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      Carlo Ancelotti pictured in the dock in court as Real Madrid manager faces five years in prison for alleged tax evasion

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      REAL MADRID manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted ahead of his tax fraud trial he is “innocent” and has “no worries.”The 65-year-old Italian looked relaxed as he arrived at court in the Spanish capital this morning for the start of his much-anticipated trial the night after his team reached the Copa del Rey final after a thrilling comeback.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted he is ‘innocent’ ahead of his tax fraud trialCredit: APThe Italian arrived in court to start his trialCredit: ReutersHe faces almost five years in jail if found guiltyCredit: GettyDespite the threat of a five-year prison sentence hanging over his head if convicted he replied ‘No’ when asked by waiting reporters outside the Audiencia Provincial court in Madrid if he was concerned.He also dismissed suggestions he would try to strike a last-minute plea bargain deal by confirming he would take the stand and plead not guilty to allegations he defrauded the Spanish Treasury out of just over €1m (£835,000) in tax.Ancelotti was accompanied when he arrived at court by his ex-footballer son Davide, who works under his father at Real Madrid, and his wife Mariann Barrena.Public prosecutors announced in March last year they were seeking a four-year, nine-month jail term for the former Everton manager for two counts of tax fraud.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey accused him at the time of failing to declare image rights earnings to the Spanish Treasury in 2014 and 2015 during his first spell in charge of Real Madrid through the use of shell companies outside Spain.Public prosecutors alleged in a pre-trial indictment he only declared his earnings as Real Madrid manager despite registering as a tax resident in Spain for the two years under the spotlight with an address in Madrid.Although his first spell at the Spanish giants came to a premature end in May 2015, public prosecutors say he rented his Madrid home until October that year which meant Spain was “his principal centre of personal relations and economic interests” in 2015 as well as the previous year.The accusation made public in March last year alleged Ancelotti channelled his image right earnings “with the aim of evading tax” on them through trusts and intermediary companies.Most read in FootballPublic prosecutors say the football boss earned more than €4m (more than £3.5m) in image rights in 2014 and 2015.The amount of tax they allege he defrauded amounts to just over €1m. Fans convinced Carlo Ancelotti has had lip fillers as reason for Real Madrid manager’s swollen mouth is revealedSpanish Treasury officials have recovered the money but are demanding Ancelotti pays triple the amount they accuse him of defrauding in fines.Lionel Messi received a 21-month prison sentence for tax fraud in July 2016. It was later changed to a €252,000 (£223,000) fine.Cristiano Ronaldo avoided prison in Spain by admitting tax fraud in January 2019.He was fined almost £16.6m and given a suspended jail sentence.Former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso, seen as a future Real Madrid manager, was acquitted of tax fraud in November 2019 after turning 38.He had been warned he could be jailed for two and a half years if convicted after Spanish public prosecutors lowered their initial prison demand at the end of his trial in Madrid.Ancelotti left Everton in June 2021 to take up the position of head coach at Real Madrid.Last Friday at a press conference he said: “I’m not worried but I am obviously annoyed if they say that I’ve committed fraud, but, once again, I have total confidence in justice. “I’m really looking forward to testifying next Wednesday.”Read More on The SunReal Madrid booked their place in the Copa del Rey final last night with an incredible comeback against Real Sociedad.Substitute Antonio Rudiger scored a dramatic goal just five minutes from the end of extra-time to put the Spanish giants through as 5-4 aggregate winners. More

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      ‘I was on the point of doing something crazy’ – Liverpool legend admits VAR would have changed history in Everton clash

