Soccer

ARSENAL wasted their chance to capitalise on Liverpool dropping points as they were left frustrated by a resilient Everton.Liverpool drew 2-2 to Fulham at Anfield – but it was an equally frustrating day for the Gunners as they failed to find a way through a park-the-bus effort from the Toffees.Arsenal failed to close the gap on LiverpoolCredit: ReutersDeclan Rice was subbed off with 30 minutes remainingCredit: ReutersMyles Lewis-Skelly again started at left-back, while Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice were surprisingly hooked off just after the hour mark.Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10No save to make. Could have lounged in the dressing room for the majority of the 90 minutes.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7Started where he left off in midweek in the Champions League, picking up great pockets of space in midfield and linking defence to attack with pace and precision.READ MORE ON ARSENALGABRIEL – 6Incredible recovery tackle to deny Doucoure with Saliba down injured. Well marked at corners with Everton doubling up on the Brazilian.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWILLIAM SALIBA – 6Lucky not to see Everton take the lead when he was down and out of position, but other than that was fairly untroubled.JURRIEN TIMBER – 5Tried his best to insert some pace and urgency down the right-hand side but lacking in attacking areas.Arsenal’s SET-PIECE COACH gets very own mural outside Emirates Stadium as fans say ‘this is just tragic… game’s gone’DECLAN RICE – 5A rare anonymous showing from the England international. Did not do enough to impose himself but for a few decent tackles. No shock to see him hooked after 62 minutes.Most read in FootballMIKEL MERINO – 6Showed glimpses, but still needs to get up to speed with pace Arsenal want to play at through the middle.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6Blazed over and dragged wide from two good early chances – missing his shooting boots in the first half just like against Monaco – and looked generally off it.It was still a surprise to see him subbed off just after the hour mark for Nwaneri.BUKAYO SAKA – 7Had a field day up against Mykolenko as Everton struggled to contain his brilliant movement and strength on the ball, yet Pickford made save after save.Got in the way of a free Havertz header towards the end.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Lively, especially because he had the beating of Young with some darting runs that kept the 39-year-old busy and was denied by Pickford from a tight angle.But yet again, was taken off for Trossard.KAI HAVERTZ – 6Lacked a serious goal threat but created Arsenal’s best chance with a delicious flick around the corner for Saka.SUBS:ETHAN NWANERI (ODEGAARD, 62) – 6A few nice touches and turns, looking for that trademark left-footed curling finish.JORGINHO (RICE, 62) – 6Got on the ball as Arsenal’s primary dictator from deep.THOMAS PARTEY (LEWIS-SKELLY, 68) – 5Offered very little.READ MORE SUN STORIESGABRIEL JESUS (MERINO, 68) – 5One dangerous cross easily claimed by Pickford was about it.LEANDRO TROSSARD (MARTINELLI, 74) – 6A bright spark. A few good crosses as Young tired on the left. More

DIOGO JOTA came off the bench after  eight weeks out to prove exactly why Arne Slot believes in him so much.The Portuguese striker helped his boss and his 10-man team dodge a bullet after they went behind twice and spent all but 17 minutes of  this crazy clash with ten men after Andy Robertson was shown a straight red.Diog Jota celebrates what could be an important point-saverCredit: GettyJota cracked an 85th-minute equaliser for LiverpoolCredit: APRodrigo Muniz headed Fulham in front just minutes earlierCredit: GettyAnother sub in Rodrigo Muniz thought he had won it for Fulham late on,  but much later still Jota produced in style.Slot, who makes no bones to anybody, including the mercurial Darwin Nunez, that he sees Jota as his No 1 striker, went wild on the touchline as that 86th minute shot hit the net.For he had watched a team he had already warned to buck up their ideas following their midweek win over Girona, struggle desperately at times.And that was before Robertson’s dismissal for bringing down Harry Wilson.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLYet somehow they ground it out, hit first by Andreas Pereira’s opener, to keep a five – point lead at the top of the Prem when after Muniz scored it looked certain that Slot would suffer only his second defeat in charge.The one question mark all the way through his startling start as Jurgen Klopp’s successor has been over his side’s defensive fragility.True enough, going forward they had gone great guns and went into this Cottagers clash having scored two or more goals in seven straight Prem wins – their best run in over three years.They also went into the game hunting down their Prem scoring record for a calendar year sitting 12 short of the 88 produced in 2019.