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    Dramatic moment Prem ace Jorginho’s fiancee confronts woman in late-night doorstep showdown over Arsenal star

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    THE fiancee of footie ace Jorginho confronted a woman in a late night doorstep showdown over the star.Singer Catherine Harding, who previously dated actor Jude Law, turned up demanding to know about Vanessa Sandora and the Arsenal midfielder, 33.Jorginho’s fiancee was involved in a bust-up with another woman over the starCredit: GettyThe Arsenal ace with partner Catherine HardingCredit: Instagram @jorginhofrelloThe 11.30pm encounter took place at Vanessa’s £3million London home.She said yesterday: “I was terrified about who was knocking on my door unannounced so late at night.“I used my Ring doorbell to see it was a woman I did not know.“She said via the intercom, ‘I’m Jorginho’s fiancée, can you let me in?’.” READ MORE ON ARSENALVanessa met the Brazil-born Italy international three times several years ago, including at the Italian restaurant Stecca in West London. But earlier this month, she began receiving calls from an unknown number.Beautician Vanessa, 39, said: “I didn’t pick up but it turned out to be Catherine. When I didn’t answer her calls, she drove across London to knock on my door at 11.30pm.“She had got my address and phone number from an ex of mine who had contacted her. I did let her in and we had a frank chat, woman-to-woman. I felt she deserved the facts, so I gave them to her.”Most read in FootballVanessa explained to Catherine, 33, that she had met up with Jorginho in the past. She added: “He’s not really my type, and I’m not into football, so I was pretty unfazed.”Myles Lewis-Skelly shows off his skills playing for Arsenal She deleted Jorginho from her social media in 2022. Vanessa went on: “I thought that was the end of it and was very happy to get on with my life and build up my business.”But on December 4, Catherine turned up unannounced at her home in Chelsea, West London.Vanessa said her ex-boyfriend had contacted Catherine to tell her about her meetings with Jorginho, in a bid to cause trouble.She added: “I’m not a floozy. I told her I’m not interested in her bloke. But since then she’s been messaging me and won’t let it lie. She needs to move on and leave me out of her life.”Jorginho has more than 3.4million Instagram followers and Irish star Catherine has more than 51,000.The pair, who got engaged a year ago, live in Enfield, North London, near Arsenal’s training ground.Catherine confronting Sandora in a late-night doorstep showdownCatherine made the finals of The Voice UK in 2020 using the name Cat Cavelli.She was mentored by The X Factor star Olly Murs.In 2015, it was revealed she had a child with Fantastic Beasts and Sherlock Holmes star Jude Law.Jorginho married Natalia Leteri in 2017 and had two children together. They split two years later.The player later struck up a relationship with Catherine.He proposed surrounded by red roses and candles, while she was serenaded by a violinist.The couple shared videos and pictures of the intimate moment on Instagram. In February, the couple featured in Amazon Prime’s reality show Married to the Game, which explored the relationships between six top players and their partners.Jorginho has played 66 times for Arsenal and scored one goal since his £12million move from Chelsea in 2022. He had joined the Blues from Napoli for £50million in 2018.He has made 57 Italy appearances, netting five times. READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2021 he became the first player to win the European Championship, Champions League and Uefa Super Cup in the same season.Jorginho, on the bench for Arsenal in their win against Crystal Palace yesterday, and Catherine were both approached for comment.Vanessa Sandora is a beautician More

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      Arsenal ratings: Jesus brings Arteta the perfect Christmas present but Saliba has rare off-game for Gunners

