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      Inside Ethan Nwaneri’s perfect afternoon as Arsenal wonderkid, 17, follows in footsteps of Rooney, Owen and Fabregas

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      ETHAN NWANERI had an afternoon to remember for Arsenal as he followed in the footsteps of Premier League legends Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and Cesc Fabregas.The 17-year-old stole the show as his Gunners side beat Leicester 2-0 despite being left depleted in attack.Ethan Nwaneri had a game to remember as Arsenal beat Leicester 2-0Credit: ReutersNwaneri joined an exclusive group headed by Wayne RooneyCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMichael Owen was another teen sensation who lit up the leagueCredit: ReutersCesc Fabregas was Arsenal’s last ace to achieve a similar featCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdNwaneri provided an assist as Mikel Merino came off the bench to bag a brace at the King Power Stadium.And the teen’s performance was backed up by several stats showing that he was one of the key men on the pitch.In the first half alone, Arsenal prodigy Nwaneri enjoyed five out of five successful take-ons.He also won all eight of his duels and even won two tackles to boot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBy the end of the match, Nwaneri had made three successful tackles and had won 12 duels, while also dictating play with 32 passes from 62 touches.He was also a threat in the final third with four shots and six dribbles.And his assist was the ideal reward for a strong day at the office.However, Nwaneri’s goal contribution also saw him join an esteemed group of Premier League icons.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe has now scored or assisted four Premier League goals before the age of 18.And only top-flight icons Rooney, Owen and Fabregas managed more before they turned 18.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘calm and composed’ youngster Ethan Nwaneri for Champions League victory Wazza bagged an incredible 12 combined goals and assists during his time at Everton.Owen made eight contributions while at Liverpool.And Fabregas was involved with six goals early on at Arsenal.Nwaneri does not turn 18 years old until March 21.It means he could yet surpass Fabregas’ total, with Owen’s and Rooney’s also sure to be in his sights.Arsenal superfan and Sun columnist Piers Morgan was certainly pleased with Nwaneri’s contribution.He said: “This kid was brilliant again today…” More

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      ‘He’s in the doghouse’ – Mikel Merino dedicates Arsenal heroics to wife after revealing his Valentine’s Day blunder

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      MIKEL MERINO dedicated his late Arsenal double to his wife Lola… after forgetting to buy her a Valentine’s Day present.The Spaniard, 28, rose from the bench to net both of the Gunners’ goals in their 2-0 win at Leicester.Mikel Merino bagged Arsenal’s late doubleCredit: GettyMerino’s wife Lola did not receive a Valentine’s presentCredit: Instagram @lolaliberalAfter the game, Merino made a cheeky admission while speaking to TNT Sports.He told reporter Becky Ives: “It’s the first time in my career that I’ve played as a striker. The manager told me to use my strengths and I think I did that.”On if he expects to play up top more, he added: “I don’t think so, to be honest.”But it’s a good day to score because I forgot to give my wife a Valentine’s Day present, so I think she’ll appreciate this more than a rose or some chocolates.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSeeing Merino’s interview, one fan joked: “Brother, you are in the doghouse.”While a second joked: “How romantic.”A third quipped: “Merino is so locked in he forgot to get his wife a valentine’s.”Despite the makeshift forward’s double, Ethan Nwaneri was awarded TNT Sports’ player of the match award.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSOn the 17-year-old, Merino added: “He’s an amazing player.”Every time I do an interview, you guys ask me for him!Kai Havertz ruled out for rest of SEASON with torn hamstring in devastating blow to Arsenal’s title dreams”That’s natural because he is such a talent.”He has such a wonderful left foot and he put the ball right on my head so that all I could do was score.”Arsenal’s win saw them reduce their deficit to Liverpool at the top of the table to four points.Arne Slot’s men will play their game in hand tomorrow, hosting Wolves at Anfield.LEICESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 15: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Arsenal FC at The King Power Stadium on February 15, 2025 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)Credit: Getty More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Marmoush scores HAT-TRICK as Manchester City lead Newcastle, Ipswich down to TEN

