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      Thomas Tuchel’s first England XI predicted by Jamie Carragher with ultra-attacking team and one-cap international

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has revealed how he believes Thomas Tuchel could transform the England side.The German, 51, was last week confirmed as the new Three Lions boss on an 18-month contract, set to begin on January 1.Thomas Tuchel was confirmed as England boss last weekCredit: GettyJamie Carragher had a go at picking Tuchel’s starting XICredit: AlamyTuchel’s first game in charge will be next March.Following the former Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain boss’ arrival, ex-England defender Carragher had a go at predicting how he will pick his side.Appearing on Monday Night Football he selected his XI, making some bold choices along the way.With Jordan Pickford remaining in goal, Carragher added some inexperience to his defence alongside stalwarts Trent Alexander-Arnold and John Stones.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Liverpool ace went for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who has so far earned just one cap, to partner Stones.He also reckons that Chelsea’s three-cap star Levi Colwill could solve the Three Lions’ left-back issue.In an attacking 4-2-3-1 system, Carragher opted to move Jude Bellingham into a deeper midfield position alongside Declan Rice.With captain Harry Kane remaining the focal point up front, Carra selected pace and trickery in the trio behind him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCarra wants to surround skipper Harry Kane with speedCredit: GettyThe former England defender picked this trip to play behind KaneCredit: Alamy”(Bukayo) Saka has to play on the right wing, he has to,” the pundit began, before pointing at the No10 position. “Cole Palmer for me has to play there.”Not necessarily because he’s been amazing for England, hasn’t had too many choices.Thomas Tuchel England Press Conference”But when someone’s playing that well in club football, they have to play.”And right now I’d play Gordon there (the left). Because if Kane for me is still England’s best centre-forward, you need pace around him.”It was then pointed out that Carragher had made a huge omission in leaving out Manchester City star Phil Foden.On the reigning PFA Player of the Year, Carragher added: “You know how much I love Phil Foden.”But Phil Foden still hasn’t done enough in an England shirt. And you’re getting to the stage now where he’s probably played 40-50 games for England.”He’s still… Palmer’s not really had his chance yet, neither’s Anthony Gordon, certainly the chances that… (Foden has).”READ MORE SUN STORIESFoden, 24, has so far earned 41 England caps since debuting in 2020, scoring just once in three major tournaments – against Wales during the World Cup in Qatar.Palmer, meanwhile, has two goals in nine caps – one as a substitute in the Euro 2024 final – with Gordon having made six appearances, featuring for just one minute in the summer’s tournament in Germany.Phil Foden has been left out of Carra’s England teamCredit: Splash More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say no

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      AARON RAMSEY has revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson phoned him to try to convince him to join Manchester United.Cardiff star Ramsey, 33, appeared as a guest on Sky Sport’s Monday Night Football show to analyse Nottingham Forest’s game against Crystal Palace – which was won 1-0 by the hosts.Aaron Ramsey revealed how his career could have been very differentCredit: GettyRamsey revealed how he was on the phone to Sir Alex Ferguson but did not like the club’s plan for himCredit: PA:Press AssociationBut the midfielder admitted he ‘felt wanted’ by Arsene WengerCredit: Arsenal FC – GettyBut during his appearance Ramsey was asked to clear up a rumour about a run-in with Sky pundit Gary Neville near the start of his career.The midfielder then went on to explain how interest had been shown in him by both Man Utd and Liverpool, along with phone calls to Ferguson and Rafael Benitez.Ramsey said: “No it wasn’t Gary [that showed me around Man Utd’s training ground], I think he was busy that day. It was the assistant manager at the time.”Presenter David Jones joked that Jamie Carragher was hoping to blame Neville for the reason he ended up not joining the Red Devils, before Ramsey explained his decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe continued: “No it wasn’t main man (Ferguson). He was away but we spoke on the phone a few times with him trying to convince me to go there. “But the initial thought was for them to loan me back [to Cardiff] but I wanted to go on [fully] then.”What about Liverpool? Yeah there were some discussions with Rafa but at the time they couldn’t really get to that fee. “I think they could do something around the million or two mark but then I think it went above that toward the five.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRamsey went on to join Arsenal in 2008, where he would stay until 2019, having made 369 appearances and winning three FA Cups.The Welshman explained how “he felt wanted” by the North London club after grabbing lunch with Arsene Wenger.Bournemouth vs Arsenal: Player RatingsHe added: “I felt like he really wanted me. He was doing the European Championships at the time so they flew me over there and I met him when he had a few hours off and had lunch with him.”Everything about him and his vision and plans for me. “I can’t remember the ins and outs but he had a really detailed plan obviously with the amount of young players that he brought through and had given great opportunities to go on and be successful.”That was really appealing to me as well. For example like what he did with [Cesc] Fabregas, brought him in at a very young age and giving him that opportunity really young as well.”So I felt really wanted by Arsenal.”Despite his vast talent, Ramsey’s Arsenal career would be stunted early on by a horrific double leg break that kept him out of action for nine months.And after that he would continue to be dogged by injuries.After leaving Arsenal, Ramsey joined Juventus, winning Serie A and Italian Cup before he returned to Britain with Rangers on loan, adding the Scottish Cup to his trophy haul.READ MORE SUN STORIESRamsey then joined Nice in 2022 before rejoining boyhood club Cardiff in 2023.He played 13 games in the Championship for them last season and scored three goals, but suffered a major knee injury that kept him out for months. More

