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      Arsenal leapfrog Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea in football rich list as Real Madrid break never-before-seen record

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      ARSENAL have leapfrogged Liverpool and London rivals Spurs and Chelsea in the latest football earnings table.The Gunners had dropped to 10th in the global revenue charts after five years outside the European elite.Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal success has seen the club leapfrog three rivals in the football rich listCredit: GettyBut their return to the Champions League last season, and another Prem near-miss, saw the Emirates outfit gross £605.5m to move up to seventh in a table headed by Real Madrid.The Spanish giants became the first club in Uefa football history to bank more than £1b Euros in 2023-24, with the Bernabeu side, who won a 15th European crown, earning £883.7m after the refurbishment of their home ground.While Manchester City remained second in the table, with revenues of £708.1m, the gap between them and Madrid has leaped from just £5m in 2022-23 to £175m, last season.Across Manchester, United moved up from fifth to fourth, overtaking Barcelona, who dropped two places, even though their revenues rose by less than £3m, from £648.5m to £651.4m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it was Arsenal who made the biggest advance – as Spurs’ lack of any European football saw them drop from eighth to ninth, according to the latest Deloitte Football Money League figures.Tottenham had seen record income of £549.2m in 2022-23, when they reached the last 16 of the Champions League but missed out on European qualification.That saw their 2023-24 income cut to £519.9, a £30m reduction.Arsenal, eliminated by Bayern Munich in the last eight, earned £258.2m from broadcasters, plus £129.7m in match-day income and £217.9m from their commercial deals.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLiverpool, seventh last year with £793.8m, drop a place after earning £604.2m, with Chelsea also down a place on £461.2m, down £51.3m.It is the first time the Gunners have grossed more than Liverpool and Chelsea since the 2016-17 season.Inside ‘insane’ £1.5bn Bernabeu renovation from hidden tunnels under stadium to setting fire to the old roof The Deloitte figures confirm the Prem’s financial muscle with Newcastle, West Ham and Aston Villa all in the top 20 earners.While that is nine Prem teams, Spain, France and Italy have three representatives, with Munich and Dortmund the Bundesliga money sides. Prem income is set to rise by up to 20 per cent next term with the new international broadcast deals, while TV contracts across the rest of the Big Five are in decline.Deloitte’s Tim Bridge said: “On-pitch performance is critical for teams to reach the top echelons of the rankings, although high performing clubs are also able to diversify the way they generate revenue through unlocking innovative partnerships and developing the land and stadium space that they own or operate.“While commercial revenue dominates the income of the top ten Money League clubs, broadcast income remains crucial for teams in the second half of the rankings.“As competitions expand and create more broadcast and matchday opportunities, these can further increase the earning potential for clubs.“At a time where there is more demand than ever for a greater number of matchdays, this must be balanced with player welfare, as they ultimately bring the on-field success that can earn clubs many further rewards off-field.” More

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      Meet ‘Austrian Ange Postecoglou’ leading Hoffenheim to brink of relegation as ‘Doctor Tottenham’ face perfect patient

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      WHAT is German for ‘Dr Tottenham will see you now?’That self-deprecating phrase is used by Spurs fans to poke fun at themselves when their team somehow lose to a side in hopeless form.’Dr Tottenham’ have treated Crystal Palace, Ipswich and Everton already this seasonCredit: GettyPressure is building on Ange Postecoglou as he faces calls for the sackCredit: GettyChristian Ilzer is also having a nightmare at HoffenheimCredit: GettyThey wheeled it out after Crystal Palace earned their first win of the season against their side on October 27, and then again following November’s shock home defeat to winless Ipswich.Need to find a win from nowhere? Doctor Tottenham’s office, please.Expect a repeat prescription if boss Ange Postecoglou’s walking wounded come a cropper at Hoffenheim tomorrow.Because if you think Spurs’ season has been a nightmare, take a look at how Thursday’s Europa League opponents have been faring.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChristian Ilzer’s side have managed only seven victories from their 27 games in all competitions this season.Rival fans may be having a good laugh at Spurs’ perilous league state right now.But few believe they will actually be relegated — although the same cannot be said for Hoffenheim.The Germans were winless in nine, having netted just THREE times in those fixtures, before Saturday’s much-needed 3-1 victory at drop-zone rivals Holstein Kiel.Most read in Europa LeagueBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThey are three points above the Bundesliga dotted line after that huge win in their six-pointer, which came off the back of an epic X-rated rant from club stalwart striker Andrej Kramaric.The 33-year-old, in his tenth season at Hoffenheim, blasted after last Wednesday’s 5-0 pasting at Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich: “This is one big, s*** season, I’m going to be honest. The rise and fall of Ange Postecoglou as Spurs boss“And I’m still soft because if I want to say the truth and some things which are on my mind about the club and the situation, probably I will get the biggest punishment