Premier League

ARSENAL showed their set-piece prowess once more with a stunning free-kick routine in their 2-2 draw with Liverpool.Declan Rice delivered the perfect ball for Mikel Merino to power a header home at the Emirates on Sunday evening.Declan Rice swung in a sumptuous free-kickCredit: Sky SportsIt curved past the Liverpool defenders and back in for Mikel MerinoCredit: GettyThe Spaniard powered a brilliant header into the back of the netCredit: ReutersThe goal ensured Arsenal went into half-time leading 2-1 over their title rivalsCredit: GettyIt was the Spanish midfielder’s first goal for the club as Arsenal regained the lead to go into half-time 2-1 in front.It came as a result of the Arsenal players positioning themselves late in the box after arriving from wide on the left of the area.Rice had also threatened with his delivery beforehand, troubling Liverpool’s back line with wicked dead-ball crosses as the Arsenal attackers took up similar positions.Fans hailed the set piece details – which are the work of designated coach, Nicolas Jover – Mikel Arteta’s secret weapon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL One social media user said: “Rice’s free-kicks have been devilish.”Another added: “That free-kick routine was a goal coming. We were warned before.”A third replied: “Deep how insane that is. Showed the set-piece coach for like a minute and then we go on to score the free kick. Love it 🤩🤩”While a fourth responded: “Forget any player, if I could make one signing in world football it would be Arsenal’s set-piece coach.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNicolas Jover, left, has been praised for his role as Arsenal’s set-piece coachCredit: Getty”Every corner and free-kick they get is just as dangerous as a penalty.”Arsenal’s set-piece coach Jover joined Arteta in North London from Manchester City in 2021.Arsenal legend Ian Wright in wheelchair after surgery as Roy Keane helps him out after filming Stick to Football They have now scored 24 set-piece goals in the Premier League since the start of last season, more than any other club.Seven of those have come in just nine league games at the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign.Bukayo Saka had given Arsenal the lead with a brilliant strike, before Virgil van Dijk levelled with a header.Merino’s header put the hosts back in control, but Mo Salah struck late on to salvage a point for Arne Slot’s men.Arsenal ratings vs LiverpoolARSENAL lost further ground in the title race with a 2-2 draw with Liverpool.Arne Slot’s side are a top team, but it will still frustrate Mikel Arteta that his team couldn’t clinch all three points having twice led the match.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Very little he could do for Liverpool’s equaliser, forced to stay on his line from the flicked-on corner, and the same goes for Mohamed Salah’s tap in from a speedy counter.JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Kept Salah quiet for the majority and proved his worth with ball at feet, but starting him was clearly a risk as he hobbled off late on.BEN WHITE – 7He may have been at centre back but his telepathy with Saka remained, curling a peach of a ball over the top for the opener and remained solid even when those around him chopped and changed.GABRIEL – 7Missed his centre-back partner but did well until he worryingly limped off. No surprise that Salah and Darwin Nunez found space when he was absent.THOMAS PARTEY – 8Was targeted in his unnatural position within the first 30 seconds but held his ground for the most part. One of Arsenal’s best players.MIKEL MERINO – 8A stray touch gifted Salah a great chance to score before getting a bang to the same shoulder that kept him out at the start of the season. And then, after a so-so performance, he steps up with a thumping header just before the break to regain the lead.DECLAN RICE – 8Did the nitty-gritty very well in the middle of the pitch with some crucial interceptions and timely tackles. Carried on covering every blade of grass until the very last.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Drifted in and out of the game as a floating 10 and striker but got stuck in when needed and pressed like a rabid dog. Still, was quiet given his recent form.