More stories

  • in

    EFL club once sponsored by Tyson Fury relegated to non-league after 18 years as Gary Neville’s Salford deal final blow

    TYSON FURY’S beloved Morecambe have officially been relegated from League Two.The Shrimps lost 3-1 to Salford City at the Globe Arena to confirm their drop to non-league football after 18 years.Morecambe have officially been relegated from League TwoTyson Fury used to be a sponsor for his beloved MorecambeThat result basically brings an end to a sorry season for Derek Adams’ side, who struggled both on and off the pitch.Earlier in the campaign, the cash-strapped team’s board collided with the ownership group.This term was blighted by financial problems as Morecambe were placed under a transfer embargo due to the non-payment of a VAT bill – the matter was ultimately settled with HMRC.The cub has been up for sale since September 2022 and it was around that time when Fury, 36, got involved.Read More on FootballThe Gypsy King partnered up with the club after they struck a sponsorship deal three years ago.The heavyweight’s ‘Gypsy King’ brand was embroidered on Morecambe’s home and away shorts for the 2022-23 season.The former world champion even claimed that same year that he was considering buying the club.Fury told talkSPORT at the time: “I’m thinking about buying Morecambe Football Club, they’re in League One at the moment.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So I was thinking I invest X amount of millions in them. Basically throw it at them and keep them going up.”I’ve been offered to buy Morecambe Football Club. I own all the training facilities anyway and the training gym. ‘Definitely making a comeback’ – Tyson Fury, 36, sends fans into frenzy with latest retirement U-turn hint”So who knows? You might be looking at a football club owner.”But it wasn’t meant to be as Morecambe – currently bottom of table in the fourth division – couldn’t avoid relegation.And it was Salford – co-owned by Fury’s fellow celebrities in Manchester United legends Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville and Nick Butt – who landed the killer blow.The Ammies are currently ninth in League Two with only two points separating them from the play-off spots. More

  • in

    West Brom SACK Tony Mowbray after shambolic end-of-season collapse as ex-Premier League star, 38, becomes interim boss

    WEST BROM have sacked Tony Mowbray just two games from the end of the season after a disastrous run of results.The 61-year-old’s second spell in charge at the Hawthorns lasted just three months.Tony Mowbray has been axed by West BromCredit: RexJames Morrison will take charge of the final two matches of the seasonCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMowbray re-joined West Brom in January, 16 years after first leaving the club as boss Carlos Coberan quit for Valencia.But the veteran manager, who battled bowel cancer last year, has had a nightmare time back at the Baggies, overseeing just five wins in 17 matches.A shambolic end-of-season collapse with just one victory from their last eight games has seen West Brom fall out of the play-off positions to tenth.And a 3-1 home defeat to relegation-threatened Derby proved to be the final straw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA club statement read: “West Bromwich Albion have today parted company with head coach Tony Mowbray.”Assistant head coach Mark Venus has also departed the club.”The club would like to place on record its thanks to Tony and Mark for their efforts – but has made the decision to part company following a series of poor results.”Tony and Mark will forever be welcome at The Hawthorns and their contributions to the club winning the 2007/08 Championship title will never be forgotten.Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Everyone at Albion wishes Tony and Mark all the very best in the future.”Former West Brom star James Morrison will take over until the end of the season.West Brom’s Kyle Bartley sparks mass brawl at final whistle v Sheff Weds for shoving his arm into rival’s faceHe will be assisted by Damia Abella and ex-Baggies keeper Boaz Myhill. Morrison, 38, played 341 times for the club as a player and has been coaching at the club since retiring. More

  • in

    Leeds United and Burnley PROMOTED to the Premier League as Clarets beat Sheffield United after Whites’ six-goal blitz

