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      Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd team-mates are FUMING after forward admitted he wants ‘a new challenge’

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has lost the dressing room after insisting he wants to leave Manchester United.The wantaway star stunned his team-mates on Tuesday by saying he was ready for a “new challenge”.Marcus Rashford has alienated his team-mates after saying he wants a new challengeCredit: GettyRashford’s team-mates are fuming over his revelatory interview this weekCredit: ReutersIt came just two days after boss Ruben Amorim dropped him from the squad for the derby clash with Manchester City.United shocked their rivals by coming back from 1-0 down to win 2-1 after scoring twice in three minutes, including an injury-time winner from Amad Diallo.Rashford, who was watching the game from home, later posted a picture on social media congratulating United.His message was liked by several of his team-mates including captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Diogo Dalot.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut some of the squad were left dismayed when the 27-year-old striker gave an unauthorised interview during a surprise visit to his old primary school.He said: “Personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”The comments overshadowed United’s victory over City and also disrupted the mood of the camp ahead of the Carabao Cup quarter-final at Tottenham on Thursday, which they lost 4-3.A source said: “Some of the players are really annoyed at what Marcus said and why he chose to say it at that time.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“They were all buzzing after beating City and then he basically put in a transfer request after being dropped for one game.“He’s not got many close friends in the squad anymore after the likes of Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard left, so he’s pretty quiet and doesn’t really act as a leader.Ruben Amorim gives Mason Mount injury update after cursed Man Utd star left pitch fighting tears “More is expected of him but he doesn’t seem interested, despite having been in the first team for eight years.”Rashford has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2016, having come through the United academy.He signed a £350,000-a-week contract after scoring 30 goals in the 2022-23 campaign. But he has struggled to replicate that form, scoring just four times in the Prem so far this season.Manager Amorim has left the door open to Rashford staying.Why Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time.He said: “This kind of club needs big talent and he’s a big talent, so he just needs to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus.“We are better with Marcus Rashford, that is simple and we will try different things to push Marcus to the best levels he showed in the past. And that’s all.”Rashford, who was also left out of the squad at Spurs on Thursday, is fit for United’s Premier League game against Bournemouth at Old Trafford today. More

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      Arsenal ratings: Jesus brings Arteta the perfect Christmas present but Saliba has rare off-game for Gunners

