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      When is the FA Cup third round? What’s the prize money and what third round games are on TV?

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      THE FA Cup is the oldest and most renowned annual knockout competition in world football.It gives lower League teams a chance to fight Premier League giants for a hallowed trophy and a large cash prize.The prize money for the FA Cup has been revealed after a major change to the rulesHowever, unlike in years gone by, this year’s FA Cup will see one massive rule change.A surprising new six-year agreement between the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League, means that Cup replays will be SCRAPPED.That does mean that for the first time third round losers will earn prize money.Last season, the competition was won by Manchester United, as the Red Devils unexpectedly defeated rivals Manchester City 2-1.When is the FA Cup third round?The FA Cup third round takes place this weekend, with a hectic 32 matches across four intense days of football.Starting with the clash between Sheffield United and Cardiff City on Thursday, the first of three matches that night.There will be 19 matches on Saturday with non-stop football from 12pm until 8pm.Sunday has a further seven matches including the biggest clash of the weekend, when Arsenal host Premier League rivals Manchester United.The action concludes on Monday night with the tasty London derby between Millwall and Dagenham & Redbridge.What is the prize money in the FA Cup third round?As mentioned above, for the first time ever, third round winners are entitled to prize money as potentially lucrative replays have been scrapped.Third round losers will get now earn £25,000 while winners see £115,000 added to their coffers.As the competition progresses, the financial stakes climb which encourages the teams to perform at their best ability in every round.For winning the competition, one team will receive a whopping £2MILLION.The runners up get £1m, with no change to the money available for winning games from the fourth round onwards.For lower league clubs that go on a good run, the prize money can make or break their finances for the season.Arsenal v Man Utd FA Cup historyAFTER drawing each other in the third round of the FA Cup, it will be the 17th time Arsenal and Manchester United have faced off in the competition.They previously met in the 1997 and 2005 finals, both won by Arsenal.The last match came in 2019, which was won by United.Overall Arsenal have six wins while United have eight, while they share two draws.United’s tally of 22 goals is also superior to Arsenal’s 20 in these games.Wayne Rooney is the top scorer in the fixture, with three of his goals against the North London side coming in the FA Cup.Bukayo Saka leads Arsenal’s tally at the moment with six goals, though these have all been in the Premier League.The full breakdown is below:Extra Preliminary Round winners (221) – £1,125Extra Preliminary Round losers (221) – £375Preliminary Round winners (136) – £1,444Preliminary Round losers (136) – £481First Round Qualifying winners (112) – £2,250First Round Qualifying losers (112) – £750Second Round Qualifying winners (80) – £3,375Second Round Qualifying losers (80) – £1,125Third Round Qualifying winners (40) – £5,625Third Round Qualifying losers (40) – £1,875Fourth Round Qualifying winners (32) – £9,375Fourth Round Qualifying losers (32) – £3,125First Round Proper winners (40) – £45,000First Round Proper losers (40) – £15,000Second Round Proper winners (20) – £75,000Second Round Proper losers (20) – £20,000Third Round Proper winners (32) – £115,000Third Round Proper losers (32) – £25,000Fourth Round Proper winners (16) – £120,000Fifth Round Proper winners (8) – £225,000Quarter Final winners (4) – £450,000Semi Final winners (2) – £1,000,000Semi Final losers (2) – £500,000What FA Cup third round games are on TV?Thursday, January 97pm – Sheffield United vs Cardiff City (BBC Wales)7.45pm – Everton vs Peterborough United (BBC iPlayer)7.45pm – Fulham vs WatfordFriday, January 107.45pm – Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth8pm – Aston Villa vs West Ham United (ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday, January 1112pmBristol City vs Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City vs Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers12.15pmLiverpool vs Accrington Stanley (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmExeter City vs Oxford UnitedPreston North End vs Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth vs West Bromwich AlbionReading vs BurnleySunderland vs Stoke CityNottingham Forest vs Luton TownBrentford vs Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City vs Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea vs Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)Leicester City vs Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)5.45pmMan City vs Salford City (BBC One and iPlayer)Leeds United vs Harrogate Town (BBC iPlayer)6pmLeyton Orient vs Derby CountyCoventry City vs Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town vs Wigan AthleticSunday, January 1212pmHull City vs Doncaster Rovers12.30pmTamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmArsenal vs Man Utd (BBC One and iPlayer)Newcastle United vs Bromley (BBC iPlayer)Ipswich Town vs Bristol RoversCrystal Palace vs Stockport County4.30pmSouthampton vs Swansea City (BBC Wales)Monday, January 13 7.30pm – Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (ITV4 and ITVX) More

