Premier League

MIKEL ARTETA says he will send a scan of Bukayo Saka’s injury to anyone claiming the winger was fit for England duty.Three Lions skipper Harry Kane questioned the commitment of some players after Saka and eight others withdrew from the latest squad.Mikel Arteta has hit back at critics of Bukayo Saka after he withdrew from England duty with injuryCredit: GettySaka scored in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on SaturdayCredit: GettySaka scored for Arsenal on Saturday after recovering from his thigh injury.Boss Arteta said: “We can send them the MRI scan, it’s very simple.”Saka scored one and made one in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.Arteta added: “The communication was very clear between the medical staff of Arsenal and the national team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He needed time to heal. He has done one training session.”Saka and club-mate Declan Rice were named in Lee Carsley’s original 26-man squad for the Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.Both had come off in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea.Arsenal sent Saka for a scan and the results were shared with England’s medical team who said the player should remain with the Gunners for treatment.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRice pulled out as he was playing with a broken toe.Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill also withdrew, as did Manchester City’s Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, plus Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite — those five all played for their clubs yesterday.Moment Jude Bellingham gives Arsenal transfer hope after fan asks him to join GunnersSouthampton’s Aaron Ramsdale (finger) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh) of Liverpool also called off Three Lions duty.Kane, who was himself carrying a knock, did not hide his disappointment.He had said: “England comes before anything. It comes before club.”Palmer, 22, played 90 minutes before and after the international break.But his Blues boss Enzo Maresca denies Chelsea are pressuring him to put club before country.He snapped: “Absolutely not. I’m not thinking about Harry Kane, or what he’s saying.” More

NICKY BUTT attended a Manchester United charity gala with a mystery blonde as he was seen out with a date for the first time since splitting from his wife.Club legend Butt, 49, was accompanied by the glamorous new woman as he returned to Old Trafford for the event on Saturday evening.Man Utd icon Nicky Butt has been spotted with a mystery womanCredit: mancpicss66The glamorous blonde arrived with Butt at Old Trafford for a charity eventCredit: mancpicss66She wore a white dress despite the blustery conditionsCredit: mancpicss66Butt’s mystery woman protected herself from the rain with an umbrellaCredit: mancpicss66His companion looks glamorous in a short white dress and sparkly high heels despite the blustery conditions.She protected herself from the rain with an umbrella as United favourite Butt, who was dressed in a suit, bravely faced the wet breeze uncovered.Six-time Premier League winner Butt was previously married to Shelley Barlow.They got hitched in 2008 and had two children together.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the couple split in 2019 when Butt was arrested for alleged domestic assault – before later seeing charges dropped.Police were called to a property in Hale, Greater Manchester and said they found a woman at the address who had suffered a small cut to her hand which did not require hospital treatment.Butt denied attacking Barlow and also pleaded not guilty to causing £800 of criminal damage to her Apple iPhone 7.And in February 2020 the assault charge was dropped after the Crown Prosecution Service declared there wasn’t enough evidence.Most read in FootballA CPS spokesperson said at the time: “We have a duty to keep all cases under review and following the receipt of new material have decided to discontinue this prosecution.“Mr Butt has agreed to accept a caution for criminal damage.”Sir Alex Ferguson booked me a flight home from my holiday and hauled me back to Man Utd – I hadn’t done anything wrongButt and his mystery date braved the Manchester rainCredit: mancpicss66Butt returned to his old club for the eventCredit: mancpicss66Butt’s date looked glamorous despite the weather conditionsCredit: mancpicss66In June this year, Butt was banned from driving for 12 months after admitting causing serious injury by careless driving.The former United star smashed into victim Andrew Fielding while driving carelessly in his Land Rover Defender through Burnley.Fielding suffered a broken left leg, which needed metal rods inserted following an operation, and severe bruising.Butt admitted causing serious injury by careless driving and was banned from getting behind the wheel for 12 months — while also being ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.Butt separated from wife Shelley Barlow in 2019Credit: PA:Press AssociationButt played 387 times for United during 12 seasons under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning six titles, three FA Cups and one Champions League.Butt also played for Newcastle and Birmingham before ending his career in 2011 with Hong Kong side South China.He also won 39 caps for England between 1997 and 2004.