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      ‘It was a tough time but I’m ready to move forward’, says England ace Chloe Kelly ahead of second Arsenal debut

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      CHLOE KELLY vows she has moved on from the “dark time” that led her to leaving Manchester City for a temporary Arsenal move. The Gunners loan star hopes the London club, where she began her senior playing career, can keep their “foot on the gas” in the chase for silverware. Chloe Kelly is in line to make her second debut for Arsenal following her January loan move to the clubCredit: GettyThe England forward joined the Gunners on loan from Manchester City and hopes to get more game time after making one top-flight start so far this seasonCredit: GettyKelly and her Arsenal team-mates are due to play Tottenham at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon with a crowd of more than 50,000 expected at the matchCredit: EPAIt was on January 30 this year, the  final day for player transfers between Women’s Super League clubs this winter, that Kelly learned Arsenal wanted to sign her. On that date the forward, 27,  whose team hosts Tottenham tomorrow, spent some time at a driving range with her husband Scott whom she married last August. Arsenal’s WSL rivals Brighton and Manchester United were also battling for her signature before the Gunners’ dramatic late bid.Kelly, who was practicing golf on transfer deadline day, hopes to help the club emerge as big hitters in the battle for trophies in the final stretch of this term. Read More Football Stories Her switch to the north London giants, from fourth-placed City, was revealed by the club three minutes before the 11pm deadline for WSL player moves. It was out of my hands of what was going to be accepted. But it was definitely exciting when Arsenal called.Chloe KellyAnd tomorrow, 17 days on from her sealing a return to the Gunners, the forward could be set to play when the third-placed side host Tottenham at the Emirates. Reflecting on the moment she learned of Arsenal’s interest, Kelly said: “He (my husband) was sat playing FIFA and he said, ‘let’s go and just get out the house’ “So we went to the driving range and Arsenal contacted (my agent) and there were great conversations. Most read in Football”I remember calling my family straight away to tell them.”My brother went upstairs, put his Arsenal shirt on. I felt my family were really excited for the move as well, which put a smile on my face.”Kelly’s move has seen her join some of her England pals who play for Arsenal. Her fellow national team stars at the club are Lioness skipper Leah Williams, defender Lotte Wubben-Moy, forward Beth Mead and striker Alessia Russo.  When asked if any of her Gunners and England pals had spoken to her once they heard of the late bid, Kelly added: “They were all messaging me”They had seen the news that I could be coming and they were like, ‘are you coming?’ “It was quite short one-word answers (in reply) to them like, ‘I don’t know, we’ll see’. “But as soon as I stepped into the changing room, I felt such warmth and the girls have been incredible.”It was out of my hands of what was going to be accepted etc; “But it was definitely excited when Arsenal did call. “That’s somewhere where I grew up playing and where I learned so much in my trade. “I’m really excited to give back to this club because they’ve given me an opportunity to put a smile on my face and also to play the game that we love.”Kelly’s return to the side where she made her breakthrough at a senior level at 17, was preceded by her releasing an explosive and candid public statement. In it the Lioness expressed her desire to “be happy again” and described concerns of her “dreams being crushed” after struggling for game time at City this term.The London-born forward hopes to regain a place in England’s squad ahead this year’s Euros. But the first five months of this term saw her opportunities to start for Gareth Taylor’s City side limited. So far this season, the scorer of England’s’ tournament-winning goal at the 2022 Euros has started in one WSL fixture. This in contrast to her 18 top-flight starts in 21 appearances in the previous campaign. A run that helped the Cityzens take the title race to the wire before they finished second on goal difference. This Sunday, against Tottenham, Kelly