Football

NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO silenced Martin Keown after Nottingham Forest’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal last night.The Gunners fell 13 points behind leaders Liverpool following their failure to win at the City Ground.Nuno Espirito Santo chatted to the TNT Sports crew after the gameThe Forest boss smiled after the gameBoss Mikel Arteta has recently found himself without a recognised forward to call upon due to injuries.With Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka all missing, Mikel Merino was selected as a makeshift striker.Despite the Spaniard’s recent two-goal haul at Leicester, Forest boss Nuno did not seem particularly worried by his threat.Having recently fielded a back five away at Fulham, the Portuguese opted for a back four against the Gunners.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter the game, Nuno spoke to pundit Martin Keown on TNT Sports.Asked why he went for a back four, Nuno said: “As Arsenal doesn’t have a striker… they didn’t play in those positions.”There’s no need for an extra body, so the overload will be in the midfield, it’s about containing the midfield.”On a low-key night in Nottingham, both sides struggled to create clear openings.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRiccardo Calafiori came closest to breaking the deadlock, but saw his strike cannon back off the post.With Liverpool beating Newcastle 2-0 at Anfield, the Gunners felt 13 points behind Arne Slot’s men.Nuno opted for a back four against ArsenalBut against Fulham he had picked a more defensive back fiveMikel Arteta bizarrely hints Arsenal should be mid-table but still won’t give up on title They remain six points above Nottingham Forest in third, with Manchester City’s 1-0 win at Tottenham putting them just a point back from Nuno’s men.Forest will host Pep Guardiola’s champions on Saturday, with Arsenal travelling to Manchester United the following day.Arsenal stars were left gutted after the gameCredit: Reuters More

MIKEL ARTETA may not have anyone to put the ball in the back of the net but in William Saliba he has one of the best defenders in the Prem.The Arsenal boss watched his side’s faint title hopes go well and truly up in smoke in the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.William Saliba and Gabriel have been superb all seasonCredit: GettyJorginho was a weak link for the Gunners against Nottingham ForestCredit: GettyBut his brilliant backline emerged, once again, with credit from this tricky clash at the City Ground.Together with Gabriel, Saliba kept a tight lid on Forest dangerman Chris Wood, who scored a hat-trick in his last appearance on this ground.Arsenal were well organised if toothless in attack, with Arteta mixing things up not by dropping Mikel Merino, but by playing Declan Rice a bit further forward.That meant Jorginho was brought into the side but the veteran midfielder lacked intensity and Nuno Espirito Santo’s side had little trouble dealing with him.The same can be said of skipper Martin Odegaard, who has looked out of sorts in recent weeks.Instead Arsenal’s biggest threat came from Riccardo Caliofiori, who hit the post in the first half before being hooked at the break – Mikel Arteta seeming to prefer the more steady Kieran Tierney instead.Ethan Nwaneri earned another start and showed bright sparks though chances from open play were few and far between from the visitors.Here is how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated the Gunners stars’ displays…DAVID RAYA – 7Could have brought a deckchair for the first half as he was rarely troubled and had to be content with fielding practice for the first 45 minutes.His heat map for the second half might be interesting as he seemed to spend as much time outside his box as in it as the Gunners camped in Forest’s half.But when he was needed he got his angles right to defy Wood to keep his side on level terms.Ian Wright fears three Arsenal superstars could run down contract, including Saka JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Fluffed an early opportunity to get a shot off after Odegaard’s cut-back set him up. He who hesitates etc etc.Too often failed to get his crosses into the danger area.Cut a frustrated figure.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8Purred through most of the match like a Rolls Royce in third gear!Never flustered, used the ball well and sniffed out any slight danger long before it came to anything.Could have played this game with carpet slippers on – and looked like he was when he slipped to let in Wood.But he recovered brilliantly to block the frustrated forward’s shot with some brilliant last-ditch defending.GABRIEL – 6Was all over Wood like a rash in the early exchanges as he tried to assert himself over the powerful Kiwi.Fist-pumped after winning tackles so was certainly up for the physical battle.Not as effective after the break as Wood was much more prominent.But in truth his feathers were rarely ruffled.