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      in Boxing

      Boxing’s new super-cruiserweight division a ‘sensible’ move that will allow mouthwatering fights like Usyk vs Wilder

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      BECAUSE Tyson Fury and the rest of today’s leading heavyweights are built the size of articulated trucks, boxing is about to create a new weight class.
      The idea is that it’s going to be above the cruiserweight 14st 4lb limit and the fighters who will be involved won’t be allowed to be heavier than 16st.

      Wilder could be one of the superstars set to compete in this new divisionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      With 17 weight divisions already, you would think the Noble Art needs another as about as much as Manchester needs a goodwill visit from Boris Johnson.
      But talks between WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman and British Boxing Board of Control chairman Charlie Giles are at an advanced stage.
      It is a sensible move and will protect men like Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk — who clashes with Derek Chisora tomorrow week in London — from being at an unacceptable weight disadvantage.
      Usyk, the unbeaten former undisputed world cruiserweight champion ran out of opposition, which forced him to move up among the big boys.

      Yet when he had his first heavyweight fight a year ago he was 15st 5lb, which means he will probably be at least three stone lighter than Chisora next week.
      Tony Bellew, the former world cruiserweight champ knocked out by Usyk in his last fight, has been asked by the WBC to be an ambassador for the plan.
      Bellew said: “I’m very enthusiastic about this because it will allow the small heavyweights and big cruiserweights to have a level playing field.
      “Speaking from experience Usyk is technically the best in the heavyweight division. He’s a genius.

      “But the one thing that will hold him back is sheer size. He will not be able to beat the real big boys for that reason.
      “Heavyweights are getting bigger and bigger. Look at Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte. They are huge. The new division is inevitable and the need for it is going to get more apparent.”
      Glenn McCrory, Britain’s first world cruiserweight champion, is 100 per cent behind Bellew. He said: “When I lost my cruiserweight title I moved up to heavyweight and fought Lennox Lewis.
      “He was only a couple of stone heavier but he was throwing me around like I was a rag doll. Imagine what it would be like facing someone three or four stone heavier.”

      Fans may be surprised to learn last century’s legendary world champions would never be considered heavyweights in this era of Goliaths.
      This what they weighed when they won the title. Jack Johnson (13st 4lb), Jack Dempsey (13st 5lb), Joe Louis (14st 1lb) and Rocky Marciano a mere 13st 2lb.
      Can you imagine matching Marciano — 11 inches shorter and six stone lighter — with Fury? He’d be arrested under the Trades Description Act.
      The only negative argument I’ve heard is a new super-cruiserweight division will be unfashionable and therefore unattractive to the TV companies’ networks.
      But if it was launched with a Usyk-Deontay Wilder — an under 16st man — world championship battle, I doubt if that would be too difficult to sell.

      Watch Tyson Fury star in short film on addiction called You’re Not My Best Friend to mark World Mental Health Day More

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      in Soccer

      Jordan Pickford tried to apologise to Van Dijk for season-ending tackle on Liverpool star after speaking to Henderson

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      JORDAN PICKFORD has tried to apologise to Virgil van Dijk for the tackle that wrecked his season.
      Liverpool centre-back Van Dijk is now awaiting surgery on the knee injury he received when the Everton goalkeeper clattered into him early in last week’s Merseyside derby.

      Liverpool’s star defender Virgil van Dijk faces missing at least the rest of the season after this challenge from Jordan PickfordCredit: Reuters

      The Toffees’ England No1 Jordan Pickford tried to contact Virgil van Dijk to say sorry for his clumsy challengeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Pickford has been so pilloried over the challenge that Carlo Ancelotti came out strongly to tell his critics to stop picking on his player.
      He has also revealed that the England No1 did make an effort to say sorry.
      The Toffees boss, still annoyed over the stick his team have taken since last week’s 2-2 draw said: “I know that Jordan spoke to  Jordan Henderson after the game.
      “And I know that he tried to make contact with Van Dijk.

