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      FA Cup may never look the same again as major change to tournament format is considered

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      WEMBLEY bosses will consider scrapping extra-time in next season’s FA Cup.But there is NO chance of replays coming back.FA bosses are considering a big change to extra time in next year’s FA CupCredit: PATamworth held Spurs to a 0-0 draw on Sunday, which in previous years would have seen them earn a replayCredit: PATamworth were denied the prospect of a money-spinning trip to N17 when they were forced into an extra half-hour after holding Spurs to a goalless draw in 90 minutes.In every other season, those third-round heroics would have guaranteed a replay.Those matches have previously seen minnows scoop more than half a million in gate receipts and TV cash.Prem clubs’ concerns over fixture congestion, exacerbated by the new initial stage of the Champions League and Europa League spreading into the last two weeks of January, saw the FA force through the decision to end all replays in April.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, there is a growing feeling within the FA that finishing games after 90 minutes and going straight to a shoot-out will be better – especially for the lower-tier teams.Tamworth visibly tired after Ange Postecoglou was able to send on Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski for extra time on Sunday, with Spurs eventually scoring three in the additional 30 minutes.Manchester United also had to play for an extra half hour with 10 men against Arsenal, although they did then win the shoot-out to progress to round four.United will have played 16 matches between the start of December and the end of this month, with the heavy workload likely to bring further injuries.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThose European dates – which mean there would have been no space for Arsenal, Spurs or United to fit in a replay – will ensure that ties will all be settled on the day from now on.But FA chiefs are ready to discuss following the EFL Cup approach, with ties in the Carabao Cup having gone to spot-kicks after 90 minutes six seasons ago.Tamworth vs Tottenham kick-off DELAYED as players get piggyback to tape up net after spotting hole in goalTamworth themselves beat League One Burton on penalties in the first round.But non-leaguers Harborough, Kettering and Oldham all lost to EFL sides in extra-time.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as Maguire and Co dig deep to win after Dalot’s moment of madnessMANCHESTER UNITED produced a heroic effort to squeeze past Arsenal and into the FA Cup’s fourth round on penalties.The Red Devils were forced to dig deep at the Emirates following Diogo Dalot’s 61st minute red card.On a freezing cold afternoon in North London, SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rates and slates each United performer…ALTAY BAYINDIR – 8Poor punch up in the air which allowed the ball to fall nicely for Gabriel to finish.Redeemed himself with a brilliant penalty save to keep the score level, before superbly denying Declan Rice twice.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7Was assured on and off the ball if unspectacular. Got his body on the line as the Gunners pushed for a winner.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 8Solid in defence and kept the backline well organised. Produced the best tackle of the match on the goalline to deny Leandro Trossard a certain goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 8Commanding in the air and made several key blocks but gave away the penalty which Arsenal missed to go in front.Got away with an earlier error as he failed to clear – the ball landed at Kai Havertz’s feet but he somehow skewed wide with his effort.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Had to be on high alert to deal with the movement of Arsenal forwards but it was a task he managed well.DIOGO DALOT – 3Booked for a mistimed lunge on Lewis-Skelly. He followed that up with another silly, late foul on Merino with the ball about to go out of play for his second yellow. Stupid red card.MANUEL UGARTE – 7A firefighter all across the pitch for his side, although spent most of the match in his own half given Arsenal’s dominance.Was booked for one foul too many just before the hour mark and was lucky to escape a red card as he went head-to-head with Havertz after the penalty incident.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Lively in the middle and kept a close eye on Jorginho. Looked sharp on the ball and showed some clever touches.Should have done better to head clear before Gabriel’s equaliser.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Always an outlet on the counter which was much needed for the Red Devils.Made the most of a Gabriel error to burst in on goal and pass across to Fernandes to score.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was booked for throwing a trademark tantrum after claiming he was fouled on the edge of the box when lining up a shot.Showed his class with a brilliant first-time finish which he bent around a defender into the far corner.RASMUS HOJLUND – 3Failed to provide the focal point that United badly needed, which meant almost every pass forward was dealt with by the Arsenal centre-halves. Was fortunate there was no VAR to take a look at his apparent elbow on William Saliba, which left the Arsenal star bloodied.SUBSTITUTESAmad (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Lively on the counter too but just lacking a bit of quality – though was outnumbered every time he got the ball.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 80mins) – 6Some very clever touches when he came on and provided a presence up front at a time United badly needed it.Toby Collyer (for Mainoo, 80mins) – 5Showed plenty of energy but was missing quality in some areas.Tyrell Malacia (for Ugarte, extra-time) – 6Stuck to his task well.Leno Yoro (for Maguire, 104) – 6Did his job well during the closing stages of the match. Converted his penalty in the shoot-out with aplomb.Now the FA plans to review the situation at the end of the season.And the “lottery” factor of a shoot-out after 90 minutes is a major argument in favour of shortening games from next term. More

