Arsenal transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      What do Arsenal need to do to guarantee qualification to the Champions League Last 16?

      by

      ARSENAL are among the favourites to advance straight to the last 16 of the Champions League.The Gunners are fifth in the League Phase table with eight points separating them from high flying Liverpool, but Mikel Arteta’s men have a game in hand.Arsenal might need only one more win to advance to the Champions League’s Last 16Credit: GettyThe North Londoners have two more games to go in the revamped first round consisting of 36 teams.Mikel Arteta’s men face Dinamo Zagreb tonight at the Emirates and then visit Girona on January 29.Arsenal have amassed 13 points from six matches of which they won four and lost only once.Just one more win from the final two games could send the Premier League giants straight into the Round of 16.Read More on ArsenalThe teams who finish in the top eight spots automatically qualify for the Last 16.And those who find themselves between ninth and 24th place will face off in the play-offs to determine the other eight teams that make it to the next round.Arsenal are currently five points ahead of Dinamo, who are 25th in the Champions League table.Opta found that in 99 per cent of their simulations, teams who collected 10 points made it into the play-off round, which means Arteta and co might already be guaranteed at least a spot in those.Most read in Champions LeagueEven nine points proved to be enough in 69 per cent of the simulations, which were run 50,000 times.But Arsenal will want direct qualification for the Last 16.16 points proved to be enough in 98 per cent of the available scenarios.Arsenal ratings: Trossard turns creator to put Gunners in driving seat but Merino and Partey lapses cost Arteta’s sideAnd 15 points were sufficient for eighth place in 73 per cent of the simulations. On the other hand, 14 points were enough in just 28 per cent of the supercomputer’s simulations.That means 15 points could be the magic number for Arsenal to avoid two crunch clashes amid their gruelling bid for a first Premier League title since 2004.That would mean one win from their final two games will likely be enough. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      David Luiz picks out key player who could bring Premier League title to Arsenal despite Liverpool dominance

      by

      ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta should not give up hope of winning the Premier League, according to David Luiz.Liverpool chief Arne Slot is ahead in this year’s race, while Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City bagged the previous four titles.Former Arsenal defender David Luiz, pictured with the FA Cup in 2020, reckons his old club can still win the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyCaptain Martin Odegaard is key to Arsenal’s title chase, says LuizCredit: RexLuiz is also impressed by his fellow Brazilian centre-back GabrielCredit: Sunday TimesLuiz, who won the Prem while at Chelsea, played for the Gunners under Arteta before leaving in 2021. And he said: “Arsenal haven’t won the league already because there are other amazing clubs such as City.“Guardiola has turned City into a machine but also Liverpool now with the new coach are amazing. “Arsenal have to keep fighting . . . maybe one day Chelsea and Arsenal are gonna win the Premier League again. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The mentality has to continue this way, with ambition. That’s how you achieve something special.”Brazilian Luiz believes keeping ‘world-class’ captain Martin Odegaard fit is vital to Arsenal’s hopes.He said: “Martin has grown a lot and is now a world-class player. He’s an amazing person and he’s turned into a great leader.”And Luiz loves how a fellow Brazilian central defender has blossomed under Arteta.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe added: “Gabriel has the power of a monster —  he can score in every single match!“He’s a powerful guy. I hope he continues this way with the help of Arteta who gets the best out of him every day.”What makes William Saliba and Gabriel the Premier League’s best More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Jhon Duran set for medical ahead of £65m Al-Nassr transfer in move that KO’s Arsenal’s Ollie Watkins bid

