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      Chelsea ‘make transfer enquiry for Christantus Uche’ months after he was signed from Spanish third tier for £400k

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      CHELSEA have enquired about Getafe sensation Christantus Uche ahead of the January transfer window, reports suggest.Uche, 21, joined the LaLiga side from Spanish third-tier outfit Ceuta in July for a bargain €500,000 (£416,000) and has since taken the top flight by storm.Chelsea have enquired about Getafe sensation Christantus UcheCredit: GettyUche has taken LaLiga by storm after joining Getafe from the Spanish third tier last summerCredit: AlamyThe versatile midfielder has started in all 10 league matches this season and even scored on his debut against Athletic Bilbao to save a point in a 1-1 draw for Jose Bordalas’ side.According to Relevo, the Nigerian is already attracting interest ahead of the January transfer window.And Chelsea are among Uche’s suitors as they are closely following his incredible development.The same source claims the Blues have already enquired about the playmaker and discussed a potential deal.Read More on FootballIt is understood that the ex-Nigeria youth international has an “affordable termination clause” on his contract, which runs until 2028.Uche’s stunning rise has also caught the eye of his national team and thus a first ever senior Nigeria call-up is now imminent.The versatile player, who can also play as a false nine, has turned a lot of heads in LaLiga this season despite having no experience at elite level before his move to the Coliseum. Uche amassed a total of 36 appearances last term with Ceuta, where he also picked up two assists.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe attacking midfielder quickly won over Bordalas and the rest of his team-mates.And thus Uche is now fully focused on his new team, which has yet to kick into gear.Chelsea star spotted at Emirates Stadium watching Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar DonetskGetafe are currently 16th in the table after three losses and only one win in 10 matches.Chelsea ratings vs LiverpoolBy Ken LawrenceLIVERPOOL held on to beat Chelsea 2-1 in a thriller as they moved to the top of the Premier League table.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring against his former club from the penalty spot after Levi Colwill tripped Curtis Jones in the box.Chelsea went into the break trailing and it was nearly worse, only for VAR to overturn a second Liverpool penalty after Robert Sanchez’s lunge on Jones.The Blues came out from the break flying and Nicolas Jackson equalised.But they failed to hold on with star of the show Jones netting the winner just minutes later.Here is how SunSport rated the Chelsea players at Anfield.ROBERT SANCHEZ – 5Survived a shocker of a challenge on Jones to not give away a pen and never convincing.REECE JAMES – 6Got through 53 minutes in first start since last December and will surely shake off the rust.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5  Booked early on for clattering into Diogo Jota and no surprise was hooked for the second half.LEVI COLWILL –  5Got away with one challenge against a diving Salah but a no- challenge penalty after hacked on Jones.MALO GUSTO – 7  Intelligent display and constant threat down the left flank in the first half especially.MOISES CAICEDO – 5At £105m and in Chelsea’s biggest test of the season was found badly wanting.ROMEO LAVIA – 5Got the nod over Enzo Fernandez from the start but failed to show any urgency.NONI MADUEKE – 6Always mobile and was productive playing as a right-sided attacker – giving Robertson a tough afternoon.COLE PALMER – 5  Deployed in central midfield but struggled to show his star quality and blazed over a good chance just before the break.JADON SANCHO  – 4Lacked any real spark and unsurprisingly hooked off at the start of the second half.NICOLAS JACKSON – 7Picked up a typically mouthy booking but the boy definitely has something – as his fine equaliser proved.SUBS:PEDRO NETO (for Sancho 46) – 6Looked a whole lot livelier than the wide man he took over from.BENOIT BADIASHILE (for Adarabioyo 53) – 6Looked a lot steadier than the centre-back he replaced.RENATO VEIGA (for James 53) – 5Got stuck in and was booked.ENZO FERNANDEZ (for Romeo Lavia) – 6Worked diligently to use his passing to make an impact late on.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (for Noni Madueke 76) – 5Found it difficult to make his presence felt as the Reds dug in to win. More

