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    Newcastle fans fume at Nuno Espirito Santo after spotting what Nottingham Forest manager did at end of 4-3 thriller

    NEWCASTLE fans have called out Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Santo for “sour grapes” after a dramatic contest at St James Park.Alexander Isak scored twice for Eddie Howe’s Toon in a rollercoaster 4-3 win on Sunday afternoon.Nuno Santo cut an exasperated figure as Forest went down 4-3 to NewcastleCredit: GettySome fans were convinced Nuno snubbed Eddie Howe’s handshake after the gameCredit: AlamyThe Wolves boss (right) was seen walking straight onto the field as Howe approached the dugoutForest took an early lead through Callum Hudson-Odoi but proceeded to collapse in spectacular fashion.Nuno’s men conceded four goals in just ELEVEN barmy first-half minutes – before almost staging an unlikely fightback after the break. Newcastle fans were adamant the Portuguese boss – recently named the most-loved in the Prem – snubbed his opposite number Howe for a handshake at full-time.TV cameras showed Howe walking towards the Forest dugout at the final whistle, only for Nuno to seemingly walk in the opposite direction and onto the field.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne fan wrote on X: “Sour grapes from Nuno not to shake Eddie’s hand at the end of the match today.”Another said: “He was all smiles before the game. Very unprofessional.”But a third countered: “He’s clearly going off to talk to the ref, please don’t make this out to be something it isn’t.”And a fourth agreed: “Not sure there was anything in this as Nuno and Eddie get on very well.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNuno was furious to see just three minutes added by the officials following his team’s second-half fightback.It was not apparent if he shook Howe’s hand after returning from talking to referee Jarred Gillett. Moment Nottingham Forest fans ‘try to bribe Anthony Taylor’ during VAR check as hilarious footage goes viralRyan Yates netted Forest’s third just before the regular 90 minutes elapsed. And the Forest boss was adamant his team should have been given more time to find a leveller. Nuno told Sky Sports: “First half, clearly Newcastle better. Second half was better but unfortunately not enough. Too bad, too soon.”We made mistakes. Newcastle made mistakes also. But it was two totally different halves. We started well, we scored, and they just rolled over us.”There was nothing else in the first half about us. Every time Newcastle had the ball they scored.”I wish there was 10 minutes added on. We needed that time. “We were on top, Newcastle were on the ropes. With 10 minutes I think we can get something from this game.”A relieved Howe added: “It was great to win. You have to remember that at the end. “Crazy game, but that’s why we love [football] I suppose.”READ MORE SUN STORIESForest remain third after the loss, three points ahead of fourth-placed Manchester City. Newcastle made ground in the race for the European spots, climbing to fifth and level on points with Pep Guardiola’s side. More

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    Philippe Clement SACKED by Rangers as Ibrox chiefs finally end boss’ turbulent reign after only 16 months

