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      Four ways Arsenal could line up until end of Premier League season with Mikel Arteta facing unprecedented striker crisis

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      MIKEL ARTETA has some huge decisions to make in the coming weeks.Arsenal are in the midst of an injury crisis.Mikel Arteta has an injury crisis on his handsCredit: PAKai Havertz has been ruled out for the remainder of the seasonCredit: GettyKai Havertz became the club’s latest star to suffer a significant injury this week.The striker sustained a torn hamstring while training in Dubai and is now set to miss the remainder of the season.And with Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli already on the treatment table, the Gunners now find themselves severely limited in attack.Arteta currently has just three first team forwards at his disposal – loanee Raheem Sterling, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard.Read More in FootballThe Spaniard could be forced to play some stars out of position while he waits for the likes of Saka and Martinelli to return next month.Here, SunSport look at four ways Arsenal could line up in attack in the coming weeks.Nwaneri strikerEarlier this season, Arteta admitted he would like to see Nwaneri in the No9 role one day.He said: “I think he can develop into a No9. He has got the goal in front of him and he looks at the goal and he has a tremendous ability to put the ball in the back of the net.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArteta sees Ethan Nwaneri as a potential strikerWith Havertz now absent, that day could come sooner rather than later.Should Nwaneri move into the centre, Sterling could take his place on the right until Saka returns to fitness.Where Arsenal’s transfer window went wrong with Mikel Arteta more reliant on Havertz than ever and no back-up strikerMeanwhile, Trossard will probably keep his role on the left.Sterling strikerThe 30-year-old played as up top on several occasions during his Manchester City and Liverpool days.Arsenal’s current injury crisis could see him move back into that position.Sterling played as a No9 during his time with Man City and LiverpoolIn 62 outings as a centre-forward, Sterling scored 25 goals and provided ten assists.The Gunners will be hoping he can find his form as he approaches the end of his loan spell.Should Sterling move inside, Nwaneri will probably go to the right with Trossard on the left.Trossard strikerTrossard has played central on a number of occasions for Arsenal, usually in a false nine-style formation.Arteta could utilise that again in the next few weeks to combat the absence of a striker.Leandro Trossard has played centrally beforeShould that be the case, the Spaniard could try something completely different by moving Kieran Tierney to the wing.Tierney played left midfield on a handful of occasions during his time at Celtic but never as high as a winger.Such a move will probably see Nwaneri stay on the right.Merino strikerProbably the most unexpected option on this list, Merino is also allegedly being considered as a potential striker for Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe midfielder has never played as a No9 professionally but Arteta could give him a chance in the near future.There is talk of the 6ft 2in star using his physique and stature as a makeshift central striker – a little bit like the way Marouane Fellaini was deployed by Manchester United.Mikel Merino could start as a No9 More

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      Jude Bellingham showed why is England’s best player in 50 years – with wonderfully un-English winning mentality