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      Inside Roberto Carlos’ wild life with 11 children from seven women as he faces divorce and battles for £133m fortune

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      BRAZIL legend Roberto Carlos’ life away from football is as colourful as the kits he used to wear for his country.Incredibly, the marauding left-back with the huge thighs – famous for scoring the greatest free kick of all time – admitted in the past he fathered 11 children with seven different women.Roberto Carlos has amassed a £133million fortune thanks to a glittering football careerCredit: GettyCarlos and second wife Mariana Luccon have reportedly split with a messy divorce settlement expectedCredit: GettyCarlos shared this photo in 2016 and captioned the snap ‘My children’Credit: Instagram @oficialrc3The ladies’ man, with a £133million fortune, is currently going through a bitter divorce with wife of over 15 years, Mariana Luccon.They have two children together, Manuela and Marina.However, Estadio Deportivo claims the pair have gone their separate ways – and a war over his fortune has begun.The report adds that Carlos has been allegedly sleeping at Real Madrid’s training ground – the club he appeared 527 times for and won four La Liga and three Champions League titles.Read more in footballCarlos has since denied the claims, insisting he remains “at a private residence, supported by members of my family.”But the latest chapter in Carlos’ life adds to the mad existence he leads.Not only does he have a ‘futsal team’ worth of children.He’s also best pals with the original Ronaldo, sometimes known simply as R9.Most read in FootballWhile he is still keen on showing off his football skills – turning out on Sunday League pitches on our shores.SunSport looks at how Carlos continues to amaze.Roberto Carlos says Jude Belingham is as good as Zinedine Zidane’He has enough to set up a futsal team’Carlos had been in a happy marriage to Mariana from 2009.But according to TV show Fiesta, they have decided to walk away from their nuptials.The Brazilian beauty managed to stay out the limelight during her time with one of the most famous footballers of his generation, keeping her personal life off social media.However, she did appear in some Nike adverts, as well as on the red carpet with their two shared children.In an interview in 2015 with Spanish journalist Josep Pedrerol, Carlos admitted he fathered 11 kids.A video clip of his confession went viral on social media.He said: “Now I live with Manuela and I have several around. I have 7 in Brazil. I have one in Mexico, I have one in Hungary who lives in Alicante and the others live in Brazil.”Three of those children, Roberta, Giovanna, and Roberto Carlos Jr were born from his first marriage to Alexandra Pinheiro.Others born out of wedlock include Rebeca, Christopher, and Carlos Eduardo. The identity of all 11 children isn’t known.Carlos appeared on Spanish kids’ show El Hormiguero alongside former Arsenal striker Julio Baptista in 2018, when the subject of children was brought up.Baptista hilariously told the host Pablo Motos: “He has enough to set up a futsal team and with some substitutes.”Chris, now 22, appeared for CD Canillas – a feeder club for Real Madrid – as he aimed to follow in his famous father’s footsteps.Marina, left, and Manuela, right, pose with their dad on Father’s DayRebeca da Silva Rocha attends an event with Carlos last yearCredit: AlamySon Christopher, now 22, was born to a Hungarian mumChristoper, seen with former model Alexandra Horvath, who had a fling with CarlosCarlos became a grandad at 44 when daughter Giovanna gave birth to her first child they called PedroCarlos shows of daughter Marina during a legends’ gameCredit: GettyThree of Carlos’ children were born from his first marriage to Alexandra PinheiroCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresDaughter Giovanna, 27, gave birth to her first child in 2017 she called Pedro, making Carlos a grandad at 44.Football friendIn the past, 5ft 6in Carlos has been linked with a string of stunning women.Before his marriage to Mariana, he was in a romance with Brazilian model Jane Borges.There was another relationship with Hungarian supermodel Alexandra Horvath, who he shares son Christopher with.However, despite all those women in his life – it’s a close bond with ‘Blood Brother’ Ronaldo who he has spent more time ‘sleeping’ with. In a hilarious interview with the late Grant Wahl for Sports Illustrated, R9 revealed: “My best team-mate was Roberto Carlos.”I slept more in the same room with Roberto Carlos in training camps than with all the women I’ve been with in my life!”I spent all my life with Roberto Carlos for 20 years: with the national team, with Real Madrid, with Corinthians.”Famously, Ronaldo credits Carlos with saving his life when he suffered a seizure before the 1998 World Cup final against France.Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, seen with Pele, are ‘Blood Brothers’Credit: ReutersRonaldo credits former roommate Carlos with saving his life ahead of the 1998 World Cup finalCredit: ReutersRonaldo once joked he slept more times with Carlos than any woman in his lifeIt put his place in the starting eleven in jeopardy, as a riddle over whether he would play ensued.“For me, it was so simple to take care of Ronaldo,” Carlos said in the documentary Brazil 2002: The Real Story.“We were sharing a room and it was something natural, instinctive. ‘OK, there is something happening, I need to help, to call a doctor and get the situation sorted out.’”I just shouted for the doctor and the players who were in the rooms nearby, Leonardo, Edmundo …”Carlos added:“It could have been something worse if there was not someone in the room with him.“Today, the players don’t share rooms, so …”Making moves after retirementAcross three decades, Carlos was one of the most recognisable and bankable footballers on the planet.Not only did he enjoy huge pay days at Inter Milan and Real Madrid, he also seized on an opportunity to sign with Anzhi Makhachkala in his later years in a deal worth around £8.3million over two years.The president of the oil and mining-rich Russian club would also gift him a £1million Bugatti Veyron car on his birthday.Alongside his playing contracts, he enjoyed sponsorship deals with the likes of Nike, Adidas, Pepsi, and Gillette.Legend Carlos famously scored the greatest free kick of all time against France in 1997Credit: GettyAlthough he announced his retirement in 2012, he laced up his boots three times as a player manager for Delhi DynamosCredit: Getty He announced his retirement as a player in 2012 at the age of 39.Although, that didn’t stop him from lacing up his boots to play in the Indian Super League with Delhi Dynamos, as he became a player manager there during the 2015-16 season.Astonishingly, for the heady heights Carlos reached during his football career, he once rolled back the years to play for a Sunday League outfit in Shrewsbury.He came on as a sub for pub side Bull in the Barne United in 2022, scoring from the penalty spot during his brief cameo.However, that wasn’t enough to help his team avoid a 4-3 loss during the friendly match.Carlos said before the match: “I’m excited to play for Bull in the Barne in Shrewsbury, paying homage to when I nearly signed for Birmingham City in the 90s, which is very close by.”I’ve heard that the team’s been down a number of players this season, so here’s hoping my training is enough to help them up their game and bring what Bull in the Barne’s fans want to see!”Carlos’ estimated wealth, which stands at £133million, has been earned from a glistening football career, as well as some savvy investments, including a property portfolio.According to Spanish reports, Mariana is continuing to live at their main home in Madrid.His in-laws are said to be living in his second property in the Spanish capital.This has seen Carlos move into Madrid’s training ground in Valdebebas.In 2022, Carlos had fun playing for Sunday League pub side Bull in the Barne UnitedCredit: AFPCarlos is reportedly being put up at Real Madrid’s training groundCredit: YouTubeThe training ground boasts apartments that overlook the training pitchesThe plush complex has its own swimming poolMariana Luccon and Roberto Carlos looks set to battle over his £133m fortuneCredit: GettyThat boasts small apartments, usually reserved for youth stars, complete with Real Madrid bedding featuring the club badge on the pillow cases.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere is a balcony that overlooks the training pitches too, as well as a swimming pool and gym.That will now come under threat as his divorce settlement with Mariana gathers pace. 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      England’s Luke Shaw shrugs off backlash to leaked TikTok with Molly-Mae as pals drank £200 tequila at New Year party

