Premier League

BEN WHITE has joked he is one of the most UNPROFESSIONAL players at Arsenal – despite his incredible injury record.Across the past four Prem seasons, the Gunners defender has missed just nine games.Ben White has rarely been injured since signing for ArsenalCredit: GettyAsked how he has managed this feat, White laughed: “I really don’t know. If you were to ask anyone at the club: ‘Who is the most professional?’ it wouldn’t be me.“I wouldn’t go in the ice bath, I don’t stretch, none of that. I just don’t get injured.“It is probably a factor that I’m not super quick, I am not that powerful. I can just plod along. I can play through a lot [of pain].“If you don’t play for a week, someone is going to and do well and you might not get in the team. It’s good for everyone to be competing and raising the level.”READ MORE ON ARSENALWhite is in line to return to the squad to face Bournemouth on Saturday after a rare occurrence of sitting out of Arsenal’s last two Prem outings due to a minor groin issue.Recovering at home, you will NOT find White watching football – a player well-known for suggesting he is not obsessed with the sport.On that topic, White explained: “It’s not a big deal. At training and with the number of videos you have to watch every day… it’s so extreme.“So, when I come home I just want to forget about it. There’s no football on, I don’t talk about it, mum and dad don’t speak to me about it… it’s just like it’s not my job.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I have always been that way and want to continue that, just a normal guy. I don’t do mad things when I get home. The normal day-to-day stuff is something I like to keep to myself.“People think that I don’t love [football], I don’t watch it, but I could still tell you most things about every winger I’m going to play against and their attributes.Arteta is open to allowing Arsenal academy players to take part in first team training“Playing right back, there are so many good wingers. Every game, every team, it is probably their best player. That’s why it is so difficult to play there in the Premier League.” More

BEN WHITE wants to set up his own dog walking business when he retires.But for now, the Arsenal right-back is enjoying being let off the leash as the leader of Mikel Arteta’s hounds of hell, admitting: I love a big early tackle… let them know you’re there.Ben White is ready for a change of scenery when he retiresCredit: GettyWhite says his early days getting roughed up in the lower leagues gives him the edge as the Gunners’ instigator of aggression and alleged ‘dark arts’ against Prem opponents.Having just turned 27, thoughts are already turning to what to do when he hangs his boots up. He said: “I don’t want to be a pundit. I was thinking of being a dog walker, get a little van.”Yet there is still plenty of life in the ‘old’ dog yet as a key cog in Arteta’s title-chasing side – whether it is being a nuisance at set-pieces or getting physical with opposition wingers.READ MORE ON ARSENALAs a 19-year-old, White learned his trade on loan from Brighton at Newport County in League Two in 2017/18 before heading to Peterborough United in League One in 2018/19.And asked what he loves most in a game, White said: “A big tackle. The first 15 minutes of a game, the first tackle on someone to let them know that’s all game you’re gonna get that.“The old fashioned let them know you’re there.“My best season was on loan at Newport. There are aspects of [lower league football] that come into the Premier League and I try and bring some of that.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“There are not many players who have played in League Two and the Premier League.“Even with the really good players we play against, they’re so good but sometimes you can get a bit of leverage [against them] by being aggressive.Lee Carsley reveals he is ‘not speaking’ to Ben White as he gives update on Arsenal star’s England career“Trying to find any way to win and I will do that. I’m not the best one-v-one defender or the quickest or strongest but finding a way to win, that’s the best thing I have been able to learn.”White was dropped by Southampton as a 16-year-old, admitting he was “too tall, gangly, couldn’t run” before being picked up the Seagulls shortly after in 2014.And he was also given a wake-up call by managerial great Marcelo Bielsa while on loan at Leeds United in 2019/20 – a campaign where the Yorkshire club earned Prem promotion.White explained: “When I first went to Leeds, someone tells me I’m in the U23s changing room. I stayed in there for five or six weeks.“The first training session I had, [Bielsa] didn’t speak any English, someone would interpret it, and he said I was too slow, not agile enough and not mentally quick enough.“And then he just walked off, and didn’t speak to me again for months, but when he says something, you do it. For him to say that to me, you’re not at the highest level…“But I had that in my mind that I would wait it out and I would be okay. I ended up playing every minute that season.“I have never done as much work in training than at Leeds, it was four hours every day, double sessions, sleep at the training ground. The runs we had to do were horrendous.”Following his £50m switch from Brighton to Arsenal in July 2021, White has become a mainstay in Arteta’s now famed back four – one that conceded just 29 Prem goals last term.But White is comfortable for the spotlight to rest on others, including keeper David Raya and centre-back pairing William Saliba and Gabriel, the latter scoring 16 goals – more than any other defender since the Brazilian joined in September 2020.White said: “Saliba is absolutely incredible. Nothing I could say is a weakness.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In training you see glimpses of how good he is but in a game he’s a different level. He can just cruise in training. No one even tries [going past him] because there is no point.“The threat [Gabriel] has in the box is scary. Every time you get a corner you kind of know you’re going to score, if the ball is in an alright area.” More

