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      ‘My head would be on Mars’ – Fans astonished at what Ruud Van Nistelrooy did after Leicester relegated to Championship

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      LEICESTER fans have blasted manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy after spotting him embracing Liverpool players following his side’s relegation from the Premier League.The Foxes become the second side to confirm their drop back into the Championship after a 1-0 defeat to Arne Slot’s champions-elect at the King Power Stadium.Leicester fans fumed at Ruud Van Nistelrooy hugging Liverpool players after the Foxes’ were relegated from the Prem with five games remainingThe Leicester manager hugged Arne Slot at full-time before thanking the fansThe Foxes become the second side to confirm their drop back into the Championship after SouthamptonCredit: GettyLeicester suffered their second relegation in three seasonsCredit: GettyTrent Alexander-Arnold’s shot flew under keeper Mads Hermansen to inflict a second relegation in three seasons on the Foxes.Leicester needed a win on Sunday to avoid relegation, but it was all but mathematically confirmed by Wolves winning at Manchester United. And given that Van Nistelrooy’s side hadn’t scored a single Premier League goal at home this year, it was all looking pretty inevitable anyway. The Foxes put up a bit of a fight and held of Liverpool’s winner until the 77th minute, but didn’t have a shot on target.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLiverpool fans were chanting about their inevitable 20th title, before referee Stuart Attwell blew the full-time whistle on Leicester’s time in the Prem – with five matches remaining.But Van Nistelrooy wasn’t all doom and gloom, instead smiling as he hugged Liverpool players, like Harvey Elliott in the middle of the pitch.And Leicester fans – who once celebrated a title of their own in the 2015-16 season – were left reeling with the Van Nistelrooy’s apparent positivity. One other fan acknowledged: “My head would be on Mars if I was a Leicester fan right now.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”Leicester have just been relegated and van Nistelrooy is walking around with a massive grin on his face.”A second fan said: “Van Nistelrooy laughing and joking with all the Liverpool players there. You’ve just been relegated mate.”Ruud van Nistelrooy announced as Leicester manager as Man Utd legend makes swift return to Premier LeagueVan Nistelrooy consoles midfielder Jeremy MongaCredit: AFPA distraught Bilal El Khannouss fell to the turf after Leicester were relegatedCredit: GettyConor Coady was relegated with the Foxes after joining in 2023Credit: GettyWhile another fan added: “Ruud smiling and laughing after we’ve just been relegated. You couldn’t make it up.”After the club’s relegation was confirmed, Van Nistelrooy said:” It’s very disappointing. “It’s obviously not something that happened from today until tomorrow. It’s weeks leading into this.”Although we never gave up, we kept fighting for every last bit of hope we had. That isn’t the case now.“I expected it get more points than I was able to get over the games I was able to lead.”Van Nistelrooy has only managed two league wins over Tottenham and West Ham, losing nearly 80 PER CENT of his Prem games in charge of the club.Leicester were 16th in the Premier League when they sacked Steve Cooper after 12 games in November.That decision made headlines after video emerged in the following days of Leicester’s players partying in a nightclub next to signs that read “Enzo, I miss you” – seemingly hinting at former manager Enzo Maresca.The arrival of Van Nistelrooy saw the 2016 Champions plummet into the relegation zone, where they have remained for all-but-one matchweek since December.Read More on The SunAnd the United legend has also had his fair share of controversy to deal with, including his axing of Harry Winks and Jannik Vestergaard shocking staff by bringing his DOG to training.Leicester joined Southampton in England’s second tier next season.Leicester hero Jamie Vardy has been relegated for the second time in three seasonsCredit: PA More

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      F1 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Oscar Piastri WINS as Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly CRASH out – updates

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      OSCAR PIASTRI powered home to win the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix and top the Drivers’ Championship.Max Verstappen secured second after his penalty, while Charles Leclerc held off Lando Norris to claim Ferrari’s first Sunday podium of the season.The race started in shocking circumstances, with Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly crashing out.Start time: 6pm BSTTV channel: Sky Sports F1TV/Stream: NOW/Sky Sports appCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…That’s all from usThank you for tuning in for SunSport’s coverage of the F1 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.You can keep up with all the major news from the world of motorsport by clicking here, or if you want to check out what’s happening in the rest of the crazy world of sport, click here.Copy linkCopied’I’m