GARY NEVILLE has made a bold claim over Mikel Arteta following the flop signing of Raheem Sterling.
The Arsenal manager brought in the forward on deadline day last summer to bolster his frontline.
Sterling, 30, joined the club on loan from Chelsea but has failed to make a notable impression in North London.
It was hoped that he would provide quality support and competition to stars such as Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz.
However, Sterling has failed to score in all 12 of his Premier League outings for the club.
He has only provided one assist in the league and has only netted once, which came in the 5-1 win over Bolton in the EFL Cup.
His struggles on the pitch have seen him only gain 844 minutes of action.
Former Manchester United defender Neville has suggested that Sterling was wanted by Arteta.
The eight-time Premier League winner suggested that the Spaniard’s failed signing has damaged the board’s trust in him.
Neville even claimed that it may have “put off” the club making a move for a striker in January – which they desperately needed.
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Speaking on The Overlap with Sky Bet, he said: “Do you know what I think they’ve done? In the last part of the summer transfer window, I’m not sure Arsenal wanted to sign Raheem Sterling.
“I’m not sure Arsenal, as a club, wanted him.
“I think Arteta’s thought Sterling can play in all the positions up top and has basically told the club to get him in as cover.
“I think that’s what he said.
“He can play across the frontline so Arteta has looked at him as his second or third striker.
“They’ve ended up backing him and I think that’s put them off doing another deal in January of the same ilk because they’re thinking we brought Sterling in and Arteta hasn’t really used him.”
Arsenal were heavily linked with the likes of Ollie Watkins, Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak.
However, the club opted not to seal a deal for any of the options and put their title hopes in Havertz.
The support for the German backfired immediately as he suffered a season-ending injury during Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp.
This paired with Gabriel Jesus’ ACL injury has left Arteta without a senior striker in his squad.
In recent games, the manager has had to rely on playing midfielder Mikel Merino upfront.
He made an instant positive impact with two goals in the role against Leicester City.
But since then he and the rest of the team have drawn blanks in the defeat to West Ham and goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.
Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo picked up on Arsenal’s lack of firepower.
Nuno admitted that he did not feel the need to play a back five against the Gunners due to their lack of a striker.
Arteta admitted after the draw to Forest that he is trying to adapt the team to have more threat.
He said: “We tried and adapted the quality that we have, how we can help the team to create different things.
“To have threats from different qualities, probably they are not about arriving in the box and creating some magic moments, they are other kind of players.
“Try to adapt to that and do the best that we can.”
Sterling was called upon against Forest as he replaced Ethan Nwaneri in the closing stages.
The former Manchester City and Liverpool star only managed six touches and did not muster a single shot.
Title rivals Liverpool have taken full advantage of the misfiring Gunners with back-to-back wins.
The Reds beat Manchester City and Newcastle United to extend their lead at the top of the table to 13 points.
MIKEL ARTETA may not have anyone to put the ball in the back of the net but in William Saliba he has one of the best defenders in the Prem.
The Arsenal boss watched his side’s faint title hopes go well and truly up in smoke in the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.
But his brilliant backline emerged, once again, with credit from this tricky clash at the City Ground.
Together with Gabriel, Saliba kept a tight lid on Forest dangerman Chris Wood, who scored a hat-trick in his last appearance on this ground.
But the fact the Gunners’ biggest threat at the other end of the pitch came from left-back Riccardo Calafiori – who was subbed off at half-time – says it all about the dire situation Arsenal somehow find themselves in.
Here is how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated the Gunners stars’ displays…
Mumbai, Feb 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actor Adarsh Gourav, whose film ‘Superboys of Malegaon’ is set to debut in theatres on Friday, has shared how he avoided the public attention while shooting for the film. Adarsh spoke...
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Guwahati, February 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Guwahati Crime Branch questioned popular YouTuber Ashish Chanchalani, who has been embroiled in the controversy for his comments made during an episode of 'India's Got Latent' show, here on Thursday,...
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WATCH the moment Grant Mitchell quits Walford after his recent return to EastEnders.
The hardman – who is played by actor Ross Kemp in the BBC soap – made a comeback to help struggling brother Phil two weeks ago – but he’s made a massive impact in a short space of time.
Earlier in the episode Grant found Bianca having a panic attack in the launderette and helped her come out of it.
He talked her through her breathing and made her realise that she was suffering from PTSD after her confinement by Reiss.
He also confessed: “Ever since I’ve got back here all I’ve done is shout my mouth off, argue with everybody and sleep with someone I shouldn’t have done.”
“You are ridiculous,” said Bianca but told him he was running away again.
She told him that he needed to leave the past in the past and make sure that he made things right before he left.
He went back to Phil’s and asked Nigel to come to Portugal with him – and to allow him to care for him over his dementia battle.
“I will give you as many sponge baths as you need,” he said before telling Nigel to pack up and meet him at the tube.
Grant then went to make things right with Phil and clear the air.
He apologised for not being there for Phil throughout everything he’d been through but opted not to confess to sleeping with Sharon after his brother told him he was still in love with her.
“I am going to call you,” Grant promised as he left Phil in the mental health unit.
Meanwhile at the station, Grant came face to face with Sharon – and the pair agreed to leave their fling in the past.
“Sorry, I just can’t stay here right now,” he told her. “Just be there for him when he gets out.”
They said their goodbyes and then Nigel arrived – but without any luggage.
He told Grant he wasn’t coming with him because he had to stay in Walford.
“You are my best friend and you never forget that,” Grant told him before leaving.
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Ricky Groves – Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009.
Cliff Parisi – Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010.
Ross Kemp – Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.
Other aspects of the EastEnders 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
But with all the unresolved moments from his visit – including his heavy flirtation with Linda Carter – is this the last time Grant will be in Walford?
