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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua urged to avoid ‘dangerous’ Daniel Dubois and fight Tyson Fury with rematch NOT expected to go ahead

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has been urged to wait for a fight with Tyson Fury as his rematch with Daniel Dubois faces collapse. Joshua was down FOUR times before falling victim to a brutal fifth-round knockout to Dubois in September. Anthony Joshua was knocked out by Daniel DuboisCredit: PAAnd initially the two looked set for a return bout in Saudi Arabia in February – until doubt was cast from AJ’s camp. Joshua looks to be carrying injuries and could instead prefer waiting out till May to fight again. By then, Fury would have rematched Usyk potentially clearing the path for the British pair to finally fight. Barry Hearn, dad of Joshua’s promoter Eddie, told The Mirror: “I think Dubois is dangerous and he’s going to be super confident after the last job. READ MORE IN b”I still believe AJ would probably beat him in a rematch if he boxed differently, but that’s just my opinion.”More likely, a sensible person doesn’t rush anything. You take your time. But he’s his own man and he’s gonna make his own call. “And I guess my gut feeling is the warrior still burns within Anthony Joshua and he will want to try once more. “My crystal ball starts to clear every now and again. A Daniel Dubois rematch would be a big fight. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But if Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury – and I think he’s the favourite to beat Tyson Fury, possibly this time by stoppage – then the most sensible thing would be one or two fights with Tyson Fury.”Fury, 36, lost his WBC belt and undefeated record in May to Usyk, 37, who became the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion. Usyk Vs Fury 2 Launch Event entrancesBut the Ukrainian vacated the IBF belt to proceed with their Riyadh rematch as Dubois, 27, was elevated from interim champ. And Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren hinted that an immediate rematch with Joshua, 35, is now unlikely to follow. He told BoxNation: “I don’t see that happening next. “We are looking at a couple of things at the moment and we will make a decision.”I was hoping we would get it done fairly quickly but we won’t. I was hoping to get it done last week and this week.”So sometime next week we are going to be in a position where we can close on something and we are talking to a few other guys…”I’m hearing that he [Joshua] is injured. Whatever it is, if things are going to happen they happen and it has taken a while so you’ve got to feel it won’t happen.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Unless I get a phone call saying it is on. But we have got to make some decisions and with the greatest respect to everyone we are in the Daniel Dubois business.”He is the one that matters for me… I want him out on that date and he wants to be out [February 22].” Tyson Fury rematches Oleksandr Usyk nextCredit: PA More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Arsenal fans’ ‘laundry list’ of conspiracy theories including red cards, ‘bizarre’ VAR calls and disallowed goals

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      PLENTY of Arsenal fans are convinced the Premier League and its referees are out to derail their title ambitions.So much so that they claim there is a whole “laundry list” of conspiracy theories going against them.Arsenal fans are convinced they are the victims of various refereeing conspiracy theoriesCredit: GettyMikel Arteta debunked the allegations but has certainly expressed his anger at officialsCredit: APOf course, while there is an understandable desire for more consistency across the division, the outrageous suggestions have no actual footing or proof.And plenty of controversial VAR decisions over the last year have gone FOR the Gunners.Despite this, many of their fans continue to blast the PGMOL online.Words such as “cheat” and “corrupt” regularly get bandied about whenever their team fail to pick up all three points. READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd one fan fumed this week: “I don’t give a f*** what anybody tells me, I genuinely believe there is a conspiracy to stop Arsenal from winning the Premier League by Premier League referees. “We just have a laundry list of examples. I can’t be going crazy here. This is ridiculous.”Their own manager Mikel Arteta has certainly had his complaints – but even he had to debunk his supporters for their conspiracy theories accusations. But here are some of the most contentious calls which have riled up Arsenal fans the most on social media…Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNEWCASTLE GOAL STANDSThe one that really kick-started the complaints came at St James’ Park in November 2023 when Anthony Gordon’s winner was allowed to stand. The ball looked as though it might have gone out of play before calls for a foul and an offside. Refs’ chief Howard Webb reveals Declan Rice red card was correct – but Arsenal wronged by different incorrect decisionNewcastle’s goal was allowed to stand even though the ball looked like it went outCredit: Sky SportsArteta blasted the calls as “embarrassing” and a “disgrace” – even though Kai Havertz was lucky to escape a red card in the game. Arsenal fan fury escalated a year on when Aston Villa’s goal was ruled out when the ball was adjudged to have crossed the byline in the build-up. HAVERTZ HANDBALLArsenal suffered another 1-0 defeat last December, that time at Aston Villa.The Gunners thought they had scored a last-gasp equaliser but it was chalked off for a Havertz handball.But upon seeing the replays, some Gunners fans were convinced the ball actually hit Matty Cash’s hand in a second handball.And their misery was compounded when it was confirmed that if a team-mate put the ball into the net, it may well have stood. Kai Havertz had a goal at Aston Villa ruled out for handballCredit: GettyRICE REDThe big one to trigger the 2024-25 season’s complaints came at the end of August when Arsenal hosted Brighton.Already on a yellow card, Declan Rice petulantly flicked a rolling ball away from Joel Veltman, who was lining up a free-kick. Veltman ended up kicking Rice who went down, only to be given his marching orders with a second yellow from Chris Kavanagh for “delaying the restart”. Arsenal quite rightly pointed to the lack of consistency as Joao Pedro received no punishment for kicking the ball down the pitch when it had already gone out for a throw. The Gunners were in total control but the red card changed the game and it finished 1-1.Declan Rice got himself sent off with this silly kick of the ballCredit: TNT SportsTROSSARD SUFFERS SAME FATEAnd Rice was not the only Arsenal player to be sent off for a second yellow this season after delaying the restart.Just three weeks after the Brighton incident, Leandro Trossard saw red in similar fashion away at Manchester City. Again already on a yellow, the whistle had already gone for a foul when Trossard thumped it clear and Michael Oliver brandished the second yellow.Jeremy Doku escaped a caution because he was knocking the ball back to where a free-kick was given in the same game. Arsenal were quick to point out Oliver refereed some matches in the UAE – and therefore implied he was on the payroll of Manchester City’s owners and would then be biased against Arsenal. It finished 2-2 at the Etihad after Arsenal had clung on to their lead until the 98th minute. Leandro Trossard had the same experience at the EtihadCredit: APSALIBA SENT OFFArsenal picked up their third red card of the season when William Saliba was dismissed at Bournemouth – and they went on to lose 2-0. Rob Jones initially showed Saliba yellow card for pulling back Evanilson just into the Gunners’ half – but VAR intervened and decided he had denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.And as a result, it was upgraded to a red card.Just 24 hours later, Arsenal fans kicked off that Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo stayed on the field following a similar incident at Anfield. William Saliba hauled down Evanilson at BournemouthCredit: PAA yellow card was initially shown but it was upgraded to a redCredit: GettySTONES’ GOAL STANDSOn the day after the defeat at the Vitality, the mood amongst Gunners supporters worsened when Manchester City grabbed an injury-time winner at Wolves.John Stones’ header was originally written off for offside – before the VAR decided Bernardo Silva was not interfering with Jose Sa despite being in an offside position. John Stones’ winner for Manchester City was allowed to stand despite Bernardo Silva’s positioningCredit: PALIVERPOOL PART IThen came the 2-2 draw with Liverpool last weekend. Arsenal were incensed that a late winner was not allowed.Although it was not immediately clear why, Anthony Taylor blew the whistle WAY before the ball eventually ended up in the net.Havertz bundled Trent Alexander-Arnold to the ground to get to the loose ball as it came back off the post, anyway, so there was no way the goal would have counted.Still, Arsenal fans reckon the so-called “phantom goal” could come back to haunt them come the end of the season.Anthony Taylor had already blown the whistle before Arsenal’s so-called ‘phantom goal’Credit: GettyLIVERPOOL PART IIIn the same game, the Gunners felt they should have had a penalty for a strong challenge from Ibrahima Konate on Gabriel Martinelli.Replays and the Premier League Match Centre on X both confirmed the Reds defender won the ball.And the Gunners fans seemingly forgot about Martin Odegaard’s blatant handball at Anfield last