Kevin Phillips went on to score 189 career goals - 93 of those in the English top-flight - while Jeffers managed a measly tally of four strikes in three years for the Gunners.

Phil Parkinson is poised to become the new manager of Sunderland. The 51-year old, who resigned as manager of crisis torn Bolton in August, is expected to be confirmed within 24 hours.

The Black Cats have appointed former Bradford boss Parkinson on a two-and-a-half year deal after he left Bolton Wanderers in August - he took the squad for training on Thursday.

Even Liverpool fans might laugh about it now. When your side is top of the league with eight wins from as many games, what really do you care about the past?

New manager Phil Parkinson has told Sunderland to forget their Premier League past as they attempt to drag themselves out of League One.

When Jordan Henderson leads Liverpool out at Old Trafford on Sunday to the sound of This Is The One by the Stone Roses, he finds himself in an exclusive club. He played in their last win there.

The Carabao Cup returns on Tuesday and League Two Crawley (left) will look to continue their unlikely run to the latter stages, while Frank Lampard (right) will eye revenge against Man United.

Manchester City host Southampton at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup as they look to add to Saints' misery after Leicester's nine goal thrashing of them last Friday.

JOE BERNSTEIN AT THE KASSAM STADIUM: An all-League One tie proved as close as the league positions suggested with only three points separating the clubs.

The American group who had been expected to complete a takeover of Sunderland have instead invested a 'very substantial sum' in the League One club.

ON THE ROAD: At what point did Sunderland go from being a big club that accidentally found themselves in League One, to becoming a genuine lower league outfit?

Goalkeepers adventuring off behind the goal in search of a ball is a routine sight on Sunday league pitches - but it's not something you expect in a 49,000-seater former top-flight stadium.

Sunderland supporters have reacted with concern after it was revealed owner Stewart Donald has secured a £9million loan from American investors against the club's stadium and training ground.

Simon Mignolet has revealed he left Liverpool because he didn't believe he could compete with Alisson for a starting spot. The 31-year-old left the Reds to join Club Brugge in a £6.4m deal.

Midfielder Jack Rodwell could make a sensational return to the Premier League with Sheffield United. The 28-year-old has been training with the Blades in a bid to land a contract.

Aiden McGeady has been told to stay away from Sunderland's first team by manager Phil Parkinson because of his negative influence on the squad. He has been told to find a new club ahead of January.

The 25-year-old left-handed Brit, who made the world's top 30 as a teenager, revealed she has had more surgery, having not been able to play since April.

TOM FARMERY: For many it is a time to celebrate, rejoice and enjoy all that Christmas brings. The same can be said in the Premier League unless, of course, if you are bottom of the table.

Some caretakers managers have proved successful and gained the job permanently. Others have proved disastrous. Sportsmail take a look at some of the best and some of the worst.

The last decade has seen plenty of high-profile signings - and Sportsmail has already picked out the very best. Now it's time to go through the very worst. From 20 to 1, here's the full rundown.

Sunderland have confirmed that owner Stewart Donald is actively trying to sell the League One club after being urged to go by disgruntled fans.

Jordan Henderson has emerged as a key part of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side as they steam towards the Premier League title. Now he has been compared to Kevin De Bruyne.

Tensions boiled over in a meeting between the Sunderland hierarchy and the Fan Engagement Committee at the Stadium of Light in November, according to The Times.

The 28-year-old striker underwent his medical at the Serie A side earlier this week before the move confirmed by AC Milan on Tuesday afternoon.

Former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley admits he still gets the 'hairdryer' treatment from old boss Sir Alex Ferguson - a dozen years after being sold by the Old Trafford side.

The 16-year-old is turning heads after some impressive displays for the Black Cats' youth teams, and now the Red Devils want to secure his signature as they look to build for the future.

CHRIS SUTTON - FA CUP VERDICT: People from the North East live and breathe football. Walk around Newcastle city centre on any given day, and you'll see black and white stripes aplenty.

Three of the most memorable football matches of my youth were all very different. All are linked by one thing. On each occasion, a ticket was purchased on the day of the game.

EXCLUSIVE: Stewart Donald was targeted by Sunderland supporters as he left Fratton Park with his young son following Saturday's 2-0 defeat, before a group of Pompey fans came to his aid.

Sheffield United's latest win leaves them just two points off a Champions League spot, but how do they compare to other Premier League sides to have taken the top flight by storm following promotion.

Former England captain Dave Watson has a neurodegenerative disease that was 'most likely' brought on by head injuries and repeated heading of the ball during his playing days.

The early risers from Coventry City and Sunderland were able to compete for sob stories heading up Kingston Road to St Andrew's for League One's noon kick-off.

With the country heading into lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic, we could all soon find ourselves with plenty of time on our hands. So we came up with a few good ways to keep entertained.

EXCLUSIVE BY DAVID COVERDALE: Producers Fulwell 73 had planned for series two to be the last. But the suspension of this season may open the door for them to revisit their Sunderland story.

With football currently suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic, fans are left without a fix. However, as of Wednesday there will be some small respite.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY CRAIG HOPE:There is one scene that Charlie Methven - the overnight star of Sunderland 'Til I Die series two - had to watch through his fingertips.

Sunderland have placed its first-team players, contracted academy players and backroom staff on furlough leave due to coronavirus.

With exercise options reduced with gyms across the country now shut under government orders Lawrence is streaming his own brand of home workouts online at 8am every morning.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY IAN LADYMAN: There was a time when Mick McCarthy thought football was straightforward -but it didn't last very long into his career.

In his teen years, a professional deal at Sunderland was in the balance, but it was Henderson's well-known dedication and attitude which swung the decision in his favour.

Henderson has lifted the Champions League and is on the verge of winning the Premier League and Bruce insists he saw Henderson's devoted attitude and sense of authority straight away.

Ghana were on the verge of becoming the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final when they were awarded a penalty in added time of extra time after a Luis Suarez's handball.

SPECIAL REPORT: Sportsmail previously revealed that majority shareholder Stewart Donald used Sunderland's parachute payments to finance the majority of the £37m purchase of club.

KIERAN GILL: If only those Netflix cameras were stationed at Sunderland in 2007-08. Oh to be a fly on the wall for Roy Keane's first season as a manager in the Premier League.

After a four-hour match against Roger Federer, Andy Murray has a day less to prepare for the final than Novak Djokovic. But Andy is a very fit guy, and I’m not sure it makes that much difference.

The first thing Andy must do is forget the Verdasco match: it’s ancient history. Tennis is a problem-solving game and Andy successfully solved the problem. What was it? Maybe he played a little too defensively in the first two sets and, not unreasonably, expected the Spaniard to miss more than he did.

Where I come from this is what I call a popcorn match, it’s the type that you just want to sit back on the sofa and enjoy — and for me it is that kind of one-off contest which is too close to call.

Andy showed a lot of class and a lot of fight on Sunday. His dismantling of Novak Djokovic was a thing of beauty to watch. From the first ball, the crowd was engaged. I thought that was the most important factor.

During my spell working for the Lawn Tennis Association, I remember this skinny kid as a junior with a dream single-handed backhand — Dan Evans.

Andy Murray's former coach Brad Gilbert tells you all you need to know on the top men's seeds at this year's Wimbledon Championships.