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      Former Bournemouth star Jordan Chiedozie, 30, fighting for life after son of ex-Spurs ace suffers horror car crash

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      A FORMER Bournemouth footballer has been left in a “controlled coma” with “life-changing and potentially life-threatening” injuries after a car crash on Saturday.Jordan Chiedozie, son of ex-Tottenham winger John, is currently on the books at Bashley FC in the Southern League I. Jordan Chiedozie suffered ‘potentially life-threatening’ injuries in a car crash on SaturdayCredit: PA:Press AssociationChiedozie came through the youth ranks at BournemouthCredit: RexChiedozie, 30, was travelling back from the weekend defeat at Tavistock with club physio Reighan Taylor. The car sustained a flat tyre on the M27 and was hit as they investigated the issue by another vehicle.The forward suffered “multiple broken bones and other physical injuries” before being rushed to hospital. The Hampshire club released a statement to share details of the tragic incident after the weekend defeat at Tavistock.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBashley wrote: “Everyone connected with Bashley Football Club is devastated by the news that our player Jordan Chiedozie is currently in hospital with what is described as ‘life-changing, and potentially life-threatening’ injuries, after a serious car crash.”Jordan was travelling back from Saturday’s Southern League match at Tavistock with club physio Reighan Taylor, when they pulled over onto the hard shoulder of the M27 near Southampton, to investigate a flat tyre.”They were both outside the vehicle when it was hit heavily from behind by another car. The driver of that vehicle has been arrested for alleged ‘drink-driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving’.”Jordan was taken to Southampton Hospital suffering multiple broken bones and other physical injuries. At this time he remains in a controlled coma.Most read in Football”Reighan was not hurt physically, but obviously has suffered severe trauma. She was able to use her skills to provide immediate, although in such circumstances, very basic, first aid to Jordan at the scene.”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Jordan and his family, and of course with Reighan, at what is a difficult time for all connected with Bashley FC.Premier League fathers and sons”In view of the seriousness of the situation the club has applied to the Southern League to have Tuesday’s scheduled home match against Thatcham Town, postponed. The Southern League have respectfully agreed with the request.”Bashley shared the update on social media, leading to a wave of supportive messages.Bournemouth shared the sad news and wrote: “Saddened to see this. Everyone from #afcb is sending our best wishes to Jordan, his family and Reighan.”Bashley midfielder Luke Delaney said: “Absolutely heartbreaking. Something which has knocked me and a lot of people for six. “My thoughts and prayers go out to Reighs and Jordan and really hope everyone can get through this nightmare at the moment.”Chesham United wrote: “The whole football family is with you right now.”Fellow clubs Eastleigh, Didcot Town, Margate, Melksham, Wimborne, Bristol Manor Farm and Blackfield & Langley all replied, too.One fan posted: “Truly heartbreaking to read this and my thoughts with everyone at a club that will always mean the world to me.”Our Bashley football family are heartbroken by this news… we are all together in wishing Jordan and Reighan the deepest of love and well wishes.Steve Lewis, Bashley chairmanAnd another typed: “So sad to read this, thoughts and prayers are with Jordan and his family and everyone involved with Bashley at this sad time.”Bashley manager David Lewis added: “Everyone at the club is completely stunned by what happened, and our thoughts at the moment are far more with Jordan and his family, and with Reighan, than they are with football. “Jordan’s team-mates are understandingly in bits and I am certain would not want to play so soon after this terrible accident, and in such circumstances, I would certainly not want to give a team talk. Therefore we have applied for Tuesday’s match to be postponed.“We are in close touch with Jordon’s immediate family, and will do all that we can to support them at this awful time.”Chairman Steve Lewis commented: “Our Bashley football family are heartbroken by this news and still trying to come to terms with the tragic events that occurred after our game on Saturday. “We are all together in wishing Jordan and Reighan the deepest of love and well wishes.”Chiedozie came through at Bournemouth and was with the club when they were in League One and the Championship.He did not play a first-team match for the Cherries and had various loans in non-league before a stint in League Two with Cambridge United.The striker then played in the National League, National League South and Isthmian Leagues.Jordan’s dad John played as a winger for Leyton Orient and Notts County and signed for Tottenham in 1984 for £375,000. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe scored on his debut in a 4-1 win away at Everton but struggled with injuries, eventually leaving for Derby in 1988 with 14 goals from 75 Spurs appearances. The nine-cap Nigeria international finished his career with Bashley in 1992. Chiedozie, pictured with Braintree, has played for a string on non-league clubsCredit: RexHis dad John Chiedozie played for Notts County, Tottenham and NigeriaCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Kiss ruined happiest day of my life, Spain World Cup star Jenni Hermoso tells Luis Rubiales as sex assault trial begins

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      SPAIN’S World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso has told a court that former football chief Luis Rubiales’ forced kiss “stained one of the happiest days of my life.”Hermoso, 34, was the first witness to appear at a court in Madrid as Rubiales’ sexual assault trial began on Monday.Jenni Hermoso is seen testifying on day one of Luis Rubiales’ trial in Madrid, SpainCredit: ReutersThe moment where Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips after their World Cup winCredit: EnterpriseAxed Spanish FA boss Rubiales – seen in court today – could face up to two and a half years in prisonCredit: ReutersHermoso pictured arriving at the court of San Fernando de Henares on Monday morningCredit: AFPRubiales, 47, is accused of sexual assault and coercion over the kiss he planted on Hermoso at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in Sydney, where Spain defeated England.The former Spanish FA boss, who initially refused to resign and dismissed the controversy as a “witch hunt by fake feminism,” faces up to two and a half years in prison if convicted.Rubiales has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, insisting the kiss was a “peck between friends celebrating.”Taking the stand at Madrid’s Audiencia Nacional court, Hermoso described how Rubiales grabbed her head and kissed her without consent.Read more on Luis Rubiales”I didn’t hear or understand anything,” she told the court.”The next thing he did was to grab me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth.”I felt it was totally out of place and I then realised my boss was kissing me, and this shouldn’t happen in any social or work setting.”A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so.”Most read in FootballShe added: “As a woman I felt disrespected. It was a moment that stained one of the happiest days of my life.”Hermoso said the pressure campaign left her fearful for her safety, forcing her to leave Madrid.Luis Rubiales Desperate Move: Controversial Video Sent to FIFA to Prove Innocence“From the first moment I reached Spain I had cameras after me 24 hours, people following me, people taking photos while I was having breakfast with my family. I had to leave Madrid with my family,” she said.“I felt fear at times of being in the street. I received death threats and messages of all types and we had to leave Madrid because the situation was unbearable.”It was a change in my life and I still say my life changed from that minute.”‘A statement I hadn’t written’The court also heard that just hours after the kiss, Rubiales and his aides allegedly pressured Hermoso to declare it was consensual to contain the growing backlash.She was called off the team bus at Sydney’s stadium and shown a statement she was expected to sign.Hermoso recalled breaking down in tears as pressure mounted on her to publicly downplay the incident.The Spanish footballer told the court:  “I skim-read it and said and knew I hadn’t written a word of it.“It was a statement I had supposedly drafted myself and consented to being put out to fan the flames of the fuss that was being created by the kiss.Hermoso and her Spain teammates beat England at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in SydneyCredit: AFPJenni Hermoso said in a press conference that the kiss was unwantedCredit: APThe unwanted kiss has sparked outrage around the worldCredit: RexRubiales resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation in 2023 following criticism over the ‘Kissgate’ scandalCredit: Getty“The statement said Luis Rubiales and I were good friends and the kiss happened in the effusiveness of the moment. I said I didn’t agree to it going out.”On the flight back to Spain, Rubiales allegedly approached Hermoso personally, pleading with her to back him publicly.“He told me, ‘Please, my two daughters are in the back of the plane crying,’” she said, adding that she refused.Ex-national team coach Jorge Vilda — one of Rubiales’ co-defendants — then allegedly approached Hermoso’s brother, warning him that her football career could suffer if she did not comply.