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      WHEN Jude Bellingham rescued England’s Euros campaign from humiliation with a spectacular overhead-kick, his celebration caused a stir.After that 95th-minute equaliser in the last-16 clash with Slovakia, Real Madrid’s Brummie was seen yelling: ‘Who else?’Jude Bellingham scored an added-time winner for Real Madrid at Manchester CityCredit: AFPBellingham goaded the City fans with his trademark celebrationCredit: APBellingham rescued England’s Euros campaign with his spectacular injury-time overhead kick against SlovakiaCredit: GettyHe also netted TWO injury-time Clasico winners last season, this one at the BernabeuCredit: AFPAnd this one was in Barcelona last seasonCredit: EPADid it indicate arrogance? An over-inflated ego? A desire for individual glory over team success?Not really. It was probably just the instinctive reaction of a player who seizes big moments so frequently, that he simply expects them to happen.When Bellingham poked home in the 92nd minute at Manchester City on Tuesday, it was the sixth time in his 75-match Real career that he had netted an injury-time winner.“Who else?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTwo of those previous efforts arrived in Bellingham’s first two Clasicos against Barcelona – the most prestigious and ferocious club fixture on Earth.Bellingham had been quiet in the first half at the Etihad. He hadn’t illuminated the place like his fellow Galacticos – especially Vinicius Jr, his club’s spurned unofficial ‘winner’ of last year’s Ballon d’Or.But in the second half his influence grew, although he missed a couple of very presentable chances.And when Vinicius lobbed Ederson in the dying seconds, it was Bellingham who found the killer touch which allowed Real to carry a 3-2 advantage into the second leg of their Champions League play-off.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBecause that’s what Bellingham does.This time, it was his trademark celebration – standing with his arms outstretched in front of the seething City faithful. Like Christ the Redeemer peering down over Rio.Man City player ratings vs Real MadridIf there is an element of arrogance about this then, well, Bellingham has plenty to be arrogant about.Bellingham is England’s best and most influential footballer in more than half a century, since Sir Bobby Charlton was in his pomp.Paul Scholes, one of England’s finest since Charlton, says Bellingham is ‘better than anything we’ve seen’.And he is also quite unlike any other English footballer we have known.He can often seem other-worldy because, despite the Premier League’s global financial dominance, the 21-year-old has never played in England’s top flight.Leaving Birmingham as a 16-year-old for Borussia Dortmund then snubbing Liverpool, most notably, before joining Madrid and firing the world’s famous club to the Spanish title and their 15th European Cup in his maiden campaign as Real’s top scorer and La Liga’s Player of the Season.We don’t see all that much of him, and we hear even less.Bellingham rarely speaks to the media. After 40 caps, he is yet to be interviewed by the written press. During the Euros, a set-piece TV interview was suddenly cancelled at the last minute to the disappointment of the FA.In an era of openness and accessibility around the England camp, Bellingham’s fiercely-protective father Mark – who seems constantly angry at the world his son inhabits – keeps the 21-year-old wrapped in cotton wool.This contributes towards the feeling that, while Bellingham is admired in England, he isn’t loved.It adds to the idea of detachment, of difference, of ‘otherness’.Bellingham has inherited some of his father’s anger. That irrational belief that the world is against him.Last weekend, he was heard F-bombing a linesman who had failed to award Real a throw-in during the Madrid derby against Atletico and earlier this season he called a referee a ‘piece of s***’ during a victory over Espanyol.While at Dortmund, Bellingham was fined for bringing up the match-fixing past of referee Felix Zwayer.Since joining Real 18 months ago, Bellingham has clocked up 22 yellow cards for club and country, as well as one red for dissent after the final whistle robbed him of another injury-time winner against Valencia.This is no Mr Nice Guy. In truth, winners rarely are.And then there is that supreme self-belief, which seems, rather wonderfully, un-English.England players, even the best of them, so often end up as plucky losers.The idea of heroic failure is a national characteristic. But it’s not for Bellingham.Bellingham keeps on winning games in injury-time.He was widely perceived to have suffered a disappointing Euros last summer.And yet he dominated the first half of England’s tournament opener against Serbia, scoring the only goal, he saved the summer with that extraordinary leveller against Slovakia and he assisted Cole Palmer’s equaliser in the final defeat by Spain.There is that supreme self-belief, which seems, rather wonderfully, un-EnglishDAVE KIDD ON BELLINGHAMThis despite being shunted out to the left wing for much of the campaign to accommodate Phil Foden, who has never seized the momentum and turned international matches in England’s favour as Bellingham has often done.There were mutterings about Bellingham’s character. Suggestions he didn’t fit into Gareth Southgate’s team ethos.And yet even in that tournament, with Bellingham physically and mentally drained after an all-conquering campaign in Spain, he was able to bend big occasions to his will.For Real last season, despite no previous experience in the role, he played much of the campaign as a ‘false nine’.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, he has reverted to his preferred midfield role and yet when Real needed an injury-time winner at the Etihad, who was in the right place at the right time?Bellingham, who else?SAVED BY THE BELLJUDE Bellingham’s injury-time winners for Real MadridGetafe (h) Sept 2 2023 – 2-1 winUnion Berlin (h) Sept 20 2023 – 1-0 winBarcelona (a) Oct 28 2023 – 2-1 winBarcelona (h) Apr 21 2024 – 3-2 winValencia (a) Jan 3 2025 – 2-1 winMan City (a) Feb 11 2025 – 3-2 win  More

