Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Viktoria Plzen 1 Man Utd 2: Hojlund scores twice off bench to rescue Amorim’s Red Devils after Onana horror show

      by

      RASMUS HOJLUND produced a dramatic second-half double to dig Manchester United out of trouble and give them victory in the Europa League.United had gone behind just three minutes after the break thanks to another Andre Onana howler.Manchester United came back to beat Viktoria PlzenCredit: ReutersViktoria Plzen opened the scoring against Man Utd with Matej VydraCredit: APVydra was aided by Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana’s howlerBut after coming on as a 56th-minute sub, Hojlund scored in the 62nd and 88th to give the Red Devils their first away win in Europe since March 2023.Hojlund’s Premier League record may not be one to shout about for United but he loves it in Europe.This pair makes it 10 goals in 12 appearances, plus an assist.It lifted some of the gloom hanging over the club and also means they have a foot in the next stage of the Europa League.Read More on Man UtdThings changed after a raft of substitutions early in the second half for United, which gave them a much-needed confidence boost ahead of Sunday’s derby at The Etihad.Hojlund has to start that one, Joshua Zirkzee will need to stay on the bench and was rightly hooked a minute before United had equalised.Zirkzee was certainly doing himself few favours once again here in the Doosan Arena.For every decent piece of work there are at least two glaring first touches that immediately give possession back to the opposition.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe certainly wasn’t having any chances on goal in the first period.United have been a hard watch at the moment and the first half in minus three degrees here in Plzen was taking it to another level.Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd stars they are all on trial ahead of January transfer window with no player safe from axe The 640 loyal followers from Manchester in one corner of the ground must have been longing for a warm fire at their local.Still they come and they were rewarded with that second-half comeback.In the first period United didn’t look in particular danger but then again didn’t look dangerous either.It looked like being that sort of game.The only effort of note before the break came from captain Bruno Fernandes, who, with Amad Diallo, was the only player worthy of some praise before the break.Casemiro played the ball out from the back to Zirkzee who for once found his man in Fernandes and he charged forward before having a shot towards the far bottom corner.Rasmus Hojlund equalised for Man Utd soon afterCredit: ReutersMan Utd ace Hojlund turned the game around close to full-timeCredit: GettyMan Utd ratings vs Plzen as Hojlund and Amad spare Onana’s blushes are horror showANDRE ONANA had his blushes spared by Rasmus Hojlund as Manchester United fought back to win against Viktoria Plzen.Here’s how SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson rated the Red Devils stars…Andre Onana – 4It was a very shaky start to the game in which Onana hurt Casemiro and failed to deal with the host’s crosses convincingly.He made a massive error that led to Plzen taking the lead with his poor pass, leaving his defenders with no chance of bailing him out.Diogo Dalot – 6Dalot made some decent runs forward to join in with the attacks.Defensively was fairly solid and was not often caught out.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Playing a bit more central, Mazraoui used his pace well to help out at the back.Matthijs de Ligt – 6He was sold short by Onana’s pass that led to the opener but otherwise was fine during the 90 minutes.Lisandro Martinez – 6Made himself available when Man United got forward but struggled with the physicality of the Plzen attackers.Tyrell Malacia – 6He offered very little going forward in the wing-back role as he struggled to combine with Marcus Rashford.Casemiro – 6He moved the ball forward when he could and recovered from an early blow from Onana.Bruno Fernandes – 7He was lucky to have escaped an early yellow card. Stung the goalkeeper’s gloves in the first half with a good effort.His quick thinking set up Rasmus Hojlund to fire in a late winner.Amad Diallo – 8Diallo was a rare bright spark in Man United’s attack against Plzen.It was his run that led to the equaliser, and he used his pace and skill to get past his defender.Marcus Rashford – 4Rashford was often loose on the ball and surrendered possession in the attacking third.He received the first booking of the game for a needless foul and was lucky not to be sent off in the second half before being hooked by Ruben Amorim.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Took on the centre-forward role well, held the ball up and linked up play well enough.SubsRasmus Hojlund 55′ – 8Hojlund showed his striker instincts by being in the right position to grab Man United’s equaliser.He then latched onto Fernandes’ clever pass to score the winner.Antony 60′ – 6He was involved in the equaliser by linking up with Diallo.Mason Mount 60′ – 7Made a positive impact after coming on and was unlucky not to score as he was denied twice by the goalkeeper after coming into the action.Alejandro Garnacho 80′ – N/AFailed to make a positive impact on his short spell on the pitch.Manuel Ugarte 80′ – N/AHe slotted into the midfield as he replaced Casemiro late on.Andre Onana howlerIt was a decent effort but goalkeeper Martin Jedlicka had it covered and palmed the ball away with a full-length save.Plzen’s best hope of scoring looked like it would come through United keeper Onana.He had let a shot that was virtually straight at him go into the net in United’s last game against Nottingham Forest that resulted in a 3-2 home defeat.Here he was flapping early on from a free-kick and corner as he came to punch with little conviction.It would get worse for him when he gifted Plzen the lead just three minutes after the break.No alarm bells were ringing when Lisandro Martinez laid the ball back to him.Ruben Amorim’s changesBut as he dithered in deciding what to do they sounded.He chose a pass that was no longer on out to Matthijs De Ligt and Pavel Sulc had already anticipated the error.In he charged to be first to the ball and square it for a grateful Matej Vydra to side foot home.It was a special moment for the former Burnley player while the man who assisted him had grown up a United fan.Amorim needed to make changes and off first was Marcus Rashford with no acknowledgement between player or manager as he made his way to the bench.Hojlund was on, and Mason Mount as well as Antony would soon join him in action, and moments later United were level.Man Utd equaliseAntony found Amad who produced a great little run, turn and shot that was blocked but Hojlund followed up to finish.It was Amad’s eighth goal assist in United’s last eight games.United were now looking the more dangerous and when Fernandes whipped a ball across the six-yard box, Hojlund somehow failed to connect for his second.Plzen were not finished and Vydra nearly had a second when he fired a volley just wide of the near post.United should have been ahead in the 77th minute when a good break finished with Amad teeing the ball up for Mount but his weak shot was straight at the goalkeeper.But Hojliund would grab another set up by Fernandes to turn and fire back across the goalkeeper.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis time when the United players went over to the away fans to applaud their support there was every reason to clap them back.Hojlund had made sure of that, he is ready for the derby. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid ‘interested in TWO Man Utd defenders’ with Ruben Amorim ‘willing to allow fan favourite to leave’

