likes to integrate academy players in the training squad. Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, used the 2024 trip well, and is now a regular first-team player.This time around, highly-rated 15-year-old Max Dowman and 16-year-old keeper Jack Porter – who made his senior debut in the Carabao Cup third round against Bolton – have been included.Most importantly, Arteta needs to keep his players fit, especially Kai Havertz – the German international is the club’s only fit centre forward at the club with Gabriel Jesus out for the rest of the season with an ACL rupture.However, there are now concerns over Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian winger has had an MRI scan on his right hamstring after hobbling off in the first half of their 2-0 Toon defeat.READ MORE SUN STORIESBack in November, Arteta admitted he had no idea why Dubai has such a positive impact on his squad, and joked if Las Vegas produced the same results, he would send his players there.The Middle East roulette wheel has been spun once more. Where will it land this time?Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Raheem Sterling is making his first winter training camp trip with ArsenalCredit: www.arsenal.comMax Dowman is heading to the Middle East at just 15Credit: GettyJack Porter, 16, made his first-team debut against Bolton earlier this seasonCredit: GettyDeclan Rice was at the thick of the fun in 2024Credit: GettyYoungsters Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri go this year as first-team regularsCredit: www.arsenal.comLewis-Skelly in action during the December 2022 visitCredit: GettyThe warm weather provides a welcome change from the British winterCredit: GettyThe NAS complex has all the facilities needed for the GunnersCredit: GettyMikel Arteta will hope it can provide a timely boostCredit: GettyWorkouts can be done out in the sunshineCredit: GettyBen White will hope he can use the few days in Dubai as part of his rehabCredit: Getty More

MANCHESTER UNITED defender Lisandro Martinez could be out of action until 2026 – and fans are in despair.The Argentine has suffered a serious ACL injury during United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday, the club have confirmed today.Lisandro Martinez was stretchered off against Crystal Palace on SundayThe defender landed awkwardly while attempting to make a tackle on SarrThe Argentine was seen in floods of tears as the medical team carried him off the turfMan Utd have since confirmed Martinez’s Anterior cruciate ligament injuryThe 27-year-old was stretchered off in the late stages at Old Trafford after injuring his knee.While attempting to win the ball from Ismaila Sarr, Martinez lunged forward before his left knee buckled.He immediately fell to the floor clutching his leg and signalled over to the bench to be substituted.The Argentina international – who scored two important goals last month – then broke down in tears as he was carried off the pitch.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile reports suggested an ACL tear on his left knee, fans were hoping for more positive news.But United have since announced the worst-case scenario ahead of Friday’s FA Cup fourth-round home clash against Leicester.The club statement read: “We can confirm that Licha suffered an injury to his cruciate ligament in Sunday’s game against Palace. “Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the appropriate course of treatment and the timescale for his rehabilitation.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Everyone at United wishes Martinez strength for a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way.”An ACL tear recovery time is generally nine to 10 months, though some players may recover in six months.Manchester United player ratings against Crystal PalaceThe worst-case scenario would see Martinez – who needs surgery – out until next February.It took Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings 473 days to recover from his ACL tear in 2023 before his return this season.While sidelined, the 18-time capped England international suffered from a condition known as muscle atrophy, which is the decrease in the size of muscle tissue due to a lack of physical activity.United fans were left bitterly disappointed after the announcement.One raged on X: “Just call this season off!”A second said: “When you think things can’t get any worse 😪.”A third quizzed: “Why can’t we ever have anything nice?”While another added: “Absolutely gutted about this. Wish Licha a speedy recovery ❤.”One more said: “See ya need year lad 💪.”Martinez has been plagued by injury problems since joining the Red Devils in July 2022.He missed the end of his debut season with a metatarsal fracture before foot, calf and knee problems hampered the 2023-24 campaign.The Red Devils went on to lose 2-0 to Oliver Glasner’s side at the weekend – their 11th defeat of their dismal campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESMatthijs de Ligt was brought on as Martinez’s replacement but United were undone on their left flank as Daniel Munoz burst through before squaring to Jean-Philippe Mateta to poke home.Mateta scored a brace for the visitors to secure the three points and move about Ruben Amorim’s side to 12th in the Prem.