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      Sean Dyche forced to bring list of injured Everton stars to press conference with only three of starting XI available

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      SEAN DYCHE has revealed Everton could be without several key players for Saturday’s trip to Leicester City.The Toffees are yet to earn a point in the Premier League this season having lost each of their opening four games.Sean Dyche has revealed Everton could be without eight first team stars against Leicester CityCredit: GettyJarrad Branthwaite is working his way back to full fitnessCredit: GettySeamus Coleman’s injury is worse than initially fearedCredit: GettyThey go into this weekend rock bottom of the table with a goal difference of minus nine.And things could go from bad to worse when they face Leicester at the King Power Stadium.Dyche was forced to admit that just three members of his preferred starting line-up are fit ahead of Saturday’s match.The remaining eight players are either certain to miss the clash, or they are doubtful.Read More in FootballEverton boss Dyche explained: “I’ve brought a list just to make sure I don’t forget anyone!”Jarrad [Branthwaite] is making progress and hopefully will be able to get involved with the game this weekend. It’s looking like he will do with the Under-21s.”James Tarkowski, we’re hopeful. He trained today and there’s no reaction.”Nathan Patterson, same as Jarrad. Dominic Calvert-Lewin looks okay today. He was back in on the grass so hopefully his illness is gone.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Jimmy Garner is still not in with illness. Idrissa [Gueye] has unfortunately had a family bereavement so he won’t be here.”Myko [Vitaliy Mykolenko] is through the illness, he was in today so we’re hopeful that’s him done.Everton’s £760million new stadium close to completion as incredible new video of ground is revealed “Seamus [Coleman] is still injured, unfortunately it’s going to be longer than we hoped, so that’s not going to be a quick situation, we’re not sure of the timescales yet.”Youssef [Chermiti] is making good progress but obviously quite a long-term injury. Armando [Broja] is making progress, but also obviously a longer term injury.”And Keano [Michael Keane] is getting checked out today, just having a precautionary scan to make sure he’s ok.”Everton were hit with another huge blow earlier this week when they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Southampton.Dyche’s side suffered a 6-5 defeat on penalties following a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.Everton’s injury/illness concernsInjury:Jarrad BranthwaiteSeamus ColemanYoussef ChermitiArmando BrojaMichael KeaneNathan PattersonIllness:Jimmy GarnerVitaliy MykolenkoDominic Calvert-LewinBereavement:Idrissa Gueye More

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      Former England star David James makes Premier League top four prediction with Chelsea and Man Utd long way off the pace

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      DAVID JAMES has given his predictions for which teams will make the top four of the Premier League.James, 54, played the best part of 600 games in the Premier League between 1992 and 2010, starring for Liverpool, West Ham, Manchester City and Portsmouth.David James has named the clubs he is backing to make the top fourCredit: GettyBut he has snubbed Man Utd, Chelsea and Tottenham in doing soCredit: ReutersJames backed Newcastle or Aston Villa to take the final top four spotCredit: GettyAnd the former England international reckons two of his former teams will be shoe-ins for a title race.Speaking to SafestCasinoSites, James said: “Manchester City will expect to win the league, or at least that is my expectation from them. That is simply what City do.”Arsenal will be up there. I expect Arsenal to mount another title challenge, and I think Liverpool will do the same thing.”In terms of the top four, James has named Newcastle and Aston Villa as the teams he believes are most likely to make the top four, snubbing Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJames continued: “The final position is a little bit trickier to predict. “I think Villa will be there, but sadly for them to do that, then they will likely have to sacrifice the domestic cup competitions, which is a shame, but that’s the reality of the standard in the Premier League these days.”I think Newcastle could be there or thereabouts. I like the club’s start to the season, which has been achieved in less than harmonious circumstances. “We’ve seen Eddie Howe do it before, so we know he has that in his locker.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Chelsea, they have some wonderful players, but consistency will be the main issue for them. “I can’t see them being consistent enough to challenge for a place in the top four over a thirty-eight-game season.Premier League legend David James comes out of retirement aged 53 and scores 25-yard free-kick winner”If I’m looking at the table as things stand, then I’m pretty sure the top four will come from the clubs that are currently sat in those positions, possibly even in the same order. “It’s between Villa and Newcastle for the fourth-placed position.”The current top five are the clubs James already mentioned, with Villa in fifth with third-place Newcastle and fourth-place Liverpool.Man City and Arsenal make up the top two and face off at the Etihad this weekend. More