season that went unpunished.READ MORE SUN STORIESIbrahima Konate produced a superb sliding tackle on Gabriel MartinelliCredit: GettyLIVERPOOL PART IIILastly, some Arsenal fans even claimed David Raya’s yellow card for time wasting was “pre-meditated” by Taylor.One even went back and counted the exact number of seconds Liverpool took over corners to compare to Raya in a desperate attempt to drive home the conspiracy theory agenda. David Raya was booked for timewasting during the thrilling 2-2 drawCredit: GettyLiverpool impressed at Arsenal, but it was a match Jurgen Klopp probably would’ve wonBy Jordan DaviesON the face of it, Liverpool continue to go from strength to strength with Arne Slot’s tenure still in its infancy.Away at Arsenal as title contenders — with a formidable record at the Emirates having won four of their last six there — the Reds fought back, not once, but twice to earn an impressive point to remain four clear of the Gunners.Nine games in, Liverpool have seven wins, 22 points collected and sit in second in what is one of the club’s best ever starts to a Prem campaign.Nothing to sniff at there, and that is without mentioning three straight wins in the Champions League and a 5-1 Carabao Cup third-round thumping of fellow top-flight side West Ham.So to even attempt to pick flaws in Slot’s start with a run that solid would come across needlessly pedantic, deliberately nit-picky.But, and there is a but, given the standards Liverpool have set in these early months, it needs to be said: this draw in North London was a massive missed opportunity.And to go one step further, maybe this is a game Jurgen Klopp would have found a way to win?It has been a long time since Arsenal have gone into a game feeling so vulnerable defensively with world-class centre-back William Saliba missing through suspension.Full-back Riccardo Calafiori was also out injured, usual right-back Ben White began the game at centre-half and midfielder Thomas Partey started on the far right side of the defence.And then, in a chaotic second half, both Jurrien Timber and Gabriel limped off, forcing Gunners boss Mikel Arteta to swap around his back line THREE times by the 76th minute.And yet, despite all of that, a Liverpool side boasting attacking talents like Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo were hardly making the home fans sweat with a peppering of the Arsenal goal.It was not until a Klopp-style counter-attack from back to front in the 81st minute did the visitors properly test the home defence.But even that finish was a tame one — Salah tapping in past David Raya into an almost empty net.And with nine minutes left plus seven minutes injury time, the expected onslaught for another, to nick all three points — the tally-ho approach — never came.Not Klopp’s heavy metal style, more pleasant folk music with a ukulele in a country pub.You get the impression that Slot was delighted with this outcome.For large parts, Liverpool were defensively sound, gave very little away and snuck away back to Merseyside with a point tucked under their arm and a bloody nose avoided.Yet it was in these sorts big blockbuster matches that Klopp and Liverpool thrived over their nine-year romance, full of excitement, thrills and last-gasp wins that earned them a Prem trophy in 2019-20 and plenty more down-to-the-wire chases with Manchester City.And with Arteta’s Arsenal on their knees — quite literally in some cases — and hanging on for dear life, these are the moments in title races that require a bit of crazy, not caution.A Klopp team of the past would have gone completely and totally Kloppy, throwing men forward at will, blasting their opponents away and forcing the ball into the net through passion and thunder alone, regardless of how open it left them at the back.Slot is not this sort of coach.He is measured, considerate, calm. Good qualities, but not always needed in do-or-die matches that ultimately determine where you finish in May.It is hard to say if this will come back to haunt Slot, who still insists on avoiding any use of the phrase ‘title contenders’ despite clearly being title contenders.With Aston Villa and Manchester City visiting Anfield over their next five Prem outings, we will see whether the Dutchman can loosen the leash and let his team grab games by the scruff of the neck instead of playing it safe.Because as we have seen in this league, going for broke often rewards you — just ask the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola.Fortune favours the brave.Slot needs to discover his own version of that if he is to truly emulate Klopp and transform this Liverpool side into one capable of seizing moments when they matter most. More

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson vows to ‘SLAUGHTER’ Jake Paul and drags his own mother into war of words ahead of Netflix fight

