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      I was an Arsenal youth star but struggled to get first team football – I left and became a Man City cult hero

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      PAUL DICKOV is the type of cult hero Manchester City hoped they would never need.Because he’s the ex-Arsenal youth who saved City from remaining in the THIRD TIER during their darkest, daftest days of the 1990s – with a stoppage-time Wembley goal.Paul Dickov helped Man City climb back from the the third tier to the PremCredit: GettyThe frontman was just a bit-part player at first club ArsenalCredit: RexAnd even Dickov wonders if Sheikh Mansour’s transformational takeover of the club in 2008 would still have happened had he not scored his stunner nine years earlier.The Scot completed City’s late comeback from 2-0 down in the old Division Two play-off final with a 95th-minute strike past Gillingham keeper Vince Bartram – who had been the BEST MAN at his wedding!Joe Royle’s men went on to win 3-2 on penalties – earning an instant return to what was then Division One and is now the Championship.That memorable day in May 1999 came midway through Dickov’s six years at City – the same length of time he spent at first club Arsenal.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut he never came close to a regular Premier League spot with the Gunners.And following loan spells at Luton and Brighton he left Arsenal for City in August 1996 – two months before Arsene Wenger arrived for his golden 22-year reign in North London.Dickov was signed by 1966 World Cup winner Alan Ball but played under FIVE bosses in his first year at the old Maine Road stadium.The situation got so crazy that at one time City had 56 players – only settling down once Royle took charge in February 1998 and nearly kept them in the second flight.Most read in FootballHe did take them back to that level the following season, however – aided by Dickov’s Wembley glory – and they returned to the Prem in the striker’s final campaign at the club.The 5ft 5ins star went on to play for Leicester and Blackburn before returning to City from 2006-2008 – albeit now at the Etihad.Will Pugh and Rob Maul discuss Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool’s chances in the Premier League title raceTemporary stints with Crystal Palace and Blackpool followed before a second two-year spell with the Foxes.But although Dickov’s gritty style made him popular almost everywhere he went, it’s at City where he has a unique standing – as the little man who helped make them big again.In fact, the 10-cap Scotland ace believes his dramatic play-off intervention has only grown in importance now that current manager Pep Guardiola has cemented the club’s rise to the very top.Dickov told The Guardian in 2019: “If anything it’s been magnified more by the success. “Maybe 10 years ago fans would stop in the street, thank us for the goal in the game and that would be it. “Now, the club are dominating football and with the football that they are playing it makes it more iconic and nicer for the fans to think that 20 years ago we were there, 20 years later we’re winning Premier Leagues and breaking all sort of records.“I dread to think what might have happened if we hadn’t have won. If you believe what people were saying, the club would have really struggled.”And of inflicting anguish on the pitch on his best man, Dickov added:  “There is nothing better than getting one over your mate or reminding him of it a few years later.” More

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      Kalvin Phillips set to be offered transfer escape after West Ham hell as he’s wanted by former club in emotional return

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      LEEDS UNITED are plotting to take Kalvin Phillips back to Elland Road — if they clinch an immediate top-flight return.Phillips spent 12 years at his hometown club before a £42million switch to Manchester City in 2022.After limited action at Man City, Kalvin Phillips is struggling on loan at West HamCredit: AFPHammers’ midfielder Lucas Paqueta is wanted by CityCredit: RexYet his dream move became a nightmare — spending 18 months on the bench and sliding out of the England reckoning.He was eventually loaned to West Ham in January.Now Leeds want to offer the 28-year-old a chance to rebuild his career and reckon City would do business for around £30m to get him off the books.The champions’ interest in Hammers midfielder Lucas Paqueta is a potential stumbling block, as they would like to use Phillips as a makeweight in the summer.READ MORE TOP STORIESCity boss Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the Brazilian — who has an £85m release clause — and would like to offset a chunk of the asking price against his midfield misfit.But that increasingly looks like wishful thinking on City’s part, as Phillips’ time in London has been another disaster.He has made only three starts, beginning with a debut clanger that cost a goal and followed by a red card in the next one.At the Etihad he kicked off just six games — and was labelled overweight by Guardiola when he returned from the 2022 World Cup.Most read in FootballPhillips kept his England place in the squad for the Euro qualifiers.But he is now so far out of the picture, there is no chance of him making the finals this summer.Man Utd fans brutally troll Kalvin Phillips with X-rated chant as he warms up – but City rival has perfect response More