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      GABRIEL JESUS produced his first Premier League goals since January on a day he could have had a hat-trick to continue his good form.The Brazilian took the match ball home after putting three past Palace in the Carabao Cup just three days ago.Gabriel Jesus scored his fourth and fifth goals in the routCredit: AlamyWilliam Saliba had a rare off dayCredit: GettyBukayo Saka was taken off injured in the first halfCredit: GettyNow he needs to reproduce that goalscoring touch against a side other than the Eagles, but if Arsenal continue to pose this sort of threat then he surely will.Once again the Gunners dominated from corners and Jesus almost scored a first-half hat-trick when his header came back off the post to provide a simple tap-in for Kai Havertz.Gabriel Martinelli impressed and got on the scoresheet but Arsenal did suffer a blow in the first half as Bukayo Saka limped off with injury, while William Saliba had a rare off day.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated the Gunners display at Selhurst Park.READ MORE ON ARSENALDavid Raya 8Lucky to escape a “Fraser Forster” moment as he played Thomas Partey into all sorts of problems early on before he was beaten by Sarr’s curler soon afterwards.But then bailed out Gabriel to foil Mateta when he seemed certain to equalise once again and made more key saves from Sarr and Mateta at the start of the second half. Often there at the biggest moments.Jurrien Timber 6Dutch defender looked slightly uncomfortable at times on the right as he gave Palace far too much attacking leeway.Booked for taking an age and a half over a throw-in as well although it was not a costly one.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWilliam Saliba 5All over the place in the first half as he seemed determined to open the door to the home side.Saliba stood off Sarr and paid the price as Palace levelled and then made another blunder only for Raya to save from Mateta. Not exactly a dominant performance.Arteta looks back on his five years managing Arsenal Gabriel 6Saliba’s wobbles meant his partner-in-chief had to stand up and be counted more than normal but he was not at his best either and a booking after half an hour had him walking a tightrope.More of the same after the break. Fortunately Palace’s defensive deficiencies took the sting out of their attacking armoury too.Myles Lewis-Skelly 7Youngster is grabbing his unexpected opportunity to make a first-team impact with an understanding of the inverted nature of the Arsenal full-back role.By some distance the best of the four defenders in the Arsenal back division.Thomas Partey 7Asked to take care of the defensive midfield task but soon to the fore with the lay-off that allowed Jesus to put the Gunners back in front inside the first 14 minutes.Did what was needed defensively and willing to venture forward when the opportunity was there. Solid throughout.Martin Odegaard 8When the Norwegian turns up, Arsenal turn up.At Selhurst, Odegaard was the orchestrator in chief from the start, dropping deep to pick up possession and then keeping it simple and effective. The skipper is a leader.Kai Havertz 8Back in midfield having played most of the season up top but he was in the perfect centre-forward’s position to tap into the empty net when Jesus’ header came back off the post.Home hands went up but there were only the five Palace defenders playing the German onside. A tidy display on the ball but did leave his side slightly open defensively.Bukayo Saka 7The early loss of the England winger to a worrying knee injury could be a major blow to Arsenal’s title chances.Always the out-ball, Saka had signalled his ongoing threat as he made space to deliver the cross that led to Jesus’ early opener. He could be missing for a while now.Gabriel Jesus 9Midweek hat-trick against Glasner’s men earned him only fourth Prem start of the season and how he took the chance with the early double and another effort off the post that led to a simple Havertz goal.The Brazilian had been waiting more than 10 months for a top flight goal and got two in eight minutes. One against the woodwork and another missed sitter, too. He must want to play Palace every week.Gabriel Martinelli 8Took the corner that led to Jesus’ second but then switched to the right flank after Saka limped away and supplied the cross which ended with Havertz making it three before netting himself from close range.Arteta will need that level of return from the Brazilian over the coming weeks if this title challenge is going to be a real one.Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Saka, 25) 6Belgian will have to step up if Saka is out for a long spell after his injury and his low cross ended up bringing the Arsenal fourth.READ MORE SUN STORIESDeclan Rice (for Havertz, 58) 8England star came on to secure the game after Arsenal’s sloppy start to the second half and set up Martinelli with his first touch before steering home the fifth.Riccardo Calafiori (for Lewis-Skelly, 58) 6Martinelli’s strike meant the game was over before the Italian had touched the ball. That makes it easier.Ethan Nwaneri (for Gabriel Jesus 86) N/A More

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      Palace 1 Arsenal 5: Jesus makes it five goals in two games as Eagles have wings clipped by title-chasing Gunners

