Philippa Kaur

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    Michail Antonio reveals he was barred from entering the UK after passport blunder in nightmare international break

    WEST HAM star Michail Antonio has lifted the lid on the passport nightmare that stopped him playing for Jamaica during the international break.The Hammers striker visited his academy in Ghana and intended to fly via London to meet up with the Jamaica squad for Tuesday’s game against the USA.Michail Antonio was unable to play for Jamaica during the international breakCredit: GettyHe lost his British passport and travelled to Africa on his Jamaican documents.But he was not allowed to go back because Jamaican passport-holders need a visa to enter the UK.Antonio said: “So I got stuck in Ghana. I got an emergency passport just to get back to the UK.“Then I wasn’t able to sort out a visa to fly to America because I couldn’t get a visa on my Jamaican passport.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAntonio has earned 21 caps for Jamaica, scoring five goals.He has started nine of West Ham’s 11 Premier League games so far this season.But his only goal of the campaign came in a 4-1 win over Ipswich back on October 5.Summer signing Niclas Fullkrug was tipped to replace Antonio in Julen Lopetegui’s side.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut the Germany international, 31, has not featured since the end of August due to an Achilles tendon injury.West Ham are languishing in 14th place ahead of their trip to Newcastle on Monday.I disliked football so much I prayed for injury, says West Ham hero Michail Antonio as he bravely opens up about therapyLopetegui, who replaced David Moyes, is already under pressure in his first season at the club.The Hammers have won just two of their last 10 games in all competitions. More

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    Huge pop star loses £20,000 bet on Leicester vs Chelsea clash as fans say ‘never back the early kick-off’

    AMERICAN pop star Jason Derulo lost a massive bet after placing £20,000 on Leicester to beat Chelsea today.The crooner backed the Foxes to triumph in Saturday’s early kick-off with a tasty fee.Pop star Jason Derulo lost a £20,000 bet on Leicester’s 2-1 defeat to ChelseaCredit: GettyDerulo backed the Foxes to win but they were well beaten by the BluesCredit: GettyBut it backfired as visitors Chelsea romped to a 2-1 win at the King Power Stadium.Derulo was in London this week after releasing fifth studio album ‘Nu King’ this year.And while in the capital, he decided to have a punt on the footy.The Florida-born singer, who shot to fame with 2009 hit ‘Watcha Say’, opted for the 12.30pm early kick-off between Leicester and Chelsea.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet despite the gulf between the two sides in the Premier League table, Derulo opted to back Leicester for the win.And he put his money where his mouth is by dropping a crisp £20k on Steve Cooper’s relegation-threatened side.A video posted online by Derulo saw him say: “Alright people I’m in the UK right now.“You know when I’m in the UK it’s all about football. So my team Leicester is playing against Chelsea.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I got $25,000 (£20k) on my team Leicester. Who you got?”Unfortunately for Derulo, the act backfired as Leicester crumbled in a one-sided match. Chelsea player ratings: Enzo Fernandez silences his doubters but Robert Sanchez endures a few shaky moments vs LeicesterThe Foxes were second-best as their only shot on target came through a late penalty.And fans warned Derulo he made a mistake with his choice.One said: “Never back the early kick off.”Another declared: “Blud’s not getting that money back.”One noted: “Waste of money mate.”Another added: “He made the cardinal sin.” More

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    Fulham 1 Wolves 4: Gary O’Neil shows Molineux faithful why he’s still in charge by thumping high-flying Cottagers

