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      David Moyes slams Man Utd flops for hiding behind Ten Hag and reveals why Amorim in ‘completely different situation’

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      DAVID MOYES accused Manchester United’s flops of hiding behind sacked boss Erik ten Hag.The former Red Devils manager also slammed the players for refusing to accept responsibility for their poor form.David Moyes has claimed that Man Utd players were hiding behind Erik ten HagCredit: GettyTen Hag was sacked by United last weekCredit: PASporting Lisbon chief Ruben Amorim takes over on Monday following the end of Ten Hag’s two-and-a-half-year reign last week.David Moyes was speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet when he claimed the players were willing to let Ten Hag “take the hit.He said: “I think the players are quite happy to hide behind managers at the moment — let the managers take the hit.“I could do with some of them coming out and saying, ‘By the way, I know I’m not quite at it at the moment. I’m not playing well enough just now’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We’re not getting much of that and I actually think Manchester United have got really, really talented players.”The Scot, who has not managed since leaving West Ham at the end of last season, feels Amorim is coming into a totally different club from when Moyes himself arrived at Old Trafford to succeed 13-time Prem title-winner Sir Alex Ferguson.United are currently 13th in the Premier League ahead of hosting Leicester on Sunday.And Moyes told the Stick to Football podcast: “He’s in a completely different situation.Most read in FootballRuben Amorim is starting his role as Man Utd manager on MondayCredit: PAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I was really fortunate to take over the champions of England at the time — and probably coming into a dressing room which had great respect for Alex and what he’d done.“At the moment, players might be looking now and saying, ‘Hey, by the way, if we don’t step up…’’David Moyes felt under appreciated by West Ham fans’ but Julen Lopetegui can win cup | Karren Brady“The manager might be coming from a stronger position because these players are going to have to actually step up.”Moyes, 61, also felt United lost touch with the way they used to treat managers when he arrived.He added: “They didn’t sack managers. When Alex wasn’t doing so well, they didn’t do it. They stood for something which was really admirable. “A bit of class and actually that dropped away, probably, at that time.”What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.” More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Tyrique George has a debut he’ll never forget but team-mate Renato Veiga fails to impress

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      CHELSEA hammered Noah to make it four straight wins in Europa Conference League football. The West Londoners have picked up maximum points after SIX scorers got in on the action. Chelsea celebrate their drubbing of NoahCredit: ReutersTosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Axel Disasi, Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku scored.Here is how Dan King rated Chelsea’s performers from Stamford Bridge.FILIP JORGENSEN – 7Kept out shot before floodgates opened at other end. Made other sharp saves, including late brave one. Looks a solid No 2.AXEL DISASI – 7Out of position for early Noah chance but in right place to head in third. Good link-up with George on the right.READ MORE IN football TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 7Recovered from shaky start defensively to open scoring and his own Chelsea account. Steadier after the break.Tosin Adarabioyo got in on the goalsCredit: GettyBENOIT BADIASHILE – 6Like Tosin, not entirely convincing as Noah created a few first-half openings, although made one good block. Also better in second half.RENATO VEIGA – 5Couple of early mistakes, one of which could have been costly, set tone. Not as impressive as in previous ECL games.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 8On his own in midfield in the first half yet was able to provide three assists, two from corners, and look very comfortable.Most read in FootballEnzo Fernandez put in an improved performanceCredit: RexTYRIQUE GEORGE – 8 Teenage winger made most of first senior start, beating opponents at will and sending in dangerous crosses. Worked back, too.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 7Looked less hungry to tuck in to goal buffet. But went up front for 2nd half and scored twice after missing two good chances.JOAO FELIX – 8At it from the start, missed an early chance but then scored twice in a swaggering first half. Disappointed not to complete hat-trick.Joao Felix got two in quick successionCredit: GettyMYKHAILO MUDRYK – 7Much quieter than George until he cut inside and smashed home with confidence that had seemed lacking. Decent workrate.MARC GUIU – 7The 18-year-old striker worked hard as ever and got his reward, bagging his first Chelsea goal and stealing ball ahead of Felix’s first.SUBSKIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (for Guiu, HT) – 6Some neat touches and won penalty for eighth Blues goal.CESARE CASADEI (for Fernandez, HT) – 6Found life as easy as Enzo, yet unable to make the same creative impact.CARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA (for George, 68) – 5Took a while to get going and missed decent chance to make it nine.READ MORE SUN STORIESSAMUEL RAK-SAKYI (for Nkunku, 80) – 6Teenager mostly composed on first-team debut but shot over bar with goal gaping.Samuel Rak-Sakyi replaced NkunkuCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea 8 Noah 0: Blues run riot with flood of first-half goals to go top of Conference League table

