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      Arsenal ratings: Lewis-Skelly gets standing ovation after Champions League debut but Merino looks heavy and slow

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      BUKAYO SAKA scored twice as Arsenal saw off Monaco 3-0 in the Champions League.The Gunners missed several huge chances to wrap the game up in the first-half, with Gabriel Jesus leaving his shooting boots at home.Bukayo Saka scored for the goals for ArsenalCredit: ReutersWonderkid Myles Lewis-Skelly impressedCredit: GettySaka almost got his hat-trick, but a nick from Kai Havertz saw the German credited with the Gunners’ third, to wrap up a vital three points to strengthen Arsenal’s grip on a top eight finish.Here is how SunSport rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 7/10Rarely troubled throughout the game, but did what he had to do.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCommanding in the box, and pretty good distribution-wise, with only a few mistakes on that front.THOMAS PARTEY – 6A mixed bag from Partey tonight, with a few nice passes creating dangerous attacks, and a few going wildly astray.Wasn’t caused an awful lot of trouble by Monaco’s left side.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWILLIAM SALIBA – 7Solid at the back as per usual. Always gives you a seven out of ten.Arsenal’s SET-PIECE COACH gets very own mural outside Emirates Stadium as fans say ‘this is just tragic… game’s gone’JAKUB KIWIOR – 7A capable deputy in Gabriel’s absence, sharp on the ball and dependable off of it. Equally as good as Saliba next to him.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 9Playing as a left-back, Lewis-Skelly became the latest Hale End academy graduate to make his full Champions League debut vs Monaco.And what a debut it was! A sensational bit of play to beat Monaco’s press allowed him to slot an inch-perfect ball into Jesus who set up Saka for Arsenal’s opener.Given a standing ovation by the home support when he left the pitch after 64 minutes.DECLAN RICE – 7Broke up play nicely as he always does, often sliding in to shut down Monaco attacks.Not as threatening as we have seen him be previously going forward, but that wasn’t his job this evening with Merino alongside him.A very, very good Premier League or Champions League number six.MIKEL MERINO – 4I wasn’t moved.Arsenal fans might be left slightly disappointed by the Odegaard – Merino – Rice midfield they were giggling and kicking their feet about, with the Spaniard not offering much in midfield.Looked heavy and slow, and got booked.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5Not his usual elegant self in midfield for Arsenal.Unfortunately let down by his end product tonight, as he missed two huge chances to double their lead either side of half-time.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 4A threat down the left side in the first half, he should’ve had an assist were it not for Arsenal’s number nine.While he showed some bright sparks, his end product in general was not good enough.BUKAYO SAKA – 8In the right place at the right time as he so often is to open the scoring after a great ball across the box by Jesus.Reacted quickly to a goalkeeper mistake and finished into the far corner for what was his seventh home Champions League goal in seven home Champions League games – clinical.Added an assist to his tally too, as his shot was turned in by Kai Havertz at the death.GABRIEL JESUS – 5Could’ve had a first-half brace, but for his lack of composure, as he missed TWO huge 1v1 chances early on in the tie.What he lacked in finishing however, he made up for with a quality assist to set up Saka for the opening goal.SUBS:LEANDRO TROSSARD (GABRIEL MARTINELLI, 64) – 5Much the same story as the man whom he replaced.Plenty of the ball in dangerous areas, but didn’t manage to do anything with it.JORGINHO (DECLAN RICE, 64) – 6A calming presence in the Arsenal midfield, helped to settle the ball when he got on it.Almost got an assist for Nwaneri in added time.JURRIEN TIMBER (MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY, 64) – 6Replaced the best player on the pitch and Arsenal’s level didn’t drop much.Not quite as good at progressing the ball as the Hale End graduate tonight.KAI HAVERTZ (GABRIEL JESUS, 73) – 8Put the goalkeeper under plenty of pressure to force the mistake for Saka’s second.Got the faintest of nicks for the Gunners’ third.ETHAN NWANERI (MARTIN ODEGAARD, 79) – 5READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother good few minutes in the tank for the Arsenal starlet with a very bright future.Some good touches to get the home fans excited. More

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      Arsenal 3 Monaco 0: Bukayo Saka scores twice to save wasteful Gunners and boost automatic qualification hopes