could potentially be named in a first XI line-up of a top tier fixture for the first time since October 6.Her last first team outing in the league was during a 2-0 Man City defeat of West Ham. It was a relief that I had spoken in how I needed to speak and whether my move got over the line or not. Chloe KellyOn how this season has at times felt for her due to the lack of match action, Kelly said: “It’s been tough mentally. It’s been draining at times. “But I’m a professional and I know I hold myself to a high level. “However I think as a human, it was a tough time for me and I’m ready to move forward now.”Kelly’s statement was issued with the forward entering the final months of her contract with Man City. Her current deal with her parent club is due to expire in June with the player becoming a free agent then.Of her mindset at certain points this term and how she felt about issuing a public statement, Kelly added: “It was still a dark time for me because I didn’t know how my future looked.”It was a relief that I had spoken in how I needed to speak and whether my move got over the line or not. “I was grateful to be able to share my words.”Despite the fallout that surrounded her loan move away from City, Kelly is grateful for the special moments shared with her team-mates there and the club’s supporters. Since joining the Cityzens in 2020 after four years at Everton, Kelly has lifted an FA Cup and Women’s League Cup. The 48-capped England ace said: “I’m very grateful for the memories I created at the club and the relationships I built with amazing players”I went there for success and won a couple of trophies as well so I’m very grateful for the opportunity to represent the badge.”Sometimes in life you can’t write the future, but you can always make sure that you’re the best person every day”I try to be the best professional and the best person every day for my team-mates and that was really important for me as a human being but as a team-mate too.”Kelly’s recovery from a knee ligament tear sustained in May 2021 was followed by the forward’s inclusion in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for the Euros a year later. The Lionesses’ historic triumph in the tournament’s final marked an international high point for Kelly. Chloe Kelly hopes to earn a place in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for this year’s Euros with the Lionesses targeting a second tournament triumphCredit: PAHer memorable close-range finish sealed a 2-1 Wembley victory over Germany in front of a record crowd of 87,192. Earlier this week Wiegman revealed Kelly had been dropped from the national squad ahead of their Women’s Nations League duels with Portugal and Spain this month. However the Lioness boss suggested the door was not closed on the forward potentially returning to the national side. And with another European Championship on the horizon, and England targeting back-to-back contest wins, she intends to give Wiegman a selection headache. The Arsenal ace added “It’s everyone’s dream to play for England but it’s not a given. “I need to work and get back on the pitch and show what I’m capable of before that. “Sarina has been incredible throughout the process. “I’m excited to hopefully be at my best here (Arsenal) to be able to put the shirt on that I enjoy doing so much.”Before her Arsenal return, Kelly’s last goal in a Gunners shirt was netted in June 2017 when she scored against Bristol City. Sunday could see her back in WSL action for the Gunners making her second debut for the club at the Emirates in the North London derby. Renee Slegers’ side are eager to try and gain ground on league leaders Chelsea who have a nine-point advantageKelly added:  “I’m ready for the fight again and to show what I’m capable of. Chloe Kelly’s last appearance for Arsenal against Tottenham was back in March 2017 when the team won an FA Cup fifth round duelCredit: Getty“I’m really looking forward to stepping out and hearing the noise from our fans. “I’ve been involved in being around the squad for the last three games, the last two games at home. READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s been amazing to hear the fans and they really get behind the girls.Arsenal’s game against Tottenham will be broadcast live on BBC Two at 12:30pm on February 16. 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      in Boxing