      by

      REAL MADRID are reportedly keeping tabs on TWO Manchester United defenders ahead of the January transfer window.Real have endured a mixed start this season after winning LaLiga and the Champions League titles last term.Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Manchester United fan favourite Lisandro MartinezCredit: AlamyReal are also targeting Diogo Dalot after an impressive season with Man UtdCredit: AlamyMan Utd manager Ruben Amorim is willing to let Martinez goCredit: GettyAnd their plight has has not been helped by a defensive injury crisis, with Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy and Eder Militao all out.Carlo Ancelotti is already looking for ways to reinstate Los Blancos as the team to beat in the coming transfer window.And, according to talkSPORT, he has, for some reason, set his sights on Old Trafford.The Madrid boss is said to be keeping tabs on United’s defensive duo Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot.Read More on Man UtdMartinez, 26, has been one of the Red Devils’ biggest fan favourites since his arrival from Ajax in 2022 thanks to his talent and passion.Nevertheless, new Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim would be open to letting the centre-back go as he looks to impose his own philosophy.Real also appear impressed with Dalot, 25, who enjoyed an impressive campaign at Old Trafford last season and was voted as the Players’ Player of the Year.The full-back stood out by showing his ability to cover both flanks amid the Manchester giants’ injury crisis, before struggling to match that form so far this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReal would find that useful with ageing right-back Carvajal suffering a devastating injury that ruled him out for the season.Ancelotti has also been unable to find the right man to cover at left-back.Awkward Alexander-Arnold billboard showing Liverpool star posing with ex is erected in MilanThe same report claims the Italian tactician has set his sights on other Premier League targets as well.One of them of course is Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract runs out in June.Tottenham ace Cristian Romero is also being monitored by the Spanish giants.Real manager Carlo Ancelotti has set his sights on the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer REJECTS emotional return to former club three years since Old Trafford axe

