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      UK to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as Fifa chief Gianni Infantino confirms just ‘one valid bid’ for tournament

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      THE UK is set to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland joined forces with the English Football Association earlier this year in a bid for the major tournament.FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that the UK submitted the ‘only valid bid’ for the competitionCredit: GettySpain are the reigning Women’s World Cup champions having won the tournament in 2023Credit: GettyEngland’s Lionesses won the European Championship on home soil in 2022Credit: PAThe deadline for initial submissions came earlier this week on Monday afternoon.And while the UK lodged their interest on time, rival nations did not.Therefore, there is no real competition for the 2035 tournament.FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has described the UK’s interest as the “one valid bid” for the event.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpain, Portugal and Morocco had previously expressed a desire to host on a joint basis, but all three countries withdrew from the running.Speaking at the UEFA Congress on Thursday morning, Infantino said: “I can also confirm that, as part of the bidding process, we received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035.”The 2031 bid is from the United States of America and potentially some other Concacaf members together.”And the 2035 bid is from Europe, from the home nations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So the path is there for the Women’s World Cup to be taking place in 2031 and 2035 in some great countries, some great nations, to boost the women’s football movement even more.”The UK will now need to submit a compliant bid by the end of this year in order to guarantee the tournament will be played on British soil.England women’s clash suspended as lights GO OUT at Wembley with pitch plunged into darknessInfantino also revealed that FIFA intend to increase the number of teams competing in the Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 by 2031.The number of teams was increased from 24 to 32 for the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand, where England reached the final for the very first time.The Lionesses narrowly missed out on the trophy following a 1-0 defeat to Spain in Sydney.English FA CEO Mark Bullingham said: “We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035.”Hosting the first FIFA World Cup since 1966 with our home nations partners will be very special.”The hard work starts now, to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year.”UK football chiefs are yet to announce which stadiums would likely be earmarked for the tournament.However, it can almost be guaranteed that Wembley Stadium in London will host the final – as it did for the men’s European Championship in 2021 and the women’s Euros in 2022.Read More on The SunManchester United’s proposed £2billion, 100,00-seater venue could also be used as it is set to be fully completed before the tournament year.In addition, Hampden Park in Glasgow, the home of the Scottish national team, would likely be used as a venue.Man Utd’s proposed new £2bn stadium could be a potential host venueCredit: AFP More

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      What James Tarkowski did at full-time spotted after avoiding red card for horror lunge in Liverpool vs Everton clash

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      JAMES TARKOWSKI was lucky to avoid a red card in the Merseyside derby but he produced a touching gesture at full-time.The Everton defender caught Alexis Mac Allister high on his leg with a risky follow-through after making a tackle.James Tarkowski appeared to say sorry to Alexis Mac Allister at full-timeCredit: X @SkySportsPLMac Allister seemed to accept the apologyCredit: X @SkySportsPLThe Everton defender caught Mac Allister with a dangerous follow throughTarkowski initially won the ball but the aggressive nature of his tackle posed a danger to his opponent.He was booked and VAR did not deem the challenge worthy of serious foul play – a red card offence – but the likes of Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher believe he should have been dismissed.PGMOL chiefs agree it should have been deemed serious foul play and that VAR Paul Tierney was wrong not to intervene and recommend a review at the pitchside monitor.Despite the private admission, under FA rules there is no possibility of retrospective action for Tarkowski.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the centre-back realised the serious nature of his tackle and after the final whistle he spoke to Mac Allister.The Everton ace appeared to issue an apology to the Argentine and at the end of their discussion Mac Allister appeared to forgive him.Some fans appreciated the gesture but not everyone responded compassionately.One supporter reacted saying: “Touch of class.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “Even he knew it was a red.”A third wrote: “So even he knows he’s a very lucky boy!”Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntAnd another commented: “Fair play. Both players classy here.” More

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      Fate of West Ham chair David Gold’s nine-figure estate revealed in will – and who will inherit huge stake in club

