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      Moment football player is smacked over his head by ‘wife after cheating on her’ causing chaos at Sunday league game

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      THIS is the shocking moment a footballer is smacked in the head by a fuming woman after he allegedly cheated on her, a man claims.The unfortunate footage shows how the local Sunday league game descended into chaos after the pitch-side attack.Seconds before the woman makes contact with the footballer’s headCredit: XThe moment of impact which sent the man stumbling forwardsCredit: XThe footballer was left on his knees holding the back of his headCredit: XOne of the rival players appeared to reveal what provoked the attackCredit: XA passionate football vlog from Newall Green FC, Manchester, caught the moment the man was smacked by a spectator who is said to be his wife.The short clip from during the match shows a number of players from the opposition’s team waiting around on the sidelines.Several are kicking around a ball as others are simply standing around talking.One player, kitted out in all red, can be seen walking away with his head held low back towards the group of substitutions. read more in football momentsAfter a few steps a woman in all black tracksuit makes a quick and ferocious dash up behind him.As she approaches, the man turns his head before appearing to be hit by a water bottle held by the woman.Sprays are seen flying across the grass as the man simply continues to walk as he ignores the now mad spectator.Just a second later, the woman makes another beeline for the footballer and manages to smack him on the back of the head. Most read in FootballHe falls to his knees on the pitch a few moments later still holding his head in pain.At one point he even looks as if he is checking for blood.Moment football coach headbutts rivalThe man walks away with his head down as he rubs the spot where he was whacked.After almost 15 seconds of being left in agony, his teammates finally come over and check up on their wounded ally.The camera then cuts to another teammate speaking to the woman.The bizarre altercation was noticed by almost everyone at the game being played in the Cheshire & Manchester Sunday League.The fellow players seemingly had no idea of the brewing issueCredit: XHis teammates go over and check on the hit player as she continues to hold his headCredit: XOne of the Newall Green players can be seen coming over to the team’s cameraman and explaining the backstory behind the ferocious hit.He claimed: “One of their teams cheated on his Mrs. “His Mrs has just come and cracked him on the pitch.”Newall Green even labelled the moment as “the best Sunday league moment in history” as they shared the clip on social media.One video of the pitch-side strike has already amassed over a million views on X.It comes just weeks after a player in the Turkish top division was sent off for slapping his own teammate.Kayserispor’s Stephane Bahoken was shown a red card just 23 minutes into his side’s clash against fellow Super Lig side Sivasspor.It’s not the first time that teammates have had a barney in the middle of the pitch.Famously Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer got physical back in 2005 when on the books at Newcastle.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth players were sent off that day with the fight spilling over into the changing room after their dismissals.Arsenal duo Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko also both lost their cool last season against Nottingham Forest.At the end of the clip one of the man’s teammates tries to reason with the womanCredit: X More

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      Fans’ concerns will not affect WPLL ‘perspective’ on Women’s Super League relegation options