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      I played under Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea – but I remember what reserves manager did over both of them

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      FORMER Chelsea star Carl Magnay worked with Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti but praised another manager for having the biggest influence on his career.The defender won a contract at Chelsea after winning the second series of Sky show Football Icon.Carl Magnay saw many managers at work at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe former defender is now in charge of GatesheadCredit: Instagram @gfc_officialHe beat many hopefuls to secure a place in the Blues squad in 2007, and saw plenty of change at the club before leaving on permanent basis in 2011 without making an appearance.Magnay, 35, saw several high profile managers come and go including Mourinho, Ancelotti, Luiz Filipe Scolari and Avram Grant.He said of the experience in an interview with Chronicle Live: “That was a strange one because from an early age I’ve always been interested in coaching and see the manager styles. “Mourinho was a really intimidating character.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He had the respect of the players undoubtedly, when he’d walk into a room you’d sit upright and make sure you checked yourself. He had that presence and that aura about him.”I was there when Carlo Ancelotti was there – who I really liked – I thought he had more of a personal approach with his players and was very organised with his set-ups, similar to Mourinho. “Then there was Andre Villas-Boas who tried to change things quite drastically.”However none of those managers impacted Magnay as much as his reserve manager at the time – Brendan Rodgers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former full-back praised the now Celtic boss for his detail on the training pitch and revealed he uses his tricks at Gateshead, having taking charge of the National League side this month.Magnay continued: “The biggest influence on my career, without a doubt, was Brendan Rodgers. The History Of Chelsea’s Logo “He was my reserve manager for two-and-a-half years and he was incredible. His content with his sessions but also his personable approach, he’s someone that I take a lot of into my work now.” More

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      Gary O’Neil at centre of FA probe after Wolves boss claimed refs have ‘subconscious’ bias towards big clubs

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      THE FA have launched a probe into Gary O’Neil’s claims that refs have a “subconscious” bias to the Prem’s big clubs.Wolves boss O’Neil has been contacted by football chiefs after his  post-match comments following John Stones’ controversial 95th-minute winner for Manchester City on Sunday.Gary O’Neil is facing a probe after his commentsCredit: ReutersBernardo Silva was judged to have not impeded Jose SaCredit: Sky SportsReferee Chris Kavanagh ruled out Stones’ header for offside against  Bernardo Silva — but changed his mind in a pitchside review after VAR intervened to hand City a 2-1 win.Now O’Neil will have to explain his remarks before the FA decide on any further action.O’Neil said: “There’s no chance people are purposely against Wolves.“But is there something in the subconscious around the decision-making, without even knowing it? Are you more likely to give it to Man City than Wolves?READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“My senses are heightened when we are facing Man City. Are the officials the same?“If I had to upset someone and there’s a big and a little guy, I’m upsetting the little guy.”City’s winner hinged on whether Silva, who was standing in an offside position, had unsighted Sa as he attempted to keep out Stones’ bullet header.Silva appeared to step away from the keeper just before Stones’ effort, with Kavanagh judging Sa was not prevented from being able to see the ball.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Premier League explained the decision in a statement that read: “Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision. “The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review.”The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.”Man City match-winner John Stones reflects after controversial win against Wolves More

