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      Pep Guardiola goes to war with Roy Keane after Man Utd legend slammed Erling Haaland as a ‘League Two player’

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      PEP GUARDIOLA slammed Roy Keane’s “League Two” jibe at Erling Haaland, hailing him “the best striker in the world”.And in a dig back, the Manchester City chief insisted: “I am not going to criticise my colleagues when I retire.”Pep Guardiola has slammed Roy Keane’s jib at Erling HaalnadCredit: AlamyKeane said the Man City striker has ‘the movement of a League Two player’Credit: GrabHaaland failed to score in City’s Premier League title clash against Arsenal on SundayCredit: GettyManchester United legend Keane accused City’s 81-goal Treble-winner of having “the movement of a League Two player” in the wake of Sunday’s goalless Etihad draw with title rivals Arsenal.Quizzed about former Sunderland and Ipswich boss Keane’s taunt, Guardiola replied: “I do not agree with him. It’s like if I said he’s a manager for the second or third league. I don’t think so.“So Erling is the best striker in the world and he helped us  win what we did last season.”Guardiola does not expect to work as a pundit when he is finished in the dugout as he feels a lot of the stick ex- players dish out to current stars is unfair.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “I am  surprised when it comes from former players. It’s like referees when they retire, they always criticise the refs.“That always surprises me. The memory disappears quick. The problems  players have now, they had  too.They missed it a thousand, million times and  were hurt when they were criticised by  former players.“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future but I am not a guy who is going to criticise my colleagues when I retire.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERGuardiola concedes today’s highly-paid stars must take stick in their stride, adding: “It’s their job, accept it.“If you can’t accept it as a footballer you have to dedicate to another job, like read books or . . . ”Roy Keane’s Biggest TV Rants Keane was not the only ex-player to question Haaland’s display against the Gunners — but the City chief thought otherwise.Haaland hit 52 goals in his debut season in England  and has 29 this term despite missing two months with injury.He can add to that tally in tonight’s crunch Premier League clash against Aston Villa.Spaniard Guardiola, 53, added: “We played an exceptional game against Arsenal. I reviewed it.“The reason  we didn’t create many chances was not down  to Erling. He is exceptional.” More

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      I’m a Premier League manager who did my coaching badges with Mikel Arteta – we’re still in the same WhatsApp group

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      ROB EDWARDS takes on WhatsApp pal Mikel Arteta on Wednesday as he deals with the “biggest challenge” of his managerial career.The Luton Town boss undertook his Uefa Pro Licence in Newport seven years ago and was on the same course as the Arsenal chief.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta did his coaching badges with Luton Town manager Rob EdwardsCredit: XThe Luton manager is pictured behind Arsenal gaffer Arteta in the snapCredit: XEdwards will face his former classmate Arteta and Arsenal on WednesdayCredit: AlamyEdwards isn’t surprised by Arteta’s success with ArsenalCredit: RexOther classmates included Gunners hero Thierry Henry as well as Liverpool assistant Pepijn Lijnders and Mike Flynn, the ex-Newport and Swindon boss.The graduates have all stayed in contact via mobile phone group chat – but do not expect any goodwill messages when the Hatters travel to the Emirates for a crunch Premier League tie.Edwards, 41, said: “Mike and I did our Pro Licence together. He was always going to go on to top things.“He’s going to be one of the best, it looks like, for a long, long time.Read More on Arsenal“We’re still all in a group chat from that Pro Licence, which is nice.“So when people achieve something or go into a new role, it’s nice to see best wishes from other people that are on there. It’s nice to keep in touch a little bit from afar.“After his incredible playing career, it looks like Mikel is going on to have maybe an even more successful managerial career.”Injuries have ripped through the Luton Town first team and Edwards has major fitness concerns over Alfie Doughty, Reece Burke and Tahith Chong, who were subbed off in the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThere is the prospect that the Bedfordshire battlers will have, in total, “11-12-13 players out” depending on how training went on Tuesday.There could be four teenagers on the bench in North London as Luton look to end a streak of 10 matches without a win in all competitions.I hated playing against Arsenal Invincible, he’d pinch me and stand on my toes, I only spoke to him to abuse himEdwards is a decent bloke and very optimistic but even he knows the task at hand is extremely tough.The former Wales and Wolves centre-back said: “It’s where we are at. It’s the biggest challenge I’ve ever had.“Aside from a real serious incident that we had with our captain, it’s the most difficult and challenging period I’ve ever faced. I’ve never known anything like it.“We are coming up against the best teams in the world in this period.“Speaking honestly, to be competing the way we did, especially on Saturday against a top team in Tottenham, we’re doing pretty well.“To be as depleted as we are, the lads have given everything, it’s been brilliant.“But it’s hard to be your best when you have so many key players missing.“We are aware of the size and scale of the task. Arsenal can score at any moment, we have to be very good at every aspect of the game.’Must be perfect’“If we are to stop them, we almost have to be perfect. We have to embrace the challenge – but I want to be in the Premier League forever.“I don’t want us to say, ‘Ah, let’s enjoy this, one year and then off we go again’. This is where we feel comfortable and we’re competing. We want to make it the norm.”Luton were defeated 4-3 at Kenilworth Road last December when £105million man Declan Rice scored a headed winner in the seventh minute of stoppage time.Edwards added: “From the outside looking in, when you think really about it, you’d go, ‘It’s a chasm’.“For us in most games so far this season, we have tried to keep that chasm small and tight. The lads do deserve a lot of credit for that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There are eight more games to go. We have to keep doing that.“People understand that we are down to the bare bones at the moment.” More

