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      Fulham 1 Arsenal 1: Bukayo Saka’s late winner ruled out for offside as Gunners drop more points in Prem title race

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      SET-PIECE again, Ole Ole.The new go-to chant for Arsenal fans was bellowed once more in the away end at Craven Cottage – William Saliba’s 52nd minute tap-in providing further clout for their ‘corner kings’ label in the Prem.Arsenal were denied a later winner against FulhamCredit: ReutersOn this occasion however, it was not enough for the win – more points dropped in this intriguing and unpredictable title race just when the Gunners were beginning to build some momentum.Saliba’s second goal in two games – after another corner finish in the 2-0 win over Manchester United in mid-week – cancelled out an 11th minute strike from Raul Jimenez.It was a struggling away-day performance from Arsenal, almost saved by an 89th minute winner from Bukayo Saka only for VAR to heartbreakingly spot an offside in the build-up.A run of four victories on the spin in all competitions has been halted. Six points off leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand after their Merseyside derby postponement.READ MORE IN football Even boss Mikel Arteta must now concede that the Reds are hot favourites. This is their title to throw away, especially with Manchester City floundering and Chelsea still an unknown prospect.They top the set-piece charts – now 23 goals from corners since the start of the 2022/23 campaign and seven this term – but Arsenal are still lacking that extra edge needed to get over the line when it matters most.Arteta says he wants his boys to be the ‘kings of everything’. They are still some way from achieving that.As for Fulham, they are now unbeaten in their last nine London derbies and can start to dream of qualifying for Europe next year. What a job Marco Silva is doing in West London.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJimenez was one of four changes made by the Portuguese coach having been dropped for the 3-1 win over Brighton here in mid-week.Arteta also shuffled his pack, but not by choice. Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori were absent once more with Oleksandr Zinchenko also dropping out with a knock.I was sacked as a factory worker, the next day I had trials at Arsenal – I was gobsmackedNot for the first time this term, Arsenal’s back four as a result was makeshift. Thomas Partey slotted in at right-back yet again with Jakub Kiwior continuing at centre back alongside William Saliba.Yet the visitors were riding high from their recent set-piece masterclass to beat Manchester United 2-0 at the Emirates – and got their first corner inside the first three minutes.The away end sung their set-piece chant, only to watch their dead-ball specialists struggle to produce more golden moments inside the first 45 minutes.Fulham, unlike United, had done their homework and were prepared, sacrificing three players to stand on the front post as blockers while Adama Traore man-marked a roaming Saliba.And perhaps the weather from storm Darragh was playing its part, something Arteta claimed pre-match would take some adapting to.But given Arsenal’s control early on, there was no panic from the bench – that was until Jimenez was put in behind on a rare Fulham foray forward.Raul Jimenez opened the scoring for FulhamCredit: PAJimene celebrates with former Gunner Alex IwobiCredit: AFPPoland international Kiwior was starting successive Prem games at centre back for the first time since May 2023, and has previous at this ground – hauled off at half-time in this fixture 12 months ago in a damaging 2-1 defeat.And he was at fault again, allowing Mexican big-man Jimenez to chest down a long ball from Leno with little challenge before letting him spin in behind from an unspectacular pass from Tete.The finish was brilliant, however, with one touch to settle himself and another to fire across a helpless David Raya into the far side-netting for his first goal in seven outings.In the miserable wind and rain engulfing the Cottage, Arsenal’s initial composure was gone. Their game turned ragged as they tried to orchestrate a comeback.Partey drove forward and lost possession, giving Traore a chance to nearly sneak Jimenez in again for but a fine recovery tackle by Saliba.They were soon back in their dominant groove. A Bukayo Saka cross almost found the head of Kai Havertz but for Calvin Bassey’s timely interception.William Saliba levelled for ArsenalCredit: GettyThe game was back on in West LondonCredit: ReutersLeandro Trossard then turned provider, putting balls on a plate for Saka and Declan Rice. The former scuffed his high into the stands, the latter volleyed his just wide.Fulham appeared content to dig in and hang on as half time approached with Bernd Leno rarely being called into action and their defensive block was doing its job to stifle and frustrate.Seven minutes into the second half, with the weather worsening, it was Silva’s turn to feel frustrated as at the fifth attempt, Arsenal’s corner routine came good.Rice’s delivery was whipped and dangerous towards the back post. Havertz glanced it back into the six yard box and Saliba – left unmarked for the first time – prodded into an empty net.The wild celebrations were briefly cut short by VAR. At first glance, the Frenchman looked to have strayed offside but for the bright white boot of Antonee Robinson keeping him on.Saliba revelled in the chance for a second celebration, punching the air, while Arteta responded on the hour mark by bringing on Gabriel Martinelli for Trossard.Arsenal were pummelling Fulham’s box with their one true love – crosses, corners and free-kicks. In the 69th minute, Partey should have put his side ahead with a free header from a Rice pick-out.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe hosts then gave a little reminder of their strengths on the counter – Andreas Pereira storming away with a shot fired low at Raya’s legs.It could have been so different in the final few minutes had Martinelli’s foot not been an inch offside before his dinked cross for Saka to slam home at the back post. VAR was the party pooper again.Gabriel Martinelli was offside in the build-upBukayo Saka thought he had won the gameCredit: PA More

