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      Brentford 4 Newcastle 2: Bees keep up pace in race for European football but Toon’s winless slump continues

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      EDDIE HOWE’S unbeaten record against Brentford came to a crashing halt as The Bees finally broke their Newcastle hoodoo.Howe had never lost a Premier League match against Brentford after facing them six times, but his Toon Army have not travelled well this season.Bryan Mbeumo fired Brentford ahead after eight minutesCredit: ReutersMbeumo wheels off in celebrationCredit: PABy losing more than half of their 27 top flight away matches they are in a similar bracket to the likes of Wolves, and also The Bees.Yet they had been a bogey side for The Bees who had lost nine and drawn the other of the previous 10 league meetings between these sides, since a 1-0 home victory in the second tier in January 1948.Brentford’s solitary defeat in their last 13 home league games was 4-2 against Newcastle on the final day of last season. Plus, Newcastle were the only one of Brentford’s 25 Premier League opponents they had never beaten in the top flight.The Magpies would have arrived in London with high hopes following their eye-catching 3-3 draw with Liverpool on Wednesday, and with a proud record against Brentford.READ MORE IN football A league-high total of 34 goals had been scored at Gtech Community Stadium before yesterday, and we were treated to six more on a day when the country was advised to baton down the hatches thanks to Storm Darragh.The goal feast started early when Bryan Mbeumo jinked his way into the box and fired Brentford ahead after eight minutes.Alexander Isak stooped to head an equaliser three minutes later, but Harvey Barnes’ woeful cross-field pass after 28 minutes went straight to Yoane Wissa and he punished Newcastle with a fine finish.Barnes atoned four minutes later when he swivelled in the box and scored with a shot inside the far post.Most read in FootballAlexander Isak levelled for NewcastleCredit: RexIsaak celebrates with Jacob MurphyCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDefender Nathan Collins restored the lead after 56 minutes before Kevin Shade came off the bench and completed the win in the final minute, lifting The Bees into the top six.Howe pulled a surprise by resting two of his key midfielders, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, starting them on the bench.It didn’t stop The Magpies making a fast start as in the second minute Sean Longstaff fired a fierce drive from the edge of the box which crashed off the bar.Brentford heeded the warning as Mbeumo scored one of his trademark specials.Skipper Christian Norgaard, back from injury for his 100th Premier League appearance, picked him out on the right edge of the box with a ball from inside his own half, and he skipped inside Lewis Hall and Joelinton before curling his shot high inside the near post.That took Mbeumo to nine Premier League goals in 2024-25, equalling his career-best tally set in each of the previous two seasons, and it ended a run of five matches without a goal.Brentford’s Yoane Wissa put Brentford back aheadCredit: PABrentford were back in the leadCredit: ReutersThe lead lasted just three minutes as Jacob Murphy swung in a cross from the right and Isak stooped at the far post to plant a header back across Flekken.Impressively, Isak has now been directly involved in seven goals in as many league games, scoring five and setting up two.His record should have gotten even better when he had a free run at goal as he cut in from the right after 19 minutes. He skipped past Flekken but delayed his shot and the goalkeeper saved the day by clawing the ball to safety.Barnes was guilty of a shocking error when he misplaced a pass from the halfway line across his back four. It went straight to Wissa who carried it to the edge of the box before planting it in the far top corner – his ninth goal in Brentford’s past six home league games.Harvey Barnes again levelled for NewcastleCredit: PAThe game was back onCredit: ReutersWissa’s goal meant he equalled Ivan Toney’s record of 19 Premier League goals scored at the Gtech Community Stadium.It was a case of “to you, to me” however, as Barnes made amends when Murphy provided another assist as he found him in the box with enough time to turn and shoot low inside the post.The woodwork prevented Wissa scoring again two minutes after the break, as his shot hit the arm of goalkeeper Nick Pope – who probably didn’t know much about it – and bounced off the post.There was no escape, however, when Flekken’s free kick into the box eluded everyone and Collins steered it inside the far post for his second of the season.Gordon and Tonali were introduced and although Tonali wasted a decent chance after 84 minutes when he headed over, their impact was minimal.And any hope of Howe rescuing his record was gone when Kevin Schade wrapped up the win in the dying moments. Although The Bees had gone into this game boasting the Premier League’s best home record, earning 19 points from seven games and scoring 22 goals, there were question marks over the quality of opponent during that run.Their six wins came against Crystal Palace, Southampton, Wolves, Ipswich, Bournemouth and Leicester. READ MORE SUN STORIESOf that group, only Bournemouth are not struggling for points at the wrong end of the table.Beating Newcastle will be deemed a proper scalp.Nathan Collins put Brentford back in the leadCredit: RexCollins sent Brentford on their way to victoryCredit: PAKevin Schade wrapped up the winCredit: RexBrentford are on track for European footballCredit: Getty More

