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      in Soccer

      Watch shocking moment Man Utd fans FIGHT each other in stands at tense Old Trafford during horror defeat to Brighton

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      THIS is the shocking moment a brawl erupted between Manchester United fans at Old Trafford.The scrap broke out as the Red Devils crashed to a 2-1 opening day defeat against Brighton.
      Two Man Utd fans scrap during their side’s horror loss to BrightonCredit: AP
      Fans had to be pulled apart in tense scenes at Old TraffordCredit: AP
      Two Man Utd fans scrapped as their team lost 2-1 at home to BrightonCredit: Twitter

      A video posted on social media showed two men grappling in the South Stand as the game carried on in the background.
      Stunned onlookers attempted to get involved by trying to break up the unsightly melee.
      The short clip ended with the two men squaring up to each while shouting in front of dozens of supporters.
      It is unclear what triggered the fight between the pair.
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      But neither will have been happy with the end result at the Theatre of Dreams.
      Erik ten Hag was hoping to mark his first-ever Premier League game with a morale-boosting win.
      But the day turned into a nightmare for United as two goals from Pascal Gross put Brighton on course for a historic win at Old Trafford.
      Red Devils fans have only just got over the 4-0 stuffing at the Amex late last season.
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      And United were miles off the pace as their flops failed to deliver the goods yet again.
      Some irate fans staged a protest against the Glazer ownership before the game.
      And United’s farcical transfer window has gone from bad to worse after it emerged they are trying to sign 33-year-old Marko Arnautovic from Italian minnows Bologna.
      Meanwhile, Ten Hag has told warring fans not to expect a quick fix on the pitch.
      He said: “It is a hell of a job. We have to work really hard, analyse then move forward.
      “We have to take the lessons and learn quickly from it. We don’t have time and we have to deliver.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I think also with these players we could also have done it better.
      “I knew it could happen but I think we should have done better – that is clear but I know also it will not come overnight.” More

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson’s former £1.5m Las Vegas mansion was used in The Hangover, boasts an infinity pool, two spas and a waterfall

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      THIS is the house where Mike Tyson became a Hollywood star.In 2008, the now 56-year-old former heavyweight champion let movie director Todd Phillips and his cameras into a stunning mansion he lived in with wife No3 Lakiha.
      Inside Mike Tyson’s former £1.5m Las Vegas mansion used in The HangoverCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      The gorgeous property has an infinity pool with two spas and a waterfallCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      They filmed hilarious scenes from cult movie The Hangover, in a cameo that would go on to define him and rebuild his career after years of bankruptcy.
      Found in the beautiful gated community called Seven Hills in the suburb of Henderson, it boasts six bedrooms, six-and-a-half bathrooms and its own private balcony.
      And golf enthusiasts will enjoy the incredible 18-hole Rio Secco Golf Club, as well as four large private parks filled with basketball courts, tennis courts and football pitches.

      ITALIAN-STYLE
      Like many new builds in Las Vegas within gated communities, the 5,740-square-feet mansion was built in an Italian style in 2001.
      Two-storeys in size, the entrance opens to a grand reception room with a 25-foot-high lit waterfall, which connects to the great room that has a wet bar and fireplace.
      You can imagine the great room is perfect for lounging, and where cannabis-advocate Tyson may possibly enjoy an occasional smoke.
      Hit movie The Hangover starring Bradley Cooper was filmed in Tyson’s houseCredit: Warner Bros
      Mike Tyson in 2009 hit movie The HangoverCredit: Kobal Collection – Rex Features
      The living room has vaulted ceilings and walls of windows that offer plenty of natural light.
      Completing the look is a family room with a moon-shaped wet bar.
      While a centre-island kitchen has a another wet bar, and a wine cellar.
      For those chilly desert evenings, the home has four fireplaces.
      There’s also a garage for space for four cars.
      There are six-and-a-half bathroomsCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      The Italian-style property was built in 2001Credit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      A 25 foot waterfall awaits you in the front entranceCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      The kitchen boasts a centre islandCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      The mansion is two-storeys in sizeCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      The great room could be cannabis advocate Tyson’s smoking roomCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      OUTSIDE SPACE
      The sprawling property also has plenty of outside space.
      There’s a huge pool should ‘Iron Mike’ fancy taking a dip.
      In total, the garden boasts an infinity pool with two spas and a waterfall, as well as a large patio area, featuring a fire pit, BBQ area, bar area and pool bathroom.
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      Movie fans will remember Zach Galifianakis urinating in it in The Hangover.
      However, it’s the 18-hole golf course that’s shared with other residents in the private community, as well as four large parks that have basketball courts and football pitches that make it a scenic surrounding.
      Tyson and Lakiha have lived in Henderson, Nevada since 2008, moving to a property nearby in 2016. But she won’t be happy if the ‘Wolf Pack’ pop round, mind.