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      FANS’ opposition to pausing relegation from the women’s top tier is unlikely to shift officials’ “perspective” on possible changes to the division.However, women’s game bosses say supporters will be consulted.The Women’s Professional League Limited (WPLL) are “reviewing various options” in regard to speeding up the growth of the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: GettyAccording to the WPLL fans will be consulted on any changes to the structure and function of the women’s game’s top two divisionsCredit: GettyNikki Doucet, the chief of Women’s Professional League Limited (WPLL), was speaking on Thursday following reports of a temporary scrapping of relegation from the WSL. The idea of a potential four-year suspension of the drop between the top-flight and the second tier, has been met with a backlash from some fans.This includes a group running an online petition opposing the idea, which has attracted more than 1,400 signatures. However Doucet, who is in charge of the WPLL, the independent company running the WSL and Women’s Championship, insists no decisions have been made on changes to the top league’s format. Read More Football StoriesShe told reporters: “We fundamentally believe promotion and relegation is an important differentiator and an important competitive advantage for us, relative to other women’s sport leagues globally.”It adds jeopardy and excitement. It’s something we all love about the game of football and that has never been under question.”It is really important for us to make sure we are considering all the possibilities to accelerate growth and to grow in the right way. “We wouldn’t be doing our job properly if we weren’t considering and reviewing the various options available to us.”Most read in FootballThe idea of (temporarily) scrapping relegation from the WSL has prompted mixed reaction from some of the sport’s influential figures.Former UK sport chair Baroness Sue Campbell reckons it could give the division “its own distinctive personality”. However Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor believes relegation is “good to have” in terms of competition. When asked if fans’ outcry over the possibility of scrapping relegation had affected the WPLL’s perspective, Doucet insists there has been no wavering.She adds: “Our perspective or analysis hasn’t changed. “We have been very thoughtful on the analysis of the different possibilities around us.”We have to look at the range of possibilities that are available to us and the pros and cons of all of those and be really thoughtful”We deeply understand the impact of decisions and the impact of everything done at the top, that it cascades down the pyramid.”One concern for supporters running the petition urging fans to voice their opinions on the WSL’s future was the idea of the top-flight becoming a closed league. However the Football Association, who hold certain powers to prevent such a move, are likely to oppose this. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “We do have certain golden share powers, as we do in the Premier League.“I think over the last few years we’ve been asked a few times whether we would accept a closed league and our response has always been no. “The reason for that is not just a pure moral sporting point of view, we don’t think in the long-term that it’s smart commercially because you end up with a lot of dead rubbers. “However, we think that some of the ideas being put forward at the moment are worth considering on the proviso that there’s still promotion into the league. FA chief Mark Bullingham says the FA would be supportive of WSL changes that lead to improved academies, player pathways and minimum standards for clubsCredit: Getty“I think there’s a difference between not having relegation and allowing the league to grow through promotion with no relegation, versus having a closed league. READ MORE SUN STORIES“If we get presented with a package of changes that’s good for the women’s game overall, then we could potentially be supportive, but we would need to look at that overall package.“I’m talking about academies, minimum standards, player pathways, and within the context of that there’s a change to the number of clubs in the league brought about through having promotion and no relegation.” More

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      Premier League referees could wear BODY CAMERAS as FA chief backs sensational change

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      FA chief Mark Bullingham wants Prem refs to wear BODY CAMERAS — with footage shown live on TV.Bodycams are used at grassroots level to protect referees from abuse.Referees could wear bodycams in the Premier LeagueCredit: RexFA chief Mark Bullingham is backing the changeCredit: PABullingham feels the cameras will help cut out bad behaviour from managers and playersCredit: GettyChief exec Bullingham feels pro officials wearing cameras could be hugely popular with fans — while helping cut out managers and players’ bad behaviour.Prem whistler Jarred Gillett trialled a head-mounted RefCam in last season’s Crystal Palace-Manchester United clash.It was a Premier League first but the footage was not broadcast live.While official Rob Jones also wore a chest camera in Chelsea’s 4-3 pre-season win over Brighton in the US back in July 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Bullingham said: “In the pro game, bodycams are more about if they will be good for the broadcaster.“It is something which should be trialled — and potentially allowed.“Initially, it might be trialled without audio and then with audio.”Only this week, the FA gave its written reasons for handing Liverpool boss Arne Slot a two-game ban for abusing Michael Oliver following the Merseyside derby against Everton.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSlot got a red card for confronting Oliver and a linesman in the aftermath of last month’s 2-2 draw.The three-person panel explained: “It was alleged Slot initially used abusive words whilst shaking the referee’s hand.Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs Liverpool“Including that the ref had ‘f***ing given them everything’ and that he hoped the ref ‘was proud of that performance’.”The panel also claimed that Slot said, “If we don’t win the league, I’ll f***ing blame you.”And Bullingham revealed abuse towards referees at grassroots level has fallen thanks to bodycams.He said: “They have had a really positive impact.“What we’re speaking with Fifa about is whether we can get more countries to adopt a trial and even get Fifa behind it.“We see that as a good way of referees being more confident.“We have seen a huge decrease in the number of issues in the leagues where there’s bodycams.” More

