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      ‘No wonder management didn’t work for you’ says Jamie Carragher as he calls out Gary Neville’s controversial opinion

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER called out Gary Neville’s controversial Manchester United opinion – and aimed a dig at his managerial career. The Liverpool and United legends were working on a special Overlap watchalong covering Wednesday night’s round of Premier League fixtures.Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher on The Overlap watchalongNeville was left bemusedDuring the broadcast, Neville claimed that his former team-mate Jaap Stam was a better defender than Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.He then suggested Stam was better than both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. But Neville – who was sacked as Valencia manager in 2016 after just 28 games – revealed Stam would not make his all-time United XI. That is because partnerships like Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister supersede Stam’s individual talent. READ MORE IN footballAnd the comment sparked a hilarious back-and-forth between former Prem rivals Neville and Carragher. Neville said: “I haven’t got Jaap in my best Man United team but if you said to me, ‘Who is the best defender as an individual?’ I’d say Jaap Stam.”Vidic and Ferdinand and Bruce and Pallister were unbelievable pairs and you can’t deny it.”I’m saying Jaap Stam is the best sort of one-on-one defender that United had.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCarragher: “Who’s the best centre-back you played with at Manchester United? Just answer that.”Neville: “I think Jap Stam but he’s not in my best 11.”Gary Neville admits ‘I got it wrong’ and apologises over Rashford criticism as Amorim demands Man Utd ‘change standards’ Carragher: “No wonder management didn’t work for you!”Neville: “The strength of Vidic and Ferdinand together or Bruce and Pallister is stronger than the individual ability of Jaap.”Carragher: “So two players are stronger than one? Yeah, well done.”Neville, with a bemused look, then said down the camera: “Am I making sense at home?” Stam spent three seasons at United from 1998-2001, leaving Manchester with three titles to his name. Vidic and Ferdinand formed a legendary partnership under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning the Champions League together and FIVE Prem titles. Bruce and Pallister were also league title winners during the 1990s. Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand formed a legendary partnershipCredit: Getty Images – GettyJaap Stam spent three seasons with Man UtdCredit: ReutersSteve Bruce and Gary Pallister in 1993Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      £120,000-a-week forgotten Liverpool star Federico Chiesa makes shock return for U21s

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      FEDERICO CHIESA made his return on the pitch for Liverpool Under-21s. The Italian joined the Premier League leaders this summer in a deal worth £12.5million from Juventus. Federico Chiesa made his return on the pitch for Liverpool Under-21sCredit: GettyBut he has managed only three appearances amid ongoing injuries. Chiesa did make his return in U21 action against FC Nordsjaelland, levelling after ten minutes as Liverpool’s first-team played Newcastle. The winger will hope to return to first-team action as Liverpool top the table heading into their trip to Newcastle. Old boss Jurgen Klopp had already tried to get the Euro 2020-winner last summer.READ MORE IN footballAnd the German had even tried to get Chiesa two years previously as well, in the wake of his starring performances at the Euros.However Klopp was repeatedly frustrated in his pursuit of the forward – with Juventus demanding £51m even after Chiesa’s form had taken a hit following a devastating knee injury.But the Reds swooped to finally get their man this year – for a whopping £41MILLION cheaper but on wages of £120,000-a-week.That was despite the former Fiorentina playing 33 Serie A games last season, notching his best Juventus goals tally, with nine.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChiesa signed a four-year deal with Liverpool as Slot’s first signing.He did suffer an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2022, ruling him out for seven months.That has limited him to just six Serie A starts across the past 18 months.Ruben Dias snaps at reporter and says ‘maybe have a think about that’ in prickly interview after defeat to Liverpool More

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      ‘Get him out’ fume Southampton fans after captain Jack Stephens sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair

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      JACK STEPHENS had Southampton fans pulling out their hair after he tried to do the same to Marc Cucurella’s. The Saints were down 2-1 to Chelsea when the defender was involved in a penalty box clash with Cucurella. Jack Stephens was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hairCredit: Amazon PrimeCucurella went down in a heapCredit: ReutersStephens was slammed by Saints fansCredit: AFPAnd replays revealed he pulled on the Spanish left-back’s hair – causing Cucurella to fall to the ground. Upon VAR replays, Tony Harrington was left with no choice but to show the Southampton captain red. And one Saints fan fumed: “Strip him of the club captaincy. Ridiculous.”Another raged: “Jack Stephens once again getting himself sent off? Pathetic excuse of a captain.”READ MORE IN footballOne said: “When we self destruct it’s always special how we go about it”Another added: “GET HIM OUT OUR F***ING CLUB RIGHT NOW.”Stephens was banned for three games earlier in the season after his sending off against Manchester United in September. Axel Disasi opened the scoring on seven minutes following a corner but Joe Aribo levelled soon after. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollowing a mishap at the back, Christopher Nkunku restored Chelsea’s lead before Noni Madueke made it 3-1. Stephens was then shown red five minutes from the break to leave Southampton with an almighty task of turning the game around. Chelsea ended the game as 5-1 winners with Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho adding to the scoring. More

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      David Beckham shows true colours with savage reply to Arsenal fan son Romeo ahead of Man Utd clash

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      DAVID BECKHAM had a savage reply to son, Romeo, ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United.Red Devils icon David Beckham is no stranger to the rivalry with Arsenal on the pitch, having been a regular star in the fixture until leaving for Real Madrid in 2003.David Beckham penned a brutal reply to son Romeo on Instagram ahead of Arsenal v Man UtdCredit: GettyRomeo Beckham called out his dad ahead of the game as Beckham issued a brutal replyCredit: InstagramHowever, the 49-year-old now has to deal with the rivalry in his own home with his second eldest child Romeo being a Gunners supporter.And with United off to the Emirates for their first meeting of the season, Romeo took to Instagram to fan the flames before the game.He shared a selfie with the caption: “Big game in the old Beckham household today @davidbeckham. COYG.”But Inter Miami owner Beckham snr took no prisoners with a brutal reply.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLQuoting Romeo’s story on Instagram, he said: “Big game for you lot. “Just another game for us.”Beckham has recalled how Romeo wanted to watch a match one weekend, with Arsenal happening to be on.He was then treated well by then-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who took him into the changing room to meet the players and present him with a signed shirt.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd from there, Beckham has been unable to sway his son back to supporting his own old club.He told Rio Ferdinand Presents: “It was done!David and Victoria Beckham join the King and Queen at lavish State Banquet at Buckingham Palace for the first time”I’ve tried to change his mind since, but it is impossible.”Tonight’s game starts an incredible 13-game run for Arsenal where they will travel just 250 miles across all competitons.A win for Mikel Arteta’s side could move them to within six points of Liverpool if the league leaders lose to Newcastle.Meanwhile, a win for Ruben Amorim’s side will move them to within three points of Arsenal. More

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      Former Premier League star, 33, leaves China in tears after earning £175m in seven years as ‘bubble’ era comes to an end

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      FORMER Chelsea star Oscar has left the Chinese Super League after earning £175MILLION in seven years. The Brazilian joined Shanghai Port in 2017 for £60m and went on to win three league titles in the Far East. Chelsea star Oscar has left Chinese Super League Shanghai PortCredit: https://www.instagram.com/oscar_emboaba/Oscar was left in tears as he bid goodbyeHe leaves with three league titles in ChinaBut now his contract, worth around £25m a year, has expired leaving him a free agent aged 33 meaning he is the last of the Chinese Super League “bubble” to leave.And the midfielder was left in tears after his last game for Shanghai as he waved goodbye to fans. Oscar was recently linked with a move back to Europe while Internacional in his homeland Brazil are also monitoring his situation. Inter manager Eduardo Coudet said: “Our only goal, the player we are going to try moving forward, is Oscar. I want to bring in Oscar.READ MORE IN football”I’ve already spoken to his manager, he can’t stand me anymore. I want Oscar.”The board ask me not to talk, but sometimes I talk too much.”Oscar left Internacional in 2012 when Chelsea landed the exciting star.He spent four-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge where he racked up 38 goals in 203 appearances for the Blues.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDuring that time, the 48-cap Brazil international won two Premier Leagues, the League Cup and the Europa League as well as the club’s Goal of the Season award twice.But he stunned fans when he became one of the highest-profile footballers to leave for the Chinese Super League.The ex-Sao Paulo star surpassed 200 games for Shanghai Port and captained the side. Oscar guided the Red Eagles to the Chinese Super League title in both 2018, 2023 and 2024 – as well as the FA Super Cup in 2019.How Ruben Amorim unleashed Rashford with game-changing Zirkzee role ahead of Man Utd v Arsenal More