      “But I don’t know if he managed to do so.”
      Pickford was not the only Toffees player to be highlighted after the bruising draw with Liverpool.
      Richarlison received a late red card for a nasty challenge on Thiago Alcantara that means the Brazilian will almost certainly miss the Reds’ clash with Sheffield United tonight.
      On Tuesday Kop midfielder Gini Wijnaldum waded into the debate complaining that Everton’s tackles in derby matches were “too much”.

      Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has defended Jordan Pickford and urged the keeper’s critics to lay off himCredit: Getty – Pool

      The tackle by Pickford was mis-timed. He did not go out to hurt him. Van Dijk is a fantastic player and everyone here wants him to recover as soon as possible.
      Carlo Ancelotti

      But Italian Ancelotti bit back, with Pickford’s action still at the forefront of his mind.
      He snapped: “I have to repeat what I said. Were you not listening?
      “In my opinion the tackle by Pickford on Van Dijk was mis-timed. He did not go out to hurt him.
      “Van Dijk is a fantastic player and everyone here wants him to recover as soon as possible.”
      Ironically Ancelotti suggested that James Rodriguez would miss the visit to Southampton — thanks to a challenge by Van Dijk.
      But he now believes the Colombian superstar is on the mend after suffering bruising.
      He added:  “Fortunately his recovery has been really good.
      “He has trained and will train again before Southampton. I am confident now that he will play.”

      Meanwhile, Everton will bid for a fifth straight away win when they meet Saints tomorrow — something the club has not achieved since 1970.
      Ancelotti, 61, stressed: “We have made this start because we are more ambitious and more motivated.
      “Also, because there are no crowds at the moment, I think it has become easier to win away from home.”

      Sam Allardyce feels Jordan Pickford should’ve been sent off in Everton v Liverpool match More

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      in Soccer

      Troy Deeney reveals he bumps into Arsenal stars in Sainsbury’s as he says there are no hard feelings over ‘cojones’ dig

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      TROY DEENEY says he happily bumps into Arsenal stars in Sainsbury’s and claims there are no hard feelings over his ‘cojones’ jibe.
      The Watford hero famously accused the Gunners of lacking ‘cojones’ after inflicting a 2-1 defeat in 2017.

      SunSport columnist Troy Deeney says there are no hard feelings with Arsenal players over his infamous ‘cojones’ jibeCredit: Reuters

      That came during Arsene Wenger’s final season, when the North London club were screaming out for a change of leadership.

      But despite questioning the Gunners’ stars bravery and bravado, he insists there is no bad blood.
      He said: “I see their players in Sainsbury’s or the petrol station and say hello, it’s nothing personal. I went up to them in the NBA game in London that year to make sure they knew that.

      “People say it was revenge Arsenal relegated us but it was a really bad season and we just happened to get relegated there.
      “I had a few memes from Arsenal fans and you take it on the chin.”
      What’s more, Deeney reckons Mikel Arteta is curing the side’s soft centre after signings such as midfielder Thomas Partey and centre-back Gabriel.
      Such was evident in the brilliant 2-1 comeback win over Rapid Vienna in the Europa League on Thursday night.

      SunSport’s brilliant new columnist, who also accused social media giants of profiting from racism, said: “Arsenal look really good because they are actually recruiting properly. For years everyone said ‘they need a centre-half, they need a holding midfielder.’

      Deeney believes Arsenal look much stronger now with their new signingsCredit: Reuters

      “With Arsenal it was always forwards — flair players. Against Watford or Burnley, they came unstuck.
      “They never had a dominant holding midfielder or a dominant centre-half so you always thought you could get at them. They had unbelievable players. But you need more.
      “There is a mentality there that Arteta is changing. Before it was all about the show. Can you score four or five beautiful goals?

