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      ‘Possibly the worst decision I’ve ever seen’ fumes Wolves boss Gary O’Neil after being denied late equaliser by VAR

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      GARY O’NEIL blasted “possibly the worst decision I’ve ever seen” after VAR denied Wolves a 99th-minute equaliser against West Ham.And the Molineux boss admitted he could face an FA charge after a bust-up with referee Tony Harrington. Gary O’Neil blasted VAR after Wolves had a late equaliser against West Ham disallowedCredit: X/ @SkySportsPLTawanda Chirewa was ruled offside while being in front of Lukasz FabianskiCredit: PAWolves chief O’Neil raged: “I don’t understand it. I can’t think of an explanation. It was possibly one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen.“I went in to see him for an explanation. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to refrain my feelings when I was in there with him.“I asked some questions, he didn’t like how I was asking them and we agreed we shouldn’t carry on.“I don’t know what happens now and whether he’ll report me but the explanation is irrelevant anyway.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSub Tawanda Chirewa was ruled offside  in front of Hammers No 1 Lukasz Fabianski so Max Kilman’s goal was struck off.Some of O’Neil’s backroom team were booked over protests after Harrington was told to go to the monitor by VAR Tim Robinson.O’Neil added: “I’m not even sure how many of my staff were booked after the final whistle.“If that decision is the letter of the law then the law needs to be changed.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe also claimed that opposition boss David Moyes agreed with him.But the West Ham chief said: “The way football is going, if you don’t get yourself back onside when you’re marking the goalkeeper — by what we’ve seen it looks offside.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers“I’m the last person to ask about the goal. We’ve had so many decisions go against us this season.“Some would make you feel like going into a dark room for a week. So I can understand why Gary’s upset and I feel for him.” More

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      Man City set to hand Rodri staggering new contract that will catapult him into top 10 Premier League’s highest earners

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      MANCHESTER CITY are planning to hand Rodri a megabucks pay hike that will effectively keep him at the Etihad for life.The Spanish midfielder, who still has three years left on the deal he signed in 2022, is seen by many as the key figure in Pep Guardiola’s all-star cast.Man City are ready to hand Rodri a new mega deal making him one of the league’s top earnersCredit: GettyNow City top brass want to recognise that with an extension which will see him join the champions’ high earners.Rodri, 27, is currently on around £180,000 a week but the new offer will see that rocket into the £300,000 bracket.Yet City are in no rush to get the deal done and talks will not be on the agenda until the quest for a second successive Treble is over.But they intend to sit down with Rodri when he returns from the summer break and hope to add a couple more years to his current terms, taking him up to the age of 32.READ IN FOOTBALLCity paid a then club-record £62.5million to Atletico Madrid to sign him in 2019 and he ended last term by hitting the Champions League final winner.Rodri is seen as the next long-term skipper when Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne retire and the club are confident of sealing a deal quickly once discussions begin.De Bruyne is the current top earner in the Premier League, pocketing £400,000-a-week.City teammate Erling Haaland is the second highest with £375k.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd Jack Grealish is also in the current top 10 with £300k.Elsewhere on the list, Liverpool’s Mo Salah is the third top earner with £350,000-a-week wages.Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024Chelsea have two names in the top 10 in Raheem Sterling, on £325k, and Enzo Fernandez, who pockets £315k.But it’s Manchester United who have the most players on big bucks, paying huge fees to no less than four aces.Marcus Rashford pockets £300,000-a-week, while Jadon Sancho — on loan at Borussia Dortmund — gets £320k.But it’s Raphael Varane and Casemiro who are the two wage kings, each receiving £340,000 each week.Rodri’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Villarreal, 2015-2018: 84 games, 2 goals

      Atletico Madrid, 20181-2019: 47 games, 3 goals

      Man City: 2019-2024: 247 games, 25 goals

      Spain: 49 games, 3 goals

      Trophies: UEFA Super Cup (Atletico Madrid); UEFA Nations League (Spain); Premier League x3, FA Cup, Carabao Cup x2, Community Shield, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup (Man City) More

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      Arsenal wonderkid ‘lived over the road’ from training ground and asked for a trial – what he did next saved his career