    IT PAYS sometimes in football to stick with what you have and not make a drastic change.And how Wolves must be grateful, if not a bit smug, they persevered with Gary O’Neil even when the calls to axe him grew louder and louder.Gary O’Neil silenced the doubters as his Wolves side ran riot at FulhamCredit: PAThe visitors were a goal down before firing FOUR past their hostsCredit: RexMolineux supporters may have been divided about whether the Englishman should have carried on as results got worse.Issuing a P45 during the international break would have been an ideal opportunity for the hierarchy, especially as the side languished in the Premier League bottom three.But O’Neil has never lost the faith of the players and as this comeback romp over Fulham showed, they are fighting for him with every sinew.Matheus Cunha and Joao Gomes will get the plaudits and rightly so but overall all 15 Wolves stars put up a fight, amid difficult and testing circumstances, to register back-to-back Premier League victories.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is also their first league success on the road since defeating Tottenham in February – how easier O’Neil would have felt on the coach home last night despite the ringing wet coat.It was a soggy, gusty, grey and generally miserable afternoon in West London and the wintry conditions were particularly testing given the slippery surface underfoot.Wolves debuted their third kit, a garish purple number, and their defensive problems worsened pre-game as Craig Dawson, a pillar of the team, was ruled out through sickness.It meant three of their four centre-halves were unavailable for the Craven Cottage trip and emergency measures had to be taken with midfielder Mario Lemina working in tandem alongside defender Toti Gomes.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe skipper had to take evasive action on 17 minutes when the lively Antonee Robinson crossed from the left.As he stretched to clear, the ball deflected off Lemina’s foot and then Fulham striker Raul Jimenez, a former Wolves player, saw his snapshot crash off the crossbar.The Premier League’s Top 10 sexiest managers according to AIThree minutes later, Lemina and the rest of his teammates at the back were culpable for not clearing their lines.Eventually possession fell to Kenny Tete and Alex Iwobi controlled the short pass and then curled a magnificent effort with his left that goalkeeper Jose Sa could not reach.It was a stunner, a contender for goal of the month, and took the Nigerian’s tally for the season to three goals.Fulham were deserving of their lead but Wolves got back into the contest thanks to a moment of magic.Alex Iwobi put Fulham ahead at Craven CottageCredit: PAMatheus Cunha levelled things up as Wolves fought backCredit: PAGabon international Lemina reminded us that he is a makeshift defender as he picked out Cunha with a superb 30-yard long pass just after the half an hour mark.The Brazilian showed off his samba skills, taking it with right and though the ball bounced off his groin, he delicately flicked it beyond Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.A decent Wolves following had made the trip and they were in full and fine voice on 53 minutes despite the driving rain.After some intricate passing involving Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Cunha on the edge of the Fulham box, the ball was fed to Joao Gomes.Joao Gomes put the visitors ahead in the second halfCredit: ReutersCunha scored a wonder strike to make it 3-1Credit: RexAnd the Brazilian showed terrific awareness and finishing, taking it with his right and shooting with his left, to guide his attempt past Leno. It was his second goal in three matches.Cunha thought he had a second when he latched on to a misplaced pass by Fulham’s Tom Cairney but despite dancing through the defence, his strike deflected wide.He had to be patient and wait until three minutes from normal time when his exceptional finish beat Leno and capped an important win for the visitors.The fourth goal came deep into stoppage time when substitute Goncalo Guedes benefited from a quick counter-attack and clinically beat Leno.Goncalo Guedes added Wolves’ fourth at the deathCredit: GettyO’Neil has shown why Wolves were right to stick with himCredit: GettyHarry Wilson is Fulham’s supersub and his three goals before the break had helped the Cottagers register 18 points – their highest top-flight tally after 11 games since 1960.The Welshman came on again as a sub – boss Marco Silva is clearly a hard man to impress – but there was no late intervention this time.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis biggest contribution was a shot from distance that hit the crossbar.But Fulham, apart from a brilliant opening 30 minutes, were very poor in the closing stages. More

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    Everton 0 Brentford 0: Sean Dyche’s job hanging by a thread as he’s let down badly by flops that just can’t score

