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      Premier League clubs could be fined for time-wasting tactics by BALL BOYS in never-before-seen ruling

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs are planning a crackdown on time-wasting in games by… BALL BOYS.It follows demands from football’s lawmakers Ifab to stop goalkeepers using delaying tactics.The Premier League wants to crack down on timewasting ball boysCredit: Getty Images – Getty‘Spotters’ at matches accused some Prem clubs of ordering ball kids to run down the clock if their team is winning.And it is understood a panel is looking at possible punishments for not returning the ball to the opposition fast enough.Ex-Chelsea star Eden Hazard was famously sent off and banned for three matches after kicking 17-year-old Swansea ball boy Charlie Morgan during the 2013 League Cup semi-final.That prompted warnings to clubs over time-wasting but Prem bosses fear the tactic is creeping back into the game.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSunSport revealed last week that an eight-second rule is proposed to stop keepers holding the ball for too long.The radical trial could be used in the EFL lower divisions or the Football League Trophy from next season after being backed by the game’s Law-making body.The current six-second rule, rarely punished, will be extended to eight.But then referees can hold up their hands to count down to zero with five seconds left.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd that would give fans inside stadiums the chance to join in the drama.Goalkeepers could even be at risk of giving throw-ins or corners away if they fail to release the ball in time.Huge football rule change set to be introduced with BLUE CARD and players dumped in 10-minute sin binIronically, Hazard’s ball boy victim Morgan has gone on to become a multimillionaire since his moment in the spotlight in South Wales in 2013.And the duo were even reunited recently as they put that chaotic moment behind them.That is because Morgan and school friend Jackson Quinn launched their own vodka company in 2016.Au Vodka has gone on an incredible rise over the past eight years thanks to endorsements from the likes of ex-footballer Ronaldinho, club owner Wayne Lineker, and boxing legend Floyd Mayweather.And Morgan is now worth £40million, enough to see him named on the Sunday Times Rich List in 2022.Eden Hazard was sent off in the 2013 League Cup semi-final for kicking Charlie MorganCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThere are also plans to crack down on goalkeepers holding the ball for too longCredit: Getty More

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      Brighton 1 Nottingham Forest 0: Seagulls make amends for crushing Roma defeat with much-needed home win

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      ANDREW OMABAMIDELE’S own goal handed Brighton a win by the skin of their teeth in what was a do or die fixture for their season.The Seagulls desperately needed to steady the ship after their campaign all but imploded after their catastrophic 4-0 drubbing at Roma on Thursday. Brighton bounced back from their European humiliation with a narrow 1-0 winCredit: GettyAn own goal from Nottingham Forest’s Andrew Omobamidele proved to be the differenceCredit: ReutersHere’s how the teams fared on paperThe match was largely evenThey had already crashed out of the FA Cup to Wolves and were thrashed 3-0 by Fulham in the league in the space of ten days. But yesterday’s narrow win was a gleam of hope for the Seagulls getting back on track and securing European football for another season. They came into the game only winning two Premier League games this year and slipping down to ninth place, but have climbed back into eighth.You could tell how much it meant by how Roberto De Zerbi and his coaching staff embraced for a group cuddle when the final whistle sounded. Consistency has been a key problem with Brighton being decimated with injuries this season. It doesn’t help that De Zerbi has chopped and changed the side in every match and yesterday he made a whopping seven alterations to the starting XI from Rome. De Zerbi notably opted for Bart Verbruggen between the posts instead of Jason Steele as he continues to controversially rotate his goalkeepers. Meanwhile for Forest it is now just one win in their last 13 matches across all competitions, and they are teetering just above Luton in the relegation zone by three points. CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL At this rate they are enacting a master plan of dealing with a potential points deduction by ensuring they are already relegated regardless of it. Simon Adingra caused havoc for Forest on the left-flank, and stung the palms of Matz Sels with a curling shot after being teed up by Pascal Gross early on.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersJakub Moder then forced Sels to tip out a menacing header after latching onto a pin-point Pascal Gross free-kick. Ansu Fati had a go with a header which would have gone in had it not ricocheted off Neco Williams. The deadlock was finally broken on 28 minutes – not that anyone knew much about it. It all began with Gross whipping in a free-kick towards Moder who was squeezed between Andrew Omabamidele and Sels. It was actually Omobamidele who turned it in and it went down as an own goal. Forest hit back strongly with Verbruggen making a crucial save with an outstretched foot on an onrushing Divock Origi. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side emerged from the restart with more oomph. And Forest fans were livid when Neco Williams tussled with Pervis Estupinan and the ball deflected behind but a goal kick was given instead of a corner. Tempers flared, with Estupinan the culprit again for body slamming Anthony Elanga.And they reached boiling point when Moder was booked for wildly lunging in on Williams and catching his ankle. VAR checked for a possible red card and it easily looked as though it could have been upgraded – but Craig Pawson agreed with referee Michael Salisbury’s call. Forest were building and Morgan Gibbs-White supplied a peach of a pass to Chris Wood who shaved the face of goal with a low drive. At the other end substitute Julio Enciso nearly nabbed his first goal in ten months after shaving the post with a long-range screamer late on. As the clock was ticking, a looping Cheikhou Koyate header landed on the roof of the net to give the hosts a scare. There were handbags in the dying moments when Adam Lallana was booked for barging into Ibrahim Sanagre.Remind yourself how the game went with SunSport’s live blog below
      Kick off time: 2pm GMT
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      Man City boss Pep Guardiola reveals his biggest fear ahead of huge Premier League title clash at Liverpool