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      FORMER Premier League star Fabrice Muamba got his big break in football after bravely ASKING for a trial with Arsenal.Ex-Gunners academy No2 Roy Massey revealed how Muamba, who lived across the road from Arsenal’s youth base as a kid, made a huge impression when he was just 14 years old.Fabrice Muamba’s Arsenal career was saved by a cheeky requestCredit: GettyAnd a cheeky request later on ended up saving Muamba’s Arsenal career when he had looked set to leave the club.The 36-year-old former midfielder played twice for the Gunners before enjoying spells at Birmingham and Bolton.But Muamba’s career was tragically cut short in 2012 when he suffered a cardiac arrest against Tottenham.The former England U21 ace was forced to bow out of the beautiful game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe moved into media before completing a degree in sports journalism.And after gaining his coaching badges, Muamba has since worked with Liverpool. Rochdale, Bolton and Burnley.But his beginnings with Arsenal have now taken centre stage, with Massey revealing all in his autobiography ‘A Life in Football and a Coach to the Stars’.It’s said that aged just 14, Muamba approached Massey outside Arsenal’s youth base — opposite his own house — to ask for a trial at the top level.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe sheer audacity impressed Massey, who wrote: “Fabrice lived over the road and he came in and asked for a trial at aged 14. He was big and we could not turn down someone who had the audacity to come in and ask for a trial at Arsenal.“He was not great on the ball but we felt he could become a big, strong centre-half and we agreed to allow him to train at the academy.”Sky Sports commentator points out Arsenal ‘weakness’ repeatedly targeted by BrightonMuamba’s playing career was cut short in 2012 after suffering a cardiac arrestCredit: AP:Associated PressHe has since worked in media and as a coachCredit: Getty – ContributorUnfortunately, Arsenal’s academy chief Liam Brady was not impressed and told Massey to let Muamba go.But a cheeky request from the ace ended up saving his Arsenal career.Massey continued: “After I did so (letting Muamba go), I informed him that as he lived in Walthamstow I would recommend him to his nearest professional club, Leyton Orient, my former team. As Fabrice did not have access to transport for training and the games this would also be a suitable place to play football.“The following day I was in my room when a knock came on the door and Fabrice poked his head round to ask when I was going to contact Orient and set up a trial for him. Such enthusiasm and attitude are just what any young player needs.“I asked him what he was doing the following Wednesday evening and when the answer was nothing, I told him that before I would recommend him to Orient, I would like him to play in one more Arsenal academy game.“I was short of a centre-half for a match against Norwich’s under-14s. It was an end-of-season fixture at Highbury. We beat Norwich 5-0 and Fabrice had a good game, so much so that I invited him to come back for pre-season training. This meant we could have another look at him.”This time round, Brady was hugely impressed and quickly urged Arsenal to sign Muamba.READ MORE SUN STORIESMassey added: “Liam immediately told Steve Leonard to go to Fabrice’s house and get his parents to sign forms before he moved elsewhere.“Ironically this proved not as easy as I anticipated. Fabrice’s dad was very doubtful about him becoming a footballer as he wanted him instead to become a doctor or a lawyer. Steve did eventually get him to sign the forms.”Fabrice Muamba’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Arsenal (2005-06): 2 games, 0 goals

      Birmingham (2006-08): 79 games, 2 goals

      Bolton (2008-12): 148 games, 4 goals More

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      Newcastle lead transfer chase for EFL wonderkid who can run 100m just 1.4 seconds slower than Usain Bolt’s world record