    STORM DYCHE hit Goodison Park full force after a pitiful performance against ten-man Brentford.The force of it, amidst the boos and howls of derision that met the final whistle, will have suggested to boss Sean that his time in charge is about to run out fast.Sean Dyche was let down by his wasteful stars as 10-man Brentford escaped Goodison Park with a pointCredit: GettyChristian Norgaard was sent off for a foul on Jordan Pickford in the first halfCredit: RexThomas Frank’s side hadn’t kept a clean sheet all season and few would have bet on them ending that run after Christian Norgaard was harshly red-carded for catching England No 1 Jordan Pickford.Referee Chris Kavanagh was called to the touchline screen to review the incident by VAR Matt Donohue and having blissfully unaware of any malicious intent by Norgaard then dismissed him.Yet the Bees didn’t have to be heroes to hold out with Dyche’s players, who had started so brightly, pitiful in the second half.With Dan Friedkin soon to move in as new owner and a forthcoming fixture list from hell kicking in Dyche is fighting for his job, let down badly by a side that just can’t score – that just ten goals from twelve games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey  have made a habit of starting games fast but then blowing out and so it proved once again.By the fourth minute Mark Flekken, having already made more saves than any Prem goalkeeper this season, had two more crucial stops to his credit.Iliman Nidaye forced both of them, first after he curved into the six-yard box and went for the top corner.Then the £15M summer arrival from Marseille produced the cheekiest of back–flick to divert a pile-driver from Idrissa Guye, Flekken this time diving brilliantly low and left to deflect.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBrentford had lost six of their previous seven visits to Goodison Park and struggled desperately to contain Dyche’s go–for–it side.Indeed they were on the end of eight efforts within the first half–hour, Flekken producing more fine reactions to frustrate Dwight McNeil.Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo shows his skills on the training pitch Yet the norm for Dyche’s side has also been that they run out of ideas and steam when the breakthrough doesn’t happen – before this clash they had scored only ten league goals.So it was that by the 36th minute, a slightly punch-drunk Brentford found they had breathing space.And the Gwladys Street End breathed a huge sigh of relief after Mikkel Damsgaard turned in his own half a delivered a delicious through ball.Yoanne Wissa was onto it in a flash and powered towards Pickford, only for the ’keeper to stand his ground and force away the striker’s decent low attempt.His guts may have cost Norgaard that straight red, too.Nathan Pinnock curled a cross across the box Wissa, as well as the Danish midfielder went for the ballBoth missed as Pickford moved out to engage and as the ball dropped Norgaard caught him just below the knee with an out-stretched leg.Did he make contact? Absolutely. Was there malicious intent? Almost certainly not.The look on his face after referee Kavanagh had been sent to the pitch monitor by VAR Matt Donohue before dismissing him said it all.Frank was left gob-smacked and then booked for protesting when he was able to open his mouth.Funnily enough not long into the second half Flekken was caught low as Ndiaye shased the ball down with Nathan Collins also involved.The decision in that 52nd minute was play–on after the goalkeeper received treatment on a damaged ankle.Frank was entitled to make what was surely a sardonic comment to fourth official Anthony Backhouse – pot, kettle, black and all that.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Everton were playing in ever-decreasing circles, the extra man looking more of a hindrance than a help.Beto replaced Jesper Lindstrom then promptly headed miles over, not long after Vitaliy Mykolenko had had row Z with a wild swipe at a good opportunity. More

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    Aston Villa 2 Crystal Palace 2: Barkley rescues point for Champions League chasers but Henderson is penalty hero