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      LIVERPOOL icon Dirk Kuyt has admitted his infamous Merseyside derby tackle was “crazy” and he should have been sent off.The shocking challenge was made during an ill-tempered fixture in 2007.Dirk Kuyt avoided a red card for a reckless tackle on Phil NevilleCredit: Sky SportsKuyt then stepped up and scored a late winner from the spotCredit: PA:Press AssociationLiverpool beat Everton 2-1 as David Moyes’ side went down to nine-men after red cards to Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville.Kuyt scored both goals for the Reds, including a dramatic 92nd minute penalty to win it.The strike was highly controversial as the Dutchman somehow escaped an early bath for a reckless and wild lunge on Neville.Kuyt went in two-footed above the Everton skipper’s knee but was given just a yellow by referee Mark Clattenburg.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOpening up on the moment, Kuyt told The Telegraph: “I was very lucky to come away from that because if I had a red card, I would not have managed to score the winning goal. “It’s crazy when you play these kinds of games because there’s a lot of adrenaline, a lot of emotion.“I flew through the air and thank God there was no VAR there at the time. “When I was in the air, I knew I was way too late and I was on the point of doing something crazy. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I tried to hold my legs inside me just to be lucky not to touch him. I think I was very lucky not to get the red card.”Liverpool face Everton tonight and tempers could flare again after a huge bust-up at the end of their 2-2 thriller just seven weeks ago.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntKuyt, 44, is currently the manager of Belgian side Beerschot and it is his “dream” to one day fill Arne Slot’s shoes as Liverpool boss.Kuyt is now manager of Belgian outfit BeerschotCredit: AFP More

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      Inside Europe’s biggest giant killers with third tier side in major cup final after shocking FOUR Bundesliga teams

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      YOU might not be aware of German third-tier side Arminia Bielefeld.But the minnows have certainly made themselves known to the top dogs.Arminia Bielefeld beat Bayer Leverkusen to reach the final of the DFB Pokal on TuesdayCredit: EPAIt was the fourth time the third-tier side beat a Bundesliga club in the competition this seasonCredit: EPAArminia currently play in the third tier of German footballCredit: AFPBayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso was left furiousCredit: GettyArminia booked a spot in the DFB Pokal final on Tuesday after beating reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen at SchücoArena.The third tier outfit stunned Xabi Alonso and Co with a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Marius Worl and Maximilian Grosser.It was the third top-tier team Arminia had beat in the competition.They defeated Union Berlin 2-0 in the second round before seeing off SC Freiburg in the last-16 in December.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Blues went on to beat Werder Bremen in the quarter-finals to secure a semi-final meeting with Bayer Leverkusen.They will now face either Stuttgart or RB Leipzig in the final of the competition.Third-tier outfit Arminia have become the first team outside the top two divisions to knock four Bundesliga sides out of the German Cup in one season.WHO ARE ARMINIA BIELEFELD?Established in 1905, Arminia are based in the city of Bielefeld in northwestern Germany.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Blues have participated in the Bundesliga for a total of 19 seasons so far since being founded.They last found themselves in the league during the 2021-22 campaign.Bundesliga match suspended after goalkeeper struck by lighter thrown from crowdArminia were relegated to the 2. Bundesliga – the second tier of German football – at the end of that season after finishing 17th in the table.They subsequently finished 16th the following term and lost the relegation playoff to Wehen Wiesbaden.It meant the Blues dropped down to the 3. Liga – the third tier of German football – in back-to-back relegations.And they have not been promoted since.Arminia play their home games at the SchücoArena, a 27,000-seater stadium in Bielefeld.Arminia have suffered back-to-back relegations in recent yearsCredit: EPAWHO IS THE MANAGER?Michel Kniat is the manager of Arminia Bielefeld.The 39-year-old played as a centre-back in Germany before becoming a coach.He took over at Arminia back in 2023.After the semi-final win, Kniat said: “I am so proud of the team.”The whole region is feeling this. No one will be sleeping tonight.”We defended with a lot of passion and that was the key. We worked extremely hard.”Read More on The SunArminia have become the fourth team from the third division to reach the German Cup final. Hertha Berlin’s reserve team achieved the feat in 1993, followed by Energie Cottbus in 1997 and Union Berlin in 2001.Michel Kniat has led the team to the historic achievementCredit: Reuters More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka in heated confrontation with Bayer Leverkusen ultras after humiliating defeat to minnows

