Philippa Kaur

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    Inside plans to turn Premier League side’s former stadium into stunning flats after it was demolished three years ago

    BRENTFORD’S former Griffin Park stadium could become the site of 149 new homes.The Bees left their historic ground in July 2020 to move to the new Gtech Community Stadium.Griffin Park was Brentford’s home until July 2020Credit: PAThe stadium has since been demolishedCredit: RexThe site could be turned into 149 new homesGriffin Park, which famously had a pub on each corner, was swiftly demolished following Brentford’s exit.But the site has since remained unused, with planning permission still required for mooted plans to commence.Property developer EcoWorld London want to convert the space into 149 new homes.As per their proposal, these would include 30 that are “available via discount market sale to meet the needs of local residents”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe plans would see 41 houses built, in addition to a pair of six-storey apartment blocks, and a single four-storey block.None of the new properties would enter the rental market.EcoWorld London have submitted plans to Hounslow Council, who will now mull over whether to grant permission.In addition to 149 new homes, the property developer have committed to creating 1770 square meters of public green space.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGriffin Park has been torn downCredit: RexDevelopers now want to use the old stadium siteCredit: RexThey claim that new pedestrianised routes will improve connectivity in the area.Brentford were not able to put on the sort of emotional farewell to Griffin Park as seen when Tottenham and West Ham left their historic homes in recent years.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundDue to the coronavirus pandemic, Thomas Frank’s side were forced to play their final match there behind closed doors in July 2020.Its last game was a 3-1 Championship play-off semi-final victory over Swansea, with Bryan Mbeumo the last Bee to score there.Following Griffin Park’s demolishing, it was boarded up to the public.All that could be recognised of the historic former ground was its club shop, which has also been closed since 2020.Brentford had played at Griffin Park since 1904Credit: RexBrentford’s final match at Griffin Park was played behind closed doorsCredit: GettyBrentford now play at the Gtech Community StadiumCredit: Reuters More

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    Tottenham v Chelsea headlines Score Predictor Matchweek 14 – key stats and facts for this weekend’s action!

