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      Man City vs Chelsea LIVE RESULT: Haaland and Foden fire City into fourth after Sanchez error in Etihad thriller

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      MANCHESTER CITY continued their strong run of form in the Premier League with a 3-1 win over Chelsea.The Blues took the lead inside just two minutes after Noni Madueke capitalised on an error from City new boy Abdukodir Khusanov, but Josko Gvardiol levelled it up before half-time.Erling Haaland then put the hosts in front after a howler from Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez before Phil Foden put the game out of sight with three minutes remaining.The result means City are now unbeaten in their last five Prem games as they climb up to fourth in the table.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Match reportRobert Sanchez was king of the cock-ups on a night of blue shirts and red faces at an error-strewn Etihad.And no-one was happier to see the Chelsea keeper wearing the crown than Abdukodir Khusanov, after City’s own blunder boy had suffered the debut from hell.More of that later…first, though, the latest clanger from Sanchez and a staggering FIFTH to cost his side a goal already this term.Quite why he chose to head for the left angle of his area to pick off Ederson’s huge kick downfield only he knows. He was never going to get close.Instead Erling Haaland got there first and had the simple task – for a finisher of his quality – of lobbing over the stranded Spaniard to put City in front.Copy linkCopiedBig start to a big weekA huge week for Manchester City, with a crunch Champions League game in midweek.They host Club Brugge in Europe’s big competition before a trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal next Sunday.Copy linkCopiedChelsea player ratings – FORWARDSNoni Madueke – 7: Tapped home into an empty net with ease to open the scoring a couple of minutes into the game before troubling Man City’s left side on numerous occasions. Had bags of defensive work to do which is not his forte, and was caused major problems on the back foot by Josko Gvardiol rampaging down City’s left-hand side.Cole Palmer  – 5: Looked a shadow of the player who had such an impact in this very fixture last season. Should’ve done better with a pass for Nicolas Jackson in the first half to make it 2-0, and generally didn’t have the impact we have seen from him so often this season.Jadon Sancho – 5: A few nice runs and touches, but no end product of any meaning which is something Enzo Maresca is desperate to see from his wingers. Worked hard defensively down the left hand side, but could soon have Alejandro Garnacho breathing down his neck for a starting spot.Nicolas Jackson – 6: Played a vital part in Noni Madueke’s opening goal after just two minutes, latching onto a loose header and calmly tapping it across for the winger to finish. Had a chance of his own a matter of moments later after a ball across the box from Cole Palmer, but opted to look for Jadon Sancho instead – a confident striker probably scores that. Faded as the game went on and City started to dominate before he was subbed for Christopher Nkunku.Copy linkCopiedChelsea player ratings – MIDFIELDERSMoises Caicedo – 6: A decent display against two of the strongest dribblers in the league in Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva. Composed on the ball and a leader in this team, but looks far more comfortable with Romeo Lavia alongside him in midfield.Enzo Fernández  – 5: Tried his best to get the team going and be a leader in this side, and progressed the ball well at times too. Not the game changing performance we saw from him against the likes of Spurs, but not bad by any means.Copy linkCopiedChelsea player ratings – DEFENDERSSunSport’s Lloyd Canfield runs the rule over the visitors.Robert Sanchez – 1: It was much the same as what we have seen from Robert Sanchez for Chelsea this evening. Not commanding in his area, poor distribution, and was more out of place than a penguin in the desert when Erling Haaland lobbed him to give City the lead. The sentiment of the travelling fans is that they are utterly sick of him.Reece James –  6: Looked strong at the back and did his defensive duties well for the Blues for the most part. It would’ve been nice to see him more involved in an attacking sense, prancing down the right-hand side like we saw him do against Forest in the final game of last season.Trevoh Chalobah – 6: His long ball upfield caused havoc for Khusanov on his debut and led to the opening goal after he stepped in to stop a Man City passage of play. Did well for large parts of the game, but Erling Haaland sat him down 1v1 before giving his side the lead in the second half.Levi Colwill – 4: Was booked for time wasting at a goal kick after just 25 minutes, and the home crowd were onto him after that. It was a tough evening for him against Erling Haaland and the Norwegian’s relentless strength and power got the better of him at times, particularly for City’s third.Marc Cucurella – 4: Wasn’t strong enough to get the better of Matheus Nunes who went on to set up Josko Gvardiol for Man City’s leveller.  Also failed to offer anything going forwards for his side.Copy linkCopiedMaresca reactsEnzo Maresca reckons his side are BETTER than they were a couple of months ago, despite one win from the last six Premier League games.And he rues the missed chances early doors while also recognising Robert Sanchez’s latest error.He told Sky Sports: “The game started very well for us. We scored the first one and could have scored the second goal two or three times. The game would have completely changed. We missed.”The team was there but in the last minutes we conceded for 1-1. The second goal changed the game. Robert is the first one [to admit] he knows he has to do better. Working hard every day [is the way to improve]. We try to have conversations with all of them.”We are making progress. We are better than one or two months ago. These moments will make us better.”Copy linkCopiedOn the new boyOn Abdukodir Khusanov, Pep Guardiola told Sky Sports: “He doesn’t speak English so I didn’t speak to him. He’ll be fine. “He