      “Now I think Arteta is happy with one-nil to the Arsenal. You have to work for your place.
      “Look at Nicolas Pepe, they paid over £70million for him and he’s not had many starts.
      “You can see what they’re building. I don’t think they will break the top four this year. They are one or two short, but the starting XI is very good.
      “But Arsenal — and Man United — went through two or three years of not bringing in the right players. Now Arsenal have got back in the mix.”

      Arteta says Thomas Partey needs time to adapt to our system More

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      in Soccer

      Loftus-Cheek reveals he approached Chelsea boss Lampard about loan transfer and hopes Fulham spell kickstarts career

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      THE last time Ruben Loftus-Cheek went out on loan, it sparked his England career.
      Now the 24-year-old is hoping another temporary spell away from Stamford Bridge can kickstart it.

      Ruben Loftus-Cheek is hoping a loan move to Fulham can kickstart his career after injuryCredit: Rex Features

      Loftus-Cheek enjoyed a transformative loan at Crystal Palace three years ago that readied him for Chelsea’s first team.
      But he was set back by an Achilles injury which kept him out for 13 months, suffered in a Blues charity match in April last year.
      It has led to him being farmed out again, this time to rivals Fulham, where he hopes playing regularly will both prove his fitness and put him back on the path he was on after leaving Palace.

      Speaking ahead of the Cottagers’ hosting of the Eagles, RLC said: “I really took a lot from that Palace loan.

      “I had a lot of experience in the Premier League, and obviously that kick-started my international career.
      “Hopefully Fulham can do the same thing, after being out for so long with injury, regain that same feel for the game. This is why I have come here.
      “Those games were crucial for me. If I don’t go to Palace, I don’t make the England team.”
      Loftus-Cheek was initially signed by Frank de Boer, who was axed after only four games and replaced by Roy Hodgson.

      The ex-England boss’s straight-talking approach was exactly what was needed for a raw Loftus-Cheek, who had only made six Prem starts before arriving at Selhurst Park.
      He added: “He is a fantastic coach. I really enjoyed playing under Roy.
      “As a manager he says things how they are and I needed that at that moment. I learned a lot.

      Loftus-Cheek went to Chelsea boss Frank Lampard to ask for a loan this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “Palace defensively are fantastic in that shape, hard to break down and lethal on the counter-attack. So we know what’s coming.”
      Fulham boss Scott Parker said last week that he still expected Loftus-Cheek to have a long-term future at Chelsea as he knew how much Frank Lampard thought of him.
      Lampard did actually start the midfielder in the season opener at Brighton, despite splashing more than £150million on new attacking signings in the summer transfer window.
      But RLC knew his chances were going to be limited this year with all the new arrivals and his injury problems.
      Interestingly, it was he who went to Lampard to discuss him going out for another loan spell.
      The midfielder explained: “We had an honest conversation. I was the one who initiated it. I felt like it was paramount that I played a lot of football this season.
      “With the strength in depth at Chelsea and how I was feeling, I was not sure being out for so long that when I had the opportunity that I could play fantastically and hold down a place in the starting XI.
      “I was not 100 per cent I could do that, because I need to build my confidence back up.

      “That was basically the theme of the chat. The gaffer agreed on that and things went on from there.”
      Parker himself was a young midfielder at Chelsea who realised he was not going to cut it there and left permanently for Newcastle in 2005 after just a year at Stamford Bridge.
      But he does not see his new loan signing being in the same situation — and Loftus-Cheek agrees.
      The Lewisham lad said: “I still see my future at Chelsea.
      “I believe in my ability 100 per cent. This is obviously not a permanent move.
      “This is a platform for me to go and express myself and find that form that was showing a couple of seasons ago.
      “I believe in my ability, and we will see where that takes me.”

      The midfielder made his Fulham debut in the 1-1 draw with Sheffield United last weekCredit: AFP

      All the way to the Euros at the end of the season, perhaps?
      Loftus-Cheek, whose last of his ten caps came in November 2018, replied: “There is a target there definitely, and that is definitely in the back of my mind.
      “But at the forefront is Fulham. I think if I play well with Fulham there is a chance, and that will be a consequence of what I do here.”