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      GRANIT XHAKA clashed with his own fans in a heated confrontation following a humiliating defeat. Xhaka, 32, played the full 90 minutes as Bayer Leverkusen were dumped out of the DFB-Pokal German Cup semi-finals by third-tier Arminia.Granit Xhaka got into a heated row with Bayer Leverkusen fansCredit: Sky SportsThe midfielder angrily gesticulated towards a man in the front rowCredit: Sky SportsA member of staff tried to calm things downCredit: Sky SportsThe reigning Bundesliga champions became the FOURTH top-flight side to be dumped out of this season’s competition by the minnows.Leverkusen took the lead through Jonathan Tah on 17 minutes.The hosts equalised three minutes later then took a surprise lead just before half-time – and managed to hold on for another famous victory. But while Arminia celebrated booking their place in next month’s final – where they will face Stuttgart or RB Leipzig – the anger among Leverkusen fans threatened to boil over.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLXhaka went over to the away section to address the travelling supporters after full-time. But the conversation soon turned angry, with the former Arsenal skipper furious gesticulating towards one man in particular. As he demonstrated during his time at the Emirates with his infamous outburst where he told his own fans to “f*** off”, the combative Swiss star is never one to shy away from a blazing row. A Bayer member of staff tried to calm the raging fan down but Xhaka continued the intense exchange as another man joined the fiery debate. Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSXhaka’s Bayer Leverkusen were dumped out of the German Cup by ArminiaCredit: ReutersThe third-tier side have knocked out four Bundesliga teams during their incredible runCredit: EPALeverkusen won the DFB-Pokal last season as part of their record-breaking campaign which saw them go unbeaten in domestic football and win the double – including their first-ever Bundesliga title.They missed out on the Treble when Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick for Atalanta in the Europa League final. Xhaka tells Arsenal fans to ‘f*** off’ as captain is booed off pitch vs PalaceThe shock defeat to Arminia means Xabi Alonso’s side will not retain the cup this season.And they sit in second, six points behind Bayern Munich, with seven games to go in the league campaign. They will play either Stuttgart or RB Leizpig in the finalCredit: AFPXhaka has history clashing with his own fans – with the infamous incident against Crystal PalaceCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Swiss midfielder cupped his ears to the Arsenal fans before ripping his shirt offCredit: Reuters More

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      Arsenal legend Lehmann struggled to stand and vomited at roadside as new details emerge of Oktoberfest arrest

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      ARSENAL legend Jens Lehmann vomited twice and failed a breathalyser after being pulled over by police, it has been claimed.The former goalkeeper was stopped by cops after an evening enjoying Oktoberfest celebrations in Munich last September.Jens Lehmann was pulled over by police over suspected drink driving last SeptemberCredit: GettyThe former Arsenal star had been enjoying Oktoberfest festivities in MunichCredit: GettyLehmann failed a breathalyser testCredit: GettyLehmann is claimed to have staggered and thrown up twiceCredit: GettyLehmann is alleged to have been drink driving at the time of the stop, which happened at 1:30am.Police could reportedly smell alcohol from his breath through the open window of the car.The 55-year-old staggered after he got out of the car and vomited twice by the roadside, according to Bild.Lehmann also struggled to produce his driver’s license and failed with his first few attempts to do so.READ MORE ON ARSENALWhile he was unable to show his warning triangle and first-aid kit and had to hold onto the car to stay upright when opening his boot.Breath tests had to be abandoned because the ex-Gunners ace was “no longer able to blow” so he was instead taken to a police station for further tests.Lehmann later went to the Munich Institute of Forensic Medicine for blood tests.The German has been ordered to appear in court with the prosecutor’s office requesting a fine of £60,000.Most read in FootballLehmann has been in trouble with the law previously having been found guilty of property damage after attacking his neighbour’s garage with a chainsaw.He was handed a suspended prison sentence and fined £112,000 before reaching an out of court settlement with his neighbour worth an estimated £50,000.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interview More

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      ‘I could have done what he did’ – Martin O’Neill, 73, slams Man Utd star live on TNT Sports after Nottingham Forest loss

