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      Mason Greenwood handed special badge which no other player in France gets to wear

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      MASON GREENWOOD was handed a special badge to wear by Ligue 1.The former Manchester United star has made a fast start to his Marseille career since joining in the summer.Mason Greenwood wore a special badge against NiceCredit: Instagram @olympiquedemarseilleHe was signed by the French club for around £30million, with the Red Devils inserting a 50 per cent sell-on clause in the deal.Greenwood has scored five goals in his first four games including a brace against Toulouse in a 3-1 victory before the international break.That feat means he was given a unique badge to wear for Marseille’s match against Nice on Saturday, which no other Ligue 1 player got to wear.Greenwood, 22, wore the top scorer badge after scoring the most goals in the previous gameweek.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe white and gold logo is called the S1 badge and was introduced at the start of the season.However Greenwood failed to mark the occasion with a goal as he drew a blank for the first time this season, with Marseille winning 2-0.And although he has started the season on fire, interim England boss Lee Carsley ruled him out of returning to the Three Lions squad.He said: “Mason wasn’t a player that we can consider to be honest, no.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I’m aware of how he’s doing but he wasn’t under consideration.”Greenwood could switch his allegiances to Jamaica instead with the process to transfer the forward’s international registration already underway.Cristiano Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand in hysterics as they remember Man Utd nicknames from ‘Shrek’ and ‘SatNav’ to ‘J-Lo’ More

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      ‘I’d expect a foul’ – Paul Merson claims Arsenal’s winner at Tottenham shouldn’t have stood as VAR fails to intervene

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      PAUL MERSON reckons Arsenal’s winner in the North London Derby SHOULDN’T have stood.The Gunners ran out 1-0 winners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon thanks to a bullet second-half header from Gabriel Magalhaes.Arsenal ran out 1-0 winners in the North London Derby on SundayCredit: GETTYGabriel Magalhaes’ second-half header secured a massive three points for the GunnersCredit: ALAMYThe Brazilian bullied Spurs centre-back Cristian Romero off the ball before heading homeCredit: REUTERSFormer Arsenal star Paul Merson reckons Gabriel’s goal shouldn’t have stoodCredit: REXThe Brazilian buffeted fellow centre-back Cristian Romero out of the way before heading the ball past a helpless Guglielmo Vicario.Romero didn’t make a meal of the contact and go to ground, something former Gunner Merson believes he was more than entitled to do.The Sky Sports pundit said: “I would be disappointed if I didn’t get a foul.”[Romero] is in the wrong position, everything is wrong about his defending. He’s an international centre-half.READ MORE ON SPURS VS ARSENAL”Even I know, and I don’t play at the back, that you’ve got to be side-on, seeing the ball and your player.”To start off with you’ve got to be a hand-length away [from him] and he was standing with him.”I do think – I’d expect a foul. I would expect a foul.”Victory for Mikel Arteta’s troops was their THIRD on the spin at the home of their fiercest rivals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd they triumphed without the services of star midfielders Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, the latter of whom was serving a needless suspension for his red card against Brighton before the international break.A jubilant Arteta said of the win: “We have the power to make a lot of people happy and proud.Fans fume at ‘pure robbery’ after Arsenal star Jurrien Timber avoids red card after referee ‘bottles it'”We certainly did that today in the manner that we won the game in the circumstances that we had before arriving into this match.”And with this being the third consecutive away win here as well, it means a lot. So hopefully, they can enjoy it.“There are certain things that we have to do better for sure.”Especially the simple things with the ball that I wasn’t happy at all with.”But there are other things in the game that we have to do and the way we competed and defended.”And the way we have the intention all the time to run in the spaces that they give you, it was unbelievable.“Then you have to find a way to win in any context, and today it was tricky, because first of all they are a great opponent.”Secondly because we have to alter our plan quite a lot for the players that we had, and then you still win the game.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal will be back in action on Thursday night in their Champions League opener against Atalanta.The North Londoners will then travel to defending Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. More

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      Ange Postecoglou appears to promise Tottenham fans a trophy THIS SEASON in feisty interview after Arsenal loss