not happy’ – Hamilton reacts to P7 finish”P7 is not the end of the world but there’s tons of time that I’m just not extracting. “It’s not good enough but I am working really really hard at it. “I just got to keep on taking a deep breath. “I know that the fans aren’t happy, I’m sure the team aren’t happy, I know the bosses aren’t happy, and I’m not happy with my results either. “But all I can continue to do is try to continue to believe in myself, stay positive, and keep working at it. “And that’s what I’m trying to do.”Copy linkCopiedHorner tension in presser over Verstappen penaltyChristian Horner showed up to his media session with a screenshot of Verstappen’s attempt to stick around the outside of Piastri at Turn 1.As reported by Thomas Maher, Horner is arguing he felt the penalty applied was a little harsh.Fellow reporter Chris Medland has shared a photo of the Horner evidence, which he believes shows how Verstappen was ahead of Piastri.He adds how a rival team boss not from McLaren told Horner to “let it go, he was never making that corner”.Comes after the FIA released their statement explaining the reason for the applied penalty.Copy linkCopied’It’s better not to talk about it’ – Verstappen reveals penalty fears for voicing opinion on Piastri incidentMAX VERSTAPPEN feels he is being gagged by the FIA as the four-time world champion says “people cannot handle the truth”.The Dutch Red Bull driver was left frustrated after being slapped with a five-second penalty for illegally going off the track in a battle with Oscar Piastri on the first-lap.This cost Verstappen, who finished in second, and he slammed the punishment as “f***ing lovely” on his team radio and walked off after a blunt post-race interview.When asked about the penalty he said: “I can’t share my opinion otherwise I might get penalised so better not to speak about it.“The world we live in you can’t share your opinion fully apparently or people can’t handle the full truth.“For me it’s better. I don’t need to say too much, it also saves my time. We already have to do too much, it’s how everything is becoming.“Everyone is super sensitive about everything. Of course what we have currently we cannot be critical anyway that’s fine, less talking is even better for me.When asked if his anger was directed at the FIA’s swearing rules, he said: “I know I cannot swear in here but at the same time you can also not be critical,“Or any kind of form that might harm or danger, let me get the sheet out…“There’s a lot of lines, that’s why it’s better not to talk about it or you can get yourself in trouble and I don’t think anyone wants that.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWhat’s next?We now have a two-week break before the next F1 race.Race six will come on May 4 in Miami as the first of three races in the United States this season.It is also the second Sprint Race of the season, following on from China.Lando Norris won that race last year, and will be hoping he can repeat that this year to help him close the gap in the Drivers’ Standings.After Miami, there is another gap before the triple-header of Imola, Monaco and Spain.Copy linkCopiedBREAKING: FIA release statement on Verstappen penaltyThe FIA have released their statement and explained the reason for the ten-second penalty handed to Verstappen.The penalty was reduced from the normal baseline of 10 seconds to half of that because of the “mitigating circumstance” of it being a Lap 1, Turn 1 incident.The statement said: “The Stewards reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, timing, telemetry and in-car video evidence and determined that car 81 had its front axle at least alongside the mirror of Car 1 prior to and at the apex of corner 1 when trying to overtake Car 1 on the inside. “In fact, Car 81 was alongside Car 1 at the apex. Based on the Driver’s Standards Guidelines, it was therefore Car 81’s corner and hewas entitled to be given room.”Car 1 then left the track and gained a lasting advantage that was not given back. He stayed in front of Car 81 and sought to build on the advantage.”Ordinarily, the baseline penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage is 10 seconds.”However, given that this was lap one and turn one incident, we considered that to be a mitigating circumstance and imposed a 5 second time penalty instead.”Copy linkCopied‘You fired me’ – Martin Brundle in awkward reunion with former boss at Saudi Arabian Grand PrixMartin Brundle endured an awkward reunion with an old boss at the Saudi Grand Prix.The Sky Sports reporter bumped into Alpine’s Flavio Briatore before the start of the race.Brundle used to race for the Italian businessman at the Benetton team for the 1992 F1 season.He was the team-mate of F1 legend Michael Schumacher but was sacked in 1993.And the former driver was quick to remind the Alpine executive advisor of their awkward past.Copy linkCopied’Just a racing incident’ – Tsunoda on Gasly collisionTsunoda told the official F1 channel: “I don’t know what I should have done. I was behind Sainz, I was fully in control in terms of speed.”I was not like nearly crashing into Carlos in front. So it’s hard to justify which is wrong or better.”In contrast to Gasly, the Red Bull driver said his rival did not leave him enough space, but considered the collision “just a racing incident.”He added: “I don’t think I could have done better than that, to be honest.”I tried my best to avoid him as much as I can, but also in that kind of space, it’s really hard to avoid. I don’t know what can I do other than that, to be honest.