    PHILIPPE CLEMENT has been SACKED as manager of Rangers.Ibrox chiefs have finally decided enough is enough with Clement dismissed just 16 months after taking charge.Clement has been dismissed by RangersCredit: PARangers CEO Patrick Stewart (left) and chairman Fraser Thornton (right) watching on in MotherwellCredit: Willie VassAlex Rae was Clement’s first-team coach with previous No2 Andries Ulderink (centre) drafted in as assistant manager in the summerCredit: Willie VassSunSport exclusively revealed late on Sunday afternoon that Clement was set for the Ibrox sack.Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to St Mirren proved the final straw and the club have now confirmed the manager’s exit.Clement replaced Michael Beale as Rangers manager in October 2023 and won the League Cup less than two months into his tenure.The former Monaco boss also led Rangers into an unexpected title challenge, but it was a challenge that ultimately fell apart towards the end of the season.The Gers would eventually finish eight points behind champions Celtic.There has barely been a hint of a title challenge this season, with Rangers’ campaign all but over by February.The Light Blues trail rivals Celtic by THIRTEEN points and also lost the League Cup Final to the Hoops back in December.Dire form either side of a 3-0 league win over Celtic in early January led to major fan protests, with supporters WALKING OUT during the match with St Johnstone.Most read in FootballDespite fans demanding change, new Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart publicly BLACKED Clement last month.An upturn in form bought Clement some much-needed credit.The FIVE big questions around Rangers’ stunning takeover talks answered by SunSportRangers were on a run of five domestic games unbeaten when Queen’s Park visited Ibrox on February 9.However, Clement’s side would lose 1-0 to their Championship opponents in a result viewed as one of the worst in the club’s history.A video surfaced online showing Clement walking a gauntlet of some furious abuse as he left Ibrox following the humiliating loss.He would, however, keep his job.Speaking last week, Gers CEO Stewart branded that result ‘a source of shame’ but still insisted it was still wasn’t the right decision NOT so sack Clement.Those comments came before the dramatic developments regarding the financial muscle of NFL giants San Francisco 49ers closing in on a stunning takeover of Rangers came to light.The weekend would prove another horror show with Rangers, one that Clement branded the WORST performance since he took charge.The Gers fell to a 2-0 home defeat against St Mirren, the first time the Buddies had won at Ibrox since 1991.It was also the Saints’ first time recording back-to-back wins over the Light Blues for more than FORTY years.And despite the words of the chief executive last week, Gers chiefs have decided they can no longer back Clement as boss.The 50-year old has been axed just six months after signing a contract extension until 2028.Rangers’ form in Europe has been good, with a last 16 Europa League tie with Fenerbahce on the horizon.CEO Stewart had claimed the Light Blues’ excellent showing on the continent meant it was too much of a RISK to dismiss Clement.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut even that European performance hasn’t ultimately been enough to save him.PHILIPPE CLEMENT: THE NUMBERSGAMES: 86WINS: 55DRAWS: 16LOSSES: 15WIN PERCENTAGE: 65%TROPHIES: 1 (2023 League Cup)Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Sir Dave Brailsford questioning what he’s got himself into as he realises true extent of Man Utd disaster