    ROSS BARKLEY rode to the rescue with a stunning header to salvage a point for Villa – and easily pay back the £5million Unai Emery invested in him this summer.The bargain buy from Luton Town has now clawed back two crucial points for his boss in his last two appearances against Bournemouth and Palace.Ross Barkley rescued a point for Aston Villa with a superb header in the second halfCredit: AFPDean Henderson saved a penalty to keep the score level in the first halfCredit: ReutersAnd moments later Justin Devenny gave his boyhood club the lead in the first halfCredit: PAIncredibly, without the 30-year-old’s goals the Spaniard would be looking at SIX straight defeats on the spin for the first time in his star-studded career!But in the end, a draw was a fair result as Emi Martinez denied Palace with a stunning save to deny Jeff Schlupp a late winner.Emery was certainly pumped up for this one as he looked to jump-start Villa’s stuttering season – it’s just a pity his players took so long to get the memo!Revenge must have been on the Villa manager’s mind going into this one.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNot only did the Eagles thrash his side 5-0 on the final day of last season, after Emery had led Villa to the Champions League.They also knocked the Villans out of the Carabao Cup at Villa Park last month.Emery had suffered four defeats on the spin for the first time in 1026 games as a manager – a fifth was simply unthinkable for the demanding Spaniard.Yet his players shot themselves in the foot as they conceded after just four minutes.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPalace ruthlessly exposed their high defensive line as Jean-Philippe Mateta’s early through ball sent Ismaila Sarr racing through on goal.The Senegal striker held off Ian Maatsen before firing past Emi Martinez to open his Premier League account for the Eagles.Visit the restaurant serving tasty food at affordable prices just steps away from historic Premier League groundVilla tried to respond but were wasteful.New England cap Morgan Rogers scuffed a shot wide, Ollie Watkins nodded over then failed to get his head to a brilliant Maatsen cross.Palace were under the cosh but had Dean Henderson to thank for a couple of moments of first-half brilliance.Just before the half-hour, the ‘keeper produced a stunning stop to deny Watkins.The Villa striker cut inside Trevoh Chalobah and fired in a low drive which looked to have beaten Henderson as it sped by him.But somehow the England keeper stretched out his right arm to claw the ball from behind him, away from his gaping net.Five minutes later Palace broke through Villa’s lines again.Sarr sprinted clear and drew Martinez off his line before squaring to Mateta who somehow lifted his shot over an open goal from six yards.To the striker’s relief, Sarr had just strayed offside in the build-up to spare his blushes.Having survived that lucky escape Villa then drew level.Pau Torres produced a brilliant pass to split the lines and pick out McGinn, who then topped it with an even better through ball to send Watkins clear.The England striker calmly rounded Henderson and passed into an empty net to end his five-match barren streak.Villa’s tails were up and Bailey left the crossbar shuddering with a rocket shot which bounced to safety with Henderson beaten.The Jamaican was then involved in a bizarre incident when he tumbled in the Palace box before play raged up to the other end.However, when the ball eventually went out VAR Alex Chilowicz drew ref Tim Robinson’s attention to a foul by Will Hughes who had trod on Bailey’s heel to send him crashing.After a check on the pitchside monitor Robinson pointed to the spot.But Henderson hurled himself to his left to brilliantly palm Youri Tielemans’ spot kick to safety.And Palace delivered another suck-punch to Villa’s ribs on the stroke of half-time.Sarr again raced clear of Villa’s defence before being forced wide.But the forward managed to bypass Mateta to pick out Justin Devenny at the back of the box.And the young Northern Ireland international curled a peach of a shot around Tielemans to find the far corner of the net.It was a stunning way for the young Scottish-born midfielder to break his Premier League duck in only his second start for Palace.However, Villa, with Matty Cash on for Bogarde, came out like men possessed after the break.Emery went for broke sending on Jhon Duran and Lucas Digne for McGinn and Maatsen.But it was 30-year-old Barkley who salvaged a point for his side.READ MORE SUN STORIESTielemans swept over a corner from the left and Barkley rose between Marc Guehi and Jeff Schlupp to power a header into the far corner.However, it took a brilliant stop from Emi Martinez, who pushed a Schlupp thunderbolt onto his far post, to prevent Palace snatching all three points. More

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    Arsenal player ratings: Martin Odegaard a class above as Jorginho hooked at half-time after needless yellow