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      Meet England wonderkid Jamie Gittens, 20, who made history vs Real Madrid, changed name and will eye place under Tuchel

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      IN a flash, Jamie Gittens has become Borussia Dortmund’s heir-apparent to Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho.At 20 years old and 75 days, Gittens became the youngest English player to score against Real Madrid in the Champions League, when he put Dortmund two goals ahead at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.Jamie Gittens suddenly finds himself in the form of his life after scoring his third Champions League goal of the seasonThe 20-year-old became the youngest English player to score against Real Madrid in the Champions LeagueGittens beat former Leeds forward Alan Smith by about two months with his clever back-post run and simple finish to establish a stunning two-goal lead over the holders after half an hour.But despite going on to lose 5-2 in Madrid, courtesy of a Vinicius Junior second half hat-trick, Gittens has cemented his name in the Champions League history books after being subbed off at 2-0 in the 55th minute.In fact, only Harry Kane (four) has more European goals than Gittens, who has three, this season.The England wonderkid, who previously went by the surname Bynoe-Gittens before changing it on his Barbadian dad’s advice, is in the form of his life.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe has scored six goals and registered three assists in 11 games in all competitions this season.After making history on Tuesday, he told TNT Sports: “To lose how we did should not have happened. But this stadium is so magical. They have great players to make impacts and they did it again tonight.”Gittens scored Dortmund’s first two goals in their last Champions League outing as they beat Club Brugge 3-0, after a stoppage-time penalty from Serhou Guirassy.The Reading-born winger has already starred in a European final, coming on from the bench at Wembley when Madrid won their 15th title in June.Most read in FootballGittens shortened his name from Bynoe-Gittens at the behest of his fatherFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGittens went the Sancho route of joining Dortmund straight from Manchester City’s academy four years ago.He has since made 51 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund since joining the first team from the Under-19 side in July 2022.15 year old Jamie Bynoe-Gittens shows why he is such a special player at Man City Bellingham named his fellow Englishman as his successor to the Golden Boy award when the Madrid superstar won it in December.Gittens signed up with Reading at Under-9 level after rejecting an invitation to switch to Chelsea.He told Secret Scout: “I’m from Reading and started when I was about four. “I was playing for a little local team called Cavs and Trents from the age of five to seven. “My dad used to play cricket so I was caught between football and cricket. “I played a little but obviously football turned out better. I then went to Reading, and was also at Chelsea too for a bit. “I got to U9s level where I had to pick between Reading and Chelsea. I picked Reading and stayed there until U14s.”He eventually moved north to join Man City’s Under-15s.His train to City would take three hours so he would stay with a host family up there and joined a new school in Manchester. The distance was tough on both him and his family.Gittens revealed he also turned down approaches from Arsenal to move to Manchester.He said: “It was an easy decision. I could have gone to Arsenal but I chose City because they were producing players like Brahim Diaz and Jadon Sancho back then.”At the start, I didn’t really believe it. I’m from a small town in the middle of nowhere. “When they told me that they wanted me, I was just surprised, but thought that all the hard work I had put in was paying off.”He was highly-rated at City but in 2020 moved to Dortmund, believing it would provide him a quicker route to the first team.England fans are already getting excited at the prospect of Dortmund developing another Three Lions talent.Gittens could be set to earn himself an England call-up as new boss Thomas Tuchel will be fully aware of his talent, having faced him as Bayern Munich manager in March.A month into his training with us, we were thinking ‘Christ, this boy has got some serious ability’. His dribbling was incredible, even as a six-year-oldCoach Martyn BeneyGittens played the final half-an-hour of Dortmund’s 2-0 win over Bayern in March.Although he has grown up in Dortmund, he has been progressing through England’s youth levels.The winger was part of England’s triumphant Under-19 Euro campaign two years ago, starting the 3-1 win over Israel in the final alongside recent senior call-up Jarell Quansah.He has made 10 appearances for England’s Under-21s and is set to play a prominent role under Lee Carsley, who will return to the fold after a three-camp stint with the first-team.Martyn Beney coached Gittens as a seven-year-old at local club Caversham Trents, who also produced female star Fran Kirby.The 49-year-old told SunSport earlier this year: “A month into his training with us, we were thinking ‘Christ, this boy has got some serious ability’. His dribbling was incredible, even as a six-year-old.Gittens joined Man City’s academy from Reading aged 15Credit: Manchester City“Jamie was a shy boy behind the scenes, with a really nice, sporty family, but they didn’t push him. “They said they wanted him to be coached in a way where he could enjoy it, learn a few things along the way and can develop naturally. That’s exactly what we did.“We worked out quickly that he was a goal-scorer, and he scored a ridiculous number of goals.“But he was happy to play anywhere. He would even go in goal at times and he wasn’t bad.”His German is developing nicely too, after three and a half years of three lessons a week, and is even conducting parts of some interviews in it.He has also had to curb his sweet-tooth ways in his bid to reach the top, confessing: “When I was younger, I used to always eat chocolate and sweets.“I had to cut that out. Now I try to avoid sugar as much as I can.”Future England star?Jamie Gittens was born in Reading in August 2004.He was outstanding at a very early age, and played at Chelsea’s famous Cobham Academy aged eight.Gittens went to Reading before moving to Man City’s academy in 2018.He moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2020, and made his debut in the Bundesliga in April 2022, against Wolfsburg.He is a winger blessed with pace, outstanding dribbling skills and a cool head in front of goalGittens has played for England at U15, U16, U18, U19 and U21 levels, but could also represent Barbados.Gittens in training with the England Under-21s in September 2023Credit: PAGittens playing for England Under-19s v Italy in 2022Credit: GettyThe talented wideman’s new lease of life has coincided with using a shorter version of his surname on the back of his shirt.In August 2024, Dortmund announced that he would play under the surname “Gittens”, rather than “Bynoe-Gittens” as he had previously used. Gittens told Dortmund’s official website: “Both are my father’s names, but he said he thinks it’s better if I’m just called Gittens because it’s shorter.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Most people know him as Gittens, so in the future, I’ll only wear Gittens.”The “shorter the better” he told German outlet Bild. More