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      Mikel Arteta reveals new plan to overcome discipline worries with Arsenal on verge of red card record

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      MIKEL ARTETA vowed Arsenal will use their red card “pain” to drive them on in a crunch week.The Gunners are still reeling from William Saliba’s dismissal at Bournemouth – their third sending-off in six Prem games – which led to a first defeat since April.Arsenal star William Saliba was sent off for a foul on Evanilson – their third red in six gamesCredit: PADeclan Rice was sent off versus BrightonCredit: GettyLeandro Trossard was sent for an early bath against CityCredit: APMikel Arteta says the red cards have galvanised the squadCredit: GettyIt was the 18th red card Arsenal have been shown in the league since Mikel Arteta took over on December 26, 2019 – SIX more than any other side.Should they pick up another this term, it will be Arsenal’s 108th red card in the Prem era – a joint-record alongside Everton.Yet Arteta claims his team have been “galvanised” by the woeful red-card streak.Arsenal aim to bounce back, starting tonight against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League before hosting Liverpool on Sunday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArteta said: “It’s absolutely galvanised the group. They’ll show their teeth and fight against the situation. They say: ‘OK, this is what we have to play, how we have to do it. We’re going to do it’.“But playing with ten men, obviously there is an issue. We just cannot continue to do this.“We’ve also had two different periods where we had a lot of reds and then not any. Now we have had three in a row.“But we can’t continue to play with ten at this level. The task becomes almost impossible.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“So, we must eradicate that. Let’s take that pain and use it tomorrow. It has to happen.”Centre-back Saliba’s red was the latest example of ill-discipline that has cost Arsenal seven points already this season.Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card?Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard have also been dismissed and now the Gunners lie four points off leaders Liverpool ahead of their Emirates clash.Asked how you sort this discipline problem, Arteta said: “The most effective way is not talking about it.“Because we tried and talked and repeated the message – and a red then happened again.”Midfielder Rice earned a second yellow in August for delaying the restart against Brighton, as did Trossard against Manchester City in September.Frenchman Saliba was deemed to have pulled down Cherries striker Evanilson as the last man.Saturday’s 2-0 loss was Arsenal’s first in 17 matches. But Arteta feels his side are ready to go on another unbeaten run.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “The relentlessness and attitude of the team is remarkable.”Arteta is sweating on the fitness of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, who did not seem to train yesterday.Arsenal player ratings vs BournemouthBy Alex CrookTEN-MAN Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season as brilliant Bournemouth dealt them a South Coast setback.The Gunners travelled to face Andoni Iraola’s men having won five and drawn three of their opening eight matches this term.But their task was made a tricky one when William Saliba was shown a red card on the half-hour.Ryan Christie brilliantly fired the hosts into a deserved lead following a well-worked set piece routine 20 minutes from time.Justin Kluivert then sealed his side’s incredible 2-0 victory from the penalty spot on 79 minutes.Here’s how SunSport rated each Gunners performer on the day.DAVID RAYA – 5Was lucky to get away with one poor pass out from the back early on. Made amends for another error by saving smartly with the legs to deny Marcus Tavernier after initially spilling a Semenyo cross-cum-shot before clumsily conceding the penalty.BEN WHITE – 4England outcast was back in the team after four games out, but did not look 100 per cent fit and found it tough going containing the lively Antoine Semenyo down the Bournemouth left in the first half and Dango Ouattara in the second.WILLIAM SALIBA – 3Usually calm and collected under pressure but paid the price for a rare moment of panic when he hauled down Bournemouth striker Evanilson to get himself sent off and will miss next weekend’s crunch clash at home to title rivals Liverpool as a result.GABRIEL – 5Given the captain’s armband in the absence of the stricken Bukayo Saka, but not at his commanding best, especially after losing centre-back partner Saliba. Did not really step up to the leadership plate.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Did a better job containing Semenyo when Bournemouth’s dangerman switched wings at half-time than White did in the first half, but unable to have his usual influence going forward.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Back in his traditional central midfield berth after being used as an emergency right back in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Was second best up against Bournemouth’s impressive Lewis Cook.DECLAN RICE – 5Another of Arsenal’s international contingent who looked sluggish after the break from domestic duty. Struggled to impose himself on the game in midfield and unable to get forward as much as he usually does. Did his bit dropping into the back-line after Saliba’s dismissal.RAHEEM STERLING – 4Former England man was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and gave the ball away a few times when in promising positions before being sacrificed after the Saliba red card.MIKEL MERINO – 5Finally able to make his full Premier League debut after an injury-affected start to his Arsenal career and showed some nice touches. Also fired into the side-netting with the visitors’ best first half opening.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Started the game well but sold Saliba short with a poor back pass that led to the red card and disappeared from the action after that before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.KAI HAVERTZ – 5The German cut an isolated figure up front, especially after Arsenal were reduced to ten men, but worked tirelessly for the team without ever looking like adding to his run of scoring in the previous four games in all competitions.SUBSTITUTESJakub Kiwior (for Sterling, 37) – 4Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 64) – 5Gabriel Jesus (for Kiwior, 81) – N/AEthan Nwaneri (for Merino, 81) – N/A More