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      Paul Scholes slams Alejandro Garnacho for ‘SULKING’ a week after Ruben Amorim punished Man Utd star

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      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO needs to “get better” and stop sulking according to Paul Scholes.The winger was substituted yet again as Manchester United drew 1-1 away at Real Sociedad.Paul Scholes accused Alejandro Garnacho of sulking after being subbedCredit: RexThe pundit said Garnacho needs to get betterCredit: RexAnd he appeared to be in a bad mood as he sat on the bench – just a week after he threw a strop after being taken off against Ipswich.Scholes claimed he was sulking after being taken off, and suggested he needs to improve.The pundit said on TNT Sports: “He looked like he was sulking a little bit to me.”I am not having fatigue. I think they are alright. I don’t think there are great legs in this Manchester United team.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Garnacho’s biggest strength is running through. Sometimes he makes the wrong decisions but he had a lack of energy and a little bit of silkiness. “He will need to get better as they don’t really have anything else to call on.”Garnacho walked straight down the tunnel after being substituted in the first half against Ipswich following Patrick Dorgu’s red card.He did not return to the bench for the second half and was later punished by Ruben Amorim.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 20-year-old went in to see Amorim and agreed to buy his team-mates a dinner – by way of an apology and an unofficial club “punishment”.Amorim revealed: “It was funny because the next day, he came to me, to my office.New footage emerges of Alejandro Garnacho that ‘explains why Man Utd star marched down tunnel’ after being hauled off “I did some investigating and he went to the dressing room and changed his clothes because he was wet.“He watched the game in a different place, not from the bench, and at the end of the game he was there, then went home.“There is not an issue there but I told him at Manchester United that everything is important and perception at a big club is really important.“He is going to pay for a dinner for all the team and that’s it.” More

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      Chelsea officially have the most expensive squad in history as Man Utd overtaken by fierce rivals in shirt sales

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      MANCHESTER City have the second highest wage bill in world football.Yet shirt sales are lower than the rest of the Prem Big Six suggest Pep Guardiola’s men earn trophies and money – but have not won over hearts and minds.Chelsea have the most expensive squad in the history of footballCredit: GettyManchester United collect £122.6million in merchandise salesCredit: RexManchester City have the largest wage bill in the worldCredit: GettyUefa’s latest statistical run-down of the European game found City’s wage bill of £466m last season was behind only PSG, who laid out £553m in 2023-24.City’s squad cost £1.09bn to put together, a figure only exceeded by the £1.39bn cost of assembling the Chelsea squad that finished sixth in the Prem under Mauricio Pochettino.The West London side has still failed to challenge at the top of the Prem this year.The club has struggled to keep pace with the race for Champions League qualification.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAccording to the European Club Finance and Investment Landscape report: “Chelsea FC’s squad at the end of the club’s 2024 financial year was officially the most expensive ever assembled, with a combined transfer cost of £1.39bn.“This comfortably surpassed the value of the Real Madrid squad of 2020, which cost £1.12bn.”City have been the dominant force in English football for the past decade, winning seven of the last 11 Prem crowns, eight domestic cups and the Champions League in that period.It has seen them rise from commercial revenues of just £23m in 2009 to 349m last season – a stunning rise of more than 1500 per cent.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut despite that, City’s shirt and merchandising income, which Uefa describe as “a proxy for each individual club’s global fan base” was only the 11th highest in Europe.City made £63.8m through replica kit and other club-branded sales, barely half the £123m earned by both Liverpool and Manchester United – and way below the £164.6m grossed by Real Madrid.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtMan City have released four shirts this season to boost shirt salesCredit: GettyLiverpool have made the most money in merchandising in the Premier LeagueCredit: SplashThe Cityzens have released four kits this season with the traditional home, away and goalkeeper jerseys.But there has also been the addition of the ‘Definitely City’ special kit that was worn earlier in the campaign.The shirt marked the 30th anniversary of rock band Oasis’ release of ‘Definitely Maybe’.It was originally on sale for £80 but like the rest of the club’s shirts can now be bought for £48.Meanwhile, Chelsea have seen their merchandising sales be overtaken by London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.But in terms of the Premier League it is Liverpool that reigns supreme as they make the most money from merchandising sales.The Reds are just £300,000 ahead of Man United. More