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      Everton set incredible new English football record vs Newcastle but fans joke ‘there won’t be many more’

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      EVERTON have set an incredible new English football record in their Premier League clash against Newcastle tonight.But the Toffees’ fans will be wondering if there will be “many more” after a disastrous season.Everton have set an incredible new English football recordCredit: AFPEverton now holds the record for playing the most games in the top flight of English football – a whopping 4,700.Since the inception of the Football League in 1888, they have spent only four seasons outside the first tier.Their continuous presence at the top level since 1954 is second only to Arsenal’s unbroken run.And as of August 2023, Everton has competed in the top division for a staggering 121 seasons, missing out on top-flight action only during the seasons of 1930–31, 1951–52, 1952–53, and 1953–54.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite this remarkable achievement, fans could not resist slamming Sean Dyche’s side.As one fan said: “But there won’t be many more if Dyche keeps us playing the same way.”Another then added: “Haha! Not for long.”While a third put: “Not for much longer sadly.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEREverton currently sit 16th in the league table, with a four-point margin above the relegation zone thanks to a 1-1 draw with Newcastle on Tuesday night.Earlier in the season, the club faced a ten-point deduction due to breaching Financial Fair Play regulations. Ashley Young walks out of live TNT Sports interview after Joleon Lescott quip following Everton’s defeat to Man UtdHowever they might be saved from demotion after they successfully appealed and regained four points. More

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      Hundreds of Burnley fans evacuated from stand DURING MATCH with police moving supporters as metal hangs from roof

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      HUNDREDS of Burnley fans have been evacuate from a stand mid-match after a piece of metal was spotted hanging from the roof.The Clarets were playing a Premier League clash against Wolves at Turf Moor.Burnley fans are being evacuated from an area of the stand due to an issue with the stadium roof.The Clarets are currently playing WolvesThere are reports that metal was hanging down from the roofCredit: X / TurfCastPodcastEvacuated fans will now have to watch the game outside the stadium in the Fan ZoneIn the middle of the first half fans were escorted out of the Jimmy McIlory stand after stewards were alerted about a problem with the roof.Both stewards and police could be seen getting fans to leave their seats.The club tweeted: “Burnley fans are in the process of being moved from a section of the Jimmy McIlroy stand due to current safety concerns with the roof. “We thank supporters for their co-operation and patience while we do this.”There were reports of a piece of metal hanging down dangerously from the roof above, with pictures showing something hanging from it.Evacuated fans were taken to the club’s Fan Zone to watch the remainder of the game.Reporter Steve Madeley tweeted: “Section of the Jimmy McIlroy stand evacuated due to some metal hanging down dangerously from the roof above. “Burnley fans housed in those seats invited to watch the rest of the game from the FanZone!”Most read in FootballThe Jimmy McIlory stand has approximately 400 seats. Block 7 of the East Lower of the stand was kept clear for the remainder of the game.Football icons’ strange hobbiesBurnley displayed a message on the stadium screen explaining the situation.Burnley were drawing 0-0 at the time of the incident.The teams went in 1-1 at half-time.Burnley updated fans using the big screenCredit: Reuters More