“I felt totally unprotected in what should have been a safe place for me,” Hermoso said. “No one asked me if I needed anything. The only thing Rubiales and his aides did was try to protect their reputation.”Spain’s #MeToo momentThe scandal overshadowed Spain’s first-ever Women’s World Cup triumph and became a tipping point for sexism in Spanish sport.The hashtag #SeAcabó (It’s Over) flooded social media, with Hermoso and 80 other players going on strike until federation leadership changed. FIFA suspended Rubiales, who eventually resigned in September 2023.The incident also sparked national soul-searching over sexual misconduct in Spain. The country had only recently toughened its sexual assault laws following the notorious ‘La Manada’ (Wolf Pack) gang rape case in 2016.Protests have erupted in Spain over the allegationsCredit: Rex“Rubiales out of play” has been displayed at many protestsCredit: Rex’A peck between friends’Rubiales continues to deny wrongdoing, insisting the kiss was a “peck between friends” and his downfall was driven by “fake feminism”.His daughters, two of whom were on the team’s flight home, will testify in his defense next Monday.Former coach Jorge Vilda, ex-federation sporting director Albert Luque, and marketing director Rubén Rivera also face coercion charges and potential 18-month sentences.The trial is set to run until February 19, with high-profile witnesses, including Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, expected to testify.Rubiales, if convicted, could receive a suspended sentence as first-time offenders in Spain rarely serve time for prison terms under two years. READ MORE SUN STORIESProsecutors are also seeking €100,000 (£83,000) in damages for Hermoso.A verdict is expected by the end of the month at the earliest.Rubiales has constantly denied any wrongdoingCredit: Talk TV More

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      ‘It’s crazy’ – Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend’s ex responds to rumours she cheated on him with Real Madrid ace

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM’S girlfriend Ashlyn Castro has been defended by her NBA star ex amid cheating allegations.Earlier this month it emerged that the Real Madrid superstar, 21, has been seeing American influencer Ashlyn, 21.Ashlyn Castro is dating Real Madrid star Jude BellinghamCredit: InstagramAshlyn is an American social media influencerCredit: InstagramBellingham, 21, has had Ashlyn attend a matchCredit: RexThe smitten pair have been spotted going on dates in the Spanish capital, while Ashlyn is said to have watched a Real Madrid game alongside Bellingham’s parents.Ashlyn has previously been linked with actor Michael B. Jordan and NBA All-Star LaMelo Ball.Prior to Bellingham, she dated Los Angeles Clippers star Terance Mann.Instagram gossip page Game, Set and Match claim that Ashlyn has faced unfounded accusations of seeing Bellingham before her relationship with Mann had ended.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Clippers star himself has now shot down these claims, leaping to his ex’s defence.Mann, 28, said on TikTok Live: “Ashlyn is cool, people. I don’t know why everybody is on her head about anything. She’s cool. Me and Ash are cool.”We haven’t been together for a long, long time. She’s doing her thing. Let her do her thing. 90 per cent of the stuff I see on the internet about Ash is false. It’s crazy.”Let her live, let her do her thing, let her be herself. When I met Ash, she had her own stuff, had her own money, her own wave.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYTerance Mann has defended his ex-girlfriendCredit: Getty”We met through a friend. There wasn’t no… she wasn’t out here trying to see who I was or do any of that.”Y’all just on her back, on her body about nothing. Y’all mad that she what? Like c’mon.Jude Bellingham caught ‘humbling’ LaLiga rival who threatened to knock Real Madrid team-mate out ‘in 10 seconds'”She ain’t do nothing, she’s cool. She ain’t no gold digger.”Y’all just doing too damn much. No, she did not cheat. We haven’t been together in… I don’t know how long. So calm that narrative down.”You could let that go. And that’s that on that!”Ashlyn has more than 230,000 Instagram followers and 50,000 on TikTok.Bellingham, meanwhile, was previously linked with Dutch model Laura Celia Valk.However, she confirmed that she is single during a recent Q&A.Ashlyn has more than 230,000 Instagram followersCredit: instagramShe also has a big TikTok followingCredit: InstagramAshlyn has only recently started dating BellinghamCredit: instagram More

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      Newcastle line up transfer for Justin Kluivert if they lose Alexander Isak but face competition from Arsenal

