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      Mikel Arteta calls Arsene Wenger for help as Arsenal look to get over line in Premier League title race

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      MIKEL ARTETA has picked the brains of Invincibles boss Arsene Wenger in a bid to end Arsenal’s title drought.Twenty years ago this week, Wenger’s Gunners won their last Premier League trophy away at Spurs, ending the 2003-04 campaign unbeaten.Arsene Wenger guided Arsenal to their previous Prem title in 2003/04Credit: AFP – GettyMikel Arteta has called on the legendary boss’ experienceCredit: ReutersAsked if he had contacted the Frenchman, 74, for title-winning advice, Arteta said: “I have spoken to him a few times. There were certain topics about how they won it and the latter stages.“He used to talk about that when I was a player. It is always there in the hard drive.“For this time of the season, at the end it is about finding a way to win the game. And that is it.“You can do it in various ways, when you look at how [Wenger’s Arsenal] won the titles.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“How they won certain games with very, very, very close margins.“He always talked about that and who is going to step up on the occasion to make it happen.”Arteta’s side go to Tottenham on Sunday, knowing victory will keep them top with three league games remaining.The Spaniard played under Wenger at the Emirates from 2011 to 2016, before filling the Gunners’ managerial hot-seat in December 2019.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSArsenal can win their remaining four Prem outings this term and still NOT be crowned champions, with Manchester City currently one point behind with a game in hand.Liverpool are three points adrift of top spot after losing 2-0 to local rivals Everton.How Arteta’s tactical masterstroke turned Havertz into Arsenal’s most important playerYet Arteta is not convinced it is now a two-horse race, adding: “This league is tremendously demanding and there can be still a lot of turns.“We know what we have to do to win this league.“We have to perform the best possible way and win our matches and wait to see what happens.” More

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      Wayne Rooney reveals bizarre bedtime routine as Man Utd fans claim club legend is still suffering ‘Fergie PTSD’

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      WAYNE ROONEY has blown away Alex Ferguson as the main man with a hairdryer – after revealing an astonishing bed-time habit.The former England skipper admits he is an unusual kipper – as he always sleeps with a HAIRDRYER switched on close by him.Wayne Rooney sleeps with a hairdryer and two fans blowing cold airCredit: RexAlex Ferguson had a cheaper version of the hairdryerCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThere’s no doubt Rooney is struggling to match his legendary ex-Manchester United boss Fergie in the dugout.But it’s not a load of hot air to say he can beat the fiery Scotsman at his own game by creating an electric atmosphere in a less heated way.Fergie famously dished out the “hairdryer treatment” – blasting his United players at half-time if ever they were struggling.But Rooney takes his own, far more expensive version to the opposite extreme  – as he only uses COLD air!READ MORE TOP STORIESThe ex-Birmingham chief explained his oddball routine between the sheets while playing FIFA Pro Clubs with streamers Girth N Turf.Speaking on the Twitch stream, the 38-year-old said: ‘If I’m in bed on my own, I sleep with the hairdryer on.. the whole night.”I have it on cold. On my kids’ lives, I sleep with the hairdryer on and it’s in the bed right next to me blowing on my head.”I’ve got two fans next to my bed as well.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRooney’s relationship with Treble-winning Ferguson blew hot and cold towards the end of the Evertonian’s 13 years at Old Trafford.And the former striker’s in-game team-mates, such as Angry Ginge and Pieface, joked that his strange bed-time requirement suggests he’s suffering from “PTSD of Fergie shouting at you”.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduatesBut after spluttering spells in charge of Derby, DC United and Birmingham, Rooney still hopes he can awaken his managerial dreams.Meanwhile, he’s tipped to become a BBC pundit at Euro 2024 this summer – despite missing his Match of the Day debut two weeks ago. More

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      Tottenham star James Maddison opens up on three-month injury layoff which stopped him being a dad to newborn twins

