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      Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Jesus and Saka goals see Gunners close gap on league leaders Liverpool

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      ARSENAL have broken the curse of the City Ground by scraping a 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest.Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka earned the Gunners all three points.
      And as a result, Mikel Arteta’s men are just two off Premier League leaders Liverpool.

      TV channel: TNT Sports 2
      Live stream: Discovery+
      Nottingham Forest XI: Turner, Montiel, Omobamidele, Murillo, Toffolo, Mangala, Danilo, Williams, Gibbs-White, Domínguez, Wood
      Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Rice, Odegaard, Smith Rowe, Saka, Martinelli, Jesus

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      Jesus walking on water on River Trent
      Gabriel Jesus was awarded the man of the match award this evening.
      With a goal and an assist, it was a productive evening for the Brazilian.
      Mikel Arteta will be hoping his striker can replicate the performance for many games to come in the remainder of the season.
      Copy linkCopiedWing-wizard’s goal seals victory for Arsenal
      Bukayo Saka has been struggling for goals of late and will take great confidence in his strike today.
      It was a composed finish which ended up being the difference between the two sides.
      The young English winger will be hoping to take that form into the big game against Liverpool on the weekend.
      Credit: EPA
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedBig games come thick and fast
      When you are challenging for major silverware, you have no chance to let your guard down.
      Arteta himself has admitted that they cannot afford to slip up between now and the end of the season.
      Some tricky fixtures lay ahead and The Gunners can ill-afford to drop anymore points.

      Copy linkCopiedArsenal pressure finally pays off
      The Gunners bossed the game at the City Ground but struggled to breakdown the hosts.
      When Matt Turner’s error gifted the visitors a goal, they took full advantage.
      Martin Odegaard constantly made himself available in the final third to link up play and try and create the chances to get the win.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal
      That could prove to be a big win for The Gunners.
      It all looked comfortable at two-nil but once Forest got their goal it was very nervous stuff from the visitors.
      Fortunately for the travelling fans, Forest could not find that second goal.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal
      The referee brings the game to a close.
      Arsenal hold on for the three points.
      Forest came so close to a comeback there.
      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal
      90+6. We are in added time of added time.
      Forest are launching balls into the box but unable to make anything of it.
      You have to feel time has run out here.
      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal
      90+4. Big chance for Nottingham Forest.
      As Arsenal cannot clear the ball, it is flicked on and Awoniyi is there once again.
      He cannto get enough of a connection on the ball and Raya is able to save his effort.
      Credit: AFP
      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal
      90+2. Mikel Arteta is making the changes of a worried man.
      Jorginho and Kiwior are coming on for Zinchenko and Odegaard.
      Forest have a corner and a chance to try and find an equaliser.
      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal
      90. Awoniyi outmuscles Saliba to turn and shoot.
      VAR is checking a possible offside in the build-up.
      Looking at the replay, this would be an incredibly harsh decision as it looks like Zinchenko is palying him on by some distance.
      The goal will stand, we could have a grandstand finish with five added minutes.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest)
      Copy linkCopied
      Nottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal
      88. Nelson looks set to come on for Arsenal.
      Arteta with the chance to rest a few players for the weekend.
      Forest have offered very little in the final third tonight.
      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal
      86. The Forest owner is at the City Ground tonight.
      He will not be happy with what he seen this evening.
      With a potential points deduction in the offing, it is all very negative on the banks of the River Trent right now.
      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal
      84. Saka steals the ball back in the middle of the park.
      He takes one touch to get it onto his left foot and looks to shoot from a long way out.
      Forest gets players in front of the ball and block the effort.
      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal
      82. Trossard has a shot at goal from the edge of the box.
      It whistles over the bar but isn’t a million miles away.
      Arsenal look in full control of this game now.
      Christmas may be over but the Forest gifts tonight have proved a telling factor in this result.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal
      80. This will be a big result for Mikel Arteta’s side going into their game at the weekend against Liverpool.
      Forest need to find a goal to make a game of this in the final stages.
      It is not a good evening for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side with Luton Town currently leading 4-0 against Brighton.
      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal
      78. Elanga comes on for Forest, Williams the man he is replacing.
      Another player the home fans will be happy to see returning from injury.
      Gabriel Jesus and Martinelli come off for Trossard and Nketiah.
      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal
      76. The away end is in full voice now.
      Continuing to sing their own version of ‘Allez, Allez, Allez’.
      Something along the lines of ‘we’ve conquered all of Nottingham….’
      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal
      74. You would have to say that Saka’s goal has sealed the points.
      It would take some implosion by Arteta’s side to allow Forest back into this game.
      The Gunners pass the ball around now, knowing they have a lead to protect.
      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal
      72. Another howler from the Forest defence.
      Montiel gifts the ball to Arsenal and Odegaard plays in Jesus.
      He finds Saka at the back post, who strikes a right-footed shot into the far corner.
      Arteta celebrates like that goal was in the last minute of the Champions League final.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 0-1 Arsenal
      70. Forest had done so well defensively up until that point.
      With the counter-attacking tactics they are playing, you just cannot afford to gift goals to the opposition.
      The former Arsenal keeper has had probably his biggest impact for The Gunners since he signed for them in 2022.
      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 0-1 Arsenal
      68. Nuno Espirito Santo will want to address the goalkeeping situation in this January transfer window.
      Turner has been culpible for some real howlers this season.
      This is another to add to the collection.
      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 0-1 Arsenal
      66. Terrible goalkeeping by Matt Turner.
      The throw in to Jesus sees him run at goal at an impossibly tight angle.
      He toe pokes it towards goal and it goes through the legs of the Forest keeper.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
      Copy linkCopied More

