Football news LIVE: Toney in match betting PROBE, Spurs want Gordon, Chelsea face Arsenal in HUGE clash – updates

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Man City post best-ever finances

Manchester City have posted their best financial results after winning the Premier League for a fourth time in five years and reaching the Champions League semi-final

City revealed record profits of £41.7million, paired with the club also recording their highest-ever revenue of £613m.

Club chief Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: "Our motivation to place the pandemic firmly behind us helped our talented people achieve the most successful financial year in the club’s history.

“The best players in world football are making us their destination of choice.

“Our player trading was executed with great skill and positive financial outcomes, and our commercial partnerships continued to deepen and expand by geography and sector.

“Football does not stand still and other leading clubs continue to evolve and develop, We therefore need to constantly challenge ourselves to improve upon what we have achieved.

“This means innovating further in Manchester and beyond.”

Breaking: Southampton confirm Hasenhuttl sacking

Southampton have confirmed the sacking of manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Hasenhuttl's side were booed off following the 4-1 home defeat to Newcastle on Sunday.

First Team Lead Coach Ruben Selles has been confirmed as interim gaffer.

In their statement, the club said: "Hasenhüttl, who was appointed in December 2018, departs having made a significant contribution to the club, overseeing some memorable results and also playing a key role in the development of our club infrastructure, identity and playing squad.

"However, we now believe it is an appropriate time to make a change.

"Everyone involved with the club would like to express their sincere thanks to Ralph for all of his efforts, as well as the unwavering commitment he has shown throughout his time as manager."

‘Best in the league’

Former Man Utd defender Paul Parker has declared David de Gea is the best shot-stopper in the Premier League.

Speaking to  he said: “If you judge him on his performances in the Premier League, there’s no better shot-stopper.

“He proves that week in and week out with his great performances even though he is making mistakes like every other goalkeeper.”

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

All four English clubs managed to make it into the knockout rounds of the Champions League.

And later today they will all find out who they will be facing next.

You can keep up to date with SunSport's blog of the draw here.

Arsenal set to announce friendlies

Arsenal are set to announce the dates for a pair of friendly games they will play during the World Cup.

With a big gap between competitive fixtures due to the World Cup, Arsenal have been making plans to fill the void with productive means.

And according to  David Ornstein, they are set to announce friendlies against Lyon and AC Milan.

The report indicates the game against Lyon will take place on December 8 while the Milan match will occur five days later.

Mikel Arteta and his remaining stars will travel to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp on December 4.

Gabriel Brazil World Cup heartache

Gabriel Magalhaes is set to suffer World Cup heartbreak for Brazil after a number of reports in his homeland claimed that the uncapped Arsenal star will be left disappointed.

Samba Boys boss Tite is due to name his selection for the tournament later today.

But Gabriel is “practically out of the equation” and will not be part of Brazil’s 26-man World Cup squad, according to journalist 

The news will come as a bitter blow for Gabriel, who has been capped at U20 and U23 level for his nation and is in great form for his club.

Martinez elbow row

Leon Bailey has revealed he couldn’t breathe after his first-half altercation with Lisandro Martinez left him in a heap on the floor.

During Aston Villa’s 3-1 win over Man Utd, Martinez and Bailey were involved in a bust-up as the latter challenged for the ball.

However, Martinez – ever the brutish defender – appeared to leave some afters on the winger as he dropped to the floor.

And taking to Twitter after the game, Bailey said: “Very disappointed in the referees today, I couldn’t breath for a second after getting elbowed twice in my rib.

“The linesman went on to say I shouldn’t be saying anything because I was doing just the same thing to Martinez.

“Sometimes I don’t understand why we got VAR. SMH.”

Auba the hill

Arsenal fans revelled in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s misery after the striker had a shocker against the Gunners.

The former Arsenal captain turned Chelsea star managed just EIGHT touches of the ball before he was hooked in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Mikel Arteta’s side.

Aubameyang was then spotted sitting on the bench looking miserable.

And Arsenal fans were quick to throw the comment back in Aubameyang’s face following the full-time whistle.

One wrote on Twitter: “@Auba it’s football, nothing personal…”

Another said: “Nothing personal. Still top of the league!”

And a third chimed: “Nothing personal indeed @Auba.”

'I look down on you'

Peter Crouch has had his say on the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT debate, and he has some harsh words for those in the Ronaldo camp.

Speaking on the Peter Crouch Podcast, former Tottenham and Liverpool ace was joined by pundits as well as former team-mate Jermaine Defoe.

His co-stars joined him in guessing what camp heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua would fall into.

AJ himself said Ronaldo, before Defoe gave a view on the other side.

And weighing in, 6ft 6" Crouch almost hesitantly said: "I don't know if i should say this but i feel if you say Ronaldo you don't know football very well. That's what I feel.

"Ronaldo is incredible, but I look at little bit down on you if you say Ronaldo."

‘Rashford doesn’t deserve World Cup spot’

Marcus Rashford does not deserve a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup, according to an ex-Man Utd star.

Paul Parker, who made 136 appearances for The Red Devils between 1991 and 1996, revealed his thoughts on Rashford’s Qatar credentials.

