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      Arsenal 0 West Ham 1: Gunners’ Premier League title hopes all-but over after Bowen goal and ANOTHER red card

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      WHAT a difference a striker makes.And if Mikel Arteta needed any more convincing, that is NOT Mikel Merino, as Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes took another fatal dagger to the heart.Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunityCredit: ReutersJarrod Bowen celebrates his first goal since returning from injuryCredit: GettyArsenal’s title hopes suffered a huge blowCredit: APWith two match-winning goals off the bench to help the injury-stricken Gunners past Leicester last weekend, 28-year-old midfielder Merino was given a first start of his senior career as a No.9.At the King Power, it worked a treat. But we now know that to be a fluke.Across 90 minutes at the Emirates against West Ham, for all his effort, the lumbering Spaniard looked out of his depth.Down the other end, Hammers forward Jarrod Bowen gave Merino a painful No.9 101 – one chance, one goal, with the instincts of a top class Prem predator in the 44th minute to take all three points.READ MORE ON ARSENALMerino will be criticised, but this was an all-round uninspiring display from Arteta’s men – inviting Liverpool to go 11 points clear to basically wrap things up.Injuries may have left them without a centre forward, but their title chase should not be fading this badly, and it will only get worse if this is all Arsenal can muster.It also helps to have 11 men on the pitch, another of their Achilles heels this season.In the 1-0 win at Wolves on January 25, it was a hugely controversial dismissal of Myles Lewis-Skelly by ref Michael Oliver, one that was overturned days later.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis one, however, was pretty clear cut, given by Craig Pawson in the 73rd minute after a VAR monitor review, Lewis-Skelly – 17 minutes after coming on – tripping Mohammed Kudus on the halfway line as last man.This was a welcome reprieve for Graham Potter, who continues his fine managerial form at this ground – a fourth win in five visits – and a first Prem win in five for the East Londoners. ‘I need to f—ing change’ – Arsenal’s David Raya reveals he was at ‘my lowest’ after ‘worst game as a professional’West Ham just love bursting the Arsenal bubble – their 2-0 victory here last season ultimately costing Arteta the title. It may well do again.Despite Arsenal’s lack of firepower, Potter reverted to a five at the back in search of a first Prem away of his Hammers tenure – and a first for the club this calendar year.Rush Green product Ollie Scarles, 19, got his first top-flight start at left wing-back, tasked with keeping another teenage sensation in Ethan Nwaneri, 17, quiet.James Ward-Prowse was also thrown in from the off – attempting to revive his West Ham career after being shipped out on loan to Nottingham Forest in the summer under Julen Lopetegui.But all eyes were on Merino. In true Arteta tight-lipped fashion, he hinted in the build-up that he had been trialling a few down-the-middle alternatives in training during the week.So to opt for Merino from the off was bold, not that Arteta had much choice given Raheem Sterling’s disasterclass of a display at the King Power had rightly won him a place on the bench for this one.What a surreal part of Merino’s career. Deemed a midfield flop at Newcastle in 2017, he arrived in North London in the summer as a matured Euros winner with Spain with a point to prove in England.Six months later, he is leading the line for an injury-hit Arsenal in pursuit of a long-awaited Prem title. A daunting prospect, but no one, it seems, has told Merino that.Fearless in his approach, he was anywhere and everywhere, covering every blade of grass, perhaps too much at times.The exuberance and excitement of a dog on his first-ever trip to the beach with a crazed smile and tongue flapping in the wind.For a while, it proved effective. Up against big lump Max Kilman he won an early flick-on, smothered a loose ball and almost nicked a ball off Alphonse Areola with a well-timed press.But the early enthusiasm and impact quickly faded. While his timing darts into the box against a tiring Foxes back line was inch-perfect, on this occasion he was consistently a yard or two short.Leandro Trossard’s whipped delivery across the face of goal had Kilman stumped, something Merino had not anticipated, and shortly after could only get a toe to Thomas Partey’s angled cross.Merino remained persistent, blazing over at the near post while straying offside. His obvious limitations as a centre forward growing ever clearer inside 45 minutes at the Emirates.What Arteta could not have expected was such a resolute West Ham defence, one that had imitated a bunch of comedy circus clowns last week in their 1-0 home defeat to Brentford.With such a solid base, Potter’s boys were able to be braver on the ball – Aaron Wan-Bissaka galloping into space left by Riccardo Calafiori down the right and cutting the ball back.A player of Bowen’s quality should have found the target, instead shanking wide.A warning shot for the hosts that they did not learn from – conceding from a replica attack with the half almost up and weary legs on show as Jurrien Timber lost the ball just outside West Ham’s box.Bowen collected and carried and set Wan-Bissaka away, yet it was Calafiori’s passive defending that allowed him to run from the halfway line and into a crossing position.Fingers were being pointed all around as Bowen headed in from a few yards out. Gabriel should have cut out the danger, but it was Rice who had lost his marker Bowen at the crucial moment – having covered ground to run back with his old East London pal.An anxiety-inducing half watched with glee on Merseyside, but with gritted teeth in North London.Merino continued to flounder after the break, mistiming a jump from a Nwaneri cross, yet Arteta had no one to replace him with.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut changes were made just 10 minutes into the second half. Rice – to the delight of the taunting away end – did not look happy to be hauled off for Oleksandr Zinchenko, despite his ineffective afternoon.Calafiori also made way for Lewis-Skelly, but the 18-year-old was soon back down the tunnel, scuppering any hope of late comeback – not that it ever looked like coming, even with eight minutes of injury time. More