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      Man Utd legend Paul Scholes fumes at Arsenal star for playing in ‘insulting’ position in X-rated Instagram post

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      PAUL SCHOLES has fumed at Oleksandr Zinchenko in an X-rated Instagram post.The Manchester United legend took aim at the Arsenal star during their trip to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
      Paul Scholes has launched an X-rated rant at Oleksandr ZinchenkoCredit: Getty
      Scholes was unhappy to see Zinchenko stepping into the Arsenal midfieldCredit: TNT Sports
      Scholes took exception to Zinchenko stepping into the Gunners’ midfield from left-back as he regularly does for Mikel Arteta’s side.
      Several Premier League sides now utilise their full-backs further forward, with Zinchenko often joining the Arsenal midfield in possession.
      During the match, Scholes wrote on Instagram: “A full-back coming into central midfield is an insult to a central midfield player…
      “I think he/she should be told to get the f*** back out there… night.”
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Former United team-mate Phil Neville responded by commenting: “Us full-backs can play anywhere pal.”
      Despite Scholes’ criticism, Zinchenko went on to grab an assist at the City Ground.
      The Ukrainian international set up Gabriel Jesus for Arsenal’s opener before Bukayo Saka doubled the visitors’ lead.
      Zinchenko has previously played as a winger earlier in his career as well as at left-back.
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      Meanwhile, he is almost exclusively used as a central midfielder for his national team.
      The 27-year-old has been a key man for his country since making his international debut as a teenager in 2015.
      The Gunners kept their title charge on track thanks to goals from Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.
      Taiwo Awoniyi scored what turned out to be a consolation for the Forest.
      Zinchenko set up Gabriel Jesus for Arsenal’s opening goalCredit: TNT Sports More

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      Nottingham Forest 1 Arsenal 2: Jesus scores first goal in five games as he and Saka seal win with help of former player

