Premier League

BUKAYO SAKA is set to be sidelined for a further eight weeks as Arsenal’s injury nightmare intensified.As the Gunners confirmed that German Kai Havertz was out for the season ahead of undergoing hamstring surgery, it emerged that Saka’s similar injury could prevent him returning until mid-April.Bukayo Saka may not return from injury until AprilCredit: RexThe Arsenal star was seen in rehab at the club’s training camp in DubaiCredit: GettyMikel Arteta has an injury crisis to contend withCredit: GettyWhen Saka limped away from the 5-1 crushing of Crystal Palace in December, Arsenal were hoping for him to be fit by next month.The club published photos of the England ace going through rehab drills during this week’s training camp in Dubai.But boss Mikel Arteta, now left with only Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and teenager Ethan Nwaneri as fit attacking options with first-team experience, will not take a further gamble on Saka unless he is absolutely ready.That reluctance to risk Saka, whose explosive push off on his injured right leg is a major part of his threat, could now see the winger staying on the sidelines for up to four months in total.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, the expected bad news on Havertz, the club’s 14-goal top scorer, was confirmed.Arsenal announced: “We can confirm that Kai Havertz has sustained a hamstring injury during a training session in Dubai last week.”Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgery, which will take place in the coming days.”Soon after surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”Everyone at the club is fully focused on supporting Kai to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”Arteta, already without Gabriel Jesus, is also expected to be missing fellow Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli for a month.Arsenal wonderkid Lewis-Skelly’s mum reveals he’s ‘still on washing-up duty’… and how she nearly missed Man City goalHe pulled a hamstring in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg defeat at Newcastle last week.Arsenal sit seven points off Liverpool at the top of the table following their chaotic 2-2 draw against Everton yesterday. More

TONY PULIS has claimed that Arsene Wenger would not be impressed by Mikel Arteta’s focus on set-pieces.The Arsenal boss, 42, was compared with Pulis for his side’s set-piece prowess earlier this term.Tony Pulis enjoyed plenty of Premier League battles with Arsene WengerCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side have scored 45 goals from set pieces since the beginning of the 2022-23 seasonCredit: GettyArsenal are consistently a huge threat from cornersCredit: GettyWenger, 75, rarely hid his disdain for Pulis’ Stoke side during their stint in the Premier League.The Frenchman even claimed that the Potters employed “rugby” tactics in 2010.Earlier this season, social media memes compared Arteta to Pulis, with one image even mocked up of the Spaniard wearing the ex-Stoke boss’ iconic cap.Pulis, 67, loves the comparisons – telling the Telegraph: “It’s funny because Arsene brought a lot of good stuff into the game but he couldn’t cope with the belief that set-plays were that important.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It was all about the good football he wanted to play, completely different to maybe what I like to see.“We were called dinosaurs. Maybe I was a trend-setter. I’ve had Liverpool fans bump into me and talk about Jurgen Klopp wearing my cap.”People have mentioned how managers now wear white trainers on the touchline like I did. And now there’s obviously the set-plays.”Arsenal have scored 45 goals from set plays since the start of the 2022-23 season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSArsenal had plenty of physical battles with Stoke down the yearsCredit: AP:Associated PressPulis has admired the work done by Arteta, even if it has been mocked by rival fans.The Welshman added: “Arteta has done fantastically well to recognise how important set-plays are. When you look at it, Arsenal have won a hell of a lot of games from them. ‘Now everyone’s calling me it…’ – Declan Rice reveals hilarious new nickname”Arsene would most probably be shaking his head at the amount of praise Arteta is getting for using the corners and set-plays to such an extent that it’s deciding games for them.”We always knew how important set-plays were and how certain aspects of defending were. It has always been a massive part of professional football, whether you like it or not.”Wenger escaped an FA charge 15 years ago after complaining about Stoke’s approach during a match against Arsenal’s rivals Tottenham.He said: “You cannot say it is football any more. It is more rugby on the goalkeepers than football.”When you see the way (Ryan) Shawcross kicked Heurelho Gomes, how Robert Huth pushed Gomes in the goal, you cannot say that is football any more.”At the time, Pulis hit back: “The club is desperately disappointed with the comments which Wenger has come out with, especially the comments about Shawcross.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We think they are out of order and you don’t expect it from a person of Wenger’s esteem.”What he said about Ryan was very, very poor and the football club will take that matter up. The club will deal with it in the right and proper manner.”Wenger commented on a Stoke clash with Tottenham in 2010Credit: Reuters More

