Premier League

ARSENAL fans are convinced Jurrien Timber “fooled” the referee and commentator by faking a hilarious gaffe.The Gunners drew 1-1 with Chelsea yesterday as they slipped nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.Jurrien Timber dropped the ball as he attempted a throw-inCredit: Sky SportsKai Havertz was being bandaged up at the timeCredit: AlamyIn the second-half, there were ironic cheers from Blues fans when Timber seemingly messed up a throw-in.The Dutch defender somehow chucked the ball into his own back and was allowed to retake it as it had not entered the pitch.Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury laughed that you “couldn’t do that if you tried.”But Arsenal, who hit the headlines earlier this season for their use of the “dark arts”, have potentially used their rule-bending playbook again.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt turns out Timber’s throw-in blunder occurred while team-mate Kai Havertz was off the pitch receiving treatment after a cut in his head re-opened and blood began to pour down his face.And Gunners fans reckon it was a deliberate action to waste time as they were a player short with the German being patched up.One supporter said: “The commentators and the ref thought that was a genuine attempt. Bro fooled them.”Another added: “Incredible bit of acting, had me fooled until I realised Havertz was off the pitch.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third commented: “Now this is the dark arts I wanna see.”More reacted: “‘You couldn’t do that if you tried’ to something Timber did very deliberately.”Other fans said: “100 per cent time wasting cause we had ten-men on the pitch from an injury.”Jamie Carragher SAVAGES Arsenal on Monday Night Football and says they’re ‘like a Mourinho team without the trophies’Arsenal ratings v ChelseaHere’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:David Raya – 7Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.Ben White – 5Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.William Saliba – 6Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.Jurrien Timber – 6Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.Thomas Partey – 6Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.Declan Rice – 6Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.Martin Odegaard – 7Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.Bukayo Saka – 5Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.Kai Havertz – 6Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head. More

IPSWICH TOWN defender Harry Clarke left fans in stitches with a cheeky gesture following Sunday’s shock win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.The Tractor Boys earned their first Premier League victory in 22 years at the weekend.Harry Clarke was caught making a gesture towards the Tottenham fansCredit: X / @7ontheshirtClarke led the celebrations at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: ReutersSammie Szmodics and Liam Delap both scored as Kieran McKenna’s side clinched a 2-1 win over Tottenham.Travelling fans stayed in the away end long after the final whistle to celebrate, with pop superstar and boyhood Ipswich fan Ed Sheeran also in attendance.Former Arsenal academy star Clarke – who was an unused substitute for Ipswich – led the full-time celebrations.And he was even caught making a cheeky gesture towards the Tottenham fans.Read More in FootballWhile walking with his team-mates, Clarke was filmed flicking two middle fingers up at the home supporters.Sky Sports viewers were quick to spot the gesture and took to social media to react.One person wrote: “I know what’ll cheer you up, seeing how Hale End’s Harry Clarke celebrated his win at spurs today towards the spurs fans.”Another commented: “Once a Gooner. Good lad Harry.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third quipped: “Hang it in the Louvre!”While a fourth said: “Once a Gunner…”Mikel Arteta ‘disappointed’ by Chelsea draw as Arsenal lose ground in title race Clarke also took to X after the match to share an image of himself celebrating on the pitch.He captioned the post with: “Huge win on the road,” alongside a fire emoji and a blue heart.The win over Tottenham took Ipswich out of the relegation zone and up to 17th in the Premier League table. More

ANGE POSTECOGLOU appeared to angrily stare down a Tottenham fan after his flops were booed off the pitch against Ipswich.Spurs looked to be flying high several weeks ago when they dumped Man City out of the Carabao Cup.Ange Postecoglou appeared to angrily stare down a Tottenham fanThe incident came as Spurs lost 2-1 at home to IpswichCredit: GettyThey then thrashed Champions League outfit Aston Villa 4-1 at home.And despite seeing their B team lose 3-2 in the Europa League to Galatasaray, supporters were extremely confident of a big victory against struggling Premier League newbies Ipswich.Kieran McKenna’s promoted side were yet to win a game this season.But the Tractor Boys upset the odds to seal an incredible 2-1 triumph in North London.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpurs fans were left enraged by the result as they jeered players off at the final whistle.However, that wasn’t the only incident at full time.As Tottenham boss Postecoglou headed to the tunnel, he zoned in on one fan giving it large.It is not known what the supporter – or supporters – said or did.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Postecoglou was clearly annoyed by it. And he stopped dead in his tracks at the tunnel entrance before looking upwards and staring at the naughty fan.Chelsea fans LOVE Eden Hazard’s reaction as Blues legend is pranked by barber with Tottenham shirtThe result marked Ipswich’s first win of the seasonCredit: GettyPostecoglou insisted he should take the blame for Spurs’ inconsistencyCredit: GettyTottenham’s boss held his glare for several seconds, with some staff members also joining him.But Postecoglou eventually headed inside and undoubtedly gave his Spurs players a dressing down.Speaking in the tunnel, the Australian said: “We were very passive, we didn’t get the tempo or intensity right. Ultimately, it’s my responsibility.“It’s got nothing to do with the players. The inconsistency we’re having this year is down to me.“I’ve got to make sure that I try and find a way for us to become a more consistent side.“The fans will be disappointed, they have a right to be. Like I said, the responsibility lies with me to fix it.”Big Ange also hit out at Ipswich for perceived time wasting, adding: “I think it’s the way the Premier League is going.“It’s pretty strategic now. It’s funny – I always liked the Premier League because it wasn’t like that.“You’d watch teams play in Europe and get frustrated by it, but now it’s part of the game here as well. There’s nothing we can do about it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“For us, if we want to mitigate those things – because we don’t do it and we want the game to be played – then we shouldn’t give opportunities for the opposition to do that.”Postecoglou has the international break to “fix” things – then faces Man City away in the first game back. More

