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      ‘This seriously needs investigating’ – Arsenal fans lose their heads over Premier League tweet about disallowed goal

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      ARSENAL fans were left fuming after the Premier League addressed VAR’s controversial decision to disallow Mikel Merino’s last-gasp winner against Aston Villa.The Gunners dropped crucial points at the Emirates to Villa as two second-half goals within eight minutes by Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins cancelled out Gabriel Martinelli and Havertz’s strikes.Arsenal thought they’d earned all three points when Mikel Merino’s strike deflected off Kai Havertz and into the netCredit: RexBut VAR determined that the ball had hit Havertz’s handArsenal fans were furious with the Premier League’s tweetHowever, the North Londoners thought they saved their blushes in the 87th minute when Mikel Merino fired a shot from the edge of the box and the ball deflected off the Germany international.The goal was awarded by referee Chris Kavanagh but VAR recommended that it should be disallowed for handball.The camera angles showed the ball hitting Havertz’s hand, though a minority of fans were unconvinced.And the wording of the Premier League official accounts tweet added fuel to the fire for Arsenal fans.Read More on ArsenalThat was because it stated that the ball had “clearly” struck the German’s hand.The Prem’s official account tweeted: “NO GOAL! @Arsenal think they have a third, but Mikel Merino’s effort clearly strikes Kai Havertz’ hand on the way in.”The Premier League’s take enraged several Arsenal fans who insisted there was no clear handball.Some even suggested there should be an “investigation”, considering this came from the Prem’s official handle.Most read in FootballOne fan tweeted: “Where? Where is the handball? Show me the hand ball!”Best new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesAnother commented: “It’s an absolute disgrace. It’s happened to Arsenal again. This seriously needs investigating now. The ball hits his side, and even it does hit his arm it’s not in an unnatural position.”A third wrote: “I mean, this photo doesn’t show it hitting his arm. I’m not saying it hasn’t, but I haven’t seen clear and obvious. THIS is what millimeter-action video would actually be useful for.”Lone sad Arsenal fan being asked to leave by securityThis fan said: “Feel so sorry for Arsenal fans. Clearly hits Havertz’s midriff. Even slowed down on VAR it’s clear to see. Go to Specsavers lads. I used to work there I’ll get you a good deal.”And that one stated: “Clearly? This is the official EPL handle…..Wow!”Arsenal ratings vs Aston VillaArsenal’s title hopes took a huge hit as they threw away a two-goal lead against Aston VillaLeandro Trossard turned provider for the Gunners to set up both goals as it looked like they would cruise to three points.But defensive lapses from two stars cost Arteta’s side dearly.Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.GABRIEL – 7Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.THOMAS PARTEY – 6A great stint at right back but one lapse in concentration cost Arsenal the lead, losing track of Watkins in the box before he volleyed in.MIKEL MERINO – 6A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half.He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1. Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7Integral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinelli for the opener before blazing over himself.The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8Again, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range.The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better. That will do wonders for his confidence.SUBS:RAHEEM STERLING (MARTINELLI, 82) – 6A few darting runs, but added virtually nothing, other than a needless yellow card. A cameo that screamed “lacking confidence”. More

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      Man City boss Pep Guardiola held ‘tense’ crisis talks with wife before signing new contract blamed for marriage split