LIVERPOOL and Everton have released a joint statement slamming vile racist abuse aimed at Abdoulaye Doucoure.The midfielder was involved in a post-match bust-up with Curtis Jones after celebrating Everton’s 98th minute derby equaliser in front of travelling Liverpool fans.Liverpool and Everton have released a joint statement condemning racist abuse of Abdoulaye DoucoureCredit: GettyDoucoure was sent off for brawling with Curtis Jones after Everton’s late derby equaliserCredit: AFPIt sparked a mass brawl as teammates from both sides rushed in to the fray.And both Doucoure and Jones were shown straight red cards by referee Michael Oliver.However, Doucoure was subjected to disgraceful racist abuse in the wake of the game.It’s led to Liverpool and Everton putting aside their rivalry to condone the sick behaviour while offering their unconditional support to the midfielder.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA joint statement read: “Liverpool FC and Everton FC are aware of – and condemn in the strongest possible terms – racist abuse received by Abdoulaye Doucoure following Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby.”Such abuse is reprehensible and will not, and should not, be tolerated.”Together, the two clubs will work with Merseyside Police, who are conducting an investigation with the aim of identifying the individuals responsible.”We also encourage people who witness or experience online abuse to report and highlight it to the social media platforms on which it appears.Most read in FootballEverton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stunt”We must all, including the social media companies, take a zero-tolerance stance. Platforms need to take accountability and action to ban such abusers.”Racism and hate has no place online, in our stadiums or in our communities.”Doucoure and Jones weren’t the only ones to receive red cards after the Merseyside derby.Liverpool boss Arne Slot and No2 Sipke Hulshoff also received their marching orders from Oliver.Slot approached the ref to have a few words and shake his hand.But as the pair shook hands, Oliver quickly reached into his pocket before producing a red card for the Dutchman.Arne Slot was sent off after the final whistleSlot could yet be in charge for Liverpool’s next match against WolvesCredit: GettyThe manager was also seen berating an assistant referee.The Premier League then revealed on their website that Slot will face two matches away from the sidelines as a result of the incident.The Reds boss is said to have used “offensive, insulting, or abusive language”.But just an hour later, the Premier League’s statement on Slot’s ban had been deleted.If Slot is banned for two games, he will be in the stands for Liverpool’s home match with Wolves on Sunday and their trip to face Aston Villa on February 19.However, it’s understood that the FA still needs to review Michael Oliver’s post-match report.They then have to decide on one of three options: whether to charge Slot, remind him of his responsibilities or take no further action.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt means there’s a possibility the Liverpool manager and his assistant could be in the dugout for the game against Wolves.If both Slot and Hulshoff are banned, former Everton star Johnny Heitinga could the nod to lead Liverpool. More

THIS is the awkward moment King Charles asks Son Heung-Min if Spurs are “in good order” in front of Daniel Levy.The unlikely meeting occurred as the King visited the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday.Son Heung-Min was asked an awkward question by King Charles in front of Daniel LevyCredit: TIKTOK @ESPNUKHis Majesty wanted to know if Spurs are ‘in good order’Credit: TIKTOK @ESPNUKHis Majesty arrived at the north London arena to great fanfare.And he was met by Spurs chief Levy before getting a tour of the stadium.On his travels, King Charles bumped into Tottenham captain Son.The South Korean star and teammates are enduring a woeful season under manager Ange Postecoglou.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpurs lie 14th in the table after winning just eight of their 24 league matches.And last week saw them dumped out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup within the space of several days.Tottenham are now preparing to face Manchester United at home on Sunday.And speaking to Son, King Charles asked whether Tottenham felt confident about their chances.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut the encounter was made all the more awkward by the fact that Son was being watched by Spurs supremo Levy in the background.King Charles initiated the conversation by asking: “So who are you playing this weekend then?”King Charles visits Tottenham Hotspur StadiumSon answered: “We are going to play against Manchester United on Sunday.”The King then asked: “Have you got a good chance?”Son replied: “I hope so!”His Majesty continued: “Is the team in good order at the moment?”Son pondered the question before answering: “We are in a difficult moment but we are working hard.”The King quickly asked: “Are you?”Son replied simply: “Yes.”Fans responded to the awkward moment on social media.One said: “Levy at the back.”Another declared: “I hope this guy lifts a trophy before he leaves.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “At least he’s honest.”Another added: “King Charles is too funny.” More

MANCHESTER UNITED starlet Chido Obi-Martin scored an incredible hat-trick against Chelsea’s U18s as fans declared “he could have been starting for Arsenal.”The Danish striker used to be on the books of the injury-hit Gunners before sealing a move to United last summer.Chido Obi-Martin netted a hat-trick in the FA Youth Cup against ChelseaCredit: GettyThe Man Utd starlet inspired his side to a 5-1 winCredit: GettyFans reckon Chido-Obi could have solved the attacking injury crisis at former club ArsenalCredit: GettyObi-Martin broke youth league goal records in December after reaching 32 strikes in just 20 outings.And Ruben Amorim has been keeping tabs on the hitman as United struggle for goals.Now, Obi-Martin has taken his scoring to new heights after hitting a treble against Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup.The ace helped mastermind a 5-1 win over the Blues as record holders United booked their place in the quarters.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Obi-Martin now has nine goals in 11 outings for his new side.A first-team opportunity with the Red Devils is likely around the corner.But fans reckon had he stayed at Arsenal, Obi-Martin would have got his chance under Mikel Arteta by now.The Gunners have been hit by an attacking crisis after Kai Havertz was ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe joins Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines.And supporters believe Obi-Martin could have been the answer to Arteta’s prayers.’His finishing is NUTS,’ say Man Utd fans as teen who scored 10 against Liverpool trains alone before joining Red DevilsOne said: “Obi actually would’ve got minutes if he stayed at Arsenal.”Another declared: “He should be getting minutes over Hojlund at United.”One noted: “He needs a chance.”Another added: “Not everyone is ready at 17.”Earlier this month, United boss Amorim teased the possibility of Obi-Martin making his senior Red Devils bow.Amorim said: “He’s doing his job. He’s improving, he’s playing in the youth teams, and also we have other players who can play that position.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Rasmus and Josh are there. We bought these two players, we need to improve them, and sometimes the confidence can change a player. We will see in the end of the season.”But until then we have two strikers who can score goals, they’ve proved in the past, so let’s see if we can improve as a team to help them to score goals.” More

NEW footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver has emerged following his red card, with the Liverpool boss also caught berating a linesman beforehand.Slot was given his marching orders after full-time as his side shipped a late goal to Everton in the Merseyside derby.New footage has emerged of Arne Slot’s red card from Michael OliverOliver sent Slot off after the pair shook handsSlot was also caught berating a linesman before approaching OliverSlot appeared to say something to Oliver during the incidentCredit: GettyLiverpool’s boss will miss their next match against WolvesCredit: GettyLiverpool were 2-1 up when James Tarkowski blasted home an equaliser in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Tempers then flared at the final whistle as Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure clashed in front of supporters.The midfielders were both sent off by referee Oliver as teammates attempted to cool things down.And as the referee went off the field, he was approached by Liverpool boss Slot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut as the pair shook hands, Oliver quickly reached into his pocket before producing a red card for the Dutchman.Slot was left shocked by the decision, with his assistant Sipke Hulshoff also receiving his marching orders.The Premier League announced that Slot had been handed a TWO MATCH ban for the incident – but later deleted details of the ban to spark fresh uncertainty.Mystery surrounded the circumstances of Slot’s red card, with the gaffer unable to speak to the press due to Premier League rules.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTwo new sets of footage emerged of the incident.A camera from the side caught the moment Slot approached Oliver, with things appearing innocent on the surface.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntSlot gave the linesman an earful after the final whistleIt is unclear what exactly was said by SlotThe footage showed Slot extending his hand as Oliver walked past him.The referee took it but appeared to continue walking in a straight line.Slot then seemed to momentarily hold on to Oliver’s hand in an attempt to speak to him.But this caused the official to spin around before reaching into his back pocket to brandish the red card.The Premier League have now confirmed that Slot was dismissed for “using offensive, insulting, or abusive language.”Additional footage also caught Slot berating the linesman moments before his clash with Oliver.The Liverpool boss was seen ranting at the official while walking on the pitch.READ MORE SUN STORIESSlot let rip with a verbal volley, although it again was unclear just what the Dutchman said.Despite his outburst, the linesman remained stony-faced as Slot eventually retreated before quickly shaking hands with the other linesman while making his way over to Oliver. More