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE can make all the cuts he wants — and the latest involves Manchester United’s training-ground canteen.It is understood that lunch for all but first-team players has been reduced to soup and sandwiches — and that includes coaches and analysts.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s right hand man Sir Dave Brailsford is wondering what he has got himself intoCredit: PAThe Ineos chiefs want to bin off many of Man Utd’s flops, but no one will take themCredit: ReutersThings have gone from bad to worse since Ratcliffe took charge just over a year agoCredit: GettyMeanwhile, this month’s FA Youth Cup 5–1 quarter-final win over Chelsea, which traditionally would have been staged at Old Trafford, was played at Leigh Sports Village for a saving of £8,000.But the cuts he cannot make concern the majority of the rabble that saved a point at Everton but almost no pride despite coming back from a two-goal deficit created by Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.Manager Ruben Amorim has already declared he is in charge of “the worst” team in United’s history.But against a resurgent Toffees outfit inspired by former Red Devils boss David Moyes and almost certainly denied a 93rd-minute penalty victory by a VAR call that Ratcliffe’s No 2 Sir Dave Brailsford might describe as a ‘marginal gain’, this was the worst of the worst.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte produced stunners to earn a point but United, before Moyes was sacked 11 years ago, were never this bad.Plan A for Ratcliffe would be to dump most of them, if nothing else to save salary costs.Because you would not get back even half of the staggering near-£500million transfer outlay on Saturday’s awful starting side.But why would Casemiro, aged 33 and playing like a midfield OAP, go?Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe is on £350,000 a week and has just declared that he wants to stay until his contract runs out at the end of next season.Of course he would say that. No sane club is going to touch this burnt-out wreck of a midfielder who once gloried in five Champions Leagues triumphs with Real Madrid.Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey gives verdict on Everton’s overturned penalty against Man UtdNot even the moneymen of the Saudi Pro League would go anywhere near paying him that kind of cash — and he surely knows it.Striker Rasmus Hojlund cost an initial £64m and he can trouser £85,000 a week until 2028.He has not hit the net in 16 straight appearances, is completely out of his depth, and even a League One team might doubt paying him even £5,000 a week.The list of so–called stars earning money as ridiculous as that spot-kick intervention by VAR Matt Donohue and referee Andy Madley’s TV-replay-change-of-mind goes on and on.If any player illustrates the financial hold that Amorim’s crop of pretenders have over the club, then that is surely centre-back Harry Maguire.He, along with Matthijs de Ligt, was guilty of pulling down Ashley Young for what should have been a stitched-on penalty.Man Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure.But in 2023, he refused to reduce his weekly wage after West Ham bid £20m for him.The former captain is on a one–year extension handed to him last month and is paid £195,000 a week.But Maguire, 31, would have been gone 18 months ago — except United refused to stump up the £15m he is understood to have wanted for leaving.Ratcliffe, who invested £1.03billion to take over the running of the football side of the club a year ago, must be wondering what he got himself into.SunSport understands Brailsford is now asking that very question.For there is no Plan B and Amorim is seemingly hell-bent on destroying his reputation for the sake of a 3–4–3 point of principle.United are not in a relegation crisis now but, with this lot, they will be next season.They owe £1bn, Amorim knows that if he wants to buy he must sell first — good luck with that — and, worst of all, under Ratcliffe’s leadership the club is facing an identity crisis.Moyes, sacked as United boss in 2014, will soon be able to indulge himself at a far different club to the semi-skint one he first left for Old Trafford.The new 52,888-seater Bramley-Moore Dock stadium will bring in an extra £80m a year, while new owners The Friedkin Group are worth £10bn and Everton are debt-free.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis summer, Moyes will be buying big while his former club are stuck with a collection of expensive fakes they cannot sell.The irony of all that will surely amuse him, even if he was spitting feathers following the penalty debacle that probably cost him a fifth Prem win in six games. 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    Adorable moment Lisandro Martinez’s mum helps Man Utd star with rehab after devastating injury KO’d season

    INJURED Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez warmed hearts after sharing snaps from his mum’s visit.Martinez is in post-surgery rehab after tearing his ACL in the closing stages of Man Utd’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on February 2.Lisandro Martinez posted adorable snaps showing him hugging his mumMartinez is out for the season after tearing his ACL last monthSilvina helped her son with his rehab exercisesThe pair laughed as she urged Martinez to lift his leg higherThe Argentine is out for the rest of the season and is being supported by mum Silvina and his pregnant girlfriend.In his latest update after surgery, Martinez shared pictures from his mum’s visit to his Manchester home.The defender shared snaps of the pair hugging on his doorstep and a hilarious video of her helping him with exercises.His heartwarming Instagram post was captioned: “Thank you for hugging my heart and making me smile. 😁💖 I love you Ma!”READ MORE ON MAN UTDHis mum appeared to keeping his spirits up as she urged him to lift his injured right leg higher in the air.Martinez was wearing his Man Utd training kit and the clip showed him watching his team-mates lose 1-0 to Spurs last Sunday.The centre-back was laying on a rehab bed in his living room and his knee was covered in supportive tape.And fans praised the adorable moment, with one writing: “There’s nothing like a mother’s love and motivation.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another said: “This is so adorable.”A third added: “You’ve got this warrior.”Man Utd ratings: Casemiro disappearing into irrelevance as Real Madrid legend saved again by Bruno Fernandes One more wrote: “Even football players need their mothers.”The 27-year-old was stretchered off at Old Trafford against Palace after injuring his knee.The World Cup winner tussled for the ball with Eagles star Ismaila Sarr late on.But he appeared to get his leg stuck in the turf and was in serious pain.United have not won in the Premier League since his injury, losing to Spurs and drawing 2-2 with Everton this weekend.Martinez underwent surgery this month and gave up an emotional update on social media.He wrote on Instagram last week: “Today, after going through several stormy days where I allowed myself to feel and accept my sadness, helplessness, insecurities, fears, and a deep emotional imbalance, I am reconnecting with my essence and my values, which help me see things from a kinder and more positive perspective.”Thanking his club and the Argentine national team, he added: “I feel immense gratitude for the incredible work and support of @manchesterunited , @afaseleccion , my family, friends, team-mates, and everyone who took the time to send me a message of encouragement.Martinez showed he had the support of long-term partner MuriMartinez showed he had the support of childhood sweetheart Muri Lopez Benitez and their much-anticipated first child.The couple went public with 26-year-old Muri’s pregnancy last October.Martinez and Muri posted a photo of them holding their baby scan, with the defender writing in a message alongside their snap: “We are so happy that you came into our lives. Thank you for choosing us.”They later revealed they were expecting a daughter and have decided to name her Aurora.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince his £56.7million move from Ajax, the defender has had two operations on his foot and damaged the medical ligament in his right knee, although that injury didn’t require surgery.The Red Devils are hoping Martinez will be back to fitness for the start of next season.Martinez has been ruled out for the rest of the seasonThe defender left the field in tears on a stretcher at the start of the month More

