MORE than a few eyebrows were raised at the Emirates when Arsenal’s starting line-up was announced.
In particular the midfield three of Mikel Merino, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
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Declan Rice started in a three-man midfield against Manchester CityCredit: Getty
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Martin Zubimendi joined Rice in the midfieldCredit: Reuters
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Mikel Merino was a more surprising name in the Gunners midfieldCredit: AP
It was a defensive-minded decision by Arteta to put pressure on City’s Rodri and limit his influence from deep while keeping things tight until he found the courage to fling on his attacking game-changers at the right moment.
It backfired massively.
Those who criticised Arteta for playing not to lose instead of going for the win at Liverpool last month – eventually losing 1-0 – have even more fuel to chuck on the now-blazing fire.
He had a fully-fit Eze on the bench, and yet kept the handbrake on with a safety-first approach. The question remains: does Arteta have the bravery to win a league title?
The sort of midfield that would have been Jose Mourinho-approved, but one that Arteta must NEVER start again in a title-defining game again if Arsenal are to compete for the Prem.
That trio had no pace, no drive, no attacking intent – and Arsenal have no hope of glory come May should they combine from the off again.
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Pep Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011Credit: Getty – Contributor
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Liverpool boss Arne Slot and GuardiolaCredit: Reuters
MARTINELLI MORE THAN JUST A ‘FINISHER’
MIKEL Arteta made it clear after Arsenal’s Champions League opener just how much it pains him to leave Gabriel Martinelli on the bench.
The Brazilian came on away at Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday night and after 36 seconds he netted before creating another for Leandro Trossard.
It was not enough for Arteta to reward Martinelli with a first start for nearly a month against Manchester City, revealing that he prefers to call his subs “finishers” to give them more meaning and motivation.
But after yet another late goal to snatch points, there is now a dilemma for Arteta: continue using him as a super-sub – or super-finisher – or recall him to that left-winger spot.
Martinelli would admit himself that he has not been in good form over the last 18 months with just 18 goals in all competitions over the past two seasons.
But he is certainly knocking on the door. Is this the start of his North London renaissance?
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Gabriel Martinelli rescued a point for ArsenalCredit: Getty
EZE SHINING IN GOOD COMPANY
WITH England boss Thomas Tuchel watching on, Eberechi Eze proved why he is so special and belongs on the biggest of stages.
Eze would have been more than frustrated to be left on the bench for this one, desperate to build some momentum in an Arsenal shirt with next summer’s World Cup looming.
But boy did he deliver when he was thrown on at half-time with Mikel Arteta desperate for some magic after playing it safe for the first 45 minutes.
His beautifully-crafted long ball over the top to put in Gabriel Martinelli for a late, late equaliser is exactly why Arteta snatched him from Crystal Palace, lured from the grasps of rivals Tottenham at the last minute.
Once again for large parts, the Gunners struggled to break down a low block, just like they did last season, but Eze is the player with the key to unlock the most stubborn of defences – if he is given the chance.
It cannot be clearer now – Arteta must start Eze as much as possible between now and the end of the campaign if Arsenal are going to claw the Prem title away from Liverpool.
“That mat return though. Damn I felt good out there. So good I didn’t even feel my arm crack on her chin.”
Mazza posted a selfie from her hospital bed and posted a lengthy statement on social media.
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She said: “Sometimes this sport gives you victories you can’t measure on the scoreboard.
“I controlled the match and pushed myself to get the finish, but in the battle my forearm broke with torque of the choke against her chin.
“It’s not the outcome I imagined. To say I’m heartbroken is an understatement.. but I’m so grateful ALL the love & support and sweet messages you guys.
“They’re truly lifting me higher. The fire this setback has lit inside me is unmatched.
“The journey definitely doesn’t stop here, this is just the beginning of a stronger, hungrier version of me. The comeback will be beautiful.”
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Mazza smiled in a selfie from the hospitalCredit: @amandamazza_
ANGE Postecoglou was left cursing his luck as Martin Dubravka’s stunning double kept him waiting for a first win.
Clarets keeper Dubravka pulled off two stunning stops in two amazing minutes, to leave Postecoglou throwing his hands up in frustration on the touchline.