THE final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park finished with a dramatic late Everton equaliser and a brawl in front of the away end.Liverpool had been on the brink of beating the Toffees, only for James Tarkowski’s 98th minute thunderbolt to earn a 2-2 draw.Curtis Jones was furious with Abdoulaye DoucoureCredit: ReutersThe Liverpool star was grabbed by Ashley Young and Carlos Alcaraz after angrily confronting DoucoureCredit: AFPJones had to be calmed down by his team-mates and securityCredit: AFPSeveral players were involved in the confrontationCredit: GettyDoucoure had celebrated in front of the away endCredit: TNT SportsAfter the final whistle, a joyous Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrated in front of the Liverpool supporters.Local lad Curtis Jones immediately took issue with Doucoure’s gesture, racing over to confront the midfielder.Jones, 24, furiously grabbed Doucoure’s shirt, with Ashley Young and Carlos Alcaraz immediately trying to pull him off their team-mate.Darwin Nunez and Alexis Mac Allister swiftly ran over to back up their man, attempting to pull Doucoure away.READ MORE EVERTON NEWSSeveral more players joined the brawl before police officers stepped in to try to calm the confrontation.As the pair were eventually separated, Reds players including Ibrahima Konate tried desperately to calm Jones down, with the England international still angrily trying to get at Doucoure.Goalscorer Tarkowski did his best to get his team-mate as far away from the confrontation as possible.Jones, meanwhile, was pulled away and spoken to by Liverpool first team coach Johnny Heitinga, ironically formerly of Everton.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSArne Slot was sent off by Michael OliverCredit: GettyDoucoure exchanged words with Virgil van Dijk after the incidentCredit: RexOliver showed three red cards in totalCredit: GettyHaving been booked during the match, Jones was then shown a second yellow card by referee Michael Oliver, meaning that he’ll miss this Sunday’s Anfield clash with Wolves.Doucoure, 32, was also brandished a second yellow, ruling him out of Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace.ITV forced to apologise as Plymouth hero says ‘I f—ing love it’ TWICE live on air after shocking LiverpoolLiverpool boss Arne Slot exchanged words with Oliver as the pair shook hands.The frustrated Dutchman was subsequently also shown a red card by the referee as was his assistant Sipke Hulshoff.Everton had gone 1-0 up on 11 minutes courtesy of Beto, only for Mac Allister to equalise barely five minutes later.Mo Salah restored Liverpool’s lead in the 73rd minute, before Tarkowski’s last-gasp leveller.The draw sees Liverpool extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points.Everton, meanwhile, are up to 27 points – level with West Ham and Tottenham.After the game, frustrated Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk called the encounter Everton’s “cup final”.’VERY DISAPPOINTING’He told TNT Sports: “Intense, it was always going to be intense. A lot of battles.”Very disappointing to concede in the last second of the game, or even over extra time, but it is what it is. It isn’t easy to accept it, especially in the manner how, but we take it and move on.”I think the referee had a big part in the game today in terms of certain challenges were given as fouls and similar weren’t.READ MORE SUN STORIES”In the end it is just disappointing to concede a very good strike, but a disappointing one.”This is their cup final and they would try to do everything in their power to make it difficult for us. It is a big boost for them but a blow for us.”Things kicked off in front of the away endCredit: Getty More