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      GABRIEL JESUS produced his first Premier League goals since January on a day he could have had a hat-trick to continue his good form.The Brazilian took the match ball home after putting three past Palace in the Carabao Cup just three days ago.Gabriel Jesus scored his fourth and fifth goals in the routCredit: AlamyWilliam Saliba had a rare off dayCredit: GettyBukayo Saka was taken off injured in the first halfCredit: GettyNow he needs to reproduce that goalscoring touch against a side other than the Eagles, but if Arsenal continue to pose this sort of threat then he surely will.Once again the Gunners dominated from corners and Jesus almost scored a first-half hat-trick when his header came back off the post to provide a simple tap-in for Kai Havertz.Gabriel Martinelli impressed and got on the scoresheet but Arsenal did suffer a blow in the first half as Bukayo Saka limped off with injury, while William Saliba had a rare off day.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated the Gunners display at Selhurst Park.READ MORE ON ARSENALDavid Raya 8Lucky to escape a “Fraser Forster” moment as he played Thomas Partey into all sorts of problems early on before he was beaten by Sarr’s curler soon afterwards.But then bailed out Gabriel to foil Mateta when he seemed certain to equalise once again and made more key saves from Sarr and Mateta at the start of the second half. Often there at the biggest moments.Jurrien Timber 6Dutch defender looked slightly uncomfortable at times on the right as he gave Palace far too much attacking leeway.Booked for taking an age and a half over a throw-in as well although it was not a costly one.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWilliam Saliba 5All over the place in the first half as he seemed determined to open the door to the home side.Saliba stood off Sarr and paid the price as Palace levelled and then made another blunder only for Raya to save from Mateta. Not exactly a dominant performance.Arteta looks back on his five years managing Arsenal Gabriel 6Saliba’s wobbles meant his partner-in-chief had to stand up and be counted more than normal but he was not at his best either and a booking after half an hour had him walking a tightrope.More of the same after the break. Fortunately Palace’s defensive deficiencies took the sting out of their attacking armoury too.Myles Lewis-Skelly 7Youngster is grabbing his unexpected opportunity to make a first-team impact with an understanding of the inverted nature of the Arsenal full-back role.By some distance the best of the four defenders in the Arsenal back division.Thomas Partey 7Asked to take care of the defensive midfield task but soon to the fore with the lay-off that allowed Jesus to put the Gunners back in front inside the first 14 minutes.Did what was needed defensively and willing to venture forward when the opportunity was there. Solid throughout.Martin Odegaard 8When the Norwegian turns up, Arsenal turn up.At Selhurst, Odegaard was the orchestrator in chief from the start, dropping deep to pick up possession and then keeping it simple and effective. The skipper is a leader.Kai Havertz 8Back in midfield having played most of the season up top but he was in the perfect centre-forward’s position to tap into the empty net when Jesus’ header came back off the post.Home hands went up but there were only the five Palace defenders playing the German onside. A tidy display on the ball but did leave his side slightly open defensively.Bukayo Saka 7The early loss of the England winger to a worrying knee injury could be a major blow to Arsenal’s title chances.Always the out-ball, Saka had signalled his ongoing threat as he made space to deliver the cross that led to Jesus’ early opener. He could be missing for a while now.Gabriel Jesus 9Midweek hat-trick against Glasner’s men earned him only fourth Prem start of the season and how he took the chance with the early double and another effort off the post that led to a simple Havertz goal.The Brazilian had been waiting more than 10 months for a top flight goal and got two in eight minutes. One against the woodwork and another missed sitter, too. He must want to play Palace every week.Gabriel Martinelli 8Took the corner that led to Jesus’ second but then switched to the right flank after Saka limped away and supplied the cross which ended with Havertz making it three before netting himself from close range.Arteta will need that level of return from the Brazilian over the coming weeks if this title challenge is going to be a real one.Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Saka, 25) 6Belgian will have to step up if Saka is out for a long spell after his injury and his low cross ended up bringing the Arsenal fourth.READ MORE SUN STORIESDeclan Rice (for Havertz, 58) 8England star came on to secure the game after Arsenal’s sloppy start to the second half and set up Martinelli with his first touch before steering home the fifth.Riccardo Calafiori (for Lewis-Skelly, 58) 6Martinelli’s strike meant the game was over before the Italian had touched the ball. That makes it easier.Ethan Nwaneri (for Gabriel Jesus 86) N/A More

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      Palace 1 Arsenal 5: Jesus makes it five goals in two games as Eagles have wings clipped by title-chasing Gunners