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      Gary Lineker calls for rule change after major controversy in Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Man Utd

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      GARY LINEKER has called for a rule change after Gabriel Martinelli’s goal against Manchester United was disallowed.The forward thought he had put his side 1-0 up in the FA Cup third round clash, only to see the linesman’s flag raised.Gabriel Martinelli had a goal disallowed for offside against Man UtdCredit: ReutersGary Lineker suggested a rule change that could avoid confusion in futureCredit: PAReplays showed Martinelli was some yards offside with the only controversy being the fact United defender Harry Maguire had the last touch.The England defender was deemed not to have taken a deliberate touch however, so the referee allowed the decision to stand.Lineker discussed the incident on BBC’s coverage of the clash and pointed to the rulebook to explain why the correct decision was made.Despite agreeing with the verdict, Lineker suggested a rule change that could avoid confusion in the future.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “Now, we understand they have given that (offside) because Harry Maguire is not in control of the ball, but you could argue, of course, that he should have been.“Here are the four things about when a player is uncontrolled. The ball travelled from a short distance or the player doesn’t have a clear view of it. Neither of those apply. The ball was moving quickly. Well, it wasn’t. The direction of the ball was unexpected. It wasn’t. “And, the player had limited or no time to coordinate their body movement. You could possibly make an argument on that, but we understand why it’s not given.“Now, why don’t they (the FA) just say all deflections in those circumstances are offside? Rather than this ambiguous nature of uncontrolled and controlled and all that.”Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal ratings vs Man Utd as Martinelli looks lively but wasteful Havertz costs Gunners another trophy chanceKAI HAVERTZ missed two sitters and a penalty in the shoot-out as Arsenal were dumped out of the FA Cup.The Gunners huffed and puffed but failed to find a winner, even after extra-time, against Manchester United’s 10 men.And it all went wrong in the penalty shootout as Altay Bayindir saved Havertz’s effort.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Arsenal stars…DAVID RAYA – 6Could do nothing about United’s goal and produced a stellar stop to deny Zirkzee in extra-time.JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Very effective on the overlap and worked well being fed by Odegaard.Tested a couple of times by Alejandro Garnacho who proved a problem on the counter-attack.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Dealt with Hojlund well although the striker did not pose much of a threat.GABRIEL – 6Terrible error to lose possession to Alejandro Garnacho who was put through on goal and set up Bruno Fernandes to score.Made amends with a brilliant finish Bukayo Saka would have been proud of.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 5A quiet game at left-back, probably should have got forward more particularly after United went down to ten men and had Garnacho filling in at right-back.JORGINHO – 5Kept things ticking over in the middle and was always an outlet for his team-mates.MIKEL MERINO – 4Anonymous in the middle. Difficult to see what he brings to this Arsenal side.Missed a good chance to put his side ahead moments after the equaliser and was taken off shortly after that.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7A pleasure to watch. Made everything happen, his ability to turn on the ball in the middle of the park created opportunities time after time.But he missed the chance to win the game from the penalty spot.GABRIEL JESUS – 6Lovely pass to break the lines and put through Martinelli, who found the back of the net but was offside.Fell awkwardly when defending a cross in the first half and was carried off on a stretcher.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Was the main attacking threat in the first half with his direct style causing the visitors all sorts of problems.Produced good movement and a finish to match but his goal was disallowed for offside.KAI HAVERTZ – 3Won the penalty after a deft touch past Maguire.But he missed two sitters including one just three minutes from time to win the match, and his penalty miss proved decisive in the shoot-out.SUBSTITUTESRaheem Sterling (for Jesus, 40mins) – 6Looked sharp when he got the ball and did well in the build-up to Havertz winning the penalty.Declan Rice (for Merino, 73mins) – 6Almost scored with what might have been his first touch but his header was brilliantly saved.Should have grabbed the winner in the dying moments but his low effort was again superbly matched by Bayindir.Leandro Trossard (for Lewis-Skelly, extra-time) – 5Will wonder how he didn’t score after Matthijs de Ligt produced a goalline clearance to deny him.Blazed over with an effort from just outside the box.Thomas Partey (for Timber, 101mins) – 5Put in a few good crosses. Came close to a winner with an effort that was deflected narrowly over the bar.Kieran Tierney (for Jorginho, 113mins) -His arrival onto the pitch was greeted with a big cheer but he did not have much time to impact the match.There was more controversy in the FA Cup clash as Arsenal were awarded a penalty despite Maguire making minimal contact on Kai Havertz.The Gunners missed the resulting spot-kick and after United were victorious in the penalty shoot-out, their media team tweeted: “Justice.”Alan Shearer in the dark on Gary Lineker’s MOTD replacement, but reveals why he doesn’t want to know who’s coming in More

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      Inside Wanda Nara’s divorce hell, from split from rapper boyfriend to ex-husband Icardi moving on with alleged mistress