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      MAN City manager Pep Guardiola held crisis talks with his wife shortly before he signed the new contract blamed for their marriage split.Title-winning Pep, 54, flew to Barcelona for dinner with Cristina Serra in October, with onlookers saying the couple looked “tense”.Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola held crisis talks with his wife shortly before he signed the new contract blamed for their marriage splitCredit: GettyThe pair met as teensCredit: GettyPep signed a two-year extension to his deal with the reigning Premier League championsCredit: GettyA waiter at Bodega Sepulveda, Pep’s favourite restaurant in the city, said: “He came in with his wife about three months ago.“They sat in the corner and things looked a little tense between them. He was talking animatedly.“We were all shocked to hear that they had split.”After returning to the UK, Pep signed a two-year extension to his deal with the reigning Premier League champions — taking his stay to 2027.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe had been widely expected to quit the club after nine successful years.And influential Spanish journalists Laura Fa and Lorenza Vazquez claimed that his decision was behind the break-up.They said: “She takes the decision when he decides to extend his contract with Manchester City because in the previous months Pep had been preparing his departure from the club.“We know one of his objectives was to leave and move to the United Arab Emirates.Most read in Football“People around him were beginning to say goodbye to him because he wasn’t going to renew his contact.“That decision not to renew was helping bring him closer to his wife.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transfer“But when he decided to stay and extend his contract, Cristina decided enough was enough and it was her that decided to end the marriage.”Vazquez said: “It’s been a carefully considered decision the couple discussed over several months.“They continue to have a cordial and affectionate relationship. No one else is involved. There are no third parties.”Cristina, 52, had moved back to Barcelona to run her fashion business five years ago, while Pep stayed in Manchester to manage the City team.The couple met in 1994, married in 2014 and have three children together.The troubled pair met at Bodega Sepulveda, Pep’s favourite restaurant in BarcelonaCredit: Darren FletcherThe couple snapped this yearCredit: RexThe two pictured in 2013 in MunichCredit: Bongarts – GettyGuardiola with Cristina and their three kids in 2018Credit: PA:Press Association More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s emotional visits to Man Utd legend Denis Law at nursing home in weeks before his death revealed

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      SIR Alex Ferguson visited Man United legend Denis Law up to three times a week at the nursing home where his dementia-hit friend died on Friday, aged 84.The club’s former boss, 83, who lives near the Cheshire home, was a regular to see his fellow Scot.Sir Alex Ferguson visited Denis Law in his final daysCredit: RexSir Alex and Denis in 2005Credit: AlamyFlowers have been laid at the Old Trafford statue depicting Law, Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best.Sir Alex will be in attendance at United’s game on Sunday as a number of tributes are played to the striker, which will culminate in a minute’s applause.A source said: “The club have some really nice touching tributes to Denis.”There will be a lot of sadness but also moments of laughter, because Denis loved his football and loved life.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA statement from the club on Friday said: “Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed.“With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players. The ultimate goalscorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation.”Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”United trio David Beckham, Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney were among figures from around the world of football to pay their respects to the Scot.Most read in FootballBecks wrote on his Instagram page: “Tonight we lost a true gentleman of the game. Our heart goes out to Denis’s family.“Our hearts are heavy tonight. A legend on the field but the perfect gentleman off.”Sir Alex Ferguson hails late Man Utd secretary Kath Phipps after her funeralFlowers have been laid at the Old Trafford statue depicting Law, Best and CharltonCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal ratings: Trossard turns creator as Gunners seek attacking spark but Merino and Partey lapses cost Arteta’s side

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      LEANDRO TROSSARD could hold his head high after his performance in Arsenal’s draw against Aston Villa.The Gunners were looking for a win to keep pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool.Leandro Trossard was Arsenal’s star man against Aston VillaCredit: GettyMikel Merino has had better days on the pitchCredit: ReutersMartinelli netted the opener after firing in an effort that Emiliano Martinez failed to keep out.But it was the impressive Leandro Trossard’s cross that created the chance.Kai Havertz made it 2-0 in the 55th minute however, the game was far from won.Aston Villa fought back to level the game as Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins struck twice inside eight minutes to flip the game on its head.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe Gunners thought they had scored a late winner through a frustrated Mikel Merino but were denied after the ball deflected in off Havertz’s arm.SunSport’s Jordan Davies has given their ratings for the Arsenal team…DAVID RAYA – 6/10He was let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close-range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGABRIEL – 7Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.Bukayo Saka update as Arsenal star spotted at Emirates without crutches… but Gunners suffer fresh injury blowTHOMAS PARTEY – 6A great stint at right back but one lapse in concentration cost Arsenal the lead, losing track of Watkins in the box before he volleyed in.MIKEL MERINO – 6A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half.He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1.Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7Declan Rice was integral for the Arsenal sideCredit: EPAIntegral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez, but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinelli for the opener.The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8Kai Havertz scored with a clinical finish in the second halfCredit: GettyAgain, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range.The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat will do wonders for his confidence.SUBS:RAHEEM STERLING (MARTINELLI, 82) – 6A few darting runs, but added virtually nothing, other than a needless yellow card. A cameo that screamed “lacking confidence”. More