“We kind of knew, each other, I mean, if you try to go outside from there, other than if he goes half of the car, at least on the white line, it would [have been a] collision. So it was a shame.”Copy linkCopied’I left him room’ – Gasly on Lap 1 crash with TsunodaPierre Gasly has broken his silence after crashing out of the race on Lap 1.The duo tangled at the start with Tsunoda clipping the rear left tyre of Gasly as they went through a tight turn.Gasly was instantly out of the race and prompted a safety car, while Tsunoda limped back to the pits before he too was forced to retire.But the Alpine driver believes he gave his Red Bull rival, also his former team-mate enough room.He said: “I think I had a good run in Turn 4, managed to get good braking and get ahead of him. “I was aware he was on the inside so I left as much space as I could on the exit of the corner.“I had already two wheels off the track, I had to keep my inside wheels obviously inside the white line to make the move past. “But unfortunately there was this touch and it just sent my car spinning.”Copy linkCopiedPodium in picturesHere’s a look at the podium sitters today, including race winner Piastri.Credit: EPACredit: AFPCredit: AFPCopy linkCopiedTense cooldown roomThere was tension in the cooldown room after the controversial penalty handed to Verstappen, which ultimately decided the race.Watch below.Copy linkCopied’I didn’t feel comfortable’ – Hamilton on Ferrari resultTold Sky Sports: “There wasn’t one second [I felt comfortable].”The car is capable of being P3. “Charles did a great job today.”Copy linkCopiedPiastri cheeky social media messagePiastri had a cheeky social media message after asking for a couch following his race win in Saudi Arabia.Credit: @oscarpiastri/InstagramCredit: @oscarpiastri/Instagram
      Copy linkCopiedSaudi Arabia Driver of the dayMax Verstappen has been voted as the Driver of the Day by F1 fans.Copy linkCopied’My only interest is going home’ – Verstappen on penaltyVerstappen told Sky Sports: “To be honest, I think any words towards that is just a waste of time for everyone.”We talked about it a lot and last year and this year are a different kind of rules, so that’s also a problem.”This is not my problem to be honest, I think the positive is we had decent pace in the race, I was much happier on the medium [tyre] as well.”I did not expect the pace in the car but it did show that the changes we’ve made in the car from Friday to Saturday definitely helped a lot on the tyre wear as well.””What rules have changed? Let’s get the paperwork, it’s all written down.”Will we appeal? It’s not in my interest. My only interest is going home.”Copy linkCopiedChristian Horner on Verstappen penaltyTold Sky Sports: “We that discussion before the race with the directors.”We have the notion of let them race but I’m not sure where Max is supposed to go.”On a positive note we showed good pace.”Max was trying to get the gap but it wasn’t to be.”We’re only 12 points off the championship and taken some points off Lando.”Arguably without that penalty we would have won today as well.”Copy linkCopiedFIA time penaltyEx-Red Bull driver Liam Lawson was hit with a ten-second time penalty during the race after leaving the track and gaining an advantage.Copy linkCopiedSarcastic radio from LeclercDuring the race, Charles Leclerc had a tongue-in-cheek response to his race engineer, Bryan Bozzi.Copy linkCopiedConstructors’ standings after five racesHere’s how the Constructors Championship standings look after five races.McLaren – 188 pointsMercedes – 111Red Bull – 89Ferrari – 78Williams – 25Haas – 20Aston Martin – 20Racing Bulls – 8Alpine – 6Sauber – 6Copy linkCopied’It’s the execution’ – Chadwick on Norris car claimsSky Sports F1 pundit and former W Series champion Jamie Chadwick has rubbished claims that Norris and McLaren do not have an advantage over their rivals.She said: “The pace is not the problem, but it’s the execution.”Copy linkCopied’He looks like a veteran’ – Andrea Stella on Piastri and NorrisMcLaren team principal, Andrea Stella, on Piastri’s race win: “Oscar looks like a veteran, but it is just his 51st race in F1.”On Norris’ recovery: “We really wanted to recover after yesterday’s qualifying, and [Norris] did that really well. “Very good points for Lando, as he said on his in-lap, he needs to polish a little bit his Saturdays and then he will be alright.”Copy linkCopiedNorris on narrow podium missTold Sky Sports: “I’m pretty hot (laugh). Yeah I gave it my all.”Charles drove a good race.”I’m pleased on the whole but I make life tough for myself.”It would have been much easier to be up the front.”I need to have better Saturdays.”They [Ferrari and Red Bull are just as quick.”We show a bit more in practice then have nothing left in qualifying.”We’re probably quicker on average but not enough.”We suffer a lot in DRS compared to other teams, we’re not as quick on the straight, which makes today tricky.”Oscar did a great job and showed what the car can do.”Copy linkCopiedZak Brown on McLaren winSpeaking