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      Leicester make shock transfer swoop for Argentina U20s captain Valentin Gomez and hope to agree bargain deal

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      LEICESTER  are making a shock move for the young Argentinian centre-half Valentin Gomez.The Foxes hope to agree a bargain deal around £8million for the Velez Sarsfield defender.Valentin Gomez, right, is a transfer target for LeicesterCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy wants to stamp his mark on his Foxes squadCredit: GettyGomez, 21, has been a first-team regular for a couple of seasons.Velez Sarsfield finished top of the 2024 Primera Division, well clear of both River Plate and Boca Juniors.Gomez was also captain of the Argentina Under-20s national team, for whom he has racked up seven caps.Now Leicester want to bring the 5ft 11in ace over to England to bolster their push to avoid relegation.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRuud van Nistelrooy has stuck with experienced duo Conor Coady and Jannik Vestergaard as his first-choice centre-half pairing since taking over from Steve Cooper.That has seen Wout Faes and Caleb Okoli dropped to the bench while young academy graduate and England U20 star Ben Nelson is on loan for the season at Oxford United. Leicester found their summer business limited after promotion due to the possibility of a points deduction for Profit and Sustainability Rules breaches. However, with their lawyers getting the Foxes off the hook and Van Nistelrooy in the dugout, the Dutchman will be keen to bring in some faces of his own.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSunSport revealed Miguel Almiron could be a loan target.The Newcastle attacker is out of favour at St James’ Park.Leicester stars party in nightclub next to ‘Enzo I miss you’ sign hours after Chelsea loss on night before Cooper sackedAnd that has prompted interest from Leicester as well as fellow strugglers Crystal Palace and Wolves – plus Marseille and Stuttgart overseas. Van Nistelrooy could also raid his former club Manchester United with another swoop.SunSport understands 20-year-old midfielder Toby Collyer could be the subject of a loan bid from Leicester when the transfer window reopens. Jannik Vestergaard and Conor Coady have been the first-choice pairing under Van NistelrooyCredit: GettyGomez, right, helped Velez Sarsfeld win the Argentine top flightCredit: AFP More

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      Oli McBurnie lined up for swift transfer return to England as Burnley and Blackburn battle it out for Las Palmas striker

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      LANCASHIRE rivals Burnley and Blackburn are in a battle to bring Oli McBurnie back from Spain.Clarets want a striker and will offer a loan deal for the Scot, 28, who left Sheffield United for Las Palmas in the summer.Burnley and Blackburn are trying to bring Las Palmas ace Oli McBurnie back from SpainCredit: GettyMcBurnie stood out with Sheffield United in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFPHowever, Rovers are also keen on a similiar plan involving McBurnie.The striker had spent his entire career in Britain before moving to LaLiga.The ex-Scotland international started out at Leeds’ academy before moving to Bradford.After three years in the Bantams’ youth squad McBurnie earned a senior call-up in 2013, which led to two loan stints at Chester.Read More on FootballAfter two years the forward moved to Swansea, who also loaned him out to Newport County, Bristol Rovers and Barnsley.The Scot ultimately settled at Sheffield United in 2019 where he enjoyed five successful years.McBurnie amassed a total of 29 goals and seven assists in 159 appearances with the Blades.The attacker helped Chris Wilder’s side finish ninth in their return to the Premier League in the 2019-20 season.Most read in FootballAfter Sheffield United’s relegation in 2021 he helped them return to the Prem in 2023.McBurnie left in July for Las Palmas where he has registered two goals and three assists in 16 appearances.Moment Rangers-daft frontman Oli McBurnie bags assist against Real Madrid two months after Ibrox side could have signed him for FREEMeanwhile, Burnley have also enquired about ex-West Ham attacker Said Benrahma, 29, who is struggling for game time at Lyon. More

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      Marcus Rashford out of Man Utd squad AGAIN for Bournemouth clash.. days after being dumped by girlfriend

