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    ‘Genuinely, is Mudryk a professional footballer?’ ask fans as Chelsea’s £88m flop hits CORNER FLAG with wild attempt

    CHELSEA fans were in despair after seeing Mykhailo Mudryk’s long-range effort almost go out for a throw-in. Mudryk, 23, started for the Blues against Villa at Villa Park and stood out for all the wrong reasons during the first half.Chelsea ace Mykhailo Mudryk put together arguably the biggest miss of the seasonCredit: beIN SportsMudryk tried a wild shot that completely missed the target and instead hit the corner flagCredit: beIN SportsHigh-flying Villa took an early lead through Marc Cucurella’s own goal.But Chelsea were in the ascendancy and pushing for a leveller when Mydryk found some space a few yards outside of the Villans’ box.The Ukrainian cut in from the left onto his right foot and let leash on Emiliano Martinez’s goal.However, it did not quite go to plan as the effort sliced further and further wide, all the way towards right corner before just rolling out for a goal-kick rather than a throw.Read More on FootballVilla fans cried out an ironic gasp while a raft of Chelsea supporters took to social media to vent.One fan tweeted: “Genuinely, is MUDRYK a footballer?”Another commented: “No way is Mudryk a professional footballer.”A third said: “Mudryk is one funny player I tell ya.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis fan posted: “Mudryk is too funny. How is that even possible?”And that one stated: “Mudryk tries a shot from distance but it hits the linesman. Quite an achievement actually.”Chelsea fans in awe as Mykhailo Mudryk ‘turns into Neymar’ with outrageous bit of skill… but he blows it instantlyMudryk cost Chelsea a staggering £88million last January when he arrived from Shakhtar Donetsk.Since then the Ukrainian has only managed a total of six goals and four assists in 53 appearances.Fortunately for Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Conor Gallagher did remember their shooting boots, as Chelsea left the Midlands with a hard-fought 2-2 draw.Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KidBy Dave Kidd
    WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
    Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
    There is so much wrong.
    After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
    The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
    Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
    Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
    Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More

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    Man Utd could seal cut-price Jarrad Branthwaite transfer if they move quickly amid Everton financial woes

    EVERTON may need to sell Merseyside derby hero Jarrad Branthwaite before June 30 to beat another financial rap.Sean Dyche would love the centre-back, 21, to stick around for another season at least.Jarrad Branthwaite is Everton’s most valuable assetCredit: GettySean Dyche has led Everton to safetyCredit: AlamyBut the club’s precarious position off the pitch makes it likely they will need to cash in on Branthwaite — even if the long-awaited takeover by 777 Partners goes ahead.Manchester United are favourites to sign Branthwaite and will exploit Everton’s desperate need for cash before this season officially ends in June to force down their £80million valuation.The Toffees have already been docked a total of eight points for breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules during the last two assessment periods.Selling Branthwaite before June 30 would ease pressure on the next set of accounts.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEverton are heavily in debt and are relying on 777 for funds to avoid entering administration.Branthwaite scored the first goal in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Liverpool that just about guaranteed survival — and torpedoed the Reds’ title bid.Toffees chiefs would prefer to sell other players such as midfielder Amadou Onana, 22.But the reality is that Branthwaite is their most bankable asset and they have little room for manoeuvre.Most read in FootballSpeaking after today’s win, Sean Dyche said: “I’m incredibly pleased and proud. They are a group of players who have had knocks all season.”Four out of five clean sheets and wins, with all the mounting noise after the Chelsea game, is incredible. The mentality of the players is fantastic. I’m super pleased and very proud.Watch Wayne Rooney go full Roy Keane live on Sky Sports in angry rant that would make Man Utd hardman proud”It has been an exhausting week for many reasons, with highs from the big win on Wednesday. The emotion that goes into that, I wondered how the players would respond.”With our xG, we have been questioned about how many times we haven’t won games. It has paid us back [now].”They [the players] have had a massive week. There is a lot of pressure and intensity on the week and [whether] you can do it again. In the second half, we controlled the game pretty well.”Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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    Brentford and Luton ready to fight it out for Championship goal machine Sammie Szmodics as Blackburn name transfer price

