Soccer

STORM DYCHE hit Goodison Park full force after a pitiful performance against ten-man Brentford.The force of it, amidst the boos and howls of derision that met the final whistle, will have suggested to boss Sean that his time in charge is about to run out fast.Sean Dyche was let down by his wasteful stars as 10-man Brentford escaped Goodison Park with a pointCredit: GettyChristian Norgaard was sent off for a foul on Jordan Pickford in the first halfCredit: RexThomas Frank’s side hadn’t kept a clean sheet all season and few would have bet on them ending that run after Christian Norgaard was harshly red-carded for catching England No 1 Jordan Pickford.Referee Chris Kavanagh was called to the touchline screen to review the incident by VAR Matt Donohue and having blissfully unaware of any malicious intent by Norgaard then dismissed him.Yet the Bees didn’t have to be heroes to hold out with Dyche’s players, who had started so brightly, pitiful in the second half.With Dan Friedkin soon to move in as new owner and a forthcoming fixture list from hell kicking in Dyche is fighting for his job, let down badly by a side that just can’t score – that just ten goals from twelve games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey  have made a habit of starting games fast but then blowing out and so it proved once again.By the fourth minute Mark Flekken, having already made more saves than any Prem goalkeeper this season, had two more crucial stops to his credit.Iliman Nidaye forced both of them, first after he curved into the six-yard box and went for the top corner.Then the £15M summer arrival from Marseille produced the cheekiest of back–flick to divert a pile-driver from Idrissa Guye, Flekken this time diving brilliantly low and left to deflect.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBrentford had lost six of their previous seven visits to Goodison Park and struggled desperately to contain Dyche’s go–for–it side.Indeed they were on the end of eight efforts within the first half–hour, Flekken producing more fine reactions to frustrate Dwight McNeil.Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo shows his skills on the training pitch Yet the norm for Dyche’s side has also been that they run out of ideas and steam when the breakthrough doesn’t happen – before this clash they had scored only ten league goals.So it was that by the 36th minute, a slightly punch-drunk Brentford found they had breathing space.And the Gwladys Street End breathed a huge sigh of relief after Mikkel Damsgaard turned in his own half a delivered a delicious through ball.Yoanne Wissa was onto it in a flash and powered towards Pickford, only for the ’keeper to stand his ground and force away the striker’s decent low attempt.His guts may have cost Norgaard that straight red, too.Nathan Pinnock curled a cross across the box Wissa, as well as the Danish midfielder went for the ballBoth missed as Pickford moved out to engage and as the ball dropped Norgaard caught him just below the knee with an out-stretched leg.Did he make contact? Absolutely. Was there malicious intent? Almost certainly not.The look on his face after referee Kavanagh had been sent to the pitch monitor by VAR Matt Donohue before dismissing him said it all.Frank was left gob-smacked and then booked for protesting when he was able to open his mouth.Funnily enough not long into the second half Flekken was caught low as Ndiaye shased the ball down with Nathan Collins also involved.The decision in that 52nd minute was play–on after the goalkeeper received treatment on a damaged ankle.Frank was entitled to make what was surely a sardonic comment to fourth official Anthony Backhouse – pot, kettle, black and all that.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Everton were playing in ever-decreasing circles, the extra man looking more of a hindrance than a help.Beto replaced Jesper Lindstrom then promptly headed miles over, not long after Vitaliy Mykolenko had had row Z with a wild swipe at a good opportunity. More

ROSS BARKLEY rode to the rescue with a stunning header to salvage a point for Villa – and easily pay back the £5million Unai Emery invested in him this summer.The bargain buy from Luton Town has now clawed back two crucial points for his boss in his last two appearances against Bournemouth and Palace.Ross Barkley rescued a point for Aston Villa with a superb header in the second halfCredit: AFPDean Henderson saved a penalty to keep the score level in the first halfCredit: ReutersAnd moments later Justin Devenny gave his boyhood club the lead in the first halfCredit: PAIncredibly, without the 30-year-old’s goals the Spaniard would be looking at SIX straight defeats on the spin for the first time in his star-studded career!But in the end, a draw was a fair result as Emi Martinez denied Palace with a stunning save to deny Jeff Schlupp a late winner.Emery was certainly pumped up for this one as he looked to jump-start Villa’s stuttering season – it’s just a pity his players took so long to get the memo!Revenge must have been on the Villa manager’s mind going into this one.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNot only did the Eagles thrash his side 5-0 on the final day of last season, after Emery had led Villa to the Champions League.They also knocked the Villans out of the Carabao Cup at Villa Park last month.Emery had suffered four defeats on the spin for the first time in 1026 games as a manager – a fifth was simply unthinkable for the demanding Spaniard.Yet his players shot themselves in the foot as they conceded after just four minutes.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPalace ruthlessly exposed their high defensive line as Jean-Philippe Mateta’s early through ball sent Ismaila Sarr racing through on goal.The Senegal striker held off Ian Maatsen before firing past Emi Martinez to open his Premier League account for the Eagles.Visit the restaurant serving tasty food at affordable prices just steps away from historic Premier League groundVilla tried to respond but were wasteful.New England cap Morgan Rogers scuffed a shot wide, Ollie Watkins nodded over then failed to get his head to a brilliant Maatsen cross.Palace were under the cosh but had Dean Henderson to thank for a couple of moments of first-half brilliance.Just before the half-hour, the ‘keeper produced a stunning stop to deny Watkins.The Villa striker cut inside Trevoh Chalobah and fired in a low drive which looked to have beaten Henderson as it sped by him.But somehow the England keeper stretched out his right arm to claw the ball from behind him, away from his gaping net.Five minutes later Palace broke through Villa’s lines again.Sarr sprinted clear and drew Martinez off his line before squaring to Mateta who somehow lifted his shot over an open goal from six yards.To the striker’s relief, Sarr had just strayed offside in the build-up to spare his blushes.Having survived that lucky escape Villa then drew level.Pau Torres produced a brilliant pass to split the lines and pick out McGinn, who then topped it with an even better through ball to send Watkins clear.The England striker calmly rounded Henderson and passed into an empty net to end his five-match barren streak.Villa’s tails were up and Bailey left the crossbar shuddering with a rocket shot which bounced to safety with Henderson beaten.The Jamaican was then involved in a bizarre incident when he tumbled in the Palace box before play raged up to the other end.However, when the ball eventually went out VAR Alex Chilowicz drew ref Tim Robinson’s attention to a foul by Will Hughes who had trod on Bailey’s heel to send him crashing.After a check on the pitchside monitor Robinson pointed to the spot.But Henderson hurled himself to his left to brilliantly palm Youri Tielemans’ spot kick to safety.And Palace delivered another suck-punch to Villa’s ribs on the stroke of half-time.Sarr again raced clear of Villa’s defence before being forced wide.But the forward managed to bypass Mateta to pick out Justin Devenny at the back of the box.And the young Northern Ireland international curled a peach of a shot around Tielemans to find the far corner of the net.It was a stunning way for the young Scottish-born midfielder to break his Premier League duck in only his second start for Palace.However, Villa, with Matty Cash on for Bogarde, came out like men possessed after the break.Emery went for broke sending on Jhon Duran and Lucas Digne for McGinn and Maatsen.But it was 30-year-old Barkley who salvaged a point for his side.READ MORE SUN STORIESTielemans swept over a corner from the left and Barkley rose between Marc Guehi and Jeff Schlupp to power a header into the far corner.However, it took a brilliant stop from Emi Martinez, who pushed a Schlupp thunderbolt onto his far post, to prevent Palace snatching all three points. More