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU appeared to promise Tottenham fans a trophy this season in a feisty post-North London derby interview.The Spurs boss stated he always wins silverware in his second season and believes he will maintain that record this campaign.Ange Postecoglou was a little tetchy in his post-match interviewHis side were second best in the derby as Gabriel’s goal gave all three points to Arsenal.And after the match Postecoglou was a little short with his interviewer after he was interrupted when answering a question about winning silverware in his second season.He said: “Am I going to answer the question or are you going to keep asking it?”No absolutely, I’ll correct myself I don’t usually win things I always win things in my second year. Nothing’s changed.”Postecoglou continued: “I’ve said it now. I don’t say things unless I believe them.”Fans found his comments amusing with some reminding the Aussie that he is managing Spurs, who have not won a trophy since 2008.One reacted saying: “Tell him it’s Tottenham.”Another added: “Not gonna win because he’s at Spurs 🤣”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “That’s fine when your managing Celtic or in Australia.”And another commented: “Think he forgot the club he’s managing.”Fans fume at ‘pure robbery’ after Arsenal star Jurrien Timber avoids red card after referee ‘bottles it’ More

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      Chris Smalling endures ‘worst football debut in 19 years’ as ex-Man Utd ace emulates fellow former England star

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      CHRIS SMALLING had his own Jonathon Woodgate moment on his debut for new club Al-Fayha in the Saudi Pro League.Smalling, who joined the Saudi outfit this summer, scored an own goal and got himself sent off as Al-Fayha were thrashed 5-0 by Al-Raed.Chris Smalling had a nightmare debut for his new club Al-FayhaCredit: SSCSmalling tried to clear a low cross in the early stages of the gameCredit: SSCInstead, he turned it into his own netCredit: SSCThe star was then shown a red card in the second halfCredit: SSCSmalling penned a two-year deal with the Middle Eastern club after calling time on his five-year spell in Italy with Roma.And going into his first game for the club with hopes high as one of the club’s marquee signings, Smalling put in a nightmare performance.Just six minutes into the game and the 34-year-old tried to clear a low cross into the box, but got it horribly wrong.Instead of knocking the ball safely away for a corner he saw it bounce off his boot and into the back of his own net. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAl-Fayha conceded another two goals before the break and needed a big second half to turn things around.But their chances of doing that were scuppered when Smalling was given a straight red card in the 55th minute, reducing his side to ten men and making a comeback virtually impossible.The two-time Premier League champion has been compared to former Leeds and Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate, who had a similarly calamitous debut when he first joined Real Madrid.Back in 2005, Woodgate had sealed a move to Los Blancos and made his first start in a clash with Athletic Bilbao.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWoodgate also scored an own goal as well as receiving two yellow cards to be given his marching orders.However, his Real Madrid teammates managed to dig him out of the hole by turning the game around and winning 3-1, something Smalling’s Al-Fayha colleagues were unable to do.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsFans online couldn’t believe what they were seeing, taking to social media to tease Smalling for his unfortunate showing.One wrote: “Channeling his inner Jonathon Woodgate.”While another simply added: “Yeah, that’s bad.”A third joked: “He probably saw Woodgate’s Real Madrid debut video before kickoff”.And a fourth teased: “Chris Smalling having what is known as the ‘Johnathan Woodgate’ of debuts”.Jonathan Woodgate had a similarly disastrous debut for Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe former Middlesbrough defender also scored an own goalCredit: GettyHe was later dismissed for two yellow card offencesCredit: Getty More

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      Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Gabriel’s header fires Gunners to fierce North London derby win – latest updates

