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      ‘He’s on another level — top quality’ – Premier League star compared to legendary Johan Cruyff leaving team-mate in awe

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      WOLVES defender Matt Doherty claims Brazilian star Matheus Cunha  is ‘Cruyff-like’ at times.Doherty could start today against former club Tottenham — after coming on as a late sub there on his first return last season.Matheus Cunha is being hailed as Wolves’ very own Johan CruyffCredit: RexThe Dutch master was one of the greatest players in historyCredit: CorbisAnd the 32-year-old says Wolves are revitalised after two wins out of two for new boss Vitor Pereira took them out of the bottom three over Christmas.But Doherty says Cunha is playing a huge part after dazzling in the 2-0 Boxing Day win over visitors Manchester United.As well as scoring direct from a corner and making the second, the 25-year-old forward produced a string of touches that had fans on their feet — and drew comparisons with Dutch legend Johan Cruyff.Doherty said: “He’s on another level — it’s top quality, when he’s confident, like that. It’s hard to play against.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I was saying to the other lads, it’s difficult to make the game look that easy at times.“There’s maybe more than a handful in this league who can make it look that easy. And he’s one of them.“We’re fortunate to have him. Against Manchester United, he was just on it all game.“He was taking balls out of the sky, he was Cryuff-like — doing things you would normally be expecting Manchester United players to do.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s not showboating. That’s his way of getting out of any pressure.“You’re not showboating when it’s 0-0 — that’s just his brain working better than everyone else’s.”Wolves fan goes to extreme measures to distract Justin Kluivert taking a penalty in loss to BournemouthMatt Doherty hopes Cunha can inspire Wolves to a third straight win, this time against SpursCredit: PACunha is still facing a potential Premier League ban following his post-match bust-up with an Ipswich security guard after Wolves’ home loss on December 14.That could be a blow as Doherty hopes Wanderers can pull clear of relegation danger by becoming the kings of swing. Wolves’ in-swinging corners are being used as a weapon — and Cunha netted direct against United, just as Spurs did earlier in the month in the Carabao Cup.Doherty says Wolves are working on set-pieces — scoring from them and not conceding either.And he was at the centre of Cunha’s goal against United, with keeper Andre Onana claiming the defender had impeded him.Doherty was having none of that, though, and said: “Football’s a contact sport, isn’t it? Keepers are not untouchable.“I understand sometimes if a keeper’s in the air and he gets nudged and it’s a foul because of that.“But no, I was just there to block — and I think he was behind me anyway.“There was little bit of contact but it just flew in the far corner. That can happen for a goalkeeper as well, it’s tough for them.“We are practising set-pieces, I assume everybody knows that. But that’s what we were going for at the corner.“We were going to put it right in on top of it and see what happens.“It also happened in the first half and I don’t know how the keeper kept it out, I didn’t believe it. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Set-pieces are a huge part of the game. They can win those matches. They were causing us problems, and we were losing a lot of games from it.“So now we’ve stopped conceding at set-pieces, and we seem to be winning games.”Johan Cruyff’s career statsThe man who invented the ‘Cruyff Turn’ also won three Ballon d’Or’s…Ajax, 1964-1973: 329 games, 257 goalsBarcelona, 1973-1978: 227 games, 85 goalsLos Angeles Aztecs, 1979: 26 games, 15 goalsWashington Diplomats, 1980: 26 games, 10 goalsLevante, 1980-1981: 10 games, 2 goalsWashington Diplomats, 1981: 5 games, 2 goalsAjax, 1981-1983: 46 games, 16 goalsFeyenoord, 1983-1984: 44 games, 13 goalsNetherlands, 1966-1977: 48 games, 33 goalsTrophiesAjax: Eredivisie x8, Dutch Cup x5, European Cup x3, European Super Cup, Intercontinental CupBarcelona: La Liga, Copa del ReyFeyenoord: Eredivisie, Dutch CupManagerial careerAjax, 1985-1988: P117 W86 D10 L21Barcelona, 1988-1996: P430 W250 D97 L83Catalonia, 2009-2013: P4 W2 D2 L0TrophiesAjax: Dutch Cup x2, European Cup Winners’ CupBarcelona: La Liga x4, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup x3, European Cup, European Cup Winners’ Cup, European Super Cup More