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Neco Williams scored the fastest goal of the Premier League seasonCredit: Getty
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But Jaidon Anthony’s equaliser meant the teams shared the pointsCredit: Getty
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To be fair, it was no more than Burnley merited, in a game neither deserved to lose – or did enough to win – yet for Ange it is three games and counting as Forest chief without a victory.
First Dubravka went full length to push away an Igor Jesus header with the Forest sub’s first touch off the bench.
But while that was good, the Slovak stopper’s next was out of this world, getting down superbly to push Neco Williams’ volley behind as it flew through a packed area.
Mind you, defeat would have been harsh on a Clarets side which had gone ahead after barely 90 seconds.
With a start like that,, you felt maybe their ill fortune of recent weeks was about to change.
Seven days ago a rush-of-blood handball gifted Liverpool a last-gasp penalty winner, while a fortnight earlier there was an even harsher spot kick in an Old Trafford loss.
Well there was no luck involved in Williams’ early opener – just a finger-snapping strike that flew in.
When Fiorentino turned away a Douglas Luiz corner to the edge of the box, Williams hit a rocket that took a slight deflection, but not enough to deviate off a true line.
It certainly didn’t impact Dubravka’s chances of saving it – he wouldn’t have got close in any case – for the Welsh defender’s third goal in 111 Forest appearances.
Opposite number Quilindschy Hartman got in on the act with his own screamer which, while it was never likely to catch out Matz Sels, certainly warmed his palms.
And then Olekssandr Zinchenko joined in the full back fun with a swerving long ranger that Clarets keeper Dubravka was happy to beat away.
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If the Ukraine defender was nearly a hero at one end, he was swiftly case in the role of villain just minutes later, as Burnley levelled.
He was initially outjumped by Lyle Foster as Hartman hung up a deep cross which fell kindly for Jaidon Anthony on the left of the box.
Anthony’s strike was anything but crisp, although it was at least on target and would probably have crept in of its own accord.
Yet Zinchenko made sure it did when his attempt to clear merely saw him tumble onto his backside and hook the ball into the opposite corner.
Strictly speaking it couldn’t be classed as an own goal, given the ball was – almost apologetically – heading for the net, but ZInchenko should have done better.
To be fair to Forest, they dusted themselves down and were soon pinging it around again, and one pinball passing move had Dubravka diving to push away a Dilane Bakwa snapshot.
Mind you, Burnley went even closer to a winner with a thunderbolt free kick that would have taken Matz Sels hand into the net if he’d got anywhere near it.
Loum Tchaouna’a whipped-in 20-yard piledriver had the crossbar rattling so much you’d swear the woodwork was still shaking come the final whistle.
But it would have been even worse had it not been for Dubravka, who came up with those two stunning late stops.
And even when Dubravka was out of the equation – when Arnaud Kalimuendo looked sure to score at the far post, Hartman saved the day by blocking his goalbound drive.
At least it ensured Forest didn’t mark the 21st anniversary of Brian Clough’s death with defeat.
Yet ff it hadn’t been for the Burnley keeper, they’d have done so with all three points instead of just the one.
BRYAN ROBSON has told Manchester United chiefs to back Ruben Amorim for the long haul and slammed the club’s recent history of signing flops.
The United legend says the revolving door of managers since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 has wrecked any chance of stability, and insists under-fire former Sporting Lisbon boss must be given at least THREE years to fix the mess.
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Robson moved to United for a British record transfer fee of £1.5 million in 1981Credit: Getty
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Robson has backed Amorim to get things right at UnitedCredit: AFP
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Manchester United stars are under-performing despite Amorim being in charge for the last eight monthsCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Speaking to The Telegraph, Robson said: “We’ve changed managers that many times since 2013.
“I feel you have to stick and say, ‘No, we are not sacking the manager. We are not blaming.’
“When you have a little bit of money and the club are going to allow you to change your squad, you need three years to get the team right.
“For me, three years at Manchester United should be enough.”
Amorim, 40, has had a disastrous start to life as United boss, winning just eight of his first 31 games.
But Robson is urging the board to give him more time, despite fans on social media calling for his sacking.
Robson didn’t hold back when reflecting on the transfer blunders of the Ed Woodward era, suggesting too many signings simply weren’t up to scratch.
He fumed: “Look at the money we spend. It’s up to you to go around the world and get top players who are going to improve you.”