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      Fist-swinging street fighter Matheus Cunha is making us forget everything we once knew about Brazilian footballers

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      IT IS TIME to forget everything we used to believe about ­Brazilian footballers.Gliding around a pitch, Samba ­soccer, tiny sky-blue shorts, lovers, philosophers, 40-a-day smokers. Gone.Matheus Cunha was sent off for lashing out at Milos KerkezCredit: GettyHe had scored a spectacular goal earlier in the gameCredit: GettySocrates became iconic for his long hair and headbandCredit: Getty – ContributorHe smoked regularly during his playing daysCredit: Times Newspapers LtdConsigned to the dustbin of history in just a few weeks. Matheus Cunha has replaced all that with the 2025 version.An eye-bulging, fist-swinging, raging street-fighter looking for a tear-up on the cobbles of any market town.Those who grew up in the late 1970s and 80s have fuzzy childhood memories of Socrates, Zico, Falcao.Football at a snail’s pace. Ice-cool virtuosos waltzing while the Europeans combusted under searing sunshine at World Cups.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEven if they didn’t win, they lost in style and with good grace.Socrates was more than an elegant midfielder.He got through almost as many women as fags, was married four times and loved a beer.And it only further romanticised his reputation during the politically incorrect 20th Century.A left-leaning intellectual, Socrates wouldn’t punch a four-eyed, ginger-haired, Ipswich steward.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd rather than kick s**t out of Bournemouth’s left-back, he would light up a B&H and consider Karl Marx while performing keepy-ups.Wolves’ irascible striker should take note as he awaits the outcome of a second FA misconduct charge in less than two months.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsThe Brazilian is facing an extended banCredit: GettyGrabbing Milos Kerkez by the throat and appearing to launch his head towards the young Serb in last Saturday’s FA Cup tie felt quite un-Brazilian.Then fighting the friends trying to save you from further trouble is simply not done down in Rio.And if you harbour ambitions of a move to clubs like Arsenal, who are taking a serious interest in Cunha’s abilities, it might pay to be a bit more Socrates and a little less sock it to ’em.For years Brazil maintained a dignified position as the intelligentsia of the game. Brazilian footballers were a beacon on the South American continent.They were not the snappy Uruguayans overly-aggressive Argentines — they were jazz musicians in football boots.Even hot-headed ex-Chelsea and Wolves striker Diego Costa opted to represent Spain despite being born not far from Brazil’s Atlantic coast.It’s not that silly to think his government quietly suggested he switch nationalities because his fiery temper would ruin their reputation.Cunha is not all bad news.The sensational goal scored with a tiny backlift of his right boot prior to his latest meltdown would win serious approval from the ghosts of Brazil’s silky past. Which begs the question why such a talented player is so far removed from the Samba stars of yesteryear?The closest to an answer is that prior to pre-globalised football, the transfer rat-run between Latin America and Europe was a barely-trodden path.Socrates spent one season outside of his homeland — playing roughly two dozen games for Fiorentina in Italy.Plus a cameo role as player-coach of non-League Garforth Town in his 50s.Zico played less than 40 times for Udinese, also of Italy, then wound up his career in Japan.Falcao managed 100 or so appearances at Roma over two years.But the vast majority of their careers were spent safe from the Europeanisation of their approach to the beautiful game. That has all changed.Real Madrid’s dynamic winger ­Vinicius Jr was shipped to Real Madrid’s youth set up at 18.Willian was carted off to Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk at 19 on a pathway to England. It’s a now familiar pattern.Cunha quit South America before kicking a competitive ball aged 18 to join Swiss side Sion.From there he headed for RB Leipzig, Hertha Berlin and Atletico Madrid, before landing up in the Black Country where he is now fighting the world to avoid Premier League relegation.Perhaps he has just been tainted by the European model of pumped-up, win-at-all-costs football.REF’S SLOT OF BOTHERArne Slot has been fined for his outburst at Michael Oliver after the Merseyside derbyCredit: ReutersLET us all stop and think of David Coote for a moment as Liverpool boss Arne Slot goes back to work £70,000 lighter.Slot’s incendiary outburst at ref Michael Oliver at the end of last month’s fiery Merseyside derby showed what officials have to put up with at times.And it has parallels with his predecessor Jurgen Klopp raging at Coote for not awarding his team a penalty against Burnley some years earlier.As indefensible as ‘not sober’ Coote’s racist remarks were, he didn’t come up with the idea of letting rip at the German for a bit of fun.It was a reaction to the kind of in-your-face verbal violence Oliver had to swallow at Goodison Park when Slot’s team had simply drawn a match.This was Slot’s first serious offence in the Premier League, so let’s give him that.But referees are human despite what many people think. They have feelings.And long memories.CIT IT OUTNico O’Reilly helped Man City past Plymouth in the last round of the FA CupCredit: GettyANYONE else an ABC in the FA Cup this year? Anyone But City!It’s not their fault but to reinstate some romance back into the competition, can one of the other seven quarter-finalists win itManchester City have won the Prem four times in a ­row, FA Cup twice in the past six years and the bloody Champions League.Any two from Preston, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Fulham, Brighton, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest would make for a refreshing final on May 17 — and a memorable day out for their fans.JURGEN’S JACKPOTJurgen Klopp admitted he was out of energy as Liverpool managerCredit: AlamyJURGEN KLOPP said he had ‘run out of energy’ so needed to quit Liverpool at the end of last season.Yet the club’s accounts show Klopp and his staff still trousered a whopping £9.6million pay-off.I know you can get money for voluntary redundancy but were Liverpool looking to cut numbers like Manchester United are? And even if they were, would Klopp have been ‘at risk’.Such generosity. Not so much You’ll Never Walk Alone as you’ll never need a loan. Not with that kind of golden goodbye anyway.READ MORE SUN STORIESWAD-ING INJames Wage beat Luke Humphries at the UK OpenCredit: GettySTORY of the week has to be darts’ lickgate scandal where James Wade was called ‘disgusting’ for licking the neck of rival Luke Humphries at the UK Open.Perhaps that is what they mean by ‘tongue-sten shafts’? More

