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      ‘Didn’t see it coming’ – Liam Lawson breaks silence on brutal Red Bull axe as replacement says ‘friendship has changed’

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      LIAM LAWSON says his brutal Red Bull axing after just two races came as a total shock.The Kiwi driver, 23, was sacked by the team after a woeful start to the season which saw him knocked out at the first stage of all three qualifying sessions, failing to pick up a single point.Liam Lawson has been demoted to Racing BullsCredit: GettyYuki Tsunoda has taken Liam Lawson’s Red Bull seatCredit: APLawson returned to Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls in a swap with 24-year-old Yuki Tsunoda ahead of this weekend’s Japanese GP.He told Sky Sports: “It was definitely a shock, honestly. It’s not something that I saw coming,”The discussions we were having weren’t really leaning in this direction, so it was definitely not something that I expected.”Red Bull chose to promote Lawson from their junior squad Racing Bulls after just 11 Grand Prix appearances in two short spells across 2023 and 2024, despite Tsunoda having more experience.READ MORE IN SPORTLawson added: “Obviously, I would have loved more time.”We had a rocky testing. We had a rocky first weekend in Melbourne with practice. And then obviously China was a sprint.”But obviously, it’s not my decision, so I’m here to make the most of this one.”The team’s motorsport adviser Helmut Marko has since come out and said they “made a mistake” signing Lawson over Tsunoda.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLawson and Tsunoda were team-mates last seasonCredit: GettyAhead of his Red Bull debut in Japan this weekend, Tsunoda has also opened up on the switch.He admitted to the BBC: “We didn’t talk yet (Tsunoda and Lawson). I’m sure we’re going to be around anyway in Tokyo with the events so let’s see how it goes.Meet F1 newbie Liam Lawson’s stunning girlfriend Hannah St. John, who is also a model and medical student “Hopefully as a friendship we won’t make anything ruined or get damaged.”I think I’ve felt it a little bit in the first half of the season this year, so probably we don’t have the friendship we used to have from when we were fighting in junior categories, but I think that’s natural, fighting for the seat and everything.”I know he is a funny guy and I know how to make our relationship good but let’s see how it goes, it’s not easy.”On how the move came about following the Chinese Grand Prix, Tsunoda added: “First call I got was from Christian (Horner), I heard expectations from him and also what kind of team dynamics they’re having. He said welcome to Red Bull Racing and he was excited. “Be as close as possible to Max. Red Bull Racing are focused on Max scoring a Drivers’ Championship.”He proved that he can be a world champion even though Red Bull is struggling.Read More on The Sun”He also promised me in some situations that if I’m able to be in front of Max that he wouldn’t necessarily ask me to swap positions and make Max win.”I’m sure it wouldn’t be easy anyway to beat Max straight away. I have to get used to the car. I’m very excited.”Tsunoda will become the latest man to team up with Max VerstappenCredit: Rex More

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      in Soccer

      Match suspended as striker brings digger on to pitch to fill SINKHOLE after rival swallowed up by the ground

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      A FOOTBALL team has plumbed new depths – after a SINKHOLE appeared in their pitch during a game.A player even fell in before French side US Vicquoise’s star striker filled it with a load of sand to enable the match to continue.A player went though a sinkhole during an amateur match in FranceCredit: Facebook / A.S IngrandesThe sinkhole brought the match to a haltCredit: Facebook / A.S IngrandesAnother player had to fill it with sand so the game could continueCredit: Facebook / A.S IngrandesBut visiting team Ingrandes went on to win 3-2 despite one of their players partially disappearing.Sunday’s lower-league clash in Vienne, central France, came to a halt as the 4ft deep crater opened up.But Vicquoise striker Sebastien Collet, a builder by trade, drove a digger-load of sand on to the pitch for his team-mates to repair the damage.An Ingrandes spokesman said: “Our team had an unusual experience on Sunday. Our striker fell in the penalty area with no one near him.Read More on Football”We all laughed, but he said there was a hole in the pitch.  We went on to the field and found it.”Thankfully at Vicq there are no problems, just solutions. Their number 10 is a saviour as well as a goalscorer and women’s team coach.”He went home to get a bucketload of sand to fill the hole – and the game restarted 10 minutes later as if nothing had happened.”We thank US Vicquoise for this great moment of fun, and for showing the sort of spirit we’d love to see every weekend.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Long live amateur football, and life in the country.”Vicquoise director Charly Collet said: “It created some atmosphere during the game, and made everyone laugh.Premier League club move into incredible new home that resembles futurist James Bond villain lair”This has never happened to us before during a match.”But an old guy who was marking out the lines on the pitch has previously fallen into the hole.” More