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      THANK GOD for Bukayo Saka.Without him, Arsenal could still be playing now without finding the net – the Gunners racking up enough glaring misses in either half to fill an Argos Christmas catalogue.After countless chances from the home side, Bukayo Saka opened the scoring inside 34 minutesThe England star then doubled Arsenal’s lead in the 78th minuteBukayo Saka scored a double as Arsenal eased past Monaco in the Champions LeagueSaka then set up Kai Havertz in the dying embers to make it a 3-0, in what was otherwise an own-goal but the German had it on targetIt came close to being three games on the spin in all competitions without a goal from open play before Saka stepped up in the 34th and 78th minute to decide this bizarre Champions League clash.Monaco were incredibly average, defensively naïve and offensively mute, but were in the contest thanks to Mikel Arteta’s merry band of wasteful wobblers – who ironically only had one corner kick the entire game.But in Saka, they have a man in form, a man for the occasion, a man whose numbers shine on the global stage, and even grabbed an assist from a late Thilo Kehrer own goal.He has 21 goal involvements in 21 games so far this term – nine goals and 12 assists.READ MORE ARSENALAnd since the start of last season, only Harry Kane (18) and Vinicius Jr (16) have been involved in more Champions League goals than Saka – eight goals, six assists.This European elite league phase does not look too shabby either for the North Londoners, surely coasting their way to a top eight automatic last 16 finish with four wins from six.Hale End academy grad Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, was thrown in for his first Champions League start amid yet another defensive crisis Arteta has lost sleep over.As was the case for the 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday, defenders Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko were absent with Jurrien Timber dropping out for Lewis-Skelly.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThomas Partey began at right-back for the second game in a row – another player that missed training in the build-up to this one, thrown in out of necessity.The spotlight was up the other end of the pitch, however, with Gabriel Jesus starting just his seventh game of the campaign in all competitions – his first in this competition since October 22.Arsenal Player Ratings vs MonacoGabriel Jesus missed a couple of sitters in the first halfWith just one goal to his name this term, it is easy to understand why. Arteta spent pre-match defending the Brazilian’s stinking form and insisting he would not be leaving in January.Jesus had the chance to back up his manager’s positivity with an early goal, but his current form appears to be harder to shake off than the common cold.Put through down the left inside the opening four minutes, his finish softly into the arms of Monaco keeper Radoslaw Majecki was tame and awkward.A brilliant one-two then allowed Mikel Merino to flash a delicious ball across goal. Jesus fell to the floor attempting a lunge, but he was on his toes and never getting there.Monaco were suffocating and needed to take a breath, doing some briefly as Aleksandr Golovin jinked is way into some space outside the box and worried David Raya with a whipped curler.A minor relief the French giants. Martin Odegaard responded with a curling effort of his own, trying to build some momentum and positivity with fluidity in short supply.Declan Rice took matters into his own hands by hoofing it long from his own box and Jesus was in with acres of green grass to gallop into but he never looked comfortable under the bouncing ball.Arsenal ratings vs Monaco as Lewis-Skelly gets standing ovation but Merino is heavy and slowBUKAYO SAKA scored twice as Arsenal saw off Monaco 3-0 in the Champions League.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 7/10Rarely troubled throughout the game, but did what he had to do.Commanding in the box, and pretty good distribution-wise, with only a few mistakes on that front.THOMAS PARTEY – 6A mixed bag from Partey tonight, with a few nice passes creating dangerous attacks, and a few going wildly astray.Wasn’t caused an awful lot of trouble by Monaco’s left side.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Solid at the back as per usual. Always gives you a seven out of ten.JAKUB KIWIOR – 7A capable deputy in Gabriel’s absence, sharp on the ball and dependable off of it. Equally as good as Saliba next to him.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 9Playing as a left-back, Lewis-Skelly became the latest Hale End academy graduate to make his full Champions League debut vs Monaco.A sensational bit of play to beat Monaco’s press allowed him to slot an inch-perfect ball into Jesus who set up Saka for Arsenal’s opener.Given a standing ovation by the home support when he left the pitch after 64 minutes.DECLAN RICE – 7Broke up play nicely as he always does, often sliding in to shut down Monaco attacks.Not as threatening as we have seen him be previously going forward, but that wasn’t his job this evening with Merino alongside him.MIKEL MERINO – 4I wasn’t moved.Arsenal fans might be left slightly disappointed by the Odegaard – Merino – Rice midfield they were excited about. Looked heavy and slow, and got booked.