only made one or two training sessions. I didn’t want to push John [Stones] returning from injury.”The players were together. That was massively important. Any player can make a mistake. The fans always support the new players. He’s so young. He will learn.”While speaking to Match of the Day, he added: “It is not easy for him. He trains once and then to play against Jackson and Cole and Madueke and Sancho. It is a process when you buy a player this young. He will learn. “These kinds of actions are the best lesson you can take.”Copy linkCopied’Recovered’Pep Guardiola says his side were lucky not to have been punished in the early stages.But he gave credit to his side for recovering well and putting in a good display.He told Sky Sports: “Not the best start. Lucky they didn’t punish us for 2-0. After we recovered emotionally and made a good performance.”We had more of the ball than the last games. It was really important.”Now we’re closer to Nottingham but Bournemouth are on an impressive run.”Copy linkCopiedHe’s a keeperThe second Man City goal was a bit more direct from them and while it was a shocker from Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea goal, it was also another assist from his opposite number one.Ederson’s ball to Haaland ended up being his fifth assist in the Premier League.That moves him joint-top in the goalkeeper assist records alongside Paul Robinson, Opta say.Copy linkCopiedPoor startMuch will be said about Abdukodir Khusanov’s first appearance, after what was a terribly poor start.He looked a bit nervous and misplaced four of his first seven passes.Not to mention it was his huge error that led to the opening goal for Chelsea inside a few minutes.And when he was booked 90 seconds later, it was the quickest booking for a debutant in six years.He was left on at half time but hooked eight minutes into the second half.Copy linkCopiedXG tells a storyChelsea’s XG was 1.61 today.Second half was a contribution of 0.19, showing they did next to nothing after the break.Copy linkCopiedHaaland reactsErling Haaland says his side need to build on results like this in what is a really important week for the club.He told Sky Sports: “I think it was a really good performance.”We started really bad but we kept going and controlled a lot of the game.”It was a great team performance.”We have to keep winning games. Today we showed great spirit but now it’s about keeping going.”We have to be ready for the next game in midweek and then onto Arsenal.”Copy linkCopiedTight at the topSo Man City are into fourth and just three points behind Nottingham Forest in third now.They jump ahead of Newcastle on goal difference and now a point ahead of Chelsea.Maresca’s men were five points clear of City at one stage earlier tonight. A huge opportunity blown, from title contenders four weeks ago to only ahead of Bournemouth on goals scored!Copy linkCopiedWordsPep Guardiola and Cole Palmer the last two to leave the pitch as they’re locked in dialogue.Cole Palmer with a smile as they chat heading off the park. Maybe Pep was telling him that sort of performance is why he let him leave…Copy linkCopiedFrom Martin Blackburn at the EtihadAbdukodir Khusanov owes Erling Haaland a beer tonight. The £33.5million Uzbeki defender had a nightmare start to his City career as he gifted the visitors a goal within three minutes. But Josko Gvardiol levelled before half-time – and then Haaland took centre stage.He latched onto Ederson’s long ball and then took full advantage of a rush of blood by Robert Sanchez to put his team in front – then he teed up Phil Foden to make the game safe late on. A big boost for City’s hopes of scrambling into the top four at the end of the season. Copy linkCopiedComfortable enoughChelsea let Man City off the hook.They had them where they wanted them after a few minutes and could – and should – have added to their lead.That performance in the second half was as bad as any Chelsea 45 minutes in a long, long time. They showed too much respect to City who were never put under that much pressure despite their recent failings.Erling Haaland and Phil Foden second half goals see them leapfrog Chelsea and Newcastle and into fourth.Copy linkCopiedFULL TIMEMan City come from behind to beat Chelsea and move back into the top four!Man City 3-1 ChelseaCopy linkCopied90+4 – Man City 3-1 ChelseaThe corner hits Haaland as the first man but Chelsea keep it alive.The ball falls into the path of Colwill seven yards out and his effort is high, wide and ugly. A fitting end to the 45 minutes for his side.Copy linkCopied90+4 – Man City 3-1 ChelseaNeto wins Chelsea another corner on the left in what might be the last chance of the game.Copy linkCopied90 – Man City 3-1 ChelseaFive minutes additional time at the end of this one.Copy linkCopied89 – Man City 3-1 ChelseaA great ball into the City box and Madueke’s first touch is superb to keep possession and skip by Gvardiol in one movement.He has three to pick out inside the box and lashes it too high and hard, escaping everyone inside the box.That just about sums them up.Copy linkCopied87 – GOAL DETAIL: Man City 3-1 ChelseaAn old school feel about it and it kills off Chelsea who have been dire after the break.Kevin de Bruyne flicks the ball on with his head up to Haaland on halfway who pins his man and he lays it off to his left for Foden.Foden is clean through from the halfway line and has a long way to travel with the ball.But he does so well and keeps his head perfectly to wait for Sanchez to commit and he rolls the ball into the back of the net.Six goals in four appearances for him!Copy linkCopied87 – GOAL!! MAN CITY 3-1 ChelseaGame over at the Etihad – PHIL FODEN gets the third!Copy linkCopied84 – Man City 2-1 ChelseaTerrible delivery from Palmer which is controlled by Gvardiol on his right foot on the corner of the six-yard box.City win a free kick just outside their own box.Copy linkCopied83 – Man City 2-1 ChelseaAnother City booking as Kovacic bundles into the back of Palmer when the Englishman got within 10 yards of the box.That’s about as much as Palmer has done today in a completely anonymous display.But he stands over this free kick 25 yards out on the right of centre.Copy linkCopied More

