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      Chelsea player ratings: Sanchez at shot-stopping best despite loss but Nkunku and Sancho hardly deserving of game-time

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      CHELSEA missed the chance to pull clear in the race for Champions League football as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal.Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the game as the Blues produced a limp performance at the Emirates.Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea produced a limp performance as they lost 1-0 to ArsenalCredit: AFPThe Blues struggled to create chances at the EmiratesCredit: GettyChelsea were without several key men including Cole Palmer.And they struggled to create chances against Arsenal with a threadbare subs bench to boot.But who was Chelsea’s best player in North London?And did anyone have a game to forget?Here, SunSport’s Andy Dillon delivers his Chelsea player ratings…Robert Sanchez – 7Back in goal as the in-out, twists and turns of the Chelsea keepers this season rolls on. Within ten minutes he had passed the ball straight to Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli and gave his side a massive scare. Then he made a spectacular one-handed save off team-mate Levi Colwill. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBeaten within 20 minutes by a surprise header from a corner. Great instinctive second half save from Mikel Merino again with one hand and was Chelsea’s best player. ‘I spent ages just looking at him’ – Playing vs Cristiano Ronaldo is my career highlight says star-struck Chelsea aceBoss Enzo Maresca said he had given Sanchez time out recently to rest his head. None of this will have helped stressed levels.Wesley Fofana – 5Getting back up to speed after a lengthy injury lay off. Slotting in at right back as part of the three man defence. Was so lucky to get away without any punishment when he put his boot down hard on the back of Declan Rice’s leg. The Arsenal midfielder even got his backside out to show ref Chris Kavanagh the rapidly appearing red raw studs marks. And again when he went in late on Leandro Trossard. Cautioned for show of petulance throwing a ball onto the pitch.Benoit Badiashile – 5Seemed off the pace and wasteful with his passing and shaky under pressure. Coming back from a long injury lay off into a team which while winning has looked unconvincing. Maybe using Tosin with his more experienced brain might have been a better choice for a tough away London derby?Or even switching Colwill to the left hand centre back role might have made life a little more comfortable for Chelsea? Did make one or two decent tackles though in the second half.Levi Colwill – 5Almost scored an own goal though it would have been a harsh one on him. Then maybe through frustration followed through on Trossard and got a booking. Possibly as a final warning from the ref that he wouldn’t take much more rough stuff from Chelsea who had been quite physical. Does look more at ease on the left side of defence than in the middle where he was here.Levi Colwill struggled at the backCredit: GettyMarc Cucurella – 6Booed by the Arsenal fans at every touch. Maybe a back handed compliment as he can be quite dangerous on the front foot.Has been a prolific scorer for Chelsea with the inverted full back system but didn’t get much chance to go forwards as he often does with positive effect. Can go to ground easily but was clearly cynically fouled by Odegaard in the second half as the needle cranked up between these two teams.Reece James – 6Drafted into midfield as part of the reshuffle in Cole Palmer’s absence. Played there recently against Copenhagen in the Conference League and scored a cracker. Played some neat passes forwards and is clearly a class player and was called up to the England squad on Friday as a sign of that despite being carefully managed by Chelsea following a run of hamstring injuries.Moises Caicedo – 6Is becoming a key figure at the heart of the Chelsea team. Is hard to get past but also made a couple of stray passes in a first half particularly in which the visitors did not seem to have their heads in the game. With the £115m price tag though he needs to be taking control of games in the Rice does for Arsenal at times.Moises Caicedo was involved from the startCredit: ReutersJadon Sancho – 5Has not made the impact he would have hoped for after being given a chance to rejuvenate his career on loan from Manchester United. There was even talk of an England recall during some of his better spells. But he is not exactly playing his way into Chelsea begging their rivals to sell him permanently to them in the summer.Enzo Fernandez – 6Showed fight at least but in a weird way with silly spats, notably after a clash with Gabriel which left the Arsenal centre back on the deck. He stood over the Brazilian and clearly mouthed something uncomplimentary. It riled up Arsenal and their fans. At least that is the spirit of the old Chelsea though which the fans admire.Christopher Nkunku – 5Anonymous for the first half. It is hard to see where this £50 million player fits in. He has complained of lack of game time but when given some has not made significant impact to make his manager rethink. Did not last the 90 minutes and cannot say he made much of an impression.Christopher Nkunku made little impact on the gameCredit: ReutersPedro Neto – 5ALWAYS up against it as a so-called ‘false nine’. Neither Arsenal nor Chelsea have fit, recognised strikers at the moment and it shows on both sides. Too often outmuscled by Arsenal’s more imposing defensive players. Although he is playing out of position. Must be said that he spends a lot of time complaining and it’s a waste of precious energy.SubsTyrique George (for Sancho 76 mins) – 6Given a big task to drive at Arsenal when the game was already up.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (for Nkunku 76 mins) – 6Tried to get a few runs going but despite scoring in midweek was kept on the bench.Romeo Lavia (for James 82 mins) – N/AHis return from injury will be a big boost for the Blues. But he just has to remain fit.Tosin Adarabioyo (for Badiashile 86 mins) – N/AMalo Gusto (for Fofana 86 mins) – N/A More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Tireless presser Mikel Merino shines but Martin Odegaard cuts frustrated figure and Saliba shaky