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      Jack Wilshere’s Arsenal exit may have knock-on effect on future of ‘next Kaka’, 14, with family ‘extremely disappointed’

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      JACK WILSHERE’S departure from Arsenal could spell the end for a highly-rated Gunners youngster dubbed the “next Kaka”.Former England international Wilshere, 32, has left his boyhood club to join Championship side Norwich as a coach.Jack Wilshere has left Arsenal to become a coach at NorwichCredit: GettyWilshere’s departure could impact the future of Arsenal youngster Max DowmanCredit: GettyIt brings to an end his two-year stint as manager of Arsenal’s U18s – where he has forged a strong relationship with promising talent Max Dowman.Dowman, 14, is the youngest player to score in a Uefa Youth League game – hitting the back of the net three and a half months shy of his 15th birthday.He was given his U18 Premier League debut by Wilshere last year, making more history as the youngest player to feature in the division, aged just 13.But Wilshere’s exit has now thrown Dowman’s future into question.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to The Athletic, his family are “extremely disappointed” by Wilshere’s departure.He has 18 months left on his schoolboy terms and has yet to commit to a scholarship with the North London club.Wilshere has been an important figure for Dowman both on and off the pitch – showing an understanding for the pressures he faces given he experienced a similar situation coming through as a highly-rated player in Arsenal’s academy.The coach ensured when he returned to Arsenal that the focus would be on the needs of the academy players’ families, rather than the football itself.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis has had a positive impact in transitioning players from prospects to accomplished professionals – shown through the development of Ethan Nwaneri.Dowman’s comparison to AC Milan and Brazil icon Kaka comes from academy coach Gustavo Oliveira who recently made the link.Arsenal fans call for Wilshere to come out of retirement after footage of 31-year-old dominating kickabout goes viralHe said: “He plays in the style of Kaka.”He can write his name. One day he will play for the England national team and in the Premier League.”Wilshere recently said of Dowman: “Max’s performances speak for themselves, but there’s still a lot of room for development.”For a 14-year-old, his character and personality are unreal.”Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A More