    MARTIN ODEGAARD put in a stellar performance as Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 3-0.The result meant it was the Gunners’ first win since their 3-1 victory over Southampton on October 5.Martin Odegaard impressed against Nottingham ForestCredit: GettyJorginho was the weak link in midfieldCredit: GettyBukayo Saka fired in the opener with a brilliant finish after some nice interplay with Martin Odegaard.Thomas Partey made an instant impact after he replaced Jorginho at half-time as he doubled the lead from 20 yards.Young rising star Ethan Nwaneri wrapped up the result in the 86th minute with Arsenal’s third.Despite not getting on the scoresheet it was Odegaard that proved to be head and shoulders above the rest.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut for Jorginho, it was a game of struggles as he was hooked off at half time after picking up a needless booking.SunSports’ Jordan Davies gave his ratings of Arsenal’s players…David Raya – 7Very little to do. Collected a few crosses well under pressure and was alert and speedy with his distribution to get Arsenal moving.Jurrien Timber – 7Had the ball in the net and unlucky not to keep it that way as VAR intervened – eventually – to give offside on Mikel Merino in the build-up. A solid display.Most read in FootballWilliam Saliba – 8CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHad a real battle on his hand against another giant of a man in Taiwo Awoniyi, not that it bothered him too much. As always, he was up to the task without ever losing his cool.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7With Forest’s target man focused on Saliba, this was a fairly comfortable afternoon for Gabriel, who didn’t even have any decent set-pieces to attack.Ben White ruled out for months in mega blow to Arsenal title hopes, confirms Mikel Arteta Riccardo Calafiori – 7 Was a bit vulnerable on the counter in the early stages, perhaps showing his fitness levels are not there just yet after a lengthy spell out with injury.However, he regained his composure and was a rock defending crosses and set-pieces.Jorginho – 6 A rare start and did his best to solidify things in midfield, but his needless yellow ultimately saw him subbed at half-time with Arteta not willing to take the risk.Martin Odegaard – 9My word, have Arsenal missed this man. Back in the team and back in the groove, dictating the tempo and providing that creative spark with fluidity and finesse.By the end, Forest’s players looked like they had been beaten to submission.Mikel Merino – 7With Jorginho sitting deeper, the Spaniard had the freedom to play the ‘Rice role’, roaming forward at will, and provided a real attacking intent, driving into the box.Bukayo Saka – 9Buakyo Saka netted Arsenal’s opening goal against Nottingham ForestCredit: ReutersShowed off his samba hips with some silky dancing between tackles in the box before thumping a stunning effort into the top corner.Forest left-back Alex Moreno had a torrid afternoon, especially after he let Saka cut inside again after the break to tee up Partey’s strike from distance.Gabriel Jesus – 6Still looking for just a third goal this calendar year. Gave his all and had a curling effort go narrowly wide in the first half, but it just isn’t happening for the Brazilian at the moment.A real chance missed to stake a claim in this starting XI.Leandro Trossard – 7Should have put Arsenal ahead inside the first two minutes but scuffed his close-range effort and saw another well saved by Matz Sels before the break.Despite hobbling off for Belgium in mid-week, he looked as sharp as ever.SUBSTHOMAS PARTEY (JORGINHO, 45) – 8Thomas Partey scored Arsenal’s second goalCredit: ReutersWas only on the pitch seven minutes before curling a beauty into the far corner – an inspired substitution.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (CALAFIORI, 67) – 6Did what was needed. Positioned himself for inverted passing lanes to get Arsenal out the back with Forest piling pressure on with time ticking away.ETHAN NWANERI (ODEGAARD, 82) – 8Ethan Nwaneri wrapped up the resultCredit: APMore minutes for this impressive academy talent and already has a trademark finish of curling into the far corner with his left foot. He almost pulled this off less than two minutes into coming on.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen, soon after, he slots in from Sterling’s cut-back for his first Prem goal. Memorable.RAHEEM STERLING (SAKA, 82) – 7Really needed to make a difference off the bench to get his campaign up and running, and he did, providing the assist for Nwaneri’s historic goal.JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 87) – N/AArsenal and Edu resignation statement in fullEdu Gaspar has today resigned from his position as our Sporting Director.Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of Technical Director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to Sporting Director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s and academy football.   We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart. Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.”Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.  “I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. “Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”Our Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.  “Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.  “Change and evolution is a part of our club.  We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.” More