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      ARSENAL collected three points at the Emirates with a comfortable display as they fight to keep their fading title hopes alive.Mikel Merino broke the deadlock with a gorgeous looping header that nestled into the net at the unmarked Chelsea back-post.Arsenal ran out 1-0 winners in their London derby against ChelseaCredit: GETTYA first-half header from Mikel Merino was enough to separate the teamsCredit: GETTYThe Spaniard’s goal, however, wasn’t enough to cover up a poor performance in front of goal for the Gunners. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard missed chances and should have sent Arsenal into the half-time interval at least two goals up.Marc Cucurella nearly equalised for the Blues after a David Raya howler as the keeper spilled his volley and the ball nearly rolled in at the back post.Two ugly fouls from Wesley Fofana could have both seen red, but somehow, the Chelsea defender went unpunished. The first, a clear stamp on Declan Rice’s hamstring after bundling him over. And the second, a reckless lunge that caught Trossard late on the shin.After sailing through to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 9-3 aggregate win over PSV Eindhoven, the Gunners reduced the gap to 12 points at the top of the table but still lacked the attacking instinct a true number nine brings. Enzo Marseca’s Chelsea, meanwhile, struggled to cause the Gunners any real issues and dropped more points in the race for the top four.Despite Raheem Sterling’s player-of-the-match performance midweek, the Arsenal winger was ineligible to face his parent club Chelsea and had to watch from the stands.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMikel Merino’s header was his sixth goal of the seasonCredit: GETTYCole Palmer missed his side’s visit to North London due to illness and will have to wait even longer for his first Premier League goal since January.The attacker has yet to play a single minute at the Emirates Stadium in his career.Enzo Maresca defends lacklustre Chelsea after Conference League progress Here is how SunSport’s Conor Jones rated Arsenal’s performances in North London.DAVID RAYA – 6/10The goalkeeper had a quiet first half but nearly let a Cucurella volley slip straight through his hands and into the back of the net.He showed his confidence in possession and distributed well as the Gunners piled pressure on their London rivals.Nonetheless, the silly mistake tainted a clean sheet and nearly cost his side valuable points.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7Described as a “liability” by Arteta, Lewis-Skelly silenced his critics with a strong performance at the Emirates.Attacked well down the left, causing Wesley Fofana issues from early on and held his own against a tricky Jadon Sancho but did have quiet periods.A lovely run coming in from the left earned his side a dangerous freekick in the 70th minute.Following his maiden call-up to the England side, the left-back put in a mature performance against Thomas Tuchel’s former side.WILLIAM SALIBA – 5The Frenchman didn’t face much from the Chelsea attack but reacted slowly to clear a ball forward from the Blues and nearly set Enzo Fernandez through on goal.A short header back early in the first half allowed Nkunku gave chase and forced the keeper to clear.Got a lively reaction from the Arsenal faithful after a strong challenge earned his side a goal kick.Saliba didn’t have his greatest gameCredit: GettyGABRIEL – 6Was strong at the back and started a couple of attacks with positive balls forward and a marauding run in the second half.Shepherded the Chelsea attack well with Saliba and rarely put a foot wrong