      by

      ASTON VILLA striker Jhon Duran is set for a medical with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.The Colombian has reportedly agreed personal terms ahead of a £65million blockbuster move to the Saudi Pro League. Jhon Duran looks set to leave Villa Park for the Saudi Pro LeagueCredit: GettyThe 21-year-old was named among the subs for Villa’s Champions League game with CelticCredit: AlamyOllie Watkins’ proposed move to Arsenal looks unlikely to materialiseCredit: AlamyDuran’s Saudi switch appears to end Arsenal’s hopes of bringing England striker Ollie Watkins to the Emirates. The Gunners tabled an audacious £60m bid for the Villa forward on Wednesday afternoon. According to The Athletic, Duran has penned a five-and-a-half-year deal in Saudi.The 21-year-old – who joined Unai Emery’s side from Chicago Fire in 2023 – only signed a new contract in October.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt kept the fan-favourite at Villa Park until 2030. Duran has netted 12 goals in 29 appearances for Villa this season, with the majority of his action from the subs bench. He was named among the substitutes for Wednesday’s Champions League showdown with Celtic.But reports suggest Duran will head to London after the game for a medical with Al Nassr on Thursday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAl Nassr currently sit fourth in the Saudi Pro League. Alongside Ronaldo, former Premier League stars Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte make up the backbone of the team. Tottenham snubbed Ollie Watkins transfer as Jose Mourinho refused to pay price tag and signed flop striker instead Watkins joined Villa from Brentford in 2020 for a then-club record £28million.Following on from his Euro 2024 heroics for England, he’s netted 10 goals in 23 Premier League appearances this season.A boyhood Arsenal fan, Watkins has previously indicated it would be a “dream” to play for the Gunners.Arsenal player ratings: David Raya saves all three-points for Arsenal but Trossard’s woeful deliveries an issue againARSENAL finally won a match with ten-men after Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off.It was the Gunners’ fourth sending off this season and they had not won any of their matches without 11 players this term.But Arsenal showed their character and battled past Wolves 1-0.Here is how SunSport rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 8/10Very little to do until the 63rd minute when he brilliantly tipped a deflected Matheus Cunha effort wide. He then stopped Rayan Ait-Nouri in a one-on-one in the 84th minute.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 6Was having another fine game before being the victim of one of most ludicrous red cards in Prem history. His cynical trip was worthy of a yellow and nothing more.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Arsenal just look so solid with him in this backline. A welcome return from a minor hamstring injury. Kept Cunha at bay.GABRIEL – 7Led from the front and put his body on the line. Constantly headed away from danger.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Hit with some nasty challenges that required treatment – including one that had Joao Gomes sent off – but carried on playing and was resolute.DECLAN RICE – 7More of a goal threat than in recent weeks and stood up when Arsenal needed him.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Steady Eddie for most parts back in his favoured midfield position after spells at right-back this season. Displayed his importance to this side once more.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Unfortunately made way at half-time as a sacrificial lamb following Lewis-Skelly’s sending off. Was a lively, creative spark in the first-half.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the Belgian is on corner-taking duty, but his deliveries were woeful. A quiet afternoon that sums up why he is in and out of the team currently.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Was lacking that clinical edge in the first half, but came up with the cross after the break that led to Arsenal’s vital opener.KAI HAVERTZ – 7Missed two glorious first half chances with his head and another in the second half, but worked tirelessly on his own – especially with Arsenal down to ten.SUBS:RICCARDO CALAFIORI (NWANERI, 45) – 8The sort of goal that keeps title dreams alive. Added real height and danger aerially, as well as a sweet volley from a tough angle.KIERAN TIERNEY (MARTINELLI, 87) – N/ADuring his time with the Bees, Watkins said: “Yeah, that’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day. “But, you know, it’s a long shot.” More

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal ‘working out shock transfer move for Aston Villa star Jhon Duran’ but Alexander Isak remains ‘dream target’

      by

      ARSENAL are reportedly exploring a shock move for Aston Villa star Jhon Duran – even though Alexander Isak remains their “dream target.”The Gunners are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements after several injury blows.Arsenal are exploring a shock deal for Aston Villa striker Jhon DuranCredit: GettyNewcastle’s Alexander Isak remains the Gunners’ dream targetCredit: GettyBukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus are both long-term absentees.And Mikel Arteta is keen to add an out-and-out striker to his squad of title hopefuls.The Londoners are known to be big fans of Newcastle superstar Isak, who has 19 goals in 25 games this season.While RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who has 14 in 27, has also been linked.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut now, Fabrizio Romano reckons that Villa ace Duran has emerged as a likely target before deadline day.The Colombian has netted 12 goals in 29 games so far this term.Duran, who recently signed a new long-term contract, was the subject of a failed £57million bid from West Ham earlier this month.Villa are thought to want £80m to sell their young asset.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd Arsenal are now showing a strong interest in Duran, with “dream target” Isak deemed too expensive right now.Romano told Give Me Sport: “What I’m told is Arsenal made a call in recent weeks to understand the situation of Duran.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants FA to overturn controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red card “At the moment, there’s no green light from Leipzig for Sesko.“Also Isak, the dream target of Arsenal, he’s super expensive. It’s almost very complicated, nothing in football is impossible but it’s very complicated.“And so in recent weeks, Arsenal called to understand Duran’s situation, but there’s been no direct negotiations with Villa.” More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle to reward Alexander Isak with long-term contract offer and make him top earner amid Arsenal transfer links

