updates

View from SunSport’s Dave Kidd in Riga

England’s fans are having a proper pop at Thomas Tuchel after he criticised the Wembley atmosphere during the Wales friendly on Thursday. 

Tunes include: “Our support is f***ing s**t”. “Thomas Tuchel, we’ll sing when we want.” And “Are we loud enough for you?”

There is also a predictable ping for Gary Neville who is accused of one-in-a-bed romps. 

Latvia 0-0 England

17. England come piling forward once again.

Once the ball is lost, Latvia look to hit the visitors on the counter.

Lewis-Skelly with a blatant tug back to prevent that from happening and is shown a yellow card as a result.

Latvia 0-0 England

15. Gordon rolls the ball into the path of Lewis-Skelly.

He looks to get a first-time cross in but the delivery is poor.

The cross heads straight out for a goal-kick, who he was aiming for only he will know.

Latvia 0-0 England

13. Saka picks the ball up wide in the penalty area.

He looks to fashion a shooting chance but three players crowd him out.

The winger plays a lofted pass into Lewis-Skelly but as he pulls it out of the air, Latvia step in to win it.

Latvia 0-0 England

11. Saka checks onto his left-foot and tries a shot from distance.

It is well blocked by a sliding challenge from the defender.

Moments later Anderson tries a half-volley from just outside the box but he shanks it high and wide of the goal.

Latvia 0-0 England

9. Kane will regard that one as a bad miss.

It was great play from Gordon and the Bayern striker had all the time in the world to pick his spot.

His volley had the keeper beaten but was the wrong side of the post.

Belter of a day

It’s sweltering here at Stamford Bridge!

The sun is shining and planes are flying over the place that so many of these legends would still call home.

Eden Hazard and Diego Costa have come out on the pitch with the rest of the squad for a team photo, and Petr Cech even stays to sign autographs and take pictures with fans.

That’s what it’s all about!

Liverpool squad

Former Blue Yossi Benayoun will be returning to Stamford Bridge, but in the red of Liverpool.

The club’s all-time top scorer, Ian Rush, will return in the dugout, with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch not included in this one:

• Ian Rush – manager
• John Aldridge – manager
• Phil Thompson – manager
• Sammy Lee – manager
• Pepe Reina
• Sander Westerveld
• Fabio Aurelio
• Martin Kelly
• Ragnar Klavan
• Martin Skrtel
• Yossi Benayoun
• Momo Sissoko
• Jay Spearing
• Ryan Babel
• Natasha Dowie
• Robbie Keane
• Gregory Vignal
• Igor Biscan
• Stephane Henchoz
• Mark Gonzalez
• Florent Siname-Pongolle

Chelsea squad

Roberto Di Matteo, the man who guided Chelsea to their first Champions League title in 2011/12, will return to the dugout as manager.

Five-time Premier League-winning captain John Terry will also be back for action.

Fan favourites at Stamford Bridge like Joe Cole, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa will also return:

• Eden Hazard
• Ramires
• John Terry
• Joe Cole
• Katie Chapman
• Gemma Davison
• William Gallas
• Carlo Cudicini
• Marcel Desailly
• Petr Cech
• Eidur Gudjohnsen
• Salomon Kalou
• Diego Costa
• Jon Harley
• Jody Morris
• Loic Remy
• Florent Malouda
• Tiago Mendes
• Claude Makelele
• John-Obi Mikel
• Gary Cahill

*Gianfranco Zola has withdrawn due to injury

Good afternoon and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of Chelsea vs Liverpool legends!

A star-studded Chelsea line-up will be looking to get revenge on Liverpool after losing the previous legends clash between the two in March.

Peter Crouch bagged a double in a 2-0 win for the Reds last time out, but the legendary forward will not be playing in today’s match – to the delight of Chelsea.

Roberto Di Matteo returns to the Stamford Bridge dugout while the likes of Eden Hazard, John Terry and Diego Costa will pull on the iconic Blue shirt once again.