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      MATCHWEEK 25 of the Premier League features some huge matches at both ends of the table.Fans are treated to five 3pm matches right NOW with the pick of the bunch at the Etihad, as Manchester City lead Newcastle at half time following on from Arsenal’s crucial win at Leicester earlier today.Elsewhere, Aston Villa are level at Ipswich, West Ham trail Brentford, Fulham are holding top four hopefuls Nottingham Forest and Southampton are two down to Bournemouth at St Mary’s.In Saturday’s evening kick-off, David Moyes’ Everton travel to the capital to take on Crystal Palace.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…HT: West Ham 0-1 BrentfordThe Hammers can count themselves lucky to go in at the break only a goal behind.Brentford struggled on the road in the first half of the season but have changed that since.Having scored a second goal, only to have it ruled out by VAR, Frank’s side should have a more comfortable lead already.Copy linkCopiedHT: Southampton 0-2 BournemouthAndoni Iraola’s side are finding this a stroll in the park.The hosts have created nothing whatsoever in the final third.Meanwhile. The Cherries look like scoring every time they come forward.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkPoor fare at the break at Villa Park, with neither side looking close to hitting top gear yet.However Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys face an uphill struggle in the second half after former Villa loanee Axel Tuanzebe was suckered into two daft yellow cards – to see red!The defender should have been on red alert after he picked up a booking for tugging down Morgan Rogers.But he grabbed at Jacob Ramsey’s shoulder after the Villa man had gone clear of him and the kid tumbled.It was shrewd by the Villa man but Tuanzebe gave ref Robert Jones a decision to make and he decided another yellow card was merited, followed by the inevitable red.Ten-man Ipswich now have their backs to the wall.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jack Rosser in the capitalWest Ham are incredibly fortunate to only be a goal down at the break.Brentford have been battering them, winning the ball and breaking at a speed the Hammers cannot cope with.Mbeumo, Wissa and Schade have all been incredibly sharp, profiting from the host’s incompetence.West Ham’s midfield have been largely absent when it comes to helping out the back four and you wouldn’t bet against one of them being replaced.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Martin Blackburn at The EtihadWHAT a half from City and in particular their new forward Omar Marmoush In just his fourth start since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt, he struck a 14 minute hat-trick to endear himself to the Etihad faithful. Any fears City could be hurting from their midweek heartbreak against Real Madrid were blown away. Newcastle were weary – are their players thinking too much about Wembley next month? Copy linkCopiedHT: Fulham 1-1 Nott’m ForestIt has been a dominant display from the hosts in this one.However, despite having only one shot on target, the visitors really made it count.Marco Silva will feel his side should be leading this one, they need to be more clinical in front of goal to do just that.Copy linkCopiedHT: Aston Villa 0-0 Ipswich TownThere is nothing to separate these sides as they head into the interval.One thing that does is the number of players on the pitch.Tuanzebe was shown a second yellow card for pulling a player back and given his marching orders.Copy linkCopiedHT: Man City 3-0 NewcastleIt has been a comprehensive first-half from Pep Guardiola’s side.They have opened up The Magpies all too often in this one.Marmoush grabbing a hat-trick in the process, this is more like the Man City of old this afternoon.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-1 Brentford 43. A real let off for Graham Potter’s side.VAR adjudges there to have been an offside Brentford player in the build-up to the goal.How important could that prove in the outcome of this match, only time will tell.Copy linkCopiedVAR review – goal disallowed Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-2 Brentford41. Janelt and Wissa exchange a neat one-two.The Bees’ striker slots home to double the lead for the visitors.However, there is to be a VAR review.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Yoane Wissa (Brentford)Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Nott’m Forest37. Cometh the moment, cometh the man.As a ball is played into Wood outside the box, he shifts it onto his left foot and gets a shot away.Leno cannot do anything about it as the visitors draw level in the capital.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Chris Wood (Nott’m Forest)Copy linkCopiedMan City 3-0 Newcastle33. This is turning into a horror show for Eddie Howe.Savinho is the player pulling the strings, using his pace to beat his man before squaring the ball to the Egyptian.From the penalty spot, he side-foots it into the bottom corner.That is his first-ever hat-trick in senior football.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Andy Dillon at Craven CottageEMILE SMITH ROWE scored the goal which gives Fulham the lead. But it’s Adama Traore stealing the limelight with three great crosses so far. One of which found Smith Rowe to plant a 14th minute header past Matz Sels.