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How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN in Arsenal draw with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problem

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How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN in Arsenal draw with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problem

ARSENAL were dealt yet another blow in the Premier League title race on Sunday.

Despite taking the lead at Stamford Bridge, the Gunners were pegged back and had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

Enzo Maresca and Mikel Arteta cancelled each other out at Stamford Bridge

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Enzo Maresca and Mikel Arteta cancelled each other out at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
Pedro Neto fired in the equaliser on 70 minutes

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Pedro Neto fired in the equaliser on 70 minutesCredit: Getty

Gabriel Martinelli fired in from a tight angle to break the deadlock on the hour mark.

But ten minutes later, Pedro Neto let fly and squeezed his shot into the bottom corner.

Arsenal squandered big chances to nick all three points – but instead could not fully capitalise on Manchester City’s shock defeat at Brighton.

And the draw left both Arsenal and Chelsea on 19 points – nine behind early pace-setters Liverpool.

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But what did we learn about both sides and how did the managers cancel each other out?

SunSport’s tactics guru Dean Scoggins revealed all on the latest episode of Tactics Exposed

1. HAS CUCURELLA GOT SAKA’S NUMBER?

Marc Cucurella kept Bukayo Saka very quiet in the Euros final – and he did it again at Stamford Bridge on Sunday because he had a very good plan.

First of all, it’s how he attacked him – he went in, he was very physical, he hit him very, very hard.

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But he did it really quickly as Saka received the ball, not after he received it when he likes to touch the ball in field.

Cucurella was already there and that meant Saka was taking the ball where he didn’t want to go.

Mikel Arteta ‘disappointed’ by Chelsea draw as Arsenal lose ground in title race

Also, the Spaniard’s starting position saw him occupy an inside lane, a narrow position which allowed Saka to have the space on the outside, effectively saying, ‘Let’s have a race.’

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Romeo Lavia, Neto and even Cole Palmer help out defensively to create traffic on the inside, where Saka wants to cut inside on to his left foot.

So it was the early contact from Cucurella and not allowing Saka to spin inside higher up the pitch.

But then when it was deeper, he decided not to engage and challenged Saka to beat him on the outside because he was not giving him the inside channel.

Marc Cucurella played Bukayo Saka brilliantly

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Marc Cucurella played Bukayo Saka brilliantlyCredit: Getty
Saka was allowed to go down the line but could not get into the inside right channel
Saka was allowed to go down the line but could not get into the inside right channel
It was a similar tale in the Euro 2024 final
It was a similar tale in the Euro 2024 final

2. COLE HAS GONE COLD

Cole Palmer started the season in red-hot form, scoring seven and assisting five in his first nine games.

However, the last two games have told a very different story with no goal contributions and just one shot on target.

And the explanation comes from Enzo Maresca’s box midfield.

The Chelsea gaffer likes to bring Cucurella inside to create a four-man box in the middle – but the left-back was tied up keeping tabs on Saka.

So instead, Maresca instructed Malo Gusto to come inside.

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However, the right-back bypassed the holding midfielders and effectively became the right No10, pushing Palmer across to the left No10 – the opposite flank from his devastating inside right position.

Add in the very effective Arsenal defensive triangle of Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard and Saka stopping Palmer getting the ball and he had another anonymous afternoon.

Cole Palmer has had two very quiet games in a row

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Cole Palmer has had two very quiet games in a rowCredit: Getty
It is a stark contrast from his start to the season

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It is a stark contrast from his start to the season
Malo Gusto pushed on to become the right No10 as Palmer shifted left

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Malo Gusto pushed on to become the right No10 as Palmer shifted left

3. ODEGAARD THE CONDUCTOR

Odegaard is the captain and the conductor – and not just with his attacking intelligence.

It’s his pressing, understanding of space and where everyone is around him.

Honestly, he must come off with his arms as tired as his legs because he is constantly waving them, pointing and barking out instructions.

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Odegaard is so often the trigger, he is the one who sets the traps.

Kai Havertz did an okay job in his absence. How did they cope without Odegaard?

He is just a sensational player.

And the goal comes from that inside right channel because Odegaard worked it out.