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      NEWCASTLE lead the Premier League chase for Peterborough winger Ricky-Jade Jones.Top scouts will watch Jones at Wembley in the EFL Trophy final against Wycombe.Peterborough ace Ricky Jade Jones (left) is wanted by NewcastleCredit: AlamyThe lightning-quick forward, 21, has scored 11 goals and provided five assists this season.Jones has been on the radar of bigger clubs since making his first-team debut aged 16.He runs 100 metres in 10.9 seconds and has added intelligent pressing and high work-rate to his game as he has matured.Usain Bolt holds the world-record for the 100m after running it in 9.58 seconds at the 2009 World Athletics Championship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle are among the top-flight clubs now forced to be creative with their recruitment in response to tough new financial regulations.And Jones is regarded as one of the stars of the lower leagues.He has just over one year left on his current contract.Posh director of football Barry Fry will seek £2million.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJones’ impressive displays have helped Peterborough close in on silverware and stay in the hunt for promotion to the Championship.Darren Ferguson’s, son of legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex, side are fourth in League One and look set to battle it out in the play-offs.Steve Bruce declares interest in shock international job as ex-Newcastle boss, 63, says ‘they have a hell of a team’WHAT IS FFP?SunSport’s Martin Lipton breaks down what it is all about…

      FFP – or Financial Fair Play – is a concept originally introduced by Uefa in 2009, officially to prevent clubs from spending money they could not afford.
      Yet many critics have rounded on the system, accusing it of being a protective instrument, drafted by the so-called “legacy clubs” to prevent insurgent and wealthier clubs from buying their way onto the top table.
      The Premier League introduced its own FFP regulations which came into effect for the 2013-14 season and which, while less stringent than Uefa regulations, they do impact on club spending.
      Under the current Prem “Profitability and Sustainability” regulations, clubs who are constant members of the top flight for a three-year period are allowed total losses of £105m over those three campaigns.
      But it is not as simple as totting up outlay and income.
      The biggest outlay, of course, is transfer fees. The 20 Prem clubs spent a total of around £2.4bn in last summer’s transfer window.
      Yet that does not mean they “spent” that money as far as the Prem rules are concerned.
      Transfer fees are “amortised” over the length of the contract, so, for example, a £100m fee for a player who signs a five-year deal is amortised at a cost of £20m per season for each of those five campaigns. More

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      Brighton 0-3 Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Trossard hits Gunners third as they charge back to top of the league – latest updates

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      ARSENAL charged back to the top of the Premier League after a dominant 3-0 victory at Brighton.The returning Bukayo Saka gave the Gunners the lead from the penalty spot before Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard got on the scoresheet.The Gunners put the pressure back on Liverpool ahead of their tussle with Manchester United tomorrow afternoon.
      Brighton starting XI: Verbruggen, Lamptey, Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan, Gross, Baleba, Enciso, Adingra, Welbeck, Moder
      Arsenal starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Havertz, Jesus
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThat’s all from the Amex.
      After Manchester City fought back to win at Crystal Palace at lunchtime, Arsenal delivered a tasty three points at teatime.
      It means the Gunners are back at the top of the Premier League, a point ahead of Pep Guardiola’s champions.
      Sandwiched between the two are Liverpool, who face Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow. Only a victory will see the Anfield outfit regain their place at the summit, and we’ll be there to cover every kick.
      It’s over to you, Jurgen.
      Goodnight.
      Copy linkCopiedArteta delighted to end Brighton run
      Mikel Arteta praised Roberto De Zerbi and his Brighton team before acknowledging that his side had to be at their best to claim a huge three points.
      I’m really happy. It was a big performance. They haven’t lost here since August, and they are a really good team and extremely well-coached, but we were outstanding today. We needed that level to beat them today.Mikel ArtetaSky Sports

      Copy linkCopiedExtra! Read all about it!
      It’s almost time to bring our coverage to a close but before we do, let’s relive an absorbing evening of Premier League action on the south coast with Dan King’s match report of Arsenal’s 3-0 win at Brighton.
      This time, Bukayo Saka and Arsenal held their nerve as they returned to the top of the Premier League table. This time, perhaps they will still be there at the end of the season. In the Gunners’ 31st game of the last campaign, Saka had the chance to make it 3-1 against West Ham from the penalty spot. But he fired wide, the Hammers went on to equalise and Mikel Arteta’s side went on to bottle the title. A year on, Saka and Arsenal are made of sterner stuff.Dan KingThe Sun