    BLACKBURN want up to £20million for their top scorer Sammie Szmodics.Rovers’ goal machine is tearing up the Championship, alerting Prem clubs — including some of those who may go down.Blackburn star Sammie Szmodics will cost up to £20m to prize awayCredit: PABlackburn star Szmodics has been eyed by Luton Town, Brentford and Sheffield UnitedCredit: RexLuton and Brentford have camped out at Blackburn games while Sheffield United are also admirers.But Rovers are looking for £15-20million to let the attacking midfielder go.That would be similar to the fee for midfielder Adam Wharton who joined Crystal Palace for £18m, rising to £22m, in January.Szmodics, 28, has had the season of his life, hitting 31 goals in all competitions despite Blackburn struggling.Read More on FootballThe playmaker has also amassed two caps with the Republic of Ireland.The valuation may be too high for the Irishman’s fan club.But offers are bound to start landing soon.Meanwhile, Birmingham are ready to fight Blades for Leeds’ Luke Ayling at the end of the season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAmbitious Blues are struggling to avoid relegation in the Championship basement.But the American-backed club will be serious contenders if they can avoid the drop.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersAyling, 32, is on loan at Middlesbrough until the end of the season.But prolonging his career at St Andrew’s with Brum is a very real option.Tactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins
    KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
    But has now well and truly found his feet.
    The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
    But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
    In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
    That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
    Click here to read all about it.
    Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube. More

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    Harry Redknapp: Here’s my masterplan to help Spurs stop Saka and Arsenal… and put major dent in Gunners’ title hopes

    I HAVE to chuckle when I hear them call this the North London Derby where destiny is on the line for both clubs.Because I can’t help thinking that it’s actually the Destiny OFF which could end up having the biggest impact.Harry Redknapp warned both Tottenham and Arsenal to keep cool heads in the derbyCredit: Chris BalcombeDestiny Udogie could be a big miss for TottenhamCredit: GettyArsenal can’t afford any slip-ups if they’re going to keep their noses in front of Manchester City and win the Premier League.And as much as Tottenham would love to throw a spanner in the works by stopping that, there’s plenty at stake for them, too.Three points is just as vital for Ange Postecoglou’s side if they’re going to nick fourth place off Aston Villa.It’s a massive game at the best of times — I know that better than most — and the smallest details can make the biggest difference.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd for Spurs that means how they cope without the injured Destiny Udogie, who might not get the headlines but has been outstanding.His pace would have been vital against Bukayo Saka, who can destroy you, and Postecoglou’s got a big job on now Udogie’s missing, for sure.Ben Davies will probably come in at left-back but in my book Spurs have to block off that side, so who plays in front of him is the key.And it’s got to be someone defensively minded, too, because if they don’t double up on Saka he could run riot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins
    KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
    But has now well and truly found his feet.
    The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
    But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
    In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
    That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
    Click here to read all about it.
    Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube.

    While that’s crucial, so is keeping a cool head, because Spurs will be bang up for this and the tackles are going to be flying in.There will be a few cards flashed around, believe me.The Wags of the North London DerbyWhen I was manager, every time we played Arsenal I’d hammer the same message into my team: be careful!They were different times, of course, with not so many overseas players. But that meant everyone knew the importance, especially the London boys like Ledley King.You want your players fired up but I’d always tell them: “I can’t afford to play this lot with ten men, so keep a lid on it.”That’s something Ange needs to get through to Cristian Romero especially, because it doesn’t take much for the red mist to come down.He’s got to make sure it’s not followed by a red card.Mind you, Arsenal can look after themselves too. They’ve got bags of quality but they’re not short of guys who can steam in as well.Declan Rice has been a great signing, Martin Odegaard is a fantastic player — and I’ve changed my opinion on Kai Havertz.But for all that, I really can’t see Spurs getting beaten, so assuming they manage to keep Saka in check, I’d have to put my money on a score draw.And with both sides desperate for three points, that wouldn’t do either of them any favours.I can see goals, I can see bookings — plenty of them — but I just can’t see a winner.Harry RedknappSo I’m sorry lads, as much as I hate to sit on the fence, sometimes it’s the only place to take a pew — and this afternoon is one of those times.I can see goals, I can see bookings — plenty of them — but I just can’t see a winner.Which obviously means no one’s going home happy. Apart from City.They beat Brighton on Thursday without breaking sweat and if they are in the same form at Nottingham Forest after the derby, City will be top by tonight.A point behind Arsenal, a game in hand and a squad packed with world-class players… I’m not surprised some bookies have already paid out.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd as much as City would love to still be in with a shout of another Treble, the fact that the Champions League is out of the way just makes them an even tougher nut to crack.Then it will be on to the FA Cup final, where they will be red-hot favourites to beat United again.Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
    ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
    Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
    But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
    And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
    BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
    One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
    VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
    Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
    ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
    Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
    JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
    Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
    XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
    An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More