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      WANDA Nara is stuck in a divorce hell, with ex-husband Mauro Icardi finding love with his alleged mistress in what feels like a storyline from a Latin American telenovela.The Argentinian beauty, 38, announced her relationship with the former Inter Milan striker, who she shares two daughters with, was over in July.Wanda Nara and Mauro Icardi in happier times before their split six months agoCredit: Instagram @mauroicardiSince their split, Nara has endured a horrific six monthsCredit: Instagram @wanda_naraIcardi has since moved on with model and actress China SuarezCredit: https://www.instagram.com/mauroicardi/However, since their split the pair are no closer to finding a happy resolution.In a rebound romance, the curvy blonde couldn’t find happiness with South American rapper L-Gante.While Icardi is settling down with glam actress and model China Suarez, who he allegedly had an affair with.Worse still, the Galatasaray forward has moved Suarez into a £3.3million mansion in Argentina that Nara believed she and Icardi would live in when he retired from football.Read more in footballNara has endured a rotten six months, as SunSport can reveal.Messy break upBack in the summer, after Icardi and Nara had tried to make things work following infidelity rumours, she asked for a divorce.But the 31-year-old footballer was opposed to the idea, as was revealed by x-rated messages he sent to her after she said she wanted to part ways with him.In text messages used by Nara’s lawyers as divorce proceedings continue, it emerged that he begged for her back.Most read in FootballIcardi wrote, as reported by Bild: “Do you think I want to f*** another girl? You think I want to do something with another girl… I can’t! I want to do it with you, […], like I’ve been doing it for 10 years and I’m crazy about it and I love it so much!!! Why do you keep saying nasty things about me?”Wanda Nara risks Instagram ban as Mauro Icardi’s ex-wife poses naked to promote new single”I want to feel that peace that I feel when you sit on me and we make love, I want to have that love that has filled me with so much pride for 10 years. Whatever you want… it’s the love of my life!!!! And I want it to last forever. We will look for a solution to everything… but let me do it.”He added: “I know you’re dying to f*** me […]. Will you give us a chance? Will you leave me?”Nara didn’t want to give him a chance, and instead she moved on with Argentinian rap singer L-Gante.They met in 2022 when she starred in one of his music videos and enjoyed a steamy kiss, which reportedly left Icardi fuming.But she recently announced she was single to concentrate on her divorce and her children.In a deleted Instagram story with L-Gante, Nara posted: ‘Today our paths are going our separate ways, so that we can take care of ourselves and focus on our work and our family. “My complex and painful legal situation made me take this decision. Today my children need me and my time is totally dedicated to them.”Nara recently revealed her romance with Argentine rapper L-Gante is overCredit: InstagramDivorce proceedings between Icardi and Nara are getting messy after x-rated text messages from him were leakedCredit: Getty Images – GettyNara’s focus is now on her divorce proceedings and her childrenCredit: instagram @wanda_nararead more sport featuresIcardi falls for SuarezAfter Nara went public with her relationship with L-Gante, Icardi followed suit with China Suarez.Reports in their homeland alleged that Suarez and Icardi had an affair the same year L-Gante and Nara were seen enjoying a steamy kiss in his pop promo.Now, Nara believes Icardi wants to “destroy” her because she walked out on him.She appeared on Argentina TV show LAM, where she also claimed Icardi has moved Suarez into a home in the exclusive La Isla neighbourhood of Nordelta, Buenos Aires, that they had planned to live in when he retired.”Seeing this woman uploading photos in the house I dreamed of for my daughters breaks my soul,” a tearful Nara said. “That house is mine because Mauro bought it when we were married. In Argentina there is no division of property. That house will be my daughters’ and mine too. This is not a separation, it is a constant provocation.”But, according to Paparazzi.com, Icardi has no intentions of sharing the mansion – and has told Suarez to decorate the property how she sees fit.Icardi has now moved Suarez into Nara’s ‘dream home’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/mauroicardi/Suarez and Icardi allegedly had an affair when he was married to NaraCredit: InstagramIcardi has reportedly allowed Suarez to decorate a home he bought when he was married to NaraThe kidsNara has two girls with Icardi, Francesca, 9, and Isabella, 8.She also has three other children with former footballer, Maxi Lopez.Meanwhile, Suarez has three children from two previous relationships.Nara, who was forced to spend Christmas apart from Francesca and Isabella, claims that Suarez is trying to turn her two daughters against her.”Someone who helped them in a toy store wrote to me and told me: ‘I’m with these girls because their mother abandoned them,” Nara revealed.”That’s a huge lie. I never abandoned my daughters. I didn’t see them because Mauro didn’t sign the authorisation for me to leave the country with them. He decided to keep the girls so they wouldn’t be with me at the parties.”Before China, our life was perfect. When I asked for a divorce, he swore to me that he was going to destroy me. Now he is carrying out his threats, using my daughters and allowing this woman to say things as serious as that I abandoned them. “I never thought that anyone would lend themselves to something like that, and even less a mother.”Nara has vowed to fight till the bitter end and ensure she comes out of the horror situation with her head held high.Nara has accused Suarez of trying to turn her two daughters against herNara has vowed to fight till the end as far as her divorce is concernedCredit: Instagram”I will not remain silent,’ she determinedly said on LAM.READ MORE SUN STORIES”This woman has already caused harm to other families, but she will not be able to do so with me. I am speaking on behalf of all the women whose lives she ruined. “Everything I do is for my daughters, so that they know that I always chose them, even if others want to dirty me.” More