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has rejected the chance to return to management, according to reports in Norway.Solskjaer, 51, has been out of work since his dismissal by United in 2021.Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been offered a return to MoldeCredit: EPASolskjaer isn’t keen to return to Molde after leaving Man UtdCredit: GettyThe Norwegian tactician, who enjoyed tremendous success with the Red Devils as a player, earned the full-time job at Old Trafford after a stint as interim manager in 2018.However, despite a promising start with United, the former striker was axed after two-and-a-half seasons.Now, according to VG, Solskjaer has been offered the chance to take over another former club, Molde.Solskjaer kicked off his coaching career with the Norwegian giants in 2011, after a stint in charge of United’s reserves.Read More on Man UtdHe then had a short spell in charge of Cardiff in 2014 before returning to Molde a year later and ultimately leaving to take over United.Molde recently sacked their manager Erling Moe after a disappointing fifth-placed finish, with Norway’s domestic league finishing last month.And chairman Leif-Arne Langoy is said to have immediately called Solskjaer in a bid to convince him to come back.However, Solskjaer is not interested in a third spell and turned the opportunity down.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis was not the first offer the ex-United boss rejects as he was also approached and asked to take over as Denmark’s head coach.However, he did express an interest to work as Norway’s manager if the opportunity ever arose.‘Don’t tell anyone!’, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals what Sir Alex Ferguson said to make him stay at Man UtdSolskjaer said: “I am a proud Norwegian, and of course if the question arises, when Stale [Solbakken] decides to give up, I will happily engage in discussions.”I am a proud Norwegian and proud of where I come from.” More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Astana 1 Chelsea 3: Marc Guiu scores twice past keeper wearing a BEANIE as young Blues win in crazy -14C conditions