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5Not his usual elegant self in midfield for Arsenal.Unfortunately let down by his end product tonight, as he missed two huge chances to double their lead either side of half-time.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 4A threat down the left side in the first half, he should’ve had an assist were it not for Arsenal’s number nine.While he showed some bright sparks, his end product in general was not good enough.BUKAYO SAKA – 8In the right place at the right time as he so often is to open the scoring after a great ball across the box by Jesus.Reacted quickly to a goalkeeper mistake and finished into the far corner for what was his seventh home Champions League goal in seven home Champions League games – clinical.GABRIEL JESUS – 5Could’ve had a first-half brace, but for his lack of composure, as he missed TWO huge 1v1 chances early on in the tie.What he lacked in finishing however, he made up for with a quality assist to set up Saka for the opening goal.SUBS:LEANDRO TROSSARD (GABRIEL MARTINELLI, 64) – 5Much the same story as the man whom he replaced.JORGINHO (DECLAN RICE, 64) – 6A calming presence in the Arsenal midfield, helped to settle the ball when he got on it.JURRIEN TIMBER (MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY, 64) – 6Replaced the best player on the pitch and Arsenal’s level didn’t drop much.KAI HAVERTZ (GABRIEL JESUS, 73) – 8Put the goalkeeper under plenty of pressure to force the mistake for Saka’s second.Got the faintest of nicks for the Gunners’ third.ETHAN NWANERI (MARTIN ODEGAARD, 79) – 5Another good few minutes in the tank for the Arsenal starlet with a very bright future.Some good touches to get the home fans excited.The touch was clumsy and the volleyed finish was inviting of a save from the right leg of Majecki.How about a do-over? Jesus got that chance seconds later but the same result, driving into the box with his shot deflected into the body of the busy Pole between the sticks.Arteta kicked the air in frustration, but he was soon jumping for joy. Lewis-Skelly brilliantly wriggled out of trouble and fed Jesus down the left.This time his touch was good, his delivery across goal to the far post for Saka to nudge in even better. A goal that should have put a pin in the anxiety balloon hanging over the Emirates.Instead, it gained in size thanks to the biggest miss of the lot.Odegaard pressed like a maniac, nicked the ball off a sleeping Soungoutou Magassa, nut-megged Kehrer and was in for a certain goal.Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, got a standing ovation at full-timeMartin Odegaard missed the biggest chance of the nightIn this sort of funk, nothing is certain. The Norwegian took several looks and shanked wide. Moments later, Odegaard fed Martinelli only for the winger to do the same.Whatever had infected Arsenal’s shooting boots, it was spreading.The half-time whistle blew to stunned silence. Odegaard shook his head and flapped his arms.The nerves were jangling after the break.Ex-Hammeer Kehrer headed wide from a free-kick and Breel Embolo should have found the bottom corner from a William Saliba error in the 65th minute.Odegaard missed another soon after, firing straight at Majecki from a cross by sub Leandro Trossard.Arsenal needed the gift of all gifts, and they got it with 12 minutes remaining. READ MORE SUN STORIESMajecki tossed away all his good work by taking too long in his own six-yard box under pressure to another sub Kai Havertz, as Saka pounced and showed the rest of his pals how it is done.Ten minutes later, with the pressure lifted, even Monaco were teaching the hosts scoring lessons, Kehrer fumbling into his own net from a cross by – who else – Saka. More

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      Juventus 2 Man City 0: Premier League flop scores stunner to leave Pep Guardiola’s side facing elimination in 22nd