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      MIKEL ARTETA’S Zen state remains intact, just.The Spaniard would have been a nervous wreck in that City Ground dug-out, watching on helplessly as his Arsenal side’s title hopes slipped away in Nottingham once again.
      Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring the winning goalCredit: Getty
      Last May, a 1-0 defeat here mathematically handed Manchester City top-spot after a late run-in collapse. More points dropped would have been just as damaging.
      And in the same week that Arteta revealed he practiced meditation to avoid feeling the heat in the Gunners hot seat, his boys put his Jedi mind-tricks through the ringer once more.
      Thankfully, Gabriel Jesus remained calm in the 65th minute to snatch the lead during a display that will not have eased concerns over Arsenal’s cutting edge or killer instinct.
      The perfect goal was desired, but it never came. Instead, it arrived via a throw-in – their Premier League-high 14th set-piece conversion of the season.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      The second, and three-point clincher, came via a defensive error and mistake as Bukayo Saka smashed home with some much-needed conviction seven minutes later.
      Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi brought some anxiety back into the picture in injury time, scoring just like he did last year, but Arsenal desperately held on.
      They simply had to, putting themselves to within two points of leaders Liverpool. Their title chase is very much still alive.
      Nuno Espirito Santo spelled it out before kick-off, admitting his Nottingham Forest side have talented players but their main focus should revolve around being compact at all times.
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      The Nuno mantra; one that was so successful at Wolves but less so at Tottenham, whose fans still have nightmares about his miserable 17-game tenure.
      And yet, it did the job in an agonisingly dull first half against an Arsenal team with expectations of hunting down the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool this calendar year.
      With Forest beginning the night four points off the drop, you could have been mistaken for thinking Nuno had not even contemplated setting his team up to nick a goal themselves.
      Forest were so deep at times that keeper Matt Turner could have stuffed a few of his own defenders, as well as lone striker Chris Wood, up his blue jersey.
      Arsenal dictated, dominated and ultimately dithered when they did eventually carve out some half-decent chances.
      Emile Smith Rowe – his first Prem start since October – was thrown in to provide some zip and creativity. Declan Rice and Gabriel overcame slight injury concerns to make the XI.
      Their presence provided no instant quick-fix to their recent struggles in front of goal.
      Even during their 5-0 demolition of Crystal Palace on January 20, two of those goals came from set-pieces, while the other three were from breakaways.
      Gabriel Jesus opened the scoringCredit: Reuters
      The Brazilian was finally back on the scoresheetCredit: AFP

      Arteta’s idea of the perfect goal is clear to see. An intricate, defence-unlocking pass in between the full-back and centre, a cut-back and then a simple tap-in.
      Arsenal tried this move to exhaustion throughout the opening 45 minutes, but never was Turner truly worried that one of these NFL-style set plays would bulge his net.
      Ben White and Saka orchestrated the first couple, with Martin Odegaard taking too many touches before shooting.
      Smith Rowe and Jesus could and should have fired at goal on the opposite flank in similar positions but, again, opted for a pass that killed the move.
      Arsenal were strangling Forest, but the hosts were still breathing, quite comfortably – even after two doses of Arteta pep talks from the technical area during pauses in play.
      The North London club’s social media team described as a “combative start”. That’s one way to put it.
      The visitors’ best chance of the half ironically came from a moment of chaos. Oleksandr Zinchenko’s pass into the box not dealt with and Saka’s scuffed shot blocked by Murillo.
      Saka fires in what proved to be the winning goalCredit: Getty
      Saka, Declan Rice, Ben White and Kai Havetz celebrate the winnerCredit: AFP
      Frustrations in those questionable visibility coat-coloured jerseys were showing. Jesus picked up an unnecessary yellow for booting the ball into row Z.
      Inside the first 30 minutes. Forest had made just one pass inside the final third. Arsenal had made 107 passes. By the 40th minute, there was yet to be a shot on target.
      Forest’s confidence grew as Arsenal’s wilted. On came the physical Awoniyi – the deliverer of crushed hearts last year – who gave William Saliba and Gabriel some concerns.
      Morgan Gibbs-White was finding space and being electrifying with ball at feet.
      It was at this point that those on the pitch for Arsenal took some initiative, gave up trying for the perfect goal and attempted to shoot. Desperate times call for sensible measures.
      Saka’s cut-in and deflected effort tested Turner. Jesus then smacked the post from a tight angle after some beautiful build-up play.
      Yet their opener was anything but beautiful. A simple quick throw-in from Zinchenko into the feet of Jesus, a drive towards the by-line and a poke through the legs of Turner.
      The shackles were off, and Forest’s composure in defence evaporated. Gonzalo Montiel rushed a clearance into Odegaard, who fed Jesus, who fed Saka, who found the bottom corner with a delightful touch and thump.
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      As Awoniyi bundled in with minutes left after getting the best of Saliba, Arsenal put ten-men behind the ball and gritted their teeth.
      Sometimes the old-fashioned ways are the most effective.
      Taiwo Awoniyi pulled one back lateCredit: EPA
      It proved too late too lateCredit: AFP More

