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    KSI says there’s more chance of Arsenal winning Premier League than him fighting Jake Paul as YouTuber eyes next bout

    KSI revealed there is more hope of Arsenal winning the Premier League than Jake Paul accepting to fight him.The YouTuber-turned-boxer is close to announcing his next bout – leading to speculation over who it will be against. KSI refused to give any hints at his next fightHis next fight is close to being confirmedBut KSI was in no mood to give SunSport any clues when probed.He said with a chuckle: “I’m giving you nothing! I’m giving you nothing!”People are just so quick to throw in names all the time. So I’m giving you nothing.”A blockbuster grudge bout with American rival Paul, 27, has long been top of fans’ wishlist READ MORE IN BOXINGBut KSI reckons his beloved Gunners have more chance of winning their first Premier League title since 2004 than the fight happening.That’s despite Mikel Arteta’s side already sitting nine points behind leaders Liverpool after just 12 games.Asked what will come first, he said: “I think Arsenal winning the league. Arsenal winning the league.”KSI, 31, is yet to return since suffering a controversial points loss to Tommy Fury, 25, in October 2023. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA hand injury ruled him out of his proposed return in August in Dublin.He was due to face YouTuber Slim Albaher, 30, and ex-MMA star Anthony Taylor, 34, in a two-on-one HANDICAP bout.KSI’s manager Mams Taylor talks YouTuber’s next fight, Jake Paul talks and Tommy Fury rematch But his manage Mams Taylor – also co-founder of Misfits – told SunSport KSI’s next fight is agreed and close to being announced. And his trainer Alexis Demetriades added: “It’s going to be a huge fight. I’m sure you’ll know the opponent. “It’s going to be a huge fight if we get what we want.” KSI has stepped into the role of promoter ahead of the Misfits Boxing’s Supercard on Thursday in Qatar live on DAZN PPV.And in a shock twist, KSI backed Albaher, 30, to defeat his former friend-turned-rival AnEsonGib, 28, in the Middle East main-event.It comes after becoming tired of Gib’s verbal shots at Misfits.KSI said: “Me and Gib aren’t cool, we’re not friends.”And he wants to take down Misfits. I don’t care for him. I want slim to knock him out. Slim is a company man, that’s it. Simple as that.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m just trying to be as real as I can be. And people call me two-faced, I see online people calling me two-faced saying like I’m a backstabber this, this that.”Whatever man, I don’t really care I’m just being true to myself. So yeah, f*** Gib and Slim let’s go!”AnEsonGib, KSI and Slim AlbaherCredit: misfits boxing More

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    Micah Richards BANNED from talking about Brest live on CBS and squirms as Carragher says he ‘likes the shape of them’

    MICAH RICHARDS was banned from talking about French club Brest live on CBS before squirming as Jamie Carragher said he “likes the shape of them.”The pair were in action for last night’s Champions League coverage.Micah Richards was banned from talking about French side Brest on CBSCredit: CBS SportsHe was left squirming after a comment from Jamie CarragherCredit: CBS SportsLigue 1 outfit Brest faced a tough ask against Barcelona in Spain.And they were well beaten 3-0 thanks to Robert Lewandowski’s brace plus a strike from Dani Olmo.However, before kick-off, Richards found himself in hot water with CBS host Kate Abdo.She insisted that the ex-Man City and England right-back was banned from talking about Brest as he “can’t stay professional.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt led to a hilarious interaction with fellow panel members Carragher and Thierry Henry, leaving Richards stunned.Abdo started by saying to the former right-back: “We are going to do a segment about Brest, but unfortunately you’ve consistently proven that you can’t stay professional when talking about Brest so production would ask are you comfortable just staying silent?”Richards answered: “Come on, Kate. I can do this! You can’t trust me?”Abdo replied: “No, we can’t. Experience has taught us not to trust you. So after four games, who here likes Brest? (To Carragher) You like Brest?”Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCarragher, who had his hand raised, made Richards squirm by joking: “I like the shape of them.”Abdo continued: “You look at the setup that the manager has got – do you think he’s going with a front two tonight?” Fans ask ‘do they hate him-‘ as Micah Richards gets savaged live on CBS Sports with segment dedicated to his mistakesKate Abdo led a hilarious segment on BrestCredit: CBS SportsThe CBS panel joined in to leave Richards stunnedCredit: CBS SportsHenry chimed in this time, saying” “Yeah, two big – a big pair up front who will try to…”Carragher finished his sentence with: “Work off each other.”Abdo carried on: “I’m interested to know how much you like to watch them, would you pay to watch them?”Carragher noted: “I have done!”Henry added: “One thing you have to say is that you don’t have to be big, you can be small to compete.”Abdo pondered: “Hmm, that’s interesting. Do you think Brest could get exposed tonight?”Carragher laughed: “I hope so.”Richards then intervened, saying: “What is this? What is this? Nonsense! HR? Wow!”Abdo said: “What do you think Micah? Do you think Barcelona could come a bit quickly for Brest tonight?”Carragher noted: “Oooh, I think we might have crossed the line.”Richards added: “You’re trying to get me sacked! I’m taking the fifth.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAbdo ended the banter by saying: “Daydreaming about Brest, I”m sure you can all relate.”Richards added: “What is going on here?” More