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      Arsenal 2-2 Aston Villa LIVE RESULT: Gunners fail to close gap at the top as Villans secure point after superb comeback

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      ARSENAL have to settle for a point after a thrilling 2-2 with Aston Villa.Gabriel Martinelli broke the deadlock on 35 minutes despite Emiliano Martinez’s best efforts to stop the ball from crossing the line.After half-time, Kai Havertz ended his poor run in front of goal with a close-range finish to make it 2-0.But Arsenal’s two-goal advantage didn’t last long as Youri Tielemans headed home for 2-1.And things went from bad to worse for the Gunners after Ollie Watkins slammed home a stunning equaliser on 68 minutes.Match result: Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaArsenal team: Raya, Partey, Timber, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Odegaard, Merino, Trossard, Martinelli, HavertzAston Villa team: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen, Onana, Kamara, Rogers, Tielemans, Ramsey WatkinsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Match reportIf this is the night when Arsenal’s title hopes died, then Ollie Watkins has been their gravedigger again.But the death sentence might have been passed by Stockley Park.With less than two minutes to go the Emirate erupted as Mikel Merino’s hopeful effort from the edge of the box took a big deflection to find its way past Emi Martinez and put Mikel Arteta’s men back ahead in a game they had tossed away.Yet Merino, pointedly, did not celebrate.He knew what Jon Brooks in the VAR booth near Heathrow was going to tell ref Chris Kavanagh – that the final, vital touch to deceive Martinez had come, albeit accidentally, off Kai Havertz’ right arm.The referee had no choice but to disallow the goal – and while Merino hit the post in added time, there was to be no reprieve.Copy linkCopied’Formula’Opta report that Arsenal have scored more goals than any other Premier League side from CROSSES this season.And Trossard’s assist double both came from crosses – only the second time in the league that’s happened this season.They tweeted from OptaJoe: “Arsenal have scored more goals from crosses than any other team in the Premier League this season (11), while Leandro Trossard is one of only two players to assist 2+ goals via crosses in a game this season (also Damsgaard v Wolves in October). Formula.”Copy linkCopiedUp nextBoth sides turn their attention to Champions League duty in midweek.Then it’s back to league business next weekend with very winnable games, with the Gunners at Wolves and Villa hosting West Ham.Copy linkCopied’Disappointing day’Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli says his side need to improve for upcoming games after their second half collapse.He told Sky Sports: “It’s a disappointing day. We wanted to win the game, but we have to keep going.”We trust in ourselves, and we have to keep going and improving – it is a long journey to go. We have to focus on ourselves.”That’s football, that’s the Premier League, the most difficult league in the world. We have to see the game and see what we have done wrong and improve for the next games.”We know our qualities and we know the potential we have and we trust in ourselves.”Copy linkCopiedYouri not kiddingYouri Tielemans reckons Aston Villa were well worth their point.He told the BBC: “From our point of view [a good result] is always deserved. We take the point and move forward. They had many chances but we defended with our bodies on the line. “2-2 is a good result for us. First half we had a couple of counters, misplaced passes from me which could have put Ollie Watkins in.”We fought really well to come back into the game.”Copy linkCopiedForward ratingsLEANDRO TROSSARD – 8: Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinez for the opener before blazing over himself. The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8: Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8: Again, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range. The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better. That will do wonders for his confidence.Copy linkCopiedMidfielder ratingsMIKEL MERINO – 6: A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half. He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1. Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7: Integral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6: A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.Copy linkCopiedPlayer ratingsHere’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies scored the Gunners players tonight, starting with the defenders:DAVID RAYA – 6: Let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8: With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.GABRIEL – 7: Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7: Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.Copy linkCopiedThe damageHere’s how the top of the Premier League table looks after today’s results.Liverpool started the day four points clear with a game in hand – they’re now SIX clear with that game in hand still.Nottingham Forest with the chance to move level on points with Arsenal if they beat Southampton at home tomorrow.The battle for top four looks set to be a good one too!Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaThis place, around the stadium was bouncing at 4.45pm when it looked like Liverpool were dropping points.Incredibly, Arsenal go to bed tonight even further behind Liverpool in the title race.To watch Liverpool score two in stoppage time would’ve been bad enough.To then bottle a 2-0 lead is unforgivable in most circumstances. After today’s events probably moreso.Just one win from their last five games now too….Copy linkCopiedFULL TIMEHugely damaging, costly COLLAPSE from Arsenal. Boos at the whistle too.Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaCopy linkCopied90+7 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaOdegaard’s delivery is abysmal. High, lofty and straight into the arms of Martinez.Not great from him or the set piece coach.Copy linkCopied90+7 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaHere he comes – the set piece coach is front and centre!Arsenal have a free kick, 15 yards from the Villa byline on the right. Odegaard will send it in in-swinging.Copy linkCopied90+6 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaWHAT A CHANCE FOR TROSSARD!!!Ohhh Arsenal and their fans can’t believe it. Arteta is almost on his knees, HE can’t believe it.Trossard looks to have broken the offside trap with a clever pass through to him on the left. It’s just Martinez to beat on his left foot and he drags his shot a foot wide of the far post. Agony!Copy linkCopied90+5 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaNow Rogers is booked for stopping Arsenal taking their throw-in quickly.Copy linkCopied90+4 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaSterling in comfortable possession gives the ball away at the edge of the Villa box.It’s to Jhon Duran and Villa have nobody to hit but they get out of trouble when Sterling swipes him from behind to give the free kick away.Sterling is booked for it too.Copy linkCopied90+2 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaUp the other end now and Villa work it well to get Youri Tielemans on it at the edge of the box.He drags his shot just wide and it looks like Raya may well got a touch. Not so, according to the referee as Arsenal get the goal kick.Copy linkCopied90 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaSEVEN MINUTES ADDED!Copy linkCopied90 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaNothing comes of the corner as a foul is given to Villa in the middle.Copy linkCopied90 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaMERINO HITS THE POST!Pinball inside the box as Merino gets space in the box and fires it off the post. It bounces around and is kept alive, worked to Trossard on the left at an angle and he fires low and hard at goal and Martinez scrambles across to keep it out.Now Trossard is cheerleader to gee the home crowd up as they win a corner.Copy linkCopied88 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaMerino has a strike from the edge of the box heading towards goal and it hits Kai Havertz on the way through.It wrong foots Martinez and ends up in the far corner.The first replay shows it quite clearly hits his arm on the way in. He’s pointing to his side but unfortunately for him, there’s replays involved in football that show he’s not telling the truth.The home support boo as the replay is shown but not quite sure why.Copy linkCopiedSCRATCH THAT…NO GOAL – VAR RULES IT OUT FOR HANDBALL!Copy linkCopiedTHEY’RE BACK IN FRONT!Copy linkCopied86– Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaClose for Aston Villa!It’s a rapid counter attack led by Rogers who bursts through the middle of the park unchallenged.He works it to Bailey on the right edge of the area and as Arsenal try to block the cross, it’s laid back to Bogarde who strikes low and hard through the bodies and Raya just manages to keep it out.Copy linkCopied83 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaAaaand another change for Aston Villa.All a bit stop-start at the minute, just as Villa want it at the minute.OFF: Jacob RamseyON: Leon BaileyCopy linkCopied More