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      IT IS safe to assume you do not see too many stars in the night sky in Croydon.Light pollution from the nearby IKEA superstore alone will see to that.Gabriel Jesus led the way with a brace as Arsenal smashed Crystal Palace 5-1Credit: GettyThe Brazilian now has five goals in his last two gamesCredit: ReutersThe Gunners fired out a title warning to rivalsCredit: GettyArsenal saw star man Bukayo Saka limp off injuredCredit: GettyBut Arsenal’s very own angel Gabriel appeared not once but TWICE to cap a memorable week for himself and help his team clinch victory in their last game before Christmas.Striker Gabriel Jesus also played a part in the third goal which meant Kai Havertz and revitalised Arsenal secured three points and their place back in the top three long before half time.They have the added cushion of six days now in which to prepare for their next outing – a home game against struggling Ipswich on Friday. And they do need it.For while this finished up looking a fairly routine win, there were hairy moments of their own making for Mikel Arteta’s team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe return of midfielder Declan Rice and defender Ricardo Calfiori in the second half was a welcome moment for the Gunners boss.Whether it makes up for the loss of star turn Bukayo Saka in the first half, with the England man limping straight down the tunnel is another matter.Underpinning the win were the defensive lapses which meant Palace were done for by half time and Arsenal were gifted a win.Sloppy marking, then failing to clear and losing concentration from two corners had the game done and dusted by the break.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNot that Jesus cares. He has enjoyed a phenomenal few days in his professional and personal life and won’t let anyone take the gloss of his glory.Three goals inside the first quarter of an hour got the tempo of the game up and stirred the crowd.Myles Lewis-Skelly shows off his skills playing for Arsenal Jesus got Arsenal off to a flyer in the sixth minuteCredit: GettyThe ace continued his fine form after a hat-trick against Palace in the Carabao Cup on WednesdayCredit: ReutersTwo of them came from the rarely-used Brazilian who is on a high right now after scoring a hat-trick against Palace in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday and added two more by the 14th minute last night.His first was a gift after ghosting in unnoticed from the left side of attack to bury a low shot when Palace did not deal with a deep cross from Saka.That was after only six minutes and it appeared the perfect start from which Arsenal would go on and romp it.But the weaknesses in front of their own goal with Rice and Calafiori not fit to start were exposed when Palace burst down the left through Tyrick Mitchell.Arsenal ratings vs Palace as Gunners stuff Eagles at Christmas with Gabriel Jesus rebornGABRIEL JESUS produced his first Premier League goals since January on a day he could have had a hat-trick to continue his good form.Gabriel Martinelli impressed and got on the scoresheet but Arsenal did suffer a blow in the first half as Bukayo Saka limped off with injury, while William Saliba had a rare off day.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated the Gunners display at Selhurst Park.David Raya – 8Lucky to escape a “Fraser Forster” moment as he played Thomas Partey into all sorts of problems early on before he was beaten by Sarr’s curler soon afterwards.But then bailed out Gabriel to foil Mateta when he seemed certain to equalise once again and made more key saves from Sarr and Mateta at the start of the second half. Often there at the biggest moments.Jurrien Timber – 6Dutch defender looked slightly uncomfortable at times on the right as he gave Palace far too much attacking leeway.Booked for taking an age and a half over a throw-in as well although it was not a costly one.William Saliba – 5All over the place in the first half as he seemed determined to open the door to the home side.Saliba stood off Sarr and paid the price as Palace levelled and then made another blunder only for Raya to save from Mateta. Not exactly a dominant performance.Gabriel – 6Saliba’s wobbles meant his partner-in-chief had to stand up and be counted more than normal but he was not at his best either and a booking after half an hour had him walking a tightrope.More of the same after the break. Fortunately Palace’s defensive deficiencies took the sting out of their attacking armoury too.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Youngster is grabbing his unexpected opportunity to make a first-team impact with an understanding of the inverted nature of the Arsenal full-back role.By some distance the best of the four defenders in the Arsenal back division.Thomas Partey – 7Asked to take care of the defensive midfield task but soon to the fore with the lay-off that allowed Jesus to put the Gunners back in front inside the first 14 minutes.Did what was needed defensively and willing to venture forward when the opportunity was there. Solid throughout.Martin Odegaard – 8When the Norwegian turns up, Arsenal turn up.At Selhurst, Odegaard was the orchestrator in chief from the start, dropping deep to pick up possession and then keeping it simple and effective. The skipper is a leader.Kai Havertz – 8Back in midfield having played most of the season up top but he was in the perfect centre-forward’s position to tap into the empty net when Jesus’ header came back off the post.Home hands went up but there were only the five Palace defenders playing the German onside. A tidy display on the ball but did leave his side slightly open defensively.Bukayo Saka – 7The early loss of the England winger to a worrying knee injury could be a major blow to Arsenal’s title chances.Always the out-ball, Saka had signalled his ongoing threat as he made space to deliver the cross that led to Jesus’ early opener. He could be missing for a while now.Gabriel Jesus – 9Midweek hat-trick against Glasner’s men earned him only fourth Prem start of the season and how he took the chance with the early double and another effort off the post that led to a simple Havertz goal.The Brazilian had been waiting more than 10 months for a top flight goal and got two in eight minutes. One against the woodwork and another missed sitter, too. He must want to play Palace every week.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Took the corner that led to Jesus’ second but then switched to the right flank after Saka limped away and supplied the cross which ended with Havertz making it three before netting himself from close range.Arteta will need that level of return from the Brazilian over the coming weeks if this title challenge is going to be a real one.Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Saka, 25) – 6Belgian will have to step up if Saka is out for a long spell after his injury and his low cross ended up bringing the Arsenal fourth.Declan Rice (for Havertz, 58) – 8England star came on to secure the game after Arsenal’s sloppy start to the second half and set up Martinelli with his first touch before steering home the fifth.Riccardo Calafiori (for Lewis-Skelly, 58) – 6Martinelli’s strike meant the game was over before the Italian had touched the ball. That makes it easier.Ethan Nwaneri (for Gabriel Jesus 86) N/AIsmaila Sarr equalised for Palace five minutes laterCredit: GettyThe Eagles looked to gain confidence from the strikeCredit: AFPJesus calmed Arsenal’s nerves with another goal straight afterCredit: GettyThe Brazilian is coming into form after a mixed seasonCredit: AFPHis diagonal ball inside found Ismaila Sarr as Arsenal stood off and he led backtracking centre half William Saliba a merry dance before curling in a shot from 15 yards on 11 minutes.Jesus restored the lead when Palace could not clear the danger from a corner.Jefferson Lerma’s header fell only as far as Thomas Partey, who laid the ball back for Jesus, again unmarked, to claim his second of the match and fifth of the week with a blistering finish.Once the main man up front, he has not scored in the Premier League since January and only starts occasionally.Kai Havertz gave Arsenal a two-goal cushionCredit: ReutersHe celebrated with the ball under his shirtCredit: GettyGabriel Martinelli made it 4-1 in the second halfCredit: ReutersHe celebrated his strike passionatelyCredit: PANevertheless, he celebrated his three goals in midweek by stuffing the ball up his top and sucking his thumb having announced his partner is pregnant.This time he held an imaginary phone to his ear presumably to get his agent on the phone to cash in on his return to form.In the 37th minute, just as Palace were starting to rouse themselves from the early setbacks, Jesus then rounded off a perfect day by providing the assist for number three.Another cross from the right, this time from Gabriel Martinelli and Jesus rose to head against the post.Palace’s dozing defenders failed to respond as Havertz dashed in to tap home the rebound.Declan Rice put the finishing touches on a fine winCredit: PAArsenal moved a point behind Chelsea in thirdCredit: AFPArsenal are now sweating over the fitness of SakaCredit: GettyHis injury comes ahead of a tricky Christmas runCredit: GettyNot that there weren’t a few scares. Arsenal keeper David Raya especially will feel more assured now that Rice is back to shield his goal.The England man came on for Havertz on 58 minutes and within 120 seconds took his first shot, which was diverted en route to goal by Gabriel Martinelli to make it 4-1.Rice confirmed his return from injury by curling home number five in the 85th minute.Raya made a double save from Jean-Hillippe Mateta and Sarr in the second half and produced an even better stop with his feet in the first when Palace’s big striker was through one-on-one.Defeat takes the wind out of the sails for Eagles boss Oliver Glasner.READ MORE SUN STORIESMuch was made of his team’s spirited 3-1 win at arch rivals Brighton last week and they were unbeaten in five ahead of kick off.But it’s also been seven weeks since they won a home game of any sort and they remain stuck in the bowels of the Premier League after this collapse – four points above the bottom three. More