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      Man City’s winner is another kick in the teeth for the Prem’s sole voice of reason – they’ve every right to be paranoid

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      JUST because you’re paranoid, it doesn’t mean they’re not after you.As Wolves boss Gary O’Neil continues to realise.Wolves were the club who raged against the machines and forced a vote among Premier League clubs on whether VAR should be scrapped — only to lose 19-1 because none of their rivals shared their originality of thought.Gary O’Neil was left frustrated following Wolves’ defeat to Man City on SundayCredit: GettyThe game was decided with a late VAR callCredit: GettyJohn Stones scored the winnerCredit: GettyBelieving that technology doesn’t always improve things is becoming one of society’s great taboos.And then the Ipswich v Everton kick-off gets delayed due to “IT issues at the turnstiles”.My own digital season ticket has vanished from my so-called smartphone. I never once lost an actual season ticket.Yet profess a hatred of apps and QPR codes, or whatever they’re called, and suddenly you’re Captain f***ing Caveman.Read More in FootballStill, rant over and back to Wolves. Of course, football being football, the Molineux club acted largely out of self-interest by  bringing that vote.Last season, Wolves were top of the VAR “hard-done-by league” with a staggering  seven overturns going against them.But they ended up a lone voice of common sense, speaking out against a system which beats the joyous spontaneity out of the game and leaves match-going fans frequently baffled.On Sunday, O’Neil’s rock-bottom side were kicked in the teeth again when VAR awarded Manchester City’s John Stones an injury-time winner, despite Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and  jostling with keeper Jose Sa.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe on-field ref Chris Kavanagh —  on the scene for a remarkably  large percentage of high-profile gaffes — deemed Silva to have  been interfering with play, yet VAR Stuart Attwell disagreed.Then came Kavanagh’s trip to the VAR monitor — an entirely  performative process to give the impression that the referee is still allowed a mind of his own and won’t just automatically do whatever Stockley Park recommends.Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card?Pretty much every great old-school manager from Bill Shankly to Brian Clough is credited with quoting the phrase, “If he’s not interfering with play, what’s he doing on the pitch?”While that view is too simplistic, we’ve gone too far in the opposite direction. A set-piece coach will tell you that pretty much every player in the box following a corner is interfering with play — or should be.This season began with refs’ chief Howard Webb promising a “light-touch” approach to VAR, claiming that only on-field decisions which were genuine clangers would be overturned.Even those of us firmly opposed to VAR recognised this as an improvement.This lasted a couple of weeks before being conveniently forgotten — as pre-season refereeing edicts always seem to be.Now VARs have again started re-refereeing the huge number of subjective decisions which football always throws up.Because VARs will always be keen to stick their oar in to justify their existence. The system has become a labour-intensive jobs-for-the-boys scheme for match officials. Next, though, to O’Neil’s suggestion of a subconscious bias towards bigger clubs.O’Neil suggested referees have a subconscious bias towards bigger clubsCredit: EPAThis is barely borne out by stats  — Fulham and those great “world’s-against-us” conspiracy theorists Nottingham Forest were actually the biggest beneficiaries from VAR overturns last season with five more decisions going for them rather than against them.O’Neil, though, is right to be paranoid. Just in the wrong way.VAR simply seems to have it in for Wolves rather than “smaller” clubs in general.At least this all seems to disprove the age-old idea that refs try to “even things up” if they know they have made a bad error.Webb has issued