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      Aston Villa hothead Jhon Duran RAGES as he’s subbed moments after scoring and kicks back of team-mate’s chair

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      JHON DURAN was visibly FURIOUS after being substituted off during Aston Villa’s Champions League clash with Bologna.Duran, 20, was given a rare change from his super-sub role by starting the Villa Park match on Tuesday.Jhon Duran punched a chair after being subbed off moments after scoring against BolognaCredit: X/ footballontntDuran then kicked the back of a team-mate’s chairCredit: X/ footballontntDuran was then seen throwing somethingCredit: X/ footballontntIt was the 20-year-old’s second start of the seasonCredit: X @footballontntThe goal machine took 64 minutes to find the back of the net and make it 2-0 after John McGinn had opened the scoring nine minutes earlier.Duran got across his marker to volley home a low shot into the bottom corner from a Morgan Rogers cross for his seventh goal of the season.It proved to be his final touch of the match because two minutes later the subs board went up to show his number as he was replaced by Ollie Watkins.However, after going off and sitting down on the bench Duran was clearly upset about the decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was filmed punching his chair before sitting down and then kicking the back of a chair that his TEAM-MATE was sitting in.The Colombian was then seen with an angry expression on his face before throwing something.After giving Duran his first start in front of the home fans in 11 months, manager Unai Emery was relaxed over his reaction to being subbed.Speaking after the game, he said: “I’m managing everything and the reaction of the player as well.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We are sending a message in the dressing room that our values mean we need to try to be mature and responsible.”It’s not only Duran, before the other players have sometimes reacted a little bit (shrugs shoulders).Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card?”It’s under our control. It’s not a problem.”Duran has started two games this season, but also came off the bench to net the winner against Bayern Munich in their last Champions League game.The Villans host Bournemouth at 3pm on Saturday for their next match.Reports suggest both Arsenal and Chelsea are now battling to sign £75million-rated Duran next summer.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Oxford boss forced to have medical attention post-match with players ‘shocked and upset’ after he was rushed home

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      OXFORD UNITED manager Des Buckingham was given medical attention last night following the club’s draw at home to Derby.Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s equaliser cancelled out Tottenham loanee Dane Scarlett’s 12th minute opener – but the game was overshadowed by concerns for the home side’s manager.Des Buckingham felt dizzy on the touchline and was taken home after doctors gave him medical attentionCredit: RexBuckingham’s assistant Craig Short said after the game: “He was feeling dizzy in the last half an hour and kept walking from pitch side to the dugout.”He spent some time holding onto the rails by the dugout talking to the club doctor and told me he could just about shake hands at the end.”He added: “The doctor is treating him now and we feel it is probably best that he gets off home as quickly as possible.”The players were all a bit shocked and upset when we told them.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOxford made it five consecutive draws in the Championship with Tuesday night’s stalemate.Buckingham guided The U’s to promotion from League One last season, toppling Bolton Wanderers in the play-off final at Wembley.They have started the Championship season in impressive form, currently sitting in 10th and in a six-game unbeaten run.Fellow promoted side Derby County sit just behind them in 12th, while last year’s League One title winners Portsmouth are footing up the table with just one win from their opening 11 games, losing 2-0 at Cardiff in a relegation six-pointer.Most read in EFLElsewhere in the Championship, Leeds pulled level with table-toppers Sunderland by beating Watford at Elland Road.Every other game in the second tier finished with honours even on Tuesday night – Preston drawing with Norwich, Sheffield Wednesday being held to a goalless draw by Swansea, and QPR vs Coventry also finishing level.’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?! More

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      John Stones refused to swap shirts with me and told me to ‘f*** off’ after I riled England star up with brutal tweet