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut they had continually rode their luck at the back and 11 minutes in fortune failed them although Marco Silva’s side did slice through their rear guard brilliantly.Wilson started the move with a sweeping ball across field to Alex Iwobi who deftly touched on for Antonee Robertson.John O’Shea says teams all over Europe will try to sign Caoimhin Kelleher from LiverpoolThe left back powered down his flank before delivering a high, searching cross.Pereira ghosted in behind Robertson and went for it.His effort was all acrobatics and ariel style as he connected with a right – footed volley in front of The Kop.Alisson might have saved the close – range strike but what was soon to develop into a horror afternoon for Robertson began for his deflection ensured the goalkeeper had no chance of saving the situation.Six minutes later the Scotland captain was walking. And he had no excuses.Wilson found himself in plenty of space as he made his way towards the Liverpool goal but Robertson looked to have taken control of the situation as he closed him down.Instead he mis-controlled, Wilson re – gained possession and ten yards outside of the box the left back whacked him with a wild swipe.It took VAR Stuart Atwell a full three minutes to confirm to referee Tony Harrington that Wilson had been denied an obvious goal scoring opportunity, mainly because the Fulham man had flirted with offside.But really, Harrington would have made a fool of himself had he ignored Atwell’s advice and Robbo headed off looking more than a tad shame-faced.Slot, no well – known for how calm he is on the touchline, still looked red-faced, maybe thinking to himself that he was right to deliver that withering blast in Spain.Liverpool hadn’t looked great going forward, far less in allowing Wilson an opportunity much earlier.They looked flat, uninspired. Nothing like a side lording it at the top of the Prem and the Champions League table after that six successive win in Spain..Muniz hoped in vain he was rejoicing a Fulham winnerCredit: RexAndreas Pereira swivelled for a smart early opener for FulhamCredit: ReutersCody Gakpo launched himself to head Liverpool’s first levellerCredit: ReutersAlmost certainly there was another from him in the privacy of the dressing room at half time.For right from the re-start the Dutchman’s team came alive. Whatever button he pushed, it worked.Mo Salah, who had drifted through the game like so many of his team mates, found space mid-way into the Fulham half and sent forward a superb, deep cross.Even so, it took a superhuman effort for Gakpo to get to it but still, he flew through the air and made it about two feet off the deck, his header just beating a stunned Bernd Leno at the near post.Less than sixty seconds after that 47th minute equaliser Slot’s fellow – countryman was asking another question of the goalkeeper who desperately scrambled to save the low shot.Things now got tetchy and tense, Curtis Jones the fifth to be yellow –carded with Robertson already having seen red for a fierce challenge on Iwobi.That decision by whistler Harrington produced a scream of complaint from Slot and he went into the book too, his third caution of the season meaning he’ll be suspended for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup meeting with Southampton.But much worse was to come after Salah lost his composure and lashed wide from Dominik Szoboszlai.For sub Muniz delivered struck another blow for Fulham in the 76th minute at the end of the lighting move that showed Robertson wasn’t the only Liverpool full back to be having a nightmare time of it.Not for the first time Robinson got beyond Trent Alexander-Arnold down Fulham’s right, finding Iwobi, who then squared for the on – rushing skipper with the Liverpool defender trailing in his wake.His low cross was met by the front man who had replaced Raul Jimenez ten minutes earlier, his touch at the near post skidding into Alison’s net thanks to a deflection off the right heel of Joe Gomez.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Kop fell silent. Except those fearing the worst reckoned without Jota who turned, jet – heeled, and delivered, his venomous low strike from the edge of the box the picture of why Slot rates him so highly.Andy Robertson saw red for this foul on Harry WilsonLiverpool boss Arne Slot went through the full range of emotionsCredit: Rex More