      Jack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr EXACT ring-walk time: What time will the fight start in the UK?

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      HOME FAVOURITE Jack Catterall in a Manchester boxing ring with a shot at the WBO super lightweight title on the line. Chorley-born Catterall, 31, finds himself in a title eliminator as he returns to Co-op Live Arena, Manchester – the place of his last fight.After beating Regis Prograis last October, Catterall, nicknamed ‘El Gato’, closes in on the chance to fight for the world title.Teofimo Lopez is the current holder of the WBO super-lightweight strap that the 31-year-old fighter is eyeing.Before the Prograis fight, Catterall exacted revenge on Josh Taylor in their rematch, and promoter Eddie Hearn has stated that he is now targeting Lopez.But first, attention turns to Arnold Barboza Jr.READ MORE IN BOXING 27-year-old Barboza Jr is a worthy opponent – eleven of the American’s 30 professional fights have ended in knockouts, and he has won all 30 of them.Here’s the information on when the two will step out for their bout. What time will the fight start in the UK?Catterall vs Barboza Jr will take place on Saturday, February 15.Official start times are yet to be announced but the card is expected to get started at around 7pm UK time.The main event between is set to begin at around 10pm UK time.The event will be broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View, with PPV available to buy now at £19.99 in the UK.Alternatively, you can tune into SunSport’s live blog for updates on the night.Who else is on the card?Jack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – for vacant WBO Interim super-lightweight titleReece Bellotti vs Michael Gomez JrZelfa Barrett vs Jazza DickensPat McCormack vs Robbie Davies JrWilliam Crolla vs Ayoub ZakariConner Tudsbury vs Sadaam Moamed Da Silva CaetanoAqib Fiaz vs Lydon ChircopAlfie Middlemiss vs Caine SinghMost read in Boxing More

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      Meet the OnlyFans star raising money for charity as team’s KIT SPONSOR with players including ex-Prem ace and soap star

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      A FOOTBALL team has become the first ever to be sponsored by an OnlyFans model.Former healthcare worker Belle Grace, 29, has earned more than £2million since she started it as a side hustle in 2020.Belle Grace is an OnlyFans sensationCredit: SWNSThe 29-year-old has earned more than £2million since taking up the X-rated side gigCredit: SWNSThe social media star juggled her side hustle while balancing a healthcare job and being a mumCredit: SWNSNow she’s helping raise money for Supporting Charities FCCredit: SWNSShe discovered Supporting Charities FC – an amateur team from Bradford Park Avenue Football Club who were looking for a sponsor.The charity football club features ex pros and TV actors and they are in a league with other charity-led football clubs around the UK.The team features players Owen Warner, who starred as Romeo Nightingale in Hollyoaks, and David Stockdale, former Premier League goalkeeper with Fulham.Mum Belle, from Bradford, Yorkshire, is their official shirt sponsor for this season with a link to her paid-for content featuring on the front of the shirt.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSBelle said she did it to help support the team which has already raised more than £200,000 for charities.Belle said: “I haven’t had to sleep with 1,000 men to make money like Bonnie Blue.“I’ve done it by simply being myself and, quite literally, just sleeping with my husband.“Everyone assumes we don’t have real lives or values, but I’m the opposite.Most read in FootballBelle Grace makes her X-rated content along with her husbandCredit: SWNSGrace has built quite the following on social mediaCredit: SWNSSupporting Charities FC has already helped raise over £200,000 for several causesCredit: SWNS“I’m using my success to give back, it’s about more than just the money – it’s about making a difference.“There’s so much negativity around OnlyFans, but this is proof that it can be a force for good.Bonnie Blue reveals how many orgasms she had during 1000-man bonkathon & whether or not size actually matters–“I’ve worked hard to get where I am, and now I’m using that platform to support causes that matter.”Club manager Chris Moralee said: “One of the players is friends of Belle Grace and her partner and they mentioned they were interested in sponsoring one of our kits.”I had no hesitation to welcome her on board – we rely on sponsors to help us get kits, club wear, footballs, and club equipment.I haven’t had to sleep with 1,000 men to make money like Bonnie Blue.Belle Grace”With their kind sponsorship, we are able to get the lads all kitted out in a fantastic new kit.”Belle’s sponsorship is a massive help in the club’s ability to support so many charities.”People like Belle get a lot of bad press but she has used her financial gain to support us which obviously supports so many charities!”Credit where it’s due – she didn’t have to get involved with the club but she has and others will only benefit from her gesture of sponsoring the kit.”Bella Grace has no regrets about starting an OnlyFansCredit: SWNSSupporting Charities FC are delighted to have Grace on boardCredit: SWNSBelle began OnlyFans to earn extra income while working in healthcare as an assistant manager.But her content went viral, and in a month she earned £50,000.She does a variety of ad-hoc requests and was once paid almost £300 by a man who simply wanted to watch her wash her hair.The success allowed her to quit her job and focus on her online career full-time, and she earns around £50,000 a month.People like Belle get a lot of bad press but she has used her financial gain to support us which obviously supports so many charities!Chris MoraleeThe partnership with Supporting Charities FC came about through a friend of a friend who plays for the team.Belle said: “I told them upfront that I do OnlyFans and they were absolutely fine with it – we sorted the sponsorship, designed the logo, and had the kit made up.”She recently visited the team, meeting the players and taking photos in the new kit.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club organises matches and events, donating proceeds to a good causes including mental health initiatives, community centres, and local families in need.The club plays at Horsefall Community Stadium in Bradford, a hub for local residents which provides support and services to vulnerable individuals. More