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      Ryan Reynolds left in disbelief after watching Wrexham star’s wonder goal that was assisted by Storm Darragh

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      RYAN REYNOLDS was left gobsmacked by Wrexham’s stunning winner against Burton Albion – which had a little assist from Storm Darragh.The Red Dragons ran out 1-0 winners at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday thanks to a 65th minute strike from midfielder Elliot Lee.Elliot Lee secured Wrexham victory against Burton Albion in styleCredit: SKY SPORTSThe midfielder scored straight from a corner in the 65th minuteCredit: SKY SPORTSHollywood A-lister and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds wasn’t in attendance at the Pirelli Stadium to witness Lee’s stunnerCredit: RexReynolds gave an x-rated reaction to Lee’s stunner on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@VANCITYREYNOLDSLee sent the travelling Wrexham fans into pandemonium by finding the back of the net straight from a CORNER.The 29-year-old’s stunner spread like wildfire on social media and quickly came to the attention of club co-owner Reynolds.And the Hollywood A-lister couldn’t help but give an x-rated response to the goal.Along with a clip of Lee’s goal, the ‘Deadpool’ star wrote on his Instagram story: “FFS, Elliot Lee.”READ MORE ON WREXHAMFootie fans were blown away by Lee’s strike, although many were quick to point out by the incredible winds battering the UK courtesy of Storm Darragh played a role in the goal.One wrote on X: ‘Almost like there was a 90mph wind or something.”Another said: “Storm Darragh assist.”And another said: “Yeah, because the conditions didn’t help in anyway.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice.”He can’t seriously claim that he meant to score that goal.”But Elliot, who now has 35 Wrexham goals to his name, insists he MEANT to find the back of the net from the set piece.I’ve tried for the last three years to join Wrexham but I think my surname will stop me, admits ex-Premier League star James Chester He told Wrexham’s YouTube channel: “We do a lot on set pieces and with Parky (Phil Parkinson), he gives us license to shoot.”And that’s, basically, what the plan was today with the wind – just shoot for goal and see what happens.”The keeper will be under pressure and luckily for me ones gone in the back stick.”Victory over Burton Albion fired Wrexham joint-top of the League One table.Phil Parkinson’s charges are currently level on points with Wycombe Wanderers.Wrexham will be back in action on Tuesday night, welcoming Crewe Alexandra to the SToK Racecourse. More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua attends surprise birthday party for coach who ‘saved his life’ and shares incredible throwback snap

