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      Man Utd send scouts to watch former star they sold in the summer over buying him back in £17million transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a shock move to re-sign Alvaro Carreras, according to reports.The 21-year-old left-back was on the books of the Red Devils until the summer but never made a senior appearance for the club.Man Utd could re-sign Alvaro Carreras from BenficaCredit: RexCarreras could now be set for an immediate return to Old Trafford for £17million – just six months after he left in a £5m, plus £2.5m in add-ons, deal.Reports from outlet Record in Portugal state United have sent scouts to watch the Benfica star against Casa Pia today.They also claim that Ruben Amorim’s side have a £42m buy-back clause in Carreras’ contract.But Benfica are seemingly unlikely to hold out for that fee.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCarreras, who has a contract in Lisbon until 2029, has impressed this season in an attacking full-back role and he could suit Amorim’s wing-back system.The Spaniard joined United from Real Madrid in 2020.He had spells away from the club on loan at Preston, Granada and Benfica, with latter then making it a permanent move in the summer.Speculation suggests that Carreras is seen as an alternative to Lecce star Patrick Dorgu.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSUnited are in talks with the versatile 20-year-old over a potential month this January.But the Italian side are standing firm in their £33.6m valuation of Dorgu.The club have reportedly seen a second bid worth £25.2m rejected for him.Ruben Amorim celebrates Man Utd’s 2-1 win over Rangers Man Utd squad transfer verdictSunSport gives its verdict on what Man Utd stars should stay or go in the first phase of Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild:Andre Onana – StayDespite being guilty of some erratic performances, Andre Onana remains a world-class goalkeeper and United would struggle to find better in the market.The defence has begun to look more solid in recent weeks now Amorim has had time to coach the structure into the team, and hopefully, that will be converted into clean sheets going forward.Noussair Mazraoui – StayThe best signing from the summer window so far, Noussair Mazraoui has proven to be everything Man Utd needed and more.Versatile, reliable and passionate no matter whether he plays at wing-back or centre-back, it is a no-brainer to keep the Moroccan.Leny Yoro – StayAfter a pre-season injury, Leny Yoro has taken some time to bed in but he has shown some superb moments in a Man Utd shirt already like his lung-busting run to block a Liverpool shot in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this month.At the age of 19 he will only get better and while too much expectation should not be thrust on him just yet, the early signs suggest he could be a mainstay in defence for years to come.Harry Maguire – GoThe last time we did this list Harry Maguire was one of our main defensive options to be sold, but since Amorim has come with the back three the England international has barely put a foot wrong.The issue with Maguire is that while he is perfectly suited to a back three, he will be 32 in the summer and has just one year left on his contract, so if a serious offer comes in he should regrettably be sold.Matthijs de Ligt – StayMatthijs de Ligt has been very hit or miss since arriving in the summer. Capable of heroic last-ditch tackles like he did at Arsenal and also capable of some very silly passages of play like his handball against Liverpool.In many ways, the Dutchman seems like a younger version of Maguire and given some more time to bed in he should improve even more.Lisandro Martinez – StayHas really started to grow into the Amorim system in recent games after a very sticky patch of form.He is one of the team’s best progressive passers in the build-up phase and has the dogged mentality this team will need to improve and claw its way up the table.Luke Shaw – GoIt’s been said that one of the best abilities is availability, and that rings incredibly true for Luke Shaw.World class on his day and is clearly still capable of finding those levels, as seen at less than full fitness with England at the Euros. But he is simply not available often enough to warrant keeping.Tyrell Malacia – GoTyrell Malacia is still recovering his match sharpness from his two-year injury layoff, so it is a bit harsh to make a verdict on him so soon.The current concern is that United will need to aggressively recruit specialist left wing-backs in the summer, and Malacia so far has not looked totally comfortable playing there.Manuel Ugarte – StayQuestion marks were being raised about him after his first few games. But under Amorim, Manuel Ugarte has once again become the lynchpin of his midfield.He knows the system inside out and is one of the Premier League’s most proficient ball winners. It would be madness to consider his sale next summer.Kobbie Mainoo – StayDespite reports that Chelsea and Bayern Munich want to sign the 19-year-old, Kobbie Mainoo should be one of the few genuinely untouchable stars at the club and his contract situation needs sorting ASAP.He has quality and aspects to his game not possessed by many other midfielders, and with improvements to the stars around him, he and Ugarte should be able to form an effective partnership for many years to come.Casemiro – GoCasemiro unfortunately seemed to lose his legs going into his second season at Man Utd. And with the 3-4-3 system demanding even more running from him, it is clear he simply does not fit the bill for what the club need going forward.It would also help the club’s financial goals to see him sold due to his massive £375,000-a-week wages being taken off the books.Bruno Fernandes – StayThe club captain, Bruno Fernandes has faced a lot of criticism since taking the armband for his erratic decisions and losing his temper.Yet he remains the best player in the squad by some distance and shows the mentality the squad needs to improve. Besides it’s not like United’s most famous captain of the Premier League era, Roy Keane, was exactly cool-headed.Antony – GoThere’s a definite case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history, with games too often passing him by and lacking quality when he is involved.That being said, he has improved in a number of brief cameos when featuring as a wing-back under Amorim. But unless there is a plan for him to learn the position and become a specialist he should be moved on.Marcus Rashford – GoIt was not supposed to end like this. Once the darling of Old Trafford and Carrington, Marcus Rashford’s comments admitting he wanted a new challenge were probably the final nail in the coffin for his Man Utd future.There is a classy player in there if he can find the motivation to love his football again. A sale to a rival should be ruled out for fear of exactly that, while a sale overseas should be targeted and pushed by the club.Amad Diallo – StayHas taken a real liking to his role as either the right No.10 in the 3-4-3 or as the right wing-back.Amad Diallo has been one of the team’s best players this season and was rewarded with a new deal as a result.Alejandro Garnacho – GoArguably the trickiest star on the list, Alejandro Garnacho has bags of raw talent to elevate him to being world-class. But recent off-field issues and poor form have doubt cast on his future.If, as reports suggest, a major bid of £60m from the likes of Napoli comes in there will be a tough decision to make. Though it may be the financial situation of the club which ultimately tips the scale.Joshua Zirkzee – GoJoshua Zirkzee has certainly been hit-and-miss at United so far. He has had some games and moments where he has looked very impressive, and others where he is simply not good enough.He has a very unique profile which makes him top drawer in the right system, it is just United will probably never play the right way for him to truly excel.Read our verdict on the full Man Utd squad here. More