      Chelsea ace Ruben Loftus-Cheek joins Fulham on season-long loan transfer with Frank Lampard wanting him to get game time More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer’s explanation of Mason Greenwood’s ‘illness’ is about as clear as Boris Johnson’s Tier 3 update

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      SO let’s get this right. Mason Greenwood had a ‘niggle’ that stopped him going to Paris.
      So bad was this injury that he was swerving in and out of cones on the morning the rest of Manchester United’s squad flew off to face Paris Saint-Germain.

      Mason Greenwood is said to have been late for training at least twice recently but Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer denies there is a problemCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Old Trafford chief criticised ex-Man Utd stars for having a dig at Mason Greenwood but there’s little evidence such players have spoken outCredit: The Mega Agency

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s verdict on Mason Greenwood was as blurry as PM Boris Johnson’s explanation of Tier 3 coronavirus rulesCredit: EPA

      But wait. That niggle for Tuesday night developed into an illness as of yesterday when manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave us an update on his forward.
      Also, despite being late for training  on at least two occasions recently,  the 19-year-old is, however, never late for training and there is no problem with his timekeeping.
      As for his questionable attitude around Carrington of late, there is no problem with his attitude.

      And you thought Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s update on coronavirus was difficult to follow.

      This is what Solskjaer had to say on Tuesday: “I can’t declare medical stuff, can I?
      “It’s just a niggle and, as young as he is, we don’t want to take any chances with him. Hopefully at the weekend  he’ll be fine again.”
      And yesterday ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Chelsea: “Hopefully he has shaken off his illness and he’ll be ready for this weekend.”
      As for his timekeeping, Solskjaer added: “I have to disappoint you, he’s never ever late for training — he’s never a problem on the training ground.

      “I’ve seen the stories, I’ve seen former United players talking about him and they really don’t know what they are talking about.
      “We have photographers outside the training ground every day, so they can see every day that he’s on time.”
      Those same photographers will also tell you he is last in virtually every time.

      As for those former Old Trafford stars having a dig?
      After a long scroll through the internet, the best that can be found is Dimitar Berbatov talking after the United striker’s indiscretions on England duty.
      The Bulgarian said: “I hope his England antics don’t hamper his chances. We have all been young players and done stupid things.” Blimey, take that.
      What is undeniable is that Greenwood was kicked out of the England camp last month after he and Phil Foden invited two girls back to the team hotel following the Three Lions’ match away to Iceland.
      Solskjaer said: “I think Mason learned a harsh lesson this summer, of course.
      “It’s the reality that when you do well at Manchester United, you’ll be under the spotlight — whether it’s good or bad.
      “Yeah, he made a mistake with England and suddenly the whole English press go after him and that’s something we have got to look after.”
      Perhaps if he had not ‘gone after’ Miss Universe finalist Nadia Gunnarsdottir in the first place, defying strict Covid protocol and team orders, there would not have been a problem.

      Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood were kicked out of the England camp after inviting two girls back to the team hotel in IcelandCredit: Reuters
      A subsequent story about him inhaling laughing gas was, according to the club, a classic example of a player being deliberately built up to be knocked down.
      In Solskjaer’s own words, ‘I have to disappoint you’ but this is an absolute myth.
      Greenwood has been praised in these pages particularly because of his incredible two-footed ability on a football field.
      That does not mean at the same time that he is spared from negative comment when he gets it wrong — which he seems to be doing off the pitch and on it of late with his poor performances.
      Still, Solskjaer has faith he will be able to put all this behind him and is mystified about the recent stories.
      He said: “I’m not concerned at all with Mason making a target of himself.
      “I don’t know where these stories have come from.
      “He’s got a good family behind him, he has had a good background in the academy and is a good trainer.

