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      Arsenal 0-0 Everton LIVE SCORE: Gunners knocking at the door as they look to close the gap on Liverpool – updates

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      ARSENAL are taking on Everton in a huge Premier League clash RIGHT NOW.Gabriel has returned from injury to partner William Saliba, while Dwight McNeil is a notable absentee in the Toffee’s eleven.The Gunners are looking to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool, who are currently facing Fulham at Anfield.TV/Stream: Not available in the UK due to 3pm blackoutArsenal team: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Odegaard, Merino, Saka, Martinelli, HavertzEverton team: Pickford, Young, Mykolenko, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mangala, Gueye, Doucoure, Ndiaye, Harrison, Calvert-LewinFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Arsenal 0-0 Everton47. What a save!!Bukayo Saka must have thought he had broken the deadlock seconds into the second half, but his volley is somehow clawed out by Jordan Pickford.It was a scrappy build-up from kick-off, but when a loose header from Branwaite inside the area went up instead of out, Saka was on to it in a flash.The shot wasn’t the cleanest but still looked destined for the bottom corner until Pickford’s heroics.Copy linkCopiedKick-off – Arsenal 0-0 Everton46. Neither boss has made a change at the start of the second half which indicates that both are fairly happy with how their teams performed in the first.Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly want more from an attacking perspective. Can his side deliver?Copy linkCopiedFirst half facts and figuresDominic Calvert-Lewin – who I forgot was playing – had just 12 touches of the ball during the first half.Copy linkCopiedFrom Dan King at the EmiratesJordan Pickford and James Tarkowski really are in a “none shall pass” mood.A personal highlight of a goalless half was Myles Lewis-Skelly dropping the ball on his own head and then trying again, but having a foul throw awarded against him. Not enough foul throws are given these days, especially in European competition.The atmosphere at the Emirates is curiously flat. Arsenal should be one or two up but aren’t turning domination into goals. Yet.Copy linkCopiedHalf-time – Arsenal 0-0 EvertonCraig Pawson calls time on the opening 45 minutes, and there’s very little to report.Everton have not had an attempt since Abdoulaye Doucoure’s fifth minute shot that was brilliantly blocked behind by the returning Gabriel.Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli have both had chances for the hosts, only to find Jordan Pickford in inspired form. Copy linkCopied Arsenal 0-0 Everton45. There will be just an extra minute at the end of a first half dominated by Arsenal, but lacking any real cutting edge.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton44. Myles Lewis-Skelly undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of him, but it’s doubtful he’ll ever take a worse throw-in than this.The ball slips out of the teenager’s hands, bobbles about a bit and then drops on his head, resulting in a most embarrassed and surprised look from the left-back.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton42. Pickford denies Martinelli!A sloppy pass from Branthwaite is pounced upon by Rice in midfield, who quickly moves the ball on to the Brazilian via Havertz.A nice switch of feet by Martinelli in the box takes him away from Young, but his follow-up shot is well blocked by the Everton goalkeeper at the near post.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton40. Ashley Young takes an age to take a throw-in deep in the Arsenal half.It’s hard to know if it’s blatant time-wasting or if the 39-year-old right-back is just feeling his age.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton38. The home fans try to lift the tempo of their team.While in complete control of the game, they are not putting Everton under real pressure – and the visitors remain content to mop up the little that is coming their way.Copy linkCopiedFrom Dan King at the EmiratesThe second enjoyable contest so far was between the fans. The home crowd told Jordan Pickford he was “just a s**t Aaron Ramsdale” and the travelling Blues responded by reminding everyone that their man is “England’s No 1”.Even better is the way Everton boss Sean Dyche keeps moaning to the fourth official and nearside assistant referee about the decisions that keep going against his side. The Arsenal fans take every chance to mock his gesticulations and rants.The news from Anfield must have filtered through and it feels like an Arsenal goal is coming.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton35. A loose header back towards Pickford from Tarkowski prompts the England goalkeeper into an unorthodox vollleyball punch clear.It’s lucky he made contact with the ball otherwise he could have knocked Havertz’s head off.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton33. Half of the game over the past quarter of an hour has been played inside the Everton defensive third.Are we witnessing a Sean Dyche masterclass, or will Arsenal break down the Toffees before the break? Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton31. The Toffees survive another set-piece, and continue to lay down the blueprint for the rest of the division in how to repel Arsenal at free-kicks and corners.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton29. Pickford finally begins to earn his money!Superb stuff from Saka on the right takes him beyond Mykolenko and Branthwaite, and then the England ace still has the composure to pick out Odegaard in the middle.The Norwegian midfielder takes a nice touch and looks certain to open the scoring until his shot is blocked up and over by the Everton goalkeeper.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton26. Nice work from Saka to pick out Odegaard’s run into the area with a clever reverse pass.The captain then tries to work one of his own, but it’s clattered behind by Branthwaite.The visitors certainly aren’t afraid to give up corners to the Premier League’s set-piece kings. Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton24. We’re still awaiting the game’s first shot on target.Perhaps the news that Liverpool currently trail Fulham at Anfield and are down to ten men might wake up those inside the Emirates.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton22. Defenders assemble as corner number three is awarded to the Gunners.Again, Saka’s delivery is flat and fast, and once more Tarkowski heads out before the intended flick-on.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton20. It’s one-way traffic at the Emirates, but Arsenal’s football has still lacked something in the opening 20 minutes.Dare I say it, they look a little leggy after their Champions League exploits in midweek.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton17. The home fans get excited as another corner is won.This time it’s on the right and taken by Saka, but the delivery is unusually poor and easily headed clear.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton15. The Gunners have been responsible for 79% of possession so far but are yet to fully test Pickford in the Everton goal. Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton13. A promising attack for Arsenal is halted because Martinelli is offside.Where have we heard that before?Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton11. Odegaard goes close!The Arsenal captain receives a square pass 20 yards from goal, drifts beyond Gueye with ease, and then drags a right-footer wide of Pickford’s left-hand post.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton9. Up the other end of the pitch, a Martinelli effort is blocked behind for Arsenal’s first corner.The Gunners pack the area as Rice prepares the set-piece, an inswinger that is eventually punched away by Pickford.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton7. The first attempt of the game comes courtesy of Everton’s Doucoure.The midfielder somehow finds himself in space behind the Arsenal defence, and it requires an excellent recovery from Saliba in order to turn it behind for a corner.Copy linkCopied More