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      IT IS safe to assume you do not see too many stars in the night sky in Croydon.Light pollution from the nearby IKEA superstore alone will see to that.Gabriel Jesus led the way with a brace as Arsenal smashed Crystal Palace 5-1Credit: GettyThe Brazilian now has five goals in his last two gamesCredit: ReutersThe Gunners fired out a title warning to rivalsCredit: GettyArsenal saw star man Bukayo Saka limp off injuredCredit: GettyBut Arsenal’s very own angel Gabriel appeared not once but TWICE to cap a memorable week for himself and help his team clinch victory in their last game before Christmas.Striker Gabriel Jesus also played a part in the third goal which meant Kai Havertz and revitalised Arsenal secured three points and their place back in the top three long before half time.They have the added cushion of six days now in which to prepare for their next outing – a home game against struggling Ipswich on Friday. And they do need it.For while this finished up looking a fairly routine win, there were hairy moments of their own making for Mikel Arteta’s team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe return of midfielder Declan Rice and defender Ricardo Calfiori in the second half was a welcome moment for the Gunners boss.Whether it makes up for the loss of star turn Bukayo Saka in the first half, with the England man limping straight down the tunnel is another matter.Underpinning the win were the defensive lapses which meant Palace were done for by half time and Arsenal were gifted a win.Sloppy marking, then failing to clear and losing concentration from two corners had the game done and dusted by the break.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNot that Jesus cares. He has enjoyed a phenomenal few days in his professional and personal life and won’t let anyone take the gloss of his glory.Three goals inside the first quarter of an hour got the tempo of the game up and stirred the crowd.Myles Lewis-Skelly shows off his skills playing for Arsenal Jesus got Arsenal off to a flyer in the sixth minuteCredit: GettyThe ace continued his fine form after a hat-trick against Palace in the Carabao Cup on WednesdayCredit: ReutersTwo of them came from the rarely-used Brazilian who is on a high right now after scoring a hat-trick against Palace in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday and added two more by the 14th minute last night.His first was a gift after ghosting in unnoticed from the left side of attack to bury a low shot when Palace did not deal with a deep cross from Saka.That was after only six minutes and it appeared the perfect start from which Arsenal would go on and romp it.But the weaknesses in front of their own goal with Rice and Calafiori not fit to start were exposed when Palace burst down the left through Tyrick Mitchell.Arsenal ratings vs Palace as Gunners stuff Eagles at Christmas with Gabriel Jesus rebornGABRIEL JESUS produced his first Premier League goals since January on a day he could have had a hat-trick to continue his good form.Gabriel Martinelli impressed and got on the scoresheet but Arsenal did suffer a blow in the first half as Bukayo Saka limped off with injury, while William Saliba had a rare off day.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated the Gunners display at Selhurst Park.David Raya – 8Lucky to escape a “Fraser Forster” moment as he played Thomas Partey into all sorts of problems early on before he was beaten by Sarr’s curler soon afterwards.But then bailed out Gabriel to foil Mateta when he seemed certain to equalise once again and made more key saves from Sarr and Mateta at the start of the second half. Often there at the biggest moments.Jurrien Timber – 6Dutch defender looked slightly uncomfortable at times on the right as he gave Palace far too much attacking leeway.Booked for taking an age and a half over a throw-in as well although it was not a costly one.William Saliba – 5All over the place in the first half as he seemed determined to open the door to the home side.Saliba stood off Sarr and paid the price as Palace levelled and then made another blunder only for Raya to save from Mateta. Not exactly a dominant performance.Gabriel – 6Saliba’s wobbles meant his partner-in-chief had to stand up and be counted more than normal but he was not at his best either and a booking after half an hour had him walking a tightrope.More of the same after the break. Fortunately Palace’s defensive deficiencies took the sting out of their attacking armoury too.