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      ‘You want a war? Now we have one’ – Guardiola turns on former pal Arteta as Man City’s rivalry with Arsenal hots up

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      PEP GUARDIOLA says his Manchester City reigning champions are ready to go to “war” with Arsenal.And the City boss called on Gunners chief Mikel Arteta to come clean over his “dark arts” claims during his 3½ years as Guardiola’s Etihad No 2.Pep Guardiola said he is ready to go to war with Mikel ArtetaCredit: PAErling Haaland and Gabriel clashed several times throughout the 2-2 epicArteta reckons the blockbuster title race will not ruin his relationship with close pal Guardiola.Arsenal defender Gabriel had stoked up the rivalry by demanding revenge in the February rematch after a fiery showdown with Erling Haaland — who threw the ball at him — in Sunday’s feisty 2-2 draw.Guardiola said: “Gabriel said it perfectly, ‘This is a war, we have to provoke the opponent’.”So, we have to think, ‘OK, you want a war? Now we have a war’. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m pretty sure Erling is not proud but, listen, with the type of challenge that Arsenal gave, I understand it.”Guardiola could not hide his anger at what could be viewed as a betrayal by long-term friend Arteta.The City boss, 53, insists he does not know what Arteta was referring to — and even wondered if it could be a reference to the club’s ongoing legal battle with the Premier League.Arteta said on Wednesday: “I was there for four years. I have all the information. So I know, believe me.”Most read in FootballMikel Arteta said he has “all the information” on life behind closed doors at the EtihadCredit: GettyAnd Pep Guardiola isn’t happy with Arteta’s commentsCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpaniard Guardiola added: “Next time, Mikel has to be more clear about exactly what he means. I have to see more clearly exactly what happened while he was here.“So hopefully this question has been asked of him and he can also answer now exactly what it means when he said he was here and he knows what’s happening here.Furious Pep Guardiola lashes out and kicks chair with Man City stars fuming at Arsenal’s stunning equaliser“It could be related to the process with the 115 charges — maybe it’s about that and he knows information.Pep Guardiola”Instead of being in the clouds there, he has to be more precise.”The fallout from the explosive Etihad clash is likely to put a huge strain on the relationship between Guardiola and Arteta — and increase the tension between title rivals City and Arsenal.Guardiola could be forgiven for feeling letdown as he spent 3½ years mentoring Arteta while he was on his coaching staff.The City gaffer then urged his club not to stand in the way of his assistant when Arsenal moved to appoint him as manager in 2019.And the champions even turned a blind eye to certain things that happened around his departure that they were not happy with.Yet Arteta insists that nothing can damage his relationship with Pep.Arsenal and City produced a Prem epic last weekend which ended with John Stones’ 98th-minute equaliser.We thought games like this had been lostSunSport’s NEIL CUSTIS hails chaotic Man City vs Arsenal clash as a return to the Premier League of yesteryear.FOR two teams who have done so much to take the game forward this really was a tremendous throwback.We thought these games had been lost.Real feisty encounters between two rivals fighting for the top honours.How we used to love it when Manchester United came up against Arsenal when Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were in charge.When Roy Keane, watching on as a TV pundit here, used to clash with Patrick Vieira before a ball had been kicked.The Manchester derbies used to have it as well.In fact that were clashes everywhere throughout the league.Since then the emphasis on the beauty of the game, the tactical side, the ball playing centre-back, the false nine, the inverted full-backs have all come to the fore.But English football still loves something like this.Compare this to the two matches between this pair last season not least the really STALEmate here.Then along comes a blood and thunder classic.A match to set the tone for what we all hope will be a real title tussle to the end but with that added edge.While these two managers maybe good friends who knows we may even get the niggly comments in pre-match press conferences about each others teams.We knew we were in for something a bit different as straight from the kick-off Kai Havertz charged into Rodri and left him flawed.The first players’ melee ensued.Foreign coaches often scratch their heads as to why English crowds love stuff like this.Love a thumping tackle, or a bit of a barney.How that as much as any sweeping move gets them to the edge of their seats and there was plenty of that here.Jurrien Timber was employed on the right to combat the pace of Jeremy Doku.SO Doku just charged into him and floored him.Rodri was clearly seen as one of City’s key men so at a corner Thoams Party followed up Havertz’s early example and caught him behind the knee, and the player hobbled out of the action.Gabriel and Erling Haaland was a classic battle between a big centre-forward and an Arsenal centre-back who performs like greats of old like Tony Adams and Martin Keown.A player for whom a thumping tackle warrants the same high fives or celebrations as something defining at the other end of the pitch.Haaland did brilliantly to pull away William Saliba and slip behind Gabriel for his goal.Gabriel will have been fuming having kept the big Norwegian so quiet last season.He barely gave him another sniff of goal, barring a second-half header saved, as he stuck to him, the pair often pushing and shoving one another as Haaland became frustrated with his shadow.Leandro Trossard did not get his second yellow and therefore the only red for the actual barge on Bernardo as everyone first thought but for kicking the ball away after that.Both technical areas were a flurry of arm waving and shouting from the two managers.The staff on the two benches started having a go at each other and Guardiola had to intervene.In the press box one of Arsenal’s technical staff was losing it.As Arsenal players went down with cramp and played for time the boos went up.The fourth official was getting in the ear.Michael Oliver was being told he was not fit to referee by a large section of the home support.When Arsenal fans were spotted in the posh seats having been in the expensive tunnel club City fans shouted and pointed to try and get them ejected.Right at the end after City’s dramatic equaliser and the game restarted Haaland barged into Partey and every player on the pitch got involved even the two goalkeepers.At the final whistle the ref was harrangued.On the touchline Guardiola and Arteta hugged.Arteta, who worked under Pep at City from 2016 until his Gunners exit, said: “Sport will never get in my way of a personal relationship.“If our relationship was damaged because one draws and the other one wins, or the number of times they’ve beaten us, I would not talk to him any more.“They have beaten us …they won the last four titles and our relationship continues to be the same, so what has to change for that relationship to be over?“That is just not our relationship, especially the relationship I consider both of us have,“I love him, I respect him, I admire him and I admire his team and everything that he doesMikel Arteta“One thing is our profession, another is our personal relationship.”Arsenal were made to pay for their “dark arts” and “dirty” tactics by Stones’ late leveller.Asked if it was hard to stay pals with Pep due to the rivalry, Arteta added: “If those accusations affect you it’s because maybe they’re true.“If they don’t and you do what you believe is right and show integrity, it doesn’t have to be.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If you don’t like opinions, you shouldn’t be sitting in the position I am. It’s quite simple. Don’t take it personal. It’s part of our job.“Things you care about, make sure you handle them in the right way. That relationship with Pep I really care about. More