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      Premier League release statement on Andy Robertson after Liverpool star’s red card against Fulham

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      THE Premier League have rushed to explain Andy Robertson’s controversial red card in Liverpool’s dramatic clash against Fulham.The defender cut across and hauled ex-Reds winger Harry Wilson down just outside the right of the box after just 17 minutes.Andy Robertson was sent off for this foul on Harry WilsonWhistler Tony Harrington instantly dismissed the Scot – sparking divided opinion from fans on social media.The Prem promptly released a statement to clarify Harrington’s verdict.It read: “The referee issued a red card to Robertson for a foul on Wilson which denied a goal scoring opportunity. “VAR checked to confirm the red card and that Wilson was in an onside position.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRopbertson had deflected in Andreas Pereira’s opener for Fulham six minutes earlier.And it meant Prem leaders Liverpool faced a tough second-half test to rescue the match.Some fans reckoned Robertson was harshly done by – but others claimed he’d obviously robbed the visitors of a clear scoring chance.But it was certainly true that it was his poor touch – as Wilson zoomed across – that left him vulnerable.Most read in FootballIn the end Robertson flew into a tangle with Wilson that sent the Welsh wideman tumbling over.Fulham almost scored from the loose ball anyway.But when Harrington blew for the foul – and flashed his red card – Robertson and his team-mates protested in vain.One viewer posted: “No way the referee gave Andrew Robertson red card for this after not giving 2 blatant ones [for two Fulham challenges].”But others suggested the left-back has struggled for form since returning from injury – and might need replacing in the January transfer window.Onhe wrote: “What an absolute stinking afternoon for Andrew Robertson. Had that collision earlier, then deflected Pereira’s shot in and then has been sent off.”Another added: “Andy Robertson has been woeful since coming back from injury. Two penalties conceded and now sent off. I think we need a new left back.”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