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Youngster is grabbing his unexpected opportunity to make a first-team impact with an understanding of the inverted nature of the Arsenal full-back role.By some distance the best of the four defenders in the Arsenal back division.Thomas Partey – 7Asked to take care of the defensive midfield task but soon to the fore with the lay-off that allowed Jesus to put the Gunners back in front inside the first 14 minutes.Did what was needed defensively and willing to venture forward when the opportunity was there. Solid throughout.Martin Odegaard – 8When the Norwegian turns up, Arsenal turn up.At Selhurst, Odegaard was the orchestrator in chief from the start, dropping deep to pick up possession and then keeping it simple and effective. The skipper is a leader.Kai Havertz – 8Back in midfield having played most of the season up top but he was in the perfect centre-forward’s position to tap into the empty net when Jesus’ header came back off the post.Home hands went up but there were only the five Palace defenders playing the German onside. A tidy display on the ball but did leave his side slightly open defensively.Bukayo Saka – 7The early loss of the England winger to a worrying knee injury could be a major blow to Arsenal’s title chances.Always the out-ball, Saka had signalled his ongoing threat as he made space to deliver the cross that led to Jesus’ early opener. He could be missing for a while now.Gabriel Jesus – 9Midweek hat-trick against Glasner’s men earned him only fourth Prem start of the season and how he took the chance with the early double and another effort off the post that led to a simple Havertz goal.The Brazilian had been waiting more than 10 months for a top flight goal and got two in eight minutes. One against the woodwork and another missed sitter, too. He must want to play Palace every week.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Took the corner that led to Jesus’ second but then switched to the right flank after Saka limped away and supplied the cross which ended with Havertz making it three before netting himself from close range.Arteta will need that level of return from the Brazilian over the coming weeks if this title challenge is going to be a real one.Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Saka, 25) – 6Belgian will have to step up if Saka is out for a long spell after his injury and his low cross ended up bringing the Arsenal fourth.Declan Rice (for Havertz, 58) – 8England star came on to secure the game after Arsenal’s sloppy start to the second half and set up Martinelli with his first touch before steering home the fifth.Riccardo Calafiori (for Lewis-Skelly, 58) – 6Martinelli’s strike meant the game was over before the Italian had touched the ball. That makes it easier.Ethan Nwaneri (for Gabriel Jesus 86) N/AIsmaila Sarr equalised for Palace five minutes laterCredit: GettyThe Eagles looked to gain confidence from the strikeCredit: AFPJesus calmed Arsenal’s nerves with another goal straight afterCredit: GettyThe Brazilian is coming into form after a mixed seasonCredit: AFPHis diagonal ball inside found Ismaila Sarr as Arsenal stood off and he led backtracking centre half William Saliba a merry dance before curling in a shot from 15 yards on 11 minutes.Jesus restored the lead when Palace could not clear the danger from a corner.Jefferson Lerma’s header fell only as far as Thomas Partey, who laid the ball back for Jesus, again unmarked, to claim his second of the match and fifth of the week with a blistering finish.Once the main man up front, he has not scored in the Premier League since January and only starts occasionally.Kai Havertz gave Arsenal a two-goal cushionCredit: ReutersHe celebrated with the ball under his shirtCredit: GettyGabriel Martinelli made it 4-1 in the second halfCredit: ReutersHe celebrated his strike passionatelyCredit: PANevertheless, he celebrated his three goals in midweek by stuffing the ball up his top and sucking his thumb having announced his partner is pregnant.This time he held an imaginary phone to his ear presumably to get his agent on the phone to cash in on his return to form.In the 37th minute, just as Palace were starting to rouse themselves from the early setbacks, Jesus then rounded off a perfect day by providing the assist for number three.Another cross from the right, this time from Gabriel Martinelli and Jesus rose to head against the post.Palace’s dozing defenders failed to respond as Havertz dashed in to tap home the rebound.Declan Rice put the finishing touches on a fine winCredit: PAArsenal moved a point behind Chelsea in thirdCredit: AFPArsenal are now sweating over the fitness of SakaCredit: GettyHis injury comes ahead of a tricky Christmas runCredit: GettyNot that there weren’t a few scares. Arsenal keeper David Raya especially will feel more assured now that Rice is back to shield his goal.The England man came on for Havertz on 58 minutes and within 120 seconds took his first shot, which was diverted en route to goal by Gabriel Martinelli to make it 4-1.Rice confirmed his return from injury by curling home number five in the 85th minute.Raya made a double save from Jean-Hillippe Mateta and Sarr in the second half and produced an even better stop with his feet in the first when Palace’s big striker was through one-on-one.Defeat takes the wind out of the sails for Eagles boss Oliver Glasner.READ MORE SUN STORIESMuch was made of his team’s spirited 3-1 win at arch rivals Brighton last week and they were unbeaten in five ahead of kick off.But it’s also been seven weeks since they won a home game of any sort and they remain stuck in the bowels of the Premier League after this collapse – four points above the bottom three. More