“I think five years ago some of the players we bought were just not good enough to be Manchester United players. It’s an accumulation of that.”
And Robbo, who captained United through some of their most hard-fought years, believes the club lost its way by ignoring experienced Premier League stars in favour of flashy foreign names.
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“The other thing I think we went away from is getting good, experienced Premier League players.
“So when they get to 28, you bring them on board if you can. There have been loads of players who have left clubs.”
And his message to United’s decision-makers couldn’t be clearer.
He added: “When I was in management, I believed that if you bought average players, you got an average team.”
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN has said that his defibrillator implant is “just part of me now” as he admitted that he only remembers it is there during airport security checks.
Eriksen, 33, collapsed on the pitch during Denmark‘s opening game against Finland at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament in 2021.
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Christian Eriksen has said that he only remembers his defibrillator implant is there during airport security checksCredit: Getty
The former Manchester United midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest and needed life-saving resuscitation on the pitch.
He was later fitted with a defibrillator implant (ICD) before returning to football with Brentford and then United in 2022.
Now Eriksen has signed for Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, having been let go by Man Utd at the end of the season, and has opened up on how he rarely thinks about his heart condition these days.
Speaking at his official presentation for Wolfsburg on Friday, the Dane discussed how setting off alarms when going through airport security body scanners is his only reminder of the incident.
He said: “I only have to go past the scanner and undergo a separate check. That’s all. There are no restrictions. Nothing.
“I have never felt anything since then. It is just a part of me now – nothing strange or sad.”
Eriksen went on to explain that he won’t delve into the details of what happened until after his career is over.
He added: “[I’m happy to] be seen as a footballer again, and not as the guy who had this moment at Parken [Stadium].
“I will only talk in detail about it after my career – it is something very personal.”
Stubborn Ruben Amorim says ‘not even the Pope will make me change’ tactics despite horror Man Utd start
He leaves Man Utd having made over 100 appearances in which he helped the club win both the FA Cup and the League Cup.
And despite the turbulent few years at Old Trafford, Eriksen had nothing but positive things to say about his time in Manchester.
He said: “Personally, I had a great time being at United. When I came back to football with Brentford, getting the chance to play against United was a massive thing.
“I also think I proved myself as a footballer at United. I had a really great time, and my family loved it there, and I’m sure we still have a lot of friends from our time there.
“I had a good time at the club, but it was a strange time because there was a lot of stuff going on at United.
“The focus and the perception of the club from the outside world is a bit different sometimes to how it really is.
“There are some lovely people at the club who are really working hard and trying their best, but it does not always go your way.”
But he wouldn’t listen and in the end the manager felt the Argentine youngster was bringing a negative vibe to the dressing room.
And his regular outbursts on social media – as well as the mainstream media – also riled the former Sporting Lisbon coach.
Amorim was looking forward to working with the winger when he took over in November but that all changed after his conduct in Plzen in December.
The coach also tired of Garnacho’s moodiness and temper tantrums when things were not going his way.
So in the end a parting of the ways became inevitable and sources close to Amorim say he has not regretted his stance once.
Could that change if the Carrington graduate inspires a Chelsea win at the Theatre of Dreams this weekend though?
Battle to keep ‘Kid Messi’
UNITED starlet JJ Gabriel continues to catch the eye with his performances both within the club’s academy and further afield.
A host of German clubs are understood to have made their interest in him clear should he and his family wish to follow in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho by leaving England to further his career in the Bundesliga.
The 14-year-old, who recently enjoyed a holiday in Barcelona, is contracted with United until the end of next season, and has produced a string of impressive performances after being promoted to the U18s.
A source said: “The success of the likes of Bellingham and Sancho in Germany is a big selling point for German clubs trying to poach some of the Premier League’s best young talents.
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JJ Gabriel has drawn interest from GermanyCredit: Getty
“They can offer them first team football at an earlier age than a lot of clubs in the UK.”
United remain convinced they gave JJ and his family compelling reasons why Carrington remains the best place for him to continue his development.
The teenager has met with manager Amorim and could well spend time training with the first team squad this season.
His development is being closely monitored by United U18s boss Darren Fletcher.
Under the knife
SPEAKING of Fletcher, his success as U18s academy boss has been noted with four wins out of four so far this season.