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      JAMES MADDISON has opened up on his three-month injury layoff which stopped him being a dad to his newborn twins.The father of three, who moved to Spurs from Leicester for £45million last summer, was flying before he ruptured his ankle ligaments against Chelsea in November.James Maddison had twins last JulyCredit: InstagramMaddison with partner Kennedy AlexaCredit: InstagramMaddison, 27, returned at the end of January but the Tottenham playmaker has failed to hit the heights of his early season form as he prepares for Sunday’s North London derby with Prem leaders Arsenal.Maddison said: “Physically it was tough because I ruptured the ligaments in my ankle which affected everything in my life.“You’re on crutches, you’re in a boot, you can’t get around the house, you can’t really be a dad.”Maddison and partner Kennedy Alexa are parents to three kids, Leo, 2, and twins Delilah and Rome, who were born last July.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the Three Lions star, who aims to end the season on a major high by securing Champions League football at Spurs and Euro 2024 success with England, admitted the injury blow impacted on his personal life as he took his frustration out on his loved ones.At the time, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou revealed Maddison’s injury was “worse than first thought” and that led to “grouchy” and “snappy” moods.Maddison, who took part in the Boots Online Doctor YouTube series in collaboration with Sky Sports, added: “I often found when I was injured, I was getting very frustrated with not being back quicker.“It would almost creep into my personal life a little bit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I was probably a bit more grouchy and snappy, just even with my partner and my mum and dad.“It creeps in without you even realising it. So talking and getting stuff off my chest helps.”Eight times Arsenal and Tottenham’s North London rivalry got pettyMaddison’s Spurs return to action for the first time since their 4-0 hammering at Newcastle a fortnight ago and will be hell-bent on trying to stop Arsenal lifting a first league title since 2003-04’s Invincibles.But the former Leicester midfielder says he can deal with footballing setbacks due to the stable environment around him.Maddison, who has scored four goals in 27 appearances for club and country this term, said: “I’m very fortunate. I’ve got a brilliant network around me. My parents, my partner, my best friends, my agent.“Everything I’ve had since day one. I’ve never changed.“I’m very fortunate because not everyone has that. “My message to others would be to seek the person you can get stuff off your chest and be completely 100 per cent honest with because it definitely does help.”James Maddison admits injury problems impacted his personal lifeCredit: Instagram / @kennedyalexa More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘leaning towards KEEPING Ten Hag’ as Man Utd have ‘too many other issues to sort out’

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE is leaning towards keeping Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, according to reports.The Dutchman has come under fire this season with United set to miss out on the Champions League.Manchester United could keep Erik ten Hag beyond the summerCredit: AlamyHe has reached the FA Cup final for a second successive year but bad results and a lack of progression on the pitch have led questions to be raised.United have reportedly been considering options to replace Ten Hag but sources close to Ratcliffe and his team believe the new owner may choose to keep him in post, report ESPN.Keeping Ten Hag could prove to be a cheaper option with the manager’s wages set to be cut if he fails to qualify for the Champions League.But United are considering their options by preparing alternative managerial targets if they decide to sack Ten Hag.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever there are few stand-out names at present with Liverpool and Bayern Munich also fighting for top targets.And one of United’s preferred choices, Gareth Southgate, could still be in charge of England by July, when pre-season begins.The Red Devils have also been linked with former Chelsea managers Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel, who has led Bayern to the Champions League semi-final.While Wolves boss Gary O’Neil is also of interest but could join in a coaching capacity.Most read in FootballPundits 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.”

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBrighton manager Robert De Zerbi and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are the other names linked.Ten Hag could return to former club Ajax if he is sacked with the Dutch giants keen to re-united with the 54-year-old.Three key things Ten Hag is getting wrong at Man United More

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      Forgotten ex-Premier League manager, 45, out to avoid relegation to League One as he says ‘adversity is in the blood’