    PREMIER LEAGUE games are flowing thick and fast at the minute.Hot on the heels of a full round of midweek fixtures comes Score Predictor Matchweek 14 and another chance for you to win £250 without having to cough up a single penny from your own pocket.Play Score Predictor ahead of this weekend’s actionCredit: Dream TeamSimply submit your predictions for the five selected games and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you amass the most points then you’ll claim the cash prize!We’ve rustled up some key stats and facts for each relevant fixture this Matchweek to help inform your decisions, along with our own predictions.Crystal Palace v Manchester CityPep Guardiola’s side stopped the rot with a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in midweek, restoring normal order to some degree.The Eagles also nabbed a much-needed three points last time out in the form of a 1-0 win over Ipswich.The South Londoners have been something of a bogey team for Man City in recent years having taken points off the eight-time Premier League champions in three of the last six meetings.However, with just 12 points to show for their efforts so far, Oliver Glasner’s men aren’t in the best position to upset Erling Haaland and company, even accounting for recent tribulations at the Etihad.Most read in FootballOur Prediction: 2-1 to Man CityKevin De Bruyne helped Man City back to winning ways against ForestCredit: ReutersManchester United v Nottingham ForestSome fans of the Red Devils were dealt a reality check on Wednesday night when they watched their side lose 2-0 to Arsenal, reminding them of the work Ruben Amorim still has to do to reinstate the club as a top-bracket side in the Premier League.But the Portuguese tactician has overseen two wins from two at Old Trafford so far, albeit against relatively favourable opposition – the hosts played some attractive football against Everton last weekend.As for Forest, their flying start has been checked by three defeats in their last four games, to Newcastle, Arsenal and Man City.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are still flying high in sixth at the time of writing but they’re gradually being pulled back towards the mid-table shuffle.Forest’s underlying defensive numbers remain pretty good in the context of the whole season while Man United have struggled for goals, a combination which suggests a low-scoring affair could be on the cards.However, Erik ten Hag’s departure has led to increased returns in attack with Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo all enjoying an upturn.A difficult one to predict so we’re inclined to follow the crowd – 34% of users are predicting 2-1 home win at this stage.Our Prediction: 2-1 to Man UnitedIt’s still early days for Amorim at Old TraffordCredit: REUTERSFulham v ArsenalThe Cottagers are in action against Brighton this evening and so you may want to wait for that result before submitting your prediction for Sunday’s fixture.At this stage, it’s difficult to look past a re-energised Arsenal outfit that extended their winning streak to four with that 2-0 win over Man United in midweek.The Gunners are prolific from set-pieces but Martin Odegaard’s return from injury has given them an added edge from open play too – hence their impressive return of 15 goals from their last four outings.Marco Silva’s side are well organised and rarely get comprehensively outplayed (barring a freak loss to Wolves last month) and they more than held their own at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Sunday.Fulham beat Mikel Arteta’s troops in the corresponding fixture last December but that was their first win over Arsenal since 2012.Our Prediction: 2-0 to ArsenalArsenal’s set-piece success has been a prominent theme this seasonCredit: GettyScore PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWTottenham v ChelseaThe standout match-up of Matchweek 14 and one that usually features plenty of needle.Following Liverpool’s draw at St James’ Park, the Blues are top of the form table having taken 14 points from their last six games with a goal difference of plus nine.Cole Palmer remains the centrepiece but Chelsea are far from the one-man team they were for long stretches last season – Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku and Enzo Fernandez are all among the goal involvements at present.As for Spurs, they’re a nightmare for Score Predictor users this season due to their inconsistency – their record reads six wins, two draws and five losses in the league having knocked off some big teams and slipped up against underdogs.Ange Postecoglou’s side have home advantage on Sunday but it’s worth noting that Chelsea have earned more points on the road this season than Spurs have won at home…Our Prediction: 3-2 to ChelseaChelsea look more and more like title contenders every weekCredit: ReutersWest Ham v WolvesMonday night’s game at the London Stadium feels like the last-chance saloon for both Julen Lopetegui and Gary O’Neil, if they even get that far.The Hammers folded against Arsenal then somehow contrived to lose 3-1 away to Leicester despite letting fly with 31 shots to the Foxes’ eight.Wolves lost 4-2 to Bournemouth in a crazy game that featured Justin Kluivert scoring a hat-trick of penalties before a truly dismal 4-0 defeat to Everton – the Toffees hadn’t scored a goal since October before Wednesday night’s game.Matheus Cunha and friends pack a punch in attack but Wolves are simply conceding far too many goals, 36 to be precise, six more than the next-worst defence, 20th-placed Southampton.Given how things have gone for both clubs this season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Monday night ended with a draw that angered both sets of fans – and perhaps a rare double sacking.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 2-2 drawProve you know better by playing Score Predictor now!BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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    ‘Sit down.. childish,’ Roy Keane fumes at Ian Wright and slams ‘f***ing rubbish’ Man Utd star in Arsenal game watchalong