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      NOT even Noah could handle this flood as Chelsea ran riot and made a mockery of the Conference League.The two-times European champions were six nil up by half time with five different goalscorers as they sunk Armenia’s fourth best team at training ground pace.Chelsea battered Noah 8-0 in the Conference LeagueCredit: APArmenian side Noah were sunk by a sea of goalsCredit: ReutersWhat is most surprising is that qualifiers Noah held out for 11 minutes before going behind and even gave Chelsea a couple of scares on the biggest night in their short history.Neither team belongs in this competition with twice Champions League winners Chelsea slumming it after a couple of crazy seasons following a takeover in 2022.Minnows Noah have only been in existence for seven years and had to scrap all the way through three qualifying rounds and a play off just for the chance to fly 3,000 miles from their hometown to get thrashed under the lights at Stamford Bridge.Blues squad players Tosin Adarabiyo and Marc Guiu scored their first goals for the club since signing in the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd £42million Portuguese forward Joao Felix helped himself to two goals by the break.Noah – named after the Biblical boat that finally ran aground on Armenia’s Mount Ararat – were holed below the water line very quickly and never recovered.Tosin got the rout underway by heading in an Enzo Fernandez corner on 11 minutes.Teenage centre forward Guiu made it two straight from the kick off when Noah’s defence crumbled after just three passes, allowing the young Spaniard to cash in and bury a shot.Most read in FootballTosin Adarabioyo scored his first Chelsea goal and opened the scoringCredit: PAMarc Guiu doubled Chelsea’s leadCredit: GettyChelsea ratings vs NoahSUNSPORT’S Dan King rates Chelsea’s young guns after their flood of goals against Noah.FILIP JORGENSEN – 7Kept out shot before floodgates opened at other end. Made other sharp saves, including late brave one. Looks a solid No 2.AXEL DISASI – 7Out of position for early Noah chance but in right place to head in third. Good link-up with George on the right.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 7Recovered from shaky start defensively to open scoring and his own Chelsea account. Steadier after the break.BENOIT BADIASHILE – 6Like Tosin, not entirely convincing as Noah created a few first-half openings, although made one good block. Also better in 2nd half.RENATO VEIGA – 5Couple of early mistakes, one of which could have been costly, set tone. Not as impressive as in previous ECL games.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 8On his own in midfield in the first half yet was able to provide three assists, two from corners, and look very comfortable.TYRIQUE GEORGE – 8Teenage winger made most of first senior start, beating opponents at will and sending in dangerous crosses. Worked back, too.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 7Looked less hungry to tuck in to goal buffet. But went up front for 2nd half and scored twice after missing two good chances.JOAO FELIX – 8At it from the start, missed an early chance but then scored twice in a swaggering first half. Disappointed not to complete hat-trick.MYKHAILO MUDRYK – 7Much quieter than George until he cut inside and smashed home with confidence that had seemed lacking. Decent workrate.MARC GUIU – 7The 18-year-old striker worked hard as ever and got his reward, bagging his first Chelsea goal and stealing ball ahead of Felix’s first.SUBSKIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (for Guiu, HT) – 6Some neat touches and won penalty for eighth Blues goal.CESARE CASADEI (for Fernandez, HT) – 6Found life as easy as Enzo, yet unable to make the same creative impact.CARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA (for George, 68) – 5Took a while to get going and missed decent chance to make it nine.SAMUEL RAK-SAKYI (for Nkunku, 80) – 6Teenager mostly composed on first-team debut but shot over bar with goal gaping.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChelsea were three up and home and hosed by 18 minutes when defender Axel Disasi scored with his head in a similar fashion to the opening goal and from the same provider.Blues’ skipper Fernandez then teed up Felix to score the first of his first half double with a threaded ball having dispossessed the hopeless visitors in front of their own area.Cole Palmer gives injury boost ahead of Arsenal clash as Chelsea star seen at Stamford BridgeA shot from Felix cannoned in off a defender for his second just before half time.And Mykhailo Mudryk, struggling to make his presence felt in the Premier League this season under new head coach Enzo Maresca gave his confidence a boost by curling in a classy right foot shot six minutes before the interval.Maresca was so confident of victory that he subbed captain Fernandez at half time, replacing him with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. He could have left both off and it would not have mattered a jot.More good news for Chelsea fans was the sight of star forward Cole Palmer walking comfortably pitchside before the game, offering hope he will be recovered from a whack on the knee at Manchester United last Sunday in time to face Arsenal this weekend.Christopher Nkunku claimed his ninth goal of the season and Chelsea’s seventh of the night on 69 minutes when his first shot was blocked by the keeper but he kept his composure to hook home the rebound.Chelsea are clear favourites to win this tournament outright. Their biggest victory in Europe prior to last night was a 13-0 win over luxembourg’s Jeunesse Hautcharage in the 1971 Cup Winners’ Cup.They closed in on it at frightening pace when Nkunku made it 8-0 from the penalty spot 14 minutes from time.Mykhailo Mudryk netted a stunning goal to continue his form in EuropeCredit: ReutersJoao Felix scored a brace but missed an absolute sitter tooCredit: GettyChristopher Nkunku managed the same featCredit: Rex More