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      I was a paramedic before falling into football while backpacking – now I’m about to face ex-Chelsea star Hernan Crespo

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      ALBERT RIERA left his job as a paramedic in Catalonia to go travelling for a year in New Zealand.While most twenty-somethings who leave Europe for travel end up sightseeing, maybe getting a bar job to pay the bills, Riera wound up winning the Champions League.Albert Riera left Spain for New Zealand in 2010Credit: GettyThe diminutive 5ft 8in midfielder, not to be confused with the ex-Manchester City and Liverpool star of the same name, had balanced his ambulance work with being a part-time footballer in Spain’s fourth tier.But after landing a one-year visa to head to New Zealand, he had no intention of playing football Down Under.After his dad pointed him in the direction of Auckland City’s Catalan coach Ramon Tribulietx, however, he ended up somewhat reluctantly sending over footage of his games.Tribulietx liked what he saw enough to offer him a trial, and Riera never looked back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I thought that would be it,” Riera, now 40, admitted while chatting to The National. “But after one week he said that he wanted to sign me for the rest of the season – two months.”My friends said, ‘We’ve come to travel, not to play football’. I said, ‘Look, in two months I’ll finish and then we’ll hire a van and travel’. In the meantime, we won the Oceanic Champions League and I travelled to New Caledonia, to Tahiti for free. Football was letting me travel.”At the end of the season, we still hired the van and goofed around New Zealand where you work for people in return for accommodation.”We were in a hippy community in the bush and we were gardening, cleaning, chopping wood, making buildings. We were also packing kiwi fruits – you soon get sick of them.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRiera went on to earn a contract at Auckland CityCredit: Getty”We’d work night shifts for 10 hours per night just to save more money to travel again.”The idea was six months in New Zealand and six months travelling back to Spain via Asia – Tibet and places like that.”Watch bizarre moment cup clash is interrupted by wheelchair streaker leaving fans in hystericsHaving doubted that he’d even be good enough to make Auckland’s squad, Riera found himself being offered an opportunity to stay for the following season.And after thriving for part-timers Auckland, Riera was incredibly handed the opportunity to turn professional at the age of 29.The Spaniard turned professional with Wellington Phoenix aged 29Credit: GettyThe midfielder played against Juventus in the 2014 A-League All-Star GameCredit: AFP’I THOUGHT IT WOULD GO NOWHERE’After impressing in a pre-season friendly against Wellington Phoenix, Riera was offered a trial by the A-League outfit.His intention to move back to Spain was flipped on its head, when Scottish coach Ernie Merrick told him after just one day that he’d be offering him a contract.During his subsequent time in the A-League he was called up to their All-Star team, which enabled him the opportunity to play against Juventus – swapping shirts with legendary Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo.Who are these famous footballers?Following three years with Wellington, Riera decided that the brutal travel schedule had become too much for him – and opted to rejoin Auckland.After hanging up his boots in 2021, by this point a New Zealand citizen, Riera became manager of Auckland.Having won three OFC Champions Leagues as a player, he subsequently added two more as a coach.This week he has taken his side to Abu Dhabi, where they will face Asian champions Al-Ain in the first round of the Club World Cup on Sunday.The match will see him pit his managerial wits against former Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo, who has been coaching the Emirati side for just under a year.Last year they fell 3-0 at this stage to Saudi outfit Al-Ittihad, who boasted the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Fabinho among their ranks.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We’re realistic, but I’ll tell my players to compete as well as we can, Riera said of this year’s task. “I remember Crespo as a player, one of the great Argentina strikers. He was a busy No9 running behind all the time, full of energy. I’m happy for my team to be playing his.”On the dreams that could lie ahead, Riera said: “It’s way harder now, but we’re only three games away from playing Real Madrid to become world champions. You never know in football!”Riera will take on former Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo this weekendCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I miss it sometimes,’ says Sir Alex Ferguson as former Man Utd manager opens up in rare interview