    ROY KEANE snapped at Ian Wright for his reaction to Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Manchester United during The Overlap’s live watchalong last night.Keane couldn’t bite his tongue as Wright revelled in the Gunners’ victory at the Emirates, telling his “childish” co-podcaster to “sit down”.Roy Keane lashed out at Ian Wright for ‘childishly’ celebrating Arsenal’s winKeane later hit out at one United star in particularArsenal’s potency from set-pieces prevailed after half-time as two corners created Jurrien Timber and William Saliba’s decisive goals.Wright, who was in top form, leapt in utter euphoria when Saliba’s punt doubled Arsenal’s lead in the 73rd minute.And as stoppage time played out, Wright began the wind-up mission.He cheekily praised Arsenal for how they dealt with a lowly team as he struggled to keep a straight face.READ MORE ON ARSENALWright, 61, said: “I think what we’ve done is we’ve been very patient with a mid-table team that’s come and been very frustrating.”They’ve really frustrated us, and we just had to get it done with the set pieces. I know it must be…”Keane failed to restrain himself, interrupting: “Can I ask you, what age are you? You’re a grandfather.”Wright hit back: “I’m a football fan. What’s that got to do with anything?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKeane, 53, continued, talking over the Arsenal icon: “Sitting there going ‘oh mid-table’, being childish, show some class, show some class, show some class.”Wright added: “No, I’m watching my team win. What do you mean show some class? It’s got nothing to do with class.”Arsenal dubbed the ‘new STOKE CITY’ live on Amazon Prime by Man Utd legend after corner masterclassKeane responded: “It is. Saying a mid-table team that come and defend.”The United legend also slammed Marcus Rashford’s performance later in the show. He said: “I tell you what, Rashford has come on, his general play as a footballer is shocking. Watch his header there.”You know what that is, rubbish! That is f***ing rubbish… kicks it out of play.”Rashford came under scrutiny when he conceded a corner that led to Arsenal’s second goal.Rashford had 22 touches during his cameo but he failed to produce any shots or key passesNeville added: “That can’t happen. It’s a looped corner. You do scratch your head, you’re there as a coach and spend hours going through these corners.”Rashford had 22 touches during his cameo but he failed to produce any shots or key passes.Jamie Carragher had entertained with animated celebrations to tease Neville throughout the stream.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the former United right-back got his sweet revenge when Newcastle grabbed a last minute equaliser to hold Liverpool to a 3-3 draw.Neville threw his drink over Carragher as he celebrated Fabian Schar’s hit at the back post to convert Bruno Guimaraes’ free-kick.Man Utd ratings vs ArsenalRUBEN AMORIM lost his first game since taking charge of Man Utd after a 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates.See how the players rated…ANDRE ONANA – 5He was let off early in the game after a stray pass saw Gabriel Martinelli put the ball in the net before the linesman raised his flag.Failed to command his area as 5″10 Jurrien Timber leapt highest to rattle the back of his net, before the ball floated to the back post for Arsenal to score their second set piece.DIOGO DALOT – 6Flashed a shot just wide at the end of the first half when he did eventually get forward.Not bad defensively but more dangerous going forwards.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Formed a good partnership with Maguire in the first half, and fans will be hoping he is okay after suffering a slight knock.Needed to be a more commanding figure in the box to stop being dominated by The Gunners at set pieces.HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was actually very impressive in the first half, with a solid showing.Not at fault for Timber’s header hitting the back of the net, before he was replaced by Leny Yoro.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Playing as a left-sided centre-back he looked fairly comfortable, which is a credit to the Moroccan’s versatility.That said, he still looked better off in the role that Malacia, then Dalot occupied tonight as a left-wingback.TYRELL MALACIA – 3Noticeably looked extremely physically weak up against Bukayo Saka on the left-hand side, before being booked for a kick out at Kai Havertz.Offered nothing going forward and his link-up with Garnacho was practically non-existent. Hooked at half-time for the far more threatening Amad.MANUEL UGARTE – 5Another one who was booked in the first half, he failed to establish any kind of presence in the game and on the ball, looked pretty woeful.Cleared a Joshua Zirkzee header off of his own line to stop Arsenal from doubling their lead early in the second half.BRUNO FERNANDES – 4This game was crying out for Bruno Fernandes to stamp his authority on it, and it seemed he just couldn’t quite get his foot on the ball to do so.Played a deeper role today, next to Ugarte, which meant we didn’t see any of his attacking spark.MASON MOUNT – 3Mason Mount at right wing was an experiment tried and failed at Chelsea, which Amorim tried again tonight.He was often lost in the half-space, meaning he was essentially useless going forwards. Hooked in the second half after a fairly abysmal showing.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5A very quiet first half, only brightened by one half-decent cross, was met by a second half where he was quickly subbed for Marcus Rashford.Quiet.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Battled well with the physical presence of William Saliba early on, but his side failed to create him any kind of chances.Cut a frustrated figure for most of the match, and rightly so. There will be no point signing Gyokeres if they can’t create anything for him to score.SUBSAMAD (TYRELL MALACIA, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank.However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.MARCUS RASHFORD (MASON MOUNT, 72) – 5Having been electric on the whole under Amorim, he wasn’t able to provide any kind of spark against an opponent which has been one of his favourites in recent years.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (ALEJANDRO GARNACHO, 72) – 4After an impressive display last time out, he failed to offer anything to his side going forward today.The closest he came to scoring was a dangerous header which almost saw him get an own goal on the scoresheet.LENY YORO (HARRY MAGUIRE, 72) – 6Looks like a pretty good defender on the whole, a tough game for a young centre-back, but he didn’t look out of place whatsoever.ANTONY (RASMUS HOJLUND, 79) – 5Played his part in a clever free-kick routine at the end of the game, before fluffing his lines and finding the gloves of David Raya. 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    Maresca slams Madueke’s ‘ambition’ and fumes ‘I do not like the way he trained’ after Chelsea star’s goal and assist