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      Man Utd player ratings: Amad by far the best player and HAS to start in league but Dalot needs to concentrate more

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      AMAD DIALLO sent the message that he should be in the starting XI loud and clear to Ruud van Nistelrooy and incoming boss Ruben Amorim.The 22-year-old was a bright spark in an otherwise largely laboured performance from Manchester United as they beat PAOK 2-0.Amad Diallo was superb as Man Utd laboured to a 2-0 win over PAOKCredit: PAUnited started slowly in the Europa League tie before managing to squeeze out a first win in European competition for over a year.It was a low-key first half at Old Trafford.But after the break Amad made the difference for the Red Devils as his lopping header across the box ended up finding the far side of the goal net, before he won the ball back high and curled a shot into the same corner.Here’s how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the United players on Van Nistelrooy’s penultimate game as interim manager. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLANDRE ONANA – 6One great tipover to keep out a Camara half-volley. But any other stops were pretty routine. NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Another solid, if unspectacular, display. An increasingly dependable presence by the week.  Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVICTOR LINDELOF – 6Flat-footed once in the first half, but rarely flustered thereafter. Started a few attacks as well. ‘That is so disrespectful’ says fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fanJONNY EVANS – 6Wise old head at the back.But lucky to get away with going AWOL for one second half chance. DIOGO DALOT – 4 Diogo Dalot did not have his finest game with some shoddy defendingCredit: GettyUsually reliable, but shoddy with so much of what he did, and his delivery wasn’t great either.  Surprising he wasn’t hooked earlier. CASEMIRO – 6Starting point for most of what United did going forward. Although that wasn’t a great deal to be honest. MANUEL UGARTE – 5Still far from the midfield general United hoped. Distribution disappointing too. No shock when subbed off. AMAD – 8 (STAR MAN)Amad has made a case to start at the weekendCredit: AFPLivewire runs, impressive closing down, the crucial opening goal…and a stunning second. United’s best player by some distance. BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Knocked some marvellous passes, always looking to create. At least someone was! ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Close with one header and a couple of decent runs, but all in all a quiet night. Hooked. READ MORE SUN STORIESRASMUS HOJLUND – 5Rasmus Hojlund was largely on the periphery of the gameCredit: PAOne early header aside, little to work with apart from chasing hopeful balls. No clear sights of goal, either. SUBSRashford (for Garnacho 64) 6Eriksen (for Ugarte 64) 6Martinez (for Dalot 64)  6Mount (for Amad 81) 6Zirkzee (for Hojlund 90) N/A More

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      Man Utd 2 PAOK 0: Amad Diallo at the double as Red Devils pick up first European win in 383 days

