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      Boxing fan SUING Netflix over buffering during Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson after fight was hit by technical difficulties

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      A BOXING fan is SUING Netflix over buffering issues during Jake Paul’s fight against Mike Tyson. Over 65 MILLION households watched the controversial clash with 108m total viewers tuning in to watch Paul’s eight-round decision win. Netflix had buffering issues during Jake Paul vs Mike TysonBut the demand caused Netflix problems throughout the night with issues of buffering during the live stream.And according to WFLA-TV in Tampa, one fan in Florida is suing Netflix in state court. The man is accusing the streaming giants of “alleged breach of contract and unfair, deceptive actions”. He is seeking monetary damage, along with class-action status.READ MORE IN BOXINGPaul, 27, claimed victory over Tyson, 58, who returned for his first professional bout in almost 20 YEARS. A huge £14.3m was raked in from tickets sales alone – the highest figure for a fight outside of Las Vegas – as 72,000 attended. And Paul’s business partner and Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian responded to the streaming struggles. He told Ariel Helwani: “First and foremost, we broke the internet. We did something that has never been done before. Most read in BoxingJake Paul vs Mike Tyson round-by-roundMIKE TYSON’s long-awaited return to the ring didn’t have the fairytale ending fight fans dreamed of.SunSport’s boxing expert Wally Downes Jr recaps one of the drabbest and most forgettable nights in boxing history.And he didn’t hold back, issuing a scathing assessment of social media sensation Jake Paul.Round OnePaul says “I love you, Mike” just before the opening bell sounds. He quickly runs away and holds the boxing legend.Tyson draws a big reaction from the crowd as he lands a jab and a good right hand.Verdict: 10-9 TysonRound TwoPaul ran away in the opener and held – just like we thought he would.Tommy Fury had it first and now Mike Tyson. It’s clever because Tyson will tire. Paul tags Tyson’s body with a straight right.Tyson looks spent now. 180 seconds in and the fight looks over.Verdict: 10-9 TysonRound ThreeThe legend cannot even keep his gumshield in. As expected it’s a waste of time. Paul has run away until the 58-year-old has tired.Shooting ducks in a barrel now. Tyson might get hurt here. Paul lands a couple of clumsy shots and Tyson wobbles backwards.Tragic after three.Verdict: 10-9 PaulRound FourThis is proper rubbish. The crowd are bored and boos are being heard.This is just two tired big lumps going at it.  One a legend, one a promoter.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound FivePaul jabs the body and aims right for the head and another one-two clips the icon.Tyson cannot keep his mouthpiece in, he is gasping for air. Paul lands a left hook but then so does Tyson.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound SixThank God these weren’t three-minute rounds. We are getting about four punches per round.Tyson is gasping in the air but replays show a left hook did graze Paul’s beard.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound SevenTyson slips a jab and tries an uppercut. The commentator admits it has been a “sad” spectacle.The AT&T stadium has been utterly stunk out. Paul is looking just as tired as Tyson.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound EightGo back to YouTube, Jake. You’re an excellent conman. But you’ve never been a boxer.The Judges decide: 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73. I’m glad Tyson gets paid and has stayed safe.But what a laughable performance from Paul to add to his stinker with Tommy Fury.Verdict 10-9 PaulSunSport’s final scorecard – 78-74 for Jake PaulClick to read the full round-by-round breakdown.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The record for streaming in the US was 23 million concurrents, we blew past that. “So Netflix has shown it has an ability to do things that no other media platform has done before. “Secondly, Netflix is always advancing the boundaries of content consumption, they’ve been doing that for many years and this was just another example of that.” Fans claims Jake Paul’s win over Mike Tyson was ‘fixed’ as new footage of fight emerges More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League boss Russell Martin escapes sack fears on luxury holiday with former glamour girl partner Lucy Pinder