in the history of the Bundesliga.”England fans may remember Kramaric from the heartbreaking World Cup semi-final loss to Croatia in 2018, with the forward coming on in extra-time.He also netted the opener when Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions exacted some revenge with a 2-1 win in the Nations League a few months later. Three years before that the 102-cap forward had a brief stint at Leicester — including during their historic title-winning campaign — but if you blinked, you may have missed it.Brought in for £9.5million from Rijeka in January 2015, there was a four-game period a month later when he was keeping Foxes legend Jamie Vardy out of the team — but it did not last.He ended up with just three goals in the second half of that season, then was frozen out by boss Claudio Ranieri in the next, unforgettable season.Kramaric made only two league appearances during the campaign in which Leicester shocked the world, both off the bench, leaving him well short of the required ten to win a medal.That January he was shipped off on loan to Julian Nagelsmann’s Hoffenheim — and has stayed there ever since. Andrej Kramaric had a brief stint at LeicesterCredit: Action ImagesHe was shipped out by Claudio Ranieri during the title-winning seasonCredit: Getty – ContributorKramaric has enjoyed European football — including the Champions League — in almost half of his seasons at the German club as a permanent player.Which explains why he is so incensed at their failings this term.His eye-catching comments went down well with frustrated fans, but less so at board level or in the dressing room.One of Kramaric’s digs was that the club “invested so much money for nothing”, after a £56m spree on eight players this term — the fifth-highest spend in the Bundesliga.Slaughtering your new team-mates and those who bought them seemed risky, yet after 309 appearances and 109 goals, clearly Kramaric felt he deserves to say his piece.None of the incomings have been hits, with defender Robin Hranac and forward Haris Tabakovic particularly poor.That was not helped by many of them being signed by an interim sporting director in Frank Kramer, stepping up briefly from his academy manager role.Former Spurs target Gift Orban arrived this month under the new recruitment team but is not deemed fit enough yet to play Ilzer’s lung-busting style of play.Similar to Postecoglou, Austrian Ilzer favours an intense pressing game and while it worked in his first game — a 4-3 win over RB Leipzig — it has been disastrous most of this season.Kramaric has threatened to go “a little harder” with his criticism if things do not pick up, which is hard to imagine given his comments so far.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo, amazingly, Hoffenheim are in even more of a mess than Spurs going into tonight’s clash.But as any travelling fans up with the Deutsch lingo might say, ‘Doktor Tottenham wird Sie jetzt empfangen’.Kramaric has enjoyed plenty of success at HoffenheimCredit: EPAHe let rip in an astonishing outburst about the clubCredit: ESPNKramaric was part of the Croatia team that knocked England out of the 2018 World Cup semi-finalsCredit: AFP or licensors More

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      Ruud van Nistelrooy unhappy with Leicester transfer team as Man Utd legend’s strugglers suffer seven straight defeats

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is unhappy with a lack of backing in the transfer market from Leicester.Van Nistelrooy was told there would be money to spend this month when he was named Foxes manager last November.Ruud van Nistelrooy has only managed to sign one new player for Leicester CityCredit: RexThe Dutchman is frustrated by the lack of transfer backing he’s received so farCredit: REXBut French right-back Woyo Coulibaly — a £3million buy from Parma — is the only new signing so far.Leicester have agreed a loan from Australian bank Macquarie to boost their transfer kitty.Yet Dutchman RVN may still have to sell before he can buy a midfielder.Leicester are also waiting for Crystal Palace to sell striker Odsonne Edouard – who they borrowed at the King Power – to free up a loan spot.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFormer Manchester United and Netherlands hitman Van Nistelrooy appeared to air his transfer frustrations in the aftermath of the Foxes defeat to Fulham last weekend.He said: “You could look at the squad and you know which players were involved in the relegation two years ago.“It’s not only in the back four. It’s in the middle of the pitch, up front, and the goalies as well.“There’s a fair bit of players who lived that situation and who knows what it’s about, and what the consequences are.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRuud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester are 19th in the Premier League tableCredit: PA”It’s good to have them around because they know from experience what it did with them, and they will do everything they can so it doesn’t happen again.”On the 2-0 loss to the Cottagers, he said: “Today was extremely disappointing because it wasn’t good enough in all aspects of the game.Can you imagine how lucky I was-‘ says Van Nistelrooy as he opens up on being Denis Law’s neighbour in touching tribute”I observed more promise in the 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace last Wednesday than in today’s performance.”Of course, results are painful and disappointing, but we fell short in too many areas that are crucial for winning a football match.”We have to confront this reality. We cannot alter it. We must face it. Don’t feel sorry for anyone.”We are professionals, and we must handle this situation. Our priority is to ensure we perform well enough to earn the crowd’s support and enthusiasm.”Leicester will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, travelling to North London to take on Tottenham. More