MATHEUS CUNHA faces an FA ban following a shameful Molineux brawl.Video emerged of the Wolves star appearing to PUNCH an Ipswich security guard, then SLAPPING him in the face, ripping off his glasses.Wolves players had another post-match meltdown after conceding a last-gasp winnerCredit: Premier LeagueDuring the melee Matheus Cunha was seen pushing a member of Ipswich’s security team in the faceCredit: Every Second MediaCunha could be seen ripping off the security guard’s classesCraig Dawson restrained Rayan Ait-Nouri by picking him up in the meleeCredit: RexAit-Nouri appeared to clash with Ipswich’s Wes BurnsCredit: GettyWolves’ dejection was clear to see at the endCredit: GettyGary O’Neil knows his job is hanging by a threadCredit: GettyWolves team-mate Rayan Ait-Nouri was sent off in the same scrap as he confronted Town players and staff after sub Jack Taylor’s stoppage-time winner.It came 24 hours after Mario Lemina was stripped of the club captaincy for his bust-up with Jarrod Bowen at West Ham on Monday.Boos rung around Molineux after this 2-1 defeat to their relegation rivals – which left Gary O’Neill hanging onto his job by a thread.And signs of unrest in the camp will certainly not help the beleaguered boss.Ipswich went ahead in comical fashion when Matt Doherty scored a truly calamitous own goal.Cunha stepped up and delivered with a fine equaliser to give O’Neill a glimmer of hope in the 72nd minute – only for to head in at the back post deep into added time.Then chaos ensued as Wolves players struggled to keep their emotions in check.Tempers flared after the full-time whistle with various Wolves players – including Ait-Nouri and goalscorer Cunha – had to be held back by coaches.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIpswich’s security team member appeared to be without his glasses just after the coming togetherCredit: RexStaff members from both teams looked to calm Cunha downCredit: RexWolves sources later claimed the brawl was sparked by taunting from Ipswich’s Liam Delap.During the melee, Cunha was seen aggressively approaching a member of Ipswich’s security team from behind before appearing to elbow him in the back of the head and aiming a slap at his face. Gary O’Neil vows to deal with him internally after Wolves star Rayan Ait-Nouri’s meltdown following Ipswich defeatThe man also appeared to be left without his glasses in the unsavoury incident.Wolves defender Craig Dawson had to PICK UP Algerian full-back Ait-Nouri to restrain him in more chaotic scenes on the pitch which saw arguments break out between team-mates.Ait-Nouri also had to be forcibly restrained, with defender Craig Dawson even having to PICK UP him in chaotic scenes.The Algerian full-back then had to be ushered away down the tunnel as the West Midlanders imploded again.Wolves conceded a comical own goal at home to IpswichCredit: PAConor Chaplin’s strike bounced in off Matt DohertyCredit: RexMatheus Cunha blasted in the equaliserCredit: ReutersIpswich snatched victory in the final secondsCredit: PAFurious boss Gary O’Neil warned his flops they — and he — face the boot after another loss and brawl.He said: “You either find a way to be good enough or you get replaced.“That goes for me and the players. Change will come if we constantly fall below the expected level.“For every result like this, the chances of me losing my job will heighten.“I have no concerns but that doesn’t mean I don’t think I’m not going to get sacked.”Defeat leaves Wolves rooted in the relegation zone, with just two wins from 16 games.And O’Neil added: “If the players stood in the right place for their second goal, I’d happily take responsibility for it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But two of them have decided to change positions — a real poor decision in a really important moment.“I’d expect Santi Bueno to deal with stuff he was asked to, but there’s only so much I can do to protect them.”Jack Taylor rose highest to head in the winnerCredit: ReutersWolves slipped three points behind Ipswich in the relegation zoneCredit: GettyIpswich know the win could be huge come the end of the seasonCredit: ReutersCunha collapsed to the turf in sheer devastationCredit: GettyHis frustration then boiled overCredit: RexEd Sheehan joined Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton in the directors’ boxCredit: RexOle Gunnar Solskjaer also attended the clash at MolineuxCredit: PA More

Arsenal blew a huge chance to close the gap on leaders Liverpool with a disappointing draw at home to struggling Everton.The Gunners failed to make the most of their first-half chances and then struggled to create more in the second as visiting goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and his defence held firm.Arsenal limped to a goalless draw with EvertonCredit: GettyArsenal endured a frustrating afternoon in front of goalCredit: ReutersCaptain Martin Odegaard came closest to scoring for the GunnersCredit: GettyGabriel protested after Arsenal were denied a late penaltyCredit: GettyThomas Partey was floored by an awkward tackle from Vitaly MykolenkoCredit: EPAJordan Pickford was at his best to deny the GunnersCredit: GettyAbdoulaye Doucoure missed Everton’s only chance of the matchCredit: RexNews of Diogo Jota’s