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      Fans baffled as Paul Merson ‘dresses like a lemon’ for Sky Sports Soccer Saturday return… but there’s a reason for it

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      PAUL MERSON left fans baffled after dressing “like a lemon” on his Soccer Saturday comeback.The Sky Sports pundit made his return to the programme for this weekend’s Premier League action.Paul Merson wore an incredible outfit on his return to Sky Sports’ Soccer SaturdayCredit: X / PaulMerseFans were left baffled by the choice as they reacted on social mediaCredit: Sky SportsMerson, 56, had been absent from the show due to his commitment to BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.However, it appeared that he had forgotten to swap the glitzy ballroom outfits, and he took his spot on the panel.The former Arsenal star wore a bright yellow suit, with a sparkly top and a huge rosette, which left many viewers baffled on social media.One fan commented: “He really brought the sunshine to the studio!”READ MORE ON SPORTA second wrote: “He is just sensational.”A third posted: “He’s looking dashing.”A fourth said: “A man of his word!! Nice suit by the way.”A fifth joked: “He is dressed like a lemon.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “I thought he was getting married.”However, there was a reason for his choice of a more flamboyant outfit. Paul Merson AXED from Strictly after shock dance off with series favouriteMerson wore the outfit while appearing on Strictly Come DancingCredit: PASoccer Saturday host Simon Thomas asked him to wear the yellow suit on his return.Merson followed through with the request as he stunned in the studio.He insisted he would be wearing the suit for the whole show as he did not bring “any other clobber”.The retired footballer was the fourth celebrity to leave Strictly after he lost the dance-off to JLS star JB Gill and his partner Amy Dowden.During his time on the show, he danced to the football anthem Vindaloo and Pitball’s Fireball.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Arsenal ratings: Leandro Trossard off pace in strike duo but Thomas Partey impresses out of position vs Newcastle

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      LEANDRO TROSSARD had a game to forget as Arsenal’s toothless attack meant they slumped to defeat at Newcastle.The Gunners are now winless in three Premier League matches, having lost consecutive away games.Leandro Trossard had an off day as Arsenal slumped to defeatCredit: GettyThomas Partey was a rare bright sparkCredit: AlamyNewcastle dominated the opening 25 minutes and were rewarded when Alexander Isak headed in a brilliant Anthony Gordon cross.They could have increased their advantage but Arsenal defended resolutely while offering a threat via set-pieces.But the Gunners offered little in the attacking final third with Trossard particularly off the pace.The Belgian started in a rarely seen front two alongside Kai Havertz but produced just one shot, which was blocked, and lost possession 12 times.READ MORE ON ARSENALMikel Arteta’s attacking experiment did not pay off with Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli far from their best.There were few positives to take although Thomas Partey impressed once again, initially at right-back before moving into the middle.Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Arsenal display.DAVID RAYA – 6/10Great early distribution to go long over the Newcastle press but nothing he could do with Isak’s pin-point header.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWas barely troubled in the second half but was forced to watch a lacklustre Arsenal dawdle to another defeat.THOMAS PARTEY – 7I trained with Thierry Henry and he ruined my Arsenal career and it took me two years to go back over to the first team Looks really comfortable in that role, even if it is only temporary, but obviously lacks an attacking threat of a full-back which hindered Saka slightly.Moved back into midfield on the hour mark with Arsenal chasing the game.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7A welcome presence back in the defensive line following suspension. Covered his defensive partner well and kept his cool amid Arsenal’s frustration.GABRIEL – 5Lost Isak in the box for Newcastle’s opener and nearly handed the hosts another chance with a sloppy pass out.Normally a rock, this was one of those rare jittery displays we thought were a thing of the past.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Looked good in attack but arguably should have closed down Gordon’s cross before the hosts took the lead and struggled to contain the England winger in the first half.MIKEL MERINO – 5Unfortunate not to get on the score sheet against his former club from close range after a scramble from a corner.But as a whole, he currently looks lost in his position, unsure of when to go and when to sit deep, meaning Newcastle were able to prize Arsenal’s midfield open.Feels like we are not seeing the best of him just yet.DECLAN RICE – 6On set-piece duty, his delivery was unusually poor, failing to beat the first man on numerous occasions and struggled to impose himself in open play too, even if he came close with a deflected effort in the second half before fluffing a great headed chance in injury time.If he is going to be the anchor of this team and dictate play, he has got to be a lot better.It was a frustrating afternoon for the GunnersCredit: GettyAlexander Isak was a thorn in Arsenal’s side againCredit: AFPLEANDRO TROSSARD – 5Pretty anonymous other than a few surging runs. Another player that looks lost in a floating No.10 role behind the main striker.The Belgian is at his best cutting in and using his blistering pace. He can do neither through the middle against a compact opposition set-up.BUKAYO SAKA – 6Looked to be getting the better of Toon right-back Hall early on but his game faded after that, along with his team’s.