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      NEWCASTLE are lining up a move for Bournemouth star Justin Kluivert – in case they lose Alexander Isak in the summer.SunSport understands the Geordie giants have watched the Cherries winger’s last five games closely.Newcastle are interested in Bournemouth star Justin KluivertCredit: GettyThe Toon will need reinforcements if big target Alexander Isak moves onCredit: GettyArsenal have reportedly also been monitoring Kluivert, who has lit up the Premier League with 11 goals this season. But Newcastle have been actively tracking the Dutchman and a move would see him follow in the footsteps of dad, Patrick.Eddie Howe knows he faces a massive fight to keep hold of Isak, who is wanted by Arsenal and Barcelona.The Swedish-striker, who has notched 17 goals already this season, is likely to stay at Newcastle if they can secure Champions League football.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOtherwise he could be set for a massive mega-money move in the summer, with his current deal expiring in 2028.Newcastle fans are likely to welcome Kluviert with open arms – despite the fact that he scored a hat-trick at St James’ Park last month.His dad netted 13 times in his one season with the Toon, including the winners in the 5th and 6th rounds of the FA Cup against Chelsea and Tottenham. So good was his header versus the former, it was used in the movie Goal! the following year.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn a recent interview Patrick, who has four sons, admitted that the Bournemouth star could go on to be the best Kluivert ever.Kluviert Snr said: “He is the most dedicated. For a father, and also my father, it is so beautiful to see. I didn’t push them, either. Arsenal fans will have watched Carabao Cup disaster and wished Alexander Isak was playing for them – he’s unbelievable“They fell into it. It’s not easy, because they have “Kluivert” on the back. It gives an extra dimension, an expectation.”Kluviert Jr has been a massive part of Bournemouth’s incredible season, as they push for European qualification for the first time in their history.The 25-year-old is the club’s top goalscorer this term while the club, who sit seventh after defeat to Liverpool on Saturday, are dealing with a serious injury crisis to nine players.He has his eyes firmly set on getting into the Netherlands squad for the upcoming international break in March.The forward told Buzz Bournemouth: “That’s big for me. To play for your country is the biggest honour as an athlete and that is my goal, to really get in the squad.”I think we have shown this season what we are as a club and as a team. Especially in the Newcastle game.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I feel like I really took my chances for sure, but I would love for the guys who are not fit to get back into the squad because we will really need them.”Kluviert was manager Andoni Iraola’s first transfer and cost £9.5million from Roma in 2023. More

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      Man Utd academy kid, 14, sends Marcus Rashford sweet message praising classy gesture days before Aston Villa move

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      A 14-YEAR-OLD Manchester United academy star sent Marcus Rashford a sweet message after the forward joined Aston Villa on loan.JJ Gabriel is part of the youth set-up at United – where Rashford also progressed through the ranks.Marcus Rashford signed for Aston Villa on loan until the end of the seasonCredit: GettyJJ Gabriel praised Rashford for his classy gesture at the training groundAnd he revealed a classy gesture from the £325,000-a-week forward just days before he sealed his exit to Villa Park.Commenting on the post confirming Rashford’s switch, teenage sensation Gabriel dubbed ‘Kid Messi’ replied: “All the best thanks for taking pens with me [the] other day.”The youngster, who signed for United alongside Cristiano Ronaldo Jr in 2022, finished off the comment with a clapping hands emoji.Plenty of fans picked up on the remark and praised Rashford for his behaviour.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne said: “That’s actually quite wholesome.”Another wrote: “They all really looked up to him.”And a third added: “Very wholesome. I wish nothing but Marcus the best at Aston Villa.”Wayne Rooney revealed he saw Rashford training alone when he went to Carrington to watch his son Kai in action for the United youngsters.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd the club legend was left with second-hand embarrassment as Rashford worked out in close proximity to the juniors’ pitches.Rooney told the Stick to Football podcast: “I went into Carrington on Sunday to take my kids to game day and Marcus Rashford was out on the training pitch with the fitness coach.