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    Footie star Barbra Banda at centre of gender row controversially named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year

    A FOOTIE star at the centre of a gender row has been controversially named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year.Zambian striker Barbra Banda, 24, missed the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022 due to elevated ­levels of testosterone in a gender test.She has now topped the Beeb’s poll after her performance at the Olympics in the summer.But ex-GB swimmer Sharron Davies branded her win “just bloody ridiculous”.And sailor Tracy Edwards called it “the destruction of women’s sports”.Banda, who plays for US side Orlando Pride, said: “I am shocked and surprised to have this.READ MORE ON WOMEN’S FOOTBALL”It is for everyone.“If I kept on thinking about what was going on in the past, I would not be where I am now.”A BBC spokesman defended her inclusion and said the result was based on a public vote.Olympics 2024 gender row boxer Imane Khelif set to turn pro after winning gold in Paris Zambian striker Barbra Banda, 24, has been controversially named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year More

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    ‘That was not a nice feeling’ – Jude Bellingham explains why he ‘lost his smile’ playing for England

    JUDE BELLINGHAM claims he was made “a scapegoat” for England failing to win Euro 2024.The Real Madrid superstar, who faces Liverpool in the Champions League on tonight, opened up on the agony of the Three Lions’ final defeat to Spain in July.Jude Bellingham has explained why he felt like he was made a ‘scapegoat’ at Euro 2024Credit: PABellingham started all seven of England’s games at the EurosCredit: GettyBellingham scored England’s group stage winner over Serbia before a stunning overhead kick against Slovakia saved them from last-16 humiliation.But the performances of the midfielder and most of his team-mates in Germany were largely disappointing.Bellingham, 21, said: “I felt like I contributed to big moments and, at the end, it felt like the whole world was crumbling down on me after the Euros. That was not a nice feeling.”I felt some of it was a bit harsh on me. I felt like maybe a scapegoat.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”When I reviewed the games, I felt my form had been pretty good.”I lost my smile after the Euros when it came to playing for England because I felt I was a mistreated in comparison to what I contributed. I was a little sorry for myself.”Bellingham, who won 36 of his 40 England caps under Gareth Southgate, shone in this month’s wins over Greece and Ireland and he made a point of thanking interim boss Lee Carsley as he hit top form.Carsley, who is replaced by Thomas Tuchel in January, brought in a host of new players during his six-game spell.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBellingham scored twice at the Euros – against Serbia and an overhead kick against SlovakiaCredit: GettySpeaking at Anfield on Tuesday night, Bellingham insisted: “I play my best football when I’m free to roam.”The smile is back now. That camp with a lot of new faces brought out the joy in my game again and you could see that in the two games.Moment Jude Bellingham gives Arsenal transfer hope after fan asks him to join Gunners”In general, I had not lost my smile in a Real Madrid shirt. I am annoyed and upset when we lose but it is never a case of being unhappy.”I’m the luckiest lad in the world to play for the biggest club in the world and represent my country. It was more to do with how I was treated at the Euros — but the smile is back.”Bellingham also claimed Vinicius Jr should have won the Ballon d’Or ahead of Manchester City’s Rodri.Bellingham, who finished third, said: “That’s nothing on Rodri, he’s a brilliant player… it was just about our season. When we won the Champions League, that was our Ballon d’Or.” More