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Showed glimpses of being back to his buzzing best, taking on defenders and stretching the game for Arsenal, but only lasted an hour before being taken off.KAI HAVERTZ – 6Never got a sniff, but got to put that down to a complete lack of service from Arsenal’s wide players. He was desperate to attack a decent cross that never really came.SUBS:ETHAN NWANERI (MERINO, 61) – 6Given a nice welcome to Tyneside with a crunching tackle from Willock seconds after coming on.Found some nice pockets of space and look sharp as he blazed one over from range, but was always a big ask for him to be Arsenal’s saviour.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (MARTINELLI, 61) – 5Thrown on to bring tempo and control. Brought neither from an inverted left-back position.READ MORE SUN STORIESBEN WHITE (TIMBER, 71) – 6Had only completed half a session to prepare for this one having picked up a knock against Liverpool last weekend, so was a surprise to even see him at all.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD) – 5Tasked with creating something special from out wide, but there is a reason the Brazilian is only a bit-part player nowadays.JORGINHO (PARTEY, 86) – N/A More

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      Newcastle 1 Arsenal 0: Gunners dealt major Premier League title blow as Gordon’s magical cross sets up early Isak winner

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      IF THIS was Alexander Isak’s Arsenal audition then he passed it with flying colours – but he threw a huge grenade in the title hopes of his potential future employers.Newcastle’s Swedish striker, 25, has been on Mikel Arteta’s radar for months after his blistering form last term.Alexander Isak headed in a superb opener for NewcastleCredit: GettyThe Swedish striker gave David Raya no chanceCredit: ReutersAfter contract talks were put on hold and with just one goal in his opening seven appearances this season, talk of a £130million transfer appeared to be way off.But what a difference a week makes as his third strike in just six days left Arsenal looking more like title pretenders than contenders as they suffered a second consecutive away defeat for the first time since May 2022.Arteta’s tactics were spot on early on, opting for a direct approach in order to beat the Toon press, unlike Chelsea in midweek.There were no short kicks from goalie David Raya, with 6ft 2in Mikel Merino preferred in the middle to help support Kai Havertz and the attackers rather than Jorginho.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMeanwhile, the Magpies were struggling to work out how to stop inverted full-back Jurrien Timber.And it was the Dutchman, who Anthony Gordon seemed unsure whether to track back with or not, who provided Bukayo Saka with Arsenal’s first chance that was smashed into the side-netting.But Newcastle had the perfect response by going classic route one themselves and it produced the opener on 12 minutes.The move started with a long ball forward from Tino Livramento from right-back deep into the opposition half and his team-mates reacted fast to win it.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSean Longstaff spotted man-of-the-match Gordon free down the right, slipping in the winger to hit a brilliant first-time cross for Isak to ghost in between two defenders to head home.Saka nodded wide for the visitors but Gordon was soon at it again as another curled cross just evaded Joelinton at the far post.Mikel Arteta debunks claims referees and VAR have conspiracy against Arsenal after flurry of controversial decisions It was another header that caused panic next, this time up the opposite end as William Saliba put Declan Rice’s far-post corner back into the mixer, but Eddie Howe’s men survived as Lewis Hall’s back blocked Merino’s volley.The game was on a knife-edge, but the tension was not only out on the pitch.Arsenal player ratings vs NewcastleARSENAL fell to defeat to Newcastle in a fresh blow to their title ambitions.The Magpies won 1-0 thanks to a fine header from Alexander Isak.Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates the players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Great early distribution to go long over the Newcastle press but nothing he could do with Isak’s pin-point header.Was barely troubled in the second half but was forced to watch a lacklustre Arsenal dawdle to another defeat.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Looks really comfortable in that role, even if it is only temporary, but obviously lacks an attacking threat of a full-back which hindered Saka slightly.Moved back into midfield on the hour mark with Arsenal chasing the game.