Or will he return for some bombshell reveals in the future?
A FASHION fan has told how she tried an “amazing” outfit from Dunnes Stores – but she has a warning for shoppers.
Monica, @mon.fesa on Instagram, showed off another fabulous new outfit.
She said: “SAVIDA IS GOING RED TODAY.
“Another amazing outfit from @savida.ds in the @dunnesstores.
“The blouse has a lovely red colour but be aware that sizes wear big.
“And I love the pin poppers on the trousers, it makes them different
“Let me know if you like this style.”
The Savida Shirred Bow Tie Blouse is a bargain at just €30.
Its description reads: “Boasting wonderful detailing, this blouse from Savida is cut to a regular fit with a square neckline and a shirred bodice.
“Designed with a feminine bow tie front, it can be worn on its own or layered over a cami.
“Savida is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”
The pin striped bottoms are no longer available on the website but may be in your local store.
Meanwhile, Dunnes Stores fans are set to love a beautiful red suit that’s perfect for the office – and prices start at just €25.
The Rouched Sleeve Crepe Blazer is available in stores and online now.
It is priced at just €35 and comes in sizes 8 to 22.
The retailer said: “Create a sharp and polished look with this fully lined blazer, tailored to a relaxed fit.
“It is designed with elegant shawl lapels, two faux patch pockets, and is elevated by its stylish rouched sleeves.”
The matching suit trousers are a bargain at just €25.
The retailer said: “Create the perfect professional wardrobe with these wide leg trousers.
“Cut from crepe fabric, they feature a zip fly, pockets, and an elasticated waistband for a cosy fit.”
The outfit could be paired with trainers for a casual but smart look.
DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.
Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.
During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.
Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.
The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.
“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.
“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”
The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.
They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.
“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”
Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
ROY KEANE has savaged Manchester United’s flops in an extraordinary rant – with one player singled out for criticism.
The Red Devils legend, 53, savaged “imposters” in the team during a wild argument with ex-England striker Ian Wright.
Keane joined Wright, Gary Neville and Jill Scott to discuss United’s recent form.
The 53-year-old went off on an explosive monologue, hitting out at United’s flops following a dreadful season.
And he singled out captain Bruno Fernandes – much to Wrighty’s displeasure.
Ruben Amorim‘s men are languishing 14th in the Premier League, with just 9 wins from 27 games.
Keane fumed on Stick To Football, brought to you by Sky Bet,: “You got back to the recruitment and the team.
“Show a bit of fight, a bit of speed, a bit of quality in your play.
“They draw at Everton and it’s like they’ve won the cup. It’s f***ing bizarre.
“Even the fans. I see fans at matches, and they sing for Bruno [Fernandes]. I see these boys, I think they’re f***ing imposters.”
Wright interjected: “No bro, not Bruno.”
Keane flopped back in his chair and snarled: “You know what Wrighty? I’ve had enough of that rubbish man.
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“You watch Arsenal every week, I’m focusing on United.
“Sit and watch a game. Sit and watch a game with him [playing].
“We watched him in the cup at Leicester. Watched him at Everton last Saturday. People are pretending to be closing people down.”
Wright continued to push his point, claiming Fernandes had the talent to “save” United from their slump.
A staggered Keane hit back: “They’re 15th in the league. And he’s saving them?! Praise the Lord.
“Talent is not enough. You keep coming back to talent. Bruno is a talented player, but talent is not enough.”
Still Wright continued to back Bruno, claiming United would be in the relegation zone if Fernandes wasn’t involved.
A now shouting Keane continued: “Leadership is about action.”
MANCHESTER UNITED eased their fears of the drop in a topsy-turvy relegation six-pointer with Ipswich.
The Red Devils triumphed 3-2 despite playing the second half with ten men.
A major cock-up from Patrick Dorgu and Andre Onana saw Ipswich take a third-minute lead through Jaden Philogene.
Then, after United had recovered to lead 2-1, Dorgu saw a straight red card for a poor challenge on Omari Hutchinson.
Philogene scored again to level it before the break only for Harry Maguire to nod in to be United’s saviour.
But who was United’s best player on the night?
Here, SunSport’s Phil Thomas reveals his Manchester United player ratings…
But Wright countered: “Bruno does action. Maybe you don’t like his petulance. I’m not having Bruno being dug out.”
Former Lioness Scott attempted to get involved, but Keane fired one final rant in Fernandes’ direction, slamming him for failing to be an enforcer in the United midfield.
He fumed to Wright: “I’ve asked you a question, who [else] would you start going ‘He’s got to do a bit more’?
“When [all United players] go out on that pitch, show some courage, want the ball.
“When you close somebody down, close them down properly!
“Let me tell you something, when you close somebody down, this is what I call a bluffer, I’m closing you down, but I’m not really closing you down and you pass it. They will say ‘I’ve done my bit!’
“F*** off! Excuse my language.”
Keane’s passionate rant quickly went viral, racking up over 1.5 million views in less than six hours.
One fan gasped on X: “Who wouldn’t have that rant as an alarm call. You wouldn’t want to press snooze.”
Another said: “Spot on by Roy.. leadership by example. You can’t be showing exasperation and despair on the pitch almost all the time when things are not working.”
While a third laughed: “Roy Keane wants a starting XI of Conor Gallaghers.”
But a fourth countered: “Roy has no right to go after Bruno like that, he is a great captain.”
Roy Keane was speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.
If you thought Activision’s controversy with the use of AI-generated images in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 was bad, you need to see this new issue. French voice actors for Apex Legends have refused to sign a new contract that would allow their voices to be used for generative AI training. Pascale Chemin, the […]
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