He told : “Hopefully we are soon going to see the old Marcus Rashford. The one he was two or three seasons back.

“But we have to remember that he is a big player in a big club and because of that he needs to perform consistently.

“But to be honest I don’t think we can talk about his recent form because it hasn’t been good. He scores goals, but it’s been so patchy.

“And if he does get named for the national team, I think he’s been named because of the press and what people are saying about him.

“At this moment in time, I wouldn’t be one of those ones who suddenly be advocating for him to be called up in the squad.”

Cont me in

Tottenham are weighing up a January move for Everton winger Anthony Gordon, SunSport understand.

Spurs were keen in the summer but the Toffees brushed away their interest — as well as a £40million bid from Chelsea.

Antonio Conte is considering testing Everton’s resolve in January and early enquiries have already been made over a move.

But Tottenham paid Everton £60m for Richarlison and Goodison chiefs will want a similar fee again.

Keane to go?

Former Man Utd star Michael Keane could be set to leave Everton in January.

Keane has been out of favour at Goodison Park since the arrivals of Conor Coady and James Tarkowski.

However, the 29-year-old has opened the door to a January exit after securing an Irish passport according to the .

£57million Mud bath

Arsenal remain interested in Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to Fabrizio Romano.

In his column for CaughtOffside, Romano said: “For sure Arsenal remain interested, they are following him for a long time but there’s still nothing decided.”

“Shakhtar Donetsk want more than €60-65million (£53m-57m) to sell him now and it’s not easy. The race is open, if Arsenal really want him they have to move fast.”

£57million Mud bath

Arsenal remain interested in Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to Fabrizio Romano.

In his column for CaughtOffside, Romano said: “For sure Arsenal remain interested, they are following him for a long time but there’s still nothing decided.”

“Shakhtar Donetsk want more than €60-65million (£53m-57m) to sell him now and it’s not easy. The race is open, if Arsenal really want him they have to move fast.”

Fourth choice Ronnie

Erik ten Hag has revealed Cristiano Ronaldo was his FOURTH CHOICE for the captain’s armband against Aston Villa.

The 37-year-old forward was handed the armband as Manchester United slipped to a 3-1 defeat at Villa Park on Sunday.

Eyebrows were raised that he was given the nod to lead out the side after his recent row with Ten Hag following his walkout against Tottenham and failing to secure a heavily pushed-for summer exit.

However, Ten Hag explained: “Harry Maguire is on the bench, our captain of the club.

“Then it is about David de Gea who is a leader but is a goalie and is far away from the outfield.

“Then Casemiro is the leader but he is not speaking perfect English so then Cristiano is the leader.”

Usual deputy Bruno Fernandes was unavailable due to suspension.

Feeling blue

Chelsea star Kai Havertz has been slammed for his “lazy” effort in stopping Arsenal’s winner at Stamford Bridge.

Mikel Arteta’s side returned to top spot in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over the Blues on Sunday after Gabriel tapped home Bukayo Saka's corner.

Afterwards it was Havertz who came in for fierce criticism as he was accused of not doing enough defensively to prevent it.

Arsenal legend Martin Keown said on BT Sport : “Kai Havertz has got to do better there.

“He swings a lazy leg at that.”

Recently axed Bournemouth manager Scott Parker also added: “You’re always massively disappointed when you concede from a set-piece.

“Arsenal are certainly good at scoring set-piece goals and that’s something we prepped for [before Fulham’s 2-1 defeat at the Emirates in August]."

Haz back?

Eden Hazard is in line for a shock return to English football.

The former Chelsea star has been a shadow of his old self while at Real Madrid, with injuries plaguing his time in Spain irrevocably.

However, according to the 31-year-old is being tracked by both Newcastle and Aston Villa.

The Spanish outlet report The Magpies are leading the race, with Real willing to allow Hazard to leave on loan with an obligation to buy.

A fee just shy of £18million is said to be enough to strike an agreement.

Toney probe continues

Ivan Toney has handed his phone to FA investigators as the probe into alleged match-betting.

The Sun also understand the Brentford ace has allowed officials into his home to look at personal records.

And after handing over his mobile to the investigators, a string of the 26-year-old’s contacts on the handset have been approached.

Raising the prospect that other top-flight footballers have been questioned over claims that wagers were placed on games — in breach of strict FA rules on gambling.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Toney was still picked in Gareth Southgate's latest England team for the Nations League but failed to make his debut.

He remains in contention for a place in Southgate's World Cup squad as well.

MORNING FOOTY FANS

Antonio Conte hit back at the Spurs fans who booed his team off at half-time during their 2-1 home defeat by Liverpool.

And the emotional Italian hinted that he could even walk away when his contract expires at the end of the season if they don’t get behind his players.

He said: “I think we have to show great respect in every moment for our fans who pay for the tickets.

“But if you ask me if I was disappointed today, I have to say yes because it is always important to be honest.

“After one year we have made a lot of improvements but if anyone thinks we are ready to win trophies I have to tell you that it will be really difficult.

“We are a long way from the teams with stronger squads who are used to winning.