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      Amorim always knew Man Utd was a huge mess… but Ratcliffe’s ‘football committee’ could be the biggest of the lot

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      CARDS maxed to the limit, a fortune spent on stuff that seemed a bright idea but will just lie around cluttering up the place.Unwanted tat you’re stuck with as no one else wants it either. Ruben Amorim is giving Man Utd an identity but must rebuildCredit: GettyChristian Eriksen and Co slumped 2-0 at Wolves on Boxing DayCredit: AlamySir Jim Ratcliffe’s football committee at Man Utd looks like a bigger joke than anything that came out of a Christmas crackerCredit: PAWondering whatever possessed you to think it was good value in the first place.The story of the festive season for households across the nation. The story of the past ten seasons for Manchester United.One which means even though they seem to have found a suitable successor to Sir Alex Ferguson at last, he is having to do the job with both hands tied behind his back.So much for all those boasts of how cock-ups were a thing of the past now Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s much-vaunted football committee was running the show.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSeriously, Sir Jim? That already looks a bigger joke than anything which tumbled out of a cracker.This is a regime which arrived 12 months  ago with chest-beating promises that United would be title contenders in three years.But right now is more likely to be remembered for their role in one of  the most unforgivable chapters in the history of England’s biggest club.Reckon that is overplaying the  seriousness of the situation at Old Trafford? Well, scratch beneath the surface a little and see what you think.Most read in FootballUnited keeper Andre Onana let in a goal direct from a corner at WolvesCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe biggest and most obvious clanger of all was fudging Erik ten Hag’s future last summer. And then managing to trump themselves by compounding it even further.First co-owner Sir Jim, right-hand man Dave Brailsford and the rest of the brains trust decided Erik wasn’t so bad after all — having spent months wildly thrashing around in vain for a better option. ‘Who do you think you are’: Sir Alex Ferguson reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears after ‘ripping in’ to Man Utd iconNot many truly believed it with any serious conviction — maybe not even the committee themselves — but the FA Cup final win in May gave them a platform to argue so.For all it was great to beat Manchester City, there’s a case to suggest it was the worst thing that could’ve happened. Crystal clear waters became muddied.Defeat at Wembley would certainly have seen off the manager. Instead Sir Jim’s boys not only stuck with Ten Hag, but then let him spend more than £170million on new recruits.Until late October, when reality could be ignored no longer and they swung the axe. At last a unanimous verdict . . . no disputing this decision.Most fans agreed the next one was spot on, too. In Ruben Amorim, United, after 11 error-riddled years, finally had the manager they craved.One whose personality, character, presence and belief is as big as the sporting institution paying his wages. Results alone wouldn’t scream as much, for sure. They are no better than Ten Hag’s early days at Old Trafford.But already Amorim is giving United an identity again. Already there is a system in mind. His predecessor couldn’t manage either in over two years.The problem, though, is the manager needs the tools to do the job . . . and there aren’t many — of the right kind at least — to work with.There is an urgent demand for new faces. But that demands departures which, in turn, demands finding buyers. And there is no queue for Old Trafford cast-offs.Of the players Amorim inherited, you could say with any certainty only Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and, probably, Bruno Fernandes are out  of bounds.This is a rebuild of knock-it-down, start-from-scratch proportions… demanding ultimate stick-with-it patience.Plus possibly £42m summer signing Leny Yoro — if only for the reason his injury-delayed start means he hasn’t played enough to pass judgment.Yet so many of the rest simply aren’t up to it —  Amorim has swiftly  realised it, too. He knew United had problems, but probably not what a mess they were in.One logic-defying win at City won’t pull the wool over his eyes. Not with red-faced losses to Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Wolves in the mix, too.Amorim knew full well this was a mission with no quick fix . . . but not, you sense, the reality that it will take years longer than he first believed.This is a rebuild of knock-it-down, start-from-scratch proportions. A job demanding ultimate stick-with-it patience.Which, ironically, has been the mantra of the post-Fergie era. That plea urging the owners to keep faith in the manager.So far none have had more than two full seasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESNo surprise, then, that patience is the watchword once again. Yet now with a huge sense  of irony.For this time the call isn’t begging United’s owners to be patient, but for the manager to have enough in those who brought him in.Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo are the two players whose Old Trafford future should be most secureCredit: Getty More

