Soccer

MACKEM Jordan Pickford ruined Anthony Gordon’s return to Everton and denied Newcastle three points.With strikers Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson injured, it fell to the winger, 23, to lead the Toon’s line and run the gauntlet of hate that awaited him on his old stomping ground.Anthony Gordon’s penalty was saved by Jordan PickfordCredit: ReutersThe former Toffees man was denied by his England team-mateCredit: AFPEverton’s players celebrated wildly after Pickford’s save from 12 yardsCredit: ReutersThe spot kick came after Abdoulaye Doucoure had a goal disallowed by VAR for offsideCredit: PAGordon was heavily involved in the game but will be remembered for his penalty missAnd Gordon had the perfect opportunity to make what will likely be his last visit to Goodison a memorable one – only for the ex-Sunderland goalkeeper to spoil it.Pickford rescued the Blues by saving his old team-mate’s penalty to ensure he had a miserable Merseyside night at the club he left for St. James’ Park in January 2023.Things had already started when Jarrad Branthwaite, who celebrated his maiden appearance of the season by helping Everton to their first victory last week, was ruled out with a quad problem.Michael Keane stepped in, but the veteran looked nervy, escaping an early yellow for a foul on Sandro Tonali and then almost messing up with a backpass as the alert Pickford spared his blushes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThen it was his team-mate Iliman Ndiaye that came to the rescue for the Toffees – even though the Senegal attacker knew little about it.A corner was flicked on by Tonali to Bruno Guimaraes at the back and his attempt beat Pickford and was heading straight for the net, only to somehow get stuck under Ndiaye’s feet on the line and eventually knocked wide.He became even more popular with the Gwladys Street faithful when he, and then Abdoulaye Doucoure, extended the hot reception for Gordon by leaving him floored.That got the crowd going as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has scored more goals [six] against Newcastle than any other team, retaliated with a surge and shot straight at Nick Pope.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGoodison roared when Doucoure met James Garner’s cross to head home, only for those celebrations to be cut-short due to an offside.And it was the intervention of VAR that spotted James Tarkowski ridiculously haul down Tonali as Jacob Murphy shot high and wide from distance following a corner.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersThe air turned blue once referee Craig Pawson awarded a penalty following a pitchside monitor check, and the temperature got even hotter once they realised who would be taking it.Gordon, who scored the equaliser from the spot against Man City a week ago, bravely stepped up.But the roof came off the famous old ground when Pickford guessed right and saved it with his knees, his first spot-kick stop in nine attempts, as Doucoure celebrated wildly in front of the crestfallen Newcastle man.The Magpies, and Gordon, reacted well to that setback and started the second period on top, only this time Tarkowski bravely blocked Tonali’s effort after the Italian met a Joelinton knockdown.Gordon created the next opportunity, which saw Guimaraes blaze over, as the visitors continued to press forward in search of a breakthrough.Pickford reacted well to knock Miguel Almiron’s deflected cross round the post but soon the tide began to turn after screams for an Everton penalty.Calvert-Lewin was denied by an excellent stop from Nick Pope after Tonali gave away possession, but he was judged to have kicked the back of Dan Burn’s leg as he tumbled when trying to get the rebound.READ MORE SUN STORIESMiguel Almiron hit the side-netting as Toon regained control and then Gordon had one last chance to ram the jeers down the throats of the locals, but he poorly smashed high and wide.Almiron’s abject finish straight at Pickford and Jolinton’s wild effort from distance summed up Newcastle’s day as Everton held on to a first clean sheet of the season. More

MIKEL ARTETA labelled two Arsenal players “unbelievable” and “incredible” following their 3-1 win over Southampton.The Gunners came from behind to beat the newly-promoted outfit at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon.Mikel Arteta heaped praise on two of his attacking playersCredit: ReutersBukayo Saka was the key man yet again for ArsenalCredit: GettyKai Havertz cancelled out Cameron Archer’s opener, before goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka secured the victory.Saka, 23, netted the third having assisted Arsenal’s other two.He now has seven assists in seven Premier League games this season – more than any player in Europe’s top five divisions.And Arteta has hailed him for improving even more at the start of the campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “He’s taken another step ahead in what he does and especially when [he does it].”