Football

ARSENAL vs Manchester United descended into chaos like the good old days with an almighty bust-up.Tempers flared between the two fierce rivals throughout the FA Cup clash at the Emirates – won by the visitors on penalties, despite being down to ten men following Diogo Dalot’s second yellow.Arsenal vs Manchester United kicked off with a huge meleeCredit: EPAThe players clashed after the Gunners were awarded a penaltyCredit: BBCSome fans think Maguire called Havertz a cheatCredit: BBCManuel Ugarte and Havertz ended up on the deckCredit: BBCIt all started when the German went down under a challenge from Maguire in the areaCredit: ReutersAfter Bruno Fernandes was booked for launching his boot in anger then Diogo Dalot saw red for a second yellow, the Red Devils were furious when Andy Madley awarded Arsenal a penalty.Kai Havertz went down softly after a tussle with Harry Maguire in the area with 20 minutes to go.The defender put his arm out as Havertz tried to wriggle through before the Arsenal attacker took a tumble and Madley controversially pointed to the spot. With no VAR to check the incident, the decision could not be overruled.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd then the two teams got into a major scrap.Raging Maguire was clearly apoplectic with Havertz going down so easily and went after him as the melee unfolded – with some viewers convinced he called the German a “cheat”. But as the former United captain tried to remonstrate with Havertz, Gabriel got involved and shoved Maguire. Havertz and Manuel Ugarte then clashed.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe pair both ended up on the deck in chaotic scenes with replays showing the Uruguayan seemingly putting his head forward into his opponent. Madley kept tabs on the chaos and eventually booked Maguire, Gabriel and Havertz in the aftermath.Arsenal to wear special all-white kit vs Man United in FA Cup for No More Red initiative Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as Maguire and Co dig deep to win after Dalot’s moment of madnessMANCHESTER UNITED produced a heroic effort to squeeze past Arsenal and into the FA Cup’s fourth round on penalties.The Red Devils were forced to dig deep at the Emirates following Diogo Dalot’s 61st minute red card.On a freezing cold afternoon in North London, SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rates and slates each United performer…ALTAY BAYINDIR – 8Poor punch up in the air which allowed the ball to fall nicely for Gabriel to finish.Redeemed himself with a brilliant penalty save to keep the score level, before superbly denying Declan Rice twice.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7Was assured on and off the ball if unspectacular. Got his body on the line as the Gunners pushed for a winner.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 8Solid in defence and kept the backline well organised. Produced the best tackle of the match on the goalline to deny Leandro Trossard a certain goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 8Commanding in the air and made several key blocks but gave away the penalty which Arsenal missed to go in front.Got away with an earlier error as he failed to clear – the ball landed at Kai Havertz’s feet but he somehow skewed wide with his effort.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Had to be on high alert to deal with the movement of Arsenal forwards but it was a task he managed well.DIOGO DALOT – 3Booked for a mistimed lunge on Lewis-Skelly. He followed that up with another silly, late foul on Merino with the ball about to go out of play for his second yellow. Stupid red card.MANUEL UGARTE – 7A firefighter all across the pitch for his side, although spent most of the match in his own half given Arsenal’s dominance.Was booked for one foul too many just before the hour mark and was lucky to escape a red card as he went head-to-head with Havertz after the penalty incident.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Lively in the middle and kept a close eye on Jorginho. Looked sharp on the ball and showed some clever touches.Should have done better to head clear before Gabriel’s equaliser.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Always an outlet on the counter which was much needed for the Red Devils.Made the most of a Gabriel error to burst in on goal and pass across to Fernandes to score.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was booked for throwing a trademark tantrum after claiming he was fouled on the edge of the box when lining up a shot.Showed his class with a brilliant first-time finish which he bent around a defender into the far corner.RASMUS HOJLUND – 3Failed to provide the focal point that United badly needed, which meant almost every pass forward was dealt with by the Arsenal centre-halves. Was fortunate there was no VAR to take a look at his apparent elbow on William Saliba, which left the Arsenal star bloodied.SUBSTITUTESAmad (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Lively on the counter too but just lacking a bit of quality – though was outnumbered every time he got the ball.