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    Wayne Rooney reveals Denis Law gave him goalscoring tips after handing him Man Utd’s No10 shirt in emotional tribute

    WAYNE ROONEY has paid an emotional tribute to Denis Law by saying: Wearing your No 10 shirt was an honour.Manchester United are mourning the ‘King of the Stretford End’, who died on Friday aged 84 after battling dementia.Wayne Rooney paid tribute to ‘legend’ LawCredit: GettyDenis Law (right) was Sir Alex Ferguson’s favourite playerCredit: AlamyRooney, like Law, was a famous holder of the Man Utd no.10 shirtCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdOld Trafford will double as a shrine to the Scot before today’s home clash with Brighton.There will be a minute’s applause for the man who scored 237 league goals for the Red Devils between 1962 and 1973.Only two men have scored more for United: Law’s team-mate and fellow great Sir Bobby Charlton — and Rooney himself.Rooney, a United goal machine from 2004 to 2017, recalled the moment he got Law’s iconic shirt.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “Initially I was No 8 when I joined Manchester United but when Ruud van Nistelrooy left, Denis presented me with the No 10 shirt.“That was a huge honour for me to have one of the club legends present me with that shirt — to wear that number was such a huge thing.”Law famously scored against United for Manchester City in 1974 on the day the former European champions were relegated.He had two short spells at City as well as turning out for Huddersfield and Italian outfit Torino.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut it was United that always remained closest to his heart and he was a regular visitor to Old Trafford in retirement.His family also felt the same way, with daughter Di becoming press officer during the glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson.Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the DayRooney, 39, speaking to BBC Five Live, added: “He was always very helpful with lots of advice over the years. He was a great guy to speak to.“When you join this football club you do a lot of learning about the history and Denis was certainly one of the main players.“His daughter worked at the club so I became quite close with the family. Every time I met Denis he gave me good advice about scoring goals and tried to help me as much as he could.“It was really sad when I heard the news so I want to pass on my condolences to his family as well. He was not just a football legend — a real family man has left us.”Van Nistelrooy also paid tribute to Law, who was his neighbour when the Leicester boss played at Old Trafford.He said: “I used to go round for coffee. Time just passed by talking about life, his career and football. It was just lovely.“He was the most humble person you could ever meet for someone who has a statue outside Old Trafford. And he had the biggest heart.“I could get some things off my chest and he had a great sense of humour, too. It was very helpful — and it was ever so special.”Ex-United captain Gary Neville, 49, said: “I know he was Sir Alex Ferguson’s favourite player. “I spent some time with him, which was a great privilege, and got to know him as a great gentleman with great humour but humble, carrying no arrogance about his career at all.“My dad and my grandad went to Manchester United from the age of five and talked about Law, Best and Charlton, the three most famous players to have played for Manchester United.“Denis was absolutely brilliant company. He was humble in his greatness — which is the best tribute I can pay him.”Law was also involved in charity work in retirement and set up the Denis Law Legacy Trust back in 2012.Neville added: “The work he did in terms of raising his voice about Alzheimer’s and prostate cancer.“He was brave on the pitch, I know from what everyone has said that he didn’t mess around, but he was also brave off it. He will be sadly missed.”Music legend Sir Rod Stewart also paid tribute to Law on Instagram, sharing a photo of them together, with the message: “Farewell my hero, rest in peace.”Players and staff will wear black armbands for the Brighton clash, likewise the women’s team for tonight’s derby against Manchester City at the Etihad.United chief executive Omar Berrada joined hundreds of fans at Old Trafford yesterday morning as flowers, flags and wreaths were laid.Aberdeen-born Law is immortalised there in a statue alongside Sir Bobby and fellow legend George Best — United’s famous Holy Trinity.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is the only Scot to win the Ballon d’Or, which he received in 1964.Law is joint record scorer for Scotland with 30 goals in 55 caps. More

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    ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died

