Premier League

KIERAN TIERNEY is in line to make his first Arsenal appearance for over 15 MONTHS.The Scotland international has endured a torrid run of injuries during his time at the Gunners that has seen him slip off the radar of boss Mikel Arteta – and linked with a move away in January.Kieran Tierney returned to training last week and could start against SportingCredit: PABut he has been named in the playing squad in Lisbon after returning to training last week having been out for two months with a setback in a reoccurring hamstring injury.Tierney’s last outing for Arsenal was in the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 6, 2023, before heading out on a season-long loan to Real Sociedad.Arteta said: “Everybody in the squad is fully fit and available to start the game.“We have Kieran Tierney after a long injury, it’s great news that he’s back, he’s been training with the team and he’s at the level to participate.”READ MORE ON ARSENALAt LaLiga side Sociedad, Tierney made 26 appearances – 17 as a starter – but his minutes were limited by several hamstring injuries.Should he take to the field for Arsenal in Lisbon, it will be his first European game for the club since November 3, 2022 – starting in a 1-0 win over FC Zurich in the Europa League.Tierney’s inclusion could also mean he features in the Prem once more – the last time he started in the English top flight was May 14, 2023 – a 3-0 loss at home to Brighton.It is understood that while the club are pleased to have Tierney available, he is not in Arteta’s long-term plans as he looks to move the Scot on in the next two transfer windows.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal player ratings vs Nottingham ForestBy Jordan Davies, Senior Sports Journalist and Football ReporterARSENAL romped to a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest – with some standout performers shining.Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates each player…David Raya – 7Very little to do. Collected a few crosses well under pressure and was alert and speedy with his distribution to get Arsenal moving.Jurrien Timber – 7Had the ball in the net and unlucky not to keep it that way as VAR intervened – eventually – to give offside on Mikel Merino in the build-up. A solid display.William Saliba – 8Had a real battle on his hand against another giant of a man in Taiwo Awoniyi, not that it bothered him too much. As always, he was up to the task without ever losing his cool.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7With Forest’s target man focused on Saliba, this was a fairly comfortable afternoon for Gabriel, who didn’t even have any decent set-pieces to attack.Riccardo Calafiori – 7Was a bit vulnerable on the counter in the early stages, perhaps showing his fitness levels are not there just yet after a lengthy spell out with injury.However, he regained his composure and was a rock defending crosses and set-pieces.Jorginho – 6A rare start and did his best to solidify things in midfield, but his needless yellow ultimately saw him subbed at half-time with Arteta not willing to take the risk.Martin Odegaard – 9My word, have Arsenal missed this man. Back in the team and back in the groove, dictating the tempo and providing that creative spark with fluidity and finesse.By the end, Forest’s players looked like they had been beaten to submission.Mikel Merino – 7With Jorginho sitting deeper, the Spaniard had the freedom to play the ‘Rice role’, roaming forward at will, and provided a real attacking intent, driving into the box.Bukayo Saka – 9Showed off his samba hips with some silky dancing between tackles in the box before thumping a stunning effort into the top corner.Forest left-back Alex Moreno had a torrid afternoon, especially after he let Saka cut inside again after the break to tee up Partey’s strike from distance.Gabriel Jesus – 6Still looking for just a third goal this calendar year. Gave his all and had a curling effort go narrowly wide in the first half, but it just isn’t happening for the Brazilian at the moment.A real chance missed to stake a claim in this starting XI.Leandro Trossard – 7Should have put Arsenal ahead inside the first two minutes but scuffed his close-range effort and saw another well saved by Matz Sels before the break.Despite hobbling off for Belgium in mid-week, he looked as sharp as ever.SUBSTHOMAS PARTEY (JORGINHO, 45) – 8Was only on the pitch seven minutes before curling a beauty into the far corner – an inspired substitution.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (CALAFIORI, 67) – 6Did what was needed. Positioned himself for inverted passing lanes to get Arsenal out the back with Forest piling pressure on with time ticking away.ETHAN NWANERI (ODEGAARD, 82) – 8More minutes for this impressive academy talent and already has a trademark finish of curling into the far corner with his left foot. He almost pulled this off less than two minutes into coming on.Then, soon after, he slots in from Sterling’s cut-back for his first Prem goal. Memorable.RAHEEM STERLING (SAKA, 82) – 7Really needed to make a difference off the bench to get his campaign up and running, and he did, providing the assist for Nwaneri’s historic goal.JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 87) – N/ATierney’s return is also timely with Arsenal missing another full-back in Ben White who is expected to be out for months after undergoing knee surgery last week.During this summer’s Euros, Tierney featured for Scotland but was ruled out after a hamstring injury in a group game against Switzerland.Arsenal player ratings: Martin Odegaard a class above as Jorgino hooked at half-time after needless yellow vs Nottingham Forest More

RUBEN AMORIM gave Manchester United five out of ten for Sunday’s performance at Ipswich.The coach looked frustrated as the Red Devils struggled in the 1-1 draw — his first game in charge — against the Premier League new boys.Ruben Amorim watched his side draw 1-1 with Ipswich in his opening game in chargeCredit: PAIt was a frustrating afternoon for Garnacho and his fellow Red DevilsCredit: RexAmorim delivered his verdict on the average display in the Portman Road dressing room, where he also revealed he was blown away by the intensity of the top flight.A source said: “Amorim said their performance was a five out of ten.”He was impressed with Ipswich and thought the game was played at an incredible intensity.”But he added that it showed just how much United need to improve.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim, who replaced axed Erik ten Hag as boss this month, is realistic about the major task ahead of him.But he warned his players that they must improve and learn quickly.The Portuguese, 39, acknowledged that if 18th-placed Ipswich are one of the Prem’s lesser teams, then it showed the job he has on his hands to turn Man Utd’s fortunes around.He took his first training session last Monday, with the international break only halfway through.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMarcus Rashford scored the first goal of the Amorim era after just 81 secondsCredit: RexCaptain Bruno Fernandes struggled at Portman Road on Sunday eveningCredit: GettyMan Utd player ratings vs Ipswich The source added: “He was critical of one or two players for losing the ball and not being in the right positions.”But he also said, ‘Some of you I’ve had for two days, some two weeks’, so he was realistic.”He did say they were going to have to learn quickly.”Man Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Onana saves Amorim from embarrassment in first game as bossMANCHESTER UNITED began the Ruben Amorim era with a 1-1 draw away at Ipswich.Marcus Rashford needed just 81 seconds to put the Red Devils in front at Portman Road, tapping home an Amad Diallo cross.But Ipswich hit back when Omari Hutchinson’s strike flew in via a deflection off Noussair Mazraoui.And it was the newly-promoted side who looked likelier to get a winner in the second half.Here is how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett saw the performances of the Man Utd players…ANDRE ONANA – 7/10United’s best player. Two key stops to deny Liam Delap but no chance for the deflected Omari Hutchinson goal.Then delivered an 87th minute save to keep out an effort from Conor Chaplin.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 5Slotted in on the right of the three-man defence but unfortunate with the deflection for the goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5Has been suspect this season and will probably be better suited to a back three although still given a tough time by Delap.JONNY EVANS – 5The 36-year-old was targeted by Ipswich for his lack of pace and no surprise he was replaced.AMAD DIALLO – 6Did incredibly well to bomb past Jens Cajuste and deliver the cross for Rashford’s early goal but offered little else.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 5Some nice touches going forward but too lightweight in this position in front of the back three.CASEMIRO – 4Lucky to start ahead of Manuel Ugarte and was really poor.Struggled throughout before being subbed and could maybe have got a block to the Hutchinson shot.DIOGO DALOT – 5Not suited to left wing-back although stayed there when Luke Shaw arrived because the English international replaced Evans in the back three.BRUNO FERNANDES – 5Some of his link-up play was fine but United need a captain who can inspire this team and Fernandes is not the man.Sent a free-kick flashing past the post with 12 minutes left.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5Twice called over by Ruben Amorim in the first half for instructions.Denied by a decent save from Aro Muric 50 seconds into the second half.MARCUS RASHFORD – 6Criticised for his basketball trip to New York so to score after 80 seconds was two fingers up at his critics – but did not offer much after that.SubsUgarte (for Casemiro 56 mins) – 6Shaw (for Evans 56 mins) – 6Hojlund (for Rashford 67 mins) – 5Zirkzee ( for Eriksen 67 mins) – 5Mount (for Garnacho 87 mins) – 5 More

NEWCASTLE’S fine form came to a screeching halt as West Ham pulled one out of the bag to potentially save Julen Lopetegui’s job.Eddie Howe’s side could have climbed into the top six with a win over the struggling Hammers.Tomas Soucek was on target as West Ham beat Newcastle 2-0Credit: GettyAaron Wan-Bissaka also netted to bag the Hammers a much-needed winCredit: AFPBut Tomas Soucek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka came up trumps to stun the Toon and earn a huge win for their under-pressure boss that lifted them to six points from danger.Toon started fast and Alexander Isak had the ball in the net after peeling off the last man and dinking it over Lukasz Fabianski only for an offside flag to ruin the party.But the Hammers knocked the stuffing right out of them in the tenth minute.Soucek was given the freedom of St. James’ as he escaped Lloyd Kelly, in for the suspended Dan Burn, and headed home Emerson Palmieri’s outswinging corner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis was not part of the script, but it was just the start Spaniard Lopetegui had dreamed about.And he was kicking every ball in his technical area throughout an animated first half performance that led to him being booked for dissent by referee Craig Pawson.That was his third caution of the campaign and he’ll now have to serve a touchline ban and miss Arsenal’s visit on Saturday.Not that he cared one jot at the time as he continued to bark orders at his side while Toon could only muster a curling effort from Joe Willock that went wide.