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      Bournemouth 0 Wolves 1: Huge blow to Cherries’ Champions League hopes as Cunha goal proves decisive

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      Matheus Cunha blew ten-man Bournemouth’s bid to land fourth spot in the Premier League.But the Brazilian’s first half match winner was enough to give Wanderers a priceless away victory in their bid to stay in the top-flight.Matheus Cunha celebrates giving Wolves the leadCredit: ReutersCunha fires in Wolves’ winning goal in the first halfCredit: GettyIt ended his side’s three-match winless run on the road and denied the Cherries their first top-flight league double over them.And it certainly boosted Wanderers’ survival hopes lifting them five points clear of the drop zone.The Cherries never really got their pressing game going but they weren’t helped by a harsh sending-off on 31 minutes.Ever-present defender Illia Zabarnyi was booked by referee Michael Salisbury for a foul on Rayan Ait-Nouri.Read more football newsBut VAR advised Salisbury to go to his monitor to check and the official changed his decision to a red card.Wolves couldn’t get out of their own half for the first few minutes against the charge of light Cherries brigade.Marcus Tavernier curled one shot straight at goalkeeper Jose Sa before the Wolves man used his legs to block shots from Antoine Semenyo and Marcus Tavernier.But the first threat from the visitors on nine minutes came so close to a goal.Most read in FootballNelson Semedo struck a low shot onto the home post before Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s follow-up effort forced an excellent saved out of goalkeeper Kepa.Milos Kerkez talks about his football career journey to join Bournemouth Then Semedo lost his marker at the near post and headed Matheus Cunha’s free-kick over the bar.The Cherries weren’t defending for long and Semenyo slipped in Justin Kluivert whose close-range effort was kept out by Sa’s outstretched right arm.Then Salisbury stunned the home side when he sent off Ukraine international defender Zabarnyi.Zabarnyi had lunged in on Rayan Ait-Nouri but he seemed to get to the ball first before his foot struck the player’s leg.It looked a harsh decision and to rub salt into ten-man Bournemouth’s wounds Cunha had the ball in the home ten just five minutes later.Semedo’s cross somehow dropped at the Brazilian’s feet and he cleverly lifted his shot into the top corner.It was Cunha’s fourth goal in as many league and Cup matches and 13th of the campaign.The mood certainly changed inside the stadium and the intensity dropped from the home team.Ref Michael Salisbury shows a yellow card to Illia Zabarnyi before upgrading to a red card following a VAR reviewCredit: ReutersAndoni Iraola reacts to his side’s red cardCredit: RexNow they had to play for over an hour without Zarbarnyi who had played every minute of every previous match.Wolves replaced Joao Gomes, who had been booked for a wild foul on Tavernier, at the break with Jorgen Strand Larsen.And the visitors sensed they had the Cherries on the ropes by mounting a series of attacks on the hosts.Semedo raced into the home box but shot tamely straight at a very grateful Kepa.But the visitors threw away a golden opportunity to double their score just after the hour.A slick move sent Bellegarde clear and his cross found Marshall Munetsi all alone in the box just 10 yards out.Yet, with an empty goal beckoning the Zimbabwe international from French side Reims somehow miss-kicked the ball wide.Vitor Pereira, celebrates Wolves’ precious winCredit: GettyHero of the hour Cunha acknowledges the fan after proving to be the differenceCredit: RexChelsea loanee Kepa denied Wolves substitute Pedro Lima a second goal in stoppage time-but the damage had already been done to the hosts.READ MORE SUN STORIESBournemouth, beaten just once in their last 13 Premier League fixtures, crashed to their second home defeat in a row after losing to Liverpool.And Wolves head coach Vitor Pereira fisted the air in jubilation at the final whistle before Salisbury was booed off the pitch. More

