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      I beat Brooklyn Beckham to an Arsenal scholarship but never made the grade… now I’m closing in on Bundesliga history

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      NATHAN TELLA once beat Brooklyn Beckham to an Arsenal scholarship.Now the former Gunner is helping Bayer Leverkusen close in on an historic Bundesliga title.
      Brooklyn Beckham posted on social media a photo of himself and fellow Arsenal youngsters, including Nathan TellaCredit: Facebook
      Tella has become a key player in recent weeks for Bayer Leverkusen as they close in on a first Bundesliga title in their historyCredit: Getty
      But the journey to the top of the table in Germany has been far from smooth for Tella.
      The Stevenage-born winger signed scholar’s terms with Arsenal in 2015 when he was 15, with Brooklyn, the oldest son of David and Victoria Beckham, among those to miss out.
      Just two years later, however, Tella’s 10-year stay at Arsenal also came to an end.
      An injury at the start of the 2016/17 season cost him his place in the Gunners’ under-18 side.
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      And competition from the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson for positions out wide led to the club telling Tella that he would not be offered a professional deal.
      So the youngster moved to Southampton where, after steady progress through the ranks, he made his first-team debut against Norwich in June 2020 during the Covid-19-interrupted season.
      Tella seemed to have made his breakthrough in the second half of 2020/1 campaign and signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal at St Mary’s in January 2022.
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      But the following summer he was sent on loan to Championship side Burnley.
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      And in a sensational reversal of fortune, Tella had a stellar season as the Clarets and the Saints swapped divisions.
      Thomas Tuchel fumes at Bundesliga rule after Bayern Munich’s defeat to Bayer Leverkusen
      Tella was named in the Championship Team of the Season after finishing top scorer for Vincent Kompany’s side, with 17 goals in 39 league appearances, as they returned to the top flight as champions.
      After Burnley confirmed promotion, Tella said: “It’s been my favourite season. 
      “I’ve learnt so much from the boys and the team and the staff and playing in front of these fans and it’s meant a lot to me. 
      “I’m just happy that we were able to bring home the silverware and do it for them.”

      But Tella is on the verge of having an even better season with Leverkusen.
      He was hugely popular at Southampton and the club was hoping and expecting him to be part of new boss Russell Martin’s new-lookd side.
      But when Leverkusen came in with a bid worth a reported £20m, it was too good for the Saints to turn down and Tella leapt at the chance to try his luck in Germany.
      Tella celebrates scoring against Darmstadt with Leverkusen team-mate Granit XhakaCredit: Getty

      Another new arrival at Leverkusen helped the 24-year-old settle in to his new life – former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka.
      Tella said: “When he left Arsenal in the summer it really upset me as a fan of the club.
      “He was incredibly important to the team. Then suddenly playing alongside him four weeks later – crazy! That was a fast emotional change for me.
      “He really helped me a lot from my first day and told me all about the team and the players.
      “His approach and that of the other lads made it easy for me to quickly feel at home in this new environment and I haven’t regretted taking this big step.”
      Tella initially struggled for game time in the Bundesliga but featured in all six of the club’s Europa League group games and earned a first senior call-up from Nigeria.
      Tella has grabbed three goals in his last four Bundesliga games as Leverkusen open up a five-point lead over Bayern MunichCredit: AFP
      Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso said: “Nathan is a player that has the ability to just do the right thing, be in the right place,” Alonso said.
      “He has the quality to be in the box and makes the right runs.”
      Tella missed out on Nigeria’s squad for the recent African Cup of Nations.
      But in recent weeks he has made an impact in Leverkusen’s quest for a first ever German title.
      Tella has scored three goals in his last four Bundesliga games and produced an assist in the convincing 3-0 win over closest rivals Bayern Munich at the weekend.
      Alonso, whose side are five points clear of Bayern with 13 games to go, said: “Nathan is getting better every game.
      “His talent creates problems for any defence and he is so important to how we play.”
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      Axed by Arsenal, saved by Southampton, boosted by Burnley and now loving it with Leverkusen – Tella’s road to the top is a lesson in perseverance and self-belief. More