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      Gary Neville ‘feels like crying’ for new Man City ace Khusanov after ‘nightmare’ first three minutes on debut vs Chelsea

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      MANCHESTER CITY new boy Abdukodir Khusanov endured a nightmare start to his debut.The Uzbek defender, 20, joined from RC Lens in a £34million deal.Abdukodir Khusanov endured a nightmare start to his City debutThe defender was booked for a foul on Cole PalmerCredit: APKhusanov’s team-mates attempted to console himCredit: GettyThe 18-cap ace was thrown straight into Pep Guardiola’s starting XI for today’s clash with Chelsea.His debut began in nightmare fashion, however, when his botched header gifted the ball to Nicolas Jackson, who subsequently helped set up Noni Madueke’s third minute opener.Things then went from bad to worse just moments later, as another misplaced pass allowed Chelsea to break again, with Khusanov’s subsequent foul earning him a yellow card.Commentating on Sky Sports, Gary Neville said: “Oh it’s a moment when you feel like crying for the lad… it’s a nightmare for him.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNeville, 49, then dramatically added: “This boy is 20-years-old and these three minutes will be as difficult as he has faced in his life.”Things did not get much better for the youngster as he was hooked by Guardiola in the 54th minute with John Stones replacing him.Prior to signing for City, young defender Khusanov played 13 times in Ligue 1 this season.He has signed a four-and-a-half year deal with City, and taken the No45 shirt made famous by Mario Balotelli.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYUpon signing, he said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City, a club that I have enjoyed watching for a long time.“This squad is full of the best players in the world, and I can’t wait to meet them and play alongside them.Omar Marmoush shows his goal scoring skills for Egyptian National Team “And of course Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest coaches ever and I am so excited to learn from him and improve my game even more.“This is a very proud moment for me and my family to be joining a great club like Manchester City and I’m more than ready for this challenge.”City boss Guardiola also threw Khusanov’s fellow new boy Omar Marmoush straight into his starting XI.The forward joined City in a £64m deal earlier this week.Omar Marmoush was in also in action for CityCredit: Reuters More

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      Southampton 1 Newcastle 3: Alexander Isak scores twice as Toon survive early scare and get back to winning ways