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has again been left out of Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United matchday squad.The forward, 27, will not feature as the Red Devils take on Bournemouth this afternoon.Marcus Rashford has been dropped by boss Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyRashford has now been left out entirely for three matches in a row, not even making the bench in United’s last two games against Manchester City and Tottenham.His most recent appearance came in the 2-1 Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12, where he was hauled off for eventual matchwinner Rasmus Hojlund after 56 minutes. Asked about Rashford after Thursday’s 4-3 defeat at Spurs, Amorim said: “We are better with Marcus Rashford, that is simple, and we will try different things to push Marcus to the best levels he showed in the past.”This kind of club needs big talent and he’s a big talent, so he just needs to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Nothing has changed. We believe in Marcus. Marcus is a player of Manchester United, so there’s no change.”Per the MEN’s Tyrone Marshall, Rashford is in attendance at Old Trafford this afternoon.Earlier this week, Rashford gave an unauthorised interview during a surprise visit to his old primary school.He said: “Personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSunSport understands that some members of United’s squad were left unhappy with Rashford’s interview.Last month, The Sun reported that Rashford had been going on dates with Love Island star Grace Jackson.Ian Wright’s impassioned defence of Marcus Rashford against fans ‘desperate to see him fail’Yesterday it was revealed that Grace has ended their relationship.A source said: “Grace realised that Marcus wasn’t serious about her and has unfollowed him on Instagram.“She realised there was no future so she has decided to cut ties.“When the opportunity arose to take part in Love Island All Stars this winter Grace jumped at the chance, she is still young in her career and is keen to maximise the exposure to help with her modelling work and net campaign deals.“If she finds love on the show that’s a bonus, especially since she didn’t meet a suitable match in the summer.“As far as she is concerned it’s Marcus’ loss, she is putting her best foot forward and can’t wait to enjoy some winter sun in gloomy January.”Rashford is under contract with United until the summer of 2028.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Red Devils could allow the forward to move on loan to a team outside the Premier League in January.Teams in Spain, France and Germany are all monitoring Rashford’s situation ahead of next month’s transfer window.Rashford, 27, had been on dates with Grace JacksonCredit: GETTYWhy Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time. More

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      ‘I haven’t been good enough’ – Erling Haaland says HE is to blame for Man City’s nightmare run after ANOTHER defeat

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      ERLING HAALAND claims he is to blame for Manchester City’s dismal slump.The £51.4million Norwegian striker insists the players still have total faith in under-fire boss Pep Guardiola — despite a NINTH defeat in 12 games yesterday.Erling Haaland admits he is to blame for Man City’s poor seasonCredit: GettyThe striker insists the squad remain behind Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyAnd City’s No 9 confessed: “I haven’t been good enough and haven’t delivered for City this season. I have to do better.“I’m looking at myself, I haven’t been doing things good enough, I haven’t been scoring my chances. It’s not good enough from me.”Haaland, 24, has scored a phenomenal 108 goals in 122 City games — but has found the net just once in his last six.He added: “We’re not able to win matches any more, we can’t control them like we used to.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We used to control them way more. But in defining moments I’m failing to score and I’ll do everything I can to turn this around.“We know how important confidence is and it affects every human being.“That is how it is, we have to stay positive even though it is difficult.”This is the worst run of ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola’s entire managerial career.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Haaland added: “We still believe in him. He has won the Premier League six times in seven years, so we’ll never forget that.“He will find the solutions. He has been doing that every single year.Man City manager Pep Guardiola sings song for Barcelona’s 125th birthday“We have to work harder than ever. We just lost a game, another one.”Defeat leaves the four-in-a-row champions sixth in the table — NINE points behind leaders Liverpool, who have TWO games in hand.Goals from Jhon Duran and one-time Etihad hopeful Morgan Rogers put Villa two-up. Before Phil Foden opened his account for the season with a late consolation goal.Guardiola admits there is no defence for his side’s shocking form but does not blame Haaland.He said: “I don’t agree with him. Without Erling we would be even worse.“But I do like players to be that way.  It’s our only chance to get better.“There are two options — I judge myself, the only other situation is blame.“I don’t agree with Erling as he tried and he needs to be delivered the ball in the right spots.“I have never pointed at players in nine years because it would be easy for me to do that.“We dropped as a team in the second half but not from any particular player.“Now we must recover. We are struggling to score and are conceding goals.“We don’t have a defence for it and the results are not good.“It’s not about me, it’s about what we can do to get the results back.”READ MORE SUN STORIESVilla chief Unai Emery admitted his side sensed City were low on self-belief.He said: “We did fantastic with the chances we created. While the confidence was increasing for us, the confidence for them was going down.” More