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      ‘Shambolic accusation’ – Jesse Lingard hits back at trolls who claim three players have ‘destroyed Man Utd’s culture’

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      JESSE LINGARD has blasted trolls on social media who sensationally claimed he was one of three Manchester United players who “destroyed the culture”.The 32-year-old came through the Red Devils academy and played a total of 232 games before leaving permanently in 2022.Jesse Lingard launched a staunch defence of himself and two other Man Utd stars on social mediaCredit: AFPIt came after he, Paul Pogba, and Marcus Rashford were accused of ‘destroying the club’s culture’Credit: GettyLingard replied to a post more than a month old to demand an explanation for a commentHe referenced his trophy cabinet during the exchangeLingard was replying despite it being past 11pm at night in Korea, where he currently playsDuring his time at Man Utd, Lingard was well known for his larger than life personality which included showing off his dance moves in the dressing room or in celebrations.However, with the club struggling to compete for the top honours, Lingard and his team-mates did draw their share of criticism.Now playing for FC Seoul in South Korea, Lingard opted to respond to a social media post from more than a month ago.On December 28, 2024, a user said: “Him, [Paul] Pogba, and [Marcus] Rashford destroyed the culture.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLingard had not posted on social media since Christmas Day, but suddenly replied to the post at 2:03pm UK time and 11:03pm in Seoul.The former Nottingham Forest ace replied to himself just moments later saying: “Waiting for explanation????????”Many fans replied in support of Lingard and co, with one fan saying: “You made us play well which some dumb b******* that ‘support’ this club don’t like because you dance and have fun.”Lingard said back: “Lool we was just enjoying our life of we played for biggest club in the world of course we made mistakes and we learn but we gonna have fun and smile and dance.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA second fan said: “You didn’t, you just weren’t good and that’s fine.”Lingard then replied: “I’ll just take the FA Cup final trophy and Carabao trophy out of the cabinet then.”Jesse Lingard brutally mocked by K-league rival as opponent copies forgotten Man Utd man’s celebration after late winnerA third fan said: “Jesse broski we love you forever… but is Korea becoming that dead you gotta beef with nobodies. Cup final winner and a cult hero keep your head up son.”Lingard said: “Haha nah Korea lit bro I love it, I don’t even bite ever I never really read comments but had to reply to that shambolic accusation.”Pogba left in the same summer as Lingard as he returned to Juventus, while Rashford only departed United on loan to Aston Villa at the end of the winter transfer window.Attacking midfielder Lingard, capped 32 times by England, joined FC Seoul just over a year ago, with his home debut drawing a record crowd.After a tough start, he has scored six goals in 26 games for the club, even whipping out his trademark dance moves after scoring.However, he bravely opened up on the family heartache which had kept him out of the team at the start of the 2023/24 season.Having suffered with knee and Achilles issues during his year at Forest, Lingard took a little while to get going in South Korea, but as his first season in the K-League nears its conclusion, he has begun to hit his stride.In a brave column in The Times, Lingard has opened up on his time out of the game.The attacking midfielder trained hard during the summer as he looked for a new club, but as his grandma fell ill, family became the priority.Lingard held a close relationship with his grandparents throughout his life, with Grandad Ken and Grandma Pamela having supported him during his childhood – particularly as his mum Kirsty battled depression. He wrote of Pamela: “Over the course of last summer, she became really poorly.”She was in and out of hospital and though I was training hard and missed being at a club, it felt like being out of contract was God’s plan: I’m not going to give you a team right now, you need to stay home and be with your family.”So that’s what I did. I spent as much time as I could with them and in November, when Nan passed away, Grandad took it really hard.”He was depressed and suffering dizzy spells and was hospitalised himself. He needed looking after too, and there was the funeral to organise and a speech to give.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I believe things happen for a reason and that, while my family was suffering, it was just written for me to take a break from playing.”Lingard’s fashion company JLingz Ltd, was placed in voluntary liquidation last month after piling up debts of nearly £300,000. More

