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      Premier League’s biggest underperformers revealed with Man City still not the worst despite dismal slump in form

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      THE Premier League’s biggest over and underperformers by squad value have been revealed.We’re hurtling towards the half-way point in the season and as the busy festive schedule begins, it’s becoming more clear which teams are living up to the billing and which ones are falling behind expectations.Manchester City are not the league’s biggest underperformers despite their abysmal formCredit: GettyThere’s already been some surprise packages in Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, while everyone has been shocked by the dire form of Pep Guardiola’s Man City side.And now we can compare how each side has shaped up so far this term in comparison to their overall squad value.The league’s biggest overperformers are in fact Bournemouth, who have the 14th most expensive squad in the league, but are currently flying high in fifth in the table.That means their £325m valued squad is some NINE places higher than they should be.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNottingham Forest and Fulham are the joint-second biggest over-performers this term with both sides punching seven spots above their weight.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have played their way into FOURTH in the league with some exciting football this term, that’s far exceeding their squad value of £362m – which is the 11th highest in the league.While Fulham’s £288m squad should be in 16th spot, but are instead battling in the top half of the table in ninth.League leaders Liverpool are also overperforming with their squad value of £802m actually making them the fourth most expensive squad in the league.Most read in FootballBournemouth are overperforming their squad value more than any other teamCredit: GettyNottingham Forest’s sensational start to the campaign makes them the second biggest overperformersCredit: ReutersLiverpool are overachieving by sitting atop the tableCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen it comes to underperforming you would be forgiven for assuming that Manchester City’s near £1BILLION squad value – the highest in the league – would make them the biggest flops as they languish in seventh place.But their six-place differential is actually only the second worst underperformance of the season, with neighbours Manchester United underachieving even more.Old Trafford starts LEAKING midway through Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd press conference as fans say ‘perfect metaphor’United’s £659m squad is the fifth highest value in the league, meaning they are SEVEN spots below where they should be as they lag in the bottom half of the table in 13th.Spurs are the league’s third biggest underperformers this season as they sit six places behind where they should be, having only done enough to sit 11th in the table despite their £647m squad.Elsewhere Arsenal are just one spot behind their expected position, while Chelsea sit one place above where they should be. Manchester United are the league’s biggest underachieversCredit: GettyArsenal should be in second spotCredit: RexChelsea’s season has seen them overperform despite their bumper squad valueCredit: ReutersAnge Postecoglou’s Tottenham are massively underperforming their squad valueCredit: Getty More

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      Major Arsenal blow as Bukayo Saka sidelined for ‘many weeks’ after being forced off with injury

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      BUKAYO SAKA will be sidelined for “many weeks” after he was forced off through injury, Mikel Arteta has confirmed.Saka was subbed off in the 24th minute of Arsenal’s 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday with a muscle injury.Bukayo Saka will be out for ‘many weeks’ after picking up a muscle injuryCredit: ReutersSaka was spotted on crutches following the gameCredit: The SunMikel Arteta has confirmed Saka will be out for some timeCredit: RexThe Arsenal ace, 23, was spotted walking on crutches following the game.And the Gunners have now been handed a nightmare update on his fitness going into the new year.Speaking to reporters, Arteta said: “It’s not looking good. “He’s going to be out for many weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s a huge blow, but it’s going to be a big exercise for us to overcome another challenge.”Saka’s appearance against Palace saw him celebrate his 250th appearance for the North London club.Asked whether there was a fear the winger might not play again this season, Arteta answered with a definitive: “No.”He added: “I would be very optimistic that he will be well again well before the end of the season.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArteta was also quizzed on Saka’s mentality in making his comeback following his injury, given how much he has played so far in his career.The Spaniard said: “Another part of player development is that at some stage at this level you’re going to get injured, unfortunately badly. Bukayo Saka is spotted on crutches after Arsenal’s win at Crystal Palace”He could have been much worse or [it could have] been something else.”It’s how you react to that and overcome that situation and it is a great learning process for him.”It is what it is, he is injured we cannot change it but we are going to use this time to help him for the following years in his career.”Saka has played an incredible 144 games for Arsenal and England since August 2022.Arteta has also revealed that Raheem Sterling will be sidelined for “weeks” as well.He said: “Raheem Sterling will also be out for weeks. He’s suffered an injury, it’s his knee.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He will be assessed again in the next days to understand how long he will be out.”Arsenal’s next game sees them host Ipswich on Friday evening.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/A More

