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      ‘He sent Saliba back to St Etienne’ say fans as Joshua Zirkzee nutmegs Arsenal defender TWICE before he falls over

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      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE embarrassed William Saliba during Manchester United’s FA Cup win over Arsenal.The Dutchman had a match to remember as he netted the winning penalty in the shoot-out to send United through to the fourth round.Joshua Zirkzee brought the ball down and flicked it between William Saliba’s legsHe then nutmegged his opponent a second time with a quick change of directionA befuddled Saliba fell over as Zirkzee created an attackHe only came on in the 80th minute but it did not take him long to make an impact.Zirkzee proved a big threat on the counter-attack for the ten-man Red Devils and showcased his skill and trickery.Just six minutes after coming on he gave Saliba the runaround, leaving fans aghast.Zirkzee, 23, brought the ball down and with his second touch flicked it between Saliba’s legs.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat put him under pressure with three Arsenal players swarming, including Saliba.But another magical touch from Zirkzee saw him nutmeg Saliba again, causing the defender to fall over which allowed him space and time to feed Amad, who then passed back to Zirkzee who had a shot on goal.Fans were wowed by the skill and used it as an opportunity to poke fun at Saliba.One reacted saying: “Zirkzee sending Saliba back to Saint-Etienne.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMan Utd ratings vs Arsenal as Maguire and Co dig deep to win after Dalot’s moment of madnessMANCHESTER UNITED produced a heroic effort to squeeze past Arsenal and into the FA Cup’s fourth round on penalties.The Red Devils were forced to dig deep at the Emirates following Diogo Dalot’s 61st minute red card.On a freezing cold afternoon in North London, SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rates and slates each United performer…ALTAY BAYINDIR – 8Poor punch up in the air which allowed the ball to fall nicely for Gabriel to finish.Redeemed himself with a brilliant penalty save to keep the score level, before superbly denying Declan Rice twice.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7Was assured on and off the ball if unspectacular. Got his body on the line as the Gunners pushed for a winner.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 8Solid in defence and kept the backline well organised. Produced the best tackle of the match on the goalline to deny Leandro Trossard a certain goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 8Commanding in the air and made several key blocks but gave away the penalty which Arsenal missed to go in front.Got away with an earlier error as he failed to clear – the ball landed at Kai Havertz’s feet but he somehow skewed wide with his effort.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Had to be on high alert to deal with the movement of Arsenal forwards but it was a task he managed well.DIOGO DALOT – 3Booked for a mistimed lunge on Lewis-Skelly. He followed that up with another silly, late foul on Merino with the ball about to go out of play for his second yellow. Stupid red card.MANUEL UGARTE – 7A firefighter all across the pitch for his side, although spent most of the match in his own half given Arsenal’s dominance.Was booked for one foul too many just before the hour mark and was lucky to escape a red card as he went head-to-head with Havertz after the penalty incident.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Lively in the middle and kept a close eye on Jorginho. Looked sharp on the ball and showed some clever touches.Should have done better to head clear before Gabriel’s equaliser.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Always an outlet on the counter which was much needed for the Red Devils.Made the most of a Gabriel error to burst in on goal and pass across to Fernandes to score.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was booked for throwing a trademark tantrum after claiming he was fouled on the edge of the box when lining up a shot.Showed his class with a brilliant first-time finish which he bent around a defender into the far corner.RASMUS HOJLUND – 3Failed to provide the focal point that United badly needed, which meant almost every pass forward was dealt with by the Arsenal centre-halves. Was fortunate there was no VAR to take a look at his apparent elbow on William Saliba, which left the Arsenal star bloodied.SUBSTITUTESAmad (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Lively on the counter too but just lacking a bit of quality – though was outnumbered every time he got the ball.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 80mins) – 6Some very clever touches when he came on and provided a presence up front at a time United badly needed it.Toby Collyer (for Mainoo, 80mins) – 5Showed plenty of energy but was missing quality in some areas.Tyrell Malacia (for Ugarte, extra-time) – 6Stuck to his task well.Leno Yoro (for Maguire, 104) – 6Did his job well during the closing stages of the match. Converted his penalty in the shoot-out with aplomb.Another added: “Saliba made Zirkzee look like prime Messi. That’s pretty hard to do.”A third wrote: “Zirkzee just ended William Saliba.”Arsenal vs Manchester United: Player Ratings (2)And another commented: “Best defender in the world they said 😂” More