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      How Arteta’s Merino experiment is surprising defenders and crucial to Arsenal’s attack

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      ARSENAL travel to Manchester United on Sunday looking to get their stuttering title challenge back on track.The Gunners went from blanking in back to back league games against West Ham and Nottingham Forest to smashing seven past PSV in the Champions League.Mikel Merino’s performances are revitalising Arsenal’s attackCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard triggering the press will be key for Arsenal against Man UtdCredit: GettyThe sudden reverse in attacking fortunes begs the question, has Mikel Arteta finally unearthed a strong attacking recipe with his makeshift Arsenal attack.Leandro Trossard, Mikel Merino and Ethan Nwaneri have lined up in the attack for the Gunners in the last three games following an injury to Kai Havertz.It has left them without Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus as forward options.But the performances of Merino up front have been leaving a surprising impact, which we will look into on our latest episode of Tactics Exposed Team Talk, brought to you by Betfair.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHow do Arsenal replace Kai Havertz?For all the criticism Havertz takes as Arsenal’s frontman, his absence is clear to see when he missing. He has done a fabulous job for Arsenal during his time there, although it may be fair to say he is not the force they need to win them the title.But Arteta likes himself a utility forward who can play in lots of positions, and while Havertz may not be a top-class forward he is a top class player.Against Man Utd, Merino will be the star asked to adapt his game to get Arsenal ticking in the final third.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWith Arteta opting to invert his full-backs and create overloads to give them a 3-2-5 shape, Arsenal will be coming against a back five with United expected to play defensive wing-backs.This means individual duels will be the key to winning the game.Mikel Arteta makes light of Arsenal goal rush after PSV thrashing In the case of Merino, who has admitted he has been watching Havertz videos, he has a bit of a striker’s instinct, as seen when he scored his brace against Leicester.But Merino has taken lesson’s from Havertz to drop into a deeper area of the pitch, which leaves the United defender with the problem of whether to follow him or potentially leave him open.Kai Havertz has been a big miss for ArsenalBut Merino has been stepping up to fill the voidHis numbers playing up front show a player capable of facilitating for his team-matesAgainst PSV Arsenal always had at least three runners beyond the ball, including Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.These runs forced defenders back and caused an issue for the goalkeeper, with Merino’s presence facilitating runners to move beyond him.If Riccardo Calafiori is selected at left-back, he will certainly run forwards into a striker type position, adding another option.Regardless, Merino is filling the Havertz role and he will be pivotal in the result at Old Trafford.Can Nwaneri replace Saka?It is a big compliment to be compared to Saka, no matter how old of a player you are. But to me compared with one of the world’s best wingers at the age of 17 earmarks Nwaneri’s quality.Against United, Nwaneri will almost certainly start from the right wing, the side Arsenal predominantly play down because their best players tend to favour that side.But what Arsenal have done in the absence of their top stars is balance the attack a lot more.And against PSV, the share of attacks was even favoured more to the left flank.This gives the opposition defence a far bigger problem than if all the attack all came down one side.Arsenal’s attack as become more balanced since Ethan Nwaneri’s introductionThis balancing act will give Nwaneri more of a chance to go one on one against rivalsCredit: GettySaka typically hugs the right touchline to open space for team-mates to run in underlapping moves. But what Nwaneri has been given the licence to do is move inside