      by

      NEWCASTLE are looking to reward Alexander Isak with a huge new contract amid interest from Arsenal, according to reports.The 25-year-old scored his 16th and 17th Premier League goals of the season in a 3-1 win over Southampton yesterday.Alexander Isak is set to be offered a bumper new contract by NewcastleCredit: ReutersNewcastle are desperate not to lose their star striker and are willing to make him the club’s highest earner.Isak has three-and-a-half years left on his contract and talks over an improved deal were halted last year.But The Telegraph report that discussions over an extension are set to resume at the end of the season.Qualification for the Champions League would supposedly “sweeten the talks” and would remove a reason he could have for leaving.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey also claim the player is happy at Newcastle and he has told team-mates that he is not thinking of playing elsewhere.Toon chiefs reportedly wanted £150million for Isak in the summer.Arsenal have continuously been linked with Swedish international.But The Telegraph understands that the Gunners cannot afford him at that price, nor can anyone in Europe.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIsak has the chance to show Arsenal what they are missing in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on February 5.Newcastle won the first clash 2-0 and are hopeful of winning a first trophy since 1955.Suspended Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes shares heartwarming clip celebrating famous win in his living room with his son More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Mikel Arteta consulting Arsenal stars on which striker to sign as he desperately seeks firepower before deadline

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA is consulting his Arsenal stars on which striker to sign before the transfer window slams shut.Arsenal are desperately looking for extra firepower in the January window with injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus leaving the North Londoners desperately short up top.Injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus have left Arsenal struggling up topCredit: PAManager Mikel Arteta is open to bringing in a new striker before the window shuts on February 3Credit: REUTERSThe Spaniard is consulting WITH his players over what type of forward to signCredit: GETTYBut with just over a week until the window shuts, Arteta appears no closer to bringing in a new face with key target Benjamin Sesko looking likely to remain at Red Bull Leipzig barring a hefty late bid.The north Londoners have also been linked with moves for Alexander Isak, Dusan Vlahovic and Matheus Cunha.Following Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham last week, Declan Rice said: “We’re a bit short [in attack]. I’m not surprised if we are going to do something.”Asked if his players have spoken to him about new signings ahead of today’s [SAT] clash at Wolves, Arteta said: “Not like that, but we have all been there, we all look at each other.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS“We have had very, very short numbers for many, many weeks and they recognise the situation, we all do. “That’s why we are trying to do what is right for the club, the team, that’s our intention.”Arteta says he “always” consults his players about potential incomings or specific individuals he is trying to bring to the club.He added: “That’s getting us away from the computer and what the data is saying. It is real. I have seen it, I sense it.Most read in SportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“A player can score a lot of goals, great. How does this player react when he hasn’t scored for six or seven games? “This is what I am interested in.Arsenal Dominates Dinamo Zagreb: Player Ratings Revealed “Watch an interview with a player who hasn’t scored for six games, and then what kind of goals does he score? “Against which teams in which context? Is it first half or second half?“Is it only with his right foot, only headers, only in open spaces? “Does he like the physical contact of this league?“So when you have a player that has spent a lot of days with [a transfer target], that is really valuable information to have.”Arteta has the backing of owners Stan and Josh Kroenke to do business this month.But key decision-makers are taking into account the impact it could have on their summer plans and future targets, as well as how it will affect the make-up of the squad.A domestic loan is off the table having already acquired back-up keeper Neto from Bournemouth and Raheem Sterling from Chelsea last summer on a season-long deal.Neto is yet to make an appearance for the club – having been cup-tied for the Carabao Cup upon his arrival – but Arteta has quashed any suggestions of cancelling one of those loans to accommodate another.Defenders Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been linked with moves away this month, the latter attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund, which could free up space and funds for a striker.RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is at the top of the Gunners’ wishlistCredit: GettyBut Arteta said: “It’s about balance as well, depending which player it is [being sold]. “If that is a player that is going to give us space or if it is going to limit us again in a certain position.“It all depends. The rules are quite tricky well. “It’s not just what you bring and what you sell, it’s actually what resources do you have available after that.”On a more positive note, Arteta could have defensive duo Myles Lewis-Skelly and William Saliba back for the trip to Molineux.Left-back Lewis-Skelly missed the Champions League victory over Dinamo Zagreb with a jarred knee picked up in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa – but scans have shown “nothing serious”.Centre-back Saliba has been struggling with a hamstring strain that has also kept the Frenchman out of Arsenal’s last two outings – and could be rested for next weekend’s game against Manchester City.Arteta said: “Whether it is too early or not [for them to face Wolves], we don’t know. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They will definitely be in for next week. This week, let’s see how it goes.”Right-back Ben White is also close to a return following knee surgery in November, preparing to train with the senior squad over the next week. More