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      Tahith Chong health update after scary collapse on pitch as Luton boss speaks out on ex-Man Utd star

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      LUTON TOWN boss Rob Edwards confirmed Tahith Chong is “a bit sore but fine” after his shocking collapse at Plymouth Argyle.Chong, 24, crumpled to the floor on Friday after sustaining a devastating blow to the head from an accidental collision with a Plymouth player and laid motionless just before half-time.Luton Town star Tahith Chong collapsed after a devastating collisionCredit: RexChong hurt his head just before half-time but walked back to the dressing roomCredit: PAMedical staff from both sides entered the pitch to help ChongCredit: Sky SportsLuton boss Rob Edwards confirmed Chong is ‘a bit sore but fine’Credit: RexMedical staff from both teams rushed to the winger’s aid and a stretcher was brought on to the pitch.Fortunately, the Dutchman made it back on his feet and walked to the dressing room unaided.Chong was replaced by Jacob Brown at half-time but the forward was seen with a large lump on the left side of his forehead as he exited the pitch.Nevertheless, Edwards confirmed the ex-Netherlands youth international is “fine”.Read More on FootballAnd Luton will check the full extent of the ex-Manchester United ace’s injury.Edwards said: “He’s up and about and fine.”So we’ll see the extent of it concussion wise. He was a bit sore but he’s fine.”Plymouth won the Championship fixture 3-1 at Home Park to record their third victory in nine matches under new manager Wayne Rooney, who lost four of the exchange.Most read in ChampionshipRami Al Hajj opened the scoring for the Pilgrims after just eight minutes.Ibrahim Cissoko doubled the lead in the 69th minute to put some distance.Troy Deeney talks to Luton Town’s Tahith Chong about his Man United mentorsBut ex-Chelsea ace Victor Moses put Luton back in the game just two minutes later.However, Plymouth left with the three points after Cissoko sealed a brace in the third minute of stoppage time.Chong joined Luton from Birmingham last year and has amassed a total of six goals in 46 appearances with the Hatters.The forward also underwent a six-year stint with United before joining the Blues in 2022.Chong was added to the Red Devils’ youth side in 2016 and earned a senior call-up three years later but struggled for a regular spot and was loaned out to Werder Bremen, Club Brugge and Birmingham.Chong spent six years at Manchester United before joining LutonCredit: PA More