It’s all the more impressive given the former midfielder injured himself during a United v Celtic legends game earlier this month raised money for both clubs’ foundations.
Fletcher opened the scoring in the game which ended 2-2 before Celtic clinched victory on penalties.
Fletcher, 41, underwent an operation on his knee this week as a result, but refused to take time off and has been on the sidelines for each game.
A source said: “He’s Scottish. He’s made of tough stuff.”
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Darren Fletcher had surgery after damaging his knee during the United Legends game at Celtic ParkCredit: Kenny Ramsay
Denis Irwin’s sweet return
UNITED fans are invited to engage with three organisations doing big work to improve men’s mental health at Old Trafford this Saturday.
Representatives from ‘Andy’s Man Club’ will be stationed within the Pop-Up Pub by the Stretford End, inviting supporters to learn more about the suicide prevention charity.
The group offers free peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online, as part of their mission to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health through the power of conversation.
Fans with tickets to the game can enjoy live music, fast pours, local food and a Q&A with club legends Denis Irwin and Gary Pallister.
Salford-based charity ‘Talk About It Mate’ will also have a space in the East Stand forecourt from 2pm before kick-off.
CHIDO Obi enjoyed a meteoric rise last season, signing for United from Arsenal and quickly making his first team debut under Amorim.
The 17-year-old went on to make seven first team appearances but has found himself back down the pecking order after United splashed out £74m on Slovenian target man Benjamin Sesko.
And while Danish international Chido hasn’t been on the bench for any first team games this season, his development – in both size and skill – are continuing at the academy.
A source said: “Chido is still sometimes involved in first team training now but the noticeable development for him is his size.
“He is a tall boy but has started to put on some significant muscle on his frame, which he needs.”
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Chido Obi is continuing to develop in the academyCredit: Getty
Chido is working under the guidance of United’s sharpest academy coaches who regularly provide updates to Amorim.
United’s U21 boss Travis Binnion said earlier this season: “We have not even scraped the top of the iceberg with him yet. There is loads to come.
“He is dying to be a footballer. He is hungry. He is learning the game. He is learning how to project himself and how to play in a team.
“For us, he is a priority. He is 17. He needs to understand this is a golden period to develop his game.”
Hitman tribute
RICKY HATTON may have been a Blue, but United’s players, staff and fans were equally as devastated by news of his passing before Sunday’s derby.
Many of the first team had met the boxer at big fights and were admirers of his hugely successful career, which delighted fans from both sides of Manchester.
The club intends to mark his tragic passing in the programme for the clash against Chelsea.
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Ricky Hatton was found dead in his Manchester home last Sunday
MANCHESTER UNITED fans are calling for a club legend to replace struggling manager Ruben Amorim at the helm.
This comes after the five-time Premier League champion made his punditry debut at Amazon Prime during the Champions League‘s opening week.
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Manchester United fans have called for a club legend to replace manager Ruben AmorimCredit: Chris Foxwell/ProSports/Shutterstock
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Man Utd fans want Michael Carrick to become the next managerCredit: Katie Chan/Every Second Media
That is none other than United hero Michael Carrick, who was joined by fellow club icons Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney, with whom he won the Champions League in 2008.
And Man Utd fans were left in awe with the ex-England international’s knowledge and insight while discussing tactics at the studio ahead of his other former club Tottenham‘s clash with Villarreal.
So much so that a number of the Red Devils’ faithful took to social media calling for minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to bring the former Middlesbrough manager to the Old Trafford hotseat.
One fan tweeted: “I want Carrick!”
Another commented: “Would give Carrick a run.”
A third wrote: “Give Carrick at a run at it. If he’s good give him a permanent.”
This fan said: “Why is Carrick doing punditry? He should be at home planning the filthy 4-2-3-1 he’s gonna cook up for us in a few weeks.”
That one posted: “Carrick such an intelligent and good pundit.”
And another fan stated: “Michael Carrick doing punditry for Amazon, bring him to the club.”
This comes amid United‘s worst ever Premier League start which has seen Amorim’s men lose two of their first four matches, of which they barely won one.
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This follows the Manchester giants’ worst ever Prem finish last season, which saw them sink to 15th place under the Portuguese tactician.