      by

      YOU can question why Chelsea were playing over 3,000 miles from home – but the bigger farce is the fact they are in the Conference League at all.The travel for their trip to the outer reaches of Kazakhstan, where it was -14C when Enzo Maresca’s men landed, was always going to be a bigger concern than the Astana side waiting there for them.Chelsea extended their perfect Conference League run at AstanaCredit: ReutersMarc Guiu took advantage of a rare Chelsea start in KazakhstanCredit: ReutersRenato Veiga sealed Chelsea’s three points before half-timeCredit: GettyChelsea’s youngsters stood out in subzero temperatures at AstanaCredit: AFPThis latest Conference League encounter brought three goals, five debuts and a sixth win on the bounce for the Blues – taking them into the Last 16 after Christmas.All very good, all very cheery – all rather pointless at this stage of the competition.Maresca insists he will only ever focus on the next step of the competition, but if they are not in Wroclaw for May’s final something will have gone horribly wrong.Chelsea sit top of the group stage, having won five from five, scoring 21 goals and conceding just four.Read More on ChelseaAfter the ordeal of their eight-hour flight, skirting between two warzones on the way, the Blues’ youngsters showed fine discipline in Almaty.Maresca had told his Chelsea squad to try and remain on English time during their travels.And for the most part they made this look like an afternoon stroll on a heavy surface cleared of snow by undersoil heating.Pedro Neto’s punishment for picking up a suspension for Sunday’s meeting with Brentford was a seat on the flight east.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe winger was the only player who started at Tottenham to make the journey, but made a real difference.After seeing an early effort denied by Astana’s beanie-wearing keeper Mukhammedzhan Seysen, Neto set up the first two goals for Marc Guiu.How Chelsea embarrassed Spurs with Enzo Fernandez leading genius in-game tactical shake-upChelssea ratings vs Astana as Marc Guiu shines on rare opportunity in freezing cold KazakhstanMARC GUIU impressed as Chelsea romped to victory in freezing-cold Kazakhstan.The Blues claimed a 3-1 win over Astana in the Conference League to maintain their perfect record in the competition.Here’s how SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson rated the Blues stars…Filip Jorgensen – 6Never really troubled in the Chelsea net and made a couple of comfortable saves.There was little he could do to stop Marin Tomasov’s brilliant strike.Renato Veiga – 7He netted his second goal of the Conference League campaign with an easy header in the first half.But he was beaten too easily by Tomasov before he netted Astana’s goal.Josh Acheampong – 6Looked comfortable in the defence on his return to the team despite his ongoing contract dispute.Tosin Adarabioyo – 6Dealt with the Astana attackers fairly well and put in some tidy passes.Axel Disasi – 6Took the armband for the match and looked solid in the backline for Chelsea.Samuel Rak-Sakyi – 6Did well in the midfield to win the ball back and get Chelsea moving forward.Carney Chukwuemeka – 5Chukwuemeka struggled in the game as he was clearly desperate to get on the scoresheet.The midfielder wasted multiple chances for the Blues to extend their lead.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 6Was involved in a lot of the build-up play throughout for Chelsea.Dewsbury-Hall also picked up an assist for his corner kick, which was headed in by Renato Viega.Pedro Neto – 6Forced a good save early on when the game was still goalless. He proved to be a constant threat on the wing.It was the winger’s cross that led to the second goal, which was bundled into the net.Tyrique George – 7Looked very composed when on the ball and threatened with his driving runs into the box.He almost netted his first goal for the club, only to see his effort cleared off the line.Marc Guiu – 8The Spanish striker broke the deadlock with a fantastic goal. He took on his defender and put in a clever finish to beat Mukhammedzhan Seysen.He made it a brace with a fortunate goal that was bundled in.SubsAto Ampah 45′ – 5Struggled to get into the game and make an impact for the visitors.Harvey Vale 66′ – 5Did okay when he came into the action.Shim Mheuka 77′ – NAGot a decent run out in the last minutes against Astana.Keanu Dyer 85′ – NAReplaced Samuel Rak-Sakyi late on in the match.The opener, though, was all to do with the Spaniard.The former Barcelona man collected the ball wide right and strode past the Astana defence like they were training mannequins before finishing at the near post.Having shown his pace and power, the second was pure instinct – given Guiu could hardly have known what was going in.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall fed Neto out wide, with his cross finding the back of the net off the side of Guiu’s torso.Having raced into a two-goal lead, Chelsea eased off until, 20 minutes later, Renato Veiga added a third.The Portuguese was left free in the Astana box to rise and nod in a Dewsbury-Hall corner.Youngsters dominateMaresca’s men were cruising, though the hosts offered a sharpener on the brink at half-time as captain Marin Tomasov cut inside Veiga and poked into the far corner.Tomasov’s goal gave Astana a bit more bite after the break and Filip Jorgensen had to tip over another effort from the Croatian.Maresca started making the changes and Harvey Vale almost scored with his first touch, while Tyrique George and Dewsbury-Hall both went close.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the second half was a display of control and maturity from a very young group.On Chelsea march, with anyone who matters tucked up warm at home and ready for Brentford on Sunday. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ratings vs Astana: Guiu takes advantage of rare start to triple goal tally but Chukwuemeka fails to take chance

