Philippa Kaur

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    F1 boss Christian Horner puts year from hell behind him as he collects CBE with wife Geri by his side

    FORMULA 1 boss Christian Horner put his hellish year behind him as he collected a CBE — with Spice Girl wife Geri by his side.The Red Bull chief, 51, picked up the gong from King Charles yesterday for his services to motorsports.F1 boss Christian Horner put his hellish year behind him as he collected a CBE — with Spice Girl wife Geri by his sideHorner picked up the gong from King Charles for his services to motorsportsCredit: PAGeri, 52, looked more Posh than Baby Spice in a netted veil and headband.The award capped a rollercoaster year for the racing boss who was cleared after being accused of sending intimate texts to a colleague.He said about meeting the King at the ceremony in Buckingham Palace: “He was charming.”Horner was accused of sending the intimate late-night texts to the woman, in her 40s, who reported him to HR executives at the racing team.READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNERIt sparked a months-long internal misconduct probe which threatened to force Horner, who has led Red Bull since 2005, to leave in disgrace.And it even put his marriage in jeopardy with the allegations leaving Geri “mortified and angry” at her husband of nine years.An internal probe cleared Horner in February and his accuser’s appeal was thrown out in August, with Horner adding he was “relieved” to be in the clear.Now he and Geri, who share a seven-year-old son, are said to be putting the furore behind them and moving on.Most read in MotorsportLast Friday the couple put on a smitten display during the FIA Awards in Kigali, Rwanda.Horner has also mended the bridge with Max Verstappen’s dad Jos – who was said to be pushing for his sacking during the investigation.Inside Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen’s feud More

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    When is the Carabao Cup semi-final draw? Start time, live stream FREE, TV channel, ball numbers and results

    CARABAO CUP draws are often known for throwing up some blockbuster ties – and the semi-final encounters will be no different!Arsenal will be in the hat after Gabriel Jesus inspired a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.Gabriel Jesus scored a stunning hat-trick against PalaceCredit: APWhile Premier League leaders Liverpool overcame struggling Southampton 2-1 to progress.Newcastle defeated Brentford 3-1 with Sandro Tonali netting twice in the first half.The final quarter-final before the big draw sees Manchester United travel to Tottenham.When is Carabao Cup semi-final draw?The Carabao Cup semi-final draw will take place on Thursday, December 19.It will begin shortly after the conclusion of Tottenham’s blockbuster quarter-final match against Manchester United which kicks-off at 8pm GMT.Meaning the draw is likely to start from around 10:30pm GMT depending on stoppage time and penalties if it goes that far.Read more on Carabao CupWhat TV channel is the Carabao Cup semi-final draw on and can it be live streamed for FREE?The Carabao Cup semi-final draw will be shown LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.Subscribers of NOW TV can watch the draw via the NOW TV or Sky Sports app,However, the Carabao Cup semi-final draw will be broadcast for FREE on the official Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog is set to have the entire coverage of the draw.When will the Carabao Cup semi-final matches take place?Carabao Cup semi-final first leg matches are set to take place on Wednesday, January 8While the second leg encounters are set to get underway on Wednesday, February 5.Carabao Cup quarter-final schedule and resultsWednesday, December 18Most read in FootballArsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace – 7:30pm GMT (Sky Sports Main Event)Newcastle 3-1 Brentford – 7:45pm GMT (Sky Sports +)Southampton 2-1 Liverpool – 8pm GMT (Sky Sports Football)Thursday, December 19Tottenham vs Manchester United – 8pm GMT (Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football) More

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    Fans furious Crystal Palace ‘robbed’ in Arsenal clash with Gabriel Jesus ‘clearly offside’ for crucial goal

