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    Arsenal player ratings: Ethan Nwaneri is perfect Bukayo Saka replacement but Gabriel Jesus goes missing against Brighton

    ETHAN NWANERI was the brightest spark on the pitch as Arsenal lost further ground int he title race.Nwaneri continued to impress despite his tender age as he opened the scoring with a composed finish in the first half.Ethan Nwaneri shone brightest for Arsenal on the South CoastCredit: AlamyGabriel Jesus struggled against the SeagullsCredit: AFPHis goal could have been a winner if it was not for a Joao Pedro penalty in the second half.However, the same could not be said for striker Gabriel Jesus.The former Manchester City striker was anonymous against the Seagulls.Jesus’ previous flash of form would have come in handy to stop the Gunners dropping points on the road.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSunSport’s Isabelle Barker has given her ratings for the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6The Spanish stopper didn’t have too much to deal with apart from Joao Pedro’s penalty which he went the wrong way for. He couldn’t have done too much about it though, it was a classy finish into the other corner. THOMAS PARTEY – 6Partey was ok to start with at right-back but the experiment still looked unconvincing in the second-half, with him struggling to handle Kaoru Mitoma when the Japanese international came on. WILLIAM SALIBA – 6The French centre-back was solid up until conceding the crucial penalty for dangerous play against Pedro in the box. If it had been a headbutt, Saliba would have been sent off, in fairness it looked as though he was going for the ball, and it was an unfortunate clash of heads. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Started off solidly at the back but faded out with little answers for Brighton’s pressure towards the end. RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7Calafiori was superb, particularly in the first half against Brighton, with the stats speaking for themselves. He won the most duels, completed the most take ons and most tackles. He also misplaced just one of his 22 passes. Granit Xhaka reveals reason for dramatic new look with ex-Arsenal star having undergone hair transplant JORGINHO – 6The ex-Chelsea man struggled to receive the ball under pressure, nearly costing Arsenal a goal for the hosts. Generally looked too slow for the game this evening. MIKEL MERINO – 7The Spanish midfielder linked up beautifully with Rice for the opener, producing a lovely pass over the top for Nwaneri to latch onto. Merino faded out towards the end though, looking more sluggish and ponderous on the ball as the minutes went by.DECLAN RICE – 7Declan Rice played an important role in the Arsenal goalCredit: GettyThe midfielder was the furthest forward, pressing the Brighton backline with Jesus and it worked at first.He took on the Odegaard role when Arsenal didn’t have possession. Was involved with first big chance with Jesus and then pulled the strings for Nwaneri’s opener.  LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6 The Brighton faithful were booing Trossard from the get go but he didn’t show up to silence them. The Belgian winger offered very little going forward.ETHAN NWANERI – 8So good from Nwaneri for the opener. He was involved in the build up with Rice and Merino then put on the afterburners to produce a charging run before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.What a good replacement Nwaneri has been for Bukayo Saka. He fits the bill with pace, body shape, and a lovely left foot.GABRIEL JESUS – 5The striker lashed a shot at Verbruggen for an early warning, but he was offside anyway, wasting the delicious through ball from Jorginho. Was virtually anonymous by the end and Arsenal won’t be able to win the league with a striker like that.READ MORE SUN STORIESSubstitutes MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6 GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6 More

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    Brighton vs Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Gunners and Seagulls share point as Joao Pedro levels after early Nwaneri goal