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 80mins) – 6Some very clever touches when he came on and provided a presence up front at a time United badly needed it.Toby Collyer (for Mainoo, 80mins) – 5Showed plenty of energy but was missing quality in some areas.Tyrell Malacia (for Ugarte, extra-time) – 6Stuck to his task well.Leno Yoro (for Maguire, 104) – 6Did his job well during the closing stages of the match. Converted his penalty in the shoot-out with aplomb.There was more drama when the game finally got back underway as Altay Bayindir flung himself across to save Martin Odegaard’s penalty.In the first half, Fernandes risked his fourth red card of the season when he hurled his boot twice when Madley didn’t award a free-kick despite being clipped by Gabriel Jesus on the edge of the area.He did receive a yellow but crucially stayed on the pitch – and was on hand to fire home the opening goal in style. But the game swung when Dalot dived in on Mikel Merino to get his marching orders because just two minutes later, Gabriel equalised. Maguire’s anger was clear to seeCredit: GettyHe was eventually received a yellow card for his behaviourCredit: GettyHavertz was at the thick of the dramaCredit: GettyAltay Bayindir brilliantly saved Martin Odegaard’s penaltyCredit: GettyManuel Ugarte appeared to headbutt HavertzCredit: GettyBayindir tried to control Maguire as the red mist descendedCredit: PAArsenal ratings vs Man Utd as Martinelli looks lively but wasteful Havertz costs Gunners another trophy chanceKAI HAVERTZ missed two sitters and a penalty in the shoot-out as Arsenal were dumped out of the FA Cup.The Gunners huffed and puffed but failed to find a winner, even after extra-time, against Manchester United’s 10 men.And it all went wrong in the penalty shootout as Altay Bayindir saved Havertz’s effort.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Arsenal stars…DAVID RAYA – 6Could do nothing about United’s goal and produced a stellar stop to deny Zirkzee in extra-time.JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Very effective on the overlap and worked well being fed by Odegaard.Tested a couple of times by Alejandro Garnacho who proved a problem on the counter-attack.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Dealt with Hojlund well although the striker did not pose much of a threat.GABRIEL – 6Terrible error to lose possession to Alejandro Garnacho who was put through on goal and set up Bruno Fernandes to score.Made amends with a brilliant finish Bukayo Saka would have been proud of.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 5A quiet game at left-back, probably should have got forward more particularly after United went down to ten men and had Garnacho filling in at right-back.JORGINHO – 5Kept things ticking over in the middle and was always an outlet for his team-mates.MIKEL MERINO – 4Anonymous in the middle. Difficult to see what he brings to this Arsenal side.Missed a good chance to put his side ahead moments after the equaliser and was taken off shortly after that.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7A pleasure to watch. Made everything happen, his ability to turn on the ball in the middle of the park created opportunities time after time.But he missed the chance to win the game from the penalty spot.GABRIEL JESUS – 6Lovely pass to break the lines and put through Martinelli, who found the back of the net but was offside.Fell awkwardly when defending a cross in the first half and was carried off on a stretcher.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Was the main attacking threat in the first half with his direct style causing the visitors all sorts of problems.Produced good movement and a finish to match but his goal was disallowed for offside.KAI HAVERTZ – 3Won the penalty after a deft touch past Maguire.But he missed two sitters including one just three minutes from time to win the match, and his penalty miss proved decisive in the shoot-out.SUBSTITUTESRaheem Sterling (for Jesus, 40mins) – 6Looked sharp when he got the ball and did well in the build-up to Havertz winning the penalty.Declan Rice (for Merino, 73mins) – 6Almost scored with what might have been his first touch but his header was brilliantly saved.Should have grabbed the winner in the dying moments but his low effort was again superbly matched by Bayindir.Leandro Trossard (for Lewis-Skelly, extra-time) – 5Will wonder how he didn’t score after Matthijs de Ligt produced a goalline clearance to deny him.Blazed over with an effort from just outside the box.Thomas Partey (for Timber, 101mins) – 5Put in a few good crosses. Came close to a winner with an effort that was deflected narrowly over the bar.Kieran Tierney (for Jorginho, 113mins) -His arrival onto the pitch was greeted with a big cheer but he did not have much time to impact the match. More