    FANS fumed at Crystal Palace being “robbed” against Arsenal with Gabriel Jesus’ goal “clearly offside”. The North Londoners are into the Carabao Cup semi-final following a dramatic 3-2 win against Crystal Palace. Fans were convinced Gabriel Jesus was offsideJesus bagged a hat-trick, while Jean-Philippe Mateta and former Gunner Eddie Nketiah scored for Palace. But controversy struck for Jesus’ second goal as fans were convinced replays proved the striker was offside. Bukayo Saka played through Jesus, who hammered past Dean Henderson as fans fumed online. One said: “Anyone with eyes can see Gabriel Jesus is clearly offside before he scored. READ MORE IN football “Arsenal can consider themselves extremely lucky here. It’s almost like these officials forgot how to do their jobs without VAR.”Another added: “The linesman had a CLEAR view but STILL couldn’t see that Gabriel Jesus was OFFSIDE!”One raged: “Gabriel Jesus is clearly offside in the second goal. Crystal Palace have been robbed!”But another argued: “He’s not. The the defender above him puts him onside.” Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSVAR is not used up until the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup – as Arsenal progressed into the last four alongside Newcastle and Liverpool. Jesus said: “I have scored a lot of goals but sometimes I have this problem with a lack of goals.Enzo Maresca breaks silence on Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drugs test and gives update on his Chelsea future“I can create, I can make assist, I can run and help the team defending. “When I score everyone sees, but when I don’t they want their striker to score goals and I agree with that.“That is why I am working a lot in training, finishing more, putting myself in a good position to finish the action. I think my hard work has paid off.”Jesus got his hands on the match ballCredit: AP More

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    Ange Postecoglou tipped to keep to Tottenham second season promise ahead of crunch Man Utd clash in Carabao Cup

    STEPHEN CARR knows all about beating Manchester United in a big League Cup tie.Just over 26 years ago, defender Carr was part of the Tottenham team that stunned Sir Alex Ferguson’s soon-to-be Treble winners with a 3-1 quarter-final home win.Ange Postecoglou will try to navigate his Tottenham side past Manchester United in the Carabao CupCredit: GettyStephen Carr helped Spurs to a cup tie victory over the Red Devils in 1998Credit: GettyChris Armstrong (twice) and David Ginola scored against a weakened Red Devils — albeit one that included Ryan Giggs, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham.But it was a great Spurs cup night at the old stadium in an era with very few of them.Former right-back Carr, 48, told SunSport in association with William Hill: “Manchester United were very successful back then, but the League Cup wasn’t as important. Their eyes were on the treble.“So it was a great time to play them.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUnited were the last of the big guns left in the competition that season, so the draw opened up nicely for Tottenham.They took full advantage. After sneaking past Wimbledon in the semi-finals, 10-man Tottenham — following Justin Edinburgh’s red card — saw off Leicester at Wembley with Allan Nielsen’s late winner.But today, Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs are unlikely to have it that easy in the latter stages.They might have dumped out League Cup specialists Manchester City but Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle are waiting in the wings if they see off United.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSYet Carr — who played every minute of that 1999 final — reckons Postecoglou can keep his second-season promise and lead Tottenham to a first trophy since 2008.He said: “They can definitely win the cup, but it’s a very strong line-up.Ange Postecoglou reacts to Tottenham’s 4-3 loss to Chelsea “People say the top teams don’t care about this competition — but there are some massive clubs still in there.“There’s no reason why Spurs can’t win it. Postecoglou said he always wins a trophy in his second season, so fingers crossed he does.“Tottenham can beat anybody on their day. They’re unbelievable, especially at home. If they play like we know they can, they can turn over Manchester United.“The problem is they’ve struggled getting back-to-back results.“They get an unbelievable result like against Manchester City and then one like Ipswich. They’re so up and down.”Carr spent 11 years at Tottenham from 1993 to 2004, when they finished between seventh and 15th.So the cups were often seen as a welcome break.During that 1998-1999 season, the 11 games Spurs won in the two domestic cups — they also reached the FA Cup semi-finals — was as many as they managed in the Premier League.And Carr reckons the cups could favour Spurs again this season, saying: “There’s a gap between cup games so out of all the teams left in the competition, cup football suits them most because they’re not as consistent.“The other big boys go on long winning runs, whereas Tottenham don’t.”During December, Spurs play nine times across three competitions.Along with the League Cup, they are in the Europa League — as well as challenging for the Prem’s top four.But Carr believes their 17-year trophy drought means this last-eight tie is the biggest of the lot.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “It’ll be a big statement to beat Manchester United. They are starting to play now. It’s not the same team who were struggling under Erik ten Hag.“Going into the festive period, this is the most important game for Spurs. Fans would rather go to Wembley and win a trophy than get back into the Champions League.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace LIVE RESULT: Gabriel Jesus hits stunning HAT-TRICK as Gunners reach Carabao Cup semi-final