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      SOUTHAMPTON boss Russell Martin escaped fears over the sack on a luxury holiday with former glamour girl partner Lucy Pinder.Martin’s Saints are bottom of the Premier League table with just four points from 11 matches.Russell Martin and Lucy Pinder looked loved-up on a trip away during the international breakMartin has survived the chop at Southampton after just one win all seasonThe pair soaked up the sights and sounds of CornwallSunSport revealed their relationship in AugustPinder is a die-hard Southampton fanMartin’s Saints have a tough run of games coming upThe promoted side have won only once, losing nine times in the process.And pressure has been growing on Martin over his fanatical desire to dominate possession in every game.The 38-year-old went into the international break as the bookies’ joint-favourite for the chop with West Ham’s Julen Lopetegui.But with players returning to their clubs, Martin has survived at St Mary’s for now.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he enjoyed a trip away from the south coast over the fortnight with girlfriend Pinder, 40.SunSport exclusively revealed their relationship had kicked off in August.Pinder is a die-hard Saints fan and the pair were previously seen together at a Sky Sports social function.And during the international period they enjoyed some more quality time with a beach break in Cornwall.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe loved-up couple posed for a heartwarming photo together on the sand.While another snap showed them enjoying a stroll along a cliff.Inside Russell Martin’s amazing journey from living at bookies with an abusive dad to Premier League managerPinder is a former glamour model to shot to fame in the early 2000sCredit: AlamyShe later appeared on Celebrity Big BrotherCredit: AlamyMartin will be hoping the trip can inspire his Saints side to victory against table toppers Liverpool this weekend.A tough run then sees Southampton face Brighton, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Tottenham in the league before Liverpool again in the Carabao Cup.But Martin is sure to be supported all the way by Pinder.A source told SunSport in August: “They’re a match made in heaven — or at least in Southampton.“They’re mad for each other. Amid the grief (of his marriage ending), as he threw himself into work, Russ grew intimate with Lucy.“She is a regular face at Southampton functions and is always around the club as a die-hard fan.“Over the weeks and months their friendship grew into something more.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPinder now works as a TV personality after shooting to fame as a glamour model in the early 2000s.She starred in now-defunct lads’ mags like Nuts, FHM and Loaded before appearing on Celebrity Big Brother. More

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      I got a doctorate in biomechanics after average football career, now I want to follow Wenger’s footsteps in the Prem