    ENZO MARESCA claims that Noni Madueke must “do more” – despite the Chelsea star grabbing a goal and an assist last night.The England winger, 22, was in fine form as the Blues routed Southampton 5-1 at St Mary’s.Noni Madueke scored and laid on an assist for the Blues last nightCredit: ReutersEnzo Maresca has not been entirely satisfied with Madueke’s workCredit: GettyBut boss Maresca wants Madueke to “show more ambition” – admitting that he hasn’t been impressed by his player’s application in training.Speaking after last night’s match, the Italian said: “Noni can do much more. He can do much more.”The moment he starts to score or assist and is happy, he starts to drop a little bit and the reason why he was not playing is because I do not like the way he trained.”He has to understand that he has to train every day good. He has to be ambitious.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”He scored one tonight, he has to go for the second one and the third one. He has to give more assists.”Prior to last night’s Southampton drubbing, Madueke had scored just once since netting a hat-trick against Wolves in August.After being critical of Madueke’s application, Maresca did then offer some praise too.The 44-year-old continued: “But overall, he is doing great, he is doing fantastic. He is doing even better in terms of numbers.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Noni has to understand he has to work more because he can be much, much, much better.”Chelsea took the lead at St Mary’s in just the seventh minute when Axel Disasi headed home Enzo Fernandez’s corner.Chelsea ratings vs SouthamptonSaints didn’t take long to level, with Kyle Walker-Peters producing a brilliant piece of skill on the byline before teeing up Joe Aribo to score.Madueke then profited from a poor pass by Southampton stopper Joe Lumley, teeing up Christopher Nkunku for an easy finish.The winger then grabbed a goal of his own, shifting the ball on to his left foot before driving the ball beyond Lumley into the bottom corner.Things went from bad to worse for the home side before half-time, with Jack Stephens sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair.Cole Palmer belted the ball in from close range to make it 4-1, before Jadon Sancho completed the rout late on.Chelsea’s commanding victory saw them rise to second in the Premier League table. More

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    Alex Scott and Jess Glynne look loved up on date night at the Emirates as they cheer on Arsenal to win over Man Utd

    ALEX SCOTT watched Arsenal’s victory over Manchester United alongside girlfriend Jess Glynne at the Emirates last night.The Gunners defeated the Red Devils 2-0 to move to within seven points of leaders Liverpool.Alex Scott watched last night’s action alongside Jess GlynneCredit: Paul MarriottScott and Glynne beamed outside the stadium after the gameCredit: Instagram @alexscott2On a chilly evening in North London, Scott and Glynne wrapped up warm to take in the action.And they were delighted with what they saw, as goals by Jurrien Timber and William Saliba sealed all three points for the home side.Scott, 40, played for Arsenal between 2005 and 2018 across two spells.She won bags of silverware, including the Women’s Champions League in 2007.READ MORE ON ALEX SCOTTAnd she has continued to be a big fan of her former club.After the game, Scott posted a video of herself and Glynne outside of the Emirates.Beaming, she said: “Date night. Does date night count if you’re at the football?”A smiling Glynne replied: “Yeah.”Most read in FootballScott made her relationship with singer Glynne official in November 2023, with the pair having gone from strength to strength ever since.In October, The Sun revealed that Scott’s future at the BBC was up in the air.Alex Scott takes fans inside BBC’s Euros coverage as she reveals filming secrets in incredible behind-the-scenes videoThe footballer-turned-presenter was left “deeply hurt” by a perceived “lack of support” from bosses over Football Focus’ declining viewing figures.Scott has been considering other offers, including from America, with her Beeb contract set to expire next year.Scott and Glynne’s relationship has gone from strength to strengthCredit: SplashThe couple went public with their relationship in November 2023Credit: GettyThe pair can often be seen at lavish events togetherCredit: GettyScott and Glynne attended the Cannes Gala last yearCredit: Getty More