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      Ruben Amorim sets out cautious new approach to home games as Man Utd boss reveals ‘first priority’

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      RUBEN AMORIM fears that his Manchester United players are suffering from stage fright at the Theatre of Dreams.But the Red Devils boss is praying it will be all right on the night when Rangers visit Old Trafford for this evening’s Battle of Britain.Ruben Amorim recognises Manchester United’s Old Trafford strugglesCredit: GettyThe Red Devils have conceded early too many times in recent matchesCredit: APSunday’s 3-1 defeat by Brighton saw United sink to a new 131-year low.It was their sixth loss from 12 home Prem games this season — and it was 1893-94 last time they made such a dismal start to a league season.For the third time in the last five league matches at Old Trafford, they conceded a goal in the opening five minutes to put themselves on the back foot.And Amorim knows that is something that cannot continue if they are to stop their campaign from going further downhill.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSUnited looked to have turned a corner when they earned impressive results at two of the toughest venues – Liverpool and Arsenal – earlier this month.Yet they followed that with an unconvincing home win over basement boys Southampton — and were then well beaten by the Seagulls three days later.The former Sporting Lisbon coach said: “The way we play, we are too nervous with the ball. Too nervous and really anxious.“That is clear. We are more nervous playing at home than away — because we lost a lot of games, like four games in five. So, it’s getting harder.Most read in Europa LeagueBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives“But we can improve. If we don’t suffer the first goal, like in the fourth minute. And I remember, it’s fourth minute, ten minutes . . . 15, then it’s really hard to calm down the team.“So, the first thing in my mind is they cannot score early — we need to score the first one.”Reasons to be positive under Ruben AmorimUnited know a win over the Scottish giants could be enough to guarantee them a place in the Europa League last 16 in March.So the message will be clear from Amorim — make sure you get the first goal.He added: “If we score the first one, I think that will change and we will play better at home in the beginning.“So, that’s it. It’s really clear. We are really anxious playing, especially at home. And we are suffering goals. Then it’s really hard.“I didn’t say I was nervous. I said the team was nervous. I was just frustrated.“But it’s clear for everybody that it’s getting harder to play at home.”United centre-back Harry Maguire admits the team’s habit of conceding a goal early on in their home clashes is becoming a huge issue.Man Utd ratings vs BrightonBy Ken LawrenceANDRE ONANA was back to his worst as Manchester United fell to another Old Trafford defeat.It appeared Ruben Amorim’s side had turned a corner in recent weeks with a draw at Anfield and an FA Cup penalty shoot-out win at Arsenal.But dreadful individual mistakes cost them yet again with Onana the chief culprit.The keeper dropped a huge clanger as he palmed a simple cross straight to Georginio Rutter under no pressure whatsoever.There were few positive notes for the Red Devils as Amad once again provided a spark.Here is how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the United display…ANDRE ONANA: 2 – No chance with either of the Seagulls’ first two goals. But an awful howler to gift them their third.MATTHIJS DE LIGT: 5 – Certainly doesn’t look like he likes players running at him as Kaoru Mitoma constantly did. Looked unsure of himself throughout.HARRY MAGUIRE: 6 – The one member of United’s three-man central defence who looked like he knew what he was doing. Beginning to believe in himself again.LENY YORO: 5 – The £52m youngster is still settling into the Premier League to be fair to him. But he is certainly taking his time about it.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 4 – Has been one of the few consistent successes of Amorim’s tactical revolution. Yet he had a real shocker this time around.MANUEL UGARTE: 5 – Supposedly “tired” in the 3-1 win over Southampton the midfielder looked brighter here. Yet he still doesn’t look that switched on.KOBBIE MAINOO: 4 – Where is last season’s Kobbie? Looks nothing like the buzzing homegrown midfielder who burst on the scene last season.DIOGO DALOT: 5 – Did his duties as a left wing-back to the best of his abilities. Another United player, however, who looked nothing like sharp enough.AMAD DIALLO: 7 – Thursday night’s 12-minute treble hero on a high again – unlike, again, so many team-mates. Sometimes his footwork is just dazzling.BRUNO FERNANDES: 6 – Ultra-cool from the spot but that goal didn’t do much to raise his performance level. Had one of those days where nothing really clicked.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE: 5 – “Won” the penalty after being brought down although Carlos Baleba’s challenge would have looked good in a wrestling ring. There’s a footballer in there somewhere…SUBSALEJANDRO GARNACHO (for Mainoo 64): 5 – Struggled to make an impact in a team that was being taken apart.TOBY COLLYER (for Ugarte 64): 5 – Plenty of youthful commitment but still too inexperienced to lift a side as poor as Amorim’s.ANTONY (for Mazraoui 84): 4 – Talk about a last throw of the dice by Amorim…RASMUS HOJLUND (for Zirkzee 84): 4 – Given a thankless task in the closing moments of another depressing display.Yet the England defender insists it is something that can easily be rectified as they are not being outplayed by their opponents.The 31-year-old said: “We spoke about the first goal at Old Trafford.“It’s not like teams are coming here and opening us up and tactically breaking us down.“I think anybody who was at the game against Brighton would know it was a 50-50 game.