    ARSENAL have beaten Crystal Palace 3-2 to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.Gabriel Jesus scored a stunning second-half hat-trick as the Gunners fought back in some style after going a goal down early after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s strike.Former Gunner Eddie Nketiah netted a late header to set up a thrilling finale, but the hosts held on and will be in tomorrow’s draw for the final four.Kick-off time: 7.30pm GMTLive stream: NOW TVTV channel: Sky Sports Main EventArsenal starting team: Raya; Partey, Timber, Kiwior, Tierney; Jorginho, Merino, Nwaneri; Sterling, Trossard, JesusPalace starting team: Henderson; Guehi, Chalobah, Lacroix; Kporha, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; MatetaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the Emirates with our live blog below…Owners with January dilemma to addressThe big question in the Arsenal boardroom over the next couple of weeks will no doubt be the impending transfer window.They will feel that they have backed Mikel Arteta with transfer funds but whether they give him a kitty to strengthen in the middle of the season is another thing.Despite all the signings, they do not seem to have the required depth needed to challenge for silverware on all fronts, that was underpinned tonight by having to bring Odegaard on at the interval.It will be interesting to see how things develop as this will tell us whether they feel the Spaniard has already had enough to achieve their goals.Copy linkCopiedForward hits back at criticsArsenal’s hat-trick hero spoke with Sky Sports after the game on his performance against Crystal Palace this evening.You know what, I am the kind of player who can score goals. I can drop off, come short and link play. But there are times where the goals do not come.That is why I am working a lot in training on my finishing. I think today my hard work paid off.Gabriel JesusArsenalCopy linkCopiedProof is in the puddingGabriel Jesus fits the mould of the many strikers who focus far too much on linking play than having that hunger to score.Dropping deep, making runs into the channels out wide and offering yourself as an option to midfielders takes one of the main threats that is required of a striker away.All too often teams with these kinds of players get quality balls into the box and there is nobody there to get on the end of it.It seemed this evening that the Brazilian spent more time in the penalty area and as a result, he got his rewards for it.Copy linkCopiedHome is where the heart isCrystal Palace have a difficult run of fixtures ahead, where they will play two of the top four in their league fixtures.The one thing they can look forward to is having so many home fixtures to utilise.Selhurst Park can be an intimidating place to visit when The Eagles are on it and they are more than capable of an upset.Copy linkCopiedArteta waits for semi-final drawThere are some interesting potentials for The Gunners in the next round of the Carabao Cup.Newcastle beat Brentford 3-1 to book their place, while Liverpool edged out Southampton 2-1 at St Mary’s.With Man Utd and Tottenham still to play, it could even be a North London derby in the semi-finals to add a little spice to the competition.Copy linkCopiedReady Eddie makes claim for startEddie Nketiah will have done himself no harm this evening in letting the manager know he is hungry for starts.Oliver Glasner seems to pick Jean-Philippe Mateta as his first-choice striker but he may have to rethink his tactics.If he could make room for both strikers in his side, it would certainly add some firepower to The Eagles.The former Arsenal man took his goal well to make it a nervy end to the game in North London.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedGunners off on their travelsArsenal will need to work on their away form over the Christmas fixture period.They have some tricky fixtures on the road coming up.Arteta will be pleased that they have finally scored from open play this evening to get that monkey off their back.Copy linkCopiedBoss shows where priorities lieAt a crucial point in this game, with the scores level, Oliver Glasner brought off Mateta and Eze.It seemed more important to the Palace manager to have his players fit for their weekend clash with The Gunners at Selhurst Park.Always a strange one to get your head around when you have got as far as the quarter-final stage.Securing their Premier League status for another season comes with far greater financial rewards, that is for sure.Copy linkCopiedYoungster needs to bounce backEthan Nwaneri will have to put this performance behind him.It is never nice to get the hook at half-time but Arteta saw fit for him to make way for Martin Odegaard.The young midfielder has a long career ahead of him, there will no doubt be a few poor performances from time to time.