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      Dan Walker breaks silence on Match Of The Day talks after becoming new favourite to replace Gary Lineker

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      THE race for Gary Lineker’s job presenting Match Of The Day is gathering pace.But his hotly tipped replacement, Dan Walker, who has returned to football programming for Prime Video, insists there’s only one of Gary’s jobs he fancies – being the face of Walkers crisps.Dan Walker has broken his silence on Match Of The Day talks after becoming a new favourite to replace Gary LinekerCredit: SplashGary, 63, revealed in November he will leave the programme at the end of the seasonCredit: X @BBCMOTDAsked about the rumours he’s in line for the BBC One’s flagship show at the TRIC Christmas lunch, former Football Focus host Dan said: “Match Of The Day is a brilliant programme and I love it and I’m going to cover football now.“But If there’s something Gary’s got that I would like, it’d be his crisp contract.“Because, you know, my surname, it couldn’t be any better, could it?”Gary, 63, revealed in November he will leave the programme at the end of the season after 25 years as host.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKERA number of names have been linked with the vacancy including Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Kelly Somers.Regular Match of the Day pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards are also in the frame.Recent data showed Shearer to be the viewers’ preference to succeed Lineker.But it appears ex-Manchester City right-back Richards, 36, has been dismissed by Lineker.Most read in FootballSpeaking on The Rest Is Football, Richards attempted to rule himself out of the running.He said: “You know what, can I just get this out there, right.Dan Walker reveals snow disaster as he’s forced to abandon car”When people are saying Micah Richards is potentially going to take over a presenter, I think it’s a massive disrespect to all the presenters out there. There’s so many talented people.”Just because I’m a pundit, I can give insight to a player, I feel I know the game, I watch tactics.””But to take over presenting one of the most iconic shows, not just in sport, but that BBC’s ever had?”He then went on to add: “There’s so many others they can pick over me, I just can’t believe they would even put my name in the hat.”Lineker then playfully put Richards in his place by insisting there was no chance of him being chosen anyway.He said: “Micah, you can totally relax. I can assure you they won’t be asking you.”Chapman remains the favourite to replace Lineker.JILLY: I’M HOT FOR RIVALS 2IF THE raunchy action in Rutshire left you gagging for more Rivals, then Disney+ has an early Christmas present for you.Confirming my TV Biz exclusive, the streamer has said that a second series is on the way after the cliffhanger ending of the first.While it isn’t yet certain that David Tennant, Victoria Smurfit and Aidan Turner will return to their roles, writer Jilly Cooper, whose novel the series is based on, is thrilled at the news.Yesterday, she said: “Nearly 40 years after my novel Rivals was published, I’ve adored seeing the world fall in love with my beloved characters – Rutshire’s finest.“I’m orgasmic with excitement and cannot wait for the return of my superhero Rupert Campbell-Black and the rest of the characters in season two.”Well, that’s all just jolly super, isn’t it.IT’S WHO DARES WINGSThe nightclubs of London’s Soho in 1918 are brought alive to eye-popping effect in shots from upcoming BBC One drama Dope GirlsCredit: Sanne GaultThe series lifts the lid on a moment of sexual liberation, decadence and often intoxicating glamour as women took matters into their own handsCredit: © 2023 Sony Pictures TelevisionWHO would have thought you’d see such daring outfits just after World War One?The nightclubs of London’s Soho in 1918 are brought alive to eye-popping effect in these shots from upcoming BBC One drama Dope Girls.The series lifts the lid on a moment of sexual liberation, decadence and often intoxicating glamour as women took matters into their own hands to earn themselves a living.Single mother Kate Galloway, played by Julianne Nicholson, is at the centre of the capital’s exploding club scene as she sets up a nightspot to provide for her daughter Evie, and enters into a life of criminal activities under the nose of the police.Eliza Scanlen plays Violet Davies, one of the country’s first wave of female police officers, who is assigned to go undercover at the club and investigate the illicit goings-on.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe women she runs into include ballsy Billie Cassidy (Umi Myers), a dazzlingly bohemian dancer.Take your seats, ladies and gents, and tune in next year.MURDER IN ROYAL CIRCLESTHE makers of The Crown have landed their next royal project, The Lady.The four-part drama for ITV will tell the story of Jane Andrews, the Duchess of York’s former aide who was convicted of murder.With filming to begin next year in Grimsby and London, it will chart the rise and fall of Jane, who landed the plum role as the royal’s dresser after answering an advert in magazine The Lady.Her fall from grace began when she lost her job and fell in love with businessman Thomas Cressman, who she was later convicted of killing.Sian McWilliams, of production company Left Bank Pictures, said: “The Lady deftly explore the tragic series of events and poses the question – who is the real Jane Andrews?” More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Salah scores twice in draw with Newcastle, Chelsea thrash Saints and City win – updates

