Premier League

BUKAYO SAKA shared a hilarious picture with an Arsenal Invincibles icon who “almost lost his legend status” after a shock statement.Saka is already one of the Gunners’ star players at the age of 23.Bukayo Saka linked up with an Arsenal legend who made a shock statement last monthCredit: PAThe winger has already clocked up 235 games, scoring 60 goals in the process after netting in last night’s win over Paris Saint-Germain.And he’s just eight appearances away from a half-century of England caps too.However, Saka and his fans were left shocked after a huge call from an Arsenal hero.The winger was put up against Manchester City and Belgian rival Jeremy Doku to decide who the better player was.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe awkward question was put to none other than Invincibles star Robert Pires.He won two titles and two FA Cups in 284 games for the Gunners.Yet Pires astounded the Emirates faithful by declaring Doku to be better than Saka.Speaking last month he said: “Bukayo still lacks a certain level of consistency and experience, especially in the big games.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Perhaps this season, especially in the Champions League, he will show a more convincing face than season when it counts.“For example, in my opinion, Doku from Manchester City is a bit better because he is technically stronger, has better dribbling skills and is more imaginative.”Watch Thierry Henry awkwardly admit ‘I saw Bukayo Saka at the Arsenal academy and didn’t think he’d be that good’Robert Pires risked the wrath of fans by claiming that Jeremy Doku was better than SakaCredit: PAThe pair met up for a brilliant photo as Saka declared they were ‘friends again’Credit: Instagram @bukayosaka87Pires’ comments caused a backlash from Arsenal fans, forcing him into a grovelling U-turn last month.The Frenchman said: “I want to clarify that I think Bukayo Saka is an amazing player and I have huge respect for him.“A while ago I was asked to compare him to another player. I said the other player had better skills in some areas.“This does not mean the other player is better. I genuinely think Saka is better and a fantastic No7.”Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Havertz makes striker spot his own… but Calafiori shows chinks in his armourKAI HAVERTZ and Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal to a deserved victory borne of first-half dominance.Paris Saint-Germain did hit the bar and the post as they improved after the break in this Champions League tie.But Emirates chief Mikel Arteta will mostly be delighted with his side’s latest solid display in Europe’s top club competition.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.DAVID RAYA – 7Was perhaps busier than he usually is at home.Helplessly watched a Nuno Mendes effort smack his far post and stood firm to deny Achraf Hakimi at his near post.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6A frantic display, one that had more shaky moments than good. Kept busy by Hakimi and was done for pace on a few occasions but recovered well.A mistake early in the second half almost gave PSG a way back into the game. Needs to iron out these errors from his game, particularly when he is so dangerous in attack.However, he was playing at right-back for the first time in his career after the break.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Did not have much to do. A stray pass early on could have been costly but other than that another reliable and strong performance.GABRIEL – 7Sprayed some nice passes about from deep but this was a stress-free night’s work compared to the Premier League.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Just how on earth does Ben White get back in this side at right back? Another immaculate display from a man who seemingly has it all in defence and attack.Well, White may well get his chance after Timber was subbed off at half-time.DECLAN RICE – 7Solid as a rock and building a real partnership with Partey in midfield. Had a chance to drive forward just before the half hour mark but his pass to Saka was cut out.THOMAS PARTEY – 8So consistent at the moment, something Arsenal fans have not seen from the Ghanaian midfielder in a long time owing mostly to injury.Made some crucial interceptions and showed real composure playing out from deep.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8One of Arsenal’s most important players right now. Since his red card at Man City, he has notched a goal and an assist – the latter here for Havertz to open the scoring with a perfectly-timed cross.BUKAYO SAKA – 7After an early shot over the bar from a trademark cut inside, the England international had a slight drop off in influence before his scuffed free-kick flew in untouched from out wide.Still, he gave Mendes a torrid time at left-back. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique watched on at times in awe inside his technical area.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7A quiet night for the Brazilian following his first goal since March against Leicester, which may have been down to a big collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first few minutes.Should have made it 3-0 with a volley inside the box after the break but it was straight at Donnarumma. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.KAI HAVERTZ – 9Brave and brilliant to head in from Trossard’s teasing cross, despite the onrushing lump that is Donnarumma trying to take his head off.Almost had an assist too with a cute lay-up for Martinelli in the box. The striker-midfield debate should be over – Havertz is a top-class centre forward.SUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 45) – 7Did what was expected of him at left-back. Produced a good recovery tackle on Kang-in Lee in the box.MIKEL MERINO (PARTEY, 64) – 7Finally, a debut for the Spaniard. Some neat touches under pressure, slotting in seamlessly next to Rice.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 74) – 6Looked desperate to impress having struggled for starts so far and that looks to be working against him – things just aren’t clicking.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (SAKA, 92) – N/ANow, a day after Saka scored in Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League win over PSG, the hatchet appears to have been buried.Saka and Pires posed together for a smiley selfie in the home dressing room, with Saka cheekily captioning it: “Friends again.”This saw relieved Arsenal fans declare that Pires has been completely forgiven.One said: “Almost lost his legend status for that wild statement.”Another declared: “We almost cancelled this man because of you.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Future legend with legend.”Another added: “Still can’t believe of all people he tried to say Doku is better.” More