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      FORMER West Ham chairman David Gold’s enormous will has been revealed.Probate has now been granted to his daughter Vanessa Young to administer the estate of the ex Hammers’ joint owner – which totalled more than £137million.Former West Ham co-owner David Gold died in January 2023Credit: SWNSA tribute to Mr Gold displayed at West Ham’s London StadiumCredit: GettyPallbearers carry Mr Gold’s coffin at his funeralCredit: Louis WoodMr Gold was initially thought to have died “intestate” in January 2023 with no instructions on how his fortune should be split.But fresh documents now reveal a will was actually made in August 2021 outlining his final wishes.The will includes details of how to deal with his family’s trust fund – and the right to sell his stake in West Ham United if “appropriate”.It gave a gross value of his estate in the UK as £137,241,336 – with a net value of £127,529,095.Daughter Vanessa was named as the executor and trustee.And the will also stated those in charge of his estate could “sell all or any” of its assets they deem “appropriate” – including his 25.1 per cent stake in Premier League club West Ham.In a document published last week, the grant of probate outlined: “The last will and testament of David Gold is proved and registered before the High Court of Justice.”The Administration of David Gold’s estate is granted by this court to the following Executor – Vanessa Julia Young.”Most read in FootballMr Gold’s other daughter Jacqueline Gold died in March 2023 after a seven year battle with breast cancer – leaving Vanessa as the sole administrator of his fortune.In his will, Mr Gold wrote: “I appoint my daughters JACQUELINE GOLD (Jacqueline) VANESSA JULIA YOUNG (Vanessa) to be the executors and trustees of this Will.David Gold dead at 86 West Ham pay tribute after co-chairman passes away with family by side following short illness”I give my trustees all my personal possessions with a request to distribute them according to the latest wishes I have expressed in any note left with my papers at my death.”Beneficies of the trust listed on his will included his two daughters, his two son-in-laws, a granddaughter and his partner.Mr Gold also left a series of legacies free of inheritance tax including £100,000 to his sister Marie Mould, £50,000 each to two named individuals, and £25,000 each to two others.Some of the awards were conditional on the benefactors remaining as employees at the time of his death.Mr Gold also outlined in his will that his trustees must hold his estate on trust.He added: “They may sell all or any of the assets in my estate as they consider appropriate.”Before the will was discovered, a letter of administration was granted by the High Court of Justice to Vanessa.Read More on The SunIt added that the “Ad Colligenda Bona grant” is “limited for the purposes only of collecting in and receiving the estate and doing such acts as may be necessary to preserve and protect the shareholdings of the deceased in WH Holdings Ltd, GGIH Holdings lTD and Goddington Manor Management Ltd, to include for the avoidance of doubt the right to sell the said shares and to sell (his main home) and until further representation be granted.”The application has stated the gross value of the estate in the United Kingdom amounts to £130M and the net value amounts to £125M.”Vanessa Gold, left, and Jacqueline Gold, right, with their father Mr GoldCredit: AlamyDavid Gold and his fiancee Lesley Manning at the London StadiumCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Premier League’s first black referee Uriah Rennie learning to walk again after rare condition left him paralysed

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      FORMER Premier League referee Uriah Rennie has opened up about the rare condition that left him paralysed from the waist down.Once described as the “fittest” referee in England’s top division, the 65-year-old is now learning to walk again.Uriah Rennie has revealed he is learning to walk againCredit: GettyThe 65-year-old has been diagnosed with a rare neurological conditionCredit: AlamyAfter experiencing intense back pain while on holiday in Turkey last year, Rennie was admitted to Northern General Hospital in October.He told the BBC: “I thought I had just slept funny on a sun lounger, I was hoping to go paragliding but because of my backache I couldn’t go.”By the end of the holiday I couldn’t sleep a wink from the pain, and by the time I got home I could barely walk.”I spent a month laid on my back and another four months sitting in bed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”They kept me in hospital until February, they found a nodule pushing on my spine and it was a rare neurological condition so it’s not something they can operate on.”I have had to learn to move all over again, I’m retraining my legs.”He continued: “It was strange – I went from running around the city to in essence being in traction for such a long time.”I didn’t have any previous back problems but quite suddenly I wasn’t able to move and was in a spinal unit.”Most read in FootballHaving been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned for issues such as improving equality and inclusion in sport, Rennie was on the verge of starting a new role as Sheffield Hallam University chancellor when he first went into hospital.He now spends much of his time in physiotherapy and completing movement exercises at his home.Describing his current state of movement, he said: “I can move my feet and I can stand with a frame attached to my wheelchair but I need to work on my glutes.”I rock around in my chair doing my exercises, I’m a very good, compliant patient.”It has been frustrating but family and friends have been invaluable, the hospital was absolutely superb and the university has been exceptional.”Half a year on from his hospital admission, Rennie is now due to start his role as a university chancellor next month. And he is determined not to give up on walking again.He concluded: “Lots of people are in wheelchairs, but it doesn’t define them.”It has made me resilient and forceful and I will never give up – I’m not on my own, there is a village helping me.”I recognise how brittle things are in life now.”I don’t know if I am going to walk fully, but I know what I need to do to try and you must never give up hope.”Read More on The SunRennie made history in 1997 when he became the Premier League’s first black referee, officiating a match between Derby County and Wimbledon.He is also a kick-boxing and aikido expert. More