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    ‘I swear this bloke’s on a wind-up now’, say fans as Erik ten Hag makes bold Man Utd admission after Burnley draw

    FANS wonder if Erik ten Hag is “on a wind-up” after an astonishing boast following Manchester United’s 1-1 home draw with Burnley.Red Devils’ keeper Andre Onana blundered to concede Zeki Amdouni’s late penalty equaliser after a sharp opener from Antony.Erik ten Hag stunned supporters with his match assessmentCredit: RexBut many observers reckon United’s display was as toothless as so often this season, leaving them 12 points adrift of the top four.Home supporters booed the Red Devils off as they remained without back-to-back Premier League victories since February.But under-pressure boss Ten Hag said: “I think we are one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams in the league at this moment – creating loads of chances, playing good football.”From the performance, the team did very well. Burnley are playing very high, intense football.”READ MORE TOP STORIESFans responded with jibes like: “Comments like this will get him sacked!” and “What!!!! Intense???”Another posted: “The bloke is so disconnected from reality it’s a concern.”A third wrote: “I swear this bloke’s on a wind-up now.”And a fourth blasted: “ENTERTAINING?? Utd DREW to a NINETEENTH place Burnley!!! Utd have lost 12 games in the league!! Drew 6 games!!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWith the Clarets second bottom, another supporter wrote: “Yeah they’re 19th with their high intense football.”And calls for Ten Hag to be axed flowed in.United’s new technical director Jason Wilcox watched on as United toiled.And Red Devils’ supporters were particularly upset to see Kobbie Mainoo hauled off after 65 minutes.Marcus Rashford should be scoring up to 35 goals a year but ‘needs support’ says Man Utd boss Erik ten HagThe draw left United sixth, still with a goal difference of just plus-one.Meanwhile, Clarets’ chief Vincent Kompany claims his team’s performance shows they can still stay up.The Manchester City legend told the BBC’s Match of the Day: “We’ve earned the right to believe and hope.” More

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    ‘This is just sad’, say fans as Premier League release never-before-seen statement after Sheff Utd’s relegation

    FANS have been left baffled after the Premier League released a rare statement in response to Sheffield United’s relegation.The Blades’ long-anticipated relegation was finally confirmed by a 5-1 defeat to Newcastle.Sheffield United have been relegated pending the outcome of appealsCredit: GettyNottingham Forest could be docked more points for appealing their initial points deductionCredit: PAThey are now ten points off 17th-placed Nottingham Forest with just three games left to play.But the Premier League responded with an unusual statement regarding Sheffield United’s position.It read: “Following their defeat to Newcastle, Sheffield Utd are relegated pending Everton and Nott’m Forest’s points-deduction appeals.”One fan reacted to the statement saying: “Speculate with point deduction is sad af.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Pending what now?”A third wrote: “Weird phrasing. What on earth do they mean?”And another commented: “Are you implying there is a possibility you may take more points, pending this appeal.”What exactly are you implying here. Sheff Utd can not get near Everton. What is it, you on the wind up or what.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOur beautiful game is broken, says Dave KidBy Dave Kidd
    WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
    Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
    There is so much wrong.
    After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
    The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
    Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
    Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
    Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more…