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      Real Madrid 2 Barcelona 5: Frustrated Bellingham barely gets a kick as Los Blancos THRASHED in Clasico Super Cup

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM was given another El Clasico lesson — as Barcelona routed Real Madrid to win the Spanish Super Cup.Less than three months after Barca’s 4-0 triumph at the Bernabeu, Bellingham and Co were crushed in Jeddah.Barcelona lifted the Clasico Super Cup with a 5-2 thrashing of Real MadridCredit: RexJude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe were on the receiving end of another thumping from Real’s rivalsCredit: ReutersKylian Mbappe put Madrid ahead on five minutes, but Lamine Yamal’s superb 22nd-minute equaliser proved a game changer and allowed Hansi Flick’s side to run riot.Barcelona’s stars then stepped up to seal their FIRST piece of silverware since clinching LaLiga in 2023.Robert Lewandowski’s penalty put them ahead on 36 minutes — after VAR spotted that Eduardo Camavinga’s high foot had caught Gavi on the knee.Madrid were still reeling from that decision when Jules Kounde found Raphinha and he headed home their third on 39 minutes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt somehow got worse in the tenth minute of first-half stoppage time when Madrid were cut apart once  more — this time Raphinha turning provider for Alejandro Balde to grab their fourth.Barca have collapsed in the LaLiga title race — losing four of their last seven games to fall behind both Madrid clubs.But they were back to their early-season best and sealed the game three minutes after the break with their fifth.More wayward Madrid defending allowed Brazil star Raphinha to race through, cut back on to his stronger left foot, and fire past a shell-shocked Thibaut Courtois.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt was a scoreline that simply no one saw coming when Mbappe’s first El Clasico goal got Madrid off to a flier.A blistering counter-attack ended with the Frenchman skinning Pau Cubarsi and expertly sliding past former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.Wholesome moment Jude Bellingham leaves a young Real Madrid fan crying with happiness as he hands him his shirtLamine Yamal continued his fine run of formCredit: AFPRobert Lewandowski netted yet another goal for BarcaCredit: AFPBut Carlo Ancelotti’s men were never in control and had no answer to Barcelona’s 36-MINUTE goal blitz.They had conceded NINE times in the space of 94 minutes against their bitter rivals — following October’s horror show.Madrid and Bellingham, who hardly had a sniff all night, had no answer as their hopes of retaining the trophy they won 12 months ago went up in smoke.It was the first time Madrid have conceded five in a competitive game since they were thumped 5-1 by Barcelona at the Nou Camp back in October 2018.Szczesny did offer hope on 56 minutes when he was sent off for bringing down Mbappe with a desperate tackle — and four minutes later Rodrygo’s free-kick found the top corner.Madrid rallied and could have made the scoreline look slightly more respectable, but their nightmare first half left them too much to do.Former Leeds man Raphinha struck twiceCredit: AFPEx-Arsenal goalie Wojciech Szczesny was sent off for a foul on MbappeCredit: AFPAnd it was Barcelona left celebrating in Saudi.Speaking after the win, Barca star Jules Kounde hailed his team’s efforts, saying: “It’s really nice, it had been a season since we won a trophy, it’s always special and on top of that in a Clasico against Real Madrid.”We had a lot of calm and patience, knowing that if we applied the plan we would win.”I’m very proud and happy with the team… right after the red card, we got together and said we were going to have to suffer, sit back, but we had a big advantage and this can’t escape us.”Meanwhile, Real boss Carlo Ancelotti blamed his side’s defeat on poor defending.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Italian said: “We defended badly and that cost us the game – they found their goals quite easily.”We’re sad, like all our fans, it’s disappointing and we don’t have to hide that… we have to look forwards, there’s nothing else we can do.” More

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      Miedema ready to move forward after goalscoring return for Man City in FA Cup tie following ‘frustrating’ injury spell

