But he did it really quickly as Saka received the ball, not after he received it when he likes to touch the ball in field.
Cucurella was already there and that meant Saka was taking the ball where he didn’t want to go.
Mikel Arteta ‘disappointed’ by Chelsea draw as Arsenal lose ground in title race
Also, the Spaniard’s starting position saw him occupy an inside lane, a narrow position which allowed Saka to have the space on the outside, effectively saying, ‘Let’s have a race.’
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Romeo Lavia, Neto and even Cole Palmer help out defensively to create traffic on the inside, where Saka wants to cut inside on to his left foot.
So it was the early contact from Cucurella and not allowing Saka to spin inside higher up the pitch.
But then when it was deeper, he decided not to engage and challenged Saka to beat him on the outside because he was not giving him the inside channel.
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Marc Cucurella played Bukayo Saka brilliantlyCredit: Getty
Saka was allowed to go down the line but could not get into the inside right channel
It was a similar tale in the Euro 2024 final
2. COLE HAS GONE COLD
Cole Palmer started the season in red-hot form, scoring seven and assisting five in his first nine games.
However, the last two games have told a very different story with no goal contributions and just one shot on target.
And the explanation comes from Enzo Maresca’s box midfield.
The Chelsea gaffer likes to bring Cucurella inside to create a four-man box in the middle – but the left-back was tied up keeping tabs on Saka.
So instead, Maresca instructed Malo Gusto to come inside.
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However, the right-back bypassed the holding midfielders and effectively became the right No10, pushing Palmer across to the left No10 – the opposite flank from his devastating inside right position.
Add in the very effective Arsenal defensive triangle of Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard and Saka stopping Palmer getting the ball and he had another anonymous afternoon.
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Cole Palmer has had two very quiet games in a rowCredit: Getty
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It is a stark contrast from his start to the season
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Malo Gusto pushed on to become the right No10 as Palmer shifted left
It’s his pressing, understanding of space and where everyone is around him.
Honestly, he must come off with his arms as tired as his legs because he is constantly waving them, pointing and barking out instructions.
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Odegaard is so often the trigger, he is the one who sets the traps.
Kai Havertz did an okay job in his absence. How did they cope without Odegaard?
He is just a sensational player.
And the goal comes from that inside right channel because Odegaard worked it out.
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He realised there were four players around him and Saka, so that meant somebody else was free in space and he barely looked before producing that beautiful ball in behind for Martinelli.
If Arsenal are going to go close in the title race, it will be because of Odegaard.
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Matin Odegaard is Arsenal’s conductorCredit: Reuters
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His inch-perfect cross set up Gabriel Martinelli’s goalCredit: SunSport
Arsenal ratings v Chelsea
Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:
David Raya – 7
Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.
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Ben White – 5
Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.
William Saliba – 6
Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.
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Gabriel Magalhaes – 6
Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.
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Thomas Partey – 6
Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.
Declan Rice – 6
Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.
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Martin Odegaard – 7
Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.
Bukayo Saka – 5
Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.
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Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.
Kai Havertz – 6
Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head.
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4. CHELSEA’S SANCHEZ FORCEFIELD
Arsenal set pieces have been a major hallmark of their success in recent times but Chelsea defended them better than anyone else has so far this season.
Firstly, they desperately didn’t want to give away corners and Robert Sanchez – who made a massive mistake for the goal – was coming out of his area to prevent them.
On the rare free-kicks, the Blues defenders stepped right up to the edge of the box.
But it was at corners where they were particularly impressive as they created a forcefield, a circle around Sanchez to stop the likes of Gabriel and William Saliba a free run at a close-range header.
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Nicolas Jackson was the front post as a big man to head clear, the two centre-backs were in front of Sanchez and everyone else was blocking.
Neto even stood with his arms out to block Gabriel from causing more problems.
It was committed defending and highly effective.
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Chelsea’s defenders protected Robert Sanchez at cornersCredit: Getty
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The goalkeeper should have done more to protect his near post when Martinelli scoredCredit: AFP
Chelsea ratings vs Arsenal
Robert Sanchez – 6
Still punches the ball clear when a catch would be much safer – and reassuring for the fans behind him.
Malo Gusto – 6
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Went close with a header in the first-half. But was missing at right-back when Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli’s 59th minute goal. The problem with also playing in midfield.
Wesley Fofana – 7
Strong challenges and now fully back from lengthy injury. Also went close to a goal in the second half when he pumped the ball just over.