“So everyone needs to understand the need for time and patience. Otherwise we can lose the passion and enthusiasm which is my fuel.

“If I have that then it’s OK. Otherwise we will continue this season and then we will see what happens at the end.”

Philippe Coutinho has been ruled out until after the World Cup, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has confirmed.

The 30-year-old playmaker was not in the matchday squad for today’s 3-1 win over Manchester United.

The Athletic report Coutinho picked up a quad injury in training.

A dire start to the season meant Coutinho was already an outsider to be on Brazil’s plane to Qatar.

He was left out of Brazil boss Tite’s most recent international squad, and last played for his country in June.

Now slim chances of going to the World Cup have now been wiped out altogether.

Pep Guardiola has given the clearest indication yet he will stay at Manchester City beyond the end of his contract in the summer.

The Etihad chief previously said the World Cup break will be the ideal time for him to chat to club bosses about his future.

And he has also indicated much will depend on if his Man City players are still responding to his methods after his 6-and-a-half-year hot-seat stint.

But with not long to go until he waves his stars off for a month or so, he admits they are giving him the energy and enthusiasm to keep going.

Pep said: “I give them enthusiasm — but they give it to me.

“The way they play, what I saw for 65 minutes, I see the faces of our people, they give me the energy for the future, for Chelsea and Brentford.

“There are things you cannot see, like how happy they were in locker room and the training was perfect — even the guys who didn’t play were amazing in training.

“That made me think we are there. That makes me feel really happy, we are able to do it all together and that’s really good.”

Pep contract clue

Pep Guardiola has given the clearest indication yet he will stay at Manchester City beyond the end of his contract in the summer.

The Etihad chief previously said the World Cup break will be the ideal time for him to chat to club bosses about his future.

nd he has also indicated much will depend on if his Man City players are still responding to his methods after his 6-and-a-half-year hot-seat stint.

But with not long to go until he waves his stars off for a month or so, he admits they are giving him the energy and enthusiasm to keep going.

Pep said: “I give them enthusiasm — but they give it to me.

“The way they play, what I saw for 65 minutes, I see the faces of our people, they give me the energy for the future, for Chelsea and Brentford.

“There are things you cannot see, like how happy they were in locker room and the training was perfect — even the guys who didn’t play were amazing in training.

“That made me think we are there. That makes me feel really happy, we are able to do it all together and that’s really good.”

Conte quit threat

Antonio Conte hit back at the Spurs fans who booed his team off at half-time during their 2-1 home defeat by Liverpool.

And the emotional Italian hinted that he could even walk away when his contract expires at the end of the season if they don’t get behind his players.

He said: "I think we have to show great respect in every moment for our fans who pay for the tickets.

"But if you ask me if I was disappointed today, I have to say yes because it is always important to be honest.

"After one year we have made a lot of improvements but if anyone thinks we are ready to win trophies I have to tell you that it will be really difficult.

"We are a long way from the teams with stronger squads who are used to winning.

"So everyone needs to understand the need for time and patience. Otherwise we can lose the passion and enthusiasm which is my fuel.

"If I have that then it’s OK. Otherwise we will continue this season and then we will see what happens at the end."

Coutinho out of World Cup

Philippe Coutinho has been ruled out until after the World Cup, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has confirmed.

The 30-year-old playmaker was not in the matchday squad for today's 3-1 win over Manchester United.

The Athletic report Coutinho picked up a quad injury in training.

A dire start to the season meant Coutinho was already an outsider to be on Brazil's plane to Qatar.

He was left out of Brazil boss Tite’s most recent international squad, and last played for his country in June.

Now slim chances of going to the World Cup have now been wiped out altogether.

Neville tips Conte for trophy

Gary Neville remains confident Antonio Conte will win Tottenham a trophy despite their defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.

Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "I do think he'll get them a trophy. He's the type of manager who won't leave until he gets them a trophy.

"He's that type. He wants success. He will deliver success."

He then went on to add: "I think he's the only manager who went to Chelsea under Abramovich and I felt like he almost had the measure of the club.

"The club used to just spit managers out when they didn't want them. He almost did that league in the first year, then did they win the FA Cup in his second season?

"But he was the only one that left Chelsea where I felt like it was on his terms. He's smart, he's intelligent.

"Daniel Levy will have to make sure he keeps him happy because if he feels like he's going to be exposed and he isn't going to be challenging for top four, he'll just jump.

"And to be fair, he'll turn on the club a little bit before that and you'll start to see the PR. That's not happening at this moment in time."

Cech finds new club

Petr Cech has signed for ice hockey side Chelmsford Chieftains.

The former Chelsea and Arsenal star left Guildford Phoenix earlier this year after three years with the Surrey outfit.

Cech has joined the Chieftains on a one-year deal and his signing was announced ahead of the game against Oxford City Stars on Sunday.

The former goalkeeper, 40, made 20 appearances for Phoenix between 2019-2022 and helped them win the treble last year.

That included the NIHL Division Two South title, with Cech now playing in the tier above.

It means the ex-Czech Republic international will goaltend in the NIHL Division One South for the first time in his career.