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    Bukayo Saka’s Wag Tolami Benson stuns in hotpants and revealing Arsenal shirt as she watches Gunners beat Man Utd

    BUKAYO SAKA’S girlfriend Tolami Benson stunned once again as she watched Arsenal beat Manchester United in a very revealing Gunners shirt.Saka’s side beat United 2-0 on Wednesday with goals by Jurrien Timber and William Saliba to hand Ruben Amorim his first defeat as the Red Devils’ new boss.Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson watched Arsenal beat Manchester UnitedCredit: InstagramTolami looked incredible in leather hotpants and a revealing Arsenal shirtCredit: InstagramTolami showed off her outfit with a selfie from the toiletsCredit: InstagramSaka helped Arsenal defeat Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyTolami, 24, was in the VIP section enjoying the victory with a cup of coffee.The social media personality posed in an Arsenal shirt that had been cropped extremely high up and leather hotpants for her 196,000 followers on Instagram.She then went to the stadium’s bathroom to take a selfie.That led to a raft of comments from her fans who left over 36,000 likes.Read More on ArsenalOne follower posted: “3 points.”Another commented: “Star girl.”A third wrote: “Our queen.”And her followers were blown away by what the fashionista had done with the Gunners shirt.Most read in FootballOne wrote: “This cropped shirt is everything. Love to see you always changing it up.”Another, who is clearly an Arsenal fan too, joked: “This is vandalism, but for our queen, we will allow it.” Arsenal dubbed the ‘new STOKE CITY’ live on Amazon Prime by Man Utd legend after corner masterclass”A third added: “From how you’ve rocked the kit to the nails to the subtle view of the win at the back…” This comes after Tolami stole the headlines on the star-studded red carpet at The Fashion Awards in London this week.She has been dating Saka since 2020 and is often seen at the stands supporting him for club and country.Tolami often supports Saka from the standsCredit: InstagramTolami is social media personalityCredit: PATolami often shares glam picsCredit: Instagram/@tolami_bensonTolami was on the red carpet for the Fashion AwardsCredit: GettyTolami also attends Saka’s England matchesCredit: GettySaka and Tolami have been dating since 2020Credit: PA More

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    Fifa Club World Cup draw: Live stream FREE, start time, format, pots and which teams will be playing

    THE Fifa Club World Cup draw will take place in Miami TODAY.Two clubs will represent England in the newly revamped tournament taking place next summer.Manchester City won the Fifa Club World Cup in 2023Credit: APPremier League giants Chelsea and Manchester City have qualified for the Club World Cup as both sides have won the Champions League in the last four years.Pep Guardiola’s men are the current champions after they thrashed Fluminense 4-0 in the 2023 final.The 21st edition will see the tournament expanded to 32 clubs – SunSport brings you all the information you need ahead of the draw.When is the Club World Cup draw?The Club World Cup draw will take place on Thursday, December 5.The draw will take place at 6pm GMT.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhat’s the format of the Club World Cup format?The revamped Club World Cup will run in a similar way to the international World Cup.32 teams that have qualified will be divided into eight groups of four, who will play each other once, with the top two teams in each group progressing to the knockout stage.The last 16 is the first single knockout round – followed by the quarter-final, semi-final and then final.There is no third-place play-off between the two losing semi-finalists.Most read in FootballWhat are the Club World Cup draw pots?Pot 1Manchester City (ENG)Real Madrid (ESP)Bayern Munich (GER)PSG (FRA)Flamengo (BRA)Palmeiras (BRA)River Plate (ARG)Fluminense (BRA)Pot 2Chelsea (ENG)Dortmund (GER)Inter (ITA)FC Porto (POR)Atletico Madrid (ESP)Benfica (POR)Juventus (ITA)Salzburg (AUT)Pot 3Al Hilal (SAU)Ulsan HD (SOUTH COLOR)Al Ahly (EGI)Wydad Casablanca (MAR)Monterrey (MEX)Leon (MEX)Boca Juniors (ARG)Botafogo (BRA)Pot 4Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN)Al Ain (UAE)Hope of Tunis (TUN)Mamelodi Sundowns (AFR)Pachuca (MEX)Seattle Sounders (USA)Auckland City (NZL)Inter Miami (USA)READ MORE SUN STORIESHow to watch the Club World Cup draw FREEThe Club World Cup draw will be broadcast live on Fifa.com for FREE.You can also catch the event via Fifa’s official YouTube channel.When is the Club World Cup?The Club World Cup begins on Sunday, June 15 2025.It will take place over 29 days.The final will take place on Sunday, July 13.The United States will host the Club World Cup. More