    LEEDS UNITED and Burnley have BOTH sealed promotion to the Premier League.Championship leaders Leeds thrashed Stoke City 6-0 earlier in the day to ensure they would clinch automatic promotion providing Sheffield United did not beat Burnley in the late kick-off.Leeds and Burnley have both won promotion to the Premier League on the same dayBurnley had to beat Sheffield United to earn promotionChampionship leaders Leeds thrashed Stoke City 6-0 earlier in the dayLargie Ramazani and his Leeds team-mates stayed behind to watch the action at Turf MoorLeeds and Burnley are level on 94 points with two games remainingThe Clarets’ 2-1 victory not only sent Leeds up, but also secured the their promotion to the English top-flight.Leeds and Burnley are level on 94 points with two games remaining and will now battle to become Championship champions.Josh Brownhill’s double over Chris Wilder’s third place team, saw Scott Parker’s side climb back into the Prem at the first time of asking.The Burnley captain gave his side a 28th-minute lead, firing home from close range, before scoring a penalty after Tom Cannon denied the home side a record-equalling 30th clean sheet in a single season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSheffield United have to settle for a place in the play-offs despite amassing 86 points this season.Meanwhile, Leeds, who spent the most days at the top of the Championship this season – before dipping into third for a while – put last season’s play-off final defeat by Southampton right.Daniel Farke’s side blew Stoke away at Elland Road at 3pm – then really celebrated at around 7.30pm when the full-time whistle went at Turf Moor.At that time, Burnley’s players dropped to their knees in euphoria.Most read in FootballLeeds and Burnley are level on 94 points with two games remainingThe Whites stayed behind at Elland Road waiting on tender hooksClarets manager Scott Parker became visibly emotional on the pitchJosh Brownhill’s double over third place Burnley saw Parker’s side promotionCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSClarets manager Parker became visibly emotional on the pitch and later in the stands with his family.Parker – who is unbeaten at home this season – only took over in July from Vincent Kompany and yet has masterminded an incredible season.Scott Parker sheds tears in emotional celebration with family as Burnley boss retains hundred per cent promotion recordAnd he has also maintained his 100 percent record in winning promotion after taking up Fulham in 2020 and Bournemouth two years later.And Sky cameras panned to the champagne celebrations at Elland Road, where the Leeds squad and their staff went wild.Meanwhile, Burnley fans had stormed the pitch to party alongside their players.But the joy threatened to be marred by shocking scenes involving Sheffield United ace Hamza Choudhury.Burnley players were able to celebrate on the pitch with ‘We are a Premier League side’ printed on T-shirts.Leeds’ players ‘ stars had to be content with raising a toast backstage, as their game finished at least two hours before.Leeds star Joel Piroe put them on the brink with an incredible FOUR-GOAL first-half blitz against Stoke.The Dutchman ended a nine-match goal drought in spectacular fashion by nabbing a a 20-minute hat-trick – the fastest in the club’s history – before making it 5-0 before half-time after Junior Firpo’s fourth goal of the campaign.Willy Gnonto made it six in the second half.The rout also made it 89 goals for the season – beating the club record of 84 set by Don Revie’s legendary 1969-70 side.Burnley fans charged onto the pitch after promotion was securedLeeds stayed behind to see if Burnley could do the businessCredit: RexLeeds are on the brink of returning to the Premier League after two seasonsCredit: ReutersEverything Daniel Farke could have wished for happened in the first halfCredit: ReutersLeeds United fans celebrate promotion to the Premier League outside Elland RoadCredit: PAJoel Piroe got the Leeds promotion party started with an incredible FOUR-GOAL first-half haulCredit: GettySorry Stoke, four points clear of relegation in 17th spot, crumbled as Leeds turned on the style.Ironically, it was against a Mark Robins side last April where they began to wobble in the promotion race.A 2-1 defeat at Coventry was one of four in a horror six-match run-in that saw them agonisingly miss out on a top-two spot, before faltering in the play-off final.If there were any fears of another late-season Leeds collapse, they were gone within eight memorable minutes as it was Robins’ Stoke side who fell apart under the relentless pressure of the hosts.Like rampaging, raging bulls, Leeds were simply unstoppable as they over-ran the visitors and punished a string of defensive errors.For the sixth-minute opener, three times Stoke were sloppy in possession to the build-up and how they were punished.Daniel Farke’s side thumped Stoke City 6-0 on Easter MondayCredit: ReutersGnonto slipped a pass inside to the supporting Manor Solomon and he picked out Piroe to fire home.There was relief as he rejoiced, not just for the forward after his scoring woes, but the fans crammed inside Elland Road.“No Piroe, no party” they sang – and his much-needed first strike in ten games calmed the nerves and got them in the mood to celebrate.Just two minutes later, Stoke forward Bae Jun-ho lost the ball on the left-hand side and Jayden Bogle burst forward and found Piroe, who calmly steered in his second.After his worrying run and calls for Patrick Bamford to replace him in the starting line-up, the Dutchman showed his class and composure, and justified Farke’s faith.Piroe was suddenly the smiling assassin and a first hat-trick in senior football was confirmed in the 20th minute.The lively Gnonto again unsettled the Stoke backline and when his low shot was pushed out by Viktor Johansson, there was Piroe to slam home from a couple of yards at the back post.And Leeds showed no mercy to their shell-shocked opponents when Bogle drove a 26th-minute cross into the box and it was directed into the net by full-back Firpo’s shin.But, as magnificent as Leeds were as a team, the half belonged to Piroe and he claimed his fourth goal four minutes before the break.When the brilliant Bogle powered into the box and struck the post with a fierce drive, the rebound fell to the frontman to steer past Johansson as Brenden Aaronson failed to get a touch on the line.Not since 1938, when they beat Leicester City 8-2, had a Leeds player scored five times in a match.But Piroe could not match Gordon Hodgson’s club-record feat as he was taken off in the 66th minute, greeted by a big hug from boss Farke as he was replaced by Bamford.By then, Leeds had scored a sumptuous sixth.After busy Stoke keeper Johansson had shovelled away a Solomon effort, the on-loan Tottenham forward set up Gnonto in the 59th minute with a wonderful whipped cross that was headed home by the unmarked Italian.There was time too for a bit more history as Harry Gray, the younger brother of Tottenham’s Archie, was handed his debut at 16.Read More on The SunThe midfielder followed in the long line of Grays to play for the club as great uncle and Elland Road icon Eddie watched in tears from the stands. But those soon turned to cheers as they, and Leeds, lapped up the scintillating success to edge closer to a place back in the big time. The occasion also saw a debut given to Harry Gray, brother of Spurs star ArchieCredit: GettyHarry’s famous uncle and Elland Road icon Eddie watched in tears from the stands as the 16-year-old came onCredit: PA More