to Sky Sports, Brown said: “Mega result.”Team did a huge job to get Lando’s car back to racing standard after his race win.”Lando was great, Oscar was flawless….”Would have been a bit better if they [Red Bull] swapped earlier. “Looking forward to party with the team.”We thought a podium for Lando was on but we were wrong by 1.2 seconds…”[Penalty for Verstappen] Definetly deserved. It was appropriate.”Copy linkCopiedThumbs up between Williams driversA massive weekend for Williams as they score double points with Sainz helping Albon to keep Hadjar at bay.They also managed double points in China this season.Copy linkCopiedDrivers standings after Saudi Arabia GPHere’s how we look after five races of the season.P1) Piastri – 99P2) Norris – 89P3) Verstappen – 87P4) Russell – 73P5) Leclerc – 47P6) Antonelli – 38P7) Hamilton – 31P8) Albon – 20P9) Ocon – 14P10) Stroll – 10Copy linkCopied More

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      When is the earliest Liverpool can win the Premier League title?

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      LIVERPOOL are edging closer to winning the Premier League title – but when is the earliest they win it?Since taking over for Jurgen Klopp, Arne Slot has only lost two league games, and it appears that he will follow in the club legend’s footsteps in his debut season.Virgil van Dijk can celebrate his new contract with a title next weekFollowing their defeat in the Carabao Cup final and subsequent elimination from the Champions League, the significance of preserving their advantage at the top has increased in recent weeks.Arsenal’s run in Europe’s elite club competition has aided Liverpool’s tilt at the title, with back-to-back draws to Everton and Brentford all but ruling them out of a domestic comeback. Additionally, the Anfield club have been handed an early summer boost as they secure the futures of key duo, Mohamed Salah and now Virgil van Dijk. When can Liverpool lift the Premier League title?Liverpool can win the Premier League as soon as Wednesday night, April 23.READ MORE IN PREMIER LEAGUEShould Arsenal lose to Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium, the Reds will be crowned champions.But should the Gunners defeat or draw with Palace, the earliest Liverpool can then win the league is next Sunday.A win over Tottenham at Anfield will see the Reds confirmed as Premier League champions for the first time since 2020. More

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      Leicester RELEGATED from Premier League after disastrous season that saw stars partying after manager sacking

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      LEICESTER CITY have been relegated from the Premier League.Following this afternoon’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool, the Foxes become the second side to confirm their drop back into the Championship – joining Southampton in England’s second tier next season.Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City have been relegated from the Premier LeagueCredit: AFPLeicester’s fate was sealed with a 1-0 defeat to LiverpoolCredit: PARuud van Nistelrooy’s side have had a torrid campaign that has seen them struggle massively to compete with the teams around them.Leicester went over 12 HOURS without scoring a home goal and won just ONE of their last 19 Premier League matches as they cemented their drop.It marks the Foxes’ second relegation in three years, becoming yo-yo strugglers less than 10 years after winning the Premier League title and the FA Cup.Leicester started the season with Steve Cooper in charge, but axed the Welshman after just 12 Premier League matches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat decision made headlines after video emerged in the following days of Leicester’s players partying in a nightclub next to signs that read “Enzo, I miss you” – seemingly hinting at former manager Enzo Maresca.Cooper would soon be replaced by Manchester United legend Van Nistelrooy – a decision that would prove costly.Under Cooper Leicester had only fallen below 16th place in the league once, never dropping into the relegation zone as they won two, drew four and lost six of his 12 league games.While the arrival of Van Nistelrooy saw the 2016 Champions plummet into the relegation zone, where they have remained for all-but-one matchweek since December.Most read in FootballSteve Cooper was sacked after just 12 league games in chargeCredit: PALeicester players including Conor Coady and Harry Winks were seen dancing in a Danish nightclub in a video that emerged after Cooper’s dismissalCredit: ekstrabladet.dkSomebody was holding up an ‘Enzo I Miss U’ sign near where the players were standingCredit: ekstrabladet.dkCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd the United legend has also had his fair share of controversy to deal with, including his axing of Harry Winks and Jannik Vestergaard shocking staff by bringing his DOG to training.The Dutchman has only managed two league wins over Tottenham and West Ham, losing nearly 80 PER CENT of his Prem games in charge of the club.Leicester stars party in nightclub next to ‘Enzo I miss you’ sign hours after Chelsea loss on night before Cooper sackedBy comparison, Cooper was sacked after extending his streak without a win to just five matches.The King Power outfit have come in for some heavy defeats throughout the campaign too.Hefty 4-0 defeats to Brentford, Everton and Newcastle were low points for the Foxes fanbase who haven’t seen their team win – or score – at home in the league in 2025.In fact, they even became the first team in the history of English professional football to lose eight home games on the bounce without scoring a single goal.However, Leicester will be buoyed by their success in the Championship last season, where they put up 97 points to be crowned champions in a dominant campaign.The Foxes set records with their poor goalscoring formCredit: Rex More