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      PATRICK DORGU has been slammed by Martin O’Neill for his poor performance in Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.Anthony Elanga scored a stunning solo goal to condemn his former team to their 13th defeat of the Premier League season on Tuesday night.Patrick Dorgu came under fire from Martin O’Neill for his performance at Nottingham ForestO’Neill, a Forest hero in the 70s, said he could have done Dorgu’s job even nowO’Neill, a double European champion with Forest, was delighted to see his old club tighten their grip on third in the Prem, as they bid to qualify for next year’s Champions League.Elanga flooded forward from his own penalty area in the fifth minute, covering 85m in the space of just nine seconds, to lash home the opener.United dominated the ball at 68 per cent possession and had 23 shots to Forest’s eight, but none of them too threatening for Matz Sels.While Ruben Amorim’s side showed signs of improving on the ball, individual mistakes and the lack of firepower up front were glaring.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd O’Neill was particularly scathing in his assessment of Dorgu, who was playing just his seventh match since arriving from Lecce for £29.4 million in January.Working as a pundit for TNT Sports, the 73-year-old said: “They had Dorgu playing tonight. I could have done what he did! “He’s wide left-hand side, he’s got the ball and you’re saying: ‘Come on! Your job is to take players on. Get at them!’ “He’s laid it inside three times in the first 10 minutes of the second half… to the opposition! Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”Maybe it’s no confidence, I don’t know what it is. But these type of things are all over the field for Manchester United.”Rio Ferdinand highlighted that Dorgu was caught on the wrong side of Elanga, before he made his incredible game-winning run at the edge of Forest’s box early on.’That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueAnd the 20-year-old regularly missed placed passes throughout his 90 minutes.But fans have also criticised Alejandro Garnacho – who skied several shots – for not passing to Dorgu, who was making well-meaning overlapping runs.Dorgu was coming off a stellar performance against Real Sociedad in the Europa League, where he had five shots on goal and won Bruno Fernandes’ game-leading penalty.The Dane was crucial to United winning 4-1 on aggregate and advancing to face Lyon in the quarter-finals.But the left-wing back hasn’t quite hit the ground running in his four Prem games.Forest was his first league game back since his three-match suspension for picking up a straight red for a ruthless challenge on Omari Hutchinson against Ipswich in February. Amorim was desperate to bolster his left-wing options in January with Diogo Dalot being forced to switch from the right side, Luke Shaw injured and Tyrell Malacia sent out on loan to PSV Eindhoven. O’Neill further suggested that the current United squad lacks the depth and quality to genuinely contend in the Prem.The Northern Irishman, whose last managerial job saw him sacked by Forest in 2019, added: “Man United have some really good players.”Obviously, Fernandes is a top-quality player. But they haven’t enough good players to be a threat in this league. Read More on The Sun”And when I say a threat for Manchester United, I’m talking about getting into the top four.”The gritty win marked the first league double over United for the Tricky Trees since 1992 when legendary boss Brian Clough was still in charge of the club.Man Utd player ratings vs Nottingham ForestMANCHESTER UNITED’S woes continue after another disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest.Forest picked up a 1-0 victory at the City Ground thanks to ex-United ace Anthony Elanga’s winner after just five minutes.United remain 13th in the Premier League table and look set for their worst ever Premier League finish.That is at least what their performance at Forest showed, as Ruben Amorim’s men don’t show signs of really understanding the Portuguese tactician’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.But who stood out for a poor United’s side? And who was the biggest disappointment?Check out Kostas Lianos’ players ratings below and find out…Andre Onana – 5Can’t blame him for Nottingham Forest’s winner as Anthony Elanga’s shot was too good. Made a stunning save to deny Ryan Yates’ header without knowing the Forest ace was offside.Leny Yoro – 5Should have been more aware before Elanga’s goal that came straight after a Man Utd corner-kick in which he had moved forward.One could argue Yoro made up for it when he stopped a fine run by Elanga in the second half with an amazing and well-timed challenge to save United from a second.Matthijs de Ligt – 4The centre-back was also nowhere to be seen before Elanga’s goal. No other major errors but should have done better on the rebound after Diogo Dalot’s header hit the crossbar.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Completely hopeless during Elanga’s run that led to the goal and struggled in his defensive duties, especially in the first half. Not sure if the full-back fits in a defensive trio as part of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation…Diogo Dalot – 6A strong performance down the right wing with some fine runs and good crosses. Registered United’s best chance in the first half when his header rattled Forest’s crossbar.Casemiro – 4At fault for Elanga’s goal as there was absolutely no midfield presence during Forest’s counter.Loads of inaccurate passes and got booked for a reckless challenge on Yates before complaining in a very unjust way. Registered three shots but didn’t cause concern for Matz Sels.Manuel Ugarte – 4Cut a rather anonymous figure, among the guilty parties for Elanga’s goal as Man Utd’s midfield was caught sleeping. Rightly substituted at half-time.Patrick Dorgu – 5A fine display during the first half as he cut a strong presence down the left flank, even though he was completely outrun by Elanga before the goal.But the versatile full-back was the complete opposite in the second half with a series of errors against a stunning Neco Williams.Bruno Fernandes – 6Registered the game’s first shot on target with a powerful effort that required a lunge from Sels, and that was basically United’s best shot throughout the entire match.Fernandes produced some fine long balls and upgraded Man Utd’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exits.Alejandro Garnacho – 2Very disappointing performance from the winger. Completely hopeless before Elanga’s goal with a desperate tackle and was lucky to avoid a booking for a ridiculous challenge on Yates while the Argentina international was on the attack.A game riddled with heavy touches, failed dribbles, wrong passes, blocked shots and a silly yellow card as he kicked the ball away in frustration. Had a good shot on 69 minutes as a saving grace.Joshua Zirkzee – 3Was supposed to be a striker but was often seen playing too deep and didn’t register a chance in front of Forest’s goal. Didn’t inspire any danger even after Rasmus Hojlund came on to help him up front.SUBSRasmus Hojlund – 5Was much better than a woeful Zirkzee up front for Man Utd. But didn’t cause any significant danger and never looked like a goalscoring threat. Harry Maguire looked far more lethal as a false nine after he entered the pitch with a lot more presence inside the box.Christian Eriksen – 4Didn’t really elevate United’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exit. The sort of performance that makes one wonder about his Old Trafford future…Harry Maguire – 5Only played nine minutes as a false nine and was by far Man Utd’s best forward. Brought on as a desperation move that almost paid off with the best chance of the match as his last-gasp effort was cleared by Murillo just off the line.Mason Mount – N/A More