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      Brighton set record for biggest profit ever made by English club – and it DOESN’T include £115m Chelsea paid for Caicedo

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      BRIGHTON have notched record profits for an English club – despite Moises Caicedo’s £115million fee NOT being included.The Seagulls’ staggering figure of £122.8m has only been beaten anywhere once – by the £300m racked up at Barcelona in 2022-23.Moises Caicedo was sold just after Brighton raked in record profitsCredit: RexAlexis Mac Allister has thrived after his £35m move to LiverpoolCredit: RexYet Chelsea’s double swoop for Caicedo and £30m keeper Robert Sanchez last August came too late to make Brighton’s profit total.That’s because the annual finances were measured up to June 30 2023.By then, however, the Seagulls had already cashed in with four huge sales.Midfield anchorman Yves Bissouma kicked it off with his £30m move to Tottenham in June 2022.Most read in FootballTwo months later came the £60m exit of wing-back Marc Cucurella, who has since flopped at Stamford Bridge.The 2023 January transfer window saw winger Leandro Trossard switch to Arsenal for £21m.And last June Liverpool paid £35m for Argentinian World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.Yet those big-name outgoings couldn’t stop Roberto de Zerbi from earning Brighton their highest-ever top-flight finish of sixth.Most read in FootballMarc Cucurella left the Seagulls for £60m but has struggled at ChelseaCredit: RexThe Seagulls were also unlucky losers against Manchester United by 7-6 on penalties in last season’s FA Cup semi-finals.Now Brighton insist the massive profits will spark more “significant progress” on the pitch.What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer windowChief executive Paul Barber said: “These accounts will of course catch the eye because of the headline number.”In a season when we made history on the pitch we took a huge step forward in terms of the long-held aim of becoming more sustainable and less reliant on [owner] Tony Bloom’s incredibly generous investment.”The Seagulls’ financial success contrasts with the plight of many of their Premier League rivals.Everton were docked six points for recording £125m losses up to 2021-22.And Nottingham Forest are appealing against having four points deducted for excessive losses up to 2022-23. More

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      Man Utd add two little known teenagers to centre-back search if they miss out on top transfer target Jarrad Branthwaite

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have identified two potential alternatives to Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of the summer transfer window.Branthwaite, 21, is among United’s top targets in their bid to strengthen at the back amid a turbulent campaign that has seen them plummet to sixth place with 11 points separating them fourth.Manchester United have scouted alternatives to Everton star Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: GettyMan Utd have asked about figures for Boca Juniors ace Aaron AnselminoCredit: GettyBarcelona B star Mikayil Faye, who is already a Senegal international, is also target by Man UtdCredit: GettyAccording to The Mail, the Red Devils are waiting for the Toffees to set a price for the centre-back, who has been on the club’s radar for quite some time after amassing 32 impressive appearances this term.However, the Manchester giants are making contingency plans in case they miss out on the England Under-21 international.That is why United are also keeping tabs on two lesser-known young talents.The Premier League giants have asked about figures for Boca Juniors ace Aaron Anselmino, 18.Read More on Man UtdThe same request has also been made regarding Barcelona B prospect Mikayil Faye, 19.Anselmino signed his first professional contract with Boca in June but has only played seven times for the senior squad.Faye, on the other hand, also joined Barca in June and has since amassed four goals in 25 appearances for the developmental squad.The defender also registered a goal on his senior Senegal debut – his only cap to this day – despite his young age.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERUnited are definitely going to try and sign at least one centre-back this summer.The Red Devils are also expected to look for a centre-forward, central midfielder and right-back. Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyleHowever, the budget will be limited due to Financial Fair Play restrictions.But Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be hoping to raise up to £100million from player sales. More