      The property boasts a total of four fireplacesCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      Large windows mean the property has plenty of natural lightCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      The wrought iron staircase runs through the homeCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      Tyson and his wife Lakiha have lived in Henderson, Nevada since 2008Credit: LUXURY HOMES of Las Vegas
      Mike Tyson reveals he is in boxing training ahead of shock return to the ring for four-round charity fight More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Chelsea signing Marc Cucurella’s stunning Wag Claudia Rodriguez, who is a budding fashion designer

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      CHELSEA’S new signing Marc Cucurella arrives at Stamford Bridge with a glowing reputation – but that’s not all.In Claudia Rodriguez, Chelsea new boy Cucurella brings with him a Wag worthy of the Club World Cup winners.
      Meet Claudia Rodriguez – the stunning Wag of Chelsea new boy Marc CucurellaCredit: @_claurodri
      Gorgeous Rodriguez is a fashion designer and works in communicationsCredit: @_claurodri
      Cucurella and Claudia met in 2018 in BarcelonaCredit: @_claurodri
      The Spanish defender, 24, has moved from Brighton to the Blues for a deal worth £62million.
      Claudia and their two sons, Mateo and Rio will be joining him in West London – and surely will be cheering him on from the stands at Stamford Bridge.
      The stunning brunette works in communications, according to her Instagram.
      While she is also a budding fashion designer. Here’s the latest Wag who will enjoy the delights of the King’s Road and Sloane Square.
      Read more about Wags
      Met in Barcelona
      Cucurella and Claudia’s love story began in Barcelona, when the left-back played for the Catalans.
      They met in 2018, although details of how are unknown.
      Their romance blossomed and she soon followed him to Madrid where he starred for Getafe a year later.
      Most read in Football
      Around that time, the pair welcomed their first child – a boy they called Mateo.
      Two years later Rio arrived on the scene. At the last game of the season at the Amex, Cucurella brought his kids onto the pitch in his arms.
      And he was joined by elegant Claudia, as the happy family posed for snaps on the pitch.
      The pair are yet to marry, but are still loved up after four years together, as her Instagram snaps show.
      She regularly shares cute snaps online to her 16,000 plus followers.
      But, she very much is her own woman.
      The Amex was Claudia’s second home and she regularly watched Cucurella playCredit: @_claurodri
      Rodriguez shows off her enviable bikini bodCredit: @_claurodri
      Cucurella invited his partner and two sons onto the pitch for the final home game of the seasonCredit: @_claurodri
      Rodriguez regularly shares loved up snaps with her 16,000 followers on InstagramCredit: @_claurodri
      Communicator and fashion designer
      Cucurella has signed for Chelsea on a six-year contract and will be earning more than the £50,000-per-week he was said to be earning with the Seagulls.
      Now he is in the big league, Claudia could be content with being a housewife.
      But she has her own bold ambitions.
      Currently, she said she works in communications, according to her social media.
      And she wants to follow her heart with her own passion project.
      Claudia’s next ambition is to be a fashion designerCredit: @_claurodri
      Cucurella and Claudia will cut quite the glam couple in London’s West LondonCredit: @_claurodri
      Claudia is an aspiring fashion designer and wants to launch her own brand.
      As a footballer’s Wag, she could certainly dress plenty of her beau’s team-mates.
      And just maybe the fashion boutiques of the King’s Road will be showing off Claudia’s range in years to come. More

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      in Soccer

      Three reasons why Man Utd will beat Brighton to get Erik ten Hag off to flying start despite rift with Cristiano Ronaldo

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      THE Premier League season is back. And what does that normally bring? False hope for Man United fans, that’s what.
      New Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag will be in charge of his first Premier League game on SundayCredit: Reuters
      Brighton boss Graham Potter takes his team to Old TraffordCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
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      The new United coach Erik ten Hag has seen his preparations overshadowed by the behaviour of their star striker and talisman Cristiano Ronaldo.
      The Portuguese international has made it clear that he wants to leave the club in search of Champions League football.
      As Ronaldo did not travel on the pre-season tours there are many questions around who will lead the attack for United at the start of the season.
      While Manchester United have had a somewhat turbulent pre-season the same cannot be said of Brighton.
      Yes, they have lost two of their stronger players with Yves Bissouma off to Tottenham and Marc Cucurella to Chelsea.
      Read more on Man Utd
      But they have gone about their business calmly and methodically as they always do. 
      This all adds up to an interesting encounter this coming Sunday with a stable Brighton side visiting a United team around whom there are still a lot of questions.
      Here are three key areas which will dictate Sunday’s outcome.
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      No Bissouma, no problem
      In terms of their recruitment, Brighton are a side who work with one eye on the future.
      Most read in Football
      We know that Brighton will play with a three at the back system this coming Sunday and Caicedo appears to be the favourite to take the ‘6’ role at the base of the midfield just in front of the defensive line

      Last season we saw them add two players, Enock Mwepu from Red Bull Salzburg and Moises Caicedo from Independiente del Valle, with a view to adding security to their squad in the face of interest in their Malian international midfielder Yves Bissouma.
      While Bissouma did not move until this summer both Mwepu and Caicedo had time to settle at the club before they had to step forward to take more responsibility this coming season.
      We expect to see Brighton start the match in a 3-5-2 system and this will match up to a 4-2-3-1 from United.
      The midfield battle will be key with Ten Hag likely to start with a double pivot at the base of the midfield – Fred and Scott McTominay – while Bruno Fernandes will operate as the ‘10’.
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      This will mean that the midfield unit from Brighton will have to be ready to battle to control this key area of the pitch.
      With Caicedo likely to play as the ‘6’ and Enock Mwepu ready to play as one of the two ‘8’s we have seen Brighton manager Graham Potter try out different options as the third midfielder across pre-season.
      The smart money will be on the third midfielder being one of Alexis Mac Allister or Pascal Gross.
      Potter likes Brighton’s central defenders to take responsibility for progressing the ball. With Caicedo and MacAllister positioned in the midfield Mwepu takes up positions ahead of the ball.
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      Brighton have different options in terms of the styles of midfielders that they can choose from.
      Moses Caicedo is perhaps more comfortable in a deeper role where he can break up attacks before playing progressive passes that break the lines and move his team forward.
      Enock Mwepu is more of a box-to-box threat while Alexis MacAllister carries a more attacking threat.
      The key will be how the Brighton midfield combine to battle a United midfield with the same personnel as last season but a very different model of playing.
      Utd will revolve around Fernandes
      The appointment of Ten Hag and his coaching staff has re-energised both the playing staff and the fans of Manchester United.
      On social media, we saw footage emerge showing some of the training drills that the United players were competing in under their new coach.
      One of the biggest takeaways from these videos was that there was a new intensity amongst the United squad with players throwing themselves into challenges and the ball being moved at real speed.
      While there are a number of United players who will benefit from a more robust and professional approach from the coaching staff it is perhaps Bruno Fernandes who stands to benefit the most.
      The Portuguese international midfielder is an intense individual who is obsessed with football.