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7Almost played as a false No.9… from left-back!Walked a tightrope from the third minute after being booked for cynically pulling back Callum Hudson-Odoi in Forest’s first attack.Diced with disaster midway through the first half when Hudson-Odoi skipped round him in the box and then went down after brushing against the full-back, who was a fraction away from conceding a penalty.On the plus side, he was arguably Arsenal’s best attacker and was unfortunate not to give the Gunners the lead with a curling shot which crashed off the far post.Subbed at half-time after having three touches in the Forest box and none in his own!MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Thought he was finally going to break the deadlock in the final 10 minutes until he found out why Forest fans sing: “You’ll never beat Murillo!”Zinchenko pulled the ball back for Odegaard whose shot was brilliantly cleared off the line by the Brazilian defender.The Arsenal skipper had another attempt but it was saved by Sels – only for the flag to be raised for offside.Odegaard was as classy as ever and swung over a string of wicked corners but couldn’t find the spark needed to break down Forest’s Red Wall.JORGINHO – 5Off the pace for much of the first half and gave away possession a few times, either with stray passes or needless fouls.Worked hard enough in the middle of the park but failed to set the tempo of the game for Arsenal.Like so many of his Gunners team-mates he lacked a cutting edge and Forest were able to contain him with ease.Replaced by Oleksandr Zinchenko with 20 minutes remaining and wasn’t missed.DECLAN RICE – 7Got off to a positive start and surged towards the Forest goal early on, but was thwarted when Milenkovic desperately blocked his shot.Clearly had his shooting boots on as he then fizzed a shot off Dominguez for a corner.Swung over a series of dangerous corners but for once found no takers.Put in a shift but not a commanding performance by any means.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Supplied plenty of crosses but was a bit hit and miss with his accuracy at times.Denied a good scoring chance before the break when Murillo blocked him as he tried to pull the trigger.But faded out of things after the break and was replaced by Raheem Sterling 13 minutes from the end.MIKEL MERINO – 6Worked his socks off defensively – maybe to the detriment of his striking duties at times because he failed to get one shot off in a dour first half.Unfortunate to be penalised for a foul on Elanga when he cleverly nicked the ball from through the full-back’s legs.Started the second half brightly and made Sels work with a powerful header at the back post which the keeper did well to save.Failed to pack a punch though.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Tidy enough in possession and rarely gave the ball away. But lacked a cutting edge and played in front of Forest’s defence where they could comfortably deal with him.Not nearly positive enough.SUBSKIERAN TIERNEY – 7Surprisingly replaced Calafiori at half-time – probably because Arteta didn’t want to risk a SIXTH red card in the league!Was more assured defensively than the Italian – not that Forest carried much of an attacking threat.Came close with a header from a Tierney corner but wasn’t helped by Merino clattering into him.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 6Put Jorginho out of his misery when he replaced him after 70 minutes.Caused Forest some problems and thought he had set Odegaard up to break the deadlock with his accurate cutback.But failed to time his run to perfection and was flagged offside.RAHEEM STERLING – 6Replaced Nwaneri with 13 minutes left on the clock but couldn’t break down Forest’s disciplined defence.Went down at the edge of the box looking for a foul – only to give one away for handball!BEN WHITE – 6Replaced Timber with four minutes left to play.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Almost made an instant impact in the four minutes he was on but dragged his shot wide after replacing Odegaard with four minutes remaining. 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MANCHESTER UNITED eased their relegation fears with a 3-2 win over Ipswich.The Red Devils triumphed in a thriller despite playing the second half with ten men.Harry Maguire was Man Utd’s saviour in a 3-2 win over IpswichCredit: ReutersAndre Onana is making a case to be the club’s worst-ever signingCredit: ReutersA major cock-up from Patrick Dorgu and Andre Onana saw Ipswich take a third-minute lead through Jaden Philogene.United fired back 20 minutes later courtesy of Sam Morsy’s own goal.And they were soon ahead thanks to a strike from Matthijs de Ligt.The Red Devils made things hard for themselves when Dorgu’s evening ended early.The wing-back received a straight red card in the 43rd minute after a poor challenge on Omari Hutchinson.And there was still time in the first half for Philogene to level the score with his second goal of the game.However, Harry Maguire restored United’s lead minutes after the break.It proved to be the winning goal as Ruben Amorim’s men held firm.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd the Red Devils are now 16 points clear of the drop zone after ending their run of three league games without victory.But who was United’s best player on the night?Erik ten Hag reveals he HAS returned to work and may never go back to management after Man Utd sackingAnd did anyone have a game to forget?Here, SunSport’s Phil Thomas reveals his Manchester United player ratings…ANDRE ONANA – 2In a season of blunders at least he’s consistent – starting with his role in a fifth minute clanger for Ipswich’s first.But while the chief culprit was Dorgu, Onana was culpable too – he should have stayed back or bellowed it was his ball. He did neither.And a bad start to the half became a shocking finish when he stood rooted as Philogene’s cross curled in. Staking a big claim as one of United’s worst ever buys.