      “Mason trains really well and I cannot believe all these stories about him not being professional.”
      Indeed, a good performance against Chelsea at Old Trafford this weekend and Greenwood will be back on track.
      That is, if he has recovered from his niggle, sorry, illness. And if he  turns up on time, which, of course, he always does.

      Solskjaer slams ex-Man Utd stars for attacking Mason Greenwood More

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      in Soccer

      Rhian Brewster convinced Chelsea to sign him in TEN SECONDS with amazing solo goal but grew frustrated in Blues academy

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      RHIAN BREWSTER was destined for Premier League superstardom just TEN SECONDS after being spotted by scouts — aged seven.
      The Sheffield United new-boy faces former club Liverpool, 13 years on from that life-changing day in East London.

      Rhian Brewster, 20, has joined Sheffield United after leaving Liverpool to get more first-team footballCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      Brewster pictured with Steven Gerrard as a youth – he joined Liverpool later, aged 14Credit: Twitter @rhianbrewster9

      The striker was playing for Shield Academy in Barkingside when he beat the entire rival team to score, ran back with the ball under his arm and put it on the centre circle.
      Chelsea scout Martin Taylor was so impressed, he went straight over to Brewster’s dad Ian and signed him on the spot.
      His coach Daniel Seymour remembers that day fondly and how the England Under-17 World Cup winner’s impressive attitude helped him become a star.
      He said: “I remember Rhian’s first match, I asked him to stand in right midfield. He was clueless and had no idea what I was asking.

      “He stood on the edge of the area in this seven-a-side game, looking like he didn’t know what was going on.
      “All of a sudden, the kick-off happened and the ball went to him and I thought, ‘What’s he going to do?’
      “And the first thing Rhian did in the first ten seconds was take the ball past every single player, walk it in, pick the ball up and put it on the spot again.
      “Martin came over and stood next to me and asked where he was from. It was at that exact moment, he decided Rhian had to be a Chelsea player.”

      How Liverpool have fared with and without Van Dijk since his debut in 2018 up to his injury against Everton
      Brewster, now 20, went on to play in the Blues’ academy with Reece James, Conor Gallagher and Marc Guehi for seven years.
      But he took the brave decision, aged 14, to quit Stamford Bridge after falling out of love with football amid fears over a lack of first-team opportunities.
      It was his call to move away to Liverpool from London, where he had lived all his life.
      His dad and mum Hulya moved up North, too, but it was ultimately their son’s choice.
      Seymour said: “Rhian’s so grounded — that’s come from his parents.
      “One thing that struck me was when he joined Chelsea, one of the first things his dad said was, ‘If he doesn’t do his homework, he’s not training’.
      “It wasn’t about the homework — it was about the message Rhian was going to get, the ethos and values.
      “One of the things I loved about his development was his dad would always say, ‘Did you enjoy yourself?’ His dad would say, ‘You’ll tell daddy the day you don’t enjoy it any more’.

      Brewster impressed on loan at Swansea last season, scoring ten goals in the Championship after moving in JanuaryCredit: Alamy Live News
      “What happened with Chelsea was Rhian got more frustrated around the developmental chances. He felt like, ‘Is there going to be a pathway for me at Chelsea?’ He felt that wasn’t the case.
      “His mum and dad explained the impact of moving and the massive changes.
      “When Liverpool came in, I think there were loads of reasons he wanted to join.
      “Not just around the club, the history, but his dad’s a lifelong fan.”
      Brewster made another brave call at the start of this month by leaving Anfield to join the Blades for a club-record £23.5million.
      Reds boss Jurgen Klopp spoke of his admiration for a player he has a buy-back option on for the next three years.
      He said: “Rhian used to be our boy but we still feel he is.
      “I wish him a near-perfect Premier League season — all world class games but that he takes the other two off!”
      After talks with Blades chief Chris Wilder, the lure of South Yorkshire was too big for Brewster.