  • in

    ‘Total embarrassment’ – Jamie Vardy apologises for Leicester’s ‘s*** show’ season in scathing statement after relegation

    LEICESTER star Jamie Vardy has apologised to the fans for this season’s “s**t show”, which led to relegation.The Foxes officially dropped to the Championship after losing 1-0 to Liverpool on Sunday at the King Power Stadium just one year after returning to the Premier League.Leicester star Jamie Vardy has apologised to the fans for this season’s ‘s**t show’Vardy saw his beloved Leicester getting relegated from the Premier LeagueVardy pulled no punches in a scathing public statement to Leicester fansAnd Vardy, 38, has been left speechless after witnessing his beloved team get relegated from the English top flight for the second time in his legendary 13-year career with the club.The striker released a scathing public statement to the fans on Twitter and pulled no punches as he discussed Leicester’s woeful campaign.The ex-England international stated he is both sad as well as angry and apologised unreservedly to supporters for witnessing “total embarrassment” throughout the season.Vardy tweeted: “At this point, I don’t even know what to say. No words I have can ever express my feelings of anger and sadness with the way this season has gone. There are no excuses.Read More on Football”Collectively, as players and as a club, we failed. There is simply no hiding, and I refuse to entertain any suggestion of doing so.”Having been at this club for so long, we’ve experienced so many highs and successes – and this season has been nothing but miserable and for me personally, a total embarrassment. It hurts, and I know you’re feeling it too.”To the fans: I’m sorry. Sorry we haven’t performed, and sorry we end the 2025 season with such a s**t show.”Vardy is one of Leicester’s greatest legends that was a focal point behind their historic Premier League triumph back in 2016.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe forward has registered a total of 198 goals and 69 assists in 496 appearances since arriving from Fleetwood in 2012.However, it seems like Vardy may be on his way out of King Power this summer as SunSport can reveal there is interest from clubs in the US.Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy reacts to 2-0 defeat against Man City The centre-forward is undecided over his future, and he plans to make a decision in the coming weeks.Sources close to the veteran say he is also waiting for clarity around the future of manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy.Reports suggest Van Nistelrooy could be replaced in the wake of Leicester’s relegation. More