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      ENGLAND footballer Luke Shaw has shrugged off backlash over miming “your mum’s on benefits” for a TikTok trend – despite being paid £150,00 a week while injured, according to a pal.The 29-year-old came under fire for starring in the clip with his partner Anouska Santos’s close pal Molly-Mae Hague at a New Year’s Eve bash where friends drank shots from a £200 bottle of tequila.Injured footballer Luke Shaw was slammed over a TikTok videoCredit: TikTok @alishalemayMolly-Mae Hague is close friends with the footballer’s missusCredit: InstagramAnouska with partner LukeCredit: Instagram / @anouskasantosThe controversial video was met with anger from fans who said it made them “sick in their mouth” after the player’s lengthy spell on the sidelines.But those close to the Manchester United defender say he’s “grown a thick skin” in response to online hate – and his focus remains on getting match fit.One pal told us: “Luke Shaw is used to the backlash he gets on a daily basis and often has people joking around with him about the fact he gets paid more for being off the pitch than he does on the pitch as he’s always injured.”Even though the TikTok video was filmed at a private gathering, it ended up going viral, but Luke didn’t have a problem with it.READ MORE ON LUKE SHAW”To him, it was just a bit of light-hearted fun.”He’s so used to the abuse he doesn’t let it bother him.”That night everyone was in the mood to party and had a great night- with some drinking Class Azul Reposado – a really expensive tequila that’s a favourite with footballers at the moment.”The TikTok was filmed to the trending music, Mugshot Freestyle (The Northern Boys Remix).Most read in FootballIt was shot the same night as a video of Molly-Mae kissing her ex Tommy Fury was leaked to The Sun.The Sun has reached out to his rep for comment.Molly Mae & Tommy Fury KISS in NYE video sparking rumours they’re back together after cheat scandalShaw has played just 98 minutes in 20 games so far this season – with the club sitting at 13th in the Premier League.Man Utd insiders say he’s working hard to make a speedy return to full fitness after posting an emotional message to fans about suffering a setback.”I’m absolutely devastated and it’s extremely tough to come to terms with reality at this moment in time,” he said on Instagram.”I understand there is going to be people frustrated, angry, disappointed and I understand all of that. There is no one feeling that more than me at this moment in time..”But what I can promise is I will do everything I can to come back better soon to help this club achieve its ambitions this season.”The 29-year-old shares three children, Reign, Storie and Lumie with his long-term partner Anouska – who’s been one of Molly-Mae’s “rocks” in her inner circle of friends since her split from Tommy.Shaw signed for Man Utd in 2014 for a then world-record £30million transfer fee.Molly-Mae snogged ex Tommy Fury on New Year’s Eve at Luke Shaw’s partyCredit: SuppliedShaw with his partner and two of their three childrenCredit: INSTAGRAM @anouskasantos More

