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ARSENAL have to settle for a point after a thrilling 2-2 with Aston Villa.Gabriel Martinelli broke the deadlock on 35 minutes despite Emiliano Martinez’s best efforts to stop the ball from crossing the line.After half-time, Kai Havertz ended his poor run in front of goal with a close-range finish to make it 2-0.But Arsenal’s two-goal advantage didn’t last long as Youri Tielemans headed home for 2-1.And things went from bad to worse for the Gunners after Ollie Watkins slammed home a stunning equaliser on 68 minutes.Match result: Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaArsenal team: Raya, Partey, Timber, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Odegaard, Merino, Trossard, Martinelli, HavertzAston Villa team: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen, Onana, Kamara, Rogers, Tielemans, Ramsey WatkinsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Match reportIf this is the night when Arsenal’s title hopes died, then Ollie Watkins has been their gravedigger again.But the death sentence might have been passed by Stockley Park.With less than two minutes to go the Emirate erupted as Mikel Merino’s hopeful effort from the edge of the box took a big deflection to find its way past Emi Martinez and put Mikel Arteta’s men back ahead in a game they had tossed away.Yet Merino, pointedly, did not celebrate.He knew what Jon Brooks in the VAR booth near Heathrow was going to tell ref Chris Kavanagh – that the final, vital touch to deceive Martinez had come, albeit accidentally, off Kai Havertz’ right arm.The referee had no choice but to disallow the goal – and while Merino hit the post in added time, there was to be no reprieve.Copy linkCopied’Formula’Opta report that Arsenal have scored more goals than any other Premier League side from CROSSES this season.And Trossard’s assist double both came from crosses – only the second time in the league that’s happened this season.They tweeted from OptaJoe: “Arsenal have scored more goals from crosses than any other team in the Premier League this season (11), while Leandro Trossard is one of only two players to assist 2+ goals via crosses in a game this season (also Damsgaard v Wolves in October). Formula.”Copy linkCopiedUp nextBoth sides turn their attention to Champions League duty in midweek.Then it’s back to league business next weekend with very winnable games, with the Gunners at Wolves and Villa hosting West Ham.Copy linkCopied’Disappointing day’Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli says his side need to improve for upcoming games after their second half collapse.He told Sky Sports: “It’s a disappointing day. We wanted to win the game, but we have to keep going.”We trust in ourselves, and we have to keep going and improving – it is a long journey to go. We have to focus on ourselves.”That’s football, that’s the Premier League, the most difficult league in the world. We have to see the game and see what we have done wrong and improve for the next games.”We know our qualities and we know the potential we have and we trust in ourselves.”Copy linkCopiedYouri not kiddingYouri Tielemans reckons Aston Villa were well worth their point.He told the BBC: “From our point of view [a good result] is always deserved. We take the point and move forward. They had many chances but we defended with our bodies on the line. “2-2 is a good result for us. First half we had a couple of counters, misplaced passes from me which could have put Ollie Watkins in.”We fought really well to come back into the game.”Copy linkCopiedForward ratingsLEANDRO TROSSARD – 8: Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinez for the opener before blazing over himself. The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8: Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8: Again, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range. The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better. That will do wonders for his confidence.Copy linkCopiedMidfielder ratingsMIKEL MERINO – 6: A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half. He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1. Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7: Integral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6: A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.Copy linkCopiedPlayer ratingsHere’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies scored the Gunners players tonight, starting with the defenders:DAVID RAYA – 6: Let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8: With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.GABRIEL – 7: Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7: Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.Copy linkCopiedThe damageHere’s how the top of the Premier League table looks after today’s results.Liverpool started the day four points clear with a game in hand – they’re now SIX clear with that game in hand still.Nottingham Forest with the chance to move level on points with Arsenal if they beat Southampton at home tomorrow.The battle for top four looks set to be a good one too!Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaThis place, around the stadium was bouncing at 4.45pm when it looked like Liverpool were dropping points.Incredibly, Arsenal go to bed tonight even further behind Liverpool in the title race.To watch Liverpool score two in stoppage time would’ve been bad enough.To then bottle a 2-0 lead is unforgivable in most circumstances. After today’s events probably moreso.Just one win from their last five games now too….Copy linkCopiedFULL TIMEHugely damaging, costly COLLAPSE from Arsenal. Boos at the whistle too.Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaCopy linkCopied90+7 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaOdegaard’s delivery is abysmal. High, lofty and straight into the arms of Martinez.Not great from him or the set piece coach.Copy linkCopied90+7 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaHere he comes – the set piece coach is front and centre!Arsenal have a free kick, 15 yards from the Villa byline on the right. Odegaard will send it in in-swinging.Copy linkCopied90+6 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaWHAT A CHANCE FOR TROSSARD!!!Ohhh Arsenal and their fans can’t believe it. Arteta is almost on his knees, HE can’t believe it.Trossard looks to have broken the offside trap with a clever pass through to him on the left. It’s just Martinez to beat on his left foot and he drags his shot a foot wide of the far post. Agony!Copy linkCopied90+5 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaNow Rogers is booked for stopping Arsenal taking their throw-in quickly.Copy linkCopied90+4 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaSterling in comfortable possession gives the ball away at the edge of the Villa box.It’s to Jhon Duran and Villa have nobody to hit but they get out of trouble when Sterling swipes him from behind to give the free kick away.Sterling is booked for it too.Copy linkCopied90+2 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaUp the other end now and Villa work it well to get Youri Tielemans on it at the edge of the box.He drags his shot just wide and it looks like Raya may well got a touch. Not so, according to the referee as Arsenal get the goal kick.Copy linkCopied90 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaSEVEN MINUTES ADDED!Copy linkCopied90 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaNothing comes of the corner as a foul is given to Villa in the middle.Copy linkCopied90 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaMERINO HITS THE POST!Pinball inside the box as Merino gets space in the box and fires it off the post. It bounces around and is kept alive, worked to Trossard on the left at an angle and he fires low and hard at goal and Martinez scrambles across to keep it out.Now Trossard is cheerleader to gee the home crowd up as they win a corner.Copy linkCopied88 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaMerino has a strike from the edge of the box heading towards goal and it hits Kai Havertz on the way through.It wrong foots Martinez and ends up in the far corner.The first replay shows it quite clearly hits his arm on the way in. He’s pointing to his side but unfortunately for him, there’s replays involved in football that show he’s not telling the truth.The home support boo as the replay is shown but not quite sure why.Copy linkCopiedSCRATCH THAT…NO GOAL – VAR RULES IT OUT FOR HANDBALL!Copy linkCopiedTHEY’RE BACK IN FRONT!Copy linkCopied86– Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaClose for Aston Villa!It’s a rapid counter attack led by Rogers who bursts through the middle of the park unchallenged.He works it to Bailey on the right edge of the area and as Arsenal try to block the cross, it’s laid back to Bogarde who strikes low and hard through the bodies and Raya just manages to keep it out.Copy linkCopied83 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaAaaand another change for Aston Villa.All a bit stop-start at the minute, just as Villa want it at the minute.OFF: Jacob RamseyON: Leon BaileyCopy linkCopied More

BOURNEMOUTH smashed Newcastle with Justin Kluivert scoring a brilliant hat-trick in the first game of the day.The standout 3pm match sees Premier League leaders Liverpool head to the capital to take on Brentford.There are two other games with West Ham facing Crystal Palace and Leicester hosting Fulham.Later, Arsenal go head-to-head with Aston Villa in this weekend’s blockbuster clash.Kick off times: 12.30pm/3pm/5.30pm GMT48 – GOAL!! Leicester 0-1 FULHAMEMILE SMITH ROWE opens the scoring after a couple of minutes of the second half!Copy linkCopied48 – GOAL!! West Ham 0-1 CRYSTAL PALACEThe first goal in the 3pm games and it’s JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA!Copy linkCopiedSecond half!Back under way then for the second 45 minutes.These six teams have left us waiting for some goal action but there’s going to be PLENTY coming in this second half.My prediction: 7 goals will arrive across the three games.Copy linkCopiedJust nothingDean Henderson would be as well sitting watching this beside me.The Fabianski save from Mateta was a fantastic one but in truth not much else outwith that, particularly the Hammers not forcing a save yet.It has to be better after the break, right?Copy linkCopiedGraham Hill at the King PowerRuud van Nistelrooy will be pleased to go into the break on level terms. Leicester have threatened on occasions, but it will only need one lapse at the back and Fulham will be in control.Victor Kristiansen should have done better after carving out space but slicing his shot wide.Fulham went close through Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey before the break. But if Leicester want to stop the rot, they need to find the net – something they have struggled with recently.Copy linkCopiedDan King at the Gtech Community StadiumIt’s nervy one, this, now. The home fans are getting restless because of the number of chances their team is giving up and the sense that Liverpool will surely score at some point. But the longer the visitors dominate without breaking the deadlock, the more their own fears, and those of their supporters will grow, that it is going to be another one of those days. The Reds had nine corners in the half but have not made any of them count like they did at Forest last Tuesday night. Copy linkCopiedHalf time scoresThe three Premier League scores at half time:Brentford 0-0 LiverpoolLeicester 0-0 FulhamWest Ham vs Crystal PalaceCopy linkCopiedHALF TIME! Leicester 0-0 FulhamAnd it’s a copy and paste job. Fulham dominant at the break but chances at either end. No goals.Copy linkCopiedHALF TIME! Brentford 0-0 LiverpoolLiverpool knocking at the door but as of yet unable to break it down.Goalless at the Gtech.Copy linkCopiedHALF TIME! West Ham 0-0 Crystal PalaceNot too much to discuss there.Copy