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    Arsenal dubbed the ‘new STOKE CITY’ live on Amazon Prime by Man Utd legend as incredible heat maps revealed

    DIMITAR Berbatov has christened Arsenal “the new Stoke City” after their corner masterclass against Manchester United.The Gunners, who sit third in the Prem, eased to a 2-0 win over United thanks to two goals from corners last night.Jurrien Timber broke the deadlock in the 54th minute with a deft headerWilliam Saliba unknowingly scored the Gunners’ secondArsenal dropped to third in the Prem, below Chelsea on goal differenceDimitar Berbatov watched on as Arsenal scored two goals from corners against UnitedInternet jokers mocked Mikel Arteta up as Tony PulisJurrien Timber broke the deadlock when he glanced Declan Rice’s corner beyond Andre Onana in the 54th minute.Arsenal then doubled their lead in similar fashion, this time from the opposite side when Bukayo Saka’s back-post delivery was headed back across by Thomas Partey, with William Saliba providing the finishing touch.Arsenal have scored 22 goals from set-pieces since the start of last season – more than any other team in Europe.And Mikel Arteta’s side are showing no signs of slowing down.READ MORE ON ARSENALBut that has led to some stark comparisons from Berbatov, who suggested Arsenal are the modern day version of Tony Pulis’ finest.Former United star Berbatov said on Amazon Prime: “Probably the Premier League is the only league in the world where you have so many players around the goalkeeper, pushing, shoving, making chaos.”Normally it is going to be a foul. Not here. You need to be strong.”And that’s probably why Ruben Amorim was watching from the side, he was like, ‘What is going on with my keeper?’Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”You need to work on that. As we joke, Arsenal are the new Stoke City, right? Depending on set-pieces, which can give you the win, as it was today.”Gabriel has already scored three Prem goals from set-pieces this season, but his absence wasn’t missed as he sat out with a minor knock.Gary Neville fumes at Arsenal’s ‘most annoying man in football’ – but Jamie Carragher says he’s worth £25,000-a-weekDeclan Rice’s map shows red at the corner flagArsenal’s first goal came from a Declan Rice corner, met by Jurrien TimberArsenal closed the gap to seven points on Prem leaders Liverpool after the Reds drew 3-3 away at Newcastle on the same night.Arteta has built a huge side capable of mixing it physically with any rival – including 6ft 4in duo William Saliba and Kai Havertz, along with fellow giants Mikel Merino, David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel, Ben White, Declan Rice and Thomas Partey.Summer signing Merino, who is 6ft 2in, said: “It is crazy. I am in the corridors of the training ground just walking, and back at my old club I used to be one of the tallest, so everyone was smaller than me.“Now, I look around and everyone is taller than me. We look like a basketball team.”Stoke, meanwhile, prided themselves on their physicality under Pulis during his reign from 2006 to 2013.Rory Delap’s long throw was often their main ammunition when it came to creating chances.Stoke’s Prem set-piece goal ratio under former manager Pulis was 43.1 per cent – 81 from a total of 188 goals.While Arsenal’s ratio accounts for 25.2 per cent of their 119 league goals.Stoke were famed for their physical approach to Prem matches under Tony PulisRice and Saka have the most assists from set plays since the start of last season (seven).Some believed Arsenal’s opener – again from a corner – against West Ham on Saturday should’ve been ruled out.Timber appeared to have fouled Lucas Paqueta, who covered the near post and could have easily headed the cross away.Former Prem ref Mark Halsey told SunSport: “Regarding decisions when a goal is scored. Was it a foul? Was it not a foul?”For me, I think it was a clear free-kick. And I’m surprised that VAR didn’t recommend a review.”Arsenal have scored 41 corner goals in the top-flight since the summer of 2021, seven more than anyone else.It was the first time in 10 years that United conceded two goals from corners in a Prem match.The last time was when Samuel Eto’o scored twice in Chelsea’s 3-1 win in January 2014.Arsenal often line up at the back post and then flood goal line for their corner routinesThe Gunners are set piece specialistsCredit: GettyBukayo Saka’s heat map shows significant