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    Onana once looked like another Man Utd flop but is now one of Prem’s best keepers and making huge difference off pitch

    FROM looking like just another expensive flop to one of the best goalkeepers in the Prem.It has been some year for Andre Onana, arguably Manchester United’s most improved player.Andre Onana has stepped up his game after a difficult debut season at Man UtdOnana kept out Liam Delap on several occasions on SundayOnana became the subject of scrutiny after several high profile howlers last seasonIn fact, Onana is leading the race for the Golden Glove with five clean sheets in 12 Prem games this season,.This is one more than Liverpool’s Alisson, Everton’s Jordan Pickford, Arsenal’s David Raya and Nottingham Forest stopper Matz Sels.Although Onana, 28, saw Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson find a way past him to level in Sunday’s 1-1 draw, Ruben Amorim would have been staring at defeat in his first game as United boss but for his keeper.The Cameroonian made two brilliant saves to deny Liam Delap.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAt one time you only needed to get it on target to beat Onana, signed in a £47.2million deal. He arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2023 with a big reputation having just reached the Champions League final with Inter Milan, losing 1-0 to Manchester City.But eyebrows were already being raised in pre-season when he called out former skipper Harry Maguire after conceding a goal in a friendly with Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas.United were quickly looking like they had gambled and lost, having let David de Gea leave when his deal ran out.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn Onana’s first outing at Old Trafford in a pre-season game against French club Lens he was lobbed from 50 yards.Then in the opening match of that Prem season he was very lucky not to concede a late penalty after clearing out Wolves’ Sasa Kalajdzic.Man Utd player ratings vs Ipswich The next month Onana allowed a weak shot from Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane to crawl under him in a 4-3 Champions League defeat in Germany. He was recruited for his distribution skills as well as his shot-stopping but a hospital pass to Casemiro led to a red card for the Brazilian in a 3-2 home defeat to Galatasaray.He conceded two savable free-kicks in the 3-3 return against the Turkish side, having let another shot squirm under his body against Brentford.Onana admitted he found the switch to a different country, league and team a problem at first. But United fans would eventually see why Erik ten Hag signed his former Ajax No 1.By the end of his debut campaign he had made more saves than any other keeper in the Premier League with 149.United are a lowly 12th now after the Portman Road draw but Onana boasts the most league shut-outs.Onana has the most clean sheets in the Prem this season as United sit 12thHe looks more like an athlete than when he arrived and has grown into someone United can rely on.Onana has been achieving things off the field, too — yesterday the international players’ union Fifpro gave him the Player Impact Award.That is for setting up the Andre Onana Foundation, which provides free medical care and surgeries for underprivileged children and adults in his native Cameroon and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa.Doctors have performed more than 1,200 operations since 2021. The foundation also provides schools for orphans.Onana said: “The foundation means a lot to me. It makes me see things differently.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You see people who have nothing, yet they look happier than people who have everything. “They didn’t want to be in that position but destiny made it that way and they are making the best out of that situation.”Man Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Onana saves Amorim from embarrassment in first game as bossMANCHESTER UNITED began the Ruben Amorim era with a 1-1 draw away at Ipswich.Marcus Rashford needed just 81 seconds to put the Red Devils in front at Portman Road, tapping home an Amad Diallo cross.But Ipswich hit back when Omari Hutchinson’s strike flew in via a deflection off Noussair Mazraoui.And it was the newly-promoted side who looked likelier to get a winner in the second half.Here is how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett saw the performances of the Man Utd players…ANDRE ONANA – 7/10United’s best player. Two key stops to deny Liam Delap but no chance for the deflected Omari Hutchinson goal.Then delivered an 87th minute save to keep out an effort from Conor Chaplin.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 5Slotted in on the right of the three-man defence but unfortunate with the deflection for the goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5Has been suspect this season and will probably be better suited to a back three although still given a tough time by Delap.JONNY EVANS – 5The 36-year-old was targeted by Ipswich for his lack of pace and no surprise he was replaced.AMAD DIALLO – 6Did incredibly well to bomb past Jens Cajuste and deliver the cross for Rashford’s early goal but offered little else.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 5Some nice touches going forward but too lightweight in this position in front of the back three.CASEMIRO – 4Lucky to start ahead of Manuel Ugarte and was really poor.Struggled throughout before being subbed and could maybe have got a block to the Hutchinson shot.DIOGO DALOT – 5Not suited to left wing-back although stayed there when Luke Shaw arrived because the English international replaced Evans in the back three.BRUNO FERNANDES – 5Some of his link-up play was fine but United need a captain who can inspire this team and Fernandes is not the man.Sent a free-kick flashing past the post with 12 minutes left.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5Twice called over by Ruben Amorim in the first half for instructions.Denied by a decent save from Aro Muric 50 seconds into the second half.MARCUS RASHFORD – 6Criticised for his basketball trip to New York so to score after 80 seconds was two fingers up at his critics – but did not offer much after that.SubsUgarte (for Casemiro 56 mins) – 6Shaw (for Evans 56 mins) – 6Hojlund (for Rashford 67 mins) – 5Zirkzee ( for Eriksen 67 mins) – 5Mount (for Garnacho 87 mins) – 5 More