Levi Colwill – 6
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Forging a partnership with Fofana at the heart of defence. Got caught dangerously in possession by Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard but recovered.
Marc Cucurella – 7
Cracking tussle with Bukayo Saka. Despite being one of only three men on the pitch wearing gloves, including the keepers, Chelsea’s left-back is a formidable defender.
Moises Caicedo – 6
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Enjoying a run of form at the moment that includes last weekend’s volleyed equaliser at Manchester United. Strong tackler and smooth through the gears in midfield.
Romeo Lavia – 6
A surprise package keeping £107million Enzo Fernandez out of the team. After a terrible run of injuries is forming some consistency. But any twinge is a scare and came off in the 66th minute.
Noni Madueke – 6
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Called up to the latest England squad and is mobile and nippy. Also seemed a bit stroppy and went straight down the tunnel when subbed in the 66th minute. Perhaps needed treatment.
Cole Palmer – 6
Maybe the sore knee is still troubling him. Only trained yesterday for the first time in almost a week. But it hampered his impact on a disjointed London derby.
Pedro Neto – 7
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Starting to make his presence felt after being relegated to the Conference League matches. Stunning powerful drive for the equaliser and full of energy.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
Feisty and fiery but went to ground too easily to win a couple of free kicks when he could have done more damage on his feet. Gives everything though.
5. THE ENZO FERNANDEZ INSTINCT
Enzo Fernandez is a top, quality footballer – and he has a massive impact on football matches.
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Maresca likes the defensive pairing of Moises Caicedo and Lavia but Fernandez offers something different and that was evident from the moment he came on.
His introduction was a clever substitution and the right substitution.
He scanned, knew he couldn’t go one way and then turned back and the pass for Neto’s goal is underrated – the weight was like an invite to move into the area and it was a great goal from the Portuguese winger.
Yes, there were mistakes from Arsenal – Saliba was out of position after going for a wander, Martinelli went to sleep and Neto was given a huge gap.
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But do not overlook the quality play from Fernandez.
It gives Maresca a dilemma because Fernandez has such a big impact but doesn’t quite fit the system the manager wants to play.
Is Palmer not producing as much because Fernandez is not playing?
UFC fans were all left gobsmacked by Jon Jones’ X-rated rant about Brit Tom Aspinall.
Aspinall, 31, has been chasing the pound-for-pound great since claiming the interim heavyweight title last November.
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Tom Aspinall has been chasing UFC icon Jon Jones for well over a yearCredit: GETTY
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Aspinall has respectfully tried to poke Jones’ ego to convince him to fightCredit: YOUTUBE@TOMASPINALLOFFICIAL
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The heavyweight king stunningly branded Aspinall an “a**hole” during the UFC 309 media dayCredit: PER HALJESTAM / THE SUN
But undisputed king Jones has repeatedly dismissed the prospect of sharing the octagon with the burly Brit, who he believes hasn’t earned the right to face him.
Fan favourite Aspinall has been relentless on social media in his bid to poke the ego of the MMA icon.
But his antics have drawn the ire of the former long-reigning light-heavyweight king, who defends his title against Stipe Miocic in the main event ofUFC 309 at Madison Square Garden early on Sunday morning.
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He said: “If I’m being completely honest, I feel like Tom’s been such an a**hole that I don’t want to do business with him.
“His fans have been so annoying and obviously you don’t get this far in a career being affected by fans or what not.
“But he’s just an a**hole.”
MMA fans were up in arms over Jones’ savage dig at Aspinall, who is regarded by many to be one of the nicest people in the sport.
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One wrote on X: “Jones calling someone an asshole? Ironic.”
The UFC makes it’s annual visit to New York City on November 16 for another blockbuster pay-per-view card.
UFC 309 will take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, which provided some unforgettable moments since mixed martial arts was legalised in New York state in 2016.
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Topping the bill at the ‘World’s Most Famous Arena’ is the eagerly-anticipated heavyweight title fight between champion Jon Jones and former titleholder Stipe Miocic.
And in the co-main event of the evening, Michael Chandler will throw down with former lightweight champion and fellow fan favourite Charles Oliveira.
UFC 309 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated cards of what has been another massive year for MMA’s top promotion.
And fans in the UK and Ireland can watch all the action from what promises to be an incredible night at MSG live on TNT Sports Box Office.
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The penultimate pay-per-view card of the year will be available to purchase for a mere £19.99.