PARTY-LOVING Royston Drenthe was reportedly warned off joining Everton due to the “temptations” on Merseyside.Drenthe, 37, was once one of world football’s top youngsters after impressing at Feyenoord.Royston Drenthe was warned off a move to Everton by a Dutch palCredit: Getty Images – GettyDrenthe had gained a party boy reputation by that stage of his careerIt earned him a move to Real Madrid in 2007, who at that time boasted a squad featuring Galacticos including Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben and Raul.But after winning LaLiga in his first season, Drenthe struggled with injuries and inconsistent form.After three years he was shipped out to Hercules on loan.And in 2011 Drenthe, who had gained a reputation as a party boy at Real, then completed a short-term move to Everton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe went on to score four goals in 27 games for the Toffees before joining Russian side Alania on a permanent deal.But ahead of his Goodison Park move, Drenthe was told to reject Everton’s advances by a Dutch pal who also played for the Merseyside club.Andy van der Meyde, 45, was at Everton for four season between 2005 and 2009.He only ended up making 24 appearances in total due to injuries and off-field issues.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd after hearing Drenthe was on the verge of following in his footsteps, Van der Meyde rang his friend before delivering a passionate voicemail message urging him to snub the switch.Dutch outlet HP De Tijd claims Van der Meyde said: “Royston, I hear that you are on your way to Everton.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersAndy van der Meyde was eager for Drenthe to snub a Merseyside moveCredit: GettyDrenthe never rediscovered the form that earned him a switch to Real MadridCredit: Getty – Contributor“Don’t do it, boy, I beg you, don’t do it.“Liverpool has too many temptations for guys like us. Before you know it you will dragged into the nightclubs.“There Bacardi flows and you can ski on cocaine; and the women, Royston. Oh man, oh man, oh man.“Those British women with their short skirts…”Drenthe clearly ignored his mate’s warning but Everton were not keen on making his loan permanent.After a short spell in Russia, Drenthe returned to English football with Reading and Sheffield Wednesday.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe later had spells in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.And Drenthe retired in 2022 after playing for Real Murcia. More

MANCHESTER UNITED full-back Diogo Dalot has admitted he and his team-mates “have to suffer” amid the club’s restructuring process.New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordered a complete overhaul behind the scenes at Old Trafford after acquiring 25 per cent of United earlier this year.Diogo Dalot claims Man Utd ‘have to suffer’ amid restructuringCredit: ReutersErik ten Hag’s future is in doubtCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe has kick started a huge shake-up behind the scenes at Old TraffordCredit: AlamyThe British billionaire has already appointed a new chief executive, technical director and sporting director since taking charge of football operations.And he is planning to build a new state-of-the-art stadium to replace the Theatre of Dreams.Amid the huge shake-up at Man Utd, manager Erik ten Hag is struggling to get the best out of his players on the pitch.The Red Devils currently sit 13th in the Premier League table with just seven points from six games.Read More on Man UtdAnd right-back Dalot admits he and his team-mates have been affected by the ongoing changes behind the scenes. The Portugal international said: “I feel that there is a restructuring at the club, which is good, but during this process we have to suffer.”It’s a daily job, we have to train well and recover well. There are ups and downs that football brings us, but the more balanced we are as a club and as athletes, the more successful we will be. “It is normal to go through a period of reflection and analyse what was done, good and bad.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMan Utd’s next two results could be crucial”There is always a 24-hour period to switch off and start thinking about the next match.”There are different matches and different opponents and we have to change the chip to be better physically and mentally.”Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham Man Utd’s season went from bad to worse on Sunday when they suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham.Many fans and pundits are now calling for Ten Hag to be sacked.And SunSport understands the Dutchman has two games to save his job – tricky trips to Porto and Aston Villa.Despite the ongoing speculation about his future, Ten Hag insists he is not worried about facing the axe.He told Sky Sports: “I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious.”We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.”We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.”They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTen Hag also said: “We are going to make a success from the season.”Nothing is easy, but this is nothing for me to panic about. We can sort [the problems] out, this team can sort this out.”Man Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5. More