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He realised there were four players around him and Saka, so that meant somebody else was free in space and he barely looked before producing that beautiful ball in behind for Martinelli.

If Arsenal are going to go close in the title race, it will be because of Odegaard.

Matin Odegaard is Arsenal's conductor

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Matin Odegaard is Arsenal’s conductorCredit: Reuters
His inch-perfect cross set up Gabriel Martinelli's goal

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His inch-perfect cross set up Gabriel Martinelli’s goalCredit: SunSport

Arsenal ratings v Chelsea

Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:

David Raya – 7

Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.

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Ben White – 5

Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.

William Saliba – 6

Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.

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Gabriel Magalhaes – 6

Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.

Jurrien Timber – 6

Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.

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Thomas Partey – 6

Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.

Declan Rice – 6

Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.

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Martin Odegaard – 7

Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.

Bukayo Saka – 5

Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.

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Gabriel Martinelli – 8

Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.

Kai Havertz – 6

Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head.

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4. CHELSEA’S SANCHEZ FORCEFIELD

Arsenal set pieces have been a major hallmark of their success in recent times but Chelsea defended them better than anyone else has so far this season.

Firstly, they desperately didn’t want to give away corners and Robert Sanchez – who made a massive mistake for the goal – was coming out of his area to prevent them.

On the rare free-kicks, the Blues defenders stepped right up to the edge of the box.

But it was at corners where they were particularly impressive as they created a forcefield, a circle around Sanchez to stop the likes of Gabriel and William Saliba a free run at a close-range header.

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Nicolas Jackson was the front post as a big man to head clear, the two centre-backs were in front of Sanchez and everyone else was blocking.

Neto even stood with his arms out to block Gabriel from causing more problems.

It was committed defending and highly effective.

Chelsea's defenders protected Robert Sanchez at corners

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Chelsea’s defenders protected Robert Sanchez at cornersCredit: Getty
The goalkeeper should have done more to protect his near post when Martinelli scored

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The goalkeeper should have done more to protect his near post when Martinelli scoredCredit: AFP

Chelsea ratings vs Arsenal

Robert Sanchez – 6

Still punches the ball clear when a catch would be much safer – and reassuring for the fans behind him.

Malo Gusto – 6

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Went close with a header in the first-half. But was missing at right-back when Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli’s 59th minute goal. The problem with also playing in midfield.

Wesley Fofana – 7

Strong challenges and now fully back from lengthy injury. Also went close to a goal in the second half when he pumped the ball just over.

Levi Colwill – 6

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Forging a partnership with Fofana at the heart of defence. Got caught dangerously in possession by Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard but recovered.

Marc Cucurella – 7

Cracking tussle with Bukayo Saka. Despite being one of only three men on the pitch wearing gloves, including the keepers, Chelsea’s left-back is a formidable defender.

Moises Caicedo – 6

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Enjoying a run of form at the moment that includes last weekend’s volleyed equaliser at Manchester United. Strong tackler and smooth through the gears in midfield.

Romeo Lavia – 6

A surprise package keeping £107million Enzo Fernandez out of the team. After a terrible run of injuries is forming some consistency. But any twinge is a scare and came off in the 66th minute.

Noni Madueke – 6

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Called up to the latest England squad and is mobile and nippy. Also seemed a bit stroppy and went straight down the tunnel when subbed in the 66th minute. Perhaps needed treatment.

Cole Palmer – 6

Maybe the sore knee is still troubling him. Only trained yesterday for the first time in almost a week. But it hampered his impact on a disjointed London derby.

Pedro Neto – 7

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Starting to make his presence felt after being relegated to the Conference League matches. Stunning powerful drive for the equaliser and full of energy. 

Nicolas Jackson – 6

Feisty and fiery but went to ground too easily to win a couple of free kicks when he could have done more damage on his feet. Gives everything though.

5. THE ENZO FERNANDEZ INSTINCT

Enzo Fernandez is a top, quality footballer – and he has a massive impact on football matches.

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Maresca likes the defensive pairing of Moises Caicedo and Lavia but Fernandez offers something different and that was evident from the moment he came on.

His introduction was a clever substitution and the right substitution.

He scanned, knew he couldn’t go one way and then turned back and the pass for Neto’s goal is underrated – the weight was like an invite to move into the area and it was a great goal from the Portuguese winger.