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      Arsenal 2 Aston Villa 2: Gunners’ defence falls apart to throw away two-goal lead and deal Arteta brutal title blow

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      IF this is the night when Arsenal’s title hopes died, then Ollie Watkins has been their gravedigger again.But the death sentence might have been passed by Stockley Park.Ollie Watkins struck a brilliant volley to equaliseCredit: ReutersKai Havertz had put Arsenal 2-0 upCredit: AFPMikel Merino’s late strike was disallowed after it hit Havertz’s arm on the way inThe Gunners were made to rue missed chancesCredit: RexWith less than two minutes to go the Emirates erupted as Mikel Merino’s hopeful effort from the edge of the box took a big deflection to find its way past Emi Martinez and put Mikel Arteta’s men back ahead in a game they had tossed away.Yet Merino, pointedly, did not celebrate.He knew what Jon Brooks in the VAR booth near Heathrow was going to tell ref Chris Kavanagh – that the final, vital touch to deceive Martinez had come, albeit accidentally, off Kai Havertz’ right arm.The referee had no choice but to disallow the goal – and while Merino hit the post in added time, there was to be no reprieve.READ MORE ON ARSENALOnce again, Watkins was the agent of a devastating blow – to put a smile on the face of Unai Emery.Back in April, his late second condemned Arsenal to the defeat that meant even a perfect six-game finish was not enough.And as the Emirates mood switched from delight to despair – TWICE – it was Watkins who inflicted another potentially fatal dagger into those dreams of a first crown since the Invincibles of 2004.Watkins’ close-range finish exposed all the flaws of an Arsenal side without their defensive kingpin.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThroughout the last two seasons, what Arsenal might do if they lost William Saliba has been one of the big questions.When the Frenchman is in the team, Arsenal tend to win – 61 victories out of 85 Prem matches, with just 10 defeats. Without him, it is now five wins in 13.Bukayo Saka update as Arsenal star spotted at Emirates without crutches… but Gunners suffer fresh injury blowSurely, if Saliba HAD been on the field, he would not have allowed Youri Tielemans to get on the end of Lucas Digne’s cross.That let Villa back into a match that seemed lost when TWO Emi Martinez moments to forget had seemingly gifted Arteta and his side the three points they needed after Liverpool’s last-gasp win at Brentford.Watkins took full advantage when Havertz was caught underneath Matty Cash’s ball in from the right and Thomas Partey and Saliba’s centre-back replacement Jurrien Timber went walkabout.But it is utterly inconceivable that Watkins would have been unmarked to volley home with Saliba on the pitch.For Arsenal, who had been four minutes of Gtech Community Stadium stoppage time away from the chance to close the gap with Liverpool, that six point deficit may look cavernous – especially as Arne Slot’s side have a game in hand.When the story of this season is finally written, this feels like it will be a pivotal day.If you want to win the league and know you can’t afford any slips, you have to win from two up.The Emirates fans have never forgiven Martinez for his claim that Arsenal “didn’t deserve me” following his 2020 departure after a decade on the club’s books.Martinez has since lifted the World Cup and the Argentine loves playing the pantomime villain. The ceaseless boos would have been water off a duck’s back.He produced a “Hollywood” dive to hold Leandro Trossard’s early curler, following a gather at the second attempt to deny Gabriel Martinelli.Which was why the home fans revelled even more at the opener – after Villa’s own best chance of the half.Partey unaccountably threw the ball into Watkins’ path as he looked for Gabriel but the early volley dropped too late.Almost instantly, Martinelli caught Ian Maatsen dawdling when Leandro Trossard – who missed TWICE in the final frantic moments – created space outside Boubacar Kamara and cross from the left.Maatsen, booked earlier for a cynical foul on Martinelli, should have dealt with the situation but was caught on his heels and while the goalbound prod hit Martinez’ chin it had enough momentum to travel a crucial few inches over the line before the keeper clawed it away.Maatsen, a red card waiting to happen, was hooked at the break by Emery, who had already seen Amadou Onana limp off in the immediate aftermath of the goal.Digne, on for Maatsen, was involved almost instantly, hooking away after Myles Lewis-Skelly – who must have impressed England boss Thomas Tuchel – drilled across the six yard box.It did not seem as if it would matter when Havertz doubled the advantage, firing an eight-yard volley from Trossard’s centre in off Martinez’ left shin – the keeper really should have saved it.But from nowhere, Villa responded.Tielemans threw himself head-first to meet Digne’s ball while Merino only stuck out a leg.Seconds later, after scrambled brains at the back, only the foot of David Raya’s right-hand upright denied Tielemans another from 16 yards.There was no let-off as Watkins grabbed his big chance.READ MORE SUN STORIESDeclan Rice went close before the Merino “goal” was rightly wiped, the Spaniard hit the post and Trossard missed the rebound and another opening at the very death. It felt like the beginning of the end. More