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      MANCHESTER CITY really do have a mountain to climb to get back to where they once were.This game – played in the shadow of the Alps – showed just how far they have fallen since the end of October.Juventus added to Manchester City’s misery in the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersJuventus star Dusan Vahovic scored the winner in the second halfCredit: RexWeston McKennie sealed the win for Juventus against Man CityCredit: ReutersMan City’s woes continued in the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPDusan Vlahovic’s header – which somehow squeezed past Ederson – and Weston McKennie’s volley mean it is now one win in 10 for Pep Guardiola’s menSeven of those have been defeats and now the boss has to pick his weary troops up for Sunday’s Manchester derby.In recent years, they have made light work of the Champions League groups – effortlessly gliding through.Yet when the competition returns in a month’s time, a finish in the top 24 is by no means guaranteed.Read More on FootballTheir next game is at old foes Paris Saint-Germain, who also need the points – followed by a home game against Club Brugge.From kings of Europe 18 months ago to scrambling to make the Last 16 play offs is a sobering fall from grace.And right now City look completely devoid of confidence – shipping goals alarmingly at the back while struggling to take their chances at the other end.It has been a nightmare six weeks for Pep – who don’t forget signed a new two-year contract in the middle of all the chaos.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA trip to Turin might look daunting but Juve have lost four their last six European games at their Allianz Stadium.Thiago Motta’s men started out a couple of places behind City in the table – clinging on to a place in the play-offs by their fingertips.Beleaguered Man City boss Pep Guardiola involved in bizarre interview when discussing Rico Lewis red cardGuardiola recalled his first-choice keeper Ederson, who had paid the price for his erratic display in the last Champions League game against Feyenoord.That result – when they threw away a three-goal lead in 15 astonishing minutes – had left their place in this tournament beyond January in some doubt.Pep had once again had to patch up his team – playing Rico Lewis as a left back after his eventful day at Selhurst Park on Saturday.City were seeing plenty of the ball which is what Guardiola had asked of them before the game – suggesting they needed to go back to basics.But they were struggling to create much and at the other end they were relieved to see a shot from Kenan Yildiz drift just wide.The Turkish winger also showed City skipper Kyle Walker a clean pair of heels on more than one occasion.First-half strugglesEngland defender Walker can no longer rely on his pace as he used to and this time he had Ruben Dias to thank for making a key block.Meanwhile, City failed to record an effort of note in the opening half hour – the first time that has happened in a European game in four years.Erling Haaland saw an effort blocked by Teun Koopmeiners before it ricocheted into the grateful arms of Michele di Gregorio.The pair were face to face again moments later as the Norwegian ran onto a trademark pass from Kevin De Bruyne.He tried to lift it over the home keeper who got enough on it to keep it out and the best chance of the half was gone.The City boss would have been pleased with the amount of possession his team had – but slightly concerned how little they had created and how pedestrian they looked at times.Juventus get the leadMeanwhile after shipping seven goals in their previous two matches in this competition, at least they had kept the home team at bay.Guardiola knew failure to win here would have put their hopes of finishing in the top eight and qualifying automatically for the Last 16 almost out of the question.A two legged play-off in February is the last thing a squad that has already stretched by injuries needs.Not surprisingly, City’s best moments came from De Bruyne and his low cross soon after the restart found Ilkay Gundogan – but the German’s tame effort was blocked.And the two misses proved costly with Juventus taking the lead as Federico Gatti’s acrobatic effort was pushed away by Ederson.Josko Gvardiol made a hash of clearing his lines and Yildiz swung the ball back over.Another Gvardiol errorVlahovic got up highest and while Ederson scooped it around the post, goaline technology said it had already crossed the line.It was a matter of millimetres but it was a poor goal to concede and another error by Gvardiol, who is having a miserable time right now.City knew they had to snap into action and they did – but Juventus were throwing everything in the way to protect their lead.Bernardo Silva saw a good chance blocked while De Bruyne’s long-range effort fizzed just past the post.Di Gregorio dived full stretch to push Gundgan’s effort from the edge of the box around the post.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut as they pushed for an equaliser they were caught on the break as sub Timothy Weah – son of former City player George – broke down the right.His cross made its way to US international team-mate McKennie whose volley had too much on it for Ederson. 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      Inside the Qataris’ ‘Project Ruby’ plan that ‘would have fixed Man Utd in THREE DAYS’ as fans turn on Ratcliffe