      Brewster celebrates with the Champions League in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Seymour added: “He enjoyed his time at Liverpool but just wanted regular first-team football.”
      And Brewster’s old mentor will sit down in front of the TV tonight and watch his former academy prospect.
      He added: “I will be so proud watching him.
      “I’ve got a two-year-old boy and how great will it be if one day he wants to get Brewster on the back of his England shirt.”

      Jurgen Klopp reveals winger Sadio Mane has dead leg after Ajax win More

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      in Soccer

      Why Man Utd starlet Axel Tuanzebe is perfect as third centre-back and should start against Chelsea

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      AXEL TUANZEBE has been talked about at Manchester United for a long time but injuries have affected his progress.
      After his loan with Aston Villa, helping them get promoted to the Premier League, he looked ready to push on but for a hamstring injury in December 2019.

      Axel Tuanzebe could prove to be a vital cog for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Danny Higginbotham runs the rule over Manchester United youngster Axel Tuanzebe

      But as he showed in his spectacular return performance against Paris Saint-Germain, dealing with the pace of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, the beauty of what he brings is that he is a centre-back that does not look isolated in wide areas.
      And with this United side looking more at ease playing with three at the back as opposed to a four, the 22-year-old could prove a vital cog for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      At the other end of the pitch, boss Solskjaer has a set of front players that like to play centrally, whether that’s cutting in from the wings like Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood or running from deep like Bruno Fernandes.
      It is arguably why they win so many penalties, because their attacking players are driving into the box at speed.

      So their only real width comes from the wing-backs.
      And to ensure they provide enough attacking intent without worrying about making 70-yard runs back to defend, you need three at the back.
      In the PSG game they had just that, with two wide centre-backs in Tuanzebe and Luke Shaw, who were comfortable being outside the 18-yard box and acting as extra protection if they lost the ball higher up the pitch.
      One of United’s biggest problems when playing 4-2-3-1 is they have two centre-backs in Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof who are not as comfortable out wide and are vulnerable to the counter-attack down the sides, shown in their 6-1 thrashing by Tottenham.

      Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are vulnerable to the counter-attack down the sidesCredit: Getty – Pool
      With three at the back that counter can be nullified, with three defenders plus a holding midfielder staying back, while the wing-backs get the freedom to go forward and create the width.
      It is a system they should stick to when Chelsea visit Old Trafford today.
      Frank Lampard’s side will probably have more of the ball.

      But we have seen in recent times that United are comfortable having less ball but attacking in numbers on the break, beating the likes of Leicester, Manchester City and Tottenham that way last season.
      United do not have a centre-back partnership like Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic or John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho, so they have to compensate with three at the back.
      This may finally be the break Tuanzebe has been waiting for since emerging as a United prospect five years ago.

      Cavani is deep in conversation with Tuanzebe before Man Utd’s win over PSG as fans joke he leaked inside information More

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      in Soccer

      Troy Deeney overheard Sky Sports commentator Alan Smith slate Watford’s chances vs Man City while taking knee on pitch

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      THE extreme weirdness of football without fans was hammered home to Troy Deeney before the penultimate game of last season.
      Watford were locked in a ­desperate fight for Premier League survival, and about to face Manchester City, who habitually thrashed them.

      Watford hero Deeney was taking a knee before the Man City clash when he heard Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith write them offCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Then in the pin-drop silence at kick-off, the familiar voice of Sky co-commentator Alan Smith descended from up in the gods at Vicarage Road.
      The Watford skipper recalled: “We all took a knee, the ref blew his whistle and you could hear Alan Smith in the stands saying ‘well Watford are massively up against it today . . . they’ll be lucky to get away with five’.
      “Cheers pal, just as you are about to play such a big game!
      “That’s a funny side of it in a way, when you hear what commentators say. Normally you have to go home, watch it back and you’re like ‘What? He said THAT about me?’”