    FANS fumed at a Swansea star’s “disgusting” behaviour after Cardiff manager Omer Riza was sent off days after his dad died.Riza travelled to London on Thursday to see his father Josh before he passed away.Omer Riza clashed with Gonçalo FrancoCredit: RexHe had to be held back by his own playersCredit: GettyThe Cardiff boss was sent off for his reactionCredit: GettyRiza lost his dad this weekCredit: ColorsportBut he was back in Cardiff a day later to help his team prepare for the derby, which his side won 3-0.The Bluebirds boss also took to the touchline but was sent to the stands mid-way through the match following an altercation with Swansea star Gonçalo Franco.The Swans star tried to stop a loose pass from going out of play and bundled into Riza in an aggressive manner.Riza fumed after regaining his balance and ran onto the pitch to confront Franco.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pair went head to head before the Cardiff boss was held back by his players.The referee then brandished a red card to send off Riza as Franco went unpunished, much to the fury of fans.One reacted saying: “Disgusting behaviour from Franco here in any circumstances, but on a man who’s just lost his father it’s just despicable. “The red card went to the wrong man and if ever a team deserved to be hammered out of sight, it’s Franco’s.”Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother added: “Swansea player kicking out at a man who’s just lost his father. Absolutely classless.”A third wrote: “Passion from the gaffer, love it.”Cardiff & Leeds fans unite for moving Sol Bamba tribute after star’s deathHowever, Swansea fans unsurprisingly had a different opinion.One wrote: “In what world is that Franco’s fault?”And another posted: “That’s why there’s a technical area” More

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    Zlatan Ibrahimovic gives Kyle Walker transfer update with AC Milan set to choose Man City star over Marcus Rashford

    ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has confirmed Kyle Walker’s switch to AC Milan is moving closer.The Italian giants are first in the queue for the wantaway Manchester City defender.AC Milan senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic confirmed Kyle Walker’s switch is moving closerCredit: GettyWalker has expressed his desire to leave Man City during the January transfer windowCredit: ReutersMilan have reportedly ended their pursuit of Manchester United star Marcus RashfordCredit: GettyIbrahimovic, a senior adviser at Milan, said: “When someone like Walker is on the market, there is going to be a lot of interest. “Everyone knows he’s a great player, he’s done big things at Manchester City and England.”City boss Pep Guardiola revealed a week ago that Walker, 34, wanted to quit for a new challenge abroad.And Ibra confirmed age was no stumbling block, adding: “Walker doesn’t go against our strategies.Read More on Football“He is strong, he is a leader, he dominates the dressing room.“We are checking what is possible.”Andrea Cambiaso has been lined up as Walker’s replacement.And Cambiaso’s club Juventus have been linked with Milan’s England centre-back Fikayo Tomori.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesBut Ibrahimovic insisted: “He is our player, he is happy at Milan.”This comes after reports suggesting Milan have abandoned their pursuit of Manchester United wantaway star Marcus Rashford.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferSerie A rules only allow clubs to register one non-EU player per year and the Rossoneri prefer Walker.The Man City star has won a staggering six Premier League titles, two FA Cup trophies, four League Cups and the Champions League ever since his move to the Etihad from Tottenham in 2017.The full-back has amassed a total of six goals and 23 assists in 319 appearances.However, the England international has struggled for minutes this season with only 18 appearances under his belt. More

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    ‘This seriously needs investigating’ – Arsenal fans lose their heads over Premier League tweet about disallowed goal

    ARSENAL fans were left fuming after the Premier League addressed VAR’s controversial decision to disallow Mikel Merino’s last-gasp winner against Aston Villa.The Gunners dropped crucial points at the Emirates to Villa as two second-half goals within eight minutes by Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins cancelled out Gabriel Martinelli and Havertz’s strikes.Arsenal thought they’d earned all three points when Mikel Merino’s strike deflected off Kai Havertz and into the netCredit: RexBut VAR determined that the ball had hit Havertz’s handArsenal fans were furious with the Premier League’s tweetHowever, the North Londoners thought they saved their blushes in the 87th minute when Mikel Merino fired a shot from the edge of the box and the ball deflected off the Germany international.The goal was awarded by referee Chris Kavanagh but VAR recommended that it should be disallowed for handball.The camera angles showed the ball hitting Havertz’s hand, though a minority of fans were unconvinced.And the wording of the Premier League official accounts tweet added fuel to the fire for Arsenal fans.Read More on ArsenalThat was because it stated that the ball had “clearly” struck the German’s hand.The Prem’s official account tweeted: “NO GOAL! @Arsenal think they have a third, but Mikel Merino’s effort clearly strikes Kai Havertz’ hand on the way in.”The Premier League’s take enraged several Arsenal fans who insisted there was no clear handball.Some even suggested there should be an “investigation”, considering this came from the Prem’s official handle.Most read in FootballOne fan tweeted: “Where? Where is the handball? Show me the hand ball!”Best new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesAnother commented: “It’s an absolute disgrace. It’s happened to Arsenal again. This seriously needs investigating now. The ball hits his side, and even it does hit his arm it’s not in an unnatural position.”A third wrote: “I mean, this photo doesn’t show it hitting his arm. I’m not saying it hasn’t, but I haven’t seen clear and obvious. THIS is what millimeter-action video would actually be useful for.”Lone sad Arsenal fan being asked to leave by securityThis fan said: “Feel so sorry for Arsenal fans. Clearly hits Havertz’s midriff. Even slowed down on VAR it’s clear to see. Go to Specsavers lads. I used to work there I’ll get you a good deal.”And that one stated: “Clearly? This is the official EPL handle…..Wow!”Arsenal ratings vs Aston VillaArsenal’s title hopes took a huge hit as they threw away a two-goal lead against Aston VillaLeandro Trossard turned provider for the Gunners to set up both goals as it looked like they would cruise to three points.But defensive lapses from two stars cost Arteta’s side dearly.Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.GABRIEL – 7Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.THOMAS PARTEY – 6A great stint at right back but one lapse in concentration cost Arsenal the lead, losing track of Watkins in the box before he volleyed in.MIKEL MERINO – 6A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half.He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1. Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7Integral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinelli for the opener before blazing over himself.The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8Again, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range.The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better. That will do wonders for his confidence.SUBS:RAHEEM STERLING (MARTINELLI, 82) – 6A few darting runs, but added virtually nothing, other than a needless yellow card. A cameo that screamed “lacking confidence”. More