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      Southampton 0 Brighton 4: Saints lucky not to be hit for six as Seagulls run riot to reignite European charge

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      BRIGHTON made it three wins in a row as they cruised to a 4-0 victory at rock-bottom Southampton to climb to eighth place in the Premier League and keep their European ambitions on track.Goals from the excellent Joao Pedro, Georginio Rutter, Kaoru Mitoma and Jack Hinshelwood were more than enough to condemn the Saints to a 21st defeat of the season.Brighton defeated Southampton to keep their European hopes aliveCredit: PABrighton star Joao Pedro scored the opener against SouthamptonCredit: RexGeorginio Rutter scored Brighton’s second at SouthamptonCredit: RexKaoru Mitoma made it three for Brighton against a struggling SouthamptonCredit: ReutersThat leaves Ivan Juric’s struggling side on just nine points, two fewer than Derby’s record low total from the 2007-2008 season.As if they did not already have enough problems, Southampton lost their captain Jan Bednarek through injury after just 10 minutes.Forgotten man Armel Bella-Kotchap was his replacement, coming off the bench to huge acclaim from the home support to make his first appearance in 567 days.Brighton were quickly on top though, with Pedro and Rutter causing Saints plenty of problems.Read More on FootballCarlos Baleba came close to opening the scoring when his free-kick cannoned off the wall and looped up on to the roof of the net before Mitoma missed a great chance at the far post after being found by Hinshelwood’s deep cross.The Seagulls were not to be denied for long and hesitation in the Saints defence was pounced upon by Pedro who coolly scooped the ball over the advancing Aaron Ramsdale to give Fabian Hurzeler’s side a deserved lead.Southampton were struggling to break into the final third but Welington did force Bart Verbruggen to claw the ball over the bar with a curling shot from the edge of the area in a rare home attack.Southampton thought they had equalised at the start of the second half when Cameron Archer neatly finished off a clever pass from Mateus Fernandes. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArcher was flagged offside and VAR concurred, much to Saints boss Juric’s frustration.The Croatian boss was left even more red-faced when Brighton made it 2-0. Former Championship star now a train driver in ‘new career to last the rest of my life’ Joe Aribo was adamant that he had been fouled by Rutter in the build-up but referee Darren Bond waved away the protests and Yankuba Minteh was left with the simple task of rolling the ball across the six-yard box for Rutter to prod home his fifth league goal of the season.The game as a contest was over but Brighton had plenty of chances to add to their tally. Minteh had the goal at his mercy as he cut inside from the left but Ramsdale scrambled back to get a hand to his weak effort and Kyle Walker-Peters completed the clearance.It was just a temporary reprieve as another brilliant touch from Pedro sent Mitoma clear and the Japanese forward coolly dinked the ball over Ramsdale to score his fifth goal in seven games and cue a mass exodus in the home stands.Those who had remained saw Brighton add a simple fourth as Brajan Gruda’s corner fell to the unmarked Hinshelwood at the far post from where the 19-year-old scored his second goal of the campaign.Jack Hinshelwood completed Brighton’s triumph at SouthamptonCredit: Rex More

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      Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly controversially sent off vs West Ham after VAR review just weeks after red card blunder

