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      Mikel Arteta performs one of the most ruthless acts in football during Arsenal’s shock defeat at Bournemouth

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      MIKEL ARTETA did not shy away from making ruthless decisions during Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth.Jakub Kiwior came on as a sub for the Gunners, when they went down to 10 men in the first half at the Vitality stadium, as Raheem Sterling made way.Mikel Arteta was ruthless with his substitutions in Arsenal’s defeat to BournemouthJakub Kiwior came on as a sub in the first half for Raheem Sterling after Arsenal went down to 10 menPole Kiwior was substituted after just 44 minutes following a mistakeBut, following a disastrous error, the Polish defender was subbed off late on in the second half with North London giants chasing the game.The moment came after a poor back pass by Kiwior was intercepted by Evanilson.The Brazilian collided with David Raya, prompting referee Rob Jones to immediately point to the spot.Up stepped Justin Kluivert who sealed a famous victory for the Cherries.Most read in FootballHowever, the mistake and second goal forced Arteta into making another change.Sub Kiwior made way just 44 minutes after coming on and was replaced by Gabriel Jesus in the 81st minute.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOnline, fans sides with Arteta’s decision – writing Kiwior should never play for the club again.One wrote: “Kiwior subbed in and then subbed out, kid is never playing for Arteta again.”Most read in FootballMikel Arteta insists Ethan Nwaneri will get more chances for Arsenal this season A second shared: “Kiwior never seeing the first team action. His time at Arsenal is done.”While a third added: “Kiwior should never play for us again btw.”Jesus was part of a double substitution for Arteta’s side, as he joined wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri on the pitch who came came on for Mikel Merino.Arsenal signed Kiwior in 2023 from Spezia in Italy for a fee of £20million.However, he has struggled for first team football and found himself on the fringes of the first team.Reports in the summer saw Kiwior linked with a return to Serie A, however offers were said to have been rebuffed.Arsenal player ratings vs BournemouthBy Alex CrookTEN-MAN Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season as brilliant Bournemouth dealt them a South Coast setback.The Gunners travelled to face Andoni Iraola’s men having won five and drawn three of their opening eight matches this term.But their task was made a tricky one when William Saliba was shown a red card on the half-hour.Ryan Christie brilliantly fired the hosts into a deserved lead following a well-worked set piece routine 20 minutes from time.Justin Kluivert then sealed his side’s incredible 2-0 victory from the penalty spot on 79 minutes.Here’s how SunSport rated each Gunners performer on the day.DAVID RAYA – 5Was lucky to get away with one poor pass out from the back early on. Made amends for another error by saving smartly with the legs to deny Marcus Tavernier after initially spilling a Semenyo cross-cum-shot before clumsily conceding the penalty.BEN WHITE – 4England outcast was back in the team after four games out, but did not look 100 per cent fit and found it tough going containing the lively Antoine Semenyo down the Bournemouth left in the first half and Dango Ouattara in the second.WILLIAM SALIBA – 3Usually calm and collected under pressure but paid the price for a rare moment of panic when he hauled down Bournemouth striker Evanilson to get himself sent off and will miss next weekend’s crunch clash at home to title rivals Liverpool as a result.GABRIEL – 5Given the captain’s armband in the absence of the stricken Bukayo Saka, but not at his commanding best, especially after losing centre-back partner Saliba. Did not really step up to the leadership plate.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Did a better job containing Semenyo when Bournemouth’s dangerman switched wings at half-time than White did in the first half, but unable to have his usual influence going forward.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Back in his traditional central midfield berth after being used as an emergency right back in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Was second best up against Bournemouth’s impressive Lewis Cook.DECLAN RICE – 5Another of Arsenal’s international contingent who looked sluggish after the break from domestic duty. Struggled to impose himself on the game in midfield and unable to get forward as much as he usually does. Did his bit dropping into the back-line after Saliba’s dismissal.RAHEEM STERLING – 4Former England man was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and gave the ball away a few times when in promising positions before being sacrificed after the Saliba red card.MIKEL MERINO – 5Finally able to make his full Premier League debut after an injury-affected start to his Arsenal career and showed some nice touches. Also fired into the side-netting with the visitors’ best first half opening.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Started the game well but sold Saliba short with a poor back pass that led to the red card and disappeared from the action after that before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.KAI HAVERTZ – 5The German cut an isolated figure up front, especially after Arsenal were reduced to ten men, but worked tirelessly for the team without ever looking like adding to his run of scoring in the previous four games in all competitions.SUBSTITUTESJakub Kiwior (for Sterling, 37) – 4Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 64) – 5Gabriel Jesus (for Kiwior, 81) – N/AEthan Nwaneri (for Merino, 81) – N/A More