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmer”But he was right over towards where the parents were walking past for the kids’ games.”I looked at him thinking how embarrassing it must be for him as parents walked past. He’s there and all the parents are walking past him.”After his public fall-out with Ruben Amorim in which he was exiled from the squad and told he would never play for United again, Rashford eventually completed his departure to Villa Park on Sunday night. Villa agreed to cover 75 per cent of Rashford’s mammoth wages – a stumbling block for other interested clubs – and have an option to make the transfer permanent for £40million at the end of the season. Upon arriving at his new club, the forward said: “I would like to thank Manchester United and Aston Villa for making this loan deal happen.”I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me but Aston Villa was an easy decision.”I really admire the way that Aston Villa have been playing this season, and the managers’ ambitions.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I just want to play football and am excited to get started.”I wish everyone at Manchester United all the best for the rest of the season.”Rashford was training alone at times before his departure to Villa ParkCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Sex-mad’ Brazil icon Romario, 59, ‘dating stunning student 30 years his junior’

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      SELF-CONFESSED sex addict Romario has begun dating a woman three decades younger than him.The football icon-turned politician won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994 and starred for the likes of Barcelona.Romario is dating a student supposedly three decades younger than himThe Brazilian striker won the World Cup in 1994Credit: Getty Images – GettyBut away from the pitch and political office, Romario, 59, is said to be getting serious with student Alicya Gomes.Brazilian media say she is 30 years younger than the former striker at just 29 years old.The pair reportedly met during last year’s municipal elections in Brazil.They were first snapped together on a night out at Rock in Rio last October, when Romario took Alicya to watch Mariah Carey.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were also spotted enjoying more time together at his birthday bash two days later – where she was one of the 800 guests.Alicya recently made her Instagram private and she has 5,000 followers.It has fuelled speculation that the couple want to keep their relationship out of the public eye following the attention Romario’s previous flings with far younger women generated.The legend was linked to a 34-year-old brunette called Maria Geusiane Santos in March last year, who he was said to have met during a night out in Rio de Janeiro around the time he turned 58.Most read in FootballRomario used to go out with Maria Geusiane SantosHe also previously had a fling with influencer MarcelleThey were photographed together on Rio’s picture-postcard Barra Beach, with the events promoter showing off her curves in a bikini.Before getting close to Maria, Romario enjoyed a seven-month love affair with Marcelle Ceolin, an influencer 25 years his junior, who he introduced to some of his six children from his previous relationships.Brazil legend Romario whisks stunning girlfriend Marcelle Ceolin off on romantic holidayRomario’s six kids include a son born from an extra-matrimonial affair with an actress while he was still with his second wife Daniele Favato.He was branded “sex-mad” after revealing in May 2018 that he had recommended “lots of sex” to Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus ahead of that year’s World Cup.In January 2022 he claimed sex was always “f*****g good” for him and he would sleep with his wife right before matches.Writing for the Players’ Tribune he said: “Sometimes on match day I would stay at home, away from the rest of the team. If I’d wake up horny, I’d have sex with my wife and then go to the game.“On the pitch, it made me feel calmer and lighter.”Romario whisked Marcelle off to the Atlantic Ocean paradise of Fernando de Noronha 220 miles off Brazil’s north-east coast weeks after they started dating.She let her new man film her as a giant wave washed over her in a salt-water pool by a glorious white sand beach.The influencer went on to admit her “soul was happy” as they lapped up the archipelago’s fantastic views.READ MORE SUN STORIESBrazilian outlet Extra reported in August 2022 she had moved out of Romario’s home on the outskirts of Rio and had headed back to her native city of Bage in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul.The retired footballer started a political career in 2010 when he was elected as an MP for the Brazilian Socialist Party, going on to become a senator four years ago. More

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      What Arsenal’s win over Man City means for title race as Premier League supercomputer predicts final table