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      Man Utd star covered in blood as clash with Brentford is delayed as fans joke ‘at least someone won’t remember this’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S dramatic clash at Brentford was delayed after Diogo Dalot was left splattered in blood following a “horrible” clash of heads.But the Red Devils’ defender returned for an astonishing two-goal climax to STOPPAGE TIME in Saturday’s 1-1 Premier League draw.Diogo Dalot shocked fans with this injuryThe Man Utd defender was fine to continue despite the nasty injuryThe match was held up just before stoppage timeThe Portuguese ace was treated on the ground in the final seconds of normal time.But Dalot was ruled OK to continue after a lengthy hold-up and once he had his head bandaged.One fan joked “At least someone won’t remember this s***show” while another called it a “horrible blow”.A third saw a red gash in the back of the 25-year-old’ skull and posted: “DALOT IS BLEEDING FROM HIS HEAD WTFFF.”READ MORE TOP STORIESBut once it was clear Dalot was fine to go on, viewers joked he would be lucky if he couldn’t recall United being outplayed in a dire display.However, that response also changed – because of what happened deep into time added on due to HIS injury.Red Devils’ sub Mason Mount fired a clinical opener in the 96th minute despite United barely threatening up to that point.But two minutes later Ivan Toney cut the ball back for Kristoffer Ajer to drill an equally-impressive equaliser. Most read in FootballDiogo Dalot’s game by numbers vs. Brentford:100% tackles won66 touches3 interceptions2 chances created2 clearances2 blocks2 shotsBattling performance. 🫡🫡🫡 pic.twitter.com/CpXyt6sftN— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 30, 2024

      And when the final whistle went after 14 minutes of stoppage time, United remained sixth and Brentford 15th.Fans promptly described Dalot’s outstanding overall performance as one of the few consolations for United.And after “Statman Dave” shared the full-back’s fantastic figures for the game – including “100% tackles won” – a United supporter replied: “Dalot has been awesome the whole season… Picked up well!”Luke Shaw shows off his football skills at Man Utd training Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

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      Kalvin Phillips responds with furious gesture as he’s heckled by fans on way to team bus after nightmare vs Newcastle

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      WEST HAM flop Kalvin Phillips swore at a fan after being heckled following his nightmare performance against Newcastle.The midfielder has struggled for form since his January loan switch from Manchester City.Kalvin Phillips stuck up his middle finger at a fan who shouted abuseAnd against Newcastle he had an afternoon to forget as he was subbed on with his side leading 3-1, but ended up tasting defeat.Phillips, 28, gave away a penalty which Alexander Isak converted to make it 3-2, and he could not prevent Harvey Barnes scoring twice to hand Toon an unlikely win.He was heckled after the match as he made his way to the team coach with a fan shouting out: “Useless! Absolutely useless!”Phillips responded by sticking up his middle finger at the fan as he boarded the coach, with children looking on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans slammed Phillips following his performance at St James’ Park with one supporter branding him “the worst loan of all time”.Another added: “I’d send Kalvin Phillips back to Man City before the clocks go forward.”Phillips was also criticised for his outburst with one fan suggesting he “lost his head”.Another added: “They got to cut his loan for that? Unbelievable disrespect.”Most read in FootballThe midfielder had a torrid display against NewcastleBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERWest Ham paid an undisclosed loan fee to bring Phillips to London Stadium and will cover the entirety of his £140,000-a-week-wages until the end of the season.His move was meant to help him earn a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad at Euro 2024 after not playing regularly under Guardiola at City.But his poor form for the Hammers is seeing that become increasingly unlikely.’He’s wasting his time playing’ – Ex-Premier League referee bizarrely tears into Kalvin Phillips for getting sent off More

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      Aston Villa vs Wolves clash stopped as stars including goalscorer Diaby break their fast for Ramadan