“It could have gone either way. We gave them a goal early on.“We spoke about it in the pre-match. So we’ve got to stop giving away that first goal. That’s the first and foremost thing.“The first goal against Nottingham Forest, against Bournemouth, was a set-play.“The first goal against Southampton was also a set-play. So these aren’t things that are tactically a problem.“These are things where you’ve got to go into the game and be focused and mentally ready to go and win a football match.”Maguire feels that a couple of good results could soon turn the tide for United and does not feel there is much wrong.He added: “Football matches are sometimes defined on small margins.“At the moment, we are not getting them on small margins because we’re not mentally focused enough to make sure that we go our whole way.“But we know things can turn around.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Like the boss has said, this is a great opportunity to go out there, put on a performance and get a win then go into Sunday’s game at Fulham.“We take each game as it comes, starting with this one — and it’s another opportunity to move on from Brighton.”United will be desperate to bounce back from the Brighton defeat against RangersCredit: GettyHarry Maguire is confident the team can turn things aroundCredit: Getty More

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      PSG 4 Man City 2: Pep Guardiola’s men on brink of elimination as second half collapse sees horror season hit new low

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      MANCHESTER CITY face a last-gasp scramble to avoid a humiliating Champions League exit on Wednesday night.And Pep Guardiola’s men only have themselves to blame after crumbling once again.Joao Neves headed in a dramatic winnerCredit: ReutersBradley Barcola inspired PSG’s comeback with a goal and an assistCredit: ReutersJack Grealish and Erling Haaland put Man City 2-0 upCredit: EPAGrealish fired home from close rangeCredit: GettyMan City’s defeat leaves them on the brink of eliminationCredit: AFPThree times in four European matches they have tossed away leads to leave their fate in this competition hanging by a thread.Just 19 months after lifting the trophy they find themselves outside the top 24 with one league game to go.They will need to beat Club Brugge at the Etihad to secure a play-off for the last 16 – and the way this season has gone that is by no means certain.Here they looked to be cruising as second-half sub Jack Grealish scored one and created another in the opening minutes of the second half.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the home side came storming back to level within seven minutes and then won it through Joao Neves’ late header.And to make matters worse in stoppage time, sub Goncalo Ramos curled home a fourth which was eventually given after a lengthy VAR check.Nobody could really say the French side didn’t deserve it either as they produced a stirring fightback and overwhelmed their old rivals at times.These two teams met in the semi-finals just four years ago and have been two of the favourites for the competition in recent years.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThey have had some memorable battles and this was as thrilling as any of them.After losing leads at Sporting Lisbon, at home to Feyenoord and now here, City have left themselves staring down the barrel.Man City sign Abdukodir Khusanov in £34m deal with ‘tank’ as quick as Usain Bolt roped in to bolster Pep’s defenceAnd who could have predicted that when they were handed a friendly-looking set of fixtures in August.Guardiola knew this was a huge test against his good friend and former team-mate Luis Enrique – and so it proved.The French giants have also struggled in Europe but – as usual – they are on course to win the French league comfortably and have played their way back into form recently.And it showed early on as they went for the English champs from the start – Neves could have given them an early lead but planted his header over the bar.At the other end, Savinho’s shot was blocked by Marquinhos and it looked like it may have struck a hand but nothing was given.Kevin De Bruyne got plenty behind the rebound but home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma got down well to make the save.Phil Foden worked himself some space on the right and crossed but Erling Haaland could not get enough power on his header which was straight at the Italian keeper.But roared on by the home crowd, PSG were always a threat and Vitinha rolled a shot just wide before Josko Gvardiol got back to clear an effort from Fabian Ruiz off the line.City’s best chance of the first half saw Foden roll the ball into Savinho’s path and he brought a smart low save out of Donnarumma in the home goal.The French side thought they were ahead on the stroke of half-time as they cut through City and Nuno Mendes’ cross ended up at the feet of Achraf Hakimi who swept home.The celebrations were cut short by VAR though as Mendes – a target for Manchester United – was narrowly offside.It had been a huge test for the visitors in the first half though – they were hanging on to their place in the last 24 by a thread.Guardiola made changes at the break – bringing onGrealish and Rico Lewis – possibly looking for more control in the game.But the fact Ruben Dias did not re-emerge for the second half was another worry for City in a season that has been full of them.Goncalo Ramos piled more misery on City in stoppage timeCredit: ReutersThere were jubilant scenes as PSG lifted themselves out of the elimination zoneCredit: APPep Guardiola suffered another head-scratching defeatCredit: GettyEven so, it proved to be an inspired move to get Grealish on.Akanji burst into the box down the right and squared for Bernardo Silva, whose shot was blocked by the home keeper.The ball ricoched and fell perfectly for the England ace who hammered it home from 12 yards.And three minutes later he was involved again as Matheus Nunes played him in down the left and his low cross was deflected into the path of Haaland.The Norwegian was never going to miss that for his 23rd of the season and City had breathing space.In previous years it might have been enough – but not this one.Credit to the home side for sticking at it and they were back in it when Bradley Barcola nutmegged Nunes and squared for sub Ousmane Dembele to sweep home.You almost knew what was coming next and sure enough Desire Doue’s curler beat Ederson and hit the bar but Barcola forced home the rebound off the postFour goals in 10 extraordinary minutes and now it was the home side looking the likelier winners by far.Dembele slipped it through Bernardo’s legs before hammering a shot against the bar from a narrow angle with Ederson hardly seeing it.