      Copy linkCopiedDe Zerbi pleased with effort
      Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi praised his players for their effort in defeat to Arsenal – but bemoaned their injury crisis.
      The Seagulls are currently without seven first teamers, and the Italian feels it is reason why his side failed to truly troubled the visiting defence.
      The effort was good, and good enough to decide this game. We played a good first half, and until the second goal we were in the game. At this moment without a lot of important players it is tough to create a chance to score. We feel sorry for ourselves and our fans.Roberto De ZerbiSky Sports

      Copy linkCopiedSeagulls shot down again by Gunners
      After the shocking way Brighton ended Arsenal’s title challenge last season, the Gunners have roared back this time.
      And after today, Mikel Arteta’s men have now won both Premier League meetings with the Seagulls in 2023-24 without conceding a goal.
      It is the first time that Brighton have lost and failed to score home and away against an opponent in the Premier League since Roberto De Zerbi took charge at the club.
      Copy linkCopiedSaka: We have the momentum
      Arsenal star Bukayo Saka made a goalscoring return to the Arsenal line-up – and then warned title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City that his side are building momentum at the right time.
      We’re all buzzing. We know the win takes us back on top so we’re happy. To come here and put in a top performance after playing three days ago shows we’re building momentum.Bukayo SakaSky Sports

      Copy linkCopiedNow you’re Gunner believe us
      Arsenal are back at the top of the Premier League – for now.
      The Gunners have leapfrogged Manchester City and Liverpool with tonight’s win at Brighton, but Jurgen Klopp’s Reds can regain first place tomorrow if they win at Manchester United.
      Credit: premierleague.com
      Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from the Amex
      Arsenal have kept five successive away clean sheets in the Premier League for just the second time, last doing so back in 1997.

      Copy linkCopiedFull time – Brighton 0-3 Arsenal
      Arsenal are back on top of the Premier League.
      After Manchester City’s win at Crystal Palace earlier today, the Gunners have followed suit with a comprehensive victory here at the Amex.
      A first half penalty from Bukayo Saka and second half goals from Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard did the business from an attacking perspective while the defence clocked up another clean sheet on the road.

      Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-3 Arsenal – White yellow card
      90+5. Ben White picks up a daft yellow in the final seconds for kicking the ball away, and with it brings the biggest cheer of the day from the home fans.
      Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-3 Arsenal
      90+2. The Arsenal fans are singing in the rain.
      Enjoy it, Gooners, because in a moment you’re going to have to spend an hour queuing up to get into the train station.
      Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-3 Arsenal
      90. Gabriel is celebrating as if he has already won the Premier League.
      With the board showing five minutes, the ball drops to Joao Pedro at the back post.
      The Brighton substitute winds up a goalbound strike, one that the Arsenal defender throws himself at to block and preserve the clean sheet.

      Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-3 Arsenal – Arsenal double substitution
      88. Mikel Arteta makes his final two changes, bringing off Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard off to hero receptions.
      On for a late runaround are Eddie Nketiah and Fabio Vieira.
      Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-3 Arsenal 
      86. Three goals for Arsenal! Three points for Arsenal!
      Pascal Gross is caught in possession by Kai Havertz midway inside the visitors’ half, and the ball falls kindly into the path for Leandro Trossard.
      With nothing and nobody ahead of him, the Belgian puts his head down and goes, running 50 yards to bear down on Bart Verbruggen before dinking a beautiful finish over the stranded goalkeeper.
      Advantage Arsenal in the title race!

      Copy linkCopiedAgainst his former club!

      Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal 
      83. Brighton are pushing and pushing, committing more and more men forward, which usually means one thing.
      Arsenal on the counter, anyone?
      Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal 
      81. Into the final ten, and Brighton are starting to dominate the ball for the first time tonight.
      However, Arsenal’s are keeping them at bay – and seem very happy to do so.
      Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal – Saliba yellow card
      79. Now William Saliba picks up a caution.
      It seems a harsh decision on the centre-back, whose challenge on Joao Pedro was minimal. In fact, it might have been given for the defender’s reaction to seeing a free-kick awarded.
      Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal – Brighton substitution
      77. The home side make their third change and it’s the end of the road for former Arsenal man Danny Welbeck.
      As the striker goes off, the Amex welcomes back Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati for his first Premier League appearance since March 10.
      Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal – Baleba yellow card
      75. Carlos Baleba becomes the first player to see his name written into John Brooks’ notebook.
      The Brighton midfielder is penalised for cynically pulling down Gabriel Martinelli after David Raya’s launch upfield had threatened a swift counter.
      Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal 
      73. Arsenal’s goal difference is now at +50, eight more than Liverpool and ten more than Manchester City.
      How crucial that could be come the end of the season.
      Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal – Brighton substitution
      71. Another change for Arsenal.
      Takehiro Tomiyasu comes on for the final stages, shoring up a defence vacated by Oleksandr ZInchenko.
      Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal 
      69. Trossard nearly rubs salts in Brighton wounds by scoring against his former club.
      The Belgian’s driving run from midfield ends with a fierce low shot towards the bottom corner that Verbruggen does well to keep out.
      Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal 
      67. Kai Havertz now has nine Premier League goals this campaign, his most in a season since he moved to England.
      Perhaps we are beginning to see the player Chelsea thought they had bought.
      It’s incredible what coaching and tactics can do.
      Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal – Arsenal double substitution
      65. With his side’s lead doubled, Mikel Arteta takes the opportunity to make switches of his own.
      Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka make way, and on come Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, the latter to boos from his former supporters.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      Sky Sports commentator points out Arsenal ‘weakness’ repeatedly targeted by Brighton

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      KAREN CARNEY reckons Arsenal’s title hopes could be derailed by teams targeting Oleksandr Zinchenko.The left-back lined up in Saturday’s crunch 3-0 win at Brighton which sent the Gunners back to the top of the table.Oleksandr Zinchenko was described as Arsenal’s weak link against BrightonCredit: ReutersKaren Carney reckons teams could target Zinchenko in the title run-inCredit: PABut he was given a torrid time down the left flank by Simon Adingra.Zinchenko struggled to keep up with the speedy winger.And he was also penned back by Brighton’s high press when trying to get forward himself before being hauled off for Takehiro Tomiyasu with 20 minutes remaining.Carney drew attention to the way Roberto De Zerbi’s men repeatedly targeted Zinchenko during the first half,.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd fellow pundit Theo Walcott, a former Arsenal star himself, believes the Ukrainian needs to buck his ideas up if the Gunners are to finally go a step further than last season and claim their first title since the Invincibles.Carney said: “They’re targeting Zinchenko, can they be a bit more patient?”Walcott added: “What they’re doing well is isolating Zinchenko in one-on-one situations.”He’s never comfortable going back towards his goal.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFans also reacted, saying: “Get Zinchenko off.”Another declared: “Zinchenko’s mental lapses, frustrating to say the least.”Arsenal fans love Leandro Trossard’s celebration as he silences Brighton fans after being booed on return to AmexOne noted: “Zinchenko worries me though.”Another added: “Zinchenko better not be played against Bayern.”Zinchenko joined Arsenal in 2022 from Man City in a £30million deal and has two goals in 63 games.The 27-year-old said at the weekend he’d walk away from his career with the Gunners to fight in his native Ukraine against Russia if called up to the army.Zinchenko said: “I think it’s a clear answer. I would go [to fight].”I know maybe some people might think that it’s much easier … for me being here [in London] rather than being there [in Ukraine]. “I really hope that this war will end soon.”Zinchenko’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Ufa, 2014-2016: 33 games, 2 goals

      PSV, 2016-17: 17 games, 0 goals

      Man City, 2017-2022: 128 games, 2 goals

      Arsenal, 2022-2024: 63 games, 2 goals

      Trophies: Premier League x4, FA Cup, Carabao Cup x4, Community Shield (Man City) More

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      Man Utd may be at home, but I fear Liverpool could rip Erik ten Hag’s injury-ravaged side apart