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      Leicester 0 Liverpool 1: Reds just one win away from Premier League title after Trent Alexander-Arnold winner

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD might not be around when Liverpool defend their Premier League title. But the Scouse full-back sent his team to the very brink of winning it when he drilled home the late winner which broke Leicester’s resistance and confirmed their relegation. Trent Alexander-Arnold climbed off from the bench to relegate LeicesterCredit: GettyThere was a real ferocity in Alexander-Arnold’s eyes as he celebrated that goalCredit: ReutersThe right-back went absolutely wild after scoring for LiverpoolCredit: ReutersThe Liverpool fans cheered Alexander-Arnold on after their recent fall outCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold was only five minutes into his comeback from injury, replacing Conor Bradley after a five-match absence with an ankle injury, when he drilled home the shot which left the Reds needing just three points from being rubber-stamped as champions. The England defender is expected to join Real Madrid when his contract expires at the end of the season but he took full advantage of this opportunity to celebrate this impending triumph. After thumping shot straight through the previously-excellent Leicester keepers Mads Hermansen, Alexander-Arnold ripped off his shirt and kicked the corner flag before he cavorted in front of the travelling Red Army. There has been much debate among Liverpool fans about whether Alexander-Arnold should have been ditched by Arne Slot for the temerity of wanting to leave Anfield. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut those who followed their team to the King Power were jubilant when he leathered home his 76th-minute shot after a goalmouth scramble. As for Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s Leicester, they showed the sort of application which they had required several months as their second relegation in three seasons was confirmed with five games still to go. Only the haplessness of rock-bottom Southampton has spared the Foxes from greater ignominy because this was as their ninth straight home defeat without them managing a single goal – although Conor Coady had a header disallowed and Wilfred Ndidi hit the post.Arsenal’s thumping of Ipswich earlier in the afternoon meant there could be no title party, at least until midweek, and probably not until Liverpool host Tottenham next Sunday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLeicester’s relegation had been all but mathematically confirmed by Wolves winning at Manchester United.But given that Van Nistelrooy’s side hadn’t scored a single Premier League goal at home this year, it was all looking pretty inevitable anyway. Leicester fans spotted streaming out just 35 minutes into Newcastle clash as hopeless Foxes hurtle towards relegationInside three minutes, Luis Diaz released Salah, whose shot cannoned off the inside of both posts. Then a remarkable thing happened – Leicester almost scored, Ndidi drilling a shot against an upright with Alisson rooted.Liverpool broke immediately and this time Salah’s shot was pushed out by an alert Hermansen. In keeping with this underwhelming Prem season, a clash between a team on the cusp of the title and another on the brink of relegation was being played out amid the atmosphere of a pre-season friendly. Liverpool’s supporters were having a nice sing-song in the corner but their team, unimpressive in recent weeks, were struggling to find their true tempo. A bizarre dummy from Coady in his own penalty area allowed Diaz to centre for a Cody Gakpo header which Hermansen kept out – as he did with a Gakpo cross-shot which threatened to loop inside his far post. Then from a Kostas Tsimikas centre, Salah couldn’t keep down his close-range volley with the goal gaping. A plane flew over the stadium, trailing a protest banner reading ‘King Power Clueless, Sack The Board’.Leicester have been relegated from the leagueCredit: PASlot brought him on the 71st minute – five minutes before his goalCredit: APVirgil van Dijk – who signed a new deal during the week – was among the first to celebrate with Alexander-ArnoldCredit: ReutersA plane flew over the stadium, pulling a banner in protest of the Leicester City board which read ‘King Power Clueless Sack the Board’ before kick-offCredit: GettyBut down on terra firma, Leicester were carrying out a passable impression of a competent football team. After the break, Dominik Szoboszlai had a shot repelled by Hermansen and a Diaz effort was blocked. Then Bradley burst