Robbie Keane, Martin Skrtel and Ryan Babel are among the legends representing Liverpool in the capital this afternoon.

SunSport will bring you minute-by-minute updates from this afternoon’s huge clash!

Jonny Clayton* 1-0 Andrew Gilding

Clayton hits a double with his first dart to score 110.

Gilding takes five darts to find his and The Ferret opens a lead.

A trebless visit from Gilding is matched by the Welshman.

With 148 remaining, Clayton can only chip away at it.

He gets another visit, needing 90, going for double/double on the 18s but missing the last one.

The Ferret returns and takes out double 9 for the hold of throw.

Jonny Clayton vs Andrew Gilding

We have another former winner of the World Grand Prix next.

Jonny Clayton got his hands on the trophy in 2021.

He will come into this match against Andrew Gilding as the firm favourite.

Ross Smith 1-3 *Daryl Gurney (Set: 0-2)

A closely fought leg with only 40 points separating the pair.

However, a trebless visit from Gurney leaves the door open.

Smith scores 100 to leave him on a finish.

With 150 required, Gurney lays up for a double.

Smudger needs 149 but cannot get it started.

With 16 remaining, Gurney takes out double 8 for the match.

Ross Smith* 1-2 Daryl Gurney (Set: 0-1)

Gurney steals the darts despite Smith being the first to a double.

Both players then have trebless visits but neither takes advantage.

A superb visit of 174 piles the pressure on Superchin.

Smith steals the darts and gets to a finish first.

With ‘Shanghai’ needed, Smith wildly misses double tops, almost missing the board in the process.

Gurney needs 95, hitting double/double on 19s to take the leg.

He is just one hold away from victory here.

Ross Smith 1-1 *Daryl Gurney (Set: 0-1)

Gurney is the first away with the double in this one.

It makes such a difference as he opens a 200 point lead.

With 167 required, he is happy to look to lay up.

Superchin needs 73 and takes out double 8 with his first attempt.

Match one – Hole One

Hatton takes the first approach shot, with a delightful chip onto the green, fortunate to get a lucky bounce just over the lip of the bunker.

Thomas has an easier job cut out for him, does not quite hit it hard enough but plays safe and Americans stay ahead.

DeChambeau/Thomas vs Rahm/Hatton

Jon Rahm opts to tee off for Europe.

His stroke veers off to the right side and lands in the rough, met with huge cheers from the American crowd.

Dechambeau steps up for America and hits a brilliant shot onto the fairway, a few yards from the green.

America starting strong.

First pairings ready for tee off

Team USA’s pairing of Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas are introduced to cheers on the first tee

The same can’t be said for Tyrell Hatton and Jon Rahm.

Both teams arrive at the Tee

Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas take on Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton for the first hole today.

DeChambeau and Thomas welcomed with huge cheers of ‘USA, USA, USA’, from the home crowd, the Europeans are met with boos.

Anticipation has been building since Rome and the gallery is alive with around 8,000 supporters in Bethpage Black.

Atmosphere is bubbling now, its game time!

RESULT – Noppon Saengkham 3-4 Chang Bingyu

Just five minutes before the ideal time for prime, professional sport of 1am, Chang Bingyu sees out his advantage in the deciding frame to sneak by Noppon Saengkham.

Saengkham needed a perfect ending and snookers but missed a pot on the pink which left him needing too much so offered the concede with a handshake.

The dozen people still here broke into minimum applause.

He’s into the next round!

Latest scores

He misses a simple red off the rest. The lead is 60 with 59 remaining, so Noppon needs snookers.

• Noppon Saengkham 3-3 Chang Bingyu (0-60)

Latest scores

The Bingyu lead grows and with 74 remaining, he’s only a few pots away from victory.

• Noppon Saengkham 3-3 Chang Bingyu (0-52)

Latest scores

The opening Bingyu break is 31. 107 points remain on the table.

• Noppon Saengkham 3-3 Chang Bingyu (0-31)

Latest scores

Incredible clearance from Saengkham and he takes the sixth frame!