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 7Sometimes you wonder why Bayern Munich let him go. Then again, at others you imagine they couldn’t get him out quickly enough.To be fair to the Dutchman, it is steadily becoming more of the former, and there were more pros than cons to his game here.Most notably, of course, with his first goal at Old Trafford. Hardly a net buster, but better than his attacking team-mates have been managing.HARRY MAGUIRE – 8The most commanding of the United backline once more, although let’s be honest… it has often been a pretty low bar.He caused plenty of chaos at the other end too and it was Maguire’s initial header that pinballed around before his partner De Ligt stabbed them in front.Then, with United down to ten, it was Harry who got his bonce on another Bruno corner to thunder his side back in front.LENY YORO – 6Showed again what an elegant ball player he is…but in the rough-house world of a Premier League defence, doesn’t half look like he needs a good meal.Mind you, Jim Ratcliffe would probably have kittens unless he had the receipt to prove he’d paid for it himself.Still a kid, still new to the Prem and definitely full of promise. Took another step forward here as well, with a couple of powerful clearing headers.DIOGO DALOT – 6Loved by the players, highly rated by the players, but so often the scapegoat for supporters.Think that’s harsh? You should have seen some of his passes. Although to be fair he never goes missing and got his reward by being at the heart of United’s second.Dalot’s tumbling snapshot was more instinctive than his attackers manage and got its reward with De Ligt’s tap-in. More at home when switched right after Mazraoui came on, as well.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Hit his first goal at Everton on Saturday. Given his only other domestic goal was in Portugal four years earlier, expect the next some time in late February 2029.That’s not what he’s here for, though. It’s winning the ball – often with a snarl – and giving it to a playmaker. As he showed most of the time against Ipswich.It’s when he starts trying to spray crossfield passes around that it tends to go awry. Stick to the plan, Manu…BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Been more like the leader United have lacked since he’s started focusing on what he can do with his feet rather than how wildly he can throw his arms in the air and have a tantrum.The man who came to the rescue at Goodison on Saturday did so again here, with another couple of outstanding deliveries.First with the free kick Sam Morsy headed into his own net, and then two corners for both the other goals. Where would United be without him?PATRICK DORGU – 3Or Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, as per official teamsheet. Not many will be getting that on the back of a shirt after his nightmare night.Took only five minutes to claim an assist – just a pity it was for Ipswich, with a shocking mix-up that took Onana out of the game.Could it get any worse? You bet it could…when he saw a VAR-induced red card for his lunge on Omar Hutchinson. The fact he wasn‘t the worst in Red proves how bad Onana was.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 7Looked like he’d reached the end of a very short road when he was humiliated and hauled off after half an hour against Newcastle in December. Fair play for the way he’s fought back.No doubting there’s a good player in there – he just manages to keep him well hidden a lot of the time.You couldn’t argue with his work rate, though. Ran himself into the ground after Dorgu was sent off, clearing his box one minute, popping up in the Ipswich box then next.RASMUS HOJLUND – 4At times runs like he’s pulling a training sled…and at others he REALLY labours. On the whole another tough night for the Dane, although he isn’t being helped by a lack of service.But while there have been excuses, a centre forward will always be judged on goals and Hojlund simply hasn’t scored enough.Two in the Prem all season and none in two months…desperately needs the confidence booster a couple more would bring.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 4On his day he can be as exciting as a young Ryan Giggs.On others he’s more like an out-of-form Antony (anyone remember what an in-form one was like by the way?)In fairness he didn’t get many chances to run at his full-back before he was hauled off as the sacrifice when Dorgu was dismissed.SUBSNOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI (for Garnacho, 45mins) – 6Thrown on when Dorgu walked to keep the numbers up at the back. Showed incredible energy levels again, the distance he covered on that right flank.All in all it was a pretty solid show – although he took a huge chance by rushing in and shoving Liam Delap to the floor in one late set-to.CASEMIRO (for Hojlund, 66mins) – 5Sent on for the final quarter to shore things up when being a man light was starting to impact energy levels.He was more the wise old head filling the gaps and offering an outlet, rather than charging around and launching himself into challenges.LINDELOF (for Yoro, 90 mins) – N/AERIKSEN (for Zirkzee, 90 mins) – N/A More