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: 10-man Liverpool TRAILING to Fulham, Newcastle thrashing Leicester – latest

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      MATCHWEEK 16 of the Premier League promises to be a blockbuster – with some huge games taking place RIGHT NOW!League leaders Liverpool are currently trailing to Fulham, and are now down to 10 men after Andy Robertson’s red card.Elsewhere, Newcastle are hosting Leicester, who are unbeaten under new boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.Plus, SunSport will bring you all the goals from the remaining three games taking place on Saturday.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Goal – Alexander Isak (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Leicester47. The Magpies make the perfect start to the second-half.As a free kick is worked into the box, Hall heads it across goal for Guimaraes to head home from close range.This would seem like game, set and match at St James’ Park.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Ken Lawrence on Anfield matchAnother Nottingham Forest moment could well be happening for Arne Slot.His only defeat since replacing Jurgen Klopp was early in the season against them at Anfield.Nobody saw that 1 – 0 loss coming, far less that Fulham might have a chance of coming up with another shock result against the Dutchmen’s ten men following Andy Robertson’s 17th minute straight red.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Hill at MolineuxIpswich have the upper hand thanks to a farcical Matt Doherty own goal, but while Wolves are still in it and have created openings, they will have to up their game in the second half. Wolves fans were patient before the break, but there were loud boos at half-time.Meanwhile, the TV cameras have highlighted the fact that Wolves have Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant in their directors’ box – with Ipswich’s Ed Sheeran here today. Ipswich may be leading, but there’s only one winner in the music stakes.Copy linkCopiedHT: Wolves 0-1 Ipswich TownKieran McKenna’s side have seemingly stepped up to the plate so far today in this six-pointer.They have taken the game to the hosts and created the better chances.The next goal will crucial in this one, if the visitors are able to get it, it is hard to see a way back for Wolves.Copy linkCopiedHT: Newcastle 1-0 LeicesterIt has been a solid start by Eddie Howe’s side.Leicester have looked like a rabbit in the car headlights for the majority of the first-half.The Magpies are dominating and should be leading by more.Copy linkCopiedHT: Liverpool 0-1 FulhamIt has all gone pear-shaped for the league leaders at the moment.Fulham took the lead before the hosts then had a player sent-off.It seems like a big struggle for Arne Slot’s side to come from behind to win this game with the visitors having a man advantage.Copy linkCopiedHT: Arsenal 0-0 EvertonIt all going according to plan for Sean Dyche right now.He will be more than happy to go in at the break with their clean sheet intact. Arsenal need to get their shooting boots on, despite all their possession, they are not working Pickford enough in the Everton goal.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at The EmiratesJordan Pickford and James Tarkowski really are in a “none shall pass” mood. A personal highlight of a goalless half was Myles Lewis-Skelly dropping the ball on his own head and then trying again, but having a foul throw awarded against him. Not enough foul throws are given these days, especially in European competition. The atmosphere at the Emirates is curiously flat. Arsenal should be one or two up but aren’t turning domination into goals. Yet. Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse at St James’ ParkIt should really be game over here in Newcastle, who lead by just one goal at the break.But Alexander Isak wasted a great opportunity to double that advantage when he was sent through, but the usually lethal Swede shot straight at the goalie.And even though Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Foxes have barely mounted an attack, they are still firmly in this one ahead of the second period.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 1-0 Leicester43. Van Nistelrooy needs to find a ‘plan B’ in this one.His team are not even at the races at St James’ Park.It is all one-way traffic and only baffling thing is how The Magpies have only scored one goal so far.Pope could go and do his Christmas shopping this afternoon and not be missed as it stands.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton38. Arsenal are dominating the game at The Emirates.With in excess of 70% possession, they are just struggling to find the target to work Pickford.It is one of those games where you constantly think the goal is coming from the hosts, but we are still waiting.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-1 Fulham37. The Reds are struggling with ten men at Anfield.To their credit, Fulham are playing well and taking the game to the hosts.As it stands, it is hard to see a way back into this game for Arne Slot’s side with the sending off.That could all change.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 1-0 Leicester30. Anthony Gordon provides the assist as The Magpies take the lead.His ball into the box finds Murphy, who sweeps the ball into the bottom corner of the goal.St James’ Park erupts as it hits the back of the net.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Jacob Murphy (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Ken Lawrence on match at AnfieldIt also denied the Fulham attacker and obvious scoring opportunity.A bad, bad day for the Scotland captain for while Andreas Pereira did connect acrobatically to score in the 11th minute the ball deflected off the right back to leave Alisson with no chance.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Hill at MolineuxThings are going from bad to worse for Wolves – with a comedic own goal giving Ipswich a 15th minute lead.Liam Delap got the better of new skipper Nelson Semedo. Keeper Sam Johnstone pushed the ball out to Omari Hutchinson whose shot is blocked by Matt Doherty on the line – before Conor Chaplin’s shot hit Toti and bounced in off Doherty.Cue abusive chants from the fans – but aimed at chairman Jeff Shi. Jean Bellegarde then blazed over when presented with a clear chance to equalise.Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Ipswich Town25. There will be massive pressure on Gary O’Neil here now.Ipswich have come to Molineux to go for Wolves today, that is for sure.They are looking creative and testing the hosts’ keeper regularly.The fans are getting disgrutled and are not happy with what they are seeing from the home side.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at The EmiratesThe second enjoyable contest so far was between the fans. The home crowd told Jordan Pickford he was “just a s**t Aaron Ramsdale” and the travelling Blues responded by reminding everyone that their man is “England’s No 1”.Even better is the way Everton boss Sean Dyche keeps moaning to the fourth official and nearside assistant referee about the decisions that keep going against his side. The Arsenal fans take every chance to mock his gesticulations and rants. The news from Anfield must have filtered through and it feels like an Arsenal goal is coming. Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 0-0 Leicester20. It is all Newcastle at St James’ Park so far.The Foxes have yet to register a shot on or off target.The Magpies are keeping Hermansen very busy in these early stages.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-1 Fulham20. It is adjudged Wilson was onside and Robertson is given his marching orders.Liverpool are a goal down and also reduced to ten men.The former Liverpool youngster almost scores with the resulting free-kick.This is a massive uphill struggle at Anfield.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-1 Fulham15. It is all going an Anfield.The referee has sent Andrew Robertson off for a foul on the edge of the box, being the last man.He allowed play to continue and Jimenez chipped over Alisson, only for van Dijk to clear off the line.He brought it back for the foul and showed the Liverpool man red.However, VAR is now reviewing it as Harry Wilson may have been offside in the build-up.Copy linkCopiedRed card – Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Ipswich Town10. Drama at Molineux.Of all the times to get an own goal, this was not it for Wolves’ Matt Doherty.The Tractor Boys take an early lead here.Copy linkCopied More