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      Wolves 0 Arsenal 1: Riccardo Calafiori secures huge win for Gunners after hugely controversial Lewis-Skelly red card

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      THE 10 men of Arsenal overcame the 12, and then 11, of Wolves to keep their title challenge alive with a Riccardo Calafiori winner.That is how it must feel for Mikel Arteta, his players, every Gooner and most unbiased observers after referee Michael Oliver made one of the worst decisions ever seen.Riccardo Calafiori sealed a dramatic win for 10-man Arsenal at WolvesCredit: GettyMyles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off but Wolves later went to 10 men tooCredit: PAOliver confirmed his status as Arsenal’s least favourite official when he sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly in the first half.Against all common sense ,Oliver ruled the teenager’s cynical trip on Matt Doherty 30 yards from the Wolves goal to be violent conduct.Somehow VAR let the call stand.But Arteta’s team channelled their fury. And shortly after Oliver made it 10 v 10 by sending Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes off for a second yellow card, Calafiori scored what could turn out to be a vital goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Italian had come on at half time to replace Lewis-Skelly at left back so it felt like justice of a sort that he turned the ball in neatly after Nelson Semedo’s poor header from a Gabriel Martinelli cross.But the Arsenal fans who abused Oliver and accused him of making the game all about him will nor forget his latest intervention.Oliver and Arsenal have history.On this same ground in February 2022, the referee booked Gabriel Martinelli twice in quick succession for blocking a throw-in and then immediately committing a foul.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThen earlier in this campaign, he showed Leandro Trossard a second yellow card against Manchester City for kicking the ball away.But this was arguably the worst decision of them all and could have proved so costly for the Gunners.Arsenal fan seen defacing Josh Kroenke mural after being left fed up with Arteta’s transfer strugglesArteta had enough problems anyway.He welcomed back William Saliba and Ethan Nwaneri for their first starts since injury, but found himself without captain Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino.The Spaniard had picked up an unspecified knock while Odegaard had been sent back to London because of illness after travelling to the West Midlands with the team.Wolves started nervously at the back, almost presenting Arsenal with chances to score.Yet it was the home side who threatened first.Captain Nelson Semedo’s charge down the right and cross deserved better than Pablo Sarabia volleying the ball over the crossbar.Lewis-Skelly was given a red just before half-timeThe left-back blocked Matt Doherty despite Wolves breaking just outside their own penalty areaAfter that it was all Arsenal.Leandro Trossard sent in tempting crosses for Kai Havertz twice. The German sent his first header wide but seemed to have got the second right, angling it back across Jose Sa.But the Wolves goalkeeper kept the ball out with his right leg, probably more by luck than judgement.Nwaneri wasted a good sight of goal from a free kick 20 yards out but little more happened until Oliver’s moment of madness.As Wolves tried to break after a poor Declan Rice corner, Lewis-Skelly brought down Matt Doherty with a cynical trip about 30 yards out..Yellow card, all day long.Arsenal were left totally miffed by the red cardCredit: PAMichael Oliver was not for turning despite Arsenal’s protestsCredit: GettyNot in Oliver’s world. Out came the red, and Arsenal went ballistic.There was no way Lewis-Skelly had denied a goalscoring opportunity, even without taking into account it was Doherty who was fouled.Yet the PGMOL’s explanation that the young Arsenal star wasa guilty of serious foul play was simply nonsense. The challenge was not high, nor was their excessive force or serious danger to Doherty.VAR Darren England should have told Oliver to think again. But England was the man guilty of the worst error with the technology in Premier League history, when he and his team failed to correct an offside call against Liverpool’s Luis Diaz in the game against Tottenham in September 2023.Jurrien Timber was booked for his protests and the away fans let Oliver know exactly what they thought