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      Harry Maguire banned from driving and fined after Man Utd star caught speeding twice in three days

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Harry Maguire has been banned from driving and slapped with a fine worth over £1,000 after getting caught speeding twice in just three days.Maguire, 31, has been disqualified for 56 days after his Range Rover was clocked doing 85mph in a 50mph zone close to Manchester Airport.Manchester United ace Harry Maguire has been banned from driving due to speedingCredit: GettyMaguire has been disqualified for 56 days and slapped with a fine worth over £1,000Credit: GettyBolton Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday that the centre-back was captured on camera driving his £200,000 SV supercar coming out of a tunnel on Wilmslow Road on March 5 last year.Prosecutor Karen Allanson said the England international was the registered keeper of the car and admitted being the driver.Maguire was caught speeding again just two days after the indicent and had since received three penalty points, his solicitor Gwyn Lewis said.Lewis said: “He was offered a speed awareness course but unfortunately because he was away from this country in the summer he wasn’t able to take up the course.”Read More on Man UtdThe ex-Man Utd captain was fined £666 and ordered to pay £120 in costs as well as a £266 surcharge.If magistrates had handed the defender six points for the Wilmslow Road offence he could have faced a longer ban.Maguire did not appear for the sentencing and was instead represented by his solicitor.Chairman of the bench Mark Hardman said: “We are prepared to exercise our discretion due to Mr Maguire being out of the country and not being able to take part in his speeding course.”Most read in FootballThis comes amid a difficult season for United, who have plummeted to 13th place in the Premier League table.Maguire has amassed one goal in 17 appearances across all competitions this term.The ex-Leicester star was due to be out of contract with the Red Devils this summer but last week the club confirmed they would trigger the option to keep him for a further season. More

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      Glam footballer Madelene Wright sends fans wild with ‘unapologetic’ pic as they say ‘you’re just something else’