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      Arsenal ratings: Saliba pays price for rare moment of panic vs Bournemouth but Calafiori contains Semenyo

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      TEN-MAN Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season as brilliant Bournemouth dealt them a South Coast setback.The Gunners travelled to face Andoni Iraola’s men having won five and drawn three of their opening eight matches this term.Arsenal suffered a South Coast setback against the CherriesCredit: ReutersBut their task was made a tricky one when William Saliba was shown a red card on the half-hour.Ryan Christie brilliantly fired the hosts into a deserved lead following a well-worked set piece routine 20 minutes from time.Justin Kluivert then sealed his side’s incredible 2-0 victory from the penalty spot on 79 minutes.Here’s how SunSport rated each Gunners performer on the day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDAVID RAYA – 5Was lucky to get away with one poor pass out from the back early on. Made amends for another error by saving smartly with the legs to deny Marcus Tavernier after initially spilling a Semenyo cross-cum-shot before clumsily conceding the penalty.BEN WHITE – 4England outcast was back in the team after four games out, but did not look 100 per cent fit and found it tough going containing the lively Antoine Semenyo down the Bournemouth left in the first half and Dango Ouattara in the second.WILLIAM SALIBA – 3Usually calm and collected under pressure but paid the price for a rare moment of panic when he hauled down Bournemouth striker Evanilson to get himself sent off and will miss next weekend’s crunch clash at home to title rivals Liverpool as a result.William Saliba was sent off on the half hour markCredit: RexGABRIEL – 5Given the captain’s armband in the absence of the stricken Bukayo Saka, but not at his commanding best, especially after losing centre-back partner Saliba. Did not really step up to the leadership plate.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Did a better job containing Semenyo when Bournemouth’s dangerman switched wings at half-time than White did in the first half, but unable to have his usual influence going forward.Riccardo Calafiori tussles with Dango OuattaraCredit: ReutersTHOMAS PARTEY – 5Back in his traditional central midfield berth after being used as an emergency right back in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Was second best up against Bournemouth’s impressive Lewis Cook.Arsene Wenger was ‘lucky’ at Arsenal and ‘not a football man’ says Souness in extraordinary blast at ex-Arsenal boss DECLAN RICE – 5Another of Arsenal’s international contingent who looked sluggish after the break from domestic duty. Struggled to impose himself on the game in midfield and unable to get forward as much as he usually does. Did his bit dropping into the back-line after Saliba’s dismissal.RAHEEM STERLING – 4Former England man was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and gave the ball away a few times when in promising positions before being sacrificed after the Saliba red card.Raheem Sterling had to make way shortly after Saliba’s red cardCredit: GettyMIKEL MERINO – 5Finally able to make his full Premier League debut after an injury-affected start to his Arsenal career and showed some nice touches. Also fired into the side-netting with the visitors’ best first half opening.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Started the game well but sold Saliba short with a poor back pass that led to the red card and disappeared from the action after that before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.KAI HAVERTZ – 5The German cut an isolated figure up front, especially after Arsenal were reduced to ten men, but worked tirelessly for the team without ever looking like adding to his run of scoring in the previous four games in all competitions.Kai Havertz led the line for the GunnersCredit: RexSUBSTITUTES Jakub Kiwior (for Sterling, 37) – 4Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 64) – 5READ MORE SUN STORIESGabriel Jesus (for Kiwior, 81) – N/AEthan Nwaneri (for Merino, 81) – N/A More