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGunners up against it, Jesus savesIt was a night to remember for Gabriel Jesus.The striker had been on something of a goal drought this season and questions were being asked about his returns for Arsenal.He answered his critics in the perfect fashion as he bagged three goals to see his side through to the semi-finals.The Brazilian just has to try and find some room in his bag for that match ball now.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedItalian gets back to basicsJorginho is never going to set a football pitch alight.That is not his game, what he does mainly goes under the radar.However, what he did tonight was just what The Gunners needed as he patrolled the midfield areas breaking up play.Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 3-2 Crystal PalaceIt was a game of two halves at The Emirates.Once Odegaard came on, they looked a different team.Might be a good time for him to ask for a pay rise, he carries this Arsenal team.Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 3-2 Crystal PalaceThe referee brings the game to a close.Arsenal are through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals.An entertaining game in North London.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace90+4. It is baffling how many empty seats there are in the ground now.This game is finely poised still but apparently missing the traffic is more important than catching the action.’Prawn sandwich brigade’ as Roy Keane would call them.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace90+2. Time is running out for The Eagles.They need to throw caution to the wind now.You don’t get anything for running teams close in football.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace90. Nketiah is looking lively up top.He beat Saliba for pace there and cuts the ball back from the byline but no Palace player can get on the end of it.We may yet have late drama here.Don’t forget, there is no extra time tonight, if the visitors equalise we will have penalties.There will be five added minutes.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace88. The Gunners should have enough to see this out.Chalobah felt he was fouled by Merino so grabs the ball as he goes down.The referee disagrees and penalises him for handball.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace86. Kiwior is coming off for Gabriel.That says a lot about Arteta’s mindset now.He wants to hold on to what they have.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedArsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace84. Well, that should make for a more exciting climax.As the cross comes into the box, Nketiah gets up and heads past Raya from some distance.Great goal from the former Gunner.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Eddie Nketiah (Crystal Palace)Copy linkCopiedArsenal 3-1 Crystal Palace82. Well this has definitely made the trip to The Emirates worthwhile for all those Arsenal fans.A Gabriel Jesus hat-trick is rare commodity.It is like having watched the moon landings live.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 3-1 Crystal Palace80. Jesus is slotted clean through on goal.As Henderson comes out to close him down, he passes it into the far corner.It is a hat-trick for the Brazilian.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace78. Henderson comes out to the collect the ball on the edge of his box.He almost carries the ball out of the penalty area with him.Arsenal are briming with confidence right now.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace76. You feel Arsenal will have too much for the visitors now.With Saka and Odegaard on the pitch, they are able to open up Crystal Palace at will.It is hard to see a way back into this game for Glasner’s side.Copy linkCopied More