but did pick up a yellow for a late challenge.Could have offered more from set pieces, but Odegaard’s deliveries left a lot to be desired.JURRIEN TIMBER – 7The Dutchman was dangerous down the right flank and nearly broke the deadlock with a ball across the six-yard line, but the Gunners failed to bundle the ball over the line.Tracked back brilliantly after an Arsenal corner and drew a huge cheer from the home crowd with a strong challenge on Pedro Neto.He dealt with Nkunku fairly comfortably when he had to, but that wasn’t often.Timber was dangerous down the sideCredit: APDECLAN RICE – 6Rice was bright from the start, taking two shots in the first ten minutes but failed to test Sanchez between the Blues’ posts.Nearly earned Wesley Fofana a red card after a disgusting stamp that VAR failed to intervene with.Hammered a dangerous freekick into the wall and made positive runs going forward but, like his teammates, lacked the creative spark.THOMAS PARTEY – 6The Ghanaian was confident in possession and used his strength well against Enzo Fernandez in the middle of the park.His role as a six in the Arsenal midfield allowed Rice and Odegaard to push forward while he kept Enzo and the rest of the Chelsea midfield fairly quiet.Could have offered more going forward, but that was a common issue amongst the Gunners.MARTIN ODEGAARD (Capt) – 5 (TIERNEY 90 mins)The Gunners captain whipped in a delightful ball to the front post which Mikel Merino brilliantly flicked over the Blues’ keeper but failed to impact the game elsewhere.Should have had a second assist midway through the first half but Martinelli failed to hit the target.Picked up a yellow for a frustrated late challenge on Cucurella after he failed to test Sanchez with a limp strike.Odegaard struggled to have his normal impactCredit: EPALEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Nearly scored on the end of a dangerous delivery from Gabriel Martinelli in the second minute but sliced his shot wide of the right post from the edge of the area.The Belgian almost returned the favour after his press forced Robert Sanchez to give possession away to Martinelli, but the Brazilian failed to capitalise.Like Martinelli, he failed to take the few chances he did get and contributed to Arsenal’s attacking woes.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6 (NWANERI 78 mins)Created well but his finishing was well below par and cost him two massive chances in the first half.Could have made it 1-0 in the first ten minutes after Sanchez passed the ball straight to him, but the Brazilian hit a limp strike straight at the Chelsea goalkeeper.The winger missed a second chance midway through the first half as he struck a horrendous effort beyond the post and into the home fans after Odegaard played him through.Found Merino at the back-post with a nice ball, but the Spaniard’s volley was met with a strong save.While he is positive on the ball, Martinelli is not the answer to Arsenal’s struggling attack.Martinelli missed several chancesCredit: GettyMIKEL MERINO – 8The Spaniard followed up an uninspiring display against Manchester United with a fantastic header at the front post, looping the ball over Sanchez.His role as a makeshift striker has been heavily criticised, but Merino backed up his tireless pressing with a goal at the Emirates.Nearly scored a second with a volley at the back post but failed to beat an impressive diving save by Sanchez.The Gunners still look flat up front and another goal from a corner wasn’t enough to cover that up.SUBSETHAN NWANERI (MARTINELLI 78 mins) Tried to make an impact with the little time he had but struggled to get the better of Cucurella.KIERAN TIERNEY (ODEGAARD 90 mins)N/A More