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      My dad’s a former Premier League star – now I’m making my own way and am on brink of transfer to English football

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      SYDNEY VAN HOOIJDONK is on the brink of a move to England.The former Dutch under-21 international is the son of ex-Celtic and Nottingham Forest striker Pierre van Hooijdonk.
      Sydney van Hooijdonk is reportedly close to joining Norwich on loan from BolognaCredit: Getty
      The striker is the son of former Dutch international Pierre van HooijdonkCredit: instagram / @sydneyvanhooijdonk
      According to Sky Sports News, Norwich are in talks to sign the 23-year-old on loan from Bologna with an option to buy.
      Van Hooijdonk was previously linked with a move to Celtic earlier this month, where his dad won the Scottish Cup in 1995.
      He was also tipped as a potential target for Forest last summer after starring on loan at Heerenven.
      During an 18-month spell with the Eredivisie side, Van Hooijdonk scored 26 goals in 54 appearances.
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      The forward began his career with NAC Breda, where his dad is on the board, before joining Bologna in 2021.
      Van Hooijdonk, who can also play on the left wing, has scored once in 16 first-team appearances for the Italian side.
      His dad was also a striker, scoring 14 goals in 46 caps for the Netherlands.
      The 54-year-old was a member of the Dutch squads for the 1998 World Cup as well as the Euros in both 2000 and 2004.
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      He twice tasted relegation from the Premier League with Forest, either side of powering the club to promotion with 29 league goals during the 1997/98 season.
      After leaving the City Ground, Van Hooijdonk had spells in Portugal, Turkey and his native Netherlands before retiring in 2007 aged 37.
      The 23-year-old starred on loan at Heerenveen last seasonCredit: Rex
      Van Hooijdonk was twice relegated during three years at Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty More

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      Tom Lockyer breaks down in tears as he gets hero’s welcome on return to Luton pitch for first time since cardiac arrest