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      ARSENAL’S vengeful demolition of Manchester City might not mean much for the Premier League title race come May.That is according to the latest supercomputer predictions.Arsenal battered Manchester City 5-1 at the Emirates on SundayCredit: GettyThe Gunners moved six points behind Prem leaders LiverpoolCredit: AFPGabriel screamed into Haaland’s face at 1-0Credit: RexThe Gunners put in a superb performance over hapless City as they ran out 5-1 winners in a spiky showdown at the Emirates on Sunday.Erling Haaland cancelled out Martin Odegaard’s opener before Thomas Partey hit and teenagers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri scored either side of Kai Havertz. But the goals told half the story as Gabriel screamed into Haaland’s face at 1-0 and Lewis-Skelly brutally mimicked the Norwegian’s meditation celebration.Haaland bit back by showing the home fans his golden Prem badge on his City shirt, before dad Alfie trolled Arsenal on X.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe win has Arsenal fans dreaming of a title push as they moved within six points of Prem leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand against Merseyside rivals Everton pending.But the CasinoHawks’ number-crunching machine thinks Arne Slot’s side will run away with the Premier League.The AI calculator believes Liverpool win finish a huge NINE points above Mikel Arteta’s chasing men in a boring two-horse race.It is predicted that Liverpool will win 29, draw six and lose just three to finish on 93 points – six shy of Jurgen Klopp’s title winning 2019-2020 season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Arsenal are forecast to lose two more games and finish second for the third consecutive year.And the AI boffins have Nottingham Forest finishing third to record their best-ever Prem finish on 74 points, 10 behind Arsenal. Mikel Arteta enjoyed every minute of Arsenal’s thrashing of Man City It comes after Forest smashed Brighton 7-0 on Saturday, as Chris Wood’s goal tally hit 17 after bagging a hat-trick.Meanwhile, seven-time champs City, who are suffering by their standards, are set to finish inside the top-four and qualify for the Champions League next season. That would be Pep Guardiola’s lowest-ever finish in the English top-flight since he took over the reigns at the Etihad nine years ago.But rivals Manchester United have it far worse after losing 2-0 to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday.The miserable Red Devils are predicted to finish 12th after equalling a humiliating 132-year home record.That would be the lowest the iconic club have EVER finished in the league since its inception in 1992.Meanwhile, Bournemouth and Newcastle are set to beat Chelsea for Europa League qualification, as the Blues might be forced to play Conference League football for consecutive seasons.Fulham (61) take eighth with Aston Villa (61) ninth, both ahead of Brentford (50) and Brighton (48).While Tottenham, who finished fifth last year before being decimated by injuries this term, could finish a lowly SIXTEENTH, and one point behind Everton.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut it spells good news for Leicester fans as Wolves, Ipswich and Southampton are predicted to be relegated.The Saints are set to finish on 18 points and overtake Derby’s embarrassing, record-low tally of 11 points from the 2007-08 season.The AI computer has Tottenham finishing 16thCredit: PAArsenal player ratings vs Man CityARSENAL stunned Man City 5-1 at the Emirates on Sunday evening.It was an incredible result against their rivals of recent years.Here, we take a look at how the Gunners rated…David Raya – 7/10Had very little to do in the first half but made a brilliant save in the 22nd minute to deny a goalbound header from Josko Gvardiol. Made another stunning save two minutes from the half-time interval, stopping a deflected Savinho shot from close range. Powerless to stop Erling Haaland’s 55th-minute header from briefly levelling the scores.Jurrien Timber – 6Didn’t offer his usual attacking threat going forward but was solid defensively. Picked up a pointless yellow breaking up a harmless counter-attack in the 24th minute. Almost scored late in the second half.William Saliba – 5Didn’t have much to do in the first half but won all his aerial battles in the first 45 minutes. Marshalled the defence well early in the second period but was embarrassingly outjumped and outmuscled by Haaland for City’s equaliser – a major flaw of his that continues to be exposed.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Like his defensive partner, he was seldom called into action in the first half. Dominant in the air in his battles with Haaland, who he trolled after Odegaard’s goal.