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      LEGENDARY Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has opened up about “missing” life in the Old Trafford dugout.The 82-year-old retired from management in 2013 following a 27-year spell with United.Sir Alex Ferguson discussed his career in a rare interview with BBC BreakfastCredit: BBCThe legendary manager admits he misses being at Man UtdCredit: GettyHe is still widely considered one of the greatest managers of all-time, having won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League titles.Although he stepped away from the job over 11 years ago, Ferguson admits it has taken time to adjust to life outside of football.In a rare interview with BBC Breakfast, the Scottish icon said: “Good yeah, I have been retired 11 years now so you find a way of adjusting.”Asked if he misses life in management, he continued: “Yeah, I miss it sometimes. Read More in Football”I think the first year after retirement, I went to the European final and I said to Cathy ‘this is what I miss’ – big games, the European games.”So then I went to most of the European finals because I find something I can relate to, something I would liked to have done every day. “Because these are the big events that United should always be involved in.”Ferguson’s wife, Cathy, passed away last October at the age of 84.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe couple had been married for 57 years having tied the knot in 1966.Cathy supported Fergie in his recovery after he suffered a brain haemorrhage six years ago.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-UpsThe legendary boss made a full recovery after being given a 20 per cent chance of survival.Ferguson spoke to BBC Breakfast as part of National Playlist Day, which is a UK-wide celebration of the power of meaningful music for people living with dementia.He said: “Fortunately my memory is quite good, pray the lord and touch wood it will stay that way.”I read a lot, I do quizzes, and I think that helps, there is the YouTube quizzes with 100 questions and if I don’t get 70 per cent I’m struggling.”Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Raheem Sterling makes history after coming on as a substitute in Arsenal’s drab Champions League draw

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      RAHEEM STERLING wrote his name into the Champions League history books on Thursday.The 29-year-old made his first European appearance for Arsenal against Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium, replacing Bukayo Saka in the 73rd minute.Raheem Sterling made Champions League history last nightCredit: GettyIn doing so, he became the first player to represent FOUR different English clubs in the Champions League.His first outing in the competition came with Liverpool ten years ago against Ludogorets.Sterling then went on to join Manchester City and spent seven years at the Etihad.During that time he helped Pep Guardiola’s side to the 2021 Champions League final, but they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.Read More in FootballThe winger subsequently signed for the Blues one year later.Sterling fell down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge last season.He was left out of Enzo Maresca’s plans earlier this summer and given the green light to leave Stamford Bridge.Arsenal swooped in to sign him on a season-long loan just a few hours before the transfer window shut.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Gunners negotiated a bargain deal with no fees and less than a 50 per cent wage contribution.Sterling is yet to start a match for Arsenal.’Arsenal’s Timber dodged red card v Spurs because of safe ref call’ | The Whistleblower, Mark HalseyHe made his debut in the club’s 1-0 win over Tottenham last week.And his second appearance came against Atalanta on Thursday.The Gunners held the Europa League champions to a 0-0 draw at the Gewiss Stadium.David Raya kept his team in the game with a stunning double-save.Arsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘submits shock £84m bid to buy French top-flight club’ as he eyes second sporting investment

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD has submitted a surprise bid to buy a top-flight French football club, reports suggest.The Liverpool star already owns a stake in French car manufacturer and Formula One team Alpine.Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has submitted a bid to buy a French football clubCredit: APThe England international is said to be in talks to buy NantesCredit: AFPAlexander-Arnold owns a joint stake in F1 team AlpineCredit: XHe joined stars including Rory McIlroy and Anthony Joshua in acquiring a 24 per cent share in the team worth £164million last June.However, the 25-year-old is now looking to add a second French name to his portfolio of assets with the addition of Ligue 1 side Nantes.According to French outlet L’Equipe, he has submitted a bid worth around £84m (€100m). It is understood the offer is broken down into a £67m upfront payment with a further £17m in seller credit. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere is also the potential for a further £34m in bonuses.Alexander-Arnold’s father, Michael, helps to manage his financial assets via an investment fund based in London.It’s reported they have been in contact with Nantes owner Waldemar Kita for over a year.They first spoke via a video call last summer before an in-person meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, earlier this year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe bid comes following a third meeting between the parties in London on Thursday after Alexander-Arnold and his father stepped up their interest as they look to complete a takeover.Kita also held talks over a possible sale with English businessman Leigh Hunt in 2019, with discussions over a fourth-month period for a deal worth more than the £84m now on offer.Trent Alexander-Arnold & Jude Law’s daughter Iris spotted on second date having dinner in MonacoBut the proposed deal was cancelled after Kita was left furious at it being leaked to the media.The 71-year-old has owned Nantes since 2007 but is said to have grown tired of the club’s financial problems in recent years.However, the Kita family have denied their alleged interest in selling the club.The England international earns £180,000-a-week at Liverpool – with his contract at Anfield up at the end of the season. More

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      Former Premier League star warns Arteta Arsenal must win trophy this year or they’ll be a ‘glorified Tottenham’