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7A welcome presence back in the defensive line following suspension. Covered his defensive partner well and kept his cool amid Arsenal’s frustration.GABRIEL – 5Lost Isak in the box for Newcastle’s opener and nearly handed the hosts another chance with a sloppy pass out.Normally a rock, this was one of those rare jittery displays we thought were a thing of the past.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Looked good in attack but arguably should have closed down Gordon’s cross before the hosts took the lead and struggled to contain the England winger in the first half.MIKEL MERINO – 5Unfortunate not to get on the score sheet against his former club from close range after a scramble from a corner.But as a whole, he currently looks lost in his position, unsure of when to go and when to sit deep, meaning Newcastle were able to prize Arsenal’s midfield open.Feels like we are not seeing the best of him just yet.DECLAN RICE – 6On set-piece duty, his delivery was unusually poor, failing to beat the first man on numerous occasions and struggled to impose himself in open play too, even if he came close with a deflected effort in the second half before fluffing a great headed chance in injury time.If he is going to be the anchor of this team and dictate play, he has got to be a lot better.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5Pretty anonymous other than a few surging runs. Another player that looks lost in a floating No.10 role behind the main striker.The Belgian is at his best cutting in and using his blistering pace. He can do neither through the middle against a compact opposition set-up.BUKAYO SAKA – 6Looked to be getting the better of Toon right-back Hall early on but his game faded after that, along with his team’s.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Showed glimpses of being back to his buzzing best, taking on defenders and stretching the game for Arsenal, but only lasted an hour before being taken off.KAI HAVERTZ – 6Never got a sniff, but got to put that down to a complete lack of service from Arsenal’s wide players. He was desperate to attack a decent cross that never really came.SUBS:ETHAN NWANERI (MERINO, 61) – 6Given a nice welcome to Tyneside with a crunching tackle from Willock seconds after coming on.Found some nice pockets of space and look sharp as he blazed one over from range, but was always a big ask for him to be Arsenal’s saviour.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (MARTINELLI, 61) – 5Thrown on to bring tempo and control. Brought neither from an inverted left-back position.BEN WHITE (TIMBER, 71) – 6Had only completed half a session to prepare for this one having picked up a knock against Liverpool last weekend, so was a surprise to even see him at all.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD) – 5Tasked with creating something special from out wide, but there is a reason the Brazilian is only a bit-part player nowadays.JORGINHO (PARTEY, 86) – N/AClick here to read more on Arsenal.Arteta had already appeared to ask the fourth official to move Jason Tindall back into his technical area before having another jibe at Howe’s No2 as the break approached.Fabian Schar was the first to be booked, kicking the ball away after his team conceded a free-kick, and Joelinton geed-up the crowd after Newcastle’s defence cut out another attack before the whistle.It was an unusual position for Arteta and his Gunners as they plotted their comeback at the break, a situation that had not occurred for 29 Premier League matches.They were first back out after no doubt being read the riot act, but that could have gone out the window as Gordon played Willock through within seconds, only Raya denied the star a goal against his old side.It was time to throw the dice on the hour mark, Arteta pushing Thomas Partey from full-back into his favoured midfield while Oleksandr Zinchenko came off the bench and teen whizkid Ethan Nwaneri replaced Gabriel Martinelli.However, it was Newcastle that almost sealed it moments later. But Raya dived to push away Isak’s stinging strike.Another double change followed, Ben White and Gabriel Jesus taking Timber and Leandro Trossard’s spots with twenty to go.There were fears when Saka went down clutching his ankle as Arteta’s day threatened to go from bad to worse but the captain was able to stay on.But despite everything they could try, Toon defended valiantly and in numbers, and the powder puff Gunners attack was unable to find a way through as Rice headed agonisingly wide at the back post right at the death.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd even though having someone of Isak’s ilk in attack could have made all the difference, it is at the back where Arteta will be most concerned.Arsenal only conceded ten goals in their first 22 top-flight matches in 2024 – the same figure they have now shipped in their last six.Anthony Gordon put in a delightful cross for the Isak headerCredit: AFPThe result could prove another crucial blow to the Gunners’ title hopesCredit: GettyThe Gunners have now gone three Prem games without a winCredit: AlamyFrustrations were clear to see for the visitorsCredit: RexMikel Merino was denied an equaliser when his effort was blockedCredit: GettyThe game was Newcastle’s Remembrance fixtureCredit: AFPThe win took Newcastle up to eighthCredit: EPA More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Man City trail Bournemouth, Brighton 1-0 up vs Liverpool, Wood puts Forest ahead – updates

