RAHEEM STERLING TO APPEAR IN COURT AFTER LAMBORGINI CRASH ON MOTORWAY

Raheem Sterling has been charged with dangerous driving and possession of nitrous oxide

Raheem Sterling during his time at Liverpool(Image: PA)

Former Liverpool footballer Raheem Sterling has been charged with dangerous driving and possession of nitrous oxide after a crash involving a Lamborghini on a motorway, police said.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said the charges followed a single-vehicle collision on the M3 southbound, near Minley interchange, on May 28. The 31-year-old former England winger is accused of dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation and failing to provide a specimen. The force said no other vehicles were involved in the collision and no injuries were reported.

Sterling, from Berkshire, is due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court for a hearing on September 15.

He scored 20 goals in 82 appearances for England, helping Gareth Southgate's side reach the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the final of Euro 2020. He came through the academy at QPR before joining Liverpool, where he made his senior debut.

Sterling, who was born in Kingston, Jamaica, moved to Manchester City in 2015 and won four Premier League titles, five League Cups and the FA Cup in 2019. He left for Chelsea in 2022 but after falling out of favour spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Arsenal.

After leaving Stamford Bridge, Sterling joined Dutch club Feyenoord on a short-term deal until the end of the season. He is currently without a club.

In the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours, Sterling was made an MBE for services to racial equality in sport after fronting anti-racism and discrimination campaigns and speaking out strongly against racism on and off the pitch for several years.

It came amid controversy over England fans booing players taking the knee at matches as a gesture against intolerance.

- Georgia Bates and Megan Banner 

ARSENAL ISSUE THOMAS PARTEY TRANSFER STATEMENT AFTER BARCELONA CONTRACT TALKS

Thomas Partey's contract with Arsenal expires this month and the midfielder has been linked with a free transfer to Barcelona, despite Mikel Arteta wanting him to stay

Arsenal have confirmed that they remain in talks with Thomas Partey over his future at the club. Partey, 31, sees his current deal expire on June 30 but boss Mikel Arteta wants to keep him.

The midfielder is claimed to have held talks with La Liga giants Barcelona over a potential free transfer. Partey spent his formative years in Spain and joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for £45million in 2020.

This season, the Ghanian played more games than ever for Arsenal. Partey made a total of 52 appearances, topping his previous best tally of 40.

But his future remains uncertain, with Arsenal issuing an update when announcing their retained and released list on Wednesday. Partey is one of two men's team players whose current terms run out at the end of this month.

A passage read: "The following players' contracts also expire on June 30, 2025. Discussions are ongoing, and once matters are finalised between all parties, we will communicate in due course: Chloe Kelly, Thomas Partey and Michal Rosiak."

Arteta has gone on record to state that he hopes Partey will sign a new deal. "I think consistency-wise it's been his best season," the Arsenal manager said last month. "The way he's played, performed, his availability, has been exceptional and he's a really important player for us."

In April, Arteta was asked if there'd been any progress in contract talks with the 31-year-old. "Yes, there is progress with all the players," he replied. "I'll leave that to [sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the club to decide and to talk about."

Pushed on whether it's his intention to have Partey in his squad next season, Arteta continued: "The intention is very clear. I'll leave that to Andrea and the club to take a step forward."

Mikel Arteta wants to keep Thomas Partey at Arsenal(Image: Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Aside from the Ghana international, Arsenal have confirmed the departure of first-team stars Kieran Tierney and Jorginho. Tierney, 27, is set to rejoin former club Celtic while 33-year-old Jorginho has been linked with a move to Flamengo.

Loanee Raheem Sterling is confirmed to be returning to Chelsea. Neto will also return to Bounemouth after making just a single appearance.

Arsenal's full retained and released list: Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Reece Clairmont, Khayon Edwards, Jakai Fisher, Romari Forde, Teyah Goldie, Jimi Gower, Jack Henry-Francis, Lina Hurtig, Amanda Ilestedt, Jorginho, Max Kuczynski, Salah-Eddine Oulad M'Hand, Ismail Oulad M'Hand, Neto. Brian Okonkwo. Elian Quesada-Thorn, Zacariah Shuaib, Raheem Sterling, Kieran Tierney.

