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      Arsenal’s week from hell revealed as Gunners face three nightmare trips within eight days… and without Declan Rice

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      IN just 24 hours Arsenal have gone from stealing Sterling to the penny dropping  – on the prospect of three brutal trips in eight days.And the Gunners will face their travel nightmare with main midfielder Declan Rice banned for one match after his first ever red card.Boss Mikel Arteta and Co were frustrated after drawing vs BrightonCredit: PADeclan Rice protested in vain after a first red card in 245 Prem gamesCredit: GettyA day after Arsenal borrowed Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling for the season, Brighton ended the Gunners’ 100% Premier League record with a 1-1 comeback draw at the Emirates.And Rice’s contentious dismissal was the turning point.Bukayo Saka lobbed the Gunners in front but his England team-mate was sent off for a soft second booking – nudging the ball away to stop the Seagulls taking a quick free-kick.Joao Pedro then rewarded Brighton’s growing pressure with a point-saver.READ MORE TOP STORIESSaturday’s setback for Mikel Arteta’s men comes ahead of what could be their toughest spurt of fixtures in the whole season.The international break is up next, before Arsenal resume action with a visit to their biggest rivals Tottenham on Sunday, September 15.Then comes Arsenal’s Champions League group opener four days later – at Serie A side Atalanta.And the following Sunday, September 22, the Gunners are at the Etihad against champions Manchester City.Most read in FootballArteta spoke out strongly afterwards on refereeing ‘inconsistency’Credit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPep Guardiola’s team made it three wins in three Prem games with Saturday’s 3-1 victory at West Ham.And although it’s surely too early in the campaign to talk about pivotal periods, the mood around the Emirates – buoyed by Sterling’s arrival – could swing violently, depending on how Arsenal’s testing trio of games go. Arsenal’s Declan Rice was targeted by masked robbers in broad daylight It means Arteta will quickly have to turn his resentment at Rice’s red card into a rousing rev-up for his squad.The Spaniard claimed Brighton got away with kicking the ball away – before his £105million star picked up a costly second caution for a similar offence.Arteta said: “If it [bookings] happens throughout the game in a consistent way it is fine but it didn’t. It is the inconsistency.”And asked if he’d had an explanation afterwards, he replied: “None, like always.” More

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      Ex-Chelsea wonderkid who is one of most intelligent people in England – and went to Eton – set for Premier League return

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      FORMER Chelsea youngster Tudor Mendel-Idowu who is best-known for being one of the smartest people in England is set for a return to the Premier League.The midfielder, 19, has an incredibly impressive pedigree in academia having been made a King’s Scholar at Eton College at the age of 13 after attending the prestigious boarding school Ludgrove School.Tudor Mendel-Idowu left Chelsea last year and joined Belgian side AnderlechtCredit: GettyHe is one of the brightest people in the UK and was a scholar of Eton aged 13Credit: Instagram / tudormendelKing’s Scholars are, as Mendel-Idowu explained, “the top fourteen brightest students in the UK, if not the world, admitted once per year at the age of 13”.His admission came after he finished second in the 2014 edition of the Channel 4 show “Child Genius”.Meanwhile on the pitch, in 2022 he was blossoming in Chelsea’s U18s side, regularly contributing goals and assists.But last year he left for Belgian side Anderlecht after rejecting a new deal from the Blues.READ MORE IN SPORTNow, though, he is poised to return to England – who he has represented at U15 and U17 level.According to Fabrizio Romano, a deal has been agreed for him to join Ipswich.He had already undergone a medical with the newly-promoted Premier League club before the transfer window closed on Friday.In 2022, Mendel-Idowu was asked where he saw his career in five years.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTudor Mendel-Idowu’s backgroundAs early as aged eight, Mendel-Idowu was juggling academia with playing football.He took part in the Child Genius of the Year in 2014, alongside his 11-year-old sister Hazelle, that featured on Channel 4.While his sister was eliminated in the second round, brainy Tudor finished second overall.Astonishingly, Tudor is a King’s Scholar at Eton.As of 2022 he was studying Latin, Greek and Modern History for his A-levels.But he is keen to continue thriving in academia and football.He said: “I want to be competing at the highest level. I have the same expectations for myself in football as I have as an academic.”I want to be at the top. Playing in, and winning Champions Leagues. Playing at a World Cup. Maybe even a World Player of the Year Award – we’ll see!”Speaking to Fifa, he said: “It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where I will be.”In terms of football, in five years, I’ll be 22. I want to be competing at the highest level. I have the same expectations for myself in football as I have as an academic.”I want to be at the top. Playing in, and winning Champions Leagues.Ex-Chelsea and England wonderkid now unemployed”Playing at a World Cup. Maybe even a World Player of the Year Award – we’ll see.”Ipswich picked up their first point since returning to the Premier League on Saturday as they drew 1-1 at home to Fulham.Kieran McKenna’s side had begun their campaign with defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City. More