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Lively enough without creating too many clear-cut chances in the first half. Unlucky not to win a penalty after being hauled down by Ibrahima Konate.BUKAYO SAKA – 9Injury? What injury? His hamstring seemed right as rain as he cruised in behind Andy Robertson, cutting it back through the full-back’s legs and firing into the roof of the net.Was understandably taken off in the second half with a need to protect him going into a hectic period of the season.KAI HAVERTZ – 7Given freedom to roam and drop deep. Missed a sitter in the box after Martinelli’s penalty shout but lacked the service via crosses to really be effective in the first half.Remained a physical nuisance after the break but never had that one golden opportunity.SUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (GABRIEL, 54) – 6Impressive to come in out of the cold to stay firm, but again, his work with the ball at his feet left a lot to be desired.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (TIMBER, 76) – 6Caught out of position for Liverpool’s late leveller but showed signs of real maturity too.GABRIEL JESUS (SAKA, 85) – N/AETHAN NWANERI (MARTINELLI, 85) – N/AClick here for more Arsenal news. More

JARROD BOWEN converted a controversial injury time penalty to heap more pressure on Erik ten Hag.The West Ham captain sealed West Ham’s third win of the season from the spot in the 92nd minute after referee David Coote was sent to the monitor by VAR Michael Oliver for a very soft challenge by Matthijs de Ligt on Danny Ings.Jarrod Bowen’s stoppage-time penalty earned West Ham the win over Man UtdCredit: GettyIt was another miserable afternoon for Erik ten Hag’s sideCredit: GettyCasemiro had earlier cancelled out Crysencio Summerville’s opener for West Ham.The visitors showed a supreme knack for incompetence in front of goal throughout the first half.Alejandro Garnacho should have had a brace before 10 minutes was even on the clock.Diogo Dalot, having skipped past Lukasz Fabianksi, then hilariously missed a glaring open net.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere were one-on-one chances too for Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford that neither took advantage of before Fabianski pulled off a fine fingertip save from Casemiro.After a horrendous first half, Julen Lopetegui made a treble change – introducing match-winner Summerville – and West Ham were immediately on top.They were quickly creating and were ready to take their chance when United offered it up.Garnacho cheaply gave the ball away on Manchester United’s left where Jean-Clair Todibo set Jarrod Bowen away.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIngs met his cross with a scuffed finish but it fell to Summerville at the far post to bag his first goal for the Hammers.Having been in the ascendency, West Ham sat back and looked shaky after the goal.Nicky Butt reveals time Sir Alex Ferguson caught him and Roy Keane red-handedTen Hag sent on Zirkzee to try and capitalise and they were soon level – the Dutch striker grabbing the assist.Amad Diallo, another substitute, lifted a cross to the far post where a trio of headers, from Dalot, Zirkzee and then Casemiro saw the ball past Fabianski.United’s work in getting back into the game was undone by a VAR call which left the visitors fuming, with De Ligt judged to have fouled Ings in the box – allowing Bowen to convert and claim a much needed win.Here is how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the Manchester United players…Andre Onana – 6Very loose with the ball at his feet early on but soon settled.Manchester United conceded from West Ham’s first shot on target, though given Ings’ deflected strike there was little Onana could have done about it.Diogo Dalot – 5Delivered one of the most entertaining missed chances you will see all season – doing so well to clip the ball past Lukasz Fabianski before smashing the ball high and wide of an open goal.Despite that, had little trouble from those in claret and blue attacking down his side until Summerville was introduced. The former Leeds man tested Dalot a number of times with his pace.Redeemed himself a touch with the header back in ahead of Casemiro’s equaliser.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Hard done by in conceding the penalty for what looked a soft challenge on Hammers striker Ings.Restricted West Ham well for the most part but United never looked entirely comfortable at the back and a more potent attack could have caused much more trouble.Lisandro Martinez – 6Struggled at times to deal with the strength and direct nature of Michail Antonio, who tested all across United’s back line well until he was replaced by Ings.