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      VIVIANNE MIEDEMA is relieved to be back in action and scoring for Manchester City after a “frustrating” three months out of action.  The prolific forward helped the Cityzens get their FA Cup charge motoring with a Sunday fourth-round win against Ipswich Town. Vivianne Miedema scored for the first time since last September as Man City cruised into the Women’s FA Cup fifth roundCredit: PAJill Roord broke the deadlock for City 20 minutes into their clash with IpswichCredit: GettyLaura Coombs doubled the hosts’ lead with her first goal of the season in their second half of the fourth round tieCredit: GettyHer first goal since September sealed a 3-0 victory with the Netherlands star back in action for the first time since her knee operation in October.A well-timed pass from Chloe Kelly was followed by Miedema’s bottom corner effort fired past Tractor Girls goalkeeper Natalia Negri. The result saw Man City return to winning ways after back-to-back losses to Barcelona and Everton in Europe and the top-flight before Christmas. The WSL record goalscorer and her team-mates will find out who they face in the contest’s fifth round with the draw taking place on Monday.  Read more football storiesMiedema said: “Obviously it’s been a while and it’s been frustrating for me to have to sit out“But I’ve come back in (and for the goal) Chloe played a really good ball into me, so I’m happy to start scoring again and hopefully I’ll stay fit now.“It now feels like that’s the end of my rehab and I can move on.“When you come back from injury, and especially for players like me, people expect you to score goals again, and I’m happy that I scored and I can move forward now.”Most read in FootballThe last FA Cup encounter between City and Ipswich ended with the latter on the wrong end of a 10-0 thumping five years ago. While all eyes were on Miedema, who started on the bench it was one of the hosts’ other Dutch stars who broke the deadlock. Stand-in skipper Jill Roord struck in the 20th minute netting the Manchester giants first goal of this year. The forward fired a low shot into the bottom corner beyond Tractor Girls keeper Natalia Negri after an assist from January signing Rebecca Knaak. It was the only shot the hosts had on target in the first half despite dominating possession and keeping the visitors pinned back. City, who handed starts to young trio Laura Blindkilde Brown, Gracie Prior and Lily Murphy, had chances to double their lead later in the half. Blindkilde Brown fired an effort into the side netting before Murphy saw her 40th-minute shot fly over the crossbar. The hosts cranked up the pressure in the second half with Laura Coombs tapping in after her flicked 54th-minute effort hit the crossbar. Gareth Taylor’s triple substitution saw Miedema enter the fray with just under half an hour of normal time left. She rounded off a comfortable shift for the Citizens with her first goal since September preceded by Kelly’s angled assist. Miedema and her pals will be aiming for victory at the Etihad against Man United on January Sunday with the WSL returning to action following the winter break. Gareth Taylor’s will host the Red Devils at the Eithad in their first league game of this year after the WSL’s winter breakCredit: GettyThe Cityzens are chasing a first title win since 2016 and a first Champions League crown as well as both domestic cups. READ MORE SUN STORIESMiedema added: “I’ve not always been there this year, and that’s sad. “Hopefully in the next few weeks or months I can be part of the team a lot more and help the team.” More

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      FA Cup 4th round draw in full LIVE: Man Utd and Liverpool’s opponents revealed as Tottenham land horror tie