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      REGIS LE BRIS revealed Arsene Wenger’s early work inspired him to become a boss.The Frenchman has guided Sunderland to the top of the Championship as they chase a return to the Prem following their relegation in 2017.Regis Le Bris has left the Black Cats eyeing promotion to the PremCredit: RexArsene Wenger taught his fellow Frenchman well at MonacoCredit: RexLe Bris, 48, grew up in Brittany and had an unremarkable career as a defender in France.But he knew he wanted to coach after studying Arsenal legend Wenger during his seven years at Monaco from 1987.Saluting the 75-year-old’s Monte Carlo masterclass, Le Bris said: “I really liked Monaco under Arsene Wenger. I wasn’t really a fan but when I was young I liked this team and  his style.“If a player, team or manager had a specific style, I liked analysing the way that they played, their personality . . . there was something different.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It was new — with many young players and  a proactive style of play.“I was young, so it was difficult to assess the different elements involved in a game.“But I think it was about emotional elements, which were different from other teams.“You can see a football team and think, ‘They are playing well’ or, ‘This is interesting’. But  you don’t really know  why — it just makes you  feel something different.Most read in Football “As a player, I was  interested in understanding the game because I probably didn’t have the  X factor technically or physically.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“When you have a specific talent then you just  have to use it and be good on the pitch — but I was average everywhere.“So I had to think how I could compete with stronger players, understand the game better and be connected with the other players to  solve problems.”Rising star Chris Rigg talks about his rise through the ranks at Sunderland After an “average” playing career as a defender at Rennes, Laval and Belgian minnows Ronse, Le Bris went on to achieve a doctorate in sport physiology and biomechanics while first embarking on his coaching career.Following a spell as youth coach at Wasquehal, he spent eight years at Rennes before moving  to Lorient to help bring through their kids into  the first team.Ex-Arsenal man Matteo Guendouzi and Leeds keeper Illan Meslier were just two of those prior to him becoming first-team boss in 2022.Le Bris always had a “curiosity” to work abroad — and felt England would be the perfect place having visited many clubs.He added: “I wanted to discover new cultures, environments and languages.“I’m just curious and, when I’m in  the same environment for a long   time,  I like working on a long project but  need to be fed new elements to learn.“If it all just stays the same, then I’ll need something else to grow, keep the energy  and connect with other people.“It was a whole new experience and I was  aware that it would be different — but I liked that difference and was prepared for that.“I have visited many football clubs in Spain  and England so  was aware of the environment  and  really liked it.England U18 midfielder Chris Rigg is one of Sunderland’s hot prospectsCredit: GettyJude Bellingham’s younger brother Jobe is another top Black Cats teenCredit: PA“Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Everton, Leeds,  Chelsea, Arsenal and probably two or three more.“I’m like that, I’m curious about new ideas, behaviours and thinking about football.”Le Bris ended up joining Sunderland in July and has no doubts his  young guns —  including Chris Rigg, 17, and Jude Bellingham’s 19-year-old younger brother Jobe — can reach the very top.The impressive Frenchman has already scooped two manager-of-the-month awards but a Premier League return is the biggest prize he is chasing.Le Bris, whose side go to Millwall on Saturday, explained: “The players are good — very good.“I have worked with many, many players that  have worked at the highest level.“It is always a question of potential. We think that they could play at the highest level, Premier League or Champions League.“But the question between the potential and  reality is down to the pathway.I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at SunderlandRegis Le Bris“I’m very confident for them but it’s still fragile. “Yet their behaviours, for example Jobe, Riggy and other players, it’s very interesting their potential and qualities and the way they are managing this relationship with the game.“If you can keep this relationship with the game then you can exploit your potential.“If the environment around the football becomes more important then it will be more difficult.“I’m just a part of their journey, really. If I can help them to grow, and if they can help us to grow as a club, then that’s a good connection. So we’ll have to see for the future.“I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at Sunderland.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Away to Preston, the stands were full and it was crazy. It’s a new experience for me.“This  football club is very important and its history, the fanbase is big and the passion around the club is impressive.” More

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      Everton had Premier League’s easiest start – now pressure is on for Sean Dyche with £600m takeover complete by Christmas