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      England star Marc Guehi eyes Liverpool transfer… but Crystal Palace could want wonderkid as part of deal

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      MARC GUEHI is willing to wait on a move to Liverpool as Crystal Palace brace for offers.Centre-back Guehi was cool on leaving in the summer when Newcastle took an interest — and will have the major say on when he leaves the Eagles nest and where he goes.Marc Guehi is open to leaving Crystal Palace but won’t force through a January exitCredit: GETTYThe Eagles skipper is keen to join LiverpoolCredit: REXPalace could try to get Reds startlet Ben Doak in a potential deal for GuehiCredit: PAThe England international is holding on for a Champions League club — whether that comes next month or in the summer.Sources close to Guehi, 24, have revealed Liverpool is his first-choice destination and the Reds are also interested in a deal at the right price.Palace will look for a big fee now, although that is sure to drop in the summer as his contract ticks down. The Eagles could try to get a player out of the deal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThey have been checking on winger Ben Doak during his loan spell at Middlesbrough.The flying Scot, 19, wants to go back and play at the Kop — but may seek a new Premier League home if that is not available.Boro would try for him if they go up but Palace are already waiting in the wings and poised to move for the exciting young Anfield talent.Palace will push hard for Doak if they fail to land French target Rayan Cherki, 21, from Lyon — their ideal arrival next month.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Paris Saint-Germain want Cherki and hope to land him in a dream double, with a return for Kylian Mbappe their other main move.Palace rejected THREE summer bids from Newcastle for Guehi’s services.England star Marc Guéhi’s talks about his father’s faith and missing church on Sundays After the closeure of the transfer window, manager Oliver Glaser said: I was never in doubt [that Guehi would stay].”Congratulations to our owners because they didn’t give in.”Thank you to Marc, he was always open with me. “All the rumours didn’t influence his performances.”He always told me that he’s not pushing to leave Crystal Palace and that is always the most important thing for me.”Palace will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, welcoming bottom-of-the-table Southampton to Selhurst Park.Oliver Glasner was confident Marc Guehi wouldn’t leave Palace this past summerCredit: GETTY More

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      Newcastle eye shock transfer swoop for Everton ace Dominic Calvert-Lewin… but are prepared to wait until summer

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      NEWCASTLE have targeted Dominic Calvert-Lewin — but are prepared to wait to get him on a free in the summer.The Toon set their sights on the Everton striker, whose deal expires in June, although they are reluctant to pay a big fee next month.Dominic Calvert-Lewin is wanted by the Magpies plus overseas clubsCredit: RexInstead, the Geordies will put all of their cash into a major contract offer for the  one-cap England man to tempt him away from Merseyside. The 27-year-old is happy to stay in the Premier League for family reasons.And he has snubbed approaches from abroad, where Fiorentina are keen on him.The Italians would also offer Calvert-Lewin a huge deal to land him in the summer, with a pre- contract ready and waiting to be signed now.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Newcastle are firm favourites and will wait, which also suits their budget plans.Toon boss Eddie Howe may only make one serious move for a player next month and would need to sell one to bring in any more.Ironically, Everton and Newcastle are the two Prem clubs with the most players whose contracts end in the summer.That means they are vulnerable to swoops from overseas clubs in January.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat’s because players with just six months remaining on their contracts can negotiate pre-contract deals with clubs from other leagues. Indeed the Prem could be one of the hardest hit top-flights in Europe.Aston Villa star Jhon Duran kicks water bottle in fury after he is sent off against NewcastleThe Toffees and the Magpies both have eight stars poised for the pre-contract countdown.For the Toon that’s Sean Longstaff, Callum Wilson, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Martin Dubravka, Emil Krafth, Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy.And Calvert-Lewin is joined by other household names on the list of Goodison Park aces who might move for nothing at the end of the season.Ex-England wideman Ashley Young, 39, is joined by Abdoulaye Doucoure, Michael Keane, Idrissa Gueye, Seamus Coleman, Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic. More

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      Top 20 footballers whose transfer value rose most in 2024 with seven Premier League stars including Cole Palmer