of him. You could only have sympathy.Arteta sent on Riccardo Calafiori for Nwaneri at half time to rebalance his team.Joao Gomes ended up getting sent off 20 minutes from timeCredit: ReutersThe ace was left with his head in his hands after the decisionCredit: PAThe Arsenal supporters were soon singing, “Michael Oliver, it’s all about you”.Their team were equally defiant, pinning Wolves back after the break and Rice stung Sa’s hands with a rasping shot.At the other end, Hwang Hee-Chan, who had replaced the injured Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, tested David Raya with an effort from distance.Then Sarabia could only divert a cross wide. It became end to end stuff.Havertz headed a Rice free kick over the bar, then Raya made an acrobatic stop from Matheus Cunha.And from the resulting corner, alleged Arsenal target Cunha could only shoot wide when the ball fell to him just outside the six-yard box.Arsenal player ratings: David Raya saves all three-points for Arsenal but Trossard’s woeful deliveries an issue againARSENAL finally won a match with ten-men after Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off.It was the Gunners’ fourth sending off this season and they had not won any of their matches without 11 players this term.But Arsenal showed their character and battled past Wolves 1-0.Here is how SunSport rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 8/10Very little to do until the 63rd minute when he brilliantly tipped a deflected Matheus Cunha effort wide. He then stopped Rayan Ait-Nouri in a one-on-one in the 84th minute.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 6Was having another fine game before being the victim of one of most ludicrous red cards in Prem history. His cynical trip was worthy of a yellow and nothing more.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Arsenal just look so solid with him in this backline. A welcome return from a minor hamstring injury. Kept Cunha at bay.GABRIEL – 7Led from the front and put his body on the line. Constantly headed away from danger.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Hit with some nasty challenges that required treatment – including one that had Joao Gomes sent off – but carried on playing and was resolute.DECLAN RICE – 7More of a goal threat than in recent weeks and stood up when Arsenal needed him.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Steady Eddie for most parts back in his favoured midfield position after spells at right-back this season. Displayed his importance to this side once more.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Unfortunately made way at half-time as a sacrificial lamb following Lewis-Skelly’s sending off. Was a lively, creative spark in the first-half.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the Belgian is on corner-taking duty, but his deliveries were woeful. A quiet afternoon that sums up why he is in and out of the team currently.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Was lacking that clinical edge in the first half, but came up with the cross after the break that led to Arsenal’s vital opener.KAI HAVERTZ – 7Missed two glorious first half chances with his head and another in the second half, but worked tirelessly on his own – especially with Arsenal down to ten.SUBS:RICCARDO CALAFIORI (NWANERI, 45) – 8The sort of goal that keeps title dreams alive. Added real height and danger aerially, as well as a sweet volley from a tough angle.KIERAN TIERNEY (MARTINELLI, 87) – N/ACalafiori struck in the 74th minute for the visitorsCredit: GettyIt proved to be the winning strike at MolineuxCredit: APThen things got interesting. Joao Gomes fouled Timber unnecessarily in the Arsenal penalty area and was shown a second yellow card. 10 v 10, Game very much on.The inevitable soon happened.Martinelli curled in a cross and Semedo’s header dropped to Calafiori, who turned it in on the half volley with the kind of poise you don’t expect from a defender.The Arsenal players ran to celebrate with Arteta, his backroom team and the substitutes, all of them knowing how important a goal it was.It felt like Wolves had blown their chance, and so it proved.Rayan Ait-Nouri burst through on the break but Raya came out to make a decent save.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Arsenal goalkeeper dealt easily with a Cunha effort.And the Gunners pulled off an against-the-odds, against-the-referee victory that could yet inspire them to overhaul leaders Liverpool. More