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      Chelsea looking to snap up Sporting Lisbon midfield sensation Dario Essugo on cheap but face Leeds transfer scrap

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      CHELSEA want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheap.The Sporting Lisbon prospect, 19, is starring for LaLiga side Las Palmas on loan.Chelsea want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheapCredit: GettyBut long-term admirers Blues must act fast as Leeds are looking at securing a loan-to-buy deal.SunSport this month revealed how Leeds were keeping tabs on the midfield dynamo. They tried for the 19-year-old in the summer and now want to offer a loan-to-buy arrangement.Essugo played 25 times for Sporting as a teen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the summer, former boss Ruben Amorim – now at Manchester United – decided to loan him out.He has spent this season in LaLiga with Las Palmas.Essugo has played 10 times for his loan club so far.And he scored his first goal during a match against Mallorca last month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Leeds are also set to sign Australian keeper Robbie Cook after a trial.Cook, 17, was wanted by Manchester United and Sunderland.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ More

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      Southampton confirm appointment of former Croatia star on 18-month deal after sacking Russell Martin

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      SOUTHAMPTON have appointed Ivan Juric days after axing Russell Martin.The Saints are cut adrift at the bottom of the Premier League and Russell was giving his marching orders following a 5-0 defeat to Tottenham.Southampton have appointed Ivan JuricCredit: GettyThey have wasted no time in finding his successor, hiring Juric on an 18-month contract.Juric, 49, arrives after being sacked by Roma in November – less than two months after taking charge of the Serie A side.The Croatian has been in management for ten years but never coached outside of Italy.He said after putting pen to paper: “I’m very pleased. I think it’s a really big challenge but I’m very optimistic because I saw a team that can do better.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’s important to immediately be connected with the fans. I want an aggressive team and I think that fans of Southampton will like that.”Juric also had spells at Mantova, Crotone, and Hellas Verona, and he had three separate back-to-back stints at Genoa between 2016 and 2018.His most successful reign came at Torino between 2021 and 2024, winning 44 games of 122 games in charge.He is now tasked with keeping Southampton in the Premier League -his new side nine points off safety after winning just one match in 16.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJuric’s 18-month contract includes a summer break clause, and a two-year option to extend that will be triggered should Saints stay up.Juric, a former Croatia international, is known for driving a hard line on fitness with his players while his playing style is less reliant on the playing out from the back style preferred by Martin.Disgusted Southampton fans stream out of St Mary’s 27 minutes into Tottenham clash after going 4-0 down More

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      Worrying moment Bukayo Saka is spotted on crutches outside Selhurst Park after injury as Arteta admits ‘it’s not good’

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      BUKAYO SAKA was spotted on crutches after going off injured in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.Boss Mikel Arteta admitted “it’s not good news” after Saka limped off midway in the first half of his side’s dominant victory.Bukayo Saka was spotted on crutches after Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal PalaceCredit: The SunMikel Arteta admits ‘it’s not good news’ after the injury blowCredit: The SunSaka was forced off injured after just 20 minutesCredit: GettyThe ace looked distressed as he went down clutching his legCredit: GettyArsenal be sweating over Saka’s fitness ahead of a tough Christmas runCredit: GettyThe winger started Saturday’s clash at Selhurst Park and helped his side race into the lead with a sixth-minute assist for Gabriel Jesus.But Saka pulled up after 20 minutes clutching his leg.The England star had attempted to swing in a cross from the right wing with Arsenal leading 2-1.And he immediately fell to the ground with a pained expression on his face.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMedics rushed to Saka’s side as he struggled to move.He eventually made his way off the field for treatment.But Saka was unable to recover from the knock.And he required assistance as he limped down the touchline before making his way into the tunnel.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSaka ended up being replaced by Belgian star Leandro Trossard.But after the match had ended, he was spotted leaving Selhurst Park on crutches in what could be a major blow to boss Arteta.Myles Lewis-Skelly shows off his skills playing for Arsenal The Spaniard said afterwards: “Saka felt something in his hamstring.”He could not continue. He has to be assessed. We are pretty worried.”I don’t know (the seriousness) but he had to come off.”It’s not good news. We will have to assess him and wait and see.”It now remains to be seen how serious his setback is, with Arsenal facing Ipswich, Brentford and Brighton over the festive period.Following a short break, they then have a tough run against Manchester United, Tottenham and Aston Villa.And fans reacted with dismay to the thought of a Saka-less spell.One said: “Worst nightmare, Saka’s injury will cost us the league.”Another declared: “Hope Saka is alright, not looking good there.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “It was always coming, we have overplayed and burned him out.”Another added: “Without Saka we’re screwed, let’s hope it’s not an injury that will keep him out for weeks.” More