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      THE FA Cup fourth round draw has concluded – and there are some blockbuster ties to look forward to.Manchester United were first out of the hat as they were drawn at home to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester.Liverpool face a mammoth trip to Devon to take on Championship strugglers Plymouth.While, Chelsea face Premier League rivals Brighton and Tottenham travel to Aston Villa.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…FA Cup oddsThe odds, according to Paddy Power, to win the FA Cup make interesting reading.Who do you fancy to lift the trophy at Wembley?Copy linkCopiedUnited’s hero of the hourMan Utd’s hero Altay Bayindir spoke after the Red Devil’s famous victory over Arsenal.He said:I just helped my team. I’m working every team. I want to help this great team. Just I want to make everyone happy for this great club.If you’re not playing, it doesn’t matter. If you’re a Manchester United player you have to be ready always.”Every day [Amorim} is talking with us and trying to help us. We’re trusting him, he’s trusting us, we’re fighting together.”Copy linkCopiedTie of the roundAnd so it was…Arsenal vs Man Utd started off miserably, but became a real cup tie in the second half.Extra time was intriguing, while penalties had the inevitable whiff of a United win, after they held on for dear life with 10 men.Read what Charlie Wyett made of it all in his match report – in the tie of the round.Copy linkCopiedUnited’s admin excitedMan Utd’s X account is seemingly excited for the return of Ruud Van Nistelrooy to Old Trafford.Copy linkCopiedAmorim relishing Van Nistelrooy meetFirst of all, I’m going to meet, for the first time, Ruud van Nistelrooy.”I want to give him a hug! I will call him, he’s a class guy. But we want to win, to pass to the next round.”The FA Cup is a very good competition, I really enjoy it.”Copy linkCopiedFA Cup full drawFA Cup fourth-round draw in fullGames to played weekend of February 8 and 9.Man Utd vs LeicesterLeeds vs Millwall/Dagenham & RedbridgeBrighton vs ChelseaPreston/Charlton vs WycombeExeter City vs Nottingham ForestCoventry vs IpswichBlackburn vs WolvesMansfield/Wigan vs FulhamBirmingham vs NewcastlePlymouth Argyle vs LiverpoolEverton vs BournemouthAston Villa vs SpursSouthampton vs BurnleyLeyton Orient/Derby vs Man CityDoncaster Rovers vs Crystal PalaceStoke vs CardiffCopy linkCopiedGlamour tieAnother glam tie is Aston Villa vs Tottenham.Both sides score goals, so it should be a lively encounter.However, there’s an amazing stat that should give Spurs fans confidence.Aston Villa have only won two games against Tottenham at Villa Park since November 2004.Copy linkCopiedArteta reactionMikel Arteta’s Arsenal didn’t make the draw – after they were beaten on penalties by Man Utd.After the game, the Spaniard told BBC Sport: “It’s unbelievable.“Obviously, you measure the performance and what we did in relation to the position, you deserve to win the game by a mile. But the reality is we are out and the only thing that’s going to be judged but internally I can’t.”Copy linkCopiedCup drawRead our full reports on the Cup draw.Not many plum ties, but Van Nistelrooy’s return to Old Trafford with Leicester is a talking point.See the full draw below.Copy linkCopiedAmorim on facing Van NistelrooyI’m going to see Ruud? I talked to him before I came and I’m looking forward to seeing him, he’s a class guy.”But we need to win – maybe we will be divided. He loves this club, so we’ll see.”Copy linkCopiedAmorim reactionRuben Amorim was delighted his side made into the draw.After beating Arsenal on penalties, he said: “Sometimes we have the feeling that everything will be OK, in the second half, I feel it, the Arsenal side felt that, maybe today is not their day“I’m pleased with how they controlled the game without the ball, set-pieces we were really strong.“We were facing a great team, it was not just 90 minutes, it was more than that, they controlled the ball, but it was a sacrifice from my players.“We deserve to pass through, we suffered all together and showed character.”Copy linkCopiedRuud awakening Former Man Utd assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy with return to Old Trafford again with Leicester. The ex-Red Devils striker oversaw the Foxes 6-2 win over QPR on Saturday, a result that broke a run of five-straight defeats. Van Nistelrooy spent five years at United as a player, scoring 150 goals in 219 games.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied4th Round draw in fullA couple of really tasty ties in there, with the winner of Leyton Orient’s clash against Derby on Tuesday welcoming Man City.Chelsea are on the road at Brighton, Man Utd host Leicester and Plymouth entertain Prem leaders Liverpool. All games will take place on the weekend of February 8.Manchester United vs Leicester CityLeeds United vs Millwall/Dagenham & RedbridgeBrighton vs ChelseaPreston/Charlton vs WycombeExeter City vs Nottingham ForestCoventry City vs Ipswich TownBlackburn Rovers vs WolvesMansfield/Wigan vs FulhamBirmingham City vs NewcastlePlymouth Argyle vs LiverpoolEverton vs BournemouthAston Villa vs TottenhamSouthampton/Swansea vs BurnleyLeyton Orient/Derby vs Manchester CityDoncaster Rovers vs Crystal PalaceStoke City vs CardiffCredit: AFPCopy linkCopiedGame 16Stoke City vs CardiffCopy linkCopiedGame 15Doncaster Rovers vs Crystal PalaceCopy linkCopiedGame 14Leyton Orient/Derby vs Manchester CityCopy linkCopiedGame 13Southampton/Swansea vs BurnleyCopy linkCopiedGame 12Aston Villa vs TottenhamCopy linkCopiedGame 11Everton vs Bournemouth Copy linkCopiedGame 10Plymouth Argyle vs Liverpool Copy linkCopiedGame 9Birmingham City vs Newcastle Copy linkCopiedGame 8Mansfield/Wigan vs Fulham Copy linkCopiedGame 7Blackburn Rovers vs WolvesCopy linkCopiedGame 6Coventry City vs Ipswich TownCopy linkCopiedGame 5Exeter City vs Nottingham ForestCopy linkCopied More

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      ‘There were emotions on the pitch’ – Arsenal legend apologises after horror KNEE-HIGH tackle in five-a-side match