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      MANCHESTER CITY star John Stones has been labelled a f***ing s***bag” by former EFL striker Tom Pope.The pair clashed after Pope, now 39, had tweeted about Stones being “soft”.Tom Pope played against John Stones in the FA CupCredit: RexPope, 39, has relived his encounter with StonesCredit: X @IHadTrialsOnceHe wrote: “I know he’s on £150k a week, I know he’s a million times better player than me but I’d love to play against John Stones every week! I’d get 40 a season!”Pope then used the hashtags “soft” and “weakas****”.As fate would have it, Man City subsequently drew Port Vale in the FA Cup in January 2020, giving Pope his chance to go up against Stones.Pep Guardiola’s side went on to win 4-1, but Pope did get himself on the scoresheet at the Etihad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter the game the Stoke-born forward claims he was dragged into the Man City dressing room by Raheem Sterling and Benjamin Mendy, but Stones wasn’t having any of the banter.Recounting the tale while appearing on the I Had Trials Once Podcast, Pope said: “I think he was playing for England and he was so flipping soft.”I can’t remember who he played against, might have been flipping Zlatan or somebody, I can’t remember who it was but he got battered.”I was like, he’s a target man’s dream. Technically he’s unbelievable like, so good. I just tweeted going ‘you’d love to play against him because you’d just batter him’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPope scored against Man City for Port ValeCredit: Reuters”You’re not being derogatory about him because he never gives the ball away, he’s unbelievable on the ball, but if you’re getting balls in and going long you want John Stones over flipping (Virgil) van Dijk marking you don’t you?”When it was put to Pope that Stones has “done well”, the striker responded: “Yeah, he’s just an absolute s***bag. Because you go in their dressing room… I didn’t go in, I was the only one who stayed in our dressing room.Inside hidden meaning behind Man City star John Stones’ incredible leg tattoo that he says shows his ‘dreams come true'”Everybody else after the game came in and had pictures and that. And I just stayed in there, I was in there for about 15 minutes.”And then (Raheem) Sterling and (Benjamin) Mendy came in, ‘get in here, we’ve hammered him for f***ing months over your tweet, the group chat’s been f***ing mayhem’.”I’m like ‘I’m not coming in’, they literally dragged me, I’m going ‘I’m not coming in’.”And then in the end they go, ‘come on please, just come in’. So I walked in and they’re like ‘he’s here!'”And Stones went ‘oh f*** off, no, no’. I went ‘you f***ing s***bag you’.”I said ‘you’ve let a pub player f***ing get in your head that much? Are you alright, you’?’He wouldn’t speak to me'”All the money you’ve got, you’re at Man City and you’ve let that affect you?”He wouldn’t even look at me. I said ‘can I have your shirt?’ He said ‘No, f***off.'”He wouldn’t speak to me.”Pope was a prolific goalscorer for Port Vale, netting more than 100 times for the club across three spells.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also played for Rotherham, Bury and Crewe during his EFL career.Since leaving Port Vale in 2021 he has dropped into non-league, recently leaving Hanley Town to join Kidsgrove Athletic. More

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      Mystery as Kai Havertz denied chance to make Arsenal history but Mikel Arteta has no idea why it happened

