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      Dream Team managers can repeat Caoimhin Kelleher ‘trick’ with Fraser Forster following Guglielmo Vicario’s ankle injury

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      DREAM TEAM managers have been presented with an opportunity to repeat a useful trick.Guglielmo Vicario (£3.1m) has been ruled out for the foreseeable future having undergone surgery on a fractured ankle.Toittenham’s No1 sustained the injury against Manchester City on Saturday and bravely played through the pain to keep a clean sheet at the Etihad and contribute to his side’s impressive 4-0 victory.No timescale has been given in regards to the Italian goalkeeper’s rehabilitation at the time of writing but he will surely be unavailable for several weeks.Are you watching closely?Credit: Dream TeamDream Team bosses don’t like to see players get injured and most will wish Vicario a speedy recovery but it’s simply a fact that incidents such as this create an opportunity in the world of fantasy football.Suddenly, Fraser Forster (£1.8m) is in line to start between the sticks for Spurs over the busy festive period.The 36-year-old is the established deputy having played three games this season, two in the Europa League and one in the Carabao Cup.Currently available for just £1.8m, he is ridiculously affordable for a player who is now a starter for one of the more prominent Premier League clubs.TOTTENHAM’S DECEMBER FIXTURES:Fulham (h)Bournemouth (a)Chelsea (h)Rangers (a)Southampton (a)Manchester United (h)Liverpool (h)Nottingham Forest (a)Wolves (h)Most read in FootballForster should get plenty of minutes across the next few GameweeksCredit: GettyIf this strategy sounds familiar it’s because many Dream Team bosses have followed the same path with Caoimhin Kelleher (£2.6m) recently.The Irish keeper has deputised for the injured Alisson (£5.1m) with aplomb across the last five Gameweeks.In that time, Kelleher has notched 40 points from seven outings via three clean sheets and 19 saves, including one to deny Adam Armstrong (£2.7m) from the penalty spot.The 26-year-old is currently level with Andre Onana (£4.2m) as the most in-form asset in his position.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWKelleher has provided excellent value for money while Alisson has been sidelinedCredit: GettyGaffers who opted to recruit Kelleher not only freed up some budget to invest elsewhere, they have been rewarded with a steady stream of points.However, with Alisson having returned to training, Kelleher’s time as starting keeper for the Reds is coming to an end.In this sense, Forster’s emergence as a viable option is perfectly timed.Granted, this latest interpretation of the reserve goalkeeper trick is not quite as appealing as Spurs are not as strong as Liverpool and, with all due respect, Forster is not as reliable as Kelleher – the latter would be first choice at several other top flight clubs.That being said, Forster’s current price of £1.8m is hugely inviting.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Roy Keane ‘set to have BODYGUARD for Liverpool vs Man City’ after Sky Sports pundit’s heated row with Ipswich fan

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      ROY KEANE and his fellow Sky Sports pundits are reportedly set to be protected by bodyguards for their coverage of Liverpool vs Man City this weekend.Keane was caught up in a fan altercation at Portman Road on Sunday, ultimately offering to meet an Ipswich Town fan “in the car park” following a barrage of abuse from the supporter.Roy Keane and his fellow Sky Sports pundits will be protected by security guards for Liverpool vs Man CityCredit: GettyKeane was caught up in a row with an Ipswich Town fan at the weekendCredit: https://x.com/adenLFC4lifeThe Manchester United legend was ushered away from the incident by Sky production staff and Jamie Redknapp after things got heated on the touchline.And according to The Mail, security staff are expected to be alongside the Sky Sports team for their coverage of Sunday’s big game.They claim that Sky’s standard procedure includes a risk assessment on each fixture, with those games deemed high risk resulting in security staff accompanying pundits through public areas. It’s reported that a big game such as Liverpool vs Man City is expected to be considered high risk and therefore will have security staff present at Anfield.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe process is no different to how Sky normally approach their fixtures and security, it just so happens that their next televised game is a big game and considered as high risk.It’s claimed that Sky have no plans to increase their security efforts going forward.Sky Sports pundits Jamie Redknapp, Kelly Cates and Izzy Christiansen have all been asked to help investigate Sunday’s incident by the broadcaster.Keane has found himself caught up in fan drama during Premier League fixtures in the past.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn June, Arsenal fan Scott Law was given a three-year banning order by magistrates and ordered to pay £764 after head-butting Keane after a dispute in a lounge at the Emirates Stadium.That incident occurred following the Gunners’ win over Man Utd in September 2023. ‘If he wants to pay’- Roy Keane accepts Ruben Amorim’s offer to meet Man Utd legend live on TVKeane has recently spoken out about his career as a pundit, hinting that he won’t keep going for much longer given the treatment he receives from fans.He said: “I’ll struggle for the next 10 months doing this. I love football, but the hassle of matches, getting to games, and the hassle of fan.”I was in court a few months ago with somebody headbutting me. Do you think I enjoy that side of it? Absolutely not.”The games are fine [but] getting to the games, parking up, people shouting your name, good stuff, bad stuff, it’s a nuisance. Being a pundit in 10 years? No.” More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo warned he risks being displaced as ‘biggest name’ in Saudi Pro League