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      PREMIER LEAGUE action returns to the big screens with another set of mouthwatering fixtures for football fans to sink their teeth into.Leaders Manchester City will be determined to maintain top spot with a win against battling Bournemouth.Arne Slot’s Liverpool face Brighton for a second successive time in three days, while Wolves host Crystal Palace to round off what is expected to be a thrilling Saturday.Kick-off times: 12:30pm/3pm/5:30pm GMTTV channels: TNT Sports 1/Sky Sports Main Event and Premier LeagueLive stream: discovery+/NOW TVFollow ALL the action from around the grounds with our live blog below…Back at itSecond half is underway across the afternoon Premier League fixtures!Reminding you the live scores:Liverpool 0-1 BrightonIpswich 0-0 LeicesterBournemouth 1-0 Man CitySouthampton 0-0 EvertonNottingham Forest 1-0 West HamCopy linkCopiedJust Allen from Portman RoadGoalless at the break. Facundo Buonanotte saw an effort kept out by Arijanet Muric while Dara O’Shea should have scored when he got round the back of the Leicester defence to meet a corner unmarked but headed wide.And Chaplin went close firing a shot just wide from the edge of the box after a brilliant run and Ben Johnson also saw an effort from distance kept outCopy linkCopiedGraham Hill from the City GroundWest Ham have lost their way – in more ways than one.Chris Wood headed Nottingham Forest into a 28th-minute lead for his eighth goal of the season – three behind Erling Haaland as we stand.Wood then cleared off the line from Lucas Pacqueta a minute before the break…. Is there anything he can’t do?But then Edson Alvarez was sent off for bringing down Anthony Elanga – it was his second yellow after being cautioned for pulling back Forest defender Murillo.Bizarrely, Alavarez seemed to lose his way, as well as his head.He walked straight past the tunnel and headed on towards the Trent End before an official told him to turn back.Earlier, West Ham’s Guido Rodriguez was lucky not to be red-carded after going through the back of Morgan Gibbs-White just outside the penalty area.Copy linkCopiedKen Lawrence from the AmexThere had been suspicions that Liverpool might have been flattering to deceive in their full-throttle start under Arne Slot and the way they failed to deliver in a shocker of a first-half display tended to confirm those views.Copy linkCopiedCopy linkCopiedWest Ham nightmareWest Ham have endured a horrid first half against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.Not only are the Hammers 1-0 down after Chris Wood’s opener on 27 minutes.But the East Londoners also lost Edson Alvarez to a second yellow card after a poor challenge on Anthony Elanga!Copy linkCopiedHalf-time across the boardThat’s all she wrote in the first 45 minutes, here’s all the live scores:Liverpool 0-1 BrightonIpswich 0-0 LeicesterBournemouth 1-0 Man CitySouthampton 0-0 EvertonNottingham Forest 1-0 West HamCopy linkCopiedJack Rosser from St Mary’s Southampton have had enough chances late on to go in ahead at the break.There have been a couple of hairy moments when possession has been lost but they are starting to get into more of a flow and find a way through Everton on a more regular basis.Keeping that up after the break will be the biggest task.Copy linkCopiedGraham Nickless from the Vitality StadiumBournemouth ended Arsenal’s unbeaten Premier League run on the same grass two weeks ago.And now Man City’s undefeated record is being severely tested by the Cherries who lead at half-time.The hosts have taken the game to the champions with Antoine Semenyo hitting the only goal on nine minutes.Copy linkCopiedAlmost half-timeWe’re set for a break across the board with Brighton and Bournemouth leading against Liverpool and Manchester City respectively.Stoppage time is being played while Ipswich and Leicester as well as Southampton and Everton are goalless.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle vs Arsenal statsArsenal dominated 64 per cent of possession against Newcastle but still lost 1-0 at St James’ Park.The Gunners registered 10 shots but only one of them was on target.The Magpies, on the other hand, produced nine shots, four of which were on target.More below:Copy linkCopiedUpdated Premier League tableNottingham Forest and Brighton have climbed up to the Premier League’s top four.That is of course as things currently stand…Copy linkCopiedGraham Hill from City GroundIt’s that man again. Chris Wood heads Forest into a 28th minute lead from Alex Moreno’s cross.The Kiwi striker has now scored eight goals this season – netting in his last four Premier League games.Ten minutes earlier, Guido Rodriguez was lucky not to be red carded after going through the back of Morgan Gibbs-White just outside the peanlty area. The challenge was a bad one but ref Peter Bankes decided a yellow card was enough.Copy linkCopiedJack Rosser from SouthamptonSouthampton have predictably seen most of the ball so far but it has not carried much threat for Everton.Russell Martin must get incredibly frustrated by his side at times – watching them play some fine football through the pitch before falling to pieces in the final third. They have been guilty of overplaying far too much when the chance to get forward comes about.Copy linkCopiedWorld from BournemouthThe champions’ unbeaten league run could be in peril on the south