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      ARSENAL legend Lukas Podolski has apologised after smashing an opponent with a horror knee-high tackle during a five-a-side game.The shocking incident came as the German World Cup winner, 39, took part in a tournament in Poland.Lukas Podolski apologised after a horror knee-high tackle in a five-a-side gamePodolski, initially unrepentant, was only shown a yellow for the crazy tacklePodolski was turning out for Gornik Zabrze in the eight-team Spodek Super Cup when his moment of madness occurred.The former Arsenal striker, who retired from professional football in October, was clearly eager to win the ball back during a third-place play-off match.But instead of producing a regular tackle, he dived off the floor before going in with both feet on his unwitting opponent.Podolski, who now runs a £180million kebab empire from Cologne, caught the player high on the knee with his left boot – sending him to the ground in agony.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe opponent writhed around on the floor as other competitors looked on in shock.But Podolski appeared to feel the man was play-acting.And instead of helping him up, Podolski instead berated him before throwing a football in his direction.The ex-Bayern Munich star was immediately booked for his sins before watching the rest of the game from the sidelines.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS Podolski’s side went on to win the match 4-1.Yet he must have had a change of heart over the incident, with Podolski later apologising for his actions and blaming it on the heat of the moment.Shocking moment TV host is ‘impaled’ by ‘one-in-a-million’ ball from Ashes legend as he’s left bleedingPodolski spent three years at Arsenal and won the FA CupCredit: ReutersHe now runs a £180million kebab empire from CologneCredit: SplashHe said on social media; “There were emotions on the pitch but after the match there is an agreement.“Sorry for the hard foul. All the best in the season.”Podolski joined Arsenal in 2012 after spells with Bayern and Cologne.He scored 31 goals in 82 games while winning an FA Cup and Community Shield.Podolski spent some time on loan with Inter Milan before joining Galatasaray in 2015.He later played for Japanese side Vissel Kobe, Turks Antalyaspor and Polish giants Gornik Zabrze.Podolski also won 130 caps for Germany, resulting in 49 goals scored and the 2014 World Cup trophy. More

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      Kyle Walker & Annie Kilner plotting move to Italy in bid to save marriage as love rat lines up deal with Serie A giants

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      LOVE cheat Kyle Walker is lining up a move to Italy — with long-suffering wife Annie Kilner due to join him in a bid to save their marriage.The Manchester City and England ace, 34, is ready to finalise a shock loan deal with Inter Milan this month. Kyle Walker is lining up a move to Italy with long-suffering wife Annie in a bid to save their marriageCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe Manchester City ace is ready to finalise a shock loan deal with Inter MilanCredit: GettyWalker fathered a second child with ex-mistress Lauryn GoodmanCredit: GettyThe couple hope to leave behind the Manchester City captain’s tangled love life and focus on the future.Kyle has been linked to two top clubs in the trendy Italian city.A source said a loan agreement with Inter Milan had been reached in principle, despite huge rivals AC Milan also expressing an interest.Insiders said he shocked City bosses last week by saying he wanted a move, and 31-year-old Annie is likely to move with him, despite filing for divorce in August.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne said: “Neither of them know what the future holds. But they’re hopeful a switch to Italy will give them the breathing space they desperately need to see if things can be worked out.“It’s been impossible to do that in England due to the pressure they’ve been under for the last 12 months.“They’re hoping time alone will help them decide if there’s anything left they can salvage.“Annie is keen to press ahead with the divorce in order to sort the finances out and Kyle won’t oppose that. But they haven’t yet fully given up on one another.”Most read in FootballTheir four kids — Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, six-year-old Reign and baby Rezon — will also make the move from their home in Prestbury, Cheshire.The news comes after The Sun revealed last year that Walker had fathered a second child with ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman.Annie, pregnant with Rezon at the time, vowed it was the last straw and kicked him out.Then, in an exclusive interview with The Sun, the football ace ­publicly apologised and begged for forgiveness.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferIn the summer, Walker returned from England’s Euros defeat to face 33-year-old Lauryn in court over financial arrangements for year-old daughter Kinara.Papers revealed he had in­c­reased Lauryn’s housing budget from £1.85million to £2.4million after she threatened to move within ten minutes of his family home.Walker’s bombshell request to quit City was revealed after he was left out of the squad ahead of ­Saturday’s 8-0 FA Cup demolition of Salford City.Rumours persisted of a move to the lucrative Saudi league but the source said Walker, capped 93 times by England, still hopes to reach 100 — and fears that move would end his chances.Annie and Kyle’s four kids will also make the move to Italy from their home in Prestbury, CheshireCredit: Instagram More