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      SEVEN Premier League stars feature in this year’s top 20 highest transfer value climbers.Plenty of players around the world have increased their stocks with brilliant performances in 2024.Cole Palmer is among the Prem’s finest talentsCredit: GettyFrom teenage wonderkids to already established stars making a leap, this list features players that have soared during the last 12 months.Boffins over at Transfermarkt calculate every player’s transfer value.And they have compiled their list of the top 20 risers during 2024.Here is a run-through of each player to have made the cut.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL20 – VIKTOR GYOKERES – SPORTING CPTransfer value: £62m (+£25m)Former Coventry and Brighton star has been sensational since moving to Portugal. Has scored 27 goals in 26 games this season, and will have upped his stock with a Champions League hat-trick vs Manchester City.Viktor Gyokeres has impressed in Portugal and Europe this yearCredit: Getty19 – RAPHINHATransfer value: £66m (+£25m)The winger, 28, has come on leaps and bounds since leaving Leeds in 2022. He has established himself as one of Barca’s key men, and even captains them in Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injury absence.Most read in FootballFormer Leeds star Raphinha has gone from strength to strength at BarcelonaCredit: RexBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS18 – FEDE VALVERDE Transfer value: £108m (+£25m)Despite being surrounded by superstars, Valverde continues to stand out. The 26-year-old helped Real Madrid to LaLiga and Champions League triumphs last term.Fede Valverde has enjoyed another productive yearCredit: Rex~16 – JAMAL MUSIALA Transfer value: £116m (+£25m)Attacking midfielder Musiala excelled at Euro 2024 with Germany last summer. At club level, the 21-year-old is already among Bayern Munich’s best players.Jamal Musiala is among Bayern Munich’s best playersCredit: GettyHeartwarming moment Jude Bellingham hears emotional message from childhood pal and Bayern star at Ballon d’Or ceremony~16 – PHIL FODEN Transfer value: £116m (+£25m)Manchester City star Foden was crowned PFA Player of the Year for his exploits during the 2023-24 campaign. At 24, it’s expected that he should soon enter his prime years.Phil Foden won PFA Player of the Year last seasonCredit: Reuters15 – BUKAYO SAKATransfer value: £124m (+£25m)Prior to his recent hamstring injury, Saka continued to thrive for the Gunners. The 23-year-old has already scored five goals and laid on 10 assists this season.Bukayo Saka continued to flourish in 2024Credit: AFP14 – RICCARDO CALAFIORITransfer value: £37m (+£26.5m)Italian defender Calafiori hugely improved his stock with his performances at Euro 2024. The 22-year-old subsequently earned a summer move from Genoa to Arsenal.Riccardo Calafiori earned a summer transfer following his Euro 2024 performancesCredit: Getty13 – KENAN YILDIZ Transfer value: £37m (+£29m)Turkish international has established himself as one of Juventus’ key players aged just 19. He is projected to get better and better with the Old Lady.Kenan Yildiz has established himself as a star player at JuventusCredit: Rex12 – FERMIN LOPEZTransfer value: £41m (+£29m)Lopez, 21, is one of several La Masia graduates to make this top 20 list. With Barca still struggling financially, the midfielder’s importance will likely only grow.Fermin Lopez is yet another star to have come through Barcelona’s academyCredit: Getty11 – BRADLEY BARCOLA Transfer value: £54m (+£29m)Previously stuck behind Kylian Mbappe in PSG’s pecking order, Barcola has been able to flourish since the forward’s departure. The 22-year-old has firmly developed into one of Ligue 1’s best players this season.Bradley Barcola has established himself as one of the best players in Ligue 1Credit: Rex10 – MORGAN ROGERS Transfer value: £33m (+£31m)Former Man City academy starlet Rogers left Middlesbrough for Aston Villa in January. This season he has grown into one of Unai Emery’s most important players.Morgan Rogers has grown into one of Aston Villa’s best playersCredit: Getty9 – ESTEVAOTransfer value: £41m (+£33m)Brazilian wonderkid Estevao, 17, has already broken into the Selecao national team following his performances for Palmeiras. He is set to join Chelsea upon his 18th birthday next summer.Estevao could be set to move to England next summerCredit: Alamy8 – FLORIAN WIRTZTransfer value: £116m (+£33m)German attacking midfielder starred as Bayer Leverkusen achieved a historic campaign last term. Wirtz, 21, was central to Xabi Alonso’s side achieving an unbeaten Bundesliga title season and winning the DFB Pokal.Florian Wirtz helped Bayer Leverkusen to an unprecedented seasonCredit: Getty7 – OMAR MARMOUSHTransfer value: £50m (+£37m)Egyptian international Marmoush has become one of the Bundesliga’s hottest properties this year. The 25-year-old has starred for Eintracht Frankfurt, who may struggle to keep hold of him.Omar Marmoush is among the Bundesliga’s deadliest finishersCredit: AFP6 – ALEKSANDAR PAVLOVIC Transfer value: £41m (+£40m)Holding midfielder Pavlovic has risen from relative obscurity to become a key cog for Bayern. The 20-year-old German is expected to keep going from strength to strength for club and county.Aleksandar Pavlovic has become a regular at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty5 – KOBBIE MAINOO Transfer value: £45.5m (+£40.5m)Manchester United academy graduate Mainoo is already among the Red Devils’ most important players. New boss Ruben Amorim will hope to have the 19-year-old fit and firing during the second half of the campaign.Kobbie Mainoo is already among Man Utd’s most important playersCredit: Rex4 – VINICIUS JRTransfer value: £165m (+£41m)Brazilian winger felt robbed of the Ballon d’Or, but can still look back on plenty of personal accolades this year. The 24-year-old is a man in his prime, helping Real Madrid to trophy after trophy each season.Vinicius Jr enjoyed another sensational year for Real MadridCredit: AFP3 – PAU CUBARSITransfer value: £58m (+£57m)Central defender Cubarsi is already starring at the back for Barcelona aged just 17. The academy graduate has shown an amazing maturity beyond his years.Pau Cubarsi is starring at the back for Barca aged just 17Credit: Rex2 – COLE PALMER Transfer value: £108m (+£70m)Chelsea star Palmer is second on this list and the highest-ranked Premier League player. Since moving to Stamford Bridge from Man City he has exceeded all expectations, leaving his old club to rue the sale.READ MORE SUN STORIESCole Palmer is already among the Premier League’s star menCredit: Rex1 – LAMINE YAMALTransfer value: £149m (£99m)The third La Masia graduate on this list, Yamal is the most impressive. Like Cubarsi he is aged just 17, and has already carried Spain to Euro 2024 glory – an incredibly exciting talent.Lamine Yamal is already arguably Barcelona and Spain’s best playerCredit: Rex More