      by

      MARC GUIU impressed as Chelsea romped to victory in freezing-cold Kazakhstan.The Blues claimed a 3-1 win over Astana in the Conference League to maintain their perfect record in the competition.Marc Guiu was clinical against AstanaCredit: ReutersCarney Chukwuemeka put in plenty of effort but was not rewarded with a goalCredit: APGuiu, 18, opened the scoring for Chelsea with a brilliant individual goal inside 15 minutes.He beat his defender before slotting past the goalkeeper to set the Blues on their way to victory.The striker doubled up as he helped bundle the ball in after good work from Pedro Neto.Renato Veiga also got himself on the scoresheet as he nodded in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s corner.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSunSports’ Henry Tomlinson has given his ratings of Chelsea’s players…Filip Jorgensen – 6Never really troubled in the Chelsea net and made a couple of comfortable saves.There was little he could do to stop Marin Tomasov’s brilliant strike.Renato Veiga – 7He netted his second goal of the Conference League campaign with an easy header in the first half.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he was beaten too easily by Tomasov before he netted Astana’s goal.Josh Acheampong – 6Looked comfortable in the defence on his return to the team despite his ongoing contract dispute.The state-of-the-art stadium with special features that will host Chelsea’s clash vs Astana in extreme -13C temperatures Renato Veiga netted Chelsea’s third with a tidy headerCredit: APTosin Adarabioyo – 6Dealt with the Astana attackers fairly well and put in some tidy passes.Axel Disasi – 6Took the armband for the match and looked solid in the backline for Chelsea.Samuel Rak-Sakyi 85′ – 6Did well in the midfield to win the ball back and get Chelsea moving forward.Carney Chukwuemeka 66′ – 5Carney Chukwuemeka should have made more from his chancesCredit: GettyChukwuemeka struggled in the game as he was clearly desperate to get on the scoresheet.The midfielder wasted multiple chances for the Blues to extend their lead.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 6Was involved in a lot of the build-up play throughout for Chelsea.Dewsbury-Hall also picked up an assist for his corner kick, which was headed in by Renato Viega.Pedro Neto 45′ – 6Pedro Neto was a constant threat in the first halfCredit: GettyForced a good save early on when the game was still goalless. He proved to be a constant threat on the wing.It was the winger’s cross that led to the second goal, which was bundled into the net.Tyrique George – 7Looked very composed when on the ball and threatened with his driving runs into the box.He almost netted his first goal for the club, only to see his effort cleared off the line.Marc Guiu 77′ – 8The Spanish striker broke the deadlock with a fantastic goal. He took on his defender and put in a clever finish to beat Mukhammedzhan Seysen.He made it a brace with a fortunate goal that was bundled in.Subs Ato Ampah 45′ – 5Struggled to get into the game and make an impact for the visitors.Harvey Vale 66′ – 5Did okay when he came into the action.READ MORE SUN STORIESShim Mheuka 77′ – NAGot a decent run out in the last minutes against Astana.Keanu Dyer 85′ – NAReplaced Samuel Rak-Sakyi late on in the match. More

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Josh Acheampong? Chelsea right-back who made his first start against Astana

      by

      CHELSEA boss Enzo Maresca gave Josh Acheampong his first start against Astana in a crucial Conference League clash.The Blues face not only the challenge of the Kazakh side, but also the freezing -13C conditions.Josh Acheampong is making his first start for Chelsea against AstanaCredit: GettyThe highly rated 18-year-old right-back has made just two substitute appearances for the first team so far, with only one of them coming under Enzo Maresca.His current deal expires in 2026, with reports suggesting that Chelsea have opened talks over an extension to secure his long-term future.He is understood to currently be the third choice right-back at Chelsea, behind Reece James and Malo Gusto.Who is Josh Acheampong?Josh Acheampong was born in London on May 5, 2006.read more on Josh AcheampongHe is an emerging talent in English football.The youngster has been part of Chelsea’s youth system since he was eight years old.Professional debutAcheampong’s professional journey began when he signed his first contract with the club on January 3, 2024.He made his senior debut on May 2, 2024, during a Premier League match against Tottenham.Most read in FootballAcheampong played the final minutes in the side’s 2-0 victory.First startAcheampong’s first start for the club came against Astana in the Europa Conference League.Enzo Maresca confirms forgotten Chelsea wonderkid Josh Acheampong will start against Astana after contract stand-off As the match is still underway, it’s a tad early to say how it went.On his selection, Maresca said: “He’s in the squad and is probably going to play from the start.”With Josh, it’s quite clear, we all love Josh, the club love Josh and I love Josh.”We are trying to find an agreement with the player. It’s close, we are almost there.”Recent developmentsIn the 2024-25 season, Acheampong has faced challenges due to contract negotiations, which temporarily sidelined him from first-team activities.Josh Acheampong’s contract discussions are ongoing at Chelsea oCredit: GettyHowever, recent developments indicate that these discussions are progressing positively.Maresca has openly expressed his admiration for Acheampong.VersatilityAcheampong is recognised for his versatility on the field.While primarily a right-back, he can also play as a centre-back.His playing style is characterised by high energy and tactical intelligence.Acheampong is noted for his ability to join attacks and create scoring opportunities from wide positions.READ MORE SUN STORIESFuture prospectsWith interest from top clubs including Real Madrid and PSG, Chelsea are keen to secure his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.As he continues to develop, Acheampong represents one of the promising prospects from The Blues’ renowned academy. More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta surprises Laura Woods with heartwarming present as TNT Sports host says ‘this was amazing’