    ARSENAL were held to a draw at Brighton as they failed to close the gap on Liverpool.Teenager Ethan Nwaneri, 17, scored an early goal for the Gunners but Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to create chances.Brighton picked up yet another point – this was their sixth draw in eight matches – after Joao Pedro slotted home a penalty after a bizarre head collision with Gabriel.Earlier, Chelsea suffered yet another slip up at Crystal Palace, while out-of-form Tottenham were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle, Manchester City thrashed West Ham and Brentford piled more misery on Southampton.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Mikel bitter with penalty decisionMikel Arteta immediately went over to confront the officials at the full-time whistle.No doubt he will be telling them that it was never a penalty that was awarded to the hosts.If this was the case, he may need his medication altered as Saliba headbutted Joao Pedro, whichever way you look at it.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedGunners have it all to doArsenal are now five points behind leaders Liverpool.They have some tough games coming up and cannot afford to drop points if they want to stay in touch.Mikel Arteta will see this as two points dropped today.Copy linkCopiedPremier League full-time scoresTottenham 1-2 NewcastleBournemouth 0-0 EvertonAston Villa 2-1 LeicesterCrystal Palace 1-1 ChelseaMan City 4-1 West HamSouthampton 0-5 BrentfordBrighton 1-1 ArsenalCopy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 1-1 ArsenalIgor Julio put in a stellar performance for his team today.He managed to dominate the Arsenal centre midfield and link play for The Seagulls.His evening was ended by injury but by that time, his work was done.Copy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 1-1 ArsenalThe Seagulls probably edged this game over the course of the match.Fabian Hurzeler’s side had a big chance to win it when Minteh wasted the opportunity.Mitoma was completely unmarked on the back post wating to convert.Copy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 1-1 ArsenalThe referee brings the game to a close.Two points dropped for The Gunners.Arsenal just did not have enough creativity tonight.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal90+4. Ayari is booked for a clumsy foul.Rice stands over the free-kick.This may be a last chance for The Gunners.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal90+2. Trossard tries to shoot from distance.It sails over the crossbar.Time is running out for Mikel Arteta’s side.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal90. Martinelli is blocked from advancing.As you can imagine, he hits the floor and stays down like his career is over.Once he realises there is not going to be a free-kick he makes a miraculous recovery.We are going to have six added minutes.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal88. Rice lifts a ball into the Brighton box.Partey has a free-header but sends it sailing over the bar.Calafiori is finally shown a yellow card after about ten fouls committed.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal86. Brighton have The Gunnners pinned back in their own half.The problem for The Seagulls is still that final pass.If they had an Odegaard-type player they would be leading comfortably by now.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal84. Merino is penalised for a foul on Georginio.It was a blatant foul as the player was away from him.Chance for Brighton to ask some questions of Raya.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal82.Minteh is shown a yellow card by Taylor.It was more for his reacted than a challenge at all.He was not happy that he was not awarded a free kick for the pressure being put on him by Gabriel.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal80. Brighton are wasting key moments far too much.At times they seem like their players are not even on the same wavelength.Minteh played a cross come shot heavily across the box earlier when it seemed a goal was certain.he had teammates queuing up to put it in at the time.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal78. Jesus looks to run at the Brighton defence.Fortunately for the hosts, the defender reads it well and robs him of the ball.Rice tries his luck from distance but it is an easy save for Verbruggen.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal76. A loose pass gifts the ball to Pedro.He holds it up until Estupinan comes on the overlap.He looks to lift a ball into the box but it is easily held by Raya.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal74. Calafiori is penalised for yet another foul.That is about four or five during the game now, yet the referee still does not produce a card.Maybe Anthony Taylor is too in awe of his long flowing locks.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal72. Rice takes another corner with a visible tactic in mind.They keep holding a deep one up to the back post.Verbruggen and comes to collect with ease.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal70. We are into the final quarter of the game now.Arsenal seem to have a bit more urgency about their attacking.Pedro plays it to Mitoma and is fouled late by Partey but the referee does not produce a card.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal68. Brighton’s best form of defending their goal right now seems to be putting Arsenal under some pressure.VAR continues to be not fit for purpose.As the penalty was being taken, Jorginho lashed out an opponent with a kick.It was reviewed and cleared as he missed the player and did not make contact.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal66. Igor limps off to be replaced Webster.It seems the defender has pulled a hamstring.Raya sends the ball downfield with a long punt.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal64. Veltman is booked for a heavy challenge on Jesus.Odegaard comes on for Jorginho.The Gunners can ill-afford to drop any points here.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal62. Brighton bring on Mitoma for Adingra.Arteta seems to be breaking the emergency glass on the box he keeps Odegaard in.This should pick up the intensity of the game now.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Joao Pedro (Brighton)Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-1 Arsenal60. The penalty is upheld by a VAR review.To be fair it was never in doubt, Saliba headbutted Pedro.Chance for the hosts to draw level.Copy linkCopied More

