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      Aston Villa 3 Brentford 1: Unai Emery avoids breaking unwanted record as England stars combine to steam-roll Bees

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      UNAI EMERY’S Villa avoided a Christmas crisis by steam-rollering Brentford to halt their eight-match winless streak.Emery had never gone nine games without a win in more than 1,000 games as a boss.Aston Villa bounced back from their poor run of formCredit: GettyMorgan Rogers broke the deadlock with a great strike into the top-right cornerCredit: GettyOllie Watkins converted a penaltyCredit: ReutersBut by half-time he knew his horror run had come to an end and he had three very welcome points in the bag as the Bees buckled.Brentford might be brilliant at home where they have collected 19 of their 20 points this season.But Thomas Frank’s boys get flattened on the road more often than a bunch of suicidal hedgehogs!They trailed 3-0 at the break as Villa ran riot to get their stuttering season back on track.Read More in FootballBlonde bombshell Morgan Rogers – sporting a nifty new platinum look – struck gold midway through the first-half with a stunning opener.The England midfielder accepted Boubacar Kamara’s delivery and drove forward, exchanging passes with Ollie Watkins, before curling a beauty beyond Mark Flekken from the edge of the box.It was a tasty starter and Villa’s appetite had clearly returned as they feasted on Brentford’s dodgy defence.Ollie Watkins was a constant menace and terrorised the Bees throughout.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMikkel Damsgaard scored Brentford’s only goalCredit: ReutersJust before the half hour he sprinted onto Leon Bailey’s through ball and got ahead of Ethan Pinnock whose knee clipped the striker’s heel to send him sprawling.Referee Lewis Smith gave himself a moment to think and then pointed to the spot and VAR agreed with his decision.Paul Merson calls out Mike Dean live on Sky Sports after Jack Stephens’ red card for SouthamptonWatkins dusted himself down to squeeze his spot-kick home and, although Flekken got a glove to the ball, he couldn’t prevent Ollie scoring for the fifth game on the spin against his old club.Matty Cash piled on the misery with a third as he pounced on Pinnock’s glancing header to volley sweetly beyond Flekken.Brentford rightly claimed Watkins was in an offside position and interfered with play by forcing Pinnock to stretch as he attempted to clear.But VAR Nick Hopton agreed with the ref’s on field decision to complete a miserable first half for Frank’s side.Villa almost added to their lead when Flekken punched a Youri Tielemans corner high into the air – then had to frantically punch out his own punch as the ball threatened to creep over the line.However he redeemed himself with a brilliant diving save to keep out a Watkins header.READ MORE SUN STORIESBrentford restored some pride when Mikkel Damsgaard pounced on a Matty Cash half-clearance and cut inside Kamara before lashing the ball high into the roof of Emi Martinez’s net.But despite the Bees throwing men forward, this was Villa’s night.Matty Cash made it threeCredit: Reuters More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Saliba runs the show with superb defensive display but Martinell fails to dazzle under lights

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      SET pieces were king as Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners over Manchester United.A goalless first half gave way to the thought that Mikel Arteta’s side might drop points in the title race.Set pieces were king in North London as Arsenal scored twice from them to beat Man Utd 2-0Credit: GettyJurrien Timber nodded home the opener in the 54th minuteCredit: GettyBefore William Saliba bundled home the second amid a superb defensive outingCredit: GettyHowever, Jurrien Timber’s opener cut those thoughts down as he nodded home from a set piece 54 minutes in.Timber had snuck into the front post area before the ball sailed over the head of Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund.And United failed to learn their lesson before William Saliba doubled the lead with Thomas Partey heading the ball back across goal before Saliba put the ball home with his backside.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDAVID RAYA – 7/10One of his poorer games with ball at feet, scuffing clearances when he is usually so pin-point.All that can be forgotten after a stunning fingertip stop to keep out De Ligt’s looping header.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 7A reminder of why he is such a valuable squad player these days. Came in from out of the cold with a solid and resolute performance at the back.The only blip was a lapse in concentration meaning he was forced to foul Amad and pick up a needless yellow card.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWILLIAM SALIBA – 9Missed his defensive partner but you wouldn’t know it. Cool and calm under pressure with some nice turns and drives up the pitch.So he deserved his luck for his goal to make it 2-0 – Partey’s header from a corner deflecting off his backside.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundJAKUB KIWIOR – 8Struggled physically against Hojlund from United goal kicks and long balls, often letting the ball bounce instead of attacking it aerially like Gabriel does.Saying that, he grew into his role and really put in a shift under pressure, even getting high fives from Saliba at one point.