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      MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY has seen red again – just weeks after his controversial sending-off at Wolves.The Arsenal teenager was given his marching orders during the second half of Saturday’s clash with West Ham.Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly has been given his second red card of the seasonCredit: PACraig Pawson gave the defender his marching orders in the second half against West HamCredit: PAThe decision was made after a lengthy VAR reviewThe teenager was adjudged to have felled Mohammed Kudus as he charged in on goalLewis-Skelly brought down Kudus after he was robbed of possession, with keeper David Raya out of his goalLewis-Skelly was initially shown a yellow card after dragging down Mohammed Kudus as he attempted to break in on goal.The teenager was caught in possession on the halfway line, with Arsenal pushing for an equaliser in North London. West Ham led thanks to a first-half strike from Jarrod Bowen. Kudus nicked the ball off Lewis-Skelly, with Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya miles off his line.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWith the Hammers forward in the clear, the Gunners defender lunged in to try and poke the ball away. He made limited contact with the ball, bringing Kudus down and after an initial yellow card, Craig Pawson upgraded it to red following a VAR review.The Premier League explained: “VAR checked the referee’s call of yellow card to Lewis-Skelly for a challenge on Kudus – deeming it denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity due to the goalkeeper’s position and there being no covering defender, therefore recommended an on-field review. “The referee then upgraded the yellow to a red card.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLewis-Skelly has been shown two reds this season, following a controversial sending-off against Wolves last month.The 18-year-old received a straight red at Molineux for a cynical foul on Matt Doherty on January 25.Mikel Arteta ‘absolutely fuming’ after controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red cardOn that occasion, Lewis-Skelly made the tackle on the edge of the Wolves area as they attempted to counter.The decision was slammed by pundits and former officials, including ex-head of the PGMOL Keith Hackett.Hackett called for ref Michael Oliver to be SUSPENDED over the “major error”, which prompted a debate over the use of VAR in the Prem.The Premier League confirmed that VAR supported the decision as Lewis-Skelly was guilty of “serious foul play”. Lewis-Skelly was sent off against Wolves – a decision which was later overturnedCredit: PAThe teenager felled Matt Doherty at Molineux as the Wolves man tried to breakCredit: PABut Arsenal later launched an appeal and the FA subsequently lifted Lewis-Skelly’s suspension.An FA statement on January 28 read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension.”The Arsenal player was sent off for serious foul play during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, January 25, 2025.”MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.The PGMOL later confirmed police had launched an investigation into the “abhorrent abuse” targeting Oliver after the game. It read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced.READ MORE SUN STORIESSunSport has also revealed how Lewis-Skelly is close to a call-up for England – despite making less than 10 Premier League starts. The teenager has yet to play for the England under-21s but has caught the eye of new boss Thomas Tuchel. More

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      Maurizio Sarri reveals he ‘exchanged notes’ with former Chelsea star as he hints at return to management

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      MAURIZIO SARRI could be set for a return to management as he revealed family issues have kept him away from the dugout.The Italian revealed that he recently exchanged notes with his former Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas.Maurizio Sarri could be set for a shock return to managementCredit: GettySarri won the Europa League during his one year in charge of ChelseaCredit: Kenny RamsayCesc Fabregas now manages Como in the Serie ACredit: Action ImagesSarri has been out of the dugout since resigning from Lazio halfway through the season in March 2024.He joined Lazio in 2021 and led them to second place in Serie A in the 2023-24 season.That was the club’s best league finish since they won the title in 1999-2000.But the 66-year-old has revealed that his personal life has stopped him from returning despite being approached by several suitors.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe told Corriere della Sera: “It hasn’t been a good period due to some family issues. “I’ve received many offers in this period, from different continents, even from Arabia. “But nothing has yet made me make that internal click.” He added: “I would like a big project, that will rekindle the spark in me. Otherwise I will remain still. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Me close to Milan in January? I will not answer. I will say that I have received proposals that have not made me waver at the moment.”Sarri also revealed that before he joined Napoli in 2015 he had a positive conversation with AC Milan chiefs but didn’t hear from them again.Ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri could be in line for Arsenal and Tottenham jobs if Mikel Arteta is sacked after flop seasonThe former Prem boss admitted there’s one thing he doesn’t miss about football.He said: “I miss the adrenaline of football. I like everything about this sport – except the transfer market. “I have watched and studied many games in this period. Fabregas’ Como intrigue me.”He was a player of mine at Chelsea and we recently exchanged notes.”Sarri spent just one season at Chelsea after replacing Antonio Conte in 2018.But he left Stamford Bridge after just a sole season, winning the Europa League with Fabregas in 2019.READ MORE SUN STORIESFrank Lampard would replace Sarri, who went on to join Juventus.With Juve, he won the league title but again his reign lasted no more than a full season after he was sacked in October 2020. More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Latest updates from 3pm games as Tottenham lead Ipswich and Fulham losing to Crystal Palace