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      I wasted my Arsenal career partying and not trying in training – Arsene Wenger put me back in my place

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      AN ARSENAL flop admitted he looks back at his failed spell with the Gunners with “a lot of regrets” as he never fulfilled his potential.The North Londoners ruled the Premier League in the early 2000s along with then bitter rivals Manchester United.Arsenal flop Francis Jeffers has ‘a lot of regrets’ from his time at HighburyCredit: Getty Images – GettyJeffers went out partying and didn’t work hard enough during Arsenal trainingCredit: AP:Associated PressThat was when legendary manager Arsene Wenger decided to bring one of the Prem’s most exciting strikers over to Highbury in 2001.That was none other than Francis Jeffers, who shone bright with his beloved Everton the previous four years, a period that saw him register a total of 18 goals and one assist in 55 appearances.However, Jeffers never lived up to his star billing as he only managed eight goals and three assists in 39 appearances during his three-year stint with Arsenal, who loaned him back to the Toffees in 2003.The former striker conceded that he didn’t work hard enough in training and would instead go out partying.Read More on ArsenalThe ex-England international downed tools as he thought he wouldn’t play anyway, with the likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Sylvain Wiltord and Nwankwo Kanu ahead of him in the pecking order.That is why Wenger gave him a “fair crack of the whip”, which he insists was very well-deserved as it put him back in his place.Nevertheless, the ex-Charlton ace is adamant he didn’t “throw it all away” as he realised a lot of dreams throughout his career.Jeffers told The Independent back in 2014: “I was out partying, living life, tossing it off in training because I always thought I wouldn’t play Saturday anyway. Most read in Football”Now, I look back with a lot of regrets. That is where I should have been putting it in more. Wenger gave me a fair crack of the whip. “I haven’t got a bad word to say about him. He tells you how it is, one of the only managers I played for who did.I slide tackled Arsene Wenger and Thierry Henry on my Arsenal trial – I couldn’t believe manager’s reaction“He said there were things going on in my head that shouldn’t have been and that it was an important time in my career. I am not saying I threw it all away, because I had a decent career.“I fulfilled a lot of ambitions but I always say it, I know how much ability I had. “I’m not soft. I know how good a player I was. One England cap wasn’t enough.” More

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      Gareth Southgate’s next career move revealed as former England boss agrees lucrative deal