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      Chelsea U21 ace who scored twice to humiliate stars in training ‘hasn’t signed new contract over lack of playing time’

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      CHELSEA starlet Donnell McNeilly is yet to sign a new contract amid worries over his lack of first-team opportunities.The talented striker, 19, has been a beacon of Chelsea’s youth sides over the past several seasons.Chelsea starlet Donnell McNeilly is out of contract this summer after scoring twice against the seniorsCredit: GettyLast term saw McNeilly score 30 goals in all competitions.And just a week ago, the ace put Enzo Maresca’s seniors to the sword with two strikes in a behind-closed-doors friendly.McNeilly’s brace helped Chelsea’s kids beat their mega-million counterparts 3-0, leading to Maresca cancelling a day off in fury.However, the hitman is still yet to make his senior debut for the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMcNeilly has seen no less than eight of his U21 pals make matchday squads under Maresca this season.And the Mail claims he is now growing frustrated by the lack of opportunities, especially considering Chelsea’s striker crisis.Both Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu are long-term casualties, while the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer have gone off the boil.The bad news for Chelsea is that McNeilly’s contract, which he penned in 2022, expires this summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA new deal is said to be on the table.But McNeilly is yet to sign it, potentially signalling his intent to quit Stamford Bridge on a free transfer.Moment Chelsea flop is attacked on pitch by his own club mascot after Bundesliga clash And unless he is given assurances of a pathway to the first team, it’s believed he could part ways with Chelsea this summer.McNeilly isn’t the only promising youngster out of contract shortly.Goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom’s deal also expires in June.He has made multiple matchday squads as a sub but is yet to make his senior debut.Chelsea will have a plethora of goalies next season when loanees Mike Penders, Djordje Petrovic and Kepa Arrizabalaga join Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen.And there may not be any room for Bergstrom at the club. More

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      Gary Lineker reveals plans for life after Match of the Day with just nine shows left until he steps down

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      GARY LINEKER outlined his plans after rolling credits on his glittering 26-year run as Match of the Day presenter.Lineker, 64, will step down from MOTD in May and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.Gary Lineker outlined his plans after leaving Match of the Day in MayCredit: YOUTUBE / The Rest Is FootballLineker wants to travel and focus on his podcasts after leaving TVCredit: AlamyThere was speculation suggesting the famous host would be switching to Sky Sports but he recently quashed those rumours.The England legend was asked again about his future plans on the latest episode of The Rest is Football pod where he teamed up with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.A viewer sent a cheeky question to the Leicester hero asking him if he was planning to cover the Championship in a MOTD-style show while his favourite Premier League team is fighting to avoid relegation.Lineker was asked: “Gary, would you do a MOTD style show for the Championship next season so you can finally enjoy Leicester again?”Read More on FootballBut the Tottenham legend proved to be a good sport once more as he laughed it off.Lineker responded: “Alright, we’re not relegated yet, thanks. Well – one – we don’t have the rights on the BBC to show the Championship. And secondly, no thanks.”Shearer and Richards, though, had a follow-up question as they asked their fellow host what he will be doing with his weekends now that he will finally have Saturdays and Sundays off.And the ex-Barcelona star revealed he is planning to enjoy his free time by travelling.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLineker replied: “I was thinking the same thing because I’ve never really had weekends off in my adult life.”So I think I’ll be alright. I will go out to eat on Saturday night, have dinner. I’ll have little weekend trips away, possibly some places. Lots of places to go to – food trips, all that sort of stuff. I think I’ll be alright.”‘I don’t like it’ – Gary Lineker has wild reaction after spotting ex-Match of the Day star at Baller League launchShearer asked if he will continue working on TV but Lineker insists he is done with that outlet as there’s nothing better than Match of the Day and echoed his plans to focus on his podcasts.Lineker joked: “No, I’ve got a podcast to do with a couple of clowns and I’m obviously a podcast magnet. It’s not just this podcast, we’ve got lots of others as well.”I’m stepping away from Match of the Day. I mean, where do you go from there? So I think, that’ll do. Thank you very much.”I mean, never say never. Who knows what might pop. But at the moment I’m thinking, ‘No, that’s it. Television’s done’.” More