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA attended the surprise birthday party for the boxing coach he credited for saving his life. AJ first walked into the Finchley Amateur Boxing club aged 18 in a bid to get himself out of trouble on the streets of London. Anthony Joshua next to former coaches John Oliver, left, and Sean Murphy, rightAJ shared this brilliant throwback snapAnd head trainer Sean Murphy guided Joshua to elite national championships before setting up an Olympic gold victory. The two have remained close over the years and AJ was a guest at Murphy’s surprise bash – organised by Finchley ABC. He posed alongside Murphy and posted a throwback snap of his amateur days with the caption: “Ride Or Die.”Joshua won Olympic gold under Team GB head coach Rob McCracken and also the unified heavyweight titles as a professional. READ MORE IN BOXINGBut they parted ways after defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021 when he hired American Robert Garcia for the rematch.After again losing on points, AJ linked up with Texan Derrick James in Dallas for victories over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius. But for Joshua’s last three bouts, he has been cornered by British coach Ben Davison.Joshua, 35, was knocked out by Daniel Dubois, 27, in September and now looks set for a return in the summer. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAJ often goes back to Finchley at the start of his training camps or when he is in his off-season. Joshua has given back to the club, paying for renovations in the gym and treating mentor Murphy to new cars. Derek Chisora meets former Anthony Joshua opponent at Man Utd clash after calling him out for last ever fight He told the BBC in 2017: “When I was younger I was partying, I was getting in trouble, I had the court cases.“This was the time I thought, ‘What will I do with myself?’. I’d found boxing while on bail and I had the opportunity to go to Vegas to fight.“So I told my site manager I would go to Vegas and be back in two weeks.“He said, ‘Nah, if you’re not here someone else can take your job. You choose what you want to do’. So, I ended up going to Vegas.“I was f*** before boxing. That was my reckless days when I was smoking. Boxing really helped me get on the straight and narrow.“It was at my first boxing club where I learned discipline. How to forget your ego and listen to instructions if you want to achieve things.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Sean would say, ‘Shut up, get on the bags, stop talking’. He told me to stay focused.“These guys will always have their door open for me, no matter what. I’ll never forget who has been there when no one was.”Joshua outside his old amateur gym in FinchleyCredit: nealehaynes.comJoshua won the national championship at FinchleyCredit: Nick Obank – The SunMurphy and Joshua remain close to this dayCredit: Nick Obank – The SunJoshua often visits the Finchley Amateur Boxing ClubCredit: Nick Obank – The Sun More

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      Axed Man Utd director Dan Ashworth ‘frogmarched out of Old Trafford’ by alternative exit hours before contract ripped up

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      DAN ASHWORTH was reportedly “frogmarched” out of a hidden Old Trafford exit after agreeing to leave Manchester United.The sporting director’s time at the club has come to an end after just five months.Dan Ashworth was escorted out of Old Trafford after his exit was sealedCredit: PAUnited pushed hard to add him to their boardroom in the summer, paying Newcastle £3million in compensation.But following crunch talks with CEO Omar Berrada after the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest last night, Ashworth quit by “mutual consent”, according to a United statement.Manchester Evening News claim he was seen looking “grim-faced” as he trudged across the press room yesterday. He was “escorted” out an “alternative exit” by a member of security and United’s chief operating officer Collette Roche.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAshworth was did not leave through the usual directors’ entrance or Stretford End tunnel.Journalist Samuel Luckhurst wrote on social media: “In retrospect, perhaps he was frogmarched out.”Ashworth and other senior club figures are responsible for handing Erik ten Hag a new contract, only to sack him 14 games later.And they were in charge of the summer transfer business that saw them spend £200m on Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs De Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 53-year-old chief claimed he “liked” the squad earlier this season.But SunSport exclusively revealed last month that the summer spending spree and Ten Hag’s failure caused a blame game to begin in the boardroom.Crystal Palace chief Dougie Freedman is favourite to replace Ashworth, having been linked with the job before.Man Utd’s Player Ratings Against Nottingham Forest More

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      in Soccer

      Tottenham vs Chelsea LIVE SCORE: Maresca’s Blues travel to Spurs for huge Premier League London derby – latest updates