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      FOOTBALL fans were treated treated to a midweek special with a lorry load of blockbuster Premier League clashes earlier tonight. League leaders Liverpool scrapped for a point in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Newcastle.Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest to end their run of seven games without a win. Elsewhere, Chelsea kept up their unbeaten run in Premier League as they thrashed struggling Southampton 5-1. Kick off times: 7.30pm/8.15pm GMTTV/Stream FREE: Amazon Prime VideoFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Not awareMikel Arteta insists he had no idea Liverpool had dropped points going into the final quarter of an hour of Arsenal’s game with Manchester United.Do we believe him?He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I didn’t know as I was so happy celebrating in the dressing room.”We got that news, but it is difficult to win this league. It is still very early.”Copy linkCopiedNever an issue with PepKevin de Bruyne has rubbished rumours of a falling out with Pep Guardiola after starring for Manchester City in their win over Nottingham Forest.He told BBC Sport: “Today is hopefully a first step to improve.”It’s good to change the momentum. In some games we lost there were periods we weren’t playing bad.”I know a lot has been said. There have never been issues between me and Pep. He knows I’ve been struggling. It’s painful and uncomfortable. I want to be back on the pitch. I felt good at the start of the season. I’m working hard to get back with my body. Maybe it’s going to be an up and down moment from now.”Hopefully I can get back to my body with not much pain and then I’ll be fine.”Copy linkCopiedStill a couple of games to goIt’s been some midweek already – and it’s not finished there.Two more games to come on Thursday night:Fulham vs BrightonBournemouth vs TottenhamCopy linkCopiedLost outRuben Amorim says the concession of goals from set pieces killed the game and believed there was nothing in the game outwith that.He told Match of the Day: “The set pieces changed the game. We could’ve been more aggressive towards the Arsenal box. Until the set pieces the game didn’t have too many opportunities for both sides, the set pieces killed the game.”They can put a lot of players near the goalkeeper and it’s almost impossible to fight for the ball but we have to manage to defend them and we already know we have to be better.”We were committed and we lost to the set pieces.”Copy linkCopied’Special day’Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal could’ve scored more than the two they did from set pieces today on a special milestone for the club.He told Match of the Day: “A special day, 500 games in this stadium. We scored two set pieces, but we could’ve scored from open play many more. We lost two massive players for us in our backline but the team are still responding.”The game opened up a little bit and we looked a real threat. Very pleased. It’s a joy to play in this stadium with that energy, it’s something incredible.”It was one of the best [set-piece performances], we could’ve scored more and I’m very pleased with that.”Copy linkCopiedMad gameIt certainly was an eventful night at St James’ Park – and the stats back that up.Twice trailing, Liverpool thought they’d won it late on before Fabian Schar’s late equaliser.33 shots at goal across the night. Terrific.Copy linkCopied’Really proud’ Eddie Howe has revealed he’s proud of his players after a dramatic draw with Liverpool.He told Amazon Prime Sport: “How do I feel? Positive, that was much better from us. You know with the quality Liverpool have off the bench we could have an issue and that’s what happened.”But our mental quality came to the fore and we got the equaliser. We had chances to make it 2-0, we scored three goals and looked dynamic and energetic.”I am really proud. We went toe-to-toe and matched them, it’s our best of the season. Our gameplan was to be ourselves which is difficult