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      Former Newcastle star misses potential debut for new club after being involved in car crash

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      FORMER Newcastle star Paul Dummett missed out on his Carlisle debut after suffering a car crash.The defender signed for the Cumbrians last week on a short-term contract until the end of the season.Paul Dummett was involved in a car crash on FridayHe was set to make his debut against Bradford but was involved in a car crash on Friday.Dummett, 33, did not suffer any injuries other than a few cuts and bruises, and is expected to take part in training on Monday.A Carlisle statement read: “Mike Williamson has confirmed that Paul Dummett missed today’s game after he was involved in a car accident yesterday. “He’s got a couple of cuts and bruises, but no serious injuries. Paul will be back in full training on Monday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He’s OK. He spent the day getting some tests done, but he’ll be in training on Monday and we expect him to be fit next weekend.”Carlisle did not cope well in his absence as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat – their third in a row.They are rooted to the bottom of the football league and are managed by Dummett’s former Toon team-mate Mike Williamson.Dummett revealed he had been considering a switch to Carlisle after leaving Newcastle in the summer.Most read in EFLHe said: “I always looked at Carlisle as an option for me when I left Newcastle, actually, even before I went to Wigan.”I felt Carlisle could be a good fit for me. Being from Newcastle, it meant being close to home, and I know the quality of the pitch here as well, watching over the years.”EFL fans demand ‘automatic relegation’ after goalkeeper and defender combine for ‘Sunday league’ own-goal More

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      Bukayo Saka update as Arsenal star spotted at Emirates without crutches… but Gunners suffer fresh injury blow

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      BUKAYO SAKA was spotted without crutches at the Emirates – but Arsenal were still dealt with another injury blow.The Gunners star has been out since late December and has missed the last five league matches. Bukayo Saka was spotted without crutches at the EmiratesCredit: XHe has been out since DecemberCredit: GettyMikel Arteta told Saka to go on holidayCredit: GettyBut there were positive signs before the Aston Villa clash as Saka was seen walking around before the game without crutches. The England international is set to be out till at least March – and manager Mikel Arteta urged him to go on HOLIDAY. Arteta said: “He needs to. He is obligated to go! With his girlfriend or his family, he can choose. Or on his own.”But he needs to get away for a few days and refresh. He can still do a lot of things with his rehab because it is the perfect stage. READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I think it will make him really better. He has been [around the squad] every single day. “There is a moment, especially when we are going to be away for a few days, that he needs to do that. “That is very important for him as well. We need to look after our players.”Arteta is also without centre-back William Saliba after he was seen holding his hamstring in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Tottenham in the week. Most read in FootballWilliam Saliba suffered a knock against SpursCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Gunners posted on social media: “William Saliba misses out with a minor issue.”Jurrien Timber replaced Saliba to partner alongside Gabriel in defence. Arsenal went into the game seven points adrift league leaders Liverpool – who beat Brentford late. Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka is set to miss months after surgery as he gives injury update on Arsenal star More