earlier.This means he is another central option to play in and around Merino, who as we already mentioned is likely to drop deeper to vacate space where the striker would normally be.Nwaneri’s movement should then attract the right wing-back more centrally, which will then give the likes of Jurrien Timber the chance to have more space to overlap with down the right flank.Another difference between the teen and Saka is his willingness to shoot with both feet and wanting to isolate his defender in one v one situation.Against United’s defence this new balancing act will give Nwaneri more of a chance to get one v one more.How will Man Utd play out against Arsenal’s high press?We spoke a bit last week about Bruno Fernandes’ new position as one of the two pivot midfielders. But unlike some rivals, Arsenal are a top side who are very comfortable without the ball.Arsenal defend mainly in 4-4-2 shape – the 1990s are back – while United play out in their 3-4-3 shape.He previously touched on how Arsenal’s press really hurt Liverpool, and this time they will set traps against United.Arsenal captain Odegaard will be the star to orchestrate and trigger the press.What he will do is have his hand up before telling his team where to play.Bruno Fernandes’ new position will make him a huge player for Man Utd against ArsenalCredit: GettyThe Red Devils success at playing out will largely be determined by how the central centre-back performsCredit: RexWhen the ball moves wide and United look to switch the play with a long cross-field pass, like they did a lot against Ispwich, they will be left in a 3v1 situation in Arsenal’s favour.The odds favouring the visiting side for winning the ball here would then allow Arsenal the chance to bomb forward down the flank with superior numbers.So what United will have to do is figure out how to play through this, with Fernandes, Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee being the key men to solve this problem.It may be as simple as Fernandes pushing higher to keep Merino and Odegaard on their toes and potentially pushing them back to give the defenders more time on the ball to pick a pass.The Arteta defensive blueprint is successful for a reason, but ultimately United’s play will be determined by the success of the central centre-back – likely to be Harry Maguire.The central defender could drop back alongside Andre Onana against the front two of Odegaard and Merino which, once combined with the other two defenders showing for options, will open up the passing lanes going forwards.READ MORE SUN STORIESWe are likely to see a W passing shape from United to bypass Arsenal, with someone like Eriksen showing further forwards to create extra triangles between the defence and attack.If United can make these triangles against Arsenal’s box midfield then they will at least have a chance of playing out.Arsenal ratings vs PSV as Nwaneri comes of age in Champions League drubbing but rash Lewis-Skelly is hooked earlyARSENAL steamrolled a hapless PSV side to all-but book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.The Gunners started without a recognised striker once again but unlike at Nottingham Forest last week, goals were not a problem in Eindhoven.A quick-fire double from Jurrien Timber and Ethan Nwaneri around the 20th minute put the Gunners in control in what was an assured display.Every Arsenal player impressed and they were clinical with their finishing.Only Myles Lewis-Skelly will feel a little disappointed as he was hooked after half an hour to avoid him picking up a second yellow.It was a shame as the youngster was performing well on the ball – he played a key role in the build-up to the opening goal.But he could not be trusted by Mikel Arteta after he dived and caught his man with a challenge that could easily have resulted in a second booking.It was another careless moment that allowed PSV back into the match as Thomas Partey conceded a penalty that was converted on the stroke of half-time.But the Gunners did not rest on their laurels and came out racing after the break, scoring twice in two minutes to put the match, and the tie, to bed.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Gunners’ display… More