Yes, there were mistakes from Arsenal – Saliba was out of position after going for a wander, Martinelli went to sleep and Neto was given a huge gap.

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But do not overlook the quality play from Fernandez.

It gives Maresca a dilemma because Fernandez has such a big impact but doesn’t quite fit the system the manager wants to play.

Is Palmer not producing as much because Fernandez is not playing?

A nice problem to have with a £100million-plus player on the bench.

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Enzo Fernandez had an immediate impact when he came on

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Enzo Fernandez had an immediate impact when he came onCredit: Alamy
He threaded a gorgeous pass for Neto to let fly

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He threaded a gorgeous pass for Neto to let flyCredit: SunSport
He was determined to try and get the ball forwards

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He was determined to try and get the ball forwardsCredit: SunSport

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Jake Paul’s own sparring partner wants Mike Tyson to WIN fight and reveals why YouTube star ‘can’t compare’

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Jake Paul's own sparring partner wants Mike Tyson to WIN fight and reveals why YouTube star 'can't compare'

JAKE PAUL has been hit with a case of friendly fire after one of his own sparring partners backed Mike Tyson to win their fight.

YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul faces heavyweight great Tyson on Friday in a controversial clash slammed over the age difference.

DeAndre Savage sparring Jake Paul

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DeAndre Savage sparring Jake Paul

Unbeaten DeAndre Savage was among a number of heavyweights brought into Paul’s camp for sparring ahead of the bout.

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But 6-0 Savage has actually thrown his support to Iron Mike – even if he gives him just four minutes to get the job done.

He told SunSport: “Mike Tyson is up in age. I would like to see Mike come and win again because that’s a top two, top three heavyweight ever.

“I would like to see Mike Tyson win but if he don’t knock him out early, Mike’s not gonna win the fight. 

“If he don’t knock him out in the first two rounds, Mike ain’t gonna win the fight.” 

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Despite striking up a relationship with Paul and his camp, Savage will be cheering from Tyson’s corner on fight night.

He said: “Mike Tyson, he’s a big dog in the boxing game, he’s the top dog.

“Jake Paul just started but Jake Paul is one of the greatest marketers in the game.

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“Besides Floyd Mayweather – Floyd Mayweather to me is the best marketer in the game. But yeah, Jake Paul is a great marketer, great great promoter.” 

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Paul is not the only big name Savage has sparred in camp, sharing rounds with Jarrell Miller and Andy Ruiz Jr.

And he admitted 10-1 Paul – who only debuted professionally in 2020 – is not yet at that top level.

Savage said: “He can’t really compare to other heavyweights that I box because Andy Ruiz; punching power is crazy, Big Baby Miller, punching power is crazy.

“So you know, Jake is a good mover. He’s a good boxer but he’s still learning. Jake does a pretty good job, he got a good right hand but he’s still green.

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“When I sparred him the first time, I realised that he was still green.”

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JAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUT

Savage put the money earned from camps with the likes of Paul to buying his first house.

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And he was quick to praise the prankster-gone-prizefighter for his dedication to the sport.

Savage said: “From the outside looking in and listening to everyone else, the world is not taking Jake serious.

“But Jake does work hard and he’s still a little green, so I understand the route that he’s taking.

“Fighting the UFC fighters and stuff like that and people that don’t really know how to box because he’s still green.

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“But, Jake sells out the arena, sells the tickets, he’s doing big things that some people wish that they can do, things that people wish they can do and they can’t do it.

“But yeah, Jake worked real hard, work real hard. He got some great moves in the ring.”

Mike Tyson facing off with Jake Paul

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Mike Tyson facing off with Jake PaulCredit: Getty

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MMA

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson weigh-in video

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Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson weigh-in video

At the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson weigh-ins, Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will step on the scale Thursday in Arlington, Texas.

Paul and Tyson have to weigh in at a minimum of 200 pounds for their eight-round heavyweight main event showdown Friday.

In the co-main event, Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor compete in a lightweight rematch and have to hit 138 pounds. In their first fight in April 2022, Taylor eked out a win via split decision.

The Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson ceremonial weigh-ins are expected to begin at 7 p.m. ET.