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      MADELENE WRIGHT took social media by storm once more with another raunchy snap.This time, Madelene donned a tiny black top and a pair of trousers that led to a very daring pose.Madelene Wright took social media by storm once moreCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_Madelene shared an ‘unapologetic’ snap for her followersCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_Madelene shares a number of glam pics on social mediaCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_Madelene is very active on social media and OnlyFansCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_The footballer’s latest glam pic led to over 11,000 likes on her Instagram.Madelene issued the following caption: “Unapologetic.”The Chesham United player’s 321,000 followers were left in awe as they stormed the comments’ section.One fan commented: “Wow Maddie just something else you really are.”Read More on FootballAnother commented: “Beautiful.”A third wrote: “Gorgeous, Ravishing.”This fan said: “Really beautiful.”And that one gushed: “My favourite.”Most read in FootballMadelene has previously played for Charlton and Leyton Orient before joining Chesham.She has been juggling her football career with her social media and OnlyFans activities.Glam footballer Madelene Wright shows off her new glasses with smouldering video before sharing cheeky bum pic That led to a strong fanbase with whom she shares a raft of glam pics.A glimpse into the life of the OnlyFans star…Madelene regularly posts colourful snapsShe often wows her fans with raunchy picturesCredit: InstagramMadelene has over 300k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightShe recently celebrated her birthdayCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightThe footballer also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightShe claimed to have made over £500,000 from the platformCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightThe footballer has played for Leyton Orient and CharltonCredit: Instagram/@madelene_wrightShe has continued her OnlyFansCredit: twitter @MaddieMadeleneShe often dresses in revealing outfitsCredit: InstagramMadelene used to play for CharltonCredit: Instagram @Madelene_Wright More

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      Mikel Arteta is in the doghouse with Arsenal fans and running out of time to show he has pedigree to end trophy drought