      by

      ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta surprised Gunners superfan Laura Woods with an early Christmas present.TNT Sports presenter Woods, 37, is a well known Gooner and covered her favourite club’s Champions League clash with Monaco on Wednesday at the Emirates.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta surprised Laura Woods with a giftArteta and Woods met after Arsenal’s Champions League win over MonacoArteta gave Woods a baby onesie as she expects her first childWoods announced her pregnancy back in JulyArteta, 42, led the North Londoners to a dominant 3-0 victory over the Ligue 1 giants with a brace by Bukayo Saka and a goal by Kai Havertz.And the Spanish tactician met with Woods after full-time where he offered her a heartwarming present as she prepares to welcome her first child with Love Island alumni Adam Collard.The Arsenal boss offered the TV star a baby onesie straight from the club’s official store.The reporter was left with a big smile on her face as she shared pics on Instagram thanking the Spaniard.Read More on ArsenalWoods issued the following caption: “This was amazing, thank you.”And she followed it with: “My club.”Woods broke the news that she was pregnant back in July.The journalist managed to keep her pregnancy a secret throughout the entirety of Euro 2024.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShe made the announcement before jetting off to Paris to cover the Olympics.Woods and Collard broke the news of their engagement back in September.Watch hilarious moment Laura Woods cracks cheeky joke live on TNT Sports leaving Ferdinand and Crouch in stitchesThe couple started dating last year and the reality TV personality got down on one knee on the beach in Cornwall to pop the big question.Woods covered Arsenal’s clash with Monaco and spoke to Arteta at full-timeCredit: GettyArsenal ratings vs Monaco as Lewis-Skelly gets standing ovation but Merino is heavy and slowBUKAYO SAKA scored twice as Arsenal saw off Monaco 3-0 in the Champions League.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 7/10Rarely troubled throughout the game, but did what he had to do.Commanding in the box, and pretty good distribution-wise, with only a few mistakes on that front.THOMAS PARTEY – 6A mixed bag from Partey tonight, with a few nice passes creating dangerous attacks, and a few going wildly astray.Wasn’t caused an awful lot of trouble by Monaco’s left side.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Solid at the back as per usual. Always gives you a seven out of ten.JAKUB KIWIOR – 7A capable deputy in Gabriel’s absence, sharp on the ball and dependable off of it. Equally as good as Saliba next to him.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 9Playing as a left-back, Lewis-Skelly became the latest Hale End academy graduate to make his full Champions League debut vs Monaco.A sensational bit of play to beat Monaco’s press allowed him to slot an inch-perfect ball into Jesus who set up Saka for Arsenal’s opener.Given a standing ovation by the home support when he left the pitch after 64 minutes.DECLAN RICE – 7Broke up play nicely as he always does, often sliding in to shut down Monaco attacks.Not as threatening as we have seen him be previously going forward, but that wasn’t his job this evening with Merino alongside him.MIKEL MERINO – 4I wasn’t moved.Arsenal fans might be left slightly disappointed by the Odegaard – Merino – Rice midfield they were excited about. Looked heavy and slow, and got booked.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5Not his usual elegant self in midfield for Arsenal.Unfortunately let down by his end product tonight, as he missed two huge chances to double their lead either side of half-time.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 4A threat down the left side in the first half, he should’ve had an assist were it not for Arsenal’s number nine.While he showed some bright sparks, his end product in general was not good enough.BUKAYO SAKA – 8In the right place at the right time as he so often is to open the scoring after a great ball across the box by Jesus.Reacted quickly to a goalkeeper mistake and finished into the far corner for what was his seventh home Champions League goal in seven home Champions League games – clinical.GABRIEL JESUS – 5Could’ve had a first-half brace, but for his lack of composure, as he missed TWO huge 1v1 chances early on in the tie.What he lacked in finishing however, he made up for with a quality assist to set up Saka for the opening goal.SUBS:LEANDRO TROSSARD (GABRIEL MARTINELLI, 64) – 5Much the same story as the man whom he replaced.JORGINHO (DECLAN RICE, 64) – 6A calming presence in the Arsenal midfield, helped to settle the ball when he got on it.JURRIEN TIMBER (MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY, 64) – 6Replaced the best player on the pitch and Arsenal’s level didn’t drop much.KAI HAVERTZ (GABRIEL JESUS, 73) – 8Put the goalkeeper under plenty of pressure to force the mistake for Saka’s second.Got the faintest of nicks for the Gunners’ third.ETHAN NWANERI (MARTIN ODEGAARD, 79) – 5Another good few minutes in the tank for the Arsenal starlet with a very bright future.Some good touches to get the home fans excited. More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Transfer recommendations for Gameweek 15: Revert to Liverpool stars, consider in-form Isak