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      ‘Such a pity’ – Major broadcaster ENDS Premier League coverage as fans are left heartbroken

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      AMAZON PRIME VIDEO signed off on their six years of Premier League coverage last night.The streaming platform have broadcast two complete rounds of matches during the last half-dozen Prem seasons.Gabby Logan signed off on Amazon Prime Video’s Prem coverageCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportBut with the next TV deal kicking in next season, Prime Video have been squeezed out.Prime’s package, which included all Boxing Day fixtures and another mid-week round of games, was removed from the latest round of bidding.The streamer had been paying around £30million per season, but would have found themselves potentially having to shell out around 10 times that figure to compete with Sky Sports and TNT Sports for any of the other packages.Gabby Logan presented coverage of their final match, last night’s clash between Arsenal and Ipswich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe popular presenter signed off from the Emirates, saying: “We’ve had six fantastic years of Premier League football on Prime – 128 games, 335 goals, some singing from John Legend and countless epic moments.”We hope you’ve enjoyed those as much as we have loved making them. Don’t worry, we will continue to bring you exclusive coverage of Tuesday’s top Champions League games all season long.”So on behalf of everyone at Prime, we wish you a very happy new year and we’ll see you again soon.”Prime Video posted Logan’s farewell to their social media channels, as well as a montage featuring the best bits of their coverage.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe streaming service offered live Prem football to plenty of British households that do not have Sky Sports or TNT Sports.With the next TV deal running to the end of the 2028-29 season, those fans will now miss out on seeing any live games.’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly Following Logan’s sign-off, plenty of fans took to social media to vent their frustration.One wrote: “Such a shame, Amazon coverage is on another level.”While a second echoed: “Great coverage, will be missed!”A third asked: “Best coverage out there. Come back.”And a fourth claimed: “What a pity.”Another added: “You guys should do the prem full time.”THE NEW DEAL EXPLAINEDTNT Sports will retain their usual Saturday 12:30pm kick-off slot, while they will also show two mid-week rounds of games.The broadcaster will show 52 Premier League matches in total per season.Sky Sports, meanwhile, are set to show 215 Prem games per season, starting next year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey will continue to broadcast matches on Friday and Monday evenings, Saturdays at 5:30pm and Sundays at 2pm and 4:30pm.Sky will now also be able to show matches moved to 2pm on Sunday due to clubs’ participation in the Europa League or Europa Conference League. More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘tells Liverpool he wants Real Madrid transfer’ and can open talks over move in DAYS