We’re headed to a decider after a sensational pink pot saw him get the black back into play off the cushion and leaves a simple roll into the left middle pocket to win the frame by 10 points.

One frame shoot-out!

• Noppon Saengkham 3-3 Chang Bingyu

147!!

Sensational MAXIMUM break from Aaron Hill – what a start to his second round tie!

The Irishman with a perfect frame, leaving Yao Pengcheng in his seat.

I did want to write we were on 147 watch, but last time I did so it was halted before the colours.

No jinx this time and Hill knocks in the 147 to lead 1-0!

Ready for a start

A ripple of applause as the eight players arrive at their tables for this evening session.

Coin tosses across the board deciding who breaks first and we’re now underway on all four tables.

A reminder – we’re first to 4 for a spot in round three!

One more to go!

Four matches remain today in the final session of the second round at the English Open.

Here’s what we have left, getting underway around 7pm:

• Ishpreet Singh Chadha vs Ben Mertens
• Jamie Jones vs Iulian Boiko
• Aaron Hill vs Yao Pengcheng
• Scott Donaldson vs Allan Taylor

Session three

The four results from the 4pm games in the penultimate session of round three.

• Ben Woollaston 4-2 Alexander Ursenbacher
• Ricky Walden 4-1 Bai Yulu
• Michael Holt 4-0 Mink Nutcharut
• Anthony McGill 4-1 Mateusz Baranowski

RESULT – Ben Woollaston 4-2 Alexander Ursenbacher

That, indeed, was that as Woollaston cleared up – missing the black actually for a 69 break – and secured victory.

He didn’t have it all his own way at times and Alexander Ursenbacher put up more than a fight to keep things interesting.

Just one mistake too many and Woollaston capitalised to book a round three spot.

He sets up a Yuan Sijun in the third round on Tuesday.

Ben Woollaston 3-2 Alexander Ursenbacher (43-18)

A current break ongoing of 31 for Woollaston has him 30 with just 43 remaining.

This could be it.

Pegula 4-3 *Krejcikova

Barbora Krejcikova is being very ambitious with her return position and instead of being a 6-0 set, she is now back on serve.

Tennis is a strange game like that.

Jessica Pegula hit a double fault in game seven, her second of the match, and then she was forced into an error by her Eastern European opponent.

Krejcikova could have found herself a set down. Instead she will be serving to level up at 4-4.

Pegula* 4-2 Krejcikova

Jessica Pegula has adopted an aggressive stance and is trying to get on top of the second serve.

This is forcing errors from Barbora Krejcikova, who is feeling the pressure.

She is clearly struggling with the sun in her face at midday in New York City.

A second double fault hands a break point to the Buffalo-born star.

But then a forehand into the net from the home player saves Krejcikova from going 5-1 down.

In a surprise tactic, she showed she is able to serve-and-volley and that method allows her to wrap up the game.

Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, is courtside but when she was picked up on the TV cameras, she was texting on her phone.

So perhaps the action is not that exhilarating yet to grab her full attention… 

Pegula 4-1 *Krejcikova

Serving with the sun in her eyes, Jessica Pegula moves 4-1 ahead and closer to clinching the first set.

She shouted “come on” as she sealed the fifth game.

There was a 96mph ace down the line that almost took the racquet out of the hand of Barbora Krejcikova.

She is showing why she is the world No.4.

The last time these two played each other, at the WTA Finals last November in Riyadh, Krejcikova won 6-3 6-3 in 69 minutes.

But Pegula was not fit then due to a knee problem and she ended up pulling out of the season-ending tournament.

Pegula* 3-1 Krejcikova

Barbora Krejcikova, who served this time from the shady part of the Arthur Ashe stadium, gets on the board this time – after 17 minutes.

But Jessica Pegula had a break point and the chance to go 4-0 up.

Krejcikova hit a 102mph ace down the centre which prevented the American from breaking twice.

There is a fist clench and a brief smile flashes across her face.

