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      Arsenal 3 Dinamo Zagreb 0: Rice, Havertz and Odegaard net to put Mikel Arteta’s side all but through to last 16

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      MIKEL ARTETA’S wannabe Samba boys have all but guaranteed themselves a Champions League knock-out spot – and maybe some winter sunshine next month.Arsenal boss Arteta had his squad train with Brazilian music blaring through speakers on the side of their London Colney training pitches on Tuesday afternoon as a source of inspiration.Arsenal welcomed Dinamo Zagreb to the Emirates for their penultimate Champions League group stage matchCredit: PADeclan Rice broke the deadlock in only the second minute of the matchCredit: EPAKai Havertz made sure of the victory with a 66th minute headerCredit: ReutersYet this was not a night for thrills and spills – Declan Rice’s second-minute strike and Kai Havertz’s second half header lighting up a tame Emirates showcase against Fabio Cannavaro’s quality-lacking Dinamo Zagreb.It was not pretty, but the Gunners are sitting that way with one game left in this new league phase, up into third on 16 points and with goal difference that makes a top eight finish very nearly a cert.Next week’s trip to Girona provides little jeopardy, so Arsenal can plan for the last 16 in March.By avoiding the February play-offs – on top of not being involved in the FA Cup fourth round that month too – Arteta is considering using the free days for a warm-weather winter break.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSAnd from the looks of it, this Arsenal bunch are in dire need of recharging some batteries if they are to challenge for trophies domestically and in Europe.With William Saliba’s hamstring troubles and defensive duo Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly missing training in the build-up, Arteta opted for four changes from the disappointing 2-2 draw with Aston Villa here last weekend.Pole Jakub Kiwior filled in at centre back, while Oleksandr Zinchenko filled in at left-back – a bold choice considering he is linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund this month.Regardless, this was a mighty test for new Zagreb boss Cannavaro – his first match in charge of the Croats after being appointed on December 29, with only a few friendlies under his belt.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA small section of the travelling Zagreb fans twice targeted Declan Rice bottles and cups as he took cornerCredit: REUTERSRice ended up being struck by one of the missilesCredit: GETTYMartin Odegaard bagged a much-needed goal in stoppage time to make it 3-0Credit: GETTYThe 2006 World Cup-winning Italian defender – nine years older than Arteta at 51 – is known for his safety-first, handbrake-firmly-on approach in management.Those plans were blown out of the water inside the first two minutes as Gabriel Martinelli drove and crossed from out wide for Havertz and the German teed up Rice to volley in with anger.Arsenal fan seen defacing Josh Kroenke mural after being left fed up with Arteta’s transfer strugglesFlashbacks of that club-record 9-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in their league phase opener in Munich back in September must have been an unwanted replay in the minds of the Zagreb players.Rice continued to be in the thick of things.The rowdy travelling fans had come up with a novel way of disrupting Arsenal’s corner routines – pelting the England midfielder with plastic cups before he could take one.The visitors needed all the dirty tricks they could get, given their competition-high tally of seven goals conceded from set-pieces and up against one of the continent’s very best dead-ball specialists.Zagreb unsurprisingly were struggling to get a sniff against a side yet to concede from open play in this Champions League campaign.Arsenal were also comfortable with ball at feet, albeit wasteful.While January transfer target Benjamin Sesko had netted earlier in the day for Red Bull Leipzig, Arteta’s current No.9 Havertz passed up several chances to shoot inside the box.His defenders were making the Spanish coach wince too as Kiwior and Jurrien Timber took it in turns to fumble on the ball inside their own half.Arsenal ratings vs Dinamo: Martinelli makes himself undroppable as Sterling blows big chanceBy Katherine WalshDavid Raya – 6A really poor clearance invited pressure from Dinamo’s front three in the first half. A heart in mouth moment for sure.But rarely touched the ball from then on, with the Croatian side not registering a single shot at the Spaniard in 90 minutes.Jurrien Timber – 5Involved in early attacks and got back to block a dangerous Dinamo counter as things settled in the 12th minute.But was caught sleeping after Luca Stojkovic won the ball off him on the edge of his box, before Jakub Kiwior’s handy interception.Gabriel – 6Missed a sitter to make it 2-0 after Odegaard put it on a sixpence from a corner.Held off Stojkovic whenever he was called upon, although Dinamo offered little going forward.Jakub Kiwior – 7For all the scrutiny he’s faced, the Pole saved regular starter Timber from embarrassment and a sure Dinamo chance inside 33 minutes.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7With teen Myles Lewis Skelly carrying a knock, the Ukrainian was forward thinking and whipped crosses into Havertz all evening.Declan Rice – 8Fired Arsenal ahead with a thunderous volley inside 105 seconds – his first-ever goal in the competition.But his usual corner deliveries were affected by the deafening away end pelting plastic cups and lighters at his back.Ran his heart out but fluffed a poor header, reminiscent of the same chance missed against Man Utd in the FA Cup defeat, to make it 3-0.Jorginho – 6Horror backpass almost cost his side the lead when he put Raya in trouble inside 30 minutes.But worked hard to win the ball back and put Martinelli through for a blistering run.Martin Odegaard – 7Engine of the team. Dropped back into midfield to provide an outlet for Kiwior whenever he could.A tap-in at the death saw him score his first goal since the 5-2 win over West Ham in November to make it 3-0.Raheem Sterling – 4A non-event. The former England winger was weak in front of goal yet again.But some lovely Sterling-esque runs of old were a nice watch at times, if that’s all he had to offer.Lucky to avoid a straight red after a nasty challenge on Maxime Bernauer’s ankle with his studs just seconds into the second half.Gabriel Martinelli – 8A last-ditch tackle denied him what would have been a sensational solo goal from a 60-yard run that woke Arsenal from their slumber.Was the main attacking threat and had a hand in both goals, first crossing into Havertz, who laid it on for Rice, before a glorious curling ball into the German for 2-0.Has the Brazilian made himself undroppable moving forward?Kai Havertz – 7Brushed off recent criticism with a perfect lay-off for Rice to smash home and doubled Arsenal’s lead with a laid-on header in the 66th minute.Was happy to score but was wasteful before finding the back of the net and often absent in box during first-half attacks.SubsEthan Nwaneri (for Sterling, 57 mins) – 6A loud applause welcomed the teen back from injury, but he didn’t have to do much against such weak opposition.Thomas Partey (for Timber, 57 mins) – 6Assured cameo in midfield.Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 73 mins) – 5Calm on the ball after coming on.Leandro Trossard (for Havertz) – 5Made his 100th appearance for the club.Having blown a 2-0 lead against Villa, Arteta would not let lightning strike twice. After Timber and Raheem Sterling were booked within six minutes of the second half, they were both subbed off.Zagreb were still hanging on, and then they were not. Havertz rose highest to nod in Martinelli’s inviting 66th minute cross – Arsenal’s 500th goal under Arteta.Goal number 501 came in stoppage time courtesy of tap-in from skipper Martin Odegaard.Who needs a striker? Well, Arsenal do – desperately.READ MORE SUN STORIESCrocked pair Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus must have watched this one wondering how many goals they could have gobbled up.For now, with an eighth Champions League home clean sheet since the start of last season, Arteta’s defence are dragging them forward. More