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      ‘If he manages it, there will be a statue’ – Ange Postecoglou told what it takes to become Tottenham legend this season

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      TIM SHERWOOD believes that Tottenham will stick with under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou.And the former Spurs boss, 56, reckons that a statue will be built of the Aussie if he can turn things around.Ange Postecoglou has come under intense pressure at TottenhamCredit: GettyTim Sherwood managed Spurs during the 2013-14 seasonCredit: Action Images – ReutersIt has been suggested that Postecoglou’s future may hinge on Tottenham’s Europa League fate, with the Lilywhites set to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals next week.Speaking exclusively to SunSport, via OLBG, Sherwood said of his former club: “There’s going to be a lot of pressure on everyone involved if they don’t win the Europa League, but that’s part and parcel of managing at a big club.”If you don’t get success, there is a chance that there might be a change. But genuinely, I don’t believe Daniel (Levy) wants to do it (sack Postecoglou), and I don’t think he will.”I would like to see Postecoglou stay at the club and get some more players in.READ MORE ON TOTTENHAM”I think he needs help in the transfer market, in recruitment. I think Daniel spends the money, but I think what they’re spending it on has not been fantastic.”Sherwood still reckons that there could be a STATUE of Postecoglou erected in North London, should Spurs win the Europa League.He added: “They were winning football matches and everyone was really encouraged going into this season and they did get crippled with a bad injury list, but they would like to have done better.”But I still believe they can win the Europa League. They can win it and they can go to the Champions League next season on the back of it and there will be a statue of Ange Postecoglou outside of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium if he manages it.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHow a statue of Ange Postecoglou could look outside Tottenham Hotspur StadiumPostecoglou himself has admitted that he may end up managing somewhere else next season.He said: “I know what my responsibilities are. I’m sure if the club decides to go in a different direction, there’s some outstanding candidates out there for it.Moment Ange Postecoglou is confronted by fuming Tottenham fan and pulled away by own players after defeat at Fulham “And you know what, maybe someone will think, ‘Ah Ange Postecoglou’s not a bad coach, maybe we’ll take a punt on him’.“It doesn’t rock my world. It doesn’t consume me. I’m here, I’m passionate about what we’re doing.”I was brought in to change the way the club plays, rejuvenate the squad, bring success, I’m focused on that. That’s what I’ll keep doing.”‘I DON’T THINK HE’LL SACK HIM’With Spurs going into tonight’s clash with Chelsea languishing in the bottom half, patience appears to be wearing thin – with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola a contender to replace Postecoglou at the end of the season.But Sherwood would like to see his old side give Postecoglou a third campaign – and doesn’t believe that Daniel Levy, who sacked him in 2014 after coming sixth, will pull the trigger.The former England international said: “I don’t think Daniel Levy wants to sack Ange Postecoglou and I don’t think he will sack him.Read More on The Sun”I really don’t. I just think he appreciates what he’s brought to the club since last season.”I think he realises that it’s been a difficult year but there have been mitigating circumstances to why they haven’t picked up the results, but I would still say he thinks they should’ve done a bit better.”Sherwood, 56, knows what it’s like to work with Daniel LevyCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Juventus ‘make contact’ over Sandro Tonali transfer as they prepare £33million-plus-player swap deal for Newcastle star