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      Former Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer watches on at struggling Premier League club amid talks of managerial return

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is in attendance at Molineux as Wolves take on Ipswich this afternoon.The former Manchester United boss, 51, has been out of work since being sacked by the Red Devils in 2021.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been spotted at Molineux this afternoonCredit: PAHe has since turned down several opportunities to return to the dugout.Solskjaer snubbed the Denmark national team job.While he recently turned down a third stint at Norwegian side Molde following talks.The former striker is in the stands for today’s game between Wolves and Ipswich Town.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAhead of the game, he caught up with old pal Kieran McKenna.The Tractor Boys boss, 38, was part of Solskjaer’s coaching staff at Old Trafford.After briefly remaining at United under Ralf Rangnick, McKenna departed in December 2021 to take over at Ipswich.He has since guided the Tractor Boys from League One to the Premier League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSolskjaer, 51, caught up with Kieran McKenna ahead of the gameCredit: GettyThe Norwegian also chatted with Shaun DerryCredit: PAIn addition to McKenna, Solskjaer also chatted with Wolves first-team coach Shaun Derry.Molineux boss Gary O’Neil has been under intense pressure in recent weeks.Gary O’Neil confirms Nelson Semedo will replace Mario Lemina as Wolves captain Wolves go into today’s match 19th in the Premier League, having won just twice in 15 games.Last time out they were beaten 2-1 by West Ham, while in their previous game Wolves were whacked 4-0 at Everton.Following the Hammers defeat, Wolves’ hierarchy continued to back their boss.Yesterday O’Neil announced that he’d stripped Mario Lemina of the club captaincy, with Nelson Semedo now taking on the armband.Under-fire O’Neil arrived at today’s gameCredit: Getty More