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    Southampton 1 Liverpool 2: Arne Slot watches on from stands as much-changed Reds cling on to reach last four

    ARNE SLOT will have enjoyed the shelter of Southampton’s press box, but he will not have been sitting comfortably.The Liverpool manager, in the stands due to suspension, watched as his much changed side had to hang on to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.Arne Slot watched victory from the standsCredit: ReutersLiverpool are into the semi-finalsCredit: RexSouthampton had looked to be waving the holders through to the last four after a tepid first half.It had not been much better than the performance against Tottenham on Sunday which got Russell Martin sacked.Liverpool took advantage, with Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott giving them a comfortable lead.But changes at the break and a step up from Saints made for a tense second half – sparked by Cameron Archer’s strike.READ MORE IN football Simon Rusk, the Under-21s coach who only arrived in the summer, was given the ‘privilege’ of stepping in as interim following Martin’s sacking.It is not an attractive job for many coaches, but fans will at least take comfort that Rusk got them showing some fight – eventually.The former Brighton, Nottingham Forest and England youth coach named a strong side given there is little need to save players for their doomed Premier League campaign.Slot had left seven first team regulars, including Mohammed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, on Merseyside.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSVan Dijk’s absence and Ibrahima Konate being injured meant midfielder Wataru Endo started at centre-back, while teenager Trey Nyoni was handed a full debut.If Martin was watching from home, he would not have liked that the first action without him in the dugout was a lumped ball forwards from kick-off.While that drew some ironic cheers, there was soon a sign that Southampton’s woes had not all been down to Martin as more mistakes – and the rank weather – combined to give Liverpool the open.Trent Alexander-Arnold, captain on the night, spun away from Matheus Fernandes deep in his own half and looked to thread a left-footed ball through for Nunez.Jan Bednarek swung a leg at the pass and sent the ball looping towards his own goal, dropping in acres of space for the Liverpool striker.Alex McCarthy dropped instead of coming out to engage Nunez and slipped on the greasy surface, making it easy for the Uruguayan to finish before cocking his ear to the home fans – who had been calling him a “s*** Andy Carroll”.The goal saw Southampton drop, in an effort to avoid crumbling like they did against Spurs, and afforded Liverpool control.But this Southampton defence is one of the most obliging in Europe and, despite having one bank of five and another of four ahead, still left gaps.Darwin Nunez opened the scoringCredit: GettyTrent Alexaner-Arnold embraces NunezCredit: PACody Gakpo drifted into one of those, before exchanging passes with Endo and feeding Elliott.The tenacious midfielder controlled well and saw his shot take a slight deflection off Ryan Manning before nestling in the back of the net.Their progress had been so straightforward in the first half that Slot decided to hook Alexander-Arnold, who had been dictating, at the break.Another one resting up, as Federico Chiesa was sent on for some precious minutes while Joe Gomez was also given the second half off.But Southampton hit back, in comical and clinical fashion.The lively Fernandes looked to thump a ball forwards but sent it square into Endo’s face.With the Japanese midfield starry-eyed on the floor the ball fell for Archer, who cut inside Jarrell Quansah and Tyler Morton before lashing into the far post.St. Mary’s was suddenly alive and would have erupted if, two minutes later, Archer had managed to convert a far easier chance.Harvey Elliot scored the deciding goalCredit: RexIt sent the Reds throughCredit: AFPSub Yuki Sugawara bent a cross into the small striker, whose soft touch allowed Kelleher to save before Morton hooked clear. Neither should have been given a chance.Despite being tested, Liverpool continued to hook the experienced figures as Alexis Mac Allister and then Gakpo were replaced.Amidst the wind and rain there was a sense that, despite all their failings, Southampton had a chance here.They were much improved and caused continuous problems.Liverpool had the opportunity to extinguish that hope, but Taylor Harwood-Bellis recovered to block from Chiesa on the line – as he would do in added time.Rusk sent on towering striker Paul Onuachu, who within seconds had pinched the ball from Nyoni but could not take advantage of the break.The striker, dubbed Tall Paul, should have grabbed a leveller when meeting Kamaldeen Sulemana’s cross, but miss-hit and wasted the opportunity.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe hosts rained long throws and corners into their box and had a huge injury time penalty shout waved away as Quansah dragged down Fernandes.Liverpool were now the ones looking ropey, but just about managed to hang on.Cameron Archer pulled one back lateCredit: GettyThere was late hope for the SaintsCredit: Rex More

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    Arsenal player ratings: Gabriel Jesus resurrects Gunners career with three fine finishes but Sterling still yet to shine

