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      in Soccer

      Ipswich 0 Crystal Palace 1: Mateta the match-winner as Eagles soar clear of Prem new-boys in basement battle

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      JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA delivered a finish to warm Crystal Palace hearts on a bitterly cold night.The French striker’s clipped goal, teed up by Eberechi Eze, secured a crucial second win of the season at Portman Road.Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the winner at IpswichCredit: PAIt is Palace’s first victory in over a month, lifting the Eagles three points clear of danger ahead of a horror run.Oliver Glasner was not in the last chance saloon when it came to his job but with Manchester City, Brighton and Arsenal up before Christmas the Austrian will have known a result was desperately needed.At the end of last season Glasner would have looked at a run like this and licked his lips, ready to defy some doubters and bloody the noses of rivals and big clubs.But this side are still such a long way from the one which ended the last campaign with six wins from seven games.READ MORE IN footballMateta’s return to the scoresheet with his fine finish after five games without a goal is welcome.But the Eagles still lack real pace and danger in the final third.Eberechi Eze always offers something and was creative again at Portman Road, while summer signing Ismaila Sarr has flashes of inspiration. But it is not enough.It seems unlikely that this result will spark a run away from the relegation scrap just yet, but when the competition is so poor each point is even more precious.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIpswich, then, will sense somewhat of a missed chance and must continue their wait for a first Premier League home win for 22 years.Kieran McKenna’s side are full of pace and endeavour but lack composure when it matters most.It took over half an hour for the first shot on target of a drab opening 45 minutes to materialise.Both sides had threatened good football but neither had managed it – a sign of why both are in trouble – until Mateta fed Eze on the break.The England man broke through one-on-one but his tame finish was straight at keeper Arijanet Muric.Dean Henderson had been having an equally quiet evening at the other end, until the final moments of the first half when Harry Clarke met a corner at the near post which found the keeper’s midriff.Glasner hooked Cheick Doucoure, a red card in waiting, for Jefferson Lerma at the break and Palace looked improved after the restart – soon nudging ahead.Ipswich had not had much to deal with in the first half but struggled when the Eagles finally posed a threat.Eze found space inside the Town half and was allowed plenty of time to roll a ball through to Mateta.The Frenchman easily shrugged off a tumbling Jacob Greaves and dinked a fine left-footed finish over Muric.READ MORE SUN STORIESMateta should have had a second minutes later when, again fed by Eze, he saw a low shot denied by the Ipswich keeper.McKenna made a trio of changes to try and liven things up and one of those, Nathan Broadhead, came close to turning a Greaves header in at the far post but the ball hit the post and ricocheted behind off him.Mateta’s opener was enough to separate the sidesCredit: ReutersIt gave Palace breathing space above the Prem dropCredit: PA More

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson’s ex-coach opens up on boxing’s legend’s bizarre ‘biting fixation’ after chewing on glove in Jake Paul fight