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      Spurs fans beware – if they turn on Daniel Levy, it will be Ange Postecoglou who will be sacked, not the chairman

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      WHEN Ange Postecoglou first came to Tottenham he was like a breath of fresh air.But lately his injury-hit side have stunk the place out in certain games – leaving some fans to wonder if his radical ideas have gone stale already.Tottenham have been inconsistent this season under Ange PostecoglouCredit: GettyBut fans shouldn’t turn on Tottenham chairman Daniel LevyCredit: AlamyTurning on Levy could lead to Postecoglou leaving TottenhamCredit: RexIt is the Aussie’s challenge right now to prove that is not the case amid a punishing fixture list and the worst injury crisis he says he has ever experienced in 26 years of management.His walking wounded are on a dismal run of one win in their last eight games.Albeit that victory, the 4-0 trouncing of Manchester City at the Etihad last month, was one of their best ever in the Premier League.That historic triumph proved just what is possible under the 59-year-old when everything clicks.Read More on FootballBut, as many supporters have pointed out, it counts for little when it is preceded by a 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich and followed up 12 days later by a limp loss at Bournemouth.The pressure is ramping up and arguably starting to show, with Postecoglou uncharacteristically calling out one of his players in public this week.He hammered Timo Werner’s display in Thursday’s 1-1 draw at Rangers as “unacceptable”.Werner had been awful against the Scottish giants and was subbed at half-time for Dejan Kulusevski, who went on to rescue a precious point at Ibrox.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe guy is a Champions League winner, a German international of considerable experience: Postecoglou was not wrong in his evaluation of Werner’s contribution.Yet it still felt significant to hear the Spurs chief go after one of his charges in a press conference.Ange Postecoglou calls Tottenham flop’s performance ‘unacceptable’ in brutal blast after hauling him off at half-timeParticularly, as just 24 hours earlier, he had said it was something he never does when explaining why Cristian Romero was wrong to air his grievances with Daniel Levy and the Spurs’ hierarchy to the media.Postecoglou refuted the suggestion that he had criticised Werner in Friday’s press conference back at Spurs, branding it simply “an assessment of his performance”.One man’s blast is another’s constructive feedback, perhaps.But to those who have followed Postecoglou’s journey at Spurs from week to week, ears certainly pricked up when he went off on one about his shotshy loanee.Postecoglou followed up his defence of his Werner rant with words that succinctly summed up Spurs’, and specifically his, situation: “We’re in a fight here.”Kulusevski had similar battle-themed rhetoric in a flash interview after Rangers, commenting: “Football is war. You have to be prepared 100 per cent. If not, you’ll be eaten alive.”Injury crisisPostecoglou so far has not come close to being the 12th manager to be chewed up by Spurs under Levy’s reign.The word after Sunday’s 4-3 home defeat to Chelsea – where Spurs chucked away a 2-0 lead – was that Postecoglou retained the support of the club, who understood that a crippling injury list was playing its part.Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, Wilson Odobert, Mikey Moore and Richarlison are all currently out injured.While midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is four games into a seven-match ban for racist comments about team-mate Son Heung-min.Postecoglou certainly has the backing of the players, as Romero made plain last week, amid the Argentine’s dig aimed towards the board.Supporters seem to be a bit more split, with some unconvinced Postecoglou’s approach will deliver the “glorious” success he has promised.Daniel Levy backingSome even shouted abuse at him from the stands of Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium at full-time a week ago after a drab 1-0 loss on the South Coast.While others believe the ex-Celtic boss needs proper backing – beyond just signing teenagers for the future, which was largely the club’s transfer policy in the summer, barring the £65million capture of Dominic Solanke and the re-loaning of Werner.Chairman Levy’s resolve over Postecoglou – whom he claimed had “brought our Tottenham back” thanks to his exciting style in September last year – will be tested if the next few games go pear-shaped.Southampton, the scene of Antonio Conte’s infamous press-conference diatribe where he torched the players, the owners and the club, is up next on Sunday.Most clubs lick their lips ahead of playing Russell Martin’s basement-boys, who have just five points this season and are eight shy of safety.But on their day they still play good football, as Liverpool discovered recently until Mohamed Salah did what he does.Possible saving graceAnd with out-of-form Spurs regularly giving up chances at the best of times under Postecoglou’s attack-minded system, three points for the North Londoners feels far from guaranteed.That is followed by an absolutely massive Carabao Cup quarter-final at home to Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United on Thursday.The cups could be Postecoglou’s saving grace this term and allow him to make good on his unnecessary, ante-upping declaration in September that “I always win things in my second year” in a job.But go out to Amorim’s side, and alarm bells will well and truly be ringing by the time top-of-the-table Liverpool come to N17 the following Sunday.Every game for Postecoglou this season has felt crucial because of how wildly inconsistent they have been. But it really feels like crunch time now.The key may well prove to be how much heat comes Levy’s way via the supporters.Protests against ENIC, the club’s majority owners, have happened before and another one is said to be being planned for the Liverpool game on December 22.READ MORE SUN STORIESHistorically Spurs managers have not fared well when the man who appointed them has been in the firing line.If results do not improve, then expect that to ramp up, and for Postecoglou to be in peril. More