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      MOHAMED SALAH would displace Cristiano Ronaldo as the biggest name in the Saudi Pro League if he makes the move from Liverpool, according to ex-Manchester United star Lee Sharpe.The 32-year-old’s Liverpool future is currently in doubt, with his contract set to expire next June.Mohamed Salah would become the biggest player in the Saudi Pro League if he joins, according to an ex-United starCredit: GettyCristiano Ronaldo is currently the face of the leagueCredit: ReutersOn Sunday he revealed he is yet to receive a new offer from the club.Salah even suggested he is more likely to leave than stay at Anfield come the end of the season.Following Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Southampton at St Mary’s, the winger said: “Well, we are almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club. I’m probably more out than in.”I’m not going to retire soon so I’m just playing, focusing on the season and I’m trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well.Read More in Football”I’m disappointed but we will see.”Salah has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia over the 18 months.Al-Ittihad pushed to sign him in a huge £170million transfer last summer, but Liverpool rejected the bid.With the winger potentially in line to leave Merseyside in a free transfer next year, he could be the subject of a huge transfer battle among several Saudi clubs.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEx-United winger Lee Sharpe claims Salah is better than RonaldoCredit: GettyAnd if he were to join the star-studded Pro League, he would become the biggest name.That is according to ex-Man Utd winger Sharpe, who claims he would dominate the division.Cristiano Ronaldo breaks down in tears as 39-year-old becomes first player EVER to score 900 goalsSharpe told Racing Tipster: “I can only imagine Mohamed Salah would go to Saudi Arabia, as I don’t think anyone else will be able to afford him.”There’s also nowhere else he could go in Europe that’s a bigger club, with a bigger fanbase, crowd and atmosphere than he has at Liverpool – he’s not going to go to Manchester United, that’s for sure!”He’ll likely just want to secure his future and have an easier life in Saudi.”If he did go there, he’d be the biggest player in the Saudi Pro League – he’s still young and fit enough to dominate.”We see Cristiano Ronaldo doing well over there, but I think Salah is a better player and a bigger name than him these days.”Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher admitted he was “disappointed” with Salah’s comments during an appearance on Monday Night Football.He said: “Of course, there’s been discussions. Right now, there’s obviously a big difference in valuation, how Salah and his agent value themselves, in terms of length of contract, and how Liverpool do. “So the reason Liverpool wouldn’t have offered a contract yet is because Mo Salah will turn it down.”They’re still in talks, I’m desperate for them to meet in the middle.  But I must say, I am very disappointed with Mo Salah. That interview last night…”Liverpool have Real Madrid in midweek and Manchester City next weekend. That’s the story for Liverpool right now. “And Mo Salah, we’re aware – certainly the local reporters near the club – that in seven years he’s stopped in the mixed zone twice.”That’s absolutely fine. But he stops for the third time away at Southampton on the back of winning Liverpool the game and putting that out.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If he continues to put comments out or his agent continues to put cryptic tweets out, that is selfish.”That’s thinking about themselves and not the football club.” More

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      FIFA President’s Bet on Club World Cup Meets Reality