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      Andrej Lazarov dead aged 25: Tributes pour in for hero footballer as he died trying to save others during nightclub fire

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      A FOOTBALLER died aged 25 trying to save others in the nightclub fire.At least 59 people were killed and more than 155 injured after the blaze broke out at the Pulse club in Kocani, North Macedonia.Andrej Lazarov died in the nightclub fire in North MacedoniaCredit: Instagram @fcshkupi1927The fire started at approximately 2.35am local time on Sunday when pyrotechnics set light to the roof of the venue. A local hip-hop group were performing for the 1,500 partygoers at the time as flames burned. And it has now been revealed one of those was FC Skopje star Andrej Lazarov.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Liverpool vs Newcastle LIVE SCORE – Carabao Cup final: Reds and Toon in massive blockbuster Wembley clash – latest

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      LIVERPOOL and Newcastle go head-to-head in an absolute blockbuster Carabao Cup final TODAY!The two English giants are seeking silverware in the first domestic final of the season for very different reasons.Liverpool already have a firm grasp on the Premier League title, but Arne Slot will be hoping to win his first trophy as Reds boss this afternoon, as the Merseyside outfit attempt to keep their chances of a double alive.Elsewhere, Eddie Howe is determined to lead Newcastle to their first domestic honour in 70 years after Toon failed to end their drought at the final hurdle in the same competition just two years ago.Kick off time: 4.30pm GMTTV channel: ITV1/Sky Sports Main EventFREE live stream: ITVXLiverpool team: To follow…Newcastle team: To follow…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL the action from Wembley with our live blog below…Final countdownThis will be only the second time Liverpool and Newcastle have met in a domestic final.You have to go way back to 1974 FA Cup final for the last meeting at Wembley. On that occasion, the Reds ran out 3-0 winners thanks to a Kevin Keegan brace and a goal from Steve Heighway.Fast forward to more modern times, and Newcastle last beat Liverpool in any competition back in December 2015.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedHowe rejects ‘curse’Toon boss Eddie Howe wants his team to write their own history today – and not look to the past.Newcastle have not won a domestic trophy in 70 years and have lost five Wembley finals in a row.Responding to claims of a curse on the club, Howe said: “I don’t subscribe to that way of thinking.”There isn’t always a negative outcome.”Destiny is in our own hands. I’m not even going to use the word you mentioned, it is not in that mindset, it’s about us delivering a great performance if we can.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedView from Wembley StadiumThe anticipation inside Wembley is palpable. To my right a sea of black and white, with each soldier of the Toon Army picking up a scarf from their seat which they will hope to be waving around their heads for the rest of the day. The first huge roar of the day comes as Nick Pope and the other goalkeepers come out to do their warm-ups. After what was a pretty chilly and gloomy morning the sun is now beaming down on a section of the Liverpool fans to my left. Still just over an hour before kick-off here, but the vibes are already high, let’s hope it stays that way. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedIsak – I fear no oneNewcastle will be hoping their red-hot Swede striker Alexander Isak continues to impress today.The 25-year-old is enjoying a stunning season and says he fears nobody – especially Liverpool’s centre-half Virgil van Dijk.Isak said: “I wouldn’t say I fear anyone, that’s a strong word.”I have a lot of respect for Van Dijk and their whole defence. I’m a player who always focuses on myself. “If I do the right things and play my best game it’ll benefit the team.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedKell of a callSo it’s Kelleher in net for the Reds – and he has plenty of history in this competition.The Irishman scored a penalty in the shootout win over Chelsea in 2022.And he made a string of key saves against the Blues lats year as Virgil van Dijk scored a late winner.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedConfirmed team newsLiverpool XI: Kelleher; Quansah, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Luis Diaz; Diogo Jota.Newcastle United XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Barnes.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedHe’s a keeperArne Slot has hinted that Alisson will start against Newcastle at Wembley, rather than last year’s final hero Caoimhin Kelleher. Slot said: “They haven’t heard it themselves, but everyone who uses common sense [might guess].”So [look] all of our line-ups, and you might have an idea.”Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedEarly team newsNot long now until we learn the two XI’s from the Home of Football.For Newcastle, Antony Gordon (suspension), Lewis Hall (ankle) and Sven Botmon (knee) are all missing.Liverpool will definitely be without Trent Alexander-Arnold (ankle), Conor Bradley (hamstring) and Joe Gomez (hamstring).Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedToon takeoverThere’s already a decent contingent of Newcastle fans soaking up the pre-match atmosphere in Wembley. A few will be nursing sore heads following a raucous night in the capital.Thousands of Toon supporters flocked to Covent Garden last night to oil up ahead of today’s potentially history-making clash.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedCup for itIt could be a day to remember for Newcastle as the first silverware of the season is up for grabs this afternoon.Eddie Howe’s men are looking to a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy as they line up against Liverpool at Wembley.Toon have travelled in big numbers, taking over the capital on Saturday night ahead of today’s showdown. But they have it all to do against the holders, as Arne Slot targets a first trophy of his tenure. No team has won this competition more times than Liverpool, with the Reds holding a formidable recent record over the Magpies.Records are there to be broken, though. Whatever happens, it’s set to be an absolute belter in the Wembley sunshine. Kick-off at 4.30pm, team news is imminent from the Home of Football. Credit: AFPCopy linkCopied More