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      Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd team-mates are FUMING after forward admitted he wants ‘a new challenge’

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has lost the dressing room after insisting he wants to leave Manchester United.The wantaway star stunned his team-mates on Tuesday by saying he was ready for a “new challenge”.Marcus Rashford has alienated his team-mates after saying he wants a new challengeCredit: GettyRashford’s team-mates are fuming over his revelatory interview this weekCredit: ReutersIt came just two days after boss Ruben Amorim dropped him from the squad for the derby clash with Manchester City.United shocked their rivals by coming back from 1-0 down to win 2-1 after scoring twice in three minutes, including an injury-time winner from Amad Diallo.Rashford, who was watching the game from home, later posted a picture on social media congratulating United.His message was liked by several of his team-mates including captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Diogo Dalot.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut some of the squad were left dismayed when the 27-year-old striker gave an unauthorised interview during a surprise visit to his old primary school.He said: “Personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”The comments overshadowed United’s victory over City and also disrupted the mood of the camp ahead of the Carabao Cup quarter-final at Tottenham on Thursday, which they lost 4-3.A source said: “Some of the players are really annoyed at what Marcus said and why he chose to say it at that time.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“They were all buzzing after beating City and then he basically put in a transfer request after being dropped for one game.“He’s not got many close friends in the squad anymore after the likes of Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard left, so he’s pretty quiet and doesn’t really act as a leader.Ruben Amorim gives Mason Mount injury update after cursed Man Utd star left pitch fighting tears “More is expected of him but he doesn’t seem interested, despite having been in the first team for eight years.”Rashford has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2016, having come through the United academy.He signed a £350,000-a-week contract after scoring 30 goals in the 2022-23 campaign. But he has struggled to replicate that form, scoring just four times in the Prem so far this season.Manager Amorim has left the door open to Rashford staying.Why Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time.He said: “This kind of club needs big talent and he’s a big talent, so he just needs to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus.“We are better with Marcus Rashford, that is simple and we will try different things to push Marcus to the best levels he showed in the past. And that’s all.”Rashford, who was also left out of the squad at Spurs on Thursday, is fit for United’s Premier League game against Bournemouth at Old Trafford today. More

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      Arsenal ratings: Jesus brings Arteta the perfect Christmas present but Saliba has rare off-game for Gunners