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      Gianni Infantino has tied his legacy to the 32-team tournament, even inscribing his name on the trophy. Its success is far from guaranteed.Next summer, the United States will play host to an event that may define the legacy of FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino.The Club World Cup, featuring 32 men’s teams gathered from leagues across the globe, is Mr. Infantino’s signature innovation, a competition he is so wedded to that his name appears on the newly created championship trophy not once but twice.The tournament will take place in June and July in stadiums around the United States and is an attempt to deliver on Mr. Infantino’s oft-quoted catchphrase about making soccer “truly global.” It is his ambition to create a quadrennial club tournament that will grow into one of sports’ tent-pole events and endure long after he leaves office.But despite Mr. Infantino’s high hopes, there is no guarantee that the tournament will be a success. Obstacles and missteps have blighted the path to the first game, and a huge uncertainty over its funding continues, even as a draw for the event is set to take place in Miami on Dec. 5.In Europe, leagues and the global players’ union have filed lawsuits over what they say are Mr. Infantino and FIFA’s unilateral moves to add more events to an already congested global calendar that risks the health of players. Fans have also expressed dismay at how, in an effort to generate interest, FIFA appeared to have found a way to secure a place for Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami squad, eliminated from the Major League Soccer playoffs in the opening round. That happened despite Mr. Infantino’s insistence that the tournament would be the most merit-based in the world. But some of the biggest concerns persist around the event’s business model.With less than a year to go before the tournament, FIFA, which has kept its revenue projections guarded, has started to share some of the details with a broader circle of officials and some of the 32 participating teams. Those include some of Europe’s biggest, like Real Madrid, which have demanded significant eight-figure fees in addition to prize money to appear.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

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      Gary Neville admits he ‘can’t see what’s going to happen’ with Man Utd conundrum as he names likely winners under Amorim