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      Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb LIVE RESULT: Gunners all but secure Champions League last 16 spot with routine win

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      ARSENAL have all but secured their spot in the last-16 of the Champions League after a comfortable 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb.Declan Rice fired the North Londoners ahead with a thunderous volley in the second minute.On 66 minutes, Kai Havertz headed in to double Arsenal’s advantage following great work from Gabriel Martinelli in the build-up.Martin Odegaard put a gloss on the result just before the full-time whistle after he tapped in from close range to secure a 3-0 win for the Gunners.Match result: Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo ZagrebArsenal team: Raya, Timber, Kiwior, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard, Sterling, Martinelli, HavertzDinamo Zagreb team: Nevistic, Ristovski, Torrente, Mmaee, Bernauer, Pierre-Gabriel, Ademi, Stojkovic, Rog, Baturina, KulenovicCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Raheem just not delivering the goodsTo anyone bar Arsenal fans and staff, the loan signing of Raheem Sterling seemed a strange one for The Gunners.A player seemingly past his prime, who does not seem capable of producing what he once did on the football pitch.Arteta no doubt saw it as a no brainer to bolster his attack but from what we have seen so far from him, it begs the question whether he is adding anything at all.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedThe curious case of Kai HavertzWith Arsenal not having a recognised striker, most of the attention falls on their German attacker.Havertz grabbed a goal tonight and will feel his performance was enough to keep the haters off his back.Despite scoring, Havertz missed a number of good chances.This is simply someone who does not have the mindset of goalscoring striker, nothing will change that.It will be an interesting transfer window and if Arteta does not strengthen in this area, he will have some awkward questions to answer.Copy linkCopiedBrazilian puts in shift for teamWhen he is on his game, Gabriel Martinelli can be a thorn in the side of most teams.The issue is, this only happens infrequently.However, this evening he showed his potential and was a key part to two of The Gunners’ three goals.Arteta will need to see this more regularly if they can achieve their goals for the season.Copy linkCopiedBig couple of weeks aheadMikel Arteta’s side have some crucial matches coming up.These will decide how they progress in the Champions League and whether they can still book a place at Wembley for the Carabao Cup final.Add to that a little matter of the Spaniard going up against his mentor in a match they cannot afford to drop points in if they have any hope of keeping the pressure on leaders Liverpool.Copy linkCopiedZagreb pay price for Odegaard approachMartin Odegaard is so vital to Arsenal’s attacking play, if you give him time and space on the ball, he is guaranteed to hurt you.Teams who have had success against The Gunners this season have tasked a player with tracking and closing him down all game.Zagreb didn’t seem to have anyone capable of that and as a result he was able to pull the strings for Arteta’s side this evening.Copy linkCopiedSkipper has his say on victoryMartin Odegaard joined the TNT Sports pundits to discuss the game and their aims for the season:Yeh we needed that, we have put ourselves in a really good situation now. Results always influence the mood but I think it is good. We come in the next day are even more hungry. To be honest, with injuries we have been a little short, if we can keep everyone fit that is the main thing. Everyone is different, different way to lead. For me I try to lead by example and to get the best out of everyone.Martin OdegaardArsenalCopy linkCopiedEx-Arsenal defender waxing lyricalMartin Keown could find a positive for his former club in any given situation or disaster.Speaking after the game, he pointed towards their early exit from the FA Cup being a good thing so they can focus on the Champions League.No doubt, when they exit the competition, Keown will point towards how being out of Europe is good for their carbon footprint and they are single-handedly saving the planet.Copy linkCopiedSpaniard happy with team displaySpeaking with TNT Sports after the game, The Gunners’ manager gave his view on tonight’s performance:We are happy to win a game at home and keep a clean sheet. It is massive step and we are very close now. I thought we generated quite a lot and missed a few big chances. You could see the way Martinelli celebrated how important that goal was to him. It is a crucial month, we have nine games in this period. We are in good spirits and we go again.Mikel ArtetaArsenalCopy