forward from right-back and teed up Diaz, who volleyed over at the near post. Slot’s men were doing a better job of pinning back their hosts but there was still no way through – one excellent passing move ending with Hermansen off his line to block a Tsimikas shot. Next, Salah turned his man and curled one past the far post and after an hour the shot count read 19-2 yet the scoreline remained goalless.Slot sent on Diogo Jota in place of Gakpo, while Van Nistelrooy withdrew an anonymous Jamie Vardy and sent on Patson Daka. A Stephy Mavididi back-heel caused Bradley to kick out and earn a booking and soon Leicester did something truly extraordinary – they put the ball in the Liverpool net.Not that Conor Coady’s header counted, due to Daka’s shove on Alisson but for a second or so, Foxes fans felt the bliss of their team scoring at home. Leicester star Jamie Vardy has been relegated for the second time in three seasonsCredit: PATrent hung his shirt on the corner flag at the King Power StadiumRef Stuart Attwell was not endearing himself to the home supporters, turning down a penalty shout for a challenge on Daka, then awarding Liverpool a questionable free-kick outside the Leicester box. After Harvey Elliott arrived as sub, Attwell even things up a bit by refusing to award a corner when the England Under-21 star’s shot took a massive deflection. But then came Alexander-Arnold’s moment. Read More on The SunFrom a Tsimikas corner, Salah headed against the post, then Jota fired against the bar before Alexander-Arnold’s shot finally beat Hermansen.    Facundo Buonanotte screwed a shot wide when well placed but Leicester have gone down by a country mile and Liverpool will soon be crowned champions by a similar distance. More

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      ‘He is replacing Garnacho’ – Man Utd fans spot Ruben Amorim ‘tapping up’ Wolves star in dismal home defeat

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans think they spotted Ruben Amorim ‘tapping up’ Wolves striker Matheus Cunha.Amorim was spotted with his arm around Cunha while the pair walked through the Old Trafford tunnel at half-time on Sunday.Man Utd fans think they spotted Ruben Amorim ‘tapping up’ Wolves striker Matheus CunhaWolves snatched a 1-0 victory after Pablo Sarabia’s incredible free-kickWolves handed United their 15th defeat of the season and secured Premier League safety themselvesWolves went onto snatch a 1-0 win through Pablo Sarabia’s sublime free-kick, securing Cunha and Co. Premier League safety this season.But as the players headed down the tunnel, with the scores goalless, at the break Amorim could be seen endearingly tapping the side of Cunha’s head in an affectionate way.While this could be just a friendly greeting, it is rare for opposition managers and players to interact at half-time.One fan wrote: “Amorim’s literally tapping him up 👀.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA second hopefully said: “He is replacing Alejandro Garnacho in our starting line-up next season.”A third added: “Amorim’s begging him to come 😂.”United fans also got excited at a video which appears to show Cunha waving at the Old Trafford support before kick-off.Cunha has been reportedly linked with a move to Man Utd as his future in the West Midlands remains up in the air. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe Brazilian forward has been a revelation for Wolves this season, despite the Molineux club struggling towards the bottom of the table.Last weekend, he posted a photograph to his Instagram story with the caption: “Time to be happy, I will follow my dreams, not yours… So stay cool.”Amorim is officially WORST Man Utd manager of post-Sir Alex Ferguson era as under-fire boss admits- I’m underperformingWolves supporters were furious with the striker and he was forced to apologise.Cunha’s 14 goals in 27 Prem appearances have lifted Wanderers away from danger with their survival secured on Sunday.The 25-year-old signed a new four-year contract in January making him the highest paid player in Wolves’ history.But the deal included a £62.5m minimum fee release clause that is widely expected to be activated by multiple clubs when the transfer window re-opens.Arsenal, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest are also believed to be among his admirers amid an impressive campaign for Wolves. More

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      ‘My dad was the greatest’ – Ex-Man Utd starlet Joe Thompson’s daughter pays heartbreaking tribute after death at 36