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      Lopetegui reveals extent of Michail Antonio’s injuries as he gives update on West Ham star’s future after car crash

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI is confident Michail Antonio will recover to play for West Ham again.The Hammers striker, 34, suffered a broken leg and various other injuries after a horror crash in his Ferrari FF near Theydon Bois in Epping.Michail Antonio has made 14 Premier League appearances this seasonCredit: PAThe forward, 34, was involved in an awful car crashAntonio was airlifted to a London hospital last Saturday following the crash before being quickly operated on.West Ham team-mates, as well as his manager, have visited the forward in hospital this week.And Lopetegui is confident the club’s all-time top Premier League scorer will recover.He said: “The most important thing is that he’s alive, he’s good.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He broke his femur, but he’s going to recover for sure.”He’s going to need time. It’s about time.”Now it’s about time but the good news is that he has time because when you see the car was terrible, the accident, that’s why we are happy.”Because in the end, despite the fact we are unhappy because we lost one very important player for us, we are happy because he’s going to be ready.Most read in Football”Now he’s strong, he’s recovered himself in the next month for sure and he’s going to be ready to be a player.”The first thing is to be a man and then to be a player.”West Ham stars pay tribute to Antonio with special shirts after pal’s horror crashAntonio is not expected to recover before the end of this season, meaning a contract extension will be needed if he is to play for the club again.The former Nottingham Forest man is out of contract this summer, though West Ham have previously given new deals to injured players in order to support their recovery.Talks are yet to begin over whether Antonio will get an extension.Lopetegui experimented with captain Jarrod Bowen playing through the middle on Monday night.But summer signing Niclas Fullkrug has finally returned from injury to help boost the attacking numbers, grabbing a goal on his return at Leicester last week.’STEP BY STEP’Lopetegui is unsure, however, if the German is ready to start.He said: “Fulla is improving step by step.”He has been out a long time for the injury that he had and now he’s recovered himself and is day by day putting his body better.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That is good news for us that he has come back and he’s going to be ready to help us.”But let’s see when he’s going to be ready or not. Step by step he’s better, he feels better, he feels stronger so we can use him at any moment.”Julen Lopetegui has updated fans on Antonio’s conditionCredit: Reuters More

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      Mikel Arteta backs Bukayo Saka to emulate idol Cristiano Ronaldo as boss opens up on ‘evolving’ star winger