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      Man Utd hit unwanted Sir Alex Ferguson milestone that sums up how bad things have got since his retirement

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      MANCHESTER UNITED hit another embarrassing milestone after their 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.Tuesday night marked Man Utd’s 114th defeat in the Premier League since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson left the club on a high in 2013.Man Utd hit another embarrassing milestone after their 1-0 defeat to Nottingham ForestFerguson lost 114 of his 810 Premier League games as Man Utd managerThat’s the SAME amount of defeats that Ferguson suffered across his entire 21-year career in the competition. Fergie lost 114 of his 810 Premier League games as Man Utd manager.While the ten coaches (including caretakers) since have totalled 114 losses in just 448 matches – which is nearly half the time!Those defeats have mostly come across the reigns of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick Erik ten Hag and current boss Ruben Amorim.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhile the interim coaches including, Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick, Ralf Rangnick and Ruud van Nistelrooy have been included in that stat.Ferguson won 528 league games and drew 168 on his way to 13 titles.And Man Utd – who sit 13th in the table – have collected 786 points from their 448 Prem games under the gaffers since the great Scot retired.That’s 209 fewer than rivals Manchester City (995) and also behind Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAnthony Elanga’s stunning solo goal condemned his former club to their 13th league defeat of the season.That total is already their second highest in a single Prem campaign.Roy Keane fears Man Utd will get WORSE and reveals biggest red flag that could spell the end for Ruben AmorimAnd with eight games still to play, there’s a strong chance United will break their current record of 14, which was only set under Ten Hag last term.Amorim has won just 22 points from 19 top-flight matches and has suffered more defeats (nine) than wins (six).Those results mean that the 40-year-old currently has the worst record of any Man Utd manager in the Premier League era.The Portuguese gaffer currently has both the lowest win rate at 31.6 per cent and points-per-game average (1.16) of any previous manager.Unless United win all of their remaining Prem games – which looks a stretch considering they’re yet to win back-to-back fixtures since May 2024 – this will be their worst ever points tally, outdoing the mere 60 won under Ten Hag last season.They still need to win 11 points from now until the final day to equal 1989-90’s 48-point tally, which was the last season they won fewer than 50 points. That term was also the last that they finished outside the top half in the division in 13th.But 1989-90 was also Ferguson’s FOURTH season in charge in the old First Division. So the iconic manager was given time – something not so readily bestowed for those at the helm in the current game.Read More on The SunFergie did end the club’s 26-year wait for a top-flight title just two years later in the inaugural Prem season of 1992/93.But never mind since Ferguson, United are marching towards their worst league finish since they were relegated from the First Division 31 seasons ago.Man Utd player ratings vs Nottingham ForestMANCHESTER UNITED’S woes continue after another disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest.Forest picked up a 1-0 victory at the City Ground thanks to ex-United ace Anthony Elanga’s winner after just five minutes.United remain 13th in the Premier League table and look set for their worst ever Premier League finish.That is at least what their performance at Forest showed, as Ruben Amorim’s men don’t show signs of really understanding the Portuguese tactician’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.But who stood out for a poor United’s side? And who was the biggest disappointment?Check out Kostas Lianos’ players ratings below and find out…Andre Onana – 5Can’t blame him for Nottingham Forest’s winner as Anthony Elanga’s shot was too good. Made a stunning save to deny Ryan Yates’ header without knowing the Forest ace was offside.Leny Yoro – 5Should have been more aware before Elanga’s goal that came straight after a Man Utd corner-kick in which he had moved forward.One could argue Yoro made up for it when he stopped a fine run by Elanga in the second half with an amazing and well-timed challenge to save United from a second.Matthijs de Ligt – 4The centre-back was also nowhere to be seen before Elanga’s goal. No other major errors but should have done better on the rebound after Diogo Dalot’s header hit the crossbar.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Completely hopeless during Elanga’s run that led to the goal and struggled in his defensive duties, especially in the first half. Not sure if the full-back fits in a defensive trio as part of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation…Diogo Dalot – 6A strong performance down the right wing with some fine runs and good crosses. Registered United’s best chance in the first half when his header rattled Forest’s crossbar.Casemiro – 4At fault for Elanga’s goal as there was absolutely no midfield presence during Forest’s counter.Loads of inaccurate passes and got booked for a reckless challenge on Yates before complaining in a very unjust way. Registered three shots but didn’t cause concern for Matz Sels.Manuel Ugarte – 4Cut a rather anonymous figure, among the guilty parties for Elanga’s goal as Man Utd’s midfield was caught sleeping. Rightly substituted at half-time.Patrick Dorgu – 5A fine display during the first half as he cut a strong presence down the left flank, even though he was completely outrun by Elanga before the goal.But the versatile full-back was the complete opposite in the second half with a series of errors against a stunning Neco Williams.Bruno Fernandes – 6Registered the game’s first shot on target with a powerful effort that required a lunge from Sels, and that was basically United’s best shot throughout the entire match.Fernandes produced some fine long balls and upgraded Man Utd’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exits.Alejandro Garnacho – 2Very disappointing performance from the winger. Completely hopeless before Elanga’s goal with a desperate tackle and was lucky to avoid a booking for a ridiculous challenge on Yates while the Argentina international was on the attack.A game riddled with heavy touches, failed dribbles, wrong passes, blocked shots and a silly yellow card as he kicked the ball away in frustration. Had a good shot on 69 minutes as a saving grace.Joshua Zirkzee – 3Was supposed to be a striker but was often seen playing too deep and didn’t register a chance in front of Forest’s goal. Didn’t inspire any danger even after Rasmus Hojlund came on to help him up front.SUBSRasmus Hojlund – 5Was much better than a woeful Zirkzee up front for Man Utd. But didn’t cause any significant danger and never looked like a goalscoring threat. Harry Maguire looked far more lethal as a false nine after he entered the pitch with a lot more presence inside the box.Christian Eriksen – 4Didn’t really elevate United’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exit. The sort of performance that makes one wonder about his Old Trafford future…Harry Maguire – 5Only played nine minutes as a false nine and was by far Man Utd’s best forward. Brought on as a desperation move that almost paid off with the best chance of the match as his last-gasp effort was cleared by Murillo just off the line.Mason Mount – N/A More

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      Can Arsenal’s injury-hit defence keep the rampant Real Madrid attack at bay in the Champions League quarter-final?