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      PEP GUARDIOLA warned his Manchester City stars: Don’t let any Anfield ref errors KO our title dream.Guardiola’s Premier League champs have won just twice at Liverpool since 1981 and have been on the wrong end of a string of questionable calls. Pep Guardiola does not want referee blunders to ruin the trip to LiverpoolCredit: GettyVictory against Liverpool this afternoon will send City back to the top of the table.And Etihad chief Guardiola said: “You can’t control what happens in the stadium with the refs. All we can do is perform better.“We have to overcome absolutely everything, otherwise it will be difficult to win there on Sunday.“All I can handle is our performance — who we are and what we are as a team. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”That’s all I can deal with. If it happens, it happens, so we will see.”Last season, a Phil Foden effort was ruled out when Erling Haaland was controversially pulled up for a foul in a game City lost 1-0.And in 2019, in Liverpool’s title-winning season, Fabinho scored seconds after Trent Alexander-Arnold escaped a handball in his own box.Referee Michael Oliver, who has Stuart Attwell on VAR duties today, took charge of that game, which ended with a furious Guardiola sarcastically saying “thank you very much” to him after the final whistle. Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Other controversies include a Mo Salah strike from a seemingly offside position.But it was Foden’s disallowed goal last term that was on Guardiola’s mind when he added: “It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers“All we have to do is perform better. “For big achievements, chasing four titles in a row — that no team has done ever — it’s the challenge we have to face.“I’m pretty sure we will perform well and, whatever happens, we have many games to play.”Guardiola has had previous at Anfield with today’s official Michael OliverCredit: Getty Images – GettyPhil Foden had a goal controversially ruled out in last season’s defeatCredit: The Times More

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      Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville give their Liverpool vs Man City predictions in vital Premier League title clash

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER and Gary Neville have given their predictions ahead of today’s huge clash between Liverpool and Manchester City.The title rivals meet at Anfield this afternoon separated by just one point in the Premier League table.Liverpool and Man City are set to meet in a huge title showdownCredit: GettyGary Neville and Jamie Carragher have given their opinions on the huge matchCredit: YOUTUBE / THE OVERLAPLiverpool are ahead of City going into the match, although both teams will have the opportunity to leapfrog Arsenal, who went top yesterday courtesy of their late 2-1 win against Brentford.Former Kop hero Carragher, 46, believes that his old side must defeat City in order to firm up their title credentials.Appearing on The Overlap Fan Debate, he said: “I feel as if Liverpool have to beat City at the weekend for me to sit there and go ‘I think Liverpool are going to win the league’.”I think I will believe that if Liverpool go four points clear with 10 games to go.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNeville, meanwhile, believes that City will “do a job” on the Reds.The Manchester United legend said: “I think City are going to beat you [Liverpool] but I want Liverpool to win because I want the league to be opened up.”I think City are going to win on Sunday, I think he’s going to come and put a right job in.”City have struggled at Anfield down the years, with their only win there since 2003 coming behind closed doors during the 2020-21 season.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Countering Neville’s opinion, Carragher pointed to that record, replying: “There’s been different City teams, have there been any better City teams than this? I don’t know.”You go to David Silva, [Sergio] Aguero and they never came and won.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spot”The Anfield crowd, this Liverpool team as well you’re going to see who is available and who can play. I think missing the goalkeeper is a big miss although the young lad has been brilliant.”Pep does have a problem at Anfield. City’s record in general, forget about Pep and this team, [Roberto] Mancini, [Manuel] Pellegrini, the record at Anfield isn’t great.”Neville, 49, then gave an overview of how teams can win at Liverpool’s famous home.He added: “I think at Anfield, you’re going to win it in the first half, I always thought when we played in the first half, we had to damage them and make them realise that we were a real threat.”If you go through that first half, they grow and grow then you’ve got a problem but if you hit them, hurt them.”I think you’ll [City] win Sunday, I don’t know why, at the moment they’re reeling with injuries, scrambling through games like you wouldn’t believe – they’re literally scruffy as hell.”They’ve got momentum and I think Sunday will be too much for them.”I see excellence when I face it and Pep is definitely thatJurgen KloppAhead of what could be his final clash with Pep Guardiola, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was full of kind words for his great rival.He said: “I do the job myself so I see excellence when I face it and Pep is definitely that.”The way he has influenced football, winning the amount of trophies he was won in his career.”But if you see him on the touchline he behaves like he has never won before. The desire he has is absolutely outstanding.”In my lifetime he is the outstanding manager, definitely.”Guardiola, meanwhile, admitted that he’d love to meet up with the German.Asked if they’d spent any time together, he said: “Sometimes in the corridor before the press conference.READ MORE SUN STORIES”When we were honoured to get in the Hall of Fame we spent time with families, but in terms of lunch or dinners, it never happened. We have to decide who pays, that’s why we didn’t do it.”I think it’s going to happen sooner or later, I would love it.”Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola could clash for the final time this afternoonCredit: Reuters More