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Omar Marmoush (Man City)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkIt’s been a bitty start at Villa Park with little quality on show yet.Morgan Rogers raced clear on goal and went down as Town goalie Alex Palmer raced out of his box.However VAR confirmed there was no contact from the keeper although Rogers could have been awarded a foul as chasing defender Jacob Greaves shoved him off balance.Early injuries to Boubacar Kamara and Enciso have seen both players replaced by Tyrone Mings and Jack Clarke, which has disrupted the flow of the game.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Martin Blackburn at The EithadWELCOME to Manchester, Omar Marmoush. The January signing from Eintracht Frankfurt has caught the eye since he arrived at the Etihad but now we see what he’s all about. First he capitalised on a missed header by Kieran Trippier to score then five minutes later he took a pass from Ilkay Gundogan and drove a low shot into the corner. Newcastle stunned.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jack Rosser in the capitalSo much for that optimism at West Ham…The Hammers look wide open here and are doing nothing of any value on the ball. Brentford’s flying forwards are carving through the West Ham defence with ease and the Hammers are making mistake after mistake.Potter must be contemplating a change at the break, if not before, already.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at St Mary’sBournemouth stunned the Saints with two clinical finishes inside the first 16 minutes.Jan Bednarek and Nathan Wood allowed Dango Ouattara to sneak away to head home Ryan Christie’s 14th minute cross.And Christlike was soon celebrating a rare goal himself when he was given room to smash home the second from 25 yards.Copy linkCopiedMan City 2-0 Newcastle24. Man City are in full control of this game at The Etihad.Gundogan is the creator on this occasion, as he lays it into the path of Marmoush to stroke it home.It already looks a long way back for The Magpies here.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedGoal – Omar Marmoush (Man City)Copy linkCopiedMan City 1-0 Newcastle21. Newcastle’s poor form at The Etihad looks set to continue.A long ball forward from Ederson sees Marmoush run onto it and he lifts the ball over the advancing keeper to score.Just what the hosts needed in this game.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Omar Marmoush (Man City)Copy linkCopied More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Everton beat Crystal Palace after Man City thrash Newcastle and Arsenal beat Leicester

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      MATCHWEEK 25 of the Premier League features some huge matches at both ends of the table.Manchester City cruised past Newcastle thanks to an Omar Marmoush hat-trick, but Erling Haaland was forced off injured, following on from Arsenal’s crucial win at Leicester earlier today.Elsewhere, Aston Villa were held by ten man Ipswich, West Ham lost to Brentford, Fulham beat Nottingham Forest and Southampton were beaten by Bournemouth at St Mary’s.In Saturday’s evening kick-off, David Moyes’ Everton beat Crystal Palace 2-1 thanks to goals from Beto and Carlos Alcaraz.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Gunners start firing againDespite not having a fit striker for the remainder of this campaign, it did not seem to affect Arsenal this afternoon.Mikel Merino came off the bench to bag a brace and secure the win for the North London outfit.They have now closed the gap between themselves and Liverpool to four points, with the leaders playing Wolves tomorrow.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCherries real winners with hot-formAfter running out 3-1 winners over Southampton today, the victory moved Bournemouth into fifth place in the table.The way things are looking in Europe at the moment, finishing there could very well carry an extra Champions League spot.What an achievement that would be Andoni Iraola and his squad.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedHere are today’s Premier League resultsIt has been another hectic day in the top-flight, with plenty of goals.Leicester 0-2 ArsenalAston Villa 1-1 Ipswich TownFulham 2-1 Nott’m ForestMan City 4-0 NewcastleSouthampton 1-3 BournemouthWest Ham 0-1 BrentfordCrystal Palace 1-2 EvertonCopy linkCopiedFT: Crystal Palace 1-2 EvertonEverton edge out Oliver Glasner’s side in the capital.It was quite an even game but Alcaraz’s goal ended up being the match-winner.It could have been a completely different result on another day.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jon West at Selhurst ParkThat’s quite the debut for Alcaraz – an assist and then the winner. He’s never been a prolific scorer but has made a big impact already. And to think he wouldn’t have played had Doucoure not get himself sent off against Liverpool…Copy linkCopiedFT: Crystal Palace 1-2 EvertonThat’s it, Everton have secured victory.Crystal Palace will feel they should have got more from this.Not that the away end is complaining right now.