movement at the corner spot on the right hand sideAmoirm, meanwhile, said: “The set pieces changed the game. We could’ve been more aggressive towards the Arsenal box. “Until the set pieces the game didn’t have too many opportunities for both sides, the set pieces killed the game.”They can put a lot of players near the goalkeeper and it’s almost impossible to fight for the ball but we have to manage to defend them and we already know we have to be better.”We were committed and we lost to the set pieces.”There were just five shots in the opening 45 minutes — three for Arsenal and two for United. It marked the fewest shots in the first half of any top-flight fixture so far this season.Meanwhile, former Everton gaffer and current Portugal boss Roberto Martinez backed Berbatov’s comments.He said on Amazon Prime: “We all suffered Stoke. I think it is a great credit to remember Tony Pulis.”READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea climbed above Arsenal on goal difference, as a result of their 5-1 win at Southampton.And the Red Devils dropped to 11th with Nottingham Forest travelling to Old Trafford on Saturday.Rory Delap’s long throw was often utilised by Stoke during their time under PulisRuben Amorim suffered his first defeat as Man Utd managerArsenal ratings vs Manchester UnitedARSENAL were comfortable 2-0 winners over Manchester United at the Emirates thanks to two goals from set-pieces.Check out how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 7/10One of his poorer games with ball at feet, scuffing clearances when he is usually so pin-point.All that can be forgotten after a stunning fingertip stop to keep out De Ligt’s looping header.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 7A reminder of why he is such a valuable squad player these days. Came in from out of the cold with a solid and resolute performance at the back.The only blip was a lapse in concentration meaning he was forced to foul Amad and pick up a needless yellow card.WILLIAM SALIBA – 9Missed his defensive partner but you wouldn’t know it. Cool and calm under pressure with some nice turns and drives up the pitch.So he deserved his luck for his goal to make it 2-0 – Partey’s header from a corner deflecting off his backside.JAKUB KIWIOR – 8Struggled physically against Hojlund from United goal kicks and long balls, often letting the ball bounce instead of attacking it aerially like Gabriel does.Saying that, he grew into his role and really put in a shift under pressure, even getting high fives from Saliba at one point.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Link-up with Saka down the right flank was not as fluid as in recent weeks, yet he was brave to win the flick on to open the scoring in the second half.Switched to left-back late on, showing off further his versatility and usefulness to Arteta and ArsenalTHOMAS PARTEY – 7Missed a sitter from a near-post corner that he shouldered wide early on and continued to have one of those games in midfield, giving up possession time after time with sloppy passes.Moved to right back with 20 minutes left only to help double their lead with his header for Saliba.DECLAN RICE – 7Struggled to assert his authority in the first half but fixed that after the break, providing the whipped corner assist for Timber.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Leads by example, even if he cannot sprinkle a big of magic into proceedings. His pressing and all-round work rate was more important in this one.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Shinned a decent chance from six yards after United failed to clear a corner. Was committed in defence in the second half to help out Zinchenko against Amad.BUKAYO SAKA – 7Pushed Malacia back and Arsenal up the pitch with his great runs in behind, a constant threat.His corner abilities – teeing up Saliba’s gaol – is just another string to his bow.KAI HAVERTZ – 6A real quiet one from the German, not that he had much service to feed off. Wore out his boots with plenty of running and battled with De Ligt and Maguire well.Missed a glorious chance to wrap up the game in a one-on-one with Onana.SUBS:MIKEL MERINO (ZINCHENKO, 70) – 7Leaped brilliantly from yet another corner unmarked and no clue how he didn’t find the bottom corner.LEANDRO TROSSARD (MARTINELLI, 70) – 6A couple of breakaways almost created openings. The added energy down the left was well received.JORGINHO (ODEGAARD, 90) – N/A More