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo it was no surprise when Vitinha’s free-kick made its way to the back post where an unmarked Joao Neves headed home.Bedlam in the Parc des Princes. The comeback was complete and City could have no complaints. More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Dominant Martinelli makes himself undroppable as anonymous Sterling blows big chance

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      DECLAN RICE’S first Champions League goal all but secured Arsenal’s place in the last 16 of Europe’s finest competition.Goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard rounded off a 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagerb, but it was Gabriel Martinelli’s goal involvements that shone the brightest. Declan Rice opened the scoring inside two minutesKai Havertz settled nerves half way through the second halfMartin Odegaard made it 3-0 in the 91st minuteThe Gunners moved up to third in the Uefa league standings but should’ve been out of sight after missing a flurry of chances.Dinamo, who are level on points in the standings with Manchester City after they lost 4-2 to PSG, didn’t reward their raucous away support with a single shot on target.As such, Mikel Arteta’s men are set to finish in the top eight, although automatic qualification isn’t mathematically confirmed yet.On a freezing cold evening in North London, SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rates and slates each Arsenal performer.READ MORE ON ARSENALDavid Raya – 6A really poor clearance invited pressure from Dinamo’s front three in the first-half. A heart in mouth moment for sure.But rarely touched the ball from then on, with the Croatian side not registering a single shot at the Spaniard in 90 minutes.David Raya’s poor clearance left Arsenal fans gaspingJurrien Timber – 5Involved in early attacks and got back to block a dangerous Dinamo counter as things settled in the 12th minute.But was caught sleeping after Luca Stojkovic won the ball off him on the edge of his box, before Jakub Kiwior’s handy interception.Most read in FootballGabriel – 6Missed a sitter to make it 2-0 after Odegaard put it on a sixpence from a corner. Held off Stojkovic whenever he was called upon, although Dinamo offered little going forward.Jakub Kiwior – 7For all the scrutiny he’s faced, the Pole saved regular starter Timber from embarrassment and a sure Dinamo chance inside 33 minutes.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7With teen Myles Lewis Skelly carrying a knock, the Ukrainian was forward thinking and whipped crosses into Havertz all evening.Declan Rice – 8Fired Arsenal ahead with a thunderous volley inside 105 seconds – his first-ever goal in the competition.But his usual corner deliveries were affected by the deafening away end pelting plastic cups and lighters at his back.Ran his heart out but fluffed a poor header, reminiscent of the same chance missed against Man Utd in the FA Cup defeat, to make it 3-0.Rice was pelted with objects before taking corners in the first halfJorginho – 6Horror back pass almost cost his side the lead when he put Raya in trouble inside 30 minutes. But worked hard to win the ball back and put Martinelli through for a blistering run.Martin Odegaard – 7Engine of the team. Dropped back into midfield to provide an outlet for Kiwior whenever he could.A tap-in at the death saw him score his first goal since the 5-2 win over West Ham in November to make it 3-0.Raheem Sterling – 4A non event. The former England winger was weak in-front of goal yet again.But some lovely Sterling-esque runs of old were a nice watch at times, if that’s all he had to offer.Lucky to avoid a straight red after a nasty challenge on Maxime Bernauer’s ankle with his studs just seconds into the second half.Gabriel Martinelli – 8A last-ditch tackle denied him what would have been a sensational solo goal from a 60-yard run that woke Arsenal from their slumber.Was the main attacking threat and had a hand in both goals, first crossing into Havertz, who laid it on for Rice, before a glorious curling ball into the German for 2-0. Has the Brazilian made himself undroppable moving forward?Gabriel Martinelli was the star of the showKai Havertz – 7Brushed off recent criticism with a perfect lay-off for Rice to smash home and doubled Arsenal’s lead with a laid-on header in the 66th minute.Was happy to score but was wasteful before finding the back of the net and often absent in box during first-half attacks.SubsEthan Nwaneri (for Sterling, 57 mins) – 6A loud applause welcomed the teen back from injury, but he didn’t have to do much against such weak opposition. Thomas Partey (for Timber, 57 mins) – 6Assured cameo in midfield.READ MORE SUN STORIESKieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 73 mins) – 5Calm on the ball after coming on.Leandro Trossard (for Havertz) – 5Made his 100th appearance for the club. More

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      Arsenal 3 Dinamo Zagreb 0: Rice, Havertz and Odegaard net to put Mikel Arteta’s side all but through to last 16