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      Major update on Marcus Rashford’s future as Man Utd outcast’s agent holds transfer talks with European giants

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND chiefs reportedly held talks with Marcus Rashford’s representatives last week over a proposed move.Rashford has fallen out of favour with new United manager Ruben Amorim in recent weeks.Marcus Rashford’s agent held talks with Borussia DortmundCredit: PAThe 27-year-old has not featured for the club since December 12 – when he played 56 minutes against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.He later admitted he was looking for a “new challenge” away from Old Trafford, leaving his team-mates furious.Several clubs have since expressed an interest in signing the forward, including Tottenham, West Ham and AC Milan.But Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg claims Borussia Dortmund have taken a huge step towards a potential deal.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl met with Rashford’s agent last week to discuss the possibility of a transfer.The Bundesliga giants are still in the race to sign him, but it will be difficult to achieve because his demands are currently deemed too expensive.AC Milan also remain interested, with officials prepared to approach Man Utd for talks.Amorim gave an update on Rashford’s future following United’s FA Cup win over Arsenal on Sunday.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAsked if the forward has played his last game for the club, he responded: “I don’t know, We will see.”He is a player for Manchester United, we will see, he has to work. He has to represent his club, and he loves his club, but I have to make choices.Ruben Amorim explains why Marcus Rashford is still exiled at Man Utd despite ‘wanting to play’ “I have already spoken about how I make the choices.”It is what it is, so let’s continue, let’s see the next game and, like I said, I have to make a selection.”Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as Maguire and Co dig deep to win after Dalot’s moment of madnessMANCHESTER UNITED produced a heroic effort to squeeze past Arsenal and into the FA Cup’s fourth round on penalties.The Red Devils were forced to dig deep at the Emirates following Diogo Dalot’s 61st minute red card.On a freezing cold afternoon in North London, SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rates and slates each United performer…ALTAY BAYINDIR – 8Poor punch up in the air which allowed the ball to fall nicely for Gabriel to finish.Redeemed himself with a brilliant penalty save to keep the score level, before superbly denying Declan Rice twice.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7Was assured on and off the ball if unspectacular. Got his body on the line as the Gunners pushed for a winner.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 8Solid in defence and kept the backline well organised. Produced the best tackle of the match on the goalline to deny Leandro Trossard a certain goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 8Commanding in the air and made several key blocks but gave away the penalty which Arsenal missed to go in front.Got away with an earlier error as he failed to clear – the ball landed at Kai Havertz’s feet but he somehow skewed wide with his effort.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Had to be on high alert to deal with the movement of Arsenal forwards but it was a task he managed well.DIOGO DALOT – 3Booked for a mistimed lunge on Lewis-Skelly. He followed that up with another silly, late foul on Merino with the ball about to go out of play for his second yellow. Stupid red card.MANUEL UGARTE – 7A firefighter all across the pitch for his side, although spent most of the match in his own half given Arsenal’s dominance.Was booked for one foul too many just before the hour mark and was lucky to escape a red card as he went head-to-head with Havertz after the penalty incident.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Lively in the middle and kept a close eye on Jorginho. Looked sharp on the ball and showed some clever touches.Should have done better to head clear before Gabriel’s equaliser.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Always an outlet on the counter which was much needed for the Red Devils.Made the most of a Gabriel error to burst in on goal and pass across to Fernandes to score.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was booked for throwing a trademark tantrum after claiming he was fouled on the edge of the box when lining up a shot.Showed his class with a brilliant first-time finish which he bent around a defender into the far corner.RASMUS HOJLUND – 3Failed to provide the focal point that United badly needed, which meant almost every pass forward was dealt with by the Arsenal centre-halves. Was fortunate there was no VAR to take a look at his apparent elbow on William Saliba, which left the Arsenal star bloodied.SUBSTITUTESAmad (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Lively on the counter too but just lacking a bit of quality – though was outnumbered every time he got the ball.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 80mins) – 6Some very clever touches when he came on and provided a presence up front at a time United badly needed it.Toby Collyer (for Mainoo, 80mins) – 5Showed plenty of energy but was missing quality in some areas.Tyrell Malacia (for Ugarte, extra-time) – 6Stuck to his task well.Leno Yoro (for Maguire, 104) – 6Did his job well during the closing stages of the match. Converted his penalty in the shoot-out with aplomb. More