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      Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0: Saints now EIGHT POINTS adrift at bottom of Prem as Emery’s side close gap on Man City

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      ASTON VILLA battered Southampton’s defence as relentlessly as Storm Darragh – but only had Jhon Duran’s first goal since September to show for all their huffing and puffing.The big Colombian celebrated his first Premier League start of the season with a first-half winner.Aston Villa star Jhon Duran scored the winner against SouthamptonCredit: GettySouthampton are now in deeper relegation troubleCredit: PAAston Villa have closed the gap with Manchester CityCredit: AFPAston Villa have won their second game in a row after eight winless matchesCredit: GettyBut Ollie Watkins missed a hat-trick of chances and goalkeeper Joe Lumley blocked a stoppage-time effort from John McGinn with his legs to defy Unai Emery’s men.Villa will just be pleased to head for the warmth of the home dressing room with three points bagged ahead of their Champions League trip to RB Leipzig as they climbed to fifth.But Russell Martin’s toothless Saints didn’t manage one shot on target which is why they remain rooted to the foot of the table.We’ll all miss Southampton when they eventually return to the Championship – for comedy value alone.Read More on FootballBefore Saints fans get their hackles up, you can’t really argue that’s harsh when your travelling support are singing: ‘How s**t must you be, it’s only 1-0?’ after half an hour!There is no such thing as a dull game when Martin’s Kamikaze defenders are in town.Saints had actually weathered the anticipated early Villa storm and were beginning to get a toehold in the game.Ryan Manning gave the home fans a scare after nine minutes with a low shot which clipped the inside of Diego Carlos’s boot and flew just wide, to Emi Martinez’s relief.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThen Ezri Konsa had to hurl himself into a brilliant blocking tackle to deny Cameron Archer, who had pulled the trigger from 12 yards after some sloppy defending from Villa.But there were already tell-tale signs that Saints defence was getting bored with such a steady start.Brilliant moment Jack Grealish joins Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub on FaceTime after being dropped from Man City squadThey almost blundered trying to play the ball out from the back when Morgan Rogers pounced only to have his shot deflected for a corner by Taylor Harwood-Bellis.Two minutes later Rogers played Duran through on goal as the Saints defence was caught napping.However a brilliantly-timed diving save from Lumley thwarted the Colombian battering ram as he managed to whip the ball off the striker’s toes.But the fun really began midway through the first half when Nathan Wood played a passback to Lumley, who then tried to play to a fellow Saint….. eight yards from his own goal-line!Boubacar Kamara had sniffed out the opportunity, intercepted and the ball broke to McGinn whose shot was desperately blocked.But Saints’ stay of execution only lasted for another 60 seconds as they imploded in the 24th minute.Duran with the winnerThey actually had Villa pinned back with an aggressive high press.When Konsa played in Carlos there was no other option available to the Spaniard other than to play a long hopeful pass into the inside right channel.Then let Duran do the rest!The Colombian kid must be an absolute nightmare to play against.Wood looked favourite to clear the ball until the young battering ram eased him off it.Harwood-Bellis took over but Duran cleverly picked his pocket, nicking the ball off his toes before bursting clear.Aston Villa could capitaliseHe rag-dolled Wood as he attempted to recover then calmly clipped the ball beyond the onrushing Lumley who had sprinted to the edge of his box to try and avert the danger.However there was no stopping Duran from bagging his fifth Premier League goal of the season and his first since he netted against Wolves on September 21.But try as they might, Villa couldn’t capitalise on that lead.Rogers came close with a driving run and low cross which flew across the face of Saints goal but there were no takers from one yard out.Duran had another shot blocked by Wood but at half-time Villa’s lead remained a slender one.However they were up against a team who had enjoyed more of the pressure – Saints had 52.10 per cent of the first-half play – yet hadn’t managed a single shot on target.Martin tried to beef up his attack by sending on Joe Aribo for James Bree at the break.And Konsa did well to head a wicked Kyle Walker-Peters cross over his own bar under pressure from Adam Armstrong.But Emery saw Martin’s substitution and raised the stakes by