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      MIKE TYSON has vowed to “SLAUGHTER” Jake Paul in their fight and dragged his own mother into the war of words. The heavyweight great returns to the ring on November 15 for a controversial clash against YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul.Mike Tyson gives Jake Paul a shoveCredit: AFPTyson’s mum Lorna, who passed away from cancer in 1982It will be Tyson’s first professional fight in almost 20 YEARS – but he remains unfazed by the task at hand. He told talkSPORT: “I see him running around, I have to catch him and slaughter him. “No, [I don’t fear him] because he stepped into the ring. If my mother steps in the ring, she has a problem with me. “Whoever’s in that ring, they have a problem. Don’t go in the ring if you don’t want that problem.”READ MORE IN BOXINGTyson’s mum Lorna actually passed away from cancer in 1982 when the boxing legend was just 16. He was raised by his trainer and mentor Cus D’Amato and the coach’s wife Camille Ewald. But D’Amato also died in 1985 just a year before Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion of all time aged only 20. That kickstarted Iron Mike’s run as the Baddest Man on The Planet, which involved two title reigns. Most read in BoxingJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he threw the towel in on his career in 2005 after quitting on his stool against Kevin McBride, who also works as a tree surgeon. Tyson did return for a 2020 exhibition with American great Roy Jones Jr – but it was nothing but a glorified sparring session between two icons.Mike Tyson looks ripped at 58 as former heavyweight champ shows off impressive physique before Jake Paul fightNow he will put his illustrious record on the line against 10-1 Paul – who only debuted in 2020. It has been professionally sanctioned over eight two-minute rounds – opposed to the usual three – with bigger 14oz gloves to be worn. Tyson will also have to undertake additional brain and heart tests due to his age after pulling out of the initial July 20 date due to a health precaution. He suffered an ulcer flare-up in his stomach during a flight but was later passed medically fit to resume training. And he talked down Paul’s chances of victory when probed on the controversial 30-YEAR age gap between them. He said: “He’s a good little fighter, but he only has [11] fights. That’s considered an amateur in our field.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Lando Norris tells reporter ‘I hate this question so much’ and shakes head as battle with Verstappen takes fresh twist

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      LANDO NORRIS hit back at a reporter after being asked about his championship battle with Max Verstappen.The McLaren star is 47 points off his rival with just four races to go.Lando Norris did not like being questioned about Max VerstappenCredit: Sky SportsThe rivals had a war of words this week after almost crashing in Mexico CityCredit: GettyBut he will start at the front of the grid for the Sprint in Sao Paulo after finishing second in qualifying behind team-mate Oscar Piastri.Verstappen will start directly behind Norris in fourth place, with Charles Leclerc pipping him to third in Friday’s session, but the Dutchman will be hit with a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race.Norris, 24, was pleased with his performance but his mood was dampened after a reporter questioned whether the result was good news for his championship battle with Verstappen.Shaking his head, Norris told Formula 1: “I don’t care. I hate these questions so much.READ MORE F1″I’m just going to race. I don’t care about where he qualifies. For me, it’s just focus on my own job and that’s it.”It’s the same question every time but it doesn’t matter. If he’s first, if he’s last, I’ll do the best I can.”Norris and Verstappen clashed on the track last week in Mexico City, with the latter receiving two 10-second penalties for his actions.Verstappen forced his rival off the track and the pair came close to a rash, with the FIA finding the Dutchman at fault.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁Norris was critical of the three-time world champion over race radio and has since claimed Verstappen knows he was in the wrong.He said: “Max knows what he has to do. He knows he did wrong, deep down he does. And it’s for him to change, not me.Toto Wolff has his say on Lando Norris’ penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage over Max Verstappen “Max is one of the most capable drivers on the grid, if not the most. He knows what he can and can’t do and what the limits are.” More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Kelly Piquet celebrates four years with Max Verstappen by sharing bikini pic after couple put on PDA at US Grand Prix