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      Fabian Caballero dead at 46: Former Arsenal and Dundee striker suddenly dies as tributes pour in

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      FORMER Arsenal star Fabian Caballero has died at the age of 46.The Paraguayan striker made three appearances for the club in the 1998/99 season, with just one coming in the Premier League. Fabian Caballero has passed away aged 46Credit: RexFabian Caballero (left) has cult hero status at DundeeHe joined on loan Cerro Porteno at the age of 21 and featured heavily for the Gunners’ reserve side that year, scoring eight times in 16 appearances.The man nicknamed Tyson had a 19-year career, playing for sides in Argentina, Paraguay, South Korea, Cyprus, Greece and Chile.Caballero also had a five-year spell at Scottish side Dundee. He has cult hero status north of the border and was the club’s player of the year in 2003/04. READ MORE ON ARSENALReports in Paraguay say Caballero’s death comes after he collapsed playing futsal with friends in the country’s capital Asuncion.Arsenal confirmed the sad news this morning, tweeting: “Everyone at the club is deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of our former player, Fabian Caballero. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”And the Paraguayan FA said in a statement: “The Paraguayan Football Association deeply regrets the passing of former footballer, Fabián Caballero, who had an outstanding career both in Paraguayan football and abroad. Most read in Football”We accompany the family and friends in this difficult time.”Tributes from fans have also poured in, with one saying: “Rest in peace legend.”Ethan Nwaneri’s rise at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta’s guiseAnother wrote: “What a player. Tragic news.”A Dundee supporter added: “Absolutely struggling for words. Total shock. What a player. My favourite ever Dundee player and was lucky enough to meet him a few times. What a guy. Proper heartbroken by this one. Rest easy Fabian.”More commented: “Absolutely gutted to hear this news – Fabian will forever be remembered as a legend of this club. I loved watching him play and he lit up the park whenever he pulled on the dark blue shirt.”Former Dundee team mate Steve Lovell said: “I am devastated to hear the news of Fabian’s passing. He was a fan favourite and it’s easy to see why. He was such a gifted player and I never had the privilege of playing with someone quite like him again. RIP Fab.”After hanging up his boots, Caballero went into coaching and managed Sportivo Ameliano in his homeland.He also ran as an Asuncion city councillor in 2015. More

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      Emiliano Martinez slapped with two-match ban for ‘offensive behaviour and violation of principles of fair play’

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      ASTON VILLA star Emiliano Martinez has been suspended from Argentina’s next two matches because of “offensive behaviour”.Martinez, 32, has been banned over some controversial incidents in the Albiceleste’s last two matches against Chile and Colombia earlier this month.Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez has been suspended from Argentina’s next two matchesCredit: GettyMartinez repeated his controversial 2022 World Cup celebration against Chile this monthCredit: GettyMartinez was also penalised for slapping a camera against ColombiaCredit: XThe Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed the goalkeeper will miss the national team’s next 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia in October.The ex-Arsenal ace was initially penalised for celebrating the Copa America by making a lewd gesture with the cup, which was presented in Argentina for the first time after Lionel Scaloni’s men won it in the US.That incident took place three weeks ago after a 3-0 win over Chile in a World Cup qualifier at the Monumental.The Argentine was also punished for slapping a local television camera after a 2-1 loss at Colombia in another World Cup qualifier two weeks ago.Read More on FootballThe AFA released the following statement: “Damian Emiliano Martinez is being held responsible for his offensive behaviour and violation of the principles of fair play.”Argentina chiefs added that they disagreed with the Fifa Disciplinary Committee’s decision.Martinez’s X-rated celebration after the Chile game was similar to the gesture he made after the 2022 World Cup final that saw Argentina beating France on penalties following an exciting 3-3 draw.On both occasions “Dibu” celebrated by placing the trophy on his groin while gesturing to the fans.Most read in FootballThe keeper claimed after the tournament in Qatar that his gesture was “stupid” before repeating it in Argentina.Martinez previously said: “It was a stupid thing, it’s the only thing I’m not proud of.”Watch moment Argentina keeper Emi Martinez lashes out at and SLAPS camera after fiery defeat to ColombiaThe Villa star added last month: “I never try to upset the fans, never.”I just try to slow things down when the game is not going well for us, I try to kick the ball as hard as I can to the other side.”I don’t swear, I don’t insult anyone. I don’t cross any lines, I never do.” More