sending on FOUR subs before the hour.Lucas Digne, Jaden Philogene, Ross Barkley and Watkins replaced Ian Maatsen, Leon Bailey, Youri Tielemans and Duran.But the pattern of the game never changed with Villa continually knocking on the door but Saints somehow managing to keep it locked for once.Watkins had a shot blocked before Pau Torres headed over from the resulting corner.Southampton created threatsSaints had a rare sight on goal when Tyler Dibling burst clear and picked out Archer but Kamara – who was superb throughout – got back to block.Eighteen-year-old sub Sam Amo-Ameyaw then curled over a teasing cross which threatened to creep in at the back post until Martinez dived to clutch it.That was as close as Saints got to a shot on target.Meanwhile, Villa continued to squander good chances.Watkins set up Barkley six-yards out but Wood got back to brilliantly block.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Saints defender then managed to clear a Watkins effort off the line before he punched the air defiantly after blocking the England striker, who was sent clear by Rogers.All Martin needs is another four defenders like Wood! 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      Gutted Everton fan spent 17 years saving for 10,000 mile trip for Merseyside derby before Storm Darragh KO’d match

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      AN Aussie Everton fan was left gutted after Storm Darragh ruined his “bucket list” dream of watching his favourite team.The Toffees were scheduled to host Liverpool for Saturday’s early kick-off at Goodison Park, but the extreme weather conditions led to a postponement.Everton fan Nathan Hamlin flew all the way from Australia to watch the Merseyside DerbyCredit: Sky NewsThe Merseyside Derby was postponed because of Storm DarraghCredit: AFPNathan Hamlin and his mum flew all the way from Perth for the 30-hour trip to Liverpool, which required a total of four stops, but found out two hours before the game that it was all for nought. Storm Darragh has caused disruption throughout the entire country as its 90mph winds caused power cuts, trees to be uprooted and events as well as travel to be cancelled.The game was postponed due to health and safety concern and Everton confirmed all tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.However, that may be of no help for Hamlin, 32, who waited at least 17 years to watch his favourite team in action up close and in person.Read More on FootballThis unfortunate development means he may have missed his last chance of ever seeing a Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park as the club moves to Bramley Moore Dock for next season.Hamlin told Sky News: “It’s very upsetting due to the fact my mother and I have flown about 30 hours in total.”Perth-Singapore, Singapore-London, London-Dublin, then Dublin all the way over to here.”It’s been a bucket list item that I’ve always wanted to cross off, and the fact that it’s the last opportunity that we’re going to get to have a Merseyside Derby at Goodison, that was the clinching reason why I came.Most read in FootballAsked if he’s ever watched Everton play in person before, Hamlin responded: “No, I’ve spent probably the last 17 plus years – I’m 32 now – as an Everton fan watching online, watching over [the] product in Australia.”To actually get to go to Goodison, to get to see a game in person was exactly why I came and it’s been very unfortunate.93mph Storm Darragh: Travel chaos, thousands without power and Merseyside Derby called off”I understand the weather – I totally get it. I’m a health and safety advisor, so I totally get the reason as to why you called it off.”It’s just upsetting to be coming this far and only finding out a couple of hours before that you can’t go to the game.”This comes after Everton captain Seamus Coleman made a touching gesture to another Aussie fan who blew “all his savings” on a flight to attend the last Goodison Merseyside derby.Mackenzie Kinsella, 15, had made the 10,000-mile 24-hour trip from Sydney to watch his beloved Blues face Liverpool.It was his “dream” to watch his Liverpool-born mum’s Toffees play against their red neighbours at the historic old ground before the switch to Bramley Moore Dock.However, after Storm Darragh forced safety officials to postpone the game, he will miss out unless it can be re-arranged to take place within the next week before he jets back Down Under.Coleman tries to make it upAfter news of his heartbreak spread following the postponement, Coleman attempted to make it up to Mackenzie by inviting him to be a VIP guest at their Finch Farm training ground.In a video message to the youngster, who is staying with an aunt in England, the Irish ace said: “Hi Mackenzie, it’s Seamus Coleman here. I just wanted to send you a video message today to say I know you’ll be so disappointed today.“I know how hard you saved up to travel from Australia for the Merseyside derby. I know you were looking forward to the experience of being at the last Merseyside derby at Goodison.“So I’m sure you’ll be very disappointed today. We all are, we were all looking forward to the game. But we’d love to see you down here at the training ground on Monday if that’s OK with you?