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    Man City boss Pep Guardiola held ‘tense’ crisis talks with wife before signing new contract blamed for marriage split

    MAN City manager Pep Guardiola held crisis talks with his wife shortly before he signed the new contract blamed for their marriage split.Title-winning Pep, 54, flew to Barcelona for dinner with Cristina Serra in October, with onlookers saying the couple looked “tense”.Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola held crisis talks with his wife shortly before he signed the new contract blamed for their marriage splitCredit: GettyThe pair met as teensCredit: GettyPep signed a two-year extension to his deal with the reigning Premier League championsCredit: GettyA waiter at Bodega Sepulveda, Pep’s favourite restaurant in the city, said: “He came in with his wife about three months ago.“They sat in the corner and things looked a little tense between them. He was talking animatedly.“We were all shocked to hear that they had split.”After returning to the UK, Pep signed a two-year extension to his deal with the reigning Premier League champions — taking his stay to 2027.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe had been widely expected to quit the club after nine successful years.And influential Spanish journalists Laura Fa and Lorenza Vazquez claimed that his decision was behind the break-up.They said: “She takes the decision when he decides to extend his contract with Manchester City because in the previous months Pep had been preparing his departure from the club.“We know one of his objectives was to leave and move to the United Arab Emirates.Most read in Football“People around him were beginning to say goodbye to him because he wasn’t going to renew his contact.“That decision not to renew was helping bring him closer to his wife.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transfer“But when he decided to stay and extend his contract, Cristina decided enough was enough and it was her that decided to end the marriage.”Vazquez said: “It’s been a carefully considered decision the couple discussed over several months.“They continue to have a cordial and affectionate relationship. No one else is involved. There are no third parties.”Cristina, 52, had moved back to Barcelona to run her fashion business five years ago, while Pep stayed in Manchester to manage the City team.The couple met in 1994, married in 2014 and have three children together.The troubled pair met at Bodega Sepulveda, Pep’s favourite restaurant in BarcelonaCredit: Darren FletcherThe couple snapped this yearCredit: RexThe two pictured in 2013 in MunichCredit: Bongarts – GettyGuardiola with Cristina and their three kids in 2018Credit: PA:Press Association More

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    Sir Alex Ferguson’s emotional visits to Man Utd legend Denis Law at nursing home in weeks before his death revealed

    SIR Alex Ferguson visited Man United legend Denis Law up to three times a week at the nursing home where his dementia-hit friend died on Friday, aged 84.The club’s former boss, 83, who lives near the Cheshire home, was a regular to see his fellow Scot.Sir Alex Ferguson visited Denis Law in his final daysCredit: RexSir Alex and Denis in 2005Credit: AlamyFlowers have been laid at the Old Trafford statue depicting Law, Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best.Sir Alex will be in attendance at United’s game on Sunday as a number of tributes are played to the striker, which will culminate in a minute’s applause.A source said: “The club have some really nice touching tributes to Denis.”There will be a lot of sadness but also moments of laughter, because Denis loved his football and loved life.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA statement from the club on Friday said: “Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed.“With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players. The ultimate goalscorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation.”Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”United trio David Beckham, Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney were among figures from around the world of football to pay their respects to the Scot.Most read in FootballBecks wrote on his Instagram page: “Tonight we lost a true gentleman of the game. Our heart goes out to Denis’s family.“Our hearts are heavy tonight. A legend on the field but the perfect gentleman off.”Sir Alex Ferguson hails late Man Utd secretary Kath Phipps after her funeralFlowers have been laid at the Old Trafford statue depicting Law, Best and CharltonCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal ratings: Trossard turns creator as Gunners seek attacking spark but Merino and Partey lapses cost Arteta’s side