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      EDDIE HOWE’S family film night will be much more enjoyable this week.The Toon boss spent last Saturday night watching back their Bournemouth horror show.Alexander Isak levels from the penalty spotCredit: GettyIsak celebrates scoring from the spotCredit: ReutersBut everyone will be happy to gather round and watch this clinical south coast display which sent the Magpies back into the top four and had Alexander Isak cast as the leading man.Newcastle’s Swedish wonder won a penalty and scored twice to get the visitors ahead after Jan Bednarek’s shock Saints opener.Sandro Tonali, scoring his first Premier League goal since his 10-month gambling ban, rounded off the afternoon.Howe made just one change from last weekend’s 4-1 defeat, with Fabian Schar coming in for Sven Botman.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSouthampton have shown flashes of life in recent defeats to Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.But here they were without the two standout players from those games, Tyler Dibling and Kamaldeen Sulemana – both injured along with Aaron Ramsdale.Howe was frustrated by his side’s sluggish start in their humbling by Bournemouth last week and they were stunned after just 10 minutes here.Kyle Walker-Peters, hardly a bruiser, shoved the towering Dan Burn off the ball on the Toon byline.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYJan Bednarek had headed Saints into an early leadCredit: GettyHe laid back to James Bree, who was given time to pick out a fine ball for the unmarked Bednarek to head in his second goal in as many games.Saints have struggled desperately for consistency across 90 minutes, let alone a run of games.Watch crazy moment footballer receives red card for slapping his own team-mate in moment of madnessThey looked to keep the pressure on Newcastle, with Toon fan Adam Armstrong sending a shot at Martin Dubravka.If Southampton’s opener was a surprise, their collapse was entirely predictable.A defensive cock-up is never far away in these parts and Joe Aribo delivered on 22 minutes – though Newcastle needed VAR to confirm it.Referee Sam Barrott had initially pointed for a corner after Aribo sent Isak tumbling in the box, but replays showed the Saints midfielder never got a touch on the ball.And for the fifth straight game on the road Isak found the back of the net, sending Alex McCarthy the wrong way from the spot.Isak’s goalscoring run of eight consecutive games may have been stopped by the Cherries, but that blank clearly had not dented his confidence.The super Swede came close to a second three minutes after his penalty, seeing a powerful strike palmed away after he latched onto Bruno Guimaraes’ back-heel.There was no such disappointment just 60 seconds later.Jacob Murphy clipped the ball past Aribo in midfield and fizzed a perfect ball into the path of Isak, who cushioned with his left and rolled an ice-cool finish in with his right.With so many clubs gagging to land a striker this month, Newcastle can demand the earth for their marksman should anyone come calling.But if he helps them back into the Champions League, there will be confidence of keeping him on Tyneside for the foreseeable future.Southampton had not been as hopeless as they have looked at times in this doomed season.Dubravka had to save twice from Taylor Harwood-Bellis, first tipping an acrobatic effort over the bar before holding onto his header from the resulting corner.Eddie Howe was delighted with his side’s responseCredit: ReutersSandro Tonali celebrates his second-half strikeCredit: AlamyIt was a familiar story for SaintsCredit: ReutersBut despite their encouraging spells – this squad is simply not good enough for the Premier League.Just five minutes into the second half the Saints left a gap so wide at the back that the tractors which had been protesting outside before kick-off would have found their way through.But it was Tonali who exploited the space, showing aggression in the middle before charging forwards to pick up Anthony Gordon’s ball and slotting past McCarthy.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt could have been a much more depressing afternoon for the Saints had McCarthy not tipped Murphy’s strike onto the post, while Bednarek also blocked on the line from Joelinton.Matheus Fernandes tested Dubravka from the edge of the box and with five minutes to go looked to have made it a nervy finish, but his goal was ruled out for offside. More

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      Arsenal player ratings: David Raya saves all three-points for Arsenal but Trossard’s woeful deliveries an issue again

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      ARSENAL finally won a match with ten-men after Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off.The wonderkid was surprisingly given a red card for a foul on Wolves star Matt Doherty at the end of the first-half in a decision that was described as “nonsensical”.Arsenal players regained their composure after losing their cool after Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent offCredit: GettyDavid Raya impressed between the sticksCredit: AFPIt 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 – 8/10READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVery 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 – 7Most read in FootballArsenal just look so solid with him in this backline. A welcome return from a minor hamstring injury. Kept Cunha at bay.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSGABRIEL – 7Led from the front and put his body on the line. Constantly headed away from danger.Sky Sports host David Jones apologises after Emmanuel Petit accidentally claimed Arsenal icon is dead on live TV 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) – 8READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 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/A More

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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