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      Declan Rice breaks silence over controversial Brighton red card as Arsenal star delivers ‘obvious’ verdict

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      DECLAN RICE admitted he was ‘shocked’ by his controversial sending off against Brighton.The Arsenal star also apologised to his teammates as the Gunners dropped points in their title race with Manchester City.Declan Rice could not believe he was sent off against BrightonCredit: GettyRice was left on the floor after tapping a ball away from Joel Veltman at a free-kickCredit: GettyRice was forced to watch from the dressing room as Arsenal hung on for a drawCredit: GettyKai Havertz gave the North Londoners a 38th minute lead at the Emirates.Rice received a yellow card for a strong but late tackle on Joel Veltman just before half time – a challenge Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler believed could have been a straight red.And in the 49th minute, Rice nudged the ball away from Veltman while it was still moving as he tried to take a free-kick – being floored in the process.But ref Chris Kavanagh deemed it enough for a second yellow – despite allowing Joao Pedro to get away with a similar incident in the first half.read more arsenalPedro went on to equalise with a 58th minute strike as Arsenal held on for a point.Boss Mikel Arteta said he was “amazed” by the decision from Kavanagh – and criticised the inconsistency shown by the officials.And Rice – who will now miss the North London Derby against Tottenham on September 15 – said: “I was shocked, I think you could see in my face I was shocked.“He’s obviously gone over… I’ve not sprinted back in front of him and smashed the ball away. I’ve touched the ball with the outside of my foot, look, this is the law of the game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“If you touch the ball away, even a little bit, obviously it’s a red card, after my challenge in the first half – which I fully accept was a 50-50 that I didn’t win.“But the second-half one, especially with it being in the corner flag, they can’t really progress anywhere from there. It was tough, it was harsh, but it’s one of those things.“I have to move on from it, I will be better for it and I can only praise the players for digging deep for me and the manager for pushing everyone and the fans as well who were unbelievable again this afternoon. That’s how I see it.”The dismissal was Rice’s first Prem red card in 245 appearances – and his return will be away at the Etihad to face City on September 22.Arsenal have a tough run of fixtures to start SeptemberHe continued: “I just wanted to apologise to my teammates, which I’ve done, and to the fans.“When you get sent off, it’s never nice, you get a sense of guilt over you, and I was lucky today that my teammates really helped me out and we didn’t lose the game.“It’s not in my nature really to get red cards, so I’ll learn from it, I’ll see where I can be better, and I’ll be back for sure.”Rice was forced to watch the rest of the game from the Arsenal dressing room as the hosts almost nicked a win through late chances for Havertz and Bukayo Saka.Keeper David Raya was also forced to make a string of important saves to deny Brighton a famous victory.England midfielder Rice added: “I was up off my seat when those big two chances came. Obviously David as well who made another big save for us.“On another day maybe [Arsenal’s chances] go in, but to even generate those chances shows the desire of the boys.“In the end is not ideal because we want to win every game, that’s what we strive for and believe we can do.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Take the context out of it, we had ten men for 50 minutes, it’s a really strong point.“We will keep fighting and battling, it’s only been three weeks since the start of the season, and we’re going to keep going in the right direction for sure.” More

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      Chelsea finally complete Jadon Sancho loan-to-buy transfer as Man Utd suffer £50m LOSS on out-of-favour star