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      Troy Deeney: Arsenal will NOT sign Alexander Isak – Mikel Arteta is too frightened of having a genuine maverick No9

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      TEN days ago, I watched Arsenal get knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle United at St James’ Park.During that semi-final second leg, I spotted Eddie Howe and his assistant Jason Tindall screaming at their centre-forward Alexander Isak to sprint back and help his team defend.Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side are severely lacking attacking threatCredit: EPAAlexander Isak showed the Gunners his goalscoring instinct in the recent Carabao Cup semi-finalCredit: GettyThe Gunners are without a recognised No. 9, with Gabriel Jesus (pictured) among those out injuredCredit: GettyIt must have happened five times and, on each occasion, Isak smiled at them and carried on jogging.Howe and Tindall weren’t happy but they know that Isak is a proper goal-scorer and a match-winner.It seems to me that the man in the opposing dug-out that night, Mikel Arteta, is frightened of signing a genuine No 9 like Isak.True centre-forwards always have that element of selfishness, of single-mindedness.They are often mavericks, they can often be disruptive, they usually have minds of their own and they live for scoring goals.Arsene Wenger almost always had a world-class finisher, from Ian Wright to Nicolas Anelka to Thierry Henry to Robin Van Persie, right up to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in his final season.But I believe Arteta is so wrapped up in his team ethos that he shies away from signing such players.Fans paint murals of Arsenal’s set-piece coach when I’m sure they’d much rather be splashing the Dulux in homage to a world-class number nine.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe policy of not signing a genuine centre forward backfired spectacularly after Kai Havertz suffered a season-ending injury on the club’s mid-season break to Dubai.I know there was a £60million bid for Ollie Watkins in January but for me that just felt like a PR stunt. Watkins was never going to leave Aston Villa in mid-season.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires Arsenal will be without Kai Havertz for the remainder of the seasonCredit: PABut it meant Arsenal could tell their fans ‘at least we tried’. It didn’t feel as if the club tried too hard.When Ivan Toney was available last summer, Arsenal didn’t do the deal because of finances – but it was a false economy. Victor Osimhen was on the market too but Arteta didn’t go for him.Back-up striker Eddie Nketiah was sold to Crystal Palace and no replacement was bought.Arsenal have been transformed and greatly improved during five years under Arteta – but while they have spent big in defence and midfield, they have not invested anywhere near as much in their front line.The summer was the time to strike. In the January window you are always going to be struggling – especially when other clubs know you are desperate.Gabriel Jesus, Arteta’s other option at centre-forward, had already been ruled out for the season so the idea of a serious injury to Havertz was always the nightmare scenario.Fans paint murals of Arsenal’s set-piece coach when I’m sure they’d much rather be splashing the Dulux in homage to a world-class number nine.Neither Jesus nor Havertz is an out-and-out centre-forward but the German has done a really decent job there.People are going to realise how effective he is in both boxes – and as an attacking focal point – now that he is on the sidelines.Without Havertz, Arteta is now into ‘false nine’ territory – with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli also out, his only attacking options are Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and the 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.Those might be enough to beat Leicester handsomely today but they are not going to allow the perfect 14-match run-in Arsenal will need to have any chance of hunting down Liverpool – which would have to include a win at Anfield.As an old-school nine, I’m sceptical about the idea of false nines.The only two clubs who have been consistently successful playing such a system were Barcelona, with Lionel Messi, and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, between Sergio Aguero and Erling Haaland.Those were two of the greatest teams in history.To play that way, you have to pass teams to death, grind them down. Only the very best are good enough to do that.ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Saliba will be having nightmares about Isak as Lewis-Skelly is only Gunners star to show upARSENAL were humbled by Newcastle at St James’ Park as the Magpies beat them 2-0 to secure a spot in the League Cup final.The North Londoners knew they needed to take an early advantage if they were to overturn the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.But Jacob Murphy was on hand to put the Magpies a goal ahead after Alexander Isak’s shot rebounded off of the post and out to him.Shortly after the break, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead to all but confirm a second League Cup final in three years for Eddie Howe.Here’s how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the Gunners.David Raya – 5Stitched Declan Rice right up for the second goal.And that absolutely killed this as a contest for his side.Jurrien Timber – 6Tried to get forward and support the attack early but soon found himself dropping deeper to avoid being caught on the counter.Tough night for the Dutchman up against Gordon in front of the red-hot home crowd.William Saliba – 4Let frustration get the better of him when he got himself booked for grabbing Anthony Gordon’s shirt.And the winger almost embarrassed him again at the start of the second period when he caught the defender sleeping, nicked the ball from him, but could only shoot wide.The usually assured star will be having nightmares of Gordon and Isak.