“Hopefully you can see some of the lads and that will make up for the disappointment on Saturday. We can have a bit of a chat then. All the very best Mackenzie and take care.”Mackenzie’s mum Rita, an Everton diehard, admitted that she thought he had “no chance” of earning and saving enough cash to pay for the trip.Fan spent all his savingsBut he proved them wrong and after spending £1,400 he landed at John Lennon Airport in time to see his team thrash Wolves, who his father happens to support, 4-0 on Wednesday.Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside about her initial response to his derby dream just after Easter, Rita said: “You’ve got no chance mate. We’ve just come back from England and there’s no way I can save that money in the time we’ve got.“When we came back [after Easter], he said it was his dream to go to an Everton vs Liverpool game at Goodison Park.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMackenzie’s nan Jo had previously explained that the person who sits next to her son Michael had to work today, which resulted in his ticket being available.Rita added: “He saved up the money, used all his savings and said two weeks ago ‘I’d really like to go mum – will you let me go?’ I said, ‘I can’t stop you if you’ve got the money’. We’re very proud of him.”Everton captain Seamus Coleman invited another Aussie fan to trainingCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd vs Nottingham Forest LIVE SCORE: Premier League updates as Red Devils look to bounce back from midweek defeat

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      MANCHESTER UNITED host Nottingham Forest in a huge Premier League clash TONIGHT.Ruben Amorim tasted his first defeat as Red Devils boss on Wednesday night – following a 2-0 loss away at Arsenal.Man Utd will be looking to bounce back this evening as they face a Forest side that have lost three of their last four Premier League games.Kick off time: 5.30pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier LeagueLive stream: NOW/Sky Sports appMan Utd team: To follow…Nottingham Forest team: To follow…FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…United keep Kath in their thoughtsUnited have kept the memory of much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps at the front of their thoughts on matchday after she died this week aged 85.The club had shared the news of her death by describing her as: “friend, confidant and treasured colleague” – adding “United will never be the same”.Famous past and present figures around Old Trafford, like David Beckham and Wayne Rooney, paid tribute.And this afternoon the club posted on social media: “Thinking of you today, Kath.”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedUtd landing Raum could depend on Ten HagRuben Amorim’s hopes of landing RB Leipzig’s David Raum may rest on the man he replaced at Old Trafford, writes PHIL THOMAS.A new left-back is top of Amorim’s January wish list, and the £35 million-rated German international, 26, ticks every box.But Manchester United’s new manager could face a major stumbling block if Marco Rose gets the bullet.David Raum left-Back of RB Leipzig and Germany during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Atletico de Madrid and RB Leipzig at Estadio Civitas Metropolitano on September 19, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Credit: GettyThe Leipzig boss is on the brink after a string of poor results.And Erik ten Hag – the man axed as United chief in October – is the hot tip to replace him.If the Dutchman IS appointed, he will have a big say in transfer dealings, and is unlikely to sanction the sale of a key figure – especially to the employers who axed him.Copy linkCopiedRed Devils’ statement reassures fansEverton’s derby with Liverpool was amongst the victims of Storm Darragh today.But United were able to reassure fans just before noon.They issued a statement saying: “Today’s Premier League fixture at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest is scheduled to go ahead as planned.”The club will continue to consult the relevant authorities throughout the day and will update supporters immediately if anything changes.”Copy linkCopiedRed Devils must win to leapfrog ForestWhat odds on this at the start of the season?United host Forest – needing victory to leapfrog the Midlanders into mid-table.Meanwhile, visitors boss Nuno Espirito Santo is chasing three points to show their early run to the top three was no fluke.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim waved to fans on his arrival at Old TraffordCredit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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      Lionel Messi beats Prem cult heroes to win MLS MVP award after Inter Miami chief’s big update on icon’s retirement plans