so many  apologies to Wolves that he must have racked up a serious number of loyalty points with Interflora.But if any official on VAR duty is acting with a conscious or subconscious knowledge that Wolves have been continually shafted then they do a pretty good job of ignoring this and carrying on regardless.O’Neil’s job is under threat because Wolves have one point from eight games.While their fixture list has been extremely tough — and a couple of poor VAR decisions have again gone against them — that’s clearly not good enough.Should O’Neil get the sack his next job will probably be in the EFL, where clubs admirably refuse to follow the Premier League into mechanised mayhem.Or perhaps his next gig should  be in Sweden — the only western European nation to keep VAR out of its top flight.Or in Norway, who may scrap it due to widespread fan opposition — with matches having been delayed by irate supporters throwing pastries, fishcakes and tennis balls on to pitches in protests against VAR.By common consent, the  Scandinavians are beautiful and enlightened people.As O’Neil would doubtless agree.VILL TO WINHOW would Aston Villa deal with the twin demands of the Premier League and Champions League, we all asked?By scoring impressive wins in their first two fixtures back in the European elite and achieving their best start to a top-flight campaign this century.And, with Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings returning from long-term injuries and skipper John McGinn back from a month on the sidelines, things promise to get better still.Unai Emery is, pound for pound, the best manager in the top flight.Aston Villa have enjoyed a fantastic startCredit: GettyHOWE ABOUT THATHAD Eddie Howe left Newcastle in the summer, he would almost certainly have been Gareth Southgate’s successor — ending debate about whether the England boss should be English.Now with the Toon in midtable  — and Chelsea and Arsenal next up —  might Howe become available before Thomas Tuchel even starts work?England outperformed Germany in four tournaments under Southgate.But when it comes to coaching and management, the Germans still hold sway. See, for example, Brighton’s child genius Fabian Hurzeler getting the better of Howe on Saturday.Eddie Howe was not contacted about the England jobCredit: GettySQUAD DEPTHHOW is the five-sub rule affecting Premier League football? It is leading to far more comeback wins and, as predicted, giving more advantage to bigger clubs with deeper squads.Last season provided an all-time high of 63 comeback wins in the top flight (16.5 per cent).This year we’re at more than 21 per cent.Of the weekend’s nine top-flight fixtures, five were won by the team conceding first,  including both Manchester clubs, Tottenham and Aston Villa.NO WAY, JOSEAS Erik ten Hag limps grimly on as Manchester United manager, a party of Mancunian old-boys lie in wait in Istanbul for Thursday’s Europa League visit to Fenerbahce.Not just boss Jose Mourinho but also ex-United players Sofyan Amrabat and Fred  as well as former City title-winning striker Edin Dzeko, 38.Lose to that little lot and it really will be “welcome to hell”.Man Utd will meet former manager Jose Mourinho this weekCredit: GettySTOP GUNSWILL Sir Keir Starmer’s beloved Arsenal miss out on the league title due to “indiscipline”, after already dropping seven points when reduced to ten men?We all know the best cure for indiscipline: mandatory National Service. As advocated by Rishi Sunak at the election. That would have taught ’em.READ MORE SUN STORIESBUNDLE OF JOYWHY are baby-related goal celebrations, like Liverpool’s Curtis Jones sucking his thumb and Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert sticking a ball up his shirt, so irritating?Because they remind us Premier League stars are the only men in the country who can afford to have kids in their 20s.Curtis Jones celebrated his goal against Chelsea by sucking his thumbCredit: Getty More

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      Marcus Rashford has ‘bitten off more than he can chew’ as his plans for dream golf course mansion stall