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      MIKE TYSON’S ex-coach has opened up on the boxing legend’s bizarre “biting fixation” which was on show against Jake Paul. Tyson infamously sunk his teeth into Evander Holyfield’s ear in their 1997 rematch and got himself disqualified. Mike Tyson bites his glove against Jake PaulCredit: XAnd sensationally over 27 years later and Tyson was up to his old tricks – this time with some restraint.Throughout his controversial comeback bout against YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul – Tyson was seen chewing on his glove. And his old amateur trainer Teddy Atlas revealed it has been something the heavyweight great has always done. Atlas said on his YouTube channel: “That’s something he did in his amateur days, pro days, and now, of course, he’s done it again. READ MORE IN BOXING”For people that follow Mike Tyson and his career, they’ve seen it before. “People were saying, ‘Tyson’s smart, he’s witty. He knows what to say and the importance of having that image’.”It’s more like a pacifier. Look, everyone gets nervous, even Mike Tyson. Everyone gets doubtful, even Mike Tyson. “Everyone gets scared, even Mike Tyson… You bite down on something. Why? To suppress those feelings. To suppress the doubts.Most read in BoxingJake Paul vs Mike Tyson round-by-roundMIKE TYSON’s long-awaited return to the ring didn’t have the fairytale ending fight fans dreamed of.SunSport’s boxing expert Wally Downes Jr recaps one of the drabbest and most forgettable nights in boxing history.And he didn’t hold back, issuing a scathing assessment of social media sensation Jake Paul.Round OnePaul says “I love you, Mike” just before the opening bell sounds. He quickly runs away and holds the boxing legend.Tyson draws a big reaction from the crowd as he lands a jab and a good right hand.Verdict: 10-9 TysonRound TwoPaul ran away in the opener and held – just like we thought he would.Tommy Fury had it first and now Mike Tyson. It’s clever because Tyson will tire. Paul tags Tyson’s body with a straight right.Tyson looks spent now. 180 seconds in and the fight looks over.Verdict: 10-9 TysonRound ThreeThe legend cannot even keep his gumshield in. As expected it’s a waste of time. Paul has run away until the 58-year-old has tired.Shooting ducks in a barrel now. Tyson might get hurt here. Paul lands a couple of clumsy shots and Tyson wobbles backwards.Tragic after three.Verdict: 10-9 PaulRound FourThis is proper rubbish. The crowd are bored and boos are being heard.This is just two tired big lumps going at it.  One a legend, one a promoter.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound FivePaul jabs the body and aims right for the head and another one-two clips the icon.Tyson cannot keep his mouthpiece in, he is gasping for air. Paul lands a left hook but then so does Tyson.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound SixThank God these weren’t three-minute rounds. We are getting about four punches per round.Tyson is gasping in the air but replays show a left hook did graze Paul’s beard.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound SevenTyson slips a jab and tries an uppercut. The commentator admits it has been a “sad” spectacle.The AT&T stadium has been utterly stunk out. Paul is looking just as tired as Tyson.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound EightGo back to YouTube, Jake. You’re an excellent conman. But you’ve never been a boxer.The Judges decide: 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73. I’m glad Tyson gets paid and has stayed safe.But what a laughable performance from Paul to add to his stinker with Tommy Fury.Verdict 10-9 PaulSunSport’s final scorecard – 78-74 for Jake PaulClick to read the full round-by-round breakdown.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”To suppress the nervousness, the uneasiness, the insecurity… that’s what it is.”Tyson, 58, returned after almost 20 YEARS away from professional boxing to face Paul, 27. Jake Paul teases major career change from boxing to follow in footsteps of brother Logan despite beating Mike Tyson The fight was slammed amid the age gap but still over 100MILLION tuned in on Netflix while 72,000 were in attendance in Texas. And Tyson addressed his constant chewing of his glove in the immediate aftermath of losing the eight-round bout on points. He said: “I have a habit of biting my gloves when I fight. I have a biting fixation.”Jake Paul and Mike Tyson embrace after their fightCredit: AP More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League clubs circling for European star who ripped Man City to shreds during stunning Champions League comeback

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      FEYENOORD striker Anis Hadj Moussa is emerging as a January target for Prem clubs.Algeria international Moussa, 22, is in his first season in Rotterdam after a £3million move from Belgian second-tier side Patro Eisden.Leicester and Tottenham are eyeing Feyenoord star Anis Hadj Moussa, who impressed Liverpool boss Arne SlotCredit: GettyMoussa stood out during Feyenoord’s stunning comeback against Manchester CityCredit: PAParis-born Moussa, a left-footed right winger, was outstanding as the Dutch side came back from three down to extend Manchester City’s winter misery in last week’s Champions League draw.Feyenoord sporting director Dennis te Kloese went up to the wideman in the Etihad tunnel at the end of the match and joked: “You’re no longer part of our team. Go to City’s dressing room, I’ve sold you to them.”And now Moussa is attracting interest from a host of Prem clubs seeking a January upgrade when the transfer window opens – with Feyenoord ready to sell if they receive offers in the region of £10m. Liverpool boss Arne Slot sanctioned his signing by Feyenoord before he left the club to move to Anfield while Leicester and Tottenham are among other clubs who are tracking him.Read More on FootballMoussa’s agents Mohammed Dahmane and Hamzah Sadiek have flown to the UK to drum up interest in the hope of securing a deal in the next few weeks.City led 3-0 against Feyenoord by the 53rd minute last week at the Etihad with a brace by Erling Haaland and a goal by Ilkay Gundogan.However, Moussa hit back in the 74th minute before Santiago Gimenez made it 3-2 and David Hancko equalised one minute before full-time.City boss Pep Guardiola was absolutely devastated after the match as he appeared for his post-match interview with red scratches on his forehead.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat poor result extended the reigning Premier League champions’ winless streak to six, which became seven after Sunday’s loss at Liverpool.Moussa counts a total of four goals in 14 appearances with Feyenoord this season.Five Man City disasters that led to Pep Guardiola scratching his OWN face before ‘self-harm’ apologyThe forward also has two goals in four Champions League appearances. More