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      ASTON VILLA’S clash with Wolves was momentarily halted to allow players to break their Ramadan fast.Moussa Diaby fired Villa in front in the first half and he was one of the stars given time for Iftar.Moussa Diaby broke his first during the second half of Aston Villa v WolvesCredit: GettyRayan Ait-Nouri also broke his fastCredit: GettyIftar is the fast-breaking evening meal of during Ramadan, with Muslims forbidden from eating and drinking during daylight hours.Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri also came over to the touchline for a quick bite to eat after referee Paul Tierney called a halt to play.Diaby gulped down a drink likely filled with electrolytes and ate a banana before resuming play.The refuelling had a positive effect for the winger as moments later he burst through before playing in Ezri Konsa, whose cross somehow looped into the back of the net to give Aston Villa a 2-0 lead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is not the first time a Premier League game has paused so players can take Iftar.A match between Burnley and Southampton in 2022 was stopped to allow Saints duo Mohamed Elyounoussi and Jan Valery to take on food and water.Villa vs Wolves was paused for a second time not long after Diaby and Ait-Nouri resumed playing.That’s because assistant referee Steve Meredith needed new batteries in his radio.Most read in FootballThere was a quick response in dealing with the technical issue but the problem did still cause a significant delay in play.That meant there was nine minutes added on in stoppage time at the end of the second half but Villa were able to see out a comfortable 2-0 victory.Fans think they’ve spotted bizarre optical illusion in Wolves training ground video More

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      Brentford vs Man Utd LIVE RESULT: Ajer bags 99th-minute equaliser seconds after Mount’s first goal – latest updates

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      MANCHESTER UNITED return to Premier League action with a tough trip to Brentford tonight.United are still looking to get into the top four but Brentford are aiming to secure Premier League survival and will be a hard side to break down at home.
      Kick-off time: 8pm GMT
      TV/Stream: Sky Sports Premier League
      Brentford XI: Flekken; Zanka, Ajer, Collins; Roerslev, Yarmoliuk, Jensen, Janelt, Lewis-Potter; Toney, Wissa
      Man Utd XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Lindelof, Dalot; McTominay, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
      That’s all from Brentford
      Brentford and Manchester United drew 1-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium following a dramatic finale.
      The Bees dominated throughout the match and missed a raft of chances as they hit the post three times with Ivan Toney, Mathias Jorgensen and Bryan Mbeumo.
      Toney also had a goal disallowed after he was marginally caught offside by the linesman and VAR.
      United were largely anonymous throughout the match until the sixth minute of stoppage time when they finally put together their best attack of the game.
      That was when Casemiro set Mason Mount up for his first ever goal for the Red Devils.
      But Brentford wouldn’t be denied and equalised just three minutes later when Toney passed the ball to the incoming Kristoffer Ajer who smashed the back of Andre Onana’s net.
      That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a lovely night!
      Credit: AFP
      Copy linkCopiedWord from the ground
      If this Manchester United team make the Champions League, it will be as big a travesty following the result of this truly extraordinary game
      Mason Mount seemed to have committed the biggest robbery of this or any other Premier League season by scoring deep into stoppage time. And Kristoffer Ajer’s even later equaliser was hardly justice.
      Because United were totally outplayed by a brilliant Brentford side still not safe from relegation.
      It’s the time of year for miracles, and it is unbelievable that Erik Ten Hag’s side escaped without a defeat that would have put another nail in the coffin of their hopes of finishing in the top four or five.
      Before Ajer’s strike, the Bees had hit the woodwork three times, forced fine saves out of Andre Onana, had a goal disallowed for a tight offside and wasted countless other opportunities.
      Ten Hag claims not to care about speculation that he will be sacked as part of the changes envisaged by new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team. The prospect of a fat pay-off no doubt lessens the jeopardy.
      But any United fan who cares about the club will wonder where it is heading under the Dutchman.
      Credit: AFP
      Copy linkCopiedIvan Toney stands out
      Brentford star Ivan Toney put together another impressive performance at the Gtech Community Stadium.
      However, Toney only managed an assist after missing a raft of opportunities and hitting the post, while he had a goal chalked off for a marginal offside.
      Nevertheless, the striker caused all sorts of problems to Manchester United’s struggling defence.
      The Bees have a lot to thank the England international for as it took a lot of doing to set Kristoffer Ajer up for the equaliser during stoppage time.