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      Eagle-eyed fans spot awkward error in new pictures of Man City’s stunning plans to expand Etihad Stadium

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      FANS spotted a hilarious error in Manchester City’s plans to expand the Etihad.Man City have shared pictures of a seating configuration as they are planning to expand the North Stand, with the project set to increase capacity from 53,400 to more than 60,000.Fans spotted a hilarious error in Manchester City’s plans to expand the EtihadCredit: Manchester CityMan City shared pics of a seating configuration as they are planning to expand the North StandCredit: Manchester CityFans noticed supporters in the stand wore Nike kits rather than Puma shirtsCredit: Manchester CityThe stand will open next season and will feature a range of seating options, such as a large rail-seating area, family areas, ring fenced tickets for young supporters and a redeveloped concourse.City shared their general idea to the public, but were caught out by some eagle-eyed fans.Many noticed the supporters in the stand are pictured wearing Nike kits rather than Puma shirts, which is the Citizens’ sponsor this season.One fan tweeted: “Interesting spot on the North Stand stadium expansion pictures City have posted… Why are the kits Nike?”Read More on FootballAnother commented: “Two words – Artificial Intelligence.”A third said: “Possibly AI. But Awkward nonetheless. Puma won’t be pleased.”This fan wrote: “[It will] Be from back when the original concept was formed but a bit of a slip up from the marketing dept!!”And that one posted: “Almost definitely AI.”Most read in FootballThe Etihad will will also include a roof walk experience and a brand new City Square fan zone with a capacity for 3,000 people.In addition, there will be food and drink outlet, a club shop, a museum, commercial office space and a 400-bed hotel.Rodri officially out for season after undergoing surgery in devastating blow for Man City star The Premier League champions are looking to turn the Etihad into an entertainment destination. More

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      Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris needed just one hour to be persuaded by new star, 24, to give him a career lifeline

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      REGIS LE BRIS revealed it only took an hour for Aaron Connolly to convince him that he deserved a shot at resurrecting his career.The Irish forward, 24, joined promotion-chasing Sunderland on a free this week after three months unemployed.Sunderland announced the signing of Aaron Connolly this weekCredit: X @SunderlandAFCThe Irish striker has been offered the chance to resurrect his careerCredit: X @SunderlandAFCConnolly burst on the scene with Brighton in 2019 with a brace against Tottenham.Four years later, after failed loan spells at Luton, Middlesbrough and Italian side Venezia, he left the Amex having featured more on the gossip pages rather than sport ones.He scored eight times for Hull City last term in the Championship but questions were raised over his physical condition.Despite their bright start, Sunderland have only had 19-year-old Eliezer Mayenda as a recognised striker after deadline day signing Ahmed Abdullahi was sidelined for three months.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe club’s recruitment team had produced a number of suggestions to help bolster Le Bris’ attack.But the Frenchman says he already knew the talents of Connolly and all it took was a chat at the club’s training ground for him to offer him a lifeline.The Black Cats boss said: “I had many, many profiles during the transfer window and so I watched many games from him before. Then, during this period when he was available, I watched other games.“Technically, I knew him before but from his profile, and the others were exactly the same, what exactly is his pathway and connection with this project and his willingness to become a high level player again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“So it was the connection with our team, club and energy and I just had a one hour conversation with him and at the end it was clear that he was ready.“He was very clear. They were not bad subjects, everything was on the table.Roy Keane made £800 off Sunderland players but lost dressing room with training ground trick that immediately backfired“It was clear to me that he has learned from these experiences. If you want to avoid a subject . . . but he talked about every subject. It was interesting.”When asked if this was the last chance saloon for Connolly, Le Bris said: “I don’t know, we’ll see. The experience needs to be lived.”Explaining how Connolly can help his talented teens such as Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg, Le Bris continued: “I’ll explain it for Aaron… He maybe got carried away before and now, after, he understood that he could have many problems if that is the case.“So these experiences are very helpful to those players that don’t know these potential problems.“Chris Mepham, for example, is great for that as when we have spoken in here for example he has shown great maturity.“I have shown two or three clips this week where Chris was involved with a mistake and he just said ‘it was my fault’ instead of trying to find an excuse.“So this experience and this behaviour is very important for everybody because we can all make mistakes but we need to learn very quickly.“The young players, we can expect them to not make any mistakes, but it is not possible. If you take risks then you will make mistakes, that is for sure, but if you learn quickly it’s OK.”And when pressed on whether his new recruit has now matured, Le Bris added: “I think so, but we need to experience it. We’ll see.“At the minute I think that’s the case but the truth lies in his activity and our experience. We’ll see in the next weeks and months.”READ MORE SUN STORIESLe Bris stated that he realistically expects Connolly to be ready for match action after the international break.However, both Ian Poveda and Alan Browne are due to return to the Sunderland squad for the trip to Watford after their respective thigh and knee niggles.Regis Le Bris expects to have the star in his squad after the international breakCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I want to wear flip flops in the rain’ says Mikel Arteta as Arsenal boss gives bizarre analogy in response to critics