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      Liverpool 4 Ipswich 1: Cody Gakpo double keeps Reds six points clear at top… but gap opening up at bottom of table

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      SO were you watching Arend Slot? Was this display from your son’s machine exciting enough for you?Some, like the Liverpool manager’s dad, have moaned that the team that commands the Premier and Champions League are somehow boring, such as the midweek 2-1 win over Lille.Mo Salah hails his landmark goal as Liverpool strolled to victoryCredit: ReutersDominik Szoboszlai drilled the Reds in front early onCredit: EPAAs Jurgen Klopp’s successor revealed, Slot Snr is one of those who don’t think the Reds are exciting enough at times.Yet here was a side that is beginning to look unstoppable, hungry for glory, and taking nothing, at all, for granted, even against opponents arriving at Anfield struggling to stay up, wounded by a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of champions Manchester City in their previous game.There might have been the tendency to take it easy against them, an arrogance, even, that could have been created by Liverpool’s standing on the two main stages of the game.Not a bit of it. By half time they were three ahead and cruising, Dominik Szoboszlai, Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo guaranteeing victory for a team that had already gone 17 Prem games without defeat and had lost only twice all season in all competitions.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLThe first two of those strikes were superb. The entertainment level high, even against the lowly Tractor Boys.This was the first of six games in 18 days in four different competitions for Liverpool but if Slot might be worried about that work load he needn’t have bothered at least for this one.Ipswich didn’t lay a glove on them, in their shell from the start, damage limitation the only thing on their minds.Slot’s men now head to his home country for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven and can cement top spot there.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThen it’s Bournemouth on Saturday, Tottenham in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals and that 18-day stint finishes with the Merseyside derby.Nobody would bet against them adding a further three wins following this turkey-shoot for it it’s the energy and industry that is so impressive about Slot’s machine.Prince William plays football with teens – but barely gets in a touchIt’s the hunger and desire.True enough there is the majesty of Salah, the brilliant eye for goal of currently injured Diogo Jota, the cunning of World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister and the sheer, purring class of Virgil van Dijk.Add to that lot visionary passing from Trent Alexander-Arnold and the occasional, explosive finishing of Darwen Nunez when he’s in the mood and how could it really ever be boring?Mix the magic with the work rate and you have a heady cocktail for success.And as things stand the Kop could get drunk on it.They feared that after Slot turned down the speakers on Klopp’s heavy metal football the mood music would be about a Dutchman trying to stick his finger in the dyke of despondence following the German icon’s exit.But while they are still not exactly dancing in the aisles of Anfield they are watching a side more measured and if anything, more certain as opposed to the drama days of Klopp.As Slot insists, and no doubt to his dad as well, his team don’t play “stupid” balls just to make themselves look good.They play clever football instead, as seen in the 11th minute as they ripped through Kieran McKenna’s side.Ibrahima Konate fired forward for Szoboszlai to cut in ahead of Kalvin Phillips – whatever happened to him? – then steady himself before planting his left footer beyond Christian Walton.Ipswich weren’t helped midway through the first half when defender West Burns dropped to the turf in agony after twisting his knee in a challenge on Gakpo.Szoboszlai celebrates his 11th-mintue breakthrough for LiverpoolCredit: EPACody Gakpo made it 3-0 shortly before half-timeCredit: EPAA long spell of treatment later he was stretchered off and by the 35th minute Salah was claiming his 23rd goal of the campaign.His finish was fabulous, exciting, even as he gathered Gakpo’s cross at the far post with his right foot then smashed in between goalie Walton and his near post high into the net.Only Mo would have thought of doing that from an angle that looked an impossible one.A minute from the break Gakpo, another revelation this season after a far quieter time under Klopp, profited from another scintillating move.Ryan Gravenberch moved forward to deliver a low cross and Szobozslai connected first time.Walton parried but only straight into the path of the Gakpo who couldn’t miss.The fourth, and Gakpo’s second came as a result of one of those fizzing crosses that has made him Real Madrid’s No 1 target as his contract runs down.Once that 66th minute power header went in Anfield was in party mode, Slot was being serenaded and quite of a few of those who have been taking to social media to slag off him and the team should have been feeling ashamed of themselves.READ MORE SUN STORIESJacob Greaves produced a late diving header and no, this wasn’t a 6 – 0 slaughter.But it WAS entertainment all the way. Maybe even Arend enjoyed it this time.Salah netted his 100th Anfield Prem goal amid a first-half rampageCredit: EPA More