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      Bournemouth 2 Arsenal 0: Ten-man Gunners STUNNED as they drop points in title race after defeat to brilliant Cherries

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      IF Arsenal continue to shoot themselves in the foot, they will not have a leg to stand on in this Premier League title race.And the question now stands: do they have the discipline to topple Manchester City?Ryan Christie celebrates his crucial breakthrough goalCredit: ReutersJustin Kluivert tucked home the Cherries’ second goal from the spotCredit: ReutersWilliam Saliba saw red for a professional foul on EvanilsonCredit: PAChristie wheels away after slotting Bournemouth in frontCredit: AFPFor the third time in eight Prem games this season, the Gunners were forced to play the majority of a 90-minute match down to 10 men after a needless red card.It is also the second time this has happened inside a first half. Talk about making things unnecessarily hard for yourselves.On the previous two occasions, Mikel Arteta’s men have salvaged a point – and probably should have earned more – after controversial dismissals for delaying the restart against Brighton and Man City.But this could not be said on the south coast against Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.READ MORE TOP STORIESWilliam Saliba’s 30th-minute sending off – confirmed by VAR after ref Robert Jones was asked to view the monitor having originally given a yellow – was fair, and also comical, as he boldly and foolishly dragged down Evanilson just inside his own half as the last man.Often so good on the road – unbeaten in their previous 12 in 2024 – the visitors were unable to muster a response as they huffed and puffed to a deserved first defeat of the term.Ryan Christie finally broke the deadlock in the 70th minute, and nine minutes later another uncharacteristic mistake – this time from David Raya – gave Justin Kluivert a 12-yarder to end the contest.Arteta’s boys are City’s biggest threat to a fifth title on the spin, yet right now seem more intent on throwing it away than ending that run with a first Prem trophy for 20 years.Most read in FootballWilliam Saliba picked up a controversial first-ever red cardCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe big blow before kick-off was Bukayo Saka’s absence – clearly still not over a slight hamstring strain picked up for England on international duty last week.It was just the fourth time the Three Lions star had missed a Prem game since the start of the 2021/22 campaign – and only the third game in all comps since December 17.But there was good news elsewhere. Doubts over Gabriel Martinelli, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Thomas Partey and Ben White were put to one side with their inclusions in the squad.For Arteta, this was a return to a stadium where he took charge of his first game for the club back on Boxing Day 2019 – an ugly 1-1 draw to kick off his tenure in uninspiring style?Five years on, and a bit of déjà vu? Arteta would have hoped that days like this were behind him and his squad, one consistently now challenging for major honours.But when you always have an early red card in you, these sorts of miserable contests are always around the corner.Arteta unleashed a team that boasted nine of the 11 standing six feet tall and over, including a gigantic midfield of Partey, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino on his first Prem start.On paper, that trio should steamroller the opposition, but this never materialised in the opening 20 minutes. Arsenal were clunky, loose in possession and lacking an attacking intent to unlock a well-coached Iraola outfit.Sloppiness was creeping in. Raya’s pass out was short and Alex Scott teed up Antoine Semenyo to blaze into the stands.Speaking of sloppy, Leandro Trossard’s 27th minute shanked, deflected back pass had Saliba scrambling and Evanilson pounced, only to have his arm dragged and twisted before hitting the deck.The French defender, the smoothest of players, had a rare brain-dead moment, with the guilt instantly written all over his face.Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta saw his side’s title hopes take a huge dentCredit: RexJustin Kluivert bigs himself up after his spot-kick clincherCredit: GettyAnd even when Jones issued a yellow, that look of a naughty schoolboy remained, surely knowing that VAR would step in to turn his nightmare into an early shower.Yes, it was a foul around 45 yards from goal, but a clear denial of a goal scoring opportunity nonetheless, one that would never have been recovered by Saliba’s fellow defenders.The image of PGMOL chief Howard Webb sat on his phone in the stands, listening in on the Stockley Park dialogue, did little to appease the away end.Instead, they chanted: “F**k Howard Webb” before serenading Saliba with their chant to the tune of Latin pop hit ‘Tequila’.Arteta would not have been blamed had he decided to down a bottle of the stuff there and then in the dug-out. Instead, sensibly, he hauled off Raheem Sterling for Jakub Kiwior.Arsenal player ratings vs BournemouthBy Alex CrookTEN-MAN Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season as brilliant Bournemouth dealt them a South Coast setback.The Gunners travelled to face Andoni Iraola’s men having won five and drawn three of their opening eight matches this term.But their task was made a tricky one when William Saliba was shown a red card on the half-hour.Ryan Christie brilliantly fired the hosts into a deserved lead following a well-worked set piece routine 20 minutes from time.Justin Kluivert then sealed his side’s incredible 2-0 victory from the penalty spot on 79 minutes.Here’s how SunSport rated each Gunners performer on the day.DAVID RAYA – 5Was lucky to get away with one poor pass out from the back early on. Made amends for another error by saving smartly with the legs to deny Marcus Tavernier after initially spilling a Semenyo cross-cum-shot before clumsily conceding the penalty.BEN WHITE – 4England outcast was back in the team after four games out, but did not look 100 per cent fit and found it tough going containing the lively Antoine Semenyo down the Bournemouth left in the first half and Dango Ouattara in the second.WILLIAM SALIBA – 3Usually calm and collected under pressure but paid the price for a rare moment of panic when he hauled down Bournemouth striker Evanilson to get himself sent off and will miss next weekend’s crunch clash at home to title rivals Liverpool as a result.GABRIEL – 5Given the captain’s armband in the absence of the stricken Bukayo Saka, but not at his commanding best, especially after losing centre-back partner Saliba. Did not really step up to the leadership plate.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Did a better job containing Semenyo when Bournemouth’s dangerman switched wings at half-time than White did in the first half, but unable to have his usual influence going forward.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Back in his traditional central midfield berth after being used as an emergency right back in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Was second best up against Bournemouth’s impressive Lewis Cook.DECLAN RICE – 5Another of Arsenal’s international contingent who looked sluggish after the break from domestic duty. Struggled to impose himself on the game in midfield and unable to get forward as much as he usually does. Did his bit dropping into the back-line after Saliba’s dismissal.RAHEEM STERLING – 4Former England man was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and gave the ball away a few times when in promising positions before being sacrificed after the Saliba red card.MIKEL MERINO – 5Finally able to make his full Premier League debut after an injury-affected start to his Arsenal career and showed some nice touches. Also fired into the side-netting with the visitors’ best first half opening.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Started the game well but sold Saliba short with a poor back pass that led to the red card and disappeared from the action after that before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.KAI HAVERTZ – 5The German cut an isolated figure up front, especially after Arsenal were reduced to ten men, but worked tirelessly for the team without ever looking like adding to his run of scoring in the previous four games in all competitions.SUBSTITUTESJakub Kiwior (for Sterling, 37) – 4Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 64) – 5Gabriel Jesus (for Kiwior, 81) – N/AEthan Nwaneri (for Merino, 81) – N/AUnlike the opening stages of the first half, chances cropped up before the break.Semenyo and Marcus Tavernier wasted good openings after Raya’s fumble, while Merino dragged an effort wide from 10 yards out.Arsenal were unchanged at the break, their away form giving them a belief they could see this one out.That confidence drained away almost instantly as Semenyo missed a sitter from six yards from a teasing Dango Ouattara delivery.These title races are often defined by moments.Saliba’s red card will likely be one, as will Gabriel Martinelli fluffing his lines with a one-on-one, failing to convert the gift provided by Kepa’s misplaced pass.READ MORE SUN STORIESTwo minutes later, Bournemouth punished them – Christie smashing in from range from a clever short corner routine, really rubbing it in to their set-piece loving opponents.By the time Raya clobbered Evanilson in the box from a shocking Kiwior back pass, no one was surprised. Arsenal’s heads were gone, and their unbeaten start shattered. More