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      Arsenal fans baffled by David Raya’s bizarre penalty technique as keeper goes wrong way EVERY TIME in Man Utd loss

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      ARSENAL fans could not believe David Raya’s bizarre penalty technique.And it didn’t help that he went the wrong way for all five Manchester United penalties.David Raya came under fire from his own fansCredit: ReutersHe started diving before the Manchester United players took their penaltiesCredit: BBCRaya also did giant dives, nearly landing outside the goalCredit: ReutersAfter a blockbuster, ferocious 1-1 draw, the mammoth FA Cup third-round clash between the two giants had to be decided in a shootout.Kai Havertz was the only man to miss as Joshua Zirzkee fired in the all-important fifth spot-kick for United to book their place in round four against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester. The Dutch striker revelled in his moment in the spotlight while United’s back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir produced the heroics to be named man of the match – denying Havertz after saving from Martin Odegaard during normal time.However, as the United fans celebrated their victory, plenty of Arsenal supporters were lamenting their own goalkeeper’s efforts.READ MORE ON ARSENALRaya, 29, managed to dive the wrong way for Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez and Zirkzee. But not only did he manage a far-from-impressive zero per cent guessing success rate, it was the way he leapt across that confused his supporters.Raya seemingly made his mind up early.But he appeared to take a couple of shuffling side-steps across his goalline before performing a giant dive, landing all the way over by the post on some of the penalties.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFor Yoro’s, for instance, he had already done the steps and started pushing off before the defender kicked the ball, enabling the Frenchman to whip it into the opposite corner with Raya helpless.And it sparked a wave of comments from viewers who noticed it on social media – including calling it “hilarious” and a “disgrace”.Arsenal vs Manchester United: Player Ratings (2)One said: “Where is Raya going?”Another wrote: “Why was Raya diving so early on some of them btw?”A third added: “What is actually wrong with David Raya? It’s like when you move the keeper on FIFA.”A United fan joked: “Thank you Raya. you are a good dude.”Arsenal ratings vs Man Utd as Martinelli looks lively but wasteful Havertz costs Gunners another trophy chanceKAI HAVERTZ missed two sitters and a penalty in the shoot-out as Arsenal were dumped out of the FA Cup.The Gunners huffed and puffed but failed to find a winner, even after extra-time, against Manchester United’s 10 men.And it all went wrong in the penalty shootout as Altay Bayindir saved Havertz’s effort.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Arsenal stars…DAVID RAYA – 6Could do nothing about United’s goal and produced a stellar stop to deny Zirkzee in extra-time.JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Very effective on the overlap and worked well being fed by Odegaard.Tested a couple of times by Alejandro Garnacho who proved a problem on the counter-attack.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Dealt with Hojlund well although the striker did not pose much of a threat.GABRIEL – 6Terrible error to lose possession to Alejandro Garnacho who was put through on goal and set up Bruno Fernandes to score.Made amends with a brilliant finish Bukayo Saka would have been proud of.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 5A quiet game at left-back, probably should have got forward more particularly after United went down to ten men and had Garnacho filling in at right-back.JORGINHO – 5Kept things ticking over in the middle and was always an outlet for his team-mates.MIKEL MERINO – 4Anonymous in the middle. Difficult to see what he brings to this Arsenal side.Missed a good chance to put his side ahead moments after the equaliser and was taken off shortly after that.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7A pleasure to watch. Made everything happen, his ability to turn on the ball in the middle of the park created opportunities time after time.But he missed the chance to win the game from the penalty spot.GABRIEL JESUS – 6Lovely pass to break the lines and put through Martinelli, who found the back of the net but was offside.Fell awkwardly when defending a cross in the first half and was carried off on a stretcher.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Was the main attacking threat in the first half with his direct style causing the visitors all sorts of problems.Produced good movement and a finish to match but his goal was disallowed for offside.KAI HAVERTZ – 3Won the penalty after a deft touch past Maguire.But he missed two sitters including one just three minutes from time to win the match, and his penalty miss proved decisive in the shoot-out.SUBSTITUTESRaheem Sterling (for Jesus, 40mins) – 6Looked sharp when he got the ball and did well in the build-up to Havertz winning the penalty.Declan Rice (for Merino, 73mins) – 6Almost scored with what might have been his first touch but his header was brilliantly saved.Should have grabbed the winner in the dying moments but his low effort was again superbly matched by Bayindir.Leandro Trossard (for Lewis-Skelly, extra-time) – 5Will wonder how he didn’t score after Matthijs de Ligt produced a goalline clearance to deny him.Blazed over with an effort from just outside the box.Thomas Partey (for Timber, 101mins) – 5Put in a few good crosses. Came close to a winner with an effort that was deflected narrowly over the bar.Kieran Tierney (for Jorginho, 113mins) -His arrival onto the pitch was greeted with a big cheer but he did not have much time to impact the match.A fifth replied: “Nearly every one of his attempted saves looked like something out of a comic book. Awful.”A sixth noted: “Raya really dived the wrong way on 5/5 pens, hands down the worst keeper for pens.”A seventh quipped: “Raya dives before the player even puts the ball down.”An eighth tweeted: “Raya diving in this video is like when you click the wrong button when you are playing a game of FIFA.”A ninth moaned: “Raya diving a second before the penalty is taken is not the approved method.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd a final user reacted: “Raya is jumping out of the way?”Supporters flooded social media with commentsCredit: BBCThe goalkeeper went the wrong way for all five United penaltiesCredit: AFP More