  • in

    ‘He wanted me to go on’ – Son of Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell trying to follow his footsteps and reach Premier League

    TYRESE CAMPBELL grew up idolising his legendary football dad Kevin Campbell.And now he wants to follow his father into the Premier League by winning promotion with Sheffield United.Tyrese Campbell wants to follow in his fathers footstepsCredit: GettyDad, Kevin Campbell, tragically died last June after illness and complication following a heart and kidney failureCredit: PATyrese told SunSport he is working hard ‘to be the player he knows I can be’Credit: suppliedTyrese wants to win promotion to the Premier League with Sheffield United like his dad did with Nottingham ForestCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdFormer Arsenal, Everton, West Brom and Cardiff star Kevin Campbell tragically died last June aged 54 after illness and complications following a heart and kidney failure.And although the loss of his role-model was difficult Campbell has thrown himself at the very thing his dad gave him… football.The striker has been in good form for the Blades — scoring 10 and adding an assist in his 19 starts since signing in the summer from Stoke. His brilliant form in March in particular — scoring four goals in five games — won him the SkyBet Championship player of the month award.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told SunSport: “My brothers and I are very much his sons. We’re strong minded and strong willed.“For me I had a day away from football when my dad passed and it was back to work. I didn’t have a club at the time and was training with a personal trainer and a few other lads.“As sad as it was, life does go on and he’d have liked me to do that. He wanted me to go on, work hard and play football and be the player he knows I can be.“For me football helped me take my mind off stuff and softened the blow. I had a great support network around me and I have to give them a lot of credit.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCampbell was born in 1999 so caught the tail-end of his dad’s glittering career with his earliest memories watching him turn out for Everton at Goodison Park.Kevin Campbell had all his major success with Arsenal before Tyrese was born — winning the title in 1991, the FA Cup and League Cup in 1993 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994.Ian Wright fights back tears as Arsenal legend reveals tragic death of brother days after Kevin Campbell’s passingIn total he played 213 games for the Gunners, scoring 59 goals. He won promotion with Nottingham Forest to the Prem in 1998 and, after a short spell playing in Turkey for Trabzonspor, went on to play 160 times for Everton, scoring 48 goals. He then had two seasons with West Brom in the Prem before winding down his career in the Championship with Cardiff.Campbell said: “As soon as I could walk, I was kicking a ball. From then on there was no doubt in my mind I was going to be a footballer. It was when not if.“I never even contemplated doing anything else. When you grow up and see your dad play football that is all you want to do. You want to be like your dad, don’t you?“He was the reason I picked football. I’m grateful for that because I’m certain I’d not be able to do anything else!“My earlier memories were at Goodison, watching him from the box, although I’d mainly be playing football in the corridor!“I’ve some good memories of him playing for Everton and going into the changing room afterwards, going on the pitch with him. There are memories I’ll cherish forever.”Campbell says his dad’s biggest asset was his personality — his ability to make people happy and to engage.The Sheffield United ace even laughed that his own loudness as a person comes from his father.He said: “Dad’s personality was just great. He as loud and bubbly. If you were in a room with him, everyone was included.Tyrese recalled memories of when his dad was at EvertonCredit: suppliedTyrese said he chose to be a footballer because of his dadCredit: suppliedCampbell won four trophies with ArsenalCredit: Getty”Whether you were a little shy or nervous he was always getting everyone up and dancing. He got the party going. You couldn’t miss him. You’d always see or hear him. I’ve taken that trait from him!”Although Campbell has dedicated himself to football these past 10 months, the one thing he misses is not having his dad around to talk to.And during the Blades’ recent three-game losing run which has seen the team slip outside the two automatic promotion spots his dad would have been giving his son the pearls of wisdom he garnered during his great career.Campbell said: “When times were tough in football he was normally the first person I’d speak to. He’d give me the harsh truth and tell me if he thought I was good enough. He’d tell me how it was.“Sometimes I didn’t like what he was saying but then you’d think, ‘Oh actually he was probably right.’“So the two things I miss most is his advice and him.”The Blades travel to Turf Moor today to take on Burnley in a huge win-or-bust game in the race for the two automatic spots. Chris Wilder’s men sit five points behind the Clarets and Leeds with three games left.United lost three games on the spin — their first real dip in form all season — before bouncing back to beat Cardiff 2-0 on Good Friday.And Campbell said: “We cannot be too disheartened. We’ve had a great season and everything is still to play for.“As a kid I wanted the Premier League, watched my dad play at that level and I’ve come off the bench four times for Stoke seven years ago before they got relegated.Read More on The Sun“It’s always been my goal to be an established Premier League player. I want to get there with Stoke.“And I will see my dad again one day — and I just want to make him proud of me.”Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