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      TRYING to attack Manchester City with 10 men would have been as idiotic as wearing flip flops in the rain, according to Mikel Arteta.And the Arsenal boss has remained defiant amid criticism over his tactics and suggested he will continue to do whatever it takes to win.Mikel Arteta made a bizarre analogy when discussing team tacticsCredit: GettyThe Gunners have come off the back of a gruelling run of three away games on the spin – Tottenham, Atalanta and City – before their mid-week Carabao Cup home win over Bolton.Five points from a possible nine is no mean feat, but the manner in which they acquired those points has come under immense scrutiny from fans, pundits and rival players alike.The Battle of the Etihad saw an enthralling contest end 2-2 after John Stones’ last gasp equaliser as Arsenal almost pulled off a famous win having played over an hour with 10 men following Leandro Trossard’s sending off just before half time.In the aftermath, Stones labelled Arsenal and Arteta’s methods of time wasting and so-called ‘dark arts’ as “dirty” while Bernardo Silva raged: “There was only one team that came to play football.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRoy Keane piled in by calling the North Londoners “dinosaurs” with just 22 per cent possession and three shots on target, while Graeme Souness believes Arsenal have an “inferiority complex” when it comes to big clashes.But ahead of welcoming Leicester to the Emirates today, Arteta has hit back by telling his doubters to remember the “context”.Asked about the criticism, he said: “That is a war you cannot win, no? On one side: ‘I don’t like it’. On another side: ‘I don’t like it.’ So where do I go?“Don’t get involved in it. It doesn’t make any sense. It is very clear.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I want to win. The way we prepare the games and the way we want to play, for sure. In our way. But understanding the context.“I want to wear flip flops, shorts and a t-shirt, but with [rainy] weather? Ethan Nwaneri’s rise at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta’s guise”I think I would be very silly to do that. ‘I am very brave’ — yeah but tomorrow you are sick.“I don’t want to be on YouTube because we’ve been so silly. “I want to be on YouTube because we’ve done the right thing in May, and for the right reasons and lifting what we want to lift and achieve.“So, in order to do that we have to be very efficient in what we do. I did what I believed was the right thing to be as competitive as possible to win the game.“We get negative criticism. Where we are, after what we’ve been through in the last three games… that tells you the expectations. So, we have to raise the level, that’s it.”Arteta insists relationship with Guardiola can’t be damagedBy Jordan DaviesMIKEL ARTETA insists nothing can damage his relationship with Pep Guardiola – not even the spiciest of title fights.The Battle of the Etihad last weekend saw Arsenal and Manchester City produce a Prem epic that ended 2-2 after John Stones’ 98th minute equaliser.There is no love lost between these two English juggernauts right now – yet Guardiola this week said the “relationship doesn’t change” with his old friend Arteta.And Arteta – who worked under Pep at City between 2016 and 2019 – said: “In sport it will never get in my way a personal relationship. That’s for sure.“If our relationship was damaged because one draws and the other one wins or the number of times that they’ve beaten us, I would not talk to him anymore.“They have beat us… they won the last four Premier League titles and our relationship continues to be the same, so what has to change for that relationship to be over?“That’s not our relationship, especially the relationship that I consider both of us have.“Because I love him, I respect him, I admire him and I admire his team and everything that he does. This is sport. One thing is our profession another is our personal relationship.”Arteta’s Arsenal were accused of playing “dirty” and using the ‘dark arts’ to frustrate City – something that Pep said was not a problem, calling it “brilliant… more than perfect”.On if it is hard to remain friends with the outside noise and intense rivalry between the Gunners and City, Arteta continued: “If those accusations effect you it’s because maybe they’re true.“If they don’t and you know and you do what you believe is right and you show your integrity it doesn’t have to be.“There are opinions and if you don’t like opinions then you shouldn’t be sitting in the position that I am. It’s quite simple. Don’t take it personal. It’s part of our job.“The things that you really care about make sure you handle them in the right way. That relationship [with Pep] I really care about.