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      MIKEL ARTETA’S wannabe Samba boys have all but guaranteed themselves a Champions League knock-out spot – and maybe some winter sunshine next month.Arsenal boss Arteta had his squad train with Brazilian music blaring through speakers on the side of their London Colney training pitches on Tuesday afternoon as a source of inspiration.Arsenal welcomed Dinamo Zagreb to the Emirates for their penultimate Champions League group stage matchCredit: PADeclan Rice broke the deadlock in only the second minute of the matchCredit: EPAKai Havertz made sure of the victory with a 66th minute headerCredit: ReutersYet this was not a night for thrills and spills – Declan Rice’s second-minute strike and Kai Havertz’s second half header lighting up a tame Emirates showcase against Fabio Cannavaro’s quality-lacking Dinamo Zagreb.It was not pretty, but the Gunners are sitting that way with one game left in this new league phase, up into third on 16 points and with goal difference that makes a top eight finish very nearly a cert.Next week’s trip to Girona provides little jeopardy, so Arsenal can plan for the last 16 in March.By avoiding the February play-offs – on top of not being involved in the FA Cup fourth round that month too – Arteta is considering using the free days for a warm-weather winter break.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSAnd from the looks of it, this Arsenal bunch are in dire need of recharging some batteries if they are to challenge for trophies domestically and in Europe.With William Saliba’s hamstring troubles and defensive duo Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly missing training in the build-up, Arteta opted for four changes from the disappointing 2-2 draw with Aston Villa here last weekend.Pole Jakub Kiwior filled in at centre back, while Oleksandr Zinchenko filled in at left-back – a bold choice considering he is linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund this month.Regardless, this was a mighty test for new Zagreb boss Cannavaro – his first match in charge of the Croats after being appointed on December 29, with only a few friendlies under his belt.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA small section of the travelling Zagreb fans twice targeted Declan Rice bottles and cups as he took cornerCredit: REUTERSRice ended up being struck by one of the missilesCredit: GETTYMartin Odegaard bagged a much-needed goal in stoppage time to make it 3-0Credit: GETTYThe 2006 World Cup-winning Italian defender – nine years older than Arteta at 51 – is known for his safety-first, handbrake-firmly-on approach in management.Those plans were blown out of the water inside the first two minutes as Gabriel Martinelli drove and crossed from out wide for Havertz and the German teed up Rice to volley in with anger.Arsenal fan seen defacing Josh Kroenke mural after being left fed up with Arteta’s transfer strugglesFlashbacks of that club-record 9-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in their league phase opener in Munich back in September must have been an unwanted replay in the minds of the Zagreb players.Rice continued to be in the thick of things.The rowdy travelling fans had come up with a novel way of disrupting Arsenal’s corner routines – pelting the England midfielder with plastic cups before he could take one.The visitors needed all the dirty tricks they could get, given their competition-high tally of seven goals conceded from set-pieces and up against one of the continent’s very best dead-ball specialists.Zagreb unsurprisingly were struggling to get a sniff against a side yet to concede from open play in this Champions League campaign.Arsenal were also comfortable with ball at feet, albeit wasteful.While January transfer target Benjamin Sesko had netted earlier in the day for Red Bull Leipzig, Arteta’s current No.9 Havertz passed up several chances to shoot inside the box.His defenders were making the Spanish coach wince too as Kiwior and Jurrien Timber took it in turns to fumble on the ball inside their own half.Arsenal ratings vs Dinamo: Martinelli makes himself undroppable as Sterling blows big chanceBy Katherine WalshDavid Raya – 6A really poor clearance invited pressure from Dinamo’s front three in the first half. A heart in mouth moment for sure.But rarely touched the ball from then on, with the Croatian side not registering a single shot at the Spaniard in 90 minutes.Jurrien Timber – 5Involved in early attacks and got back to block a dangerous Dinamo counter as things settled in the 12th minute.But was caught sleeping after Luca Stojkovic won the ball off him on the edge of his box, before Jakub Kiwior’s handy interception.Gabriel – 6Missed a sitter to make it 2-0 after Odegaard put it on a sixpence from a corner.Held off Stojkovic whenever he was called upon, although Dinamo offered little going forward.Jakub Kiwior – 7For all the scrutiny he’s faced, the Pole saved regular starter Timber from embarrassment and a sure Dinamo chance inside 33 minutes.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7With teen Myles Lewis Skelly carrying a knock, the Ukrainian was forward thinking and whipped crosses into Havertz all evening.Declan Rice – 8Fired Arsenal ahead with a thunderous volley inside 105 seconds – his first-ever goal in the competition.But his usual corner deliveries were affected by the deafening away end pelting plastic cups and lighters at his back.Ran his heart out but fluffed a poor header, reminiscent of the same chance missed against Man Utd in the FA Cup defeat, to make it 3-0.Jorginho – 6Horror backpass almost cost his side the lead when he put Raya in trouble inside 30 minutes.But worked hard to win the ball back and put Martinelli through for a blistering run.Martin Odegaard – 7Engine of the team. Dropped back into midfield to provide an outlet for Kiwior whenever he could.A tap-in at the death saw him score his first goal since the 5-2 win over West Ham in November to make it 3-0.Raheem