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      Arsenal and Man City ‘ready to battle Bayern Munich’ for Dani Olmo transfer and could sign Barcelona star for free

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      ARSENAL and Manchester City are set to battle Bayern Munich to sign Barcelona star Dani Olmo in January, according to reports.Olmo, 26, was one of the standout stars of Euro 2024 and signed for Barcelona in a £52m move this summer.Arsenal and Man City are reportedly battling for the signature of Dani Olmo from BarcelonaCredit: GettyHowever, the Spaniard could already be on his way to the Premier League next month – and it may be in a free transfer.Barcelona’s dire financial situation has meant that the attacking midfielder is only registered until December 31st and looks unlikely to be able to play for the Catalan club in the new year.Reports in Spain have claimed that a clause in Olmo’s contract means that he can leave Barca for free next month if the issue isn’t resolved.El Nacional report that both Arsenal and Man City have already put down attractive offers to the player in the hopes of convincing him to jump ship to the Prem.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile German giants Bayern Munich are also said to be keen on making a move for the former RB Leipzig man.Barcelona execs Joan Laporta and Deco are understood to be scrambling to try and resolve the situation, but face a battle against the clock.Laporta recently spoke out about his optimism in registering Olmo in time for the new year.The club president said: “We have temporarily registered him and hope to do so definitively. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”There are always doubts about registrations, but in the end, we always manage to register them,Barcelona manager, Hansi Flick, has been keen to keep hold of Olmo and views him of part of his plans.Ian Wright convinced Spain star Dani Olmo is ‘taking the micky out of us’ with pre-Euro 2024 final gestureOlmo has excelled during his time with Barcelona, scoring five goals in 10 league appearances this term.The star’s team have begun listening to offers from other teams and could More

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      Worrying moment Bukayo Saka is spotted on crutches outside Selhurst Park after injury as Arteta admits ‘it’s not good’

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      BUKAYO SAKA was spotted on crutches after going off injured in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.Boss Mikel Arteta admitted “it’s not good news” after Saka limped off midway in the first half of his side’s dominant victory.Bukayo Saka was spotted on crutches after Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal PalaceCredit: The SunMikel Arteta admits ‘it’s not good news’ after the injury blowCredit: The SunSaka was forced off injured after just 20 minutesCredit: GettyThe ace looked distressed as he went down clutching his legCredit: GettyArsenal be sweating over Saka’s fitness ahead of a tough Christmas runCredit: GettyThe winger started Saturday’s clash at Selhurst Park and helped his side race into the lead with a sixth-minute assist for Gabriel Jesus.But Saka pulled up after 20 minutes clutching his leg.The England star had attempted to swing in a cross from the right wing with Arsenal leading 2-1.And he immediately fell to the ground with a pained expression on his face.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMedics rushed to Saka’s side as he struggled to move.He eventually made his way off the field for treatment.But Saka was unable to recover from the knock.And he required assistance as he limped down the touchline before making his way into the tunnel.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSaka ended up being replaced by Belgian star Leandro Trossard.But after the match had ended, he was spotted leaving Selhurst Park on crutches in what could be a major blow to boss Arteta.Myles Lewis-Skelly shows off his skills playing for Arsenal The Spaniard said afterwards: “Saka felt something in his hamstring.”He could not continue. He has to be assessed. We are pretty worried.”I don’t know (the seriousness) but he had to come off.”It’s not good news. We will have to assess him and wait and see.”It now remains to be seen how serious his setback is, with Arsenal facing Ipswich, Brentford and Brighton over the festive period.Following a short break, they then have a tough run against Manchester United, Tottenham and Aston Villa.And fans reacted with dismay to the thought of a Saka-less spell.One said: “Worst nightmare, Saka’s injury will cost us the league.”Another declared: “Hope Saka is alright, not looking good there.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “It was always coming, we have overplayed and burned him out.”Another added: “Without Saka we’re screwed, let’s hope it’s not an injury that will keep him out for weeks.” More

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      Brentford 0 Nottingham Forest 2: Nuno’s side leapfrog Arsenal into third as remarkable form continues