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      Hard-up Prem fans ‘priced out of buying club shirts’ fuelling boom in fake kit for Christmas gifts

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      CASH-strapped Premier League fans are fuelling a boom in fake team shirts for Christmas gifts.Data shows supporters have made 48,510 online searches for counterfeit top-flight club clobber from September to the beginning of December.Premier League fans are fuelling a boom in fake team shirts for Christmas giftsCredit: GettyIn comparison, there were just 4,230 searches from January to August, before the festive shopping season began.Fake Manchester Utd shirts topped the table, with 17,730 searches.The team’s official adult home shirt costs £80, and £55 for children, while both go for £12 on knock-off websites.Betting site Footy Accumulators, which analysed the search data, said: “It is sad to see that clubs have priced many loyal fans out of being able to afford a shirt which is leading them to use websites selling fakes to buy gifts for loved ones this Christmas.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Rising prices mean that a family of four who want new shirts will have to fork out around £370 from club shops whereas if they go to knock off sites the price will be more like £50.“We hope that clubs across the UK take note of these alarming figures and try to make merchandise more affordable in the future to help supporters not have to turn to counterfeit merchandise.”Demand for Arsenal fake shirts soared by 191 per cent over the beginning of the year from just 680 to 5,940 in the run up to Christmas making fake Gooners tops the second most in demand.Newcastle knock offs were third highest in demand with 4,830 searches compared to just earlier in the year – an incredible 419 per cent rise.Most read in FootballTottenham Hotspurs came fourth with demand up from 440 to 3,750 – a 184 per cent rise.Liverpool came fifth on a 169 per cent increase from 460 to 3,720.In sixth place came Manchester City on 3,150 knock off searches – up from 420 and a 150 per cent increase.Non-league club labelled ‘absolute class’ as they rock up to FA Cup tie in bizarre pina colada kit More

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      Michael Owen the ‘only person in football who saw this coming’ as incredible Premier League prediction resurfaces

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      MICHAEL OWEN’S bold Premier League top-four prediction resurfaced and has led to immense praise for the England legend.Owen, 45, left football fans stunned in August when he claimed reigning Premier League champions Manchester City would finish FOURTH after winning a record four titles in a row.Michael Owen predicted Manchester City would finish fourthCredit: GettyOwen’s bold prediction has resurfaced and led to immense praiseCredit: GettyThe ex-Liverpool and Manchester United star even suggested that City could struggle to make the top four, especially if they endure a rough start to the campaign.Owen told Casino Hawks last summer: “Arsenal and Manchester City will go in virtually everybody’s top-four predictions and I think Liverpool will probably be in there as well despite there being some questions over how well Arne Slot will fit in.”I had a thought about Newcastle but Aston Villa are solid and look to be still improving.”In terms of the order, my thought process is if City are not gonna win it, they could actually drop away a little bit.Read More on Football”It’s almost like if City are not gonna be really in the race after 10 games then their priority could go elsewhere – I think there could be a big surprise this season.”I’m going to go for Arsenal first, Liverpool second, Aston Villa third and Manchester City fourth.”After Owen’s prediction City experienced a shocking collapse that saw them dropping to seventh place in the table and losing a staggering nine out of their last 12 matches across all competitions.And fans took to social media to resurface the legendary striker’s bold prediction, that would see Man City manager Pep Guardiola enduring his worst ever finish if it comes true.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOwen caught wind and tweeted: “Glad you noticed.”And fans stormed Twitter to praise the pundit’s brave call at a time when many continued to back the Citizens for a fifth straight Premier League title before their unbelievable breakdown.Pep Guardiola looks battered and bruised in interview after Feyenoord draw as fans ask ‘what’s happened in dressing room?’ One fan tweeted: “He’s probably the only person in football that saw this coming.”Another commented: “He got slated for this, but fair play. He saw their struggles before a lot of us.”A third wrote: “The king is back.”This fan said: “Best pundit in town.”And that one stated: “You saw it coming bro.”Manchester City have endured an unbelievable collapse after four straight titlesCredit: Getty More

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      Tottenham 3 Liverpool 6: Reds tighten grip on top as Salah, Diaz and Co run Spurs ragged in bonkers nine-goal thriller

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      NOTHING could save Spurs this time.Not the referee or linesmen inside the stadium or the VAR operator at Stockley Park. Certainly not Tottenham’s absolutely shocking defence.Mo Salah added two more goals to his tally to sink TottenhamCredit: AlamyDominik Szoboszlai had one of his best games in a Liverpool shirtCredit: ReutersTrent Alexander-Arnold was also key to everything the Reds did well including one perfect assistCredit: ReutersLuis Diaz got on the scoresheet twiceCredit: GettyJames Maddison’s goal made it 2-1 before Spurs capitulatedCredit: EPAWhile last season’s meeting between these two provided us with the biggest cock-up in VAR, this was a walk in the park for the officials.Because like everyone else, they were able to just watch in total bemusement at another bonkers game at the Tottenham Stadium.Weirdly, despite the fact they conceded three times, this was one of Liverpool’s easiest wins of the season and they will be four points clear at Christmas with a game in hand.You hate to think what the aggregate scoreline will be when these two teams meet in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn October 2023, it was Luis Diaz whose goal was incorrectly disallowed for offside after the VAR mistakenly believed the on-field decision had been to award the goal, allowing Spurs to win 2-1.So it was only right that Diaz should start and finish the scoring. After heading the first,Alexis Mac Allister made it 2-0 and while James Maddison pulled one back, shambolic Spurs could not reach half-time without conceding again as Dominik Szoboszlai nodded the third.Mo Salah struck twice for goals no 17 and 18 of the season before Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke both scored – only for Diaz to grab his second.Yet Liverpool could easily have got 10 goals. While Spurs continue to be without keeper Guglielmo Vicario and centre-backs Sergio Romero and Micky van de Ven, this was still embarrassing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBefore the game, Spurs fans protested against chairman Daniel Levy and the club ownership. There were only a few hundred disgruntled supporters although a bigger protest is expected and this result will not help their mood.Because still, the performances under Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou will divide opinion and they are clearly not learning from their lessons.Gary Neville tells Jamie Carragher to ‘f off’ after Liverpool legend performs incredible U-turn on ‘selfish’ SalahFor example, after what happened in the second half three days earlier, when he gifted Manchester United two goals, you would have thought Fraser Forster would have been a bit more careful when the ball was at his feet.Yet staggeringly just two minutes into the game, his attempted chip to Djed Spence landed at the grateful feet of Mo Salah who rushed his shot and fired into the side netting.Incredibly, in the first 18 minutes alone, Salah had five good chances which included a shot against the bar.So Tottenham could not argue that Liverpool did not deserve their lead halfway inside the first half. Diaz got between Pedro Porro and Radu Dragusin to score with an excellent header although this was all down to Alexander-Arnold’s stunning cross who then had Diaz pretend to polish his boot.Alexander-Arnold was excellent for Liverpool although he was lucky, at 0-0, to avoid conceding a penalty after shoving over Maddison.Liverpool’s second came when both Spence and Szoboszlai both jumped to meet Andy Robertson’s cross and the ball looped into the air for Mac Allister who used his head to plant an effort past Forster.Mac Allister was then guilty of offering Spurs a route back when he failed to control a pass from Alexander-Arnold under a challenge from Kulusevski. Maddison took a couple of touches before curling his effort into the bottom right corner.Yet at least, you would have thought Tottenham could get to half-time yet this proved too difficult.Alexander-Arnold’s left-footed punt upfield was met with a header by Szoboszlai and Salah ran onto the flick. Just when Spurs thought Salah would release Diaz, he delivered a reverse pass to Szoboszlai who buried a shot through Forster’s legs.After failing to score five goals in that first half, Salah joined the party. In a goalline scramble, Archie Gray delivered blocks from Cody Gakpo and Szoboszlai and Salah had a simple tap-in.Szoboszlai squared brilliantly to give Salah another easy chance for 5-1 and even though Kulusevski pulled one back with a volley and Solanke struck against his former club, there was never going to be a comeback.READ MORE SUN STORIESJust to make sure, Salah delivered an assist for Diaz who stuck the ball in the corner past Fraser Forster.At the end, the final whistle was greeted with jeers but not in the away end who are loving life under Arne Slot. And pretty grateful he did not join Tottenham 18 months ago. More

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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