BRUNO FERNANDES twice threw his boot to the ground in anger as he risked a FOURTH red card of the season.The Manchester United captain, 30, started in midfield for his side in the FA Cup clash away at Arsenal – which they won on penalties, despite being reduced to ten men following Diogo Dalot’s red card.Bruno Fernandes threw his boot in anger twice at ArsenalCredit: RexHis emotions boiled over when he was denied a free-kickCredit: RexThe reaction led to a yellow cardCredit: RexWith 37 minutes on the clock, Fernandes went down under a challenge from Gabriel Jesus on the edge of the Arsenal area.It appeared as though the Gunners striker had clipped the Portuguese playmaker’s ankles.However, Referee Andy Madley ignored his desperate pleas for a free-kick and allowed play to continue.But Fernandes was apoplectic with rage the decision did not go his way. Sat down on the turf, took the loosened red boot off his left foot and hurled it angrily in the direction of Madley who carried on following the action.Then when there was a break in play, Fernandes continued his petulant rant with the official.But as it appeared his complaints were falling on deaf ears, he again decided to launch the boot to the floor right in front of Madley.And the referee was having none of it, immediately brandishing the yellow card for his obvious dissent.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAlthough Fernandes could have been booked for his initial reaction, too, which was arguably worse – and could have meant two bookings in quick succession. Fans watching the game immediately took to social media to react to Fernandes’ moments of boiling frustration.Arsenal vs Manchester United: Player RatingsOne said: “That’s why Fernandes shouldn’t be captain, he’s a petulant p****! Don’t know how the ref has missed the foul in the first place though.”Another wrote: “Ok it’s definitely a foul on Bruno Fernandes but he took his OWN boot off and threw it TWICE – ref could’ve double yellowed him.”A third added: “Worst captain in the league.”A fourth commented: “It is unacceptable for a captain to be showing petulance the way he does. Throwing your boot to the ground to show your frustration at the ref. Why? Does this too often.”And a final user typed: “Horrible piece of work he is.”The yellow card meant Fernandes had to walk a tightrope for the remainder of the FA Cup clash to avoid a fourth red card of the season.Fernandes saw red against Tottenham and Porto within four days.He then picked up two yellow cards to go for an early bath against Wolves on Boxing Day.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as Maguire and Co dig deep to win after Dalot’s moment of madnessMANCHESTER UNITED produced a heroic effort to squeeze past Arsenal and into the FA Cup’s fourth round on penalties.The Red Devils were forced to dig deep at the Emirates following Diogo Dalot’s 61st minute red card.On a freezing cold afternoon in North London, SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rates and slates each United performer…ALTAY BAYINDIR – 8Poor punch up in the air which allowed the ball to fall nicely for Gabriel to finish.Redeemed himself with a brilliant penalty save to keep the score level, before superbly denying Declan Rice twice.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7Was assured on and off the ball if unspectacular. Got his body on the line as the Gunners pushed for a winner.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 8Solid in defence and kept the backline well organised. Produced the best tackle of the match on the goalline to deny Leandro Trossard a certain goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 8Commanding in the air and made several key blocks but gave away the penalty which Arsenal missed to go in front.Got away with an earlier error as he failed to clear – the ball landed at Kai Havertz’s feet but he somehow skewed wide with his effort.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Had to be on high alert to deal with the movement of Arsenal forwards but it was a task he managed well.DIOGO DALOT – 3Booked for a mistimed lunge on Lewis-Skelly. He followed that up with another silly, late foul on Merino with the ball about to go out of play for his second yellow. Stupid red card.MANUEL UGARTE – 7A firefighter all across the pitch for his side, although spent most of the match in his own half given Arsenal’s dominance.Was booked for one foul too many just before the hour mark and was lucky to escape a red card as he went head-to-head with Havertz after the penalty incident.