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      ARSENAL have been plunged into yet another injury crisis – just days before they face Real Madrid’s superstar attack.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta could be without FOUR defensive starters for the Champions League quarter-final first-leg tie at home to Real Madrid next week.Arsenal could be without FOUR defender for their Champions League clash against Real MadridCredit: ReutersGabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber both went off injured against FulhamCredit: RexArsenal will likely have a CB pair of Jakub Kiwior and William SalibaCredit: RexBut how can they lock out one of Europe’s most talented attacking teamsCredit: GettyGabriel limped off after just 16 minutes of Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Fulham on Tuesday night with a worrying hamstring injury.And right-back Jurrien Timber is now also a doubt with a knee issue and joins full-backs Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori in the treatment room, who are both struggling with knee injuries.The timing could not be worse, with Carlo Ancelotti’s European Champions on the horizon.Real Madrid come alive when the Champions League is on the line.Vinicius Jr has started only two thirds of their La Liga games but he ALWAYS plays in Europe. Along with Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo, it’s a terrifying prospect, with Jude Bellingham coming through from midfield.As Arteta moaned on Tuesday night: “We have lost four players in the defensive line in one week. “You’re scratching your head. In the end, the players are going to react to it.“You can’t start to feel sorry for yourself. The good thing is that it’s been like this the whole season. We still have another four that are willing to do their job.”Should things stay as they are, the four to start against Madrid could be William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly and midfielder Thomas Partey at right-back.Left-backs Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney will be available from the bench, while right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu will not return from a knee operation until late 2025.It is not ideal, to say the least, especially when preparing to face one of the best and most exciting attacking line-ups on the planet right now.Polish centre-back Kiwior, 25, has started just two Prem games this term and is a bag of nerves when given the chance, particularly if he has someone like Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe to keep an eye on.Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka in heated confrontation with Bayer Leverkusen ultras after humiliating defeatMeanwhile, Vinicius Jr. will be licking his lips if he gets to line up against a makeshift right-back in Partey for 90 minutes.So, what exactly do Arsenal’s weakened defensive line need to look out for against Carlo Ancelotti’s Galacticos? Tactics expert Lee Scott takes a closer look.Overloading the left side of the pitchKylian Mbappe’s touch map in the last round against Atletico MadridVini Junior hugged the left wing against AtleticoThe biggest question at the start the season for Madrid boss Ancelotti was how he would fit both Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. into the same starting line-up with both at their best from the left side of attack.Even when Mbappe played through the middle he still showed a clear tendency to come outside and occupy spaces on the left. Ancelotti appears to have solved this issue in the same way that he solves most issues on the pitch.By letting the players find the solution for themselves throughout the game.Here we see how Real Madrid overloads the opposition with four attacking players in one area of the pitchThe Spanish side have often overloaded the left side of the pitch and it has been extremely effective for them in the Champions League this season.With Vinicius Jr. on the left of the attack and Mbappe starting through the middle they are then supported by the likes of Ferland Mendy from the left-back position and Jude Bellingham from the midfield.By overloading one side of the pitch in this manner we have seen Madrid create a number of opportunities for the likes of Vinicus Jr. to attack defenders in 1v1 situations. The speed with which the attacking players combine in these positions on the left of the attack can be bewildering for defensive players.Here again, we see Real Madrid attacking down the left but with Vinicius Jr. moving from out to in instead of Ferland MendyMadrid consistently breaks through on this side of the pitch thanks to combinations or 1v1 skills from individual players.Arsenal and their coaching staff will have to take this threat into account when they meet in the quarter finals.Isolating the right-hand sideIn football when you get a team with a clear tendency to overload one side of their attack there is, of course, a reaction on the other side. The right-side of the attack for Real Madrid typically sees the Brazil star Rodrygo isolated on