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      CHELSEA have finally confirmed Jadon Sancho’s loan move from Manchester United – nearly 21 hours AFTER the transfer deadline.The ex-England winger, 24, has switched for the rest of the season – with the Blues then obliged to buy him for a reported £23milion fee.Chelsea belatedly unveiled the signing of Jadon SanchoCredit: GettyThe winger says he’s delighted to move back to LondonCredit: GettyThat means the Red Devils will make a staggering £50m loss on the former Borussia Dortmund star.Sancho told the Chelsea website: “I’m really excited to be here. London is where I grew up and I’m happy to be back.”The manager spoke to me about the project and, for a young player, it’s exciting. Hopefully I can bring goals and assists to the Bridge.”It’s claimed Chelsea’s obligation will only kick in if they finish above 14th place in the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShould they do so, Sancho would then sign a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge.A handful of other moves were completed after the window shut at 11pm on Friday – as deal sheets were submitted in time to be finalised by 1am on Saturday.But bizarrely Chelsea only announced Sancho’s move at 7.30pm on Saturday.Sky Sports claim that Chelsea chiefs see the chance to sign Sancho “as too good to turn down”.Most read in FootballSancho has joined Chelsea on loan with an obligation to buyCredit: RexHe had a huge public fall out with Erik ten Hag last seasonCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd the West London club are confident they can “get the best out of him” despite a troubled time at Old Trafford. Chelsea are able to afford the winger as Raheem Sterling has left the club to sign for Arsenal on a season-long loan. Jamie Carragher says ‘players should stop joining Chelsea’ and ‘sign a four-year deal at a proper club’ in stunning rantSancho’s move comes three years after United bought him from Dortmund for £73million.But he has had a nightmare since returning to his homeland, finding the back of the net just 12 times in 83 games for Man Utd.He also had a huge public spat with Erik ten Hag that saw him banished from the squad before being loaned back to Dortmund in January.In a bombshell Instagram post last September, Sancho said he was made a “scapegoat” by the manager after he was left out a matchday squad for supposedly not performing in training.The player then refused to apologise to Ten Hag and he was subsequently banned from all first-team facilities at the club’s training ground.He appeared to have resolved his dispute with the Dutchman over the summer, having featured in pre-season and the Community Shield loss to Manchester City.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the rumours continued to swirl around his departure and now Chelsea have got their man.Sancho joins despite the Blues already bringing in Pedro Neto and Joao Felix in attacking areas this summer.Sancho had a good spell back at Dortmund after moving on loan in January More

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      West Ham 1 Man City 3: Erling Haaland bags yet another ruthless hat-trick as champions capitalise on Arsenal slip-up

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      ERLING HAALAND took his tally to SEVEN Premier League goals in THREE games this season as his second successive hat-trick earned Manchester City a 3-1 win over West Ham.The champions needed just 10 minutes to go in front as Lucas Paqueta was robbed of the ball and Bernardo Silva slid Haaland in before the Norwegian confidently stroked home.Erling Haaland now has 70 Premier League goals in 69 gamesCredit: GettyHe calmly rolled his opener into the bottom corner after 10 minutesCredit: ReutersWest Ham did equalise in the 19th minute through as Ruben Dias own goalCredit: GettyHaaland restored Man City’s advantage with a stunning strikeCredit: GettyThe Hammers did equalise shortly after when Ruben Dias turned a Jarrod Bowen cross into his own net.But order was restored on the half hour mark when Haaland lashed a venomous effort into the top corner from a Rico Lewis lay-off.And he made it back-to-back hat-tricks following his treble against Ipswich when he beat the offside trap and tucked home with seven minutes remaining.Haaland now has 70 Premier League goals in 69 games and 95 in 101 in all competitions for Man City.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe devastating Norwegian opened the scoring when Silva dispossessed former City target Paqueta and allowed Haaland to do the rest.City immediately threatened to blow the hosts away with Alphonse Areola making a fine save to tip Kevin De Bruyne’s shot over the top.De Bruyne’s side-footed effort then came back off the far post with Jack Grealish, making his first start of the season, hitting the rebound wide.But West Ham came back into the contest and levelled in the 19th minute when Paqueta fed Bowen, who scampered down the right before putting in a low cross which Dias sliced into his own net.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHaaland clipped his third over Lukasz Fabianski to claim back-to-back hat-tricksCredit: PAHowever, they were on level terms for only 10 minutes before City worked the ball along the edge of the penalty area and Lewis fed Haaland, who took a touch before lashing his shot into the roof of the net.Haaland almost had a hat-trick before half-time when he was felled on the edge of the area by Edson Alvarez, but his free-kick grazed the top of the net.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsWest Ham nearly equalised with a stunning counter-attack after the break when Paqueta spun his way out of trouble inside his own penalty area.The Brazilian coolly passed out to Mohammed Kudus, who played a one-two with Bowen before crashing his shot against the near post.But West Ham saw their hopes of picking up a rare point against City ended when Haaland raced on to a through ball from Matheus Nunes and tucked away the third.Haaland has also scored the most goals (7) of any player after three games of a Premier League campaignCredit: AP More

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      Leicester 1 Aston Villa 2: Onana and Duran on the scoresheet as Emery secures second successive away win

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      OF all the things that tempted Unai Emery to cough up £50 million for Amadou Onana, it certainly wasn’t his goalscoring.A mighty midfield general, of course. A never-back-down battler whose commanding presence and towering stature was the perfect protection for his backline.Ezri Konsa helps Onana celebrate his Villa breakthroughCredit: ReutersJhon Duran sees his header double the home side’s leadCredit: AFPIn-form Onana pounced for Villa’s openerCredit: ReutersMaybe even the odd driving run forward as he stretched those giant legs, while there weren’t many who could match the Belgian in the air.Sticking the ball in the net, though, wasn’t very high on the must-do list. So what a welcome surprise that this morning Onana finds himself as Villa’s joint top scorer.Three goals in two years at Goodison for Everton, and two already in just three games for Emery’s men, after following his opening day effort at West Ham with the opener here.More Ollie Watkins than Ollie Watkins himself, you could say. The deadly striker of a year ago, but a man now stuck in a goalscoring drought.READ MORE TOP STORIESOne he would probably have ended after only two minutes here, to be honest, had he been a tad more alert when Youri Tielemans sent him scooting through.Yet although he got there first, nudging it away from Mads Hermansen with his left foot, the keeper stretched out a long arm to paw it away and Watkins’ misery continued.Having said that, his blank luck against the Foxes here wasn’t down to being off the pace, as much as facing a keeper who was fantastic one minute and fortunate the next.We got a glimpse of the first when Morgan Rogers fed Watkins, who held off James Justin and shot low – only for Hermansen to get down well and push behind. It was a fine stop.Most read in FootballDuran enjoys his goal with Villa team-mate Morgan RogersCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother narrow escape for Leicester, another moment to forget for Watkins. Thank Heavens, then, for the prolific Onana!And what a well worked opener it was, as the Belgian stuck out a long leg to prod the visitors in front…a goal which left Foxes fans raging.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelVilla chief Unai Emery was as animated as his teamCredit: ReutersFuming when referee David Coote decided Oliver Skipp had fouled Watkins, and fit to burst when Villa scored from the free kick.Tielemans fed Jacob Ramsey on the charge, and from his low cross, Onana was unguarded as he turned it in.It was no more than Villa’s superiority deserved, and on 64 minutes the dominance saw the lead doubled at last.What an introduction it was too for Columbian striker Jhon Duran, scoring with his first touch after coming off the bench just 133 seconds before.Lucas Digne traded passes with Ramsey before clipping in a cross that, if anything, was a fraction behind Duran.Yet the Villa substitute’s header had the direction AND the power to find the top corner. It was a marvellous finish.Duran’s magic moment came with the Foxes still feeling referee Coote had robbed them of an equaliser – although in truth he had done nothing of the sort.When Harry Winks’ free kick struck the official, he had no option but to whistle, long before Skipp crossed low and Jamie Vardy picked out the bottom corner.Common sense screamed that it couldn’t stand, Had the ball not hit Coote, it would never have ended up with Skipp in the first place, and Vardy knew it.Still, fair play to the Foxes for pounding away, finally getting their reward when sub Facundo Buonanotte volleyed them a lifeline on 73 minutes.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne that Leicester fans thought had turned into a lifesaver in the last of seven added minutes, when Vardy crashed in Ezri Konsa’s challenge and the whistle blew.Instead it was for offside, not a penalty. The Foxes striker had dived in any case, and justice was done…although not too many home fans agreed.Jamie Vardy and Co acknowledge Leicester fans after defeatCredit: ReutersVilla rejoice as Onana strikes on 28 minutesCredit: Reuters More

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      West Ham vs Man City LIVE SCORE: Reigning Premier League champions face tricky Hammers test in London – updates

