Arsenal climbed to second in the Premier League as they came from behind to win 3-1 at Brentford on New Year’s Day while Marcus Rashford hit out at the latest speculation over his future.
Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli were on target as the Gunners moved six points behind leaders Liverpool in the first match of 2025, but the year begins with plenty of uncertainty for Rashford at Manchester United.
Gunners fire
Arsenal scored two goals in three second-half minutes to cap a fine comeback at the Gtech Community Stadium and put some heat on table-topping Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta’s side fell behind to a Bryan Mbeumo strike after 13 minutes and almost conceded a second just before the half-hour when David Raya allowed Keane Lewis-Potter’s shot to slip through his grasp.
But Raya recovered to claw the ball off his own line and moments later Jesus headed his side back level.
Merino then put the visitors ahead after 50 minutes before Martinelli quickly added the third in a game in which 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri shone in place of the injured Buakyo Saka.
Rashford rumours “getting ridiculous”
United striker Rashford took to social media to rubbish reports claiming he has spoken to a sports agency in the hope of engineering a move away from Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old, who has recently missed out on a place in United’s squad, said in an interview last month he was ready for a “new challenge”.
That has fuelled speculation that he could move in the January transfer window but Rashford, who is represented by his brother Dwaine Maynard, insists some of the reporting is wide of the mark.
He wrote on Instagram: “Been a lot of false stories written over the past few weeks, but guys this is getting ridiculous – never met with any agency and don’t have any plans to.”
Championship leaders stumble
Sky Bet Championship leaders Leeds were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw after a dramatic ending to their clash with Blackburn at Elland Road.
Pascal Struijk thought he had snatched victory for the hosts when he struck from the penalty spot after 88 minutes but Danny Batth scrambled a last-gasp equaliser for play-off hopefuls Rovers.
Sheffield United were unable to take advantage and slipped to third after a 2-1 defeat at fourth-placed Sunderland, while Burnley moved second despite a frustrating goalless draw with Stoke which they finished with 10 men after Hannibal Mejbri was sent off late on.
Meanwhile, Julio Pleguezuelo scored a late equaliser for Plymouth as they drew 2-2 against Bristol City in their first match since the departure of Wayne Rooney as manager.
Windass stunner
OH MY WORD! 🤯🤯🤯
Josh Windass scores from INSIDE his own half! pic.twitter.com/X09MmxGLVl
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 1, 2025
Josh Windass submitted an early contender for goal of the year when he scored from inside his own half in Sheffield Wednesday’s 4-2 win over Derby in the Championship.
The in-form forward lobbed Rams goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom from around 60 yards in a commanding display by the Owls, who also scored through Barry Bannan, Djeidi Gassama and Anthony Musaba.
“As soon as I saw the keeper was nowhere near his goal, I just thought if I get the technique right he’s getting done,” Windass told Sky Sports.
What’s on today?
The Old Firm derby is the highlight as the William Hill Premiership sees its first action of 2025.
Champions Celtic will be hoping to extend their 14-point lead over arch-rivals Rangers – whom they have not lost to in seven meetings – as they head across Glasgow to Ibrox.
Second-placed Rangers will have to make do without goalkeeper Jack Butland for the clash after the Englishman required hospital treatment for an internal bleed in his leg.
Amid a full programme of fixtures, the Dundee derby also takes place as United make the short trip across Tannadice Street to Dens Park, while third-placed Aberdeen host Ross County.
What’s in the papers?
Ruben Amorim has told Manchester United‘s hierarchy to get Viktor Gyokeres – his striker at Sporting – this transfer window, reports the Star, while the Mail says Real Madrid hope to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold earlier than planned as well.
Meanwhile, the Sun claims Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad are all keen on Manchester City defender Kyle Walker.