But club bosses are continuing to back the 40-year-old as it is still early in the season.
Nevertheless, Man Utd would have to pay the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss a huge severance fee if they sack him before November 1.
Amorim would be in line to pocket a whopping £12million if he is axed before the first anniversary of him taking the job.
The United head coach’s coaching staff would also be in line for a pay-off if Ratcliffe decided to pull the plug.
CHELSEA have made a last-ditch change to their UEFA squad ahead of their game against Bayern Munich tomorrow.
With a long-term injury to Dario Essugo, who is out for a minimum of 12 weeks with a thigh injury, the Blues have taken him down from their UEFA squad list on the UCL website.
The £18.5million midfielder had surgery after tearing a thigh muscle on international duty, in a major blow for Chelsea, who have now been left with a lack of cover for Moises Caicedo with Romeo Lavia also often injured.
Essugo has been replaced by loan signing Facundo Buonanotte in the UEFA list on the official site, who started the 2-2 draw away at Brentford on Saturday night, impressing Enzo Maresca on his debut.
Previously, they wouldn’t have been able to make the change, but can do so thanks to a new UEFA rule which was brought into action last week.
Buonanotte said when he signed: “It’s a great step in my career. I’ll get the opportunity to play in the Champions League for the first time, which will be a great challenge.”
So it was a shock when he was left off the UEFA A and B lists for Chelsea’s league phase fixtures, which begin in Bavaria on Wednesday, where they will face off against former striker Nicolas Jackson.
In a shock move, Uefa’s ruling executive committee announced it had agreed an “amendment” to regulations for the three club competitions.
Under the new rules, clubs are now allowed to make a “temporary” replacement of one outfield player with a long-term injury or illness” up until the sixth competition match day in December – when the Conference League initial phase will end.
Uefa said: “The reasoning for the adaptation is to ensure that squad lists are not unfairly reduced and players are safeguarded from additional workload pressure.”
Chelsea have become the first team to take advantage of the rule, while Federico Chiesa and Mathys Tel of Liverpool and Spurs remain out of their respective squad lists.
With a growing list of injured players at Stamford Bridge, which has already included Levi Colwill, Liam Delap and Cole Palmer this season, the Blues will be grateful to be able to call upon the likes of Facundo Buonanotte in the Champions League this season.
Fabio Carvalho scored a late equaliser for Brentford against Chelsea from a long throwCredit: Getty
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There have been 130 long throw-ins so far in the Premier League so far this seasonCredit: Getty
And the statistics show that the Bees are not the exponents of old-fashioned Pulis-ball.
In the 40 Prem games so far this season, there have been 130 long throws, at an average of 3.3 per match.
That compares to last season’s average, over the 380 games, of 1.5 per match – a doubling of the frequency.
And senior figures believe the return of the long throw has been a factor in a significant shortage of actual playing time.
Figures provided by Stats Perform show that across the 40 top flight games the ball has only been in play for an average of 54 minutes and 21 seconds, down 133 seconds from last season’s average.
The analysis by Prem insiders suggests that one major reason is that the extra number of long throws has seen more teams sending their centre-backs up into the opposition box.
A similar amount of positioning, by both attacking and defending sides, at corner kicks, has also been noticed, with many sides now having specialist set-piece coaching teams.
And with goalkeepers unable to hold onto the ball for more than eight seconds under the new Laws, also taking longer at goal kicks when the ball goes out of play, fans are getting less value for their ticket prices.
Roberto Carlos needed a heads up on which dressing room he was in…
Good evening and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of the Legends Charity Game!
This year’s edition marks the start of the series, with the match scheduled to be held at Sporting‘s home annually until 2030, when Portugal co-hosts the World Cup.
Portugal and the World legends will go head-to-head in the star-studded charity match.
Luis Figo, Pepe, Nani, Deco and Ricard Carvalho are among the Portuguese legends taking part.
While the likes of John Terry, Kaka, Michael Owen, Alessandro Del Piero and Edwin van der Sar will represent the World Legends in the Portuguese capital.
Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk swaps the ring for the pitch as he ties up his boots to feature in the event.
SunSport will bring you minute-by-minute coverage of tonight’s huge clash!
EFL fans have been left baffled over Portsmouth’s goalkeeper substitution.