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      MIKEL ARTETA backed Bukayo Saka to emulate idol Cristiano Ronaldo by becoming a world-class centre-forward.From Hale End product to global superstar, the 23-year-old Arsenal winger’s evolution has taken most people by surprise — even within the club itself.Mikel Arteta has backed Bukayo Saka to emulate Cristiano RonaldoCredit: AFPSaka previously revealed that Ronaldo was his idol growing upCredit: ReutersUsed as a left-back in the early stages of Arteta’s Emirates reign, he made his first senior Gunners start six years ago this week.That was as a 17-year-old under then-boss Unai Emery in a 1-0 Europa League victory at home against Qarabag.Saka is now a world-class winger and undroppable starter for Arsenal and England, who belongs in the same conversation as the very best.But boss Arteta believes it is only a matter of time before he follows in the footsteps of the legendary Ronaldo and moves from out wide to a more central No 9 role.Read More on ArsenalRonaldo — now aged 39 and at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr — made his name at Manchester United as a winger.The Portuguese went on to become one of the game’s greatest goalscoring strikers at Real Madrid.Asked if he could envisage a similar path for his talisman, Arteta said:“We are thinking about these things.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArteta regularly heaps praise on ‘starboy’ SakaCredit: AP“It will depend on the qualities of the players around him. For somebody to be inside rather than outside, somebody has to be outside.“That player, the full-back, the attacking midfielder and the No 9 has to allow the space to do that.Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s glam girlfriend Tolami Benson steals the show in daring outfit at The Fashion Awards“But I’m certainly very open to keep evolving players.”With two goals and an assist in the Gunners’ 3-0 Champions League win over Monaco on Wednesday, Saka now has 21 goal involvements in 21 games in all competitions this term.Since the start of last season in the Champions League, only Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane (18) and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr (16) have been involved in more goals than Saka’s 14.And with ten assists and five goals in the Prem this campaign, he tops Europe’s big five leagues for assists — more than Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal (9) and Liverpool’s Mo Salah (8).On what Saka’s goalscoring targets should be, Arteta continued: “We always set targets. The idea to score 30 or 40 goals is fine but how are we going to do it?“How are we going to create a plan to try to develop the player and give him the best possible chance to make sure he is able to do that.I’m certainly very open to keep evolving players.Mikel Arteta“Sometimes it is a role, sometimes it a position on the pitch and sometimes it is other things.“When the understanding of the game and the spaces and the timing of how they move in relation to each other is strong, the freedom has to increase.“The decision-making is going to improve as they understand it better. That will create uncertainty for the opposition and now they have much more freedom than in the past.”Speaking of his admiration for Ronaldo previously, Saka explained: “I love his mentality. He just always wants to be the best, always working hard on and off the pitch.“He’s one of the best players to ever play football. He is unique.“We are two different players but I always try to look at him and take the good things from his game.”Fellow academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, made his Champions League debut against Monaco.And the rookie left-back could make his first Prem start at home to Everton tomorrow, with fellow teen sensation Ethan Nwaneri, 17, on the bench.Full-backs Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori are absent with muscular issues but Brazilian centre-back Gabriel is in contention to return.I love his mentality. He just always wants to be the best, always working hard on and off the pitch.Saka on RonaldoArteta says he is in a better position to give young stars debuts because of his “unbelievable” Gunners dressing room.Unlike the toxic group that he inherited in December 2019 when he took over as boss.The Spaniard said: “They can be ready — but then the context in that team, dressing room, moment, is not right…“Now the work has been done and it is exceptional what everybody has done and now they have the right environment.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The way they look after them and make them feel.“The jump is so big but they are showing that they are capable of doing it.”How to stop Arsenal at cornersArsenal have turned into a prolific team when it comes to scoring from corners.The Gunners have now scored 22 goals from them since the start of last season – seven more than their nearest rival Manchester City and eight more than Premier League leaders Liverpool.Two of them came against Manchester United – Jurrien Timber and William Saliba netting in the second half to earn Mikel Arteta’s men a vital win as they chase down Arne Slot’s Reds.Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were the architects with their deliveries, and each now have seven set-piece assists since the start of the 2023/24 campaign – more than any other player.United legend Dimitar Berbatov joked Arsenal are the new Stoke City of the top flight – a side under Tony Pulis who terrorised the so-called “bigger clubs” with set-piece mastery.Here are four ways to stop Arteta’s side at corners More

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      Arsenal vs Everton is Prem’s feistiest fixture… Mikel Arteta’s physical Gunners remind me of Toffees under David Moyes