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    Shamed David Coote at centre of betting probe after discussing booking player BEFORE game & saying ‘I hope you backed’

    SHAMED ref David Coote was at the centre of an FA betting probe last night after it emerged he discussed giving a yellow card before a match.Coote, 42, messaged a pal afterwards: “I hope you backed as discussed.”The FA has launched an urgent investigation into disgraced referee David CooteCredit: GettyMessages emerged showing Coote discussing dishing out a yellow card to a player before a gameCredit: YouTubeCoote gave Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski a yellow after 17 minutes, for a foul on Darnell FurlongCredit: SuppliedThe FA said it was investigating the “very serious allegations as a matter of urgency”.Coote denies any wrongdoing.Refs’ body the PGMOL — which suspended Coote earlier this month over a foul-mouthed rant about ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp — was last night poring over the ­latest “very serious allegations”.A separate investigation was also launched by the FA “as a matter of urgency” into the messages, which came before and after a Leeds United versus West Bromwich Albion game in October 2019.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEIt is understood that Coote accepts a discussion took place, but claims it was only “banter” and nothing improper took place.There is no suggestion that the referee made any financial gains.Coote, who was filmed snorting white powder during the Euros this summer, said last night in a ­statement: “Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life they have never affected my decision-making on the field.“I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability.”Most read in FootballIn the new exchange unearthed by The Sun, Coote appears keen to impress a Leeds fan he met online.He bragged that he was set to officiate in the upcoming Leeds- West Brom Championship clash.Snorting ref David Coote set up drugs party in Travelodge before Man City game – & even sent half time text about itThe pal says he jokingly told Coote to give a yellow card to Leeds left-back Ezgjan Alioski so he could put a bet on it at the bookies beforehand.The day before the game, Coote tells him: “Yeah really good I’ve got Leeds tomorrow.”The friend replied: “Ooh big game. We still on for what we ­discussed (Alioski). Maybe I could join you if so.”Coote replies: “Haha don’t know what you mean.”His friend then posts: “Haha well I’m off to back it in the morning so don’t let me down.”I hope you backed as discussedDavid CooteCoote answered: “Haha will see.”The following evening, Alioski is booked in the 18th minute of the game for a sliding challenge on Darnell Furlong.Last night football experts said the booking was fully justified given the nature of the tackle. Leeds eventually won the game 1-0 with a goal from Alioski.The following day, Coote messaged his friend again to say: “What a day yesterday. I hope you backed as discussed.”A pal of Coote’s says he jokingly told the referee to give a yellow card to the left backCredit: SuppliedDavid was also snapped snorting a white powder at the Euros this summerThe pal tells him that he did not put money on it but he believes another friend “backed it though”.Coote then replies: “Haha he will have to share with you then.”Football bosses were last night examining the latest shock revelations to ensure no corruption exists within the game.Speaking on condition of anonymity, the pal told The Sun yesterday: “My first contact with David Coote was online. When I got talking to him a bit more, I found out about his job as a football referee. “I jokingly told him to give Alioski a yellow card in the Leeds United game the following day against West Bromwich Albion, so I could back this in the bookies. “He sarcastically replied, ‘Haha will see’. Just 18 minutes into the game the next day Alioski was booked.“It was Leeds’ only yellow card in the match.“He messaged me a while after the game and said, ‘I hope you backed as discussed’.”The latest allegations come after Coote was suspended for a wide-eyed rant about Liverpool and their then-manager Klopp.Last night sources close to the ref suggested he may have engaged in “inappropriate banter” and sent “ill-judged” messages.But they ruled out any suggestion of corruption or deliberately booking players, and say he always officiated with “integrity and impartiality”.The PGMOL said last night: “The facts need to be established in light of these very serious allegations.“We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to any breach of our Integrity Code of Conduct, which is signed by all match officials on an annual basis.“PGMOL Board is committed to taking the appropriate action should any breach of that Code be proven. David Coote remains suspended and subject to an ongoing disciplinary process by PGMOL, separate to the investigation into this matter which will be carried out independently by the FA.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We will be making no further comment at this stage.”The Football Association added: “These are very serious allegations and we are investigating as a ­matter of urgency.”Alioski played for Leeds United from 2017 to 2021Credit: Rex FeaturesCoote was recently embroiled in controversy after being filmed slating ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen KloppCredit: XTexts between David and a palOfficial’s ‘coke’ bid at EurosBy Stephen MoyesTHE Sun revealed earlier this month that David Coote was filmed snorting white powder at the Euros this summer.Footage showed him ­sniffing the substance at a hotel in Germany the day after the France-Portugal quarter-final, where he was a support VAR official.He sent another photo a few days beforehand showing his credit cards next to six chopped-up white lines.We then revealed he tried to arrange a “drugs party” in messages sent at half-time in Spurs’ Carabao Cup tie with Man City last month.He was suspended after he was filmed calling Jurgen Klopp a “German c***”. 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    Man City 3 Feyenoord 3: Pep left scratching his head as he blows 3-0 lead for first time EVER and extends nightmare run