Keeper Nicolas Schmid was forced off after suffering a first half injury.
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Portsmouth’s goalkeepers are the spitting image of one another
And he was replaced by deputy Ben Killip, with the pair sharing an embrace as they switched over.
It was an eye-cathcing sub as Schmid and Killip bore a striking similarity with one another.
They both have curly blond hair and beards, prompting confusion for viewers at home.
One reacted saying: “I swear Portsmouth just bought on a stunt double for their keeper. Absolute doppelganger.”
Another added: “Should have just swapped them at half time without anyone knowing.”
A third wrote: “Bit unfair cloning your starting GK, Pompey.”
And another commented: “Had me questioning my sanity.”
The incident took place during Portsmouth’s 0-0 draw with Southampton in the South Coast derby.
Shortly afterwards the match was interrupted by a pitch invader, who made it as far as the halfway line and appeared to gesture towards the away fans.
Saints also aimed a cheeky dig at their rivals by unveiling a provocative tifo before the match, showing James Beattie celebrating a goal against Pompey in 2003.
Southampton vs Portsmouth paused as pitch invader evades security before being dragged off by eight police and staff
Amorim ignored Mainoo while the window was still open but had a heart-to-heart during the international break — telling him he is not the finished product and could do more.
“I didn’t have a conversation with him before the window closed but I did this week.
“I didn’t want him thinking I was having the conversation just to hold on to him. Some people think he is there but I think he can do so much better.
“For some guys it’s enough, for him it’s not enough. Maybe it’s not fair but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo.
“I have the same feeling that you have. That he’s a top, top player. But he can be so much better. So I’m focused on that.
“He’s not used to fighting for his place, maybe. He is uncomfortable but he is a very good kid — and he is fighting.”
Mainoo looked set for superstardom when he scored for his boyhood club in their FA Cup final win over City and then started for England in the Euro 2024 final, despite defeat to Spain.
Amorim added: “I know he started the final of the European Championship in a team that has a lot of talented players.
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“Phil Foden played that game. Cole Palmer was on the bench. He was playing. But sometimes I have a different way of seeing the game.”
The ex-Sporting Lisbon boss explained where he thinks Mainoo can improve.
The United boss added: “He needs to have the technical ability that he has but he needs more pace.
“He needs to play at different speeds. Sometimes he’s slower and sometimes he’s faster. He can improve on that.
“And then he has to beat Bruno Fernandes. He has to beat Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. They are good players also. I need to choose.”
Amorim pointed to fellow Portuguese Vitinha, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield general, as a player who once struggled but is now thriving.
He said: “Sometimes it’s about the opinion of a coach. I remember Vitinha was not playing for Wolves. Nowadays, Vitinha is maybe the best midfielder in the world.”
NEWCASTLE UNITED’s proposed plans for a new stadium to replace St James’ Park have seemingly stalled as the club plans to address other business concerns first.
Newcastle United’s proposal for a new stadium has hit a roadblockCredit: Getty
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The plans were expected to propose a new ground on the site of nearby Leazes ParkCredit: Getty
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The club’s Saudi-led ownership are prioritising other aspects of the club before revisiting the plansCredit: Getty
Plans for a new 65,000-seat ground on the site of nearby Leazes Park were set to be revealed earlier this year before being delayed.
Now it seems these plans have been pushed back until the club is on more stable ground in other areas.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, the owners had prioritised other issues, namely the appointment of a new chief executive, a new sporting director and the production of a new training ground.
Headway has already been made on the list, with the club announcing David Hopkinson as their new CEO last week.
The executive has spent time working with football giants such as Real Madrid, and most recently held a role as a President and COO overseeing the business of the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers in the US.
Reports suggest Nottingham Forest sporting director Ross Wilson is in line to make the change to the North East to address the second point.
This follows the departure of incumbent sporting director Paul Mitchell, who chose to leave the club in June ahead of the summer window.
The holdup, it seems, remains on the final point, with Newcastle still unable as yet to find a suitable site for the development, having made one initial offer before negotiations fell apart.
Ground has reportedly been broken on designs for the training ground in collaboration with Populous, the architects behind Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The hope is to make further progress on the training centre in Autumn, but until then, it seems plans for a new stadium will remain on the back-burner.