- Nathan Ridley

ARSENAL RATINGS: SAKA, TROSSARD STAR IN WIN VS. LEICESTER

Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka celebrate after Arsenal take the lead vs. Leicester City in the Premier League. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal returned to winning ways on Saturday afternoon as they secured a 4-2 victory over Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners dominated the first half and got themselves in front when Jurriën Timber crossed low towards Gabriel Martinelli, who registered his first Premier League goal of the season with an accurate finish. Martinelli was a regular spark for the home side's attack throughout the opening 45 minutes, and he was involved again before the break when providing the assist for Leandro Trossard to double the lead.

Manager Mikel Arteta looked comfortable as his side enjoyed 76% possession by the end of the first half, but it was just moments after the restart when the Foxes responded, with James Justin's effort deflected off Kai Havertz from Facundo Buonanotte's free kick.

Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen kept his side in it with saves against Gabriel Magalhães and then Trossard, before a spectacular effort from Justin was smashed in off the post to level the scoring. Hermansen was involved again when a poor pass out from the back allowed Declan Rice to play in Trossard, only for the 29-year-old to see his effort saved.

Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri were introduced as Arsenal looked to get a late winner, and after Hermansen made one more save from Riccardo Calafiori, it was one corner too many in the 94th minute as Trossard's effort was deflected in by Wilfred Ndidi to win the game. Havertz added a late goal to seal it with one of the final kicks of the match.

Positives

Arsenal's victory puts them on level points with Manchester City, while they continued to show how they continue to win games late, while being the best in the league at converting set pieces. Bukayo Saka's performance was also noteworthy, in an almost faultless display on the day.

Negatives

There were some moments when concentration could have been better, with Calafiori taking a chance on a yellow card -- but those were minor negatives in an otherwise convincing performance.

Manager rating (1-10)

Mikel Arteta, 7 -- Arteta's side created more than enough chances to win the game, and the Arsenal manager was unlucky to see his side concede from a deflected set piece and then a spectacular strike. Some might argue he could have made the introduction of Sterling sooner, but the Gunners did have a massive chance to retake the lead a minute before he came on.

Player ratings (1-10; 10: best. Players introduced after 70 minutes receive no rating)

GK David Raya, 5 -- There was little to do for Raya as Arsenal dominated the first half, but he had to pick the ball out of his net moments after the restart, with Leicester City converting from their free kick.

DF Riccardo Calafiori, 6 -- The Italy international combined well with Martinelli when advancing up the left flank, and was encouraged to shoot by the Emirates Stadium crowd after his effort against Manchester City last week. He could have been tighter to Justin before his strike, and was also careless with some challenges which may have seen him sent off on another day. Almost scored the winner with a powerful header but was denied by Hermansen.

DF Gabriel Magalhães, 6 -- Gabriel was a constant danger on set pieces as usual and came close to scoring when forcing a save from Hermansen. Composed in possession, and helped quickly restart attacks for his side after receiving the ball.

DF William Saliba, 7 -- A strong display from Saliba saw him regularly win the ball back with aggressive challenges high up the pitch, which allowed Arsenal to maintain pressure when their opponents tried to clear the danger. Involved in the first goal when challenging Jamie Vardy who claimed for a foul before the Gunners scored, but there didn't look to be too much in it. Booked in the second half for a foul on Vardy.

DF Jurriën Timber, 7 -- Timber fared well against Leicester City's attempts to counter-attack and dealt well against the threat of Stephy Mavididi. Registered an assist with a low cross that was delivered across the box to Martinelli.

MF Thomas Partey, 6 -- Kept things ticking in midfield by moving the ball on to Arsenal's more creative players, but didn't have too much to do defensively, with the majority of Leicester City's attacks going down the flanks.

MF Declan Rice, 7 -- An all-round strong midfield performance saw Rice help control the game as well as win possession back consistently, impressing with his decision-making. Played in Trossard after a big error from Hermansen, and was unlucky not to get an assist after the goalkeeper made amends with a save.