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      GARY NEVILLE has outlined who he believes will be the big winners at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim.The Portuguese boss took charge of his first game with the Red Devils on Sunday, scraping a 1-1 draw with Ipswich.Gary Neville has named five stars who he believes will be winners under Ruben AmorimKobbie Mainoo will be one of the stars Amorim turns to later this seasonCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford scored after 81 seconds but United were unable to control the game before Omari Hutchinson scored an equaliser, while Andre Onana made two huge saves from Liam Delap to avoid defeat.Amorim appeared to be frustrated on the sidelines throughout the game, with SunSport exclusively revealing how the 39-year-old scored the performance a five out of 10.However, with many stars only recently returning from injury or ruled out of the game, Neville believes there will be changes made to the starting XI going forward.Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville, 49, spoke about how the two wide centre-backs would need to be able to go out and play in the full-back positions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club legend named Noussair Mazraoui and Luke Shaw as two key stars in those roles.Meanwhile, in midfield, Neville said Manuel Ugarte would be a winner due to his previous experience with Amorim.He continued: “I think it’s how you fit in the likes of [Marcus] Rashford, [Alejandro] Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes.”You know with that system you have two wing-backs, you have a back three and you have a two in front, it’s then that three where the two he likes to play come inside.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”You wonder about Amad [Diallo] who obviously played wide but with Garnacho, Rashford, [Rasmus] Hojlund, [Joshua] Zirkzee and Fernandes there’s that conundrum of attacking players where I can’t quite see what’s going to happen.”I think [Kobbie Mainoo] and Ugarte play in midfield. I think they’re absolute certs.Is Amad Diallo the key to transforming Ruben Amorim’s attack at Manchester United?”Shaw is a certainty to play, I think he would be anyway in back four or three.”I think ultimately you’ll end up with [Leny Yoro] as the right centre-back with that energy and pace.”The winners will be the ones who are adaptable and who can interchange from a three to a four.”Neville then went on to draw from his own experience playing in a back-three with England.He added: “When we played in back-five with Terry Venables or back-three with Glenn Hoddle the outer centre-backs do have to be able to go out wide.”So the ones who are more flexible and agile will be the winners.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim takes charge of his first game at Old Trafford on Thursday with a Europa League clash against Bodo/Glimt.He then sees his side host Everton at home on Sunday before an away trip to Arsenal.Man Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Onana saves Amorim from embarrassment in first game as bossMANCHESTER UNITED began the Ruben Amorim era with a 1-1 draw away at Ipswich.Marcus Rashford needed just 81 seconds to put the Red Devils in front at Portman Road, tapping home an Amad Diallo cross.But Ipswich hit back when Omari Hutchinson’s strike flew in via a deflection off Noussair Mazraoui.And it was the newly-promoted side who looked likelier to get a winner in the second half.Here is how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett saw the performances of the Man Utd players…ANDRE ONANA – 7/10United’s best player. Two key stops to deny Liam Delap but no chance for the deflected Omari Hutchinson goal.Then delivered an 87th minute save to keep out an effort from Conor Chaplin.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 5Slotted in on the right of the three-man defence but unfortunate with the deflection for the goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5Has been suspect this season and will probably be better suited to a back three although still given a tough time by Delap.JONNY EVANS – 5The 36-year-old was targeted by Ipswich for his lack of pace and no surprise he was replaced.AMAD DIALLO – 6Did incredibly well to bomb past Jens Cajuste and deliver the cross for Rashford’s early goal but offered little else.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 5Some nice touches going forward but too lightweight in this position in front of the back three.CASEMIRO – 4Lucky to start ahead of Manuel Ugarte and was really poor.Struggled throughout before being subbed and could maybe have got a block to the Hutchinson shot.DIOGO DALOT – 5Not suited to left wing-back although stayed there when Luke Shaw arrived because the English international replaced Evans in the back three.BRUNO FERNANDES – 5Some of his link-up play was fine but United need a captain who can inspire this team and Fernandes is not the man.Sent a free-kick flashing past the post with 12 minutes left.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5Twice called over by Ruben Amorim in the first half for instructions.Denied by a decent save from Aro Muric 50 seconds into the second half.MARCUS RASHFORD – 6Criticised for his basketball trip to New York so to score after 80 seconds was two fingers up at his critics – but did not offer much after that.SubsUgarte (for Casemiro 56 mins) – 6Shaw (for Evans 56 mins) – 6Hojlund (for Rashford 67 mins) – 5Zirkzee ( for Eriksen 67 mins) – 5Mount (for Garnacho 87 mins) – 5Amorim needs A LOT of time on training pitch to fix Man Utd… unfortunately he won’t get it, writes Charlie WyettIN theory at least, the only way is up for Manchester United, writes Charlie Wyett.We are nearly a third of the way through this Premier League season and it is still staggering to see United lurking in 12th place.They have managed just four wins with a goal difference of 0. Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored less.It is certainly not a false position and a point at Ipswich illustrated the massive job that Ruben Amorim faces.United’s fans sang the name of their new manager throughout the game.They also gave the players rapturous applause on the final whistle and although this was an improvement on some of the performances this season, the bar has been set pretty low.The club’s optimistic supporters will see that their team is only six points off the top four.  Ultimately, though, it is difficult to see United even reaching last season’s final position of eighth as they look worse.United’s patched-up defence will improve – and a three-man formation at the back will help them – but you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from. Marcus Rashford struck after 81 seconds and then went missing for the rest of his 68 minutes on the pitch.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were also introduced in that double change midway inside the second half but added absolutely nothing. What a terrible couple of signings they have proved to be and United’s fans would swap both of them for Ipswich’s Liam Delap.Amorim did not celebrate the Rashford goal and paced around his technical area throughout looking uneasy.Each time there was a break in play, he called over players for instructions.Alejandro Garnacho headed over to the touchline on a couple of occasions while there were also words for Diogo Dalot, Casemiro and Jonny Evans.Amorim, a manager with infectious enthusiasm, will be hopeful he can get his message across to all of the players in the next few weeks.But the problem for the Portuguese coach is that this was the first of 10 games in the space of 33 days.What he really needs are spells on the training ground without a midweek game but he does not have that luxury. More

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      ‘I’ll never forget that image’ – Theo Walcott reveals how bizarre Arsene Wenger moment convinced him to join Arsenal