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      DAN FRIEDKIN is on schedule to make many despairing Everton fans’ Christmas wishes come true.The days are passing fast on his £600million Toffees takeover that will finally see the departure of debunked majority owner Farhad Moshiri, expected by the end of next month.Everton manager Sean Dyche could face a nervy yuletideCredit: GettyDan Friedkin is on the brink of completing the long-awaited takeoverCredit: GettyWhether boss Sean Dyche will be able to mark the Californian’s arrival as a season to be merry or not remains to be seen.For he is about to start opening the windows on an advent calendar from hell.By the time he has completed it, any thoughts he might have had  of landing a new contract from Friedkin could be mere humbug.Dyche goes into Saturday’s home clash with Brentford under growing pressure.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe game will signal the end of what Opta stats suggest was the easiest start of this campaign for any Prem club.Yet in 11 games Everton have scraped together only ten points, with just two wins and ten goals.And that after kicking off with four defeats in a row to mark their worst league opening in 66 years.And now comes the hard bit.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollowing the visit of the Bees is a trip to Old Trafford a week on  Sunday in what will be Ruben Amorim’s first home league game as Manchester United’s new manager.Wolves at Goodison follows on December 4 before resurgent title leaders Liverpool come calling in the Merseyside derby three days later.Everton legend Andy van der Meyde takes busty star Charlotte Michelle for a spin in his car It is not liable to get any easier, either, with Arsenal at the Emirates on December 14, Chelsea on the 22nd then a Boxing Day meeting with reigning champs Manchester City.Were Dyche and his players still standing after that lot then he would surely deserve backing from incoming chief Friedkin. But everything points to another winter of discontent among the majority of supporters and a third successive drop battle.Fans are grateful to the 53-year-old manager for keeping the club up against a backdrop of financial crises and sales of prized playing assets like Anthony Gordon and Amadou Onana.A year ago Dyche and Co were left reeling by a ten–point penalty, later reduced by two points, over breaches of the  Prem’s Profit and  Sustainability Rules. Another two points were docked later.Throughout his near-two-year tenure, Dyche has been swimming against the Mersey tide.Transfer funds for new  players have not even been at the same level as most Championship clubs. And there is appreciation on the Gwladys Street End  for his efforts.But, increasingly, he is facing a revolt over his playing style.The faithful complain about dull, predictable, long-ball tactics, with striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin — who is refusing to extend his own deal that also expires next summer — as the only attacking option.If — and it is a big if — Dyche can keep Everton up, do they really want to kick-off Prem life in their new 52,888-seater  stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock playing that brand of football?As the takeover of The Friedkin Group has gained momentum, Dyche has repeatedly sounded off about the problems he has faced.Everton hope their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium will be ready next yearCredit: AFPHe said: “There seems to always be that cloud waiting around Everton Football Club — on or off the pitch.”Before the 2–1 win over Crystal Palace in September, the ex-Watford and Burnley boss stressed, “Some day the truth will come out,” on how difficult his time in charge has been.He added: “After all that’s been happening, it would be nice just to talk about football.“That’s something that’s  happened about twice since I got here 21 months ago. I’ve worked hard to correct a lot of things and I think I’ve done a very good job.”But more and more, Dyche comes across as someone who does not see himself lasting too much longer.There is also his admission that, despite the mess he has been trying to clean up, “the fans want to see a winning team, no matter what”.And through no great fault of his own, Dyche has struggled to produce winning teams, having just hit the 550-game mark as a manager.Brentford’s visit will be his 77th game in charge at Goodison, with just 25 victories.READ MORE SUN STORIESHow many more he  gets over the next sequence that ends at the  Etihad — by which time Friedkin is likely to be in charge — will almost certainly decide his future.Dyche, facing that nightmare fixture schedule, may well need a Christmas miracle of his own to survive the entrance of Moshiri’s successor. More

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      Man City set to offer Erling Haaland huge £100MILLION package to persuade him to stay after Pep Guardiola’s new deal

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      MANCHESTER CITY will now step up their efforts to convince Erling Haaland to follow Pep Guardiola in signing a new deal.The Prem champs hope boss Guardiola’s decision to stay for at least one more year can help get superstar Haaland to agree a £100million mega package.Man City are hoping to tie Erling Haaland down to a new dealCredit: GettyHaaland is the Cityzens next target after agreeing a contract extension with manager Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyGuardiola has said ‘yes’ in principle to a new 12-month contract — with the option of extending it until the summer of 2027.The Catalan’s fresh deal is not believed to include any release clauses if City are found guilty of the Prem’s 115 charges for alleged breaches of financial rules and get relegated as a result.The Norwegian striker — who already boasts 105 goals for City — has been linked with Barcelona.Haaland, 24, joined in 2022 and still has two-and-a-half years left on a deal worth £375,000 a week before bonuses. His weekly wage means he will bank more than £20m a season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAny extension would see Haaland remain at City for four or five more years — which would let him pocket in the region of £100m without even accounting for bonuses.Guardiola and Etihad chiefs would love to get him to commit his long-term future to them.And speaking on duty with Norway last week, Haaland said: “I hope Pep signs a new contract. He has been important for me in the first two-and-a-half years.“I hope he stays longer. I like Pep a lot and hope he likes me, too.”Most read in FootballA look at the Premier League’s top earners at the momentFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCity have a big call to make over talisman Kevin De Bruyne — out of contract in the summer.The Belgian midfielder, 33, has battled injuries in the past few seasons.Pep Guardiola says Man City is not ‘in a dark place’ despite Sporting Lisbon loss He will be free to open talks with foreign clubs in January and may have to accept a reduced role and wages if he decides to stay beyond the 10-year mark at the Etihad.Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who will attend City’s clash with Tottenham on Saturday, is another likely to be offered a new deal.Meanwhile, Guardiola has no get-out clause in his deal if City are relegated by the Premier League next year.A hearing into the 115 alleged breaches of financial rules is ongoing, with a verdict expected at some point in the spring.If found guilty, City are expected to be hit with a huge points penalty — which could potentially see them lose their top-flight status.But Pep has said he would be happy to stay and begin the march back to the top — even joking he would be happy to play club legends Paul Dickov and Mike Summerbee up front.The dates of his contract — believed to be worth around £20m a season — are sure to be of interest to FA bigwigs.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey approached Pep in the summer about succeeding Gareth Southgate but he told them he would not break a contract with his employers.Now he has a break clause in summer 2026, when Thomas Tuchel’s initial 18-month contract as England boss expires.Man City are also deciding the future of superstar duo Kevin De Bruyne and RodriCredit: GettyWhat will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