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      Brentford 0 Nottingham Forest 2: Nuno’s side leapfrog Arsenal into third as remarkable form continues

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      NOTTINGHAM Forest’s dream season continued as they snatched away the best home record in the Premier League with a clinical win at Brentford.Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga scored the goals as Forest became the first side to not only take all three points at the Gtech Community Stadium, but also to silence a Brentford attack that had scored 26 goals in eight previous home games.Nottingham Forest inflicted Brentford’s first home defeat of the seasonCredit: AlamyOla Aina broke the deadlock in the 38th minute at the G-tech Community StadiumCredit: RexFormer Man Utd winger Anthony Elanga doubled Forest’s lead inside 51 minutesCredit: PAForest leapfrogged Arsenal in third with the Gunners playing later on SaturdayCredit: PANuno Espirito Santo’s side and the Forest fans can tuck into their turkey dreaming of Champions League football next season if they can maintain this remarkable form.Only Chelsea have picked up more points on their travels this season than Nuno’s men.Forest travelled to West London having visited Arsenal and the two Manchester clubs on their previous three away days.Given that Brentford had collected 22 points out of a possible 24, scoring 26 goals in eight home games so far this Premier League season, a date at the Gtech was an even more daunting task for Nuno’s men.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThere were some worrying signs early on. With only four minutes gone, Yoane Wissa played in Mikkel Damsgaard only for the Dane to scuff his shot and see it pushed away by Forest keeper Matz Sels.Brentford then forced a succession of corners and one of them came out to Bryan Mbeumo. His curling cross picked out Kristoffer Ajer whose header skimmed inches wide.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWissa then took advantage of hesitation by Morato and Neco Williams to nip between the two Forest defenders and hook in a shot which landed on the roof of the net.Having soaked up the Brentford, Forest carved out a chance of their own just after the half-hour.Aina shows off his left foot declaring, ‘It’s still hot!!!’Elliot Anderson combined with Williams before crossing for Chris Wood to head goalwards, being denied only by a plunging stop by Mark Flekken.Williams was involved again when the visitors took a 38th-minute lead. He sprinted onto a Callum Hudson-Odoi pass, beat Ajer and pulled the ball back cross the Brentford area where Ola Aina was waiting to steer home his second goal of the season.It was the fourth time this season that Brentford had gone behind at home. They won each of the previous three.If that suggested a comeback by the home side, Forest clearly hadn’t read the script. After all, they had already won at Anfield and Old Trafford this season, and secured a draw at Stamford Bridge.Nuno’s side have dispensed with their inferiority complex that marked their first two Premier League campaigns.Within six minutes of the restart they doubled their lead. Keane Lewis-Potter, converted into a left-back in recent weeks by Brentford boss Thomas Frank, made a has of controlling a long punt forward. The ball bounced into the path of Anthony Elanga, who immediately drove infield found the far bottom corner with a curling shot.The winger might have made it 3-0 three minutes later, but this time his shot was beaten away by Brentford keeper Flekken.His opposite number Sels then produced one of the saves of the season as Brentford tried to respond, albeit that the Forest stopper used his head.Mbeumo headed a cross into the path of Ajer whose shot was turned away at point-blank range by Sels’s head as he threw himself in the way of the ball.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor Brentford, the loss of their proud unbeaten home record this season compounded the disappointment felt by their tame Carabao Cup exit at Newcastle in midweek.But the day belonged to Forest who will spend Christmas Day in the Champions League places. More

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      West Ham 1 Brighton 1: Mohammed Kudus grabs the limelight with goal and celebration in Christmas snoozefest

