Premier League

WERE you watching Paul Mitchell?Eddie Howe and his Magpies couldn’t have sent out a clearer message to their new sporting director following his recent toxic comments.Harvey Barnes picked out the top corner with his stunning winnerCredit: AlamyThe goal sparked wild celebrations for the travelling Toon ArmyCredit: GettyMitchell controversially questioned Howe’s transfer dealings, claiming the club’s transfer strategy was “not fit for purpose” – raising fears of a civil war brewing at St James’ Park.Well, Howe’s buys looked pretty good value for money here, in front of their watching critic – who failed to get Marc Guehi’s deal over the line this summer.Meanwhile, two Howe bargains, Harvey Barnes and Nick Pope proved their worth, turning this game on its head as the Magpies made it three wins out of four.They cost Howe less than £50million for the pair and looked sensational value for money.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBarnes produced a sensational winner ten minutes from the end as he exchanged passes with Joe Willock, then brushed aside a tame challenge from sub Matt Doherty before unleashing a 23-yarder high into the top corner.While we were still catching our breath, Wolves piled forward in search of a stoppage-time equaliser and thought they had it when Matheus Cunha sent a volley towards the far corner.However, Pope hurled himself to his left to claw the ball to safety.Both earned their bonus.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSX usually marks the spot where this fixture is concerned – especially for those who like a flutter.A staggering 61 per cent of the Premier League meetings between this pair (11 out of 18) have ended in a draw.How much every Premier League club earns in shirt sponsorsThat’s the highest percentage of any Premier League game to have been played at least 15 times.Throw in the fact Wolves had drawn seven of their last nine Premier home games against Newcastle and it was clear this affair was likely to be tighter than an Aberdonian on flag day.And so it proved.Wolves just managed to edge an edgy first 45 minutes, which was short on clear-cut scoring chances, thanks to a brilliant counter-attacking goal which had Gary O’Neil purring in delight.Joao Gomes nipped in to nick possession from Sean Longstaff and the ball was rapidly shifted out to Jorgen Strand Larsen wide on the right.The Norwegian hitman tormented Dan Burn with a cross which flew between the defender’s legs as it flashed across the face of the Geordie’s goal.Gomes had carried on his run and brilliantly dummied the ball to leave Fabian Schar floundering.And Mario Lemina stole in at the back stick to gleefully fire into an empty net from six yards to open the scoring.Talk about a sucker punch.Lemina then fluffed a decent chance to double Wolves’ lead just before the break when his attempted pass to Cunha broke back to him off Burn.However, with the goal at his mercy, the Gabon international screwed his left foot shot hopelessly wide.Newcastle will feel they should have gone in at least on level terms after they came so close to breaking the deadlock following a bright start.Jacob Murphy tested Sam Johnstone with a first-time effort from Alexander Isak’s pass but the ‘keeper brilliantly flipped the ball over with his fingertips.Then, midway through the first half Anthony Gordon cursed his luck after coming so close to opening the scoring.The in-form England winger left Nelson Semedo for dead then brushed off Yerson Mosquera before curling a right-footer which beat Johnstone, only to smack off the far post.By half-time, Howe had seen enough and turned to his bench to make a triple substitution.Joelinton, Isak and Longstaff were told their services were no longer required as they were replaced by Sandro Tonali, Barnes and Joe Willock.Bruno Guimaraes had a long-range effort palmed away by Johnstone before Craig Dawson survived a penalty appeal.VAR agreed with ref Chris Kavanagh that there was no intent as the defender’s arm caught the ball as he fell following a challenge from Willock.Wolves came close to putting the game out of sight but Larsen crashed a shot off the base of Pope’s post before the Norwegian saw a header scrambled away by the keeper.Then Cunha unleashed a ferocious shot which Pope diverted with his left glove.Wolves paid a heavy price as Newcastle then snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.Schar hauled them level with a sensational strike to celebrate his return after a three-match ban.Willock fed Bruno who laid the ball into the defender’s path, Lemina was sluggish to close down and from 25 yards Schar smashed the ball into the top corner with the help of a slight deflection off Dawson.But Newcastle weren’t content to settle for a draw and five minutes later Barnes produced his brilliant solo strike.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen, in stoppage time, Pope reacted brilliantly to keep Cunha’s volley out at full-stretch to secure all three points.And give Mitchell a timely reminder of their worth.Mario Lemina opened the scoring after a wonderful dummyCredit: GettyFabian Schar, No5, got Newcastle level in styleCredit: RexSam Johnstone had no chance in goalCredit: AFPNewcastle wanted a penalty for this possible handball by Craig DawsonCredit: GettyWolves are still without a win so far this seasonCredit: Reuters More