MF Kai Havertz, 6 -- The 25-year-old timed his runs well into the penalty area and was able to connect with multiple crosses but couldn't trouble the goalkeeper. He was also too deep from Leicester City's free kick, deflecting Justin's effort into his own goal. Got himself on the scoresheet late on to seal Arsenal's 4-2 victory.

FW Gabriel Martinelli, 8 -- Martinelli always looked to beat his marker down the left-flank and where he provided a regular option when Arsenal won the ball back high up the pitch. Got things up and running with a strong finish from Timber's low cross, and then turned provider to assist Trossard as the Gunners made it 2-0. Replaced by Sterling in the second half.

FW Leandro Trossard, 8 -- The Belgium international got into consistent intelligent positions and was rewarded at the end of the first half as he finished accurately from Martinelli's cut-back. Missed a big chance in the second half but made amends with his effort that was deflected into the goal in the 94th minute.

FW Bukayo Saka, 9 -- There was always a sense that something could happen when Saka had the ball on the right-flank, where Leicester City even struggled to deal with the 23-year-old when they doubled up on him. Impressed when beating his man down the line as well as cutting inside, and he consistently carried the ball into dangerous areas before creating shooting opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)

Raheem Sterling (on for Martinelli, 74"), N/R -- Positive in possession and tried to beat his marker down the line, but couldn't get his deliveries into the box.

Ethan Nwaneri (Partey, 85"), N/R -- Brought on and provided an instant lift to the crowd amid a confident performance, and was involved as he helped win the corner that put Leicester under all sorts of pressure.

Gabriel Jesus (Trossard, 98",) N/R -- Introduced as Arsenal looked to play the remainder of the game out.

- Adam Brown

RICE RED CARD SETS ARSENAL BACK DESPITE BUSY TRANSFER WINDOW

Arsenal conceded an equalising goal against Brighton less than 10 minutes after Declan Rice was sent off for a second bookable offence. Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)

The fretting over Arsenal's squad depth was supposed to end when the Premier League's summer transfer window closed on Friday.

Raheem Sterling's last-gasp arrival on loan from Chelsea had many Gunners supporters pitching up at Emirates Stadium on Saturday enthused by the options manager Mikel Arteta has at his disposal. Yet they left the ground after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion concerned about a midfield area that suddenly looks light ahead of the biggest week of the season by some distance.

First, there is an international break in which to draw breath and regain some of the composure that Arsenal temporarily lost here following Declan Rice's 50th-minute red card. But then comes a seven-day period in which they travel to Tottenham Hotspur for the north London derby, Italy for a Champions League opener against last season's Europa League winners Atalanta and then to Premier League champions Manchester City.

Right now, the indications are that new €32.5 million signing Mikel Merino will miss all three matches after suffering a fractured shoulder in his first training session. Rice is now suspended against Spurs after a controversial dismissal, the first of his 245-game league career.

After a strong tackle on Joël Veltman just before half-time, the pair tangled again shortly after the restart. As Veltman went to kick the ball -- a moving ball -- to restart play following a free kick in his favour, Rice nudged it away and Veltman, who had already started swinging his right leg, made contact with Rice instead of the ball.

The Premier League later clarified Rice had "delayed the restart," something he had technically done but in a manner not consistently punished; Brighton's João Pedro booted the ball away after it ran out in the first half with no sanction from referee Chris Kavanagh. Arteta also cited another first-half moment and claimed Veltman should have in fact been sent off for kicking Rice.

"I was amazed," Arteta said postmatch. "Amazed, amazed, amazed because of how inconsistent decisions can be.

"In the first half, there are two incidents and nothing happens. Then, in a non-critical area, the ball hits Declan [on the back of his leg], he turns around, he doesn't see the player coming and he touches the ball.

"By law, he can make that call, but then by law he needs to make the next call, which is red card so we play 10 versus 10. This is what amazed me. At this level it's amazing. [Declan] obviously had a reaction that his back was to the ball, that they're not in the middle of the park, trying to counter or anything.

"Anyway, I repeat myself; by law if you want to do it you have to do it, but you have to do it in the first half and play 10 against 10. That's it. Very simple."