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      JOE THOMPSON’S daughter has paid a heartbreaking tribute after he died at the age of 36.The Bath-born midfielder was diagnosed with cancer for the third time in April last year.Joe Thompson’s daughter Lula has made a touching tribute to her fatherCredit: MUFCThompson tragically passed away last weekCredit: MUFCLula would often go to Thompson’s work with himCredit: MUFCShe said he was the best daddy and husband to his wife, ChantelleCredit: MUFCThompson had hung up his boots in 2019, having come through the academy at Manchester United.The former Rochdale star was found to have stage four lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, which had spread to his lungs.He passed away on Thursday after becoming a public speaker following his retirement.His daughter, Lula, 10, has now made a heartbreaking tribute to her father, which the Red Devils shared.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe video showed moments of his footballing career, including scoring a memorable goal for Rochdale that saved them from relegation.Pictures showed Thompson celebrating with Lula after the game.The video continued to display the good charity work that the former footballer did in order to raise money to help battle cancer.She said: “When my dad got cancer for the third time, he didn’t let that stop him from doing good and start fundraising to get treatment that can help lots of other people.Most read in Football”He always wanted to be known as a great man, but I can say my dad was the greatest man.”The best dad to me and my sister Athena, and the best husband to my mummy Chantelle.Ex-Man Utd trainee Joe Thompson diagnosed with cancer for 3rd time and says ‘aggressive’ lymphoma has spread to his lungs “I love you so much dad.”Thompson was first diagnosed with the cancerous disease Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013.After bravely battling to overcome it, he managed to return to professional football, playing for Bury the following year.Thompson went on to have spells at Wrexham, Southport, and Carlisle United before he returned to Rochdale in 2016.However, his disease came back for a second time just a few months later.Rochdale also paid tribute to Thompson as the team wore black armbands during the game against Altrincham.Chantelle’s tributeIn a tribute to her husband, who died on April 17, 2025, Chantelle posted on Instagram…She wrote: “Our brave and courageous Joey passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning, he was at home where he wanted to be in a beautiful peaceful setting surrounding by his family when he transitioned.“Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.“He was the most Incredible husband,son,brother,friend & father to our beautiful daughters who will now carry his light and legacy on and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joes love every single day. “It’s been a long battle, and one that he fought with all his might and he did things HIS way!! “He choose his path and walked every step with courage and pride growing closer and closer to god each day whilst still being there for so many others. “He held on to his plans for the future to continue that legacy but It’s now time for him to rest up and watch over us from heaven.“I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy. Long may his legacy and impact live on!!” More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Leandro Trossard gives Mikel Arteta food for thought as David Raya has quiet day at the office

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      ARSENAL continued their fine form after beating Real Madrid with a professional win over Ipswich Town.There were very few signs of tiredness in Mikel Arteta’s side despite the brilliant win in the Spanish capital.Arsenal cruised to victory over Ipswich TownCredit: GettyLeandro Trossard netted a braceCredit: ReutersArteta used the match against the Tractor Boys as a dress rehearsal ahead of the Champions League clash against PSG on April 29.The manager opted to drop makeshift forward Mikel Merino back into the midfield while Leandro Trossard took the striker role.The plan worked nicely as the Belgian netted the opening goal with a neat finish in the 14th minute.He continued to impress as he played a key role in Arsenal’s second, which was tapped home by Gabriel Martinelli.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTrossard made it a brace for himself in the second half as he got the better of Palmer for a second time in the 69th minute.Ethan Nwaneri put the cherry on top as his deflected effort made it four in the closing stages.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Arteta’s men from inside Portman Road…David Raya – 7David Raya did not have a shot on target to saveCredit: GettyHe could have nipped down the tunnel to go to the toilet at several stages during the game and I would not have noticed. That’s how little I was made to look at Arsenal’s goal.Most read in FootballBenjamin White – 7Benjamin White was not at full speedCredit: GettyJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIn need of minutes and rhythm following complications from his knee surgery, White got just that here. A solid run-out and some air in the lungs.There are still signs he is not totally up to speed, and looks to currently be the second choice at right back behind Jurrien Timber.Tunnel footage shows Arsenal stars’ team-talk before Real Madrid clash including Rice’s inspirational 5-word command But he is such a good squad option to have, especially in games like this – a reliable figure that barely puts a foot wrong.William Saliba – 8William Saliba was composed throughoutCredit: EPAIt looked at times like the Frenchman was being forced to play against a bunch of school kids, barely breaking a sweat. It felt unfair for him to be on the pitch, he’s that good.If anything, it was just a useful 90-minute slog of building more of a relationship with Jakub Kiwior, something the pair need if they are to reach the Champions League final next month.Jakub Kiwior – 7Jakub Kiwior was shaky at timesCredit: ReutersThe Pole has received nothing but praise for his recent Champions League outings against Real Madrid, and rightly so, keeping Kylian Mbappe and co at bay comfortably.From Spain to Suffolk, as is often the case with Kiwior, there were a few nervy moments on the ball, needing to be bailed out by Declan Rice after an underhit pass from the back.Mikel Arteta even found time to angrily berate the defender early on.