The former Wimbledon champion has been standing from the baseline and hardly ventured towards the net.

Jessica Pegula hits the ball so flat and this means it flies very low for her opponent – so tricky for a rival to combat.

Pegula 3-0 *Krejcikova

Barbora Krejcikova is a mentally strong player – she did save eight match points against American ace Taylor Townsend in the last round.

She hit bravely and aggressively in that clash and went for her shots.

And she has also succeeded at the highest level of the sport.

But she will have to dig into those reserves again as Jessica Pegula heads to her chair for the changeover firmly in control.

Pegula produced her first double fault as her second-serve ace missed the line by two millimetres.

But it mattered little as she held serve.

Pegula* 2-0 Krejcikova

Before her first serve, Barbora Krejcikova took SIX balls and then threw two of them.

They are only a game old but clearly she is clearly quite pedantic about the condition of the balls.

The Czech had to serve from the sunny side of the court.

And the sun was clearly in her eyes when she tried to hit a smash but completely missed the ball.

It meant Jessica Pegula went love-40 ahead and then an awful double fault handed the break to her American opponent.

What a terrible start for Krejcikova.

Grimsby 2-0 Man Utd

60. The energy from Grimsby has been brilliant tonight.

With an hour gone, they still seem to have plenty in the tank.

The next goal is criitical in this game, Man Utd have enough quality on the pitch to turn this match in an instant.

Grimsby 2-0 Man Utd

58. What a chance for the Red Devils.

Mbuemo swings a cross into the box and Heaven has a completely free diving header.

Somehow, he puts his effort over the crossbar.

Woeful effort.

Grimsby 2-0 Man Utd

56. This weather may be helping the hosts.

The rain is torrential and makes conditions very difficult to play passing football in.

Man Utd have a free-kick some thirty yards out, good chance to ask some questions of the keeper.

Grimsby 2-0 Man Utd

54. Green does brilliantly to hold the ball up.

He seemed to have got in behind the defence but did not have the legs to make the most of it.

Grimsby are still looking dangerous on the attack here.

View from SunSport’s Gareth Davies at Kassam Stadium

A word for 39-year-old James Milner, named as Brighton skipper on his first start for four days short of a year.

He was named as skipper, and kept things ticking along nicely as Albion’s class kept them way out in front.

It was almost too easy for Brighton, who made it 3-0 seconds before the hour mark when Diego Gomez scored right footed from close in with the home defence opened up again.

Grimsby 2-0 Man Utd

52. That was a massive chance for Grimsby.

It should give them confidence that the Red Devils look very open when the hosts come at them.

As the rain pours down, Man Utd get a low cross into the box but the mixture of keeper and defender allows the League Two outfit to clear.

Here we go

Hello and welcome to SunSport’s coverage of the Wuhan Open!

Unfortunately we do not have anyone working through the night – or from China – to cover the early games (3am BST).

However, we will keep you updated with all the latest scores as they happen for the later sessions, which start at 7am and 12.30pm BST.

Our first person through the door arrives at 7am and has been tasked with immediately updating this blog with the latest headlines.

Eight matches are due to start in 10 minutes, with a further eight at 7am and then eight more in the final session.

Mark Allen headlines this first session, while the likes of Judd Trump, Mark Williams, Mark Selby, defending champion Xiao Guodong and Zhao Xintong are all in action at different points in the day.

Today’s matches are also a mix of round one holdovers and round two games.