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      JUVENTUS are considering a cash-plus-player offer to tempt Newcastle into selling Sandro Tonali, according to reports.The midfielder switched AC Milan for Tyneside in 2023 for a fee of £55million.Juventus are ready to launch an ambitious move for Sandro TonaliCredit: ReutersDouglas Luiz could be offered to Newcastle as Tonali’s replacementCredit: GettyDusan Vlahovic could be involved in talks as Juve are looking to sell him this summerCredit: RexBut just two seasons into his five-year contract, Italian giants Juventus are making an ambitious move to bring him back to his homeland.The Old Lady are said to have “made contact” with Newcastle and are ready to offer them cash and a player to seal the deal.La Gazzetta dello Sport claim Tonali is valued at between £50m and £58m.Juventus are reportedly going to offer the Toon £33m and one of three stars they want to offload.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDouglas Luiz is top of the list after failing to settle into life in Turin following his switch from Aston Villa last summer.The Brazilian would give Newcastle a like-for-like replacement should they lose Tonali this summer.Eddie Howe’s side showed an interest in centre-back Federico Gatti before and he is another who could be offered to them.Juventus are aware Newcastle may be in the market for a striker if they cash-in on Alexander Isak and are therefore weighing up throwing Dusan Vlahovic into discussions.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Serbian goal machine, who has found the back of the net 14 times this season, is out of contract at the end of next season.Juventus are therefore looking to get rid of him this summer or risk losing him on a free.’I wish he would have hung on for one more year’ Alan Shearer chokes up in tribute to his dad at Newcastle paradeThe report states that the transfers will only be possible should the Italians qualify for the Champions League.They currently sit fifth just one point behind the all-important top four places.Juventus chiefs are hopeful of striking a deal as they have a good relationship with Newcastle after signing Lloyd Kelly in January.But conflicting reports from The Chronicle claim they cannot afford to sign Tonali.Newcastle previously showed interest in Federico Gatti and he could be offered as part of the bidCredit: Rex More

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      Alan Shearer’s glamorous daughter shows off her bikini body in stunning see-through outfit leaving fans in awe

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      HOLLIE SHEARER has turned heads with her latest eye-catching holiday look. The 29-year-old is the daughter of Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer.Hollie Shearer has turned heads with her latest lookCredit: Instagram / hollieshearerThe influencer and singer rocked a white bikini and see-through topCredit: Instagram / hollieshearerHollie’s outfit went down a treat with her legion of online fans.Credit: Instagram / hollieshearerInfluencer and singer Hollie boasts 81,000 followers on Instagram and regularly posts updates from her jet-setting lifestyle.She describes herself as “just a girl who loves fashion, food and pilates”.And her latest bold outfit has gone down a storm with her legion of fans. Hollie posed in a white bikini, pairing the swimwear with a see-through flowery shirt.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLShe captioned the sultry snaps: “Obsessed with this co-ord from @zara SO SO cute!!”One follower responded to the snaps: “Class, just class.”Another said: “OMG stun.”While a third added: “Always a stunner.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHollie announced her engagement to partner Joe Marchant last November.Marchant popped the question in Paris, with the pair sharing a smooch alongside the Eiffel Tower.Alan Shearer’s glam daughter Hollie stuns in see-through top and leather jacketShowing off a huge diamond ring, she wrote on Instagram: “BEST DAY EVER!! Got to say yes to my favourite person.”Hollie and rugby star Joe have been dating since January 2022.The loved-up couple live together in the French capital after Marchant signed for Stade Francais.Hollie has also shared a number of holiday snaps of herself and Marchant basking on hot beaches and on lavish yachts.When previously asked about Hollie’s romance with the rugby star, Prem legend Alan quipped: “I’m just glad it’s not a footballer!”Shearer recently partied with 150,000 Toon fans after Newcatsle ended their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy. The 53-year-old was almost in tears as he addressed the assembled crowds following the 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Liverpool. Inside Hollie’s glamorous life as a singer, model, football icon’s daughter and rugby Wag…Hollie Shearer is the glam daughter of Newcastle legend and pundit Alan ShearerFather and daughter; Hollie with dad AlanHollie has become a celebrity in her own rightThe 29-year-old boasts over 80,000 followers on InstagramSinger Hollie dreams of living in Nashville, TennesseeShe supported Sam Fender at her father’s foundation nightCredit: InstagramHollie dazzled in glittery fishnet stockings as she performed on stageCredit: InstagramHollie, left, posed with brother Will and sister Chloe, right on a recent holidayCredit: Instagram/@chloeshearer1Hollie has been dating England rugby star Joe Marchant since 2022Credit: Instagram @hollieshearerHollie cheered on partner Joe from the stands at the World Cup in FranceCredit: Instagram @hollieshearerHollie wowed in this revealing bikini… but she stole it from her sisterCredit: Instagram / @hollieshearerHollie often leaves fans swooning with her incredible toned bodyCredit: InstagramHollie showed off her beach body on a swanky holiday to GreeceHollie cuts an elegant figure in a stunning red dressHollie turned into a biker girl as she posed in a crop top and leather trousersCredit: InstagramShe has accumulated a substantial following on InstagramCredit: InstagramHollie frequently posts pictures to her adoring fans on social mediaCredit: @blackboughswimShe treats fans to regular glimpses into her lifestyleCredit: InstagramThe singer-songwriter loves being on the water in an array of colourful bikinisCredit: INSTAGRAM / @hollieshearerShe loves maintaining her impressive tan on holidayCredit: INSTAGRAM / @hollieshearerHollie shares the same confidence in front of the camera that her dad showed in front of goalHollie posed in a pink bra and thong for PrettyLittleThing Valentine’s Day shootCredit: PrettyLittleThingHollie’s posts regularly have fans hailing her as a ‘stunning princess’Credit: Instagram / @hollieshearerHollie looks equally as glamorous when not just in a bikiniCredit: instagram @hollieshearer More