that side of the pitch. When they overload the left side there is a natural reaction from opposition defences to slide across to try to counter the threat. This means they cab quickly switch the ball to the opposite side of the pitch where Rodrygo is isolated and ready to attack.There is an argument to be made that despite having Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. in attack, Rodrygo has actually been their most effective attacking player this season.Here we see how the left side overload leaves Rodrygo isolated as he stretches the playWhen Madrid attack in this way they tend to build with slower tempo and shorter passes as they build up their overload.When they then change the tempo and quickly transfer the ball from left to right they create 1v1 opportunities for Rodrygo.Whenever Rodrygo takes possession, his first instinct is to be aggressive and to go on the attack. He is exceptionally dangerous in 1v1 situations and he can attack defenders down the outside or cut inside and drive in towards the opposition penalty area.As Rodrygo takes possession we see how he is dangerous enough to beat a defender 1v1 with easeIt is natural for World Cup winner Mbappe and Ballon d’Or runner-up Vinicius Jr. get a lot of attention from opposition defences.But this just means Rodrygo can go under the radar despite being just as dangerous as his two more illustrious team-mates.Aggressive defendingRudiger’s aggression is clear from his heat map vs Atletico MadridThe attacking performances from Real Madrid take all of the headlines. But their defensive performances in key matches this season have gone under the radar.For all of the attacking qualities Madrid have, they have been very effective out of possession in denying the opposition clear chances.Ex-Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger has been one of the key figures in their Champions League campaign so far.This was especially true in the round of 16 tie against Atletico Madrid.The Germany international routinely stepped out to defend with aggression and prevent Atletico from being able to create any real threat.Antonio Rudiger often jumps aggressively to close the space and win the duel for the ballRudiger has defended with positive aggression as he looks to be proactive against the ball in closing down the space between the midfield and the defensive line.He is quick and his willingness to jump out of shape to defend in space allows the Madrid midfield to play higher.With the attacking issues Arsenal currently face, with the midfielder Mikel Merino being used as a striker, defensive aggression from Madrid could be key when they meet.The defensive strength of Madrid is often overlooked but it is possible this has had an even greater impact on their performances in the Champions League.Here we see how Rudiger aggressively stepping up allows the likes of Luke Modric to play higherRudiger is a monster defensively and he provides the defensive balance to the likes of Mbappe, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo in the attacking unit for Real Madrid.ConclusionWhile Real Madrid are currently second in La Liga, three points behind their bitter rivals Barcelona, they have still been excellent in the Champions League.They have the attacking options to hurt teams from a number of different areas of the pitch and have defensive strength at the other end.Can anyone stop them from winning another Champions League this season? You wouldn’t bet against them.Arsenal ratings v FulhamARSENAL had a night of mixed fortunes as they beat Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates.Bukayo Saka not only returned but also scored after 101 days out.But injuries to Gabriel and Jurrien Timber ahead of next week’s visit of Real Madrid took the gloss off the win.Here’s How SunSport’s Josh Hall rated Mikel Arteta’s men on the night.DAVID RAYA – 7Week by week Raya is staking a claim as one of the best goalkeepers in the league.He doesn’t have to face a barrage of shots as part of this Arsenal team, but rarely falters when he is called upon.His distribution and preventative high claims are also among the best around.There was little he could have done to stop Rodrigo Muniz’s deflected goal.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6It looked like the Dutchman’s night was going to be cut short around the half an hour mark when he went down clutching his knee.Fortunately, he was able to play on and even managed to test Bend Leno with a stinging effort in the second half.Unfortunately his earlier knock proved too much and he was taken off with a niggle in the 75th minute.Arsenal could now be without at least two starting defenders for their clash with Real Madrid.GABRIEL – N/AJust when Arsenal fans thought they were creeping out of their injury crisis with the return of Bukayo Saka, they lose another top star.Gabriel hobbled off after just 15 minutes to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior.Arteta – and every Arsenal fan up and down the country – will be hoping the wall at the back will be fighting fit for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid next week.