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Link-up with Saka down the right flank was not as fluid as in recent weeks, yet he was brave to win the flick on to open the scoring in the second half.Switched to left-back late on, showing off further his versatility and usefulness to Arteta and ArsenalTHOMAS PARTEY – 7Missed a sitter from a near-post corner that he shouldered wide early on and continued to have one of those games in midfield, giving up possession time after time with sloppy passes.Moved to right back with 20 minutes left only to help double their lead with his header for Saliba.DECLAN RICE – 7Struggled to assert his authority in the first half but fixed that after the break, providing the whipped corner assist for Timber.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Leads by example, even if he cannot sprinkle a big of magic into proceedings. His pressing and all-round work rate was more important in this one.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Shinned a decent chance from six yards after United failed to clear a corner. Was committed in defence in the second half to help out Zinchenko against Amad.BUKAYO SAKA – 7Pushed Malacia back and Arsenal up the pitch with his great runs in behind, a constant threat.His corner abilities – teeing up Saliba’s goal – is just another string to his bow.KAI HAVERTZ – 6A real quiet one from the German, not that he had much service to feed off. Wore out his boots with plenty of running and battled with De Ligt and Maguire well.Missed a glorious chance to wrap up the game in a one-on-one with Onana.SUBS:READ MORE SUN STORIESMIKEL MERINO (ZINCHENKO, 70) – 7Leaped brilliantly from yet another corner unmarked and no clue how he didn’t find the bottom corner.LEANDRO TROSSARD (MARTINELLI, 70) – 6A couple of breakaways almost created openings. The added energy down the left was well received.JORGINHO (ODEGAARD, 90) – N/A More

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      Arsenal 2 Man Utd 0: Amorim tastes defeat for first time at hands of fierce rivals as Arteta closes gap on Liverpool

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      IF Arsenal do mount a proper title challenge this season, they’ll do it by riding a love train.That’s the line-up of Gunners players who rush in from behind the back post every time they win a corner, pack the opposition six-yard box – and frequently score.Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners over Manchester United at the EmiratesCredit: GETTYJurrien Timber broke the deadlock in the 54th minute with a deft headerCredit: REUTERSWilliam Saliba unknowingly scored the Gunners’ secondCredit: REUTERSHere, Ruben Amorim suffered his first defeat as Manchester United boss as Arsenal netted from two of these familiar set-piece routines – off the head of Jurrien Timber and the right buttock of William Saliba.That fortunate effort from the French defender was the 22nd goal Arsenal had scored from a corner in the Premier League since the start of last season – seven more than any other club.Mikel Arteta’s tactics owe more to Tony Pulis than Arsene Wenger but nobody at the Emirates will give a stuff if they can give Liverpool a run for their money.As Arne Slot’s men finally dropped a couple of points in a classic at Newcastle, the Gunners were grinding it out against an unadventurous United side who came for a point and ended with nowt.READ MORE ON ARSENALArteta’s men are now within seven points of leaders Liverpool, and trailing second-placed Chelsea on goal difference.There is hope, however slim, after this third straight convincing league win.Amorim’s side barely had a shot on goal until a David Raya wonder save denied Matthijs De Ligt midway through the second half.But the corner count of 13-0 told its own story. You simply cannot afford to afford Arsenal so many set-piece chances when they are the undoubted masters of that art.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGuru Nico Jover will take even more plaudits after this – and for all the talk of Amorim’s tactical genius, United were supremely unconvincing at this defensive basic.Amorim is still at the bingo master stage with his team selections as he grapples with the various permutations among his squad.Man Utd vs Arsenal: Player Ratings (1)There were six changes from the 4-0 thumping of Everton – including the benching of Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee, who between them netted all four goals on Sunday.Mason Mount, a player Amorim has expressed his “love” for, was handed his first league start since August – against his best chum Declan Rice.Arsenal’s defensive resources were being stretched Gabriel and Ricardo Calafiori joining Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu on the injury list, with Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko both drafted in.On a filthy old night in north London, the first half was a tough old watch.There was precious little devilment from Arsenal and United found it all too easy to sit in their shape and threaten on the counter.Gabriel Martinelli had the ball in the net early on but Kai Havertz had been well offside.Arsenal’s only real threat was from their trademark corner-kick routines – Thomas Partey mistiming a header from point-blank range and the ball cannoning wide off his shoulder.Martinelli blazed wide after Andre Onana had punched a dangerous Saka corner out from beneath his bar.Amorim sat on his haunches, stroked his chin and watched the chess. Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane would have hated it.It wasn’t until the 43rd minute that United had a shot – Diogo Dalot drilling wide across goal.Yet there wasn’t a single effort on target from either side during one of the most forgettable halves of football you could ever imagine watching.Tyrell Malacia, who booked in a tangle with Havertz just before the interval, was hooked at half-time to make way for Amad Diallo – the stand-out star of Amorim’s early reign.New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim predicted his side would soon face a “storm”Credit: REUTERSThe Portuguese gaffer ended up putting his head in his hands in the second halfCredit: ReutersSoon after the second half got away, Liverpool had their lead cancelled out at Newcastle and there was just a glimmer of hope that some sort of title race might occur. And that Arsenal might be part of it.Rice soon had a shot deflected over and then, after a lengthy injury delay as Matthijs De Ligt received treatment, Arsenal forced another corner and finally seized the lead.Arsenal were packing the six-yard box every time they won a set-piece and this time Rice delivered to the near post, where Rasmus Hojlund failed to connect and Timber snuck in behind him to glance a header past Onana.Amorim immediately turned to his bench and sent on Rashford and Zirkzee, along with debutant defender Lenny Yoro, who had been injured in pre-season following a summer move from Lille.His first task was to help deal with another couple of Arsenal corners, Manuel Ugarte clearing the next one off the line after a Rice in-swinger.Diallo gave Zinchenko the run-around and was hauled down on the edge of the area by the Ukrainian full-back, who was booked.Fernandes delivered the free-kick and De Ligt’s towering header forced a magnificent clawing save from a full-stretched David Raya – the Arsenal keeper’s first meaningful action of the night, midway through the second half.Zinchenko was soon withdrawn in favour of Mikel Merino, with Thomas Partey moving to right-back as Leandro Trossard replaced Martinelli.Then came the second, a corner conceded by Rashford attempting to play keepy-uppy on his own goal line.Saka swung this one in from the right, Partey nodded back from beyond the far post as the ball cannoned in off Saliba’s backside.Havertz should have completed the job soon after when latched on to Odegaard’s sweet pass only for Onana to block the German at near post.READ MORE SUN STORIESFrom another corner, Merino headed wide across goal. And Partey then went close from – you guessed it, yet another corner.Arsenal ratings vs Manchester UnitedARSENAL were comfortable 2-0 winners over Manchester United at the Emirates thanks to two goals from set-pieces.Check out how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 7/10One of his poorer games with ball at feet, scuffing clearances when he is usually so pin-point.All that can be forgotten after a stunning fingertip stop to keep out De Ligt’s looping header.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 7A reminder of why he is such a valuable squad player these days. Came in from out of the cold with a solid and resolute performance at the back.The only blip was a lapse in concentration meaning he was forced to foul Amad and pick up a needless yellow card.WILLIAM SALIBA – 9Missed his defensive partner but you wouldn’t know it. Cool and calm under pressure with some nice turns and drives up the pitch.So he deserved his luck for his goal to make it 2-0 – Partey’s header from a corner deflecting off his backside.JAKUB KIWIOR – 8Struggled physically against Hojlund from United goal kicks and long balls, often letting the ball bounce instead of attacking it aerially like Gabriel does.Saying that, he grew into his role and really put in a shift under pressure, even getting high fives from Saliba at one point.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Link-up with Saka down the right flank was not as fluid as in recent weeks, yet he was brave to win the flick on to open the scoring in the second half.Switched to left-back late on, showing off further his versatility and usefulness to Arteta and ArsenalTHOMAS PARTEY – 7Missed a sitter from a near-post corner that he shouldered wide early on and continued to have one of those games in midfield, giving up possession time after time with sloppy passes.Moved to right back with 20 minutes left only to help double their lead with his header for Saliba.DECLAN RICE – 7Struggled to assert his authority in the first half but fixed that after the break, providing the whipped corner assist for Timber.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Leads by example, even if he cannot sprinkle a big of magic into proceedings. His pressing and all-round work rate was more important in this one.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Shinned a decent chance from six yards after United failed to clear a corner. Was committed in defence in the second half to help out Zinchenko against Amad.BUKAYO SAKA – 7Pushed Malacia back and Arsenal up the pitch with his great runs in behind, a constant threat.His corner abilities – teeing up Saliba’s gaol – is just another string to his bow.KAI HAVERTZ – 6A real quiet one from the German, not that he had much service to feed off. Wore out his boots with plenty of running and battled with De Ligt and Maguire well.Missed a glorious chance to wrap up the game in a one-on-one with Onana.SUBS:MIKEL MERINO (ZINCHENKO, 70) – 7Leaped brilliantly from yet another corner unmarked and no clue how he didn’t find the bottom corner.LEANDRO TROSSARD (MARTINELLI, 70) – 6A couple of breakaways almost created openings. The added energy down the left was well received.JORGINHO (ODEGAARD, 90) – N/AMan Utd ratings vs ArsenalRUBEN AMORIM lost his first game since taking charge of Man Utd after a 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates.See how the players rated…ANDRE ONANA – 5He was let off early in the game after a stray pass saw Gabriel Martinelli put the ball in the net before the linesman raised his flag.Failed to command his area as 5″10 Jurrien Timber leapt highest to rattle the back of his net, before the ball floated to the back post for Arsenal to score their second set piece.DIOGO DALOT – 6Flashed a shot just wide at the end of the first half when he did eventually get forward.Not bad defensively but more dangerous going forwards.