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      Carragher deletes tweet about Howard Webb after ref chief is spotted on phone during Arsenal star Saliba’s red card VAR

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER quickly deleted a tweet about Howard Webb after William Saliba was shown a red card in Arsenal’s game against Bournemouth.The incident happened in the first half when a misplaced pass by Leandro Trossard put William Saliba in trouble.Howard Webb was seen on his phone when William Saliba’s VAR check was ongoingRef Robert Jones changed his decision following a review to a redSaliba receives his marching orders for the controversial decisionThe ball ran through to Evanilson, near the halfway line, who was ready to race on to it.But, the French defender was seen pulling the arm of the Brazilian who took a tumble.Initially, referee Rob Jones gave a yellow card to Saliba, before a VAR check invited the official to look at the incident on a screen.As the VAR check was ongoing, cameras zoomed in on Webb who was watching the game from the stands.Read more football newsThe ex-ref was seen on his phone as the VAR Jared Gillett analysed the incident.Following a review, Saliba’s card was changed from a yellow to a red by Jones.The moment prompted Sky Sports pundit to take to X to reveal his thoughts.Carragher wrote: “Was Howard Webb involved in the decision making of the red card of Saliba??”Most read in FootballHowever, the football expert soon retracted his comment by deleting his tweet.As for Webb, he is simply listening to the comms from the match officials – the on-field team and when the VAR team engage with them.Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori reveals he learned English through Netflix and drill music The audio between VAR and on-field officials is the same that all broadcasters can listen to.He has absolutely no input or option to talk to any of the officials, as per standard protocol when management / coaches attend matches.It means Saliba will be banned for only ONE game.That’s because it was not for violent conduct, which means a three-match suspension.Some fans suggested Evanilson had been offside.But one posted: “No, the referee made the correct call after the VAR review to send off Saliba after taking down Evanilson, last man and had a clear run towards goal.”For anyone questioning an ‘offside’, Trossard played the ball in this scenario.”The out-of-sort Gunners were beaten 2-0 at the Vitality stadium.READ MORE SUN STORIESA well worked corner routine found Ryan Christie in the box who side footed home.Justin Kluivert’s penalty sealed a famous victory. More

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      Arsenal star William Saliba SENT OFF and after controversial VAR red card against Bournemouth as length of ban revealed

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      WILLIAM SALIBA saw red to spark controversy in Arsenal’s defeat at Bournemouth.The centre-back earned his first ever sending-off as VAR intervened over a professional foul on the halfway line.Evanilson and Saliba went crashing to the floor in a huge talking pointCredit: RexThe verdict appeared contentious as Evanilson was far away from goal when fouledCredit: GettySaliba and Evanilson tangled in the most dramatic moment of the first halfReferees’ chief Howard Webb was on the phone after the controversySaliba pulled back Evanilson as the Brazil attacker attempted to burst completely clear in mid-pitch.VAR Jared Gillett summoned on-pitch ref Rob Jones to the monitor.And after looking, Jones had no doubts as he waved a red to reduce the Gunners to 10 men.Saliba will now be banned for just ONE game.READ MORE ON ARSENALHad it been violent conduct, he would have been suspended for three matches. Fans were split over the drama, which came half an hour into a tight, goalless first period at the Vitality Stadium.Saliba and Evanilson tangled just inside the Arsenal half.It appeared the Frenchman was the offender as they both went to ground.Most read in FootballJones made his decision after looking at the VAR monitorCredit: PAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut even if Evanilson had been allowed to break through, he would still have had plenty of work to do.One viewer claimed: “I think the attacking player was too far from the post – maybe yellow.”Arteta is open to allowing Arsenal academy players to take part in first team trainingBut another said of Saliba’s actions: “Very reckless from a star player.”Referees’ chief Howard Webb was spotted apparently in animated conversation on a phone at the time of the incident.Pundit Jamie Carragher responded to that scene with a tweet – which he quickly deleted.One supporter still claimed it was “not a good look” for Webb – but others attacked “conspiracy theories” over the matter.Some fans suggested Evanilson had been offside.But one posted: “No, the referee made the correct call after the VAR review to send off Saliba after taking down Evanilson, last man and had a clear run towards goal. “For anyone questioning an ‘offside’, Trossard played the ball in this scenario.”Rob Jones handed William Saliba his first ever red cardSaliba was dismissed after half an hour at the Vitality StadiumCredit: Rex More