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      NOTTINGHAM Forest’s dream season continued as they snatched away the best home record in the Premier League with a clinical win at Brentford.Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga scored the goals as Forest became the first side to not only take all three points at the Gtech Community Stadium, but also to silence a Brentford attack that had scored 26 goals in eight previous home games.Nottingham Forest inflicted Brentford’s first home defeat of the seasonCredit: AlamyOla Aina broke the deadlock in the 38th minute at the G-tech Community StadiumCredit: RexFormer Man Utd winger Anthony Elanga doubled Forest’s lead inside 51 minutesCredit: PAForest leapfrogged Arsenal in third with the Gunners playing later on SaturdayCredit: PANuno Espirito Santo’s side and the Forest fans can tuck into their turkey dreaming of Champions League football next season if they can maintain this remarkable form.Only Chelsea have picked up more points on their travels this season than Nuno’s men.Forest travelled to West London having visited Arsenal and the two Manchester clubs on their previous three away days.Given that Brentford had collected 22 points out of a possible 24, scoring 26 goals in eight home games so far this Premier League season, a date at the Gtech was an even more daunting task for Nuno’s men.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThere were some worrying signs early on. With only four minutes gone, Yoane Wissa played in Mikkel Damsgaard only for the Dane to scuff his shot and see it pushed away by Forest keeper Matz Sels.Brentford then forced a succession of corners and one of them came out to Bryan Mbeumo. His curling cross picked out Kristoffer Ajer whose header skimmed inches wide.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWissa then took advantage of hesitation by Morato and Neco Williams to nip between the two Forest defenders and hook in a shot which landed on the roof of the net.Having soaked up the Brentford, Forest carved out a chance of their own just after the half-hour.Aina shows off his left foot declaring, ‘It’s still hot!!!’Elliot Anderson combined with Williams before crossing for Chris Wood to head goalwards, being denied only by a plunging stop by Mark Flekken.Williams was involved again when the visitors took a 38th-minute lead. He sprinted onto a Callum Hudson-Odoi pass, beat Ajer and pulled the ball back cross the Brentford area where Ola Aina was waiting to steer home his second goal of the season.It was the fourth time this season that Brentford had gone behind at home. They won each of the previous three.If that suggested a comeback by the home side, Forest clearly hadn’t read the script. After all, they had already won at Anfield and Old Trafford this season, and secured a draw at Stamford Bridge.Nuno’s side have dispensed with their inferiority complex that marked their first two Premier League campaigns.Within six minutes of the restart they doubled their lead. Keane Lewis-Potter, converted into a left-back in recent weeks by Brentford boss Thomas Frank, made a has of controlling a long punt forward. The ball bounced into the path of Anthony Elanga, who immediately drove infield found the far bottom corner with a curling shot.The winger might have made it 3-0 three minutes later, but this time his shot was beaten away by Brentford keeper Flekken.His opposite number Sels then produced one of the saves of the season as Brentford tried to respond, albeit that the Forest stopper used his head.Mbeumo headed a cross into the path of Ajer whose shot was turned away at point-blank range by Sels’s head as he threw himself in the way of the ball.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor Brentford, the loss of their proud unbeaten home record this season compounded the disappointment felt by their tame Carabao Cup exit at Newcastle in midweek.But the day belonged to Forest who will spend Christmas Day in the Champions League places. More

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      Pep Guardiola’s Man City crisis laid bare as current run worse than Man Utd and Liverpool have seen in over 60 YEARS