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      Burnley vs Arsenal: Mikel Arteta’s Gunners eye five straight wins as they travel to Premier League strugglers

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      ARSENAL travel to Premier League strugglers Burnley on Saturday afternoon.The Gunners have been in fantastic form of late, scoring 16 goals in their last four games.
      Arsenal beat West Ham 6-0 last time outCredit: GETTY
      Burnley lost 3-1 at Liverpool last weekendCredit: GETTY
      Last time out, Arsenal thrashed London rivals West Ham 6-0 on their own patch as Mikel Arteta’s side put themselves firmly in the title race.
      The Gunners are aiming to go one better than last campaign and claim their first Premier League title since the 2003/04 season.
      Meanwhile, Vincent Kompany’s Burnley haven’t lived up to expectations on their return to the top flight and are in a dogfight to stay in the league.
      The Clarets are seven points from safety and are without a win since before Christmas.
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      When is Burnley vs Arsenal?

      Burnley vs Arsenal will take place on Saturday, February 17.
      Kick off will be at 3pm GMT.
      Turf Moor will host.

      What TV channel is Burnley vs Arsenal on and can it be live streamed?

      Burnley vs Arsenal will not be broadcast on live TV in the UK.
      This is due to the 3pm blackout rule.
      You can keep up to date with all the action from Turf Moor by following SunSport’s live blog.

      Team news
      For Burnley, centre-back Jordan Beyer could return after missing the last four games with a thigh injury.
      Long-term absentees Nathan Redmond and Luca Koleosho will remain unavailable.
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      Mikel Arteta will be hoping Jorginho has fully recovered from a foot injury after he was left on the bench for the 6-0 win at West Ham.
      Takehiro Tomiyasu returned from the Asian Cup with a slight problem but is expected to be available for the trip to Burnley.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe are all doubts for Saturday’s match.
      What are the odds?
      Match result

      Burnley – 8/1
      Draw – 9/2
      Arsenal – 2/7

      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Chelsea make history with incredible feat against Crystal Palace that they hadn’t managed for 119 YEARS

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      CHELSEA made history by coming from behind to beat Crystal Palace 3-1.A double from Conor Gallagher against his former side rounded off by an Enzo Fernandez strike gave the Blues all three points at Selhurst Park.
      Conor Gallagher, left, helped Chelsea create historyCredit: Alamy
      Chelsea boast an incredible record against Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
      Jefferson Lerma had given the hosts a half-time lead after firing in a rocket from distance – his first goal for Crystal Palace.
      But Chelsea sparked into life as the second half kicked off, with Gallagher equalising in the 47th minute.
      And when he struck a low shot past Dean Henderson in stoppage time Chelsea were able to achieve a feat never before seen in their 119-year history.
      They have now beaten Palace in 13 consecutive meetings, which is the longest winning run of league victories against the same team Chelsea have managed.
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      Chelsea’s incredible record dates back to March 2018, when they beat the Eagles 2-1 thanks to a Willian strike and a Martin Kelly own goal.
      The run even includes an FA Cup semi-final win from April 2022, with Chelsea scoring 31 goals across the 13 Prem games.
      It is a sequence of results that has survived five managers – even Graham Potter and Maurizio Sarri.
      Three points at Selhurst Park lifts Chelsea to 10th in the Premier League table – seven points off a possible European place.
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      Mauricio Pochettino’s side can also qualify for the Europa Conference League if they beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final later this month.
      They were outplayed in a recent visit to Anfield but now have some momentum after two wins on the bounce, though they do have Manchester City up next.
      Mauricio Pochettino reacts to beating Crystal Palace 1-3 More

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      Sven-Goran Eriksson to achieve dream of managing Liverpool in Legends match against Ajax Legends