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      Why is Trent Alexander-Arnold not playing for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final?

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      LIVERPOOL will be looking to retain the Carabao Cup when they take on Newcastle in the final at Wembley. The clash offers Liverpool a chance at redemption after their elimination from the Champions League at the hands of PSG.Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up an injury against PSG in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold was seen in tears as he had to come offCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old star came through the academy at LiverpoolCredit: Cody Froggatt/SportimageAlexander-Arnold is out of contract in the summer, and has been heavily linked with a switch to Real MadridCredit: GettyHowever, the Reds will be without English defender Trent Alexander-Arnold for their big showdown at Wembley.Arne Slot is already without his other options on the right of defence, with Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez currently out of action for the Premier League leaders.With Slot’s side already out of the FA Cup and the Champions League, Alexander-Arnold may have already played his last final for the Reds.The 26-year-old star came through the academy in Merseyside, but is heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid with his contract expiring this summer.Read more Carabao Cup finalAlexander-Arnold was seen in tears by fans in the ground after Liverpool’s Champions League exit.Slot’s men know the final is massive now as they need a response from their Champions League exit.Why is Trent Alexander-Arnold not playing in the Carabao Cup final?Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off in Liverpool’s Champions League elimination due to a suspected ankle injury. Alexander-Arnold will be out for a while, with games including the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.Most read in FootballHe has also not been selected in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad due to injury.Jarell Quansah replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold against PSG, so is most likely to be played at Wembley.What has Arne Slot said?Arne Slot confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the final when he said: “Trent is not available. “He will not be there at the final.”Alexander-Arnold looks set to leave Liverpool, and will want to say goodbye to Anfield, and Slot offered Reds fans a boost: “We do expect him back before the end of the season.”But he is still to be assessed for how long it will take”In this part of the season, it’s almost impossible to have all your players fit. “Both teams have two, or three or four players who cannot play.”That’s almost a privilege because so many teams have had more than that.” More

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      Liverpool vs Newcastle live stream FREE: How to watch huge Carabao Cup final