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      JURGEN KLOPP goes to Old Trafford for today’s must-win game as a manager with a problem.Yet Erik ten Hag in the Manchester United dressing room — where the stakes are just as high —  faces a conundrum of his own.Erik ten Hag faces an injury crisis in his Man Utd squadCredit: AlamyJurgen Klopp and his Liverpool team will travel to Old Trafford today to face UnitedCredit: GettyBut although both bosses have a real head-scratcher, the difference couldn’t be greater.For Klopp, the big issue is who he leaves off the Liverpool bench. For Ten Hag, it is how he finds enough bodies to fill the home one.After months of relying on his kids — and what a job they’ve done  — Jurgen finally has players to choose from at the most crucial stage of the season.Maybe not a total clean bill of health just yet, but key men are available again, with more to come over the next week or two.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAt last, the headache isn’t who’s fit, it’s who to leave out. The total opposite to Ten Hag — especially in defence.Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez are already out.And if that shocking Chelsea defeat wasn’t enough, Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans were crocked as well.Harry Maguire could be United’s one fit centre-back for a game against their massive rivals, on the back of one they threw away.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat miracle they produced to beat Liverpool in the FA Cup three weeks ago is nothing compared to the one they’ll need today.United may be at home, but I fear for them.Most read in FootballKlopp (below) has options all over the place, but it’s hard to know where Ten Hag turns and how he copes with that wonderful attack.Does he sacrifice a wideman and overload the midfield? Just hang in there and hope to nick something on the break?I know that’s not the United way. I’ve gone there with teams and it’s been like the Red Arrows, they’d be tearing into you from the start and coming from everywhere.Well, if Ten Hag tries that and they leave themselves open, Liverpool could rip them to pieces.With so many doubts about his future already, he certainly can’t afford to be smashed up in front of his own fans.You couldn’t have got a bigger contrast of where both teams are than what happened on Thursday night.First, United came from two down at Chelsea to lead 3-2 going into stoppage time and you’re thinking that could be that for Mauricio Pochettino.Man Utd’s last six meetings with Liverpool
      24 Oct 2021 – Man Utd 0-5 Liverpool – The Reds raced into a 4-0 lead by half-time before Mo Salah completed his Old Trafford hat-trick and a frustrated Paul Pogba got sent off for a horror tackle
      19 Apr 2022 – Liverpool 4-0 Man Utd – Another comprehensive victory for Jurgen Klopp’s side with goals from Luis Diaz, Mo Salah (two) and Sadio Mane
      22 Aug 2022 – Man Utd 2-1 Liverpool – Erik ten Hag’s first Premier League win as United boss came thanks to a superb performance with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford on target
      5 Mar 2023 – Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd – A memorable afternoon for Liverpool fans as Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah all got doubles and Bobby Firmino completed the rout
      17 Dec 2023 – Liverpool 0-0 Man Utd – The Reds racked up 34 shots but none of them found the net before Diogo Dalot saw red in bizarre fashion
      17 Mar 2024 – Man Utd 4-3 Liverpool – This ding-dong of a thrilling FA Cup quarter-final went to extra-time, where Amad Diallo was the hero in the 121st minute

      Then they concede twice in less than two minutes and the whole thing turns on its head — not just the result, but maybe the future for both managers too.When I was West Ham boss and  we’d play Sheffield Wednesday when they had Paolo Di Canio,  I’d say: “Don’t let him get the ball in the final third.”How United could leave Cole Palmer in so much space for the winner is beyond me. No one took responsibility.Liverpool were a mile away from their best against Sheffield United on the same night but they still found a way to win.Well, Klopp found a way and I’ve got to give him credit for the changes that turned what would have been the biggest shock of the season into three points.Taking off Mo Salah at 1-1, in a must-win game, was bold and brave, for sure. But it paid off.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe best teams find a way to win and the best managers find a way to make it happen. Sir Alex Ferguson was a master at that and Klopp’s doing the same now.There are a few fences still to be jumped, but in my book, Liverpool are now the big favourites to come home in front. More

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      Brighton 0 Arsenal 3: Gunners go top of Premier League to pile pressure on Liverpool before huge Man Utd clash