ARNE SLOT was sat in the main stand at Anfield on a night when Liverpool’s fans started celebrating the title.The moment Alexis Mac Alister swept a shot past Nick Pope for the Reds’ second goal, with Dominik Szoboszlai having scored the first, the sound of “we’re going to win the League” appeared to be sung by virtually every person inside the stadium.Dominik Szoboszlai enjoyed his opener as Liverpool boosted their title gripCredit: RexAlexis Mac Allister drilled the Reds’ second goal on 63 minutesCredit: RexArne Slot saw his Liverpool team stand and deliverCredit: PAApart from Slot, obviously. Although he was probably humming along.Incredibly, Liverpool are now 13 points clear and this gap is certainly unlucky for everyone else.With 10 games left, Liverpool have the cigars out so why don’t the Premier League get on with it and hand over the title now?Slot was banned from the dugout as he served the first of a two-match ban due to the red card he received at the end of the Merseyside derby against Everton for comments made to the officials.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThroughout that game at Goodison Park, Slot was the most  animated we had seen him since arriving in England and over the next day or so, the FA will release the reasons behind the ban and what was said by the Dutchman.Yet Slot, who posed for pictures with the mascots near the tunnel before taking his seat in the stands, looked nice and relaxed throughout – and little wonder.Even though Mo Salah failed to score for the ninth game in succession – yet he did deliver an assist  – the red machine rolled on relentlessly. For Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, it is now just one win in 21 matches against Liverpool and he will be hoping for much better luck in the Carabao Cup final on March 16.Most read in FootballSzoboszlai steered an 11th-minute breakthrough in a comfortable winCredit: RexBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowe refused to risk striker Alexander Isak after he picked up a slight groin strain. It was a sensible decision because it would be a disaster if they are without Isak for the final at Wembley.How Mo Salah bamboozled Man City with genius ‘backpedal trick’Instead, Newcastle gave a first Premier League start for injury-hit Callum Wilson, who turns 33 on Thursday, although he missed a good chance to level before half-time.Ultimately, Liverpool were comfortable even though Newcastle did improve in the second half.As you would expect, all the talk before the game was about Salah who is out of contract at the end of this season.Yet in an TV interview early in the day, Salah claimed there was still no news regarding a new deal.Salah also claimed this is his best campaign at the club even though this is the fifth time he has hit the 30-goal mark.The reason, Salah stressed, was he believes he is helping his team-mates play better and gave the examples of Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo.In under three minutes, Salah thought he had earned himself a penalty but to his astonishment, referee Stuart Attwell felt the Egyptian had fouled Lewis Hall.Newcastle got away with that as left-back Hall initiated the contact with Salah. But red shirts continued to swarm around the visitors in the final third so an early opening goal was inevitable and it came through in-form Hungarian midfielder Szoboszlai.Mac Allister takes the plaudits after his second-half clincherCredit: PADiaz made progress into the area without a proper challenge from Fabian Schar and Szoboszlai made space for himself by moving backwards a couple of yards towards the penalty spot. He then threaded a shot through the legs of both Sandro Tolani and Dan Burn.Although Diaz did some good work to create the goal, this was nothing compared to a dazzling run to create an opportunity for Kostas Tsimikas. Yet the Greek left-back, having replaced Andy Robertson in the team, proved why he has yet to score for Liverpool with a truly terrible finish.Newcastle had a couple of chances before the break and Wilson should have equalised when he was put clean through but he lifted the ball wide when he should have just hammered a shot at Alisson.Liverpool struggled to get out of their area in the second half and both Virgil van Dijk and Wilson needed treatment after a clash of heads.But just as Newcastle saw more of the ball, they were punished in clinical fashion after Sandro Tonali lost possession.Mac Allister collected the ball inside his own half, strode forward to the edge of the area without a proper challenge and exchanged passes with Salah before firing a shot past Pope. And so the knees-up at Anfield truly started.For Slot, with his team having been knocked out of the FA Cup, he will already turn his attentions to PSG and their last 16 Champions League tie in the French capital on Tuesday.It is a truly nasty reward for finishing top of the Champions League table.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut if they get past PSG, and bearing in mind they have a Cup final against Newcastle and the title has been effectively sealed, there will be genuine talk of a Liverpool treble. 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