linkCopiedTake back the empties DeclanDuring the first-half, whenever Declan Rice was taking corners for his team, he was pelted with missiles from the Zagreb end.His biggest test was moving all the pint glasses away from the corner so he could take the set-piece.Some grounds offer money-back for taking empties back to them.That could have worked out to be a real money-spinner for the Arsenal midfielder this evening.Credit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedArteta’s side with point to proveThe task for The Gunners is simple now, get at least a point away to Girona next week to secure their progress to the last 16.Avoiding a two-legged play-off was the aim for all the English teams as soon as the new format was announced.With the demands of the Premier League, the last thing any of these teams needed was an extra two matches.Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo ZagrebThere is no doubting that The Gunners will face much tougher challenges in the Champions League this season.Zagreb’s tactic of getting eleven men behind the ball didn’t seem to make a difference when trying to keep the hosts at bay.Rice’s early goal made a big difference to this game, the longer it had stayed goalless you could see the visitors growing in confidence.From that point, their focus was on defence rather than attack.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo ZagrebIt was plain sailing for The Gunners in the capital.Scoring early on in the game, it seemed to knock the stuffing out of the visitors.From that moment, they were more interested in protecting their own goal than putting Arsenal’s under any pressure.Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo ZagrebThe referee brings the game to a close.Arsenal are comfortable winners at The Emirates.A deserved victory for Mikel Arteta’s side.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb90+2. Trossard puts a teasing ball into the box.Nobody has tracked the run of Odegaard and he has a simple tap in.Icing on the cake for Arsenal and their fans in North London.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb90. Zagreb force a corner late on in the game.Arsenal will be keen to defend their clean sheet here.We are going to have three added minutes.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb88. Rice comes over to take The Gunners’ tenth corner of the match.Still they search for one of theiir trademark goals.You can not have it all, they have scored two goals in open play tonight.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb86. Some interesting scores elsewhere in the Champions League tonight.Currently, Man City are trailing to PSG in Paris.That leaves them 25th in the table and in danger of going out of Europe.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb84. The Gunners’ fans are singing ‘Allez, Allez, Allez’ now.Obviously they have had to change the lyriics to make sure there is no mention of dominating Europe.It is a reworded version referencing past Premier League glories, the trophy they have not won for 21 years now.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb82. The game seems to be going through the motions now.Arsenal are trying to manage the game and keep possession.The last thing The Gunners want is to concede against the run of play and make for a nervy end to this match.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb80. Martinelli comes forward again. He lifts a cross into the back post but it is headed wide for a corner.Their set-piece coach stays in his seat this time, maybe he realises his five minutes of fame is over.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb78. It crazy to think that, if results go their way elsewhere, Zagreb could still make the play-off places in the league.They do not deserve to be in the latter stages of this competition.Zagreb have offered so little in an attacking sense, you start to feel empathy for the fans who made the long trip to London.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb76. Arsenal seem to have more of a spring in their step now.Nwaneri cuts inside from the right wing and swings in a left-footed cross right onto the head of Rice.Somehow, the former West Ham man heads well wide of the goal.Great clearance.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb74. Some more changes from Mikel Arteta.Zinchenko and Havertz are the players to make way.They are replaced by Trossard and Tierney.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb72. This will be seen as a comfortable victory for The Gunners.In some respects that is not a good thing as you wonder if Arteta will even focus on some things that need to improve.Arsenal have had 13 shots in the game so far but only 3 of them have been on target.If they want to compete for major honours this season, that has to change.Credit: PACopy linkCopied More