Sterling – 4A non-event. The former England winger was weak in front of goal yet again.But some lovely Sterling-esque runs of old were a nice watch at times, if that’s all he had to offer.Lucky to avoid a straight red after a nasty challenge on Maxime Bernauer’s ankle with his studs just seconds into the second half.Gabriel Martinelli – 8A last-ditch tackle denied him what would have been a sensational solo goal from a 60-yard run that woke Arsenal from their slumber.Was the main attacking threat and had a hand in both goals, first crossing into Havertz, who laid it on for Rice, before a glorious curling ball into the German for 2-0.Has the Brazilian made himself undroppable moving forward?Kai Havertz – 7Brushed off recent criticism with a perfect lay-off for Rice to smash home and doubled Arsenal’s lead with a laid-on header in the 66th minute.Was happy to score but was wasteful before finding the back of the net and often absent in box during first-half attacks.SubsEthan Nwaneri (for Sterling, 57 mins) – 6A loud applause welcomed the teen back from injury, but he didn’t have to do much against such weak opposition.Thomas Partey (for Timber, 57 mins) – 6Assured cameo in midfield.Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 73 mins) – 5Calm on the ball after coming on.Leandro Trossard (for Havertz) – 5Made his 100th appearance for the club.Having blown a 2-0 lead against Villa, Arteta would not let lightning strike twice. After Timber and Raheem Sterling were booked within six minutes of the second half, they were both subbed off.Zagreb were still hanging on, and then they were not. Havertz rose highest to nod in Martinelli’s inviting 66th minute cross – Arsenal’s 500th goal under Arteta.Goal number 501 came in stoppage time courtesy of tap-in from skipper Martin Odegaard.Who needs a striker? Well, Arsenal do – desperately.READ MORE SUN STORIESCrocked pair Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus must have watched this one wondering how many goals they could have gobbled up.For now, with an eighth Champions League home clean sheet since the start of last season, Arteta’s defence are dragging them forward. More

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      Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb LIVE RESULT: Gunners all but secure Champions League last 16 spot with routine win

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      ARSENAL have all but secured their spot in the last-16 of the Champions League after a comfortable 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb.Declan Rice fired the North Londoners ahead with a thunderous volley in the second minute.On 66 minutes, Kai Havertz headed in to double Arsenal’s advantage following great work from Gabriel Martinelli in the build-up.Martin Odegaard put a gloss on the result just before the full-time whistle after he tapped in from close range to secure a 3-0 win for the Gunners.Match result: Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo ZagrebArsenal team: Raya, Timber, Kiwior, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard, Sterling, Martinelli, HavertzDinamo Zagreb team: Nevistic, Ristovski, Torrente, Mmaee, Bernauer, Pierre-Gabriel, Ademi, Stojkovic, Rog, Baturina, KulenovicCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Raheem just not delivering the goodsTo anyone bar Arsenal fans and staff, the loan signing of Raheem Sterling seemed a strange one for The Gunners.A player seemingly past his prime, who does not seem capable of producing what he once did on the football pitch.Arteta no doubt saw it as a no brainer to bolster his attack but from what we have seen so far from him, it begs the question whether he is adding anything at all.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedThe curious case of Kai HavertzWith Arsenal not having a recognised striker, most of the attention falls on their German attacker.Havertz grabbed a goal tonight and will feel his performance was enough to keep the haters off his back.Despite scoring, Havertz missed a number of good chances.This is simply someone who does not have the mindset of goalscoring striker, nothing will change that.It will be an interesting transfer window and if Arteta does not strengthen in this area, he will have some awkward questions to answer.Copy linkCopiedBrazilian puts in shift for teamWhen he is on his game, Gabriel Martinelli can be a thorn in the side of most teams.The issue is, this only happens infrequently.However, this evening he showed his potential and was a key part to two of The Gunners’ three goals.Arteta will need to see this more regularly if they can achieve their goals for the season.Copy linkCopiedBig couple of weeks aheadMikel Arteta’s side have some crucial matches coming up.These will decide how they progress in the Champions League and whether they can still book a place at Wembley for the Carabao Cup final.Add to that a little matter of the Spaniard going up against his mentor in a match they cannot afford to drop points in if they have any hope of keeping the pressure on leaders Liverpool.Copy linkCopiedZagreb pay price for Odegaard approachMartin Odegaard is so vital to Arsenal’s attacking play, if you give him time and space on the ball, he is guaranteed to hurt you.Teams who have had success against The Gunners this season have tasked a player with tracking and closing him down all game.Zagreb didn’t seem to have anyone capable of that and as a result he was able to pull the strings for Arteta’s side this evening.Copy linkCopiedSkipper has his say on victoryMartin Odegaard joined the TNT Sports pundits to discuss the game and their aims for the season:Yeh we needed that, we have put ourselves in a really good situation now. Results always influence the mood but I think it is good. We come in the next day are even more hungry. To be honest, with injuries we have been a little short, if we can keep everyone fit that is the main thing. Everyone