      Often at times last season, he cut a disconsolate figure on the pitch as United struggled to play with any cohesion.
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      With Tyrell Malacia in possession at left-back position, Bruno Fernandes drops off in the midfield to separate from his marker and take up a position in a large pocket of space.
      This pre-season has seen Fernandes get back to approaching his best as he buzzes around the final third and creates danger consistently while United are in the attacking phase of the game.
      He has the ability to find pockets of space to receive the ball in the final third as well as the intelligence to attack space around the penalty area.
      In this match, the positioning and movement of Fernandes will be key for United as they look to find space to play into in the final third.
      Brighton will press aggressively in order to disrupt the United build-up and as such the away team will need to play at tempo in order to break through to the final third.
      This will mean that they will need players like Fernandes who will allow them to play quickly into dangerous areas.
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      Fernandes also provides threat when making runs from deep to attack the defensive line and break into the penalty area.
      Fernandes is a creative and attacking threat who can affect the game at any point.
      One of the keys in this match will surround how Brighton set up to deny him the space that he needs in the final third to be at his most effective.
      New look to Utd’s attack
      With Cristiano Ronaldo increasingly unlikely to feature this coming Sunday, at least from the start of the match, we will see a new look to the United attack.
      Anthony Martial looked likely to be given an opportunity to reinvigorate his United career but is likely to miss out with a hamstring injury.
      Last season we saw Ronaldo typically play as the central striker for United and the Portuguese international forward is explosive in the final third but he does not typically cause trouble with his movement or link-up play.
      Marcus Rashford attack, and Anthony Martial makes a dynamic diagonal run between opposition defenders. This run empties the central space and allows Rashford the opportunity to cut inside to attack towards the goal.
      Martial has impressed this pre-season with his willingness to work relentlessly and to threaten space behind the defensive line with his pace and off-the-ball movement.
      Last season, when facing a United that were spearheaded by Ronaldo, we would see opposition teams content to play higher defensive lines as they were less worried about the pace of Ronaldo.
      Martial, or possibly Rashford or Elanga if they repace him, forces teams to play deeper with his movement and aggressive runs behind the line.
      This movement from those will give United options in this game to play longer in order to stretch the play but it will also force Brighton to defend the threat in behind by playing slightly less aggressively with their defensive line. 
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      While Martial threatens to break the defensive line with runs in behind the opposition structure, Fernandes offers options to connect in front of the defensive line. This effectively gives United a high/low combination that is tough to defend.
      How Man Utd could line up against Brighton
      The style of play from Martial in offering aggressive off-the-ball movements also plays into the strengths of Bruno Fernandes in the ‘10’ role.
      Brighton will have to drop off to defend the space and prevent whoever starts for United from making free runs through and into space but in doing so they will give space for Fernandes that he can occupy in front of them to receive the ball.
      Who will win?
      Even if you add in the 50% pre-season tax (meaning, pre-season friendlies count for absolutely nothing) United already feel in better shape than at any point last season.
      Granted, they’ve not had a chance to prove that wrong yet.
      With that in mind, you’d fancy them to beat Brighton no matter how well-drilled and pleasing on the eye Potter has the Seagulls being.
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      A win for United at Old Trafford will count way more than just three points to the club – equally, a defeat for Brighton won’t cause any major dramas at the Amex.
      Flip that around however, and you can already imagine the outcry if Brighton get a win on Sunday.
      The new Total Football Analysis Magazine is out now.
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      in Soccer