  • in

    ‘My head would be on Mars’ – Fans astonished at what Ruud Van Nistelrooy did after Leicester relegated to Championship

    LEICESTER fans have blasted manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy after spotting him embracing Liverpool players following his side’s relegation from the Premier League.The Foxes become the second side to confirm their drop back into the Championship after a 1-0 defeat to Arne Slot’s champions-elect at the King Power Stadium.Leicester fans fumed at Ruud Van Nistelrooy hugging Liverpool players after the Foxes’ were relegated from the Prem with five games remainingThe Leicester manager hugged Arne Slot at full-time before thanking the fansThe Foxes become the second side to confirm their drop back into the Championship after SouthamptonCredit: GettyLeicester suffered their second relegation in three seasonsCredit: GettyTrent Alexander-Arnold’s shot flew under keeper Mads Hermansen to inflict a second relegation in three seasons on the Foxes.Leicester needed a win on Sunday to avoid relegation, but it was all but mathematically confirmed by Wolves winning at Manchester United. And given that Van Nistelrooy’s side hadn’t scored a single Premier League goal at home this year, it was all looking pretty inevitable anyway. The Foxes put up a bit of a fight and held of Liverpool’s winner until the 77th minute, but didn’t have a shot on target.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLiverpool fans were chanting about their inevitable 20th title, before referee Stuart Attwell blew the full-time whistle on Leicester’s time in the Prem – with five matches remaining.But Van Nistelrooy wasn’t all doom and gloom, instead smiling as he hugged Liverpool players, like Harvey Elliott in the middle of the pitch.And Leicester fans – who once celebrated a title of their own in the 2015-16 season – were left reeling with the Van Nistelrooy’s apparent positivity. One other fan acknowledged: “My head would be on Mars if I was a Leicester fan right now.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”Leicester have just been relegated and van Nistelrooy is walking around with a massive grin on his face.”A second fan said: “Van Nistelrooy laughing and joking with all the Liverpool players there. You’ve just been relegated mate.”Ruud van Nistelrooy announced as Leicester manager as Man Utd legend makes swift return to Premier LeagueVan Nistelrooy consoles midfielder Jeremy MongaCredit: AFPA distraught Bilal El Khannouss fell to the turf after Leicester were relegatedCredit: GettyConor Coady was relegated with the Foxes after joining in 2023Credit: GettyWhile another fan added: “Ruud smiling and laughing after we’ve just been relegated. You couldn’t make it up.”After the club’s relegation was confirmed, Van Nistelrooy said:” It’s very disappointing. “It’s obviously not something that happened from today until tomorrow. It’s weeks leading into this.”Although we never gave up, we kept fighting for every last bit of hope we had. That isn’t the case now.“I expected it get more points than I was able to get over the games I was able to lead.”Van Nistelrooy has only managed two league wins over Tottenham and West Ham, losing nearly 80 PER CENT of his Prem games in charge of the club.Leicester were 16th in the Premier League when they sacked Steve Cooper after 12 games in November.That decision made headlines after video emerged in the following days of Leicester’s players partying in a nightclub next to signs that read “Enzo, I miss you” – seemingly hinting at former manager Enzo Maresca.The arrival of Van Nistelrooy saw the 2016 Champions plummet into the relegation zone, where they have remained for all-but-one matchweek since December.Read More on The SunAnd the United legend has also had his fair share of controversy to deal with, including his axing of Harry Winks and Jannik Vestergaard shocking staff by bringing his DOG to training.Leicester joined Southampton in England’s second tier next season.Leicester hero Jamie Vardy has been relegated for the second time in three seasonsCredit: PA More