      by

      DREAM TEAM managers have until 1:30pm on Saturday to confirm their transfers for Gameweek 15.Nine teams are set to pull double duty thanks to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, with Chelsea being the odd side out on account of their Conference League meeting with Shamrock Rovers (expect heavy rotation).Transfer tips for Gameweek 15Credit: Dream TeamLIVERPOOL STARSThe decision to postpone an eagerly-anticipated Merseyside derby sent Dream Team bosses into meltdown on Saturday morning.As gaffers scrambled for alternative strategies, both Luis Diaz (£4.1m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.6m) ended up among the five most transferred-out players come the Gameweek 14 deadline.Those who ditched Liverpool players in a hurry should strongly consider bringing them back in ahead of a double header that will see the Reds play Fulham and Southampton.A reminder, as if it’s needed, that Anfield’s Egyptian hero is the game’s outright top performer having amassed 229 points in total.Alisson (£5.1m) returned from injury against Girona in midweek and marked his comeback with a ten-point haul – Caoimhin Kelleher’s (£2.8m) minutes are about to nosedive.Premium defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) and Virgil van Dijk (£5.5m) come at a cost but they’re the leading assets in their position.Joe Gomez (£3.3m) and Andy Robertson (£4.2m) are cheaper variations on a theme.Most read in FootballAlisson impressed upon his return from injuryCredit: GettyALEXANDER ISAK (£5.2m)Now that the European competitions have essentially been put on hold for the festive period, Dream Team managers have many more viable options to consider.Newcastle’s No14 is a prime example having scored six goals in his last eight outings.If he can stay fit, Isak is an excellent option from now until mid-January but Gameweek 15 is particularly appealing with the Magpies set to host both Leicester and Brentford at St James’ Park.That has to be regarded as a favourable double header given the Bees’ struggles on the road this season.Isak averages just shy of seven points-per-game this term and is therefore well placed to provide healthy returns this coming Gameweek – fingers crossed Eddie Howe doesn’t rotate too much in midweek.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 NOWWILLIAM SALIBA (£5.2m)It may sound counterintuitive to target Arsenal clean sheets at a time when several defenders are sidelined with injury but Wednesday night’s 3-0 win over Monaco showed they can get the job done without Gabriel (£5.3m), Riccardo Calafiori (£3.7m), Ben White (£4.1m) and others.Saliba is still standing strong and a 17-point haul in Gameweek 14 has propelled him up to third in the rankings among assets in his position.The France international has even stepped up to replace Gabriel’s threat at set-pieces – he’s scored in each of his last two league games.Clean sheets, goals… Saliba is a dual threat right nowCredit: ReutersEven accounting for missing personnel, the Gunners have strong hopes of at least one clean sheet this coming Gameweek with Everton and Crystal Palace due to visit the Emirates.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth the Toffees and the Eagles are among the lowest scorers in the Premier League this season and so it’s perfectly reasonable to expect Saliba to extend his fine form.There were question marks over Jurrien Timber’s (£4.3m) availability in the week but he came off the bench against Monaco and looked sprightly enough so he should be set for his fair share of minutes in Gameweek 15 too.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