    • 175 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal player ratings: Dominant Martinelli makes himself undroppable as anonymous Sterling blows big chance

      by

      DECLAN RICE’S first Champions League goal all but secured Arsenal’s place in the last 16 of Europe’s finest competition.Goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard rounded off a 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagerb, but it was Gabriel Martinelli’s goal involvements that shone the brightest. Declan Rice opened the scoring inside two minutesKai Havertz settled nerves half way through the second halfMartin Odegaard made it 3-0 in the 91st minuteThe Gunners moved up to third in the Uefa league standings but should’ve been out of sight after missing a flurry of chances.Dinamo, who are level on points in the standings with Manchester City after they lost 4-2 to PSG, didn’t reward their raucous away support with a single shot on target.As such, Mikel Arteta’s men are set to finish in the top eight, although automatic qualification isn’t mathematically confirmed yet.On a freezing cold evening in North London, SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rates and slates each Arsenal performer.READ MORE ON ARSENALDavid Raya – 6A really poor clearance invited pressure from Dinamo’s front three in the first-half. A heart in mouth moment for sure.But rarely touched the ball from then on, with the Croatian side not registering a single shot at the Spaniard in 90 minutes.David Raya’s poor clearance left Arsenal fans gaspingJurrien Timber – 5Involved in early attacks and got back to block a dangerous Dinamo counter as things settled in the 12th minute.But was caught sleeping after Luca Stojkovic won the ball off him on the edge of his box, before Jakub Kiwior’s handy interception.Most read in FootballGabriel – 6Missed a sitter to make it 2-0 after Odegaard put it on a sixpence from a corner. Held off Stojkovic whenever he was called upon, although Dinamo offered little going forward.Jakub Kiwior – 7For all the scrutiny he’s faced, the Pole saved regular starter Timber from embarrassment and a sure Dinamo chance inside 33 minutes.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7With teen Myles Lewis Skelly carrying a knock, the Ukrainian was forward thinking and whipped crosses into Havertz all evening.Declan Rice – 8Fired Arsenal ahead with a thunderous volley inside 105 seconds – his first-ever goal in the competition.But his usual corner deliveries were affected by the deafening away end pelting plastic cups and lighters at his back.Ran his heart out but fluffed a poor header, reminiscent of the same chance missed against Man Utd in the FA Cup defeat, to make it 3-0.Rice was pelted with objects before taking corners in the first halfJorginho – 6Horror back pass almost cost his side the lead when he put Raya in trouble inside 30 minutes. But worked hard to win the ball back and put Martinelli through for a blistering run.Martin Odegaard – 7Engine of the team. Dropped back into midfield to provide an outlet for Kiwior whenever he could.A tap-in at the death saw him score his first goal since the 5-2 win over West Ham in November to make it 3-0.Raheem Sterling – 4A non event. The former England winger was weak in-front of goal yet again.But some lovely Sterling-esque runs of old were a nice watch at times, if that’s all he had to offer.Lucky to avoid a straight red after a nasty challenge on Maxime Bernauer’s ankle with his studs just seconds into the second half.Gabriel Martinelli – 8A last-ditch tackle denied him what would have been a sensational solo goal from a 60-yard run that woke Arsenal from their slumber.Was the main attacking threat and had a hand in both goals, first crossing into Havertz, who laid it on for Rice, before a glorious curling ball into the German for 2-0. Has the Brazilian made himself undroppable moving forward?Gabriel Martinelli was the star of the showKai Havertz – 7Brushed off recent criticism with a perfect lay-off for Rice to smash home and doubled Arsenal’s lead with a laid-on header in the 66th minute.Was happy to score but was wasteful before finding the back of the net and often absent in box during first-half attacks.SubsEthan Nwaneri (for Sterling, 57 mins) – 6A loud applause welcomed the teen back from injury, but he didn’t have to do much against such weak opposition. Thomas Partey (for Timber, 57 mins) – 6Assured cameo in midfield.READ MORE SUN STORIESKieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 73 mins) – 5Calm on the ball after coming on.Leandro Trossard (for Havertz) – 5Made his 100th appearance for the club. More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal 3 Dinamo Zagreb 0: Rice, Havertz and Odegaard net to put Mikel Arteta’s side all but through to last 16