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      IT’S taken just 11 months for some Manchester United fans to turn on minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.And doubters in the Old Trafford faithful will no doubt be left even more frustrated when they find out what could’ve been under the Qatari administration, who had plans to revolutionise the club in just THREE DAYS.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has endured a pitiful start to life at Man UtdOther bidder Sheikh Jassim’s concrete plans have been revealedPlans were put in place for a brand new stadiumUnited fans staged a protest against RatcliffeFan pressure and soaring costs saw the majority owning Glazer family announce that they were open to selling United in November 2022.And Qatari billionaire banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, entered the race to buy Britain’s biggest football club. After months of speculation, Sheikh Jassim’s final £4.5billion offer for full control was shunned by the Glazers, in favour of Britain’s richest man Ratcliffe.Ratcliffe’s own £1.2bn offer for a 27.7 per cent stake was accepted, and the 72-year-old, a life long fan, was effectively given the keys, taking control of all operations.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut things haven’t gone to plan, with sporting director Dan Ashworth leaving the club after just five months in his role in the latest of a string of PR disasters.Almost 12 months on, the ‘new’ United lurches from horror show to another under Ratcliffe and his Ineos officers.Ahead of Sunday’s derby at Man City they find themselves in a lowly 13th place in the Premier League.After 15 games they are 16 points behind Liverpool, who spanked them 3-0 at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the Mail have now revealed an inside swoop into what could’ve happened in M16 if the Qatari’s were allowed to buy the club outright.Plans for a United rebirth, fuelled by vast wealth and some of the finest sporting and finance brains on earth, had already been carefully drafted. Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-upThe strategy for ‘Project Ruby’ saw the Qatari’s pledge to announce the takeover on the first day.The removal of ALL of the club’s debt would come on the second day.And United would be taken off the New York Stock Exchange and no longer answerable to far-away stakeholders.By day three, Sheikh Jassim would reveal plans for a brand new state-of-the-art stadium.That’s it, a clean break in three days to change the club’s history and current predicament.As for Old Trafford, there would be no attempt to grab any money from the taxpayer, or confusion over whether this would be a refurbishment or a rebuild. Ratcliffe was reportedly lobbying the government’s “Levelling Up” plan to give the north of England a venue to rival Wembley.And the iconic ground continues to rot away, hampered by an embarrassing leaky roof and dead RATS under seats.Under Sheikh Jassim this would have been a more straightforward process.A supporter posted a picture of a dead rat at Old TraffordA senior adviser to the Qatari group told the Mail: “The b****y thing would have been fully in-motion now.”A stadium for a football club paid for by a football club and nobody else. And as for the staff Ratcliffe is firing – we would have been hiring.”None of the above will be of solace to the United fans – and the large numbers of staff – who had wanted the Sheikh Jassim bid to succeed.Populous, the designers responsible for many of the venues at the 2022 World Cup, had already drawn up plans, which were shared with bidders for United.It can now be disclosed that an ‘adaptable’ stadium was being seriously considered, with a capacity of between 90,000 and 100,000.A banner saying ‘Stop Exploiting Loyalty’ was held up inside and outside Old Trafford last weekAI images have been mocked up to show what Old Trafford could look like under RatcliffeLeading commercial property company JLL, based in Manchester city centre, had already been signed up to work on the project.And there was a separate fund planned for the women’s team, who would’ve had their own training centre in Manchester.Leading commercial property company JLL, based in Manchester city centre, had already been signed up to work on the project.Far from being given the sack, Sir Alex Ferguson was to be cherished and invited onto an advisory board. Others, including Class of ’92 members David Beckham and Gary Neville, were also being lined up to add their input.But the opposite has come true.Ratcliffe’s hated cost-cutting campaign has seen 250 redundancies made and tickets were hiked to £66 for kids and pensioners.He’s even turned into the grinch and replaced the £100 staff Christmas bonus with a £40 M&S voucher in his latest money-saving measure.Fans have already protested outside Old Trafford begging to stop being “exploited”.But it might not be the end of the story.The advisor told the Mail: “Sheikh Jassim is still a rich guy. READ MORE SUN STORIES”He is still a United fan. He is not going to rush off and try another Premier League club.’If the opportunity to buy the whole of Manchester United arose again at some point in the future it is hard to see there not being a big level of interest. The plans are still there.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucher More