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd until 2021 Butt coached youth sides at former club United.He is also a part-owner of Salford with Class of 92 pals Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, serving as CEO until quitting last month. More

DAVID MOYES will be a target for a dramatic return to Everton after the American takeover.The Scot had a successful decade as manager at Goodison before leaving for Manchester United in 2013.David Moyes is being lined up for a return to Everton by the club’s prospective new ownersCredit: ReutersSean Dyche is under huge pressure at Goodison ParkCredit: GettyAnd now Moyes could go back as the stars align.Businessman Dan Friedkin is working on completing his takeover from Farhad Moshiri and is also seeking allies in local Everton fans Andy Bell and George Downing.Their timeframe depends on Moshiri sorting out problems with previous owners and lenders.But the signs are very positive of a change in the coming weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoss Sean Dyche wants to keep the Toffees out of trouble himself.But if he is sacked, the new regime are thinking of a short-term fix with an experienced replacement.Moyes is liked by some of the prospective new team as a man who knows the club and what it takes to survive in the Premier League.The chance of an Everton return would appeal to the Scot, 61, if the contract is right for him and he is convinced about the new owners, their ideas and the budget.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMoyes has been out of work since May when he left West Ham — another club to which he went back for a second time.And if he could repeat what he did for the Hammers, it would be a great result for Everton.Everton star Iliman Ndiaye’s incredible rise from Sunday League to £15million Premier League star in just six yearsFriedkin has other names in the frame.But three-time LMA manager of the years Moyes is a serious contender. More

THIS was supposed to be the day Manchester City were celebrating.Celebrating the news that their all-conquering boss, Pep Guardiola was staying for another two seasons after agreeing to a new deal.James Maddison scored twice in seven minutes for TottenhamCredit: GettyHe broke the deadlock after getting on the end of a brilliant Dejan Kulusevski passCredit: APMaddison then lifted a superb finish over Ederson to double Spurs’ leadCredit: GettyMan City will be eight points adrift of Liverpool if Arne Slot’s men beat SouthamptonCredit: ReutersPep Guardiola had never previously lost five games in a row as a managerCredit: ReutersMaddison produced a superb display for Spurs at the EtihadMan City had a lot of the ball but created very few chancesKulusevski was everywhere as he continues his fine start to the seasonAnd celebrating Rodri being crowned the winner of the Ballon d’Or as the best player on the planet.A spectacular light show greeted him before kick-off, and his teammates gave him a guard of honour.The familiar refrain of ‘we’ve got Guardiola’ to the tune of Glad All Over’ went round the ground as the boss made his way from the dressing room.Then it was over to the Tottenham Hotspur fans as James Maddison enjoyed the biggest and best Birthday party he has ever had.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe turned 28 on this day and, with two goals inside the first 20 minutes, put Tottenham on their way to a famous victory.What a way too for Ange Postecoglou to celebrate his 50th game in charge of the club.Questions about the Aussie had started to be asked after three defeats in five league games.But this was a ‘g’day’ for him as Spurs bounced into the top six.