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      Football stars are ‘super-clever’, study claims…putting old sterotype to bed

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      FOOTIE stars are “super-clever”, according to a study — putting an end to stereotypes of stupidity.They have “exceptional cognitive abilities” and are better at mental planning, focus, memory and decision-making.Football players are ‘super-clever’, a study claimsCredit: GettyThis is honed by working out when to pass, dribble or shoot while quickly predicting what other players will do.Teams from Oxford University and Sweden’s Karolinska Institute compared 204 top-flight male and female players from Sweden and Brazil to 124 regular people.Writing in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Dr Petrovic said: “Our study demonstrates that elite soccer players significantly outperformed others in memory, problem-solving and planning tasks.“The ability to plan several steps ahead in a quickly changing environment may be one of the most crucial processes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Being an elite player may not solely depend on athletic capacities and instead, it may be crucial to have a deep understanding of the game, process information quickly, and make decisions faster than others.”Dr Petrovic added: “They might have a superior ability to perform under pressure.”Similar studies have found above-average intelligence in other athletes including volleyball, basketball, chess and ice hockey players, as well as in elite musicians.Study co-author Professor Leonardo Bonetti, from Oxford University, said footballers might keep their unintelligent reputation because many are not book-smart.Most read in FootballHe added: “Even if they are clever, they are not educated – most stop at high school, possibly before.“This might be related to lower knowledge, not lower intelligence.”Ben Doak gives hilarious answers at Middlesbrough Q&A More

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      Treasures from Sven-Goran Eriksson’s career on sale including Armani suits & legendary kits…after he died £8m in debt