[He can] do it at home, do it away, do it in big games, in the not-so-big games and when the teams need not when it’s already 3-0. That’s what defines a top, top player.”What he is doing at his age is unbelievable.”Arteta also took the time to praise Kai Havertz – who equalled a record set by Robin van Persie with his goal against Saints.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKai Havertz scored for a seventh home game in a rowCredit: GettyArsenal ratings vs Southampton: Saka saves nervy Gunners with Jesus low on confidenceARSENAL came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 in front of a temporarily anxious Emirates crowd.Here’s how SunSport’s Ivan Speck rated every Arsenal player…David Raya – 6A spectator for most of the game. Could do anything to keep out Cameron Archer’s curling opener.Thomas Partey – 6Swapped his usual defensive midfield role for right-back, though given the one-way traffic, he barely had any defensive duties.But he supported Saka at every opportunity.William Saliba – 6Dependable as always when he was needed, which was mostly in the second half.Could have closed down Archer more quickly for the Southampton goal, but not alone in that.Gabriel – 6Spent more time in the Southampton box trying to get his head on corners than in his own area, especially in the first half.Handled the giant Paul Onuachu well when Southampton threw him on.Riccardo Calafiori – 5Given a couple of uncomfortable moments by Tyler Dibling.Did not seem to know which way the St Mary’s youngster was going half the time.Jorginho – 6Inches wide with a searing low shot late in the first half.Probed but rarely found an incisive pass through the yellow shirts. Taken off after an hour.Declan Rice – 6His usual solid self and tried to take on a more creative role with Southampton camped out in front of their own area, but prefers an open game to showcase his box-to-box talents.Raheem Sterling  – 7A freedom about his play. Happy to take on defenders at pace with his dancing feet.Unlucky not to finish off one dazzling run and even more unfortunate to be taken off after an hour.But was robbed of the ball for the Saints opener.Bukayo Saka – 9A game of two halves. Had to cope with being double-teamed every time he picked up the ball in the first half and there was disbelief around the Emirates when he launched one shot high into the stands.The second period was a different story. Tore Southampton to shreds time and again.A brilliant floated cross for Gabriel Martinelli to put Arsenal ahead, then a typically clinical finish for his side’s third.Kai Havertz – 8Proved his worth again as a scorer of important goals with the crucial equaliser just as nerves were beginning to jangle around the Emirates.Gabriel Jesus – 4Too long in the shadows has drained him of the belief he had when he first arrived at Arsenal as the main man up front.Two tame shots summed up his current ineffectiveness.SUBSGabriel Martinelli (Sterling 60) – 8Three weeks ago, his role in the Arsenal side was in question.His form has returned in spades with a second Premier League goal in successive weeks.Leandro Trossard (Jesus 61) – 7Like Martinelli, welcomed as a hero when he came on. Has become an important player in this Arsenal team. His run led to the third Arsenal goal.Mikel Merino (Jorginho 61) – 6A first Premier League appearance in Arsenal colours. Introduced just as the games was opening up and will benefit from the taster.Takehiro Tomiyasu (Partey 84) – 6Back from injury. Given a run out towards the end to ease him back into first team duties.Jakub Kiwior (Calafiori 90) – 6Introduced late on when the game was won. Not much to do.The German, 25, scored for a seventh consecutive game at the Emirates, matching Van Persie’s feat during the 2011/12 season.Arteta added: “You can tell [his confidence has grown]. The way he holds the ball, the positions he takes in the box. He’s an attacking midfielder but he plays as a nine so you don’t know where he is.I’m mum of an Arsenal star – I have a side hustle to help parents of Premier League footballers “That’s his football brain and for sure his focus now is I’m going to win the game, I’m going to do it’ and that’s a different thing.”He’s practising and he wants more. He’s not satisfied with what he is doing because there is still another level for him.”He’s surrounded by incredible players but something has changed in him and that confidence you really sense it. And now he’s scoring in games and winning football matches which is great.” More