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-2 Everton90+5. Deep into added time in the capital.Palace are throwing everything but the kitcken sink at The Toffees.Everton are defending deep, trying to protect this win.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-2 Everton86. Time is running out for the hosts.Everton seem to have come alive in the game in an attacking sense.That works well for them, keeping Palace at the wrong end of the pitch.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-2 Everton80. Harrison whips a deep cross into the box.As it is worked back from the byline, Young’s shot is blocked.It drops to Alcaraz, who slots home to give The Toffees the lead.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedGoal – Carlos Alcaraz (Everton)Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-1 Everton72. Both sides are trying to flex their attacking muscle.Everton continually seem to take one too many touches and allow Palace to get in between the player and goal to block.The hosts keep trying balls over the top of the Everton defence but on this wet, greasy surface it often runs through to the keeper before anyone can get on the end of it.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-1 Everton66. The hosts look to break with pace on the counter.Garner pushes Eze to the floor to stop the attack.Finally, the referee gets a yellow card out in this game.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jon West at Selhurst ParkSemi-automated offsides are nearly with us and that lengthy wait is exactly why they are needed. Around three minutes of the players standing around and fans singing about how much they don’t appreciate VAR. Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-1 Everton60. A big cheer at Selhurst Park as Chilwell comes on for his debut.The Chelsea loanee replaces Mitchell for The Eagles.It is a very open game now and the game is poised on a knife-edge.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-1 Everton53. After a ridiculous wait, the goal is given.VAR is really a broken process.Since the introduction of Eze at the interval, Crystal Palace are now dominating this game.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-1 Everton48. Some terrible defending from the visitors.Two Everton defenders challenge for the same ball and it drops to Mateta in the box.He slots past Pickford to draw his side level.However, there is a VAR review for a possible offside.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jon West at Selhurst ParkHow on earth are Everton ahead at half time? Palace could and should be three or four up – but paid the price for switching off late on.Is it Tyrick Mitchell’s fault for sending a throw-in to a team-mate who wasn’t expecting it? Or should Jefferson Lerma have been alert? Either way it’s a disaster – and an Everton opener.Copy linkCopiedHT: Crystal Palace 0-1 EvertonIt has been a bizarre half of football with Palace having a goal disallowed for the ball going out despite none of the camera angles showing it to be the case.Then Sarr missed an absolute sitter from yards out, hitting the underside of the crossbar when it seemed easier to score.Everton went straight down the other end and took the lead themselves to rub salt into the wound.Copy linkCopiedHT: Crystal Palace 0-1 EvertonThe referee brings the first-half to a close.Everton have a slender lead in a very even match.That miss from Sarr seemed to be the start of things going south for The Eagles in this game.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 0-1 Everton45. Palace pay the ultimate price for their miss.Everton come forward and it is played through to Beto who tucks it past Henderson to open the scoring.The goal silences Selhurst Park in the process.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Beto (Everton)Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 0-0 Everton40. We may have seen one of the misses of the season.It has all got a bit scrappy and the ball breaks to Sarr six yards out.He thunders it against the underside of the crossbar and it comes back out.He had to score from there.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 0-0 Everton35. It is interesting how the two teams have set up today.Alcaraz is looking to test Henderson from distance constantly.Palace put a dangerous ball into the box, which The Toffees fail to clear, but they get lucky as the referee awards a free kick.It looked like Tarkowksi lost his footing and was not fouled at all.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 0-0 Everton30. Almost a big chance for The Toffees.As Harrison puts in a deep cross into the box, Lindstrom meets it deep of the back post, trying to pick out Beto.Henderson does brilliantly to cut it out but is clattered by Lacroix as the two try to prevent the danger.Copy linkCopied More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Ethan Nwaneri, 17, excels amid injury crisis but Raheem Sterling a shadow of old self