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      in Soccer

      West Ham players SLAMMED for defending as if Jamie Vardy was offside only for VAR to declare Leicester goal onside

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      JAMIE VARDY profited from slow-reacting West Ham defenders to give Leicester the lead in a 3-1 win at the King Power.The Foxes legend raced through on goal to open the scoring after just 98 seconds but was initially flagged for offside.Jamie Vardy opened the scoring against West HamCredit: GettyVardy was adjudged to be onside after a VAR reviewWest Ham players protested for offsideMavrapanos could be seen looking on in vain for an offside flagBilal El Khannouss played Vardy through and the ex-England striker slotted home past Lukasz Fabianski before the flag was raised.But upon review by VAR, centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos was shown to be playing Vardy onside.The centre-back, along with Maximilian Kilman and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were guilty of praying for offside to be called. All three laboured in their attempts to stop Vardy and Mavropanos in particular looked to be spending more time looking for a flag rather than trying to stop the 37-year-old striker from scoring – much to the anger of fans online.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne said: “The central defence is a big concern, Kilman and Mavropanos look too slow.”Another fumed: “Killman and Mavropanos have no answer to 37-year old Vardy. Embarrassing.”One raged: “What is Mavropanos doing, he was counting on VAR there and they didn’t save him.”Another said: “Bad mistake by Mavropanos. Should have held the line but he dropped back. Really poor.”Most read in FootballIt set the tone for another awful display from West Ham that left Julian Lopetegui fighting for his job.Leicester won the match 3-1. More

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      in Soccer

      Huge Mo Salah transfer update as president of European giants linked with Liverpool star breaks silence

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      LIVERPOOL superstar Mohamed Salah has been linked with a blockbuster move to a Champions League rival.And the president of the European giants has now spoken out about the deal.Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-GermainCredit: RexPSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi insists there is no interest for Liverpool star SalahCredit: GettySalah, 32, has been on fire this season with 13 goals and 11 assists in 20 appearances with the Reds, whom he has led to the top of the Premier League table.However, the winger’s contract runs out in June and there has been no progress regarding a new deal for the Egypt international who counts a staggering total of 224 goals and 100 assists in 369 games.That has led to links with clubs from Saudi Arabia, with Al-Ittihad reportedly bidding a whopping £150million for Salah last year.Paris Saint-Germain have also been touted as a potential destination for the Liverpool talisman.Read More on FootballPSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has a close relationship with the ex-Roma star.However, Al-Khelaifi poured cold water on the transfer speculation linking Salah with a move to Parc des Princes.The businessman insists the rumours are “simply false” and the French champions “never thought about him”.Al-Khelaifi told Sky Sports: “It’s not true. He’s a fantastic and extraordinary player, but we never thought about him, to be honest.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We know that all the clubs would like to have him, but this rumour about us is simply false.”Salah has dropped repeated hints that he may leave Liverpool by the summer.Mo Salah admits he’s ‘more OUT than in’ as he piles pressure on Liverpool to offer him a new contractThe forward stated last month that there has been no offer from the Merseysiders and that he is “probably more out than in”.The ex-Fiorentina star also hinted Sunday’s 2-0 win over Manchester City – where he scored a goal and provided an assist – may have been the last time he ever faces Pep Guardiola’s side at Anfield.Nevertheless, Salah is open to a new one-year contract despite growing frustrations over the club’s handling of his situation. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd Cup clash halted after 27 minutes due to medical emergency in stands

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S U21s game against Rochdale was halted following a medical emergency in the stands.The incident occurred on Tuesday night as the Red Devils’ youngsters played in the National League Cup.Man Utd’s National League Cup match was halted due a fan emergency in the crowdCredit: PANeither side had found a breakthrough when the referee stopped play just 27 minutes in.According to the Manchester Evening News, an incident had occurred in the stands.The game came to a halt as the stricken person received medical attention.But it appeared there was good news very quickly.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJust three minutes later, the match got underway again.It indicated that the medical emergency had been attended to with success.And both United and Rochdale continued to play the game back at its original pace.There were plenty of exciting names lining up for the Red Devils on Tuesday.Most read in Football20-year-old Dan Gore lined up in midfield.While 18-year-old striker Ethan Wheatley led the line up top.How Ruben Amorim unleashed Rashford with game-changing Zirkzee role ahead of Man Utd v ArsenalThe match stoppage drama came just days after Edoardo Bove collapsed while playing for Italians Fiorentina.Teammates were left in tears as he received immediate medical attention before being rushed to hospital.Bove is now said to be conscious and will continue to recover. More