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      IT IS A WELL KNOWN fact that dogs learn through repetition.Especially their names. Call it over and over again and soon your clever pooch will be your loyal pal performing tricks for treats.Mikel Arteta is under pressure to win another trophy with ArsenalCredit: AFPArteta won the FA Cup with Arsenal just months after taking over but is yet to secure any other titlesCredit: APSo spare a thought for Arsenal’s poor pet chocolate labrador.Boss Mikel Arteta came up with the idea of having man’s best friend live at the club’s training ground to give the place a family feel. And she was named ‘Win’.That is not a word being heard quite as often as it should at London Colney today. At least not when it comes to getting over the line and winning a trophy.A crushing home defeat to Newcastle in last night’s Carabao Cup semi final first leg leaves Arteta licking his wounds after blowing a great chance of silverware.Read More in FootballWin will be licking other bodily parts as per usual.The concept of having a dog at a Premier League training ground is a positive one even if the choice of name is so North London and cringey.And there is no doubt that Arteta has re-energised Arsenal in the five years since he took over as manager in December 2019.But Tuesday’s inglorious stuffing feels like a barometer moment in the Spaniard’s time at the club. And the pressure is increasing.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArteta introduced a dog named Win to the training ground two years agoCredit: GettyAs if to ram the message home in terms that Win would understand – Arsenal have let the lead slip five times this season – twice against Brighton but more importantly against their main rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea. Boom boom.All of those games ended in draws, dropping vital points in the title race in the process.Arsenal player vs Newcastle in the Carabao Cup first leg tie at the Emirates (1)Arteta won the FA Cup at the end of his first half season in charge – breathing life into a flatlining football giant in December 2019 when taking over from the uninspiring Unai Emery.Victory in the 2020 FA Cup final over Chelsea should have been the trigger for more trophies to follow.But since then there has been nothing tangible to celebrate. No open top bus parade through the London Borough of Islington where skipper Martin Odegaard can show off a shiny cup.Since the FA Cup win four and a half years ago, even car-crash Manchester United have won something. And they are considered a laughing stock, now taking a punt on their third manager since Arteta took over the reins at the Emirates with a mission to make Arsenal great again.Ironically, Manchester United beat Newcastle in the 2023 Carabao Cup Final.The Geordies are renowned as serial chokers. Seven times losers in the FA Cup Final, twice in the League Cup, even throwing it away five times in the old Charity Shield. Without a major domestic trophy in 70 years.Succumbing to the Toon at home in such a feeble way does not mean Arteta’s time is up. Far from it, even if social media tells a different story with the notoriously fickle Gooners jumping on their keyboards over their chai lattes to ensure ‘Arteta Out’ has been trending.His 59.2 percent win rate is superior to that of his immediate predecessor Unai Emery and surprisingly better than that of Arsene Wenger – the man who laid the foundations for modern Arsenal.The French legend won 57.3% of his 1235 games. But Arteta has had only 262 so far which makes it slightly easier to maintain a higher ratio of victories.Wenger also had the Premier League in the bag in his second season – ripping the trophy from the best Manchester United team of all time led by the most successful British manager in history in Alex Ferguson.Arteta has enjoyed three full seasons of goodwill as he attempts a similar assault on football’s Mount Everest, overhauling Manchester City’s imperious four-in-a-row champions.The Gunners suffered a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final on TuesdayCredit: EPAAlexander Isak was a thorn in Arsenal’s side againCredit: GettyThat’s a big ask and the club and the fans have been patient up to now. It’s still too early to panic but there is a growing fear Arsenal have reached a ceiling unless bold moves are made.Their arch-tormentor Alexander Isak, opening scorer against them last night, is a £150 million transfer target.Former players like Paul Merson are demanding swift action by the board to sign the Swede and provide Arteta with the dedicated number nine they appear to crave so badly.Kai Havertz is only three goals behind Isak this season but will never be the consistent out-and-out centre forward they so painfully lack. Neither is Gabriel Jesus.It’s curious that in more than five years Arteta has overseen a net spend of £483.79 million but he is yet to find a player like Isak to lead the forward line with such venom.Wenger got away without one too for donkey’s years but then he had Thierry Henry and few players compare favourably to the masterful Frenchman.It is no shame to have finished second in the Premier League twice in succession to imperious Man City.But the dominant force in English football suddenly looks fallible so there’s a big excuse for failure gone.Champions League quarter finals last season, the last 16 of the Europa League the year before that. Gallant defeats but defeats nonetheless.The title race looks beyond them this season. Third time in a row.Arteta is a bright, young, energetic coach with a lengthy managerial career ahead of him at only 42.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd if he takes Arsenal up to St.James’ Park next month and turns Newcastle over in a stunning second leg comeback to get to Wembley, ignore all of the above.But for now time is not on his side as the clock keeps ticking and Arsenal’s near-misses mount up.Arsenal ratings vs Newcastle as Havertz fluffs golden chance with academy statlet the only bright light for GunnersARSENAL have a mountain to climb to reach the Carabao Cup final after a shock 2-0 first-leg defeat to Newcastle.Here SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates every Arsenal player on a disappointing night at the Emirates…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Looked nervy with ball at feet at times but could do nothing to stop Alexander Isak’s brilliant close-range finish.Unlucky to see his palmed save tapped in by Anthony Gordon.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8The academy product was very impressive again. Turned out of danger well at both ends of the pitch. So calm under pressure.GABRIEL – 6Gave Isak far too much space to manoeuvre a shot in the box before the Toon’s second. Wasteful and ineffective from corners.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Had an early effort blocked near the line by Dan Burn. Was dealing with Isak well until losing a header to Sven Botman that saw the Toon striker score.JURRIEN TIMBER – 5Missed an absolute sitter from a yard out from a corner.Was then caught sleeping just after the break to allow Gordon to double Newcastle’s lead.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Linked defence and attack fairly well without ever really doing anything spectacular.DECLAN RICE – 6Plays Jacob Murphy onside from a flicked on free-kick that leads to Newcastle taking the lead.Took more responsibility in the second half on the ball.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Heavily man-marked by Joelinton but looked back to his very best after a spate of illness.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Much more direct in his running. Unlucky not to open the scoring with his driven shot hitting the post after a half-way line sprint.Continued to be positive in his play – just lacked the finishing touch.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Sneakily got away with dragging Isak down to stop the Swede joining a Newcastle counter in the first half and a good first-time pass to set Martinelli away. Those were his only highlights.KAI HAVERTZ – 5May just be back from a sickness bug, but the big German did very little, apart from somehow fluffing a header wide unmarked from six yards.SUBS:JORGINHO (PARTEY, 59) – 7Some nice passes into dangerous areas and sprayed the ball about with conviction.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 59) – 6Lively and sharp without every really testing Newcastle’s back four or goal.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (LEWIS-SKELLY, 77) – 5Booked within a minute of coming on for a rash challenge on Joelinton. More

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      Where it all went wrong for Julen Lopetegui as he is SACKED by West Ham after board’s catastrophic misstep