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has announced his next career move – and it’s not a job in football.The 54-year-old stepped down from his role as England manager following the Euro 2024 final last July.Gareth Southgate is releasing a new bookCredit: EPAHe is yet to accept another full-time job in football but has been taking up some temporary roles.Southgate is a technical observer for Uefa and recently became a visiting lecturer at Harvard Business School. But now he is set for a completely new challenge – writing a book.But for those hoping it will be a tell-all book revealing what happened behind the scenes in the England camp could be disappointed. Read More in FootballThe former England manager’s new book is set to focus on leadership.It is expected to feature some of the lessons he learned while guiding the Three Lions to successive European Championship finals.Southgate’s book is titled ‘Dear England’ and is scheduled to be released in October.The ex-England boss said: “After stepping down as England manager following eight very special years, I’ve been reflecting on what I have lived through and what comes next.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Coaching top players and playing against some of the best teams in the world pushed me to operate at the highest level in football.”Rather than write a memoir of those times I decided to share my experiences in a different way, through the lens of leadership which I hope will provide lessons for anyone who wants to discover their own authentic leadership style.”From Gareth Southgate receiving a knighthood to Keely Hodgkinson’s MBE, all the stars who got gongs in New Year honoursPublishing director Ben Brusey went on to add: “Just as Gareth inspired the nation with his England leadership, every page of his book will inspire readers with his characteristic sense of purpose, honesty, resilience and integrity. “This will be a landmark leadership book, which I know will be enjoyed by readers for years to come.”Southgate received a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours list at the start of 2025.He followed in the footsteps of Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alf Ramsey in being knighted for services to sport.Southgate’s highs and lows as England bossGARETH Southgate took charge of 102 games for England before quitting in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.But what were the best – and worst matches – from the popular gaffer’s eight-year reign before that devastating Sunday night in Berlin? Here we take a look.THE HIGHS:Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on pens,) 2018 World CupThis was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Despite conceding a late equaliser, England held their nerve to advance to the quarter final of the World Cup 2018 on penalties.It was our first shootout victory for 22 years.Spain 2-3 England, 2018 Nations LeagueFollowing on from the World Cup, England won in Spain for the first time in 31 years with a brilliant Uefa Nations League victory.Southgate’s boys stunned the Seville crowd into silence with a thrilling performance that saw them lead 3-0 at the break thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and Marcus Rashford.Although the hosts scored two after the break, the way the Three Lions tore La Roja apart excited every fan.England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020 semi-finalSouthgate led England to their first major final in 55 years as they beat Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.Having fallen behind after half an hour, the Three Lions battled back to send it to extra-time courtesy of an own goal.Then it was captain Kane who converted a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel originally saved his penalty in extra-time to win it.England 3-0 Sengal, 2022 World Cup last 16England had already blown Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, away in the World Cup 2022 group stages before they breezed past Senegal.The free-scoring Three Lions recorded another big win to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against France – what could go wrong?Italy 1-2 England, Euro qualifiers, 2023On a night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions recorded a first away win over Italy since 1961.It was the first game since their 2022 World Cup exit, and it ensured a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.England 2-1 Holland, Euro 2024 sem-finalThe nation doubted Southgate’s men in the semis of Euro 2024, but they responded with a barnstorming display.Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the Dutch but Harry Kane’s penalty drew us level.And Ollie Watkins slotted in a brilliant winner in injury time to see the Three Lions into their second successive Euros final.AND THE LOWS….Croatia 2-1 England, World Cup semi-final, 2018Having led England to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate men made a dream start as Kieran Trippier put them ahead in the early exchanges.But Ivan Perisic equalised as the Croats began to take control.Some of Southgate’s substitutions were then questioned after his team were beaten in extra-time, although many gave him the benefit of the doubt as he returned a hero.Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens) Euro 2020 finalWill probably never get a better chance to have secured a trophy for the Three Lions than this final of the last European Championship.Luke Shaw gave us the lead after just seconds, but just like against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and let our rivals back into it.Leonardo Bonucci duly equalised in the second half and the game eventually went to penalties.The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all brought on to take a spot-kick, but the brave trio all missed as the Azzurri broke our hearts to take the prize.England 0-4 Hungary, Nations League 2023A year on from the Euros and it was utter embarrassment for Southgate in this Nations League game at Molineux.It was our biggest home defeat since 1928 and the result led to England being relegated from the top group of the Nations League and back to one that contained the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.England 1-2 France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finalsAnother case of what could have been.Having been free-scoring throughout Qatar 2022, many fancied us to go all the way at the World Cup despite taking on the holders in the quarters.We fought back from going behind to level through Kane and many believe that France were then there for the taking had Southgate deployed a more attacking approach.Instead, they seemed content with what they had until Olivier Giroud pounced 12 minutes from time to win it.But there was still one more twist of the knife for England as the usually-reliable Kane skied a late penalty over the bar uncharacteristically as we crashed out. 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      Why can’t Max Dowman play for Arsenal in the Premier League?