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Continues to endear himself to the Emirates faithful with composure and tenacity beyond his years as he brilliantly floated between left back and midfield. Put real daylight between the two sides with a thumping finish just after the hour mark. This young lad is a real bright prospect for both the Gunners and England.His trolling of Haaland by copying the Norwegian’s ‘Lotus’ celebration went down a storm with fans.Thomas Partey – 7Steady in the heart of midfield and broke up play well when required. Fired the Gunners back into the lead in the 57th minute with a deflected shot from outside the box.Martin Odegaard – 7Was in the right place at the right time to benefit from the aftermath of an uncharacteristic Manuel Akanji error and break the deadlock. Was at the heart of everything good the north Londoners did going forward.Declan Rice – 6Combative, as always, in the middle of the park and played a role in the home side taking the lead, teeing up Havertz who squared the ball to Odegaard.Leandro Trossard – 6Was particularly lively on the left in the first half, giving Matheus Nunes a real run for his money. His end product, however, wasn’t the best.Gabriel Martinelli – 6Lively on the right wing in the early goings. Found the back of the net in the fifth minute after some beautiful play from Odegaard but was needlessly offside. Forced a good save out of Ortega with a rasping effort in the 68th minute.Kai Havertz – 6Lively early doors, testing Stefan Ortega with a tame shot in the first minute. Teed up Odegaard for a tap in a few moments later. Missed a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 25th minute, dragging the ball wide with the goal at his absolute mercy. Made amends for his howler by finishing an even harder chance in the 76th minute. He well and truly needed that as he looked absolutely devoid of confidence.SUBSEthan Nwaneri – 83 (on for Trossard) – 7Put the cherry on top of the cake with an outrageous effort in second-half stoppage time.Mikel Merino – 83 (on for Odegaard) – 5Raheem Sterling – 89 (on for Kai Havertz ) – N/ARiccardo Calafiori 89 (on for Lewis-Skelly) – N/ARead more on all the latest Arsenal news. More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe has Man Utd fans seething with unpopular decisions but they’ll thank him if he finally clears deadwood

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      IT’S fair to say Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s relationship with the fans has crashed and burned during his first year at Manchester United.But while the away end hurled C-bombs in his direction during United’s scrappy 1-0 win at Fulham last Sunday, there’s one thing Britain’s richest man can do to get them back on board.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has faced the wrath of United fansUnited fans have staged protests against the rise in ticket pricesThe Red Devils seem even more of shambles on and off the pitch compared to when the Glazers were running the show alone pre-February 2024.Fans are protesting the decision to scrap concessions and hike prices to a minimum of £66 per ticket for members.Resentment grows each month and often coincides with Ratcliffe being compared to football’s version of Scrooge after announcing a brand new cost-cutting measure.Things haven’t gone to plan, with United’s shock warning letter to The 1958 fan group over Profit and Sustainability Rules concerns the latest in a string of PR own goals.READ MORE MAN UTDTwelve months into Ratcliffe’s initial 27.7 per cent minority takeover, the “new” United lurches from one horror show to another under his Ineos officers, who sacked sporting director Dan Ashworth just five months after fighting Newcastle to get him.But manager Ruben Amorim’s right – fans must weather the storm and expect more heartbreak – including ANOTHER defeat at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday.Staff redundancies, replacing cash bonuses with M&S Christmas vouchers, cutting donations to player charities and a record low of 13th in the Prem have left many seething.But the United faithful could soon be thanking Ratcliffe if he just clears the deadwood in the dressing room.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt’s harsh to consider Marcus Rashford “deadwood” but the academy graduate’s relationship with his boyhood club has disintegrated.The 27-year-old has joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season and said it was an “easy decision”.Alejandro Garnacho gets into training with Man Utd first team Away fans hurled X-rated abuse at Ratcliffe at Craven Cottage on SundayAnd Unai Emery will have the option to BUY the England winger for around £40m in the summer.The move helps cut United’s crazy wage bill with Villa reportedly paying the majority of Rashford’s salary, which is worth a whopping £325,000-a-week.Any income from a sale of the academy graduate would also represent pure profit on United’s books with regard to FFP and PSR rulings.However brutal, Sir Jim would argue his cuts are necessary as irresponsible spending over the last decade has left the club’s finances in a