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Stepped up to the plate in Gabriel’s absence and looked assured both on and off the ball.His frame did wonders to prevent Raul Jimenez from fashioning any chances in dangerous areas.However, he wasn’t able to do enough to stop Rodrigo Muniz from batting it against him to pull a late goal back for Fulham.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7Every time you see Lewis-Skelly play you wonder how he’s only 18 and not a seasoned pro with years of experience at the top.He didn’t set the world alight against the Cottagers, but looked just as assured and comfortable as he always does – this time without Gabriel by his side.While he also made an important bloke to prevent Muniz after Fulham had pulled back a late goal.Mikel Arteta has splashed the cash to have a plethora of options at left-back, yet it seems like the Hale End academy graduate is now the number one choice for that position.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Almost gifted Fulham a golden opportunity with a loose header in the first half, but saw David Raya pop up to save the day.Despite a few loose touches he did enough to keep the ball moving in central areas.He’s become an important starter for Arsenal this season, yet still seems to be on his way out in the summer on the expiration of his deal.DECLAN RICE – 6He’s not a glamorous footballer, but he’s always going to give 100 per cent no matter what.Certainly not his worst game in an Arsenal shirt, but by no means his best.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5Another frustrating night for the Arsenal captain who seems to have been unable to find the keys to unlock the low block his side faces each week.The Norwegian is certainly one of the best talents in the league, but has only shown it in glimpses this season.Arsenal as a whole looked a bit laboured and lacklustre at times, often that’s a result of the way Odegaard is playing. When he ticks, the whole team does too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 9Regularly made Timothy Castagne look silly throughout the match and get into dangerous positions by the byline.But despite fashioning plenty of opportunities, the Brazilian was – as per usual – struggling with his end product in the first half.It almost seemed as if every shot or final pass was rushed or snatched at for the opening 45 minutes.That changed in the second half when his delightful flick perfectly teed up Bukayo Saka for a dream return to action.Finally looked like he had the goal to top off a spectacular performance in the dying moments, but was deemed to be marginally offside when his effort found the back of the net.ETHAN NWANERI – 7Bright spark in the opening exchanges and volleyed one right down the throat of Bernd Leno in the 21st minute as he looked the most likely to find the back of the net at first.Instead it was his cutback that helped open the scoring when he placed it on to the boot of Mikel Merino to poke home the first goal of the night.Replaced by Saka in the second half in perhaps a foreshadowing of what might happen to his role in the squad for the remainder of the season.MIKEL MERINO – 8Merino has stepped up the role of of make-shift striker with the sort of professionalism you would want from any player in your team.He might not make darting runs behind the back four, or curl delightful efforts round the keeper, but he’s certainly got a knack for goal.His punt towards goal took a healthy deflection off Jorge Cuenca to send it into the corner, but he won’t care – now netting an impressive five goals in eight games as a centre-forward.He almost made that six when he rifled another effort goalward from a corner in the 60th minute.SUBS: JAKUB KIWIOR – 4 (ON FOR GARBRIEL 15mins)Always a tough task to replace one of the best defenders in the league, but didn’t do enough to impress at all.Sloppily gave the ball away to gift a golden opportunity to Adama Traore in the second half, but was lucky to see the shot blazed wide.He was partly to blame for leaving Rodrigo Muniz wide open for his wayward header on the 80th minute mark – once again saved by sloppy finishing.With each game that passes it seems to be more obvious that the Polish international just isn’t at the required level.BUKAYO SAKA – 8 (ON FOR NWANERI 66mins)The Emirates erupted in its loudest cheer of the night when Saka made his return to action after 21 games and 101 days on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.That was until he nodded home the Gunners’ second just six minutes after crossing the line and an even louder roar bellowed around N5.Arsenal have missed him dearly, and a return right before perhaps the biggest European game in the Emirates era could be crucial for Mikel Arteta’s side.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5 (ON FOR TIMBER 77mins)Had very little impact on the match coming on so late, but did nick the ball off the foot of captain Odegaard who was lining up a thunderous effort. More