      Copy linkCopiedIvan Toney reacts
      Brentford star Ivan Toney admits the hosts are disappointed with the result after losing so many opportunities and hitting the bar three times.
      I feel like it’s points dropped. When you see the stats, we don’t know how we’ve not scored more than one goal.
      The chance I’ve missed, we’ve hit the woodwork four times, all the opportunities but it means nothing when you draw the game.
      [On his ruled out strike] The gaffer is always saying to me ‘make sure you’re not being a lazy striker, stay onside completely and then you give yourself half a chance’. But I switched off for half a second and it’s a tight call.
      We just weren’t clinical enough in front of goal. We’re disappointed in there.Ivan ToneySky Sports
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedUpdated Premier League table
      Manchester United remain sixth in the Premier League table after their 1-1 draw at Brentford.
      United are 11 points away from fourth place and Aston Villa, while fifth-placed Tottenham are eight points ahead.
      The Bees, on the other hand, are 15th with five points separating them from the relegation zone.
      More below:

      Copy linkCopiedBrentford vs Man Utd stats
      Manchester United dominated 53 per cent of possession but failed to do much with it throughout the Premier League match against Brentford.
      The Bees registered 31 shots but only five of them were on target.
      United, on the other hand, only managed 11 shots, five of which were on target.
      More below:

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Brentford 1-1 Man Utd
      Brentford and Manchester United shared the spoils at the Gtech Community Stadium following a dramatic finale.
      The Bees dominated throughout the match and missed a raft of chances as they hit the crossbar three times with Ivan Toney, Mathias Jorgensen and Bryan Mbeumo.
      United were largely anonymous throughout the match until the sixth minute of stoppage time when they put together their best attack of the game and Casemiro set Mason Mount up for his first ever goal for the club.
      However, Brentford wouldn’t be denied and equalised just three minutes later when Toney passed the ball to the incoming Kristoffer Ajer who smashed the back of Andre Onana’s net.
      Credit: AP
      Credit: Rex
      Copy linkCopiedFT: Brentford 1-1 Man Utd
      Peep!
      That’s full-time at Brentford!!!
      Copy linkCopied90+12 Brentford 1-1 Man Utd
      Yellow card
      Maupay and McTominay get into a little scuffle with both sets of players getting involves.
      But it doesn;t last long and both players get booked.
      Copy linkCopied90+9 Brentford 1-1 Man Utd
      Finally Brentford take up their chances!
      Brentford break into another dangerous attack with Man Utd’s defence wide open following Mount’s opener.
      Toney breaks it from the right and finds the incoming Ajer who fires it past Onana!
      The home crowd has gone crazy!

      Copy linkCopied90+9 Brentford 1-1 Man Utd
      Goal!
      Ajer equalises for Brentford!!!
      Copy linkCopied90+6 Brentford 0-1 Man Utd
      I told you, Brentford will regret all those missed chances!
      Man Utd finally show something as they produce their best attack all night with some fine passing.
      Casemiro releases Mount who scores his first ever goal for the club and wild celebrations break out in front of the away crowd!

      Copy linkCopied90+6 Brentford 0-1 Man Utd
      Goal!
      Man Utd score with Mount!!!
      Copy linkCopied90+5 Brentford 0-0 Man Utd
      As it stands, Man Utd will be glad to be getting a point out of this.
      But Brentford have missed so many chances they need to seal the three points…
      Copy linkCopied90+2 Brentford 0-0 Man Utd
      Maupay received treatment from the Brentford physios and is good to go.
      Dalot has been patched up and returns to action.
      Credit: PA
      Copy linkCopied90 Brentford 0-0 Man Utd
      Nine more minutes of added time to go, can Brentford find a way to finally break the deadlock?
      Or can Man Utd finally show us something…?
      Copy linkCopied88 Brentford 0-0 Man Utd
      Ouch!
      There’s a clash of heads between Maupay and Dalot inside Man Utd’s area with the latter needing some more time to get back on his feet.
      Both players receiving treatment but thankfully look good to go.
      Copy linkCopied87 Brentford 0-0 Man Utd
      Substitution
      Another double switch from Frank as Maupay and Ghoddos come on for Roerslev and Lewis-Potter.
      Copy linkCopied86 Brentford 0-0 Man Utd
      Chance
      Toney takes Brentford’s set-piece on but sends it desperately wide.
      Copy linkCopied85 Brentford 0-0 Man Utd
      Penalty shout
      Casemiro fouls Mbeumo just outside Man Utd’s box!
      That was only inches away from becoming a penalty…
      Copy linkCopied84 Brentford 0-0 Man Utd
      Yellow card
      Brentford ace Jorgensen booked for a late challenge, which could have led to a red card.
      VAR deems it was just a yellow.
      Copy linkCopied83 Brentford 0-0 Man Utd
      Chance
      Brentford continue to knock on Man Utd’s door, and continue to miss!
      Mbeumo fires a corner-kick from the left and Toney meets it in the near post but his shot goes over the crossbar.
      Copy linkCopied82 Brentford 0-0 Man Utd
      Brentford ace Lewis-Poitter tries a cheeky shot from the right that Onana spills.
      The ball is cleared just a few moments before Toney could get the rebound…
      Copy linkCopied81 Brentford 0-0 Man Utd
      Chance
      Man Utd captain Fernandes tries another long-range shot but it is collected by Flekken with ease.
      Copy linkCopied80 Brentford 0-0 Man Utd
      Substitution
      Another double change by Man Utd boss Ten Hag as Casemiro and Mount come on for Mainoo and Rashford.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      ‘Shameful and embarrassing’ – Fans spot moment Conor Gallagher ‘blanks Chelsea mascot’ in tunnel before Burnley clash