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      INCREDIBLE treasures owned by legendary manager Sven-Goran Eriksson have been put on sale – including a snazzy Armani suit and various winners medals.Football went into mourning when the legendary coach passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 76 in August last year.Valuable items once owned by the late Sven-Goran Eriksson have been put up for saleCredit: The TimesIncluded is the legend’s winning Serie A medal with LazioCredit: bna.nuweauctionsThe manager’s Armani suit he wore during his time as England boss will also be floggedCredit: bna.nuweauctionsEriksson was one of the country’s best performing managers, taking the national team to two World Cups and one Euros quarter final.But eye-opening accounts published in his native Sweden on January 14 reveal he had debts totalling 118 million kronor – the equivalent of £8.6 million – when he died.A staggering £7.2 million of that was owed to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the UK.Now, a cluster of the late manager’s valuable belongings have been flogged.read more Sven Goran ErikssonThe items all have a starting price of 100 Swedish Krona, equal to roughly £7. The splendid collection feature items commemorating Sven’s accomplished career as head coach of the England national team, Italian giants Lazio and Roma and in the Premier League with Manchester City, among others.The collection includes several Armani and Burton jackets from Eriksson’s time as England manager.An Ivory Coast jersey signed by iconic former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is included in the auction, as are winning medals from Eriksson’s tenure guiding Lazio and Roma to silverware.Most read in FootballFor the former, punters can put in a bid for the legend’s eye-catching Serie A winners’ medal from the 1999/2000 season.For the latter, a Coppa Italia medal from the same year is available to buy.LIVE: Sven-Göran Eriksson is laid to rest at funeral in Torsby, SwedenAn award commemorating the Swede’s Premier League Manager of the Month award during his time as gaffer of Manchester City also features.LEGENDARY BOSSThe Swede became the first foreign manager of the England men’s football team in 2001.He managed superstars such as Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Michael Owen.During his time with England Eriksson managed 67 matches, he won 40 and lost 10 – of his 67 games 40 were competitive.Eriksson left the England role after the 2006 World Cup and would later manage a host of clubs at domestic and international level.Due to his health issues, he was sadly forced to step down as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad in February 2023.After announcing his cancer diagnosis, Eriksson was granted his lifelong wish when he led out Liverpool Legends, as they played in a charity match against Ajax at Anfield in March.Revealing his illness in January, Eriksson told P1: “Everyone understands that I have an illness that is not good.”Everyone guesses it’s cancer and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can.”When asked about the prognosis, Eriksson said he has “maybe at best a year, at worst a little less, or at best maybe even longer”.He added: “You can’t be absolutely sure. It is better not to think about it.”But you can trick your brain. See the positive in things, don’t wallow in adversity, because this is the biggest adversity of course, but make something good out of it.”The 76-year-old has now seen his life chronicled in a documentary for Amazon Prime Video where he gave a touching farewell.TEARFUL FAREWELLSven gave a poignant final message to former players, coaches and supporters after speaking openly about his affairs and life in the film. In a touching clip at the end of the documentary, Sven told viewers: “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well.”You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully at the end people will say, yeah, he was a good man, but everyone will not say that.“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile.”Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe film then pans back to Sven in his home, with the former England manager concluding his message with “bye”.During Eriksson’s time at the helm, England’s “Golden Generation” went from 17th in the world rankings to fifth.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s nabbed the Manager of the Month prize during his time as gaffer of Manchester CityCredit: bna.nuweauctionsIconic striker Didier Drogba’s gave his signed Ivory Coast jersey to his former managerCredit: bna.nuweauctionsA handful of other signed jerseys from previous teams Eriksson coached are included in the auctionCredit: bna.nuweauctionsSven-Goran Eriksson’s managerial careerFOLLOWING Sven-Goran Eriksson’s death from his battle with cancer, SunSport takes a look at his remarkable managerial career…PROMISING STARTIt began in Sweden in 1977 where he won the third division with Degerfors, before he joined Gothenburg and won two Swedish Cups and the Uefa Cup.He then took over at Benfica in 1982 and spent two seasons with the Portuguese giants where he won back-to-back league titles.INCREDIBLE ITALIAN SUCCESSStints followed in Italy with Roma and Fiorentina, but he returned to Benfica in 1989 and reached the European Cup final before losing to AC Milan.Eriksson claimed a third league title with Benfica the following year, leaving in 1992 for Sampdoria.He spent five seasons with the Serie A side, winning the Copa Italia in 1994.Eriksson then added another two Coppa Italias to his trophy cabinet with Lazio across a four-year spell.ENGLAND APPOINTMENTThen came the England job in 2001 where he spent five years at the helm of the national side.He reached the quarter-finals of World Cup 2002, losing 2-1 to eventual winners Brazil.England then suffered back-to-back eliminations at the hands of Portugal at Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006.PREMIER LEAGUE SPELLSAfter leaving the Three Lions following his third major tournament, he spent one season at Manchester City.Spells followed at Mexico, Ivory Coast and Leicester, before he moved to China where he coached three clubs across a four-year period.His last managerial stint came for the Philippines national team, a position he held from October 2018 to January 2019.MAJOR HONOURSPortugal League title x 3 (Benfica 82/83, 83/84, 90/91)Copa Italia x 4 (Roma 85/86, Sampdoria 93/94, Lazio 97/98, 99/00)Serie A title (Lazio 99/00)Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup (Lazio 98/99)Uefa Super Cup (Lazio 99)BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year (England 2001) More