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      ‘Don’t come again.. I know your faces’ – Man City boss Pep Guardiola tells autograph-hunters to ‘live your life’

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      MANCHESTER CITY manager Pep Guardiola went viral after being caught on camera lambasting professional autograph hunters.Guardiola, 53, has endured a turbulent campaign as the defending Premier League champions have slipped down to sixth place in the table with leaders Liverpool 12 points ahead and a game in hand.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola slammed autograph huntersGuardiola was praised by fans on social media for his reactionGuardiola told the autograph hunters to ‘live their life’Credit: TIKTOK @ctmemorabilia07Guardiola has endured a turbulent campaign with Man CityCredit: AlamyHowever, it appears that hasn’t stopped some opportunists looking to make an easy living by selling merchandise signed by the Catalan tactician.A viral clip has made the rounds showing the ex-Barcelona boss apparently confronting some of them.A group of young people ask the former Bayern Munich manager to sign a few items.The Man City boss appeared to agree to sign some items, but was recorded scolding them for their career choice and warned them to never come back.Read More on FootballGuardiola said: “Don’t come again, I won’t tell you again. I know your faces.”Go to school and prepare yourselves, you don’t want to be here to waste your time.”Honestly, you want to spend the rest of your lives doing this? F*****g hell!”The clip attracted immense viewership across Twitter and TikTok with fans praising Guardiola’s reaction.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne fan tweeted: “Nothing wrong here. Basically telling youngsters to sort out their lives and do something more important but better. As any father would really.”Another commented: “He’s cooking.”Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferA third wrote: “Pep is spot on.”This fan said: “They got schooled!”And that one stated: “Fair play to Pep!”A Man City shirt signed by Pep Guardiola can sell for in excess of £500. More

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      If Liverpool beat Forest the Prem title race is over but a win for visitors will resurrect shades of Leicester 2016

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      SIX points clear with a game in hand.Surely only complacency can prevent Liverpool running away with the Prem crown?Chris Wood and Nottingham Forest could dent Liverpool’s Premier League title hopesIf Liverpool beat Nottingham Forest on Tuesday that could practically seal the titleNuno Espirito Santo’s Forest tactics beat Liverpool earlier in the seasonLiverpool boss Arne Slot will be looking for revenge against Forest after the early-season defeat at AnfieldAnother win on Tuesday night and Prem bosses can start planning the title ceremony on May 25.Yet Arne Slot and his men head to the City Ground with questions suddenly being asked.And if Nuno Espirito Santo’s side can repeat their shock September Anfield triumph, then the alarm bells might just start ringing.Liverpool were imperious over the Christmas fixtures, building on the impressive early foundations of the club’s new era.Read More on FootballHitting Spurs for six was a let-off for Ange Postecoglou’s side, even if Slot will not have been impressed with the three goals his team conceded.Then an ultimately comfortable home win over Leicester was followed by another capital day in the capital as West Ham were crushed by five – a margin that might easily have been doubled.Those wins ensured that Arsenal’s return to winning ways in their own crop of fixtures kept Liverpool’s cushion at the top of the pile.And when the Gunners dropped two points at Brighton on Saturday evening – courtesy of the Joao Pedro penalty decision that split opinion – Liverpool had the chance to really make them pay when they hosted a Manchester United side who travelled to Anfield seemingly already plucked and ready for the oven.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOnly it didn’t work out that way.Liverpool delivered arguably their worst display of the campaign and were fortunate that Harry Maguire did not take all three points for United deep in stoppage time.‘The ref made a mistake’ – Virgil van Dijk furious at Bergvall’s winner moments after Spurs star should have seen redFan unhappiness at the apparent contract game being played by Trent Alexander-Arnold saw some home supporters vent at the England right-back, while doubts over the long-term futures of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk will persist until they put pen to paper on new deals.Further grumblings – and not just at referee Stuart Atwell – came in the wake of another sub-par performance when they returned to N17 against Spurs in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg last week.And while Liverpool would remain favourites even if they slip up at Nottingham Forest, the mood music might start to change – with the possibility that we really are in for a title race, rather than a procession.Slot, long enough in the game to know that a couple of ragged performances are only to be expected given the sheer intensity of the fixture list, has done everything not to show concern.After all, Liverpool did not exactly lose anything last week. They remain in charge of their own Prem destiny and will back themselves to overturn the first-leg deficit when Tottenham arrive on Merseyside next month.But Forest do not have to be told a gameplan by Nuno – they already know it inside out.Unlike many of the sides who have been stripped bare by Liverpool’s attacking insurgencies, Forest will rely on their own approach to catch the visitors on the counter.The defensive solidity that has seen Forest concede just 19 goals – the same as Liverpool and only one more than Arsenal – is a major reason Nuno’s men go into the match in an unexpected third place.Win it and shades of Leicester’s 2016 triumph will be resurrected. After all, Forest will be within three points of the summit.A second Prem defeat of the season for Liverpool would raise Arsenal’s hopes as well, especially as the Reds have to travel to Brentford and Bournemouth either side of hosting Ipswich in their next three top-flight matches.Yet a Liverpool win, ending any talk of a “blip” before it has a chance to gain traction, could be a genuine hammer blow – especially as it would put added pressure on Mikel Arteta’s Gunners ahead of the North London derby on Wednesday.Slot’s team for the FA Cup win over Accrington on Saturday signalled his awareness of the importance of Tuesday’s game in the greater picture.Potential Arsenal title boostLiverpool cannot win, or lose, the league title at the City Ground. There is nearly half a season to go.But three more points in their quest to raise the trophy in front of their own fans for the first time since 1990 – Jurgen Klopp’s 2020 triumph saw muted celebrations in front of an empty Kop because of the pandemic – and it will be hard to see what could stop them.Conversely, anything that opens the door, even by a chink, will bring additional scrutiny of Liverpool’s depth and determination.Arsenal – and Forest – will sense there is a vulnerability. The fans of all three sides will intensify those elements.READ MORE SUN STORIESRemember, too, it was in the corresponding early January midweek fixtures in 2016 that Leicester survived an inquisition by Spurs to squeeze a 1-0 win that was to make a huge difference in the run-in.Who would have thought Forest against Liverpool, two weeks after Christmas, might be the biggest game of the season so far? But it feels like it is. More