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN and Kelly Piquet celebrated four years together after packing on the PDA at the US Grand Prix. The model, 35, has been dating three-time F1 world championVerstappen, 27, since late 2020.Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet celebrate four years togetherCredit: Instagram @kellypiquetThe two packed on the PDA in TexasCredit: ReutersThe two have been together since late 2020Credit: instagram @kellypiquetThe two were pictured sharing a passionate kiss in Texas after the Dutch champion came third. And Kelly took to Instagram to celebrate their anniversary as she posted a bikini picture next to Verstappen, who also soaked in the sun. The Brazilian is the daughter of three-time F1 champ Nelson. Although she was born in Germany to her Brazilian dad and Dutch mum Sylvia, Kelly spent much of her childhood in France.READ MORE F1And Verstappen is not the only racer she has dated having been in a relationship with Russian Daniil Kvyat. The pair began dating in January 2017 and have a daughter together, Penelope, months before they split up in December 2019.And around a year later, Verstappen entered into a relationship with Kelly, going Instagram official in January 2021.Ironically, Verstappen actually replaced Kvyat at Red Bull in the second half of the 2016 F1 season.Most read in MotorsportThe reigning champ stands atop of the 2024 standings with Britain’s Lando Norris trailing in second. And in a boost to Norris, rival Verstappen will take a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race in Brazil. The penalty comes after Red Bull put a new engine in Verstappen’s RB20 with four races remaining.Verstappen’s grid penalty will boost Norris’ hopes of reducing the Dutchman’s 47-point lead in the Drivers’ Championship. Kelly Piquet is a Brazilian modelCredit: instagram @kellypiquetHer dad is a former F1 championCredit: Instagram kellypiquetKelly pictured outside Viktor & Rolf in JanuaryCredit: GettyKelly was in a relationship with Russian Daniil KvyatCredit: Instagram @kellypiquet More

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      in Soccer

      England legend’s two sons play for Man City with one scoring incredible 20 minute hat-trick after coming on at half-time

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      THE sons of an England legend impressed once again playing together with one scoring a 20-minute hat-trick.Manchester City have two hot prospects on their hands and both helped their Under-21s to a big win in Premier League 2.Reigan Heskey scored a 20-minute hat-trick for Man City Under-21sCredit: Manchester City FCHis first came minutes after he was substituted onCredit: Manchester CityHis brother Jaden also played in the matchCredit: GettyThe pair are sons of England legend Emile HeskeyCredit: GettyThey thrashed Norwich 5-0 to maintain their place at the top of the table ahead of Brighton.City were 1-0 up at half-time before a substitution changed the game and sank their opponents.Reigan Heskey, son of former England star Emile, netted a 20-minute hat-trick before adding an assist for City’s fifth.He struck his first just two minutes after coming on, tapping home a cross from close range.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 16-year-old then slotted a finish into the far corner before completing his hat-trick with a tame effort the goalkeeper could only par into his own net.His dad would have been proud with the effort but there was another Heskey watching closely – his brother Jaden.Jaden Heskey completed 90 minutes playing in City’s midfield, with the pair linking up for the second time in a week.They both played for City U21s in their EFL Trophy penalty shoot-out victory over Grimsby, with Reigan scoring a curler from outside the box.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReigan was delighted with his hat-trick against Norwich and the impact he made off the bench.He told City’s media team: “I came on and made an impact which is what I try to do every time so it was a good performance.Emile Heskey talks about the pressures of mental health on footballers”Every team wants to be top [of the table], you want to win every game week in, week out.”The pressure of having them [other teams] behind us gives us motivation to play well every week.” More

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      in Soccer

      Newcastle 1 Arsenal 0 LIVE RESULT: Gunners’ winless streak goes on as Arteta’s side are BEATEN after Isak bullet header