is different, different way to lead. For me I try to lead by example and to get the best out of everyone.Martin OdegaardArsenalCopy linkCopiedEx-Arsenal defender waxing lyricalMartin Keown could find a positive for his former club in any given situation or disaster.Speaking after the game, he pointed towards their early exit from the FA Cup being a good thing so they can focus on the Champions League.No doubt, when they exit the competition, Keown will point towards how being out of Europe is good for their carbon footprint and they are single-handedly saving the planet.Copy linkCopiedSpaniard happy with team displaySpeaking with TNT Sports after the game, The Gunners’ manager gave his view on tonight’s performance:We are happy to win a game at home and keep a clean sheet. It is massive step and we are very close now. I thought we generated quite a lot and missed a few big chances. You could see the way Martinelli celebrated how important that goal was to him. It is a crucial month, we have nine games in this period. We are in good spirits and we go again.Mikel ArtetaArsenalCopy linkCopiedTake back the empties DeclanDuring the first-half, whenever Declan Rice was taking corners for his team, he was pelted with missiles from the Zagreb end.His biggest test was moving all the pint glasses away from the corner so he could take the set-piece.Some grounds offer money-back for taking empties back to them.That could have worked out to be a real money-spinner for the Arsenal midfielder this evening.Credit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedArteta’s side with point to proveThe task for The Gunners is simple now, get at least a point away to Girona next week to secure their progress to the last 16.Avoiding a two-legged play-off was the aim for all the English teams as soon as the new format was announced.With the demands of the Premier League, the last thing any of these teams needed was an extra two matches.Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo ZagrebThere is no doubting that The Gunners will face much tougher challenges in the Champions League this season.Zagreb’s tactic of getting eleven men behind the ball didn’t seem to make a difference when trying to keep the hosts at bay.Rice’s early goal made a big difference to this game, the longer it had stayed goalless you could see the visitors growing in confidence.From that point, their focus was on defence rather than attack.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo ZagrebIt was plain sailing for The Gunners in the capital.Scoring early on in the game, it seemed to knock the stuffing out of the visitors.From that moment, they were more interested in protecting their own goal than putting Arsenal’s under any pressure.Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo ZagrebThe referee brings the game to a close.Arsenal are comfortable winners at The Emirates.A deserved victory for Mikel Arteta’s side.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb90+2. Trossard puts a teasing ball into the box.Nobody has tracked the run of Odegaard and he has a simple tap in.Icing on the cake for Arsenal and their fans in North London.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb90. Zagreb force a corner late on in the game.Arsenal will be keen to defend their clean sheet here.We are going to have three added minutes.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb88. Rice comes over to take The Gunners’ tenth corner of the match.Still they search for one of theiir trademark goals.You can not have it all, they have scored two goals in open play tonight.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb86. Some interesting scores elsewhere in the Champions League tonight.Currently, Man City are trailing to PSG in Paris.That leaves them 25th in the table and in danger of going out of Europe.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb84. The Gunners’ fans are singing ‘Allez, Allez, Allez’ now.Obviously they have had to change the lyriics to make sure there is no mention of dominating Europe.It is a reworded version referencing past Premier League glories, the trophy they have not won for 21 years now.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb82. The game seems to be going through the motions now.Arsenal are trying to manage the game and keep possession.The last thing The Gunners want is to concede against the run of play and make for a nervy end to this match.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb80. Martinelli comes forward again. He lifts a cross into the back post but it is headed wide for a corner.Their set-piece coach stays in his seat this time, maybe he realises his five minutes of fame is over.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb78. It crazy to think that, if results go their way elsewhere, Zagreb could still make the play-off places in the league.They do not deserve to be in the latter stages of this competition.Zagreb have offered so little in an attacking sense, you start to feel empathy for the fans who made the long trip to London.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb76. Arsenal seem to have more of a spring in their step now.Nwaneri cuts inside from the right wing and swings in a left-footed cross right onto the head of Rice.Somehow, the former West Ham man heads well wide of the goal.Great clearance.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb74. Some more changes from Mikel Arteta.Zinchenko and Havertz are the players to make way.They are replaced by Trossard and Tierney.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb72. This will be seen as a comfortable victory for The Gunners.In some respects that is not a good thing as you wonder if Arteta will even focus on some things that need to improve.Arsenal have had 13 shots in the game so far but only 3 of them have been on target.If they want to compete for major honours this season, that has to change.Credit: PACopy linkCopied More