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      ARSENAL have beaten Tottenham once again in the North London derby!Gabriel wriggled free in a crowded box to nod the Gunners in front.And that was enough to seal all three points for Mikel Arteta’s men.RESULT: Tottenham 0-1 ArsenalLive stream: NOW TVTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier LeagueTottenham XI: Vicario, Porro, Van de Ven, Romero, Udogie, Kulusevski, Bentancur, Johnson, Maddison, Son, SolankeArsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Jorginho, Havertz; Saka, Trossard, MartinelliBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollow ALL the action from the Tottenham Hotspur stadium with our live blog below…Goodbye!That’s it for today from SunSport! But the other Premier League clash Wolves vs Newcastle is well underway!Copy linkCopiedPostecoglou ‘We switched off’Ange Postecoglou will not be happy after his side face yet another defeat this season.Spurs now sit 13th in the Premier League on just four points.”It’s very disappointing in a big game for us and our supporters. We didn’t deliver so you have to take the pain from that.”It has been the story of our season so far, we played in their half and created chances but we lack a bit of belief in the final third. That’s what we need to fix. It was always going to be decided in moments and they capitalised on theirs.”It’s me who has to give the guys the way forward. It’s not for a lack of trying by the lads, we are just going through this early part of the season where we are playing well but not getting rewards for it.”We handled set-pieces pretty well but we switched off for one and paid the price.”Ange Postecoglou Sky SportsCopy linkCopiedArteta ‘we believed we could hurt them’Arteta was confident his side would finish on top in today’s derby.He said on Sky Sports: “They are a great side and create an unbelievable atmosphere, we knew it would be tough. We believed we could hurt them, we weren’t the best with the ball today.”The way we defended was top drawer. We want to play a different game but they put a structure that is extremely difficult to match up so we decided not to do that.”We just work on heading the ball, having the right delivery and winning the ball. It is about the right timing. Over the season the team has to go over hurdles so I am delighted.”Copy linkCopiedSky Sports accidentally award MOM to wrong playerSky Sports mistakenly awarded the North London derby Man of the Match to Gabriel Jesus.The forward featured as a late substitute but barely had time to impact the match.However his team-mate Gabriel Magalhaes did, notching the winner with a second half header.Copy linkCopiedJorginho ‘We can count on eachother’Arsenal captain Jorginho revealed the team spirit in the Gunners squad today despite missing some of their key stars.He said on Sky Sports: “We had to work really hard as you saw, we knew it was going to be a difficult game. “On these days you have to work hard and we know we can count on each other as teammates.”At the end it paid off and we are so happy that we won. We had key players missing but we are a total team, the whole squad. “We know that whoever comes on will be ready to help the team. We are really proud of the team.”Copy linkCopiedMatch Report!Gabriel’s bullet header seals crucial three points for Gunners in North London derby.Copy linkCopiedArsenal ratingsHere is how SunSports Lloyd Canfield rated Arsenal’s squad today!DAVID RAYA – 8/10JURRIEN TIMBER – 7WILLIAM SALIBA – 8GABRIEL – 9BEN WHITE – 6JORGINHO – 4THOMAS PARTEY – 5GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6BUKAYO SAKA – 7KAI HAVERTZ – 6SUBS:GABRIEL JESUS (LEANDRO TROSSARD, 79) – 5RAHEEM STERLING  (GABRIEL MARTINELLI, 79) – 5Copy linkCopiedVictory for ArsenalArsenal’s win solidifies their undefeated streak this season, placing them just two points shy of the frontrunners, Manchester City.Tottenham will view this match as yet another missed opportunity, having had chances to secure a win but failing to capitalise on them. Currently, they’re positioned 13th, having achieved only one victory in their initial four matches.Copy linkCopiedFULL TIME Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal FULL TIME!!! It is Arsenal. It is Arsenal again. They have won at Spurs for the third time in a row.And it was thanks to Gabriel’s second-half header.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 0-1 Arsenal90+4. Odobert had a shot from the distance but Werner is offside and blocks the shot.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 0-1 Arsenal91+5. CHANCE!!! Kulusevski fires the ball towards the goal but he overestimates the shot and it heads over the bar.The clock is ticking and Spurs are in desperate need of a goal.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 0-1 Arsenal89. Spurs are so close but yet still so far.Romero gets a shot on target but it goes straight into David Raya.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 0-1 Arsenal85. Saka off! The winger cannot continue but in return, it is 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri who comes on.He became the youngest player to appear in the top flight of English football when he made his debut aged just 15 two years ago.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 0-1 Arsenal 83. Gabriel flicks the ball away as Solanke appears to trip on his foot.There’s an appeal for a penalty from the Spurs fans but it is checked and no penalty!Copy linkCopiedTottenham 0-1 Arsenal80. SUB!! Martinelli and Trossard off.It’s a debut for Sterling. Jesus is also on.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 0-1 Arsenal79. SUB!! Timo Werner comes on for Spurs replacing James Maddison for the final 11 minutes plus stoppage time.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 0-1 Arsenal78: Maddison sends in another cross but it heads straight out of play.Jorginho is now down with cramp. Copy linkCopiedTottenham 0-1 Arsenal75. And it was another Maddison cross and Solanke miss. Tottenham need to continue to keep making chances like that if they want to get themselves back in the game.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 0-1 Arsenal73. Chance for Son Heung-min, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke to shoot but none of them do.Tottenham are trying to get back in the game but the Gunners continue to hold them off.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 0-1 Arsenal71: Arsenal are on form now.Romero comes through the back to foul Trossard and he stays down. Copy linkCopiedTottenham 0-1 Arsenal68. SUBS!! A goal conceded means Postecoglou is going to make some changes.Off go Bentancur and Johnson. Here come Odobert and Sarr.Copy linkCopiedGOALL!!!! Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal64. GOAL!!! Finally, a set piece is delivered and successfully hits the back of the net.And it was the Brazillian Gabriel who heads into the back of the net.Romero suggests there was a foul inside the box, but the goal stands.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 0-0 Arsenal63. Another corner to Tottenham but it is comfortably cleared by Arsenals defence.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 0-0 Arsenal62. Johnson makes a run down the right flank cuts inside but his shot lacks power, allowing David Raya to easily collect it.The game is quite open but lacks excitement. There hasn’t been a booking for several minutes.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 0-0 Arsenal 59. Tottenham are now on the attacking end as Gabriel defends Brennan Johnson’s cross.Spurs take the corner but it is dismissed.Copy linkCopied More