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      ‘You never gave it to me’ – Gary Lineker reveals why he refused to give young ballboy Pep Guardiola his Barcelona shirt

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed how he left Pep Guardiola with a long-term bone to pick with him, and why it happened.Speaking on Match of the Day Top 10 alongside Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, Lineker recalled when he first went to interview Guardiola after he had joined Manchester City.Gary Lineker recalled how he left Pep Guardiola with a bone to pickCredit: X @BBCMOTDGuardiola asked him why he had refused to give him his shirt for all those years at BarcelonaCredit: GettyLineker played for Barcelona from 1986 to 1989 when Guardiola was still a ballboyCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut before they started, Guardiola wanted to ask the former England ace why he refused to give him his shirt despite asking many times.Lineker, 64, explained: “When he joined Manchester City, I went to do an interview with the BBC.”And he went, ‘Before we start, I was a ballboy at Barcelona when you played, when you were there.'”And he said, ‘At the end of every game I’d come to you and I said can I have your shirt? You never gave it to me.’READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”And I felt bad about it.”Lineker continued: “I did explain to him, I said, ‘Pep it wasn’t like it is now. In those days we only had one shirt. We weren’t allowed to give it away.'”Asked by Richards whether he could have bought a shirt to solve the issue, Lineker said: “I didn’t earn what you lot earned.”The comment sparked laughter from Richards and Shearer.Most read in FootballLineker starred for Barcelona from 1986 to 1989, scoring 52 goals in 138 games and winning two trophies, the Copa del Rey in 1988 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1989.City boss Guardiola, 54, came through the club’s world-renowned La Masia academy and went on to play 382 times for his boyhood club.Erling Haaland’s season all-but over as Pep Guardiola confirms extent of Man City star striker’s injury He was playing for the Barcelona C and B by the time Lineker left the club before making his debut in 1990 under Johan Cruyff and becoming a regular in the 1991/92 season.Guardiola eventually went on to manage the club after hanging up his boots, coaching arguably the greatest football team of all time spearheaded by Lionel Messi to unrivalled success.The Spaniard left in 2012 before joining Bayern Munich in 2013, where he stayed until 2016.He then joined City in 2016 and has gone on to dominate English football in the years since his arrival. More