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      Man Utd slapped with huge fine after FA Cup win at Arsenal and both clubs face punishment over penalty melee

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      MANCHESTER United will be hit with a £75,000 fine after their FA Cup triumph at Arsenal.But Wembley beaks could also charge BOTH clubs for the melee that followed the Gunners’ contentious second half penalty.A huge scrap broke out during Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Man UtdCredit: ReutersLisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandez, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire were outraged by the referee’s decision to give a second half penaltyCredit: GettyMan Utd have been hit with a fine for receiving at least six cards during the matchCredit: PAUnited survived almost an hour of normal and extra time with 10 men after Diogo Dalot was dismissed for a second yellow card.Lisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire – for his outraged reaction to Kai Havertz’s role in the spot kick award – were also cautioned by ref Andy Madley, as well as one member of the United coaching staff.Fines are automatically issued if a club picks up six or more cards in a game, with the amount increasing each time.United were fined £25,000 for breaching the threshold in the 3-0 home defeat by Spurs, doubled to £50,000 for a repeat offence in the Old Trafford draw with Chelsea.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd the third occurrence will see the fine increase to £75,000, taking their tally to £150,000 so far this season.Meanwhile, FA beaks will await Madley’s report before deciding whether to issue charges of “failing to control players” to both clubs in the tear-up sparked by the penalty award.Maguire appeared to label Havertz a “cheat” after his tumble was viewed by Madley as a foul.There were a series of physical clashes on the edge of the box and with no VAR in operation Madley and his fellow officials received no help in determining what had gone on. Once calm had been restored, Altay Bayindir saved Martin Odegaard’s effort.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut it is likely that the FA will study the footage and issue charges against both clubs, likely to result in significant extra fines.The Man Utd social media account claimed “justice” was served at full-time.Ruben Amorim praises ‘hero’ Altay Bayindir after Man Utd FA Cup win Reacting to the initial penalty incident, Ruben Amorim said: “The players told me it was not a penalty, but let’s move on.”We are more resilient. More aggressive.”We showed a different spirit. We are improving that aspect.”The players were really tired but today was our day. I felt a connection with the fans.”Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as Maguire and Co dig deep to win after Dalot’s moment of madnessMANCHESTER UNITED produced a heroic effort to squeeze past Arsenal and into the FA Cup’s fourth round on penalties.The Red Devils were forced to dig deep at the Emirates following Diogo Dalot’s 61st minute red card.On a freezing cold afternoon in North London, SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rates and slates each United performer…ALTAY BAYINDIR – 8Poor punch up in the air which allowed the ball to fall nicely for Gabriel to finish.Redeemed himself with a brilliant penalty save to keep the score level, before superbly denying Declan Rice twice.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7Was assured on and off the ball if unspectacular. Got his body on the line as the Gunners pushed for a winner.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 8Solid in defence and kept the backline well organised. Produced the best tackle of the match on the goalline to deny Leandro Trossard a certain goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 8Commanding in the air and made several key blocks but gave away the penalty which Arsenal missed to go in front.Got away with an earlier error as he failed to clear – the ball landed at Kai Havertz’s feet but he somehow skewed wide with his effort.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Had to be on high alert to deal with the movement of Arsenal forwards but it was a task he managed well.DIOGO DALOT – 3Booked for a mistimed lunge on Lewis-Skelly. He followed that up with another silly, late foul on Merino with the ball about to go out of play for his second yellow. Stupid red card.MANUEL UGARTE – 7A firefighter all across the pitch for his side, although spent most of the match in his own half given Arsenal’s dominance.Was booked for one foul too many just before the hour mark and was lucky to escape a red card as he went head-to-head with Havertz after the penalty incident.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Lively in the middle and kept a close eye on Jorginho. Looked sharp on the ball and showed some clever touches.Should have done better to head clear before Gabriel’s equaliser.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Always an outlet on the counter which was much needed for the Red Devils.Made the most of a Gabriel error to burst in on goal and pass across to Fernandes to score.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was booked for throwing a trademark tantrum after claiming he was fouled on the edge of the box when lining up a shot.Showed his class with a brilliant first-time finish which he bent around a defender into the far corner.RASMUS HOJLUND – 3Failed to provide the focal point that United badly needed, which meant almost every pass forward was dealt with by the Arsenal centre-halves. Was fortunate there was no VAR to take a look at his apparent elbow on William Saliba, which left the Arsenal star bloodied.SUBSTITUTESAmad (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Lively on the counter too but just lacking a bit of quality – though was outnumbered every time he got the ball.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 80mins) – 6Some very clever touches when he came on and provided a presence up front at a time United badly needed it.Toby Collyer (for Mainoo, 80mins) – 5Showed plenty of energy but was missing quality in some areas.Tyrell Malacia (for Ugarte, extra-time) – 6Stuck to his task well.Leno Yoro (for Maguire, 104) – 6Did his job well during the closing stages of the match. Converted his penalty in the shoot-out with aplomb. More

