Premier League

MARCUS RASHFORD became the Holte End’s new hero after his super-sub cameo turned the tide for Aston Villa against Chelsea.The 27-year-old’s energetic display – after being brought on as a half-time sub – saw him assist both goals as Villa came from behind to win 2-1.Marcus Rashford was a game-changer against Aston VillaRashford set up Villa’s equaliser with a back post crossRashford then found Marco Asensio again for Villa’s winnerMomentum was with the home team as Rashford attacked the left flankVilla moved within a point of ChelseaVilla were trailing 1-0 – after Enzo Fernandez’s ninth minute opener – when Rashford replaced Jacob Ramsey after the break.Unai Emery’s side had registered just two shots at goal during the first-half and were behind in possession.But Rashford’s introduction provided a drastic change in energy as he made a game-changing impact almost immediately.The England star attacked the left-flank with pace, dynamism and style as Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto couldn’t get near him.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd it would not take long before Rashford’s outstretched leg squared the ball to fellow newcomer Marco Asensio to open his tally for Villa.Momentum was with the home team following the equaliser and it was the same duo who linked up for the winner in the 89th minute, as Asensio’s effort squeezed under the body of Filip Jorgensen after another assist from Rashford.With Asensio scoring both goals, Rashford assisted the same player twice in a Premier League game for the first time since June 2020. “Every time he got the ball he was dangerous,” added Youri Tielemans, who revived his career at Villa after leaving Leicester following their 2023 relegation.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDespite only playing for half of the game, Rashford had the joint second-most touches in the opposition’s box of any Villa player on Saturday.He also created the most chances of any player for his side – with two of the three he created resulting in goals – and registered the most dribbles (three).Chelsea ratings vs Aston Villa: Jorgensen howler, Rashford super-subRashford – who had been accused of “not trying” and “poor body language” by Man Utd fans – had sweat on his face while making three ball recoveries.He completed 15 of his 16 passes and had five touches in Chelsea’s box.Former Liverpool and England midfielder Jamie Redknapp said “you could not ask for more as a manager” than the impact Rashford made against Chelsea.Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “I am sure that there are directors of football all around the world with their heads in their hands now thinking, ‘why didn’t I get Marcus Rashford?'”I get the doubts. I would have been one of them. I would have been nervous doing it but right now Aston Villa look like they have got great business done and I am pleased for him.”Unai Emery said he ‘hopes Rashford will become more important’As the stats show, his work was pivotal in earning three points for a Villa side who are closing in on a European qualification spot and are now eight places above Man Utd in the league.The Red Devils, meanwhile, came from behind to draw 2-2 with Everton and remain 15th in the table.Rashford, who joined Man Utd at the age of seven and for so long was an instrumental player, found himself frozen out under new manager Ruben Amorim.Although he fell out of favour under the new Old Trafford gaffer, he appears to beginning to find his feet again under Emery.He is currently on loan at Villa until the end of the season, having joined at the start of February, after not featuring for his home side since expressing his desire for a “new challenge” in December.When Rashford left United, Amorim said: “Sometimes you have one player that is really good with one coach, and the same player with another coach is different.”What could be different under Emery? And how is he planning to get the best out of the talented forward?The Villa boss said he wants to “support him” and “help him” so that he can be “confident and comfortable”.The Man Utd loanee attacked the left-hand side during his 45 minute cameoEmery said: “We want to try to help him to feel comfortable here.”Try to help him get confidence with us. Try to use the skill in our tactical idea, try to be demanding with him. He is in this process. “Of course he played a fantastic 45 minutes. We now want to be consistent.”Hopefully he is going to be important, like today, but then more and more and more. “The most important for him is to try to be here with us and be confident and comfortable in a good atmosphere and this is my objective.”And Villa fans were in a frenzy, with one writing: “Rashford was incredible, he’s just won us the game.