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      Ruben Amorim stunned by Man Utd players in training and has already made decision on flops who WON’T fit his system

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      RUBEN AMORIM was stunned by the size of the job on his hands after the first training sessions with Manchester United this week.The new boss believes the expensively-assembled squad is bloated and has already pinpointed a number of individuals who he does NOT believe will fit into his 3-4-3 high-energy style of play.Ruben Amorim has been startled by the lack of speed and intensityCredit: GettyAmorim’s coaching staff are drilling the squad on new tacticsCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, has been putting the players, available to him following the international break, through their paces at Carrington.But the former Sporting Lisbon boss could not believe the lack of speed and intensity.During the first sessions this week, Amorim was constantly having to tell the players to pick up the pace — and this has continued through the week.The coaching staff and analysts are drilling players and getting them to watch demonstrations of Amorim’s set-up to get them up to speed for his first game in charge away to Ipswich on Sunday.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLOn the positive side, Amorim has also been surprised by the quality of some players at his disposal despite United’s lowly 13th position in the Prem.Amorim is the club’s sixth permanent boss in the 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.He arrives with a big reputation after winning two titles at Sporting following the club’s 19-year wait to land the top honour again in Portugal.The former Benfica man  took over United after Erik ten Hag was fired 11 games into the new season.Most read in FootballRuud van Nistelrooy and all of Erik ten Hag’s coaching team were oustedCredit: PAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim immediately cleared out Ten Hag’s coaching team including Ruud van Nistelrooy, who did such a good job in his short four-game caretaker tenure, winning three games and drawing one.Meanwhile, United are again being linked with Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres and old boy Angel Gomes.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training sessionRed Devils’ scouts are understood to have watched 26-year-old Gyokeres score for Sweden last week.And Amorim has maintained United’s interest in Lille’s England midfielder Gomes, 24.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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      Mikel Arteta tipped to channel Sir Alex Ferguson by Treble winner if he wants to claw back nine-point gap in title race