MARTIN ODEGAARD put in a stellar performance as Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 3-0.The result meant it was the Gunners’ first win since their 3-1 victory over Southampton on October 5.Martin Odegaard impressed against Nottingham ForestCredit: GettyJorginho was the weak link in midfieldCredit: GettyBukayo Saka fired in the opener with a brilliant finish after some nice interplay with Martin Odegaard.Thomas Partey made an instant impact after he replaced Jorginho at half-time as he doubled the lead from 20 yards.Young rising star Ethan Nwaneri wrapped up the result in the 86th minute with Arsenal’s third.Despite not getting on the scoresheet it was Odegaard that proved to be head and shoulders above the rest.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut for Jorginho, it was a game of struggles as he was hooked off at half time after picking up a needless booking.SunSports’ Jordan Davies gave his ratings of Arsenal’s players…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.Most read in FootballWilliam Saliba – 8CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHad 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.Ben White ruled out for months in mega blow to Arsenal title hopes, confirms Mikel Arteta Riccardo Calafiori – 7 Was 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 – 6 A 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 – 9Buakyo Saka netted Arsenal’s opening goal against Nottingham ForestCredit: ReutersShowed 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) – 8Thomas Partey scored Arsenal’s second goalCredit: ReutersWas 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) – 8Ethan Nwaneri wrapped up the resultCredit: APMore 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.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen, 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/AArsenal and Edu resignation statement in fullEdu Gaspar has today resigned from his position as our Sporting Director.Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of Technical Director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to Sporting Director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s and academy football.   We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart. Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.”Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.  “I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. “Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”Our Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.  “Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.  “Change and evolution is a part of our club.  We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.” More

MICHAEL OWEN has fired a savage put down at Erik ten Hag, having watched just 10 minutes of Ruben Amorim.Manchester United sacked the Dutchman after an awful start to the season.Michael Owen has fired a savage dig at Erik ten HagCredit: AlamyThe retired striker has claimed that Ruben Amorim has already spoken more than the DutchmanCredit: GettyTen Hag was sacked by Manchester United after a horror start to the seasonCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, has since been appointed as the club’s new manager after impressing at Sporting Lisbon.The new man has already taken charge of training at Carrington and overseen his new players.Amorim was not impressed by the lack of speed and intensity in training from the squad.Former Red Devil Owen has hailed Amorim’s “demeanour” – while taking a swipe at Ten Hag at the same time.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOwen tweeted: “There have been plenty of false dawns Man Utd in recent years but you sense that Amorim could be the right man.“I like his demeanour. He looks confident and spoke more sense in 10 mins than Ten Hag did in two and a half years.“It won’t happen overnight and there’s a fair bit of catching up to do but…”Amorim’s first game in charge of Manchester United will come against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Sunday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has already hinted that forgotten star Mason Mount could be set for a key role in his team.Mount has struggled for form since joining the club from Chelsea in 2023.Gary Neville admits ‘I got it wrong’ and apologises over Rashford criticism as Amorim demands Man Utd ‘change standards’ Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro.But Amorim believes that the midfielder is perfect for his system and that the £60million man could play in TWO positions for him.There are several stars at the club who should be fearing for their future.This includes underperforming attackers such as Antony and Amad Diallo.The manager has cleared out the club’s pre-existing coaching staff after his appointment, including ousting Ruud van Nistelrooy.Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has taken up boxing and martial arts in order to build his fitness.Club legend Gary Neville recently apologised over his criticism of the forward for his trip to the US during the international break. More