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Another who struggled to contain Toon’s two pacey attacking threats but did fair slightly better than his usually formidable partner.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Another assured performance from the full-back in a raucous atmosphere.Could not be faulted for any of the goals and showed flashes off his potential despite the humbling.Martin Odegaard – 6Everything Arsenal did try came through the skipper.Although he loses a mark as things could have been a very different story if he had finished his first half effort had hit the inside rather than outside of the post.Thomas Partey – 6Plenty of running about but very little to show or product for his efforts.Declan Rice – 6Looked to take a knock late in the first half and continued to struggle on after the restart.Was hung out to dry by his goalie for the second goal and he did keep pushing until the very end.But it was a disappointing night for the England star and his partner Partey as they came up short against Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Struggled to get past big Dan Burn during his brief time on the pitch.And his night was brought to an abrupt end when he limped off before the break.Kai Havertz – 4Outmuscled, outbattled and outthought but Svan Botman and Fabian Schar.Produced zilch on an evening when he and his team-mates lacked creativity and ideas.Leandro Trossard – 5Many will have been fancying him to cause some problems for the 34-year-old Kieran Trippier but the veteran had him in his pocket all night.Arteta had seen enough by the hour mark and opted to let Raheem Sterling have a go instead.Subs usedEthan Nwaneri (37 mins for Martinelli) – 6Desperately tried to inject some pace and threat into the faltering Arsenal attack but the task proved too much for the young Gunn.He should have plenty more big occasions to look forward to though in his career.Mikel Merino (70 mins for Odegaard) – 5The game was already done and dusted when he entered the fray for battle.Some nice touches, but like those before him, he couldn’t produce anything for the visitors.Raheem Sterling (61 mins for Trossard) – 4Got half an hour to try and get at Trippier but, just like Trossard before him, he was not given an ounce of joy.Riccardo Calafiori (78 mins for Timber) – 4Was brought on simply to get some minutes in his legs.Jorginho (78 mins for Partey) – 4See above. Little chance to make an impact with the game well and truly over.In the last two seasons, Arsenal could argue that City were a truly great team, more experienced and more expensive than them.But when they miss out on the title again, this one is all on Arsenal – and their failure to sign a goalscorer.Liverpool have only signed one player in the last year and they have overtaken Arteta’s team.City have fallen off a cliff and Arsenal haven’t been able to capitalise.I know there was a £60million bid for Ollie Watkins in January but for me that just felt like a PR stunt. Watkins was never going to leave Aston Villa in mid-season.The Gunners don’t have a single player with ten league goals to his name this season – while Chris Wood, a veteran who has been around the block, has 17 for Nottingham Forest.The other day, I was talking to a proven Premier League goalscorer, a centre-forward who is likely to be on the move this summer.I told him that Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and perhaps Tottenham could all be options – because there aren’t many good young centre-forwards around.This player could easily have done a job for Arsenal for the next few months had they come in for him.Kai Havertz ruled out for rest of SEASON with torn hamstring in devastating blow to Arsenal’s title dreamsNow Arsenal will be relying even more on set-pieces, meaning opposing teams will be extra determined not to concede corners against them.Yet without Havertz Arsenal lack one of their prime targets from set-pieces too.It seems crazy to me that they have allowed themselves to get into this situation.Maybe it’s arrogance, maybe it’s tactical pigheadedness.But for me it’s more a case of a manager too afraid to sign a striker with a one-track mind.Tifo madnessWHAT on Earth were Manchester City thinking of with that giant banner and those posters of Rodri with the Ballon d’Or before their Champions League clash with Real Madrid?Real boycotted the awards ceremony, believing their man Vinicius Junior should have won the prize rather than Rodri.If that was a bit childish, then City’s response before a match against the 15-time European champions was sillier still.Why would you want to go out of your way to wind up Vinicius and his team-mates?City’s tifo against Real Madrid massively backfiredCredit: ReutersCity are in no position right now to be taking the p*** out of the greatest club in the world.I’m sure City’s own players wouldn’t have appreciated it.The closest thing I can remember from my career was whenWatford’s mascot Harry the Hornet dived to ridicule Wilf Zaha during a match against Crystal Palace.And I think the bloke inside the big wasp’s costume got sacked for that! More