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      Former England boss accuses Pep Guardiola of losing trophies by dropping key players to make sure he got the spotlight

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      EX-ENGLAND manager Fabio Capello and former Premier League star Paolo Di Canio have made outrageous remarks on Pep Guardiola and Ederson.The pair were working as pundits on Sky Sport Italia for Manchester City’s trip to Juventus.Pep Guardiola with Ederson have been labelled as ‘arrogant’Credit: PAFabio Capello hit out at the Man City bossCredit: EPAPaolo Di Canio strongly criticised EdersonCredit: SplashCapello and Di Canio both tore into the struggling Cityzens boss before kick-off.Capello said: “Guardiola is a great coach, but he is far too arrogant and presumptuous.“At times, he has even lost trophies because he wanted to prove that he was the one winning and not the players, so he dropped key figures from the side in the big games.“That was, in my view, an attempt to take the spotlight and the credit away from his squad.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPerhaps the 78-year-old was referencing the 2021 Champions League final they lost to Chelsea 1-0.Guardiola surprisingly benched both Rodri and Fernandinho for the game and was accused of “overthinking” by fans for choosing Ilkay Gundogan as a lone holding midfielder.City goalie Ederson, whose blunders helped Feyenoord come back to earn a 3-3 draw at the Etihad a fortnight ago, then came under fire from fellow pundit Di Canio.The West Ham legend said: “Ederson has talent, but he is so arrogant that he makes these mistakes due to sheer over-confidence and trying to show off, like a back-heel flick when under pressure.”Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFamed disciplinarian Capello agreed, stating that the keeper was a “disaster” and that Guardiola should drop him until he learns some humility.Ederson was dropped for Stefan Ortega in City’s last three games, but he was back between the sticks versus Juve tonight.Five Man City disasters that led to Pep Guardiola scratching his OWN face before ‘self-harm’ apologyOnly for the Brazilian to make a howler, pushing the ball into his own net from a Dusan Vlahovic header.Juventus went on to win the game 2-0 as City’s crisis continued. More

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      World Cup 2034 announcement hit by embarrassing technical blunder as Fifa feed cuts out during Saudi celebrations

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      SAUDI ARABIA’S big World Cup moment was blacked out by a technical fault in a stunning Fifa farce.The world body’s 211 member association voted “by acclamation” to hand Morocco, Spain and Portugal the right to host the 2030 tournament, although the first three matches will be played in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.Saudi Arabia’s World Cup moment was blacked out by a technical faultCredit: AFPFifa handed Morocco, Spain and Portugal the right to host the 2030 World CupCredit: EPAFifa then confirmed Saudi Arabia as the 2034 World Cup hostsCredit: EPAFifa’s feed cut out during Saudi celebrationsCredit: ReutersIn an unprecedented joint “vote” at the “virtual Congress” run from Zurich, delegates were displayed on a video wall as they applauded to confirm the 2034 event will take place in the desert Kingdom.But the two-hour Congress was overshadowed  by technical issues from the outset, with a delayed start and problems with the sound on the video link to the Paraguayan capital Asuncion.And when Fifa President Gianni Infantino handed over to the Saudi capital Riyadh for the “great scenes of celebration” the screens on the official Fifa feed went black.Despite the vote result having been pre-ordained and in a statement laced with unintended irony, Infantino had opened proceedings by declaring “the essence of football is its unpredictability”.Read More on FootballBut after Saudi sports minister Abdulaziz bin Turki al Saud had declared “a proud day” for his nation and promised “an extraordinary version of the World Cup”, Infantino then appeared to fire a potential warning shot across the Saudi bows.The Fifa chief said: “The World Cup is a unique catalyst for positive social change and unity.“We are inclusive and non-discriminatory and want to obtain a positive social impact, to bring true and lasting change.