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Check out Paul vs. Tyson weigh-in results below.

Main card (Netflix at 8 p.m. ET)

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson

Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano

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Mario Barrios vs. Abel Ramos

Neeraj Goyat vs. Whindersson Nunes

Prelims (MMA Fighting at 5:30 p.m. ET)

Shadasia Green vs. Melinda Watpool

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Lucas Bahdi vs. Armando Casamonica

Shu Shu Carrington Jr. vs. Dana Coolwell

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Former Man Utd player Forlan makes pro tennis debut

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Former Man Utd player Forlan makes pro tennis debut



Watch retired Manchester United and Uruguay footballer Diego Forlan make his professional tennis debut in a doubles event in Montevideo, losing 6-1 6-2 in 47 minutes.



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England v South Africa: Captain Siya Kolisi returns for Springboks

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England v South Africa: Captain Siya Kolisi returns for Springboks

World champions South Africa have made 12 changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series match with England at Allianz Stadium.

Captain Siya Kolisi and former world player of the year Pieter-Steph du Toit return in the back row, while winger Cheslin Kolbe is also named in the side.

However, despite fielding seven forwards on the bench in the 32-15 win over Scotland, head coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for a conventional five forwards-three backs split among his replacements.

England are set to name their matchday squad at 13:30 GMT.

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South Africa beat England 16-15 after a late Handre Pollard penalty in their last meeting in the 2023 World Cup semi-final.

The Boks squad includes 15 players who faced Steve Borthwick’s side in Paris, with Leicester Tigers fly-half Pollard among the replacements.

“England poses a completely different challenge to Scotland, and we selected our squad based on what we would like to do in the match and also what we think will be best to counter the challenge England poses,” said Erasmus.

“Fortunately, we have quite a few players who can switch positions if necessary, so we feel we have adequate depth throughout the team, which allowed us to select this group of replacements.”

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England have lost their past four matches, including narrow defeats in their opening two autumn Tests against New Zealand and Australia.

Erasmus, however, says past results count for nothing when the two sides renew their rivalry in London.

“England come off two narrow defeats, but the quality of their performances was good in both matches, so we know the size of the challenge,” he added.

“We lost narrowly to Ireland and France in back-to-back matches in 2022 and a year later were world champions so we know we shouldn’t read anything into the last two results.”

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The seven-day lead time at Michelin that made the Barcelona MotoGP finale possible

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MotoGP tyre supplier Michelin had just seven days to manufacture and dispatch the tyres required for this weekend’s new season finale in Barcelona.

The challenges arising from changing the venue for the title decider have been enormous for all parties involved. One of the key players who had to act quickly after the Valencia GP was cancelled was Michelin.

MotoGP bosses were in continuous dialogue with Michelin during the Malaysian Grand Prix as it finally decided on Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as the track that will replace Circuit Ricardo Tormo as the final round on 15-17 November following the devastating storms that hit Valencia two weeks ago.

There were several reasons why Barcelona was chosen over other contenders, with logistics being one of the deciding factors. The other options contemplated at that time would have likely required running the finale a week later than scheduled. A second round in Malaysia was also considered but eventually ruled out due to, among other reasons, a lack of availability of essential elements such as tyres and fuel.

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The decision to race in Barcelona was taken on the same Sunday at Sepang, and it was the following Monday that Michelin began to manufacture the specific compounds for a race that would be held in very different conditions to the Catalan Grand Prix in May at the same circuit.

The key element will be the temperature in Barcelona, which is much lower in November compared to summers.Weather forecasts indicate a maximum temperature of 16 degree Celsius on both Saturday and Sunday, and it’s possible that the number could drop further if it rains over the weekend.

Piero Taramasso, Michelin

Piero Taramasso, Michelin

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

“The challenge is very important, especially because of the little margin of reaction we had. We made it clear that, to do a race in Europe, we needed seven days to be able to manufacture the compounds. And that’s what we did,” Piero Taramasso, head of Michelin’s racing division, told Motorsport.com.

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“On Monday after the Sepang race we started manufacturing them in France and [this] Wednesday they arrived at Montmelo.

“We have a very reactive work system, and the fact that the race is held on a European track has allowed us to gain about three days.”