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD has told Liverpool that he wants to leave for Real Madrid, according to reports.The full-back, 26, is set to be out of contract at Anfield at the end of the season.Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘wants to leave Liverpool’ for Real MadridCredit: RexMarca claim that Alexander-Arnold has told Liverpool chiefs he wants MadridAlexander-Arnold will be free to talk to other clubs from January 1.And according to Spanish outlet Marca, he has his heart set on Real Madrid.Liverpool have made several attempts to renew Alexander-Arnold’s contract.But the England international has now reportedly made it clear that he would like to leave Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReds bosses will now have to decide whether to keep Alexander-Arnold until the end of the season before losing him on a free transfer.Or whether to cash in next month to at least get something for their homegrown star.Real Madrid are said to be relaxed about the situation; willing to wait until the end of the season but also open to a cut-price January swoop.They have done similar free transfer deals in recent years with the likes of David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and most recently Kylian Mbappe.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlexander-Arnold, 26, is close friends with England pal Jude BellinghamCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold is close friends with England team-mate and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.It’s claimed that he has learned all about life at Madrid via the midfielder.‘I’d hate to be Liverpool right now’, say fans after seeing what Bellingham did for Alexander-Arnold on England dutyAlexander-Arnold has played 332 times for Liverpool since debuting in 2016.He has won the Premier League, Champions League, the FA Cup, two League Cups and a Club World Cup with his boyhood club.Liverpool are six points clear at the top of the Premier League, with a game in hand.Should he stay until the end of the season, Alexander-Arnold could sign off with another Prem title.Real Madrid are chasing a long-term replacement for stalwart Dani Caravajal.The 32-year-old suffered a season-ending knee injury back in October.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn addition to Alexander-Arnold, Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also set to be out of contract at the end of the season.The duo will both also be free to talk to other clubs from January 1. More

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      Bukayo Saka undergoes surgery and set for MONTHS out as Mikel Arteta gives update on Arsenal star’s injury