coast.Antoine Semenyo gives Bournemouth the lead on nine minutes from Milos Kerkez’s pass.And the table toppers are wobbling against the club that has never beaten them in a league match in their entire history!Copy linkCopied27 – GOAL! Forest 1-0 West HamNottingham Forest open the scoring with Chris Wood, who’s back at it!Forest are now fourth in the Premier League table!Copy linkCopiedAlexander Isak speaksNewcastle star Alexander Isak looked back at today’s “massive” win over Arsenal.That was massive, against a big team. It means a lot to the fans that we can win this game.Arsenal have a strong defence and so it is a difficult task but I’m happy we could score today and keep a clean sheet.The cross was amazing, I just had to jump and put my head on the ball, so credit to him.Alexander IsakCopy linkCopiedKen Lawrence at the AmexFerdi Kadioglu’s 15th-minute strike made it five times in a row that Brighton have taken the lead in a Prem game against Liverpool.But – Seagulls spoiler alert – they only ended up winning one of them.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 1-0 ArsenalNewcastle defeated Arsenal 1-0 at St James’ Park to turn the mood around Tyneside.The Magpies got their winner after just 12 minutes when Alexander Isak met a stunning cross from Anthony Gordon and headed the ball past David Raya.The Gunners have found themselves farther from the top amid a season that was supposed to see them challenging for their first Premier League title since 2004.Copy linkCopied14 – GOAL! Liverpool 0-1 BrightonAnother shocker in the Premier League!Brighton upset Liverpool with Ferdi Kadioglu’s opener!Copy linkCopied15 – GOAL! Bournemouth 1-0 Man CityBournemouth do the unthinkable and open the scoring against Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium!And is Antoine Semenyo who is putting the Cherries up front in their bid for another major Premier League scalp!Copy linkCopiedKick-off across the boardAnd we’re off in all of the afternoon Premier League fixtures:Liverpool vs BrightonIpswich vs LeicesterBournemouth vs Manchester CitySouthampton vs EvertonNottingham Forest vs West HamCopy linkCopiedGraham Hill at City GroundSo far it’s looking good for Forest, they welcome back the influential Morgan Gibbs-White, after suspension and injury, while free-scoring striker Chris Wood has been passed fit to play.With Arsenal losing at Newcastle, it means Forest can go third in the Premier League table if they can produce a third successive league win – and they haven’t hit those lofty heights since 1999!As for West Ham, they haven’t named a recognised striker, although Michail Antonio is on the bench. Crysencio Summerville is making his second Premier League start.Big atmosphere at the City Ground… with the Premier League anthem booed loudly after recent fines and bans.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedJack Rosser at St Mary’sThere is a nervy edge in the air at St Mary’s. Russell Martin will know he is facing a huge couple of games to determine his future as Southampton manager.They are still looking for their first win of the season and face another relegation rival in Wolves a week today.Adam Lallana will have a huge role to play against an Everton side who are unbeaten in five and starting to find their feet after a poor start to the season.Southampton knocked them out of the Carabao Cup earlier this season, but that will count for nothing this afternoon.Copy linkCopiedWord from BournemouthPep Guardiola may have been telling porkie pies about Man City’s injury crisis in the build-up to this game.Kyle Walker is back in the starting lineup and Kevin De Bruyne is on the bench.And Bournemouth, who have never beaten the Blues in their league history, also have to face goal machine Erling Haaland who returned to firing line after being rested at Tottenham in mid-week!Copy linkCopied More

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      Brazil legend Adriano seen partying in the street with no shoes on weeks before returning to play one last match at 42

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      ADRIANO partied on the streets with his friends despite being weeks away from a return to football.The Brazil legend has lived a flamboyant lifestyle since hanging up his boots, including partying on a yacht and being crowned an emperor during carnival.Adriano partied on the street with his friendsCredit: TikTok / nanizin.77He walked around barefootedCredit: TikTok / nanizin.77The former striker is set to play in one final match in DecemberCredit: TikTok / nanizin.77He enjoyed some down time with pals this week, taking to the streets of Brazil for some festivities.Adriano, 42, stumbled around barefooted and laughed and joked with his friends, beer in hand.He also poked his tongue out at someone and jokingly barged one friend.Adriano is just weeks away from making a return to football, with the former striker to play in one final game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 48-cap former Brazil star retired in 2016 but bowed out of the game without saying goodbye to fans.So he will play in one final farewell match between two of his former teams, Flamengo and Inter Milan, on December 15.Adriano will play for both sides, swapping at half-time.He said of his upcoming return: “Many people asked me to say goodbye. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Although I stopped playing a few years ago, I needed this match to end my cycle.”I owed it to everyone who supported me and still supports me.”Brazil cult hero is paraded through streets of Sao Paulo as an ’emperor’ during wild carnival More