UFC 309 will also be available to buy on Discovery+, EE TV, Prime Video, Virgin Media TV and Sky Sports.
And fight fans don’t need to subscribe to TNT Sports to buy the star-studded event.
Watch UFC 309: Jones v Miocic exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office from 1am on Saturday 16 November.
When Jon Jones steps into the cage Saturday at UFC 309, it’ll mark more than 16 years that he’s competed as a professional fighter.
The UFC snagged him within his first year of competition. He fought six times regionally before the promotion came calling. All eight of those bouts occurred between April and July 2008.
One of those fights was against fellow future UFC fighter Parker Porter in Wilmington, Mass., for World Championship Fighting (now Combat FC). Jones, then 20, would sign with the UFC one win later.
Up until now, the only footage that existed in the public forum was a grainy handheld angle from cageside. However, promoter Joe Cavallaro released professional footage of the fight Thursday for all to enjoy – for as long as it lasted.
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Ahead of UFC 309, check out the previously unreleased video of Jones vs. Porter in the video above.
Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.
WRU chief executive Abi Tierney was appointed permanently in January 2024 by chairman Richard Collier-Keywood and stated she would produce a new strategy in the first half of the year.
A preliminary document was published in June with the promise of the overall document later in the year, but that has still not been published.
“We hear things about a report that should be published and I think we are still waiting.
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“You look at the success Wales had since 2005, but did we take it for granted and think of the next move, rather than the one in front?
“We talk about succession of players and coaches, but where is the succession with governance, all that sort of stuff that are obviously now impacting the game?”
Jones says a long-term strategy has to be agreed.
“There are a lot of people out there who want to know what the plan is and we need the communication,” said Jones.
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“If you can see it, everyone can get behind it, irrelevant of what is happening on the pitch.
“Rugby needs players and supporters, we are all stakeholders, if we are not communicated to, people do not know what’s going on.
“We have had too many of these situations now, we just need some sort of plan.”
Fighters competing at UFC 309 are set to wear older versions of gloves, which were initially replaced by a new design that debuted back in June.
No one was happier than heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Jones returns to action in the main event Saturday night against Stipe Miocic. The bout marks Jones’ first fight since March 2023 so his latest appearance was the first opportunity he had to use the new gloves. It turns out Jones wasn’t a fan of the re-design after receiving a pair of gloves to break in and use in the weeks leading up to his fight in New York.
“I’m really excited about the old gloves,” Jones said during UFC 309 media day. “I got sent a pair of the new gloves several weeks ago. I tried them on and I thought they were tight. I used to fit in XL and in the new glove I had to put on a 3XL. The shape, curving your hands like that, they very uncomfortable for me.
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“I was actually really stressed thinking about how I’m going to go into fight week wearing these gloves that I don’t even want to train in.”
The UFC ultimately decided to lessen Jones’ burden after he received a call from UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell to inform him that the old gloves would be employed for his fight against Miocic.
Either way, Jones was happy to find out he’d still be using the same gloves that the UFC employed throughout his whole career.
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“I got a phone call recently, Hunter [Campbell] said, ‘Everyone on this card are veterans, why put a bunch of vets in the new gloves? Let’s give you guys all what you’re used to,’” Jones ssif.
“It was a major relief to my coach Brandon [Gibson], who wraps my hands. It was a major relief to me as well.”
WOLVES have been likened to a comedy movie villain after releasing a special edition shirt.
The Premier League club are famed for their unique gold shirts – the only professional team in England to wear that colour.
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Wolves have unveiled a special edition gold kitCredit: Instagram / wolves
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It pays homage to a match they played against Honved 70 years agoCredit: Instagram / wolves
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Some fans compared it to Austin Powers character Goldmember
But now they have released a new shirt that is truly gold in honour of a match played 70 years ago.
Wolves are commemorating their ‘floodlit friendly’ win over Honved in 1954.
The 3-2 win over the Hungarian side, considered one of the best in Europe at the time, helped lead to the formation of the European Cup.
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The kit pays homage to the unique strip wore in 1954, which was made from fluorescent material to allow the players to reflect the floodlights, which were a rarity at the time.
Fans can buy the limited edition shirt for £60, with a special gift box including additional memorabilia available for £125.
It is fitted with a classic thick collar and every inch is a solid gold colour, including the Wolves badge.
Fans have been reacting to the design with some likening it to Austin Powers baddie Goldmember.
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