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Struggled to keep a handle on both Bowen and former Manchester United man Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the most part and was thrown around by Michail Antonio at times.Having looked soft at the back he also offered very little going forwards down the left.Casemiro – 6Started strongly dominating in the middle but struggled to wrestle that back when West Ham picked up.Was denied a first half goal by Fabianski’s superb save but got one eventually as he refused to give up and made sure the ball.Christian Eriksen – 5Some flashes of creativity in the first half but could not help United keep control in the second after West Ham perked up.Marcus Rashford – 4Entirely absent throughout the hour he was on the pitch. Played down the right he was easily managed by Emerson Palmieri who had little of note to do before the winger went off.Marcus Rashford endured another difficult afternoonCredit: RexBruno Fernandes – 7Caused huge problems for West Ham and created plenty of chances which his teammates put to waste.Fernandes made a fine run to meet a Casemiro cross but headed over the bar and had to watch both Garnacho and Dalot pass up huge chances after his good work to set them up – especially the latter, a wonderful looped ball to cut out the entire West Ham defence.Bruno Fernandes’ performance was a silver lining for Ten Hag’s sideCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho – 5The young winger should have had two goals inside the opening eight minutes. One chance was rattled against the bar before a poor finish sent the second wide of the far post.He continued to cause trouble down the left but faded as the game went on and crucially gave the ball away in the build-up to Summerville’s goal.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Drew a couple of saves from Hammers keeper Fabianski but neither looked too difficult.The Dane was rather comfortably dealt with by West Ham’s central defenders and never looked too much of a threat.SubstitutesAmad Diallo – 6Added some life and threat to a forward line which had offered little after the break and lifted a clever ball over to Dalot in the build-up to Casemiro’s goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESJoshua Zirkzee – 5Claimed an assist but did not know a lot about it and struggled to have an impact from there on.Victor Lindelof – n/aUnused subs: Altay Bayindir, Manuel Ugarte, Jonny Evans, Ethan Wheatley, Harry Amass, Jack Fletcher. More

ENZO MARESCA’S tricky Blues picked up a huge three points with a Cole Palmer winner seeing them bounce back from defeat at Liverpool. Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring but Alexander Isak levelled before the break. Cole Palmer scored the winning goalCredit: AFPBut star man Cole Palmer sealed victory with his second-half strike which beat Nick Pope at the near post.Find out how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Chelsea players…Robert Sanchez – 3/10Pretty poor in all honesty. READ MORE IN football A liability in terms of distribution, and while a decent shot-stopper, he consistently seems to be a big question mark in this Chelsea eleven. Malo Gusto – 3It looks as though Chelsea may have to choose between Gusto and Reece James to start on the right with them Failed to impact the game much attacking-wise, and was bettered by Lewis Hall who crossed for Alexander Isak’s equaliser. Most read in FootballMalo Gusto failed to impact the game much attacking-wiseCredit: GettyWesley Fofana – 6Picked up a knock early on and played the rest of the game with a strapped-up knee. Nonetheless, gave as good as he got against the powerful Alexander Isak for large parts of the game, and made some crucial blocks and tackles throughout. Levi Colwill – 6Was fortunate to get away with a clumsy tackle on Bruno Guimaraes early in the first half, but was still fairly solid. For a man with such an impressive passing range, it felt like he couldn’t quite put it to use today. Seemingly prevented Alexander Isak from levelling with his aura alone…Reece James played out of positionCredit: AFPReece James  – 2Playing as a left-centre back it’s hard to see how Chelsea will get the best out of what could be one of the finest attacking wing backs in the world. He didn’t look comfortable in that position, and let Alexander Isak run away from him for Newcastle’s equaliser. He came up with two crucial blocks in the second half to deny Isak from making it two or three, before giving him a golden chance to do so which was not taken. Romeo Lavia – 7Followed up a brilliant performance in the loss to Liverpool with another good showing in the middle of the park here. Starting to look like a bargain with performances