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      CHELSEA may have quietly become Premier League title contenders – but bitter rivals Tottenham will be eager to derail their hopes later today. The Blues’ recent 5-1 drubbing on struggling Southampton saw them close the gap on leaders Liverpool.While Spurs dropped points for a second successive time after losing 1-0 to Bournemouth on Thursday night.Kick-off time: 4.30pm GMTLive stream: NOW TVTV channels: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow ALL the action from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with our live blog below…Last 10 meetingsLook away now, Spurs fans.The last ten matches between the two clubs has made for pretty shocking reading for Tottenham supporters and great reading for the Blues.Chelsea have won SEVEN of the last 10 and lost only one.Those matches have also seen an aggregate score of 19-7 to the Blues…Chelsea 2 – 0 SpursSpurs 1 – 4 ChelseaSpurs 2 – 0 ChelseaChelsea 2 – 2 SpursChelsea 2 – 0 SpursSpurs 0 – 1 ChelseaChelsea 2 – 0 SpursSpurs 0 – 3 ChelseaChelsea 2 – 2 SpursSpurs 0 – 1 ChelseaCopy linkCopiedRainy day in the capitalBoth sides will have to brave the wind and rain today if they want to come out on top and away from the game with three points. Credit: ReutersCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedBoss focussed on task at handPostecoglou was asked whether he felt he had the support he requires from the club:”I don’t need support. I don’t worry about contracts, I don’t worry about support,” he said. “I just want to make sure that what I set out to do, I accomplish and that is to bring success to this football club. “I will work my backside off to make sure that happens. I am not going to be deterred in my ambitions or endeavour to do that and that’s what I’ll keep doing.”Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedMaresca looking to evolve teamAs things stands, Chelsea seem to be in a race for a top four position this season.Getting back into the Champions League will have been one of the main aims for the club right now.Victory in North London today would cement their place in the top four as we head towards a busy Christmas fixture schedule.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTottenham subsMaddison on the bench. Austin, Spence, Dragusin, Reguilon, Gray, Bergvall, Maddison, Werner, LankshearCopy linkCopiedTottenham XIFull strength back four for Tottenham but Vicario still out for a lengthy period. Forster; Porro, Romero, Van De Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr, Kulusevski; Johnson, Solanke, Son.Copy linkCopiedChelsea subsJorgensen, Gusto, Disasi, Tosin, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Joao Felix, Madueke, NkunkuCopy linkCopiedChelsea XICaicedo looks like he’s at right-back for Chelsea. Sanchez, Caicedo, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella, Lavia, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho, JacksonCopy linkCopiedAnge frustrated by lack of consistencyAgainst Man City, Spurs put the defending champions to the sword in their own back garden.They are capable, on their day, of causing problems for any of the big teams in the Premier League.What frustrates the manager most is that they can go from these games to losing to teams in the bottom half of the table.If they want to achieve anything this season, that needs to be addressed.Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedWelcome to Tottenham vs ChelseaIt is a big crunch clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as two bitter rivals face each other in a London derby with Spurs welcoming Chelsea.Ange Postecoglou suffered the loss of Ben Davies with a hamstring problem in their recent defeat against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.Micky van de Ven is still out with a thigh problem, while Cristian Romero is still working his way back from a toe injury which may mean Archie Gray filling in alongside Radu Dragusin at the back for this game.Rodrigo Bentancur, Guglielmo Vicario, Richarlison, Mikey Moore and Wilson Odobert are also out of the first-team reckoning.Son Heung-min came on for a second-half cameo in midweek and is likely to immediately come back into the starting line-up.Chelsea’s primary selection concerns also come in defence as Wesley Fofana and Reece James are the only senior players missing for the visitors due to injury.Youngster Omari Kellyman is also absent, while Mykhaylo Mudryk is ill. Instead Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho and Nicolas Jackson could all come back in for a refreshed attacking setup at the expense of Madueke, Nkunku and Joao Felix.Levi Colwill and Robert Sanchez are also primed for a return in the Blues’ backline but Disasi’s performance in midweek should see him stay in the side replacing Fofana.Copy linkCopied More