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      Furious Cristiano Ronaldo confronts referee at half-time and screams ‘be fair’ as nightmare week continues

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’s horror week continued as he was tormented by fans chanting for Lionel Messi – and had a run-in with a referee. The Portuguese superstar drew a blank as Al-Nassr were held to a 1-1 draw by Al Hilal on Friday. Cristiano Ronaldo had a night to forget against Al Hilal on FridayCredit: ReutersThe 39-year-old went in the book for remonstrating with the referee at half-timeCredit: X / GoalNassrRonaldo was furious at what he saw as unfair bookings to his teammatesCredit: X / GoalNassrRonaldo has netted six times already this season in the Saudi Pro League.But he put up a stinker against the league leaders, picking up a needless booking as Al-Nassr were held to a fourth draw of the campaign. The 39-year-old was booked just before half-time after a furious confrontation with referee Felix Zwayer.Ronaldo remonstrated with the official as the teams walked off to the dressing rooms. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe was caught on camera fuming: “We receive three yellow cards. Al Hilal have zero.”Be fair for both teams!”Ronaldo was also targeted with Messi chants from the travelling Al Hilal support.He raised a sarcastic thumbs up towards the supporters as they taunted the Portuguese star in the second half. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAl-Nassr had led from the first minute when Anderson Talisca lashed in an early opener.But Ronaldo and Co were pushed back after the break as Sergej Milinkovic-Savic netted a deserved late leveller. I watched Cristiano Ronaldo play for Al-Nassr, the atmosphere and standard had me shocked… but he didn’t seem botheredThe draw ended Al Hilal’s winning start to the season, which had seen them take 24 points from 24.Al-Nassr are playing catchup in the league, with Ronaldo’s men six points adrift of top spot after Friday’s game. The incident caps a nightmare few days for CR7. On Tuesday, he blazed a stoppage-time penalty over the bar as Al-Nassr were dumped out of Saudi Arabia’s biggest cup competition.Ronaldo stepped up to take the spot-kick six minutes into added time against Al-Taawoun.But he could only find the stands with his penalty, breaking a young fans phone in the process. More

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      Inside Arsenal fans’ ‘laundry list’ of conspiracy theories including red cards, ‘bizarre’ VAR calls and disallowed goals

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      PLENTY of Arsenal fans are convinced the Premier League and its referees are out to derail their title ambitions.So much so that they claim there is a whole “laundry list” of conspiracy theories going against them.Arsenal fans are convinced they are the victims of various refereeing conspiracy theoriesCredit: GettyMikel Arteta debunked the allegations but has certainly expressed his anger at officialsCredit: APOf course, while there is an understandable desire for more consistency across the division, the outrageous suggestions have no actual footing or proof.And plenty of controversial VAR decisions over the last year have gone FOR the Gunners.Despite this, many of their fans continue to blast the PGMOL online.Words such as “cheat” and “corrupt” regularly get bandied about whenever their team fail to pick up all three points. READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd one fan fumed this week: “I don’t give a f*** what anybody tells me, I genuinely believe there is a conspiracy to stop Arsenal from winning the Premier League by Premier League referees. “We just have a laundry list of examples. I can’t be going crazy here. This is ridiculous.”Their own manager Mikel Arteta has certainly had his complaints – but even he had to debunk his supporters for their conspiracy theories accusations. But here are some of the most contentious calls which have riled up Arsenal fans the most on social media…Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNEWCASTLE GOAL STANDSThe one that really kick-started the complaints came at St James’ Park in November 2023 when Anthony Gordon’s winner was allowed to stand. The ball looked as though it might have gone out of play before calls for a foul and an offside. Refs’ chief Howard Webb reveals Declan Rice red card was correct – but Arsenal wronged by different incorrect decisionNewcastle’s goal was allowed to stand even though the ball looked like it went outCredit: Sky SportsArteta blasted the calls as “embarrassing” and a “disgrace” – even though Kai Havertz was lucky to escape a red card in the game. Arsenal fan fury escalated a year on when Aston Villa’s goal was ruled out when the ball was adjudged to have crossed the byline in the build-up. HAVERTZ HANDBALLArsenal suffered another 1-0 defeat last December, that time at Aston Villa.The Gunners thought they had scored a last-gasp equaliser but it was chalked off for a Havertz handball.But upon seeing the replays, some Gunners fans were convinced the ball actually hit Matty Cash’s hand in a second handball.And their