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    Brighton 1 Arsenal 1: Gunners suffer major blow in Premier League title race after William Saliba gives away penalty

    TEENAGE dreams – but for Arsenal, more title agony.Ethan Nwaneri, 17, became the first Gunners player to score multiple Prem goals before his 18th birthday with a fine 16th minute finish in a brutally cold south coast clash.Joao Pedro bagged a penalty to share the spoils on the south coastCredit: ReutersEthan Nwaneri was the bright spark for Arsenal as the teenager bagged the Gunners’ opener.Credit: GettyBut from there, Mikel Arteta watched his side’s performance – and their chances of catching league leaders Liverpool – slip away at the Amex following Joao Pedro’s 61st minute penalty.Back in August, the Seagulls nicked two points off Arsenal at the Emirates in a highly controversial 1-1 draw that saw Declan Rice sent off by referee Chris Kavanagh for ‘delaying the restart’.And yet more dropped points against Fabian Hurzeler’s men will leave Arteta just as seething – especially as Brighton striker Pedro avoided a ban last week for swinging an elbow at Brentford’s Yehor Yarmolyuk.William Saliba’s head contact with Pedro in the box appeared to be a fair challenge until ref Anthony Taylor made a potentially title-defining decision.READ MORE ON ARSENALIt leaves Arsenal five points off Arne Slot’s Reds having played TWO games more. The North Londoners truly need something special to happen to claw this back.Brighton meanwhile continue to reign as kings of level-pegging – winless now in their last eight Prem games but in six of them they have won a point, with 10 draws in total this term.Nwaneri earned a second successive Prem start, but there were changes around him.Rice, Jorginho and Leandro Trossard started while Thomas Partey was at right back in place of the suspended Jurrien Timber.Most read in FootballWilliam Saliba mistimed his header and clashed heads with Joao Pedro in the boxCredit: Sky SportsVAR deemed the clash of heads to be a penaltyCredit: GettyPedro confidently dispatched the spot-kickCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite suggesting he was now well enough to feature, Arteta left Kai Havertz out yet again after the German missed the 3-1 victory at Brentford with a sickness bug.Skipper Martin Odegaard featured against the Bees despite also suffering from the illness, so sat on the bench for this one, alongside Gabriel Martinelli.Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka is set to miss months after surgery as he gives injury update on Arsenal starRotation is the name of the game for Arteta with nine games in four different competitions to contend with this month.Yet the significance of this one could not be overstated, needing to pile some form of pressure on leaders Liverpool with Prem bouts coming thick and fast in the New Year.Arsenal were back in their bold black strip, one that Arteta likes. The Spaniard believes it strikes fear into opposition players on their own patch, and the Gunners began menacingly.For all the changes in personnel, the visitors were sharp and silky on the ball with Trossard at the heart of it, serenaded by a chorus of boos on his old stomping ground.In-form Brazilian Gabriel Jesus was then slipped in by a crafty Jorginho pick-out.He may have six in his last four in all competitions, but Jesus’ shot was blocked by the legs of Bart Verbruggen before the offside flag was raised.Arsenal were comfortable, but so were Brighton, galloping off on the occasional counter before retreating back in a hurry.With Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel watching on, a spark was needed, and Arsenal got it from their two Englishmen Rice and Nwaneri, combining with some lovely, fluid runs down the right.Ethan Nwaneri tucked away a confident opener for ArsenalCredit: GettyNwaneri then popped up in space, found by Mikel Merino, driving towards goal and scurrying a finish under the body of Verbruggen.It was his fifth goal so far this term, and now just the sixth player to score more than once in the Prem before turning 18, alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and James Milner.If anyone had any doubts over whether this kid is ready for the big time, they have been silenced for good it seems.And what a time to do it with Tuchel watching on. The Enfield-born Hale End prodigy has plied his trade in the U16s, U17s and U19s for England so far. Is another step up now on the cards?Arsenal looked relieved to have found the opener, but then became nervy. David Raya came to the rescue as Jorginho