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    Shocking moment footballer KOs opponent and leaves him sprawled on floor with sick punch as cup final turns ugly

    THIS is the mad moment a match in Uruguay got out-of-hand over the weekend.Paysandú Interior faced off against rivals Mercedes in the OFI National Selection Cup.A Uruguayan match between Paysandú Interior and Mercedes got out of hand at the deathThe home team prevailed in the first leg – beating the current champions 1-0.But, the game won’t be remembered for Kevin Guinco’s goal halfway through the second half.With two minutes remaining, tempers flared in the tight contest.A foul by the visitors’ player Mario Gonzalez led to a melee involving Enzo Echeveste, who charged towards his opponent.Read more football newsEcheveste grabbed Gonzalez from behind by his neck as Paysandú Interior players surrounded him.Unperturbed, Gonzalez swung a right hook towards Echeveste – connecting with his chin.The punch knocked the player out – leaving him motionless on the pitch as the perpetrator walked off.Unsurprisingly, Gonzalez was shown a red card for the act of violent conduct.Most read in FootballLast month, a similar incident happened on our shores when a frustrated coach hit out at a linesman.Football match descends into chaos with huge brawl and players punching each other Robert Williams-Jones was managing Amlwch Town FC when he grew frustrated at his team’s 8-0 scoreline.Just 15 minutes into the match, the 43-year-old was filmed landing a blow on the linesman – leaving him sprawled on the ground.Footage then showed spectators and staff rushing over to the dugout to help the official, whose age hasn’t been released.Williams-Jones pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm but avoided a prison term.The thug was instead handed a 24 week sentence suspended for 12 months at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court. More

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    Mo Salah breaks SIX records as Liverpool easily dismantle Man City and Reds star could beat Messi’s best ever season