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      Major update on Michail Antonio as West Ham star undergoes surgery after horror Ferrari crash

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      MICHAIL Antonio has undergone surgery on his broken leg after his horror Ferrari crash, West Ham said in a statement.The West Ham star was raced to hospital after the smash in Epping, Essex at around 12.50pm yesterday.Michail Antonio is ‘conscious and communicating’ after a horror crashCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe scene of the horrific crashCredit: XThe incident occurred earlier todayCredit: XThis afternoon the club said: “West Ham United can confirm Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon.”Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over the coming days.”Everyone at the Club wishes Michail a speedy recovery and expresses its sincere gratitude to the football family at large for the overwhelming support shown since yesterday’s news.”A heartfelt thank you to the emergency services and first responders who attended to Michail in the immediate aftermath of the incident, and the medical team who continue to aid him in his recovery.Read More Sport”The Club will provide further updates when appropriate.”Michail has been at West Ham United since 2015 and played in a range of positions including right back, right midfielder, and as a winger.The forward joined the club from Nottingham Forest and was named as the club’s Player of the Year in 2017. Eventually, he established himself as the club’s main striker and on August 23, 2021 he became West Ham’s top scorer in the Premier League.Most read in FootballAntonio has made 15 appearances this season and scored once.He is the club’s all-time Premier League top goal scorer, with 68 goals.Yesterday the club said: “We can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area.”Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.”At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family.”The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.”A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Officers investigating a serious collision in Epping are asking for witnesses and dash cam footage.”We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday 7 December to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari.”Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital.”The vehicle has been recovered and we are no longer on scene. An investigation will be carried out by our Roads Policing Unit.”If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”Please quote incident 605 of 7 December when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.”Alternatively, please email the investigating officer, PS Mark Hewitt.”An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: “Crews were called to High Road, Epping, at 1.02pm this afternoon after reports of a road traffic collision involving one car.READ MORE SUN STORIES”On arrival firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm.”The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.” More

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      in Soccer

      Cole Palmer’s incredible off-field earnings revealed after Chelsea star sets up his own company to handle sponsor deals

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      FOOTIE hotshot Cole Palmer made £1.6million in a year – ON TOP of his wages for playing.The England star, 22, who became the second-quickest Chelsea star to reach 30 Premier League goals this week, has seen cash in his image rights company Palmer Management Limited shoot up.Cole Palmer made £1.6million in a year – on top of his wages for playingCredit: AlamyPalmer netted lucrative sponsorship deals with the likes of fashion brand BoohooCredit: BoohooHe also starred in a Burberry advertCredit: BurberryThe Chelsea and England attacking midfielder makes more than £30,000 a week from sponsorship deals.The windfall comes in addition to his Stamford Bridge salary.Accounts filed this week show he had assets of £2,149,409 at the end of October 2024 – compared to £563,475 a year earlier.Assets include £1,698,821 cash in the bank.READ MORE IN football They cover the period when Cole – who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer of 2023 – netted lucrative sponsorship deals with Nike and fashion brand Boohoo.Cole set up the company three years ago to handle his off the pitch earnings, with it described as a “media representation services” company.After paying bills, Cole was left with net assets of £1,271,616.The star paid £318,421 corporation tax and a further £189,643 in tax and social security.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCole, 22, banked a substantial pay rise over the summer, taking his salary from £80,000 to £130,000 a week, after penning a fresh nine-year deal with the Londoners.The former City man recently revealed he is dreaming of winning the Ballon d’Or and being crowned the world’s best player. He told the Men In Blazers podcast: “Ballon d’Or, that’s what everyone wants to win. I wish.” Cole Palmer reveals he failed PE in hilarious interview as fans tell Chelsea star to consider going into comedy More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton shows class is permanent with charge up grid in final Mercedes race – but Lando Norris has last laugh