fluffed an overhead kick in his own box.Brighton sensed an opening. Simon Adingra blazed over a glorious chance after another sloppy bit of play from Jorginho.With the game turning gritty, Arsenal turned to their corner prowess, but their opponents had done their homework. Gabriel was double-teamed and then hauled to the ground by Matt O’Riley.It was from another corner that youngling Nwaneri picked up a yellow card for timewasting, the dark arts not going unpunished this time.Arsenal player ratings: Ethan Nwaneri is perfect Bukayo Saka replacement but Gabriel Jesus goes missing against BrightonETHAN NWANERI was the brightest spark on the pitch as Arsenal lost further ground int he title race.SunSport’s Isabelle Barker has given her ratings for the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6The Spanish stopper didn’t have too much to deal with apart from Joao Pedro’s penalty which he went the wrong way for. He couldn’t have done too much about it though, it was a classy finish into the other corner.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Partey was ok to start with at right-back but the experiment still looked unconvincing in the second-half, with him struggling to handle Kaoru Mitoma when the Japanese international came on.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6The French centre-back was solid up until conceding the crucial penalty for dangerous play against Pedro in the box. If it had been a headbutt, Saliba would have been sent off, in fairness it looked as though he was going for the ball, and it was an unfortunate clash of heads.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Started off solidly at the back but faded out with little answers for Brighton’s pressure towards the end.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7Calafiori was superb, particularly in the first half against Brighton, with the stats speaking for themselves. He won the most duels, completed the most take ons and most tackles. He also misplaced just one of his 22 passes.JORGINHO – 6The ex-Chelsea man struggled to receive the ball under pressure, nearly costing Arsenal a goal for the hosts. Generally looked too slow for the game this evening.MIKEL MERINO – 7The Spanish midfielder linked up beautifully with Rice for the opener, producing a lovely pass over the top for Nwaneri to latch onto. Merino faded out towards the end though, looking more sluggish and ponderous on the ball as the minutes went by.DECLAN RICE – 7The midfielder was the furthest forward, pressing the Brighton backline with Jesus and it worked at first.He took on the Odegaard role when Arsenal didn’t have possession. Was involved with first big chance with Jesus and then pulled the strings for Nwaneri’s opener.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6The Brighton faithful were booing Trossard from the get go but he didn’t show up to silence them. The Belgian winger offered very little going forward.ETHAN NWANERI – 8So good from Nwaneri for the opener. He was involved in the build up with Rice and Merino then put on the afterburners to produce a charging run before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.What a good replacement Nwaneri has been for Bukayo Saka. He fits the bill with pace, body shape, and a lovely left foot.GABRIEL JESUS – 5The striker lashed a shot at Verbruggen for an early warning, but he was offside anyway, wasting the delicious through ball from Jorginho. Was virtually anonymous by the end and Arsenal won’t be able to win the league with a striker like that.SubstitutesMARTIN ODEGAARD – 6GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6It is likely why Arteta subbed off his goal scorer at the break for Martinelli, not that it swung momentum back Arsenal’s way. If anything, the opposite.A messy performance bit them on the backside in the 59th minute as Saliba’s head made contact with that of Joao Pedro’s. Anthony Taylor took a long look at it before pointing to the spot.VAR deemed “sufficient contact” had been made. Arteta disagreed. Either way, it resulted in Pedro sending Raya the wrong way in front of a jubilant home support.Desperation crept in. Odegaard was flung on to seize the moment, no matter how worse for wear he felt, but it was Brighton pushing with intent, as if they were the ones chasing the title.READ MORE SUN STORIESAdingra should have converted with a pulsating run and ball across goal. Kaoru Mitoma was inches away from tapping in at the far post.A few wasted free-kicks later, Arsenal trudged off with defeat in their mouths. Next week’s Carabao Cup semi-final suddenly feels very big. More