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      MIKEL MERINO was Arsenal’s hero from the bench as he solved the striker crisis with two goals at Leicester.With Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both set to miss the rest of the season, Mikel Arteta started Leandro Trossard up front.Mikel Merino scored twice as Arsenal beat Leicester 2-0 at the King PowerCredit: ReutersMerino lost his marker to head in the opening goal on 81 minutesCredit: PABut the Gunners struggled to find the breakthrough against a resilient Foxes defence. That was until Merino came on and changed the game.He headed in the opener from Ethan Nwaneri’s delicate cross on 81 minutes then made it 2-0 with a tidy back-post finish six minutes later.Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated the Arsenal players…READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDAVID RAYA: 6Got his body behind an early Wilfred Ndidi effort but very little else to do until saving Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s rising shot in the 67th minute.JURRIEN TIMBER: 6Was caught out on a few occasions but he did try and get forward to help Nwaneri. WILLIAM SALIBA: 6 Had a battle with Jamie Vardy and made sure that Leicester’s talisman was kept pretty quiet. GABRIEL: 6Strong in the air and generally coped well although Leicester were poor in terms of quality when going forward. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWilliam Saliba came out on top in his battle with Jamie VardyCredit: GettyMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY: 7Big intervention to stop De Cordova-Reid with 17 minutes left to deflect Jordan Ayew’s cross for a corner. That was quality defending when under real pressure. THOMAS PARTEY:  6Sat deep and mopped up the rare moments of Leicester pressure but did tire which is why he was replaced. Worrying Kai Havertz footage emerges after Arsenal star ruled out for entire season with devastating torn hamstringMARTIN ODEGAARD: 7Showed quality in the final third but he is capable of much more. Two terrific passes in the first half to Trossard but he wasted them. DECLAN RICE: 6Improved after the break but failed to really stamp his authority on the game. You would have thought this game would have been perfect for the England midfielder. ETHAN NWANERI: 8Set up the first goal and Arsenal’s best player along with sub Merino. He had Arsenal’s best chances of the second half but he fired one shot wide and then hammered an effort against the post. His cross for Merino was perfect. Ethan Nwaneri ran the show for ArsenalCredit: ReutersTeenager came within a whisker of opening the scorer as he hit the woodworkCredit: AFPLEANDRO TROSSARD: 5If he is Arsenal’s answer to their problems up front then they have major issues. Played as a false nine until the arrival of Merino and did not look up to it. Had two first-half chances in good positions but failed to make the most of them but he set up the second goal. RAHEEM STERLING: 4Dreadful performance. Looks nothing like the player of a few years ago and it was hardly surprising he was Arsenal’s first player to be subbed. Had a shot deflected wide but delivered very few problems down the left.  Raheem Sterling had a tricky afternoonCredit: ReutersSUBSMIKEL MERINO: 8 (for Sterling 69 minutes) – Had never played up front before but answered Arteta’s SOS call emphatically with two late goals. JORGINHO: 6 (for Partey 75 mins) – Brought on to keep more control in midfield as Partey started to flag.READ MORE SUN STORIESRICCARDO CALAFIORI: 7 (for Myles-Skelly 76 mins) – Played key role in second goal with driving run through middle.KIERAN TIERNEY: 6 (for Trossard 89 mins) – Scot played on wing for closing minutes. Merino finished at the back post for the second goalCredit: Rex More

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      Leicester 0 Arsenal 2: Supersub Merino breathes life into Gunners’ title fight and eases striker crisis with late goals

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      MIKEL MERINO rescued toothless Arsenal’s title bid with two goals in the last 10 minutes that now pile the pressure on leaders Liverpool.The Spanish midfielder, sent on with 20 minutes to go as a makeshift centre forward, headed home Ethan Nwaneri’s cross and converted fellow sub Riccardo Calafiori’s centre to close the gap at the top to four points.Mikel Merino heads home Arsenal’s winnerCredit: RexThe Spaniard celebrates grabbing the Gunners’ openerCredit: PAUntil that crucial moment Mikel Arteta’s injury-hit side were heading for a draw that would have handed the initiative straight back to Arne Slot’s Reds after their disappointing result in the Merseyside derby.Although teenage sensation Nwaneri had hit the woodwork twice, once in either half, the Gunners had not forced the Foxes goalkeeper into a meaningful save.Arteta’s lack of attacking options after Kai Havertz joined the casualty list was shown when Arteta threw Merino on for the last quarter of the game.But the Spaniard, who was injured himself in his first training session with the Gunners last summer, came up trumps.Arsenal had the better possession early on but the first chance fell to Leicester’s Wilfried Ndidi.When a cross was half cleared, the midfielder sent a volley from the edge of the box straight into David Raya’s arms.The Gunners’ Ethan Nwaneri was looking lively, and sent in a tempting cross only for Declan Rice’s header to deflect off James Justin and go wide.That was about it until a Jordan Ayew error set Raheem Sterling off on a run that ended with a shot which went behind off Wout Faes.