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      GARRY MONK is ready to stare down adversity again with his Cambridge side needing a point to guarantee survival.Monk bossed Swansea in the Premier League and then took charge at a series of Championship teams including Leeds and Middlesbrough.Garry Monk is hoping to save Cambridge from relegationCredit: AlamyBut he spent more than three years out of football management after getting the sack at Sheffield Wednesday in November 2020.Monk finally returned in early March as Cambridge’s head coach, tasked with preserving the club’s League One status.They were thrashed 6-0 at Lincoln and 4-0 at Reading in his first two away games at the helm.But he has since stabilised the U’s, who will definitely beat the drop if they draw at Port Vale tomorrow.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMonk knows what it takes to stay up via the final fixture, having masterminded Birmingham’s 3-1 victory over Fulham in 2018.Monk, 45, said: “Adversity’s in the blood. I kind of like adversity. I’ve faced a lot of it in my career, and as a person in my life. My mentality is always really strong with it.“I’m looking forward to the game and the players should be looking forward to it. “I know there’s a big, huge responsibility and an outcome that’s needed from it, but you have to enjoy these moments as well.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGarry Monk’s managerial record
      Swansea: Played 77, Won 28, Drew 17, Lost 32.
      Leeds: Played 53, Won 25, Drew 11, Lost 17.
      Middlesbrough: Played 26, Won 12, Drew 5, Lost 9.
      Birmingham: Played 59, Won 19, Drew 20, Lost 20.
      Sheffield Wednesday: Played 58, Won 18, Drew 15, Lost 25.
      Cambridge: Played 10, Won 2, Drawn 3, Lost 5.

      “Yes I’d rather be at the other end of the table fighting, but sometimes you face these situations.“It’s the character and belief you have in yourself and in each other that will come shining through. I’m pretty confident that will come through in the players on Saturday.”Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysMonk has been impressed with the spirit and determination demonstrated by the Cambridge’s squad in their quest for safety.He added: “Often in these situations, there’s a lot of fracture and discontent that you have to try and manage.“But I feel lucky that I haven’t had to do too much of that work. It hasn’t been any of that – it’s just more an enhancement of confidence and belief.“Even the Reading and Lincoln games, there wasn’t like you had a fractured group. “It was just two games where we did poor, but it wasn’t for a lack of wanting to do the right thing or anything else. It was very early days and new.“But since Reading I think they’ve done exceptionally well. They’ve shown what they’re about, showed all the ingredients that you’d want in this type of situation. One more huge effort and we can get the job done.”Despite Cambridge’s precarious position, Monk has relished being back involved in club life.He said: “I’ve hugely enjoyed it. I’ve had a lot of support. Not just the players and the staff, but from around. The fan base, the ownership and the directors – I’ve just had a lot of support. And that’s quite nice.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That’s not been at every club you have that type of support. I think when you get that kind of support, outside of just being professional, you are kind of more desperate to give them what they want, because they’re good people at the club and around the club.“So you feel a bit more emotionally attached to what you want to give them and how important it is for everyone.”Bottom of the League One table going into the final day More

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      ‘Psychopathic’ Arsenal Invincible ‘would have been a criminal if it weren’t for football’, jokes former team-mate

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      EMMANUEL PETIT claims football “saved” fellow Arsenal legend Martin Keown from a life of crime.Petit revealed the ex-hardman “reminded me of psychopaths” but controlled his behaviour as he knew he was being watched on TV.Martin Keown famously confronted Man Utd’s Ruud Van NistelrooyCredit: GettyEmmanuel Petit says he and fellow midfielder Patrick Vieira were ‘so happy’ to have Keown playing behind themCredit: Action Images – ReutersKeown, 57, now a BBC and BT Sport pundit, won the last of his three Premier League titles with the Gunners as one of the 2003-4 “Invincibles”.But French World Cup winner Petit reckons only the discipline of sport kept the former England centre-back on the straight and narrow.The ex-midfielder, 53, told talkSPORT: “I always told him that football saved his life. Otherwise he would have been a criminal.”You know, the rules on the pitch… the fact that he could fight on the pitch, but with referees, things like this, he knew that television was looking at him, fans were looking at him, so he had to behave – with good manners as well.READ MORE TOP STORIES”But I remember so many things with him. This guy sometimes reminds me of psychopaths.”Petit smiled as he added: “I told him football saved you. Otherwise you’ll be in trouble in normal life because he’s such a nice guy but all of a sudden in the space of one second he can change.”Keown was at the centre of one of English football’s most notorious images – aggressively taunting Manchester United Ruud van Nistelrooy over a missed penalty in September 2003.But Petit gave another dramatic example of what he believes was the defender’s sensitive temperament.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe explained how Arsenal team-mates intervened against Sheffield Wednesday when Keown got his fingers around Paolo Di Canio’s throat.The former Chelsea and Barcelona star said: “You could see his eyes – he was not there anymore. He just wanted to kill Paolo Di Canio.The Wags of the North London Derby”So the way he plays, the way he used to take care of the strikers all the time – me and Patrick (Vieira) in midfield were so happy to have Martin at the back for you.”Petit also joked that Keown’s defensive partner Tony Adams was “clever” at “managing Martin just like someone who is walking with his dangerous dog”.Arsenal defensive icons Tony Adams and Keown hold the Prem trophy in 2002Credit: Getty More