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Man Utd player ratings vs Crystal PalaceMANCHESTER UNITED’S mini-revival under Ruben Amorim came to an abrupt end as Crystal Palace ran out 2-0 winners at Old Trafford.Here’s how the Red Devils stars rated on a disappointing day.Andre Onana – 5Was left vulnerable by a shaky back-line and beaten by Lacroix’s looping header, which came off the crossbar into Mateta’s path.But he couldn’t do much about the second goal.Leny Yoro – 5Came in for De Ligt, who was benched. Was inches away from scoring his first United goal early on.Did well to block Mitchell after a Mazraoui error, but his positioning was a problem later in the game.Harry Maguire – 3Lost his battle with centre forward Mateta, who held the ball up well and got in behind every time, and was left stranded for the Frenchman’s first goal.Hasn’t connected with Yoro. Palace, namely Sarr, opened them both up with ease and should’ve buried some chances through Mateta.Lisandro Martinez – 6Was stretchered off after jarring his knee in the 79th minute.The Argentine has been scoring the goals recently, but blazed a centre-back’s shot over the bar on the brink of half-time.Noussair Mazraoui – 5He was okay in the right wing-back role again but it is obviously not his best position.Struggled with the dual threat of Mitchell and Daichi Kamada down Palace’s left side.Diogo Dalot – 4Awful link-up play with a horrible blind pass inside the Palace box in a promising team position before the break. He’s not a left winger and it’s clear why Patrick Dorgu has been signed.Manuel Ugarte – 6Missing in the middle when Mateta’s stunning 80-yard run. Missed half a chance in the second-half.Bruno Fernandes – 5Restricted. Couldn’t get forward much and was unlucky not to score from his usual 20-yard territory after being denied by Henderson.Was one of three United players booked.Amad Diallo – 6Great individual runs, on and off the ball. Dropped to wing-back after Mainoo came off and was involved in anything good creatively.Alejandro Garnacho – 5Predictable build-up. But worked hard tracking back as one of the two 10s.Was quieter in the second half and struggled to step up when the going got tough.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Huge experiment by Amorim to have Mainoo lead the line, albeit falsely. It didn’t pay off, but it wasn’t all his fault.He didn’t get the service or have the hold up play required to be effective.SUBSHojlund (’70 for Mainoo) – 5Came on for the last 20 minutes and ran around a bit without doing much of note.Zirkzee (’70 for Mazraoui) – 5As above, not a great deal to write home about despite trying to make things happen. More

NOTTINGHAM FOREST are set to DEMOLISH an entire stand as part of a major stadium expansion.The new development will see an increased capacity by 10,000 to a total of 40,000 seats.Nottingham Forest are set to demolish an entire stand as part of a major stadium expansionCredit: AFPCapacity at the City Ground is set to increase by 10,000Credit: GettyThe project – part of a multi-million pound investment – will see The Peter Taylor Stand knocked down and made bigger.That particular grandstand is the oldest section of the 127-year-old footie ground.Capacity at the City Ground has gone above the 30,000 mark this season after the opening of a new ‘corner box’.The Reds have added two new hospitality areas made out of modified shipping containers at the corners of the Trent End.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe gaps between the stand, which backs onto the River Trent, and the Brian Clough and Peter Taylor have been filled with 20 private hospitality pods.But the latter will ultimately be torn down and rebuilt amid the growing ticket demand during Forest’s unbelievable Premier League campaign.Alongside Bournemouth, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have been the surprise package of the Prem this year and are pushing for Champions League qualification via a top-four finish. And if successful in their bid to make Europe for the first time in 30 years, the money that comes along with qualifying will come in handy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAccording to Uefa: “Each of the 36 clubs that qualify for the league phase can expect to receive a league phase allocation of £15.5m.”Although there has been no official announcement of the demolition, the redevelopment has been pencilled in for the summer of 2026.Premier League giants give update on £300m, 60,000-plus-capacity stadium expansion with area turned into building siteForest have already installed a temporary ‘stand ‘corner box’ at the City GroundThe shipping container stand is between the Trent End and Brian Clough StandThe FA is reportedly planning for England to play a friendly against Senegal at the City ground on June 10 – three days after Thomas Tuchel’s side play an away fixture against Andorra as part of their World Cup qualifying programme.Senegal were among England’s opponents in the last World Cup, with goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka sealing a 3-0 win for Southgate’s team to take them into the quarter-finals.Forest fans have urged the club to consider every possibility to remain at the City Ground.Club owner Evangelos Marinakis recently paid for the club’s multi-million-pound training ground renovation.The wider City Ground redevelopment project was given permission by Rushcliffe Borough Council in the summer of 2022.The stadium has been expanded several times, including in 1957, 1965, 1980, 1992–1993, and 1994–1996. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe City Ground hasn’t hosted an England international since 1909, excluding wartime games.Forest’s home was used in Euro 1996, hosting games involving Turkey, Croatia and Portugal.The stadium was opened in 1898Credit: Rex More