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      Alexander Isak is Arsenal’s dream signing but there are six more realistic January striker transfer targets

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      ARSENAL’s desperation for more firepower was glaring in their FA Cup exit to Manchester United.The Gunners produced 26 SHOTS in the third round tie but had just one goal to show for it as several players missed chances to win the match.Mikel Arteta needs more firepower in his squadCredit: AFPKai Havertz has missed big chances in back-to-back defeatsCredit: APStriker Kai Havertz was guilty of missing the best two opportunities to win the game, and also saw his penalty saved in the shoot-out which proved decisive.That has renewed talk that Arsenal need to sign a striker, with former forward Theo Walcott claiming things have gone a bit stale.Walcott told BBC Sport: “It’s like everyone else has said before. Arsenal need a striker at this time because it would have been a completely different story.”Arsenal have gone from being a free-flowing forward line, exciting the crowd, to going a bit stale. You need players to do something differently and they haven’t got that at the moment.”READ MORE ON ARSENALArsenal dream of signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle, and were linked with a move three years ago before he joined the Magpies.But the Swede is now hot property after proving himself as one of the best goalscorers in the Premier League, so the Gunners could be priced out of a move with Newcastle valuing him at a staggering £150MILLION.That means Arsenal will realistically have to look elsewhere this window, and SunSport has taken a look at six targets that could genuinely make the move to the Emirates this month…Viktor GyokeresViktor Gyokeres is prolific in front of goalCredit: EPAAnother Swede, Gyokeres would certainly fit the mould after blossoming at Sporting.Most read in FootballHe made the step up from Championship Coventry seamlessly and has 75 goals in 80 games in Portugal.Gyokeres, 26, scores all types of goals including free-kicks and penalties, and his pace and power could devastate Prem defences in a style akin to Erling Haaland.Arsenal vs Manchester United: Player Ratings (2)However Gyokeres is attracting plenty of attention and has been linked with a move to Manchester United to re-unite with Ruben Amorim.Marcus RashfordMarcus Rashford could leave Man Utd this monthCredit: ReutersAfter being dropped by Amorim the United star looks to be on the way out this month, possibly on loan although £40m could be enough to lure him away permanently.The likes of AC Milan and Juventus have been linked, while some reports have claimed Arsenal have also made contact.The Gunners could do with a goalscoring left winger as Gabriel Martinelli has just six goals this season, while a move for Rashford, 27, could revitalise his career.Victor OsimhenArsenal are long-term admirers of Victor OsimhenCredit: GettyOsimhen has long been linked with a move to the Prem with one of Arsenal, Chelsea or United his likely destination.He made a shock loan move to Galatasaray in the summer but a hefty bid could lead Napoli to recall the striker before selling him on.The Gunners reportedly turned down the chance to sign Osimhen in the previous window as he was too expensive, but with 18 months left on his deal Arsenal could negotiate a lower price.Osimhen, 26, has 13 goals in 17 games this season and could be the focal point Mikel Arteta needs to start winning trophies.Benjamin SeskoBenjamin Sesko turned down the Gunners in the summerCredit: GettyThe RB Leipzig striker ruled himself out of a summer move but with his side out of the Champions League after a disastrous six defeats in six games, he may be more open to a transfer this month.Arsenal are well-known admirers of Sesko, 21, who continues to show an eye for goal in Germany.He has found the net 12 times in 24 games this term, including three goals in Europe, and has time on his side to develop into a world class talent.At around £50m he is more affordable than the previous targets mentioned, although his price will likely rise if he continues his rich vein of form.Randal Kolo MuaniRandal Kolo Muani is available on loan this monthCredit: GettyKolo Muani, 26, has failed to match his £76m price tag since joining Paris Saint-Germain but his ability to play across the front three is exactly what Arsenal need, particularly with Bukayo Saka out injured.He has scored just two goals but he is understood to be available on loan this month, and Arteta may believe he can get the best out of the Frenchman.His signing could also give the Gunners the chance to get one over on rivals Tottenham, who have also been linked to Kolo Muani this month.Evan FergusonArsenal are targeting Evan Ferguson this monthCredit: GettyArsenal are reportedly targeting the Brighton striker for a move this month.He has been linked with a loan switch to Fulham or West Ham but Arsenal could splash the