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      LIVERPOOL take on Newcastle at Wembley for the first piece of silverware of the season TODAY!Arne Slot’s Reds will be looking for their first trophy under the new manager.Arne Slot will take charge of his first final as Liverpool managerCredit: Jake Kirkman/Every Second MediaEddie Howe is hoping to end a long Toon wait for a trophyCredit: GettyMohamed Salah will hope to win a trophy in what could be his final season in EnglandCredit: GettyAnthony Gordon will MISS the Carabao Cup finalCredit: REUTERS/Scott HeppellFor Newcastle and Eddie Howe, they are offered a shot at retribution for the 2023 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United.Liverpool’s glowing first season under Arne Slot now looks under real threat, with the side out of the Champions League at the hands of PSG and knocked out of the FA Cup by Plymouth. However, the Premier League seems all but settled in their favour, so the Reds will be hoping for a domestic double in Slot’s first season.The Magpies last domestic trophy came 70 YEARS ago in 1955, when they won the FA Cup.Read more FootballThe side have recently been in the Champions League, and are hopeful of returning to Europe’s elite this season.The one thing that has eluded Eddie Howe and Newcastle in their current run of history is a trophy, with the Carabao Cup presenting another chance for them to have a shot at glory. Like Liverpool, the Magpies are already out of the FA Cup, eliminated by Brighton in a clash that saw Anthony Gordon sent off and suspended for this game. SunSport can reveal how to watch the Carabao Cup final for FREE!Most read in FootballHow to watch the Carabao Cup final and is there a live stream?Sky Sports have had coverage of the Carabao Cup all season but a deal has been struck to make the final FREE-TO-AIR.The match will be shown live for free on ITV1.It can also be streamed FREE on ITVX, although viewers will need to register with an email address.Coverage is also on Sky Sports Main and Football, as well as Sky Showcase.The match will kick off at 4.30pm UK.Alternatively, follow all the build-up, action and reaction with SunSport’s live blog. More

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      Man Utd set to hand shock debut to goalkeeper Dermot Mee against Leicester with Andre Onana facing late fitness test

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      ANDRE ONANA is set to face a late fitness test ahead of this evening’s game against Leicester City – with two young starlets in line for a shock debut.The Cameroon international fell ill on Sunday morning, though is reported to be confident that he will start.Mee’s most recent senior appearance came in 2022Credit: GettyOnana’s fortunes have improved this season after he struggled on arrival in ManchesterCredit: GettyBoth Harrison and Mee have trained with the first teamCredit: AlamyThe club have lined up two academy goalkeepers to fill his place should he not be able to play, Dermot Mee or Elyh Harrison.Neither player is listed among the first team squad on United’s website but have trained regularly with the team.Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton, United’s usual second and third choice goalkeepers, are both injured.Northern Ireland international Mee, 22, was included in the matchday squad for the first time this season in United’s 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal.Read more footballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMee and Harrison were both in the travelling squad for the first leg of United’s Europa League round of 16 tie against Real Sociedad.Mee would be the more likely candidate to start, though he has not made a senior appearance since playing for National League side Altrincham in 2022.He has also represented Northern Ireland at youth level and was sent on a work experience loan to AFC Wimbledon.Harrison made 18 appearances for Chester FC earlier this season, but was recalled in January.Most read in FootballRuben Amorim reveals reason he axed Ruud van Nistelrooy from Man Utd coaching staff He signed to United’s academy from Stevenage after starting his career at West Ham.Onana has played in all of United’s league matches since signing from Inter Milan in July 2023.He has kept 21 clean sheets in 90 appearances for the club. More

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      Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0: Gunners survive huge six-pointer to tighten grip on second place as Blues sweat on Champions League