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      THIS TIME, Bukayo Saka and Arsenal held their nerve as they returned to the top of the Premier League table.This time, perhaps they will still be there at the end of the season.Bukayo Saka scored Arsenal’s opener from the spotCredit: GettyKai Havertz netted his tenth of the seasonCredit: GettyLeandro Trossard was jeered by Brighton fans and scored on his return to the AmexCredit: PAIn the Gunners’ 31st game of the last campaign, Saka had the chance to make it 3-1 against West Ham from the penalty spot.But he fired wide, the Hammers went on to equalise and Mikel Arteta’s side went on to bottle the title.A year on, Saka and Arsenal are made of sterner stuff.The young winger calmly converted from 12 yards after Tariq Lamptey’s rash challenge on Gabriel Jesus to put Arsenal on the road to a crucial victory.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Kai Havertz scored the second goal that underlined another big change.It was a lack of strength in depth, as well as mental fortitude, that cost the Gunners in last season’s run-in.When the club agreed to shell out £65million to rescue the mercurial Havertz from Chelsea, eyebrows were raised.Yet the German who once scored a Champions League-winning goal for the Blues has now found the net five times, and provided three assists, in the last seven Premier League matches.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn other words, just when it matters most.And just to rub Brighton’s noses in it, former Seagull star Leandro Trossard added a late third amid his old fans booing him.I hated playing against Arsenal Invincible, he’d pinch me and stand on my toes, I only spoke to him to abuse himThere are still seven games to go, but with this quality and quantity of players, and this steely mentality, Arsenal have the look of champions.A word of caution, however. If Manchester City and Liverpool were expecting Brighton to embrace their role of title kingmakers again, they were disappointed.Roberto De Zerbi’s side faded badly after a bright start and would have lost by more but for goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.The Seagulls caused Arsenal far fewer problems than they did Liverpool last weekend at Anfield.Arteta will hope De Zerbi’s team find those levels again when City come to the Amex later this month.But the Arsenal boss will feel even more confident that his side do not need help from others after they buried the ghosts of Brighton games and title challenges past.The edge to this fixture dates back to a match at the Amex shortly after pandemic restrictions were lifted in the summer of 2020.That afternoon ended with Arsenal’s Matteo Guendouzi grabbing wind-up merchant Neal Maupay by the throat after Maupay had snatched a stoppage-time winner.The Seagulls then twice choked the life out of the Gunners at crucial times of the season.A 2-1 win at the Emirates in April 2022 was part of the collapse that prevented qualification for the Champions League.And De Zerbi oversaw a 3-0 away victory in May last year that was the penultimate nail in the coffin of Arsenal’s title challenge.The visitors should have settled any nerves after barely a minute. But Gabriel sent a free header wide from Martin Odegaard’s free kick and after goalkeeper David Raya fluffed his first attempted clearance of the evening, the home fans struck up a chorus of “You’ll f**k it up”.Brighton were a threat for a few minutes,  with Julio Enciso scooping over the bar and Jakub Moder shooting wide.But De Zerbi soon became the more frustrated and animated manager.Already annoyed by some of referee John Brooks’ decisions, he was irritated with his team as they gave up three good chances. Saka, restored to the team after being rested for the midweek win over Luton, wasted the first. Verbruggen flew to his left to keep out Jesus’s fierce shot, then the Brazilian sent a header badly off target.Simon Adingra shot high and wide, but Arsenal were on top and soon took the lead.In the good old days, Lamptey might have received a pat on the back for making faint contact on the ball before taking out Jesus with his follow-through.In the modern game, it is a foul and a penalty, and Saka shut out any bad memories by sending Verbruggen the wrong way.Enciso almost revived the deflated crowd with a fine effort that Raya saved superbly with an outstretched top hand.But after a couple of near things in seven minutes of stoppage time, Brighton were happy to go into the break only one behind.Jesus should have doubled Arsenal’s lead soon after the interval but could not send a free header on target.Verbruggen kept his team in it with a sharp stop from Odegaard’s rising rasper.With only one goal in it, tensions rose. Ex-Seagull Ben White made the most of an off-the-ball clash with Pervis Estupinan and there was all sorts going on off the ball when Brighton earned a corner.Havertz all but ended the argument. Jorginho played a one-two and cut the ball back for the German to force it in from close range.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth managers made double changes. Substitute Trossard quickly forced Verbruggen into another good save, then ran through to finish beautifully in the dying minutes.Verbruggen denied Gabriel late on. But the feeling is growing that no-one will deny Arsenal the title. More