against a team like Liverpool, it’s a delicate balance.”Copy linkCopiedBacking his keeperMore from Arne Slot, who has backed his goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher after his costly mistake for Newcastle’s late equaliser.He told BBC 5 Live: “He has done remarkably well for us and even today he was good for us.”Unfortunately, he misjudged the situation.”Copy linkCopiedSpeaking of O’NeilSpeaking after tonight’s drubbing, he said he has ‘no concerns’ about his position.He said: “It was nowhere what it takes to compete at this level. We spoke about the physicality and test it would bring and we didn’t manage to cope. “We gave ourselves no chance again in the game. To concede the first goal, not being able to get the wall in the right place after the work that goes in.“The amount of goals we concede and how vulnerable we look from direct play and when teams put us under pressure is something that needs fixing and incredibly quickly.“It’s going to take a lot of work to fix it.“There’s a large part of me and a large part of the players who need to fix it. We’re working very hard to make sure we do fix it.  “I understand it (the chants towards him) fully. I’ve been here for what feels like quite a long time now. We’ve had some incredible moments, we’ve achieved some incredible things, some away wins, Stamford Bridge, West Brom, the ease in which we were able to move away from relegation last year despite what everyone thought, and so far this esason we’ve not been able to replicate that and I’m happy to accept my part of the blame.“I have no idea (whether he’ll get the chance to continue). That’s not in my control. I have zero concerns about my position. I’ll give everything until I’m asked not to.”Copy linkCopiedManagers in troubleTell you something, it’s not been a great midweek for the managers under pressure.First Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham were thumped 3-1 at Leicester last night.Russell Martin watched his Southampton side ship five goals in a hammering from Chelsea.The only one to get a result was Sean Dyche, who inflicted huge pain on Gary O’Neil and Wolves, who must now be clinging onto his job given their current issues.Copy linkCopiedPep: “Win all that matters”Pep Guardiola admits tonight was just about getting three points, in any way possible.And he’s thrilled to have ‘incredible person’ Kevin de Bruyne back and available from the start – what a difference he makes.He told BBC Sport: “We won. All that matters. Today is a good day.”He [De Bruyne] played really good. Defensively he helped us a lot. Very good. I’m really pleased. “He’s an incredible person. What he’s done these years with us have been outstanding. When he’s fit, maybe he can’t play every three days, but hopefully he can help us like he has since coming from Germany.”Copy linkCopiedArne disappointementLiverpool surrendered two points at the top of the league after drawing 3-3 in a stunning game at St James’ Park.They twice came back from behind to lead 3-2 before Newcastle grabbed a 90th minute equaliser through Fabian Schar.And manager Arne Slot said: “Two times we were one goal down and then 3-2 up, so mixed feelings. “It feels like a disappointment to drop two points.“We were outstanding in the second half but not good enough in the first half. In the end maybe 3-3 was what the game deserved.“We made too many mistakes in the first half. We played a few times through them but the second half was so much better, we had much more dominance and control.