linkCopiedChances amissChris Sutton tells BBC Radio 5 Live: “Liverpool cannot keep passing up opportunities like they are. Brilliant work, devastating on the counter.”Mark Flekken does brilliant to narrow the angle but Cody Gakpo’s effort is tame and weak.”How many chances are Liverpool going to waste?”Copy linkCopied39 – Brentford 0-0 LiverpoolGakpo is picked out excellently by Salah as Liverpool counter.Flekken rushes off his line and Gakpo manages to get it past him – using his heel it looks like – but it just rolls harmlessly wide.Let-off for the Bees.Copy linkCopiedOn top?How is this game still goalless?Liverpool with eight corners and 12 shots on goal after just less than 40 minutes on the clock. Just the three of those on target, though.They’ve had the bulk of the possession too but Brentford look really dangerous going forward.Copy linkCopied35 – Brentford 0-0 LiverpoolSZOBOSZLAI HITS THE BAR!What a hit and what a stunning goal this would’ve been.Szoboszlai allowed to take his time to line it up, take a couple of touches to set himself 25 yards from goal, on the right of centre and he smashes a shot which beats Flekken but flicks the crossbar on the way by and away over to safety.So close to a bit of magicCopy linkCopiedJack Rosser at the London StadiumIt is freezing at the London Stadium and the football has done nothing to distract anyone from that fact.The play and atmosphere are both flat as anything. West Ham again are moving the ball with a bit more pace than they did under Julen Lopetegui.But with just Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta as they’re attacking options chances are hard to come by.Copy linkCopiedDan King at the Gtech Community StadiumA strangely subdued atmosphere at the Gtech. It’s been a decent game, though. The duel between Bryan Mbeumo and Kostas Tsimikas is going to be crucial. The Greek picked up an early booking for tugging back Brentford’s main man and now the home side are trying to isolate him against Mbeumo as often as possible. Liverpool are lacking authority at both ends of the pitch with Luis Diaz fluffing a chance. The first goal is very important in this one.Copy linkCopiedGraham Hill at the King PowerIt’s looking even between the sides at the moment, but you can sense Fulham know Leicester have a fragile defence and can always concede.Jamie Vardy caused some early problems for Fulham. The 38-year-old showed he still has a devastating turn of pace and his cross into the box almost forced former Foxes defender Timothy Castagne to put through his own goal – only a Bernd Leno save spared his blushes.Fulham look a threat going forward and Harry Wilson set up Emile Smith-Rowe who curled his shot just wide.Copy linkCopied26 – West Ham 0-0 Crystal PalaceMichael Dawson told Soccer Saturday: “Yeah pretty dull, nil-nil.”That’s him being kind…Copy linkCopied22 – West Ham 0-0 Crystal PalaceJust a couple of shots at goal from either side as they’ve cancelled each other out at present.Mateta gets in down the right and forces a very good save from Fabianski who pushes it away at full stretch.Edson Alvarez then tries his luck from distance but can’t beat a cluster of players in front of him.Copy linkCopiedThat Damsgaard miss…A picture never really does the game justice, admittedly.But the video footage is even worse than this miss looks still. Not entirely sure how they’re not in front, Brentford.Copy linkCopiedPremier League latest scoresAround 18 minutes in across the top flight…Brentford 0-0 LiverpoolLeicester 0-0 FulhamWest Ham vs Crystal PalaceCopy linkCopied4 – Brentford 0-0 LiverpoolWHAT A CHANCE for Damsgaard!Liverpool started strongly and had a corner inside 90 seconds which came to nothing – but they should be behind.Roerslev slides a terrific ball across goal and Damsgaard looks to have a tap-in, into an empty net, but just misses it altogether!Copy linkCopiedThe view at the King Power Stadium of Graham HillIt’s a huge game for Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy as he looks to avoid a SEVENTH straight league defeat.Ironically, a Foxes win would take them out of the bottom three due to their rivals’ recent struggles.Leicester fans have been taking out their frustrations on director of football Jon Rudkin, so it’ll be interesting to see which direction that heads.There is no place for new signing Woyo Coulibaly who signed from Parma in midweek – but the paperwork to allow the French full-back to play here was not completed in time for him to have enough training sessions.Fulham will look to bounce back after their 3-2 defeat at West Ham.Copy linkCopiedThe view of SunSport’s Jack Rosser watching West Ham vs Crystal Palace at the London StadiumGraham Potter made a fantastic start to life at the London Stadium with a thrilling win over Fulham in his first home game in charge on Tuesday night.The new Hammers boss would certainly like things to be a little easier than that 3-2 win, and has moved to a back three to try and match up Crystal Palace.Given how thin they are up top, Lucas Paqueta’s form will be key. He was impressive in midweek but has struggled for consistency for far too long now.Copy linkCopiedKICK-OFF!No better time in the week than 3pm on a Saturday!And the three Premier League games are all under way. All the talking points to come….Copy linkCopied More