  • in

    Leicester RELEGATED from Premier League after disastrous season that saw stars partying after manager sacking

    LEICESTER CITY have been relegated from the Premier League.Following this afternoon’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool, the Foxes become the second side to confirm their drop back into the Championship – joining Southampton in England’s second tier next season.Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City have been relegated from the Premier LeagueCredit: AFPLeicester’s fate was sealed with a 1-0 defeat to LiverpoolCredit: PARuud van Nistelrooy’s side have had a torrid campaign that has seen them struggle massively to compete with the teams around them.Leicester went over 12 HOURS without scoring a home goal and won just ONE of their last 19 Premier League matches as they cemented their drop.It marks the Foxes’ second relegation in three years, becoming yo-yo strugglers less than 10 years after winning the Premier League title and the FA Cup.Leicester started the season with Steve Cooper in charge, but axed the Welshman after just 12 Premier League matches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat decision made headlines after video emerged in the following days of Leicester’s players partying in a nightclub next to signs that read “Enzo, I miss you” – seemingly hinting at former manager Enzo Maresca.Cooper would soon be replaced by Manchester United legend Van Nistelrooy – a decision that would prove costly.Under Cooper Leicester had only fallen below 16th place in the league once, never dropping into the relegation zone as they won two, drew four and lost six of his 12 league games.While the arrival of Van Nistelrooy saw the 2016 Champions plummet into the relegation zone, where they have remained for all-but-one matchweek since December.Most read in FootballSteve Cooper was sacked after just 12 league games in chargeCredit: PALeicester players including Conor Coady and Harry Winks were seen dancing in a Danish nightclub in a video that emerged after Cooper’s dismissalCredit: ekstrabladet.dkSomebody was holding up an ‘Enzo I Miss U’ sign near where the players were standingCredit: ekstrabladet.dkCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd the United legend has also had his fair share of controversy to deal with, including his axing of Harry Winks and Jannik Vestergaard shocking staff by bringing his DOG to training.The Dutchman has only managed two league wins over Tottenham and West Ham, losing nearly 80 PER CENT of his Prem games in charge of the club.Leicester stars party in nightclub next to ‘Enzo I miss you’ sign hours after Chelsea loss on night before Cooper sackedBy comparison, Cooper was sacked after extending his streak without a win to just five matches.The King Power outfit have come in for some heavy defeats throughout the campaign too.Hefty 4-0 defeats to Brentford, Everton and Newcastle were low points for the Foxes fanbase who haven’t seen their team win – or score – at home in the league in 2025.In fact, they even became the first team in the history of English professional football to lose eight home games on the bounce without scoring a single goal.However, Leicester will be buoyed by their success in the Championship last season, where they put up 97 points to be crowned champions in a dominant campaign.The Foxes set records with their poor goalscoring formCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Ipswich 0 Arsenal 4: Gunners make light work of Championship-bound Tractor Boys… but Saka in another injury scare