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      ARSENAL and Everton are top of the Prem red card charts because they have always liked physical players who never ducked out of contact.Since the Premier League’s launch in 1992, the Toffees have 108 reds and the Gunners 107 — including three this term — 14 more than third-placed Newcastle.Mark Halsey was not on Sol Campbell’s Christmas card list after sending him off a few timesCredit: AFPArsenal and Everton have received the most red cards in Prem historyCredit: RexGoodison Park fans want blood-and-thunder tackles in end-to-end matches.They were so hostile towards opponents and referees — although I never had a problem at Everton — because they knew the importance of cranking up pressure.While matches between Arsenal and Everton have not historically been the dirtiest, I landed a feisty clash between them in 2003 where I had to issue TWO red cards — to Sol Campbell and Li Tie — at Highbury.It was the second time I sent off Sol in the space of five months.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe first was for elbowing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in April of the 2002-03 season during a crunch title game with Manchester United which ended 2-2.Sol brought his arm back, and right in front of my assistant Nigel Miller, who said the contact was deliberate.He appealed his dismissal but did not win.Arsene Wenger’s assistant Pat Rice and Sol came into the Highbury dressing room but I told them what I saw was a deliberate elbow. We agreed to disagree.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt meant Sol missed the FA Cup final in 2003 due to a four-game ban.His absence did not cost Wenger’s team as they beat Southampton 1-0 in Cardiff, although United won the league.Arsenal’s SET-PIECE COACH gets very own mural outside Emirates Stadium as fans say ‘this is just tragic… game’s gone’I refereed Arsenal v Everton at Highbury on the opening day of the following season — which the Gunners won as Invincibles — and sent off Sol again.He was being investigated by the FA at the time after kicking Manchester United’s Eric Djemba-Djemba in the Community Shield.I said during the game that we could not go through it without speaking to each other… he did not reply.After 25 minutes, Everton’s Thomas Gravesen was going through on goal and Sol brought him down and it was a clear denial of a goalscoring opportunity.He knew a red was coming and just walked off — so he did not say a word to me that day. Safe to say, I wasn’t on his Christmas card list that year.I also sent off Li Tie later for a second yellow. It is one of just three Prem fixtures between the clubs in which two players have been sent off.Mikel Arteta was a ‘moaner’ back in his playing daysCredit: AP:Associated PressDavid Moyes has always wanted his sides to be physicalCredit: ReutersPatrick Vieira and Duncan Ferguson are perhaps unsurprisingly in the top three players from the two clubs for red cards in the Premier League — with eight each.Patrick was tough to referee because no quarter was taken as an incredibly tough-tackling midfielder.Big Dunc was a traditional No 9 — he would take it and give it. I had to keep talking to him to keep him on side.Managers like David Moyes, who I got on well with, loved the physicality of players like Big Dunc.I remember sending off Toffees defender Joseph Yobo in a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle before Alan Shearer’s stunner.David rang me up — as you could when Keith Hackett was in charge — a few days later to admit I had to send off Yobo.He wanted that intensity to make Everton a fortress, which it was. It was always very tough to referee and you had to stay switched on.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was one of his players at Everton. He was a moaner on the pitch but I got on well with him.READ MORE SUN STORIESYou can argue some of the red cards Arsenal have received under Mikel have been dubious but the passion from the manager goes into the players.The physicality of this Gunners team reminds me of both that Everton side under Moyes and 2003-era Arsenal team featuring Campbell.How to stop Arsenal at cornersArsenal have turned into a prolific team when it comes to scoring from corners.The Gunners have now scored 22 goals from them since the start of last season – seven more than their nearest rival Manchester City and eight more than Premier League leaders Liverpool.Two of them came against Manchester United – Jurrien Timber and William Saliba netting in the second half to earn Mikel Arteta’s men a vital win as they chase down Arne Slot’s Reds.Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were the architects with their deliveries, and each now have seven set-piece assists since the start of the 2023/24 campaign – more than any other player.United legend Dimitar Berbatov joked Arsenal are the new Stoke City of the top flight – a side under Tony Pulis who terrorised the so-called “bigger clubs” with set-piece mastery.Here are four ways to stop Arteta’s side at corners More