      Chelsea new boy Kalidou Koulibaly’s acts of kindness, from giving coats to the homeless to buying ambulances in Senegal

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      KALIDOU Koulibaly knows a few things about life’s struggle.Born in the French commune Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, some 50 miles southeast of Nancy to African parents who migrated from Senegal, he understood the challenges faced by those in less privileged positions.
      Chelsea new boy Kalidou KoulibalyCredit: Getty
      Koulibaly arrives in his Porsche to hand out coats to the homeless in Naples
      That has encouraged the giant centre-back, nicknamed ‘The Wall’, to never forget his roots and give back when he can.
      His acts of kindness know no bounds, as he put his hard-earned salary to use to help others.
      Buying coats for the homeless
      Salvatore Falco, head of media relations at Arci Mediterraneo, recently revealed he reached out to Koulibaly for his assistance.
      The charity Falco works for helps migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in Naples. A subject close to the ex-Napoli’s stars heart and is part of his DNA.
      Read more in sport
      He had already heard of Koulibaly’s incredible generosity through the local media.
      One tale told how he personally handed out coats to the homeless during the winter.
      Another story goes that he bumped into a stray boy in a supermarket car park and gave him a £500 note.
      While in 2019, when a 12-year-old boy from Senegal was flown to Naples for reconstructive surgery after suffering terrible burns, Koulibaly made sure he was at the hospital to see him through.
      Most read in Football
      In honour of his charity work, Arci Mediterraneo saluted the local hero, along with his former team-mate Fauzi Ghulam, with the Social Impact Award.
      Koulibaly wasn’t done there. Doing more than fulfilling the usual meet and greet requests, he answered questions from the group about his own experiences and what Arci Mediterraneo offers.
      As well as helping migrants learn the language and what trades they can get into, it also has a football team.
      After inspecting the charity’s facilities, Koulibaly’s first act was to donate training tops, balls and bags.
      Better still, he visited the players to meet them on International Migrants’ Day last December. Like him, many were from Senegal and had their own dreams of football stardom.
      And, at a time when he had suffered racial abuse from rival fans in Serie A, he wanted to address the group with an important message.
      A rousing speech from a leader
      The Athletic managed to get a transcript of a speech he delivered to the football team that day.
      “I don’t speak much in public,” he said.
      Koulibaly was given an award for his charity work by Arci MediterraneoCredit: Instagram
      Giant defender Koulibaly gave Arci Mediterraneo’s football team a rousing speechCredit: Instagram
      “I’m more of a fact-finder. I can say that you (the team) are stronger than us (professional football players) because at our level we do not experience the same problems as you.
      “We have experienced racism, but not as much as you have, because you don’t have the power to make your voice heard and heard like we do.
      “We can go on TV. We’re more fortunate because if we’re victims of racist violence, I’ll be on TV and it’ll be shown 10 times more, I’m well known.
      “You don’t have the same strength as me. That’s why I spoke out against the discrimination you are going through.
      “I will use my voice to speak for you, because if you don’t have a voice, it is my duty to speak, it is my right.
      “I don’t care about myself. It hurts when I am the victim of racist abuse, of course.
      “But the people who don’t have a voice, who don’t listen… they are insulted, nobody says anything about it.
      “Instead tell them, ‘Come on, don’t cry about it. It could be worse.” What could be worse? It could be worse for me, true.
      “But I don’t think it could get any worse for these kids. They’ve been on a much tougher journey than me and I know quite a bit about it.
      “My African friends have been through the same thing, but this is a journey that none of us could have imagined.
      “Their stories have to be heard to be believed. I have friends who try. I didn’t because my parents moved to France. They moved to work. It was easier for them.
      “But these guys who had to run away from something or come here dreaming of a life like ours, honestly, I’m amazed.
      “I admire them because they took a path that I could not have imagined.
      “I was lucky to go to school. My parents gave me a good start in life. I am not from a rich family.
      “It was just what I needed and I thank them for it. So I will fight for these children who did not have my vote.
      “I hope the team continues to do well, I hope the team changes over time. What do I mean by change?
      “I mean, some players are hoping to go on to bigger and better things than they are today. I wish them all the best in life because they are part of the community that I am a part of.”
      He left on one final note. “I won’t let you out of my sight, I want to know how things are going.”
      Never forgot his roots
      Although he was born in France, Koulibaly roots are firmly planted in Senegal – a country he represents internationally.
      Back in 2021, he celebrated his 30th birthday by donating two ambulances and medical equipment to hospitals to the African country.
      Koulibaly often visits Senegal and is a hero to the people thereCredit: Instagram @kkoulibaly26
      Last year Koulibaly donated this ambulance to a Senegal hospital
      According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via Football Italia, Koulibaly paid for a number of items to be shipped to Senegal from the port of Naples.
      Among those include two ambulances, hospital gowns, stretchers, personal protective equipment and thousands of protective masks.
      It’s moments like this that have made him an inspiration for his fans.
      Read More on The Sun
      One messaged on Twitter: “We are proud of you. I love people who never forget their origin and culture. This is how self-respect is earned.”
      Another remarked: “You are a great man, a great player. Your heart is huge.” More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea’s £20m new boy Carney Chukwuemeka was chased by Barcelona and Arsenal but couldn’t get Blues ‘out of his head’

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      THERE will be many at Villa Park smarting about Carney Chukwuemeka’s £20million move to Chelsea.The talented 18-year-old was the talisman for Aston Villa’s U18 side in 2021 – starring in their FA Youth Cup campaign as they lifted the trophy by defeating Liverpool in the final.
      Carney Chukwuemeka has moved to Chelsea in a £20million deal
      However, with chances hard to come by under Steven Gerrard – the playmaker wanted assurances about his future.
      Chukwuemeka refused to sign a new deal to commit beyond 2023, and felt his career could progress elsewhere.
      That’s why he has chosen the Blues. And he’s ready for the challenge ahead.
      “It’s been quite hectic but I couldn’t get Chelsea out of my head the last few days so I’m just happy and relieved that it’s all done”, he told Chelsea’s website.
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      “I’m so excited and just can’t wait to get on the pitch, meet all the players and try to win games and trophies with Chelsea.”
      He was a wanted man
      Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund were watching developments closely as they contemplated swooping for the coveted talent.
      While Barcelona were believed to have offered Chukwuemeka a deal to move to the Camp Nou.
      Most read in Football
      AC Milan had also previously offered £3million for the his services, before Chelsea blew them out the water with their bid.
      Reports suggested Chukwuemeka was looking for a deal worth £100,000-per-week.
      He has now agreed a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, where he could flourish under German boss Thomas Tuchel.
      He’s come a long way since Northampton Town.