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      Stunned Arsenal fans just realising length of Myles Lewis-Skelly ban and say ‘talk about giving Man City a chance’

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      ARSENAL fans have been left fuming that Myles Lewis-Skelly will now face a three-games suspension.The academy graduate, 18, was sent off in the 43rd minute of his side’s clash with Wolves for a foul on Matt Doherty.Myles Lewis-Skelly cynically brought down Matt DohertyCredit: PAArsenal players surrounded referee Michael OliverCredit: GettyThe cynical trip was deemed to be “serious foul play” by referee Michael Oliver.Premier League Match Centre went on to clarify on social media: “The referee’s call of a red card for Lewis-Skelly was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his challenge to have been serious foul play.”After the incident, it dawned on some fans online that Lewis-Skelly would be in line for a three-match ban for his offence.One wrote on social media: “That’s Lewis Skelly banned for 3 games now talk about giving his pals at City a chance.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe full-back will not be suspended for the Champions League trip to Girona.His ban, only valid for domestic competitions, will begin with next week’s clash with Manchester City at the Emirates.He will then be in line to miss the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Newcastle, and a Prem trip to Leicester.Joao Gomes went on to be sent off for a second bookable offence, meaning that he will receive a one-match ban.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYThis prompted an Arsenal fan to whinge: “Gomes will only serve a 1 game ban for an ankle breaking tackle while Miles Lewis Skelly will serve a 3 game ban for a tactical foul. The Michael Oliver logic.”A further supporter cried: “So basically if we don’t win the appeal for Skelly he gets a 3 match ban and Gomes gets a 1 match ban for 2 yellows and a worse tackle. F***ing shambles.”Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey slams decision not to overturn Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card in Arsenal’s win over WolvesAnother added: “These guys think we are idiots! Lewis Skelly gets a straight red and 3 match ban but Gomes gets a second yellow for the exact same challenge.”New Match of the Day presenter Mark Chapman did not agree with Oliver’s decision.He called the decision “baffling and nonsensical from supposedly one of our best referees.”After the game became 10 vs 10, Arsenal took the lead via Riccardo Calafiori on 74 minutes.The Gunners went on to edge the contest 1-0.Arsenal player ratings: David Raya saves all three-points for Arsenal but Trossard’s woeful deliveries an issue againARSENAL finally won a match with ten-men after Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off.It was the Gunners’ fourth sending off this season and they had not won any of their matches without 11 players this term.But Arsenal showed their character and battled past Wolves 1-0.Here is how SunSport rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 8/10Very little to do until the 63rd minute when he brilliantly tipped a deflected Matheus Cunha effort wide. He then stopped Rayan Ait-Nouri in a one-on-one in the 84th minute.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 6Was having another fine game before being the victim of one of most ludicrous red cards in Prem history. His cynical trip was worthy of a yellow and nothing more.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Arsenal just look so solid with him in this backline. A welcome return from a minor hamstring injury. Kept Cunha at bay.GABRIEL – 7Led from the front and put his body on the line. Constantly headed away from danger.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Hit with some nasty challenges that required treatment – including one that had Joao Gomes sent off – but carried on playing and was resolute.DECLAN RICE – 7More of a goal threat than in recent weeks and stood up when Arsenal needed him.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Steady Eddie for most parts back in his favoured midfield position after spells at right-back this season. Displayed his importance to this side once more.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Unfortunately made way at half-time as a sacrificial lamb following Lewis-Skelly’s sending off. Was a lively, creative spark in the first-half.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the Belgian is on corner-taking duty, but his deliveries were woeful. A quiet afternoon that sums up why he is in and out of the team currently.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Was lacking that clinical edge in the first half, but came up with the cross after the break that led to Arsenal’s vital opener.KAI HAVERTZ – 7Missed two glorious first half chances with his head and another in the second half, but worked tirelessly on his own – especially with Arsenal down to ten.SUBS:RICCARDO CALAFIORI (NWANERI, 45) – 8The sort of goal that keeps title dreams alive. Added real height and danger aerially, as well as a sweet volley from a tough angle.KIERAN TIERNEY (MARTINELLI, 87) – N/ASpeaking after full-time, boss Arteta admitted he was “fuming” over the red card.He said: “It is that clear that I leave it to you guys. I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you – because it is that obvious. I don’t think my words are going to help.“I think it is that obvious that we don’t need any comments today and hopefully the right thing will happen after today.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Hopefully we don’t need to (appeal) and, if we have [to], it happened and it’s a really good precedent what happened with Bruno this season as well.“So, hopefully, okay we were in a position we shouldn’t be in. At least, let’s be in a position that we should be in for the next few weeks and allow that player to continue to do his job.”Gunners players fiercely argued with OliverCredit: PAMARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one. More