misery was compounded when it was confirmed that if a team-mate put the ball into the net, it may well have stood. Kai Havertz had a goal at Aston Villa ruled out for handballCredit: GettyRICE REDThe big one to trigger the 2024-25 season’s complaints came at the end of August when Arsenal hosted Brighton.Already on a yellow card, Declan Rice petulantly flicked a rolling ball away from Joel Veltman, who was lining up a free-kick. Veltman ended up kicking Rice who went down, only to be given his marching orders with a second yellow from Chris Kavanagh for “delaying the restart”. Arsenal quite rightly pointed to the lack of consistency as Joao Pedro received no punishment for kicking the ball down the pitch when it had already gone out for a throw. The Gunners were in total control but the red card changed the game and it finished 1-1.Declan Rice got himself sent off with this silly kick of the ballCredit: TNT SportsTROSSARD SUFFERS SAME FATEAnd Rice was not the only Arsenal player to be sent off for a second yellow this season after delaying the restart.Just three weeks after the Brighton incident, Leandro Trossard saw red in similar fashion away at Manchester City. Again already on a yellow, the whistle had already gone for a foul when Trossard thumped it clear and Michael Oliver brandished the second yellow.Jeremy Doku escaped a caution because he was knocking the ball back to where a free-kick was given in the same game. Arsenal were quick to point out Oliver refereed some matches in the UAE – and therefore implied he was on the payroll of Manchester City’s owners and would then be biased against Arsenal. It finished 2-2 at the Etihad after Arsenal had clung on to their lead until the 98th minute. Leandro Trossard had the same experience at the EtihadCredit: APSALIBA SENT OFFArsenal picked up their third red card of the season when William Saliba was dismissed at Bournemouth – and they went on to lose 2-0. Rob Jones initially showed Saliba yellow card for pulling back Evanilson just into the Gunners’ half – but VAR intervened and decided he had denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.And as a result, it was upgraded to a red card.Just 24 hours later, Arsenal fans kicked off that Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo stayed on the field following a similar incident at Anfield. William Saliba hauled down Evanilson at BournemouthCredit: PAA yellow card was initially shown but it was upgraded to a redCredit: GettySTONES’ GOAL STANDSOn the day after the defeat at the Vitality, the mood amongst Gunners supporters worsened when Manchester City grabbed an injury-time winner at Wolves.John Stones’ header was originally written off for offside – before the VAR decided Bernardo Silva was not interfering with Jose Sa despite being in an offside position. John Stones’ winner for Manchester City was allowed to stand despite Bernardo Silva’s positioningCredit: PALIVERPOOL PART IThen came the 2-2 draw with Liverpool last weekend. Arsenal were incensed that a late winner was not allowed.Although it was not immediately clear why, Anthony Taylor blew the whistle WAY before the ball eventually ended up in the net.Havertz bundled Trent Alexander-Arnold to the ground to get to the loose ball as it came back off the post, anyway, so there was no way the goal would have counted.Still, Arsenal fans reckon the so-called “phantom goal” could come back to haunt them come the end of the season.Anthony Taylor had already blown the whistle before Arsenal’s so-called ‘phantom goal’Credit: GettyLIVERPOOL PART IIIn the same game, the Gunners felt they should have had a penalty for a strong challenge from Ibrahima Konate on Gabriel Martinelli.Replays and the Premier League Match Centre on X both confirmed the Reds defender won the ball.And the Gunners fans seemingly forgot about Martin Odegaard’s blatant handball at Anfield last season that went unpunished.READ MORE SUN STORIESIbrahima Konate produced a superb sliding tackle on Gabriel MartinelliCredit: GettyLIVERPOOL PART IIILastly, some Arsenal fans even claimed David Raya’s yellow card for time wasting was “pre-meditated” by Taylor.One even went back and counted the exact number of seconds Liverpool took over corners to compare to Raya in a desperate attempt to drive home the conspiracy theory agenda. David Raya was booked for timewasting during the thrilling 2-2 drawCredit: GettyLiverpool impressed at Arsenal, but it was a match Jurgen Klopp probably would’ve wonBy Jordan DaviesON the face of it, Liverpool continue to go from strength to strength with Arne Slot’s tenure still in its infancy.Away at Arsenal as title contenders — with a formidable record at the Emirates having won four of their last six there — the Reds fought back, not once, but twice to earn an impressive point to remain four clear of the Gunners.Nine games in, Liverpool have seven wins, 22 points collected and sit in second in what is one of the club’s best ever starts to a Prem campaign.Nothing to sniff at there, and that is without mentioning three straight wins in the Champions League and a 5-1 Carabao Cup third-round thumping of fellow top-flight side West Ham.So to even attempt to pick flaws in Slot’s start with a run that solid would come across needlessly pedantic, deliberately nit-picky.But, and there is a but, given the standards Liverpool have set in these early months, it needs to be said: this draw