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      TOM LOCKYER was reduced to tears as he applauded Luton fans on his emotional return to Kenilworth Road.The Hatters’ skipper has been absent from matches since suffering a cardiac arrest during the Premier League match at Bournemouth on December 16.
      Tom Lockyer took in the brilliant reception from Luton’s fansCredit: PA
      The Hatters’ skipper made his first return to Kenilworth Road since his cardiac arrestCredit: Rex
      Lockyer was in tears during the emotional scenesCredit: PA
      Luton supporters were delighted to welcome back their heroCredit: PA
      The clash was abandoned as the Welsh defender was rushed to hospital.
      Lockyer – who also collapsed during last season’s Championship play-off final at Wembley – was discharged before Christmas to continue his recovery at home.
      But although he remains sidelined, tonight he was back at Luton’s home ground to watch his team-mates tear Brighton apart in the Premier League.
      The 29-year-old wore a maroon coat, brown hoody and black beanie hat as he received a hero’s welcome by his adoring supporters.
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      Lockyer walked around the pitch and clapped those in the stands before kick-off.
      He soaked in the brilliant standing ovation as the Hatters and even travelling Brighton fans belted out his chant on repeat.
      A huge, orange banner was displayed in the Kenilworth Stand while Lockyer’s beloved Foo Fighters were blared out on the PA system before he walked out. 
      Then just 18 seconds into the game, Lockyer and the Luton supporters were delighted to see Elijah Adebayo head in.
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      Incredibly, it was 2-0 on three minutes when Chiedozie Ogbene slid into an unguarded net.
      Adebayo added his second and Luton’s third just before half-time and he completed the Hatters’ very first Premier League hat-trick 11 minutes after the break to complete a thumping 4-0 win.
      Lockyer has not been allowed to resume playing football just yet after the shocking medical ordeal six weeks ago.
      However, he did visit the Luton training ground on Monday to be reunited with his fellow players as well as various club staff.
      Lockyer was filmed hugging stars in the dressing room and received a wonderful reception as he entered the team meeting.
      He then headed out on to the pitches to watch training up close.
      Lockyer appeared in good spirits throughout his visit, including during his chat with boss Rob Edwards, and said: “I’ve really enjoyed coming in and seeing all the lads. I haven’t seen them since that happened [at Bournemouth].
      “It’s really nice to see them all and be back in the building. “All the lads have been amazing.
      “Carlton has been up to the house but it was lovely to see him again today.”
      Lockyer added: “I’ve got a couple of Harry Potter jigsaws but Lego is my favourite.
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      “Anything to keep me busy. Being so active for all my life to then be told you can’t do anything has been quite difficult.
      “I’m a bit of a handyman now so if you need a wonky shelf or a wonky picture frame I’m your man.”
      Elijah Adebayo scored a hat-trick in the 4-0 win over BrightonCredit: Getty
      Lockyer went down under no contact on December 16Credit: Getty
      Lockyer returned to the training ground on MondayCredit: YouTube @LutonTownFootballClub
      He was not able to participate in trainingCredit: YouTube @LutonTownFootballClub More

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      Nottingham Forest star Scott McKenna seals shock transfer to Champions League side

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST defender Scott McKenna has joined Copenhagen on a six-month loan.The 27-year-old was reportedly banished from first team training in December due to a dispute over his contract.
      Scott McKenna has joined Copenhagen on loanCredit: Getty
      He returned to the bench when Forest faced Brentford earlier this month, but has since been limited to just 18 minutes of game time.
      And with the centre-back already a long way down the pecking order at the City Ground, Forest officials have sanctioned a loan move.
      McKenna will now spend the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign with Copenhagen.
      Forest confirmed his departure on social media earlier today with a short statement.
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      It read: “Scott McKenna has joined FC Copenhagen on loan for the remainder of the season.
      “The Scotland international has featured six times for The Reds in all competitions this term. The 27-year-old now heads to Denmark for the rest of the campaign, with Copenhagen currently sat third in the Danish Superliga.
      “We wish Scott all the best for his time in Denmark.”
      Upon his arrival at Copenhagen, the Scotland international said: “I see it as a really good opportunity for me.
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      “FC Copenhagen is an internationally recognised club, which always plays for the titles and which has shown itself fantastically internationally.
      “I’m really looking forward to meeting the team and coming to the training camp, which is a perfect starting point for me in terms of quickly getting into the group, and I will do my utmost for the championship to end in Copenhagen again.”
      Copenhagen face Manchester City in the Champions League round-of-16. More

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      Aston Villa 1 Newcastle 3: Toon deal huge blow to Villa’s top four hopes and end Unai Emery’s astonishing home record