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      in Soccer

      Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi writes message on his Rainbow captain’s armband AGAIN after being spoken to by FA

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      MARC GUEHI defied the FA by writing a message on the Rainbow captain’s armband AGAIN.Captains were asked to wear Rainbow armbands over the weekend in a show of support for the LGBTQ+ community.Marc Guehi has written a message on the rainbow captain’s armband againCredit: ReutersHe wrote ‘Jesus loves you’Credit: ReutersThe message on Guehi’s armband was changedCredit: ReutersGuehi is a devote ChristianCredit: ReutersCrystal Palace star Guehi did so against Newcastle on Saturday – but added the words “I love Jesus” on the armband. The defender, a devout Christian, was spoken to by the FA, who reminded him that displaying any religious message on a player’s kit is prohibited.But on Tuesday night, away against Ipswich, Guehi wrote on the armband again but changed the words to “Jesus loves you” with a smiley face.The 24-year-old was one of 19 top flight captains who wore the armband in the weekend fixtures to support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign in support of LGBTQ+ rights.READ MORE IN football Ipswich’s Morsy was the only skipper to snub wearing the armband entirely due to “religious beliefs”.The Ipswich skipper did so again in the game against Crystal Palace.Guehi – whose father is a minister – risked facing action by writing the religious message on his arm against Newcastle.The Laws of the Game allow slogans “promoting the game of football, respect and integrity”.Most read in FootballBut the Laws forbid “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images”.Breaching this requirement is a strict liability situation with the Laws adding: “For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA.”FA disciplinary beaks opted to speak with Guehi and Palace rather than going any further.Both Guehi and his club were told that the appearance of any religious message on kits, boots or any other equipment – including the armband – is prohibited under FA Rule A4.The FA declined to comment when approached over any further repercussions following Tuesday night’s repeat offence.Speaking after Tuesday’s game, which Palace won 1-0 to ease relegation concerns, manager Oliver Glasner backed his captain.He said: “We respect every single player and especially Marc as our captain.”He’s a great guy, very humble and we shouldn’t make it bigger than it is. Keep it calm.”He’s very respectful to everyone in the club. “In football we’re all against discrimination, against abuse, every single part. It was a great campaign and I think that’s it.”We spoke about it. I speak to Marc quite often, he’s my captain.”He’s no child who is 15, he’s an adult person like every one of us.”He has his opinion and we accept and respect every opinion. This is the quote of this campaign, being tolerant and Marc is very tolerant so everything is fine.”Armband snubIpswich captain Morsy – a practising Muslim – was the only one of the league’s 20 captains not to wear the Rainbow armband.In a club statement, while stressing their commitment to LGBT+ inclusion, Ipswich admit they “respect the decision” of Morsy to don a plain Prem captain’s armband instead.The statement read: “Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone.“We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance.“During this year’s campaign, members of the club’s men’s and women’s first-teams visited our Foundation’s weekly LGBTQ+ football session, while the club also made a joint pledge of solidarity and inclusivity alongside Nottingham Forest ahead of the game.“At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsy, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband, due to his religious beliefs.“We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch.”Morsy has been captain of Ipswich under boss Kieran McKenna since 2021 and also did not wear the Rainbow armband against Palace.McKenna said after the game: “In line with what the club statement said we want to be an inclusive club. We are working really hard on that within the playing group, there is a lot of good work being done. READ MORE SUN STORIES”The club has accepted Sam’s decision based on his religious beliefs and that is a fair assessment.”Sheffield United’s Anel Ahmedhodzic also refused to wear a Rainbow armband in the Prem back in December 2023, but did not give a specific reason as to why, simply saying the word “guess”.Sam Morsy wore a regular captain’s armbandCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal vs Man Utd meetings could become great again but Amorim has lessons to learn from Arteta’s rise at the Emirates