“The world will be watching and we are positive that the unique spotlight of a World Cup will be on what can and should improve in terms of social improvement and positive human rights impacts, the responsibilities of hosting the World Cup.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDuring the Congress, delegates were unable to make any comments about either award.But the Norwegian FA did “raise its concerns” that the process “does not fully align with the principles and objectives” of Fifa with specific regard to human rights and social responsibility, while the Swiss FA also wrote a letter questioning the procedure.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup gamesLike the other major associations, the FA applauded in favour of both “technically strong” bids.A Wembley spokesperson added: “The FA Board met the Saudi Arabian Football Federation last month to discuss their bid in more detail.“We asked them to commit to ensuring all fans would be safe and welcome in Saudi Arabia in 2034 – including LGBTQ+ fans.“They assured us that they are fully committed to providing a safe and welcome environment for all fans.“Hosting World Cups can be a catalyst for positive change and we will work with Fifa and Uefa to ensure that commitments to respect all human rights are delivered.” More

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      We’re so Chelsea-mad we’ve flown between two war zones to Chinese border to watch our team – and even eaten horse brains

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      DODGING war zones, braving Arctic conditions… and tucking into horse brains.An away day in the outer reaches of Kazakhstan is like no other.Chelsea face Astana 3,700 miles awayCredit: HaytersBlues fans have made the gruelling trip, eating horse brains and drinking Russian beerCredit: HaytersChelsea face Astana in the Conference League today, with die-hard fans embarking on a gruelling 7,000-mile round trip to a far-flung destination close to the Chinese border.Blues supporters are experienced European travellers and they have watched their side clinch continental success on numerous occasions — not least winning the Champions League in 2012 and 2021.Yet this trip provides an equally unforgettable and unique experience for the 500 going.Three flights are needed to get there as direct journeys from London to the city of Almaty are difficult to come by.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea fans have therefore been forced to get inventive — their 24-hour trip started yesterday with a plane from London to Ankara, Turkey.A seven-hour layover in an eerily quiet terminal until a local time of 2am awaited them before they hopped to board a second flight between two war zones to get to Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital.The route taken goes over the Black and Caspian Seas, using the so-called ‘Middle Corridor’, in order to avoid the Russia-Ukraine conflict in the north and the raging Middle East tensions to the south.That would normally be far enough but Astana’s regular home ground is being renovated and they are instead playing 764 miles away in Almaty’s Central Stadium.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTouching down just 235 miles away from China, the Chelsea faithful can expect to be greeted by bitterly cold temperatures.Weather forecasts say it will drop to -11C at the time of the game.How Chelsea embarrassed Spurs with Enzo Fernandez leading genius in-game tactical shake-upBut it has not put off Londoner George Higgins, who said it was the allure of visiting a new country that attracted him to the trip.His adventure was pushed over the 24-hour mark by a three-hour delay in London before he finally boarded a flight to Kazakhstan via Istanbul and the Uzbekistan capital Tashkent.In a region five hours ahead of UK time, Almaty is a city that finds itself somewhere between gentrification and post-Soviet greyness.Battered Mercedes estate cars of years gone by fill the roads but there are also modern shopping malls full of familiar brands.We said, ‘We have to go to Kazakhstan’. If Chelsea are going, why shouldn’t we?Chelsea fansIn the back alleys there are a surprising number of English-inspired pubs for fans to enjoy once they have shaken off the jet lag.Over a pint of Russian beer, Norwegian Chelsea fans Knut, Lars, Sven and Anders discuss a week that has seen them ditch the usual pre-match pie for a plate of horse brains.On what drew them to this unique away day, they said: “The trip, mate, the trip. We said, ‘We have to go to Kazakhstan’. If Chelsea are going, why shouldn’t we?Temperatures will hit -11 at kick-offCredit: Hayters“I was actually hoping to qualify for the Conference League because of exactly these types of away days.“You get to watch teams you have never heard of — but you still want the excuse of going somewhere you would never normally go.”It was a very nice journey but a long one.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe last time Chelsea were near Asia for a  competitive game of football was when they thrashed Arsenal 4-1 in the 2019 Europa League final in Baku,  Azerbaijan.Enzo Maresca and the travelling Blues fans will be hoping the miles on the clock are worth it come May 28 for the Conference League final in Wroclaw, Poland.Chelsea have had to travel to Almaty as Astana’s ground is being redevelopedCredit: HaytersIt is a 24-hour journey from StanstedCredit: Hayters More