    MO SALAH’s record-breaking season continued in style as Liverpool saw off Manchester City at the Etihad. The Egyptian forward, 32, scored and assisted as the Reds ran out comfortable 2-0 winners in the Premier League champions’ backyard. Mo Salah broke another six remarkable records on Sunday afternoonCredit: PAThe Liverpool superstar notched another goal and assist as the Reds beat Man CityCredit: GettySalah has now contributed more than 50 goals and assists combined this seasonCredit: GettySalah has now racked up an incredible 51 combined goals and assists this season across all competitions.He has now reached 25 goals and 16 assists in the Premier League alone – with 11 top-flight games still to go. The remarkable season comes as the 32-year-old’s contract future at Anfield remains uncertain. But fans were left in awe as he put in a world-class performance to shatter SIX more records in a single evening. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSalah swept in Liverpool’s opener at Eastlands, finding the top corner as City’s defenders gave him far too much space from an early set-piece. He later laid on the second goal for Dominik Szoboszlai, cutting in from the left before the Hungarian lashed past Ederson. Salah’s goal and assist make him the first player in Premier League history to register over 40 goal involvements in TWO different seasons, per Squawka. He is also the first player in Europe’s top five leagues to be directly involved in 50 goals across all competitions this season. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSalah has now scored AND assisted in 11 different Premier League games this season.That’s the most since a certain Lionel Messi achieved the same feat for Barcelona in 2014/15.Liverpool star Mo Salah enjoys casual stroll down Blackpool Pier on rare day off Former England midfielder Steve McManaman had long held the assist record at Anfield, grabbing 15 in the 1995/96 season. But Salah has now taken that record as well, with his 16 assists this season more than any other Liverpool player ever in Premier League history. And Salah’s record-breaking day didn’t end there. His goal and assist made him the first player in Premier League history to score AND assist in both games against the reigning champions in a single season.Salah’s six new recordsMo Salah’s heroics against Manchester City saw him smash a number of club and Premier League records.Salah is now the first player in Premier League history to register 40-plus goal involvements in TWO different seasons.He’s the first player across Europe’s top five leagues in 2024/25 to be directly involved in 50 goals across all competitions.Salah has now scored and assisted in 11 Premier League games this season, the most in a single season in one of Europe’s big five leagues since Barcelona’s Lionel Messi in 2014/15. The Egyptian has provided more assists in 2024/25 than any other Liverpool player in a single Prem campaign. The first player in Premier League history to score AND assist in both games against the reigning champions in a single season. First Prem player to score 25 plus goals and register over 15 assists in a season. To top things off, Salah is now the first player to score over 25 goals and register more than 15 assists in a single Prem season. He is also closing in on Messi’s all-time greatest LaLiga season, which saw the Argentine rack up 61 combined goals and assists, per StatMuse. Liverpool fans were also keen to compare Salah’s heroics with Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the same age. Aged 32 in 2019/20, Messi made 58 goal contributions during his time at Barcelona. READ MORE SUN STORIESRonaldo was at Real Madrid in 2017/18 when the same age, securing 52 goals and assists.Salah has 51 contributions as of February 23 – and still has at least 14 games left to go. More

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    Arsenal are more mentality muppets than monsters and you can see why fans have major reservations over Mikel Arteta

    JURGEN KLOPP described his never-say-die Liverpool team as mentality monsters.So what are Arsenal under Mikel Arteta?Mikel Arteta’s side appear to be out of the title raceArsenal lost 1-0 to West Ham when it mattered most on SaturdayOn the back of this latest title collapse, they are English football’s mentality muppets.Saturday’s abject display at the Emirates was surely confirmation the club’s wait for a title, which now stands at 21 years, will continue.It is Arsenal’s longest gap for a title post-war and you have to wonder if Arteta is actually capable of getting them over the line.This was their first Premier League defeat in 16 matches and only the third of the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut this was an absolute must-win and Arsenal bottled it just when they needed to show some b******s. You can see why Arteta was so angry afterwards. Conspiracy theorists — and there are certainly a few of them about — will complain about Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card, their fifth of the season, with the team dropping ten points in those games.Incredibly, this was the 20th sending-off in the top flight under Arteta, so it is absurd to blame the officials for all of them.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal have had some bad decisions go against them this term and Lewis-Skelly’s foul on Mohammed Kudus was on the halfway line.But it was still a red card.  Arteta has spent over £600million, so he has been backed heavily by the club.Arsenal player ratings vs West Ham (1)The decision not to sign a No 9 in the summer — or in January — was obviously ludicrous.It would have helped. But looking at this current team, you have to wonder whether that will have solved all their problems because there are just so many flaky  players in this squad.Due to the spectacular fall of Manchester City, this season was a great opportunity for Arteta.You can see why some of the club’s fans are now having major reservations over their manager.He will be given even more cash next summer. But if Arsenal find themselves in a similar situation in 12 months’ time, then the club may consider a change – even though it would break  hearts.Arteta has been hit badly by injuries this season which is why the team have gone backwards.And maybe they can still deliver something magical in the Champions League.Yet Liverpool suffered unbelievably bad luck last term with  injuries and, while they fell away in the league, Klopp’s team somehow managed to win the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea — even though they ended the game with a bunch of teenagers.Jarrod Bowen’s goal all but ended Arsenal’s title dreamsJurgen Klopp described his never-say-die Liverpool team as mentality monstersArsenal’s approach to the West Ham game was completely wrong. There was a lack of belief, desire and intensity, as well as quality.Equally, the visitors defended superbly and new boss Graham Potter seems a perfect fit.Over the last couple of seasons, the atmosphere at the Emirates has been superb, the best since the move to the stadium in 2006.Yet there was no buzz before or during this game. And it seemed as though the supporters were resigned to their team’s fate.Mikel Merino was the two-goal hero against Leicester a week earlier in his first ever-game as a central striker.You can see why Arteta started him in this position owing to the lack of options but the Spaniard looked lost up front.The defending for the opening goal from Jarrod Bowen before half-time was embarrassing, with Riccardo Calafiori deciding not to bother to stop a cross from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.Calafiori, a £42m summer buy from Bologna, is still adjusting to the Prem but this display was just not good enough.Arteta’s decision to relegate Lewis-Skelly to the bench was curious, particularly as he was also substituted at Leicester just minutes after he delivered a stunning goal-saving intervention.The one positive was the sight of defender Ben White returning to action after three months out.READ MORE SUN STORIESNow Arteta must lift his team for Wednesday’s tricky trip to Nottingham Forest.And at the very least, Arsenal’s players need to start showing that they actually care.Arsenal player ratings vs West HamMYLES Lewis-Skelly’s second red card of 2025 appeared to put the final nail in Arsenal’s title dreams and any chances of them catching Liverpool.The Gunners lost 1-0 to West Ham and failed to respond to Jarrod Bowen’s opener on the brink of half-time.The Hammers’ wall stood firm as Arsenal registered just two shots on target before Lewis-Skelly’s last-man foul on Mohammed Kudus was upgraded to a red after ref Craig Pawson went to the monitor.And Liverpool fans will breathe a sigh of relief given their recent dip in form as Arsenal remain EIGHT points behind Arne Slot’s men.Here SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rates every Arsenal player from the Emirates Stadium.DAVID RAYA – 5Declan Rice indicated to Raya that he expected him to come off his line to deal with the cross for the goal.Maybe he had a point but ultimately, Raya was let down by his defenders.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6West Ham did not offer much of a threat down their left so Timber had a reasonably comfortable game while he did try and get forward. WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Was ordered by Mikel Arteta to push forward more in the second half when Arsenal had possession and in the closing stages, seemed to spend more of his time in West Ham’s area.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Switched off for the Bowen goal but he was not the only one. Also found the impressive Kudus tough to handle when he cut inside.Guilty of delivering an abysmal cross late in the game when Arsenal needed a bit of quality.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 4A poor performance. Given the nod ahead of Lewis-Skelly but badly at fault for the opening goal as he did not get close enough to Aaron Wan-Bissaka who delivered the cross to Bowen.Was replaced after he kept losing the ball.DECLAN RICE – 5Not a day he will want to remember against his former club and he got plenty of stick from West Ham’s fans, as you would expect.Wasted one chance before the break and failed to track Bowen for the goal. Substituted shortly into the second half which was a surprise.THOMAS PARTEY – 5A sluggish performance from Partey whose passing was also poor. Lucky not to be replaced.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Had a fascinating battle with West Ham teenager Ollie Scaries, who  was making his first Premier League start.Nwaneri was excellent at Leicester but had less success against his fellow youngster although still had some bright moments.But, at least he has a bit of a spark unlike some of his more experienced team-mates. The 17-year-old sparked concern when he came off injured in the final 10.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5Not having his best season at Arsenal. This was the sort of game Arsenal needed their captain to deliver a moment of inspiration but he failed to do so. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5Not a surprise that he was not used as a false nine like that disastrous experiment against Leicester.But he had no joy against the impressive Wan-Bissaka.MIKEL MERINO – 5Was the two-goal hero in his first ever appearance as a substitute striker at Leicester but had no success against West Ham’s well-drilled defence.He looked lost out there as the makeshift No 9.SUBS:Myles Lewis-Skelly (for Calafiori 56 minutes) – 4Got a red card – Arsenal’s fifth of the campaign – and although he was a long way out could have no complaints.Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Rice 56 minutes) – 6Raheem Sterling (for Nwaneri 81 minutes) – N/ABen White (for Saliba 87 minutes) – 5Was handed his first Premier League minutes since returning to the squad for last week’s Leicester win. Subs not used: Neto, Tierney, Kiwior, Jorginho, Butler-Oyedeji. More