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      SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON will coach Liverpool Legends at Anfield next month.The former England manager, 76, was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer last month.
      Sven-Goran Eriksson recently appeared at a Swedish sports galaCredit: Getty
      The 76-year-old managed England between 2001 and 2006Credit: AFP
      Eriksson revealed that he has “at best a year to live” while speaking to Swedish radio station P1.
      The Swede is a boyhood Liverpool fan, and will now get the opportunity to coach from the home dugout at Anfield.
      He will join a star-studded coaching team featuring the likes of John Barnes and Ian Rush for a match against Ajax Legends on March 23.
      Liverpool have confirmed that 100 per cent of proceeds from the match will go to their foundation and other charitable causes.
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      The full roster of players is yet to be confirmed.
      But the Reds have so far announced that Jerzy Dudek, Sander Westerveld, Martin Skrtel, Fabio Aurelio, Gregory Vignal and Djibril Cisse will play – while Ryan Babel is set to feature for both sides.
      The LFC Foundation will welcome Eriksson, as well as his family, to Anfield for the occasion.
      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp had plenty of kind words for Eriksson last month.
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      The German, 56, said: “It was obviously very touching news when you heard about it.
      “I heard for the first time about his admiration or love for Liverpool and that he was a fan for his whole life. I heard now about the Legends [game] and stuff like that. I’m not in charge of that.
      Legendary ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson kept terminal pancreas cancer secret for a year to enjoy time with family
      “The only thing I can say is absolutely he’s very welcome to come here and he can sit in my seat in my office and do my job for a day if he wants. That’s no problem.
      “Being on the sideline might be a little bit more difficult. To have him here and show him everything and how this wonderful club developed over the years, I think that’s definitely something we will tell him.
      “He can come over and have a few wonderful hours here, I’m sure.”
      Eriksson was given a hero’s welcome at a gala in Sweden just days after revealing his illness.
      The legendary former boss attended the event alongside partner Yaniseth Alcides, and daughter, Lina.
      But you can trick your brain. See the positive in things, don’t wallow in adversitySven-Goran Eriksson
      He has recently vowed to try to see the “positives” in life.
      Eriksson said: “It is not good. Everyone guessed it’s cancer and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can.
      “But you can trick your brain. See the positive in things, don’t wallow in adversity, because this is the biggest adversity of course, but make something good out of it.”
      A full-back in his playing days, Eriksson began his amazing 42-year managerial career with Swedish side Degerfors in 1977.
      He then moved to IFK Goteborg in 1979, winning numerous trophies including the Uefa Cup.
      A spell at Benfica followed, before he landed his first job in Italy with Roma.
      After two years at Fiorentina he returned to Benfica, before a five-year stint at Sampdoria.
      Following four seasons with Lazio, Eriksson was appointed England manager by the FA.
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      He left the post in 2006 after three consecutive quarter-final outings – and went on to manage Manchester City and Leicester City.
      Further national team posts followed with Mexico and Ivory Coast, before he finished his managerial career in Asia with Guangzhou R&F, Shanghai SIPG, Shenzhen and the Phillippines.
      Eriksson managed England at three major tournamentsCredit: Getty
      Jurgen Klopp had kind words for ErikssonCredit: AFP More

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      I’m a former Premier League Wag who went to war with Manchester’s food scene – now I miss the city after moving to Spain