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      PEP GUARDIOLA saw his Manchester City flops fall to yet another defeat against Aston Villa.Goals from Jhon Duran and ex-City star Morgan Rogers – who also set up the first goal – were enough to condemn Guardiola’s side to a sixth Premier League defeat of the season.Pep Guardiola saw his Man City side fall to defeat to Aston VillaCredit: GettyIt means City have now been on a miserable run of nine defeats in their last 12 gamesCredit: RexThat figure is DOUBLE the three games they lost in the league throughout all of last season’s title-winning campaign.However, one record has seen City match records that have not been seen for more than 60 years at two major rivals.With their latest 2-1 defeat – which saw them drop down to sixth in the table – City have now lost nine of their last 12 games in all competitions.Many of their big six rivals have not endured such tough runs for many many decades, as revealed by OptaJoe figures.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOf their top six rivals, Chelsea experienced a similarly horrible run only on May 25th 2023, when the club sacked Graham Potter to place Frank Lampard in interim charge of the team.Tottenham are the next most recent team to suffer that run, though it came all the way back on Boxing Day of 1997.Going back another 20 years sees Arsenal with that horror run of results on March 23rd 1977 – some 47 years ago.However, this pales in comparison to cross-town rivals Manchester United, who have not suffered a run of results so poor since December 16 1961.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRemarkably, Liverpool have an even more impressive consistency with their last run of nine defeats in 12 coming all the way back in January 23rd 1954.Watching the game today, fans believed Guardiola was on the verge of tears as he was also seen letting his fury get the better of him by throwing a bottle at the floor.Pep Guardiola admits he ‘doesn’t know what to do’ and reveals he’s considering radical tactical switch for Manchester derby Another stat compounding their struggles shows that if Southampton pick up a point against Fulham tomorrow, then the Prem’s bottom side would have picked up more points than City since the start of November.Speaking after the game, the Spanish boss remained defiant by insisting his squad can play their way out of the rut.He said: “We made a really good first half, second half we dropped. “We changed our pressing for the reason John [Stones] could not continue. Congratulations Aston Villa and keep going.”In the mid-block, they are so strong. We have good moments, we had chances, more chances than in the [Manchester] United game, but in the second half we dropped and our pressing was not good enough.”We struggled a little bit and we could not drop them well. We found a goal in the end, but too late. We struggle to score and we concede goals.”We have nice personalities in the team and sooner or later we are going to find it.” More

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      I was playing in NINTH tier after following Saka’s route into football – now I want to upstage Arsenal star at Wembley

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      ANIS MEHMETI is on a mission to follow in Bukayo Saka’s footsteps  — and upstage the England ace at Wembley.Like illustrious Arsenal and Three Lions stars Saka and Raheem Sterling, the Bristol City ace honed his skills on the streets of North London.Anis Mehmeti followed Bukayo Saka’s route into footballCredit: GettyBut the Albania star is now looking to upstage Saka at WembleyCredit: PAAnd now he is dreaming of following the duo on to the biggest stage when England start their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in March.That would see wingman Mehmeti, already capped three times by Albania, complete a remarkable journey from the capital’s cages to Wembley’s iconic arch.Mehmeti, 23, told SunSport: “I learned to play my football on the streets of London since I was three or four.“I grew up on an estate so all I wanted to do was play football in the cages and that’s where I learned to be fearless.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’s because of that upbringing that I love to play attacking football and take on my opponents.“You’ve got to be brave in those settings and that’s the way I still am and I’m not going to change.“It was the same with the likes of Sterling and Bukayo Saka, albeit in different parts of North London.“But it all boil downs to the same things — loving football and enjoying the game which is the reason we play.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMehmeti thrived under the watchful eyes of his parents, who moved to England some 25 years ago.He added: “It’s a long time ago but we played every day. I still want to play every single day and it would be a dream come true for me to represent Albania against England.Arsenal star Saka stars in touching ad for Persil“I was born in England but my blood is Albanian and I speak Albanian. And I used to visit every summer until I became a pro footballer when you make sacrifices.”Mehmeti could face Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold or Ben White when Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions reign begins. But the Robins man will not be daunted by anyone he pits his wits against. The Islington-born ace said: “I always joke with the lads that, respectfully, I don’t care who’s in front of me.”I don’t want to sound arrogant but I know what I can do and games like England versus Albania are the sort you live for.“It’s exciting Albania have been drawn in England’s group and I’m determined to be part of it.“I’ve played three times for Albania but there’s been a stint where I didn’t get called up over the last year.“That’s frustrating but hopefully I’ll get a chance to play England because you want to test yourself against the best.“I feel ready. I’m feeling sharp. I’ve just got to keep working hard for the team, scoring goals and, hopefully, the Albanian Federation will call.”Mehmeti aims to add to his six goals this term when the Robins visit West Brom tomorrow.He has become a crowd favourite following a £1million move from Wycombe in January 2023 that capped a rise from non-league football.After a youth career at Fulham, Tottenham and Norwich, he dropped down to join Woodford Town in Essex.He said: “I ended up clubless for a while because of Covid.“I always had belief in myself but there’s doubts when it’s five months without a club and you wonder when the next chance will arise.“I played for Woodford in the Essex Senior League which was a lifeline and I always trained hard so I was ready.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That paid off when I got into Wycombe on trial for the B team before I really kicked on.“It’s been a rough ride, and I know there’s going to be more struggles but I’m ready because I’ve never had a straight road in football.” More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Brentford’s mad home run with Bees on track to obliterate Chelsea’s record from Double-winning season