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      LIONEL MESSI has won the MLS MVP award after a stunning season with Inter Miami – and could be set for more with David Beckham’s club.Messi led Miami to the top of the Eastern Conference and helped them lift their first ever Supporters’ Shield by having the best overall record during the regular season.Lionel Messi won the MLS MVP Award after a stunning season with Inter MiamiCredit: X @InterMiamiCFMessi beat three former Premier League aces for the MLS awardCredit: AFPThe eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also registered a staggering 21 goals and 11 assists in 22 appearances after missing almost two months of action as he joined Argentina in the Copa America where he got injured.That led the star forward to the Landon Donovan MVP Award, which he won with 38.43 per cent of the vote.The Barcelona legend beat runner-up and ex-Watford ace Cucho Hernandez of Columbus Crew (33.70 per cent) as well as Portland Timbers star Evander, who came third with 9.24 per cent.Ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke won 7.10 per cent of the vote for DC United, while Messi’s team-mate and Reds legend Luis Suarez finished fifth with 2.71 per cent.Read More on FootballMessi said in front of Inter’s young academy players: “Truly, it is an honour for me to receive this award from all of you. It’s a source of pride to watch you all train.”I’m very happy to be here every day. I’m very happy to be in this city, in this club that is growing… “It’s a pleasure to see you grow day by day. I invite you to keep fighting and striving for your dreams.”Messi couldn’t lead Miami all the way to the MLS Cup as they suffered a shock elimination to Atlanta United in the first round of the play-offs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Argentina captain’s contract runs out next December, but co-owner Jorge Mas is “very confident” that his star player will sign a new deal.Mas said: “As I said before, I’m very confident that he’ll be opening our new stadium in ’26.Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s sons playing in same Inter Miami team as incredible video shows wonderkids in action “I’ll be sitting with Leo, you know, now at some point in the off-season.”And I’m optimistic that as long as Leo’s health holds up, that we’ll be seeing him in pink.”Messi overcame runner-up and Columbus Crew star Cucho HernandezCredit: GettyMessi also beat ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa ace Christian Benteke of DC UnitedCredit: AP More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Haaland levels for Man City against Palace, Isak equalises for Newcastle – latest updates

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      PREMIER LEAGUE football is back again this weekend but Storm Darragh has already wreaked havoc on the fixture list. Today’s scheduled 12.30pm kick-off between Everton and Merseyside rivals Liverpool has been postponed because of amber warning winds. Later on, however, Newcastle travel to Brentford while Manchester City look to close the gap as they take on Crystal Palace.And Man Utd face Nottingham Forest in the late kick-off this evening. Kick off times: 3pm/5.30pm GMTFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…View from SunSport’s Martin Lipton at Selhurst ParkCity back on terms through that terrific Haaland header – but the Palace fans are still singing in the rain.Guardiola’s men – who were called in for a huddle inside the Palace box after the equaliser – have started to look a bit more like their usual selves since regaining parity.Yet their defensive vulnerabilities, exposed by Munoz’ opener, remain abundantly clear.The wind hasn’t impacted things too much. Although the press box is more like an ice box…Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Neil Silver in West LondonFour first half goals warmed up the Gtech Community Stadium in awful conditions thanks to Storm Darragh. Bryan Mbeumo struck one of his specials before Alexander Isak headed Newcastle level. Yoanne Wissa pounced on Harvey Barnes’ woefully misplaced pass to restore the hosts’ lead, before Barnes atoned with an equaliser.Copy linkCopiedHT: Crystal Palace 1-1 Man CityIt was always going to be a tough ask to hold onto to such an early lead.Munoz’s goal was the only shot on target the hosts had, with Erling Haaland eventually drawing the visitors level.It is hard to see anything but a Man City win coming from this game based on what we saw in the first half.Copy linkCopiedHT: Brentford 2-2 NewcastleGames are never short of action in West London.Twice the hosts have taken the lead with well-taken goals but they are struggling to deal with The Magpies as an attacking threat.This game is finely poised and could go either way.Copy linkCopiedHT: Aston Villa 1-0 SouthamptonThe hosts have just edged this one so far.While they were creating half-chances it was actually The Saints who gifted them the goal.Why Russell Martin still insists on this team playing out from the back is nothing short of baffling.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkThere is no such thing as a dull game when Russell Martin’s Kamikaze defenders are around.Saints had actually weathered the anticipated early Villa storm and were beginning to get a toehold in the game.Cue some slapstick defending as Nathan Wood and Taylor Harwood-Bellis got in each other’s way, allowing Jhon Duran to power through the pair of them before slotting beyond Joe Lumley.1-0 Villa and more to come by the looks of things here.