AMAD DIALLO was Man Utd’s saviour yet again as he scored a HAT-TRICK in just ten minutes to bring United back from the brink.Southampton had taken the lead through a Manuel Ugarte own goal – it was the first time have scored from a corner this SEASON,Man Utd’s Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony both missed golden chances as Ruben Amorim’s side struggled to break down the Premier League’s bottom club.But Diallo came to the rescue yet again, scoring three goals in just ten minutes to earn United all three points.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Skipper still vital to attacking threatEven though, by his standards, he didn’t have his most effective game he is integral for Man Utd.His ability to pick a pass and score goals himself, he links play as well for the Red Devils.With this transition period they are in, he needs to use his experience to bring his side through this.Copy linkCopiedBoss struggling to find a strikerOne of the most expensive positions to fill is to find a goal scorer.It is evident that Hojlund is causing them more problems than he is solving, spending far too little time in the box.Zirkzee seemed to improve things when he came on but like his teammate he drops deep often.So many times in the first-half as wingers got into dangerous positions, there was no target for them in the penalty area.Copy linkCopiedRuben struggling with vision stillIt is blatantly obvious that if Man Utd are committed to their new manager and his style, it is going to require huge investment.Ruben Amorim has been in charge for long enough now that you can see so little of this existing squad is capable of delivering his vision.To make the harsh changes that are required will take time and multiple transfer windows to achieve, this is no quick fix, exactly the opposite if we are honest.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWinger has moment to rememberHe has had an interesting start to his United career already, having to go out on loan to impress and get his chance.Although there is plenty to work on still, in glimpses he is showing signs of someone who can be a star of the future.Tonight, Amad Diallo grabbed his first senior hat-trick for the club and the match ball will take pride of place in his home no doubt.Credit: AlamyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedNothing gets easier for SaintsWith the club need almost heading towards that point of no return, points are desperately needed.It does not get any easier for Southampton in their upcoming fixtures sadly.That said, there are no easy games in the top-flight and if they want to survive, they need to raise their levels for the entire match. not just 75 minutes like we saw today.Copy linkCopiedRed Devils need to put run togetherMan Utd will need to take the positives from tonight’s game.While the performance was nothing to write home about, they got an important win to build on.Their next five fixtures give them the chance to do exactly that.Copy linkCopiedSaints starlets will see vultures circleUnless some divine inspiration helps them, it seems pretty certain that Southampton will be going down this season.That then brings a different problem for The Saints as the likes of Dibling and Sulemana are going to attract some interest from Premier League clubs.Whether they cash in on them or not could dictate how quickly their return to the top-flight takes.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTorrid night for youngsterLeny Yoro had a game that he will want to forget in a hurry.Kamaldeen Sulemana rinsed him all evening with his pace and skill.The Man Utd defender will need to use this now as a motivation to up his game and develop more as a player from it.Other than that, something like this can haunt someone and see their performances suffer as a result.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedAmad saves United’s blushesA twelve minute hat-trick from Amad Diallo turned this game on its head this evening and clinched the points.He has been the one positive the Red Devils’ fans have enjoyed this season and even takes the match ball home tonight.Southampton could not deal with him down the left flank and he threatened for the entire game.Copy linkCopiedBoss gives thoughts on performanceRuben Amorim gave his views on his side’s display against Southampton this evening:In the end it is good, very difficult game. They did a very good job of creating space between the lines. When they lose their physicality, towards the end of the game, we find the way to win. Today was not a lack of enthusiasm, it was sometimes a lack of speed and lack of control of the game.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Ken Lawrence at Old TraffordAmad Diallo proved himself worth every penny of his big pay rise and five year deal.But oh, dear. United were in the main awuful and Southampton deserve to have departed heartbroken after the winger’s late, late double.They certainbly love a drama at the Theatre of Dreams and Amad was the stunning hat – trick star biut Ruben Amnorim will know he really did dodge a bullett.Copy linkCopiedFT: Man Utd 3-1 SouthamptonThis was shaping up like it was going to be an embarassing defeat but they have managed to grab victory at Old Trafford.It was not a performance to be proud of until they dug deep and scored late goals to win this game.This scoreline will certainly paper over the cracks until their next match now.Copy linkCopiedFT: Man Utd 3-1 SouthamptonThe referee brings the game to a close at Old Trafford.Amad has won this game for the Red Devils with his first senior hat-trick.Southampton were so close to an upset here.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-1 Southampton90+4. Playing from the back strikes again.As Ramsdale plays the ball to Harwood-Bellis, his first touch is heavy.Amad ghosts in to poke it into an empty net.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Amad Diallo (Man Utd)Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Southampton90+3. Southampton will take this defeat badly.For the best part of an hour they bossed this game.Not taking their chances, they are now facing getting nothing out of the match.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Southampton90+2. Man Utd have got themselves out of jail.A volley from Diallo from close range beats Ramsdale as Old Trafford erupts.We are going to have five added minutes.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedGoal – Amad Diallo (Man Utd)Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 Southampton88. Time is running out for either side to find a winner.A point will do neither team any favours in the table.The hosts look the more likely to score at the moment.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 Southampton86. Zirkzee has offered more since replacing Hojlund.He makes far more intelligent runs that the Dane, although rarely spends any time in the penalty area also.Antony is fouled on the halfway line and wins a free-kick.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 Southampton84. This is going to make for an exciting finish now.Man Utd have their tails up and want to go for the win.The Saints need try and catch them on the counter-attack.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 Southampton82. Finally, The Saints defensive line is broken.Amad gets lucky as his first shot ricochets off Walker-Peters in front of him.He drills home a right-footed shot, beating Ramsdale at his near post.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Amad Diallo (Man Utd)Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Southampton80. Man Utd need goals, we all know that.However, Amorim seems to think the answer to that is bringing on Maguire for the hosts.Eriksen also looks like he is about to join the game.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Southampton78. Downes ‘takes one for the team’ to prevent Antony getting away.The referee immediately shows him a yellow card.Fernandes gets to the byline and looks to dink it past Ramsdale from a tight angle.The former Arsenal stopper makes a good block.Copy linkCopied More

ARSENAL are taking on fierce rivals Tottenham in a huge Premier League clash TONIGHT.The Gunners will be looking to bounce back after they crashed out of the FA Cup to Manchester United last weekend.Mikel Arteta’s men still have hope of winning the Premier League title, but they will need a near-perfect second half of the season and a drastic drop-off from Liverpool to do so.Elsewhere, Tottenham have slipped into the bottom half of the table after claiming just one point from their last four games in the top flight.Ange Postecoglu will be hoping for a huge win at the home of their North London rivals to raise his stock amongst the Spurs fan base.Kick off time: 8pm GMTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Live stream: discovery+Arsenal team: To follow…Tottenham team: To follow…FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Early team newsArsenal will have to cope without the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri in their front line tonight, with the trio all crocked.Ben White is also out alongside long-term absentee Takehiro Tomiyasu.Spurs’ defence remains decimated, as Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie are set to miss out.Rodrigo Bentancur remains in the concussion protocol after his scary collapse on the field against Liverpool earlier this month, while Richarlison looks set to feature for the first time since early November.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedHead to headTonight represents the 211th instalment of the North London derby, one of English football’s fiercest.Tottenham are winless in the last five meetings between the two teams, going back to 3-0 victory over the Gunners in May 2022. And you have to go way back to 2010 for the last time they won a Premier League clash at the Emirates.Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal (September 2024)Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal (April 2024)Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham (September 2023)Tottenham 0-2 Arsenal (January 2023)Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham (October 2022) Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPostecoglou discusses big Kinsky challengeAnge Postecoglou admits one part of Antonin Kinsky’s game will be severely tested in his first North London Derby this evening and explains why the Tottenham goalkeeper has a big role to play in the high-pressure encounter.He said: “It’s a different challenge but it’s more to do with mindset in that he’s prepared to embrace that challenge, and the challenge we found in the last game when we found out just how strong they are on offensive set pieces and the players they’ve got in terms of both delivery and execution.“You need to be well organised, but you also need your goalkeeper to play a pivotal role. So far what I’ve seen of him he’s embraced those challenges.“It’s not easy going to a place like Tamworth and they’re throwing balls literally under the crossbar and you’ve got about 20 bodies around you, and as much as it’s about technical ability it’s more about mindset and tackling that and he didn’t shy away from it.“That really helped us because it gives confidence to the players around him because they know if it’s in his area, he’s going to come for it and they can focus on their job.”Copy linkCopiedArteta recalls Wilshere’s viral momentMikel Arteta has recalled Jack Wilshere’s passion for the NLD after witnessing the former midfielder’s viral moment when he was a player.Arteta told TNT Sports: “I remember having a few conversations with Jack about it.”Because Jack was very passionate about the rivalry, as we all know about.”He made it public a few times, which was at the time very viral. So that’s probably something that’s stuck in my head from a player’s perspective.”Copy linkCopiedPostecoglou hits out at ‘narrative’Ange Postecoglou has taken issue with being perceived as someone who does not care about the defensive side of the game, explaining why he feels that his Tottenham side have done well at the back this season.He said: “You don’t want to hear my explanation, you’d rather hear that I don’t like defending, we’re open, that we have this ridiculously high line, that we get torn apart in every game. “That’s the narrative.”Copy linkCopiedKeown makes controversial team pickFormer Arsenal star believes only one Tottenham player would get into the Gunners team.Keown picked his combined XI as he spoke to TNT Sports.“Merino or Kulusevski?” Keown was asked.“Oh, Kulusevski is probably the only player who deserves to be in the Arsenal XI.Copy linkCopiedSol Campbell stars in hilarious advertGoogle have added to the NLD build-up by selecting Sol Campbell to star in a humuours advert encouraging buyers to switch to their Google Pixel phone.Copy linkCopiedTottenham receive injury boostTottenham Hotspur have received a significant injury boost ahead of tonight’s clash against Arsenal as Richarlison returns to the squad after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Brazilian forward, who is considered one of Spurs’ most important players, has been out for several weeks due to fitness issues but is now ready to make his comeback.Postecoglou said: “It’s just good to get Richy back, he’s had an unfortunate season for us, but last season when he played, and even the little bit he played this season when he injured his hamstring, he fights and scraps for everything, and he’s got quality as well.“Just having an extra attacking player, with him and Mikey (Moore) available now makes such a difference in what we can do during games, between games, in terms of the way we play.”Copy linkCopiedPostecoglou on the NLD derbyTottenham boss Postecoglou knows this is not just a normal game and has talked about the added spice of this fixture.Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of the match, Postecoglou said: “If there’s territory involved that usually gives it an extra bit of spice. There’s definitely territory involved because there’s a piece of turf that people want to own.”What I’ve never done is dismiss it as, ‘it’s just another game’, because it’s not, that’s the reality of it.”We’re all sort of people who are still very much in our own communities and when you’re walking that’s the first thing people say to you so you know the significance of the game.”There’s no point me going in there and saying, ‘boys just treat this like any other game’, because it’s not.”There is a little bit more of an emotional presence in terms of you want the players to understand the ramifications of both the good and the bad, but also prepare themselves for the intensity, the tempo, the passion that exists for this fixture.”Copy linkCopiedWelcome to Arsenal vs Tottenham!North London derby day is here as Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium.The Gunners will be looking to bounce back after their painful FA Cup penalty defeat by Manchester United and keep alive their Premier League title hopes.Mikel Arteta’s side can go within four points of leaders Liverpool with victory, although the Reds will have one game in hand.While Spurs head into the match on a run of two successive wins in cup competitions including the 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup last week.Tottenham, however, have failed to win in their last four Prem matches but victory tonight will have this as a minor memory.Stick with us here on SunSport as we bring you ALL of the latest build-up to the big one at the Emirates.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

IT was a night packed full of drama in four huge games across the Premier League..Nottingham Forest were leading Liverpool in a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash but Diogo Jota equalised after Chris Wood scored again..Bournemouth fought back from a goal down to lead at Chelsea before Reece James scored in injury time to grab a point, while West Ham won Graham Potter’s first game at the London Stadium against London rivals Fulham.Elsewhere, Brentford scored an injury time goal to make it 2-2 and steal a win from Manchester City.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Premier League resultsBrentford 2-2 Man CityChelsea 2-2 BournemouthWest Ham 3-2 FulhamNott’m Forest 1-1 LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedForest looking to cement top fourHaving shown they can mix it up with the league leaders, Forest will grow in belief that they can secure a top-four finish this campaign.They have games coming up that will expect to win and if any of their rivals falter, it could be some season for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.Nobody would have predicted it before a ball was kicked this season but now it is seeming a realistic prospect.Copy linkCopiedForm on the road will be keyLiverpool face some tough fixtures coming up, mostly away from home.Trips to Brentford and Bournemouth will be dangerous fixtures, as plenty of other big teams have found to their cost.It remains to be seen if they strengthen in the transfer window but Slot will be looking to maintain their lead at the top.Copy linkCopiedKeeper stays humble on performanceMatz Sels put in a man of the match performance for the hosts tonight but when quizzed on his display by BT Sport, he remained humble:First-half I did not have much work. The last twenty minutes they had plenty of chances. I have to be there for these moments. We deserve one point, we need to continue and focus on the game Sunday.Matz Sels Nott’m ForestCopy linkCopiedMagpies with chance to prosperNewcastle welcome Wolves to St James’ Park and the stakes could not be bigger now for Eddie Howe’s side.With Chelsea dropping points against Bournemouth, three points will see The Magpies move into fourth place in the table.He will be hoping that Alexander Isak is fit enough to lead the line against Wolves tomorrow.Copy linkCopiedSuper subs combine for RedsDiogo Jota and Kostas Tsimikas combined for Liverpool’s equaliser, their manager was asked if had ever made a more effective substitution:We all know Jota can score a goal. We brought him to get us a goal and he did it in twenty something seconds [from coming on]. Their keeper had a goal game. Every time you have the ball, you have to go past eleven players. So difficult. That’s why I was so happy with our second-half performance.Arne SlotLiverpoolCopy linkCopiedLiverpool extend lead at the topArne Slot’s side are now seven points clear at the top of the table.Nott’m Forest move into second spot but Arsenal face Tottenham in a North London derby tomorrow.They can move to within four points of Liverpool, but the league leaders will then have a game in hand.Copy linkCopiedReds engine room key to formAlexis Mac Allister was in fine form for The Reds again this evening.Often he does the work that goes unappreciated but the Argentinian international sets such high standards for himself and his teammates.Despite picking up an important point, he was still disappointed that they did not get the win, considering all they created after the interval.He is integral to this Liverpool team and is the engine room of their midfield.Copy linkCopiedGuardiola left infuriated by teamWith 78 minutes gone, Man City led in the capital by two goals to nil.It all looked as though the visitors were going to get their fifth successive win in all competitions.However, they took their foot off the gas and allowed Brentford back into the game.After Wissa pulled a goal back, an equaliser deep into added time from Norgaard salvaged a point for Thomas Frank’s side.Pep Guardiola looked like he could do with a holiday.Credit: AFPCredit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedSels saves point for ForestSigned for just £5m, Matz Sels was on top form for Nott’m Forest against a rampant Liverpool in the second-half.He made four sublime saves to deny the visitors and prevented Arne Slot’s side from turning this game on its head.If Forest as to get Champions League football this season, he will have a big part to play in the remainder of the season.Easily the man of the match in this game. Credit: AlamyCredit: ReutersCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Hill at the City GroundForest controlled the first half and held a one-goal lead thanks to Chris Wood’s 13th goal of the season.But a 66th-minute substitution from Liverpool boss Arne Slot paid dividends straight away.He sent on Diogo Jota and his first touch saw him equalise with a close-range header from fellow sub Kostas Tsimikas’ cross.Liverpool dominated the final minutes and Forest keeper Matz Sels made three crucial saves to keep out sub Diogo Jota – who made the difference for Arne Slot when he came on after 66 minutes – and then Mo Salah.In stoppage time, the Belgium keeper pushed a Cody Gakpo shot around the post.Forest defender Ola Aina then denied Salah with a goal-line clearance as the Forest goal led a charmed life.Breathless stuff, but honours even.Copy linkCopiedFT: Nott’m Forest 1-1 LiverpoolForest edged the first-half in this game and went into the interval with a slender lead.Liverpool looked a completely different side in the second-half and it took four superb saves from Sels to ensure his side got a point out of this game.It was a Jota header for The Reds that ensured they did not suffer their second defeat of the season against the only other team to beat them in the Premier League.Copy linkCopiedNott’m Forest 1-1 Liverpool90+3. Sels makes another superb save, this time from Gakpo.The shot came through a wall of players, so he saw it late, but got down well to tip it around the post.There are still four added minutes remaining here.Copy linkCopiedFT: West Ham 3-2 FulhamGraham Potter gets his first West Ham win as manager in front of their own fans.Fulham made it a nervy finish with two goals from Iwobi.This was an important win for The Hammers, desperately looking to distance themselves from the bottom three in the table.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Andy Dillon at the City GroundTHOMAS TUCHEL turns up as England boss and forgotten man Reece James upstages his younger team mates by smashing home and injury time equaliser.But no glory for Chelsea. Yet again they have frozen.Bournemouth continue to defy gravity and logic and came so close to winning.Copy linkCopiedNott’m Forest 1-1 Liverpool88. Nott’m Forest will have Sels to thank for anything they get from this game.Salah looks to get a shot away in the box, curling towards the top corner but the keeper makes a fingertip save to deny him.From the resulting corner, it is half-cleared and Salah hits immediately on the volley.He catches it well but Aina clears it off the line.Copy linkCopiedNott’m Forest 1-1 Liverpool83. Nuno Espirito Santo is having to change his tactics now.They have played counter-attacking football all game but were looking to make some changes to shut up shop when one-nil up.Now he needs to bring on some fresh legs in attack to see if they can still win this game.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedFT: Brentford 2-2 Man CityPep Guardiola will not be a happy man tonight.His side threw away a two-goal lead to allow The Bees to salvage a point from this game.This will do the confidence of Thomas Frank’s no harm whatsoever while they try to rediscover their form in the Premier League.Copy linkCopiedNott’m Forest 1-1 Liverpool77. Liverpool almost take the lead at the City Ground.As the ball comes into the box, Jota strikes a vicious shot towards goal but Sels makes a goal block and Aina clears it off the line.This is some game now and really could go either way.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Hill at the City GroundTrent Alexander-Arnold had an anxious moment when he appeared to catch Elliot Anderson in the face.But ref Chris Kavanagh felt a talking-to was all that was needed and Alexander-Arnold looked a relieved man.Slot sent on Diogo Jota and Kostas Tsimikas – and the impact was immediate.Tsimikas sent a delivery in and Jota made the most of a rare lapse of concentration at the back to head home an equaliser from close range.Jota then brought a save out of Forest keeper Matz Sels and Liverpool now have a new lease of life.Copy linkCopiedFT: Chelsea 2-2 BournemouthIraola will be gutted to let victory slip through their fingers deep into added time.As a neutral, you would have to say that The Blues deserved something from this game.Things are still not clicking for Chelsea but Bournemouth extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to nine games.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 2-2 Bournemouth90+5. Deep into added time and Chelsea have a dangerous free-kick.Everyone is expecting Palmer to strike it but James bends it around the wall and into the bottom corner.Stamford Bridge erupts as he wheels away in celebration.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGoal – Reece James (Chelsea)Copy linkCopiedNott’m Forest 1-1 Liverpool66. An unlikely goal from the visitors.Tsimikas swings a corner into the box and Jota heads home to equalise for the league leaders.With just over twenty minutes remaining, we have a game on our hands now at the City Ground.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Diogo Jota (Liverpool)Copy linkCopied More

PREMIER LEAGUE action returns TONIGHT with some huge matches taking place under the lights.Manchester City travel to the Gtech Community Stadium as they look to take advantage of Brentford’s recent dip in home form.Elsewhere, Chelsea host Bournemouth and Graham Potter takes charge of his first game at the London Stadium as West Ham welcome London rivals Fulham.Later, Nottingham Forest take on Liverpool in a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash.Kick off times: 7.30pm/8pm GMTTV channel: TNT SportsLive stream: discovery+FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…West Ham vs Fulham team newsGraham Potter confirmed that Niclas Fullkrug suffered a ‘significant’ injury against Aston Villa and the German could be out for ‘months’.That leaves Potter short a striker and he may get creative with the position rather than starting Danny Ings. Potter mentioned Mo Kudus and Lucas Paqueta as potential options up front.For the visitors, Marco Silva said both Sander Berge and Rodrigo Muniz will face late fitness tests.Berge has not played since December 22 while Rodrigo scored in the win against Watford but picked up a knock in that game.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChelsea vs Bournemouth team newsFor the Blues, Enzo Maresca confirmed that Reece James, Romeo Lavia and Noni Madueke are all fit and ready to play if called upon.The Cherries have a lengthy injury list and one key player will definitely be missing out – no 1 keeper Kepa is not allowed to face his parent club.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedNottingham Forest vs LiverpoolWow – what a huge game this could be in the Premier League title race.Certainly not a sentence I was expecting to write about Nottingham Forest at home to Liverpool when the fixture list was released.But Forest are top of the form table – winning six matches in a row – and have won seven of their last eight.Nuno has the Tricky Trees on fire as opponents continue to struggle to deal with their physicality and organisation, as well as they quality.Liverpool ended a bad week with a routine win against Accrington Stanley but tonight is a massive test for Arne Slot’s team.They were poor against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup in midweek and were lucky to escape with a draw against Manchester United last week.Was last week just a blip or are the wheels coming off?Forest are the only team to beat Liverpool in the Premier League this season, remember…Copy linkCopiedBrentford vs Man CityThere continues to be a lot of noise coming out of Man City off the pitch but have they turned a corner on it?Pep Guardiola’s side have now won three in a row – scoring 14 and conceding one – even if one of those wins came against Salford City.City were superb against a hapless West Ham in their last Premier League game, with Erling Haaland back on the scoresheet and Phil Foden enjoying one of his best performances of the season.They play Brentford at a good time. The Bees have picked up just four points since December, last time out with a 5-0 win at Southampton.Thomas Frank’s team then suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup at the weekend, although it was a heavily changed XI.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedWest Ham vs FulhamThe Graham Potter era is underway at West Ham with the former Brighton and Chelsea boss set to take charge of his first Premier League game as Hammers boss.His first game came at Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday night and although they lost that game, West Ham looked a much more coherent side.Fulham are having a decent season but now need to start stringing some wins together.Marco Silva’s side are unbeaten since November 23, but have only picked up 12 points in eight Premier League matches since then – winning two and drawing six.They were impressive against Watford in the FA Cup last week.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChelsea vs BournemouthThe Blues may have secured an easy 5-0 win against Morecambe at the weekend but it hasn’t been plain sailing in the Premier League in the last couple of weeks.Having reached second in the league following five consecutive wins between November and December, Chelsea have now gone winless in FOUR games.Games against Everton, Fulham, Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace have yielded just two points and two goals, making this one against Bournemouth a must win.But that will be easier said than done.Bournemouth are in the middle of a sensational run of their own and are now unbeaten in NINE in all competitions. Five Premier League wins and three draws have sent them up to seventh in the table and they will go level on points with Chelsea should they win.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWelcome!Hello everyone and a warm welcome to those of you tuning in (very) early for our Premier League blog.We have a packed schedule tonight – and the rest of the week – and will bring you every bit of action, all the goals and all the talking points from around the ground.Chelsea vs Bournemouth (7.30pm)West Ham vs Fulham (7.30pm)Brentford vs Man City (7.30pm)Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool (8pm)Credit: RexCopy linkCopied More