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      Mikel Arteta picks a fight with Premier League supercomputer after he is told Arsenal’s chances of title

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      MIKEL ARTETA jokingly hit back at a supercomputer after it tipped Manchester City to pip his side to the Premier League title.Arsenal are one point ahead of their title rivals but have played one match more.Mikel Arteta is aiming to prove the supercomputer wrongCredit: GettyAnd they face a tricky trip to North London rivals Tottenham on Sunday in a clash which could derail their title bid.City are hot on their tails and after dispatching Brighton 4-0 on Thursday they are heavy favourites to land a fourth consecutive Prem trophy.In Opta’s supercomputer simulation City now have a 72 per cent likelihood of winning the league, compared to Arsenal’s 27 per cent chance.That stat was presented to Arteta in his pre-match press conference and the Gunners boss smiled in response.READ MORE ON ARSENALHe said: “Hopefully we can tweak that computer and make it a bit higher. “Maybe they need to upload the software, maybe we need to help them and give them more tools – hopefully we can change that.”Arsenal might have to win all four of their remaining matches to claim the title – and hope City drop points.The Gunners face a trip to Old Trafford where they have won just once in their previous nine visits, though City also have to play Spurs who have been a bogey side in recent years.Most read in FootballArsenal’s chances of winning the title are slimCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPep Guardiola is yet to win at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the league and City have beaten Spurs twice in the last six meetings between the pair.Another supercomputer has tipped Arsenal to miss out on top spot by just one point.It expects City to drop points but to take 10 points from their remaining five games, which could be enough to beat the Gunners to the title.Jamie Redknapp names the two games that will decide whether Man City, Liverpool or Arsenal will win Premier League title More

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      Ajax ‘chasing under-fire Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag for emotional reunion… but also have eye on ex-Chelsea boss’

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      ERIK TEN HAG could return to Ajax if he is sacked by Manchester United, according to reports.The under-fire boss could be axed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the new chief plans to overhaul the club after a poor season.Erik ten Hag could return to Ajax this summerCredit: GettyGraham Potter is also in the running to land the Ajax jobCredit: Getty Images – GettyMan Utd have made it to the FA Cup final – but results in the Champions League and Premier League have seen Ten Hag tipped for an exit.The Dutchman’s time at Old Trafford could be up should they lose to Manchester City at Wembley and miss out on Europa League qualification with Newcastle hot on their heels.Ten Hag’s former club Ajax are on the lookout for a new manager this summer and have drawn up a three-man shortlist.Current boss John Van ‘t Schip has confirmed he will step down at the end of the season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe got the job on an interim basis after they sacked Maurice Steijn just 11 games into the season with the club inside the relegation zone.Reports from Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claim Ten Hag is Ajax’s first choice.He is a popular figure there after winning three league titles in five years.It is also claimed that the club are considering ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and Nice gaffer Francesco Farioli.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPotter has been out of work since he was sacked by the Blues a year ago.He is said to be waiting for the right opportunity and he has reportedly gone to Amsterdam for talks with Ajax chiefs.Three key things Ten Hag is getting wrong at Man UnitedMeanwhile, Potter is on Ratcliffe’s shortlist to takeover at Man Utd.SunSport exclusively revealed that England boss Gareth Southgate is also an option. 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