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      CONOR GALLAGHER was blasted for appearing to “blank” a Chelsea mascot in the tunnel before the Burnley game.Gallagher was stand-in skipper on the day and led the Blues out at Stamford Bridge. Conor Gallagher was blasted for ‘blanking’ a Chelsea mascotBut before doing so, a mascot did his best to try and get what appeared to be a high five from the midfielder. Gallagher does make sure to embrace the youngster but left him hanging for the high five. Although it could have been confusion or a lack of awareness, it could also have been caused by the fact that he was distracted by his former Charlton and England team-mate Josh Cullen – who was captaining Burnley. Despite this, the England international was slammed by fans who thought he had “blanked” the mascot. Most read in FootballOne said: “That poor kid that got completely blanked by Conor Gallagher.”Another added: “This is highly shameful and embarrassing.”One fumed: “Conor Gallagher airing the mascot.”But in his defence, another argued: “He patted on his back didn’t blank him at all.”Most read in FootballGallagher played an hour at Stamford Bridge and would have watched on in frustration as Cole Palmer’s double was cancelled out. A late Dara O’Shea header and blunder from keeper Djordje Petrovic saw ten-men Burnley rescue a point in a 2-2 draw. It was later shown that Gallagher did walk out with his arm around the mascot.Gallagher did embrace the mascot afterCredit: XHe walked out with the mascot onto the Stamford BridgeCredit: XSimon Jordan slams ‘pathetic’ Chelsea fans for criticising Todd Boehly Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino was left head in hands and said: “So disappointed. “We didn’t show the consistency and the capacity to deal with and manage the game. “We allowed them some actions from set pieces to get some possibility to believe.”It is a result that shows that we need to improve in many areas if we want to be competitive.”It was so easy for them to get to our last third. We were not aggressive enough in open play and defending set pieces. “We need to improve like a team and be more competitive.”Mauricio Pochettino watched Chelsea squander their leadCredit: AFP More

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      Chelsea fans brand Cole Palmer ‘absolute filth’ after panenka penalty as Burnley get two red cards in matter of minutes

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      CHELSEA fans are hailing Cole Palmer after his “absolute filth” panenka penalty against Burnley.The England star gave the Blues the lead from the spot on the stroke of half-time.Cole Palmer scored a brilliant panenkaPalmer scored a double but Chelsea twice relinquished their leadCredit: GettyVincent Kompany was sent off for his penalty protestsCredit: PAIt is the sixth penalty Palmer has scored this season but the first he has chipped down the middle.Burnley goalkeeper Arijanet Muric could do nothing but watch the ball as he dived to the right.Chelsea fans loved the cheekiness of Palmer’s penalty and began praising the forward, who scored twice in a 2-2 draw.One reacted saying: “This kid is just amazing.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “That panenka by Cole Palmer was insane.”A third wrote: “What a penalty Cole Palmer! Absolute filth 🔥”Burnley were left outraged by the incident however as they believe the penalty should not have been awarded despite defender Lorenz Assignon making contact with Mykhailo Mudryk.Assignon was shown a second yellow card to add insult to injury, leaving boss Vincent Kompany fuming.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHis protests resulted in referee Darren England brandishing a red card for him too, leading fans to slam the official.One reacted saying: “One of the worst calls you’ll see all season. Darren England isn’t fit to referee. Burnley robbed.”Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?Another added: “Darren England is one of, if not the worst referee ever appointed by the Premier League, which is saying something, but yet again will be referring next week and making more horrific decisions.”And a third said: “Darren England is one of the worst referees in football.”Lorenz Assignon reacts with shock after his red cardCredit: Reuters More