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      ARSENAL star Bukayo Saka is set for MONTHS out after undergoing surgery.Saka, 23, was forced off just 23 minutes into the Gunners’ 5-1 thrashing of Crystal Palace with a hamstring injury last week.Arsenal star Bukayo Saka suffered a hamstring injury last weekCredit: GettyArsenal boss Mikel Arteta confimed Saka may be out for more than two monthsCredit: RexMatches Bukayo Saka is set to missHere are the matches Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is set to miss after his hamstring injury:Brentford (A) – Jan 1Brighton (A) – Jan 4Newcastle (H) Carabao Cup – Jan 7Man Utd (H) FA Cup – Jan 12Tottenham (H) – Jan 15Aston Villa (H) – Jan 18Dinamo Zagreb (H) Champions League – Jan 22Wolves (A) – Jan 25Girona (A) Champions League – Jan 29Man City (H) – Feb 2Newcastle (A) Carabao Cup – Feb 5Leicester (A) – Feb 15West Ham (H) – Feb 22Nottingham Forest (A) – Feb 25And manager Mikel Arteta issued a bleak update regarding his star winger’s fitness as he confirmed he underwent a procedure. The Arsenal boss confirmed the England international may be out for more than two months.Arteta said: “I prefer to leave it to the doctor or himself. “But yes Bukayo had a procedure and everything went well, but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks.Read More on Arsenal“I said many weeks, so I think it will be more than two months. I don’t know exactly how much longer.“It will depend on how the scar tissue starts to heal, the first week or so, the mobility of that. Let’s see, it’s very difficult to say.“We have to rely on the team, that is our strength, we are a team of players who can score 20-30 goals together.”Saka has been a focal point for Arsenal this season as he dominated opponents down the right flank.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe forward has amassed a total of nine goals and 13 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions this season.And Saka’s injury poses as a blow to the North Londoners’ Premier League title hopes after climbing to second place behind leaders Liverpool, who are six points ahead with a game in hand.Arsenal player ratings: Havertz shines in different role but Jesus can’t keep up hot streak against IpswichThat could force Arteta’s hand ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.Many have claimed that Arsenal have been in need of attacking reinforcement since the summer as they lack a natural centre-forward.That has led to links with the likes of Sporting Lisbon’s Victor Gyokeres, Lille’s Jonathan David, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush.Most recent reports have claimed the Premier League giants could also move for Wolves’ Matheus Cunha and Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani.Kai Havertz, who scored the winner against Ipswich on Friday during Saka’s absence, has been carrying the burden up front for most of the season.Arteta appears open to tackle the winter market as he said that “preparation is done” and Arsenal are ready to spend in January “if something happens .”The Spanish tactician said when asked if the club planned to do business this coming month: “Yes, the preparation is done. We are ready if something happens. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Obviously we didn’t predict the situation with Bukayo and Raheem [Sterling] at the same time. We predicted more if something has happened, for example, in the defensive line. But the job is done. “Then, okay, if something has to happen we will be open. But the main focus is now how we should strive to distil the potential that there is in this squad.”Arsenal ratings vs IpswichBy Katherine WalshARSENAL leapfrogged Chelsea back into second in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Ipswich.Kai Havertz’s close-range finish midway through the first half proved to be the difference between the title-chasing Gunners and relegation-threatened Tractor Boys. Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Arsenal players at the Emirates Stadium…David Raya – 5Cut a lonely figure and must have been cold standing on his goal-line for most of the first half as his team-mates enjoyed 84 per cent possession.Had his first touch on 31 minutes but was called upon more in the second half as Ipswich grew into the game.Jurrien Timber – 6Got the fans on their feet with a glorious run through the middle of the park inside 19 minutes, but his limp long range shot was easily kept out by Muric.Clearly had a licence to roam, cutting in from full-back and driving up the pitch.William Saliba – 7Joined Gabriel in the highest line set-up of the season. The pair of them were at the edge of Muric’s box for most of the first half.The Frenchman was solid in dealing with a boisterous Liam Delap.Gabriel – 8Great game for the Brazilian to ease back into 90 minutes after starting against Crystal Palace on Saturday.Caused his usual nuisance in the opposition area from corners but missed a sitter from a Rice set-piece in the 64th minute.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Getting more and more impressive each week. The way he moves with that low centre of gravity makes him so hard to dispossess.But a poor clearance saw Ipswich enjoy a first spell of possession before the hour mark.The 18-year-old was poked and prodded by Ipswich striker Delap and Kalvin Phillips at times but dealt with it well.Declan Rice – 7Rice was pushed into a defensive No6 role but didn’t have to stay there long.Energetic as always and added another level of attack he got his foot on the ball and won a dangerous free kick on the edge of the area.Kai Havertz – 8Officially back in midfield in Saka’s absence after having played most of the season up top.But the German was in the perfect elusive centre-forward’s position to tap home with a breakthrough opener inside 23 minutes.Rotated and exchanged the No9 role – perhaps Arteta has found a new partnership that may see them through this spell without Saka.Martin Odegaard – 6Rare off evening for the Arsenal captain but nothing too drastic. Uncharacteristic air ball inside six minutes and wasn’t as sharp in his passing.Perhaps missing the chemistry he has with Saka and lost the ball cheaply at times.Gabriel Martinelli – 6All eyes were on the winger as he filled in for Saka on the right-hand side.The Brazilian perhaps lacks the directness of the Gunners’ starboy, but he saw plenty of the ball and linked up well with Jesus.Whipped the first ball in for Havertz’s goal which came out to Trossard who provided the assist.Leandro Trossard – 7Started on the left and kept the ball alive to steal a yard on Ben Johnson and provide Havertz with a wicked cross and his 12th goal of the season.Troubled Ipswich’s Johnson with his direct running and tireless work rate throughout.Gabriel Jesus – 5Jesus clearly had the bit between his teeth at the moment after last week’s goal rush.Couldn’t quite hold his run well enough when breaking through after 34 minutes for his offside goal. Perhaps over eager at that moment.Looked disappointed when he was subbed off with 20 minutes remaining. More