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      Arsenal set to move for Nico Williams after new chief Andrea Berta holds transfer talks with Spain star’s agent

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      ANDREA BERTA is ready to raid LaLiga for talent this summer – with Nico Williams in his sights. The new Arsenal sporting director is bracing for a busy first few months in the job. Nico Williams is on Arsenal’s radar ahead of a huge summer at the EmiratesCredit: GettyNew sporting director Andrea Berta (left) is plotting a major overhaulCredit: GettyItalian Berta, 53, was appointed as Edu’s successor earlier this month.And he’s got straight to work in planning for a radical overhaul at the Emirates.The former Atletico Madrid chief reportedly met with Williams’ representatives earlier this week.It was one of Berta’s first acts in his new role, where he is tasked with making Arsenal consistent title challengers.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBerta set up a meeting with the 22-year-old’s agent Felix Tainta, according to The Guardian.Williams, a tricky and exciting winger, has been a long-term target for the Gunners. He has helped Bilbao reach the quarter finals of the Europa League this season, netting 8 times in 35 games. Arsenal approached Bilbao over a move last summer after Williams had broken England’s hearts in the Euro 2024 final.Most read in FootballARSENAL FILES: HOW GUNNERS COULD LINE-UP AGAINST REAL MADRIDBut they were told the Spaniard was keen to stay in LaLiga for at least another season. Williams has a release clause of £48.4million and the outlet claims he is pushing for a move. England fans heartbroken as Three Lions trail Spain courtesy of Nico Williams goalBarcelona, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are all set to rival Arsenal for his signature. Berta has wasted no time in getting his feet under the table in North London.He has already drawn up an exciting shortlist as he looks to provide Mikel Arteta with a true No9.Arsenal look set to finish second in the Premier League for a third consecutive season.And their lack of depth in attacking areas has been laid bare by a crowded injury room this term.Arsenal 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.SunSport revealed last week that Arsenal are eyeing up Eintracht Frankfurt hitman Hugo Ekitike as an alternative to £150m-rated Newcastle star Alexander Isak.Isak looks set to stay in the North East with Newcastle unlikely to sell their prized asset.While Berta has also put Sporting Lisbon goal machine Viktor Gyokeres on his wishlist.The former Coventry forward is one of Europe’s most in-demand players after netting 42 goals in his last 42 games. Arteta appeared upbeat as he discussed the upcoming transfer window ahead of Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Fulham. He said: “It’s going to be a big one and we are very excited about it.”When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.Read More on The Sun”Every summer is big because it is an opportunity and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now, that is necessary.”But it’s a big summer for many things because first of all we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team.” More