      Early career
      Chukwuemeka was plucked from the Cobblers’ academy in 2016.
      He worked his way up through the ranks and was heralded as a future star for the Villa first team from a young age by insiders at the club.
      But it was in April last year when many in the football world were alerted to his remarkable ability.
      The playmaker was incredible in the 6-1 demolition of Newcastle United in the FA Youth Cup semi-final, scoring a hat-trick to fire his side into the final.
      Villa would go on to defeat Liverpool in the showpiece 2-1, with Chukwuemeka pulling the strings.
      Not only did he finish as the competition’s leading scorer with seven goals.
      Chukwuemeka was the jewel of Villa’s academyCredit: Getty
      However, Chukwuemeka refused to sign a new deal at VillaCredit: Rex
      A week prior, he made his senior debut for the first team, hitting the post moments after coming on as a sub against Tottenham Hotspur.
      His remarkable rise saw the youngster named as the club’s Young Player of the Year.
      Contract renegade
      However, the was trouble brewing behind the scenes.
      As is the norm, wonderkids with an abundance of skill have an expectation to play minutes in the first team.
      Chukwuemeka has had minutes, but not as many as he would have liked.
      He made his first start in the second game of the season as Villa could only manage a draw at home to promoted Brentford.
      But his performance was the standout in an otherwise disappointing result.
      Pundit Paul Merson hailed him as “outstanding” saying “he will be an absolute star”.
      But Chukwuemeka only appeared 12 times in the Premier League – with two of those being starts.
      Arsenal, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund were all reportedly monitoring Chukwuemeka’s situationCredit: Getty
      A contract stand off seemed to have got in the way of his development.
      Back in January, Villa boss Steven Gerrard revealed talks over a new deal for Chukwuemeka were being had.
      “We want him to sign and to extend and reward him for what we’ve seen so far,” Gerrard revealed in a press conference.
      “We’ve got big aspirations and a big road map for Carney but, in terms of answering your question, there’s only one person who can answer and that’s Carney.”
      However, the Liverpool legend seemingly conceded defeat in losing the youngster by revealing he was in the dark with how those discussions were progressing.
      “No, no. As far as I know they haven’t progressed,” he told reporters.
      “We’ve done everything we can from our side to try and make them progress. I’m not sure where that’s up to at the moment.”
      Chukwuemeka’s next task will be to break into Chelsea’s already heavily-stocked midfield.
      Rest assured, though, he has the ability to make it in West London.
      Chukwuemeka wants more first team football and only started twice for Villa last campaignCredit: Reuters
      Capped by England at youth level, Chukwuemeka is rated as one of the best teen players in the UKCredit: Getty
      Chukwuemeka is buzzing at the chance to play for the Blues More

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      in Soccer

      Three key issues for Arsenal against Crystal Palace as Arteta’s new-look side must improve against Vieira’s tough team