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Formed a good partnership with Maguire in the first half, and fans will be hoping he is okay after suffering a slight knock.Needed to be a more commanding figure in the box to stop being dominated by The Gunners at set pieces.HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was actually very impressive in the first half, with a solid showing.Not at fault for Timber’s header hitting the back of the net, before he was replaced by Leny Yoro.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Playing as a left-sided centre-back he looked fairly comfortable, which is a credit to the Moroccan’s versatility.That said, he still looked better off in the role that Malacia, then Dalot occupied tonight as a left-wingback.TYRELL MALACIA – 3Noticeably looked extremely physically weak up against Bukayo Saka on the left-hand side, before being booked for a kick out at Kai Havertz.Offered nothing going forward and his link-up with Garnacho was practically non-existent. Hooked at half-time for the far more threatening Amad.MANUEL UGARTE – 5Another one who was booked in the first half, he failed to establish any kind of presence in the game and on the ball, looked pretty woeful.Cleared a Joshua Zirkzee header off of his own line to stop Arsenal from doubling their lead early in the second half.BRUNO FERNANDES – 4This game was crying out for Bruno Fernandes to stamp his authority on it, and it seemed he just couldn’t quite get his foot on the ball to do so.Played a deeper role today, next to Ugarte, which meant we didn’t see any of his attacking spark.MASON MOUNT – 3Mason Mount at right wing was an experiment tried and failed at Chelsea, which Amorim tried again tonight.He was often lost in the half-space, meaning he was essentially useless going forwards. Hooked in the second half after a fairly abysmal showing.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5A very quiet first half, only brightened by one half-decent cross, was met by a second half where he was quickly subbed for Marcus Rashford.Quiet.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Battled well with the physical presence of William Saliba early on, but his side failed to create him any kind of chances.Cut a frustrated figure for most of the match, and rightly so. There will be no point signing Gyokeres if they can’t create anything for him to score.SUBSAMAD (TYRELL MALACIA, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank.However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.MARCUS RASHFORD (MASON MOUNT, 72) – 5Having been electric on the whole under Amorim, he wasn’t able to provide any kind of spark against an opponent which has been one of his favourites in recent years.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (ALEJANDRO GARNACHO, 72) – 4After an impressive display last time out, he failed to offer anything to his side going forward today.The closest he came to scoring was a dangerous header which almost saw him get an own goal on the scoresheet.LENY YORO (HARRY MAGUIRE, 72) – 6Looks like a pretty good defender on the whole, a tough game for a young centre-back, but he didn’t look out of place whatsoever.ANTONY (RASMUS HOJLUND, 79) – 5Played his part in a clever free-kick routine at the end of the game, before fluffing his lines and finding the gloves of David Raya. More

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      Chelsea ratings: Jorgensen stakes claim for No1 spot but Tosin struggles to cement role in defence

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      CHELSEA continued their run of fine form with a huge 5-1 win over Southampton under the lights at St Mary’s.Axel Disasi broke the deadlock with a close-range headed effort in the seventh minute.Chelsea cruised to a 5-1 win over SouthamptonCredit: PASaints midfielder Joe Aribo then equalised for the hosts following a brilliant piece of skill from Kyle Walker-Peters.But Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho added to Chelsea’s tally to seal three points on the road.Here’s how SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rated the performance…FILIP JORGENSEN – 8Made a fantastic save within the opening two minutes to keep Joe Aribo’s close-range shot out.Also made a great stop in the second half. Many Chelsea fans are now calling for him to become the club’s No1.Filip Jorgensen impressed in a rare start for the BluesCredit: ReutersMALO GUSTO – 7Won more duels and made more tackles than any other Chelsea player in the first half. Provided a great assist for Sancho’s goal.AXEL DISASI – 7Scored Chelsea’s opener with a fairly simple header at the front post following Fernandez’s delivery from a corner.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5Appeared to switch off when Southampton scored, almost leaving Aribo on his own in front of goal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRattled the post with a rocket of a shot in the second half.MARC CUCURELLA – 6Left Southampton fans furious after going down following a hair pull from Jack Stephens which resulted in a red card. A solid performance, both acting and playing-wise.Marc Cucurella’s hair was pulled by Jack Stephens, which resulted in the Southampton defender being sent offCredit: Amazon PrimePaul Merson calls out Mike Dean live on Sky Sports after Jack Stephens’ red card for SouthamptonMOISES CAICEDO – 7Made some great forward passes at times, including one outstanding trivela through to Felix in the box which almost resulted in what would’ve been an impressive team goal.