    ON the plus side – at least the run of five straight defeats is over.But the slump goes on for Manchester City as they somehow blew a three goal lead by conceding three goals in 14 minutes to leave Pep Guardiola black and blue.Manchester City’s threw a three goal lead away to draw 3-3 with FeyenoordPep Guardiola was left with his head in his hands and remains winless in six games after his side collapsed in the final stagesGuardiola’s head looked to have suffered more than most during the second-half collapseThe scratches were clear as he admitted City’s performance was ‘hard to swallow’Erling Haaland looked shell-shocked at full-time at the EtihadFeyenoord scored THREE in the last 14 minutes amid defensive mistakes for CityErling Haaland scored his 45th Champions League goal to open the scoringIlkay Gundogan’s deflected volley doubled City’s lead after half-timeHaaland tapped home his 46th Champions League goalThe manager was left with striking red marks all over his head at the end – no doubt a result of it spending much of the calamitous second half in the beleaguered Spaniard’s hands. City are the first team in Uefa Champions League history to be leading a match by three goals as late as the 75th minute and fail to go on to win.It leaves their European hopes in serious peril with games at Juventus and Paris Saint Germain still to come – as they sit 15th in the competition’s standings.But where does it leave their season with a huge trip to Liverpool looming on Sunday?READ MORE ON MAN CITYIt looked like normal service was resumed as they took a three goal lead in the 53rd minute – thanks to two goals from Erling Haaland.Somehow though they let it slip as the Dutch side came storming back and grabbed an astonishing equaliser a minute from time.It was Bernardo Silva who said City were in a dark place after they were beaten at Sporting Lisbon earlier this month.Guardiola didn’t agree then – but they have lost twice more since, including a 4-0 hammering by Spurs last Saturday.Most read in Champions LeagueKevin De Bruyne admitted it has been “chaotic” with all their problems.But it has now got that little bit darker.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere were flashes of the City we have come to know over recent seasons though – but also of how fragile their confidence has become in their dismal run.With tricky games still to come, this was one City simply had to win.Glum Pep Guardiola says Man City ‘cannot deny reality’ after slipping to FIFTH defeat in a rowIt is the kind of European tie they have normally made light work of in recent years but these are not normal times for Pep Guardiola’s men.A run of five straight defeats – across three different competitions – made it the worst run of the Catalan’s managerial career.In fact it was 2006 last time a City team last went on a six-match losing streak – back in the days when Stuart Pearce was in charge.Early on they looked in determined mood and came close to going ahead as Haaland’s flick header hit the base of the post before Timon Wellenreuther clawed away the reboundA volley from Jack Grealish looked destined for the net but hit the back of team-mate Phil Foden and ballooned over the bar.Foden almost made amends with a low shot that was pushed around the post by Wellenreuther at full stretch.The home side were in full control and should have been ahead by more before a triple change in the 60th minute.City fans were starting to worry they have seen this script before.Hadj Moussa brought one back for the visitors in the 75th minuteIt marked a historic night for FeynoordGuardiola’s side travel to Anfield eight points behind Liverpool on SundayBrian Priske said beforehand he was worried about a backlash from the English champions but they had held firm.And their first decent chance of the night came when Igor Paixao got through but fluffed his attempt to chip Ederson.Back at the other end Dutch defender Nathan Ake came close as his header from a Grealish corner drifted just wide.Haaland was denied by a last ditch tackle from David Hancko but from the resulting corner he went down under