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 2-2 Newcastle32. You get some entertainment at the Gtech Community Stadium.Harvey Barnes makes up his earlier error as he notches to draw The Magpies level.That is 38 goals that have been scored here so far this season.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedGoal – Harvey Barnes (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-1 Man City30. Questions will be asked of Henderson in the Palace goal.Nunes does well down the flank but as he whips his cross in along the six yard box, weirdly, the keeper does not come to collect.Haaland cushions his header into the far corner to draw City level.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Erling Haaland (Man City)Copy linkCopiedBrentford 2-1 Newcastle28. Big mistake from Harvey Barnes for the visitors.He gives the ball away and Wissa takes full advantage.He runs 30 yards towards goal before drilling the ball in to give The Bees the lead once again.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Yohan Wissa (Brentford)Copy linkCopiedView from Martin Lipton from Selhurst ParkRarely have I seen City look as uncomfortable at the back as they are this afternoon.Guardiola has moved Rico Lewis to left-back but Josko Gvardiol is still well off it and both were partially culpable – alongside Ruben Dias – for the Munoz opener.Palace clearly feel they can get at the champions in transition although Haaland could have scored twice at the other end. Wild as the weather.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-0 Southampton24. Once again Southampton are the architects of their own downfall.Bree has a nightmare in the centre of the park as he gifts the ball to Duran.Lumley comes steaming out of his box and makes the striker’s mind up for him as he lifts it over him and into the back of the net.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Jhon Duran (Aston Villa)Copy linkCopiedBrentford 1-1 Newcastle19. The Magpies are starting to click a bit more now.Once again Isak is the man causing problems for the visitors.Flekken makes a good save to deny him but Newcastle really should be 2-1 up after that chance.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-0 Man City18. Man City are starting to put some pressure on now.De Bruyne is getting more involved and pulling the strings.A ball into Haaland is just behind him and cannot get it under control otherwise he would have been one-on-one with the keeper.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 1-1 Newcastle11. Jacob Murphy floats a ball into the box, looking for Isak.The Swede rises to head home and get The Magpies level.This has been a good start to the game at the Gtech Community Stadium.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Alexander Isak (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedBrentford 1-0 Newcastle8. Norgaard does well to find Mbuemo on the side of the box.He cuts inside and lets rip with a brilliant strike into the back of the net.Brentford look keen to keep their sensational home form going.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Bryan Mbuemo (Brentford)Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-0 Man City9. Will Hughes plays a neat one-two with Mateta.He then threads it through to Munoz in the box.The Palace defender slots it past Ortega to break the deadlock in the capital.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkThis really is a must-win game for Villa, against a Saints team which has won just one of their last 27 Premier League fixtures – against Everton last month.Russell Martin’s men will be encouraged by their 1-1 draw at Brighton last weekend and will be hoping to build on that.However Saints are without suspended skipper Jack Stephens following his hair-raising experience when he tugged Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella’s locks!Unai Emery rests Ollie Watkins and hands Jhon Duran his first Premier League start.Copy linkCopiedPremier League matches underwayWe have three afternoon games to enjoy today.Aston Villa vs SouthamptonBrentford vs NewcastleCrystal Palace vs Man CityThese matches could affect the top and bottom of the table.Copy linkCopied More

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      Incredible stats show how player who Man Utd let go for FREE and made unemployed is now best in his position in Europe

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      DAVID DE GEA is the best goalkeeper in Europe despite being let go by Manchester United, according to the stats.Their decision to let long-term servant De Gea depart on a free transfer and replace him with £41m-recruit Andre Onana was bold.David de Gea is the best goalkeeper in Europe’s top leagues, according to the statsDe Gea enjoyed 14 years with the Red DevilsDe Gea has enjoyed a stunning return to form with Fiorentina after a YEAR away from the pitchAnd now the 33-year-old’s exploits in Italy are starting to raise further question marks about former manager Erik ten Hag’s decision.The Spaniard, who spent 12 seasons at Old Trafford, had to wait 446 days to enter the pitch again.He was often considered the Premier League’s best goalkeeper, and is now getting similar recognition in Serie A.READ MORE FOOTBALLThe stats show that De Gea is making more saves and from a higher quality of shots than any other keeper in Europe.He has saved a staggering 76 per cent of on-target attempts that have come his way so far this term, according to Opta via Fbref.In fact, no other shot-stopper performs better in that metric.And his rating of 7.61 makes him the highest rated goalkeeper in Europe this season, according to match ratings site WhoScored.