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      ARSENAL extended their winless streak in the Premier League to three games after losing 1-0 at Newcastle. Alexander Isak’s first-half header was enough to secure the three points for the Magpies as Arsenal failed to convert any of their chances throughout a tense 90 minutes at St James’ Park. Kick-off time: 12:30pm GMTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Live stream: discovery+Newcastle starting lineup: Pope; Livramento, Schär, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton; Willock, Isak, GordonArsenal starting lineup: Raya; Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Merino, Trossard; Saka, Martinelli, HavertzFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from St James’ Park with our live blog below…That’s all from NewcastleNewcastle defeated Arsenal 1-0 at St James’ Park to turn the mood around Tyneside.The Magpies got their winner after just 12 minutes when Alexander Isak met a stunning cross from Anthony Gordon and headed the ball past David Raya.The Gunners have found themselves farther from the top amid a season that was supposed to see them challenging for their first Premier League title since 2004.That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a fantastic rest of the day!Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGary Stonehouse from St James’ ParkIf this was Alexander Isak’s Arsenal audition then he passed it with flying colours – but he threw a huge grenade in the title hopes of his potential future employers.Newcastle’s Swedish striker, 25, has been on Mikel Arteta’s radar for months after his blistering form last term.After contract talks were put on hold and with just one goal in his opening seven appearances this season, talk of a £130million transfer appeared to be way off.But what a difference a week makes as his third strike in just six days left Arsenal looking more like title pretenders than contenders as they suffered a second consecutive away defeat for the first time since May 2022.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedArsenal player ratingsHere’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates each Arsenal player:DAVID RAYA – 6THOMAS PARTEY – 7WILLIAM SALIBA – 7GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5JURRIEN TIMBER – 6MIKEL MERINO – 5DECLAN RICE – 6LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5BUKAYO SAKA – 6GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7KAI HAVERTZ – 6SUBS:ETHAN NWANERI (MERINO, 61) – 6OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (MARTINELLI, 61) – 5BEN WHITE (TIMBER, 71) – 6GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD) – 5JORGINHO (PARTEY, 86) – N/ACredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedAnthony Gordon shinesNewcastle star Anthony Gordon stood out against Arsenal at St James’ Park.Gordon dominated down the right flank against Jurrien Timber, who played left-back for the Gunners.The winger even got an assist as he set up Alexander Isak’s winner with a stunning cross.Very well-deserved new contract for the England international.Copy linkCopiedUpdated Premier League tableArsenal are now third in the Premier League table with five points separating them from the top and Manchester City, who have a game in hand.Newcastle, on the other hand, are eighth with three points away from the top four.More below:Copy linkCopiedNewcastle vs Arsenal statsArsenal dominated 64 per cent of possession against Newcastle but barely managed to do much.The Gunners registered 10 shots but only one of them was on target.The Magpies, on the other hand, produced nine shots, four of which were on target.More below:Copy linkCopiedFT: Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalNewcastle picked up a huge Premier League victory over Arsenal at St James’ Park.The Magpies got their winner after just 12 minutes when Anthony Gordon’s crisp cross from the right found Alexander Isak in the penalty area where he headed the ball past David Raya.The Gunners couldn’t respond throughout the game and suffered yet another miserable result.The North Londoners are finding themselves farther away from the Prem summit.Credit: RexCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalPeep!That’s full-time at Newcastle!!!Copy linkCopied90+6 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalYellow cardArsenal star Havertz is booked for dissent in the final few seconds…Copy linkCopied90+3 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalWhat a chance!How did Arsenal miss that?!Saka delivers an incredible cross from the right that both Brun and Schar can’t clear.The ball reaches Rice at the far post but his header is completely weaked and wobbles out for a goal-kick!Copy linkCopied90+1 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalChanceArsenal ace Nwaneri tries an ambitious effort but his shot goes way over the bar.Copy linkCopied90 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalFive more minutes of stoppage time to go.Plenty of time for Arsenal to equalise, but not enough ability it seems…Copy linkCopied88 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalYellow cardArsenal ace Jordinho, who came on for Partey, gets booked two minutes in