MANCHESTER UNITED broke an unwanted club record despite Ruud van Nistelrooy signing off in style.The Red Devils beat Leicester 3-0 in the interim manager’s final match at the helm.Ruud van Nistelrooy’s spell as interim boss has come to an endCredit: GettyVan Nistelrooy’s future is unclear with the incoming Ruben Amorim set to appoint his own assistant coaches.The Dutch legend has overseen cup wins against Leicester and PAOK, as well as a Premier League draw with Chelsea and today’s victory over the Foxes for a second time.Despite the upturn in form, United are still languishing in 13th.And it is the first time the club has ever gone into the November international break in the bottom half of the table in Prem history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet they are only four points away from third after Chelsea and Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw.Van Nistelrooy was serenaded by the Stretford End as he lapped up the love from supporters on his way to the tunnel after today’s game.The club icon, who scored 150 goals for United as a player, said after the game: “It is a closure to the block of four games and the future is open.”It was a beautiful moment to be able to share that with the supporters, it was special.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”A beautiful moment and to show gratitude to them [the fans], I can’t thank them enough.”On his efforts since Erik ten Hag’s sacking, he added: “We tried to stabilise after a difficult and emotional period.’That is so disrespectful’ says fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fan”We wanted to get players performing at their best, we got the right feeling to them and got them believing in themselves.”This spell was a big responsibility, I took it very seriously. “I wanted to help and get United into a better place, that was my goal.”With three wins and a draw it is a standard where you want to grow to as a club.”Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want? More

BRUNO FERNANDES has provided a theory as to why Alejandro Garnacho didn’t celebrate his “banger” of a goal against Leicester in front of Manchester United fans.The Red Devils cruised to a 3-0 win against the Foxes at Old Trafford on Sunday, ending Ruud van Nistelrooy’s spell as interim manager on a high.Bruno Fernandes reckons he knows why Alejandro Garnacho didn’t celebrate his ‘banger’ against LeicesterCredit: AFPThe Man Utd star scored a screamer in his side’s 3-0 win at Old TraffordCredit: GettyGarnacho usually likes to toast his special strikes alongside fansCredit: GettyThe victory was just their fourth in 11 Premier League games this season.And after going unbeaten in four games under Van Nistelrooy – with three of those results being wins – United are well set up to push on when new boss Ruben Amorim comes to town.However, there were questions over one of United’s goals against Leicester today.Argentina winger Garnacho bagged the third and final strike of the afternoon with an absolute howitzer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut interestingly, the ace did not celebrate in his usual fashion and instead opted for a subdued toast away from supporters.It is unclear why Garnacho did not do his usual trademark celebration for a sizzler, which is to jump onto a billboard in front of fans.Yet United captain Fernandes reckons he may know the reason why.The Portuguese ace opened the scoring on Sunday, with an own-goal from Leicester’s Victor Kristiansen also setting the Red Devils on their way to victory.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Fernandes believes Garnacho did not celebrate in his usual style for one big reason.He said: “It was a good day at work, I have to say. We have a lot of players with big qualities, but people can get too excited after one game and too down after another.Emotional Ruud van Nistelrooy given incredible ovation at Old Trafford with Man Utd interim still unclear on his future”Garnacho scored a banger but didn’t celebrate like he should because he thinks he has lost faith from some fans. I told him people will always moan but lots of people like you and enjoy what you do.”I told him to celebrate, it was something special. He is a special player, we have difference makers. They are the ones who win us games. We want them to score every game but that isn’t going to happen.”He also jokingly added: “The Fantasy managers won’t be happy with you guys taking that goal off me.”Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More