“The same with a lot of people in that staff and players that I spent really important years of my life with.“When you get to know those people in the good and the bad, when things go your way, and they don’t go your way, then you understand them much better.“For me it’s not a surprise and I’m very comfortable with that.”In Arteta’s first season in charge of Arsenal in the 2019/20 campaign, they finished 35 points off of Pep’s City – but have closed the gap having finished two points behind them last term.On whether he is now enjoying the fact there is now a real rivalry between the two clubs, Arteta added: “I prefer this reaction much more than someone clapping my back after the game and saying: ‘Well done, you guys are in the right direction’. This is why I do what I do.“This is an emotion I cannot control but I have to be as competitive as possible, the reaction of someone else is different.”Arsenal have the longest average delay time of any side in the Prem this season with 31.8 seconds, and have picked up 14 yellow cards for time wasting since the start of the 2023/24 campaign – only Wolves [15] and Chelsea [17] have more.On if you need a nasty streak to win titles, Arteta added: “You have to control and dominate every scenario if you want to compete at the level that we are aiming for and the opposition that we have.“The best in the world are doing almost everything in football. That’s the level and that’s what we have to try to do.”Arsenal now face the Foxes, Southampton and Bournemouth in their next three Prem outings, but Arteta has his methods for ensuring the intensity of previous games continues.On their preparation to face Leicester, he explained: “I asked the players the question [on Thursday], to write it: ‘What are the difficulties and the challenges here?’“And they were very clear about it, so they know what is coming, and they know this league so far is so good, and they know that we’re going to need to be at the top level to beat them.“[The notes] are in the dressing room, on the walls.”No.1 David Raya remains a doubt after seen limping following the City draw and missing Wednesday’s 5-1 third round thrashing of Bolton.A late fitness test is required, with summer signing Neto potentially set to make his debut for the club after joining from the Cherries.Ben White and Jurrien Timber will be available after also being rested this week, but Mikel Merino [shoulder] and Martin Odegaard [ankle] remain missing.READ MORE SUN STORIESArteta said: “If you put me in this scenario before the season with the fixtures that we had, I would be very pleased with how we got out of that.“We have an exceptional group. A lot of players are taking a role in their leadership of the team. They embraced the challenge and I’m really happy for that.”Arsenal player ratings vs BoltonETHAN NWANERI will remember this night for the rest of his life after scoring twice on his full Arsenal debut.The Gunners eased to a 5-1 victory over Bolton in the Carabao Cup third round.See how their players, young and old, rated at the Emirates.Jack Porter – 6He may be 16 years old but he did not show it tonight. Had one scare when his pass was blocked by Aaron Collins and the ball flew over but other than that he did not put a foot wrong.Josh Nichols – 6Encouraging signs from the right-back although he was not really tested in a defensive capacity.Jakub Kiwior – 6Dealt with Bolton’s many crosses into the box but was far too high up the pitch, along with Calafiori, which allowed the visitors to break and score.Riccardo Calafiori – 7A Rolls-Royce defender who carries himself a bit like David Luiz, minus the erratic decision-making. Defended well and went close with a long shot.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Looked very comfortable in possession and saw plenty of the ball. Excellent composure for a young head and linked with Sterling well.Jorginho – 6Kept things ticking over but in truth it was quite an easy night for the Italian.Declan Rice – 7Took his goal very well and everything Arsenal did went through him.Ethan Nwaneri – 9A night to remember for the 17-year-old as he capped his first start for the club with his first goals. Showed great poaching instincts.Bukayo Saka – 9Typical Saka performance and he was a constant threat with his delivery, whether in open play or from corners.Raheem Sterling – 9A threat throughout and he is back playing with a smile on his face, which is great to see. Worked hard and got his deserved goal when he poked in from two yards out.Gabriel Jesus – 5Plenty of energy and panache up front but without the finishing to match – a familiar tale of his Arsenal career.See how the Arsenal subs rated here More