Today’s matches:
3am BST – Round 1

• Mark Allen vs Hewen Tang
• Hossein Vafaei vs Jinhao Zhou
• Robbie Williams vs Xinbo Wang
• Xiao Guodong vs Mink Nutcharut

3am BST – Round 2

• Louis Heathcoate vs Matthew Selt
• Joe O’Connor vs Ben Woollaston
• Noppon Saengkham vs Zhou Yuelong
• Elliot Slessor vs David Grace

7am BST – Round 1

• Umut Dikme vs Allan Taylor
• Ding Junhui vs Hao Zhang

7am BST – Round 2

• Chang Bingyu vs Liam Highfield
• Marco Fu vs Jimmy White
• Dan Gilbert vs Haris Tahir
• Zhao Hanyang vs Zhang Anda
• Jamie Jones vs Barry Hawkins
• Xu Si vs Jak Jones

12.30pm BST – Round 1

• Judd Trump vs Farakh Ajaib
• Zhao Xintong vs Iulian Boiko

12.30pm BST – Round 2

• Jack Lisowski vs Ryan Day
• Jackson Page vs Ali Carter
• Mark Selby vs Michael Holt
• Mark Williams vs Liam Davies
• Gary Wilson vs Lyu Haotian
• Wang Yuchen vs Si Jiahui

Jack Draper reacts

Jack Draper has spoken following his mixed doubles win over Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, along with partner Jessica Pegula.

I have got a pretty good partner.

What an experience playing out here with Jessica, playing Emma and Carlos, it doesn’t get any better than this.

Just a pleasure to be out here.

Jack Draper

How to watch

The US Open is set to restart tonight.

The event resumed at 7pm ET, which is 12am BST.

Fans can watch it on ESPN and Sky Sports.

Djokovic tippeed for shock win

Novak Djokovic has been backed by iconic tennis coach Rick Macci to win the US Open, but only if a few things go his way.

Maci said of the Serb:”He can win the US Open because he still checks enough boxes.

“He has to make sure that he’s not playing four or five hours the other matches because you’ve got a day or whatever to get back and do it again.

“It’s the physical and mental toll that’s going to be tough on his body, but if the draw breaks the right way, or if Alcaraz or Sinner, something happens to them along the way…

“It changes the whole roadmap, the way you’re looking at this thing. He definitely could win the US Open, but those things have to happen.

“But if he has a lot of tough matches and then he has to go through both those guys, I think that’s kind of rough sledding.”

Novak speaks

Novak Djokovic took to X to express his delight at sharing the court with protege Olga Danilovic in their mixed doubles match with Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva.

He wrote on X: “Always fun playing mix doubles with Olga.

“Thank you@usopen for the WC opportunity to play.”

Womens seedings confirmed

The seedings for the women’s US Open have been confirmed.

Unsurprisingly, World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka is the top seed, with Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff being second and third seeds, respectively.

Check out the full seedings below.

Pegula reacts to mixed doubles win with Draper

She said: “This stadium was packed, so thanks to everyone for showing up.

“That was such a fun atmosphere. Even if it meant a couple of highlight-reel shots by Carlos to get the crowd going, it was really fun.

“I’ve played doubles a lot. I haven’t played that much recently.

“So, it’s always tricky, especially going into a mixed format, playing against other people who don’t play a lot of doubles.

“It was a lot of fun. Jack played great. Excited to be back soon.”

Gyokeres reflects on debut

Viktor Gyokeres has opened up on his full Arsenal debut against Manchester United last weekend.

He wrote on Instagram: “Proud moment to make my Premier League debut for this special club and to start the season with a win.”

Havertz injury

The Gunners face a lengthy stint without the services of striker Kai Havertz, who has reportedly suffered a knee injury.

According to The Athletic, the duration of Havertz’s expected absence is unknown.

But the club are said to be “exploring the transfer market” for a replacement for the Germany international.

De Jong eyed

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a shock move for Frenkie De Jong.

The Netherlands star has one year left on his contract with La Liga giants Barcelona.

And according to reports in Spain, the Gunners would be keen on signing the Dutchman on a free transfer.

Signings so far

Mikel Arteta has been incredibly busy in the transfer window so far this summer, signing SIX new players.

And a seventh signing could still be on the horizon.

Check out who the Gunners have signed so far over the last few weeks below.

Salah’s shock statement

Mohamed Salah has anointed Arsenal the “FAVOURITES” to win the Premier League this season.

Speaking to PFA awards presenter Cecil Thomas, who is a Gunners fan, he said: “I think you are the favourite now because you players who have been together for five years.

“I can’t say I’ll wish you luck – hopefully we do it again.”

Arteta reflects on Gyokeres debut

Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Viktor Gyokeres following his Premier League debut against Manchester United.

He said of the Swede: “He did a lot of things very good. You can tell, especially in our high pressing, the rhythm that we demand, especially in the first half, we’re giving a bit too much time. 

“It’s something that we have to work on, especially there.

“And then in the finalising situation, he didn’t have that many chances to do that because, as I said, on the previous action before we had to play that last ball that the line was standing still with 40 metres behind, we managed to put the ball through to exploit his quality.

“But overall, coming away to Manchester United, winning your first game with Arsenal, it’s a good start.

Swiatek/Ruud* 1-1 McNally/Musetti [Sets: 1-0]

Casper Ruud is looking lethal on his own serve.

Despite being a singles player usually, he serves and charges into the net like a real doubles player.

He holds serve with ease and squares the match up.

Swiatek/Ruud 0-1 *McNally/Musetti [Sets: 1-0]

One of the best rallies of the day between the two pairs.

It sees Musetti plays a superb forehand down the baseline, which looks out, but the replay shows it just touched the line.

Swiatek/Ruud manage to claw their way back into it as they square the game up at 30-30.

A double fault from Musetti then gifts break point to their opponents.

Ruud then sends a shot from the baseline into the net to tie us up at deuce.

A superb cross shot from Musetti ensures they hold serve.

Swiatek/Ruud* 4-1 McNally/Musetti [Sets: 1-0]

McNally/Musetti quickly go into a 0-30 lead in this one.

However, Ruud steps up his game and single-handedly wins two points back.

A good net shot from Swiatek then sets up set point for the pair.

As Musetti sends a volley long, it took all of 16 minutes for the first set to be concluded.

Swiatek/Ruud 3-1 *McNally/Musetti

McNally agreed to join this pairing very late in the day.

She was only playing in Cincinnati yesterday.

Ruud gets some good shots in as the game is tied at 30-30.

Casper Ruud is looking in lethal form out there.

He smashes a forehand down the middle for the break of serve.

Swiatek/Ruud* 2-1 McNally/Musetti

Finally we see some points won off the serve of an opponent.

Some good work from Musetti at the net, forcing Swiatek to make up some ground.

McNally/Musetti have a break point in this one.

Musetti misses the chance to break as his deft volley at the net drops wide of the line.

A long return from McNally sees Swiatek hold her serve.

Swiatek/Ruud 1-1 *McNally/Musetti

This match seems to be very much going with serve here.

Another game where no points are won off the serve by the receiving pair.

Based on what we have seen in the opening stages, this could head to a tie-break to decide the set.

Birmingham interested in former Arsenal star

Birmingham City are interested in the signature of Alexander Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to reports from Sky Sports.

The 32-year-old plays his football for Turkish giants Besiktas, who are reportedly willing to allow the former England international to move on a free transfer.

Oxlade-Chamberlain made almost 200 appearances for the Gunners in his six-year spell with the club.

He came through the Southampton academy and also played for Liverpool before moving abroad.

Arsenal’s unlikely star

Arsenal cruised to a 1-0 victory over Man Utd in their opening game of the4 season, but the difference maker proved to be a surprising name.

All eyes were on new forward signing Viktor Gyokeres to open his competitive tally with the club

But it was defender Riccardo Calafiori who would nod in at the back post after Utd keeper Altay Bayindir fluffed his lines attempting to punch a corner away.

Mikel Arteta is determined to deploy Calafiori higher up the pitch than his size and position might usually dictate, and he could be one to watch this season for his attacking contirbutions.

Broadcast change causes Arsenal controversy

Arsenal found themselves at the mercy of a new broadcast rule introduced for the upcoming Premier League season during their season opener against Man Utd.

Captain Martin Odegaard was caught in the Old Trafford tunnel at half-time and interviewed on camera regarding the game’s events so far.