like these if he can stay fit, as he claimed the assist for Cole Palmer’s fine finish. Romeo Lavia was brilliant in midfieldCredit: GettyMoises Caicedo – 7Effective in breaking up play for the Blues, and it was a solid showing from a midfield player who has been so good this season. Steps into challenges nicely at just the right time, and is becoming a dependable figure in the same mould in which N’golo Kante and Claude Makelele were in their time here. Noni Madueke – 5Quiet in the first half, but better in the second as he looked to trouble Lewis Hall more. Was outshone by Pedro Neto on the opposite flank this time out, before being swapped out for Mykhailo Mudryk. Pedro Neto was a threat down the leftCredit: APPedro Neto – 8So much pace down the left-hand side which was utilised perfectly to leave Livramento in the dust to set up Nicolas Jackson’s opening goal. Could have had a goal early in the second half as he rattled the post with a header after leaping like a salmon. Cole Palmer – 9Started the game well with a cracking finish which VAR ruled out, only to cook the Newcastle defence a matter of moments later with an incisive pass for Neto to set up the opener. Newcastle simply could not handle the midfield man, who lit up Stamford Bridge early in the second half to claim his sixth goal of the season. Nonchalance personified, cool Cole showed why he will attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony tomorrow night, and why he can win it in coming years. Cole Palmer won the gameCredit: RexNicolas Jackson – 8A superb first-time finish opened the scoring for the Blues, and the Senegalese forward did well with the little service he had in the first half – often needing to drop deep to pick up the ball and link up the play. 14 goals in his last 14 Premier League games – leave the Didier Drogba comparisons at home, this is a superstar in his own right. SUBS:MYKHAILO MUDRYK (NONI MADUEKE, 67) – 5Had a big chance to add a third to Chelsea’s tally after replacing Madueke, but his left-footed strike was saved by Nick Pope, who didn’t have to move.ENZO FERNANDEZ  (ROMEO LAVIA, 72) – 5Didn’t add anything which Lavia wasn’t already giving, but ultimately wasn’t given much time to really impact the game. MARC CUCURELLA (MALO GUSTO  , 78) – 5Individually, didn’t have a lot of time to show what he’s made of, but Chelsea look like a better team with him in the side. He plays the inverted left-back role well, allowing Chelsea to get the most out of their right-side. CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU  ( NICOLAS JACKSON, 78) – 6READ MORE SUN STORIESHad a half-chance late on, which wasn’t taken as he dilly-dallied on the ball on the edge of the box. Thought he had won a penalty on the stroke of the 90th minute after going down under pressure from Dan Burn, but it was ruled out by VAR. Christopher Nkunku thought he had won a penaltyCredit: Reuters More

CHELSEA survived a late bombardment to return to winning ways against Newcastle.Cole Palmer went from architect to matchwinner with Nicolas Jackson also scoring his sixth Prem goal of the season.Cole Palmer notched the winner again for ChelseaCredit: GettyAlexander Isak celebrates his equaliserCredit: GettyPalmer was the star of the showCredit: ReutersNicolas Jackson clinically put away his sixth goal of the seasonCredit: RexPalmer thought he had given his side the lead minutes into the contest when he latched onto the end of Jackson’s pass to find the bottom corner – only for VAR to rule him offside.The England star then turned creator moments later as his brilliant through ball sparked a counterattack, with Pedro Neto crossing for Jackson to score.Newcastle bounced back and Alexander Isak finished off a well-worked move, converting a cross from ex-Chelsea star Lewis Hall.That was the story of the first half and Chelsea came out from the break on fire – Palmer firing beyond Nick Pope after being given acres of space to run into.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAgain Newcastle fought back and should have had an equaliser after Isak rounded Robert Sanchez after punishing a mistake by Wesley Fofana, but the striker dallied on the ball and was somehow unable to score.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea fans pelted with missiles by Panathinaikos thugs as riot police forced to protect travelling supporters More