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      Declan Rice pelted with bottles by Dinamo Zagreb fans in shameful scenes during Arsenal Champions League clash

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      DECLAN RICE received a shower of beer bottles and cups during Arsenal’s 3-0 Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb.The England international lit the blue touch paper two minutes into the Croatian giants’ visit to the Emirates on Wednesday night.Declan Rice broke the deadlock in Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Dinamo ZagrebCredit: EPAA minority of Zagreb fans targeted the Gunners midfielder with bottles and cupsCredit: REUTERSRice ended up being struck by one of the missilesCredit: GETTYGunner skipper Martin Odegaard was also in the the firing lineCredit: GettyAnd sections of the travelling supporters took their anger out on the midfielder by twice pelting him with missiles.The first incident occurred in the tenth minute when Rice looked to take a corner, with bottles, cups and what appeared to be a lighter being thrown.Yobs in the Zagreb end targeted Rice again in the 27th minute with even more missiles, one of which hit the midfielder.Footie fans watching the match took to social media to blast the louts, with one writing on X: “These Zagreb fans are actually crazy.”READ MORE ON ARSENALAnother sarcastically said: “Classy from Zagreb fans.”And another said: “Absolutely nasty from Zagreb fans throwing stuff at Declan.”One remarked: “What is the point of stewards?JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”They’re literally just stood watching Rice get peppered by the Zagreb fans when he goes over to take a corner.”Most read in FootballAnother chimed in: “Well I must say, that’s definitely a new and interesting tactic for stopping Arsenal corners.Mikel Arteta admits that he uses music to inspire his Arsenal players “Kudos to the Zagreb fans for their creativity and stupidity.”The actions of a minority of Zagreb’s fans will likely land the Croatian champions in hot water with Uefa.European football’s governing body could now throw the book at Zagreb, who will likely have to pay a penalty fine.The Gunners ran out 3-0 winners and all-but sealed automatic qualification for the last-16 thanks to second half goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.Arsenal ratings vs Dinamo: Martinelli makes himself undroppable as Sterling blows big chanceBy Katherine WalshDavid Raya – 6A really poor clearance invited pressure from Dinamo’s front three in the first half. A heart in mouth moment for sure.But rarely touched the ball from then on, with the Croatian side not registering a single shot at the Spaniard in 90 minutes.Jurrien Timber – 5Involved in early attacks and got back to block a dangerous Dinamo counter as things settled in the 12th minute.But was caught sleeping after Luca Stojkovic won the ball off him on the edge of his box, before Jakub Kiwior’s handy interception.Gabriel – 6Missed a sitter to make it 2-0 after Odegaard put it on a sixpence from a corner.Held off Stojkovic whenever he was called upon, although Dinamo offered little going forward.Jakub Kiwior – 7For all the scrutiny he’s faced, the Pole saved regular starter Timber from embarrassment and a sure Dinamo chance inside 33 minutes.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7With teen Myles Lewis Skelly carrying a knock, the Ukrainian was forward thinking and whipped crosses into Havertz all evening.Declan Rice – 8Fired Arsenal ahead with a thunderous volley inside 105 seconds – his first-ever goal in the competition.But his usual corner deliveries were affected by the deafening away end pelting plastic cups and lighters at his back.Ran his heart out but fluffed a poor header, reminiscent of the same chance missed against Man Utd in the FA Cup defeat, to make it 3-0.Jorginho – 6Horror backpass almost cost his side the lead when he put Raya in trouble inside 30 minutes.But worked hard to win the ball back and put Martinelli through for a blistering run.Martin Odegaard – 7Engine of the team. Dropped back into midfield to provide an outlet for Kiwior whenever he could.A tap-in at the death saw him score his first goal since the 5-2 win over West Ham in November to make it 3-0.Raheem Sterling – 4A non-event. The former England winger was weak in front of goal yet again.But some lovely Sterling-esque runs of old were a nice watch at times, if that’s all he had to offer.Lucky to avoid a straight red after a nasty challenge on Maxime Bernauer’s ankle with his studs just seconds into the second half.Gabriel Martinelli – 8A last-ditch tackle denied him what would have been a sensational solo goal from a 60-yard run that woke Arsenal from their slumber.Was the main attacking threat and had a hand in both goals, first crossing into Havertz, who laid it on for Rice, before a glorious curling ball into the German for 2-0.Has the Brazilian made himself undroppable moving forward?Kai Havertz – 7Brushed off recent criticism with a perfect lay-off for Rice to smash home and doubled Arsenal’s lead with a laid-on header in the 66th minute.Was happy to score but was wasteful before finding the back of the net and often absent in box during first-half attacks.SubsEthan Nwaneri (for Sterling, 57 mins) – 6A loud applause welcomed the teen back from injury, but he didn’t have to do much against such weak opposition.Thomas Partey (for Timber, 57 mins) – 6Assured cameo in midfield.Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 73 mins) – 5Calm on the ball after coming on.Leandro Trossard (for Havertz) – 5Made his 100th appearance for the club. More