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      MAX DOWMAN is the new talk of town amongst Arsenal fans, following the rapid rise of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri. Discourse around the Arsenal teenager has ramped up in recent weeks as he’s been promoted to first team training and travelled with the senior squad to their warm-weather training camp in Dubai.15-year-old Max Dowman has risen through the Gunners rank in the last yearCredit: GettyThe attacking midfield talent was joined by fellow teen 16-year-old Jack Porter as Mikel Arteta’s squad spent a week in the Middle East due to the week-long gap in their schedule following their elimination from the FA Cup.To help the young pair, plus other young players, adjust to the senior team, Arsenal brought along under-21 manager Mehmet Ali and an Academy Player Care employee.A large number of them had previously trained alongside the senior team.Dowman would’ve been eligible to play in the FA Cup, but Arsenal’s defeat to the hands of Manchester United in the third round will delay any possible debut.READ MORE IN ARSENALAs will a Premier League rule. Why can’t Max Dowman play for Arsenal in the Premier League?A month before his 15th birthday on December 31, Dowman made history in September by being the youngest player to score in the Uefa Youth League at the age of 14 years, 8 months, and 19 days.In December, he also became the youngest player to represent Arsenal at the under-21 level.Dowman is the youngest player to score in the Uefa Youth League everCredit: GettyYet, Dowman cannot participate in the Premier League this season. Most read in FootballNo player below the under-16 age group can be included in a matchday squad, per tournament regulations.To be able to participate in the Prem at any point during this season, a player must have turned 15 before August 31, 2024 – and Dowman did not.Nwaneri is the youngest Premier League debutante ever at 15 years and 181 days and was able to do so because he was 15 before the established Premier League date. More

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      Gary O’Neil wanted in swift return to management just two months after being sacked by Wolves

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      GARY O’NEIL is being eyed for a swift managerial return two months after he was sacked by Wolves.The Premier League side sacked O’Neil in December during the midst of a relegation battle following a horror run of form which had left them in 19th place.Gary O’Neil is being lined up as a target for BlackburnCredit: APIt comes after John Eustace triggered a release clause in his contract to pursue a move to DerbyCredit: PABut the managerial market has had a stunning change of circumstances in recent weeks. Blackburn are hunting for a new boss with the club on the brink of losing John Eustace.Rovers released a damning statement about the situation, which had seen Eustace trigger a shock release clause in his contract in order to talk to Championship rival Derby.And the managerial merry-go-round could see former Bournemouth boss O’Neil handed the reins at promotion-chasing Blackburn.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLO’Neil, 41, is the only British manager on the club’s list, according to SunSport’s Alan Nixon.Other names being considered are former Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka, ex-Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal and former Young Boys gaffer Raphael Wicky.O’Neil’s final press conference at Wolves saw him launch a huge defence of his actions, insisting the players shared the blame for the club’s poor performance.He said: “I’m not interested in my own position. I know the work I do every day and I know the situation we are in.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I know getting this group to perform the way they did took a lot of work. People can point the finger at me but some of the responsibility has to land on the players.”I’m comfortable with myself as a coach, my standards and what I ask of the group. I also embrace this difficult moment. Kai Havertz ruled out for rest of SEASON with torn hamstring in devastating blow to Arsenal’s title dreams”That group downstairs needs me this week to help get them into a place where they are ready to go. I will keep fighting for them and with them until I’m told not to.”It doesn’t mean I don’t think I’m going to get sacked. For every [poor] result which comes the chances of me losing my job heightens. It doesn’t concern me, the situation drives me to want to do better.” More

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      Mikel Arteta’s gamble not to sign new striker was a DISASTROUS decision that leaves Arsenal’s season on edge of collapse