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      Ipswich 0 Everton 2: McKenna’s defence could do with local champion boxer Fabio Wardley after shipping sloppy goals

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      IF Heavyweight boxing champion Fabio Wardley is to achieve his dream of fighting at his beloved Portman Road, then maybe Kieran McKenna can stick him in Ipswich’s back four.The Tractor Boys’ defence certainly needs beefing up after they gave away a couple of sloppy goals to surrender to their fellow relegation battlers.Fabio Wardley shows off his belts at Portman RoadEverton’s Iliman Ndiaye opens the scoring for the away sideMichael Keane added Everton’s second in a comfortable win for the ToffeesBritish and Commonwealth champion Wardley wants to step into the ring at his beloved Ipswich Town, but for now he had to make do with parading his belts on the pitch at half time.His appearance failed to inspire a second-half comeback, after carbon copy strikes from Iliman Ndiaye after 17 minutes and Michael Keane five minutes before the break had set Everton on the way to their first win on the road since last December.Electrical issues with the turnstiles delayed fans’ entry to Portman Road and kick-off was pushed back 15 minutes – but what’s another quarter of an hour to Ipswich fans who had gone 8,214 days since their team’s last win in the top flight.That was in April 2002 when Darren Bent’s goal beat Middlesbrough 1-0, but that season saw the Tractor Boys finish third from bottom, four points adrift of Sunderland and they were relegated along with Derby and Leicester.Read more football newsThey should have seen their team take the lead after only five minutes when Wes Burns burst down the right and squared the ball to Jack Clarke, but he embarrassingly skied the ball high and wide from 12 yards.It was Everton’s turn to waste a good chance two minutes later when Dominic Calvert-Lewin intercepted a sloppy pass by Kalvin Phillips, but he rushed his shot and the ball was turned behind by goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.Ipswich were punished for more slack defending when they failed to deal with Jack Harrison’s cross. Burns was robbed by Ndiaye, who turned and fired the ball into the far top corner for his second League goal for the Toffees.Michael Oliver awarded Ipswich a penalty after Clarke twisted and turned inside the box and went down when tussling with Dwight McNeil, but after being advised by VAR to review the incident on the pitch side monitor, the referee overturned the decision.Most read in FootballIpswich’s defending from a corner again left a lot to be desired when McNeil fed Keane and he had the time and space to rifle the ball into the roof of the net from close range. It was also a second League goal of the season for the 31-year-old.Fabio Wardley destroys Frazer Clarke as he mangles opponents jaw in astonishing first round KOIn the week that the Football Association overlooked all Englishmen in favour of appointing German Thomas Tuchel as manager of the national team, this battle between two highly regarded English-born bosses was not the best advert for defending.Everton boss Dyche suggested before the game that he wasn’t “trendy enough” to have been considered for that role.“I don’t think I am an on-trend manager,” said Dyche. “It’s not because of my ability or knowledge, that’s for sure, as I’ve had 10 years in the Premier League and I know the game inside out.“The perception has to be right and I don’t think I am right for that at the moment.”Keane fires hime to wrap up the three points for EvertonSean Dyche revealed why he was snubbed for the England jobMuch to ponder after Kieran McKenna’s side suffered another defeatIpswich’s endeavour was not in question, but they remain naïve to life in the Premier League, and the fact that Dyche has 10 years’ experience on McKenna showed, as Muric had a busier second half than his Everton counterpart Jordan Pickford.Dyche may not be trendy, but he gave Toffees fans a reason to party, while Town set a new record of failing to win any of their opening eight league games at the start of a top-flight season. They will find themselves in the bottom three if Crystal Palace win on Monday night. More