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      THE Premier League is LIVE with five games taking place on a Super Saturday RIGHT NOW!Earlier, Everton and Manchester United played at a classic in the pair’s final edition at Goodison Park – the visitors came from two goals down to draw 2-2.We will have updates from four Premier League matches – as well as a separate live blog from Arsenal vs West Ham – with Tottenham travelling to Ipswich and Fulham and Crystal Palace in a London derby.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Southampton 0-1 Brighton49 – Southampton score via Cameron Archer but trailed offside in his final movement. Promising nonetheless. Copy linkCopiedSECOND HALF BEGINSAnd we’re back across the grounds. Copy linkCopiedSon’s consistency Heung-Min Son now has at least 20 goal involvements in all competitions in his last nine seasons for Spurs:2016/17 – 28 (21 goals, 7 assists)2017/18 – 29 (18 goals, 11 assists)2018/19 – 29 (20 goals, 9 assists)2019/20 – 29 (18 goals, 11 assists)2020/21 – 37 (22 goals, 15 assists)2021/22 – 32 (24 goals, 8 assists)2022/23 – 20 (14 goals, 6 assists)2023/24 – 27 (17 goals, 10 assists)2024/25 – 20 (10 goals, 10 assists)Copy linkCopiedHALF-TIME First half comes to an end for all the games. Here’s a round-up of the current results: Fulham 0-1 Crystal PalaceIpswich Town 1-2 SpursBournemouth 0-1 WolvesSouthampton 0-1 Brighton Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-1 Crystal Palace Confidence is growing in Oliver Glasner’s side. Eze has threatened again and latest attempt to double the lead has come from Daniel Muñoz, who tends to find himself in the most obscure of goal-scoring potions – this one came from his more natural right-side berth.Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-1 Crystal Palace – GOAL 37 – That Marco Silva face is screwing just that bit more now. Maxence Lacroix opens the scoring for Crystal Palace from a corner. Copy linkCopiedIpswich Town 1-2 Spurs – GOAL36 – Omari Hutchinson pulls one back for the Tractor Boys. Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-1 Wolves – GOAL36 – Wolves go-to man dose it again. Matheus Cunha pounces onto a 50-50 ball around the box before firing past Kepa. Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-0 Crystal Palace32 – Chances have been far and few between in this London clash. Eberechi Eze’s long-range free kick forces Bernd Leno to produce a proactive save. Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Wolves – RED CARD 30 – After a VAR review, Illia Zabarnyi is sent off for rough chanllnege over the top of the ball and on the ankle of Wolves’ Rayan Aït-Nouri.Copy linkCopiedIpswich Town 0-2 Spurs – GOAL 25 – Son and Johnson combine again. The former weaves himself inside the box to find his teammate once again in an advantageous position and condition for an easy finish. Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-1 Brighton – GOAL 23 – Another goal conceded that sums up Southampton’s season. João Pedro snatches on a miscommunication from the Saints defence no more than 20 yards from their and dinks the onrushing Aaron Ramsdale in the process. Copy linkCopiedIpswich Town 0-1 Spurs18 – Vintage stuff from Son Heung-min who shimmies his defender to create space on the left wing and slides the ball across goal for an unmarked Brennan Johnson to pass into an empty net.Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-0 Crystal Palace15 – Tends to be a familiar sight when Fulham aren’t leading: Marco Silva shaking his head in disgust. This time not for a missed chance or misplaced pass but for ill-judged tackle for Palace’s Chris Richards on Emile Smith Rowe. Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-0 Brighton11 – Jan Bednarek has gone down here and will be replaced by Armel Bella-Kotchap, who spent last season not playing much at PSV – on for his first Premier League minutes of the season!Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Wolves8 – Wolves nearly SCORE! The visitors come ramping down on a counter-attack led by Nélson Semedo, who cut inside before rasping a shot off the post and the follow-up was wonderfully kept out by Kepa from close-range.Copy linkCopiedIpswich Town 0-0 Spurs6 – Off to clashing start this one. Ispwich have hit scored, nearly scored and hit the bar all in the opening six minutes.Copy linkCopiedKICK-OFFAll the 3pm games have now kicked off. Copy linkCopiedUnited as they wereManchester United fought back from 2-0 down to earn a point at Goodison Park to stop a run of defeats – but it does little for them in terms of the league table.Ruben Amorim’s team remain in 15th position behind Crystal Palace and Tottenham on goal difference.Meanwhile, Everton have leapfrogged over those two clubs to sit temporarily in 12th – but that could all change with the following three o’clock kick-offs about to get underway.Arsenal v West HamBournemouth v WolvesFulham v Crystal PalaceIpswich v TottenhamSouthampton v BrightonCopy linkCopiedIpswich Town vs Spurs line-ups Ipswich Town XI: Palmer, Godfrey, O’Shea, Greaves, Davis, Cajuste, Phillips, Philogene, Hutchinson, Clarke, DelapSpurs XI: Vicario, Spence, Danso, Gray, Udogie, Bergvall, Bentancur, Johnson, Kulusevski, Son, TelCopy linkCopiedFulham vs Crystal Palace line-ups Fulham XI: Leno, Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson, Lukić, Berge, Traoré, Smith Rowe, Iwobi, JiménezCrystal Palace XI: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Muñoz, Mitchell; Hughes, Lerma; Sarr, Eze; Mateta.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth vs Wolves line-ups Bournemouth XI: Arrizabalaga; Hill, Zabarny, Huijsen, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Tarvenier, Kluivertz, Seymenyo; OuattaraWolves XI: Sa; Doherty, Bueno, Toti; Semedo, Andre, J Gomes, Ait-Nouri; Bellegarde, Munetsi; Cunha. Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from Goodison ParkCopy linkCopiedFull time – Everton 2-2 Man UtdAnd breathe.Or should that be a sigh of relief? I suspect it should be if you are of a Manchester United persuasion.After unexpectedly fighting back from two goals down, the Red Devils got away with a huge penalty shout in stoppage time when De Ligt tugged at the shirt of Young.Earlier, Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick and Manuel Ugarte’s excellent volley had dragged the visitors level after they had been outplayed and outfought for most of the contest. Copy linkCopiedEverton 2-2 Man Utd90+3. Is this a penalty?!Gueye’s shot from outside the box is pushed out by Onana, and in the desperation to get to the loose ball, De Ligt appears to pull down Young.Andy Madley immediately waves the appeals away, but VAR are looking at it in depth – and now they’ve suggested an on-field review!The referee heads to the pitchside monitor under immense pressure from players and supporters. He watches it numerous times, and then returns to the field……where he sticks with his original decision! No penalty!Incredible scenes here at the death!Copy linkCopied More