A FORMER Manchester United star admits an 18th birthday present from Sir Alex Ferguson changed his life forever.The Red Devils icon won 13 Premier League titles during his time as United manager.A former Man Utd star has revealed the 18th birthday present Sir Alex Ferguson gave himCredit: Getty – ContributorAnd he even led the club to a historic Treble in 1999 before cementing his place as arguably the greatest gaffer ever.Fergie loved to splash out on superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.But he took even greater pride in nurturing the incredible talents from United’s academy.The Class of ’92 remains possibly the best group of youth players in history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd another former prodigy has revealed that a gift on his 18th birthday from Fergie was a life-changing experience.Kieran Richardson, 39, joined United’s academy from West Ham in 2001 when he was just 17 years old.A year later the midfielder was given his first-team debut in a Champions League clash against Olympiacos.Richardson won a Premier League and Carabao Cup during 81 appearances at United.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut his debut against Olympiacos remains his biggest highlight thanks to Fergie’s kindess.At the time, Richards was not yet on a pro contract, having told United he wanted to wait until he had broken into the first team.Moment ex-Man Utd star was given bonus over 100 TIMES his salary after Sir Alex Ferguson’s incredible birthday gestureKieran Richardson was in the money when he made his debut on his birthdayCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe former star now sells luxury watches after retiring in 2017Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzFa2Ax9z8UAs a result, he was pocketing just £180-a-week at Old Trafford while team-mates of a similar age stepped up to the big bucks.However, any player – senior or pro – who featured in the win against Olympiacos was set for a £12,000 bonus.It also happened to be the day of his 18th birthday.And Fergie chucked on Richardson, who retired in 2017, in the dying minutes to ensure he’d get a bumper birthday present.Richardson, who now sells luxury watches, told the Broadtalks podcast: “I never signed a pro contract until late. I went in on £90 a week and the next year I doubled it.“United want to give me a pro contract but I never wanted to sign. Me and my father always thought I don’t want to be a pro until I’m worthy.“I’ll never forget it was my 18th birthday. I was on the bench in the Champions League and Sir Alex knew I hadn’t signed as a pro.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It was extra time and he said ‘Kieran, get on the pitch now, no warming up’, because he knew the bonuses United were getting for winning.“I’m like ‘s**t, get on quick’, and while I’m going past he said ‘happy birthday son’. Bang, £12,000. Sick.”Man Utd ratings vs PortoMAN UTD ended up with a 3-3 draw after throwing away a 2-0 lead away to Porto.Here’s how SunSport’s Dylan Terry rated the Red Devils’ stars performances in PortugalAndre Onana – 6/10Reacted brilliantly the first time he was called into action with a flying save, only for Porto to score the rebound.Porto then scored with their next shot on target too – Omorodion’s header – and Onana could do little about the excellent finish for Porto’s third.Made two great stops to keep Man Utd in the game.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Looked fairly stable in the first 45 minutes but waned as the game went on.All at sea at the start of the second half as Porto cut through the right-hand side of Man Utd’s defence with ease.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Looked imposing in the air as he dealt with Porto’s crosses from both sides, but then failed to get in front of Omorodion for the hosts’ second goal.Like most of the Man Utd side, his performance dropped as the game went on and he was bullied by Porto’s No9.Lisandro Martinez – 4Should have reacted quicker for the first Porto goal as Pepe got ahead of him to nod into an empty net – with Martinez static on the six-yard box.There is clearly not much of a partnership with De Ligt as Porto pulled them apart all evening.Diogo Dalot – 4Porto enjoyed a lot of success down Man Utd’s left-hand side and Dalot looked all at sea on several occasions.Had little help from Martinez but still looked exposed.Casemiro – 3Anonymous yet again in Man Utd’s midfield – the ball just passes him by.Could not even manage one of his customary fouls.Christian Eriksen – 5Looked leggy out of possession but produced an impressive run before laying it off to Hojlund for Man Utd’s second goal.Then failed to make much more of an impact and his delivery from wide areas left a lot to be desired.Bruno Fernandes – 4A damning indictment of Man Utd’s current predicament as Fernandes was shown a red card for a second successive game.Two high boots, two yellow cards, and another early bath for the Portuguese playmaker – who had worked tirelessly prior to his dismissal.Amad Diallo – 5Very quiet aside from one burst through the middle as Rashford received all of the ball over the other side.Replaced by Antony who arguably created even less.Rasmus Hojlund – 7Made his case for starting ahead of Joshua Zirkzee with a goal, firing beyond Costa at the near post.Held it up and then showed his strength and pace to run at Porto before the break – showing little rustiness in his first start of the season.Marcus Rashford – 8Rashford showed his directness for the opening goal, driving at the Porto back line and forcing the error from Costa.A constant threat in the first half as he assisted Hojlund’s strike.But he was then surprisingly hooked at the break, a decision that will need an explanation from Ten Hag.See how the Man Utd subs rated here More