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7Oleksandr Zinchenko made his seventh start of the seasonCredit: AFPThe perfect game for the Ukrainian to come in for – just his seventh start of the season in all competitions. It was as if this contest was designed with him in mind.Lots of time on the ball, given plenty of space to cut inside and not a lot of defending or chasing back to worry about.He was so comfortable that he even moved into midfield on the hour mark.Clearly an understudy to Myles Lewis-Skelly right now, he should make the most of this as it is unlikely he will be getting much action from here on in, especially if Arsenal remain in Europe and continue to keep the title race alive for as long as possible.Martin Odegaard – 7Martin Odegaard was back to his best in midfieldCredit: ReutersBack to his creative best, and looked to be having so much fun with Bukayo Saka as his sparring partner down the right.Boy have we missed this sort of performance from the Norwegian – the cute, dinked passes, the dictating around the box, the orchestrating of everything good Arsenal produced.So unlucky not to grab a late goal as his long-range stinger rattled the inside of the post.Declan Rice 72′ – 7Declan Rice set up Trossard’s second goal of the gameCredit: GettyHe is oozing with confidence right now and it shows, bossing any midfield he sets his eyes on, galloping his way into any space he so chooses.His corner deliveries are also still on the money – it is just a shame he does not have someone to convert with usual suspect Gabriel out for the season.Mikel Merino 56′ – 8Mikel Merino picked up an assist for Martinelli’s goalCredit: GettyNo matter the position, wherever Merino plays at the moment he is involved in goals, just like he proved over two legs against Madrid with a goal and two assists.There was another assist here and wasn’t it a beauty? A first-time, no-look, back-heeled flick from Bukayo Saka’s cut-back straight into the path of Gabriel Martinelli at the far post.He was deployed in midfield, but often roamed forward and drifted into pockets of space with Leandro Trossard regularly switching to the flanks.Bukayo Saka 56′ – 8Bukayo Saka was a constant threat on the rightCredit: GettySpent most of the first half being booed by the Ipswich fans, mainly because he was on the end of an awful studs-up tackle by Leif Davis that had the defender shown a straight red.But the jeers were also as a sign of respect – they witnessed a player at the top of his game rip them apart at times down the right and should have had a hat-trick of goals and assists inside the first 45 minutes but for several missed sitters.Understandably was brought off in the 57th minute to protect him for bigger games to come.Gabriel Martinelli 72′ – 8Gabriel Martinelli netted his 50th goal for ArsenalCredit: ReutersJust like in Madrid, the Brazilian can drift in and out of games, on the periphery of attacks, and then in the blink of an eye he is in the right place at the right time.The movement for his goal and Arsenal’s second was superb.These are the sorts of consistent, weekly numbers he needs to be producing if he wants to keep his place on that left wing with next season and a big summer transfer splurge in mind.Leandro Trossard 82′ – 9Leandro Trossard impressed in the striker roleCredit: GettyThis was a real chance to prove his worth to Mikel Arteta down the middle – a potential option for the Champions League semi-final first leg.There were some good moments, his two goals included.For both, he calmly slotted into the corner from close range, thanks largely to some pretty dire defending, while he also got involved in some impressive attacks down the right with Saka.The Belgian was also wasteful – an identical set-up to his goal saw him take a touch when he could have fired it home first time, but to mark him down for that would be harsh.SUBSEthan Nwaneri 56′ – 8Had a few darting runs down the right that came to nothing and then a bit of luck as his shot cutting inside deflected off two Ipswich defenders and in.Has lost a bit of momentum since Saka’s return from injury but that will do him the world of good.Myles Lewis-Skelly 56′ – 6Came on at left-back but was quickly moved inside into a holding midfielder role – his natural habitat from his Arsenal academy days. Unsurprisingly, the 18-year-old was not fazed at all.Raheem Sterling 72′ – 6You really have to feel sorry for the guy. He still looks rusty and it’s the business end of the season, but that’s because he has hardly been played.Read More on The SunKieran Tierney 72′ – 6Another chance for the Arsenal fans to serenade their favourite Scot before he departs this summer.Nathan Butler-Oyedeji 82′ – N/AA Premier League debut for the 22-year-old.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More