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA’S wannabe Samba boys have all but guaranteed themselves a Champions League knock-out spot – and maybe some winter sunshine next month.Arsenal boss Arteta had his squad train with Brazilian music blaring through speakers on the side of their London Colney training pitches on Tuesday afternoon as a source of inspiration.Arsenal welcomed Dinamo Zagreb to the Emirates for their penultimate Champions League group stage matchCredit: PADeclan Rice broke the deadlock in only the second minute of the matchCredit: EPAKai Havertz made sure of the victory with a 66th minute headerCredit: ReutersYet this was not a night for thrills and spills – Declan Rice’s second-minute strike and Kai Havertz’s second half header lighting up a tame Emirates showcase against Fabio Cannavaro’s quality-lacking Dinamo Zagreb.It was not pretty, but the Gunners are sitting that way with one game left in this new league phase, up into third on 16 points and with goal difference that makes a top eight finish very nearly a cert.Next week’s trip to Girona provides little jeopardy, so Arsenal can plan for the last 16 in March.By avoiding the February play-offs – on top of not being involved in the FA Cup fourth round that month too – Arteta is considering using the free days for a warm-weather winter break.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSAnd from the looks of it, this Arsenal bunch are in dire need of recharging some batteries if they are to challenge for trophies domestically and in Europe.With William Saliba’s hamstring troubles and defensive duo Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly missing training in the build-up, Arteta opted for four changes from the disappointing 2-2 draw with Aston Villa here last weekend.Pole Jakub Kiwior filled in at centre back, while Oleksandr Zinchenko filled in at left-back – a bold choice considering he is linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund this month.Regardless, this was a mighty test for new Zagreb boss Cannavaro – his first match in charge of the Croats after being appointed on December 29, with only a few friendlies under his belt.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA small section of the travelling Zagreb fans twice targeted Declan Rice bottles and cups as he took cornerCredit: REUTERSRice ended up being struck by one of the missilesCredit: GETTYMartin Odegaard bagged a much-needed goal in stoppage time to make it 3-0Credit: GETTYThe 2006 World Cup-winning Italian defender – nine years older than Arteta at 51 – is known for his safety-first, handbrake-firmly-on approach in management.Those plans were blown out of the water inside the first two minutes as Gabriel Martinelli drove and crossed from out wide for Havertz and the German teed up Rice to volley in with anger.Arsenal fan seen defacing Josh Kroenke mural after being left fed up with Arteta’s transfer strugglesFlashbacks of that club-record 9-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in their league phase opener in Munich back in September must have been an unwanted replay in the minds of the Zagreb players.Rice continued to be in the thick of things.The rowdy travelling fans had come up with a novel way of disrupting Arsenal’s corner routines – pelting the England midfielder with plastic cups before he could take one.The visitors needed all the dirty tricks they could get, given their competition-high tally of seven goals conceded from set-pieces and up against one of the continent’s very best dead-ball specialists.Zagreb unsurprisingly were struggling to get a sniff against a side yet to concede from open play in this Champions League campaign.Arsenal were also comfortable with ball at feet, albeit wasteful.While January transfer target Benjamin Sesko had netted earlier in the day for Red Bull Leipzig, Arteta’s current No.9 Havertz passed up several chances to shoot inside the box.His defenders were making the Spanish coach wince too as Kiwior and Jurrien Timber took it in turns to fumble on the ball inside their own half.Arsenal