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      AS David Moyes watched West Ham’s 4-1 drubbing at Manchester City from the stands on Saturday, some fans may have wished he was still in charge.Sacking Moyes last summer was not the wrong call — but appointing the now departed Julen Lopetegui was a catastrophic misstep.Julen Lopetegui’s appointment at West Ham has been a disasterCredit: GettyDavid Moyes watched on from the stands as his former side lost 4-1 to Man City on SaturdayCredit: AlamyWest Ham needed to move on from the Scot, despite the fact he led them to Europa Conference League glory in 2023.Replacement Lopetegui – who has finally been given the boot – never appeared to be the man to take them forward and the ex-Real Madrid, Sevilla and Wolves boss has been given more time than necessary to prove just that.After spending £127.5million in the summer window on Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Luis Guilherme and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the Hammers have fallen backwards from the firm foundations that Moyes built.Lopetegui quickly appeared to be a dead man walking.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt feels like midway through the season, West Ham — 14th in the table and just seven points above the drop zone — are back to square one.There was nothing wrong with supporters wanting something more than Moyes at the end of last season.Across the second half of that campaign the Hammers lacked threat and identity, with the manager’s tenure falling apart.Though it is hard to argue things would have been this bad had Moyes signed the deal that was on the table this time last year.Most read in FootballLopetegui was backed by the board with some big money signings in the summerCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter a doomed summer pursuit of Ruben Amorim, who would have marked a significant tactical shift, West Ham landed on Lopetegui.It was not an appointment unanimously supported within the hierarchy, though he was backed with huge spending — which has not paid off.Huge brawl erupts after West Ham beat Wolves with Bowen thrown to ground as tensions boil over following El SackicoThere were early concerns within the squad over a lack of tactical drilling in training and little work on structure. The fact there has been no clearly identifiable playing style also raised doubts.Those worries spread to the boardroom as they watched Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool (twice) put at least four goals past the Hammers.Moyes’ main issue last season was at the back, with a club record 74 Premier League goals conceded across the season.But they are on course to match that figure.There has been far too much of a reliance on the individual talents of Jarrod Bowen — now injured for six weeks — and Mohammed Kudus, who was suspended for five games.A lack of understanding between Lopetegui and his players has boiled over at times, with both Kudus and Jean-Clair Todibo involved in heated rows with their manager.Kudus and the Spaniard argued at Brentford in September when West Ham were trailing, while Todibo vented after Arsenal had scored five first-half goals in November.There were concerns about the squad from the manager’s side too. Since the departure of Declan Rice in 2023, West Ham have lacked a vocal leader and Lopetegui worried about their mentality. But that concern was not addressed.Hammers have also lacked pace and presence in midfield all season with their only energetic runner, James Ward-Prowse, shipped out on loan to Nottingham Forest.Ward-Prowse made way for Carlos Soler, who has made little impact since his loan move from Paris Saint-Germain.The signing of Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer from Real Betis has been a disaster.Lopetegui cannot be blamed for every single deal, with technical director Tim Steidten having taken a lead role.But Steidten and the manager had a tense relationship, which culminated in the German being asked to stay away from the training ground this week.READ MORE SUN STORIESMoyes had fallen out with Steidten but the hope was that Lopetegui, with a more European view, would be able to work alongside him. That, like most elements of Lopetegui’s tenure, also failed.Lopetegui has been involved in heated rows with some of his star playersCredit: RexThe Hammers have been over-reliant on Jarrod Bowen this season and the England star is now out injured More

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      in Soccer

      Major update on Premier League star accused of raping three women

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      A PREMIER League star accused of rape could face criminal charges after police passed his file to prosecutors.The footballer has been accused of raping three women and sexual offences against a fourth between April 2021 and February 2023.A Premier League footballer could be charged with rapeHe has not been suspended by his club while the investigation is ongoing and remains on a full salary.It has now emerged the Met Police has passed a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, who will now weigh up whether to charge him.The development comes after the footballer was last year interviewed under caution over an alleged sexual offence relating to a third woman.He remains under police investigation for those alleged sexual offences between 2021 and 2023.The star then returned to a police station in November last year following a rape claim from a fourth woman.He was first held in July 2022 after police swooped on a home in North London.His first alleged victim, in her 20s, claimed she was raped during a break in the Med in June.She fled the five-star resort she was staying in and flew home to her friends and family, it is said.Most read in FootballThe woman is understood to have spoken to police on her return to the UK and showed photos she claimed highlighted bruising on her body after the alleged attack.After his initial arrest, he was later re-arrested on suspicion of two more reported rapes from April and June 2021.The June allegation was later dropped by police.A Met Police said: “Met officers are investigating following a number of reports of alleged sexual offences between 2021 and 2023.“A full file has been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and detectives continue to work with prosecutors.“Those who have come forward to police continue to receive support from Met officers.” More