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      Arsenal tried every trick in the book and still couldn’t topple Man City – Mikel Arteta needs to cherish that point

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      ELITE football is a war-game that begins with the manager and ends with the referee’s final whistle.Under-fire Arsenal, a man short, played the war game and eventually shared the points with champions Manchester City on Sunday.Mikel Arteta may have deployed the dark arts against Manchester CityCredit: GettyBut he should savour that pointCredit: AlamyThey have been accused of “dark arts” by crudely wasting time, but it seems a huge majority of teams use similar tactics in the circumstances.Mikel Arteta is an exceptional manager, so suggestions that he deployed a rookie player to tell goalkeeper David Raya to feign injury was unworthy of him.The poor young pro who was apparently sent to deliver the message to Raya was rewarded with a yellow card for unsporting behaviour, this before he had played a single minute of professional football.But no matter the tactics, unsporting or otherwise, his players did what they were told and were ruthless in trying to retain their 2-1 lead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet in a way their steely defence confirmed how difficult it is to overcome the class of the four-in-row champions.Just as well Sunday’s 107min 17sec marathon was competently refereed by Michael Oliver. Not so easy in a match of colliding bodies, fierce tackles and endless delays.Oddly this stirring 2-2 draw was fascinating.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSI am quite sure Pep Guardiola would not have been as fractious as his former assistant but as the saying goes “needs must as the devil drives”.One or two Arsenal players might have been tempted to break ranks.How Arteta outsmarted Pep AGAIN with cunning Calafiori ‘piggyback’ trick and ‘secret Arsenal coach’At half-time Arteta set the tactics to give the Gunners a chance to win — and his players did as they were told. Like every manager, Arteta is THE BOSS. No prizes for guessing the orders the Spaniard gave to his men: simply, stay back and stop them.Pushing, wrestling, body-checking, time-wasting are ugly but commonplace and they still exist despite many crackdowns. Managers tend to turn a blind eye to most fouls unless a penalty results or an offender is sent off.In first-half injury-time, Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard saw red for kicking the ball away and receiving his second booking.Arsenal ratings vs Man CityTEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.Here’s how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 9Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol. RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.GABRIEL – 9Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.DECLAN RICE – 7Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.BUKAYO SAKA – 6Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.  KAI HAVERTZ – 7Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.SUBSWHITE – 7(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.KIWIOR – 6(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.JESUS – 6(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutesLEWIS SKELLY – 6(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.Click here to read more on Arsenal.No doubt Arteta was furious — not least because Declan Rice committed the same silliness earlier this month and missed a match.Managers tend to be practical and Arteta knew all too well how City dominate opponents of the highest class.With his weakened team, he ordered impassible non-stop defence, last-minute blocked shots, strong tackles, muscle in the six-yard box and decisive heading.No way were his men going to chuck away their lead, defending it as if it were the Siege of the Etihad, bloody but unbeaten.All of this to succeed in running down the clock and defy City by any way legal or close to it. They did this with a lock-tight defence, holding off one of the world’s best teams until John Stones finally equalised deep into added time.READ MORE SUN STORIESYet Arteta should cherish the point. Players are vastly paid and often spoiled but here was an example of defiance that is as much to be admired as challenged.Yes, Arsenal’s time-wasting was epic. They used every trick in the book but, on balance, two lost league points for City was a small win for their closest rivals. More