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      THOMAS FRANK is embracing Brentford’s reputation as the Premier League’s kings of home entertainment.And the Bees boss vowed: “We want to be even MORE attacking at our fortress.”Yoane Wissa celebrates with Brentford boss Thomas FrankCredit: PABryan Mbeumo and strike partner WissaCredit: GettyGtech Community Stadium fans have seen a whopping 40 GOALS in eight top-flight games so far, ahead of today’s clash with Nottingham Forest.Spread over a full season, that average of five per game would smash the record of 82 goals set at Chelsea in their Double-winning season of 2009-10. And if it carries on at the same rate, the Gtech tally could end up close to 100 goals — a thought that lit up Frank’s eyes.The Dane, 51, said: “That would be quite a story, huh?READ MORE IN football“Maybe it’s a little bit linked to us being too open, you never know. But I want us to be as offensive as possible.“We did it in the Championship. For the two years I was in charge before promotion we were the top scorers.“When I talk about having a little bit more control in the games, it’s more about whether we can get to a position where we can look to play a ball in behind, or spread it across, or maybe go on the counters.“But I like to play quite open games. That gives us opportunities, because we have great players that can exploit that space, with way we’ve been building the squad over the last four years.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“That has given us this opportunity now. The structure, everything in the club, makes us want to go even more offensive.”Frank points to Mikkel Damsgaard, Kevin Schade and 19-goal dynamic duo up front Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wisse as summing up a philosophy he has carried since he was a youngster.Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo shows his skills on the training pitch He added: “I’ve always studied the game massively and for many, many years, I’ve been most attracted to more offensive football.“I always looked a little bit at the Ajax team, the total football idea, and then it was Barcelona, the first Dream Team under Johan Cruyff — which of course also had Michael Laudrup, another Danish player, at the heart of it.“So I watched all those games, incredible. And then, of course, Pep took them to another level.“The first for me was Morten Olsen. He was the head coach of Denmark for 15 years and then was in Cologne and Ajax.“First because he was Danish, in the national team.“He was a centre-half as a player, although more of a librero, the guy who was driving through the lines himself, very offensively minded.”As a coach he was the one who first came up with the 4-2-3-1 formation, with very wide wingers. “He was a little bit ahead of his time in many ways and a big inspiration for me.“But I was also inspired by watching what Jurgen Klopp did at Liverpool.“They were the most difficult team to play against from a defensive side because they attacked from all angles.“Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal as well. I liked some of that, with Bergkamp and Henry, Ljungberg, Pires . . . that was some fantastic football as well.“I got that inspiration and tried to merge it into my own blueprint.”Frank is one of the Prem’s great showmen on the sidelines, too, a whirling dervish in the dugout, kicking every ball and seeking to engage the Brentford fans.Excitement is his demand, although he conceded it might not bring the biggest prizes.’We like to be entertaining’Frank said: “Hopefully, you can be a great entertainer and a great winner at the same time.“Ultimately it is all about winning, no doubt about that. Winning is the most important thing.“So we’ve been looking into it quite a bit. Are we too open? Is that why we’re giving too much away? Do we need to adjust a tiny bit?“I don’t think you can achieve anything massively big without also being quite solid at the back.“We saw it with Liverpool when they won the championship. They’d been close but they bought Alisson and Van Dijk and ‘boom!’ — suddenly they had one of the best defences in the league.“City and Arsenal have done things a little bit the same at times and it is extremely important.“But we like to be entertaining if we can. There’s been quite a few games where we scored and then immediately concede, scored and conceded again.“Then we’ve been good enough to score the third one and finally be on top and in control of the games.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’d like to have a few more matches like the Leicester game, where we’re winning 4-1, that’ll be nice — and then I’d be a little bit more calm on the touchline.“But we are playing against some good teams.” More