    LEANDRO TROSSARD could hold his head high after his performance in Arsenal’s draw against Aston Villa.The Gunners were looking for a win to keep pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool.Leandro Trossard was Arsenal’s star man against Aston VillaCredit: GettyMikel Merino has had better days on the pitchCredit: ReutersMartinelli netted the opener after firing in an effort that Emiliano Martinez failed to keep out.But it was the impressive Leandro Trossard’s cross that created the chance.Kai Havertz made it 2-0 in the 55th minute however, the game was far from won.Aston Villa fought back to level the game as Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins struck twice inside eight minutes to flip the game on its head.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe Gunners thought they had scored a late winner through a frustrated Mikel Merino but were denied after the ball deflected in off Havertz’s arm.SunSport’s Jordan Davies has given their ratings for the Arsenal team…DAVID RAYA – 6/10He was let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close-range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGABRIEL – 7Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.Bukayo Saka update as Arsenal star spotted at Emirates without crutches… but Gunners suffer fresh injury blowTHOMAS PARTEY – 6A great stint at right back but one lapse in concentration cost Arsenal the lead, losing track of Watkins in the box before he volleyed in.MIKEL MERINO – 6A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half.He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1.Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7Declan Rice was integral for the Arsenal sideCredit: EPAIntegral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez, but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinelli for the opener.The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8Kai Havertz scored with a clinical finish in the second halfCredit: GettyAgain, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range.The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat will do wonders for his confidence.SUBS:RAHEEM STERLING (MARTINELLI, 82) – 6A few darting runs, but added virtually nothing, other than a needless yellow card. A cameo that screamed “lacking confidence”. More

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    Arsenal 2-2 Aston Villa LIVE RESULT: Gunners fail to close gap at the top as Villans secure point after superb comeback