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      Ex-Man City star who Trent Alexander-Arnold branded ‘toughest opponent’ joins eighth-tier minnows on free transfer

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD’S toughest-ever opponent Brandon Barker has joined an eighth-tier side.The winger has signed for Avro FC, who are 14th in the Northern Premier League Western Division.Former Rangers star Brandon Barker has signed for Arvo FCCredit: GettyThe winger once gave Trent Alexander-Arnold the runaround as a Man City youth playerCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold named Barker as the toughest opponent he has facedCredit: GettyBarker, 28, most recently played for Morecambe in League Two but was released last summer after making just two appearances.He will now line up for Arvo after injuries have caused him to slide down the leagues.Barker played for the likes of Rangers, Hibernian and Preston after coming through the ranks at Manchester City.He made one appearance for the Citizens but made a name for himself while playing for the academy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn one memorable match he ran Alexander-Arnold ragged in the Liverpool star’s Anfield debut.Alexander-Arnold has not forgotten the stern test he was given and has since spoken of Barker highly.Asked who the toughest opponent he ever played against is, Alexander-Arnold said: “I would say Brandon Barker, played for [Manchester] City.”I was 18, playing for the Under-21s, first ever time at Anfield, got beat 3-0. He scored two and got an assist. I came off at 60.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Still to this day, he’s the opponent I think that just destroyed me, man. I’ve never had it like that before.”At that point I’m thinking: ‘this kid is going to be the best player in the world’ because I’d never seen someone move so quickly and sharp and effectively, so I’d say Brandon Barker.”Pep Guardiola says Akanji’s season all-but over as Man City star suffers injury while playing ‘in emergency’ More