EDERSON claims Manchester City already know the man they want to replace Pep Guardiola.The four-in-a-row Prem champions are waiting to hear whether their Catalan boss will leave when his contract expires next summer.Pep Guardiola is out of contract next summerCredit: GettyEderson thinks the club have already decided on Guardiola’s successorCredit: GettyThe hope is he could sign a one-year extension to make it a decade in charge at the Etihad – but as yet he has made no decision.City’s No1 opted to stay in the summer when a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia was on the table for him.And that was partly because he feels the club will know exactly where to turn when the time comes to finally say their goodbyes to Guardiola.Asked if his future was linked to the manager at all, he said: “No, not at all. Today City is a very well structured club, well managed, great directors, great CEO.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I believe the club already has the next manager in mind to the day Pep decides to leave, they will try to follow the same line of work.“Of course it’d be a great loss, we’re talking about the best manager in the world, but I see a really well prepared club for the post-Pep era.”Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim is a hot tip to take over following the announcement that his close pal Hugo Viana will move to City as director of football in the summer.However they are also among a host of clubs who have been impressed by the job done by Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Guardiola himself believes his former captain Vincent Kompany – now in charge of Bayern Munich – will be City boss at some point in the future.Ederson revealed Guardiola played a key role in persuading him to stay in the summer – with the pair having several lengthy chats.Fans spot Pep Guardiola coaching opposition player at final whistle and claim it’s ‘because he loves football so much’He said in one conversation he was given ‘guarantees’ by his boss that helped convince him to prolong his seven-year spell in England.Ederson told TNT Sport Brazil: “There was an offer on the table, it weighed a lot on me as it was way above the average.“But I had countless conversations with Pep, there was a decisive one that I can’t reveal much.“It was about what he told me, his guarantees, all of what we’ve lived together here, the evolution I had with him.“So that talk was essential for me to stay at City.”Man City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher.Ederson has helped City win six of the last seven Prem titles since joining the club in 2017.And he says much of their success is down to Guardiola’s guidance, adding:“It’s amazing. He shows you the way, then it’s all on you to put this theory into practice.“He is like our team’s GPS: he gives the route and we follow. If you don’t develop as a player with Pep it’s because you didn’t want to.”Meanwhile Amorim spoke for the first time since it was announced his close friend Viana is going to replace Txiki Begiristain at City.And he said despite their friendship there is no certainty he will make the same move in the near future.He said: “These are rumours. Viana will always be a great friend, but his professional trajectory will one day be different.“One thing doesn’t lead to another. The main thing is that nothing has changed at Sporting, nothing. Viana will only leave at the end of the season.”We don’t talk about it. They are two different paths. Viana’s path is Viana’s path, mine is mine.“We have a professional relationship that will not last forever, but it is certain that the friendship will continue”READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim said he will have to make sure Viana stays out of the way when the two teams meet in the Champions League next month.He said: “Of course, Viana won’t be able to enter the dressing room during that week because I won’t let him in to avoid conflicts, but that’s all that changes”. More