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFor City, well Guardiola had joked as his new contract was announced that if results did not pick up in the next month he could be on his way anyway.How everyone chuckled, but this fifth defeat on the spin was no laughing matter.SunSport’s Man Utd reporter Neil Custis gives verdict on Ruben Amorim’s first press conference and says ‘he has something different’Their worst home defeat since moving to this ground 21 years ago.Man City has not been on a run like this since 2006, when then boss Stuart Pearce lost six in a row.If Liverpool were to win at Southampton on Sunday the gap will stretch to eight points with just shy of a third of the season gone.The two meet next weekend at Anfield.Lose that, and City’s quest for a fifth consecutive title will be over before Christmas.They just don’t look the same City right now.We were putting that down to the uncertainty over the boss and whether the players had taken their foot off the pedal.The midweek news was supposed to have given them a Pep up but despite having 23 shots they could not find the net.Pep Guardiola’s heaviest defeatsApril 2014: Bayern Munich 0 Real Madrid 4October 2016: Barcelona 4 Man City 0January 2017: Everton 4 Man City 0November 2024: Man City 0 Tottenham 4Porro, Maddison and Dominic Solanke celebrated by pretending to drive carsCredit: AFPPedro Porro scored Spurs’ third seven minutes into the second halfCredit: ReutersThey miss Rodri, who is out for the season.They miss a fully fit Kevin De Bruyne.Phil Foden has looked tired all season.There were chances before Spurs broke the deadlock.They fell to finisher supreme Erling Haaland, who also hit the bar in the second period.The game was just four minutes old when he was set up by Josko Gvardiol, who would go on to have a half to forget.The near bottom corner beckoned, but Haaland’s shot deflected off Ben Davis’ heel and went wide.Savinho was then the provider and this time Guglielmo Vicario’s outstretched leg denied him adding to his 15 goals this season.Then in the 13th minute against the run of play Spurs struck.Dejan Kulusevski likes it here. He has scored on his last three visits, including a last-minute equaliser last season.On this occasion, he was the provider and what a provider he is.Before this game he had created 30 chances, the most of any player in the Premier League this season and added another for the opener.He made mincemeat of Gvardiol down the right flank to give himself space to cross and then delivered a ball to the far post which Maddison volleyed home with his instep.A setback became a major problem for the home side when Spurs extended their lead on 20 minutes.Gvardiol’s loose pass was leapt on by Maddison, who fed Son and then did an overlapping run behind his teammate.The ball was fed back to him and he dinked it past Ederson.It could have been more before the break as Son’s curler to the far top corner was well saved by Ederson who also used his fingertips to deny Dominic Solanke’s shot.The last time City were two goals down at the break was in January of 2023 to, guess who, Tottenham.Brennan Johnson slide in to score Spurs’ fourth in stoppage timeCredit: ReutersIt was a famous day for Ange Postecoglou’s sideCredit: ReutersOn that occasion, they roared back to win 4-2.Not this time.Spurs were further ahead just seven minutes into the second-half with City all over the place again.Their attack broke down thanks to Spurs hounding the ball down.They do that at their best and break with great efficiency.Kulusevski was involved again, playing a deep ball to the far side of the boss for Solanke to pull back for Pedro Porro to side foot home with a powerful shot that curled away from the goalkeeper.Porro spent three years at City after an £11million move from Girona but bizarrely never got a game as he was farmed out on loan.So this will have been special for him.In injury time two subs combined as Timo Werner sent a ball to the far post for Brennan Johnson to slide home.For Guardiola this was a seventh defeat at the hands of Spurs in the Premier League more than any other opponent.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is Feyenoord at home in the Champions League on Tuesday next then that trip to Liverpool.They have roared back before and they really need to find their voice now. More

AMERICAN pop star Jason Derulo lost a massive bet after placing £20,000 on Leicester to beat Chelsea today.The crooner backed the Foxes to triumph in Saturday’s early kick-off with a tasty fee.Pop star Jason Derulo lost a £20,000 bet on Leicester’s 2-1 defeat to ChelseaCredit: GettyDerulo backed the Foxes to win but they were well beaten by the BluesCredit: GettyBut it backfired as visitors Chelsea romped to a 2-1 win at the King Power Stadium.Derulo was in London this week after releasing fifth studio album ‘Nu King’ this year.And while in the capital, he decided to have a punt on the footy.The Florida-born singer, who shot to fame with 2009 hit ‘Watcha Say’, opted for the 12.30pm early kick-off between Leicester and Chelsea.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet despite the gulf between the two sides in the Premier League table, Derulo opted to back Leicester for the win.And he put his money where his mouth is by dropping a crisp £20k on Steve Cooper’s relegation-threatened side.A video posted online by Derulo saw him say: “Alright people I’m in the UK right now.“You know when I’m in the UK it’s all about football. So my team Leicester is playing against Chelsea.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I got $25,000 (£20k) on my team Leicester. Who you got?”Unfortunately for Derulo, the act backfired as Leicester crumbled in a one-sided match. Chelsea player ratings: Enzo Fernandez silences his doubters but Robert Sanchez endures a few shaky moments vs LeicesterThe Foxes were second-best as their only shot on target came through a late penalty.And fans warned Derulo he made a mistake with his choice.One said: “Never back the early kick off.”Another declared: “Blud’s not getting that money back.”One noted: “Waste of money mate.”Another added: “He made the cardinal sin.” More