in North London was a massive missed opportunity.And to go one step further, maybe this is a game Jurgen Klopp would have found a way to win?It has been a long time since Arsenal have gone into a game feeling so vulnerable defensively with world-class centre-back William Saliba missing through suspension.Full-back Riccardo Calafiori was also out injured, usual right-back Ben White began the game at centre-half and midfielder Thomas Partey started on the far right side of the defence.And then, in a chaotic second half, both Jurrien Timber and Gabriel limped off, forcing Gunners boss Mikel Arteta to swap around his back line THREE times by the 76th minute.And yet, despite all of that, a Liverpool side boasting attacking talents like Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo were hardly making the home fans sweat with a peppering of the Arsenal goal.It was not until a Klopp-style counter-attack from back to front in the 81st minute did the visitors properly test the home defence.But even that finish was a tame one — Salah tapping in past David Raya into an almost empty net.And with nine minutes left plus seven minutes injury time, the expected onslaught for another, to nick all three points — the tally-ho approach — never came.Not Klopp’s heavy metal style, more pleasant folk music with a ukulele in a country pub.You get the impression that Slot was delighted with this outcome.For large parts, Liverpool were defensively sound, gave very little away and snuck away back to Merseyside with a point tucked under their arm and a bloody nose avoided.Yet it was in these sorts big blockbuster matches that Klopp and Liverpool thrived over their nine-year romance, full of excitement, thrills and last-gasp wins that earned them a Prem trophy in 2019-20 and plenty more down-to-the-wire chases with Manchester City.And with Arteta’s Arsenal on their knees — quite literally in some cases — and hanging on for dear life, these are the moments in title races that require a bit of crazy, not caution.A Klopp team of the past would have gone completely and totally Kloppy, throwing men forward at will, blasting their opponents away and forcing the ball into the net through passion and thunder alone, regardless of how open it left them at the back.Slot is not this sort of coach.He is measured, considerate, calm. Good qualities, but not always needed in do-or-die matches that ultimately determine where you finish in May.It is hard to say if this will come back to haunt Slot, who still insists on avoiding any use of the phrase ‘title contenders’ despite clearly being title contenders.With Aston Villa and Manchester City visiting Anfield over their next five Prem outings, we will see whether the Dutchman can loosen the leash and let his team grab games by the scruff of the neck instead of playing it safe.Because as we have seen in this league, going for broke often rewards you — just ask the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola.Fortune favours the brave.Slot needs to discover his own version of that if he is to truly emulate Klopp and transform this Liverpool side into one capable of seizing moments when they matter most. More

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      England legend’s two sons play for Man City with one scoring incredible 20 minute hat-trick after coming on at half-time

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      THE sons of an England legend impressed once again playing together with one scoring a 20-minute hat-trick.Manchester City have two hot prospects on their hands and both helped their Under-21s to a big win in Premier League 2.Reigan Heskey scored a 20-minute hat-trick for Man City Under-21sCredit: Manchester City FCHis first came minutes after he was substituted onCredit: Manchester CityHis brother Jaden also played in the matchCredit: GettyThe pair are sons of England legend Emile HeskeyCredit: GettyThey thrashed Norwich 5-0 to maintain their place at the top of the table ahead of Brighton.City were 1-0 up at half-time before a substitution changed the game and sank their opponents.Reigan Heskey, son of former England star Emile, netted a 20-minute hat-trick before adding an assist for City’s fifth.He struck his first just two minutes after coming on, tapping home a cross from close range.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 16-year-old then slotted a finish into the far corner before completing his hat-trick with a tame effort the goalkeeper could only par into his own net.His dad would have been proud with the effort but there was another Heskey watching closely – his brother Jaden.Jaden Heskey completed 90 minutes playing in City’s midfield, with the pair linking up for the second time in a week.They both played for City U21s in their EFL Trophy penalty shoot-out victory over Grimsby, with Reigan scoring a curler from outside the box.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReigan was delighted with his hat-trick against Norwich and the impact he made off the bench.He told City’s media team: “I came on and made an impact which is what I try to do every time so it was a good performance.Emile Heskey talks about the pressures of mental health on footballers”Every team wants to be top [of the table], you want to win every game week in, week out.”The pressure of having them [other teams] behind us gives us motivation to play well every week.” More