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt was all feeling rather flat from those in Black and White and it could have got even worse as the visitors nearly doubled their advantage when Carlos Soler, replacing Guido Rodriguez, shot round the post.Despite needing a new passport following his drama in the international break returning from Ghana, the tireless Michail Antonio was left requiring a shirt here.Meet West Ham wonderkid Kaelan CaseyAfter what seemed like his 100th tussle with the defence, he emerged with a huge rip right down the middle of his jersey, and he revelled in the minute or so it took for him to change it while the game was stopped.Longstaff headed straight at Fabianski while Lewis Hall’s drive and shot got the locals back off their seats.But both Anthony Gordon and Isak blew chances to go in level at the break.Soucek headed West Ham into the lead against the run of playCredit: AFPThe goal galvanised the visitors as they grew in confidenceCredit: RexThe England winger capitalised on Jean-Clair Todibo’s poor clearance inside the area.However, his strike was saved by the leg of the Hammers goalie before the striker had an effort deflected wide.Harvey Barnes came on for Willock at the break and teed up Gordon to drag an effort off target.Wan-Bissaka’s second-half shot doubled West Ham’s leadCredit: AlamyThe Hammers never looked back after going two goals upCredit: GettyBut any momentum was soon cut short as West Ham doubled their lead eight minutes after the restart.Lucas Paqueta won the ball back and Jarrod Bowen broke and found Wan-Bissaka on the underlap. The ex-Manchester United full-back took a touch before firing across goal and into the far corner.Pope then saved from Bowen as things threatened to get worse before Sandro Tonali and Jacob Murphy came on along with Callum Wilson, making his first appearance of the season after injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut even that trio could not conjure up some magic for the Magpies, despite the returning forward being convinced he should have had a penalty when bundled over by Konstantinos Mavropanos.That leaves them sat in tenth, while Lopetegui lives to fight another day at West Ham.Julen Lopetegui will have been a relieved man after West Ham’s solid performanceCredit: RexEddie Howe was disappointed to see Toon’s winning run come to an endCredit: Getty More

GUGLIELMO VICARIO has had surgery on a fractured ankle – after revealing he played for an hour with the injury at the Etihad.The Tottenham keeper needed on-pitch treatment and “gave absolutely everything” in a 4-0 win at Manchester City – but now faces a long lay-off.Guglielmo Vicario could face a lengthy time out following an opCredit: RexVicario says he gave all his had and is already itching to returnVicario’s top-class saves thwarted Erling Haaland in particular as Ange Postecoglou’s men stunned the Prem champs on Saturday.But Spurs have confirmed the Italian had an operation two days later.Vicario responded on Instagram: “Sometimes football gives you its highs and sometimes it challenges you in ways you don’t expect.”I played 60 minutes at the Etihad with a broken ankle.. giving absolutely everything I had for the team.READ MORE TOTTENHAM NEWS”Unfortunately there was no way round this one… I needed surgery… See you soon on the pitch.”Spurs said on Monday night: “We can confirm that Guglielmo Vicario has today undergone surgery for a fracture of his right ankle.”Guglielmo will be assessed by our medical staff to determine when he can return to training. We’re all behind you, Vic.”The £17million stopper has gradually settled into Prem football after joining from Empoli in June 2023.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd he was prominent after, as well as during, Saturday’s sizzling but surprise success against Pep Guardiola’s men.Vicario hailed victory on social media with a message that many thought was aimed at his doubters.’Stupid’ Bentancur DESERVES ban after racist remark about Tottenham captain Son Heung-minHe wrote: “A lot of noise recently.. but this is why we do it. Great win away from home. #COYS @SpursOfficial.”Tottenham supporters have since rallied round after news of his surgery.One posted: “Now our fans are really gonna learn to respect him.”And others are worried by the club’s rising number of injuries.One said: “Not good… That win could come at a huge cost especially as we already are down 4-5 players.”Richarlison and virus-hit 17-year-old Mikey Moore are amongst the victims.And Rodrigo Bentancur has been banned for seven games following a racist comment about Spurs team-mate Son Heung-min.Meanwhile, Vicario added in his post-op Instagram post on Monday: “I’m disappointed I won’t be able to help the team for a while.READ MORE SUN STORIES”A massive thank you to the doctors and the staff. The operation went well, and from tomorrow I’ll be working hard to come back stronger, fitter, and ready to give my all for you again.””Thank you to the Spurs fans for all the love.” More