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      UNAI EMERY knew his remarkable home record at Villa would not last forever. He just would not have expected Fabian Schar to smash it to pieces.Because if you were to have a guess at naming the Premier League player to eventually send Emery’s team to their first Villa Park loss of the season, Schar’s name would not have been on the list.
      Newcastle put a blow in Aston Villa’s top four hopesCredit: PA
      Yet the Newcastle central defender scored his first Premier League goal for 17 months and then unbelievably, grabbed another one four minutes later.
      Eddie Howe, whose side had lost four successive Premier League games, saw his side add a third when Jacob Murphy’s shot was nudged over the line by Alex Moreno.
      Ollie Watkins, without a goal in his previous six Villa matches, pulled one back with 19 minutes left but Villa had too much work to do.
      For Howe, who is suffering his toughest spell at Toon boss, this was a hugely pleasing performance. It was more like the Newcastle we saw from last season.
      As for Villa, this was the type of below-par, disjoined performance which their opponents had been producing over the last few weeks.
      Not since Arsenal left here with a 4-2 win in February 2022 had Villa lost at home and this record merely illustrates the terrific progress Emery’s side have made.
      But this was a reminder that to follow Newcastle’s achievement by landing a top four spot it will still be extremely difficult, even though not impossible, for Villa.
      The only negative for Howe was a first half injury to striker Alexander Isak who was replaced by Miggy Almiron, a player whose future at the club has looked uncertain but played a part in the third goal.

      Yet the unlikely hero for Newcastle was Swiss centre-back Schar who grabbed one goal against PSG in the Champions League in October but whose previous top-flight goal was in a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in August 2022.
      His well-taken effort was no more than Newcastle had deserved as they had completely dominated Villa who had been saved by keeper Emi Martinez and some excellent blocks by Clement Lenglet and Ezri Konsa.
      Before the game, Emery warned Villa to be on red alert at set-pieces as both goals in the 2-0 FA Cup win over Fulham came from corners.
      Yet From Trippier’s corner, Ollie Watkins missed a header and Schar got in front of centre-back Konsa to prod the ball into the corner of the net.
      Incredibly, it was Newcastle’s first Premier League goal at Villa Park since Yoan Gouffran in September 2013.
      And the second soon followed with Schar in the right place at the right time. He was first to react to Anthony Gordon’s shot, which had deflected onto the bar off Lenglet.
      Lacking ideas and energy, the nearest Villa came to a goal was a header from John McGinn over in first half injury time.
      Fabian Schar scored Newcastle’s secondCredit: Getty
      Yet any realistic hopes of a Villa revival went down the gurgler just a few minutes into the second half.
      Matty Cash was caught sleeping and lost possession, Gordon ran unchallenged for 30 yards and he fed Almiron whose first-time cross was met at the far post by Murphy.
      Alex Moreno helped the ball over the line before smashing into the post – and it certainly looked pretty painful. 
      Moussa Diaby had a goal-bound shot blocked by Schar but Watkins then pulled one back by turning in a near post cross from Leon Bailey, who had a big impact when coming on.
      Almost directly from the restart, Watkins thought he had scored again when he clipped a shot over Martin Dubravka but he was offside.
      Sean Longstaff should have made it 4-1 in the 89th minute but Martinez delivered a terrific save.
      During nine minutes of stoppage time, Newcastle’s fans sang the name of their boss.
      That FA Cup win at Fulham was crucial but so was. And for the time being, with injured players returning to fitness, it seems as Howe has overcome his particularly nasty spell at the club.
      The pressure is off – for the time being at least.
      Jacob Murphy celebrates with Miguel AlmironCredit: Getty
      Unai Emery home record was brokenCredit: PA More

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      Crystal Palace 3 Sheff Utd 2: Eze and Olise turn on style to ease Hodgson pressure after Brereton Diaz 20-second goal