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      SARA GUNDOGAN has admitted she misses Manchester – despite previously slamming the city’s food scene.The TV presenter and model now lives in Spain with her husband Ilkay Gundogan after he left Manchester City for Barcelona in the summer.
      Ilkay Gundogan’s wife Sara has admitted she misses ManchesterCredit: Reuters
      Sara Gundogan now lives in Spain after her husband’s move to BarcelonaCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira
      Gundogan spent seven years with City, making 304 appearances and winning 14 major trophies, including last season’s Treble.
      He began dating Sara in 2021, before the couple tied the knot a year later and welcomed their first child, son Kais, in March 2023.
      Sara is now set to star in Amazon Prime Video’s new series Married To The Game, which follows the lives of football Wags.
      Riyad Mahrez’s wife Taylor Ward also features, having gone viral when he brutally shut down her concerns over moving to Saudi Arabia in the trailer.
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      She has now revealed what life is really like in the country, while Sara has changed her views on living in Manchester.
      During her time in the city, she infamously criticised the food scene, despite City boss Pep Guardiola owning a tapas restaurant called Tast in the area.
      Sara wrote on Instagram: “Sorry, I’m sad to be honest but nothing. I tried so bad to find a good restaurant but horrible food everywhere.
      “Can’t find a real Italian or good sushi or just fresh food… everything frozen.
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      Sara went to war with the Manchester food scene whilst living in the cityCredit: Instagram
      She infamously claimed there was ‘horrible food everywhere’Credit: Instagram @sarabenamira
      “Restaurants here are focus on making money with drinks and shots like nightclubs, not quality food. Maybe in London but in Manchester nothing. I’m sorry.”
      Seven months after relocating to Barcelona, though, she has admitted she came to enjoy life in Manchester.
      Ilkay Gundogan’s new wife Sara Arfaoui stuns in bikini beach shoot
      Speaking to the Daily Mail, Sara explained: “When I was in Manchester, my whole life was (originally) around football.
      “My friends were football, the people I met through my husband, and then I didn’t have anything that was just my world outside of that.
      “And I’m a social person. So it took me a bit of time, but I made friends and it was really nice.
      “After making friends, I was really happy. I had my own life and routine in Manchester and I have one of my best friends there.”
      As for leaving, she added: “Over the years I would see friends moving so it’s something that’s always around in football and you would suddenly just have a phone call from them telling you they’re going to another country.
      “So, it’s always around, it’s always happening but I didn’t imagine that it would be us and when it’s you it’s a big shock.
      “It’s always sad, especially because you make friends, you’re happy somewhere, you build your life and then you have to leave all the people you love.”
      Despite her previous comments, Sara misses Manchester, revealing: “I think it’s really hard to live in England when you are alone in the house and you can’t meet anyone.
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      The TV presenter and model has now admitted she came to enjoy life in ManchesterCredit: Instagram / @sarabenamira
      Sara wed Gundogan in 2022 and the couple welcomed their first child last yearCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira
      “But when you start to know a bit more about it, how to go around and have friends, I think the place changes completely and you can enjoy it. 
      “I started to enjoy everything and I kind of miss Manchester now.” More

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      Luton vs Man Utd: Ten Hag’s side look to continue good Premier League form against relegation-threatened Hatters

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      MANCHESTER UNITED travel to London to face Luton Town on Sunday afternoon.United will be looking to continue their momentum following their dramatic 2-1 away win over Aston Villa.
      Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay were on the scoresheet against Aston VillaCredit: GETTY
      Luton were beaten 3-1 by Sheffield United last time outCredit: GETTY
      Erik Ten Hag’s side has been on a good run of results in the Premier League recently, having won three in the last four games.
      Luton Town come into the game one point above the relegation zone after they lost 3-1 at home to Sheffield United last time out.
      Despite their home defeat, the Hatters have been known to give the top six sides tough games on their own patch, running close games against the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.
      When is Luton vs Man Utd?

      Luton Town vs Manchester United will take place on Sunday, 18th February.
      Kick off will be at 4.30pm GMT.
      Kenilworth Road will host the fixture.

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      What TV channel is Luton vs Man Utd on and can it be live streamed?

      Luton Town vs Manchester United will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event/ Premier League.
      Sky Sports customers can live stream the match via the NOW app.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action from Kenilworth Road.

      Team news
      Luke Shaw is an injury concern for United after coming off at half-time at Villa Park last Sunday.
      The likes of Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Anthony Martial, Tyrell Malacia, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are long-term absentees.
      For Luton, Mads Andersen and Marvelous Nakamba are unavailable for this fixture.
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      New January signing Daiki Hashioka could feature for the first time for the Hatters this weekend.
      What are the odds?
      Match result

      Luton – 3/1
      Draw – 14/5
      Man Utd – 3/4

      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Arsenal fans love Jorginho’s gesture on bench during West Ham humiliation and say ‘you will be our coach one day’