ANGE POSTECOGLOU appeared to promise Tottenham fans a trophy this season in a feisty post-North London derby interview.The Spurs boss stated he always wins silverware in his second season and believes he will maintain that record this campaign.Ange Postecoglou was a little tetchy in his post-match interviewHis side were second best in the derby as Gabriel’s goal gave all three points to Arsenal.And after the match Postecoglou was a little short with his interviewer after he was interrupted when answering a question about winning silverware in his second season.He said: “Am I going to answer the question or are you going to keep asking it?”No absolutely, I’ll correct myself I don’t usually win things I always win things in my second year. Nothing’s changed.”Postecoglou continued: “I’ve said it now. I don’t say things unless I believe them.”Fans found his comments amusing with some reminding the Aussie that he is managing Spurs, who have not won a trophy since 2008.One reacted saying: “Tell him it’s Tottenham.”Another added: “Not gonna win because he’s at Spurs 🤣”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “That’s fine when your managing Celtic or in Australia.”And another commented: “Think he forgot the club he’s managing.”Fans fume at ‘pure robbery’ after Arsenal star Jurrien Timber avoids red card after referee ‘bottles it’ More

GABRIEL headed in the only goal of the game as a depleted Arsenal snatched all three points in the North London Derby.The Gunners were without two key midfielders thanks to Declan Rice’s suspension and an injury to Martin Odegaard.Gabriel produced the defining moment of the North London DerbyCredit: AlamyThe Brazilian defender rose highest to thump home a headerCredit: ReutersBut that did not stop Mikel Arteta from masterminding another victory over their arch-rivals. Gabriel beat Cristian Romero to power in a header from close range in a crowded six-yard box.And that proved to be the only goal of the game as Arsenal clung on for another huge win. Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Gunners players…DAVID RAYA – 8/10Commanded his area well, and was a safe pair of hands throughout the game. Another great showing in what has been a spectacular start for the Spanish stopper. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJURRIEN TIMBER – 7Did well from an attacking perspective, charging down the left-hand side on various occasions. Solid defensively too against Spurs’ flying right side of Johnson and Porro.Most read in FootballFans fume at ‘pure robbery’ after Arsenal star Jurrien Timber avoids red card after referee ‘bottles it’Some would argue he should’ve been sent off for a challenge on Pedro Porro in the first half, but he escaped despite squaring up to Vicario in the aftermath.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8A really good recovery challenge in the first half to deny Dominic Solanke, despite being booked early on.You can always count on Saliba to put in a solid display, and he didn’t disappoint today with fantastic passing out from the back too. GABRIEL – 9A fantastic defensive showing throughout, reinforced with a towering header inside the box to give his side the lead from a set piece (shock). Has formed an impeccable partnership with Saliba, personified by their heartwarming celebration together after the opener. He’s the man. BEN WHITE – 6Gave away the ball in a dangerous position in the first half, with Solanke failing to capitalise and had a tough first half against the quick feet of Son Heung-min.Was not able to demonstrate the dangerous right-hand side overlap we saw work so effectively last season, but wasn’t threatened in the second 45.JORGINHO – 4Struggled to replace the suspended Declan Rice for this North London derby, whom the Gunners really missed.A tough task, but didn’t come close to matching Rice’s intensity or ability to drive the ball up the pitch which left Arsenal weak in the forward areas.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Struggled in transition with Jorginho alongside him, another player who felt the full force of no Rice and Odegaard.Not fast enough with or without the ball, and will need to perk his ideas up for City next week. GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Looked like a bright spark with his running and forward movement, but was let down by his end product or lack thereof.Worked really really hard throughout, just looks short of confidence in the last actions. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Dropping deeper into more of a midfield role than he’s used to today, it should be noted that he did a job for the team when they needed him. Not the flying efficiency machine we have seen him be from the bench, but his versatility will be needed this season it seems. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Didn’t make the kind of impact on the game we are used to seeing from the brilliant Bukayo Saka, and looked less of a threat without Martin Odegaard to combine with. Did some really good defensive work nonetheless, and delivered the perfect corner to claim the assist for Gabriel’s opener. KAI HAVERTZ – 6A good header in the first half was saved well by Vicario in the Spurs net – actually made more clearances (3) than he managed shots on target (2) in the first 45. Was a handful for the Spurs defence, but largely nullified by the pace and power of Mickey Van de Ven and Cristian Romero. SUBSGABRIEL JESUS (LEANDRO TROSSARD, 79) – 5Barely involved after coming on.READ MORE SUN STORIESRAHEEM STERLING (GABRIEL MARTINELLI, 79) – 5A debut for Arsenal’s new No30, had one chance, cut inside but failed to get shot away from edge of area. ETHAN NWANERI (BUKAYO SAKA, 86) – N/APrem’s youngest-ever player returned for final few moments. More