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    Bournemouth 1 Brighton 2: Joao Pedro and Kaoru Mitoma goals keep Seagulls in top four race despite Baleba red card

    FORGET Storm Bert, Bournemouth were hit by an early swarm of ravishing Seagulls on the south coast.Just four minutes were on the clock and Albion were celebrating a goal for all seasons.Joao Pedro put Brighton in front after just five minutesCredit: PAIt is Pedro’s fourth Premier League goal in six appearances this seasonCredit: ReutersKaoru Mitoma made it two at the beginning of the second halfCredit: RexBrighton are on the cusp of the top four after a stunning start to the seasonCredit: RexCarlos Baleba was sent off for a second yellow cardCredit: GettyBournemouth had large periods of pressure but failed to make it countPedro was key as he scored and assisted for BrightonThe visitors put the wind up their hosts with an array of side flicks, back heels and one-twos.And the slick show of attacking intent ended when Georginio Rutter took a return pass from Danny Welbeck and lashed in a shot.Cherries goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga could only push the ball out to Joao Pedro to net with ease at the back post.Albion took just four minutes after the break to breeze 2-0 up through Kaoru Mitoma.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut there was a little good cheer in the home camp in stoppage time when sub David Brooks lashed home a consolation goal.Antoine Semenyo went close with the final kick of the game as he struck the crossbar, but Brighton held on for the points.Bournemouth were looking to win four home Premier League games in a row for the first time in their history.And the Seagulls were keen to win and notch their 13th point since the start of October to equal the amount league leaders Liverpool have recorded in the same period.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd the driving wind and rain helped to enhance the entertainment as the ball fizzed around the park.Bournemouth were hot from the start and nearly swept ahead after just 70 seconds when Semenyo pulled his shot wide.Gary Neville admits ‘I got it wrong’ and apologises over Rashford criticism as Amorim demands Man Utd ‘change standards’ And in all honesty they should have equalised before the break after producing their own neat openings.Justin Kluivert volleyed one effort straight at Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen on 19 minutes.Then Evanilson raced clear a minute later and shot straight at Verbruggen when he had two team-mates screaming for a pass.Bournemouth then suffered another blow when Semenyo picked up his fifth booking of the campaign for a foul on Rutter.The Ghana international will now be suspended for next week’s trip to Wolverhampton.And just before half-time Evanilson had a “goal” ruled out by VAR for offside.But once again Bert was outshone by the Albion who stormed 2-0 up just four minutes after the break.Pedro had the vision to pass the ball inside the full-back allowing Mitoma to side-foot the ball past a stranded Arrizabalaga – and it was given after a VAR check for offside.The goal stunned the home supporters who normally see their heroes making brisk starts.And once again the home side should have levelled immediately but Evanilson had left his shooting boots back in the dressing room.The Brazilian was desperate to become the first Bournemouth player to score in four successive Premier League games since Callum Wilson in 2019.But when Semenyo set him up just 10 yards out from goal the £40million summer record signing astonishingly placed the ball wide.Then the tables started to turn on Brighton when they suddenly found themselves a man down on 59 minutes.Baleba received an early bath from referee Stuart Attwell for picking up a second yellow for leaving his foot on Milos Kerkez.Bournemouth saw plenty of the ball but their finishing was woefully short on the day.And once again Evanilson was the culprit on 79 minutes when his weak header was comfortably caught by Verbruggen.Then substitute Enes Unal came close to making an instant impact for the hosts after replacing Kerkez.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother sub Dango Ouattara sent in the perfect cross but Unal’s close-range diving header went wide.Brighton conceded that late goal to Brooks but weathered a late storm to take all three points back to Sussex.David Brooks pulled one back for Bournemouth in stoppage timeCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal 3 Nottingham Forest 0: Gunners romp to commanding win as wonderkid Nwaneri scores first Premier League goal