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Calls for a new ground have grown as Newcastle look to establish themselves in the Champions League.
Their current 52,000 capacity ground will host Barcelona on Thursday as the Magpies look to get off to a flying start in the competition.
GABRIEL GUDMUNDSSON dropped an absolute clanger by heading past his own keeper Karl Darlow in stoppage time to gift Fulham victory.
The Swedish defender, under no real pressure, conspired to nod a Ryan Sessegnon corner into his own net.
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Gudmundsson (on the ground) can only look on as his horror gaffe cost Leeds a pointCredit: Reuters
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Calvin Bassey and Tom Cairney celebrate wildly after their side’s good fortuneCredit: Reuters
It is one of the most baffling own goals you will see.
That moment of madness cost Leeds what would have been a well deserved point.
But they can only blame themselves for not taking their chances.
They still have only managed one goal this season — a Lukas Nmecha penalty in the 1-0 win against Everton.
It is worry that they have not scored in open play in 360 minutes of Prem football — and is why the German boss has been crying out for reinforcements in the forward line.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was only able to head straight at Bernd Leno when he met a lovely Brenden Aaronson cross.
While Sean Longstaff cracked the crossbar with a shot from distance — and Aaronson himself had an angled effort kept out by the Fulham keeper.
Fulham record-signing — £34.6million man Kevin — started on the bench after joining from Shakhtar on transfer deadline day and did not come on until the final 14 minutes.
And he almost scored a stunner when his long-range shot was kept out by Darlow.
Wilson — who had been linked with a move to Leeds during the summer — was the only change made by Silva from their last game at Chelsea, coming in for Tim Castagme.
Calvert-Lewin made his first Leeds start as Farke opted to make five changes from the goalless draw at Newcastle before the international break.
In came Ethan Ampadu, Aaronson, Anton Stach, Noah Okafor and Darlow.
Leeds had a huge chance to move in front when Calvin-Lewin managed to find himself unmarked to meet a superb Aaronson cross — but he was only able to head straight at Leno.
Neither side had got into a proper rhythm.
The visitors were looking to get the ball up quick towards their frontmen but Fulham were comfortably dealing with that approach.
But the Cottagers were struggling to create anything to trouble Darlow — who was making his first Prem appearance in almost four years with first-choice Lucas Perri injured.
Noah Okafor played a couple of nice stepovers before the ball fell to Stach but his effort was charged down.
Jayden Bogle charged down the right flank and attempted an ambitious effort from an angle but it was deflected out for a corner.
Leeds were denied going in front on the stroke of half-time when Longstaff left fly from 25 yards after running on to a Calvert-Lewin header.
header but his effort clipped the top of the bar.
And Fulham keeper Leno denied the visitors going in front at the start of the second half.
With torrential rain and even hail lashing down on Craven Cottage Aaronson’s angled effort was kept out.
And then Kenny Tete and Calvin Bassey both slid in to block Okafor, who looked set to pull the trigger 15 yards out.
Bogle also saw an effort charged down after he was allowed to run forward without being challenged.
Darlow then made a fantastic save to keep out a curling Wilson effort that was destined for the top left corner.
That was to be Wilson’s last action as he was hauled off by Silva along with Josh King, who were replaced by Emile Smith Rowe and Adama Traore.
Fulham had been controlling the ball well without making many inroads.
And they finally got the crowd off their seats.
First Gabriel Gudmundsson was turned by Alex Iwobi and Joachim Anderson’s cross was met by Muniz.
But his downward header was kept out by Darlow.
Then Smith Rowe burst through before his shot was pushed on to the post by Darlow.
Finally Silva opted to throw on Kevin with 14 minutes left.
And he almost brought the house down with a ripper that Darlow tipped over.
But then came Gudmundsson’s moment of madness to give Fulham victory.
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Emile Smith Rowe has an attempt on goal as both teams struggled to make a breakthroughCredit: Getty
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The late howler was a bitter blow for Leeds boss Daniel FarkeCredit: Reuters
ARSENAL welcome Nottingham Forest to the Emirates for Saturday’s early kick-off.
The Tricky Trees have appointed Ange Postecoglou to replace Nuno Espirito Santo after the Portuguese gaffer was brutally sacked at the start of the week.