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      PREMIER LEAGUE champions Manchester City travel to London for a tough test against West Ham.Erling Haaland bagged his tenth hat-trick in a City shirt which fired Pep’s side to a 4-1 win against Ipswich last weekend.While West Ham got the better of London’s rival Crystal Palace courtesy of goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen.Kick-off time: 5.30pm BSTLive stream: NOW TVTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event / Premier LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollow ALL the action from the London Stadium with our live blog below… More

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      Nottingham Forest 1 Wolves 1: Chris Wood denied late winner as Nuno’s unbeaten start to season continues

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      WOLVES battled to earn their first point of the season as Forest maintained their unbeaten start.In the end both sets of fans left satisfied – despite moaning like hell about a couple of controversial penalty claims – one for each side.Nottingham Forest ace Chris Wood opened the scoring against WolvesCredit: AlamyWolves ace Jean‐Ricner Bellegarde equalised with a wondergoalCredit: GettyNottingham Forest ace Wood thought he scored the winner but was caught offsideCredit: ReutersAt least referee Simon Hooper was consistent as he ruled that Jorgen Strand Larsen and Chris Wood were both innocent men – despite the ball clearly striking both of them on the arm.But when the dust finally settled on this rip-roaring 90 minutes no great ‘arm had been done to either of these Midlands rivals.And Wolves even had a rare long-range banger to celebrate – their first goal from outside the box for a staggering 47 games!Wolves boss Gary O’Neil decided to throw in new £10million goalkeeper Sam Johnstone for a rapid debut, while the man he replaced, Jose Sa never even made the bench.Read More on FootballHowever Wolves were busy at the other end of the park as they almost snatched an early lead after two minutes.Mattheus Cunha played in Rayan Ait-Nouri whose first shot was blocked by Matz Sels and his second attempt was brilliantly blocked on the line by Murillo.Having survived that early scare Forest recovered and opened the scoring after 10 minutes.Elliot Anderson’s deep corner picked out Chris Wood who soared above Toti Gomes to power a header which evaded Johnstone’s grasp on its way into the far corner of the net.Most read in FootballWolves claimed Anthony Elanga was offside and interfering with Johnstone’s view but a VAR check proved Cunha had played the winger onside and the goal rightly stood.Wolves should have been more upset at which marker allowed Wood a free run at Totti.It was the ninth goal O’Neil’s men have conceded in their third Premier game.But to their credit they hit back almost immediately with an absolute peach of an equaliser.Toti’s throw was headed on by Jorgen Strand Larsen, Ibrahim Sangare slashed the ball into the air and Mario Lemina poked the ball through to Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.And the French forward unleashed a sensational screamer which swerved and dipped on its way into the top corner to leave Sels helpless from 25 yards.That strike had certainly been a long time coming as it was the first Wolves had managed from outside the penalty area for 47 games!Cunha tried his luck from the same range but Sels had it cobvered as it sped wide.Morgan Gibbs-White came in for his usual mix of banter and abuse from Wolves fans who have made him Public Enemy No.1 since he swapped Old Gold for Garibaldi Red.But Forest fans retaliated with chants of England’s, England’s No.10 in recognition of MGW’s call up to Lee Carsley’s first Three Lions’ squad.And the midfielder showed why with a superb knuckleball free kick which Johnstone did brilliantly to push away as it sped for the top bin.Forest fans howled in fury at ref Simon Hooper as they claimed for a penalty just before half-time.Gibbs-White clipped the ball towards Wood and Strand Larsen diverted it with his arm but despite Forest’s pleas, the ref waved play on and VAR supported him.This was a game which roared from end to end as both sides tried to grab a crucial winner.Sels required treatment after bravely saving at Cunha’s feet, then at the other end a brilliant piece of improvisation saw Gibbs-White clip the ball to Wood whose header was brilliantly saved by Johnstone.Wolves sub Tommy Doyle fired in a ferocious hit which threatened to knock Murillo’s block off as the Brazilian headed it for a corner.With 14 minutes remaining Hooper was at the centre of another penalty controversy.This time it was Wolves who yelled for a spot kick when Dawson and Wood grappled in the box as they challenged for a Doyle free kick.The ball definitely came off Wood’s trailing left arm but the striker was facing the other way and Hooper decided there was no intent.READ MORE SUN STORIESForest thought they had nabbed all three points with five minutes remaining when Wood fired the ball beyond Johnstone from Murillo’s pass.But the big Kiwi had strayed offside and both sides had to settle for a share of the points.Nottingham Forest and Wolves shared the spoils at City Ground More