ratings vs Dinamo: Martinelli makes himself undroppable as Sterling blows big chanceBy Katherine WalshDavid Raya – 6A really poor clearance invited pressure from Dinamo’s front three in the first half. A heart in mouth moment for sure.But rarely touched the ball from then on, with the Croatian side not registering a single shot at the Spaniard in 90 minutes.Jurrien Timber – 5Involved in early attacks and got back to block a dangerous Dinamo counter as things settled in the 12th minute.But was caught sleeping after Luca Stojkovic won the ball off him on the edge of his box, before Jakub Kiwior’s handy interception.Gabriel – 6Missed a sitter to make it 2-0 after Odegaard put it on a sixpence from a corner.Held off Stojkovic whenever he was called upon, although Dinamo offered little going forward.Jakub Kiwior – 7For all the scrutiny he’s faced, the Pole saved regular starter Timber from embarrassment and a sure Dinamo chance inside 33 minutes.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7With teen Myles Lewis Skelly carrying a knock, the Ukrainian was forward thinking and whipped crosses into Havertz all evening.Declan Rice – 8Fired Arsenal ahead with a thunderous volley inside 105 seconds – his first-ever goal in the competition.But his usual corner deliveries were affected by the deafening away end pelting plastic cups and lighters at his back.Ran his heart out but fluffed a poor header, reminiscent of the same chance missed against Man Utd in the FA Cup defeat, to make it 3-0.Jorginho – 6Horror backpass almost cost his side the lead when he put Raya in trouble inside 30 minutes.But worked hard to win the ball back and put Martinelli through for a blistering run.Martin Odegaard – 7Engine of the team. Dropped back into midfield to provide an outlet for Kiwior whenever he could.A tap-in at the death saw him score his first goal since the 5-2 win over West Ham in November to make it 3-0.Raheem Sterling – 4A non-event. The former England winger was weak in front of goal yet again.But some lovely Sterling-esque runs of old were a nice watch at times, if that’s all he had to offer.Lucky to avoid a straight red after a nasty challenge on Maxime Bernauer’s ankle with his studs just seconds into the second half.Gabriel Martinelli – 8A last-ditch tackle denied him what would have been a sensational solo goal from a 60-yard run that woke Arsenal from their slumber.Was the main attacking threat and had a hand in both goals, first crossing into Havertz, who laid it on for Rice, before a glorious curling ball into the German for 2-0.Has the Brazilian made himself undroppable moving forward?Kai Havertz – 7Brushed off recent criticism with a perfect lay-off for Rice to smash home and doubled Arsenal’s lead with a laid-on header in the 66th minute.Was happy to score but was wasteful before finding the back of the net and often absent in box during first-half attacks.SubsEthan Nwaneri (for Sterling, 57 mins) – 6A loud applause welcomed the teen back from injury, but he didn’t have to do much against such weak opposition.Thomas Partey (for Timber, 57 mins) – 6Assured cameo in midfield.Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 73 mins) – 5Calm on the ball after coming on.Leandro Trossard (for Havertz) – 5Made his 100th appearance for the club.Having blown a 2-0 lead against Villa, Arteta would not let lightning strike twice. After Timber and Raheem Sterling were booked within six minutes of the second half, they were both subbed off.Zagreb were still hanging on, and then they were not. Havertz rose highest to nod in Martinelli’s inviting 66th minute cross – Arsenal’s 500th goal under Arteta.Goal number 501 came in stoppage time courtesy of tap-in from skipper Martin Odegaard.Who needs a striker? Well, Arsenal do – desperately.READ MORE SUN STORIESCrocked pair Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus must have watched this one wondering how many goals they could have gobbled up.For now, with an eighth Champions League home clean sheet since the start of last season, Arteta’s defence are dragging them forward. More