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      A LITTLE RED DEVIL finally gave Manchester United a glimpse of European heaven after so many dark days – 383 to be exact.Amad Diallo at 5ft 8in was the smallest man on the pitch last night.Manchester United welcome PAOK to Old Trafford for their fourth Europa League match of the seasonCredit: EPAThe Greek outfit frustrated the Red Devils for the first halfCredit: EPAAmad Diallo broke the deadlock in the 51st minute with a brilliant headerCredit: GETTYPut the pocket dynamo of footballing excellence was the one using his head to loop the ball into the far side of the net in the 50th minute.Then in the 77th minute, the tenacity of the Ivory Coast international saw him wrestle the ball into his possession before he released a stunning drive for his second.The 22-year-old is a star and he is only going to shine brighter and brighter as the years go on.He decided this Europa League contest and gave Manchester United only their second victory in Europe in 12 games.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSIn fact, it was just over a year ago that they had anything to shout about away from domestic football and then it needed a last-gasp Andre Onana penalty save for a 1-0 win over Copenhagen.So this was something of an achievement given recent travails for a club that used to strike fear into the hearts of teams on the continent.This is a very different United, though. The fans visiting from Greece came with huge optimism.They had spent the afternoon enjoying Manchester’s City centre and were in full voice long before kick-off and throughout the game.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMan Utd ratings vs PAOKSUNSPORT’S Phil Thomas reveals which Man Utd players would have impressed incoming boss Ruben Amorim against PAOK.ANDRE ONANA – 6One great tipover to keep out a Camara half-volley.But any other stops were pretty routine.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Another solid, if unspectacular, display.An increasingly dependable presence by the week.VICTOR LINDELOF – 6Flat-footed once in the first half, but rarely flustered thereafter.Started a few attacks as well.JONNY EVANS – 6Wise old head at the back.But lucky to get away with going AWOL for one second half chance.DIOGO DALOT – 4Usually reliable, but shoddy with so much of what he did, and his delivery wasn’t great either.Surprising he wasn’t hooked earlier.CASEMIRO – 6Starting point for most of what United did going forward.Although that wasn’t a great deal to be honest.MANUEL UGARTE – 5Still far from the midfield general United hoped.Distribution disappointing too. No shock when subbed off.AMAD – 8 (STAR MAN)Livewire runs, impressive closing down, the crucial opening goal…and a stunning second.United’s best player by some distance.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Knocked some marvellous passes, always looking to create.At least someone was!ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Close with one header and a couple of decent runs, but all in all a quiet night.Hooked.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5One early header aside, little to work with apart from chasing hopeful balls.No clear sights of goal, either.SUBSRashford (for Garnacho 64) 6Eriksen (for Ugarte 64) 6Martinez (for Dalot 64) 6Mount (for Amad 81) 6Zirkzee (for Hojlund 90) N/AEven at 2-0 down they kept going but it was the home faithful who had the most to shout about.Having said that, the Greek Champions would produce the best effort of the first half when Mady Camara’s volley was toughed over by Andre Onana.How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyBefore that, there was some exciting attacking play from Alejandro, Garnacho, 20, on the left as always, but even better was Diallo on the right.The 22-year-old was in for Marcus Rashford who was benched and he was going to take his chance with some eye-catching play for incoming boss Ruben Amorim to enjoy from Lisbon.He got an early whack from Abdul Baba but he will not be intimidated.He had a penalty shout when he was bundled over by Baba who failed to win the ball. Despite a VAR check, there was no spot-kick given.Amad was firing balls in from the right and when he found Rasmus Hojlund in the centre of the box his header was straight at the goalkeeper.Diallo puts the work in too and when he sprinted from his flank to the left to block a clearance the crowd roared.The two young wingers almost combined to break the deadlock when Garnacho raced to the byline to whip the ball across the face of the goal.Diallo could just not reach it at the far post. United began the second half on the front foot.Fernandes was running the show with his short and long-range passes.It was his deep ball to the far post that was met by the jumping Diallo who nodded an arching ball through the sky, over the goalkeeper and in.He may have been just trying to get it back across goal to Rasmus Hojlund, but let’s give him the benefit of the doubt.Off he raced to the corner flag, kissing the United badge, while a VAR check took place.Diallo bagged his and United’s second with a deflected strike in the 77th minuteCredit: GETTYDiallo proved to be a shining light in an otherwise drab night for the Red DevilsCredit: REXIncoming boss Ruben Amorim will no doubt be thrilled by Diallo’s performanceCredit: PANobody quite knew why, though, but it did give Diallo a second chance to celebrate when the referee confirmed the goal.He could have had a second soon after.With another searching ball, Fernandes picked out his run and after racing into the box his shot was well saved by goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski denying him with an outstretched leg.Garnacho dragged the spotlight across the pitch to him when he went on a wriggling run through three players in the box before hitting the deck.Again there were cries for a penalty again they were waved away.With a slender lead, United still had to be careful and they were caught napping in the 64th minute for what should have been the PAOK equaliser.Taison’s ball rolled unhindered past those in red and settled at the feet of Tarik Tissoudall.There was nobody near him and in football terms, he had all the time in the world, but shot straight at Onana.He held his head in his hands as did his teammates as The Stretford End breathed a sigh of relief.The sighs turned to roars when substitute Christian Eriksen launched a ball forward that PAOK’s Baba seemed to have under control.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Diallo was snapping at his heels, forced him off the ball, ran away with it and then from the edge of the area fired a curling drive home.What a goal, what a night for Diallo. More