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      MIKEL ARTETA this week said he was determined for Arsenal to be the best of the rest this season as Liverpool stroll to the Premier League title.They are on course to do just that, especially when “the rest” are as atrocious and as hot-headed as Chelsea are right now.Stand-in striker Mikel Merino gave Arsenal a deserved lead from a corner inside 20 minutesMarc Cucurella nearly punished a howler from David Raya on the brink of half-timeRobert Sanchez denied Merino from a second in the 60th minuteChelsea remain winless in seven games against ArsenalThe Gunners came into this one without a win in their last three league games, 15 points off Arne Slot’s rampaging Reds and in danger of being dragged into a top four scrap.Those nerves have settled now, nine points above Enzo Maresca’s Blues in fourth and four points above Nottingham Forest in third thanks to Mikel Merino’s 20th minute Emirates winner.It seems boss Arteta is content with a third-successive runners-up spot this term, something he sees as a real achievement given their damaging injury record this campaign.This was not Arsenal at their fluid best, not that they needed to be against a Chelsea outfit without an injured Cole Palmer – and it desperately showed.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut for now, Arteta’s men have bigger fish to fry in the Champions League – welcoming Real Madrid to North London for a mouth-watering quarter final tie next month.Chelsea meanwhile produced a performance worthy of the Europa Conference League they hope to win comfortably come May.Do not let the score line fool you – they were never, ever in this one.Chasing shadows for large parts, they spent most of it kicking lumps out of anything that moved and aimlessly arguing with officials, lucky not to be down to 10 men after Wesley Fofana’s blatant first half stamp on Declan Rice.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA real sign of the times, and a sign of how much work Enzo Maresca still has to do with this group.For the neutrals, this had arguably the most important element to a London derby: needle.Mikel Arteta walks out of Sky Sports interview moments after Arsenal lose further ground in Premier League title raceThe visitors provided most of it, starting before a ball was even kicked by winning the toss and forcing the hosts to unusually kick away from the Clock End in the first half. Mind games?Chelsea’s approach after that smacked of a team who knew they would be inferior on the ball, so decided to be horrible b******s off it in the hope of disrupting their opponents, kicking lumps out of anything in red.Marc Cucurella was at his whinging, crowd-provoking best from the first whistle, while Enzo Fernandez led from the front when it came to niggly fouls and dramatic collapses to the turf.Then Fofana got in on it, perhaps a bit too much. The Frenchman bundled Rice to the floor and proceeded to plant his studs into the back of the England midfielder’s thigh.Rice reacted, squaring up to the offender. Arteta was frothing at the mouth. VAR took a less dramatic view on their review. Fofana somehow got away with no punishment at all.Declan Rice clashed with Wesley Fofana after the Chelsea star’s high bootArsenal were not exactly saints either. Thomas Partey got away with leaving one or two studs on the ankle of Pedro Neto. And Gabriel enjoyed a good old South American coming together with Enzo Fernandez.But still, in footballing terms, Arsenal were dominant. Chelsea were pathetically passive.It did not help that their front six players were all under six foot, trying to gain some momentum and territory against a trio of giants like Partey, Gabriel and William Saliba.The recalled Robert Sanchez in goal was at his nervy, frantic worst, passing straight out to Gabriel Martinelli and then parrying the Brazilian’s shot almost into the path of Leandro Trossard.Down the right, Jurrien Timber jinked around Cucurella in the box and squared for Martinelli but for a well-timed Fofana interception. After that, it was comical watching Chelsea attempt to clear.Benoit Badiashile deflected onto Colwill, forcing Sanchez to stop an own goal, and a second attempt to hoof it left a ball-print bruise on the face of Reece James as Rice then blazed over.The opening was inevitable, but the source of it was a surprise. Before this one, Arsenal – the corner kings – had failed to score from their last 51 deliveries.But they made No.52 count. Martin Odegaard whipped it to the near post and Merino flicked up and over everybody else into the far side-netting. His fourth goal in seven in all competitions as a No.9.This game should have been over at half time with Chelsea stinking the place out and Arsenal creating chance after chance. Enzo Maresca spent most of the first half slumped on his knees.And yet they almost nicked an underserving leveller from a David Raya howler, spilling a Cucurella volley and watching the ball trickle just past his far post.Not that this was enough to rally Maresca’s men at the break, instead looking more interested in some more of the dark arts. Arteta must have secretly been quite impressed, having taught his own players most of those tricks over the past few years.Neto picked up a yellow for dissent. Fofana was finally cautioned for delaying an Arsenal throw-in.At the other end, Arsenal were probing. READ MORE SUN STORIESMartinelli crossed for Merino whose eyes lit up only for his volley to be well punched away by Sanchez.Arsenal are the best of the rest. Chelsea are still scrambling finding their place below them. More