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      Wolves 1-0 Newcastle LIVE SCORE: Premier League latest updates as Toon look to build on thrilling Spurs win

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      NEWCASTLE return from the international break with a tricky trip against Wolves.However, the Toon will be in good spirits as Alexander Isak’s 78th-minute strike saw them snatch all three points from Tottenham in their last outing.But Newcastle come up against a Wolves side who are desperate to put their first win on the board this season.Kick-off time: 4:30pm BSTLive stream: NOW TVTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS More

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      Sky Sports refuse to acknowledge error after awarding Man of the Match to wrong player at North London derby

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      SKY SPORTS mistakenly awarded the North London derby Man of the Match to Gabriel Jesus.The forward featured as a late substitute but barely had time to impact the match.Sky Sports mistakenly showed Gabriel Jesus’ name on the graphicGabriel picked up his Man of the Match award after the matchHowever his team-mate Gabriel Magalhaes did, notching the winner with a second half header.His performance was enough to win the Man of the Match award but Sky Sports accidentally showed Jesus’ name in their graphic when announcing the award.The broadcaster spoke to Gabriel after the match but refused to acknowledge their earlier blunder.The Brazilian revealed his delight at nothing the winner, saying: “I’t means a lot.He continued: “I’m so happy, we know its a difficult game, it’s a big derby. We are so happy to win here, let’s enjoy now.”Gabriel was a stalwart at the back alongside William Saliba as Arsenal limited Tottenham to five shots on target.And he produced in the opposition box too and was able to head in Bukayo Saka’s corner after being left in acres of space in the six-yard box.The Gunners scored the most goals from corners in the Premier League last season with 16, and they already have two this term.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal ratings vs Spurs as Gabriel is the hero in feisty North London derbyGABRIEL headed in the only goal of the game as a depleted Arsenal snatched all three points in the North London Derby.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Gunners players…DAVID RAYA – 8/10Commanded his area well, and was a safe pair of hands throughout the game. Another great showing in what has been a spectacular start for the Spanish stopper. JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Did well from an attacking perspective, charging down the left hand side on various occasions. Solid defensively too against Spurs’ flying right side of Johnson and Porro.Some would argue he should’ve been sent off for a challenge on Pedro Porro in the first half, but he escaped despite squaring up to Vicario in the aftermath.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8A really good recovery challenge in the first half to deny Dominic Solanke, despite being booked early on.You can always count on Saliba to put in a solid display, and he didn’t disappoint today with fantastic passing out from the back too. GABRIEL – 9A fantastic defensive showing throughout, reinforced with a towering header inside the box to give his side the lead from a set piece (shock). Has formed an impeccable partnership with Saliba, personified by their heartwarming celebration together after the opener. He’s the man. BEN WHITE – 6Gave away the ball in a dangerous position in the first half, with Solanke failing to capitalise and had a tough first half against the quick feet of Heung Min-Son.Was not able to demonstrate the dangerous right-hand side overlap we saw work so effectively last season, but wasn’t threatened in the second 45.JORGINHO – 4Struggled to replace the suspended Declan Rice for this North London derby, whom the Gunners really missed.A tough task, but didn’t come close to matching Rice’s intensity or ability to drive the ball up the pitch which left Arsenal weak in the forward areas.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Struggled in transition with Jorginho alongside him, another player who felt the full force of no Rice and Odegaard.Not fast enough with or without the ball, and will need to perk his ideas up for City next week. GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Looked like a bright spark with his running and forward movement, but was let down by his end product or lack thereof.Worked really really hard throughout, just looks short of confidence in the last actions. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Dropping deeper into more of a midfield role than he’s used to today, it should be noted that he did a job for the team when they needed him. Not the flying efficiency machine we have seen him be from the bench, but his versatility will be needed this season it seems. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Didn’t make the kind of impact on the game we are used to seeing from the brilliant Bukayo Saka, and looked less of a threat without Martin Odegaard to combine with. Did some really good defensive work nonetheless, and delivered the perfect corner to claim the assist for Gabriel’s opener. KAI HAVERTZ – 6A good header in the first half was saved well by Vicario in the spurs net – actually made more clearances (3) than he managed shots on target (2) in the first 45. Was a handful for the Spurs defence, but largely nullified by the pace and power of Mickey Van de Ven and Cristian Romero. Arsenal are now second in the table, two points behind their title rivals Manchester City who continued their 100 per cent start by beating Brentford.Erling Haaland notched twice as Pep Guardiola’s side came from behind to win 2-1.Piers Morgan says ‘even our mascot is harder than Tottenham’s’ as Arsenal kid pushes counterparts before derby More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Gabriel puts in impeccable defensive display as Declan Rice replacement struggles