The out of breath Norwegian said: “It has been a bit too hectic at times.

“So much space is too open, we need to control it a bit better.

“When we get the ball, pick the right moments and be a bit more accurate when we counter.”

The Gunners went on to win the game 1-0 and get their title challenge off to a flyer.

The new interview type was introduced for the upcoming campaign to mixed reception from fans and former pros.

But not everyone enjoys the new insight, with fans questioning the quality of interview that broadcasters will get out of players in such high pressure situations.

Read more here:

Xabi Alonso speaks out on Rodrygo

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed his position on Arsenal target Rodrygo.

It was uncertain where the Brazilian would fall into the newly appointed boss’ plans, but the Spaniard appears to have found a place for him.

He said: “There are many rumors in the summer, but I’ve seen him well and I count on everyone.

“I count on Rodrygo for sure, 100 per cent.”

Mikel Arteta defends Gyokeres debut despite fans’ uncertainty

The Gunners boss said: “He did a lot of things very good. You can tell, especially in our high pressing, the rhythm that we demand, especially in the first half, we’re giving a bit too much time.

“It’s something that we have to work on, especially there.

“And then in the finalising situation, he didn’t have that many chances to do that because, as I said, on the previous action before we had to play that last ball that the line was standing still with 40 metres behind, we managed to put the ball through to exploit his quality.

“But overall, coming away to Manchester United, winning your first game with Arsenal, it’s a good start.”

Eze battle nears its conclusion

Arsenal are set to lose out on priority target Eberechi Eze, if reports from Fabrizio Romano are to be believed.

North London rivals are offering up to a £60million package including add-ons for the England international.

The 27-year-old has been hugely influential in attack for Crystal Palace since arriving in 2020.

He appeared to have opened the scoring with a free-kick in the Eagles’ season opener against Chelsea, before it was ruled out due to Marc Guehi’s proximity to the wall.

Rematch clause?

While there are no confirmed reports – it appears as though there will NOT be a rematch clause in the contract between Itauma and Whyte.

With Itauma aged 20 and Whyte 17 years older, they are at opposite ends of their careers.

Itauma will be hoping to push forwards into the title scene with a victory, and Whyte will be looking to prove he still belongs at the top, so a rematch may not be on the agenda for either fighter.

SunSport will keep you updated if and when a rematch clause is confirmed in the contract between the pair.

What’s the Dill?

Dillian Whyte rocked up to Riyadh 17lb lighter than his last bout and 1lb lighter than the rival almost half his age.

But he vowed to unload the heavy artillery inside the ring, after a very tame build-up from the reformed Brixton bad boy.

“Things have gone good,” he said about his dramatic weight loss. “That’s it. He was saying stuff at the press conference and I just him told him to relax, take it easy and chill out.

“He asked me to take my glasses off and today I came in with no glasses. I’m a chilled guy until people mess me about.

“I don’t need to be a bully. I can just switch like that, when I need to.”

Whyte a ‘wounded animal’?

Moses Itauma saw a ‘wounded animal’ in the eyes of super-skinny Dillian Whyte.

Whyte stunned the crowd with a six pack and 244lb of muscle, Itauma got to see his pupils and he reckons he spotted prey.

At 245lb he growled: “I saw a wounded animal. I’m not looking for the knockout but if it happens, it happens.”

Frankly speaking

Frank Warren reckons Moses Itauma is so calm and calculated that even the Planet’s Baddest Man might struggle to scare him.

The 73-year-old Hall-of-Famer told SunSport: “Mike Tyson, in the early days, won 90 per cent of his fights outside the ring.

“The intimidation was unbelievable. I mean, he really intimidated people.

“Most of the American heavyweight guys back then were from the streets but that’s what he managed to do with a lot of them.

“There were a rare couple of fighters he couldn’t intimidate, like Buster Douglas.

“And he couldn’t intimidate Evander Holyfield in any way, shape or form.

“And I think, with Moses, I think you have a hard job to intimidate him.”