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      Inside Tamworth big day as heroes almost cause FA Cup shock of the CENTURY from broken nets to breakfast at a theme park

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      ANDY PEAKS repeated the mantra before, during and after the greatest two hours of his football career.“Believe in yourselves. Believe. Believe. Believe. I tell you week in, week out, people don’t want to come here. THEY certainly don’t want to be here. Stay in the game and see where it takes you.”Tamworth gave SunSport behind-the-scenes access for the FA Cup tie with TottenhamCredit: PAAndy Peaks can be proud of the way and he his team conducted themselvesCredit: GettyThe Lambs narrowly missed out on the biggest FA Cup shock of the centuryCredit: AFPIt all started with the net needing repairing and a delayed kick-offCredit: GettyThey were supposed to be Lambs to the slaughter — but for 120 glorious, sweat-drenched, fist-clenched minutes tiny Tamworth roared like lions.And I was privileged to be at the heart of it all as SunSport was given the kind of access rarely seen at this level.We love the FA Cup and, after Tamworth’s heroics, I am sure the nation has fallen head over heels for this unique, historic competition all over again after witnessing this epic David-versus-Goliath tie.I spent the week shadowing Tamworth manager Peaks, general manager Scott Rickards, club secretary Archie Baynham and the players, those red-and-black-clad warriors who went toe-to-toe with Tottenham.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLI was with them, scraping ice off cars at 10.30pm on Thursday in -4C conditions after their ONLY training session of the week.If that is what they could produce after just 90 minutes of preparation to face Ange Postecoglou’s millionaires think what they could have done if they were full-time? Peaks’ team included a taxi driver, building surveyor, bricklayer, marketing executive, financial adviser, engineer, teacher, sandwich-maker and even a zip salesman.But he has somehow found a way to mould this group of part-time warriors into serial scrappers and serial winners after back-to-back title wins.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSI shared breakfast with the squad after they gathered at nearby Drayton Manor Hotel, within the grounds of the theme park, before the white-knuckle ride of their lives.And I sat with them on the team coach during the short hop to The Lamb, when over-eager security staff stopped us at the entrance — to make sure the luxury coach with Tamworth FC emblazoned on the front was indeed what it said on the tin.Why Daniel Levy will be fed PIE & CHIPS with Tottenham in for FA Cup shock at part-time TamworthThat comedy moment lightened the mood among the players ahead of the biggest game of their lives. The tension built during the pre-match warm-ups.I walked by the Spurs dressing room and witnessed some of their star players being strapped up on the treatment table they had brought with them – in the chilly corridor outside.And I was there to hear Peaks demand that his players believed this could be their day during his inspirational pre-match team talk.I was with them, scraping ice off cars at 10.30pm on Thursday in -4C conditions after their ONLY training session of the week.Then it was out to the roar of 3,000 Tamworth fans… and the murmurs of 800 Tottenham supporters who were probably still rubbing the sleep from their bleary eyes.Mighty Tottenham towered above fifth-tier Tamworth – a massive 96 places above them in the football pyramid.The build-up for both sides couldn’t have been much more polarised.Tamworth got home, bleary-eyed at 2.30am on Wednesday morning following a 1-0 FA Trophy defeat at Sutton United.Spurs warmed up with a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup.SunSport’s Graeme Bryce spent the day with the Tamworth squadCredit: The SunBryce took his seat in the Tamworth dugoutCredit: Dan WestwellOur man even travelled on the team bus, which was stopped by overzealous security staffCredit: The SunSon Heung-min received a warm welcome from the Tamworth mascotsCredit: GettyTamworth’s players warmed up in their The Sun topsCredit: ReutersJames