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      MIKEL ARTETA and Arsenal fans were left scratching their heads after Kai Havertz was denied the chance to make history.The Gunners claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk as a first-half Gabriel Martinelli strike cannoned off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk and into the goal after hitting the post.Mikel Arteta admitted he was unsure why Kai Havertz did not take the penaltyHavertz had the chance to match Thierry Henry’s record with a goalCredit: GettyInstead Leandro Trossard stepped up to take it but fluffed his linesCredit: RexThe hosts were on top for most of the game, but had a few late scares.That could have been avoided when Arsenal were given the chance to double the lead from the penalty spot with 15 minutes to go.A VAR review had revealed that Valeriy Bondar had handled the ball in the box.However, with the North Londoners usual takers Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard sidelined through injury, it was left to a new star to take on the mantle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHavertz, 25, appeared to be the obvious choice, given he had scored 20 of his 21 career penalties.The German was set to match an all-time club record by Thierry Henry by scoring in eight consecutive home games. But surprisingly, it was team-mate Leandro Trossard who stepped up to take the kick.Yet the Belgian – who was already enduring a below par night – fluffed his lines as his weak strike down the middle of the goal was saved by Riznyk.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal held on to their win and clean sheet thanks to some late heroics from David Raya, though Arteta might have wished his team had added a layer of comfort.Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted he was not sure what the reason was behind the decision.Arsenal player ratings vs ShakhtarHe told Amazon Prime Sport: “I don’t know.”I don’t know the conversation because he’s one of the takers but Leo decided to take it. Okay, he missed it, [but] that’s it unfortunately.”Speaking in his post-match press conference he doubled down on the answer, adding: “They made a decision. The penalty takers normally are Bukayo and Martin. Unfortunately Leo missed it.”Reacting to the penalty miss on social media, one fan said: “You get a penalty and give it to Trossard yet your best penalty taker (Havertz) is on pitch. We can really take risks and that’s not acceptable.”A second said: “Havertz has scored 20 of the 21 penalties he’s taken in his career. Why was Trossard taking it?”A third added: “Havertz is way too nice too. Should have snatched the ball straight away from Trossard.”Despite continuing their unbeaten Champions League run, the Shakhtar win has proven costly with Riccardo Calafiori now looking set for a spell on the sidelines after going off injured.With Arsenal also confirming yesterday they would not appeal William Saliba’s red card from the Bournemouth game, it means they will be without a number of key stars as they host Liverpool on Sunday.READ MORE SUN STORIESArteta described Calafiori’s injury as worrying, while he has also cast doubt on Bukayo Saka’s availability for the match.With Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard also sidelined, they could be without as many as six first team stars against the Premier League leaders.Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A More

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      Man Utd ‘contact Barcelona legend Xavi over replacing Erik ten Hag’ as three-man shortlist emerges if he is sacked

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have contacted former Barcelona boss Xavi over potentially replacing Erik ten Hag, according to reports.The 44-year-old has been out of work since leaving Barca at the end of last season.Xavi has been linked with replacing Erik ten Hag at Man UtdCredit: PAThe former midfielder has been a free agent since leaving Barcelona at the end of last seasonCredit: EPATen Hag, 54, has come under intense scrutiny so far this season.Following the Red Devils’ 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham last month, the Dutchman’s United future appeared to be in severe doubt.They have since drawn away matches at Porto and Aston Villa, before coming from behind to beat Brentford at Old Trafford last Saturday.According to the Mail, United chiefs have identified Xavi as a possible Ten Hag replacement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey claim that contact has twice been made between United and Xavi via intermediaries in recent months.Man Utd CEO Omar Berrada jetted out to Barcelona last Thursday for meetings as part of a four-man delegation.Figures within United claim that several meetings have taken place in the Catalan city recently due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos taking part in sailings America’s Cup there.Xavi began his managerial career with Qatari side Al-Sadd in 2019.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter winning a league title and six domestic trophies, the former midfielder was appointed Barca boss in 2021.Amid financial turmoil off the pitch, Xavi guided the Blaugrana to a LaLiga title during the 2022-23 season, also winning the Spanish Supercup in 2023.Xavi to leave BarcelonaFollowing a 5-3 defeat to Villarreal in January, Xavi announced that he would be stepping down as boss at the end of the season.In April he had a change of heart, however, saying he would fulfil his contract, which had been set to run until 2025.But the following month, the club legend was sacked by club president Joan Laporta.Prior to Xavi, Thomas Tuchel and Gareth Southgate had been linked with the Man Utd job.Both have subsequently been ruled out of contention, however, with Tuchel accepting the England job and Southgate vowing that he won’t coach for 12 months.In addition to Xavi, United are claimed to be interested in former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic and current Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim.The latter, however, is also being strongly linked with Manchester City, should Pep Guardiola leave the Etihad at the end of the season.Alejandro Garnacho is United’s top scorer in the leagueMan Utd’s next five gamesNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More