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      Redknapp gives prediction for Liverpool vs Man City… and thinks it could be a GREAT result for one of their rivals

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      IF ever there was a game to put a smile on your face, it’s the mouth-watering one at Anfield this afternoon.But trying to pick a winner between Liverpool and Manchester City keeps bringing me to the same conclusion . . . I’ll never have a go at the missus for changing her mind again!Either Liverpool chief Jurgen Klopp or Man City manager Pep Guardiola might not be smiling like this come Sunday eveningCredit: ReutersPhil Foden has been this season’s best player, says Harry RedknappCredit: ReutersOr take the mickey when it comes to making a decision, either. Because I have to admit I’m guilty of both when it comes to this one.Try as I might, I really can’t split the two of them . . . so in the end I’ve decided it will be a point apiece for Liverpool and City.Which wouldn’t be a bad result for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, either, because I reckon his team will still be in the mix right to the end — whatever anyone else might think.The way City and Liverpool are playing right now, dropped points have become as rare as a weekend without a dodgy VAR decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoth are picking up wins for fun, which leaves me scratching my head about who will be Premier League champions every time I watch them.One minute Liverpool are nicking another last-minute winner despite all their injuries — and I’m thinking nothing can stop them in this mood.The next day I see how City just carried on playing with no panic after going 1-0 down in the Manchester derby — and I’m going, ‘My God, they’re fantastic’.Then 24 hours later it was Arsenal’s turn to run riot, when they put six past Sheffield United.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Harry Redknapp admits it’s a tough match to callCredit: GettyConsidering everyone thought they’d blown it when they lost to West Ham and Fulham a few months back, no one’s going to make the same mistake and write them off again.This year we have a genuine three-horse race and, looking further ahead to the summer, England have surely GOT to win the Euros when you see that bunch of players.Unemployed Jose Mourinho reveals he would return to management ‘tomorrow’ as he is linked with Premier League returnI was in Spain last weekend and everyone was telling me, ‘Your team is fantastic’.Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, John Stones, Declan Rice, Kyle Walker . . . who can match that? For me, England are on another level to anyone else in the tournament.But all that is for another day. This afternoon it’s all about Anfield — and the chance for someone to make a massive statement.The bookies have City as slight favourites and it’s hard to argue. I think they’re the best team in the world and agree with boss Pep Guardiola that Foden is the star of the season.But Mo Salah is back for the Reds, Darwin Nunez is fit and flying and we all know what can happen with that crowd behind them.I don’t see it as a problem for City — they’ve been in Champions League finals — but a packed Anfield has lifted Jurgen Klopp’s team to great things before.It could come down to a flash of brilliance from Salah, Foden or Kevin De Bruyne, maybe a half chance for Nunez or Erling Haaland.A flash of brilliance from someone like Mo Salah could settle itCredit: AlamyTo think people were making a big thing of it when Haaland went four games without a goal recently. Seven in his last three wasn’t a bad way to answer that!I do think Jack Grealish is a big miss for Pep’s men because as fast as Jeremy Doku is, they don’t get half the end product from him.And although Conor Bradley is no Trent Alexander-Arnold, the kid is a very solid defender — and getting better all the time.For once, I really can’t pick a winner. Yes, Liverpool could turn them over, but if City are on it they can beat anyone in an instant.So if I had to put my life on it, I’d have to go for a draw. Nowhere near a boring, negative one with two teams tip-toeing around each other, though.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey’ll go for it and the football will be fantastic — it can’t be anything else with this pair.This race is going to the wire . . . and I’ll change my mind half a dozen times before we get there. More