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Michelin has brought a total of seven specification of tyres for Barcelona, four front and three rear, taking both the Spanish circuit and Phillip Island as reference. Under normal conditions, the total number of tyres required would be about 1,000. But by adding one more spec of compound, the figure has risen to 1,400 units.

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“At Montmelo we have a track with asphalt that is very old, and, consequently, little grip,” Taramasso added. “To that we have to add the temperature [to the mix], [which is] much lower than when we raced there six months ago.”

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Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister ‘being SUED for compensation by ex’ two years after he ‘dumped her for her friend’

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Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister 'being SUED for compensation by ex' two years after he 'dumped her for her friend'

ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER has spoken out about a lawsuit filed against him by his ex-girlfriend after he broke up with her days after he won the World Cup.

The Liverpool star, 25, is being sued by his former partner, Camila Mayan.

Alexis Mac Allister ended a five-year relationship with Camila Mayan after the World Cup

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Alexis Mac Allister ended a five-year relationship with Camila Mayan after the World CupCredit: Instagram
She is suing the Liverpool star for a portion of earnings in the five years they were together

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She is suing the Liverpool star for a portion of earnings in the five years they were togetherCredit: Rex
Mac Allister is now dating childhood friend Ailen Cova

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Mac Allister is now dating childhood friend Ailen CovaCredit: Instagram @ailencova

The model, who dated the midfielder for five years, is demanding financial compensation from him for the years they lived abroad together.

She has also accused him of keeping her belongings and being unfaithful with Ailén Cova, his current partner and a childhood friend.

However, speaking from his car before Argentina‘s clash with Paraguay he has now lifted the lid on the relationship.

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The Mirror report he said: “There was no more relationship. She took her path, I took mine, and that’s it.

“As for the other thing (the lawsuit), everything is in court, where it should be, and we are waiting..

“At the time we discussed what we needed to discuss, but it was clearly her decision, everything is fine and she is within her rights.”

Mac Allister believes it was Mayan’s decision to publicise the fallout of their relationship, but refuted the claims of being unfaithful.

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He added: “I think it’s normal in a relationship; she made the decision to come out and make public things that she felt or that she believes happened, but I know how things went and that’s why I’m very calm.”

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The former Brighton star has revealed he and Cova are planning a future together, saying: “We are well, happy, building our life there in England, enjoying life together.”

However, Mayan’s lawyer Ignacio Trimarco said earlier this year that his client did not want to publicise anything about their break-up and claimed it came from Mac Allister’s side.

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Speaking on ‘Intrusos’ (América TV) at the end of July, he said: “The mediation is closed, but there was no agreement.

“The lawsuit has been filed for some time and the case started more than a year and a half ago.

“From our side nothing was said; it became known from the other side because Camila does not want to publicise this situation.

“What she asks for is confidential like any family case, but it is financial compensation.

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“In this case [the amount requested by Mayan] will be determined by a judge based on the evidence presented.”

The figure is calculated as a percentage of the income earned by the former Brighton star during the years he was with Mayan.

Trimarco added: “There is controversy with this law, but it is a law that has been passed by Congress and applies to all couples, whether they are with an idol like a world champion, or a businessman with business outside the country.

“This law has to do with protecting the weakest part of a couple that has not formalised a marriage.

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“It is a law that applies and is in force and applies to anyone who has lived together for more than two years in a public, notorious and peaceful manner.

“Moreover, the claim has to be initiated within six months of the end of the relationship.”

Mac Allister’s mother, Silvina Riela, added: “We are handling it in the best way. We have answered the lawsuit and everything is on track. Everything is on track as it should be in the courts, as she herself said.

“We are calm because we always deal with the truth and we believe in justice. Besides, we know that the laws are set up so that this progresses in a good way.”

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Asked about the media coverage of the case, she added: “It’s part of the game.

“They are exposed and it’s part of what you have to face or deal with. That’s all.

“We have people who are with us, professionals, so we think it’s going to go the best way.”

Mayan is an influencer who boasts more than 1.6 million followers across TikTok and Instagram.

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Mac Allister has played 17 games for Liverpool under Arne Slot this season, scoring one goal.

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