the match for a rough challenge on Bruno.Copy linkCopied87 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalChanceNewcastle ace Barnes gets his first touch down the right and delivers a cross that finds Joelinton at the far post.The forward gets the header but Raya picks it up with ease.Copy linkCopied86 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalSubstitutionNewcastle boss Howe brings on Havey, who replaces Gordon.A very warm applause for the outgoing England international.Copy linkCopied85 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalArsenal star Jesus goes down inside the area after Hall dispossessed him.The Newcastle ace came from behind and appears to have gotten the ball.Copy linkCopied83 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalNothing is changing really, Arsenal can’t step inside the penalty area against Newcastle’s stunning defence.The Magpies trying to hit on the counter-attack to seal the three points.Copy linkCopied80 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalJust 10 more minutes to go until full-time.Newcastle are very comfortable and – more importantly compact – with midfield and defence in absolute harmony.Arsenal can’t find any space and haven’t been able to create a single dangerous situation for Pope.Copy linkCopied77 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalNewcastle goalkeeper Pope was dealing with a knock that required treatment.But thankfully the England international is fine and back on his feet.Copy linkCopied75 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalSaka is in pain after landing awkwardly in a challenge against Hall – unknown if the Newcastle ace had contact with the winger’s heel.The England international is moving a lot slower, and remember he just returned from an injury!Copy linkCopied72 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalSubstitutionAs promised, Arsenal boss Arteta brings on Jesus and White for Trossard and Timber respectively.Copy linkCopied71 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalYellow cardNewcastle ace Tonalli gets booked shortly after his introduction for stopping an Arsenal counter-attack.Copy linkCopiedJordan Davies from St James’ ParkMikel Arteta is tasking 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri with providing the creative spark to turn this game around for Arsenal – and potentially reignite their season.The teenage sensation – fresh from scoring a worldie against Preston in the Carabao Cup in mid-week – is on for Mikel Merino.Arsenal desperately need control in midfield which is why Oleksandr Zinchenko has also come on at left-back for Gabriel Martinelli allowing Thomas Partey to slip back into a more natural role in the middle of the pitch.Copy linkCopied70 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalArsenal ready to introduce White and Jesus to the game.The Gunners need to show something in attack.Copy linkCopied68 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalArsenal star Rice took a moment for himself as he appeared to be in pain.Lar thing Arteta needs right now…Copy linkCopied More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reveals he’s in a secret club that no other Premier League manager can join

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      THE mighty All Blacks have played their part in Arsenal’s return to the summit of English football as Premier League title contenders.Ahead of today’s crunch-clash with England at Twickenham, the New Zealand rugby union team prepared by using the Gunners’ London Colney training facilities on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta is getting coaching support from some of the world’s best bossesCredit: GettyNew Zealand chief Scott Robertson meets with Arteta on ZoomCredit: PABoss Mikel Arteta was hoping to spend some time with their coach Scott Robertson — nicknamed ‘Razor’ — only to miss out due to Arsenal’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie away at Preston.Arteta and Robertson formed a close bond over the years after sharing ideas and philosophies in an international group of coaches who chat regularly in person and on Zoom calls.That group also includes Green Bay Packers chief Matt LaFleur, NBA hall-of-famer George Karl, basketball coach Mike Dunlap and former Red Roses head coach Eddie Jones.Aussie Jones — who is now in charge of Japan’s national rugby team — likened the collection of elite managers and their swapping of ideas to ‘Alcoholics Anonymous’.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd Arteta said of Razor and his three-time world champion All Blacks side: “He’s an inspiration, such a character. I had the chance to meet him and we are in one of the groups together.“It was a shame that the day that we were leaving for Preston when they were coming.“I read a great book. I recommend it to everybody, called Legacy.