    IT would not have just been Mikel Arteta who held his breath the moment Leif Davis sunk his studs into Bukayo Saka in the 32nd minute.If their team are to sweep away Paris St Germain in the Champions League semi-finals and book their spot in the Munich final, they obviously need a fit and firing Saka.Leandro Trossard’s brace helped Arsenal cruise to victory over Ipswich TownCredit: GettyHe got Arsenal off the mark with his first of the afternoonCredit: ReutersGabriel Martinelli grabbed Arsenal’s second goal of the matchCredit: PAHaving tormented doomed Ipswich for the first 30 minutes, Saka collapsed to the ground and was left screaming with agony after a stupid tackle from behind by Ipswich left-back Davis.Yet Arteta and every Arsenal fan were not looking at referee Chris Kavanagh brandishing a red card. They were praying for Saka to get up unscathed.And the England international dusted himself down and continued playing, even though he then should have scored a hat-trick before half-time.Saka had set up the opening goal for Leandro Trossard for his 11th Premier League assist and then played a part in the second for Gabriel Martinelli.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTrossard made it 3-0 and sub Ethan Nwaneri scored a deflected fourth but before then, Arteta made his changes and substituted Saka and as soon as he arrived on the bench, the club’s medical staff strapped his right ankle in ice.Although he should be okay, Arsenal will now face a nervous wait to see whether there is any major swelling when Saka reports for training tomorrow at London Colney.Arteta’s team face Crystal Palace on Wednesday in their final match before the first leg clash against PSG at the Emirates on Tuesday week.Arsenal delayed Liverpool’s title celebrations by a few more days with this win while it pushed awful Ipswich a step closer to their inevitable relegation.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThroughout the second half, Arsenal’s fans sang: “we’ll never play you again.” That might be incorrect as Ipswich should be strong in the Championship next term but having spent £130million in the last two windows, they should have been better than this.Meanwhile, while their manager Kieran McKenna is planning for the Championship, Arteta can continue to focus on their unlikely semi-final against PSG.Myles Lewis-Skelly winds up Real Madrid fans as Arsenal knock Los Blancos out of Champions League Leif Davis was sent off for this challenge on Bukayo SakaCredit: GettyThe Tractor Boys are as good as relegated following the lossCredit: GettyAnd that means keeping his players ticking along by resting a few of the tired ones, giving minutes to those who need a run-out and most importantly of all, avoiding a nightmare injury – and silly tackles like the one from Davis.Saka was making only his third start for Arsenal since spending three months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.And while he featured from the beginning in both matches against Real Madrid, this was his first Premier League start since a 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on December 21.With Thomas Partey to miss the PSG first leg with a suspension, Arteta has to look at how to fill the gap. So it was also only the fourth time this season that Arteta started with a midfield three of Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino. And for Rice, it was his first game at No.6 for three months.One option is to keep Merino in midfield and keep Trossard up front and both did their jobs well enough here.While PSG, like Ipswich, play in blue shirts, the similarities certainly end there, so Arteta could still have done with an available Partey.Yet Trossard, who has been inconsistent this season, was certainly playing against the right side to boost his goals tally of seven.The Argentine had a close-range shot blocked but it was inevitable he would get a few more chances as Arsenal caused so many problems, particularly down the right.And in the 14th minute, Martin Odegaard had a ridiculous amount of time to run forward with the ball, Saka delivered a first-time cross and Trossard, despite falling to the floor under a challenge from Sam Morsy, stuck a shot through the legs of Dara O’Shea and into the bottom corner.An unmarked Merino should have made it 2-0 but missed a close-range header from Saka’s corner.And it was Saka again who was involved in the brilliant second goal as he accelerated past Jacob Greaves and cut the ball back to Merino who delivered a magnificent flick with his back heel which bamboozled the home defence and gave Martinelli an easy tap-in.Maybe it was frustration that Davis delivered a silly tackle on Saka even though there did not seem to be too much malice in the challenge.After continuing, Saka then found himself jeered each time he touched the ball, which did seem a bit harsh, and much to the amusement of the home supporters, he could have had that hat-trick before half-time and two of the chances were quite easy.Arteta made his changes just before the hour, which included replacing Saka, and Arsenal then made it 3-0 as Ipswich switched off at Rice’s short corner and Trossard threaded a shot through the legs of George Hirst and past keeper Alex Palmer.Read More on The SunSaka was taken off in the second halfCredit: ReutersArteta made sure to rest key membersCredit: GettyWith less than 10 minutes less, Trossard was replaced by 22-year-old Nathan Butler-Oyedeji whose only previous senior appearance came against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League in January.After Odegaard saw his shot hit the post, sub Nwaneri grabbed the fourth with a shot deflecting off Cameron Burgess’ backside. More