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      THEO WALCOTT has revealed how Arsene Wenger convinced him to join Arsenal.Walcott joined the Gunners from Southampton in 2006, before making his debut for them as a 17-year-old.Theo Walcott has revealed how Arsene Wenger convinced him to join ArsenalCredit: PA:Press AssociationWalcott revealed one ‘unusual’ thing he will never forget about Arsene WengerCredit: AFPThe 35-year-old lifted the lid on the deal that took him to North London amid interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and a late offer from Manchester United.Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, he said: “There was [options for me]. Chelsea, Liverpool, Man Utd came in with a very late bid which I wasn’t aware of at the time.”[But] To be honest my mind was already made up as soon as Arsene Wenger got involved. “I remember going back to his place with David Dein.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”His sofa was a little bit lower than this and his legs were higher than his actual face itself being how tall he was.”(Laughing) I’ll never forget that image it was very unusual.”And Thierry Henry of course was a player that I was really inspired to learn from.”As soon as I had Arsenal involved I just want to go there and play with him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It was my dream to play with someone like ‘that’ and if you ask any kid if they want the opportunity to play with their star they’re going to do it.”And it was an easy option.” Fans can’t believe Theo Walcott’s ‘shocking’ blind ranking of top 10 Champions League stars and ask ‘is this a prank?’Walcott had the chance to play with Henry for one season before he departed for Barcelona.However, having become one of the main figures at the Emirates, Walcott was still at the club when Henry made his return in 2012.He was substituted off the field moments before Henry’s famous late winner against Sunderland.Walcott scored 108 goals in 397 games for the Gunners overall.He eventually left the club in 2018 to join Everton.After 85 appearances with the Toffees Walcott returned to Southampton, initially on loan in 2020.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe switch was made permanent the following summer, with Walcott starring for the Saints for another two seasons before announcing his retirement.He also earned 47 caps for the England national team, scoring eight goals.Walcott said playing with idol Thierry Henry was a major factor in his decision to join ArsenalCredit: EPATheo Walcott career statsArsenal (2006-2018): 397 appearances, 108 goals, 73 assistsHonours: FA Cup x3, Community Shield x2Southampton (2005-2006 + 2020-21 on loan + 2021-2023): 82 appearances, 10 goals, five assistsEverton (2018-2021): 85 appearances, 11 goals, nine assists More

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      Fabio Carvalho’s dad tells his son to ‘leave this club’ in now-deleted post on Brentford’s Instagram page

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      FABIO CARVALHO’S father has urged his son to leave Brentford following the Bees’ goalless draw with Everton on Saturday.Brentford played out a 0-0 draw with the Toffees at Goodison Park as Thomas Frank’s side extended their dismal away form.Fabio Carvalho has been urged to leave Brentford by his fatherCredit: AlamyThe star’s dad appeared to comment ‘son, you have to leave this club’ under Brentford’s Instagram postCredit: XBrentford have now failed to win in any of their six away games this season, losing five and drawing once.And it seems that the dad of summer signing Fabio Carvalho has had enough as he urged his son to leave the club that he joined just over three months ago.In the comments section of Brentford’s full-time post on Instagram, an account appearing to be Carvalho’s dad Victor wrote: “Son, you have to leave this club”.The comment, which has since been deleted, comes after Brentford forked out £27.5m to lure Carvalho away from Liverpool this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the 22-year-old attacking midfielder has struggled for regular minutes under Thomas Frank since his move to West London.Carvalho has made just two Premier League starts this season, often being used as an option off the bench by Frank.While Saturday’s draw with Everton was the first time that the Portuguese youth international has failed to get on the pitch whatsoever.Carvalho may be swayed by his dad’s advice with the former Red previously admitting that it was his father that helped convince him to join Brentford in the first place.Most read in FootballCarvalho has made just two starts in the league this seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter arriving at the Gtech Community Stadium, Carvalho told the club’s official outlet that his dad had told him to keep an eye on the Bees for a while.He said: “I’ve watched a lot of Brentford, especially when they played against teams in the top six: they always put in a fight and that’s exactly what you want to see.Jamie Carragher slams Mo Salah over ‘selfish’ interview after Liverpool star reveals he’s ‘more out than in'”When I was on the bench for Liverpool for the away game two seasons ago [3-1 win], Brentford were all over us!”But I’ve been keeping an eye out for Brentford; my dad watched the Benfica [pre-season] game because he’s a massive Benfica supporter and said, ‘Look, Brentford have got a good team!’”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Forgotten Arsenal star, 27, returns to squad for Sporting clash 477 DAYS after last appearance