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      Match of the Day host leads fan fury at Lewis-Skelly’s Arsenal red card as even ex-Spurs ace slams ‘worst decision ever’

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      MARK CHAPMAN led fury and amazement from fans as Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off after one of the “worst decisions ever”.The Arsenal midfielder was just outside his own area when he cynically tripped Matt Doherty and saw red in a 1-0 win at Wolves. This red card for Myles Lewis-Skelly sparked outrageCredit: GettyMany observers reckon the tackle was cynical but never worth a red cardPuzzled viewers at first wondered if Lewis-Skelly was dismissed for denying a clear scoring chance – even though it was so far out.But a Premier League statement later clarified VAR had checked for “serious foul play” – with referee Michael Oliver’s decision upheld.Chapman, who will share duties as BBC Match of the Day host, called the decision “baffling and nonsensical from supposedly one of our best referees”.Beeb 5Live pundit Pat Nevin said labelling such a challenge serious foul play was setting “a bar so low even a limbo dancing snake couldn’t get under it”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEven ex-Tottenham star Jamie O’Hara said: “I’m all for Arsenal having a beast but that is never ever a red card, one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen 😩 Jheez lol”One fan posted: “I’m all for Arsenal having a beast but that is never ever a red card, one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen.”Another hit out just as strongly.He said: “I don’t say this lightly, but I think that red card for Lewis-Skelly is the worst decision I’ve ever witnessed at a football stadium.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnother observer wrote: “It’s outrageous. If it was close to Arsenal goal or even near the half way line I could maybe accept but that is a terrible decision.”And one viewer said: “As much as I dislike them (Arsenal)… a horrible decision from the ref! Mad how that’s been given.”Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey slams decision not to overturn Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card in Arsenal’s win over WolvesThe Prem statement read: “The referee’s call of a red card for Lewis-Skelly was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his challenge to have been serious foul play.”Gunners’ players protested furiously to ref Michael OliverCredit: GettySpeaking after full-time, boss Arteta admitted he was “fuming” over the red card.He said: “It is that clear that I leave it to you guys. I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you – because it is that obvious. I don’t think my words are going to help.“I think it is that obvious that we don’t need any comments today and hopefully the right thing will happen after today.“Hopefully we don’t need to (appeal) and, if we have [to], it happened and it’s a really good precedent what happened with Bruno this season as well.“So, hopefully, okay we were in a position we shouldn’t be in. At least, let’s be in a position that we should be in for the next few weeks and allow that player to continue to do his job.” More

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      Man City vs Chelsea live stream: How to watch Premier League clash