FRENCH SAVIOUR Jean-Philippe Mateta may have saved Oliver Glasner’s job at Crystal Palace as he finally kick-started the club’s Premier League campaign.Having been winless in their opening eight matches – their joint-worst start to a top-flight season – the Eagles are now soaring thanks to this brilliant and much-needed home win over Tottenham.Jean-Philippe Mateta got the only goal of the game as Crystal Palace beat TottenhamCredit: AFPIn all likelihood, the Austrian head coach would have been axed come the November international break if there had not been a dramatic reversal in their fortunes.And the former Europa League winner will be forever indebted to the decisive actions of striker Mateta, who celebrates by kicking a corner flag.Overall, it was a sorry display by Spurs, who have now lost for the third time in the Prem in just nine matches and are nine points behind leaders City.It was a physical battle, too, as befits any London derby, and three Tottenham stars came off worse in hard-hitting challenges in the first half alone.First, James Maddison was flattened from behind by Maxence Lacroix and needed assistance to get back up – for the next five minutes he was seen clutching his painful lower back.Dejan Kulusevski had a forearm smashed into the side of his head by Palace’s Marc Guehi and it was a surprise that neither referee Darren Bond nor VAR decided to at least caution the England centre-back.Then Spurs full-back Pedro Porro was screaming in agony after coming off worse in a collision with Tyrick Mitchell close to the touchline.Selhurst Park used to be one of the best top-flight grounds to visit for match-day atmosphere with the Holmesdale Fanatics Ultras banging the drums and making their presence felt.Most read in FootballThat has not been the case so much this season, perhaps understandably given the dreadful sequence of results.No wonder it was a bit flat to begin with but come 31 minutes they were all shouting BOOOOOOOM as they saluted Mateta’s fifth goal of the season.Tottenham were mucking about at the back – no team decides to lump it long these days, they always want to play it out of trouble.A hospital pass by captain Cristian Romero was played over to Micky van de Ven on the left side but when the speedy Dutchman slipped, possession was quickly won by Daniel Munoz.The Colombian’s cross from the right was intelligently flicked-on by the backheel of Eberechi Eze into the path of his French colleague.And the Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist controlled the ball with his right and then slammed it home with his left – before booting one of the corner flags, as is his signature celebration, as the crowd went wild.Palace were indebted to goalkeeper Dean Henderson for holding the fort until half-time as he produced a brilliant reaction save when Maddison struck goal-bound.Four minutes into the second half, Eze thought he had managed to break the Spurs high line and double the lead when he received an excellent through ball by the magnificent Adam Wharton.Racing clear of the last Spurs man, he managed to squeeze his shot past the body of Guglielmo Vicario and was convinced he had remained onside.Yet the assistant ref raised his flag and after a VAR review the on-field decision was not overturned.However, where was VAR when Eze was brought down minutes later?The England winger showed off his full bag of tricks in the Tottenham box and was then brought to the ground by a combination of pressure from behind by Kulusevski and Van de Ven grabbing his red-and-blue striped shirt.Even from a distance, it looked like a clear penalty, there had been contact with an opponent and the Palace team went ballistic that no spotkick was awarded.Soon afterwards, Van de Ven – the quickest man in the Prem – brought down Ismaila Sarr and as the last man, many wanted and expected a red to be shown.Controversially, ref Bond only gave a yellow as he felt Sarr was not running directly towards Vicario’s goal when the impact happened.Prior to that Ange Postecoglou had made a triple substitution on 62 minutes, which included taking off teenager Mikey Moore.At 17 years and 77 days old, Moore is the youngest player to start a Prem match for Tottenham since Stephen Carr (17 years and 28 days) against Ipswich Town in September 1993.READ MORE SUN STORIESThough he had an excellent display last Thursday against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League – Maddison said it was like watching Neymar – the South Londoner looked a bit leggy this time and did not offer much in attack.Tottenham were unable to find the equaliser they desperately wanted and were grateful for Vicario’s exceptional one-handed save to palm away Wharton’s 25-yard strike on 83 minutes.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More