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      ROY HODGSON watched his star men ease the pressure on his Crystal Palace job before having them both snatched away.Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise put on a masterclass at Selhurst Park to grab a first win of 2024 but both limped off before full-time.
      Michael Olise grabbed a crucial winner for Crystal PalaceCredit: Rex
      The attacker let fly to turn the game on its headCredit: Rex
      Eze scored twice with assists from Olise before he got his own spectacular winner but good news never seems to last too long at Crystal Palace this season.
      But the result is all that truly matters in games like this, especially when it had looked like it could have been curtains for Hodgson after Ben Brereton Diaz fired rock-bottom Sheffield United into the lead after just 20 seconds and James McAtee put them ahead once again after Eze’s first.
      Earlier in the day a senior figure at Selhurst Park had conceded this was a “big night for Roy Hodgson” with the former England manager having been under increasing pressure of late.
      The expectation was that defeat here would lead to the end of the 76-year-old’s managerial career.
      But even before kick-off there was some solace for Hodgson.
      Olise was back from injury, Jordan Ayew returned from international duty with Ghana and – crucially – there were new signings.
      Daniel Munoz was paraded in front of the fans after signing a deal until 2027, while Adam Wharton was last night completing his move from Blackburn.
      While all that will have filled the hosts with hope, Hodgson knows only too well how cruel football can be.

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      Before many had taken their seats for this crucial contest, Palace were behind – cut apart from kick-off.
      Without touching the ball the hosts were one down to a team which had not managed to score a goal inside the opening 30 minutes of a Premier League game this season.
      And while Brereton Diaz supplied a fine finish, it all looked too easy.
      The ball was clipped forward to Ollie McBurnie, who flicked it into Gustavo Hamer. The former Coventry man was allowed the time to craft a well-angled ball out to Brereton Diaz who collected, cut inside Chris Richards and picked out the far corner.
      It was the last thing Hodgson needed.
      While the veteran boss has not helped himself this season he has also been dealt a rough hand.
      Palace have been without the talent of Olise and Eze for so much of this campaign. Any manager would struggle without those two in their side.
      The hosts had put some pressure on after the early shock and, having found space on the edge of the box, Olise crafted the opening to equalise.
      Ben Brereton Diaz found the net after just 20 secondsCredit: Rex
      It was the perfect start for the struggling BladesCredit: Reuters
      Eberechi Eze got Palace on level termsCredit: Getty

      The Frenchman clipped a ball over the Blades’ back line where Eze leapt and prodded home with an outstretched leg.
      Including last night the influential duo have only started four games together this season.
      Because of that Palace have had to be tight at the back, but they were far from it in the first half.
      Eze lost the ball cheaply in midfield while McBurnie shrugged off Will Hughes and Joachim Andersen with little trouble before finding McAtee, whose strike deflected off Marc Guehi and in.
      While the back door was wide open at times, Eze and Olise were still fighting up top.
      Olise rolled the ball into Eze’s feet, where he turned Vini Souza before bending a spectacular effort into the far corner with his supposedly weaker foot.
      Things got a bit more difficult for the visitors when, shortly after the restart, January signing Ivo Grbic was very reluctantly forced off after a clash with Jean-Philippe Mateta, with Wes Foderingham replacing him in goal.
      He later curled in a wonder goal for 2-2Credit: Getty
      Eze will be hoping to fire Palace up the Premier League tableCredit: Reuters
      Olise limped off in worrying scenes for Roy HodgsonCredit: PA
      Daniel Munoz was presented to the Selhurst Park fans following his January transferCredit: Getty
      But the man recently relegated to second-choice keeper was sharp to stop Olise, keeping his effort out at the near post after a superb ball through from Jefferson Lerma.
      Foderingham could do nothing about Olise’s next attempt. Having been set down the right by Eze’s quick feet, the No7 found Mateta.
      The striker’s cross was blocked but the ball fell loose on the edge of the area where Olise arrived to caress a first-time finish into the bottom left.
      But while the Palace fans were still celebrating, Olise was down calling for help and had to walk off after 68 minutes, with Eze joining him on the bench minutes later having needed treatment himself.
      Things almost got worse when Anel Ahmedhodzic glanced a late header onto the bar. But Palace, and Hodgson, survived.
      Here’s how the action unfolded at Selhurst Park… More