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      Cole Palmer gives injury boost ahead of Arsenal clash as Chelsea star seen at Stamford Bridge

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      CHELSEA fans have been given an update on star man Cole Palmer’s fitness ahead of their clash with Arsenal this weekend.Palmer, 22, has been a doubt for the London derby after picking up a knock during the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.Chelsea fans have been given an update on Cole Palmer’s fitnessCredit: RexEnzo Maresca explained earlier this week that the midfielder was unable to train on Tuesday after the injury.He said: “Cole Palmer was not able to train yesterday, he was not fit. We hope to have him back against Arsenal. We will assess him.”But Blues fans have been given a boost after seeing Cole Palmer at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea’s clash with FC Noah in the Conference League.Palmer, who isn’t part of Chelsea’s Conference League squad, was there to support his team from the sidelines.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd the England star appeared to be moving freely as he walked by the pitch in SW6.Fans were certainly buoyed by the sight of their star man moving with ease.On social media, one wrote: “I think he can play against Arsenal”.While another added: “Like I said, he looks good for someone who is supposed to be injured”.Most read in FootballPalmer was moving freely as he watched Chelsea vs Noah in the conference leagueCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChelsea fans can be confident that any issue isn’t long-term either with Palmer called up to Lee Carsley’s final England camp as manager.The former Man City man has been included in the 23-strong squad to face Greece and Ireland.Cole Palmer stars in video to tackle London homelessness as Chelsea launch Wrap Up Warm campaignPalmer’s inclusion for the Arsenal game would be a huge boost with the attacking midfielder already registering 12 goal contributions in 10 Premier League games this season.However, the Blues could still be without Jadon Sancho for the head-to-head this weekend too.Speaking about the winger in his press conference, Maresca said: “He also had a knock in a session. “Tomorrow [against Noah] he is out but we will see if he can be available for Sunday’s game, otherwise it will be after the international break for him.”Arsenal could be reduced in numbers with Declan Rice missing the Gunners’ 1-0 defeat to Inter on Wednesday with injury.Palmer’s absence mattered little against FC Noah as the romped to an 8-0 win – a record for the Europa Conference League.Jadon Sancho is a doubt for the Arsenal gameCredit: EPADeclan Rice could miss out for the GunnersCredit: Getty More

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      Renee Slegers sticks up for Arsenal after fixture clash ‘dilemma’ forces women’s match move from Emirates

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      RENEE SLEGERS has defended Arsenal after the club was forced to shift a Women’s Champions League match from the Emirates. Some Gunners fans were left angered by the December duel with Bayern Munich being moved from the stadium due to a fixture clash.Renee Slegers reckons Arsenal have been presented with tough problem due to the clash of club fixtures at the EmiratesCredit: GettyTheir WSL side’s Women’s Champions League game against Bayern Munich is set to be moved due to a rescheduled men’s Carabao Cup fixtureCredit: GettyYesterday the EFL confirmed a Carabao Cup quarter-final game involving Arsenal’s men’s team would be rescheduled for December 18. However the timing of the midweek game coincides with the club’s WSL stars hosting Bayern in the Champions League. Gunners officials have opted to change the venue for the women’s match with the team forced to make way for their men’s side hosting Crystal Palace. This is despite the club committing to hosting all their women’s side’s home games in Europe at the Emirates.Read More Football Stories The Arsenal Supporters Club expressed their disappointment in what they described as a “change in priorities” for the fixture with the date and venue for having been known for weeks. However, Slegers feels Gunners officials are dealing with “a hard dilemma”. The WSL team other home ground Meadow Park is being considered as a possible alternative venue for match.Interim Arsenal boss Slegers whose team hosts Brighton tomorrow night, said:  “It has been a very hard dilemma for the club with two great teams competing in competitions. Most read in Football”What Arsenal have been doing really well is pushing the growth of women’s football for a very long time. “This is a bump in the road but what Arsenal has been doing is very strong.”The Gunners’ battle with Bayern being shunted from the Emirates comes three weeks after the departure of former Arsenal Women’s gaffer Jonas Eidevall. The Sweden-born head coach resigned from his role on October 15 after the team won just one of their opening four WSL games this term. Since Slegers took charge the Gunners have gone unbeaten in three games across all competitions with two wins and a draw. And she insists hers and the team’s focus is on their football. She added: “With what we are doing, you could say we live in a little box with the team and the staff. “For us, obviously Jonas leaving was a change. “But all the other things of what we are doing are not impacted by those external things. “What we need to do is work on our football and group dynamics. “That’s what we do day-in, day-out and that’s where focus is.” Tomorrow night’s WSL duel between the Gunners and Brighton will be the first between the sides this term. The Seagulls have had an impressive start under head coach Dario Vidosic and are four points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal.The team, who have Gunners striker Michelle Agyemang on loan for one season, have lost just one of their first six opening games this term. Arsenal could go a point behind third-placed Brighton if they defeat them in the WSL tomorrowCredit: GettyBrighton, who are third, currently occupy one of the WSL’s top three spots for qualification to compete in the Champions League.  READ MORE SUN STORIESOf if their duel could be a big one in terms of the battle to reach next term’s tournament, Slegers adds: “It’s still early in the season, but I think all games are important. “This is going to be an important game for us.” More

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      Arne Slot has only done the easy part at Liverpool – the fate of Unai Emery and David Moyes serve as a warning