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      Hollywood superstar Anne Hathaway sends clear message to Bukayo Saka as marks Arsenal return with winning goal

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      ANNE HATHAWAY shared the delight of her fellow Arsenal fans after Bukayo Saka’s goalscoring return from injury.The winger made his long-awaited comeback from hamstring surgery in last night’s 2-1 win over Fulham.Anne Hathaway posted a snap of her in an Arsenal kit after victory over FulhamCredit: Instagram @annehathawayBukayo Saka was back amongst the goals on his return from injuryCredit: GettyThe Arsenal star celebrated his goal with those who have helped him recover from injuryCredit: GettySaka came on soon after the hour mark and it took him just seven minutes to find the back of the net, heading in from close range at the back post.It was a dream return for 23-year-old, who sprinted over to the dugout to celebrate with the Arsenal medical team.And they were not the only ones thrilled to see Saka back amongst the goals – with Hollywood megastar Hathaway equally glad.She took to Instagram after the game and posted a snap of herself in an Arsenal away kit.READ MORE ON ARSENALHathaway captioned the post “Welcome back #7” in reference to Saka.Her love for Arsenal first came to light after she celebrated a Leandro Trossard goal during an interview promoting movie “The Idea of You” alongside co-star Nicholas Galitzine last year.The Belgian then reached out to say he was aware of the video, with a star-struck Hathaway reacting: “Are you kidding? I’m shaking.”Galitzine later revealed: “Anne Hathaway is a massive Arsenal supporter. I’m in a group chat with her family, who are all Arsenal supporters. [They’re] obsessed.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe actress was not the only person joyed by Saka’s return, with Mikel Arteta saying: “I think it’s a beautiful moment to see how much our people love, respect and admire Bukayo.“He’s not a surprise to any of us and I think the best example is his reaction. Immediately after scoring a goal, what does he do?Arsenal star Leandro Trossard leaves Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway ‘shaking’ with excitement after live TV message“He goes and says thank you for all the hard work that all the sports science guys, physios and everybody involved in the recovery have done for him to be in the condition that he is.“I think he lifted the stadium, the energy and it’s great to have him back.”On his celebration, Arteta added: “We all love this kind of recognition and gestures because it goes beyond the professional side of it. “There is a connection there that is so necessary and to be able to appreciate as well the amount of work, stress and responsibility that they have to go through because they will be like this.“I hope everything goes well and the work that we’ve done is going to work. So I was very pleased with that.”Anne Hathaway is a huge Arsenal supporterCredit: GettyArsenal ratings v FulhamARSENAL had a night of mixed fortunes as they beat Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates.Bukayo Saka not only returned but also scored after 101 days out.But injuries to Gabriel and Jurrien Timber ahead of next week’s visit of Real Madrid took the gloss off the win.Here’s How SunSport’s Josh Hall rated Mikel Arteta’s men on the night.DAVID RAYA – 7Week by week Raya is staking a claim as one of the best goalkeepers in the league.He doesn’t have to face a barrage of shots as part of this Arsenal team, but rarely falters when he is called upon.His distribution and preventative high claims are also among the best around.There was little he could have done to stop Rodrigo Muniz’s deflected goal.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6It looked like the Dutchman’s night was going to be cut short around the half an hour mark when he went down clutching his knee.Fortunately, he was able to play on and even managed to test Bend Leno with a stinging effort in the second half.Unfortunately his earlier knock proved too much and he was taken off with a niggle in the 75th minute.Arsenal could now be without at least two starting defenders for their clash with Real Madrid.GABRIEL – N/AJust when Arsenal fans thought they were creeping out of their injury crisis with the return of Bukayo Saka, they lose another top star.Gabriel hobbled off after just 15 minutes to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior.Arteta – and every Arsenal fan up and down the country – will be hoping the wall at the back will be fighting fit for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid next week.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Stepped up to the plate in Gabriel’s absence and looked assured both on and off the ball.His frame did wonders to prevent Raul Jimenez from fashioning any chances in dangerous areas.However, he wasn’t able to do enough to stop Rodrigo Muniz from batting it against him to pull a late goal back for Fulham.