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    Premier League release statement on Brighton’s penalty against Arsenal after VAR check on William Saliba challenge

    THE PREMIER LEAGUE have released a statement on the decision to award Brighton a penalty after William Saliba headbutted Joao Pedro.Saliba made contact on the Brighton striker using his head but avoided a red card.William Saliba was judged to have fouled Joao PedroVAR confirmed referee Anthony Taylor’s callCredit: ReutersReferee Anthony Taylor did deem the challenge to be a foul however so awarded the Seagulls a penalty, which Pedro converted.VAR reviewed the incident and confirmed the ref’s decision to award a spot kick.The Premier League match centre have since clarified the incident, confirming the decision made by the ref and VAR.It wrote on X: “The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Saliba on Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty.”READ MORE ON ARSENALFans were split on the incident with one Arsenal fan arguing it should have not been a penalty.They wrote: “In what world is this a penalty against Saliba????”A fan hit back, saying: “100 per cent pen. If you go to kick the ball and catch the player late it’s a foul, no different with head! It’s a late foul!”Another added: “Clear penalty!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd a third wrote: “It’s a clear penalty. You can see clearly the tackle stopped Pedro from advancing forward.”Ethan Nwaneri had put Arsenal in front in the first half but they were unable to find another after Pedro’s equaliser, with the match finishing 1-1.Amazon Prime Video presenter and John Legend give fans ‘second hand embarrassment’ after Arsenal’s win over IpswichArsenal player ratings: Ethan Nwaneri is perfect Bukayo Saka replacement but Gabriel Jesus goes missing against BrightonETHAN NWANERI was the brightest spark on the pitch as Arsenal lost further ground int he title race.SunSport’s Isabelle Barker has given her ratings for the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6The Spanish stopper didn’t have too much to deal with apart from Joao Pedro’s penalty which he went the wrong way for. He couldn’t have done too much about it though, it was a classy finish into the other corner.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Partey was ok to start with at right-back but the experiment still looked unconvincing in the second-half, with him struggling to handle Kaoru Mitoma when the Japanese international came on.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6The French centre-back was solid up until conceding the crucial penalty for dangerous play against Pedro in the box. If it had been a headbutt, Saliba would have been sent off, in fairness it looked as though he was going for the ball, and it was an unfortunate clash of heads.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Started off solidly at the back but faded out with little answers for Brighton’s pressure towards the end.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7Calafiori was superb, particularly in the first half against Brighton, with the stats speaking for themselves. He won the most duels, completed the most take ons and most tackles. He also misplaced just one of his 22 passes.JORGINHO – 6The ex-Chelsea man struggled to receive the ball under pressure, nearly costing Arsenal a goal for the hosts. Generally looked too slow for the game this evening.MIKEL MERINO – 7The Spanish midfielder linked up beautifully with Rice for the opener, producing a lovely pass over the top for Nwaneri to latch onto. Merino faded out towards the end though, looking more sluggish and ponderous on the ball as the minutes went by.DECLAN RICE – 7The midfielder was the furthest forward, pressing the Brighton backline with Jesus and it worked at first.He took on the Odegaard role when Arsenal didn’t have possession. Was involved with first big chance with Jesus and then pulled the strings for Nwaneri’s opener.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6The Brighton faithful were booing Trossard from the get go but he didn’t show up to silence them. The Belgian winger offered very little going forward.ETHAN NWANERI – 8So good from Nwaneri for the opener. He was involved in the build up with Rice and Merino then put on the afterburners to produce a charging run before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.What a good replacement Nwaneri has been for Bukayo Saka. He fits the bill with pace, body shape, and a lovely left foot.GABRIEL JESUS – 5The striker lashed a shot at Verbruggen for an early warning, but he was offside anyway, wasting the delicious through ball from Jorginho. Was virtually anonymous by the end and Arsenal won’t be able to win the league with a striker like that.SubstitutesMARTIN ODEGAARD – 6GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6 More