cash to sign him permanently.READ MORE SUN STORIESFerguson has stagnated this season in front of goal with injuries causing him to have a stop-start campaign.But he has previously been compared to Harry Kane and at 20-years-old he still has plenty of time to develop into a Premier League goal machine.Arsenal’s search for a strikerBy Jordan DaviesWITH Thierry Henry in his pomp, Arsenal went 49 Prem games unbeaten from May 2003 to October 2004.Over two decades on, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are in danger of seeing their season unravel in spectacular style after just one goal from 49 shots across two games.The difference? Among other things, a world class scorer like club legend Henry who netted 39 league goals in that record-breaking 17-month stretch.And if Arsenal are to relive the glory days of Arsene Wenger’s title-winning 2004 Invincibles this term under Arteta, money must be spent on something they have not had since Mr Va Va Voom strutted his stuff in North London.A snarling, selfish, goal-getting machine to drag them over the line for major trophies.That historic 49-game run 21 years ago was ended at the hands of Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United in controversial fashion at Old Trafford thanks to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s emphatic penalty.And in another spicy meeting between the two sides on Sunday, spot-kicks settled an FA Cup third round tie at the Emirates, this time ending with Joshua Zirkzee’s shoot-out-winning strike.But in truth, Arsenal were their own worst enemies, and not for the first time, scoring just once from 26 shots having failed to find the net from 23 shots in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on home soil.Kai Havertz wasted a hatful of glaring chances against a struggling 10-man United outfit fit for a true marksman in normal time before the German missed the crucial 12-yarder.Arteta has insisted this current crop have an eye for goal, citing broken scoring records over the past two years – bagging more goals [114] in 2024 at their highest rate [2.28 per game] since 1963.And according to the Spaniard, splashing the cash on a proper striker will NOT solve the problem, especially with injuries to key players blighting this campaign so far.Gabriel Jesus is the latest crocked star – the Brazilian facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after being carried off on a stretcher early on against United with a knee injury, while star man Bukayo Saka is set to be out until at least March following hamstring surgery.Arteta reiterated again on Sunday: “I understand guys [signing a striker], but I cannot love our players more. And I focus very much on the ones that we have to perform at the highest level.“That’s it. The rest is not in our hands, in my hands.”But Arteta’s cries for calm and patience are falling on deaf ears, while piercing eyes are turning to co-owners Stan and Josh Kroenke to invest in one defining reinforcement.Arsenal are economically in a good place, but there are currently not in a position to fork out over £100m for top target and Toon sensation Alexander Isak, nor are they willing to rip up their wage structure for a promising talent they like the look of in Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are also admired, but they will not be cheap, and can they replicate their form from Portugal and Germany in the Prem?A diamond in the rough who is affordable, under the radar and ready to hit the ground running right now in the toughest league on the planet is required.Whether that exists in this market is another question entirely, something Arteta cannot blame on anyone else after prioritising other areas of his squad in recent windows.And without that final piece to the puzzle, Arsenal are likely to fall short for a third-straight year, finishing second to an Erling Haaland-inspired Manchester City in both 2022/23 and 2023/24.For all the progress and promise, this could very well be Arteta’s Achilles heel – one that ends up leaving an unwelcome stain on a tenure that has teased the fan base with a return to the summit of English Football.Skipper Martin Odegaard – who missed a 72nd minute penalty with the scores at 1-1 – echoed the thoughts of most frustrated Arsenal supporters.He said: “It’s not good enough. We could have been a bit sharper in front of goal, in the last pass, the last shot, the finish, the decision-making.”Of course, Arsenal remain in with a shout of lifting silverware this term, even without an Henry-like figure leading the line.The Carabao Cup final is within reach should they overturn a daunting score line at St James’ Park next month, their quest for the title is not out of reach, even if they remain six points off leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand, and their Champions League form has been promising.Yet we are seeing cracks in the foundations that cannot go ignored, and a feeling it could all come crumbling down before too long. More