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA second said: “Chelsea just couldn’t cope with Rashford. We needed him to win.”And another added: “Marcus Rashford is a level of player that we haven’t had since Jack Grealish left.”Chelsea player ratings vs Aston VillaBy Graham HillBLUES keeper Filip Jorgensen’s awful underarm howler saw Aston Villa come from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 in the Prem.Enzo Fernandez’s rapid opener inside nine minutes came from Pedro Neto’s stunning breeze past Ian Maatsen.But the Blues soon fell apart after Man Utd loanee Marcus Rashford’s blistering introduction at half-time.Rashford provided two assists for fellow January signing Marco Asensio to leave Chelsea in sixth with two Prem wins from nine games in 2025.FILIP JORGENSEN – 4Horrible error for Villa’s late winner as Asensio’s shot squirmed under his body and through his gloves- ironically he had made a crucial save before that.MALO GUSTO – 6 Failed to get a decent touch on Cash’s ball – and that led to Villa’s second half equaliser. Struggled to deal with Rashford’s presence.TREVOH CHALOBAH – 3The defender suffered a huge blow as he had to come off after just six minutes clutching his ribs following a challenge from Asensio.LEVI COLWILL – 6Found himself with a new central defensive partner early in the game and looked uncertain at times.MARC CUCURELLA – 6Defending Chelsea’s left flank was not as troublesome as the right hand side, and the Spaniard looked stylish as Villa applied more pressure.REECE JAMES – 6Stepped in for the injured Noni Madueke and took the captain’s armband, had a good battle with Cash.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6Right place, right time to open the scoring, a real threat early on, took a booking for the team, lucky to escape a second.MOISES CAICEDO – 7Provided a strong presence in midfield, spotted danger early and halted a number of Villa raids.His second-half ball should have provided Chelsea with their winner.COLE PALMER – 6Largely quiet game but wasted his chance to win the game when he collected a Caicedo through ball – but stumbled – that allowed Konsa to clear the shot PEDRO NETO – 7Great work for the opening goal when he left Maatsen standing before crossing to find Fernandez.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU- 5Hugged the left touchline, should have been involved more, not as much of a threat as Neto, subbed with 14 minutes to go.SUBSTOSIN ADARABIOYO: (for Chalobah, 6mins) – 6Needed some time to fit in at the back after Chalobah’s injury.JADON SANCHO: (for Nkunku, 76mins) – 5Did little to affect the game after coming on for an ineffective Nkunku. 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WEST HAM fans gleefully mocked their Arsenal counterparts as their side delivered a Hammer blow to the Gunners’ fading title hopes.Graham Potter’s side conjured a brilliant performance to beat Arsenal 1-0 at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon.Declan Rice takes a corner in front of the away endCredit: GettyHammers fans celebrate with their victorious team after the gameCredit: EPAThe Gunners’ defeat saw them remain eight points behind leaders Liverpool, with Arne Slot’s men possessing an opportunity to make it 11 when they face Manchester City this afternoon.After Jarrod Bowen’s 44th minute header gave their side the lead, it was truly party time for the Hammers’ faithful in the away end.With Arsenal having finished as runners-up in the last two seasons, and sitting in the same position at the moment, West Ham fans chanted: “Second again, ole ole.”Hammers supporters also directed a pair of cheeky songs towards their former captain Declan Rice.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe West Ham academy graduate, 26, left the London Stadium for Arsenal in a £105million deal two summers ago.He won the Europa Conference League as Hammers skipper, but is yet to win a major trophy with Arsenal.As Rice went over to take a corner in front of the away end, they sang: “You should have signed for a big club.”The song was repeated as Rice was replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was sent off just 17 minutes after coming on.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDeclan Rice was replaced during the second halfCredit: GettyThe midfielder looked fuming as he sat on the benchCredit: GettyWest Ham supporters also mocked their former captain with a chant bigging up this season’s cult hero Andy Irving.They sang: “You’re just a s*** Andy Irving.”Mikel Arteta lays into Arsenal flops after defeat to West Ham derails Premier League title bidAfter he was substituted, Rice looked furious as he sat on the bench.West Ham’s win was just their second in seven games under new boss Potter.They remain 16th in the Premier League table, but are only behind Manchester United on goal difference.