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      in Soccer

      Jamie Carragher left speechless as Kaoru Mitoma produces ‘sexiest moment since Bergkamp’ to score against Chelsea

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER was left in awe as Kaoru Mitoma produced a moment of magic during Brighton’s 3-0 dismantling of Chelsea on Friday night.Mitoma, 27, opened up the scoring for the Seagulls with a superb goal that saw him pull off a sensational first touch to bring down a long ball and get the better of Trevoh Chalobah.Jamie Carragher was amongst those left stunned by Kaoru Mitoma’s goal against Chelsea on Friday nightCredit: RexMitoma produced an incredible first touch to bring down a long ball from goalkeeper Bart VerbruggenCredit: PAHe then shifted the ball to the side of Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah to get a shot awayCredit: APThe Japanese international curled the effort around goalkeeper Filip JorgensenCredit: AFPMitoma’s goal opened the scoring as Brighton thrashed Chelsea 3-0Credit: ReutersThe goal seemingly came from nothing as goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen lumped the ball up the pitch towards the front line.It was that lofty clearance-cum-pass that was plucked out of the air like an apple off a tree by Mitoma, opening up the chance to curl an effort past Chelsea keeper Filip Jorgensen.Mitoma did just that, guiding the ball into the bottom corner and putting the Seagulls in front at the Amex.Commentator Jamie Carragher was amongst those blown away by the sensational touch and finish.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on Sky Sports’ coverage of the match, he said: “What have we just seen? That was outrageous from Mitoma.”Adding: “The touch is as good as anything you will see in the Premier League this season. Wow. And the finish isn’t bad either.”Supporters watching on from home were just as taken aback by the silky move and took to social media to wax lyrical about the goal – with loads comparing it to Dennis Bergkamp’s stunning flick against Newcastle back in 2002.One fan wrote: “That Mitoma touch. Sexiest PL moment since Bergkamp.”Most read in FootballOthers also drew comparisons with Bergkamp – and may have been referring to his incredible touch for Holland against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup where he plucked the ball out of there air before firing it home.Mitoma’s goal has been compared to Dennis Bergkamp’s famous flick and finish against Newcastle in 2002Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another agreed: “That Kaoru Mitoma goal needs to be treated alongside the Van Basten’s and Bergkamp’s of this world, technically you cannot better that! Absolutely unworldly!”And third posted: “Just saw Mitoma’s goal, even Dennis Bergkamp would be proud of that.”Chelsea player ratings vs BrightonAnd a fourth gushed: “Mitoma just painted a masterpiece with his boots.”Mitoma is well on track to have his best goalscoring return in the Premier League since his debut in 2022, having scored six goals and registered three assists in 25 league appearances this season so far. The Japanese international has been catching the eye of potential suitors too.Brighton turned down a stunning bid worth around £75MILLION from Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in January.The Seagulls are flying high in the league after going on to beat Chelsea 3-0 thanks to a double from Yankuba Minteh after Mitoma’s moment to remember.Fabian Hurzeler’s side are now just four points off fifth place, and only six points off Chelsea in the top four heading into the remaining Premier League fixtures this weekend.Mitoma is having one of his best seasons in a Brighton shirt More