RICCARDO CALAFIORI’S English is impressive for someone who has just moved to England after spending the majority of his career in Italy.And it’s thanks to a peculiar method he is using to learn his new language.Riccardo Calafiori revealed how he learnt EnglishCredit: X/BBCMOTDThe defender is already a popular new addition for the GunnersCredit: ReutersThe Italian has been learning English for several years.And although he is not quite fluent – he has a fantastic grasp thanks to two unusual sources including a specific type of pop music.Calafiori told Football Focus: “Since I was a kid. “I started maybe with Netflix and with the lyrics of the songs. UK drill.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I’m still learning, I want to have lessons, I want to improve a bit.”Fans loved the honest revelations.One replied: “I love him. What a bloke.”Another wrote: “How can you not love this man.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third typed: “He is so smart. I thought he had some English lessons before coming to the UK.”And a final user joked: “Man is three years away from sounding like Bellerin,” in reference to Hector Bellerin’s bizarre Spanish-London accent. Three reasons Arsenal’s new signing Riccardo Calafiori is a huge upgrade Calafiori then revealed his honest thoughts on the English cuisine.He added: “I expected worse to be honest. It’s not so bad.”Fish and chips. It’s not bad. Once per month you can eat this.”I want to feel the whole experience, you know – become an English person.”As well as being loved by the fans for his personality, Calafiori is also backing it up on the pitch with his performances for his new side.The 22-year-old scored a belter against Manchester City to equalise in the crunch clash at the Etihad.The supporters already adore him – writing a song to the tune of ‘Amore’ – and he insists it is a two-way love affair.Calafiori labelled his move to Arsenal as a “dream” and he’s excited to play his part in the “young squad”.He added: “It’s actually been my dream since I was 12 or 13 years old, because I can see the level of the league here and the best players in the world, for me, play here. “It’s a dream and not only for me, but for everybody.“I came here to play so I will do everything to play and to give something to the team. I hope I can do that from the first few games.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has done so with positive performances in the Premier League and the Champions League, proving an accomplished addition to the Gunners’ defence.Calafiori added: “From my point of view, it’s just the start, the beginning of something bigger. I’m excited to start to play for Arsenal and to win trophies.”Digga D, a famous drill artistCredit: PA:Press AssociationCalafiori spent most of his career in ItalyCredit: EPACalafiori’s signs for the GunnersCredit: GettyArsenal fans are loving their new left-backCredit: PA More

NEWCASTLE have used the international break to give a pair of iconic statues some tender loving care.In 2022, a £250,000 Alan Shearer statue joined one of Sir Bobby Robson outside St James’ Park.Alan Shearer’s statue sits outside the Gallowgate EndShearer’s statue joined Sir Bobby Robson’s in 2016Workers used a blowtorch to give both statues a faceliftBoth statues were left looking as good as newWhen fans attend Saturday’s home match against Brighton, they may notice both looking good as new.That’s because last month, the Toon had both seen to by Aylwin Designs.In a video shared to social media, workers can be seen using a blowtorch and a brush on the iconic figures, a technique designed to get the statues beaming again.Captioning the post, Aylwin Designs wrote: “Great teamwork with Tom Maley and Alberto to restore the statues of Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer for Newcastle United FC.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Proud to keep these legends shining bright!”Newcastle unveiled their 3metre bronze statue of club legend Robson, designed by Maley, in 2012.A similarly sized figure of Shearer was subsequently built in 2016, but peculiarly found itself placed on Barrack Road.It was thought that former owner Mike Ashley did not want the statue to be placed within stadium boundaries.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollowing the club’s Saudi takeover, however, it was finally moved to St James’ Park.It now sits proudly next to the Robson statue outside the Gallowgate End.Video emerges of Roy Keane throwing ball at Alan Shearer’s head amid Erling Haaland debateFans have been left delighted with the work done on both statues.One wrote on social media: “It’s the little things sometimes. Love to see it.”While a second echoed: “Its the little things that matter, Ashley could never comprehend a simple bit of pride.”Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

MANCHESTER UNITED’S new stadium has been compared to a “dishwasher tablet” as the club prepare to submit plans for the £2billion project.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s vision for a 100,000-seater ground has been laid out in a series of pictures showing their ideas.Fans have compared the new 100,000-seater stadium plans to a dishwasher tabletCredit: AFP or LicensorsIt is a £2billion project encompassing the stadium and regeneration in the areaCredit: Man Utd websiteIt could be open by 2028 and finished by 2030Credit: Man Utd websiteMan Utd chiefs are looking to submit their plans before the end of the year in the hope work can began in early 2025.But some football fans were quick to mock the images as they compared the venue to various less-than-impressive objects.One social media user said: “It looks like a dishwasher tablet.”While another added: “Why does it look like a boiled sweet.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDA third replied: “From the top it’s a dishwasher tablet. From the side it’s a cheesecake.”And a fourth responded: “Looks like a one of those toilet bowl you get while you’re in hospital and can’t walk to the bathroom 💀💀.”It is thought that the work could take up to three years to complete.This would mean that the earliest the Red Devils would be playing in their new ground would be 2028.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. Computer-generated images show “New Trafford” to be circular in shape with a huge roof.It will be built adjacent to Old Trafford, with the plans also including a regeneration of the Trafford Park region around the brand new ground. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans for Manchester United’s stadium, Old Trafford, could be a new ground for the cost of an old ground refitNew houses, commercial areas and improved transport links have all been proposed.Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham said: “This could be the biggest regeneration scheme ever seen in this country.”The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.Old Trafford, which has been criticised for its leaky roof and ageing infrastructure, has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More