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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer destroys La Liga giants in first game with Besiktas as Man Utd fans work out exactly how he did it

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has made a flying start to life in Turkey.The former Manchester United manager led Besiktas to a thumping 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer kickstarted his Besiktas reign with an impressive winCredit: GettyHis side beat Atletic Bilbao 3-0 in the Europa LeagueCredit: APSolskjaer has been out of work since leaving Old Trafford in 2021 but has returned to management on an 18-month, £3million deal.Former Norwich City man Milot Rashica scored twice while Rafa Silva and ex-West Ham man Joao Mario also scored.Solskjaer said: “This is a very good start for the team and a great result.”But most of all, it’s great to see how my players fought for each other and how connected my players were with the fans, against a great football team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Since we started working with the players, we’ve worked on confidence.”Football is about feeling good. We got everything we wanted tonight.”We worked together as a team. It’s easier to win when you work hard and work smart.”Fans were quick to work out why Solskjaer’s side had such joy in his first match, pointing to Atletic Bilbao’s high line.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne reacted saying: “Athletic Bilbao playing a high line against Solskjaer? They really aren’t familiar.”Another added: “Ole Gunnar Solskjaer destroying a top of the table team playing a high line.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer holds his first training day as manager of Besiktas And a third wrote: “They played a high line against an Ole side. Were they not informed?”Besiktas are sixth in the Turkish Super Lig and face Antalyaspor on Sunday in Solskjaer’s first domestic game. More

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      Champions League clash suspended after just 72 seconds with players unable to see due to smoke caused by fans’ flares