“We had two very tough games and had one day less to recover than Newcastle. They were more intense, more aggressive and if you’re able to change the game in the second half, that’s a very positive thing.”Copy linkCopiedHow we standA look at how the Premier League table looks then after a bonkers Wednesday night.Arsenal closing the gap on Liverpool to seven points, though still trail second place Chelsea on goal difference.Man City keep pace with those after finally winning a game.Copy linkCopiedPremier League full time resultsOh what a night! Six games and 26 goals in a superb midweek special in the Premier League.Here’s tonight’s full time results: Everton 4-0 Wolves Man City 3-0 Nottingham Forest Newcastle 3-3 Liverpool Southampton 1-5 Chelsea Arsenal 2-0 Man UtdAston Villa 3-1 BrentfordCopy linkCopied’Stuck to the plan’Declan Rice hailed set piece coach Nico Jover as Arsenal scored both goals against Man Utd from set pieces.He told Amazon Prime Sport: “What a night. Manchester United have a new manager so we knew it would be a test. We stuck to the game plan and we could’ve had three or four.”When you go up for a corner it’s a chance to score a goal. To score both of them from corners, Nico [Jover, set piece coach] will be buzzing and I’m so happy. “It’s more just seeing clips and I know the weight I need to put on the ball and it’s just about repetition. I put a few good balls in and could’ve had a couple of assists so it was nice to get one.”Copy linkCopiedFull time view from Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkVilla cured their mid-season hiccups with a deserved victory to end their recent eight-game winless stutter.With Southampton next to visit Villa Park on Saturday, Unai Emery will be confident another home win will restore even more confidence.And he’ll be hoping to complete a busy week with a hat-trick of wins when Villa head to Leipzig on Champions League duty next week.Brentford’s dreams of playing in Europe will remain just that – until they cure their travel sickness.Copy linkCopiedFT! Aston Villa 3-1 BrentfordRogers, Watkins and Cash grabbing the goals as Villa end their winless run in emphatic fashion.Copy linkCopiedFT! Arsenal 2-0 Manchester UnitedHuge win for the Gunners who close the gap at the top.Ruben Amorim tasting defeat as Manchester United manager for the first time.Copy linkCopiedClosing stagesInto the latter stages now in the two later kick offs but the home sides both look in control.Arsenal will close the gap on leaders Liverpool with this result.Aston Villa will bring a long winless run to an end.Unless….Copy linkCopiedSecond half view of Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkMikkel Damsgaard has restored some pride for Brentford, who have picked up the pace after the break.The Dane pounced on Matty Cash’s headed clearance and cut inside Boubacar Kamara to slam the ball into the roof of Emi Martinez’s net to make it 3-1.Surely Villa couldn’t throw it away now …. could they?Copy linkCopied73 – GOAL! ARSENAL 2-0 Man UtdThe Gunners double their lead through WILLIAM SALIBA!Surprise, surprise – it’s from a corner! Saka swings it in this time from the right to find Partey all alone at the back post.He heads across the six-yard box and the ball flies into the back of the net off Saliba’s BACKSIDE and into the net.He jumps into the crowd, what a moment this could be!Copy linkCopiedWhat a save!What have we just seen!Stunning from David Raya, if slightly for the cameras.Arsenal’s attacking set pieces are good but they seemingly can’t defend them on this evidence as De Ligt looks to have equalised with a header on goal from 10 yards, only for Raya to spring to his left and keep it out on the goal line and claw it to safety.Cracking save and the Gunners still lead 1-0.Copy linkCopiedLatest scoresEverton 4-0 Wolves FTMan City 3-0 Nottingham Forest FTNewcastle 3-3 Liverpool FTSouthampton 1-5 Chelsea FTArsenal 1-0 Man Utd 67 minsAston Villa 3-1 Brentford 64 minsCopy linkCopiedFT! Everton 4-0 WolvesA memorable night for the Toffees who score four times to collect a vital three points.Less memorable for Craig Dawson who bags himself two own goals – yikes!Copy linkCopied54 – GOAL! Aston Villa 3-1 BRENTFORDComeback on at Villa Park? MIKKEL DAMSGAARD has one back…Villa don’t deal with a cross into the box and it’s helped on towards the back post where Damsgaard collects it near the byline.Villa are expecting the cross and the Bees’ man works room for himself inside the box onto his right foot and smashes beyond Martinez.Copy linkCopied More