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was left raging after his side’s defeat.’I AM VERY, VERY, VERY ANGRY’He said: “I refuse that completely because I am talking about the standards of the players and the team that played today, me included, and that was nowhere near the levels that we have to hit to have the opportunity to win the Premier League.”Very disappointed, obviously very angry as well. I think you have to congratulate West Ham for the victory and the game that they played.”But there was a lot from our side that we never got right and didn’t allow us to get enough momentum, enough sequences of play with positive action that could deliver situations of threat for them.”He went on to add: “So I am very, very, very angry.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal will return to action on Wednesday night with a tricky trip to Nottingham Forest.West Ham, meanwhile, will host Leicester 24 hours later.Arsenal’s fading title hopes took a huge blowCredit: Getty More

MANCHESTER CITY superstar Erling Haaland appears to have trolled Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly as their bitter feud continues.Haaland, 24, sparked quite an intense rivalry with the Gunners in September when City drew 2-2 with their unlikely rivals at the Etihad.Manchester City star Erling Haaland appears to have trolled Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: Instagram @city_xtraLewis-Skelly trolled Haaland during Arsenal’s victory over Man CityCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly mimicked Haaland’s signature meditation celebrationCredit: APThe star striker scored the opener and threw the ball at opponent Gabriel Magalhaes’ head after John Stones’ last-gasp equaliser.After the full-time whistle, the Norway international got into an angry spat with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and told him to “stay humble”.That sparked a feisty confrontation with the North Londoners’ Gabriel Jesus, who tried to calm Haaland down.Lewis-Skelly, 18, also got involved in the confrontation after his debut and drew the ire of the Norwegian star who looked at him with disdain before mouthing off: “Who the f*** are you?”Read More on ArsenalThe versatile defender got some revenge in the second leg earlier this month as he helped Arsenal pick up a dominant 5-1 victory over the reigning Premier League champions.Lewis-Skelly scored his team’s third goal and mocked Haaland by mimicking his signature meditation celebration.Arsenal used that win to get even with the outspoken Man City star, who was booed by the home crowd throughout the match.Gabriel also laughed at his face after Martin Odegaard’s opener and the Emirates’ DJ played Kendrick Lamar’s 2017 track HUMBLE at full-time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut now the pendulum has swung back in Haaland’s favour after the Gunners’ title hopes were dealt a devastating blow on Saturday.Arteta’s side lost 1-0 to London rivals West Ham at home and failed to cut the deficit with leaders Liverpool down to five points.Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey gives his verdict on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card vs West HamAnd Lewis-Skelly suffered a day to forget as he was sent off for a foul on Mohammed Kudus.The Arsenal academy graduate was initially shown a yellow card but a VAR review upgraded the card as he was deemed to have denied Kudus a goalscoring opportunity and was given his marching orders.Some West Ham fans decided to rub salt into their rivals’ wounds by imitating Haaland’s meditation celebration outside the Emirates in an apparent attempt to mock Lewis-Skelly.The Hammers’ supporters posted the pic on Instagram and the ex-Borussia Dortmund star “liked” it.Haaland appears to have taken one more swipe at Arsenal after the stick he took in north London.However, it is also possible the ex-Red Bull Salzburg star was just pleased to see fans paying tribute to his celebration…Haaland liked a post of West Ham fans trolling Lewis-Skelly outside the EmiratesCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly was sent off during Arsenal’s defeat to West HamCredit: Getty More