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6Assisted Disasi’s opening goal with an inch-perfect corner kick but got absolutely humiliated by Kyle Walker-Peters in the build-up to Aribo’s equaliser.NONI MADUEKE – 7Did well to capitalise on a howler from Joe Lumley before assisting Nkunku. Scored Chelsea’s third with a composed strike into the bottom-left corner.Had a few chances in the second half but was fairly wasteful with those.Chelsea dominated the matchCOLE PALMER – 7Had a a quiet game until he latched onto Nkunku’s attempted pass/shot to fire home Chelsea’s fourth. He was hooked immediately after getting on the scoresheet.JOAO FELIX – 6Looked lively throughout but missed a great opportunity late in the first half. Also missed an open header just seconds after the break.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 7The Frenchman put Chelsea 2-1 up with a relatively easy shot in the opening 20 minutes. Aside from that he was fairly quiet.SUBSTITUTESJADON SANCHO (FOR MADUEKE, 72)Scored his first Chelsea goal shortly after coming on for Madueke.READ MORE SUN STORIESJadon Sancho scored his first Chelsea goalCredit: GettyRENATO VEIGA (FOR CUCURELLA, 79)Didn’t have too much time to make an impact, especially with Chelsea so in control of the match.KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (FOR PALMER, 79)Didn’t have too much time to make an impact. More

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      Southampton 1 Chelsea 5: Blues’ second string XI inflict further misery on seemingly doomed Saints

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      CHELSEA not in this title race? It is getting harder to believe Enzo Maresca when he says so.Just like no one took his claim that this would be the Blues’ toughest test of the season seriously.Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho rounded out a stunning 5-1 victory for Chelsea over SouthamptonCredit: AFPIt piled more pressure on to Saints’ boss Russell MartinCredit: AlamyIt is getting harder to discount Enzo Maresca’s side from being in the title raceCredit: GettyAxel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho were the latest to tear through Southampton, who remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League.The Blues, meanwhile, continue to keep the pressure firmly on Liverpool as there fans sing about having “their Chelsea back”.Maresca sent out a much changed side and offered a reminder of the depth he has on offer. Enzo Fernandez, Joao Felix and Nkunku all impressed yet may still be dropped at Tottenham on Sunday.Southampton have been in the festive spirit since late August, handing out points to almost everyone they’ve encountered.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Saints’ generosity has come in the form of continuous cock-ups and their catalogue of calamities continued here.Fourth-choice keeper Joe Lumley gifted one goal before skipper Jack Stephens was shown a first half red card for a daft pull on Marc Cucurella’s hair.There was hope when Joe Aribo managed an early leveller, but it quickly evaporated.Maresca described the visit to rock bottom Southampton, without a total of 11 players out through injury and suspension, as Chelsea’s “worst” game of the season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the Italian still decided to make seven changes, the most notable being a Premier League debut in goal for Filip Jorgensen, with Robert Sanchez dropped.Though having to name a patched together side, Russell Martin’s men gave Chelsea a couple of early scares on the ball, but were quickly undone by a set piece.Cole Palmer reveals he failed PE in hilarious interview as fans tell Chelsea star to consider going into comedyFernandez dipped a corner to the near post where Disasi was free to nod in after Lumley had been crowded out and could not leap to punch clear.Too often this season Southampton have crumbled at the first sign of adversity, but here they responded superbly – which made the later collapse all the more frustrating for Martin.Walker-Peters fed Cameron Archer before charging in behind himself.The former Spurs man was playing in a back three but found himself on the Chelsea byline, where he back-heeled the ball through the legs of Fernandez before squaring for Aribo to tap in.While they were showing flashes of endeavour going forwards, Southampton were left in tatters at the back trying to cope with Chelsea’s array of attacking talent.Felix and Madueke were offering a direct threat which stretched the hosts extremely thin, with Fernandez dictating behind.Though Chelsea did not need anything special to grab their second from the ever obliging Saints defence.Lumley played a foolish ball to Walker-Peters, who was robbed by Madueke before he knew what was happening.The England winger squared for Nkunku who had so much time to finish into an open net he would have been able to blow up his trademark balloon before even scoring.Lumley responded well to his error, denying one strike from Madueke and two from Palmer – the second a brilliant save.But the Saints keeper, who only made his Premier League debut last week, could do nothing to stop the Blues’ third.Fernandez found Felix who quickly turned and played forwards for Madueke, who stood up Ryan Manning, shifted onto his left and found the far corner.Southampton’s admirable dedication to shooting themselves in the foot continued – this time from their own corner.Captain Jack Stephens, the only remaining senior central defender, decided to yank a strand of Cucurella’s hair at the far post.The Spaniard swiftly hit the deck and VAR wasted no time pointing out that the Saints skipper should walk.It may feel jarring that a tug on someone’s barnet is considered violent conduct, but Stephens was unbelievably daft to let his teammates down in that manner.The night was already over for the hosts, but losing a defender allowed their visitors to stroll through the rest of the evening.Chelsea, usually so keen to embrace chaos, kept a tight grip on the rest of the evening.They continued to find space and were edging ever closer to a fourth – which was duly delivered by Palmer, who was never going to miss out on a night like this.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere was no flash of brilliance from the wonder boy this time, just a poacher’s instinct as he tapped in after Nkunku had been felled yards from goal.Maresca’s night could not have got much better, but then summer signing Sancho added a final flourish by thumping in his first goal for the club.Chelsea player ratings vs SouthamptonCHELSEA continued their run of fine form with a huge 5-1 win over Southampton under the lights at St Mary’s.Here’s how the players rated…FILIP JORGENSEN – 8Made a fantastic save within the opening two minutes to keep Joe Aribo’s close-range shot out.Also made a great stop in the second half. Many Chelsea fans are now calling for him to become the club’s No1.MALO GUSTO – 7Won more duels and made more tackles than any other Chelsea player in the first half. Provided a great assist for Sancho’s goal.AXEL DISASI – 7Scored Chelsea’s opener with a fairly simple header at the front post following Fernandez’s delivery from a corner.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5Appeared to switch off when Southampton scored, almost leaving Aribo on his own in front of goal. Rattled the post with a rocket of a shot in the second half.MARC CUCURELLA – 6Left Southampton fans furious after going down following a hair pull from Jack Stephens which resulted in a red card. A solid performance, both acting and playing-wise.MOISES CAICEDO – 7Made some great forward passes at times, including one outstanding trivela through to Felix in the box which almost resulted in what would’ve been an impressive team goal.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6Assisted Disasi’s opening goal with an inch-perfect corner kick but got absolutely humiliated by Kyle Walker-Peters in the build-up to Aribo’s equaliser.NONI MADUEKE – 7Did well to capitalise on a howler from Joe Lumley before assisting Nkunku. Scored Chelsea’s third with a composed strike into the bottom-left corner. Had a few chances in the second half but was fairly wasteful with those.COLE PALMER – 7Had a a quiet game until he latched onto Nkunku’s attempted pass/shot to fire home Chelsea’s fourth. He was hooked immediately after getting on the scoresheet.JOAO FELIX – 6Looked lively throughout but missed a great opportunity late in the first half. Also missed an open header just seconds after the break.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 7The Frenchman put Chelsea 2-1 up with a relatively easy shot in the opening 20 minutes. Aside from that he was fairly quiet.SUBSTITUTESJADON SANCHO (FOR MADUEKE, 72)Scored his first Chelsea goal shortly after coming on for Madueke.RENATO VEIGA (FOR CUCURELLA, 79)Didn’t have too much time to make an impact, especially with Chelsea so in control of the match.KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (FOR PALMER, 79)Didn’t have too much time to make an impact. More

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      Everton 4 Wolves 0: Craig Dawson scores TWO own-goals to leave Gary O’Neil’s job hanging by a thread

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      CRAIG DAWSON shot Wolves in the foot with TWO own goals – leaving Gary O’Neil staring down the barrel.Luckless defender Dawson joined Jamie Carragher, Michael Proctor, Jon Walters and Wout Faes in an unhappy quintet to put past their own keeper twice in one Premier League game.It was joy for Sean Dyche, left, but Gary O’Neil is seriously on the brink at WolvesCredit: GettyCraig Dawson had a nightmare for Wolves with TWO own-goalsCredit: RexHis misery capped off an awful night for his team and under-fire boss O’Neil, who suffered the ignominy of Wanderers fans singing ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ in his direction.Everton had not scored in their last four games but they were rampant, easing the pressure on their own boss Sean Dyche.Evergreen Ashley Young became the oldest player ever at 39 years and 148 days to net a Prem free-kick to get the ball rolling with a clever set-piece.Oriel Mangala’s banger doubled the lead, before Dawson’s unfortunate gaffes.Read more FootballWolves are now three points from safety and have shipped EIGHT more than any other side.O’Neil had bemoaned his side’s “crazy errors” in the lead-up to the game – and they had another to add to their repertoire for Young’s opener.The away wall was positioned so poorly that it allowed Young to bend the ball around it and into the corner.It was his 50th Prem goal ever in 466 games, proving that age is just a number for a player who could face his own 18-year-old Tyler next month when Everton face Peterborough in the FA Cup.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAshley Young got the ball rolling for EvertonCredit: RexYoung’s effort also saw him go fourth on the all-time oldest Prem scorers’ list, behind Teddy Sheringham, Dean Windass and Thiago Silva.James Tarkowski thought he had doubled the lead just before the half-hour when heading in Dwight McNeil’s free-kick, but it was eventually ruled out for Mangala being offside.Ex-Nottingham Forest man Mangala made up for it four minutes later as he crashed home from outside the area via a deflection.O’Neil was getting soaked in the driving rain on Merseyside – while his side were sinking without trace.It got worse after the break – and specifically for the unfortunate Dawson.His first OG came just after the break from McNeil’s corner.Dominic Calvert-Lewin had looked to have headed it in, but instead it bounced home off Dawson.Nothing was going for O’Neil’s men, as proved when Tarkowski prevented Matt Doherty’s header from going in by diverting it onto the post and away.READ MORE SUN STORIESDawson had his second moment to forget on 72 minutes and in similar circumstances as a McNeil free-kick evaded Calvert-Lewin but went in off Wolves’ burly centre-back.It was Everton’s biggest win for five years and could easily have been by more, leaving O’Neil in the mire.Orel Mangala scored in the rout of WolvesCredit: Reuters More