“It talks about the All Blacks and their culture and their winning mentality and how they approach sport, life, and relationships.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s especially about the importance of clarity, or what it means when you put on a jersey. The sense of belonging to something.“When somebody plays with that feeling, it elevates his level of commitment, it elevates his capacity to perform and impacts the organisation in a different way.”How Arteta dominated Liverpool with stealth Havertz trick before genius Slot switch saved the dayArteta often cites Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as a mentor, but their relationship has changed over the last few years due to Arsenal’s title rivalry with the Citizens.So, Razor has been a go-to sounding board — a man known for thinking outside the box, including breakdancing on the pitch for his players after winning trophies.Arteta has gone down a different route, with unusual pre-match motivational tools such as squeezing lemons, blaring club anthems from speakers during training sessions and hiring undercover pickpockets and freestylers.The Spaniard added: “What I like the most is that you can talk openly with somebody who is doing a very similar job in terms of the demands that we all have.“But, there is no competitive approach there and you can really be transparent and honest and share things that probably with a football coach that is playing in the league, you cannot do.“That’s a really good thing because somebody that is in your shoes daily, needs to make very similar calls even if they are different sports. So, it’s great to have that option.”Arteta will be relying on those tricks of the trade as Arsenal travel to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle in today’s early kick-off knowing there can be no more title race slip-ups.Arsenal ratings vs PrestonARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.Tommy Setford – 6A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.Jurrien Timber – 7Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-timeWilliam Saliba – 7Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.Jakub Kiwior – 8Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.Jorginho – 7Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.Mikel Merino – 7A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.Ethan Nwaneri – 9Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.Raheem Sterling – 7The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.Gabriel Jesus – 8Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.SubsThomas Partey – 6Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.Kai Havertz – 8Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.Bukayo Saka – 6More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.Ayden Heaven – 6Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes.Three red cards in their opening eight Premier League outings have cost them seven points already, leaving them five points off the pace-setters and reigning champions City.Arsenal return to the ground that ultimately cost them the title last season thanks to Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner in a heated 1-0 defeat. They eventually finished the campaign two points off Guardiola’s winners on the final day.Arteta was charged by the FA but found not guilty by an independent regulatory commission for calling officials “embarrassing” and a “disgrace” for passing on three VAR checks on Gordon’s goal — including an offside call, a foul and the ball being out of play.The showdown itself was also close to boiling over after Kai Havertz’s rash lunge on Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimaraes’ elbow on Jorginho.However, Arteta says his squad have become more emotionally “evolved” and “controlled” since then.He added: “The players have a memory of all the games that they play when there are certain situations in specific moments as an individual or a collective at certain grounds.“You relate that particular moment, or that smell, or that visual, with something that happened to you or the team. That’s inevitable.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDefenders Gabriel [knee] and Jurrien Timber [muscular] are expected to be fit after hobbling off during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with title rivals Liverpool.But skipper Martin Odegaard, with an ankle knock, and Riccardo Calafiori, suffering from a knee problem, remain out.The All Blacks trained at London Colney this weekCredit: Facebook/All BlacksGreen Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is also in the elite groupCredit: APHis relationship with Pep Guardiola has changed now they are title rivalsCredit: ReutersArsenal are desperate to avoid another slip-up at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty More