Premier League

FORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey insists VAR was never going to overturn Everton’s controversial penalty against Arsenal.Mikel Arteta was left fuming as his Gunners side lost more ground in the title race with a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.VAR was never going to overturn Everton’s controversial penalty against ArsenalCredit: GettyMark Halsey has revealed why the spot-kick stood, ultimately denying Arsenal victoryCredit: AFPMikel Arteta had plenty to say on the incidentCredit: EPALeandro Trossard gave the visitors the lead on Merseyside before half-time.But minutes into the second 45, Iliman Ndiaye fired Everton back on level terms from the penalty spot.Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalised for a foul on Jack Harrison, despite replays suggesting it was a 50/50 AND may not have even taken place in the box.But speaking exclusively to SunSport, former Premier League ref Halsey revealed why there was no chance the decision was ever going to be overturned.READ MORE IN football He said: “Darren England awarded a second-half penalty when Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly was adjudged to have fouled Jack Harrison in the Gunners’ 1-1 draw at Everton.“They were both tussling for the ball and it was difficult to see who was fouling who – or if there was any foul at all – with contact also beginning well outside the penalty area.“Not one Everton player appealed for a penalty – Harrison got straight back up to play the ball – but VAR Stuart Attwell was never going to recommend a review as it was not a clear and obvious error.“It was one of those subjective calls where if it goes against you, you certainly feel hard done by. And had it not been given it would certainly have stayed not given.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSArsenal boss Mikel Arteta was certainly left raging after handing Liverpool the chance to move 14 points clear.He said: “I’ve seen it 15 times. There’s no way, in my opinion, that’s a penalty.Fulham star Calvin Bassey shows Arsenal fans his bum at worst time possible “There’s no question that apart from that they had nothing but, obviously, that changes completely the momentum and the result.”I think we deserve more, but that’s what we got at the end. We had two big chances to win the game, we didn’t convert them, so we have to accept the point.” More

ASTON VILLA’S two-goal blast in two minutes ultimately settled a game of two halves.But Unai Emery’s Champions League quarter finalists were made to fight for their seventh win in a row right until the end by Forest, their unlikely rivals for an automatic spot in next season’s competition.Aston Villa moved within one point of Chelsea in the race for top four as Youri Tielemans looks to play PSG in the Champions League nextCredit: RexMorgan Rogers fired Aston Villa in front inside 13 minutesCredit: AlamyThe England star channelled Cole Palmer’s favourite celebrationCredit: AlamyDonyell Malen’s tap-in doubled Villa’s lead within two minutesCredit: PASuper sub Jota Silva pulled one back in the 57th minuteCredit: ReutersWhat brilliant seasons these clubs are having, and what an entertaining game this was, especially in the second half.When the Forest fans struck up an early chorus of “Que Sera Sera”, the home supporters joined in to mark their shared achievement of reaching the FA Cup semi finals at Wembley.It will be Paris in springtime for Villa on Wednesday when they take on PSG in the first leg.On a deceptively cold afternoon in the West Midlands, boss Emery rested a number of key players for a match that was important for both clubs’ chances of playing elite European football next season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEmery’s judgement seemed sound when Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen put the home side ahead with two goals in two first-half  minutes against a Forest team that seemed to be running on fumes.But Nuno Espirito Santo’s injury-hit band of brothers dug deep and rocked VIlla back on their heels after the break.Half-time sub Jota Silva pulled one back and Forest squandered a number of other chances to end Villa’s winning streak.Before the game started, Villa seemed to be giving Forest a lesson in how much they will need to improve if they do make it to the Champions League and want to compete.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEmery was able to make eight changes to the starting line-up that had won at Brighton yet still field a formidable team.Meanwhile Nuno had to stick with the tried and trusted as injuries to Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi left him without a centre forward and needing to reshuffle.Emery ripped up his own transfer handbook to sign Villa sensation Morgan Rogers, who says HE invented Palmer celebrationForest had looked leggy and a little nervous in beating Manchester United through Anthony Elanga’s early wondergoal.A better, more incisive team than United would probably have beaten them.And Villa, for 15 minutes at least, were a much better and more incisive team than United.Forest were 3-4-3 out of possession but very much a 5-2-3 when Villa had the ball.It mattered not. Ian Maatsen drew a save from Matz Sels, then Marco Asensio and Youri Tielemans went close-ish before Rogers and Malen dealt the visitors a quick one-two combination right in the chops.Visiting centre half Morato looked up from fiddling with a shinpad to find Tielemans was about to clip a lovely pass between him and makeshift wing-back Nico Dominguez. Rogers’ control was exquisite. A quick look up, a couple of confident strides forward, a firm left-footed shot, 1-0.The second goal soon arrived and was also a little gem.Silva was a handful during his second-half cameoCredit: AFPThe weight on Tielemans’ pass to Maatsen was perfect, allowing the Dutchman to throw Ryan Yates off balance and then head to the byline.The cross was tempting, Malen’s run was well timed and the finish, a formality.Emery celebrated with his customary gusto. But the Villa boss was animated for different reasons midway through the half when Forest finally showed their teeth.Elanga attempted to recreate his incredible sprint and finish from the United game but pulled his left-foot shot wide of the far post.Then fellow flying winger Callum Hudson-Odoi found space and was also off target.Villa had lost a bit of momentum but Forest did not register a shot on goal until the 40th minute, when Emi Martinez saved easily from Yates.The visitors needed to find some energy from somewhere and Nuno sent on Silva for Elanga at the break to play as a more conventional centre forward.Villa manager Unai Emery was animated for different reasons midway through the halfCredit: ReutersEmiliano Martinez clashed with Silva as the pair squared up to each other afterCredit: AFPMartinez and Jota came to blowsCredit: AlamyUnfortunately for Forest the first chance to pull one back fell to Neco Williams, who fired wide of the far post after Hudson-Odoi retrieved a deep cross.Then the winger himself had a go from a similar position, with a similarly frustrating resultBut it was third time lucky. Williams crossed from the left, Elliot Anderson swung and missed, and Silva pounced to steer a left-footed shot across Martinez and into the net.Moments later Tielemans stopped Anderson from converting another Williams centre. Then Anderson did get a shot away, only to fire wide.Villa were on the ropes and Emery had seen enough, making a triple change just after the hour.The game had plenty of edge by now, with Silva provoking a clash with Martinez that attracted a few other players.Rogers could have restored the two-goal lead after leaving Murillo in a heap on the halfway line. But a heavy touch meant that Forest goalkeeper Sels could make a save.Back came Forest, Morgan Gibbs-White shooting wide. Sels saved from Asensio and then Tielemans as the game became end to end.Gibbs-White went close twice more, sending a header and then a right-footed shot wide.Read More on The SunSels scrambled away a Marcus Rashford corner, and in stoppage time Murillo hit the bar before Sels denied Rashford again.The Champions League needs both these clubs and their fans next year. More

EDDIE NKETIAH suffered “one of the worst cameos ever” after being sent off within TEN minutes of coming on during Crystal Palace’s dramatic 2-1 win over Brighton.The striker was booked for simulation inside the box within 60 SECONDS of replacing goalscorer Jean-Philippe Mateta inside 68 minutes.Palace star Eddie Nketiah was shown a yellow card for simulation within a minute of coming onCredit: GettyNketiah endured a nightmare ten minute cameo during Palace’s dramatic 2-1 win over BrightonCredit: RexThe former Arsenal star was then shown a second yellow for a high boot on Jan Paul Van Hecke in the 78th minuteCredit: GettyThe striker was handed a double booking from ref Anthony TaylorCredit: AlamyFans inside Selhurst Park applauded Nketiah as he walked off down the tunnelCredit: GettyTo make matters worse, Nketiah was through on goal and could’ve unleashed a shot at Seagulls keeper Bart Verbruggen with his first touch of the game.And just nine minutes later, the former Arsenal star was shown a second yellow for a high boot on Jan Paul Van Hecke in the 78th minute.In total, Nketiah had just two touches of the ball and completed only two passes during his disaster ten minutes before being sent off.He failed to win any of his duels in the heated 3pm derby, before losing two 50-50 battles.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile fans inside Selhurst Park applauded a gutted Nketiah as he walked off down the tunnel, others online were far less supportive, with the game in the balance at 2-1.One wrote: “Hats off to Nketiah for one of the worst cameos in history.”A second said: “Did Nketiah really just do that?😔”But loads backed him, writing: “Nketiah didn’t even dive. There was clear contact. He also pulled out of the second. Harsh.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, Van Hecke himself was handed the final red card of agame which saw ref Anthony Taylor dish out THREE.Palace defender Marc Guehi was given his marching orders in between them.Ben Chilwell opens up on being bombed out by Chelsea before Crystal Palace lifelineThe 24-year-old soon followed Nketiah after also receiving a second yellow for catching Brajan Gruda with his studs.The England star’s second yellow came minutes after medics rushed onto the pitch to help Maxence Lacroix after a sickening head clash with Joao Pedro.Meanwhile, two stunning efforts from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Daniel Munoz, either side of a Danny Welbeck leveller, secured all three points for Oliver Glasner’s side.The Eagles moved to within four points of Fabian Hurzeler’s side with a game in hand. More

WEST HAM fans must just wish the season could end tomorrow.Pride is perhaps the only thing the club is playing for these days.Evanilson levels for the CherriesCredit: ReutersThe Bournemouth striker celebrates his equaliserCredit: GettyIt is highly unlikely, with three poor teams inside the drop zone, that they are going to get relegated from the Premier League.And though the core problems on the pitch are not necessarily his fault, the honeymoon period for Graham Potter ended a while ago.On a sun-drenched afternoon in East London, this had the feel of an end-of-season occasion for the Hammers, with their campaign slowly drifting towards a lacklustre finish.The lack of urgency and intensity at times was matched by the flattest atmosphere imaginable inside the London Stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNo wonder the cheeky Bournemouth fans sang: “Is this a library?”Though there was a brief moment of joy when their captain Jarrod Bowen headed them in front, Bournemouth striker Evanilson scored with a tap-in to deny Potter what would have been just a fourth win in 12 matches.One image of a West Ham fan YAWNING in stoppage time summed up the sorry nature of the overall display.West Ham could end up finishing in 17th spot, which would be their WORST league finish for 14 years, and plans for next season should really be happening behind the scenes.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKJarrod Bowen had headed West Ham in front on 68 minutesCredit: PABowen celebrates his second-half headerCredit: ReutersThings could have got really bad inside the first minute when Bournemouth showed their attacking threat – but the header by Evanilson from Dango Ouattara’s floated left-wing cross sailed wide.West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola was certainly alert to the danger on 32 minutes when he was forced to save with his legs a possible own goal by Tomas Soucek.’He’s got to go’ – Danny Dyer reveals two clubs he’d let Jarrod Bowen leave West Ham for even if it broke his heartThe Czech ace – who played throughout in an advanced role between Bowen and Mohammed Kudus – saw the ball inadvertently come off his midriff when Ouattara hooked it back into the box.Six minutes later, Areola was not so fortunate as his inability to hold on to the ball proved his undoing.The Parisian spilled a shot from Antoine Semenyo, who did well to fire goalbound from a  tight area, and Evanilson reacted first for his fifth goal in six matches.Inevitably there was a VAR check for a possible offside and on the last Saturday before the introduction of semi-automated offside technology, Cherries fans had to wait for someone in a Stockley Park booth to review the monitors.It could have been worse for the home side five minutes later but the flicked header by Ukrainian defender Illia Zabarnyi bounced off the crossbar.Apart from one brief moment of lovely skill from the twinkle toes of Kudus, who performed some trickery in the middle of the field, the first half was easily forgotten from a West Ham perspective.No shots on target and boos greeted the half-time whistle.The second half did improve, from an entertainment point of view, and Niclas Fullkrug came off the bench to score his first goal in front of home fans since his £27.5million arrival last summer from Borussia Dortmund.The German giant, who has had a series of different injuries, scored with a powerful header that Kepa, the Bournemouth goalkeeper, had no chance of stopping.Bowen, who will soon get married to celebrity/influencer Dani Dyer, joined in with the fun and scored with a brilliant header himself – his first goal at home in 2025.Yet West Ham’s luck was popped by the Cherries and Brazilian No9 Evanilson scored at the back post from a Dean Huijsen header, which survived a VAR offside check for Ben Winterburn.Semenyo may have given the visitors a grandstand finish but his attempt was saved well by Areola.Read More on The SunWhen the full-time whistle was blown, most of the West Ham fans could barely bother to boo and several of their stars dropped to their knees with fatigue.For many, the summer break cannot come quick enough.Evanilson gave Bournemouth a first half leadCredit: ReutersNiclas Fullkrug levelled for the HammersCredit: Reuters More