challenge by Quinten Timber.The Romanian ref pointed to the spot and there was even some suggestion it was given for a handball.Whichever way, it looked a soft one but apparently there was not enough to suggest a clear and obvious error.City’s top scorer – who missed his last spot-kick in Lisbon earlier this month – was made to wait but looked confident as he sent Wellenreuther the wrong way.That’s 16 for the season already for the Norwegian – and people say he has been struggling recently.Josko Gvardiol’s error led to the visitors first goal in the 75th minuteYet as Guardiola said on Monday – with hardly anyone else chipping in, where would they be without Haaland’s goals?It’s now 51 goal involvements for Haaland – 46 goals and five assists – in just 44 games in his favourite competition.That lifted some of the tension that was building around the Etihad and Matheus Nunes went close as his effort was deflected into the side netting.The resulting corner was only half cleared and Ilkay Gundogan’s 20 yard shot was deflected past his own keeper by Hancko.It might not have gone in without the defender’s help but a bit of good fortune was just what the German needed.City’s treble winning skipper has found it difficult since returning to the Etihad after a year in Barcelona but that will do his confidence no harm.Jack Grealish was inches away from making it 4-3 in the final minuteAnd three minutes later, the tie appeared to be over as Nunes burst clear down the right and sent over a low cross that a stretching Haaland turned in.Having reached his half century in the first half, he had now made a start towards the next one. You could see the confidence returning to the home side and now it seemed just a question of how many they would score.But Josko Gvardiol gifted the visitors a way back in as his lazy pass back to the keeper did not have the legs to reach Ederson.Anis Hadj Moussa nipped in and went round the keeper to give the Dutch a bit of hope.And they were dreaming of a famous comeback as Gvardiol again gave the ball away to put the visitors on the attack.Jordan Lotomba’s cross somehow squeezed between Ederson and the post and sub Santiago Giminez chested it over the line.Grealish started his first City game since the beginning of OctoberPhil Foden had his fine strike brilliantly kept out by Timon Wellenreuther inside 22 minutesNow it was panic stations and as Paixao got in ahead of Ederson who had dashed out of goal.He then kept his cool and crossed for Hancko to head home at the back post. A truly astonishing ending.Alan Shearer believes the draw could be WORSE for morale than City’s recent five consecutive defeats.It’s the first time Guardiola – whose head went down at 3-1 – failed to win a game from 3-0 up in his managerial career.And the first time City have not won from 3-0 up since 1989 against Bournemouth.Speaking after the game, a shell-shocked Guardiola said: “I don’t need to say anything to (the players), they know it perfectly.”It’s so difficult to swallow right now, the game was good, we scored three, we could have scored more, but in the end we give it away, we are not stable enough.”What can you do? Rest one or two days and prepare for Anfield.”Asked how he will lift the squad for the massive trip to Liverpool on Sunday, he added: “I have to, it’s my job.”Some City fans booed at the end, but Guardiola wasn’t angry with them.He said: “Last game against Tottenham, the 0-4, they were there, they support us, they applause. They are disappointed of course, we understand it.”Amazon pundit Shearer though was left fearing for the all-conquering Spaniard after this unprecendented slump.He said: “This could spell disaster for Guardiola. I can’t believe the decision making at the end of that game.”They looked light, they looked weak, they looked frail.”You cannot give the opposition a chance, give them hope, and that’s exactly what they did.READ MORE SUN STORIES”With two minutes to go they tried to take a quick free-kick. Why?Their game management was awful. It’s been a disaster for them.”City head to Prem leaders Liverpool on Sunday looking rather shaky. More