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Lively in the middle and kept a close eye on Jorginho. Looked sharp on the ball and showed some clever touches.Should have done better to head clear before Gabriel’s equaliser.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Always an outlet on the counter which was much needed for the Red Devils.Made the most of a Gabriel error to burst in on goal and pass across to Fernandes to score.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was booked for throwing a trademark tantrum after claiming he was fouled on the edge of the box when lining up a shot.Showed his class with a brilliant first-time finish which he bent around a defender into the far corner.RASMUS HOJLUND – 3Failed to provide the focal point that United badly needed, which meant almost every pass forward was dealt with by the Arsenal centre-halves. Was fortunate there was no VAR to take a look at his apparent elbow on William Saliba, which left the Arsenal star bloodied.SUBSTITUTESAmad (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Lively on the counter too but just lacking a bit of quality – though was outnumbered every time he got the ball.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 80mins) – 6Some very clever touches when he came on and provided a presence up front at a time United badly needed it.Toby Collyer (for Mainoo, 80mins) – 5Showed plenty of energy but was missing quality in some areas.Tyrell Malacia (for Ugarte, extra-time) – 6Stuck to his task well.Leno Yoro (for Maguire, 104) – 6Did his job well during the closing stages of the match. Converted his penalty in the shoot-out with aplomb.And in doing so, Fernandes became the first United player to be sent off three times in one season for 16 years.In 2008-09, Nemanja Vidic’s three red cards including both home and away against rivals Liverpool in the Premier League.Ironically, it was Fernandes who expertly fired his side in front on 52 minutes with a superb finish.But less than ten minutes later, United were reduced to ten men when Fernandes’ compatriot Diogo Dalot slid into a tackle already on a yellow card.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe full-back caught Mikel Merino and was shown a second caution to be sent for an early bath.And just two minutes later, Gabriel equalised for Arsenal with a deflected strike. Fernandes was clipped by Gabriel Jesus on the edge of the areaCredit: GettyThe Portuguese complained to MadleyCredit: ReutersHis frustration was clear to seeCredit: Getty More

FANS slammed a “cruel” FA Cup rule change that saw non-league Tamworth denied a money-spinning replay at Tottenham.Ange Postecoglou’s Premier League giants were taken to extra time by their hosts after the initial 90 minutes ended in a 0-0 draw.Fans blasted the ‘cruel’ rule change that denied Tamworth a replay against SpursCredit: AFPTottenham won 3-0 in extra time after drawing 0-0 in the first 90 minutesCredit: ReutersTamworth did their fans proud as they brilliantly kept a clean sheet in normal time while also recording 13 shots of their own.But Spurs’ might and squad depth paid dividends later on when they took the lead through a 101st minute own-goal from Nathan Muya Tshikuna.Dejan Kulusevksi then made it 2-0 six minutes later.And Brennan Johnson sealed an emphatic 3-0 win for the visitors with a goal at the death.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, many fans feel Tamworth were denied a proper reward for their efforts in the normal 90.Old FA Cup rules meant a draw between sides in that time resulted in a replay.Had those still applied today, it would have seen Tamworth travel to London for a money-spinning adventure at Spurs’ £1billion stadium – which holds 62,850 compared to their Lamb Ground at 4,000.FA Cup replays were scrapped only in April last year following a scheduling agreement with the Premier League.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd taking to social media, fans blasted the “cruel” change that denied the Staffordshire side their time in the sun.One said: “Tamworth grafted for a 0-0. A replay would see them right for five years, but because the big boys get tired, replays are scrapped.”’What a weekend he’s having’ say fans as Tamworth GK Jas Singh puts on stunning performance hours after birth of his sonAnother declared: “The FA and Premier League has taken away the glory of a replay for Tamworth, it would have meant so much footballing wise and financially.”One noted: “Tamworth not getting a replay which would likely bank them £1m is all wrong.”Another added: “Robbing the players of their small piece of fame and robbing the local clubs of ££.” More