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      Arsenal 2 Man Utd 0 LIVE RESULT: Timber & Saliba BOTH score from corners as Gunners close gap at the top – updates

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      ARSENAL handed new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim his first defeat as they beat the Red Devils 2-0.Jurrien Timber and William Saliba both scored from second-half corners as the Gunners closed the gap on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.Kick-off time: 8:15pm GMTLive stream/TV: Amazon Prime Video FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the Emirates with our live blog below…Ruben needing change at Old TraffordYou cannot purely blame a manager for poor performances.The reality of the situation Ruben Amorim finds himself in is that he blessed with a squad who are just not up to the task.It is quite cliche but the league table does not lie.For the manager to put his stamp on this team, he needs to bring in players who can deliver his tactics.Copy linkCopiedQuestions will still be askedWhile it was mission accomplished for The Gunners this evening, there is still a long road ahead in this campaign.They need to work a way to create more chances against the bigger teams as they need to assert themselves.Whether the Spaniard plans on bringing a striker into the club in January, only time will tell.They need one if they plan on winning trophies.Copy linkCopiedRuben looking for winning formulaThe Portuguese manager will experience his first ‘festive period’ of fixtures in the Premier League.With many games to be played, there will be quick turnarounds between matches.Some tricky fixtures coming up, it will be a real baptism of fire for Ruben Amorim.Copy linkCopiedGunners needing to put run togetherMikel Arteta needs his side to continue their good form of late.Even without the influential Gabriel, they kept a clean sheet this evening against a lacklustre opponent.You can only beat who is put in front of you, Arsenal now move on to focussing on the challenge ahead.Copy linkCopiedDec’s crucial to Christmas spirits in North LondonDeclan Rice was awarded the man of the match award against Man Utd this evening in the 500th game at The Emirates.They forked out to bring Rice from West Ham and he wants to try and win some silverware here.To stand a chance of challenging for the title, they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas at all.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedNorwegian crucial to title challengeIf Arsenal are to keep pace with Liverpool and challenge for the Premier League title, Martin Odegaard is vital.He makes such a different to this side, pulling the strings and creating the chances for them to put sides away.Arteta will need to ensure that he stays injury-free for the remainder of the season.Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 2-0 Man UtdThe stats show that Arsenal were the more dominant side here tonight.Set pieces came to their aid once again.More importantly, they reduced the gap between them and Liverpool to 7 points after this win.Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 2-0 Man UtdThe referee brings the match to a close.Arsenal are the victors in North London.Plenty of work to do for Ruben Amorim.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Man Utd90+3. The win is all that mattered for Mikel Arteta and that is exactly what they have got.They deserved the victory, of the two teams, they were the only ones creating chances.It was not a great watch, the biggest cheer will be the final whistle for those who stayed.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Man Utd90+1. Almost another goal for Mikel Arteta’s side.Rice swings in the corner and it is scrambled off the line as Onana misses his punch.We are going to have four additional minutes.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Man Utd89. Declan Rice has been awarded the man of the match award.He has had two assists so far this evening from his corners. It seems more important that The Gunners secure all three points first.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Man Utd87. Man Utd opt to try a training ground move.Fernandes slides it into the path Antony in the box.His shot is straight at Raya but other than that, the move worked.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Man Utd85. Antony is fouled by Merino on the edge of the box.Chance for Fernandes to get a consolation goal for the visitors.That said, if they score now, we might have a game on our hands.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Man Utd83. Another big chance for The Gunners.Trossard tries to walk it into the net and the resulting tackle sees the ball break to Odegaard in the middle of the box.His shot is blocked and Havertz is penalised for a foul.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Man Utd81. Antony has come on for Hojlund now.The pair look like they do not have a goal between them in their locker.Some of great signings of the ten Hag era right there.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Man Utd79. Ugarte is penalised for a foul on Saka out wide.Chance for Arsenal to put another dangerous cross into the box.De Ligt heads clear but The Gunners recycle it well.The move breaks down when Merino is caught offside,Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Man Utd77. Rice puts an inswinging corner in right under the crossbar.Onana punches it over for another one.As the cross comes in, Merino has a completely free-header but sends it wide of the target.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Man Utd75. Not the best goal you will ever see but that really does not matter right now for Mikel Arteta’s side.We have some wait at the moment as VAR checks the goal for offside.Check complete, the goal stands.Partey headed back across goal, it hit Saliba’s hip and ends in the back of the net.Copy linkCopiedGoal – William Saliba (Arsenal)Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Man Utd73. Rice looks to shoot from some distance.When he does this you can see it coming a mile off and usually a defender will slide in to block.Exactly what happened on this occasion. Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Man Utd71. Merino and Trossard come on for the hosts.Martinelli and Zinchenko make way for the changes.This game is still finely poised in North London.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Man Utd69. Man Utd are seeing more of the ball now.They are trying to be direct with passes forward but it is too easy for Arsenal to head clear.The Gunners are camped out in their own half.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Man Utd67. As the ball is clipped in, de Ligt heads it solidy towards goal.Raya watches it all of the way as he claws it out of the goal.It was a great save by the Spaniard.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Man Utd65. Although Arteta would take this result right now, this really has been a drab affair between the pair.Hopefully we are building to mammouth finish to this game.A second goal for The Gunners would surely put this game to bed.Amad is fouled making a beeline for the box and wins his side a free kick.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Man Utd63. Still plenty of this game left.If they have any will to win this game, they need to throw more players forward than they are now.It is all looking too easy for Arsenal out of possession.Copy linkCopied More