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      THE greatest show on Earth is back this weekend – and it all starts with Crystal Palace vs Arsenal on Friday night.If Arsenal are finally going to crack the top four this season this is exactly the kind of game they need to be better in than last season.
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is aiming for a top-four finishCredit: Getty
      Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has been rebuilding the side at PalaceCredit: PA
      There are three key areas where this opening day fixture is going to be won or lost by either side.
      Last season saw the incoming Palace boss Patrick Vieira build a mixture of players who were young and hungry blended with older players with a point to prove – and Palace progressed to finish safely in mid-table.
      Arsenal, on the other hand, suffered a more difficult season and a late season collapse saw them miss out on a top-four finish.
      This summer has seen the Arsenal board back their Spanish coach Mikel Arteta to the hilt.
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      The club have been busy with the signings of Fabio Vieria, from FC Porto, and Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, both from Manchester City, and they probably come into this match as early favourites.
      Movement in the Arsenal build-up
      Mikel Arteta is a very modern coach whose style incorporates positional play, similar to that of Pep Guardiola, and aggressive vertical play, similar to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
      One of the most important things for Arteta’s side is the way that they build up the play from the back and move through the thirds of the pitch.
      Arteta has been intent on expecting his team to play out from the back since he took charge but this concept does not come without risks as players can make mistakes or be caught in possession.
      The signing of Zinchenko brings flexibility to Arsenal’s ball progression in the middle third. The Ukrainian winger is comfortable making inside runs and allowing the central midfielders to move outside, as Xhaka does here
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      We are likely to see both sides line up in 4-3-3 formations and often when matching up tactically in this manner it can be difficult for the team in possession to create space to move the ball through the thirds.
      Arsenal are now in a position to create space with more rotational movement in the midfield.
      This will typically come with Zinchenko positioned at left-back as he will generally look to get into positions in the channels or even the central areas as his side are building out from the back.
      This can then be combined with the moments from the Swiss international midfielder Granit Xhaka, who has a tendency to move out to the channels to create space and options.
      These rotations will make it notably more difficult for the Crystal Palace midfielders to cope with the ball progression from Arsenal.
      In deeper areas this season we are likely to see both fullbacks for Arsenal move narrow and in line with the deepest midfielder. This is to allow Arsenal to outnumber the opposition press and make sure that the ball can be progressed forward
      Oleksandr Zinchenko is one of the new recruits out to impress this seasonCredit: Getty

      In deeper positions, we will also see the fullbacks, likely to be Zinchenko and Ben White in this match, move narrow in order to give passing options and overloads for Arsenal.
      This will make it very difficult for Crystal Palace to effectively press and disrupt the Arsenal build-up.
      Crystal Palace’s strong spine
      Vieira and Crystal Palace have followed sound squad-building logic in that they have built a strong spine to their squad.
      This has been further enhanced by the very smart signing of Cheick Doucoure from Lens of France.
      Now, we see a spine of Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi as the central midfielders, Doucoure as the deepest midfielder and one of Odsonne Edouard or Jean-Phillipe Mateta in attack.
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      Mateta will make aggressive runs behind the defensive line to force the opposition defenders to cover his run and this allows teammates to attack into space. We see this here as Edouard is able to cut inside and attack the space that Mateta has left behind
      Mateta, in particular, is a very interesting forward as a lot of his work is done off the ball and his runs and clever movement will be important for Palace in this game.
      He can create space for teammates with his willingness to make angled runs away from the ball that either attack into the channels or wide areas or access space behind the defensive line.
      These runs are dangerous because Mateta does carry a threat to goal and as such his runs have to be defended.
      Palace fans will also be hopeful that we are going to see a full debut for the Malian international midfielder Doucoure.
      He is going to play as the deepest midfielder and his ability to read the game and break up play will be key in preventing Arsenal from dominating the central areas of the pitch. 
      Doucoure, in his final match for Lens, is more than a destructive midfielder and he will position himself at the base of the attack. When in possession in these areas Doucoure can find runners in all areas of the pitch
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      Doucoure is more than capable of breaking through the Arsenal press in the midfield either through forward runs as he carries the ball or via his passing which is generally very strong.
      With Arsenal likely to play a combination of Thomas Partey and Xhaka in the midfield with Martin Odegaard given more freedom.
      The ability of Doucoure to hold the centre of the pitch in this game will be important for Crystal Palace in this game.
      Solving a problem like Gabriel Jesus
      When the Brazilian international forward Gabriel Jesus completed his move from Manchester City there was a general consensus among fans of the Premier League that this would mean that Arteta would play him in his favoured central striking position for Arsenal.
      This was seen as especially important for Arsenal to solve given that Alexandre Lacazette left at the end of last season to return to Lyon.
      Last weekend we saw Arsenal demolish the Spanish side Sevilla in the Emirates Cup 6-0 and the movement of Gabriel Jesus, in particular, caught the eye.
      Gabriel Jesus still showed a tendency to come out to the left-side to receive the ball in space. In this example he then slipped the ball to Xhaka who was making an intelligent forward run before making an aggressive run into the centre of the area
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      In this match, we saw Jesus keep drifting out to the channel on the left side of the pitch with Garbriel Martinelli moving inside.
      In these positions, Jesus is a huge threat to take possession of the ball and either link with teammates or drive inside to create a shooting angle.
      The fact that Jesus can play as a traditional 9 or as more of a fluid all-round attacking player creates options that will be difficult to defend against for Crystal Palace in this match.
      Jesus has pulled out wide to access intelligent space in the wide area. He can receive here and either drive outside the defender or cut inside. This will be very difficult for Palace to defend. We also see once against the positioning of the Arsenal fullbacks at the base of the attack
      How Arsenal could line up against Palace
      While Anderson and Guehi represent a strong partnership in the centre of the defence for Crystal Palace they will be seriously tested in this match against an Arsenal side who are very fluid in the attack.
      What does all this mean?
      Arsenal, obviously, will be keen to get off to a winning start so they can convince us all they really are Champions League qualifying material.
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      Palace know it is a long season for them and that they are looking for steady progress which might take them nearer Europe. 
      Realistically, it really could go either way – so probably a draw – but seeing how Arsenal come together around Jesus is slightly more exciting than seeing how Palace’s strong spine work out.
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      in Soccer