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      GABRIEL JESUS produced his first Premier League goals since January on a day he could have had a hat-trick to continue his good form.The Brazilian took the match ball home after putting three past Palace in the Carabao Cup just three days ago.Gabriel Jesus scored his fourth and fifth goals in the routCredit: AlamyWilliam Saliba had a rare off dayCredit: GettyBukayo Saka was taken off injured in the first halfCredit: GettyNow he needs to reproduce that goalscoring touch against a side other than the Eagles, but if Arsenal continue to pose this sort of threat then he surely will.Once again the Gunners dominated from corners and Jesus almost scored a first-half hat-trick when his header came back off the post to provide a simple tap-in for Kai Havertz.Gabriel Martinelli impressed and got on the scoresheet but Arsenal did suffer a blow in the first half as Bukayo Saka limped off with injury, while William Saliba had a rare off day.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated the Gunners display at Selhurst Park.READ MORE ON ARSENALDavid Raya 8Lucky to escape a “Fraser Forster” moment as he played Thomas Partey into all sorts of problems early on before he was beaten by Sarr’s curler soon afterwards.But then bailed out Gabriel to foil Mateta when he seemed certain to equalise once again and made more key saves from Sarr and Mateta at the start of the second half. Often there at the biggest moments.Jurrien Timber 6Dutch defender looked slightly uncomfortable at times on the right as he gave Palace far too much attacking leeway.Booked for taking an age and a half over a throw-in as well although it was not a costly one.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWilliam Saliba 5All over the place in the first half as he seemed determined to open the door to the home side.Saliba stood off Sarr and paid the price as Palace levelled and then made another blunder only for Raya to save from Mateta. Not exactly a dominant performance.Arteta looks back on his five years managing Arsenal Gabriel 6Saliba’s wobbles meant his partner-in-chief had to stand up and be counted more than normal but he was not at his best either and a booking after half an hour had him walking a tightrope.More of the same after the break. Fortunately Palace’s defensive deficiencies took the sting out of their attacking armoury too.Myles Lewis-Skelly 7Youngster is grabbing his unexpected opportunity to make a first-team impact with an understanding of the inverted nature of the Arsenal full-back role.By some distance the best of the four defenders in the Arsenal back division.Thomas Partey 7Asked to take care of the defensive midfield task but soon to the fore with the lay-off that allowed Jesus to put the Gunners back in front inside the first 14 minutes.Did what was needed defensively and willing to venture forward when the opportunity was there. Solid throughout.Martin Odegaard 8When the Norwegian turns up, Arsenal turn up.At Selhurst, Odegaard was the orchestrator in chief from the start, dropping deep to pick up possession and then keeping it simple and effective. The skipper is a leader.Kai Havertz 8Back in midfield having played most of the season up top but he was in the perfect centre-forward’s position to tap into the empty net when Jesus’ header came back off the post.Home hands went up but there were only the five Palace defenders playing the German onside. A tidy display on the ball but did leave his side slightly open defensively.Bukayo Saka 7The early loss of the England winger to a worrying knee injury could be a major blow to Arsenal’s title chances.Always the out-ball, Saka had signalled his ongoing threat as he made space to deliver the cross that led to Jesus’ early opener. He could be missing for a while now.Gabriel Jesus 9Midweek hat-trick against Glasner’s men earned him only fourth Prem start of the season and how he took the chance with the early double and another effort off the post that led to a simple Havertz goal.The Brazilian had been waiting more than 10 months for a top flight goal and got two in eight minutes. One against the woodwork and another missed sitter, too. He must want to play Palace every week.Gabriel Martinelli 8Took the corner that led to Jesus’ second but then switched to the right flank after Saka limped away and supplied the cross which ended with Havertz making it three before netting himself from close range.Arteta will need that level of return from the Brazilian over the coming weeks if this title challenge is going to be a real one.Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Saka, 25) 6Belgian will have to step up if Saka is out for a long spell after his injury and his low cross ended up bringing the Arsenal fourth.READ MORE SUN STORIESDeclan Rice (for Havertz, 58) 8England star came on to secure the game after Arsenal’s sloppy start to the second half and set up Martinelli with his first touch before steering home the fifth.Riccardo Calafiori (for Lewis-Skelly, 58) 6Martinelli’s strike meant the game was over before the Italian had touched the ball. That makes it easier.Ethan Nwaneri (for Gabriel Jesus 86) N/A More

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      Palace 1 Arsenal 5: Jesus makes it five goals in two games as Eagles have wings clipped by title-chasing Gunners