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      LANDO NORRIS brought home McLaren’s first constructors’ title since 1998 by the skin of their teeth.All hopes were pinned on the British 24-year-old’s shoulders at the Abu Dhabi GP after his team-mate Oscar Piastri, who started second on the grid, suffered a disastrous crash with Max Verstappen. Lewis Hamilton drove his final race for MercedesThe Brit won six F1 world titles during his nine year stint with the Silver ArrowsHe leaves Mercedes for Ferrari after leading the once most dominant dynasties in modern F1Lando Norris won the Abu Dhabi GP to clinch the constructors championship for McLarenCredit: ReutersThe Abu Dhabi GP was the last race of the seasonLando Norris secured his fourth win of the seasonThe crash at the very start of the race left the Aussie falling into last place before he was then later slapped with a ten-place grid penalty for a collision with Franco Colapinto. To make matters worse, the Ferrari cars were fierce throughout, with Charles Leclerc producing the drive of his life to sit in third for the majority of the race after starting in 19th due to a ten-place grid penalty. Meanwhile his team-mate Carlos Sainz snapped at Norris’ heels and McLaren’s constructors’ hopes from second-place. Norris, who missed out on this season’s driver’s title to Max Verstappen, roared after the race: “Woohoo! Well done everyone, so proud of you all. Next year is going to be my year too.”READ MORE F1Meanwhile in his final Mercedes race, Lewis Hamilton soared into fourth from 16th on the grid with a last-lap pass on team-mate George Russell.Hamilton had endured a horror show in qualifying in his last race weekend with the Silver Arrows.But he was given the freedom of the home straight to do some donuts to mark his farewell after six championship titles with the British team.The constructor’s title is a huge feat for McLaren after the revival sparked by the upgrades they brought to the Miami Grand Prix a full 17 races ago in May, which coincided with Norris bringing the fight to Verstappen for the driver’s title.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey have overcome a 115-point deficit at that stage of the season to take the lead from Red Bull.It was David Coulthard and Mika Hakkinen that gave McLaren its last constructors’ title 24 years ago in 1998, its eighth title.The race was crazy from the start as Verstappen and Piastri collided, Yuki Tsunoda stalled and there was a spin from Sergio Perez. Norris got away well but Verstappen touched Piastri on the inside and they both spun at the first corner. Seething Piastri dropped into last place and hit out at the four-time world champ, saying on his team radio: “Yep, move of a world champion.”There was no stopping Leclerc who gained 11 places for Ferrari, soaring into eighth while Lewis Hamilton was in 12th from 16th.Perez had been tagged by Valtteri Bottas before his spin and came to a halt in the final sector of the second lap leaving him out of the race and prompting a Virtual Safety Car. Verstappen was then delivered the news that he had been slapped with a 10-second time penalty for causing a collision with Piastri on the first lap.Bottas also suffered the same fate for hitting Sergio Perez.Hamilton was given the freedom to do donuts after his final Mercedes raceMeanwhile Max Verstappen was crowned four-time world champ last month in Las VegasPiastri pitted by lap five and thankfully for McLaren did not need a new front wing but only a new set of tyres. He came out 25 seconds behind 17th-placed Jack Doohan, but things went from bad to worse when he was hit with a 10-second time penalty of his own for an earlier collision with Colapinto. Suddenly the pressure was cranked up on Norris, with it a long way back for Piastri to get back into the points. It didn’t help that Monaco-born Leclerc was relentless, flying into fourth as a Ferrari red sunset stained the sky.Verstappen pitted and served his penalty on lap 31 and aimed a dig at the stewards, saying: “Could we ask for 20-seconds? Stupid idiots.” READ MORE SUN STORIESFor nearly half of the race the Ferraris had Norris in their sights as they circled like sharks around in the track in second and third. Norris bravely held off and crossed the line as fireworks filled the sky as McLaren beat Ferrari by 14 points.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More