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      Man Utd ratings: Zirkzee goes from tears to cheers with crucial strike but Dalot deserves telling off from Hojlund

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were left to rue missed chances as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Sociedad in the first leg of their last-16 Europa League tie. Joshua Zirkzee scored his first European goal for the Red Devils, before a tame Sociedad outfit levelled through Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty.Joshua Zirkzee scored a deserved opener in the 57th minuteCredit: GettyMikel Oyarzabal’s penalty drew it level for the home sideCredit: ReutersManchester United have it all to play for next ThursdayCredit: EPAUnited, perhaps, deserved more. And should’ve come away with a lead going into the second leg at Old Trafford next week.Ruben Amorim’s side started on the front foot and found space on the counterattack, which has been a rarity this season.They even prevented the hosts threatening Andre Onana’s goal in the first half.Sociedad, in truth, offered very little, perhaps still shellshocked from their 4-0 demolition away at Barcelona this past weekend.The gameplan should’ve been simple at half-time: simply pass the ball in behind to Rasmus Hojlund, with the Basques slow at back.United’s dominance of the match was rewarded when Zirkzee’s shot crept past Alex Remiro in the 57th minute.But the noise – and the Poznan – came back into the Reale Arena after Bruno Fernandes’ handball was spotted by VAR and allowed Mikel Oyarzabal to level from the spot.From that point on, the home side, who had offered nothing, were the better team.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut it is Man Utd who have more right to feel aggrieved about taking just a share of the spoils back to Old Trafford.Here SunSport’s Katherine Walsh runs the rule over how each Manchester United star performed in the Basque Country.‘We’ve broken the poor man, he must hate us’ – Ruben Amorim bizarrely stands on different pitch as Man Utd flops trainAndre Onana – 5 The under-fire keeper was surely delighted to avoid any shots being peppered his way in the first half. And you could argue that he attempted to command his area a bit more and made decisions early.Wasn’t called upon to save anything of note before being sent the wrong way for Oyarzabal’s penalty and was under pressure from then on.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Moved into the back three with Harry Maguire injured and added some all-important aggression.Solid both defensively and in possession. The Moroccan won most of his duels and played some good and accurate long passes around the pitch.Made an important sprint to deny lively sub Sheraldo Becker the ball at the death.Matthijs de Ligt – 7Came up against a Sociedad front-line that didn’t perform as expected, but got a vital foot in to prevent the hosts getting a shot off on the stroke of half-time.Was very disciplined when making some key tackles and his importance ramped up after the equaliser as Becker sent several dangerous crosses into the box.In the 86th minute, the Dutch international slipped with a Sociedad player behind him, but still managed to get a vital toe in to clear the ball and save Onana.Leny Yoro – 6Still a kid, still new to United and definitely full of promise. Took another step forward here as well, with a couple of key interceptions. Important clearance at the start of the second half, which was followed up by an excellent defensive touch at the front post moments later.The teenager is becoming stronger, making it tougher on strikers, and his growing confidence means he is now stepping into midfield and defending on the front