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    Ryan Giggs helps transform Salford as incredible record since Man Utd legend’s return to dugout is revealed

    SALFORD have been a team transformed since Ryan Giggs has returned to the dugout for the League Two outfit.Giggs, 51, has taken a more hands-on role at Salford in recent months and has been spotted in the dugout alongside manager Karl Robinson during games.Ryan Giggs has helped Salford transform their form on the pitchCredit: GettyGiggs has been in the dugout alongside Salford manager Karl Robinson in recent monthsCredit: GettyThe Wales and Manchester United legend is a co-owner of the Ammies alongside his former Red Devils teammates Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and investor David Beckham.While Giggs also began working as the club’s director of football last year.However, the former Welsh national team manager now seems to be lending his experience of coaching to the staff at Moor Lane too as he takes up a matchday role on the touchline.And whatever it is he’s doing, it’s working.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSalford have put together an incredible run of form since Giggs was first spotted in the dugout back in October for the club’s 2-2 draw with Fleetwood.From that game onwards, Salford have lost just TWICE in their last 14 games across all competitions – winning 10 and drawing two in that time.While they currently boast a six-game winning streak and have risen up to second in the League Two table following their 1-0 victory over MK Dons today.That form is a stark difference to what Salford were managing before Giggs’ helping hand in the dugout.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn fact, in the last 19 games before his involvement, Salford won just five times – losing nine of those clashes and drawing the rest.Salford were struggling down in 13th prior to the Fleetwood clash, meaning they have shot up 11 league positions with Giggs’ involvement.Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs talks about his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson Giggs has not held a regular managerial position since leaving the Welsh national team in 2022.The former Man Utd star became manager of his country in 2018, before being arrested on assault charges two years later.Giggs, who has always denied any wrongdoing, stepped down from the role in June 2022 ahead of his trial, where a jury failed to reach a verdict.Giggs’ transformational presenceHere’s a look at Salford’s form before and after Giggs returned to the dugout…Last 19 games before Giggs’ returnWins – 5Draws – 5Defeats – 9Goals scored – 15Goals conceded – 26Last 14 games since Giggs’ returnWins – 10Draws – 2Defeats – 2Goals scored – 22Goals conceded – 8 More

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    Will Liverpool vs Man Utd be POSTPONED on Sunday because of the weather?

    THE massive clash between Liverpool and Manchester United on Sunday is firmly in DOUBT.The North West is bracing for more severe weather just days after being hit with major flooding.The Met Office map shows Liverpool and much of the North West under an amber weather warningLiverpool’s clash with Man Utd is now in doubtCredit: GettyTorrential rain saw trains cancelled, roads closed and some people even evacuating their homes.With snow and ice now thawing and more heavy rain expected, the Met Office has issued an amber weather warning across the region.They state that “significant disruption” is expected from 9pm GMT on Saturday night.The warning will remain in force throughout Sunday until 23.59pm GMT at least.Merseyside is one of the areas affected by the amber warning and with temperatures set to drop below freezing on Saturday night.That means Anfield and surrounding areas could be blanketed in snow – leaving Liverpool and Manchester United’s clash under threat.While it would be relatively easy to make the pitch playable, the bigger risk would be to the tens of thousands of home and away supporters heading to the stadium.A Safety Advisory Group meeting is likely to take place on Sunday at some point.Officials from both clubs and representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council are expected to be present.What has the Met Office said?The Met Office statement read: “Snow will become persistent and locally heavy as it pushes south to north across the warning area.”As well as snow, a period of freezing rain is also likely bringing some hazardous travel conditions, before milder air follows across all areas by Sunday morning.”While there’s some uncertainty in details, 3-7cm of snow is likely for most of the warning area, with locally 15-30cm for the higher ground of Wales and the southern Pennines. “Freezing rain could lead to ice accretion in places, especially parts of Wales – before the milder air leads to a rapid thaw of snow and ice in the south of the warning area through Sunday.”Liverpool are already a fixture behind after Storm Darragh saw the Merseyside derby postponed in early December.A number of non-League fixtures were postponed on Saturday, mostly due to frozen pitches. More