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDe Gea has been putting in brilliant displays for the Florence-based outfit on a regular basis.The ex-Old Trafford star sits top of the save per cent table, while he is also second in the saves per 90 minutes rankings and sixth in the goals prevented table.Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford De Gea has put in multiple man of the match performances this seasonThe Spaniard is adored by those in Florence as Fiorentina sit inside the Champions League spotsHe has five clean sheets so far to his name this term with Fiorentina sitting fourth in Serie A.Replacement Onana comes in close with 70 per cent of on-target shots saved in all competitions.And returning Newcastle keeper Nick Pope has a higher save per cent than Onana, but has faced less shots than the Man Utd No.1At other end – West Ham’s Alphonse Areola has been enduring a nightmare run of form and is low in both save quality and save quantity.Alphonse Areola lost his place in West Ham’s starting XI more than two months agoThis has seen the Hammers DROP the Frenchman and bring in veteran Lukasz Fabianski as they look to fend off a relegation battle going into Christmas.Elsewhere, the freshly-crowned world’s best goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez fell into the same bracket as Areola, as Aston Villa dropped to eighth in the Prem.Martinez has saved just 50 per cent of his opponent’s shots on-target.The Argentine World Cup winner’s recent display in Villa’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea saw him hauled off injured at half-time.Meanwhile, during his time at United, De Gea won the player of the season award four times.He was also named in the PFA Team of the Year on five separate occasions, including for four consecutive years.READ MORE SUN STORIESWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Pep Guardiola has six word message for Jose Mourinho after Special One aims ‘fairly and cleanly’ dig at Man City titles

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      PEP GUARDIOLA mounted a passionate defence of Manchester City after Jose Mourinho smeared his six Prem titles.The Special One delivered a withering “I won fairly and cleanly” response to the City boss, who had hailed winning twice as many crowns as his rival.Jose Mourinho insisted ‘I won fairly and cleanly’ when discussing Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyGuardiola mounted a passionate defence of his clubCredit: APIn a reference to the charges of 115 financial rule breaches City face, former Chelsea boss Mourinho said: “I want to win, but I want to win cleanly and fairly. If I can’t win cleanly, I’d rather lose.“Guardiola told me something like this . . . he won six trophies and I won three.“But I won fairly and cleanly. If I lost, I want to congratulate my opponent for being better than me. I don’t want to win by dealing with 150 cases.”But Guardiola hit back: “He is another one on the huge list who want my team at the bottom, in League One or the Conference. I would say to Jose: We are innocent until proven guilty.”READ MORE FOOTBALLCity deny all the charges. Mourinho’s titles were won under the ownership of Roman Abramovich in 2005, 2006 and 2015.But Chelsea’s finances are also being investigated by the Prem after the current ownership reported “incomplete financial information” had been submitted during the Russian’s tenure.Guardiola, 53, added: “With both of our teams, we can sit with Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger for the many, many titles we won.“I’m pretty sure soon they will congratulate us.”Fenerbahce coach Mourinho’s blast comes following Guardiola’s “Jose won three and I won six” comment after holding up six fingers to Liverpool fans following City’s 2-0 defeat at Anfield on Sunday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSix years ago, just before being axed by Manchester United, Mourinho held up three fingers to Reds fans in reference to the three titles he won.Guardiola had said City’s rivals would be “taking the p***” because of his side’s slump.Pep Guardiola responds to ‘sacked in the morning’ chants at Anfield from Liverpool fans City have only won one game in their last eight in all competitions.After Liverpool’s win, Mo Salah said it might be the last time he faces them at Anfield with his contract running out.It prompted Kop boss Arne Slot to joke: “Maybe Mo knows more about the charges so he doesn’t expect them to be in the Prem next season!”Guardiola responded: “The joke from Arne is his business, not my business.“I’m talking about what I said. If I have offended Jose, I’m so sorry but it was a joke. The fact is he has three and I have six. But the intention was completely fine.”Guardiola, who takes his side to Crystal Palace tomorrow, added: “Normal people don’t talk about results or how many trophies you win.” More