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    Forgotten former £17million Arsenal striker joins PSV on free transfer just weeks before Champions League tie

    EX-ARSENAL ace Lucas Perez has made the 14th transfer of his career to the 12th different club after signing for PSV Eindhoven.The 36-year-old sealed a free transfer to the Eredivisie giants just weeks before the two sides face off in the last-16 of the Champions League.Lucas Perez has sealed the 14th transfer of his career by signing for PSVIt comes weeks before Arsenal are due to play the Dutch club, though he cannot be registered to face his old clubCredit: PA:Empics SportHe has signed for PSV after unexpectedly terminating his contract at Deportivo La Coruna in JanuaryCredit: GettyArsenal secured their passage after finishing in the top eight of the new league phase of the competition, while PSV stunned Juventus with a 4-3 aggregate victory in the knockout play-offs.The first leg of the clash will be played in the Netherlands on March 4, with the Emirates playing host to the second leg on March 12.And just weeks before the tie the Dutch club have brought in a familiar face for Arsenal fans.However, Perez will not be eligible to play against the Gunners due to the registration date for the competition passing on February 6.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPerez had been a free agent after unexpectedly ripping up his Deportivo La Coruna contract in January for personal reasons.The Spanish striker has now signed a short-term contract to the end of the season to sign with PSV, where he will wear the No.27 shirt.In a statement, he said: “I can’t wait to show myself to the fans and my new team-mates. “I am very ambitious and am looking forward to delivering many goals and assists. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”My first impression of the club is very good, I get energy from the people I have already met.”PSV were on top of it right away and did everything they could to bring me to Eindhoven.‘Second again, ole ole’ – Brutal West Ham fans taunt Arsenal with three cheeky chants after stunning the Emirates”That did me a lot of good. Unfortunately, it took a bit longer than planned before a final agreement was reached, due to personal reasons on my part. “I found a solution for that and I am very grateful for the fact that the PSV management remained so patient.”He will join the team’s training group on Monday to work under Peter Bosz.The veteran added: “I am extremely driven to help this club achieve its other objectives, including winning the national title and national cup.””I have worked very hard in recent weeks, both on and off the field. I am more than ready to prove myself here.”Perez originally joined Arsenal in 2016 in a £17million transfer from Deportivo.But he never managed to truly settle in North London despite having a solid record when playing, with seven goals and five assists in 21 games in all competitions.Arsenal loaned Perez back to his hometown club, Deportivo in August 2017 before they sold him to West Ham the following summer.He scored six goals in 19 appearances for the Hammers before they sold him a summer later to Spanish side Alaves.Perez then bounced around from Elche to Cadiz and back to Deportivo for the fourth time in his career.READ MORE SUN STORIESOverall he has scored 62 goals and added 53 assists in 172 games for the Spanish side.His other clubs include Atletico Madrid C, Rayo Vallecano B, Rayo Vallecano, Karpaty Lviv, Dynamo Kyiv (where he never made an appearance), and PAOK Saloniki before signing for Deportivo.Perez also played for West Ham during his time in EnglandCredit: PA:Empics Sport More