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    Argentine football star under investigation after ‘fatally hitting motorcyclist and failing breathalyser test’

    ARGENTINE footballer Rodrigo Garro is under investigation following a fatal collision with a motorcyclist, according to reports.Garro, who turned 27 today, stars for Brazilian club Corinthians.Corinthians star Rodrigo Garro is under investigation following a fatal collision with a motorcyclistCredit: GettyThe midfielder is under investigation by police after fatally hitting a 30-year-old motorcyclist in General Pico, La Pampa Province, Argentina.According to local reports, the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning.At around 5am, the motorcyclist is said to have collided with a truck being driven by Garro at the intersection of Streets 300 and 108 with both vehicle’s travelling in opposite directions.Eyewitnesses said both vehicles were travelling along street 300 when the truck turned onto street 108.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGarro allegedly failed a subsequent breathalyser test – reportedly having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.5 grams – following the incident and was detained by police, but has since been released.Both Garro and his passenger, former team-mate Facundo Castelli, were said to have been unharmed in the collision.The case has been classified as “involuntary manslaughter”.Prosecutor Francisco Cuenca has said authorities are currently analysing the evidence collected from the scene.Most read in FootballAs quoted by footboom1, Cuenca said: “Right now, the classification would be involuntary manslaughter. “We need to wait for the results of the forensic analysis to determine how we proceed from here.”The victim’s body has been taken to the morgue for autopsy while further findings from the forensic examination are awaited.After giving his testimony on the events of the incident, Garro was released by police.Corinthians released a statement on the investigation.It read: “In the early hours of this Saturday (04), midfielder Rodrigo Garro was involved in an accident in La Pampa, Argentina, which, unfortunately, resulted in a fatal victim.”Garro gave his first statements, was released and is now at home.”Football executive Fabinho Soldado and legal affairs director Vinicius Cascone have contacted the athlete’s lawyers and family and will continue to contact them for more information.”The club is following the investigations and will wait for them to be concluded before returning to discuss the case.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Corinthians expresses its solidarity with the victim and his family.”Garro made 36 appearances in the Brazilian Serie A last season, scoring 10 goals and adding 10 assists – the most in the division – as Corinthians finished seventh in the league table. More

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    Jude Bellingham’s furious reaction to Valencia goalkeeper after Vinicius Jr sent off in heated Real Madrid clash

    JUDE BELLINGHAM furiously threw out the contents of Valencia goalkeeper’s water bottle after team-mate Vinicius Jr was sent off.The Real Madrid star popped up with a 96th-minute winner as his side staged a dramatic late comeback.Jude Bellingham spilled out the keeper’s water bottleHe and Stole Dimitrievski came together after Vincius’ red cardCredit: GettyLuka Modric had equalised minutes earlier to help ten-man Real to a 2-1 win.Talisman Vinicius Jr saw red – both literally and metaphorically – and was dismissed in the 79th minute with Valencia leading 1-0.The Brazilian raised his hands to push Valencia keeper Stole Dimitrievski in the face.Dimitrievski immediately dropped to the ground and the referee was left with no choice but to brandish a red card.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever Bellingham was unhappy with Dimitrievski’s behaviour and decided to get his own back.He walked over to Dimitrievski’s water bottle, undid the cap and threw out the liquid inside.Dimitrievski looked unimpressed and had a few choice words to aim at the England star, who appeared unfazed.Real Madrid’s win helped them regain top spot ahead of rivals Atletico Madrid.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBellingham now has seven goals in LaLiga this season, which have come in the last eight matches.However he could have had another against Valencia but hit the post with a penalty.Wholesome moment Jude Bellingham leaves a young Real Madrid fan crying with happiness as he hands him his shirt More