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMerino nets Arsenal’s second of the afternoonCredit: ReutersArsenal’s makeshift forward knee slides after bagging his secondCredit: GettyThen Martin Odegaard’s scooped pass looked to be dropping nicely for makeshift centre forward Leandro Trossard, but the Belgian totally misjudged it and the chance was gone.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA poor first half was petering out when Ndidi had the chance to give the home side the lead.Kai Havertz ruled out for rest of SEASON with torn hamstring in devastating blow to Arsenal’s title dreamsLeft-back Victor Kristiansen’s cross was excellent but the Nigeria international could not even put his header on target.Arsenal started the second half with a bit more conviction. If Rice’s lay-off to Sterling had been better, the former Man City winger would have had a clear sight of goal.Then Sterling was stopped in his tracks by Leicester substitute Woyo Coulibaly, who had come on late in the first half for the injured Justin.Most read in FootballThe away team forced a number of corners without making any of them count, but they were getting closer. Most notably when Nwaneri grazed the bar with a shot from 20 yards on the hour.Bobby De Cordova-Reid made sure Raya was still awake with a shot on target but it was a rare forward threat from the home team.Arteta had seen enough of Sterling with 20 minutes to go, sending on midfielder Mikel Merino to play as a stop-gap centre forward and moving Trossard to the left.Then Leicester almost took the lead. Ayew broke and crossed to the far post where only Myles Lewis-Skelly’s touch stopped De Cordova-Reid from tapping the ball home.Arsenal went straight down the other end and almost scored themselves. Again it was Nwaneri and again he was denied by the woodwork, this time hitting Hermansen’s left-hand post.WIth less than a quarter of the game to go, Arteta had seen enough of Sterling toiling down the left and on came Merino.With less than 10 minutes to go, the substitute delivered.Leicester failed to clear. Nwaneri’s cross was gorgeous, Merino’s run was perfectly timed and his header was firm and well-directed.The away fans went ballistic. Leicester tried to come back but did not look like equalising before an attack broke down and Arsenal showed the ruthlessness they had lacked for so long.READ MORE SUN STORIESCalafiori ran down the left and sent in a perfect cross that Merino gave the finish it deserved.The title race is very much on. More

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      ‘Was that an apology?’ – Martin Keown and Ruud van Nistelrooy in awkward exchange live on TNT Sports

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      MARTIN KEOWN finally apologised for his iconic scream in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s face live on TV.The former Arsenal defender famously celebrated wildly when the ex-Manchester United striker slammed his 2003 penalty against the crossbar. Martin Keown and Ruud van Nistelrooy were reunited at the King Power StadiumCredit: TNT SportsThey had a long, slightly tense handshakeCredit: TNT SportsThe pair were in a good mood and buried their old rivalryCredit: TNT SportsKeown famously celebrated Van Nistelrooy’s penalty miss at Old Trafford in 2003Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdKeown got right up to the dejected Dutchman following his miss in the final moments of the pulsating Premier League showdown between the Gunners and Red Devils at Old Trafford.The no-nonsense centre-half has constantly defended his behaviour for more than two decades.But as Keown and Van Nistelrooy were reunited at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, the ex-England defender did say sorry – although did not explicitly mention what for.As Leicester manager Van Nistelrooy spoke to TNT Sports before kick-off against Arsenal, the pair put their past clashes behind them.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe duo shook hands for a long while and Van Nistelrooy asked: “Martin how are you? Good to see you.”Keown replied: “Nice to see you after all these years.”Van Nistelrooy, 48, added: “It has been a while. I have seen you once, at Villa Park, remember?”Then Keown offered out his olive branch.