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      MARCUS Rashford’s plans for a dream home on a golf course appear to be stuck in the rough four years after he bought it for £1.5million.The England and Man United ace wanted to knock down the nine-holer’s clubhouse set in 63 acres.Marcus Rashford’s plans for a dream home on a golf course appear to be stuck in the rough four years after he bought it for £1.5millionCredit: GettyAce Rashford wanted to knock down the nine-holer’s clubhouse set in 63 acresCredit: mancpicss66 He aimed to replace it with a five-bedroom home with indoor pool, plant room, games room and chill-out area.Architect plans also include space for an outdoor swimming pool and entertaining area.But locals say work on the build, underneath the flight path for Manchester airport, is sporadic and the site is regularly empty. It has led to fears that the project may be a “money pit”, even for the £350,000-a-week forward.Read More on SportA source said: “This was ­Marcus’ dream project. He was really excited at the start.“But while the build looks finished, there’s an awful lot of work to be done internally.“The gardens need to be completely landscaped and the estimated cost of looking after what used to be the golf course is at least £150,000 a year. Marcus Rashford buys £200,000 Bentley to be chauffeured around in”There’s a fear that Marcus has bitten off more than he can chew.”Most read in FootballRashford, 26, has agreed to mow lawns 14 times a year as part of a 25-year gardening plan. He is responsible for looking after surrounding woodland, and establishing meadows and grasslands for wildlife.Locals say work on the build, underneath the flight path for Manchester airport, is sporadic and the site is regularly emptyCredit: Zenpix More

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      6ft2in Arsenal star admits he feels ‘tiny’ in Mikel Arteta’s giant squad as he says ‘it’s like a basketball team’