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      Arsenal vs West Ham LIVE SCORE: Premier League clash on NOW as Bowen gives Hammers SHOCK lead – latest updates

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      ARSENAL are taking on West Ham in a huge London derby RIGHT NOW!Hammers skipper Jarrod Bowen gave the Irons a shock lead just before half time, heading in from close range after great work from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.TV/Stream: Not available in the UKArsenal team: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Nwaneri, Trossard, MerinoWest Ham team: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell, Scarles, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Alvarez, Bowen, KudusCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Arsenal 0-1 West Ham47. Foul. Merino is looking keen in the press but catches Wan-Bissaka to alleviate some pressure for the Hammers.Copy linkCopiedSecond half! Arsenal 0-1 West Ham45. And we’re back at the Emirates.Arsenal’s starting eleven survived the hairdryer treatment and come back out unchanged.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 West HamMartin Odegaard is at the heart of the Gunners attack once again.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 West HamWest Ham lead despite a dominant display from the Gunners who have failed to convert.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 West HamWhat a half of football. Arteta’s decision to play Merino as a nine will undoubtedly come under questioning as will the Arsenal back line.Soucek failed to convert two chances in the air before Bowen headed home, a shock for the side with the best defensive record in the Premier League.Copy linkCopiedHALF TIME! Arsenal 0-1 West HamThe Gunners go into the break trailing to their London rivals.We can only imagine what Mikel Arteta will be telling his players.Work to do here at the Emirates.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 West HamWhat a goal! Jarrod Bowen starts the move with a slick turn and is in the final third to finish neatly after running the length of the pitch. Bowen plays it wide to Wan-Bissaka, who has been causing the Gunners all kinds of problems this afternoon, and Calafiori can’t keep him from crossing back onto Bowen’s diving header.A vintage counter from the Hammers. Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Arsenal 0-1 West Ham44. West Ham take the lead just before the break through Jarrod Bowen!Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham38. Corner. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard rallied the crowd moments ago and the Gunners have piled on the pressure since.Jarrod Bowen makes a fantastic block to deny the Gunners a second chance from the set-piece.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham34. Chance. Soucek AGAIN fails to convert a header. He’s beaten the Arsenal back line to the ball twice now.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham31. Complaints can be heard from the home fans as Arsenal struggle to break through the Hammers’ back line. Meanwhile, ‘Champions of Europe, we know who we are!’ is ringing around the West Ham away end.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham28. The Hammers’ fans are enjoying themselves despite Arsenal’s dominance.Chants of ‘This is a library’ can be heard from the away end.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham25. CHANCE. Wan-Bissaka has been the Hammers’ brightest spark so far. The full back crosses to Jarrod Bowen who will be gutted with that miss. Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham21. The atmosphere is lifting here at the Emirates.Calafiori draws a save from Areola with a smash from the edge of the area.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham20. Offside. Merino lifts the home fans out of their seats but strikes well wide.The flag is raised to his relief.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham18. West Ham come close but Soucek heads over the bar.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham11. Close. Merino tries to nod the ball back across the box to Nwaneri but West Ham manage to clear.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham10. FOUL!Merino is punished for a light push in the back, which is followed by a loud groan from the home support.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham8. West Ham enjoy their first spell of possession in the Gunners’ half but it quickly fizzles out and they’re back to square one…Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham7. Merino is looking right at home in his new role up top.The midfielder-turned-striker is giving the Hammers no time on the ball.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham4. Arsenal are dominating possession early on and force Areola into a shaky clearance with an aggressive press, much to the delight of the home fans.The hosts look very comfortable.Copy linkCopiedKICK OFF – Arsenal 0-0 West Ham1′ Craig Pawson blows the whistle and we’re off!Copy linkCopiedThe sides are out!North London forever rings around the Emirates as West Ham wait to kick off.Copy linkCopiedTrossard is confident in the Gunners’ beliefCopy linkCopiedPotter remains positive in press conference despite shaky startThe manager insists he is “loving” life with the Hammers, adding: “There’s always more work to do, and always room for improvement.“I realised before, and now, that it’s a huge club with great support, ambition and infrastructure. “There’s loads going for it, and obviously we’ve had a tricky situation with changing managers, the results and everything else.”Copy linkCopied More