The former Tottenham manager will be looking to get off to a winning start away at his side’s former archrivals.
Arsenal are hoping to get back to winning ways after they suffered their first defeat of the season to Liverpool before the international break.
ENZO MARESCA has a wealth of talent at his disposal at Stamford Bridge, with three Cobham starlets already working their way towards first-team involvement.
After starring during the international break for England‘s youth teams, 16-year-old Ryan Kavuma-McQueen and 17-year-old Shim Mheuka are two attackers the Italian boss is keen to have available for selection going forward.
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Enzo Maresca beamed as he discussed Chelsea’s young talentCredit: Getty
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Shim Mheuka debuted for the Blues’ first team last seasonCredit: Getty
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Ryan Kavuma-McQueen was recently in stunning form on international dutyCredit: Getty
Mheuka, who made his Premier League and European debuts for the senior team last season, scored five goals in three games for the Young Lions, while winger Kavuma-McQueen made headlines with a four-goal haul against Germany‘s under-17s.
With Cole Palmer and Liam Delap both injured, there may be a spot for these youngsters sooner than anticipated, especially when the Blues travel to Lincoln in the Carabao Cup on 24th September, with Marc Guiu cup-tied for that game.
Maresca opened up in his Friday press conference on the impressive pair: “They are both in my plans, for sure. Shimmy was already with us and played some games for us last year. Ryan is more of a winger.
“I was watching when Ryan scored four goals against Germany, so I was very impressed, but I already knew him. One of my staff is always watching the youth team; they told me he was very good.
I’ve always said with young players, you have to be calm because they can change every day. For sure, though, he is one of the players we are looking at.”
Kavuma-McQueen is incredibly highly rated by those involved in the Chelsea youth system, and the Blues are keen for him not to become the next Rio Ngumoha, who joined Liverpool in pursuit of first-team opportunities he has now been granted.
That’s why, after fighting off interest from Liverpool and Barcelona for his signature, they will be thrilled that he is set to sign his first professional contract with the club when he turns 17 on New Year’s Day 2026.
While Maresca was left impressed by the two goal-scoring Brits at his disposal, he admitted he has a favourite when it comes to Blues’ youngsters.
Rio Ngumoha dramatically burst onto the scene against NewcastleCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
The Chelsea boss isn’t necessarily known for his enthusiasm in press conferences, but when asked about youngster Reggie Walsh, he was warmth personified with a smile plastered across his face.
Walsh, 16, has been training with the first team and was one of a record-breaking eight youngsters to be given a first team shot last season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him get more chances this year with the Blues already facing injuries to some of their key midfielders.
Liam Delap ruled out for three months as Enzo Maresca gives major injury update on Chelsea striker
Maresca added: “I like all the academy guys, but Reggie is the one I like more than the rest, he’s my favourite.
“He’s very good, but because they are from the academy, we need to protect them.
“We already have the youngest squad in Premier League history, and last year we gave so many debuts to academy players. But Reggie is doing things that I demand of other players, and does them without me asking him to. That’s why I love Reggie.”
While Brentford may come too soon for the Cobham trio, they are all likely to feature when the Chelsea U21’s take on Ipswich next Saturday at Kingsmeadow.
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Reggie Walsh has hugely impressed MarescaCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
A FORMER Premier League goalkeeper has been diagnosed with two terminal illnesses and is now receiving palliative care.
Russell Hoult’s family confirmed the ex-Derby County star is suffering with primary sclerosing cholangitis and stage four bile duct cancer.
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Russell Hoult’s family confirmed the Derby County star is suffering with primary sclerosing cholangitis and stage four bile duct cancerCredit: Getty
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The 52-year-old had spells at Leicester City, Derby County and Nottingham Forest during his 20-year careerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
The 52-year-old footballer had spells at Leicester City, West Bromwich Albion, Derby County and Nottingham Forest during his 20-year career.
His starring role came for Derby in the mid-to-late 90s.
Hoult made 138 appearances for the Rams and played a big part in their 1996 promotion season back into the Premier League.
The dad-of-two went on to play 67 games in the top-flight across four years for Derby.
Hoult retired back in 2013 and
Hoult was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in September 2023, before the family was dealt another blow in August last year, when they received the “devastating” news that he also has stage four bile duct cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma).