    Forest appealed against a four-point deduction in March in hope of winning some points back.But in doing so they have risked their punishment being increased.England star Anthony Gordon planning shock career change as Newcastle ace reveals his ‘calling’Premier League rules state that an Appeal Board can “vary any penalty imposed or order made at first instance”.Meanwhile Everton were deducted an initial 10 points, later reduced to six upon appeal, for breaching financial rules by £19.5million. More

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    Watch moment Anthony Taylor denies Liverpool one of most bizarre goals of season with TNT Sports viewers left confused

    FANS are demanding answers after Liverpool were denied an easy goal by one of the most mystifying decisions of the season.Some viewers even reckoned referee Anthony Taylor “knew he messed up” as they watched his actions after the bizarre incident, in a 2-2 draw at West Ham.Referee Anthony Taylor waved play-on after West Ham keeper Alphonse Areola took a tumble claiming a high ballCredit: X @footballontntFans were left confused as Areola then appeared to present Liverpool with an open goalCredit: TNT SportsCody Gakpo spotted his opportunity to score after Areola rolled the ball awayCredit: TNT SportsGakpo couldn’t believe it when referee Anthony Taylor blew his whistleCredit: TNT SportsThe controversy began when home keeper Alphonse Areola tumbled to the ground after gathering a high ball under pressure.Taylor immediately waved play on – as he raised his arm and jogged away.Areola was then helped up by two players, with the ball still in his hands.But what the French keeper did next left everybody in the London Stadium scratching their heads.READ MORE TOP STORIESAs players on both sides waiting for Areola to pass to a team-mate or punt the ball upfield, he instead rolled the ball in front of him as if to take a free-kick.The stopper even bent down to adjust his socks, with the ball now yards away from him.Reds’ attacker Cody Gakpo spotted his surprise opportunity – running back into the area to take possession.But it was then that the watching Taylor finally blew his whistle to stop an incredulous Gakpo from scoring a certain goal.Most read in FootballThe referee got it right… mostly, says Mark HalseyTHE Sun’s ex-Prem whistler gives his verdict on the controversy:

    ANTHONY TAYLOR did NOT make a mistake by stopping Cody Gakpo from scoring what would have been one of the strangest and most controversial goals of the season.
    Taylor spotted an infringement on West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola by Gakpo late on when the score was 2-2 and Liverpool were chasing a winner.
    Referee Taylor saw the incident clearly but signalled play on by raising an arm. Areola went down injured, got up and then lets go of the ball thinking he has been awarded a free-kick.
    Gakpo was about to score when Taylor saw what was happening and blew his whistle – but this was not an error. If advantage is signalled and no advantage follows then an official is allowed to go back and stop play.
    Where Taylor did make a mistake however was by restarting play with a drop ball – it should have been a free-kick. This is what caused all the fuss.
    It would have been better if Taylor had blown for a foul in the first place.

    BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNext, Taylor strode back to Areola, put his hand on the keeper and appeared to convince him to call for West Ham’s physio to come on.The French keeper at first appeared to suggest he was fine, before stretching his leg as if in pain and accepting the offer of treatment.A bizarre incident in the West Ham vs Liverpool game.Anthony Taylor denied Cody Gakpo taking the ball away from Alphonse Areola in front of goal…Was there a whistle here? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/myjWF8xnX2— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 27, 2024