Maddison led his team out in unfamiliar surroundingsCredit: GettyBut first, there was an unexpected hiccup as kick-off was delayed for five minutes after one of the nets became unclipped from its hooks.Spurs stars looked bemused as a ladder and net technician were called for.However, Lambs winger Beck-Ray Enoru – usually a Sales Assistant for Zara – sprang into action, clambering on to the shoulders of giant defender Jordan Cullinane-Liburd to save the day.Job done, Tamworth’s army of fans in the Shed chanted: “We are Tamworth… we fix our own nets!” And then we were off.Tamworth got off to a flyer when Enoru almost found the Spurs net with a shot which goalie Antonin Kinsky did well to save.First-team coach Tim Dudding turned to me and said: “No matter what happens now… at least we’ve had a shot.”He needn’t have worried. By the end of a dramatic afternoon, Tamworth had rattled off 13 shots to Tottenham’s 17.As Peaks supped tea from a cardboard carton, it soon became evident something special was brewing.That was different class. You’ve all been part of an unbelievable day. Be disappointed because we came so close to rewriting the history books.Andy PeaksJas Singh – whose partner gave birth to a son on Saturday night – was defiant in the Tamworth goal, defying James Maddison more than once.Tom Tonks hurled in his trademark Howitzer long throws and Kinsky looked uneasy as he missed one completely, before going on to regain his composure.At half-time, honours even, Peaks urged his team for another big push: “Everyone’s performed their role. You’ve out-battled them, you’ve shut them down, we look a threat when we get it.“More of the same. More of the same. Do not switch off.“They’re probably going to get a rollicking because they’ve not hurt you.”As we settled down for the second half Peaks turned to me, smiled and said: “At least they’ve not got much on the bench to bring on.”However, Tamworth forced Postecoglou to send on all of his big guns as Lucas Bergvall, Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, Son Heung-min and Djed Spence entered the fray.“We wanted Arsenal… we wanted Arsenal,” Tamworth fans taunted.Nathan Tshikuna was the unfortunate man to break the deadlock with his own goalCredit: RexThe Lambs more than held their own despite the 96-place differenceCredit: RexThe two sides could not be separated after 90 minutesCredit: Reuters3,000 Tamworth fans roared on their sideCredit: RexTom Tonks tried to cause chaos with his giant throw inCredit: GettyAnge kept his cool throughout but he breathed a sigh of relief when Tom McGlichey’s shot was blocked then Kinsky saved crucially to deny Cullinane-Liburd in the dying seconds.The deadlock was finally broken 11 minutes into extra-time when Spurs scored following a controversial free-kick, harshly awarded by ref Peter Bankes.Villain of the day Pedro Porro shaped up to shoot but slid the ball around the wall instead and in the chaos which followed the ball ricocheted off Nathan Tshikuna’s knee and landed in his own net.It was a cruel blow but Peaks reminded his side at the break: “Keep believing – you’ll get one chance.”It fell to McGlinchey whose audacious chip flew just over with Kinsky stranded.Sadly for the Lambs, Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson took theirs to flatter the visitors with a 3-0 win.Afterwards, Peaks was full of praise for his heroes.He told them: “That was different class. I don’t think you realise how good you were at times.“You’ve all been part of an unbelievable day. Be disappointed because we came so close to rewriting the history books.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The general performance, the attitude, they are raving on commentary about how good you were. Well done.”This was Peaks performance without a shadow of a doubt.Tamworth did have chances to get a winnerCredit: GettyJas Singh played a blinder in goal just hours after his baby son was bornCredit: AFPTottenham had to turn to the big hitters to eventually get the 3-0 winCredit: PAAnge Postecoglou would have been sweating over a possible nightmare exitCredit: AFPThe day will be remembered by everyone in attendanceCredit: AFPPeaks was full of praise of his part-time heroesCredit: PA More