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      Southampton 2 Leicester 3: Russell Martin’s future hanging in balance after Ayew’s 99th-MINUTE winner to seal comeback

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      RUSSELL MARTIN watched in agony as his side suffered yet another disastrous collapse – to leave his future hanging in the balance.Southampton cruised 2-0 up through Cameron Archer and Joe Aribo – but again collapsed as Facundo Buonanotte, a Jamie Vardy penalty and Jordan Ayew in the 99th minute earned Leicester victory.Jordan Ayew raced away to celebrate his late Leicester winnerCredit: ReutersAyew’s effort sneaked in to break Southampton heartsCredit: PAFellow scorers Jamie Vardy and Facundo Buonanotte hail Ayew’s goalCredit: ReutersSouthampton’s Charlie Taylor, Flynn Downes and Joe Aribo reflect on defeatCredit: ReutersMartin had angrily rounded on his team’s critics before the game, inviting them down to the South Coast to discuss things with him, insisting his team were being brave and that it would pay off.He might get some responses after this latest disaster.Saints’ last win in the Premier League is now a chilling 21 games ago, ironically against Leicester, way back in March 2023. The season before last.The speculation over Martin’s future will now surely crank up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSouthampton’s next game sees them visit Manchester City, but following that are two potentially winnable outings, against fellow strugglers Everton and Wolves. If he lasts that long, that future could hang on those matches.His team could not, in such a crucial game, have got off to a better start, as they flew at Leicester from the off.Cooper’s team had an escape after only four minutes, as Ryan Manning’s corner was thundered against the bar by Joe Aribo’s header, and City only just managed to scramble the ball away.Four minutes later though, their sluggish start was duly punished, as Walker-Peters fed Manning on the left, and his low cross was fired home from six yards out by Archer.Most read in FootballJamie Vardy’s penalty past Aaron Ramsdale put Leicester levelCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCity tried to hit back, but Wout Faes blazed over from a free kick when he should have done better, and then James Justin headed wide from Stephy Mavididi’s cross.But Leicester could not handle Walker-Peters’ dashes down the left, and when the defender skipped past Justin, he got to the byline and pulled the ball back for Aribo to slot home a crucial second goal for the Saints.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsSouthampton could have had a third when Flynn Downes found space in the box, but goalkeeper Mads Hermansen somehow managed to save with his legs.City did though almost get one back against the run of play, when Bilal El Khannouss curled his shot against the inside of the post, but the ball bounced out and Saints survived.Faes then almost scored a spectacular own goal as his diving header from Fernandes cross was pushed over by Hernansen. Vardy had been quiet, and Mateus Fernandes got back to block well when he for once had space, and then Buonanotte curled an effort just wide.At the other end though Tyler Dibling saw his shot saved – but Leicester’s improved display saw them pull one back a minute later, when Abdul Fatawu crossed low and Buonanotte slotted the ball in at the near post.Saints’ nerves suddenly were showing, and ten minutes later Fatawu’s, curling shot came back off the bar.Martin’s side did not clear, and when Fatawu’s header at the far post was only half stopped by Aaron Ramsdale, Saints scrambled the ball away – but Ryan Fraser was ruled by VAR to have pulled back Vardy when he was going for the loose ball.READ MORE SUN STORIESVardy needed no second invitation to slam home the penalty to haul Leicester level.Then deep into stoppage time Harry Winks’ corner fell to Ayew, completely unmarked in the area, and he drilled his shot into the corner of the net.Cameron Archer salutes his early goal but it turned sour for the SaintsCredit: GettyArcher pounced for the first of Southampton’s two first-half goalsCredit: Getty More