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      IT IS safe to assume you do not see too many stars in the night sky in Croydon.Light pollution from the nearby IKEA superstore alone will see to that.Gabriel Jesus led the way with a brace as Arsenal smashed Crystal Palace 5-1Credit: GettyThe Brazilian now has five goals in his last two gamesCredit: ReutersThe Gunners fired out a title warning to rivalsCredit: GettyArsenal saw star man Bukayo Saka limp off injuredCredit: GettyBut Arsenal’s very own angel Gabriel appeared not once but TWICE to cap a memorable week for himself and help his team clinch victory in their last game before Christmas.Striker Gabriel Jesus also played a part in the third goal which meant Kai Havertz and revitalised Arsenal secured three points and their place back in the top three long before half time.They have the added cushion of six days now in which to prepare for their next outing – a home game against struggling Ipswich on Friday. And they do need it.For while this finished up looking a fairly routine win, there were hairy moments of their own making for Mikel Arteta’s team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe return of midfielder Declan Rice and defender Ricardo Calfiori in the second half was a welcome moment for the Gunners boss.Whether it makes up for the loss of star turn Bukayo Saka in the first half, with the England man limping straight down the tunnel is another matter.Underpinning the win were the defensive lapses which meant Palace were done for by half time and Arsenal were gifted a win.Sloppy marking, then failing to clear and losing concentration from two corners had the game done and dusted by the break.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNot that Jesus cares. He has enjoyed a phenomenal few days in his professional and personal life and won’t let anyone take the gloss of his glory.Three goals inside the first quarter of an hour got the tempo of the game up and stirred the crowd.Myles Lewis-Skelly shows off his skills playing for Arsenal Jesus got Arsenal off to a flyer in the sixth minuteCredit: GettyThe ace continued his fine form after a hat-trick against Palace in the Carabao Cup on WednesdayCredit: ReutersTwo of them came from the rarely-used Brazilian who is on a high right now after scoring a hat-trick against Palace in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday and added two more by the 14th minute last night.His first was a gift after ghosting in unnoticed from the left side of attack to bury a low shot when Palace did not deal with a deep cross from Saka.That was after only six minutes and it appeared the perfect start from which Arsenal would go on and romp it.But the weaknesses in front of their own goal with Rice and Calafiori not fit to start were exposed when Palace burst down the left through Tyrick Mitchell.Arsenal ratings vs Palace as Gunners stuff Eagles at Christmas with Gabriel Jesus rebornGABRIEL JESUS produced his first Premier League goals since January on a day he could have had a hat-trick to continue his good form.Gabriel Martinelli impressed and got on the scoresheet but Arsenal did suffer a blow in the first half as Bukayo Saka limped off with injury, while William Saliba had a rare off day.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated the Gunners display at Selhurst Park.David Raya – 8Lucky to escape a “Fraser Forster” moment as he played Thomas Partey into all sorts of problems early on before he was beaten by Sarr’s curler soon afterwards.But then bailed out Gabriel to foil Mateta when he seemed certain to equalise once again and made more key saves from Sarr and Mateta at the start of the second half. Often there at the biggest moments.Jurrien Timber – 6Dutch defender looked slightly uncomfortable at times on the right as he gave Palace far too much attacking leeway.Booked for taking an age and a half over a throw-in as well although it was not a costly one.William Saliba – 5All over the place in the first half as he seemed determined to open the door to the home side.Saliba stood off Sarr and paid the price as Palace levelled and then made another blunder only for Raya to save from Mateta. Not exactly a dominant performance.Gabriel – 6Saliba’s wobbles meant his partner-in-chief had to stand up and be counted more than normal but he was not at his best either and a booking after half an hour had him walking a tightrope.More of the same after the break. Fortunately Palace’s defensive deficiencies took the sting out of their attacking armoury too.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Youngster is grabbing his unexpected opportunity to make a first-team impact with an understanding of the inverted nature of the Arsenal full-back role.By some distance the best of the four defenders in the Arsenal back division.Thomas Partey – 7Asked to take care of the defensive midfield task but soon to the fore with the lay-off that allowed Jesus to put the Gunners back in front inside the first 14 minutes.Did what was needed defensively and willing to venture forward when the opportunity was there. Solid throughout.Martin Odegaard – 8When the Norwegian turns up, Arsenal turn up.At Selhurst, Odegaard was the orchestrator in chief from the start, dropping deep to pick up possession and then keeping it simple and effective. The skipper is a leader.Kai Havertz – 8Back in midfield having played most of the season up top but he was in the perfect centre-forward’s position to tap into the empty net when Jesus’ header came back off the post.Home hands went up but there were only the five Palace defenders playing the German onside. A tidy display on the ball but did leave his side slightly open defensively.Bukayo Saka – 7The early loss of the England winger to a worrying knee injury could be a major blow to Arsenal’s title chances.Always the out-ball, Saka had signalled his ongoing threat as he made space to deliver the cross that led to Jesus’ early opener. He could be missing for a while now.Gabriel Jesus – 9Midweek hat-trick against Glasner’s men earned him only fourth Prem start of the season and how he took the chance with the early double and another effort off the post that led to a simple Havertz goal.The Brazilian had been waiting more than 10 months for a top flight goal and got two in eight minutes. One against the woodwork and another missed sitter, too. He must want to play Palace every week.