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      ARSENAL fans are convinced Jorginho will become a manager after his incredible gesture in the 6-0 demolition of West Ham. The Gunners ripped the Irons apart with William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice all getting on the scoresheet.
      Jorginho has been tipped to be a coach once he hangs up his bootsCredit: Getty
      Wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri made his second Premier League appearanceCredit: Getty
      With the three points wrapped up early, Mikel Arteta subbed on youngster Ethan Nwaneri for the final 13 minutes.
      It was the midfielder’s second first-team appearance after he became the youngest ever player to feature in the Premier League last season aged 15 years and 181 days.
      After the win against West Ham, Arteta said: “The players on the bench were whispering, ‘Bring Ethan in’, which is a great thing to hear.
      “The other thing is for your team-mates to give you the ball all the time. If they do that, it’s because they really trust you.”
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      And it appears Jorginho was the player in the manager’s ear calling for him to be subbed on.
      The Italian has been a fan of Nwaneri for some time after gaining his UEFA B coaching license while working with Arsenal’s Under-14s a few years ago.
      And Aaron Ramsdale appeared to confirm the ex-Chelsea star was the one pushing for 16-year-old to be given another opportunity as he wrote on social media: “Get Ethan on @jorginhofrello.”
      Fans believe Jorginho is future manager, with one saying: “We have to keep him as a coach when he’s done playing.”
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      Another added: “His managerial potential is shining.”
      More commented: “Approval from Jorginho says enough and more about Nwaneri.”

      Supporters also praised the players’ impact on Nwaneri, one said: “The culture at this club is sooo good right now.”
      A third supporter also commented: “The players on the bench were all of us.” More

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      I’m a former Premier League Wag now living in Saudi – here’s what life is REALLY like there

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      RIYAD MAHREZ’S wife dreaded the move to Saudi Arabia but she is now enjoying her stay in the Gulf state.Taylor Ward went viral after her concerns about moving to Suadi were coldly shut down by Mahrez, who responded saying: “It’s part of the game innit.”
      Riyad Mahrez and Taylor Ward moved to Saudi Arabia last summer
      Taylor was initially concerned about the moveCredit: Instagram
      But she revealed she is enjoying her stay in the Gulf stateCredit: Instagram @taylorwardx
      However her fears were subsided in her first trip to the country after she spotted a Nando’s, and so far the move has proved a success.
      Taylor, 26, praised the laid-back lifestyle in Saudi Arabia and the friendliness of the locals – the only thing she misses from her previous Manchester home is friends and family.
      She told the Daily Mail: “The vibe is just very different. It’s a lot more chilled out there, it’s quieter and calmer, whereas in Manchester life is so busy – there’s so much going on and we’re always going out for dinner and seeing friends.
      “That’s probably what I’m missing the most, seeing family and friends rather than what the country is missing.
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      “The people have been so lovely – I think that was actually a massive shock, how nice everyone has been.
      “You can’t compare it to the UK – it’s nothing like here. I’m enjoying it so far, it just feels like I’m on holiday, I don’t feel like I’ve moved there yet.”
      Mahrez, 32, joined Al-Ahli in the summer so relocated to Jeddah alongside wife Taylor.
      When asked what Jeddah is like, Taylor added: “I’m not just saying this, I actually really like it.
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      “I can’t fault it so far, we’ve really enjoyed it. We’ve just got our house here so I’ll definitely be staying in Jeddah and won’t be going anywhere else.”
      “It’s got beautiful beaches, shops, restaurants. I don’t think there would be any need to move anywhere else. I’ll be in Jeddah for the forseeable that’s for sure.”
      Taylor and Mahrez wed last year, first in a Muslim ceremony before saying their vows again months later at the five-star Londonder hotel.
      The pair are set to feature in new Prime Video series ‘Married to the Game’, a reality show that will capture the couple’s lives, including plans for a third wedding ceremony.
      Mahrez and Taylor wed last yearCredit: Instagram
      Taylor admitted she misses her friends and familyCredit: INSTAGRAM/TAYLOR WARD
      But she has no complaints with life in Saudi More