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      in Soccer

      Shamed football manager banned for life for thumping linesman in sickening attack

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      A SHAMED football manager has been banned for life for thumping a linesman.Robert Williams-Jones, 43, was filmed punching the youngster to the ground during Penrhyndeudraeth FC’s 8-0 win at Amlwch Town in an amateur league clash.Robert Williams-Jones is seen punching the young linesman to the ground during Penrhyndeudraeth FC’s 8-0 win at Amlwch TownCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/The youngster is seen falling to the ground after the vicious single-punch attackCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/Williams-Jones has been given a lifetime ban by the North Wales FA disciplinary panelA North Wales Coast FA ­disciplinary panel has now given him the lifetime ban and a £3,000 fine.He left his Amlwch role after attacking the linesman, a member of the visiting side’s squad. In a statement, the club said: “As a club we have been truly saddened by the events on the weekend.”Amlwch Town FC cut ties with the former manager shortly after the incident and apologised to both Penrhyndeudraeth and the linesman.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe NWCFA Disciplinary Panel said: “There is no place for aggression or assault in football within this area association. The NWCFA will continue to take robust action on any instances of abuse.“The NWCFA will not be making any further comment.”Penrhyn said at the time: “A fantastic result and performance from the lads today.Most read in Football”Unfortunately, the game was marred by an incident which occurred approximately 15 minutes into the game when a Penrhyn player, acting as a voluntary linesman, was assaulted.”Their manager Riccardo Pellegrino later praised his side, saying: “Your behavior on the pitch after what happened was impeccable, I’m proud to coach this fantastic group of lads.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stunt”I’m proud all of you COYC.”A court gave him a suspended jail term after he admitted ABH.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. Join here More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Where is Jadon Sancho going?’ – Jamie Carragher fumes at Chelsea loanee as Man Utd fans make brutal ‘freedom’ dig