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Took the corner that led to Jesus’ second but then switched to the right flank after Saka limped away and supplied the cross which ended with Havertz making it three before netting himself from close range.Arteta will need that level of return from the Brazilian over the coming weeks if this title challenge is going to be a real one.Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Saka, 25) – 6Belgian will have to step up if Saka is out for a long spell after his injury and his low cross ended up bringing the Arsenal fourth.Declan Rice (for Havertz, 58) – 8England star came on to secure the game after Arsenal’s sloppy start to the second half and set up Martinelli with his first touch before steering home the fifth.Riccardo Calafiori (for Lewis-Skelly, 58) – 6Martinelli’s strike meant the game was over before the Italian had touched the ball. That makes it easier.Ethan Nwaneri (for Gabriel Jesus 86) N/AIsmaila Sarr equalised for Palace five minutes laterCredit: GettyThe Eagles looked to gain confidence from the strikeCredit: AFPJesus calmed Arsenal’s nerves with another goal straight afterCredit: GettyThe Brazilian is coming into form after a mixed seasonCredit: AFPHis diagonal ball inside found Ismaila Sarr as Arsenal stood off and he led backtracking centre half William Saliba a merry dance before curling in a shot from 15 yards on 11 minutes.Jesus restored the lead when Palace could not clear the danger from a corner.Jefferson Lerma’s header fell only as far as Thomas Partey, who laid the ball back for Jesus, again unmarked, to claim his second of the match and fifth of the week with a blistering finish.Once the main man up front, he has not scored in the Premier League since January and only starts occasionally.Kai Havertz gave Arsenal a two-goal cushionCredit: ReutersHe celebrated with the ball under his shirtCredit: GettyGabriel Martinelli made it 4-1 in the second halfCredit: ReutersHe celebrated his strike passionatelyCredit: PANevertheless, he celebrated his three goals in midweek by stuffing the ball up his top and sucking his thumb having announced his partner is pregnant.This time he held an imaginary phone to his ear presumably to get his agent on the phone to cash in on his return to form.In the 37th minute, just as Palace were starting to rouse themselves from the early setbacks, Jesus then rounded off a perfect day by providing the assist for number three.Another cross from the right, this time from Gabriel Martinelli and Jesus rose to head against the post.Palace’s dozing defenders failed to respond as Havertz dashed in to tap home the rebound.Declan Rice put the finishing touches on a fine winCredit: PAArsenal moved a point behind Chelsea in thirdCredit: AFPArsenal are now sweating over the fitness of SakaCredit: GettyHis injury comes ahead of a tricky Christmas runCredit: GettyNot that there weren’t a few scares. Arsenal keeper David Raya especially will feel more assured now that Rice is back to shield his goal.The England man came on for Havertz on 58 minutes and within 120 seconds took his first shot, which was diverted en route to goal by Gabriel Martinelli to make it 4-1.Rice confirmed his return from injury by curling home number five in the 85th minute.Raya made a double save from Jean-Hillippe Mateta and Sarr in the second half and produced an even better stop with his feet in the first when Palace’s big striker was through one-on-one.Defeat takes the wind out of the sails for Eagles boss Oliver Glasner.READ MORE SUN STORIESMuch was made of his team’s spirited 3-1 win at arch rivals Brighton last week and they were unbeaten in five ahead of kick off.But it’s also been seven weeks since they won a home game of any sort and they remain stuck in the bowels of the Premier League after this collapse – four points above the bottom three. More

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      Chelsea looking to snap up Sporting Lisbon midfield sensation Dario Essugo on cheap but face Leeds transfer scrap

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      CHELSEA want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheap.The Sporting Lisbon prospect, 19, is starring for LaLiga side Las Palmas on loan.Chelsea want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheapCredit: GettyBut long-term admirers Blues must act fast as Leeds are looking at securing a loan-to-buy deal.SunSport this month revealed how Leeds were keeping tabs on the midfield dynamo. They tried for the 19-year-old in the summer and now want to offer a loan-to-buy arrangement.Essugo played 25 times for Sporting as a teen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the summer, former boss Ruben Amorim – now at Manchester United – decided to loan him out.He has spent this season in LaLiga with Las Palmas.Essugo has played 10 times for his loan club so far.And he scored his first goal during a match against Mallorca last month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Leeds are also set to sign Australian keeper Robbie Cook after a trial.Cook, 17, was wanted by Manchester United and Sunderland.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ More