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      Johnny Fisher somehow sneaks points win against Dave Allen despite getting outclassed & floored on Fury v Usyk undercard

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      DAVE ALLEN was robbed of a life-changing Saudi Arabia win over Johnny Fisher.In the battle of the horned heavyweights, Doncaster’s White Rhino battered Johnny ‘The Romford Bull’ Fisher but two idiotic judges handed it to 25-year-old.Johnny Fisher was a controversial winner against Dave AllenCredit: PAFan favourite Allen, 32, had dropped Fisher in the fifth and utterly dominated for the five remaining one-sided rounds.But Eddie Hearn’s ticket-selling cash cow was gifted a bizarre and worrying win – that the brave fighter should take no blame for.As two of the woeful officials broke Allen’s heart with inexplicable scores of 95-94 Fisher, 96-93 Allen and 95-94 to the shock winner.Fisher coasted the first round, with Allen barely throwing a punch.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe Essex lad’s jab was rapid and piercing and Allen was only able to catch and deflect so many.Eventually Fisher went to work downstairs and drove hooks in Allen’s ribs.The first couple landed neatly but Allen complained the second wave was low.When he dropped his guard, Fisher ran in and attacked but Allen regained his guard and survived the round.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAllen engaged more in the second, looping over a right hand that clipped Fisher on the mullet.But Fisher kept up his momentum and threw more scoring blows to take the round.If Allen was planning to soak up all the early pressure and take Fisher into the deep late rounds, the scheme was showing promise.The third round was sloppy, both big men seemed to be tiring just a third of the way into the scheduled 10-rounder.Fisher, a history graduate from Exeter uni, seemed to be running out of ideas. And if Allen was biding his time, he was doing it with very little action.And the fifth slipped by with all the allure of a pub crawl along Riyadh’s strictly dry streets.Fisher was sparked in the fifth,m he took a count and his senses were scrambled.Fisher got off to a quick startCredit: ReutersBut Allen weathered the storm wellCredit: GettyHe rose and faked composure for a moment and folded again without a count.Then Allen unloaded and shattered Fisher’s nose, the heavy favourite was drowning and staying afloat through courage and pride alone.He kept swinging haymakers too and Allen failed to punish him for the shots he shipped and missed.Allen was so confident by the sixth that he dropped his hands and dared Fisher to “come one”.Then he landed a right uppercut and hook that would have felled an oak tree back home.Fisher somehow stayed upright but was later tagged by a lead left hook and Allen was racing away with the middle rounds.Fisher’s face was pulverised as soon as the seventh started and there were moments when it looked like ref Bob Williams should jump in and save the prospect.Allen knocked down FisherCredit: ReutersFisher bravely got back upCredit: ReutersBut then he could suck up the oxygen and pain and fire back, barely keeping Allen at bay but keeping himself in the firefight that was becoming a blaze.It seemed a miracle Fisher was standing round after round, Allen was wise and refusing to rush in.The father-of-two – with baby boy George’s name on his shorts – was old-manning Fisher with his experience and defensive tricks.Fisher fought the ninth on nothing but fumes, the engine he built playing university rugby was running in empty and Allen was running him over and threatening to write off his young career.The proud Englishmen hugged before the tenth and final round started but Fisher nearly collapsed from the encounter.Incredibly Fisher finished on the front foot, but he was stumbling into every bungled blow.But he made it to the final bell and the two honest fellas embraced again.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe few fans inside the Kingdom arena were glad it was over, the men had nothing more left to give.They all thought Allen had earned a day in the sun but boxing’s dark arts blew it.Fisher celebrates his controversial winCredit: ReutersAllen was stunned by the resultCredit: ReutersAllen was seen discussing the result with Eddie HearnCredit: PA More

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      Sky Sports presenter Anna Woolhouse turns heads in daring outfit for Fury vs Usyk coverage as fans call her ‘stunning’

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      SKY SPORTS presenter Anna Woolhouse has caught the attention of boxing fans with her superb outfit for the Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury fight.Woolhouse is heading up Sky’s coverage of the blockbuster bout and sported an eye-catching outfit for the broadcast.Anna Woolhouse stunned with a bold outfit for the Fury vs Usyk fightCredit: INSTAGRAMWoolhouse was heading up Sky Sports’ coverage of the boutCredit: INSTAGRAMFans were loving her fashion choicesCredit: INSTAGRAMThe experienced presenter donned a sparkling black pantsuit, sharing a picture of her fashion choice with her followers on Instagram.Fans were quick to rush to the comments section and shower her with compliments.One wrote: “Looking absolutely fabulous as usual”.While another added: “Very smart and stylish Anna”. READ MORE IN BOXINGA third gushed: “You look amazing Anna”.And a fourth commented: “Best pundit in the game!! Outstanding”.Another fan on X, wrote: “Anna Woolhouse looking stunning for the boxing”.Woolhouse boasts over 175,000 followers on Instagram where she has built an army of loyal fans.Most read in BoxingFury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: But it’s her presenting skills that are the most impressive thing.She will be front and centre for the Fury vs Usyk fight in Riyadh in what she described online as “the biggest fight of the year”.Boxing presenter Anna Woolhouse stuns in bold outfit as fans say she looks ‘sexy as hell’ Fury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematchTAKE A PEEK INTO ANNA’S GLAMOROUS LIFESTYLE…Anna has become a mainstay on Sky SportsCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1She started working for Sky in 2012Credit: Instagram @woolyanna1Anna covers a range of sports including darts, boxing and F1Credit: Instagram @woolyanna1She shares snaps from her life away from the TV cameras on her InstagramCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1Anna has 177,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1She’s no stranger to the red carpetCredit: GettyAnna has covered some of boxing’s biggest boutsCredit: INSTAGRAM @woolyanna1She knows how to take a break after her hard work in front of cameraCredit: https://www.instagram.com/woolyanna1/ More

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      Tyson Fury arrives for Oleksandr Usyk fight with ‘gross rule violation’ as he refuses to cave to champion’s demand

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      TYSON FURY has arrived for tonight’s blockbuster rematch with Oleksandr Usyk with his beard IN TACT.Team Usyk fumed at the length of the Gypsy King’s beard ahead of tonight’s Saudi showdown, claiming it “GROSSLY” violated strict facial hair length rules.Oleksandr Usyk’s team protested at the lengthy of Tyson Fury’s beard this weekCredit: AFPTeam Usyk believe it’s a “gross violation” of WBC rulesCredit: GETTYFury, however, has seemingly refused to remove his facial hairCredit: DAZNFury seemingly hasn’t taken his beard down at allCredit: SKY SPORTSBut The Gypsy King has appeared to have IGNORED the Ukrainians’ demands to get his razor out, arriving for the Riyadh rumble with his beard in full force.Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk wasn’t shy in voicing his belief that Fury’s facial hair is in violation of WBC rules.He said: “The beard rule is being grossly violated.“The WBC rules clearly say, ‘A boxer may espouse a trimmed beard as long as the hair thickness does not cushion or affect the impact or trajectory of punches, or cause cuts or abrasions to his rival’.”READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK 2″So, Tyson’s beard has to be trimmed. We will push it further.”Fury and his team, however, have seemingly refused to back down in Beardgate – which has become an unlikely talking point ahead of tonight’s eagerly-anticipated rematch.Queensberry Promotions chief Frank Warren said: “He has a beard and there have been a lot of fighters over the years who have fought with beards, and that’s it.”FURY-USYK BETTING TIPS AND FREE BETSHis manager Spencer Brown told ESPN: “Tyson Fury has boxed with a beard on many occasions as do other fighters.Most read in Boxing”Most recently [Artur] Beterbiev. “Usyk himself has come out publicly and said Tyson having a beard is no problem. Francis Ngannou arrives for Fury vs Usyk 2″There is no law or ruling in boxing to say you can’t fight with a beard. “It’s ridiculous that this has already been brought up in a rules meeting to no avail. “Simply put if Usyk had a beard we would have no issue. This is not a fashion show, it’s boxing.”Fury, 36, suffered a split decision defeat to Usyk in their historic undisputed straightener in May.The Wythenshawe warrior has appeared to put on several pounds in order to out-muscle and bully Usyk, who he wants to stop in devastating fashion.He said: “I’m going to dish out a whole lot of pain.Tyson Fury has vowed to brutally exact revenge on Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty”I’m going to put this f****r in the hurt locker, for sure.”I’ve got nothing to say other than there’s going to be a whole load of hurt and pain in this fight, you watch.”That’s all I’ve got to say. The talking’s been done.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The first fight I talked, I joked, all my career. This fight I’m serious.”I’m going to do some f***ing damage.” More

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      Paris Fury steals show in floral outfit at Tyson’s fight vs Usyk and predicts ‘very brutal’ result

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      PARIS FURY has backed husband Tyson to serve Oleksandr Usyk a brutal dish of revenge in their rematch. Usyk became the first man to ever defeat Fury after their 12-round classic in Saudi Arabia in May. Paris Fury arriving for Tyson’s fight against Oleksandr UsykParis stole the show in a floral outfitParis Fury watching from ringsideCredit: PANow they are back in Riyadh to do it all over again and Fury claimed he went three months without speaking to wife Paris in training camp. But the two are set to reunite after the bout – and Paris hopes with her husband victorious. She told TNT Sports: “Yeah it is nice. It’ll be nice to see him win tonight.”Asked for a prediction, she said: “Hopefully with the mood he’s in very quickly and very brutally.”READ MORE IN BOXINGParis threatened to steal the show in her floral outfit as she arrived for the biggest fight in Fury’s life. The Gypsy King spent weeks of gritty training out in Malta – without any contact with childhood sweetheart Paris. Fury said: “It’s been a long camp, been away from my wife and kids for three months.“I’ve not spoken to Paris at all for three months, not one word. I’ve sacrificed a lot. It will be worth it, 100 per cent.”Most read in BoxingFury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSParis opened up on Fury’s period of silence in an interview with iFL TV. She said: “Yep it is true. ‘There was a sadness to him’ – Tyson Fury’s trainer reveals boxer’s torment over Paris’ miscarriage before Usyk fight”I think after the last fight, everything that went on previously personally in our lives and then Tyson obviously had the outcome last time, I just think he decided this on his own and I had to support him in it.”He didn’t want to be involved in family life so he’s cut himself off from us for the last few months and he has put himself in a serious, serious condition and he looks very, very determined.”So if it’s what needed to be, then God willing tomorrow night it will all come out and it will all be good and all worthwhile.”Asked how she has found the time apart, Paris continued: “It’s been very difficult I can’t lie.”I supported him in the decision but it wasn’t the greatest thing to sit and not speak to your husband for a long time.”Yesterday was the first time I saw him, we still haven’t spoken, I literally was ten feet across from him and we’ve just barely made eye contact.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But I can see and I think in my heart it’s paid off.”I haven’t seen him like this since the Deontay Wilder rematch, this was the last time I’ve seen Tyson in this mood so I can’t give you much inside scoop because we haven’t spoken for weeks and weeks and weeks.”Paris Fury spent three months without talking to TysonCredit: InstagramTyson Fury was out training in MaltaCredit: instagram @tysonfuryFury facing off with UsykCredit: Reuters More

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      Arsenal ratings: Jesus brings Arteta the perfect Christmas present but Saliba has rare off-game for Gunners

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      GABRIEL JESUS produced his first Premier League goals since January on a day he could have had a hat-trick to continue his good form.The Brazilian took the match ball home after putting three past Palace in the Carabao Cup just three days ago.Gabriel Jesus scored his fourth and fifth goals in the routCredit: AlamyWilliam Saliba had a rare off dayCredit: GettyBukayo Saka was taken off injured in the first halfCredit: GettyNow he needs to reproduce that goalscoring touch against a side other than the Eagles, but if Arsenal continue to pose this sort of threat then he surely will.Once again the Gunners dominated from corners and Jesus almost scored a first-half hat-trick when his header came back off the post to provide a simple tap-in for Kai Havertz.Gabriel Martinelli impressed and got on the scoresheet but Arsenal did suffer a blow in the first half as Bukayo Saka limped off with injury, while William Saliba had a rare off day.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated the Gunners display at Selhurst Park.READ MORE ON ARSENALDavid Raya 8Lucky to escape a “Fraser Forster” moment as he played Thomas Partey into all sorts of problems early on before he was beaten by Sarr’s curler soon afterwards.But then bailed out Gabriel to foil Mateta when he seemed certain to equalise once again and made more key saves from Sarr and Mateta at the start of the second half. Often there at the biggest moments.Jurrien Timber 6Dutch defender looked slightly uncomfortable at times on the right as he gave Palace far too much attacking leeway.Booked for taking an age and a half over a throw-in as well although it was not a costly one.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWilliam Saliba 5All over the place in the first half as he seemed determined to open the door to the home side.Saliba stood off Sarr and paid the price as Palace levelled and then made another blunder only for Raya to save from Mateta. Not exactly a dominant performance.Arteta looks back on his five years managing Arsenal Gabriel 6Saliba’s wobbles meant his partner-in-chief had to stand up and be counted more than normal but he was not at his best either and a booking after half an hour had him walking a tightrope.More of the same after the break. Fortunately Palace’s defensive deficiencies took the sting out of their attacking armoury too.Myles Lewis-Skelly 7Youngster is grabbing his unexpected opportunity to make a first-team impact with an understanding of the inverted nature of the Arsenal full-back role.By some distance the best of the four defenders in the Arsenal back division.Thomas Partey 7Asked to take care of the defensive midfield task but soon to the fore with the lay-off that allowed Jesus to put the Gunners back in front inside the first 14 minutes.Did what was needed defensively and willing to venture forward when the opportunity was there. Solid throughout.Martin Odegaard 8When the Norwegian turns up, Arsenal turn up.At Selhurst, Odegaard was the orchestrator in chief from the start, dropping deep to pick up possession and then keeping it simple and effective. The skipper is a leader.Kai Havertz 8Back in midfield having played most of the season up top but he was in the perfect centre-forward’s position to tap into the empty net when Jesus’ header came back off the post.Home hands went up but there were only the five Palace defenders playing the German onside. A tidy display on the ball but did leave his side slightly open defensively.Bukayo Saka 7The early loss of the England winger to a worrying knee injury could be a major blow to Arsenal’s title chances.Always the out-ball, Saka had signalled his ongoing threat as he made space to deliver the cross that led to Jesus’ early opener. He could be missing for a while now.Gabriel Jesus 9Midweek hat-trick against Glasner’s men earned him only fourth Prem start of the season and how he took the chance with the early double and another effort off the post that led to a simple Havertz goal.The Brazilian had been waiting more than 10 months for a top flight goal and got two in eight minutes. One against the woodwork and another missed sitter, too. He must want to play Palace every week.Gabriel Martinelli 8Took the corner that led to Jesus’ second but then switched to the right flank after Saka limped away and supplied the cross which ended with Havertz making it three before netting himself from close range.Arteta will need that level of return from the Brazilian over the coming weeks if this title challenge is going to be a real one.Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Saka, 25) 6Belgian will have to step up if Saka is out for a long spell after his injury and his low cross ended up bringing the Arsenal fourth.READ MORE SUN STORIESDeclan Rice (for Havertz, 58) 8England star came on to secure the game after Arsenal’s sloppy start to the second half and set up Martinelli with his first touch before steering home the fifth.Riccardo Calafiori (for Lewis-Skelly, 58) 6Martinelli’s strike meant the game was over before the Italian had touched the ball. That makes it easier.Ethan Nwaneri (for Gabriel Jesus 86) N/A More

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      Football fan, 36, killed after being hit by car while ‘walking to match with his dad’ as ‘devastated’ family pay tribute

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      A FOOTBALL fan has died after being hit by a car on the way to a game with his dad.Jordan Hattersley, 36, was struck while walking to Bramall Lane with to watch Sheffield United play Sunderland on November 29.The horror collision took place at around 7.25pm and Jordan was rushed to hospital from the scene.But he tragically died in hospital earlier this month.His dad Richard Hattersley today paid an emotional tribute, saying: “Jordan was devoted to Sheffield United. It was his main outlet after his family.”He was following his passion, and at the matches he was an inspiration and role model to his brother and sister. “We are all devastated by his loss.”Jordan and his wife Kirsty, who had a little boy, had been together for 13 years and tied the knot in Cyprus earlier this year.She said: “We thought we had time. We should have had time. “We were at the height of our relationship, on cloud nine and just high on life and it’s all been ripped away in a split second.”Most read in FootballKirsty explained how the couple’s six-year-old son, Freddie, has been traumatised by the tragedy,She added how the family donated Jordan’s organs and said: “He’s given the gift of life this Christmas.”The mum also praised staff on the critical care ward at the Northern General Hospital for the way they battled to save her husband.She said “You bought us precious time with Jordan and a chance to say our goodbyes and, for that, me and his family will be eternally grateful.”A spokesperson for South Yorkshire police said: “Our officers were called at 7.25pm on Friday 29 November to reports that a car had been in collision with a pedestrian on Suffolk Road, at the junction with Granville Road.”It is understood the vehicle, a red Lexus, was travelling on Suffolk Road in the direction of Queens Road when it was in collision with the pedestrian, who has now been named as Jordan Hattersley, as he crossed the street. “He was taken to hospital with serious injuries and sadly died in hospital earlier this month.”Jordan, who lived in Treeton, had been walking to the Sheffield United ground with his father and two younger siblings to watch Sheffield United play Sunderland when the collision occurred.”The force are continuing to appeal for information and urging anyone who could help with their investigation to come forward. READ MORE SUN STORIES”If you think you can help, you can report online here, or call us on 101,” the spokesperson added.”Please quote incident number 828 of 29 November 2024 when you get in touch. Footage can be submmited directly to the investigation team via this link.”Jordan Hattersley, 36, was struck while walking to Bramall Lane with his father and two younger siblingsCredit: PA More

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      Palace 1 Arsenal 5: Jesus makes it five goals in two games as Eagles have wings clipped by title-chasing Gunners

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      IT IS safe to assume you do not see too many stars in the night sky in Croydon.Light pollution from the nearby IKEA superstore alone will see to that.Gabriel Jesus led the way with a brace as Arsenal smashed Crystal Palace 5-1Credit: GettyThe Brazilian now has five goals in his last two gamesCredit: ReutersThe Gunners fired out a title warning to rivalsCredit: GettyArsenal saw star man Bukayo Saka limp off injuredCredit: GettyBut Arsenal’s very own angel Gabriel appeared not once but TWICE to cap a memorable week for himself and help his team clinch victory in their last game before Christmas.Striker Gabriel Jesus also played a part in the third goal which meant Kai Havertz and revitalised Arsenal secured three points and their place back in the top three long before half time.They have the added cushion of six days now in which to prepare for their next outing – a home game against struggling Ipswich on Friday. And they do need it.For while this finished up looking a fairly routine win, there were hairy moments of their own making for Mikel Arteta’s team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe return of midfielder Declan Rice and defender Ricardo Calfiori in the second half was a welcome moment for the Gunners boss.Whether it makes up for the loss of star turn Bukayo Saka in the first half, with the England man limping straight down the tunnel is another matter.Underpinning the win were the defensive lapses which meant Palace were done for by half time and Arsenal were gifted a win.Sloppy marking, then failing to clear and losing concentration from two corners had the game done and dusted by the break.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNot that Jesus cares. He has enjoyed a phenomenal few days in his professional and personal life and won’t let anyone take the gloss of his glory.Three goals inside the first quarter of an hour got the tempo of the game up and stirred the crowd.Myles Lewis-Skelly shows off his skills playing for Arsenal Jesus got Arsenal off to a flyer in the sixth minuteCredit: GettyThe ace continued his fine form after a hat-trick against Palace in the Carabao Cup on WednesdayCredit: ReutersTwo of them came from the rarely-used Brazilian who is on a high right now after scoring a hat-trick against Palace in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday and added two more by the 14th minute last night.His first was a gift after ghosting in unnoticed from the left side of attack to bury a low shot when Palace did not deal with a deep cross from Saka.That was after only six minutes and it appeared the perfect start from which Arsenal would go on and romp it.But the weaknesses in front of their own goal with Rice and Calafiori not fit to start were exposed when Palace burst down the left through Tyrick Mitchell.Arsenal ratings vs Palace as Gunners stuff Eagles at Christmas with Gabriel Jesus rebornGABRIEL JESUS produced his first Premier League goals since January on a day he could have had a hat-trick to continue his good form.Gabriel Martinelli impressed and got on the scoresheet but Arsenal did suffer a blow in the first half as Bukayo Saka limped off with injury, while William Saliba had a rare off day.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated the Gunners display at Selhurst Park.David Raya – 8Lucky to escape a “Fraser Forster” moment as he played Thomas Partey into all sorts of problems early on before he was beaten by Sarr’s curler soon afterwards.But then bailed out Gabriel to foil Mateta when he seemed certain to equalise once again and made more key saves from Sarr and Mateta at the start of the second half. Often there at the biggest moments.Jurrien Timber – 6Dutch defender looked slightly uncomfortable at times on the right as he gave Palace far too much attacking leeway.Booked for taking an age and a half over a throw-in as well although it was not a costly one.William Saliba – 5All over the place in the first half as he seemed determined to open the door to the home side.Saliba stood off Sarr and paid the price as Palace levelled and then made another blunder only for Raya to save from Mateta. Not exactly a dominant performance.Gabriel – 6Saliba’s wobbles meant his partner-in-chief had to stand up and be counted more than normal but he was not at his best either and a booking after half an hour had him walking a tightrope.More of the same after the break. Fortunately Palace’s defensive deficiencies took the sting out of their attacking armoury too.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Youngster is grabbing his unexpected opportunity to make a first-team impact with an understanding of the inverted nature of the Arsenal full-back role.By some distance the best of the four defenders in the Arsenal back division.Thomas Partey – 7Asked to take care of the defensive midfield task but soon to the fore with the lay-off that allowed Jesus to put the Gunners back in front inside the first 14 minutes.Did what was needed defensively and willing to venture forward when the opportunity was there. Solid throughout.Martin Odegaard – 8When the Norwegian turns up, Arsenal turn up.At Selhurst, Odegaard was the orchestrator in chief from the start, dropping deep to pick up possession and then keeping it simple and effective. The skipper is a leader.Kai Havertz – 8Back in midfield having played most of the season up top but he was in the perfect centre-forward’s position to tap into the empty net when Jesus’ header came back off the post.Home hands went up but there were only the five Palace defenders playing the German onside. A tidy display on the ball but did leave his side slightly open defensively.Bukayo Saka – 7The early loss of the England winger to a worrying knee injury could be a major blow to Arsenal’s title chances.Always the out-ball, Saka had signalled his ongoing threat as he made space to deliver the cross that led to Jesus’ early opener. He could be missing for a while now.Gabriel Jesus – 9Midweek hat-trick against Glasner’s men earned him only fourth Prem start of the season and how he took the chance with the early double and another effort off the post that led to a simple Havertz goal.The Brazilian had been waiting more than 10 months for a top flight goal and got two in eight minutes. One against the woodwork and another missed sitter, too. He must want to play Palace every week.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Took the corner that led to Jesus’ second but then switched to the right flank after Saka limped away and supplied the cross which ended with Havertz making it three before netting himself from close range.Arteta will need that level of return from the Brazilian over the coming weeks if this title challenge is going to be a real one.Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Saka, 25) – 6Belgian will have to step up if Saka is out for a long spell after his injury and his low cross ended up bringing the Arsenal fourth.Declan Rice (for Havertz, 58) – 8England star came on to secure the game after Arsenal’s sloppy start to the second half and set up Martinelli with his first touch before steering home the fifth.Riccardo Calafiori (for Lewis-Skelly, 58) – 6Martinelli’s strike meant the game was over before the Italian had touched the ball. That makes it easier.Ethan Nwaneri (for Gabriel Jesus 86) N/AIsmaila Sarr equalised for Palace five minutes laterCredit: GettyThe Eagles looked to gain confidence from the strikeCredit: AFPJesus calmed Arsenal’s nerves with another goal straight afterCredit: GettyThe Brazilian is coming into form after a mixed seasonCredit: AFPHis diagonal ball inside found Ismaila Sarr as Arsenal stood off and he led backtracking centre half William Saliba a merry dance before curling in a shot from 15 yards on 11 minutes.Jesus restored the lead when Palace could not clear the danger from a corner.Jefferson Lerma’s header fell only as far as Thomas Partey, who laid the ball back for Jesus, again unmarked, to claim his second of the match and fifth of the week with a blistering finish.Once the main man up front, he has not scored in the Premier League since January and only starts occasionally.Kai Havertz gave Arsenal a two-goal cushionCredit: ReutersHe celebrated with the ball under his shirtCredit: GettyGabriel Martinelli made it 4-1 in the second halfCredit: ReutersHe celebrated his strike passionatelyCredit: PANevertheless, he celebrated his three goals in midweek by stuffing the ball up his top and sucking his thumb having announced his partner is pregnant.This time he held an imaginary phone to his ear presumably to get his agent on the phone to cash in on his return to form.In the 37th minute, just as Palace were starting to rouse themselves from the early setbacks, Jesus then rounded off a perfect day by providing the assist for number three.Another cross from the right, this time from Gabriel Martinelli and Jesus rose to head against the post.Palace’s dozing defenders failed to respond as Havertz dashed in to tap home the rebound.Declan Rice put the finishing touches on a fine winCredit: PAArsenal moved a point behind Chelsea in thirdCredit: AFPArsenal are now sweating over the fitness of SakaCredit: GettyHis injury comes ahead of a tricky Christmas runCredit: GettyNot that there weren’t a few scares. Arsenal keeper David Raya especially will feel more assured now that Rice is back to shield his goal.The England man came on for Havertz on 58 minutes and within 120 seconds took his first shot, which was diverted en route to goal by Gabriel Martinelli to make it 4-1.Rice confirmed his return from injury by curling home number five in the 85th minute.Raya made a double save from Jean-Hillippe Mateta and Sarr in the second half and produced an even better stop with his feet in the first when Palace’s big striker was through one-on-one.Defeat takes the wind out of the sails for Eagles boss Oliver Glasner.READ MORE SUN STORIESMuch was made of his team’s spirited 3-1 win at arch rivals Brighton last week and they were unbeaten in five ahead of kick off.But it’s also been seven weeks since they won a home game of any sort and they remain stuck in the bowels of the Premier League after this collapse – four points above the bottom three. More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold should take the risk and move to Real Madrid… but Liverpool have a ready-made replacement

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      I SEE Trent Alexander-Arnold has woken up and smelt the coffee — which is why I see him waving goodbye to Liverpool in the summer and signing for Real Madrid.If it were me and I fancied going out for a coffee or a cuppa after training, then I’d prefer to do so in Spain rather than Liverpool. Most would.Trent Alexander-Arnold is out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: PAReal Madrid are long-time admirers of the versatile defenderCredit: GETTYLos Blancos could very well make a move for the England internationalCredit: GETTYHarry Redknapp has urged Alexander-Arnold to take the risk and join RealCredit: GettyNo disrespect as it’s a great club and a lively city but there is just something magical about Madrid. So you can see the pull for a world-class right-back.It is probably Trent’s dream to play for Real Madrid and he’ll have seen pal Jude Bellingham do the same last year.Bellingham could have gone from Borussia Dortmund to any Premier League club he fancied but the magnetism of the Bernabeu is irresistible.My analogy about coffee seems trivial, of course, but there is so much involved in making a big move.READ MORE ON TRENTLiverpool is a special club but you have to remember he cost them nothing, has given them years of service as a former academy player and now is the time to try a new adventure.Sometimes you can go stale and maybe it is time for him to go and play great football at another great club.With his contract up in the summer there is serious money to be made, too.It is similar but not quite the same for Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTrent Alexander-Arnold has kept quiet on his Liverpool futureCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold is 26-years-old, the others in their early 30s. Salah, in particular, might be looking at one last big pay day by going to play in Saudi Arabia.And for a young man like Alexander-Arnold this is the chance to reach for the stars, to play with a team of world-class pros, earn serious cash and win a serious number of trophies.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Bold £84m Bid for NantesLiverpool is a big draw and Trent is a born-and-bred Scouser — but nothing competes with Madrid.Reds icon Steve McManaman trod the same path many years back and I don’t think he sits around regretting it.The opportunity to become Real Madrid’s next right-back for five or six years is a dream and Trent can absolutely be that player for them.Liverpool have slotted him in to midfield as well as full-back but, while I see a world-class defender in him, he is not a world-class midfielder.Liverpool is a big draw and Trent is a born-and-bred Scouser — but nothing competes with Madrid.Harry RedknappThere should be no debate about where he plays. At the Euros, England tried to switch him into the middle and some of the games passed him by.Midfielders are a different breed, you’ve got to have fantastic awareness to play there.As a right-back you see the whole picture. It’s different. He’s a great passer from there.He should stick to his strengths and be the best right- back in Europe at Real.The Reds have a ready-made replacement in Conor BradleyCredit: REXAnd it’s not as if Liverpool will be left high and dry when he goes as they have an energetic, young replacement waiting in the wings in Conor Bradley, who will fill that void.Another homegrown product, I particularly like Bradley’s pace — and so along comes the next great Liverpool player.We also have to admit that the era of the great one-club man is pretty much dead, too.The opportunity to become Real Madrid’s next right-back for five or six years is a dream and Trent can absolutely be that player for them.Harry RedknappLiverpool have had more than their fair share of loyal players with the likes of Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard.Go back further and there were even more but the way the game is now — as well as the money that is on offer, the ease of travel and communication and such like — makes it easier to go and play abroad.Cross border transfers and the Bosman Ruling has opened up a whole new world to players and you really cannot begrudge any of them wanting to experience it.Conor Bradley has shown all the making of a stellar defenderCredit: GettyKeep it simpleWHY do all keepers think they are Pele these days?Sorry… I mean why do all managers think their goalkeepers are Pele?And I say this after I watched Spurs squeeze through their Carabao Cup quarter-final with Manchester United on Thursday.My old team played well but what is this obsession with playing the ball out from the back every time? It has gone crazy.Keepers playing out from the back is a load of nonsense, Harry Redknapp believesCredit: GETTYEvery coach wants to be Pep Guardiola — even if they do not have the talent of his Manchester City team.When you watch it, the ball goes from the right-back to the keeper, out to the left-back, back again, then they give the ball away.And teams put themselves under needless pressure when sometimes it suits to just boot it upfield.No disrespect to Spurs keeper Fraser Forster, he’s a good player but he isn’t a footballer — he’s a goalkeeper.As a manager the last thing I wanted was my centre-backs bringing the ball out.Harry RedknappYou have got a big centre- forward there in Dominic Solanke, who is great in the air, and I’d want the ball going up to him to win it.As a manager the last thing I wanted was my centre-backs bringing the ball out. They all had their skills and dribbling just wasn’t one of them.Unfortunately it has gone crazy and it’s so stupid. Our teams just can’t do it. They are not good enough to do it as they give the ball away.Fraser Forster’s gaffe against Manchester United shows how risky playing out from the back isCredit: alamyRIP, Oscar FairsI WAS so sad to read of the young West Ham goalkeeper who sadly died in the past week or so.We all worry about trivial things and then football and a family loses their boy due to cancer when he had the world at his feet.I don’t know Oscar Fairs or his family but I really would like to send them my condolences and love at what must be an awful time.West Ham paid a touching to the late Oscar Fairs this weekCredit: REUTERSA Christmas messageWITH Christmas now just around the corner, at my age it’s hard to know what to ask Santa for.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo all I can tell you is that I have got lots of socks — and probably more than the England kit man!Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy New Year. More