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      Arsenal’s SET-PIECE COACH gets very own mural outside Emirates Stadium as fans say ‘this is just tragic… game’s gone’

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      ARSENAL’S set-piece coach Nicolas Jover now has his very own MURAL outside the Emirates.But fans have torn it to shreds after an artist painted the black and white canvas ahead of Monaco’s Champions League visit on Wednesday.A new mural has been hand painted outside the Emirates StadiumAnd it honours Arsenal’s SET-PIECE coach Nicolas JoverArsenal’s success from dead ball situations over the last 18 months has been nothing short of remarkableThe Gunners are the new ‘kings’ of set-piecesThe new mural, in the Hornsey Road tunnel, right out the Emirates, has ironically been hand painted on the CORNER of the old brick wall.A smiling Jover, 43, sits next to the quarter-circle of a lined corner marking on a pitch, sporting his Arsenal coaching kit.A video shows a man carefully painting the portrait design today as fans walked past.Arsenal’s prowess from set-pieces is often credited to Javer, with former Manchester United and Spurs star Dimitar Berbatov calling the Gunners the ‘new Stoke City’.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd Javer has now been celebrated in the same way as the stars on the pitch.He shares the historic tunnel with Mikel Arteta, Declan Rice, David Raya and William Saliba, who also boast their own artwork.And it’s not hard to see why – ever since Jover joined in 2021, Arsenal have scored more goals from corners than any other Premier League club.The Gunners’ corner tactics have become one of the unlikely talking points of the club’s season and Jover is the man responsible.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArteta’s side netted their Prem-leading eighth dead-ball goal of the season in disappointing 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday.Their total of 48 means they are averaging one goal from every 16.4 corners (six per cent).Exposing the secrets of Arsenal’s CHAOTIC corner routines that can win them the Premier League titleArsenal have now scored 23 GOALS from either corner post since the start of last season – eight more than any another side.German-born French coach Javer is never far from the celebrations whenever the North Londoners convert another set-piece.Old Trafford legend Gary Neville personally branded Jover “the most annoying bloke in football”.Fans, including some Gooners, have wasted no time in mocking the gesture.One wrote: “Utter woke nonsense games gone what happened to the Arsenal I love?”Utter woke nonsense, games gone, what happened to the Arsenal I love?Arsenal fanWhile another said: “Probably one of the most embarrassing things I’ve seen in football, so it checks out that it’s Arsenal that have done it.” Another added: “That is the most arsenal thing I’ve ever seen. This is just tragic 😂😂.A fourth replied: “This is why everyone laughs at Arsenal fans.” A fifth said: “Small club mentality.”One more wrote: “Arsenal fans have the most tin pot fans in England, they’ll never learn!”Club legend David Seaman also revealed that a banner has been holstered at Arsenal’s London Colney training base.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said on the Seaman Says podcast, brought to you by Betway: “There’s a massive slogan on the wall – ‘set pieces win games’.“And they’re showing you that, the amount of prep that goes into that.”How to stop Arsenal at cornersArsenal have turned into a prolific team when it comes to scoring from corners.The Gunners have now scored 22 goals from them since the start of last season – seven more than their nearest rival Manchester City and eight more than Premier League leaders Liverpool.Two of them came against Manchester United – Jurrien Timber and William Saliba netting in the second half to earn Mikel Arteta’s men a vital win as they chase down Arne Slot’s Reds.Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were the architects with their deliveries, and each now have seven set-piece assists since the start of the 2023/24 campaign – more than any other player.United legend Dimitar Berbatov joked Arsenal are the new Stoke City of the top flight – a side under Tony Pulis who terrorised the so-called “bigger clubs” with set-piece mastery.Here are four ways to stop Arteta’s side at corners More