IT PAYS sometimes in football to stick with what you have and not make a drastic change.And how Wolves must be grateful, if not a bit smug, they persevered with Gary O’Neil even when the calls to axe him grew louder and louder.Gary O’Neil silenced the doubters as his Wolves side ran riot at FulhamCredit: PAThe visitors were a goal down before firing FOUR past their hostsCredit: RexMolineux supporters may have been divided about whether the Englishman should have carried on as results got worse.Issuing a P45 during the international break would have been an ideal opportunity for the hierarchy, especially as the side languished in the Premier League bottom three.But O’Neil has never lost the faith of the players and as this comeback romp over Fulham showed, they are fighting for him with every sinew.Matheus Cunha and Joao Gomes will get the plaudits and rightly so but overall all 15 Wolves stars put up a fight, amid difficult and testing circumstances, to register back-to-back Premier League victories.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is also their first league success on the road since defeating Tottenham in February – how easier O’Neil would have felt on the coach home last night despite the ringing wet coat.It was a soggy, gusty, grey and generally miserable afternoon in West London and the wintry conditions were particularly testing given the slippery surface underfoot.Wolves debuted their third kit, a garish purple number, and their defensive problems worsened pre-game as Craig Dawson, a pillar of the team, was ruled out through sickness.It meant three of their four centre-halves were unavailable for the Craven Cottage trip and emergency measures had to be taken with midfielder Mario Lemina working in tandem alongside defender Toti Gomes.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe skipper had to take evasive action on 17 minutes when the lively Antonee Robinson crossed from the left.As he stretched to clear, the ball deflected off Lemina’s foot and then Fulham striker Raul Jimenez, a former Wolves player, saw his snapshot crash off the crossbar.The Premier League’s Top 10 sexiest managers according to AIThree minutes later, Lemina and the rest of his teammates at the back were culpable for not clearing their lines.Eventually possession fell to Kenny Tete and Alex Iwobi controlled the short pass and then curled a magnificent effort with his left that goalkeeper Jose Sa could not reach.It was a stunner, a contender for goal of the month, and took the Nigerian’s tally for the season to three goals.Fulham were deserving of their lead but Wolves got back into the contest thanks to a moment of magic.Alex Iwobi put Fulham ahead at Craven CottageCredit: PAMatheus Cunha levelled things up as Wolves fought backCredit: PAGabon international Lemina reminded us that he is a makeshift defender as he picked out Cunha with a superb 30-yard long pass just after the half an hour mark.The Brazilian showed off his samba skills, taking it with right and though the ball bounced off his groin, he delicately flicked it beyond Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.A decent Wolves following had made the trip and they were in full and fine voice on 53 minutes despite the driving rain.After some intricate passing involving Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Cunha on the edge of the Fulham box, the ball was fed to Joao Gomes.Joao Gomes put the visitors ahead in the second halfCredit: ReutersCunha scored a wonder strike to make it 3-1Credit: RexAnd the Brazilian showed terrific awareness and finishing, taking it with his right and shooting with his left, to guide his attempt past Leno. It was his second goal in three matches.Cunha thought he had a second when he latched on to a misplaced pass by Fulham’s Tom Cairney but despite dancing through the defence, his strike deflected wide.He had to be patient and wait until three minutes from normal time when his exceptional finish beat Leno and capped an important win for the visitors.The fourth goal came deep into stoppage time when substitute Goncalo Guedes benefited from a quick counter-attack and clinically beat Leno.Goncalo Guedes added Wolves’ fourth at the deathCredit: GettyO’Neil has shown why Wolves were right to stick with himCredit: GettyHarry Wilson is Fulham’s supersub and his three goals before the break had helped the Cottagers register 18 points – their highest top-flight tally after 11 games since 1960.The Welshman came on again as a sub – boss Marco Silva is clearly a hard man to impress – but there was no late intervention this time.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis biggest contribution was a shot from distance that hit the crossbar.But Fulham, apart from a brilliant opening 30 minutes, were very poor in the closing stages. More