foot.Diogo Dalot – 3Loved by the players, highly rated by former managers, but so often the scapegoat for supporters. Think that’s harsh?You should have seen his lack of instinct to cross a first-time ball into Hojlund, who make a great run into the box and was five yards from Sociedad’s goal line inside 20 minutes.He’s not a real wing-back. It took a while for him to get into things and did better to find Fernandes for a chance inside the box just before half-time. But so, so sloppy in possession. Gets himself into too many good areas to keep making the wrong decision in a side so short of goals.Casemiro – 6 The five-time Champions League winner looked to launch the ball forward at the earliest opportunities to try and release one of his forwards.His efforts were rewarded for Zirkzee’s opener, when Dalot collected his long pass and laid on Garnacho for an assist.But United desperately lack a No 6, as Sociedad benefited from far too many gaps in midfield. On the whole, Casemiro operated well in tight spaces with Zirkzee. Bruno Fernandes – 5 Was denied the opener when Sociedad defender Aritz Elustondo blocked his shot off the line with his thigh five minutes before half-time.Minutes later, United’s forever creative master chipped a lovely cross into Dalot for a fleeting straight-on header.But just when United were on top, the club captain was so unlucky to concede a penalty via a jumping hand ball after the ref was sent to monitor in the 70th minute.Was booked for mouthing off to the ref in the 55th minute. That could hurt United later on, if he picks up too many yellow cards in Europe.Patrick Dorgu – 6With five outfield players on the bench, Dorgu worried Amorim when he signalled a knock to his thigh inside 30 minutes. But he carried on.The physical wing-back showed Dalot the benefits of whipping early crosses in. Did he make up for being sent off against Ipswich last week? Kind of. United look so much more threatening with him is in the side.Alejandro Garnacho – 6 Amorim kept swapping his flanks, but he got his first bit of success on the left hand side, but sorely lacked in end product AGAIN.The young Argentine fired far too many powerless shots at Alex Remiro. He is without a goal since the end of November.But his brilliant pull-back to assist Zirkzee brought United’s opener. The 20-year-old looked devastated when he was withdrawn for Christian Eriksenwith 12 minutes remaining.Joshua Zirkzee – 7Went from crying on the pitch after missing the fifth penalty against Fulham on Sunday, to gun fingers after opening the scoring tonight.And what a crucial goal it was in the 57th minute, with United fans growing tired of watching so many scuffed opportunities. Just as he did against Marco Silva’s side, he worked hard throughout the pitch and had some tidy moments of link-up play when he dropped deep to create.No doubting there’s a good player in there – he just isn’t blessed with pace and his follow-up attempt on Fernandes’ chance was far too casual.Rasmus Hojlund – 6 The under-fire Dane might not deserve all the hate he gets. His lively display in Spain was not matched with ball deliveries from his team-mates.He made smart driving runs and was right to be furious with Dalot and co. for their lack of service on several occasions. None of his team-mates provided balls he could run on to, in fact, they were always quite short in the second half.Drew fouls but again lacked a striker’s instinct when he dummied on a few crosses. Subs: Christian Eriksen (’78 for Garnacho)Didn’t do much after coming on. In fact, only offered a scuffed high cross in added time.Victor Lindelof (’88 for Yoro)Important clearance from Becker in the 92nd minute. Toby Collyer (’88 for Zirkzee)Unused: Heaven, Amass, More