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      WHEN the odds were stacked against them, Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United usually found a way.Only two teams in Prem history have come back from eight points off the top after 11 games and won the title: Blackburn in 1994/95 and United in 2002/03 AND 2008/09.Arsenal have slipped nine points adrift in the Premier League title race alreadyCredit: ReutersFormer Man Utd star Wes Brown is tipping to Gunners to pull off a spectacular comebackCredit: Willie VassThis season, Arsenal find themselves NINE points adrift at the same stage, needing to do what no Prem side has ever done to lift their first league trophy since the 2004 Invincibles.Wes Brown was a part of both those United squads that produced miraculous comebacks – a rare period in Sir Alex’s tenure where he was the chaser instead of the pack leader.In 2003, United finished five points clear of Arsenal. In 2009, they finished four points clear of Liverpool. Ultimately, their mad dash to the finish line was enough to win by a nose.So, what does it take to pull it off? Brown told SunSport: “First of all, the manager is very important. He’s the one that keeps everybody steady and calm.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He gives you the belief. Sir Alex wouldn’t necessarily shout. He would look at your aura and try to get the best out of you that way.“And then, it is up to the players to just keep going.“We had some good characters and we all trusted the players around us who would lead by example. We had been there, done it.“People see you win the league and think you were brilliant – not all the time, but somehow we won. It might be the collective, getting stuck in, an individual piece of brilliance.Most read in FootballWes Brown won two Premier League titles with Man Utd from eight points behind the league leaders after 11 gamesCredit: GettySir Alex Ferguson was the mastermind behind the comeback campaignsCredit: AP:Associated PressFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“You might be having a tough game, but someone will get you a goal.“We’d always have someone that was on fire, normally a striker. He would get a chance and he’d score and lift everybody and slowly the belief comes back.”Mikel Arteta fumes over penalty decisions as Arsenal lose to Inter Milan In 2002/03 for United, it was Ruud van Nistelrooy. He scored 25 Prem goals that term, finding the net in each of their last eight to eventually leapfrog Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal.And in 2008/09, it was Cristiano Ronaldo, with 10 league goals in the New Year to make it 18 in total to narrowly see off rivals Liverpool.Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal lack that sort of season-defining goal-getter, seemingly resting their hopes on Kai Havertz – with four Prem goals so far – to have a similar sort of impact.Brown added: “Naturally, you always say to yourself: ‘If we can get a good run we can catch them’, especially before Christmas. After that, it is a bit different.“You get into January, eight or nine points away, you’d be thinking the team you’re after are not going to lose.“I still think it is possible [for Arsenal]. It is early. You’ve just got to believe in yourself. You cannot give up. You find something in you that doesn’t allow that to happen.“But it does take a lot and it’s mostly a team sort of thing to deal with, even if you need talented individuals.”Kai Havertz is leading the line for Arsenal this seasonIn the aftermath of Arsenal’s 1-1 draw away at Chelsea last time out – making it four Prem games without a win – Gunners legend Paul Merson suggested if they can be within six points of Liverpool by Christmas, the title race is on.Brown said: “100 per cent. If all of a sudden it is six, Liverpool draw, you’re right back in it.“When we were battling with Arsenal and they were in the lead, if they messed up once, all of a sudden the gap is smaller. You’re putting pressure on them to see how they react.“If anything, as the chaser, you have the adrenaline.”Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures may well encourage a burst of form, starting on Saturday at home to Nottingham Forest before clashes against West Ham, Fulham, Everton, Crystal Palace, Ipswich, Brentford and an unknown entity in Man United under Ruben Amorim.But as Brown knows all too well, it is the big games that define a title run-in. It is put to him that Arteta’s Arsenal still have to go to Anfield in May.READ MORE SUN STORIESSpeaking on behalf of Betzillo, Brown laughed: “When you said ‘Anfield’, your voice changed. Why? A group of winners would say: ‘Let’s do it, let’s get them there’. That’s the difference.“That’s what you need, that sort of feeling”.A look at Arsenal’s next five fixturesHow Edu made Arsenal great againBy Jack RosserEDU GASPAR has been on a mission to ‘Make Arsenal Great Again’ ever since returning to the club he played for 2019.After a few wobbles early on – signing Nicolas Pepe will never reflect well – the Brazilian has, alongside Mikel Arteta, been crucial in the club’s transformation.Arteta was brought in as the new manager within months of Edu’s return to North London and the former midfielder stuck by the boss when the pressure was on two years into the job.Instead of making the knee-jerk decision to change manager again, the former Brazil international, joined forces with Arteta to institute a huge change of culture at The Emirates.Overpaid toxic influences such as Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were purged from the dressing room and Arsenal set about adding strong characters.Edu finally got the club competing in the transfer market again, with Martin Odegaard an outstanding capture for the club. In landing Declan Rice ahead of Manchester City last year Arsenal showed they couple compete for and sign some of Europe’s biggest talents once more.Arsenal have become one of the most attractive clubs in the Premier League and one of the most efficient in the market.While there have been big deals for the likes of Rice and Calafiori, there have been smart ones too – picking out value where others have lost hope.Kai Havertz appeared as a surprising signing after a dreadful season at Chelsea. But after Edu gave the German space and support to rebuild his confidence he has developed into a fine asset for Arteta.Edu does not only have a tight relationship with Arteta – who many fans will be glad signed a new deal before the sporting director’s departure – but the players too, always ready and waiting to check in, keep them going.London Colney and The Emirates will feel a very different place for all of them without Edu. More

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      Ruben Amorim had star shipped off to Bulgaria on loan after he rubbed him up the wrong way – Man Utd flops must beware

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      IF Manchester United players cross Ruben Amorim, they risk the same fate as Gaius Makouta.Who’s Gaius Makouta? Exactly…Ex-Braga comms chief Goncalo Ferreira says Ruben Amorim can be brutalAmorim dropped Gaius Makouta after the midfielder complained about training with the B teamTo be fair to the Congolese midfielder, he has gone on to have a decent enough career with Boavista and now Alanyaspor in Turkey.But only after Amorim gave him a short, sharp shock.Makouta paid the penalty for rubbing Amorim up the wrong way when the new Manchester United boss started work as manager of Braga’s B team in September 2019.Goncalo Ferreira was the communications chief at Braga who witnessed Amorim’s incredible rise.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut when Ferreira turned up to watch the new B team boss’ first game, he expressed concern to club president Antonio Salvador.Ferreira said: “Makouta was one of the best players, but when I arrived at the stadium and saw the team warming up, Makouta wasn’t on the pitch.“I said, ‘What happened?’, and the president said, ‘Let’s see’. Braga won 5-0.“It turned out in the first training sessions, Makouta wasn’t satisfied as he wanted to be in the first team.Most read in FootballGoncalo Ferreira has exclusively recounted a tale about the fallen Gaius MakoutaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“So he wasn’t the best at training — he had quality but wasn’t giving  everything.“I realised that players who aren’t 100 per cent with the team, in solidarity, won’t play for Ruben. He doesn’t care about their status.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training session“Makouta ended up going out on loan to a club in Bulgaria.”Amorim won seven of his first eight games in charge of the Braga B team.Which was enough to convince Salvador to part company with first-team head coach Ricardo Sa Pinto and install Amorim instead.The first top-flight match of his managerial career was at Belenenses, where he had been a player and a team that was battling near the bottom of the table — like United’s opponents on Sunday, Ipswich.Amorim immediately put his stamp on Braga by making six changes and switching to three at the back.United are reportedly prepared to let Brazilian winger Antony leave on loan during the January transfer windowAmorim began working with United stars this weekFerreira said: “It took courage to put some of the players that he dropped on the bench.“There was a big, immediate difference in the team’s energy. We felt like they wanted to kill the opposition.“Braga won 7-1. That kind of result is not normal in the Portuguese league.“He won’t put the players on the bench, he will put them in the stands. You will see from the first game the guys he feels aren’t humble or with the team.”Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.Ferreira believes Amorim’s selection for the Ipswich game will show whether he has found any Gaius Makouta’s in the United ranks.He won’t put them on the bench, he will put them in the stands. You will see from the first game the guys he feels aren’t humble or with the team.Ferreira “I’ve read some things about the training sessions at United and how many players weren’t giving their best. Maybe they didn’t like the former coach.“Ruben was a player, so he can feel who is with the team and who is not.”Those who find favour with Amorim can expect success.After the rout of Belenenses, Braga beat Porto in the league and then the League Cup final.The next big scalp was Sporting Lisbon before Braga won a league game at Benfica for the first time since 1954.Amorim had been in charge of Braga for just 13 games when Sporting agreed to trigger his £8.4million release clause to make him their new boss.Ferreira, now boss of agency Global Take Over, said: “I was very sad, like every Braga director, player, staff member and fan.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It was the best six months of Braga in terms of energy and growth. There is a before and after Ruben in Braga.”And, you suspect, a before and after Amorim in the career of Gaius Makouta.’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.” More