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    Arsenal player ratings: Martin Odegaard runs the show but poor defending from Riccardo Calafiori blows clean sheet

    ARSENAL put in a sublime away performance to beat Sporting 5-1.The Gunners dominated the first 45 minutes and were excellent as the Portuguese powerhouses failed to lay a glove on them.Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring but then fadedCredit: GettyKai Havertz poked home and was good throughoutCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard ran the show and was a class aboveCredit: GettyGabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel were amongst the goals in a brilliant first-half from Mikel Arteta’s side.But Sporting upped it after the break and got a goal back – only for Arsenal to show their class and manage the game well as Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard put the tie to bed.Here is how SunSport rated the Arsenal players’ performances.David Raya – 6READ MORE ON ARSENALDid not have much to do besides a save from Morten Hjulmund. Good distribution and catches from crosses.Jurrien Timber – 8A great low cross into the box for Arsenal’s opener. Very solid at right-back all game.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWilliam Saliba – 7Dealt with Viktor Gyokeres well. Did not get drawn into fouling him and held his ground before timing the tackle well.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundGabriel – 8Scored his trademark back-post crashing goal from a corner. A great leap and powerful header once again. Defended Gyokeres by being physical and on the front foot against him.But the tactic led to giving away a cheap free-kick in a dangerous area that went unpunished. Riccardo Calafiori – 5Sporting attacked a lot down Arsenal’s left in the first-half and Francisco Trincao caused him a few issues.Lost his man and ended up on the deck as Goncalo Inacio headed in from a corner. Thomas Partey – 8A sensational ball over the top of the Sporting defence to put Saka through on goal for the second.Was a real calming influence in possession.Declan Rice – 6His first game back from injury. Was perhaps the reason why his display was not as good as usual and was taken off early. Fantastic delivery for the corner.Martin Odegaard – 9Pulls the strings for the Gunners and has the ability to pick passes that carve open defences from the edge of the box, particularly combining well with Saka.Such a huge difference between performances with and without him in the team. Absolutely incredible.Bukayo Saka – 8Simply brilliant. A constant threat down the right as always, twisting and turning defenders inside out. His penalty was exceptional and came at a time when Arsenal were a little up against it. Whipped into the inside side netting.Kai Havertz – 8Was in the right place at the right time for the goal. Intelligent runs and movement from him as he often dropped deep to receive the ball. Gabriel Martinelli – 7Was incredibly lively in the opening period, working hard defensively and causing Sporting a problem with his directness. Good movement for the goal, going on the blind side of defender Geovany Quenda.But Martinelli faded and did very little after a positive start. Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Martinelli, 70 mins) – 7Scored the fifth goal. Another in the right place as the ball dropped.Mikel Merino (for Rice, 70 minutes) – 7Assured cameo in midfield.Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Calafiori, 78 minutes) – 6Calm on the ball after coming on. Ethan Nwaneri (for Odegaard, 78 minutes) – 6Oozes class and came close to scoring.READ MORE SUN STORIESJakub Kiwior (for Gabriel, 84 minutes) – 5Got done by the pace of Gyokeres in the latter stages. More