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      Fulham 1 Aston Villa 3: Visitors fight back from 1-0 down in chaotic game as both sides have player sent off

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      OLLIE WATKINS served up a treat and a trick to rescue manager Unai Emery from an early scare at Fulham.A number of eyebrows were raised during the international break when Lee Carsley ghosted Watkins for the defeat against Greece despite an injury to Harry Kane.Ollie Watkins helped keep up Aston Villa’s impressive unbeaten runCredit: PAThe England striker gave Villa a second-half lead at Craven CottageCredit: GettyRaul Jimenez had earlier given Fulham the leadCredit: ReutersWatkins’ international break would have been sweetened by news that there at least be a new boss in place next year.And just in case Thomas Tuchel was watching, Watkins produced a horror show for Fulham’s defence to send Villa heading back up the table.First, he scored a sublime set-piece header, appearing from the shadows to give Villa a 2-1 lead just after the break.Then his pace tricked Joachim Andersen into getting sent off, reducing Fulham to 10 men for the final third of the match.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLYet as the Villa bus meandered its way to Craven Cottage through the West London streets, there was a growing sense that it was Emery who was about to suffer a haunting.Injury to Sasa Lucic while on international duty with Bosnia had given Emile Smith Rowe a rare place in the starting line-up.And the Halloween decorations already out in the streets were a reminder of how these things often go in football.As it was, another of Emery’s former Arsenal signings produced the killer assist that broke the deadlock after just five minutes. One that nobody would have guessed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMind you, goalkeeper Bernd Leno’s massive punt should never have got to Raul Jimenez.Nightmarishly, Pau Torres let the ball bounce, the Fulham striker stole in behind him and his shot was perfectly placed just inside the post.Fans to finally get first look at Premier League club’s new VIP experience – with rooftop bar and SWIMMING POOLVilla equalised instantly. Morgan Rogers dropping off the defence to collect the ball and fire a low shot which deflected cruelly off Calvin Bassey to wrong-foot Leno completely.Fulham were not done and continued to take the game to Villa, earning a chance to regain the lead from the penalty spot after 27 minutes.It is hard to say which was softer – the VAR decision that Matty Cash was at fault when the ball hit his hand was more than a little harsh on the Villa defender.However, it was still not as soft as Andreas Pereira’s shot, which Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez smothered gratefully.Villa were sloppy in possession and wasteful with their passing – a very different team to the one that went into the international break on the back of five games unbeaten in the league. The one clear chance they managed before the break fell to Rogers again. Much easier than the one he netted, he somehow diverted Watkins’ cross wide from an unmarked position.Watkins did little to hide his look of disdain and from that moment he seemed determined to take the bull by the horns.He met a Youri Tielemans corner on the hour and steered his header with clinical precision under the crossbar, although Leno will be disappointed to be beaten at his near post.Emi Martinez saved Andreas Pereira’s penalty to keep the scores levelCredit: AlamyMorgan Rodgers had levelled things up after the early Fulham goalCredit: ReutersAll hope for the hosts was lost as Joachim Andersen saw redCredit: ReutersWatkins continued to go from strength to strength and when he burst through on Andersen, Fulham’s last man shoved him just outside the area and was immediately shown a red card.Marco Silva brought on substitutes to grab a goal, but Fulham were now having their own nightmares. With his first touch, Issa Diop diverted Lucas Digne’s low cross past Leno and into the back of the net.READ MORE SUN STORIESTwo stupid yellow cards for Villa substitute Jaden Philogene saw him trudge mournfully off the pitch.But there was no stopping the visitors heading back up the road with a sweet victory. More