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      AT Real Sociedad, Mikel Merino saw himself as a giant of a man.But after joining Arsenal in the summer, the 6ft 2in Spanish midfielder feels like one of the smallest members of Mikel Arteta’s elite group of NBA-sized man mountains.Mikel Merino has opened up on the physicality needed to play in the Premier LeagueCredit: RexArsenal have a physically imposing squadCredit: AlamyBut Arteta wants more than just height and strength from his midfieldersCredit: ReutersMerino, 28, laughed: “It is crazy. I am in the corridors of the training ground just walking, and back at my old club I used to be one of the tallest, so everyone was smaller than me.“Now, I look around and everyone is taller than me. We look like a basketball team.”In their 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday, the Gunners’ starting XI had NINE players above six foot — with just 5ft 8in duo Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard below that mark.Heading that lofty line-up was the 6ft 4in duo of William Saliba and Kai Havertz, along with fellow giants Merino, David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel, Ben White, Declan Rice and Thomas Partey.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSince taking charge nearly five years ago, boss Arteta has made it his mission to assemble a squad not only with technical ability but powerful physiques to match, in their quest for Premier League three-pointers.In the tunnel before kick-off, this net-busting Arsenal team are a frightening prospect for rivals, even more so from set-pieces with their slam-dunk corner routines striking fear into defenders.But these big guys sure can shift, much like the Harlem Globetrotters covering the pitch with a stunning combination of bulk, brains and beauty.SunSport even understands Arteta shows basketball clips to members of his team to encourage them to use their size more efficiently, creating space with clever movement.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMerino continued: “Football now has changed and you need a strong team. Physicality is key and we need to be the most complete team possible.“You need the physical aspect, technical aspect, the tactical one, you need to be a total team to achieve big things as we want to do.Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori reveals he learned English through Netflix and drill music “It is not only about being tall and big, you need mentality. If you are tall and big but don’t go with the 100 per cent intention to win the ball, it’s just nothing.“Set-pieces are a big part of the game and you can win or lose a lot because of that.“We train a lot and have the physical advantage. But the main thing is the mentality and we have that.”Merino arrived in North London for £27.4million from Sociedad with a reputation for dominating duels, winning 326 last term — the most in Europe’s top five leagues.But after making his first Prem start against the Cherries — having recovered from a freak shoulder injury suffered in his first training session back in August — Merino says he is much more than just a midfield bruiser.He said: “That is one of the reasons I am here, because I can be a threat in the opposite box. That is something I need to work on to get better at. I have a high ceiling.“Of course, goals are not the main thing for a midfielder but if you can provide them it is going to be a whole different thing for you as a player.“I have admired a lot of players — Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Cesc Fabregas, Patrick Vieira — all-round midfielders that are box-to-box, can score, can defend, win duels.“Of course, in Spain we had Xavi, Andres Iniesta and that mentality of keeping the ball, dominating through short passes.”Merino is coming off the back of what he describes as “the best summer”, one that “changed my life”, having won the Euros with Spain before earning a career-defining Arsenal switch.The Osasuna academy star scored an extra-time winner in the quarter- finals to dump hosts Germany out and played his part in the final to break English hearts.Add that to a German Cup win with Borussia Dortmund, a Copa del Rey title with Sociedad and European triumphs with Spain’s Under-19s and Under-21s, it is clear Merino brings a winning mentality to a talented Arsenal group that are young and hungry — but lacking  silverware.It seems then there is no better man to have on your side when it comes to ending a 20-year Prem drought, as well as trying to win the Champions League for the first time.Ahead of their league-phase clash with Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates, Merino explained: “I’ve been lucky enough to win a lot of trophies in my career, I know the feeling.“You cannot compare it with anything else. Knowing what this club is about and how  big the Champions League is and winning  trophies, winning the competition here would be amazing.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The squad may not have the experience yet, it is a really young team, but luckily I have experiences of winning, when you have the moment of truth in the semis or final and to be able to keep that calmness.“There is still a long way to go to achieve that but I think we have the basics, the players, the mentality, and that has to be the ultimate goal.”Arsenal player ratings vs BournemouthBy Alex CrookTEN-MAN Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season as brilliant Bournemouth dealt them a South Coast setback.The Gunners travelled to face Andoni Iraola’s men having won five and drawn three of their opening eight matches this term.But their task was made a tricky one when William Saliba was shown a red card on the half-hour.Ryan Christie brilliantly fired the hosts into a deserved lead following a well-worked set piece routine 20 minutes from time.Justin Kluivert then sealed his side’s incredible 2-0 victory from the penalty spot on 79 minutes.Here’s how SunSport rated each Gunners performer on the day.DAVID RAYA – 5Was lucky to get away with one poor pass out from the back early on. Made amends for another error by saving smartly with the legs to deny Marcus Tavernier after initially spilling a Semenyo cross-cum-shot before clumsily conceding the penalty.BEN WHITE – 4England outcast was back in the team after four games out, but did not look 100 per cent fit and found it tough going containing the lively Antoine Semenyo down the Bournemouth left in the first half and Dango Ouattara in the second.WILLIAM SALIBA – 3Usually calm and collected under pressure but paid the price for a rare moment of panic when he hauled down Bournemouth striker Evanilson to get himself sent off and will miss next weekend’s crunch clash at home to title rivals Liverpool as a result.GABRIEL – 5Given the captain’s armband in the absence of the stricken Bukayo Saka, but not at his commanding best, especially after losing centre-back partner Saliba. Did not really step up to the leadership plate.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Did a better job containing Semenyo when Bournemouth’s dangerman switched wings at half-time than White did in the first half, but unable to have his usual influence going forward.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Back in his traditional central midfield berth after being used as an emergency right back in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Was second best up against Bournemouth’s impressive Lewis Cook.DECLAN RICE – 5Another of Arsenal’s international contingent who looked sluggish after the break from domestic duty. Struggled to impose himself on the game in midfield and unable to get forward as much as he usually does. Did his bit dropping into the back-line after Saliba’s dismissal.RAHEEM STERLING – 4Former England man was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and gave the ball away a few times when in promising positions before being sacrificed after the Saliba red card.MIKEL MERINO – 5Finally able to make his full Premier League debut after an injury-affected start to his Arsenal career and showed some nice touches. Also fired into the side-netting with the visitors’ best first half opening.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Started the game well but sold Saliba short with a poor back pass that led to the red card and disappeared from the action after that before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.KAI HAVERTZ – 5The German cut an isolated figure up front, especially after Arsenal were reduced to ten men, but worked tirelessly for the team without ever looking like adding to his run of scoring in the previous four games in all competitions.SUBSTITUTESJakub Kiwior (for Sterling, 37) – 4Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 64) – 5Gabriel Jesus (for Kiwior, 81) – N/AEthan Nwaneri (for Merino, 81) – N/A More