      Arsenal and Chelsea target Cesare Casadei is the jewel of Inter Milan’s academy and is ‘better than Barella’ in the box

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      INTER MILAN could be set to lose the best talent coming through their academy.Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly locked in a battle for free-scoring midfielder Cesare Casadei, 19, who is considered the jewel of the Nerazzurri’s youth side.
      Cesare Casadei of Inter Milan is a target for Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: Getty
      The Blues thought they had stole a march on their London rivals by bidding £7million for the talent, but that offer was swiftly rejected.
      Now, the Gunners are believed to be considering hijacking the deal that’s closer to Inter’s valuation of the player.
      The Serie A giants are said to be hoping for as much as £17m for the player – despite him having NEVER played in the first team yet.
      What’s the fuss?
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      Casadei was recently talked up by Italian national team coach Maurizio Viscidi as one to keep an eye on.
      The 62-year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport he was particularly impressed by the 6ft1in star’s attacking qualities in the box – which he rates better than current Italy international Nicola Barella and Davide Frattesi.
      Viscidi has seen Casadei in action with Italy’s U15s through to U19s, and witnessed his development.
      He said: “He has been with us since he was fifteen. We’ve watched him grow. He’s a modern midfielder, because out of all the youth team midfielders he’s been the one with the greatest aptitude for attacking runs and goalscoring.
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      “He attacks the area penalty area better than anyone else we’ve seen, better than Frattesi or Barella. And he’s also strong in the air, something that’s unusual among younger players.”
      He added: “Given his ability to enter and give a presence in the area he’s the strongest player currently within the Azzurri’s youth sector.”
      Yet he hasn’t started for the senior team
      Despite his undoubted ability, Casadei is yet to play for Inter’s first team.
      He couldn’t have done more to impress Simone Inzaghi either last campaign.
      The goalscoring talent notched 16 goals for the youth team from the middle of the park – and was crowned their young player of the year.
      Viscidi has a theory why Casadei is yet to make his bow for the club.
      “Our coaches are judged only based on results so they work towards that and don’t take risks on younger players,” he said.
      Casadei is the jewel of Inter’s youth team and a goal threat from midfieldCredit: Getty
      Italy coach Maurizio Viscidi has lauded Casadei for his ability in the boxCredit: Getty
      “If the clubs thought like businesses, they would also ask to develop young players.
      “The fault lies with clubs that don’t think like businesses.”
      A wanted man
      Viscidi understands that it may be beneficial for Casadei to seek first team football elsewhere, in light of Chelsea trying to sign him.
      He saaid: “Chelsea would like to make a big investment so they clearly believe in him, like Ajax with Lucca or PSG with Verratti.
      “It’s a first step towards a Europeanisation of Italian academies.
      “These players will grow a lot, so I congratulate the players who go out and play.”
      Todd Boehly’s Chelsea were rebuffed with their £6.7m offer, according to La Repubblica.
      The Italian publication went on to say that Arsenal are looking to hijack the transfer.
      According to reports, Inter Milan have rejected Chelsea’s first bid for the youngsterCredit: Getty
      Inter are hoping Arsenal and Chelsea get into a bidding war for CasadeiCredit: Getty
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      And because of that, Inter believe that could kick off an auction where they might receive as much as £17m.
      But with Inter desperate to raise cash to fall in line with FFP rules – a sum to the tune of £60m needs to be banked – Casadei may end up being allowed to leave for a smaller fee. More