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      HOURS after the January transfer window closed, Mikel Arteta staunchly defended Arsenal’s policy NOT to bring in attacking reinforcements.First, the Gunners boss claimed the decision was NO gamble, despite seeing Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka struck down with long-term injuries and Kai Havertz his only fit centre forward.Mikel Arteta’s reluctance to buy a forward in January has come back to bite himCredit: GettyKai Havertz is the latest attacker to pick up a devastating injuryCredit: GettyPushed on whether Havertz could now play every game for the rest of the season without a rest, Arteta said yes, gushing over the German’s robustness and labelling him a ‘genetic powerhouse’.On the failed recruitment push, the Arsenal gaffer added in his February 4 press conference: “We are disappointed, but we have to move on. Nobody knows whether it is better to have done it or not. We’ll know at the end of the season.”Eight days later, and Arteta already has his answer: It was an unmitigated, disastrous decision – one that sees the rest of their campaign teetering on the edge of collapse. Costly is an understatement.Havertz – that physical specimen of a man who looks after himself properly – tore his hamstring during a training session on the club’s mid-season warm-weather retreat to Dubai this week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is very unlikely we will see Havertz, 25, again in an Arsenal shirt until the 2025/26 season begins.The Middle East has often been a venue to trigger an upturn in form, with a trip there in January 2024 almost spurring Arsenal to the Prem title only to be pipped on the final day by Manchester City.Now, it must be the place of nightmares for Arteta, his charge to catch Prem leaders Liverpool and progress in the Champions League resting at the feet of his THREE remaining fit options: Leandro Trossard, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri and disappointing summer loan signing Raheem Sterling.With Gabriel Martinelli also expected to be out for at least a month with a hamstring strain, Arteta must survive for three months with NO recognised centre forward.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMartinelli and Saka will be pushing for a March return, but to throw them straight back in would be a huge risk – yet what choice does Arteta now have? A pit of despair he helped dig.The blame does not solely lay at Arteta’s door – interim sporting director Jason Ayto will be taking some heat for his negotiation struggles in a poor first audition to take over from Edu, the Brazilian shocking Arsenal by resigning from his position back in November. ‘Now everyone’s calling me it…’ – Declan Rice reveals hilarious new nicknameArsenal’s injury crisisGUNNERS stars who are currently injured:Kai Havertz (hamstring)Bukayo Saka (hamstring)Gabriel Jesus (ACL)Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring)Ben White (knee)Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee)Regardless, it is now on Arteta to fix. He is known for problem-solving during his five-year tenure in charge of Arsenal, willing to adapt and change styles to fit his needs, as well as being open to some outside-the-box thinking to get through the stickiest of sticky patches.Of the three remaining fit forwards at his disposal, Trossard and Sterling have deputised as a false nine before – meaning Arteta can stick with his usual 4-3-3.Nwaneri could also be tossed into that role having scored three goals in all competitions in 2025, with Arteta previously suggesting it is a position the youngster could end up in later in his career.Arteta said in December: “There is a position I think he can develop into – No9.“He has got the goal in front of him and he looks at the goal and he has a tremendous ability to put the ball in the back of the net.”Arteta will need to rotate that three for the next month at least, having pushed the likes of Saka, Martinelli and now Havertz to limits that have seen their bodies crumble.Left-back Kieran Tierney could be a left-wing introduction if required – the Scot has featured there a few times already this calendar year as a late substitute.There is talk of 6ft2 midfielder Mikel Merino using his physique and stature as a makeshift central figure – a risk that even Arteta would have second thoughts over.And in the academy, striker Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and winger Ismeal Kabia would be the most likely options.Butler-Oyedeji, 21, made his first team debut as an added-time substitute against Dinamo Zagreb last month, while 19-year-old Kabia made his debut in September against Bolton.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal play seven games before March’s international break, with three of those coming in midweeks. Between them, Trossard, Nwaneri and Sterling have seven Prem goals.This is going to be a bumpy, painful ride for Arteta. More