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      KIERAN TIERNEY is in line to make his first Arsenal appearance for over 15 MONTHS.The Scotland international has endured a torrid run of injuries during his time at the Gunners that has seen him slip off the radar of boss Mikel Arteta – and linked with a move away in January.Kieran Tierney returned to training last week and could start against SportingCredit: PABut he has been named in the playing squad in Lisbon after returning to training last week having been out for two months with a setback in a reoccurring hamstring injury.Tierney’s last outing for Arsenal was in the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 6, 2023, before heading out on a season-long loan to Real Sociedad.Arteta said: “Everybody in the squad is fully fit and available to start the game.“We have Kieran Tierney after a long injury, it’s great news that he’s back, he’s been training with the team and he’s at the level to participate.”READ MORE ON ARSENALAt LaLiga side Sociedad, Tierney made 26 appearances – 17 as a starter – but his minutes were limited by several hamstring injuries.Should he take to the field for Arsenal in Lisbon, it will be his first European game for the club since November 3, 2022 – starting in a 1-0 win over FC Zurich in the Europa League.Tierney’s inclusion could also mean he features in the Prem once more – the last time he started in the English top flight was May 14, 2023 – a 3-0 loss at home to Brighton.It is understood that while the club are pleased to have Tierney available, he is not in Arteta’s long-term plans as he looks to move the Scot on in the next two transfer windows.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal player ratings vs Nottingham ForestBy Jordan Davies, Senior Sports Journalist and Football ReporterARSENAL romped to a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest – with some standout performers shining.Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates each player…David Raya – 7Very little to do. Collected a few crosses well under pressure and was alert and speedy with his distribution to get Arsenal moving.Jurrien Timber – 7Had the ball in the net and unlucky not to keep it that way as VAR intervened – eventually – to give offside on Mikel Merino in the build-up. A solid display.William Saliba – 8Had a real battle on his hand against another giant of a man in Taiwo Awoniyi, not that it bothered him too much. As always, he was up to the task without ever losing his cool.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7With Forest’s target man focused on Saliba, this was a fairly comfortable afternoon for Gabriel, who didn’t even have any decent set-pieces to attack.Riccardo Calafiori – 7Was a bit vulnerable on the counter in the early stages, perhaps showing his fitness levels are not there just yet after a lengthy spell out with injury.However, he regained his composure and was a rock defending crosses and set-pieces.Jorginho – 6A rare start and did his best to solidify things in midfield, but his needless yellow ultimately saw him subbed at half-time with Arteta not willing to take the risk.Martin Odegaard – 9My word, have Arsenal missed this man. Back in the team and back in the groove, dictating the tempo and providing that creative spark with fluidity and finesse.By the end, Forest’s players looked like they had been beaten to submission.Mikel Merino – 7With Jorginho sitting deeper, the Spaniard had the freedom to play the ‘Rice role’, roaming forward at will, and provided a real attacking intent, driving into the box.Bukayo Saka – 9Showed off his samba hips with some silky dancing between tackles in the box before thumping a stunning effort into the top corner.Forest left-back Alex Moreno had a torrid afternoon, especially after he let Saka cut inside again after the break to tee up Partey’s strike from distance.Gabriel Jesus – 6Still looking for just a third goal this calendar year. Gave his all and had a curling effort go narrowly wide in the first half, but it just isn’t happening for the Brazilian at the moment.A real chance missed to stake a claim in this starting XI.Leandro Trossard – 7Should have put Arsenal ahead inside the first two minutes but scuffed his close-range effort and saw another well saved by Matz Sels before the break.Despite hobbling off for Belgium in mid-week, he looked as sharp as ever.SUBSTHOMAS PARTEY (JORGINHO, 45) – 8Was only on the pitch seven minutes before curling a beauty into the far corner – an inspired substitution.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (CALAFIORI, 67) – 6Did what was needed. Positioned himself for inverted passing lanes to get Arsenal out the back with Forest piling pressure on with time ticking away.ETHAN NWANERI (ODEGAARD, 82) – 8More minutes for this impressive academy talent and already has a trademark finish of curling into the far corner with his left foot. He almost pulled this off less than two minutes into coming on.Then, soon after, he slots in from Sterling’s cut-back for his first Prem goal. Memorable.RAHEEM STERLING (SAKA, 82) – 7Really needed to make a difference off the bench to get his campaign up and running, and he did, providing the assist for Nwaneri’s historic goal.JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 87) – N/ATierney’s return is also timely with Arsenal missing another full-back in Ben White who is expected to be out for months after undergoing knee surgery last week.During this summer’s Euros, Tierney featured for Scotland but was ruled out after a hamstring injury in a group game against Switzerland.Arsenal player ratings: Martin Odegaard a class above as Jorgino hooked at half-time after needless yellow vs Nottingham Forest More