    ARSENAL have to settle for a point after a thrilling 2-2 with Aston Villa.Gabriel Martinelli broke the deadlock on 35 minutes despite Emiliano Martinez’s best efforts to stop the ball from crossing the line.After half-time, Kai Havertz ended his poor run in front of goal with a close-range finish to make it 2-0.But Arsenal’s two-goal advantage didn’t last long as Youri Tielemans headed home for 2-1.And things went from bad to worse for the Gunners after Ollie Watkins slammed home a stunning equaliser on 68 minutes.Match result: Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaArsenal team: Raya, Partey, Timber, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Odegaard, Merino, Trossard, Martinelli, HavertzAston Villa team: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen, Onana, Kamara, Rogers, Tielemans, Ramsey WatkinsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Match reportIf this is the night when Arsenal’s title hopes died, then Ollie Watkins has been their gravedigger again.But the death sentence might have been passed by Stockley Park.With less than two minutes to go the Emirate erupted as Mikel Merino’s hopeful effort from the edge of the box took a big deflection to find its way past Emi Martinez and put Mikel Arteta’s men back ahead in a game they had tossed away.Yet Merino, pointedly, did not celebrate.He knew what Jon Brooks in the VAR booth near Heathrow was going to tell ref Chris Kavanagh – that the final, vital touch to deceive Martinez had come, albeit accidentally, off Kai Havertz’ right arm.The referee had no choice but to disallow the goal – and while Merino hit the post in added time, there was to be no reprieve.Copy linkCopied’Formula’Opta report that Arsenal have scored more goals than any other Premier League side from CROSSES this season.And Trossard’s assist double both came from crosses – only the second time in the league that’s happened this season.They tweeted from OptaJoe: “Arsenal have scored more goals from crosses than any other team in the Premier League this season (11), while Leandro Trossard is one of only two players to assist 2+ goals via crosses in a game this season (also Damsgaard v Wolves in October). Formula.”Copy linkCopiedUp nextBoth sides turn their attention to Champions League duty in midweek.Then it’s back to league business next weekend with very winnable games, with the Gunners at Wolves and Villa hosting West Ham.Copy linkCopied’Disappointing day’Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli says his side need to improve for upcoming games after their second half collapse.He told Sky Sports: “It’s a disappointing day. We wanted to win the game, but we have to keep going.”We trust in ourselves, and we have to keep going and improving – it is a long journey to go. We have to focus on ourselves.”That’s football, that’s the Premier League, the most difficult league in the world. We have to see the game and see what we have done wrong and improve for the next games.”We know our qualities and we know the potential we have and we trust in ourselves.”Copy linkCopiedYouri not kiddingYouri Tielemans reckons Aston Villa were well worth their point.He told the BBC: “From our point of view [a good result] is always deserved. We take the point and move forward. They had many chances but we defended with our bodies on the line. “2-2 is a good result for us. First half we had a couple of counters, misplaced passes from me which could have put Ollie Watkins in.”We fought really well to come back into the game.”Copy linkCopiedForward ratingsLEANDRO TROSSARD – 8: Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinez for the opener before blazing over himself. The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8: Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8: Again, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range. The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better. That will do wonders for his confidence.Copy linkCopiedMidfielder ratingsMIKEL MERINO – 6: A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half. He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1. Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7: Integral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6: A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.Copy linkCopiedPlayer ratingsHere’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies scored the Gunners players tonight, starting with the defenders:DAVID RAYA – 6: Let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8: With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.GABRIEL – 7: Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7: Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.Copy linkCopiedThe damageHere’s how the top of the Premier League table looks after today’s results.Liverpool started the day four points clear with a game in hand – they’re now SIX clear with that game in hand still.Nottingham Forest with the chance to move level on points with Arsenal if they beat Southampton at home tomorrow.The battle for top four looks set to be a good one too!Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaThis place, around the stadium was bouncing at 4.45pm when it looked like Liverpool were dropping points.Incredibly, Arsenal go to bed tonight even further behind Liverpool in the title race.To watch Liverpool score two in stoppage time would’ve been bad enough.To then bottle a 2-0 lead is unforgivable in most circumstances. After today’s events probably moreso.Just one win from their last five games now too….Copy linkCopiedFULL TIMEHugely damaging, costly COLLAPSE from Arsenal. Boos at the whistle too.Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaCopy linkCopied90+7 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaOdegaard’s delivery is abysmal. High, lofty and straight into the arms of Martinez.Not great from him or the set piece coach.Copy linkCopied90+7 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaHere he comes – the set piece coach is front and centre!Arsenal have a free kick, 15 yards from the Villa byline on the right. Odegaard will send it in in-swinging.Copy linkCopied90+6 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaWHAT A CHANCE FOR TROSSARD!!!Ohhh Arsenal and their fans can’t believe it. Arteta is almost on his knees, HE can’t believe it.Trossard looks to have broken the offside trap with a clever pass through to him on the left. It’s just Martinez to beat on his left foot and he drags his shot a foot wide of the far post. Agony!Copy linkCopied90+5 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaNow Rogers is booked for stopping Arsenal taking their throw-in quickly.Copy linkCopied90+4 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaSterling in comfortable possession gives the ball away at the edge of the Villa box.It’s to Jhon Duran and Villa have nobody to hit but they get out of trouble when Sterling swipes him from behind to give the free kick away.Sterling is booked for it too.Copy linkCopied90+2 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaUp the other end now and Villa work it well to get Youri Tielemans on it at the edge of the box.He drags his shot just wide and it looks like Raya may well got a touch. Not so, according to the referee as Arsenal get the goal kick.Copy linkCopied90 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaSEVEN MINUTES ADDED!Copy linkCopied90 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaNothing comes of the corner as a foul is given to Villa in the middle.Copy linkCopied90 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaMERINO HITS THE POST!Pinball inside the box as Merino gets space in the box and fires it off the post. It bounces around and is kept alive, worked to Trossard on the left at an angle and he fires low and hard at goal and Martinez scrambles across to keep it out.Now Trossard is cheerleader to gee the home crowd up as they win a corner.Copy linkCopied88 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaMerino has a strike from the edge of the box heading towards goal and it hits Kai Havertz on the way through.It wrong foots Martinez and ends up in the far corner.The first replay shows it quite clearly hits his arm on the way in. He’s pointing to his side but unfortunately for him, there’s replays involved in football that show he’s not telling the truth.The home support boo as the replay is shown but not quite sure why.Copy linkCopiedSCRATCH THAT…NO GOAL – VAR RULES IT OUT FOR HANDBALL!Copy linkCopiedTHEY’RE BACK IN FRONT!Copy linkCopied86– Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaClose for Aston Villa!It’s a rapid counter attack led by Rogers who bursts through the middle of the park unchallenged.He works it to Bailey on the right edge of the area and as Arsenal try to block the cross, it’s laid back to Bogarde who strikes low and hard through the bodies and Raya just manages to keep it out.Copy linkCopied83 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaAaaand another change for Aston Villa.All a bit stop-start at the minute, just as Villa want it at the minute.OFF: Jacob RamseyON: Leon BaileyCopy linkCopied More