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      ‘I just can’t understand that’ – Tottenham star Cristian Romero slammed for being more committed to country than club

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      TOTTENHAM legend Graham Roberts has hit out at Cristian Romero for appearing more committed to his country than his club.Spurs’ vice-captain Romero has not played 90 minutes in the Premier League since November 10, having struggled with toe and quad injuries.Cristian Romero has been criticised for appearing to prioritise country over clubCredit: GettyFormer Tottenham star Graham Roberts claims he is ‘disappointed’ in RomeroCredit: RexThe Argentina star, 26, was taken off with the score goalless in the 68th minute at Fulham in the final fixture ahead of the international break – before Spurs went on to lose 2-0.Yet Romero completed both games for his nation against Uruguay and Brazil in the following ten days, leaving some Spurs fans, and fellow hardman Roberts, irked.The 65-year-old, who won back-to-back FA Cups in the early 80s with Tottenham, said: “I just can’t get that we played him 60 minutes and then he goes and plays two sets of 90 minutes. I just can’t understand that. “I’m not happy because the club have looked after him and Ange (Postecoglou) has looked after him. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“If you’re fit and you start the game, then play the whole game (against Fulham).“I know we’ve been taking care of Micky van de Ven as well,  but he didn’t go away (on international duty). He was on the bench against Fulham, he didn’t play. “I’m disappointed in him. If he had gone away and played 60 minutes in each game, that’s different. But to play 90 minutes…“The club pays his wages and looks after him. It was a big disappointment.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRomero has faced accusations of prioritising his country over his club for much of his time at Spurs.But when challenged on it by SunSport during pre-season in Australia two years ago, the centre-back refuted the claims as robustly as one of his full-blooded tackles.Moment Ange Postecoglou is confronted by fuming Tottenham fan and pulled away by own players after defeat at Fulham Romero said back then: “I think the people that say this clearly don’t know me because I’m contracted to the club for many (more) years. I always try to give my best. “If I didn’t feel the same passion (for Spurs as I do for Argentina), I would look to leave the club.”A Romero exit from Spurs looks a possibility this summer with compatriot Diego Simeone keen to take him to Atletico Madrid.Roberts would be gutted to see the all-action defender leave as he rates him as one of the Prem’s best – and warned any potential suitors the £42.5million capture would cost a pretty penny.The former Chelsea and Rangers star told SunSport via Mr Vegas Online Casino: “I would say he and Virgil van Dijk are the two best defenders in the country at this time.“But he’s injured too much. Micky van de Ven is injured too much. I don’t know if it’s we play a high game and their muscles aren’t up to it.“But the bottom line is he is up there with Van Dijk. He’s proved it, he’s a World Cup winner.“I’ve always said the badge on the front of the shirt is worth more than anybody’s name on the back of the shirt.“If he doesn’t want to be there then that’s his prerogative, but you can’t just walk out. Somebody has to buy you and he won’t be cheap.“There are players out there (who could replace him). I’m sure the recruitment department are well aware of that situation. Read More on The Sun“Simeone likes him because he’s Argentinian. When your head gets turned, then you’re going to leave.“(But) we’ll see. If we win the Europa League and we’re in the Champions League, then things change.” More