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      MANCHESTER City and Chelsea clash in the Premier League’s blockbuster fixture today.While City are fresh off a Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain that leaves them contemplating their European fate, Chelsea have had a week to rest following their win against Wolves on Monday. Despite European defeat, City are unbeaten in their last four in the leagueCredit: EPAIn contrast, Chelsea put a run of five winless to end with victory at Stamford Bridge on MondayCredit: GettyCity boss Pep Guardiola has labelled potentially dropping out of the Champions League as a “reality,” so he’ll be hoping respite in the form of Premier League action. Last time City were in domestic action, they hit Ipswich Town for six with no reply. As for Chelsea, the win over Wolves resumed this season’s normality.Before their five-game winless run in the league, in which they drew three and lost two, the Blues hadn’t lost since October – a run stretching twelve games.most read in premier league Its a fixture that could prove well needed for both sides, respectively, with the winner having the chance to take up fourth for the weekend. How to watch Man City vs Chelsea Man City’s mouthwatering clash against Chelsea will be broadcast live on Sky in the UK. Fans will also have the option to stream all entire action on Sky Go App and NowTV which is available to download via any compatible mobile device or tablet.Alternatively, tune in to SunSport’s comprehensive live blog for all the action as it happens.Kick-off for the huge match is scheduled to get underway at 5.30pm GMT on Saturday, January 25.What other Premier League games are happening today?There are five more games happening today in the Premier League – all at 3pm GMT. Bouremouth vs Nottingham Forrest Brighton vs EvertonLiverpool vs IpswichSouthampton vs Newcastle Wolves vs Arsenal Most read in FootballTomorrow’s televised fixtureThere are three more televised games in the Premier League this weekend. Crystal Palace vs Brentford – 2pm GMTAston Villa vs West Ham – 4.30pm GMT Fulham vs Manchester United – 7pm GMT More

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      Chelsea ‘chasing Serie A midfielder Reda Belahyane’ in deal worth 30 TIMES more than he was bought for last year

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      CHELSEA are “pushing hard” to sign Verona star Reda Belahyane, according to reports.The Blues are keen to reinforce their midfield, with Cesare Casadei said to be nearing an exit.Reda Belahyane is reportedly being chased by ChelseaCredit: RexCasadei, 22, is claimed to be attracting strong interest from Lazio and Torino.Chelsea are said to want £12.6million for the 22-year-old, who has made just six appearances this season – and none in the Premier League.According to Sky Sports in Italy, the Blues could reinvest a similar sum in signing Belahyane.The Moroccan international signed for Verona from Nice in a £420,000 transfer in January 2024.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShould Chelsea invest the full £12.6m they receive for Casadei into Belahyane, Verona will have received 30 times what they paid Nice for him 12 months ago.A Nice academy graduate, Belahyane made just eight first team appearances for the Ligue 1 club.He has since established himself in Italy and has played 20 times in Serie A this term.His performances earned him an international debut last October, when he featured for Morocco against the Central African Republic.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYChelsea could be busy up until the February 3 transfer deadline.The Blues have also been linked with Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho.Rapper Central Cee is lost for words when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella serenades him Earlier this week, SunSport reported that Chelsea are weighing up a bid for the Red Devils winger.They are set to face strong competition from Napoli for the Argentine’s signature. More

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      Premier League release statement on ‘nonsensical’ Myles Lewis-Skelly red card vs Wolves with Arsenal fans left fuming

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      ARSENAL players and fans have been left raging after Myles Lewis-Skelly was surprisingly sent off.The 18-year-old was given a red card for a foul on Wolves star Matt Doherty after 43 minutes.Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off for a challenge on Matt DohertyThe youngster tripped him up as Wolves launched a counter attackCredit: PAArsenalCredit: AFPThe hosts had just defended a corner from the Gunners when they looked to break away on the counter-attack.Doherty sprinted away with the ball and was cynically tripped up by Lewis-Skelly.Most expected him to be given a yellow card, but he was instead given a red by referee Michael Oliver.Leandro Trossard and Gabriel led the complaints, sprinting up to the official to protest.They were then joined by William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice, who waved his arms in huge frustration.Following a VAR check, the refs decided to stick with the on-field decision and Lewis-Skelly trudged off the pitch.He looked perplexed as headed down the tunnel and argued with the fourth official on his way.Manager Mikel Arteta also looked displeased but pointed to his head, encouraging his players to not lose their temper.Most read in FootballThe Premier League have released a statement explaining the red card, saying: “The referee’s call of a red card for Lewis-Skelly was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his challenge to have been serious foul play.”Arsenal fans have slammed the farcical decision online, with one saying: “I don’t say this lightly, but I think that red card for Lewis-Skelly is the worst decision I’ve ever witnessed at a football stadium. “I’m completely baffled how that has been cleared by VAR. It’s the classic ‘good’ yellow card you take to cynically stop a counter.”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