dire state.United have been living a Champions League lifestyle on a Europa League income.Aston Villa unveiled Marcus Rashford late on Sunday nightFormer gaffer Erik ten Hag was, at an alarming rate, allowed to sign ex-Ajax players at will, for inflated fees, on extortionate salaries.But Ratcliffe won’t be sucked into panic buys like the £200m splashed on transfers in the summer of 2022 by the Glazers under Ten Hag.Amorim appears to back him up and warned fans that United wouldn’t repeat the “mistakes” of the past during this winter window.Those days are gone. In fact, Ineos admitted they need FIVE windows to allow the club to compete when they arrived a year ago.Before Ratcliffe arrived, Casemiro and Antony were brought in for a combined £152m after United were battered 4-0 by Brentford in Ten Hag’s first month in charge.The pair were costing around £575,000-per-week largely to keep the bench warm this season.However, Antony has joined Real Betis on loan and United have reportedly got the LaLiga side to pay 84 per cent of his £200,000 wages.Better still, if the flop winger performs well over the next six months, like he did last night, a permanent move elsewhere could be on the cards.Flop Antony has joined Real Betis on a six month loan this weekCredit: GettyNext up is United’s highest earner Casemiro. The 32-year-old could leave Old Trafford before Monday’s transfer deadline, with Roma said to be interested.The former Real Madrid man, who could also be lured to the riches of Saudi Arabia or back to his native Brazil, has failed to replicate the form he showed in his first season and has played 18 minutes in 2025.Sky Italy claim Roma would like a six-month loan deal, which would see the Brazilian return to Manchester with one year left on his contract.A permanent exit would get his ridiculous £375,000 weekly wages off the books. If that fails in this window, he could be out in the next.Casemiro has failed to replicate the form he showed in his first seasonRashford’s permanent exit would mean Alejandro Garnacho, 20, who is one of the few shining lights in the Old Trafford abyss for the majority of fans, can stay amid United’s worries about PSR.And transfer chiefs should do all they can to ensure that Garnacho doesn’t join a direct rival in Chelsea, who are ready to go right to Monday’s transfer deadline to grab the Argentine.While Ratcliffe clears the dead-weight, like Arsenal did when Mikel Arteta arrived in 2019, his transfer moves are a lot more thoughtful now.United unveiled Lecce wing-back Patrick Dorgu, 20, and Arsenal whizkid Ayden Heaven, 18, before their 2-0 loss to Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday. Dorgu’s arrival frees up out-of-favour Tyrell Malacia to leave the club on loan, with several European suitors interested.United have signed left-back Patrick DorguInjury-prone Luke Shaw returned to training last week, with his deal ending in 2027, but Ratcliffe must surely know the long-term future has to be planned without the hugely-talented England star.Meanwhile, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and keeper Tom Heaton will not have their contracts renewed in the summer.That will save a further £390,000-per-week, with Eriksen and Lindelof taking home £120,000 a week each.If all goes well, that’s almost half the squad out of the door in the next six months.It’s all the start of the long process that will see many more quite possibly leave, with Ineos claiming that everybody is up for sale to fund Amorim’s dream team. Silver lining signingsRatcliffe promised to buy young and NOT overspend – but fans think he might have got a few wrong, such as £36.5m signing Joshua Zirkzee.However, Zirkzee is performing better than Rasmus Hojlund, who the Glazers paid Atalanta £72m for in the summer of 2023.Ineos cleverly negotiated a combined deal worth £58.8m with Bayern for Noussair Mazraoui and Mathijis De Ligt, who both regularly start.Mazraoui, 27, has started 22 out of 24 Prem games this season and Bayern fans wanted to keep 25-year-old De Ligt.Meanwhile, United were shrewd enough to sign Arsenal’s rising bagsman Chido Obi-Martin as a 16-year-old during Ratcliffe’s first window.And in keeping with Ratcliffe’s under-25 strategy, the club spent £1million on bringing in 17-year-old Sekou Kone from Mali in August.With a return to Italy always an option for Zirkzee, the Red Devils have emerged as favourites to sign Amorim’s former striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon.Other youngsters Harry Amass, Amir Ibragimov, Sam Mather, Ethan Ennis, Ruben Curley, and Habeeb Ogunneye have also been training with the first-team.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo a proper clear-out is Ratcliffe’s best bet.Who knows, there’s even a small chance the fans might be singing his name in a brand new Old Trafford one day if he sticks around long enough. 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