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      ARSENAL have been warned that they must start winning trophies under Mikel Arteta.The Gunners have achieved back-to-back runner-up finishes in the Premier League.Mikel Arteta has been charge at Arsenal since 2019Credit: GettyArteta, 42, did win the FA Cup during his first season in charge at the Emirates.But despite contending for the Premier League title, the Spaniard has so far been unable to add to his trophy cabinet.This weekend, Arsenal travel to Manchester City on the back of a 0-0 draw at Atalanta in the Champions League.In the same fixture last season at the Etihad, fans were subjected to a 0-0 bore draw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAhead of the latest battle between the two contenders, former England goalkeeper David James warned that Arsenal risk becoming a “glorified Tottenham” if they continue to miss out on the biggest prizes.Speaking to Safest Casino Sites, he said: “Finishing in the Champions League positions is great, but Arsenal fans don’t want to go back to the latter days of Wenger finishing fourth every season and winning nothing, they don’t want to be a glorified Tottenham!”Arteta must win trophies with the club for that narrative to change, and until he does, there will always be doubts about Arsenal and whether or not you can consider them a true force in English football.”A lot of my Arsenal supporting friends have been saying ‘this is the year’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDavid James has had his say on ArsenalCredit: Getty”Football doesn’t work like that; you have to take your opportunities when there’s a chance. Arsenal haven’t done that in the last two years.”James, 54, also claimed that Arteta cannot be considered among the world’s very best managers until he brings home that silverware.’Arsenal’s Timber dodged red card v Spurs because of safe ref call’ | The Whistleblower, Mark HalseyHe continued: “Mikel Arteta needs to turn the potential and the promise into silverware to be considered one of the best managers in Europe.”It is strange because when Arteta first went in there, I was probably raving about him more then than I would do with any other manager, and people need to remember that, despite winning the FA Cup in his first season, it was a bumpy ride.”It was a massive rebuild job that Arsenal needed, and he’s seen that through to the extent where they are now Premier League title-chasers. He deserves credit for that.”The next step is taking that final jump and winning the title. That is the only way that Arsenal can improve in the Premier League.”Despite the Gunners’ progress in recent seasons, James still won’t back them to win the title this time around.On what could hold Arsenal back, the former City stopper added: “Do Arsenal have what it takes to win the title? I still have my doubts.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I still think they’re a little bit too emotional at times.”I think that could be an issue that rears its head during the season.” More

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      David Raya reveals secret behind incredible penalty double save after Arsenal star took advantage of delay

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      DAVID RAYA has revealed the secrets behind his penalty heroics in Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Atalanta.The Spanish shot-stopper was the Gunners’ hero last night as he stopped Mateo Retegui from 12 yards before leaping back across his goal to miraculously claw a headed rebound off the line.David Raya saved Mateo Retegui’s penalty to preserve Arsenal’s clean sheetCredit: GettyHe then clawed a rebound off the lineCredit: RexHe has now revealed the secret behind his successCredit: ReutersRaya, 29, has conceded just one goal so far this season which has helped Mikel Arteta’s side to an unbeaten start.Their away trip to Europa League champions Atalanta looked to be a tricky test on paper, and so it proved, with Gian Piero Gasperini’s side having more possession and shots than Arsenal.However, Raya was there to thwart the Italian side’s attempts, and he has now revealed the secret behind his latest heroics.During the delay before it was taken, the 29-year-old went to speak with goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana, whom he had also previously worked with at Brentford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to TNT Sports after the game, he said: “I made the decision to go to the sideline during the VAR consultation because there was a long wait.”So I just wanted to speak to the goalkeeper coach to have more of a sense of which way I should go, what to do and what not to do.”Credit to him because he helps me a lot in every aspect. He does all the work with everything and he also deserves credit for the save.”Raya saw praise heaped on him by boss Arteta, who said the save was “probably one of the best saves I have seen in my career”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe also drew praise from Gasperini, who labelled him a “cat”.It has been some journey for Raya, who 10 years ago today lost 3-0 on his National League debut playing for Southport.The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton break down the new changes for the UEFA Champions League format for 2024/25He will doubtless be hoping to add to his list of clean sheets with a shutout against title rivals Manchester City on Sunday.City leads Arsenal by two points, with the match at the Etihad potentially pivotal in the season’s title charge for both.Raya revealed he spoke to goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana during the delay before the penaltyCredit: GettyArsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. 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