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “Apologies for all the shenanigans that went on back in the day.”But Van Nistelrooy clearly holds no grudges.Arsenal legend Martin Keown suffers embarrassing blunder live on TV and Declan Rice has no idea what to sayHe responded: “Nah. What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch.”Joe Cole piped up: “He’s never apologised for kicking me, ever.”Keown, 58, then joked: “I thought you were going to stamp on me.”Van Nistelrooy then added: “I’m happy to have him in front of me, not in the back of me.”It was good. It was a good rivalry, wasn’t it?”Keown quipped: “Great days. I’m glad you’re standing there and not next to me because you used to love to stand on me.”Van Nistelrooy laughed: “I would like to block you – and then fall over.” The panel then briefly discussed Van Nistelrooy and TNT host Lynsey Hipgrave climbing mountains in Rio de Janeiro together – before moving on to the task at hand for the relegation-threatened Foxes.Once Van Nistelrooy headed off back to the home dressing room, Keown denied he had really said sorry by asking: “Was that an apology?”He then continued: “Since I’ve finished playing, the number of strikers I’ve had to apologise to… “It was never personal – I treated every striker exactly the same, maybe a bit of extra special spice for Ruud. “He was very clever, he would stamp on your feet, his movement off the shoulder, really clever.”Fans on social media enjoyed the interaction from the two old foes.One said: “Class act from both.”Another wrote: “Heartwarming banter. Love it.”A third added: “Actually quite nice to see a moment like this.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd a final user posted: “Glad he finally admitted to diving. Such a cheat when he was a player.”Others referenced the infamous “sorry” scene from The Inbetweeners, one labelled Keown “soft” and plenty tweeted the clip to Simon Jordan to add fuel to his rivalry with the former Arsenal man. Keown said sorry for the ‘shenanigans’ of yesteryearCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Must explore every option’ – Man Utd to hold emergency staff meeting as Sir Jim Ratcliffe refuses to deny job cut plans

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will reportedly hold an emergency staff meeting amid fears of 200 more redundancies. SunSport revealed on Tuesday that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning to cut another wave of jobs at Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe is preparing to make up to 200 more redundancies at Manchester UnitedCredit: PAA ‘team briefing’ has been reportedly scheduled for February 24Credit: GettyThe British billionaire’s money-saving measures have seen many employees lose their jobs – including 250 last summer – while the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson have had their salaries axed, too.SunSport understands a further 100 to 200 staff members are at risk in the next round of cuts.A source exclusively told SunSport: “Ultimately, football is a business but there are hundreds of people who work tirelessly behind the scenes who contribute to any club’s success. “Morale is already on the floor after last year’s job losses. This will come as another big blow.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne of those who has reportedly been dismissed is popular head of team operations and “mum of everyone” Jackie Kay, who joined United in 1995. Now, though, The Guardian state the club have notified staff of an unexpected “team briefing” on February 24.It is claimed all employees received an email on Friday evening to confirm the scheduled meeting next Monday afternoon. And while the note did not confirm jobs would be lost, it heavily implied that could be the case as the “club must explore every option”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe email reportedly said: “We are aware of media reports this week speculating on a number of issues relating to the club. “We recognise this is unsettling for you all. In terms of what has been reported there is no further information that we can share with you at this point. Paul Scholes lays into Sir Jim Ratcliffe for ‘having the cheek’ to introduce ‘ridiculous’ Man Utd’s ticket prices “However, we will hold a team briefing on Monday 24 February at 2.30pm during which we’ll be able to talk to you further.”It will come as no surprise that the club must explore every option, including reducing costs and raising revenues. “There are no final decisions currently.”Ratcliffe is determined to restore the glory days back at Manchester United – with no Premier League title since 2013.The Red Devils have lost £300million over the past three years and need to turn things around financially. Ratcliffe even fears if he does not radically cut costs the historic football giants could go BUST.Ratcliffe’s unpopular measures in his first year in the director’s box include cancelling the staff Christmas party, replacing bonuses with £40 M&S vouchers, cutting donations to charities, increasing ticket prices and scrapping lunchboxes for matchday staff. READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is not just the staff feeling the disconnect with the club’s ownership – as fans plan a protest on March 9 when they host Arsenal at Old Trafford. And on the pitch, January transfer recruitment was limited to less than £30million, signing left-back Patrick Dorgu and teenager Ayden Heaven, while it is thought virtually the entire squad of players could be available for sale at the end of the season.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More