      City won 4-0 and Watford went down after a final-day loss at Arsenal — Aston Villa escaping the drop and now thriving in the Premier League.
      Deeney, SunSport’s brilliant new columnist, is still smarting from relegation after five years in the top flight.
      And as a player who thrives on the buzz of a crowd — the adulation of Hornets fans and the jibes of opposition supporters — he is desperate for this behind-closed-doors era to finish.
      But as the Prem’s goals-per-game ratio goes through the roof, Deeney is convinced the absence of supporters is making defenders lose sharpness and making attackers fearless.

      Arsenal legend Smith said Watford would be lucky to concede only five – and Deeney could hear him from the pitchCredit: Rex Features

      Deeney, 32, said: “Not having fans takes an element of sharpness away.
      “If a defender is chasing a ball and the crowd are shouting ‘man on, f*g clear it!’ he is more likely to.
      “If he’s left to his own devices, you start seeing people being more casual and doing things they’d try in training. There’s an element of laxness.
      “Players are taking more risks going forward. When people miss now it’s like ‘OK get on with it’. Whereas if you miss and tens of thousands of people are hammering you, you’re less likely to have a go.
      “It will be interesting to see how some young players, who are doing really well now, play when the fans are back. That might have a psychological effect on them.
      ‘Players are taking more risks without fans’
      “If a young striker at a top-six club is doing really well, if he scores 20 goals this season and he’s the man — well it’s a different game when you miss in front of 75,000 at Old Trafford. Then it’s ‘we demand you score’.
      “Hopefully fans will be back, in baby steps, before long.”
      Deeney, renowned for his outspoken nature on and off the pitch, admits he has not ditched his industrial language for the benefit of TV audiences.
      He added: “I struggle with toning down my language. I still find it funny when Sky apologise for 22 lads swearing at each other!”
      Deeney’s most famous public outburst came when he accused Arsenal of lacking ‘cojones’ after inflicting a 2-1 defeat on the Gunners in 2017, during Arsene Wenger’s final season.
      Yet Deeney believes Mikel Arteta is curing Arsenal’s soft centre after signings such as midfielder Thomas Partey and centre-back Gabriel.
      Deeney said: “Arsenal look really good because they are actually recruiting properly. For years everyone said ‘they need a centre-half, they need a holding midfielder.’

      Deeney famously accused Arsenal of lacking ‘cojones’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      “With Arsenal it was always forwards — flair players. Against Watford or Burnley, they came unstuck.
      “They never had a dominant holding midfielder or a dominant centre-half so you always thought you could get at them. They had unbelievable players. But you need more.
      “There is a mentality there that Arteta is changing. Before it was all about the show. Can you score four or five beautiful goals?
      “Now I think Arteta is happy with one-nil to the Arsenal. You have to work for your place.
      “Look at Nicolas Pepe, they paid over £70million for him and he’s not had many starts.
      “You can see what they’re building. I don’t think they will break the top four this year. They are one or two short, but the starting XI is very good.
      “But Arsenal — and Man United — went through two or three years of not bringing in the right players. Now Arsenal have got back in the mix.”
      ‘It’s nothing personal against Arsenal’
      Given that Watford train next door to Arsenal, Deeney had some cojones to speak his mind.
      He said: “I see their players in Sainsbury’s or the petrol station and say hello, it’s nothing personal. I went up to them in the NBA game in London that year to make sure they knew that.
      “People say it was revenge Arsenal relegated us but it was a really bad season and we just happened to get relegated there.
      “I had a few memes from Arsenal fans and you take it on the chin.”
      Deeney is adamant he did not want to leave Watford this summer and, while he is currently working hard on regaining full fitness, is determined to help them return to the top flight.
      He added: “I’m still not over not being a Premier League player. I got to live it for five brilliant years. It’s like eating wagyu steak and then going to TGI Fridays — I want that stuff now I’ve had a taste of it.
      “I hope it’s one season and then we’re back — in front of full houses, so you can’t hear those ­commentators!”

      Troy Deeney says that Man Utd star Fred is Solskjaer’s weak link and gives away the ball More