Brighton took advantage within eight minutes. João Pedro turned home the rebound after David Raya saved Yankuba Minteh's shot, cancelling out Kai Havertz's well-taken 38th-minute opener, lofted over Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Fuelled by a sense of injustice, Arsenal reorganised and after a short spell in which they seemed flummoxed by how to reorganise with 10 men, Havertz and Bukayo Saka had glorious chances to score, but both were denied by Verbruggen. Brighton inevitably controlled possession and went closest through substitute Yasin Ayari in between those Havertz and Saka chances but had to settle for a point.

"We reacted to what we had to do playing at home with 10 men," Arteta said. "We didn't want to be so deep defending like this, but we read the game and we played the game that we had to play and we should have got rewarded."

There was at least some good news afterwards in that defender Jurriën Timber did not suffer a serious injury and was instead substituted late on with cramp. Timber has been cited as a possible option in midfield given his physicality and quality on the ball. It will likely be something Arteta considers for the challenges ahead, although Jorginho, Thomas Partey and Martin Ødegaard are the most obvious fits to start against Spurs as things stand.

The international break will shape their approach and also give Sterling a chance to sharpen his game ahead of the trip across the capital. Not selected for England by interim coach Lee Carsley, Sterling will instead work at Arsenal's London Colney base and reacquaint himself with Arteta, with whom he developed a strong relationship during three years working together at Manchester City.

"We have to see him, speak to him [about] what he's been doing and how he's feeling about it and try to find quick wins to get him up to speed as quickly as possible and for him to understand what we are looking for from him in the dynamics of the team," Arteta said of Sterling. "We will use that time to do that and get him involved as soon as possible."

And what of coping without Rice or Merino? "This is what happens," Arteta replied. "We have to adapt to that context. That's why we have other players that can fulfill that [role] and [I can] give that opportunity to somebody else."

Perhaps those squad concerns never truly go away.

- James Olley, Senior Writer, ESPN FC

ARSENAL GIVEN CHANCE TO SIGN CHELSEA'S STERLING - SOURCES

Raheem Sterling has been told he is surplus to requirements at Chelsea. Jeff Dean/Getty Images

Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, sources have told ESPN.

The 29-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and sources have said he is keen to secure a permanent move to another Premier League club to revive his career at club and international level.

Chelsea want to offload his £325,000-a-week wage and are thought to be open to a loan deal given Sterling has three years remaining on his contract.

They have been in talks with Manchester United over a possible swap deal involving Jadon Sancho but that proposal remains complicated given the salary levels involved.

Juventus also remain interested in Sancho, while Sterling's camp have sounded out other options including Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta distanced the club from a move from Sterling last week despite speaking positively about his character after the pair worked together for three years at Manchester City.

However, Arsenal have been open to signing an attacking player throughout the window and are discussing their options, having also been linked with a late move for Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are closing in on the loan signing of Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto with the Brazilian set to undergo a medical on Friday morning, sources have told ESPN.

The 35-year-old has been identified by Arsenal as a back-up for first-choice goalkeeper David Raya and his arrival will enable Aaron Ramsdale to complete his move to Southampton.

As ESPN reported on Thursday, Ramsdale has agreed a deal worth up to £25 million ($33m) including add-ons. Sources have told ESPN that Arsenal are open to signing another goalkeeper on Friday if the right opportunity arises having allowed Karl Hein to go out on loan to Real Valladolid.

They have shown an interest in Espanyol's Joan García and have also been linked with Wigan's Sam Tickle. Sources added that Espanyol want a fee in excess of €20m ($22m) for Garcia.

RAHEEM STERLING SEEKING CLARITY AFTER CHELSEA SQUAD OMISSION

Raheem Sterling was left out of Chelsea's squad for their Premier League opener. Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images

Raheem Sterling wants clarity over his Chelsea future after being left out of the squad for Sunday's Premier League opener against Manchester City.

The 29-year-old played in all six matches during the club's preseason tour to the United States but was omitted from the matchday squad for Enzo Maresca's first competitive match in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca had earlier called the England international "an important player," with the expectation he was part of his plans despite speculation linking him with a potential move away from Chelsea.