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      Kai Havertz appears to snap at Jamie Redknapp after being left annoyed at question he’s ‘answered many times’

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      KAI Havertz appeared to be annoyed when he was asked what his best position is.The German international has been in fine form for Arsenal in recent weeks.Kai Havertz appeared annoyed by Jamie Redknapp’s questionSky Sports pundit Redknapp asked Havertz what position he felt was his bestEx-Chelsea star Havertz netted the late winner that downed Brentford on Saturday evening.While he has also been on the scoresheet in recent games against Sheffield United, Newcastle and Burnley.The midfielder, who has been playing as a false nine under Mikel Arteta, has seemingly found a new lease of life at the Emirates.And his eight Premier League goals is more than he mustered last season for the Blues.Read more Arsenal newsHowever, Havertz had his critics at the beginning of the season.Some questioned why Mikel Arteta paid £65million to sign him, while others wondered what position was his best.It was the latter that was posed to Havertz in his post-match interview on Sky Sports by pundit Jamie Redknapp.And, he seemed miffed to having to answer it AGAIN.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “I don’t know how many times I answered this question already,” he said.”I’m just happy to be on the pitch. I’m not a player who only plays in one position.’Can you deal with that’ asks Thierry Henry as he pinpoints six fixtures that could derail Arsenal’s title hopes”Sometimes it’s good, sometimes its bad, but it suits me quite well.”I just love it in this team. I love to play as the false nine, the eight, as the No10, wherever you want me to go.”In Germany. I played as a left-back as well, so it’s all good.”Havertz’s 86th minute winner against Brentford lifted his side above Liverpool and Man City.Their title rivals play each other in a mouth-watering clash at Anfield on Sunday. More

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      Aaron Ramsdale concedes after horror error in first Arsenal appearance in over two months against Brentford

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      FANS blasted recalled Arsenal’s recalled keeper Aaron Ramsdale over a dreadful gaffe for Brentford’s goal – but he at least had the final say with AWAY supporters.The England ace dented his hopes of regaining the regular Gunners’ No1 spot from David Raya by gifting Yoanne Wissa an equaliser in Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Emirates.Aaron Ramsdale makes his point to Brentford fans after Arsenal fought back to win but he still came under fire for his earlier clangerCredit: ReutersAaron Ramsdale was too casual in taking a backpassThe Arsenal keeper suddenly realises Yoane Wissa is on the sceneCredit: Sky SportsRamsdale looks back in horror at his mistakeCredit: Sky SportsBut after Kai Havertz headed Arsenal to the top of the Prem with a late winner, Ramsdale responded to the flak he had received from Brentford followers by cupping his ears to them.Mikel Arteta’s title hopefuls had been cruising – totally dominant after Declan Rice nodded an opener on 19 minutes – until Ramsdale made his horrendous misjudgement.The keeper looked too casual as he controlled a backpass across his goal.But as he went to clear it with his second kick, the onrushing Yoane Wissa lunged out a leg to intercept in the six-yard box.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe ball ricocheted off the Brentford attacker in the six-yard box and into the net. Ramsdale tried to scramble back – in vain – and his despairing face as he slumped to his knees said it all.Team-mates consoled him – but many fans reckon the mistake has confirmed the stopper’s exit this summer.One wrote: “Thanks for the memories Aaron Ramsdale.”Most read in FootballBrentford celebrate as Ramsdale watches the ball cross the lineCredit: Sky SportsA second posted: “My doubt had been cleared. He needs to go.”And a third viewer is worried Ramsdale might struggle to get over the painful moment.The forgotten Arsenal wonderkidsHe said: “I feel for his career and reputation. I seriously hope this won’t affect his performance.”Gunners’ boss Arteta also received some fire – for picking Ramsdale.One observer claimed: “It is absolutely on Arteta. This is what you get when you milk out a player’s confidence by choosing your favourite player.”But in the end Ramsdale appeared to focus on Arsenal’s joy rather than his own situation – as he gestured to Bees’ fans after victory.This is the moment of no return for poor RamsdaleCredit: Sky SportsRamsdale couldn’t believe his errorCredit: ReutersRamsdale was roaring with delight by the endCredit: Reuters More