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      GABRIEL headed in the only goal of the game as a depleted Arsenal snatched all three points in the North London Derby.The Gunners were without two key midfielders thanks to Declan Rice’s suspension and an injury to Martin Odegaard.Gabriel produced the defining moment of the North London DerbyCredit: AlamyThe Brazilian defender rose highest to thump home a headerCredit: ReutersBut that did not stop Mikel Arteta from masterminding another victory over their arch-rivals. Gabriel beat Cristian Romero to power in a header from close range in a crowded six-yard box.And that proved to be the only goal of the game as Arsenal clung on for another huge win. Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Gunners players…DAVID RAYA – 8/10Commanded his area well, and was a safe pair of hands throughout the game. Another great showing in what has been a spectacular start for the Spanish stopper. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJURRIEN TIMBER – 7Did well from an attacking perspective, charging down the left-hand side on various occasions. Solid defensively too against Spurs’ flying right side of Johnson and Porro.Most read in FootballFans fume at ‘pure robbery’ after Arsenal star Jurrien Timber avoids red card after referee ‘bottles it’Some would argue he should’ve been sent off for a challenge on Pedro Porro in the first half, but he escaped despite squaring up to Vicario in the aftermath.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8A really good recovery challenge in the first half to deny Dominic Solanke, despite being booked early on.You can always count on Saliba to put in a solid display, and he didn’t disappoint today with fantastic passing out from the back too. GABRIEL – 9A fantastic defensive showing throughout, reinforced with a towering header inside the box to give his side the lead from a set piece (shock). Has formed an impeccable partnership with Saliba, personified by their heartwarming celebration together after the opener. He’s the man. BEN WHITE – 6Gave away the ball in a dangerous position in the first half, with Solanke failing to capitalise and had a tough first half against the quick feet of Son Heung-min.Was not able to demonstrate the dangerous right-hand side overlap we saw work so effectively last season, but wasn’t threatened in the second 45.JORGINHO – 4Struggled to replace the suspended Declan Rice for this North London derby, whom the Gunners really missed.A tough task, but didn’t come close to matching Rice’s intensity or ability to drive the ball up the pitch which left Arsenal weak in the forward areas.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Struggled in transition with Jorginho alongside him, another player who felt the full force of no Rice and Odegaard.Not fast enough with or without the ball, and will need to perk his ideas up for City next week. GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Looked like a bright spark with his running and forward movement, but was let down by his end product or lack thereof.Worked really really hard throughout, just looks short of confidence in the last actions. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Dropping deeper into more of a midfield role than he’s used to today, it should be noted that he did a job for the team when they needed him. Not the flying efficiency machine we have seen him be from the bench, but his versatility will be needed this season it seems. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Didn’t make the kind of impact on the game we are used to seeing from the brilliant Bukayo Saka, and looked less of a threat without Martin Odegaard to combine with. Did some really good defensive work nonetheless, and delivered the perfect corner to claim the assist for Gabriel’s opener. KAI HAVERTZ – 6A good header in the first half was saved well by Vicario in the Spurs net – actually made more clearances (3) than he managed shots on target (2) in the first 45. Was a handful for the Spurs defence, but largely nullified by the pace and power of Mickey Van de Ven and Cristian Romero. SUBSGABRIEL JESUS (LEANDRO TROSSARD, 79) – 5Barely involved after coming on.READ MORE SUN STORIESRAHEEM STERLING (GABRIEL MARTINELLI, 79) – 5A debut for Arsenal’s new No30, had one chance, cut inside but failed to get shot away from edge of area. ETHAN NWANERI (BUKAYO SAKA, 86) – N/APrem’s youngest-ever player returned for final few moments. More