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      FOR a long time it felt like Christmas shopping in Stratford would have been more fun than this.It really was that bad at times.Mohammed Kudus spared West Ham’s blushes in a 1-1 draw against BrightonCredit: GettyThe Seagulls took the lead in the stalemate but were pegged back immediatelyCredit: ReutersBut thankfully there are still a few showmen about and Mohammed Kudus is always happy to grab the limelight.Not only with his equaliser, cancelling out Mats Wieffer’s first Brighton goal, but in his celebration too.Everyone now knows to expect Kudus to find somewhere to perch and take a breather after scoring – but now he is bringing along his very own stool in the shape of an elephant.Kudus’ goal ended a difficult week for Julen Lopetegui, who lost his father on Tuesday, with another result to ease the pressure.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNone of it has been spectacular, but the Hammers are now unbeaten in three ahead of facing Southampton on Boxing Day.The London Stadium has never been the most imposing of venues.But there was a particular air of everyone wanting to be somewhere else across a desperate first half.The opening 45 minutes was best summed up by Carlos Baleba kicking his own teammate, Jean Paul van Hecke, in the head and Pervis Estupinan falling on his backside when lining up a rare shot.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThankfully, things improved after the break.That defensive stability, the only real positive from West Ham’s first half, vanished not long after the restart.Meet West Ham wonderkid Kaelan CaseyHurzeler’s men found a way through, though Lopetegui will have plenty to say about it.A quick Brighton corner was poorly cleared by Emerson Palmieri to Seagulls full-back Pervis Estupinian.The Colombian lifted a dangerous cross to the far post, where Dunk met it with a header at the expense of Lukasz Fabianski.Dunk’s barge sent the Pole tumbling, meaning he was helpless to stop as Wieffer finished low into an empty net from 13 yards.If it had been a defender Dunk had challenged there would have been no issue, but given the protection goalkeepers usually have – it was surprising to see the goal stand.Mats Wieffer gave Brighton the lead in the 51st minuteCredit: ReutersIt was the Dutchman’s first goal for the SeagullsCredit: ReutersThe injustice at least brought West Ham to life.They had not shown any intensity during the dreary first half, but finally had a bit of zip to their play – which sparked the opener.Tomas Soucek pinged a sharp, first time ball into the feet of Jarrod Bowen.The England man put the Brighton defence into reverse and found some space for a shot.Bart Verbruggen managed a save but the rebound fell for Kudus to nod in before he sought out his bizarre stool for his trademark celebration.There have been rumblings that the Ghana international, West Ham’s most valuable asset, could be sold in January to fund investment.Kudus showed his class with a headed equaliser moments laterCredit: ReutersHe celebrated in style with his trademark stoolCredit: GettyBut that would be foolish.The former Ajax man is one they look to in order to dig them from a hole in situations like this.With no real system in place, Lucas Paqueta too often disinterested and no in form striker, it is usually down to Kudus or Bowen to make something happen.Bowen cannot do it alone.Crysencio Summerville, introduced as a sub, offers flashes but cannot yet be trusted to start.Lopetegui hoped that Fullkrug’s first start for the club would boost the attacking options.Jan Paul van Hecke suffered a bloodied head in the gameCredit: ReutersTributes were paid to West Ham youth star Oscar Fairs who tragically passed awayCredit: ReutersBut the German offered next to nothing, losing the ball under little pressure and causing no issue for the Brighton defence.Investment in that area is, as usual, a priority for West Ham in January.Brighton, too, look like they need something to spark them back into life.The Seagulls’ run without a win drags on. They continued to create openings but things are no longer falling for them as they did earlier this season.Yasin Ayari twice drew good saves from Lukasz Fabianski, the second deep in stoppage time.Yankuba Minteh raced down the right but saw his shot rattle the inside of the post before hitting Mitoma and bouncing away from goal while Evan Ferguson failed to connect with fine cross yards from goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey could not find any sort of momentum and needed Verbruggen to save sharply from Edson Alvarez late on to protect their record of having never lost at this stadium.Both sides remain in somewhat of a muddle, both knowing they could be so much better. More