Sources have told ESPN that Juventus are among the clubs interested in the forward's services.

When approached by ESPN for comment on Sunday's absence, Sterling's camp issued the following statement: "Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years.

He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.

"He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend's fixture in some capacity.

"As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem's future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation. Until then, we will continue to support Raheem's desire to start the new season positively."

Maresca responded to the Sterling's statement in his pre-match interview with Sky Sports.

"It's just a technical decision, nothing else," he said. "Managers are paid to make decisions and sometimes players don't like it."

Sterling joined Chelsea from Manchester City in July 2022 for £47.5 million ($61.5m) and he has made 81 appearances across all competitions, scoring 19 goals.

Chelsea are in talks with Atlético Madrid over signing forward João Félix in a deal which, if completed, could see Conor Gallagher move to the LaLiga club in a separate £34m transaction.

- James Olley, Senior Writer, ESPN FC

TIMO WERNER VS. RAHEEM STERLLING THIS SEASON

RAHREM STERLING JOINS THE 100 GOALS CLUB

 

ENGLAND VS. CROATIA | 1-0 | EURO 2020 | RAHEEM STERLING ON FIRE GOAL 🔥 | FRANK LAMPARD & RIO FERDINAND POST MATCH ANALYSIS

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER FINAL 2019: EPIC 7 GOAL THRILLER SEES TOTTENHAM THROUGH TO THE SEMIS

Tottenham Hotspur has won on goal away goals as the game stood at 4-4 aggregate. 

It was an epic battle between Tottenham and Manchester City with goals flying either side with VAR becoming a crucial decider of the game.  

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: MANCHESTER CITY OUTSHINE BARCELONA

Manchester City were sublime as they thrashed Barcelona 3-1...So far it is Pep Guardiola's significant win...

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: MANCHESTER CITY STOPED BY CELTIC

Celtic earn their first Group C point as they stop Manchester City's perfect run...Celtic and City squared off in a thriller that ended 3-3 in Glasgow...Moussa Dembele shook the net early in the 3rd minute and again in the 47th minute...Raheem Sterling was forced to provide an own goal by Kieran Tierney on the 20th minute...Fernandinho's strike leveled the game after Dembele's early goal and later Sterling picked himself up and made it up with a goal on the 28th minute mark...

Rodger's Celtic played very well and at times matching the quality of Pep Guardiola's style and quality of play...Manchester City are 2 points behind Group leaders Barcelona and the two will meet in Barcelona on 19th of October.

EPL: MANCHESTER CITY PUT 3 PAST SWANSEA

Pep and his Manchester City team are still cruizing into victory as they put 3 past Swansea City....The game ended 1-3 as Sergio Aguero put the visitors in front then Fernando Llorente scored his first Swansea goal trough a perfect volley...Aguero got a second goal through penalty after Kevin de Bruyne was elbowed by Mike van der Hoorn...Raheem Sterling put in a 3rd goal after a counter-attack...City were of mark in the 1st half but later they gained their composure and played well...Pep is the second manager to win his 1st six Premiership games after Carlo Ancelotti who took Chelsea to victory 2009-2010.

EPL: MANCHESTER CITY CONTINUE THEIR UNBEATEN RUN BY PUTTING 4 PAST BOURNEMOUTH

Manchester City easily beat AFC Bournemouth 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium today...Manchester City are 8 wins of 8 matches in all competitions...Kevin de Bruyne opened with a low shot after a foul by Jack Wilshire...Swift counter attacks produced two goals, one from Kelechi Iheanacho and the other from Raheem Sterling...Ilkay Gungdogan finished with the 4th goal and Nolito was sent off for an attemped head-butt.

EPL: MANCHESTER CITY BEAT WEST HAM 3-1

Pep Guardiola if off to a great start as his side beats West Ham 3-1...City was on form and West Ham were outplayed by City having 67% possession and 22 goals attempts...Raheem Sterling scored 2 goals and Luis Fernandinho had 1...The game was so one sided that it was a bit boring and maybe the bad part on City's side is when Aguero elbowed Reid in the second half...He may face disciplinary action.