late equaliser for Liverpool against Fulham was another blow and there were even a few boos at the final whistle.Arsenal ‘keeper David Raya did not have to make a single save.But at the other end his team lacked penetration and composure.On a day when the clubs met for the first time since the death of Kevin Campbell, perhaps it was appropriate that it ended honours even.READ MORE ON ARSENALAs early as the sixth minute, Abdoulaye Doucoure had a great chance to put Everton ahead.But the midfielder took long enough to shoot after being played through by Orel Mangala to allow Gabriel to retreat and make a good block.From that point on, it was all Arsenal.Only a combination of poor finishing, Jordan Pickford and great defending, often by James Tarkowski, kept the first half goalless.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOdegaard was guilty of sending one presentable opportunity over the bar and another wide.Arsenal’s corners caused chaos, with Pickford forced into unconvincing punches by deliveries from either side by Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.Arsenal could turn to Tierney as Arteta hints at January transfer spree But Pickford produced a fine save in the 29th minute when Saka got the better of Vitalli Mykolenko yet again.Odegaard eased on to the cutback but when his shot was half blocked and deflected by Tarkowski, the England goalkeeper kept it out with his legs.Moments later that good work was almost spoiled when Tarkowski’s attempted header back to his ‘keeper forced Pickford into another panicked punch.In the dying minutes of the half, an error by Jarrad Branthwaite allowed Arsenal to break but Pickford made a smart stop from Gabriel Martinelli.The England ‘keeper was at it again soon after the break, getting down well to stop a Saka volley after a Tarkowski header fell to the Arsenal man.Kai Havertz was unable to get a piercing Mikel Merino pass out of his feet and the frustration of the home crowd started to become audible.Saka continued to have Mykolenko on toast but once more Pickford denied him from a narrow angle after a one-two with Odegaard.It was no surprise that Arteta made a double change just after the hour as he introduced Jorginho and Ethan Nwaneri. But the identity of the players who went off, Declan Rice and Odegaard, raised some eyebrows.Everton boss Dyche soon sent on two reinforcements of his own, in Jesper Lindstrom and Armando Broja.Not much changed. Arteta rolled the dice again with more than 20 minutes to go, sending on Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus.Everton’s challenges were starting to get a little more desperate and the first-half siege resumed.From a free kick, Havertz won a flick on but Gabriel was unable to turn the ball goalwards.Down the clock ticked. Saka apologised after poorly heading a cross by final substitute Leandro Trossard when Havertz was behind him waiting to connect.When Partey went down in the box, the home fans screamed for a penalty. But VAR agreed with referee Craig Pawson that Mykolenko’s challenge was a fair one.READ MORE SUN STORIESA minimum of four minutes of stoppage time was indicated.And Everton saw them out with the minimum of fuss.Arsenal player ratings vs EvertonARSENAL wasted their chance to capitalise on Liverpool dropping points as they were left frustrated by a resilient Everton.Here’s how the players ratedDAVID RAYA – 6/10No save to make. Could have lounged in the dressing room for the majority of the 90 minutes.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7Started where he left off in mid-week in the Champions League, picking up great pockets of space in midfield and linking defence to attack with pace and precision.GABRIEL – 6Incredible recovery tackle to deny Doucoure with Saliba down injured. Well marked at corners with Everton doubling up on the Brazilian.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Lucky not to see Everton take the lead when he was down and out of position, but other than that was fairly untroubled.JURRIEN TIMBER – 5Tried his best to insert some pace and urgency down the right-hand side but lacking in attacking areas.DECLAN RICE – 5A rare anonymous showing from the England international. Did not do enough to impose himself but for a few decent tackles. No shock to see him hooked after 62 minutes.MIKEL MERINO – 6Showed glimpses, but still needs to get up to speed with pace Arsenal want to play at through the middle.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6Blazed over and dragged wide from two good early chances – missing his shooting boots in the first half just like against Monaco – and looked generally off it.It was still a surprise to see him subbed off just after the hour mark for Nwaneri.BUKAYO SAKA – 7Had a field day up against Mykolenko as Everton struggled to contain his brilliant movement and strength on the ball, yet Pickford made save after save.Got in the way of a free Havertz header towards the end.