    GABRIEL JESUS netted a hat-trick to see Arsenal into the Carabao Cup Semi-Finals after the Gunners found themselves 1-0 down within three minutes. Disaster looked like it had struck in just the third minute when Jakub Kiwior failed to clear a Dean Henderson long ball up the pitch, which allowed Jean Phillipe Mateta to open the scoring. Gabriel Jesus scored a hat-trick against Crystal PalaceCredit: ReutersRaheem Sterling continued to struggle in an Arsenal shirtCredit: GettyThe chances came and went for Arsenal, with Raheem Sterling missing from just inches out TWICE which saw it 1-0 at the break. Mikel Arteta made two key changes which changed the game for the Gunners, one of which was the magisterial Martin Odegaard who almost instantly set up Jesus to level things up. And before you knew it Jesus, who looked like his career was over as Arsenal’s number nine, had buried two more fine finishes to secure the Gunners’ victory.A late consolation from returning striker Eddie Nketiah was not enough to see Palace get back in the game. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHere’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players…DAVID RAYA – 7/10Didn’t have much to do after conceding to Jean Phillipe Mateta early inside three minutes, and there wasn’t a whole lot he could do about the goal. Claimed crosses well and distributed well from the back too, another pretty solid performance. THOMAS PARTEY – 4Sideways. Backwards. Sideways. Backwards. Sideways…Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSYou get the jist – very poor in an attacking sense and seemed laborious throughout the game.Was hooked at half-time and replaced by the imperious William Saliba. JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Was physically targeted by Mateta in the first half, but stood up to him fairly well before moving to right-back in the second half. Watch Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s hilarious reaction after being called out by boxing champ Oleksandr UsykWas significantly improved as a full-back, and provided impetus and energy on the flank. JAKUB KIWIOR – 4Failed to deal with a long ball over the top, which saw Mateta shrug him off and slot home Palace’s opening goal. Improved in the second half, but looked a class apart from William Saliba next to him. KIERAN TIERNEY  – 7Kieran Tierney impressed on his return to the teamCredit: GettyMade his first start for Arsenal in 584 days, and fans were excited to see him get down the left-hand side and put crosses into the box, which he delivered.A solid showing on his return to the side, he should’ve been rewarded with an assist but for the finishing of Raheem Sterling. JORGINHO – 4Kept things ticking over in midfield for the Gunners as he has for much of his career. Didn’t show any sort of cutting edge though, and looked like his legs were gone in the second half. Didn’t look any better than his opposite number Will Hughes. MIKEL MERINO – 4Tough to really see what he provides to this Arsenal team, or why he was bought in. Sometimes showed moments of quality with his passing, but still looks worlds away from Granit Xhaka whom he ‘replaced’. ETHAN NWANERI – 6Ethan Nwaneri impressed before he was subbed offCredit: GettyThe youngster who has more than impressed in his time at Arsenal so far was probably their most eloquent attacker on the night. He’s no Martin Odegaard yet, but showed heaps of promise and out-performed stars on heaps more money than he is. Was replaced at half-time by Martin Odegaard. RAHEEM STERLING – 3Forced a good save from Dean Henderson with a dangerous free-kick in the first half but often took too long on the ball and lost possession. Missed a huge chance early in the second half from a few yards out, before somehow hitting the bar with the rebound. We are still waiting to see the best of him in an Arsenal shirt, as he promised. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Was a threat to Crystal Palace in the first half, but ultimately lacked any sort of end product, often being let down by his touch and finish. To give him some credit, he worked infinitely harder than any other Arsenal attacker.GABRIEL JESUS – 10Jesus got to keep the match ballCredit: GettyJust when Gabriel Jesus’ career looked dead and buried as Arsenal’s number nine, it was resurrected by three brilliant finishes to win the game for the Gunners. The first was a delicate chip over Dean Henderson after showing great tenacity to stay on his feet, the second a composed finish into the bottom left corner and the third almost a replica of the second. Jesus and Christmas time, a match made in heaven.SUBS:MARTIN ODEGAARD (ETHAN NWANERI, 64) – 9Replacing his apprentice at half-time, he instantly showed why he’s the master. An eye of the needle pass into the feet of Gabriel Jesus allowed Arsenal to equalise, before he delivered again for Jesus to net his third.He was generally the shot of quality Arsenal needed in the 2nd half, and a pleasure to watch with the ball under his spell. WILLIAM SALIBA  (THOMAS PARTEY, 64) – 7A calming presence for this Arsenal team, as soon as he came on they looked 10x better. Was out-jumped by ex-teammate Eddie Nketiah who scored a brilliant header to provide a nervy ending for the home fans. BUKAYO SAKA (RAHEEM STERLING, 69) – 8 Came on and instantly showed Raheem how it’s done. Just a few touches before a perfect ball into Gabriel Jesus who finished brilliantly, that’s why he’s the starboy. MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY  (KIERAN TIERNEY, 69) – 6Another confident performance from Hale End’s latest superstar, he is growing into the side really well. Ultimately didn’t have too much of the ball or really offer the threat that Tierney did, but with limited game time it was another good showing with minutes in the tank. READ MORE SUN STORIESGABRIEL (JAKUB KIWIOR, 87) – 6Was crucially in the right place to clear an Eddie Nketiah cross which could’ve levelled the scoring at the end. Didn’t have much time to impact the game, but his return was welcomed and he was strong in the air to see out the match. Who are these famous footballers? 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    Newcastle 3 Brentford 1: Sandro Tonali’s first-half double sends Toon one step closer to first trophy in nearly 70 YEARS