    Fans were puzzled by this exchange between Taylor and Areola after the referee halted play to call on the physioCredit: X @footballontntMo Salah held back by team-mates after explosive touchline row with Jurgen Klopp before coming on at West HamAnd the whole incident left everybody watching on baffled, with many taking to social media.One fan went back to the start of the matter as he wrote: “He (Taylor) actually motions for the keeper to get up – makes it even worse.”Another said: “Didn’t hear a whistle, ref just botched it. Classic Taylor messing up when it actually matters, smh.”A third argued: “Taylor only called the physio on because he knows he f***ed up.”And a fourth hit out: “Like to see them explain this one!”Another fan was equally curious over the end of the incident.He wrote: “Want to hear what Taylor said to the keeper for the keeper to go from pulling his socks up to being injured.”But a few viewers suggested the ideal response from Liverpool’s Dutch raider would have been to slot the ball home to see if VAR intervened.Such verdicts included: “Gakpo should have just put the ball in the net. Worst case scenario he would have been booked, but the goal could have stood.”Despite fan anger, The Sun’s ex-Prem whistler Mark Halsey insisted the ref was RIGHT.Halsey believes Taylor spotted a foul on Areola and halted the action when the Hammers had no advantage.READ MORE SUN STORIESHalsey said: Gakpo was about to score when Taylor saw what was happening and blew his whistle – but this was not an error.”If advantage is signalled and no advantage follows then an official is allowed to go back and stop play.”Arne Slot’s record is WORSE than Erik ten Hag’s
    ARNE SLOT is set to be tasked with a near-impossible job – replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
    Should he swap the Eredivisie for the Premier League, Slot will follow in the footsteps of fellow follically-challenged Dutchman Erik ten Hag.
    Ten Hag left Ajax to become Manchester United manager in 2022.
    But he has suffered a nightmare spell at Old Trafford and appears to be a dead-man walking despite making the FA Cup final.
    With Slot seemingly destined for Anfield, fans won’t be able to help but compare his record in Holland with Ten Hag’s.
    And Reds supporters won’t like what they see.
    Click here to see all the stats… More

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    ‘This guy should be at Arsenal… he’s literally Thierry Henry’, say Gooners as Premier League star scores deadly double

    NEWCASTLE star Alexander Isak drew comparisons to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry after his double against Sheffield United.Isak, 24, damned the Blades to relegation from the Premier League as he led the Magpies to a 5-1 triumph with a brace at St James’ Park.Arsenal fans have urged the club to sign Newcastle star Alexander IsakCredit: GettyNewcastle star Isak has been compared to Arsenal legend Thierry HenryCredit: EPAArsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keeping tabs on Isak ahead of the summerCredit: PANewcastle star Isak has dominated in the Premier League this seasonBut it was the striker’s equaliser that went viral as his brilliant movement met a stunning through ball by Jacob Murphy from midfield to beat Wes Foderingham from a tight angle down the right.That brought back glimpses of Henry’s deadly finishes that made him the Gunners’ all-time leading scorer with 228 goals in 377 appearances throughout his glittering stint in north London.Arsenal have been strongly linked with the Sweden international, with manager Mikel Arteta prioritising a striker signing ahead of the summer transfer window.And the Newcastle star is among the North Londoners’ top candidates to spearhead the frontline next season.Read More on ArsenalHowever, SunSport have revealed that Arsenal are facing competition with Barcelona also keeping tabs on Isak.Nevertheless, the Swede’s suitors are confident the Toon would be tempted to discuss a deal as they face having to balance the books to satisfy FFP and PSR rules.And Arsenal fans are adamant that would make for a sensational signing as they suggest Isak could become the next Henry.One fan tweeted: “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this guy should be playing for Arsenal.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother commented: “It’s literally Henry.”A third posted: “Isak is honestly the closest player I’ve seen in terms of positions he takes up, movements, style of play, even down to his mannerisms, celebrations & arrogance to Thierry Henry, it’s uncanny.Mikel Arteta picks a fight with Premier League supercomputer after he is told Arsenal’s chances of titleTactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins

    KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
    But has now well and truly found his feet.
    The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
    But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
    In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
    That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
    Click here to read all about it.
    Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube.

    “I’m not saying he has Henry’s quality but they’re just so similar it’s weird.”This fan said: “Isak has so much Thierry Henry in his game.”And that one stated: “Isak is lethal. Closest thing I’ve seen in the @premierleague to Henry.”Isak has now registered a staggering 19 Premier League goals in 26 appearances and is only one behind from the English top flight’s leading scorers Erling Haaland as well as Cole Palmer.Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
    ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
    Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
    But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
    And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
    BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
    One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
    VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
    Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
    ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
    Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
    JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
    Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
    XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
    An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More