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      JACK NICHOLSON claims to have slept with 2,000 women in his prime while carving out a reputation as Hollywood’s ultimate swordsman.Imagine being the next bloke in the bedroom trying to follow that.Arne Slot has done the easy part at LiverpoolCredit: RexWhen in truth, it’s the man who keeps one beautiful woman happy and content for years on end that you really have to worry about, chaps.With that in mind, picking up the baton from Jurgen Klopp or Arsene Wenger goes down as two of the hardest jobs in football.Arne Slot has done pretty well at Liverpool, with one defeat in his first 16 games. But compared to Klopp’s unforgettable nine years at Anfield, he is still only in the foreplay stage.Unai Emery won 11 games on the trot in the same blistering three-month period having been tasked with leading Arsenal into a new era at the end of Wenger’s remarkable 22 years, in which he transformed one of the world’s biggest teams and football as a whole. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet less than 1½ seasons later, he was sacked. After an initial rush of blood, the Spaniard had flopped and was on his bike.Arsenal missed out on Champions League qualification in his first season by a solitary point — to Tottenham. They reached the Europa League final but lost to Chelsea.Not bad for a debut season but in every nook and cranny of the   Emirates, there were creeping doubts that he just was not the right fit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBy the end of the first season, some Arsenal players were laughing behind Emery’s back at his poor grasp of English.The fans were confused about the style of play.Liverpool have put Jurgen Klopp’s sprawling £4million home for sale – after Anfield successor Arne Slot turned it down.Home games were played out amid baffled silence, the way was lost and the glue between manager and club simply did not set hard.It’s not an uncommon trend. Trace back through history and Bruce Rioch lost only three of his first 16 games when taking over from George Graham at the Gunners in 1995. He was history after a season.David Moyes lost only three of his first 16  Manchester United games — a decent enough return when charged with succeeding the most successful British boss of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson.It’s difficult including Chelsea because their idea of devotion is like that of bed-hopping Nicholson. Wham, bam, thank you ma’am, then on to the next one.Yet Avram Grant and Antonio Conte produced the goods when each took over from Jose Mourinho. Yet neither man really ‘got’ the club they were working for and paid the price.Emery is enjoying a more fruitful time at Aston Villa with his second bite at the Prem cherry. Then again, he has replaced Steven Gerrard, who did not even get one full season.Slot and Emery come face to face tomorrow when Liverpool host Villa.The Dutchman would do well to pull his opposite number to one side after the game to bend his ear on what to do, and what not to do, when juggling how to subtly move a club on while keeping tabs with tradition.Slot has passed the first test with a set of impressive results.But he still has work to do understanding, then changing, the culture at Anfield. His brand of football won’t ever be as full-on as Klopp’s organised chaos.The patient build-up to Tuesday’s eventual thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen underlines that, while the lack of noise at some home games this season reflects it.Slot’s tactics, transfer business and absorption into Liverpool’s way will be much more telling over time and it’s from now that he needs to build on the early positive vibes to construct a long-term transformation.Big football clubs don’t drop their drawers on the first date for anyone.GYOK A GAMBLEViktor Gyokeres could be a gamble for an English team to pick upCredit: RexPLENTY of debate about how and why Viktor Gyokeres is not playing for a Premier League big gun already.His remarkable 23 goals in 15 games for Sporting Lisbon this season makes him ripe for poaching — and that’s fair enough.Yet Chelsea already distanced themselves from previous links with the centre-forward from a year or so ago.And this makes me think something is not quite there with the free-scoring Swede to guarantee him being a hit over here.If you want previous on that, google Radamel Falcao, Serhiy Rebrov, Alvaro Morata and Andriy Shevchenko to find plenty of others who did not quite do it in England. We wait to see…TRUMP CARDRory McIlroy might be hoping Donald Trump can end golf’s civil warRORY McILROY must be the only person on planet Earth to consider Donald Trump a peacemaker.Yet the Northern Irish golfer hopes the re-election of a convicted felon as US President could be just the thing to end the lengthy standoff between the rival PGA and LIV Tours.How reassuring. It’s just the rest of the world we have to worry about now.Trump makes a formidable pairing with his ally, Tesla billionaire Elon Musk.The founder of SpaceX and owner of the X social-media platform has claimed in the past to be an alien.Golf went into meltdown when the rock ’n rollers from Saudi-owned LIV proposed 54-hole tournaments instead of the usual 72 and playing music at each one.God only knows what will happen should Trump and Musk get their hands on the Stableford scoring system.EERIE SILENCEThe atmosphere at Fulham’s Craven Cottage before their Brentford derby was eerily quietCredit: ReutersWALKING down to Fulham’s London derby against Brentford on Monday, it was eerily quiet.Then the peace was broken by the noise of a helicopter passing overhead having probably just taken off from the nearby helipad in Wandsworth.It made me think how much I miss the sound of those police choppers which used to hover around to keep an eye on things when there was a ‘tasty’  fixture in town.The constant heavy whirring made for a crackle in the air, especially at night matches.Anyone else feel the same? Just a thought.MUM’S WORDThe story of the week involves James Maddison being told off by his mumCredit: ReutersSTORY of the week was James Maddison admitting he has been in trouble with his mother for taking his shirt off every time he scores.With only seven goals since August 2023, the Tottenham midfielder clearly doesn’t give his old girl much grief and should still get his pocket money.But it got me thinking that while today’s over-paid, overhyped and often over-excitable Premier League stars might be bigger than their managers, they still all answer to one person.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo would it not be a good idea for all top-flight chiefs to be given the numbers of each player’s mum when they sign?Any backchatting or not eating your greens after training and the real boss is just a call away… More