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Lively, especially because he had the beating of Young with some darting runs that kept the 39-year-old busy and was denied by Pickford from a tight angle.But yet again, was taken off for Trossard.KAI HAVERTZ – 6Lacked a serious goal threat but created Arsenal’s best chance with a delicious flick around the corner for Saka.SUBS:ETHAN NWANERI (ODEGAARD, 62) – 6A few nice touches and turns, looking for that trademark left-footed curling finish.JORGINHO (RICE, 62) – 6Got on the ball as Arsenal’s primary dictator from deep.THOMAS PARTEY (LEWIS-SKELLY, 68) – 5Offered very little.GABRIEL JESUS (MERINO, 68) – 5One dangerous cross easily claimed by Pickford was about it.LEANDRO TROSSARD (MARTINELLI, 74) – 6A bright spark. A few good crosses as Young tired on the left. More

WOLVES fans were left fuming after watching their side concede a comical own goal against Ipswich.Pressure has heaped on manager Gary O’Neil with the club in the bottom three after consecutive defeats to strugglers Everton and West Ham.Matt Doherty initially blocked on the line with the Wolves defence in disarrayConor Chaplin then fired a shot goalwardsToti Gomes managed to get his head on the ball to block itBut the ball bounced off Doherty and rolled into the netAnd just minutes into their relegation six-pointer against Ipswich their players were left red-faced after a calamity of errors.First defender Nelson Semedo failed to deal with a long ball over the top and Liam Delap pinched the ball off his toe.The striker darted into the box, beat Semedo with a piece of skill and found team-mate Omari Hutchinson, whose shot was blocked brilliantly on the line by Matt Doherty.But Wolves failed to clear and Conor Chaplin picked up the ball on the edge of the box and fired goalwards.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ball was blocked by Toti Gomes straight into Doherty’s back and bounced into the net to spark uproar from Wolves fans.Fans slammed the “embarrassing” passage of play with Wolves now responsible for a quarter of the 12 goals conceded in the Premier League this season.One fan said: “Actually embarrassing we deserve to go down.”Another added: “God this team is miserable to watch we just are so rubbish at defending can’t see us coming back from this may as well put us down now.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “What a ridiculous own goal.”And another commented: “Lol from a long suffering Wolves fan.”Wolves managed to get back into the game thanks to Matheus Cunha.However a Jack Taylor goal in the 94th minute gave Ipswich all three points and left O’Neil’s job hanging by a thread.Gary O’Neil confirms Nelson Semedo will replace Mario Lemina as Wolves captain More

THE Premier League have rushed to explain Andy Robertson’s controversial red card in Liverpool’s dramatic clash against Fulham.The defender cut across and hauled ex-Reds winger Harry Wilson down just outside the right of the box after just 17 minutes.Andy Robertson was sent off for this foul on Harry WilsonWhistler Tony Harrington instantly dismissed the Scot – sparking divided opinion from fans on social media.The Prem promptly released a statement to clarify Harrington’s verdict.It read: “The referee issued a red card to Robertson for a foul on Wilson which denied a goal scoring opportunity. “VAR checked to confirm the red card and that Wilson was in an onside position.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRopbertson had deflected in Andreas Pereira’s opener for Fulham six minutes earlier.And it meant Prem leaders Liverpool faced a tough second-half test to rescue the match.Some fans reckoned Robertson was harshly done by – but others claimed he’d obviously robbed the visitors of a clear scoring chance.But it was certainly true that it was his poor touch – as Wilson zoomed across – that left him vulnerable.Most read in FootballIn the end Robertson flew into a tangle with Wilson that sent the Welsh wideman tumbling over.Fulham almost scored from the loose ball anyway.But when Harrington blew for the foul – and flashed his red card – Robertson and his team-mates protested in vain.One viewer posted: “No way the referee gave Andrew Robertson red card for this after not giving 2 blatant ones [for two Fulham challenges].”But others suggested the left-back has struggled for form since returning from injury – and might need replacing in the January transfer window.Onhe wrote: “What an absolute stinking afternoon for Andrew Robertson. Had that collision earlier, then deflected Pereira’s shot in and then has been sent off.”Another added: “Andy Robertson has been woeful since coming back from injury. Two penalties conceded and now sent off. I think we need a new left back.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More