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      A YOUNG, hungry, tactically-astute boss arrives at a fallen English giant looking to recreate the glory years enjoyed under a legendary long-serving manager.For Ruben Amorim, read Mikel Arteta five years ago.Ruben Amorim faces his first big test with Man Utd against Arsenal on WednesdayCredit: PAMikel Arteta has built his own team and transformed Arsenal into title challengersCredit: GettyAmorim faces his first A-list encounter as Manchester United’s new boss at the Emirates on Wednesday – and the man in the home dugout can provide an excellent template for the Portuguese.United against Arsenal was the greatest rivalry of the Premier League era in the days of Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira, spats in the tunnel before kick-off, scraps on the field and pizza-flinging in the aftermath.From Wenger’s arrival in 1997 until his Invincibles campaign seven years later, theirs was a duopoly which defined the Premier League as it expanded into a great global force.But that was all more than two decades ago. Since the long decline of Wenger and the exit of Ferguson, both clubs have endured wilderness years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo under Arteta and Amorim, could Arsenal-United finally become great again?Arteta was fearless in sweeping away the past – boldly bombing out the deadweight egos of Wenger’s latter years, such as Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.The Spaniard endured some seriously tough times before he rebuilt Arsenal in his own image, propelling them back into serious title contention two seasons ago.Amorim will have to do some hard yards too. And at some point he is likely to need from Sir Jim Ratcliffe & Co the sort of patience, bordering on blind faith, which the Kroenke regime afforded to Arteta during his early years in charge.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal vs Man Utd was the greatest Premier League rivalry during the Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson eraCredit: Getty – ContributorUnited won’t be rebuilt overnight. But there are lessons to be learned from Arteta’s rise at the Emirates – brutal decisions over the futures of senior players, along with the bravery to build a team around young talent and, above all, the creation of a genuine sense of unity.United have been united in name only for many years now.Ruben Amorim introduces rarely-seen pre-match training tactic ahead of 4-0 thrashing of Everton Amorim’s devotion to a 3-4-3 system is a side-issue. The ability to develop a winning mentality and a genuine chemistry within a squad is far more important, as Arteta has proved.In essence, Arteta ripped it up and started again. Bukayo Saka is the only member of his first 18-man matchday squad who is currently at the club.Reiss Nelson, on loan at Fulham, is the only other player still on Arsenal’s books to have featured in that 1-1 draw at Bournemouth in December 2019.Surveying United’s current squad – the lack of specialist wing-backs, the absence of midfield dynamism or a convincing elite centre-forward – and it is easy to envisage Amorim overseeing similar wholesale changes.Amad Diallo, the stand-out player from Amorim’s first three matches, might end up being his Saka.Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and new signing Leny Yoro – who could make his United debut on Wednesday – are all young enough and good enough to last the course.But if, five years from now, Amorim is presiding over a successful United side, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and many others may all well be long gone.There are plenty of similarities between tonight’s rival bosses but many differences too.Arteta vs AmorimMikel Arteta:Games managed – 251Wins – 152Draws – 39Losses – 60Trophies:1x FA Cup2x Community ShieldRuben Amorim:Games managed – 251 Wins – 180Draws – 35Losses – 36Trophies: 2x Liga Portugal3x Portuguese League Cup1x Portuguese Super CupWhile Arteta took over Arsenal aged 37, he possessed a deep knowledge of a club he had previously captained and a wealth of Premier League as a player and a coach, yet he had never previously managed a club.At 39, Amorim has five trophies in as many seasons as a manager in his homeland with Braga and Sporting but no previous experience of playing or managing in any of Europe’s big five leagues.What Arteta and Amorim share, though, is the force of personality required to take on such major jobs.After a gentle introduction to his new job against Ipswich, Bodo-Glimt and Everton, tomorrow will give Amorim the first genuine benchmark for the over-priced, under-achieving squad he has inherited from Erik ten Hag.Sunday’s 4-0 win over Everton was his first truly encouraging result but the scoreline masked a bang-average overall performance.Arsenal, meanwhile, with Martin Odegaard back as the conductor, have scored 13 goals in three straight victories, including in five-goal nap hands in consecutive away matches.To some extent, Arteta’s Arsenal are what Amorim’s United hope to be.READ MORE SUN STORIESYet still the Gunners haven’t won a major trophy in four full seasons.Which further underlines the size of the task facing Amorim. 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