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      A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE clash was suspended after just 72 seconds due to fans’ flares.Feyenoord hosted Bayern Munich on matchday seven at De Kuip.Feyenoord fans set off flares in the early stages of their match with Bayern MunichCredit: XThe flares began as the players got ready for kick-offCredit: RexPlay had to be suspended due to the thick smokeCredit: GettyBut with just over a minute on the clock in the 8pm kick-off, the referee had to halt proceedings. That is because the Feyenoord fans set off a ton of flares inside the stadium in scenes more akin to November 5 than a football match.The fireworks and smoke bombs started as the players made their final preparations on the pitch for kick-off.But once the fires of pyrotecnics died down, they were replaced with a huge cloud of smoke.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd it became so bad that visibility was reduced for the players and officials on the pitch that the referee temporarily paused the Champions League match.Play was stopped for more than five minutes as everyone waited for the smoke to dissipate. And once the referee was happy, he allowed the game to continue.But on 21 minutes, the stadium exploded into life once again.Most read in Champions LeagueBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThat is because Santiago Gimenez gave the Dutch side the lead.Bayern centre-back Kim Min-jae failed to deal with a ball over the top.Man United players don’t trust Amorim’s tactics or each other – the utter humiliation by Brighton proved itThat allowed Gimenez to run in behind.And the Mexican took his strike early, sweeping a fine left-footed finish past Manuel Neuer. Seven minutes of injury time were added on at the end of the first half to make up for the early delay. Right at the end of the seven minutes, Feyenoord launched a blistering counter attack.The danger appeared to be cleared but then Raphael Guerreiro – who had only just come on for Alphonso Davies – stuck his leg into a needless challenge.The ref had no choice but to point to the spot.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Gimenez stepped up to blast home the penalty in the ninth added minute.Ayase Ueda then rounded off the 3-0 win in the 89th minute – with Feyenoord’s third shot on target while Bayern had 30 attempts. The fireworks made for an impressive display and a crackling atmosphereCredit: APFeyenoord fans were desperate to give their side any advantage possibleCredit: RexPlay was simply not possible with the reduced visibilityCredit: RexSantiago Gimenez scored twice in the first half once the smoke clearedCredit: Getty More

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      Sam Allardyce, 70, dreaming of return to management at former club with three other bosses in running

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      STEVEN SCHUMACHER is favourite to become Bolton boss — while Sam Allardyce dreams of an emotional return.Ian Evatt, 43, has left after four and a half years with Wanderers ninth in League One, three points outside the play-off places after a run of just two wins in nine.Bolton parted company with manager Ian Evatt on WednesdayCredit: GettySteven Schumacher is the leading candidate to replace EvattCredit: GETTYWanderers legend Sam Allardyce is dreaming of a return to the clubCredit: GETTYAllardyce, 70, fancies a return to the club he managed from 1999 to 2007 but his wages would be a big step up for Bolton.Schumacher, 40, is available and keen to return to management — with no compensation required.The former Plymouth and Stoke City boss has experience and success at the level so looks a perfect match.Bolton have invested in the squad and want the return of promotion.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThey may pay for a rival club manager but it would help if he was a free agent.Rotherham’s Steve Evans has support while St Mirren’s high flying Stephen Robinson is another possible as the Bolton regime look for a solution.Former Barrow boss Evatt joined Wanderers in July 2020 and guided the club to automatic promotion from League Two in his first season.He led the Trotters to EFL Trophy glory at Wembley in 2023, in addition to reaching the League One play-off final last season, which ended in a 2-0 loss to Oxford.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSam Allardyce’s wage demands could scupper an emotional return to the clubCredit: GETTYEvatt said: “I’ve absolutely loved my time here at Bolton Wanderers Football Club.”Working with Sharon and Nick (Luckock) has been a pleasure, and I’ve been superbly backed along the way by my team of staff and the players.Victor Adeboyejo on joining Bolton Wanderers“There comes a point in football when a change needs to happen and the last thing I want is to damage what we have all built together.“I believe the Club is still well placed to achieve its goals this season, and I want to give the Board and players the best chance of doing that.“I am very grateful for everybody’s support and to be the manager of this wonderful football club has been the greatest honour of my career.”To our fans, thank you for the support you have shown me and my staff.“Together we have created some very special memories and I will always be a fan of this amazing football club.” More