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7Every time you see Lewis-Skelly play you wonder how he’s only 18 and not a seasoned pro with years of experience at the top.He didn’t set the world alight against the Cottagers, but looked just as assured and comfortable as he always does – this time without Gabriel by his side.While he also made an important bloke to prevent Muniz after Fulham had pulled back a late goal.Mikel Arteta has splashed the cash to have a plethora of options at left-back, yet it seems like the Hale End academy graduate is now the number one choice for that position.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Almost gifted Fulham a golden opportunity with a loose header in the first half, but saw David Raya pop up to save the day.Despite a few loose touches he did enough to keep the ball moving in central areas.He’s become an important starter for Arsenal this season, yet still seems to be on his way out in the summer on the expiration of his deal.DECLAN RICE – 6He’s not a glamorous footballer, but he’s always going to give 100 per cent no matter what.Certainly not his worst game in an Arsenal shirt, but by no means his best.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5Another frustrating night for the Arsenal captain who seems to have been unable to find the keys to unlock the low block his side faces each week.The Norwegian is certainly one of the best talents in the league, but has only shown it in glimpses this season.Arsenal as a whole looked a bit laboured and lacklustre at times, often that’s a result of the way Odegaard is playing. When he ticks, the whole team does too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 9Regularly made Timothy Castagne look silly throughout the match and get into dangerous positions by the byline.But despite fashioning plenty of opportunities, the Brazilian was – as per usual – struggling with his end product in the first half.It almost seemed as if every shot or final pass was rushed or snatched at for the opening 45 minutes.That changed in the second half when his delightful flick perfectly teed up Bukayo Saka for a dream return to action.Finally looked like he had the goal to top off a spectacular performance in the dying moments, but was deemed to be marginally offside when his effort found the back of the net.ETHAN NWANERI – 7Bright spark in the opening exchanges and volleyed one right down the throat of Bernd Leno in the 21st minute as he looked the most likely to find the back of the net at first.Instead it was his cutback that helped open the scoring when he placed it on to the boot of Mikel Merino to poke home the first goal of the night.Replaced by Saka in the second half in perhaps a foreshadowing of what might happen to his role in the squad for the remainder of the season.MIKEL MERINO – 8Merino has stepped up the role of of make-shift striker with the sort of professionalism you would want from any player in your team.He might not make darting runs behind the back four, or curl delightful efforts round the keeper, but he’s certainly got a knack for goal.His punt towards goal took a healthy deflection off Jorge Cuenca to send it into the corner, but he won’t care – now netting an impressive five goals in eight games as a centre-forward.He almost made that six when he rifled another effort goalward from a corner in the 60th minute.SUBS: JAKUB KIWIOR – 4 (ON FOR GARBRIEL 15mins)Always a tough task to replace one of the best defenders in the league, but didn’t do enough to impress at all.Sloppily gave the ball away to gift a golden opportunity to Adama Traore in the second half, but was lucky to see the shot blazed wide.He was partly to blame for leaving Rodrigo Muniz wide open for his wayward header on the 80th minute mark – once again saved by sloppy finishing.With each game that passes it seems to be more obvious that the Polish international just isn’t at the required level.BUKAYO SAKA – 8 (ON FOR NWANERI 66mins)The Emirates erupted in its loudest cheer of the night when Saka made his return to action after 21 games and 101 days on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.That was until he nodded home the Gunners’ second just six minutes after crossing the line and an even louder roar bellowed around N5.Arsenal have missed him dearly, and a return right before perhaps the biggest European game in the Emirates era could be crucial for Mikel Arteta’s side.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5 (ON FOR TIMBER 77mins)Had very little impact on the match coming on so late, but did nick the ball off the foot of captain Odegaard who was lining up a thunderous effort. 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