TYLER DIBLING was handed his first Premier League start against Manchester United and made sure everyone took note.Southampton may have collapsed after their bright start, losing 3-0, but it was still an afternoon to remember for Dibling.Tyler Dibling has been tipped to be one of the Premier League’s bestCredit: AlamyHe gave Diogo Dalot a tough afternoon on his first Prem startCredit: GettyDiogo Dalot will be glad he does not have to see the winger again until January.He quick turns and direct runs causing the full-back all sort of issues, ending in Dibling winning a penalty from the Portuguese international, which was eventually missed by Cameron Archer.For a teenager tipped to go right to the top, this looks like only the start.PLAYING STYLE Despite being only 18, Dibling is built like a far more senior player – making him a nightmare for defenders to wrestle off the ball.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith his socks tucked almost around his ankles – inspired by former academy teammate Jimmy Jay Morgan – and a swashbuckling style on the ball, it is hard to avoid comparisons to Jack Grealish.At his best, Dibling looks like a throwback to Grealish at Aston Villa, bursting with confidence and given licence to roam and make things happen.While he looks unfazed on the ball, the youngster is more of an introverted character away from the pitch – but Russell Martin’s style is getting the best from him.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis apparent ability to impact games with creativity on the ball has fans also comparing him to fellow academy graduate Adam Lallana, who has returned ten years after his departure this season and is helping out the youngsters at St Mary’s.Most read in FootballDibling said recently: “Lallana has been most helpful. He’s done it at the top level already and is always asking me questions and giving us advice.”Dibling has been compared to Jack Grealish when he was at Aston VillaCredit: GettyRISE TO THE TOPDibling really caught the eye outside of keen academy watchers with an incredible identical hat-trick at Newcastle two years ago.In a Premier League 2 game at St James’ Park, his first start for the Saints Under-21s, the midfielder drove forwards to the edge of the box and picked out the bottom right corner – three times.Boy Wonders: Spurs star Will Lankshear the next Harry Kane?That moment drew interest from the Magpies as well as Chelsea.Growing up idolising Eden Hazard, Dibling left the Saints for the Blues but returned just two months later, having struggled to settle due to homesickness while he was not getting enough minutes.Following his return, Dibling has had to wait for his chance but has now been brought into the first-team fold by Martin and has looked Southampton’s sharpest attacking talent this season.HIGH PRAISE Former Southampton first-team and academy coach David Horseman was in charge when Dibling scored his incredible identical hat-trick.He told SunSport: “To watch it, we knew he had the potential but to execute it at St James’ Park against young men, it was jaw-dropping. To do it three times is mind-blowing.”That was the bit which ticked a lot of boxes for clubs outside.”Tyler could be a top Premier League player, under the current manager and his style he could be a star of the future for sure.”He could go all the way, he looks like he’s loving life and he’s found his perfect fit. He looks like he could be the next big thing out of Southampton.”Team-mate Yuki Sugawara added: “I cannot believe he is still 18-years-old. He is a top, top, top player already and showed some really good stuff in the game and created big chances and he got a penalty.“He also defended well and is a top talent. He will be one of the best players in the Premier League. Yuki Sugawara says he was wowed by Dibling from their first training session togetherCredit: Getty”I really enjoyed the game with him. I felt comfortable playing on the right with him. We had good communications.“He was just incredible when I saw his first session. I asked how old he was and he said 18. I said ‘that is crazy’.”For sure he will be one of the best players in the Premier League or the world. “His mentality is top level. He is still young but I think he will be a top, top player.”WHAT’S NEXT?Next year could bring anything for the England Under-19 international. Saints fans will pray he is not another one who breaks out of the academy only to move on – but clubs will be watching carefully.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor the here and now, the big challenge is how much exposure Martin is prepared to give Dibling.After a first Prem start everyone will want to see him in the XI every week, though the manager is cautious as to just what his young body can handle.Adam Lallana (left) has been giving Dibling adviceCredit: Rex More