RONNY ROSENTHAL has urged Kop flop Darwin Nunez to silence the hate mob by firing Liverpool to the title.The striker was slammed by boss Arne Slot and ridiculed by fans after his horror miss in Wednesday’s draw at Aston Villa.Darwin Nunez has been backed to shine despite his horror mid-week missCredit: RexRonny Rosenthal knows all about bouncing back from a bad missCredit: RexBut former Anfield star Rosenthal — who also blew a sitter against Villa 33 years ago — declared: “If you’re Nunez, you have only one option — to show what you can do when you’re given the chance.”Liverpool can go ELEVEN points clear at the top of the Premier League with victory at Manchester City today.And Rosenthal, 61, predicted: “Liverpool will probably win the league because they have a top striker like Nunez to come off the bench.”On how the Uruguayan will bounce back from his miss, Rosenthal added: “I don’t think it will affect him. This is part and parcel of the game. Anyone, even the biggest striker in the world, can miss.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“This is not the point, though — the point is to see things over a player’s whole career.“You know, these things will happen every day, any day, anywhere.”However, Nunez’ blunder sparked a rocket from Kop boss Arne Slot, who accused his £64million forward of being lazy.Slot fumed: “You can miss a chance but you cannot miss out on work-rate.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“It is not part of the job of a No 9 to slow down in work-rate. That is something we will talk about.”That blast prompted an immediate reply from Nunez, 25, on X.Sky Sports presenter praised by fans after rarely-seen move in interview with Liverpool matchwinner Darwin NunezHe fumed: “You never see me give up,” before vowing “to give it my all until my last day at Liverpool”.On Slot’s public blast, Rosenthal said: “I’m not here to object to the manager.“But if you’re Nunez, then you know you have only one option — that’s to show what you can do when you’re given the chance.“He doesn’t need to be going on Instagram. My opinion is still that he has the quality.“He will never be a scorer like Mo Salah but Liverpool will probably win the league because they have the luxury of a top striker like him to come off the bench.”Israeli Rosenthal’s own astonishing moment came when he beat Villa’s offside trap, took the ball round the onrushing keeper and had a tap-in from ten yards — only to crash his shot against the bar. Liverpool went on to lose 4-2.But Rosenthal insisted he was unfazed by the incident, adding: “It does not affect me. I’m happy to talk about this whenever. It can happen to anyone. Obviously, if you have the worst miss in the top level, then people will talk about that instead of about a worse one at a lower level.”Ronny Rosenthal produced his horror miss against Aston Villa in 1992Credit: Sky SportsNunez produced his horror miss at Villa Park in mid-weekCredit: Sky SportsNunez arrived at Anfield from Benfica in 2022 but fans remain unconvinced.He has scored 24 goals and produced 13 assists in 86 Premier League appearances.However, his miss provided his doubters with more ammunition as they continue to call for Liverpool to offload him.Rosenthal, though, says the lack of consecutive starts could be one of the things causing issues for Nunez.He believes the 6ft 2in powerhouse still has a huge role to play this season as Slot’s side look to claim Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup glory.The ex-winger said: “He’s not a regular starter but I still think Liverpool need someone like him. Nunez will stay in my opinion unless they find something better — but you know it’s not that easy.“He’s got the quality as a player. He just needs the chance to play more. If you are limited on chances, then obviously it’s much more difficult to be consistent.”But the former title winner added: “It will happen eventually that he will leave Liverpool. It’s difficult to say when.“I still think that if he plays more, he will give more end product and his statistics will improve, in my opinion.”Rosenthal left Anfield himself in 1994 and enjoyed three years at Tottenham before finishing his playing days at Watford.He has since achieved great success as a football consultant based in London.The icon regularly works with some of the biggest clubs on the planet and helped discover Cristiano Ronaldo, along with stars such as Vincent Kompany and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.And he also revealed how he even tried to get a teenage Nunez a move to Europe long before his eventual switch from Penarol in Uruguay to Almeria in Spain six years ago.On spotting him as a kid, Rosenthal added: “Nunez is one of a thousand cases where I found players with potential when they are cheap.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I called him years ago when he played in Uruguay to try to bring him to a better league. He referred me to his agent — but I did try.“He’s one of many players who I can see quicker than football clubs can.” More