    SANDRO TONALI finally took centre stage at Newcastle – and you can bet your bottom dollar he has the Toon Army dreaming of silverware.The Magpies, who have not lifted a domestic trophy since 1955, are a step closer after the Italian single-handidly downed Brentford.Newcastle sealed qualification to the Carabao Cup semi-finalsCredit: ReutersSandro Tonali fired Newcastle to victory with a braceCredit: AlamyFabian Schar sealed qualification for Newcastle in the Carabao CupCredit: AlamyBrentford got a consolation with a late goal by Yoane WissaCredit: GettyAnd it could prove to be a fairytale finish if the second coming of the Italian Stallion on Tyneside keeps producing nights like this.The midfielder, 24, scored his first goals since his debut in August 2023 and has had to wait since then for a performance as magical as this.Newcastle forked out £55million to bring Tonali to Tyneside to help them end their long drought for a cup.That momentum from his brilliant scoring bow quickly evaporated when he was hit with a ten-month betting ban.Read More on FootballNow he is back and ready to repay the faith and support from Newcastle and their fans by delivering the Carabao Cup.Less than ten minutes were on the clock when Tino Liramento’s low cross from the right was cleared to the edge of the area by the Bees’ backline.But it was met by the charging Tonali, and he drilled home from 20 yards to send St James’ Park wild.The party, however, threatened to be pooped big style when Yoane Wissa was picked out by Kevin Schade in the Newcastle box.Most read in FootballThe Brentford forward attempted to go round Toon goalie Martin Dubravka, who got a touch to the ball, and threw himself to the ground but the ref was having none of it and with no VAR play continued.And the nightmare start soon got even worse for Thomas Frank with the Brentford boss now looking set to be without TWO defenders for the festive period. Former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew reveals why he axed Hatem Ben Arfa despite him being an ‘unbelievable talent’ Sepp van den Berg pulled out of the starting XI with an injury in the warm-up, replaced by Nathan Collins, and then Ethan Pinnock hobbled off.And only a lengthy stoppage for Joelinton to receive treatment for a nasty cut on his mouth stopped the hosts from building up a head of steam.But after both Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon had curled wide, it was time for Tonali to get his adoring public back on their feet.Gordon floated a corner in, and with the Bees defence too busy trying to block Joelinton, Tonali had the freedom of the Leazes End to nip in and volley home unmarked.The main man then linked up with Bruno Guimaraes and teed up Murphy, but the woodwork denied him a third before the break.In truth, apart from Tonali, there was not much quality on display and Brentford failed to offer much after the restart.Newcastle score a thirdThey did give Newcastle one scare as Keane Lewis-Potter got away from Livramento and forced Dubravka into action at his near post.Up the other end, Murphy curled another wide after a brilliant move but Toon eventually got a third as the Bees threw in the towel with just over 20 to go.Lewis Hall’s shot was saved after a corner routine, but Bruno reacted quickest and unselfishly rolled the ball across for Fabian Schar to tap home into an empty net.Unfortunately for the Swiss defender and captain Bruno both had already been booked for first half challenges on Fabio Carvalho and Ben Mee respectively.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd in what was the only sour point of the evening, which nearly got better as sub Harvey Barnes was prevented a fourth by the woodwork, that means the key pair will both be suspended for the semi-final first-leg next month.Brentford pulled one back right at the death as Yoane Wissa finished off a counter – but nothing was stopping Tonali from being the talk of the Toon. More