FORGET Storm Bert, Bournemouth were hit by an early swarm of ravishing Seagulls on the south coast.Just four minutes were on the clock and Albion were celebrating a goal for all seasons.Joao Pedro put Brighton in front after just five minutesCredit: PAIt is Pedro’s fourth Premier League goal in six appearances this seasonCredit: ReutersKaoru Mitoma made it two at the beginning of the second halfCredit: RexBrighton are on the cusp of the top four after a stunning start to the seasonCredit: RexCarlos Baleba was sent off for a second yellow cardCredit: GettyBournemouth had large periods of pressure but failed to make it countPedro was key as he scored and assisted for BrightonThe visitors put the wind up their hosts with an array of side flicks, back heels and one-twos.And the slick show of attacking intent ended when Georginio Rutter took a return pass from Danny Welbeck and lashed in a shot.Cherries goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga could only push the ball out to Joao Pedro to net with ease at the back post.Albion took just four minutes after the break to breeze 2-0 up through Kaoru Mitoma.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut there was a little good cheer in the home camp in stoppage time when sub David Brooks lashed home a consolation goal.Antoine Semenyo went close with the final kick of the game as he struck the crossbar, but Brighton held on for the points.Bournemouth were looking to win four home Premier League games in a row for the first time in their history.And the Seagulls were keen to win and notch their 13th point since the start of October to equal the amount league leaders Liverpool have recorded in the same period.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd the driving wind and rain helped to enhance the entertainment as the ball fizzed around the park.Bournemouth were hot from the start and nearly swept ahead after just 70 seconds when Semenyo pulled his shot wide.Gary Neville admits ‘I got it wrong’ and apologises over Rashford criticism as Amorim demands Man Utd ‘change standards’ And in all honesty they should have equalised before the break after producing their own neat openings.Justin Kluivert volleyed one effort straight at Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen on 19 minutes.Then Evanilson raced clear a minute later and shot straight at Verbruggen when he had two team-mates screaming for a pass.Bournemouth then suffered another blow when Semenyo picked up his fifth booking of the campaign for a foul on Rutter.The Ghana international will now be suspended for next week’s trip to Wolverhampton.And just before half-time Evanilson had a “goal” ruled out by VAR for offside.But once again Bert was outshone by the Albion who stormed 2-0 up just four minutes after the break.Pedro had the vision to pass the ball inside the full-back allowing Mitoma to side-foot the ball past a stranded Arrizabalaga – and it was given after a VAR check for offside.The goal stunned the home supporters who normally see their heroes making brisk starts.And once again the home side should have levelled immediately but Evanilson had left his shooting boots back in the dressing room.The Brazilian was desperate to become the first Bournemouth player to score in four successive Premier League games since Callum Wilson in 2019.But when Semenyo set him up just 10 yards out from goal the £40million summer record signing astonishingly placed the ball wide.Then the tables started to turn on Brighton when they suddenly found themselves a man down on 59 minutes.Baleba received an early bath from referee Stuart Attwell for picking up a second yellow for leaving his foot on Milos Kerkez.Bournemouth saw plenty of the ball but their finishing was woefully short on the day.And once again Evanilson was the culprit on 79 minutes when his weak header was comfortably caught by Verbruggen.Then substitute Enes Unal came close to making an instant impact for the hosts after replacing Kerkez.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother sub Dango Ouattara sent in the perfect cross but Unal’s close-range diving header went wide.Brighton conceded that late goal to Brooks but weathered a late storm to take all three points back to Sussex.David Brooks pulled one back for Bournemouth in stoppage timeCredit: Getty More