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      Newcastle 3 Liverpool 3: Caomihin Kelleher howler costs Reds all three points despite Mo Salah’s genius

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      THIS was an absolute throwback to the classic encounters between these two clubs in the nineties.What a game and what a performance from both sets of players in an absolutely stunning second-half.Fabian Schar celebrates his late equaliser for NewcastleCredit: GettySchar punished a Kelleher error by squeezing the ball homeCredit: ReutersMohamed Salah must be wondering how he left the pitch with only one point after scoring twice hitting the bar and providing an assist.He thought he had the winner when in the 83rd minute he grabbed his second goal to put Liverpool 3-2 ahead.But Newcastle were worthy of a point and in the final minute of normal time earned it through Fabian Schar.Howe had called on his players to ‘relish the test’ and they certainly did that, as did a packed St.James’.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLRight from the off Newcastle were on the front foot.They hounded their opponents down in a way that Liverpool do at their best.Three visitors found themselves in the book by the break, and each time, it was to stop Newcastle from breaking away after winning the ball.On 34 minutes they were ahead and what a goal and what a noise to greet it.Most read in FootballAlexander Isak cracked a stunning breakthrough at St James’ ParkCredit: APCurtis Jones levelled for Liverpool just after the breakCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBruno Guimaraes fed the ball forward to Alexander Isak who moved it away from Van Dijk with ease to give him the space to release a shot that curled into the top right hand corner.What a chance Newcastle then had to make it two just four minutes after that.Ruben Dias snaps at reporter and says ‘maybe have a think about that’ in prickly interview after defeat to Liverpool Gordon chased a long punt forward from Isak but Joe Gomez looked to have the situation under control.The former Everton player’s harrying, however, panicked him and his weak pass back was pounced on by the electric United wideman. He was through with just Caoimhin Kelleher to beat as St James’ rose in anticipation.The goalkeeper made himself big, Gordon tried to squeeze a shot through his legs but the Liverpool stopper blocked it.It became even more costly when Liverpool equalised five minutes after the restart.They were never going to play as badly as they had done in the first period and had come back out fired up.If this is to be Salah’s farewell tour it promises to be a memorable one as heb provided a stunning assist to help put Liverpool level.Mac Allister sent the ball forward from the back to Salah to stride onto.Isak salutes his special opener against Prem leaders LiverpoolCredit: ReutersJones hails his brilliant equaliser at NewcastleCredit: APThe Egyptian’s control is magnificent as he just rolls the ball around his boot without looking.Lewis Hall may as well not have been there as he tried to stop him doing any damage.He was just waiting for a teammate to make a run into the box and then with a flick of the outside of his boot Salah perfectly placed the ball into the path of Curtis Jones to fire into the near top corner.Liverpool were up and running and immediately went in search of a second.Cody Gakpo volleyed just wide and when he then headed across goal Darwin Nunez slid in at the far post but failed to connect.But Newcastle were not finished and Gordon made up for his earlier miss by putting Newcastle back in front in the 62 nd minute.Tonali laid the ball forward for Isak to release him but there was still much to do with Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah in close attendance.He turned between the two of them and fired a low shot past Kelleher.What a game we had on our hands now as six minutes later Liverpool drew level.Trent Alexander-Arnold had just come on when he went on an overlapping run down the right and pulled the ball across goal for Salah to scoop in.Even when he doesn’t connect properly they go in.Newcastle almost hit back when Jacob Murphy broke free and Kelleher advanced towards him but his attempted chip landed wide.It was all action.Newcastle had cries for a penalty ignored when Isak went down under a challenge from Quansah.Salah then hit the bar and then put Liverpool ahead.Alexander-Arnold had changed the game with his introduction as he provided the assist again.Salah had his back to goal and Dan Burn right on him but in a blur he turned and shot and the travelling faithful were celebrating.It wasn’t over and in the last minute of normal time Guimaraes free kick looped over everyone including a flapping Kelleher and from the tightest of angles Fabian Schar slid the ball home.READ MORE SUN STORIESIb the last second Newcastle broke three on two but the referee blew for full time.What a game.Arne Slot’s Liverpool remain well clear at the top after drawingCredit: AFPSandro Tonali saw his early shot saved by Reds’ keeper Caoimhin KelleherCredit: Getty More

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      Man City 3 Nottingham Forest 0: Guardiola finally stops the rot as De Bruyne masterclass gets champions back winning

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      EVERY cloud has a Silva lining.There have been plenty of very dark ones gathering over Manchester City over the past six weeks.Manchester City got back to winning ways against Nottingham Forest with a 2-0 winCredit: EPABernardo Silva opened the scoring early in the first halfCredit: REXKevin De Bruyne doubled City’s lead on the half-hour markCredit: EPAUnder-pressure Pep Guardiola couldn’t hide his reliefCredit: GETTYSix defeats in seven extraordinary matches had seen the wheels well and truly come off Pep Guardiola’s juggernaut.Amid it all, there have been plenty of critics forecasting that this is the end of City’s era of dominance.But one of Pep’s stalwarts Bernardo Silva lifted some of the gloom by putting them ahead inside eight minutes here.And by the end, there were clear signs that brighter days could still be ahead for the four-in-row champs.READ MORE ON MAN CITYKevin De Bruyne took centre stage on his first start in almost three months – setting up that opening goal for his fellow midfielder.He also scored one himself and looked like he had never been away as he ran the show for almost 75 minutes before taking the applause from his adoring fans.In some ways it felt like normal service was resumed at the Etihad – but don’t believe it just yet.City gave Forest far more chances than their manager would have liked – and the visitors should have taken at least one of them.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut at least this performance and result will have given their rivals – many of whom have delighted in the demise of the champions – something to think about.After four straight defeats in the Prem – which had left them 11 points off leaders Liverpool – their first priority was to stop that disastrous run.Pep Guardiola responds to ‘sacked in the morning’ chants at Anfield from Liverpool fans And with De Bruyne around, there is just a different feel to this team.He may not have started a game since mid-September but he didn’t take long to get back to doing what he does best – just eight minutes in fact.Ilkay Gundogan’s cross to the back post was nodded across goal by KDB and there was Bernardo to turn it in from close range.It was the Portuguese midfielder’s first league goal since January and just what was needed to calm the nerves.The home fans have not lost their sense of humour amid their recent slump and some of them chanted ‘City’s staying up’ as the gloom lifted.They had a chance to add a second soon afterwards as Bernardo’s cross was nodded wide by an unmarked Josko Gvardiol.The Croatian defender was axed for the trip to Anfield on Saturday after a horror show against Feyenoord.And he almost dropped his team in it again as he lost a duel with Jota Silva on the wing but Stefan Ortega bailed him out – saving superbly from Morgan Gibbs-White.Then Gvardiol found himself clean through as he raced onto a pass from Erling Haaland but dragged his shot inches wide.De Bruyne seemed to be enjoying his return and thumped a low shot that Matz Sels but drifted wide of the far post.The Belgian had been bossing proceedings for the opening half an hour – but then came a sign of rustiness.His pass back caught Ruben Dias flat-footed and Chris Wood went clean through – only to place his shot wide.As if to make up for it though he doubled City’s lead less than a minute later.His countryman Jeremy Doku made it for him, jinking his way into the box before rolling it back to KDB who thumped a rising shot past Sels.It looked like he took all the frustration of the last few months out on that shot as he scored for the first time since August.Jermer Doku bagged Manchester City’s third goal of match in the 57th minuteCredit: GETTYPep Guardiola gave the returning Kevin De Bruyne a big embrace during the matchCredit: PAPep Guardiola ridiculed claims from Sky pundits that there was a problem between him and De Bruyne – by insisting he was ‘desperate’ to get him back.And no wonder. Even at 33 he still has the quality to turn City’s season around.You could sense the relief around the Etihad – but nobody was getting carried away.They all remember what happened against Feyenoord eight days ago when a three-goal lead was chucked away in 15 minutes of madness.And their team were still offering the visitors chances – with Anthony Elanga curling a shot wide and Alex Moreno seeing a shot superbly blocked by Jack Grealish.There were more openings for Forest after the break with Murillo’s thumping shot just clearing the angle.But just before the hour, City extended their lead with Haaland turning provider as he turned in the centre circle and sent Doku racing clear.The Norwegian was screaming for a return pass but the winger cut in and bent a beauty around Sels from 15 yards.Despite what happened here against Feyenoord, Forest seemed to know the game was up.And City looked to extend their lead with De Bruyne’s cheeky free-kick going just the wrong side of the post with the keeper motionless.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Belgian playmaker then linked up with Grealish and saw a deflected effort turned around the post by Sels.His work was done though and when he was replaced by Rico Lewis with 17 minutes remaining, he fully deserved his ovation. 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