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      Tottenham tipped to hire ‘outstanding manager’ if they sack Ange Postecoglou… by Postecoglou himself

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU reckons Tottenham will secure an “outstanding” manager if he is sacked at the end of the season.And the under-pressure Aussie also believes he will not have any problems landing another job if Daniel Levy gives him the bullet.Ange Postecoglou’s side are languishing in the bottom halfCredit: AlamySpurs face Chelsea tomorrow in the Premier League but the club’s only hope of a trophy is the Europa League and they face Frankfurt in the quarter-finals.Asked about his future at the club, Postecoglou said: “I know what my responsibilities are. I’m sure if the club decides to go in a different direction, there’s some outstanding candidates out there for it.“And you know what, maybe someone will think, ‘Ah Ange Postecoglou’s not a bad coach, maybe we’ll take a punt on him’.“It doesn’t rock my world. It doesn’t consume me. I’m here, I’m passionate about what we’re doing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I was brought in to change the way the club plays, rejuvenate the squad, bring success, I’m focused on that. That’s what I’ll keep doing.”Postecoglou also hopes that Mauricio Pochettino will eventually return to Spurs.The former Celtic manager claims he was not bothered about Pochettino’s comments that he had unfinished business at Tottenham after being sacked in 2019.Postecoglou said: “If Mauricio wants to come back one day, I hope it happens for him. We all have dreams and aspirations, if that’s what he wants.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMauricio Pochettino has made no secret of his desire to return to SpursCredit: Getty“I don’t feel disrespected. I think if you ask Mauricio that question directly, you’d get a pretty clear answer as to what his intent was.”Again, nothing from me to sort of be consumed with. I’m more focused on trying to make sure we win tomorrow night.”Moment Ange Postecoglou is confronted by fuming Tottenham fan and pulled away by own players after defeat at Fulham More