    FIT and firing Bukayo Saka showed England what they didn’t really miss as he fired Arsenal to a vital victory that stopped the rot.Saka cried off international duty with a knock picked up in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea that had extended the Gunners’ winless run in the Premier League to four games.Bukayo Saka led the way as Arsenal thrashed Nottingham Forest 3-0Credit: GettyThomas Partey netted a rocket in the routCredit: GettyEthan Nwaneri netted his first Premier League goal for the clubCredit: GettyBut the fortnight off had clearly done him good as he scored the early first and then set up substitute Thomas Partey for the second soon after the break.It was a near-perfect afternoon for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, rattling his jewellery in the posh seats.It ended with teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri claiming his first Premier League goal to make it three.But this match was all about Nwaneri’s predecessor as the star boy of the Gunners’ Academy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIf England captain Harry Kane was watching in Munich, he may have raised an eyebrow at the quality and length – 82 minutes – of Saka’s display.Kane appeared to question the commitment of the many players who did not show up for interim boss Lee Carsley’s last two games in charge.Even without Saka and others, England were able to put eight goals past Greece and the Republic of Ireland.But it was clear again just how important Saka is to this Arsenal team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe same goes for captain Martin Odegaard, who also shone on his first home appearance since August following the ankle injury he picked up in the first international break.Arsenal had twice gone close even before Saka’s goal.Ben White ruled out for months in mega blow to Arsenal title hopes, confirms Mikel Arteta Leandro Trossard failed to beat Matz Sels from close range inside two minutes and Jurrien Timber had the ball in the net within five.But after a lengthy delay, VAR confirmed the on-field decision that Mikel Merino had been fractionally offside from Martin Odegaard’s free kick before Timber bundled the ball home.Both sets of fans booed how long it took but the home support soon cheered up.Murillo blocked Odegaard’s initial shot but the Arsenal captain then exchanged passes with Saka, who glided past three Forest defenders before smashing the ball past Sels.Saka opened the scoring after just 15 minutesCredit: GettyHe was the best player on the pitch todayCredit: GettyArsenal controlled the rest of the half, with Saka and Odegaard to the foreAt times Arteta’s players were getting in each other’s way in their eagerness to extend the lead. Gabriel Jesus sent a shot wide when well placed.Forest’s only threat came from James Ward-Prowse free kick that Ryan Yates headed over the bar.Trossard forced Sels into another save with five minutes of the half to go and then the Belgian produced an even better stop to keep out Saka’s low effort.Partey doubled Arsenal’s lead early in the second halfCredit: GettyHis super shot sparked super celebrationsCredit: GettyThe home fans were furious at yellow cards given out to Jorginho, Jesus and Saka, while Forest players escaped the same punishment for their offences. Ola Aina’s stoppage-time booking was only a slight consolation as they jeered referee Simon Hooper and his assistants off the pitch at half time.Jorginho in particular had trod a fine line with his protests at Hooper’s decisions.So it was little surprise that Arteta replaced him with Thomas Partey at the break.Nwaneri made it a day to remember for the Arsenal faithfulCredit: GettyHe will never forget his first league goal for the GunnersCredit: GettyEspirito Santo also made a change, sending on Jota Silva for the ineffective Anthony Elanga.But it was Arteta who soon looked like a genius.Forest seemed mesmerised as Saka prowled in their penalty area. He laid the ball back to Partey, who had far too much time to touch the ball out of his feet and beat Sels with a shot that the Forest ‘keeper may feel he could have done more to stop.It still took Espirito Santo another 10 minutes to make further changes.His team then enjoyed their best period of the game, without forcing David Raya into a demanding save. READ MORE SUN STORIESCentre back Nicolas Milenkovic headed over the bar but that was about it even for half chances.Raheem Sterling came on for Saka as Arsenal saw out the game comfortably and fellow sub Nwaneri had already gone close to grabbing a third goal before he converted Sterling’s cutback. More