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has torn into Jadon Sancho for his lack of effort during Chelsea’s humiliating loss at Brighton. The on-loan Man Utd winger replaced the injured Noni Madueke during the first half at the Amex on Friday night.Yankuba Minteh netted a brace as Brighton beat Chelsea 3-0 on Friday nightCredit: AFPJadon Sancho was slammed by Jamie Carragher for his defensive effort on the third goalCredit: GettyMinteh breezed past Sancho, who didn’t track in his runnerCredit: Sky SportsThe Brighton full-back was able to advance and shoot, with Sancho left watching onCredit: Sky SportsSancho wasn’t able to create anything of note as Enzo Maresca’s men fell apart on the South Coast.The Blues collapsed to a dismal 3-0 defeat, mustering ZERO shots on target. But it was Sancho’s defensive effort which frustrated Carragher most in the Sky Sports commentary box.The ex-Dortmund winger failed to track Yankuba Minteh with the Blues already 2-0 down at the Amex. READ MORE ON CHELSEAMinteh was able to ghost past Sancho into the box and smash in Brighton’s third, with the winger left looking helplessly on. An irate Carragher said on commentary: “Just see Sancho with Minteh at the top of your picture, the one-two and just watch Sancho.”I mean, where’s he going?!”Minteh has the potential to be a real star, but the intensity on that side from Cucurella and Sancho was awful.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”This is a bad, bad night for Enzo Maresca and Chelsea.”Sancho had angered some Man Utd fans earlier this week after an apparent dig at the club.’They know the situation’ – Enzo Maresca confirms Robert Sanchez axed as Chelsea No1 after series of howlersThe 24-year-old posted a message saying “Freedom” after Marcus Rashford left the Red Devils on loan to Aston Villa. Following Carragher’s on-air rant, one United fan wrote on X: “Carragher pulls no punches! Is this deja vu for Sancho?”Another said: “He’s just completely gone awol, lost his man and that man had made it 3-0. Carragher sums it up.”While a third added: “Carragher asked where was Sancho going??? We used to ask that many times. Now Chelsea know why we wanted rid of him.”And a fourth commented: “Sancho was enjoying plenty of ‘freedom’ there as he let Mintah run away from him.” More

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      ‘We are going to have to be creative’ – Saliba emerges as shock Arsenal striker option alongside Calafiori and Merino

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      WILLIAM SALIBA has offered to play as an emergency striker to solve Arsenal’s crippling injury crisis.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta admitted he felt sick to his stomach when Kai Havertz tore his hamstring on the club’s Dubai warm-weather camp.William Saliba has offered to play up frontCredit: GettyArsenal have an injury crisis to deal with after Kai Havertz picked up a hamstring issueCredit: PAMikel Arteta admits he needs to be ‘creative’ to find a solution to their injury woesCredit: GettyNow centre-half Saliba, who played up front for first club AS Bondy in France, is ready to answer any SOS.Arteta revealed: “Willy always says ‘I’ll play as striker’. Straight away it was one of his reactions. “Willy is so funny but it is true he played there. He used to score a lot.”But a lot of players played there when they were younger.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Is that an option to put them up front? You never know what’s going to happen. We are going to have to be creative.”Arsenal are now without a recognised fit striker following Havertz’s injury, which requires surgery in the coming days.The German, 25, is out for the season, along with ACL victim Gabriel Jesus, while fellow forwards Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli both have hamstring problems.Title-chasing Arsenal now have just THREE fit senior attackers  in Leandro Trossard, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri and Chelsea loanee Raheem Sterling, who are set to form the Gunners’ attack at Leicester.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSSaliba, 23, has scored just seven goals in 137 appearances for club and country since making his Arsenal debut in 2022.But the Frenchman — coached by World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe’s father, Wilfried, as a kid — previously revealed how he “scored a lot of goals” for Bondy.Arteta reveals Havertz tore hamstring during set-piece routine and admits Arsenal could sign free agentSaliba said: “I was happy to be the main striker. Most of the time I played, I scored.”On Havertz’s injury, Arteta said he felt: “A big pain in the tummy. When you see a player in pain it’s a really bad feeling.”Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino or Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori could also play as an emergency No 9.There are free agents available, too, like madcap ex-Chelsea star Diego Costa, 36, former Arsenal man Carlos Vela, 35, and Kemar Roofe, 32, who left Rangers last year.Arteta said: “I’ll explore every possible situation and then make a decision.”Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino have also emerged as new No9 contendersCredit: Getty More