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      West Ham 1 Tottenham 1: Zouma scores scrappy goal off his BACK as Spurs drop points to give Man Utd glimmer of hope

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU has insisted he does not care about finishing in the top four – and now his Tottenham side are playing like it.It is advantage Aston Villa in that race once again after Spurs failed to punish a bruised and under pressure West Ham side – even though they took the lead after just five minutes.West Ham held Tottenham to a 1-1 draw at the London StadiumCredit: GettyBrennan Johnson tapped home an opening goal early onCredit: ReutersKurt Zouma then scored an unorthodox equaliser off his backCredit: APBrennan Johnson got the visitors off to the perfect start, but it was another night where too many star men fell flat.James Maddison spent more time arguing while captain Son Heung-min was well shackled by the Hammers – who earned a point thanks to Kurt Zouma’s first half leveller.David Moyes elected to keep Kalvin Phillips out of the firing line after his latest horror show in Saturday’s defeat to Newcastle – offering the midfielder a chance to replicate his Manchester City form by spending 90 minutes on the bench.After their sickening collapse on Tyneside at the weekend, West Ham set out to make a fast start and would have been ahead after four minutes had top scorer Bowen not fluffed his lines.The England winger, usually so reliable in front of goal, somehow shinned a Mohammed Kudus cross wide from just yards out.Just over a minute later, Johnson was showing him what to do from that spot.Moyes has been scratching his head over West Ham’s poor defending in recent weeks and Tottenham’s opener will have only added to his frustration.Destiny Udogie and Rodrigo Bentancur were allowed to push forward from the halfway line as those in claret and blue backtracked furiously.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHere’s how the game played out on paperBentancur fed Timo Werner, who skipped past Vladimir Coufal and cut back for Johnson to tap in – just had Bowen should have.Moyes will have feared Stratford turning sour with an early Spurs goal, but the London Stadium stuck with their side, even as the visitors took a tighter grip of the game.Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024Pedro Porro flashed one effort wide of the far post before Son fired at Lukasz Fabianski.But neither were too troublesome and the home support were rewarded for their faith shortly after.Bowen may have missed a well-worked sitter, but West Ham fans do not care how goals come about in these games – and they don’t come much more unorthodox than in off your back.It was Bowen’s corner which set up the leveller, a dipping in-swinger which the unmarked Zouma managed to duck out of the way of when trying to head home, though fortunately diverted it in off his spine.The goal gave West Ham confidence and sparked a frantic London derby.Bowen’s pace was causing problems for the returning Micky van de Ven at one end while Tottenham’s more intricate football was stretching the Hammers back line.After James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick was stopped by Vicario, Bowen won and delivered two more dangerous corners while Lucas Paqueta showed the tough side on top of his tricks by trying to rough up Maddison, who quickly fought back with a rough challenge of his own.The needle between those two, with Maddison’s Three Lions teammate Bowen also joining in, only added to the entertainment.West Ham kept up the high-octane football after the break, with three big chances in the space of three minutes.Michail Antonio was denied by Vicario, who then saved a Konstantinos Mavropanos header on the line. The Spurs keeper would have been helpless had Paqueta managed to get his effort, after a wonderful turn on the edge of the box, on target.After West Ham’s missed chances, Spurs looked to punch back but Coufal threw himself in front of a Maddison effort and Yves Bissouma fired wide.Ange Postecoglou could not mastermind a way ahead against West HamCredit: ReutersThat was despite David Moyes not making a single subCredit: ReutersAntonio has made such a difference to West Ham’s forward line since returning from injury – but he is never a player you would put your house on to finish off a simple chance.After Paqueta had once again left Maddison in a heap on the edge of the West Ham box, Ward-Prowse walloped one forward for his No9 to chase. Antonio did the difficult part so well, collecting the ball and bulldozing through Van de Ven, only to fire straight at Vicario with no other defenders near him.Should West Ham miss out on Europe this season their latest January failure to add a clinical striker – having been so desperate to bring in a forward – will look plain foolish.That lack of depth meant West Ham were largely playing for a draw by the end, though the end-to-end nature continued as Udogie fired at Fabianski and Bowen had a very late half-chance to win it – crashing into the post in the process.West Ham remain seventh and in with a shot of a fourth straight year in Europe, despite some of the issues Moyes has battled all season.See how the game unfolded with SunSport’s live blog below.
      Kick-off time: 8:15pm BST
      Live stream: discovery+
      TV channel: TNT Sports 1
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      Burnley 1 Wolves 1: Clarets stretch unbeaten run to four games but let lead slip again to stay well short of safety

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      TIME is running out for Vincent Kompany’s Burnley despite their recent upturn in fortunes.Keeper Aro Muric produced an outstanding second half save to extend the Clarets unbeaten run to four matches.Burnley are running out of time to save themselves from relegationCredit: PAThe Clarets lost their lead after Rayan Ait-Nouri’s strike to end the game in a 1-1 drawCredit: PAYet the likelihood is it will be too little too late for the Lancashire side with just seven matches remaining – barring a late miracle.  These are the sort of games they simply have to win if they are to produce one of the Prem’s greatest escapes.Jacob Bruun Larsen set them up to do that with a well-taken first half goal – but once again they could not hold on to their lead.Rayan Ait Nouri’s header on the stroke of half-time secured a point for the visitors – and left Burnley kicking themselves yet again.Turf Moor was once thought of as a fortress but Burnley have won just two of their last 17 top flight games here – keeping only one clean sheet.Yet five points from their last three Prem matches had given the Clarets a flicker of hope after looking doomed to the Championship in recent weeks.The weekend draw at Chelsea – when they twice battled back with 10 men to earn a point – shows they have not thrown in the towel yet.What’s more, their run-in could be worse – with Saturday’s trip to Everton surely pivotal if they are to have any chance at all of surviving.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEREven so, it will still take a monumental effort and only a run of wins will save them now as they lie six points from safety. Mid-table Wolves were in no mood to do them any favours – creating some decent early chances.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersRayan Ait Nouri made space for himself in the box but Vitinho got back to make a last ditch clearance.Matt Doherty should have done better as he curled an effort wide but then nodded one back for Joao Gomes who planted his header off target.Burnley were being pegged back after a bright opening but then took the lead with a lightning break.Quick thinking from keeper Muric sent Dara O’Shea away down the wing and his cross was volleyed in emphatically by an unmarked Jacob Bruun Larsen.It was just what Burnley needed as Wolves were in danger of losing back to back games for the first time since December.  Yet Gary O’Neil’s men got themselves level just before the break.Ait Nouri had been causing the Clarets problems all night and his darting run won a free-kick in a dangerous position.Pablo Sarabia swung it over and Ait Nouri himself ghosted in to plant a header beyond Muric into the corner.A VAR check showed the Algerian had timed his run perfectly and the visitors had the leveller with their first effort on target of the night.Both teams had opportunities within minutes of the re-start.Ait Nouri got on the end of a ball over the top and held off Maxime Esteve but Muric stood up brilliantly to save.Vincent Kompany made a big call to axe record £19 million signing in favour of the Kosovan – but right now it looks like the right one.Then Vitinho pulled one back for Bruun Larsen but the Dane’s low shot was stopped by the feet of Jose Sa.The Wolves keeper had to be there again to keep out a long range effort from Wilson Odobert as both sides went in search of a winner.At the other end, Mario Lemina’s header was just off target after he got on the end of a super cross from Ait Nouri.Sub Jay Rodriguez thought he had bundled in a late winner for the Clarets – but his celebrations were cut short by the linesman’s flag.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER More