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      I scored the winning goal when Arsenal last lost a league game at home to Southampton, now I’m a tiler at 65

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      SOUTHAMPTON have failed to win in their last 28 league games at Arsenal – stretching back 37 years.Former Saints midfielder Glenn Cockerill reflects on that last win in North London and his next visit to Highbury the following year with Saints, when he suffered a broken jaw in a 2-2 draw.Glenn Cockerill was part of the Southampton team that last won a league game at ArsenalCredit: Times Newspapers LtdCockerill scored the winning goal for Southampton against Arsenal 37 years agoCockerill is now a tiler but still works with SouthamptonThe former midfielder works as a tiler and, at 65, says he hopes to retire next year. He is still involved in football with Saints and his tireless charity work — including a legends match which takes place next weekend. His son Brody is part of the Bromley academy.WITH just over 10 minutes left, Colin Clarke nodded on a long free-kick into the Arsenal area and lightning-quick Danny Wallace prodded the ball home.If you would have told me then, as we walked off the pitch at Highbury, that a Saints side would not have won at Arsenal in the league before I was 65, I’d have thought you were having a laugh.Read More on FootballI actually thought my old team were going to win at the Emirates in 2023 when they were 2-0 up and then 3-1 ahead with two minutes remaining, but the Gunners pegged them back to 3-3.It’s hard to comprehend that it was 37 years ago when we last won there — and even more crazy that there is a whole new generation that don’t even remember Arsenal’s old Highbury ground.It was one of the grandest stadiums to play in, with a huge marble entrance. As a player it was always one of those away games I really looked forward to.But you knew as an opponent going to Highbury (or the Emirates as it is now) that it was always one of the most difficult places to get anything from the game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAt the time of this match, George Graham’s side were top of the table but, under manager Chris Nicholl, we were a very underrated side.During my eight wonderful years as a Southampton player, six of them were spent playing alongside Jimmy Case in midfield.Arsenal player ratings vs PSGWe formed a great understanding on the pitch and a lifelong friendship off it. I never stopped learning from him and we’d always cover for each other during games.But what a player he was! It angers and frustrates me when I see so many players with half his talent playing for England when I look and see he never won a Three Lions cap.Here was a guy who won the European Cup three times with Liverpool.Jimmy had one of the hardest shots in the game, could unlock defences with sublime passes with either foot and could play all over the pitch. And he was as hard as nails as an opponent.We should have won in our next game at Highbury the following season when we were leading 2-0 before my jaw was broken. The game ended up 2-2.Even 36 years on, I have no wish to comment on what Paul Davis has had to say about the incident (which led to a nine-game ban and a £3,000 fine).Unforgettable injuryFrom my own perspective, one moment I was playing and the next I was knocked out cold. When I came round all I can recall is our physio, Dennis Rofe, asking if I was OK and whether I knew what the score was.The crazy part is that I played on for the rest of the match not having a clue that I had a badly broken jaw.It seems almost Stone Age compared with today where players are treated in cotton wool where anything medical is involved, and rightly so. I never thought for a moment about coming off!We always had fish and chips on the way home from a London away game. It wasn’t until I tried to eat the fish I realised my whole jaw and mouth wouldn’t work.I made my way to the front of the bus, told the manager and the medical staff. I was taken straight to hospital and within a couple of hours was in surgery having an operation.All I wanted to do was get back playing again as soon as possible. The irony was I returned with Davis’ ban still running.Next generationAs far as this season is concerned, I reckon Russell Martin and Southampton are going to need around eight wins and a smattering of draws if they are to stay in the Premier League.Arsenal is one of the toughest games they’ll face this season but we saw last week another newly-promoted club, Leicester, run them very close.I am very proud that my son Brody is one of the apprentices and part of the academy at new League Two side Bromley.At 16, he’s got so much more natural talent than I ever had.But he’s also a very grounded lad and has so much dedication.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe’s got a long way to go but he’s on the right path with an ambitious club and learning every day.I am hoping we get a huge turnout on Sunday week (October 13) when a Saints’ Legends side play against a Russell Martin XI at St Mary’s — with everything to fund chosen charities in the Southampton area. More

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      Arsenal Women’s boss Jonas Eidevall slams ‘amateurish’ handling of Chelsea and Man United fixture problem

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      Jonas Eidevall hit out at Women’s Super League chiefs for “having no plan B” for Champions League and WSL fixture congestion.The Arsenal chief criticised the “amateurish” scheduling that led to Chelsea having a top-flight game pencilled in two days before a match Europe.Jonas Eidevall wants authorities in charge of scheduling WSL games to be more proactive around planning for possible fixture clashesCredit: GettyThe Arsenal boss was sharing his thoughts about Chelsea having a league game postponed due to concerns with it being two days before their Champions League fixtureCredit: GettyEidevall was reflecting on scenario that led to the Blues’ home duel with the Red Devils, initially scheduled for Sunday, being shelved with just seven days’ notice.This was down to player welfare worries with the title-holders having a Champions League clash with Real Madrid just two days after their United game. The calling off of the match by Women’s Professional League Limited, who took over running the WSL at the start of the season, has been criticised by fans including the Chelsea Women’s Supporters Group.Earlier this week Man United boss Marc Skinner said the Red Devils had sold all their away tickets for the clash.Read More Football StoriesHowever some fans were also sympathetic to the Blues situation and the club looking out for players’ wellbeing, given the tight turnaround between the games.Eidevall, whose Arsenal team host Everton on the WSL on Sunday, said: “The fans are the backbone to what we’re trying to build.”Getting postponed games as supporters – this time it doesn’t concern Arsenal fans – but it does concern fans of other clubs in the league.”It is simply unacceptable to have people’s money and time being treated in that way beforehand and it’s simply not good enough from the league.Most read in Football”The three English teams (competing in the Champions League) were all scheduled to play (WSL games) on Sunday with each having a 50% chance to play their (European) game on Tuesday. “That has been the information that’s been there for months.”That we have a lead organisation that doesn’t act proactively on these matters – it’s damaging for the fans.”The problem is the proactiveness about what you do and to have a plan for when different scenarios come about. “There was a risk or chance to be playing on Tuesday, which would rule out the possibility to play your game on Sunday.”Now, if you have that new planning scenario, of course now you need to have a plan B. What happens if you play on Tuesday? “And if you don’t have a clear answer to that, you have a problem.”Last Sunday in their game postponement statement, the WPLL said they wished to put “player welfare first” with the WSL leaders playing a Champions League game next Tuesday.Last Saturday Uefa confirmed the date for the Blues’ opening group stage game (against Real Madrid) would be Tuesday 8 October.Amid concern over players having to contest two matches in 48 hours, Chelsea and the WPLL asked Uefa if the fixture could be pushed back.The approach to Champion’s League football and the proactiveness with the respect to the supporters has to change.Jonas EidevallHowever the European football authority explained its calendar for the contest had been published more than a year ago.Eidevall added: “Do the league want the English club teams to be successful at European level?”I would hope the answer to that is ‘yes’, but the action shows differently. “It shows that this is not one of their priorities to have the club teams to be successful.”That is very negative for English women’s club football because it’s very important that this is the first time in the group stage that three teams reach the group stage. “That should be something that we celebrate.”Because of this amateurish behaviour – with not having a proactive plan and taking away a game like Chelsea’s and postponing that – it now puts us in a situation where we play Sunday.“Then we play Wednesday away against Bayern Munich. “They do not play (this) Sunday because they of course play (on) Saturday because they have a league organisation that sees the value of getting their top teams in better positions in the Champions League. “Then we return to playing Saturday against Chelsea at the Emirates and we have considerably less preparations than the opponents.”We’ll be handling this sporting disadvantage in two huge games for us.”But we’re not a team that’s going to lie down and give up just because situations are tough.“We’re going to dig deeper than we have ever done before and we’re going to try and fuel a lot of performances from that. READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal will take on Bayern Munich away in the Champions League three days after their WSL home game against EvertonCredit: Getty”But what needs to change?”I think the approach to Champion’s League football, and the proactiveness with the respect to the supporters, this has to change.”It’s not good enough to blame it on Uefa because everyone across Europe has had the same information for so long. “The only one that hasn’t acted on that information is the WSL.” More

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      ‘It used to do my head in’ – Aaron Ramsdale reveals what upset him most at Arsenal after being benched for David Raya

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      AARON RAMSDALE revealed the one thing that bothered him the most after being replaced as Arsenal’s starting goalkeeper by David Raya.Ramsdale, 26, impressed between the Gunners’ sticks during the 2022-23 campaign as he helped Mikel Arteta’s men come close to the Premier League title and was named in the PFA Team of the Year.Southampton star Aaron Ramsdale revealed what upset him the most about being benched at ArsenalCredit: X/ BBCMOTDRamsdale was replaced by David Raya in Arsenal’s goal last seasonCredit: AFPRamsdale hated it when cameras switched to him watching on from the bench every time Raya committed a blunderCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunHowever, the now Southampton star was immediately overtaken by Raya, 29, last season when he arrived on loan from Brentford before ultimately signing a permanent deal in the summer.That led the England international to a £25million move to St Mary’s during the summer transfer window.The keeper broke his silence about his time on the North Londoners’ bench with a surprise revelation as to what he hated the most about his predicament.Cameras would often switch to Ramsdale watching on with the rest of the subs every time Raya committed a blunder in goal last season.Read More on ArsenalAnd the ex-Sheffield United star was absolutely livid every time the TV crews panned to him trying to get his reaction.Ramsdale told the BBC: “It used to do my head in.”Coming off the pitch and then my wife would say, ‘You were on TV five times again today’.”Why someone would pan to me when someone makes a save or a goal goes in and it pans to me on the bench.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I do think the story was bigger than what it needed to be. I do think it put pressure on David at time as well.”Ramsdale returns to the Emirates on Saturday for the first time as an opponent since his move to Southampton. Aaron Ramsdale COMPLETES £25m Southampton transfer as England goalkeeper’s Arsenal career comes to an endAnd the shot stopper revealed Raya was the first one to text him after his departure to Saints.Ramsdale added: “I did an interview with David Seaman about my new contract and how I wanted to emulate him and be there for eight, 10 years. A couple of months later I was out of the team.”I tried my hardest to dislodge David out of the team. I do think now the rewards are showing. He’s started the season incredibly well.”He was actually the first person to text me on my move here from the boys at Arsenal. But no he was great, he was top.”Like I say he’s made some big, big saves this season and kept them in some games. I’m just desperate he doesn’t have one of those games again on Saturday.”Meet the Arsenal Wags from Strictly star to a flight attendantTolami Benson – partner of Bukayo SakaBenson and Saka have kept information on their relationship largely quiet.They do not appear on each others Instagram pages but she was seen speaking to Saka at the 2022 World Cup.Helene Spilling – partner of Martin OdegaardA professional dancer from Norway who rose to fame in the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, the pair were first spotted together at the Football Awards in March 2023. Sophie Weber – partner of Kai HavertzWeber works as a model and social media influencer and is the most high profile member of the group on online with almost 400,000 followers on Instagram.They are childhood sweethearts having grown up in the same neighbourhood.Milly White – partner of Ben WhiteThe couple got engaged in 2022 before tying the knot officially in May last year. They have matching “I love you tattoos” on their wrists. Milly White works as a model.Laura Trossard Hilven – partner of Leandro TrossardThe pair met in 2014 before getting married in 2019.They have two sons together, Thiago and Amadeo.Lauren Fryer – partner of Declan RiceLauren Fryer and Declan Rice have been together since 2015. She tends to keep a lower profile compared to some of Arsenal’s other Wags but is no less stunning.She sadly deleted all pictures on her Instagram after suffering horrific abuse by vile trolls.Georgina Ramsdale – partner of Aaron RamsdaleGeorgina Ramsdale works as a flight attendant.The couple got married last June after the Arsenal star proposed in 2022. They originally met in 2019. More

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      Bukayo Saka left looking ‘so helpless’ in bizarre moment Conor McGregor tries UFC moves on Arsenal star

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      CONOR McGREGOR had Bukayo Saka left looking “so helpless” after trying some of his famous UFC moves on the Arsenal star. The Irishman was a special guest at the Emirates as the Gunners beat PSG 2-0 thanks to goals from Saka and Kai Havertz. Conor McGregor tries his UFC moves on Bukayo SakaDeclan Rice and Saka pose with McGregorCredit: @thenotoriousmmaMcGregor poses on the Emirates pitchCredit: @thenotoriousmmaHe was the star of the show in North LondonCredit: @thenotoriousmmaMcGregor poses with the Arsenal VIP boxCredit: @thenotoriousmmaDespite the scoreline, McGregor was the real star of the show as footage emerged of him on the pitch with the likes of Declan Rice. But he hilariously gave Saka a quick MMA masterclass and began kicking and grappling the England international. Saka, not really knowing what to do, had fans feeling sorry for him. One said: “Saka looked so helpless.”READ MORE IN football Another added: “He literally tried to knee stomp the best player at Arsenal. Saka must have been so worried for his career.”One joked: “Dude’s like get off of me HAHAHAHA.”Another said: “When he went to grab Saka, I honestly thought he was going to take him down.”Manchester United fan McGregor posted behind-the-scenes snaps of his trip to North London. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe enjoyed a kickabout on the pitch and posed for photos with Rice and Saka while showing off his view from the VIP box. McGregor, 36, has not fought since 2021 when he broke his leg in the cage.And he suffered further setback when his June 29 comeback bout against Michael Chandler, 38, was cancelled amid a toe injury. McGregor now hopes to return to the octagon by next year. Conor McGregor names his top five MMA fighters of all time including WWE legend and actor nicknamed ‘The Handsome One’ More

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      Footage of Jurrien Timber after Arsenal’s win over PSG emerges after defender was subbed at half-time

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      ARSENAL fans were left fearing a fresh Jurrien Timber injury issue last night.The full-back was substituted during the half-time interval of the Gunners’ Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.Jurrien Timber started in Arsenal’s defence in their Champions League clash with PSGCredit: GETTYThe defender was substituted at half time as a precautionary measureCredit: GETTYThe Emirates faithful feared the Dutchman – who suffered a nasty ACL injury on the opening day of last season – had potentially crocked himself.But he appeared to be injury-free as he was spotted leaving the Emirates.Footage of Timber happily posing for photos with fans and seemingly being unimpaired as he moved around was captured after the match.The accompanying caption for the video, which was shared on X, read: “Timber, subbed at half-time, looks fine.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”Happily posing with fans after.”Arsenal fans worldwide breathed a huge sigh of relief, with one replying to the video: “Really good news if it was just a management sub.”Another said: “Just managing his minutes, I think.”And another said: “Whew.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNew Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink.One remarked: “Timber looks perfectly fine at full-time.”Another chimed in: “Load management. My gaffer is learning.”Mikel Arteta lauds Arsenal’s win over PSG Gunners boss Mikel Arteta further allayed fans’ fears in his post-match press conference, revealing Timber was subbed as a precautionary measure.The Spaniard said of Timber’s performance: “He was unbelievable.“He felt something muscular and we didn’t want to take any risks.”He has been out a year and played a lot of minutes. We have to manage him.”Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners against the French champions thanks to first-half goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Havertz makes striker spot his own… but Calafiori shows chinks in his armourKAI HAVERTZ and Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal to a deserved victory borne of first-half dominance.Paris Saint-Germain did hit the bar and the post as they improved after the break in this Champions League tie.But Emirates chief Mikel Arteta will mostly be delighted with his side’s latest solid display in Europe’s top club competition.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.DAVID RAYA – 7Was perhaps busier than he usually is at home.Helplessly watched a Nuno Mendes effort smack his far post and stood firm to deny Achraf Hakimi at his near post.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6A frantic display, one that had more shaky moments than good. Kept busy by Hakimi and was done for pace on a few occasions but recovered well.A mistake early in the second half almost gave PSG a way back into the game. Needs to iron out these errors from his game, particularly when he is so dangerous in attack.However, he was playing at right-back for the first time in his career after the break.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Did not have much to do. A stray pass early on could have been costly but other than that another reliable and strong performance.GABRIEL – 7Sprayed some nice passes about from deep but this was a stress-free night’s work compared to the Premier League.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Just how on earth does Ben White get back in this side at right back? Another immaculate display from a man who seemingly has it all in defence and attack.Well, White may well get his chance after Timber was subbed off at half-time.DECLAN RICE – 7Solid as a rock and building a real partnership with Partey in midfield. Had a chance to drive forward just before the half hour mark but his pass to Saka was cut out.THOMAS PARTEY – 8So consistent at the moment, something Arsenal fans have not seen from the Ghanaian midfielder in a long time owing mostly to injury.Made some crucial interceptions and showed real composure playing out from deep.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8One of Arsenal’s most important players right now. Since his red card at Man City, he has notched a goal and an assist – the latter here for Havertz to open the scoring with a perfectly-timed cross.BUKAYO SAKA – 7After an early shot over the bar from a trademark cut inside, the England international had a slight drop off in influence before his scuffed free-kick flew in untouched from out wide.Still, he gave Mendes a torrid time at left-back. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique watched on at times in awe inside his technical area.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7A quiet night for the Brazilian following his first goal since March against Leicester, which may have been down to a big collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first few minutes.Should have made it 3-0 with a volley inside the box after the break but it was straight at Donnarumma. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.KAI HAVERTZ – 9Brave and brilliant to head in from Trossard’s teasing cross, despite the onrushing lump that is Donnarumma trying to take his head off.Almost had an assist too with a cute lay-up for Martinelli in the box. The striker-midfield debate should be over – Havertz is a top-class centre forward.SUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 45) – 7Did what was expected of him at left-back. Produced a good recovery tackle on Kang-in Lee in the box.MIKEL MERINO (PARTEY, 64) – 7Finally, a debut for the Spaniard. Some neat touches under pressure, slotting in seamlessly next to Rice.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 74) – 6Looked desperate to impress having struggled for starts so far and that looks to be working against him – things just aren’t clicking.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (SAKA, 92) – N/A More

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      Watch Martin Keown get in line ‘he thought of on way in to TNT Sports studio’ during Arsenal’s win over PSG

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      MARTIN KEOWN left his TNT Sports studio colleagues grinning from ear-to-ear after hitting them with a cheesy joke.Arsenal legend Keown was appearing on the broadcaster’s Goals Show Extra for the Champions League.Martin Keown left his TNT Sports colleagues grinning with a cheesy jokeCredit: TNT SPORTSIt left his colleagues grinningKeown’s former side were in action against Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates. First half goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka gave way to a stalwart defensive showing in the second half.The shutout was their fifth clean sheet of the season, and it seems Keown himself had been waiting for the chance to lavish some praise on Mikel Arteta’s side.To do so the former defender cracked a pun to leave his colleagues grinning.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile speaking about the Gunners defensive efforts during the game, the 58-year-old said: “When you look at that Arsenal defence [and] the players in there, they’ve been magnifient.”That rearguard, the Thames Barrier has been shut down there tonight.”The joke left former Manchester United star Owen Hargreaves with a wide grin, before presenter Matt Smith asked: “When did you have that [thought]. Did you have that on the way in today?”Keown quipped back: “It’s just to keep James [Horncastle] awake.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal ratings vs PSG as Havertz makes striker spot his own… but Calafiori shows chinks in his armourKAI HAVERTZ and Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal to a deserved victory borne of first-half dominance.Paris Saint-Germain did hit the bar and the post as they improved after the break in this Champions League tie.But Emirates chief Mikel Arteta will mostly be delighted with his side’s latest solid display in Europe’s top club competition.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.DAVID RAYA – 7Was perhaps busier than he usually is at home.Helplessly watched a Nuno Mendes effort smack his far post and stood firm to deny Achraf Hakimi at his near post.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6A frantic display, one that had more shaky moments than good. Kept busy by Hakimi and was done for pace on a few occasions but recovered well.A mistake early in the second half almost gave PSG a way back into the game. Needs to iron out these errors from his game, particularly when he is so dangerous in attack.However, he was playing at right-back for the first time in his career after the break.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Did not have much to do. A stray pass early on could have been costly but other than that another reliable and strong performance.GABRIEL – 7Sprayed some nice passes about from deep but this was a stress-free night’s work compared to the Premier League.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Just how on earth does Ben White get back in this side at right back? Another immaculate display from a man who seemingly has it all in defence and attack.Well, White may well get his chance after Timber was subbed off at half-time.DECLAN RICE – 7Solid as a rock and building a real partnership with Partey in midfield. Had a chance to drive forward just before the half hour mark but his pass to Saka was cut out.THOMAS PARTEY – 8So consistent at the moment, something Arsenal fans have not seen from the Ghanaian midfielder in a long time owing mostly to injury.Made some crucial interceptions and showed real composure playing out from deep.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8One of Arsenal’s most important players right now. Since his red card at Man City, he has notched a goal and an assist – the latter here for Havertz to open the scoring with a perfectly-timed cross.BUKAYO SAKA – 7After an early shot over the bar from a trademark cut inside, the England international had a slight drop off in influence before his scuffed free-kick flew in untouched from out wide.Still, he gave Mendes a torrid time at left-back. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique watched on at times in awe inside his technical area.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7A quiet night for the Brazilian following his first goal since March against Leicester, which may have been down to a big collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first few minutes.Should have made it 3-0 with a volley inside the box after the break but it was straight at Donnarumma. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.KAI HAVERTZ – 9Brave and brilliant to head in from Trossard’s teasing cross, despite the onrushing lump that is Donnarumma trying to take his head off.Almost had an assist too with a cute lay-up for Martinelli in the box. The striker-midfield debate should be over – Havertz is a top-class centre forward.SUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 45) – 7Did what was expected of him at left-back. Produced a good recovery tackle on Kang-in Lee in the box.MIKEL MERINO (PARTEY, 64) – 7Finally, a debut for the Spaniard. Some neat touches under pressure, slotting in seamlessly next to Rice.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 74) – 6Looked desperate to impress having struggled for starts so far and that looks to be working against him – things just aren’t clicking.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (SAKA, 92) – N/AKeown made 442 appearances for Arsenal after coming through the club’s academy in 1985.He originally left the Gunners in 1986 to join Aston Villa, spending three years there before signing for Everton in 1989.Watch Chelsea icon Frank Lampard leave Amazon Prime Video pundits stunned with brutal put down of Arsenal pairAfter four years he then rejoined Arsenal and remained there until 2004, winning three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and three Community Shields.Last night’s win over PSG leaves Arsenal eighth in the table, having drawn their opening game against Atalanta. More

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      Kai Havertz proving doubters wrong as Arsenal star’s incredible Emirates stat emerges after goal against PSG

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      KAI HAVERTZ has buried his critics with a jaw-dropping stat.The striker led Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat of Paris Saint-Germain by scoring for a SIXTH successive game at the Emirates.Arsenal striker Kai Havertz had a swagger about him as he celebrated his opener against PSG in Tuesday’s 2-0 home Champions League winCredit: RexHavertz showed PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma he was up to the challenge as he continued his remarkable Emirates run with a brave goalCredit: GettyRobin van Persie, seen here rejoicing with Theo Walcott, scored for a record seven games in a row at the Emirates 13 seasons agoCredit: GettyOnly Robin Van Persie has done it more times in a row – seven in 2011-12 – immediately before the Dutchman joined Manchester United.And Havertz’s brave header in Tuesday’s Champions League win showed he’s become a stand-out star with one of the season’s most incredible individual transformations.Bought from Chelsea as a £65million midfielder in July 2023, he suddenly looks the natural centre-forward Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta has long craved.Havertz and Bukayo Saka struck at the peak of Arsenal’s impressive first-half superiority against PSG.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd the way the German leapt to beat PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma even had shades of an old-fashioned British targetman – far removed from the player who flickered in and out of games and was such an erratic finisher, especially for Chelsea.Arteta himself raved about the 25-year-old after his dynamic leading of the line.The Spaniard told Amazon Prime: “He has been unbelievable. “His football brain, the way he understands space, his timing, he brings people together. Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThese figures show how busy Havertz was in attacking areas”His work ethic is incredible and he is a real threat around the box. He is one of our main players at the moment.”The Gunners now have four points from two Champions League games, without conceding a goal.Watch Chelsea icon Frank Lampard leave Amazon Prime Video pundits stunned with brutal put down of Arsenal pairBut suddenly it’s Havertz at the other end who is making the difference.Now, on Saturday, he has what appears a dream opportunity to equal Van Persie’s record of netting seven matches in a row at the Emirates.Third-placed Arsenal are at home to sieve-like Southampton.The newly-promoted Saints have let in 12 goals in picking up just one point from their first six games.A goal would also take Havertz ahead of Emmanuel Adebayor (2007-08) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2019), who matched his six trick.Few would have bet on Havertz achieving his current feat at the start of the season.Now few would bet against him equalling RVP’s landmark figure.The German was also heavily involved in creating moves More

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      How £32million Mikel Merino will revolutionise Arsenal midfield and give Declan Rice new lease of life in different role

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      MIKEL ARTETA is hoping to finally unleash his caged animal this week.Arsenal have been coping with a midfield injury crisis in the early weeks of this season after skipper Martin Odegaard’s ankle injury while on international duty last month.Mikel Merino was one of Spain’s top performers at Euro 2024Credit: REXHis fine displays prompted Arsenal to splash out £32million on his servicesCredit: GETTYThe midfielder has yet to play for the Gunners after breaking a bone in his shoulder in his first training sessonCredit: TNT SPORTSBut the 28-year-old is poised to make his debut for the North Londoners imminentlyCredit: GettyBut the real kick in the teeth was the blow for £32m summer arrival Mikel Merino – breaking a bone in his shoulder in his very first training session at London Colney in late August.Signed from Real Sociedad with a reputation as one of Europe’s most feared duel monsters, the Spanish midfielder was sidelined after losing a collision with new teammate Gabriel.As a result, the likes of Thomas Partey and Jorginho have been forced to carry the majority of the workload in an intense period that saw Arsenal travel to Tottenham and Manchester City.Mikel Arteta will be without Merino for tonight’s Champions League clash with PSG, but he has been pictured back in full training and is targeting making the squad for Arsenal’s Prem outing at home to Southampton on Saturday.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSArteta said recently: “We are trying to keep him in the cage.”Because he’s been pushing everyone — the physios, the doctors, everybody — and he’s ready to go.“He really wants it. We are comfortable exposing him with contact and he looks really good in training.”What will he bring?Despite his frustratingly ironic injury in an aerial battle with Gabriel, what Merino will bring primarily is a dominance both in the air and with ball at feet in the middle of the pitch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 28-year-old won 326 duels last season – the most of any player in Europe’s top five leagues, with 168 of them coming in the air.Standing at 6ft2, his usefulness at set-pieces in attack and defence and crosses would also have been key for Arteta when recruiting the player for his squad.Emotional reason for Spain hero Mikel Merino’s celebration revealed as incredible footage from 33 years ago is unearthed Those who watched Spain at the Euros this summer would have seen this first hand as Merino headed in an extra-time winner to knock out hosts Germany in the quarter-finals.But Merino is not just midfield muscle. His technical ability and intelligence will also be on show. Arteta added: “He’s going to bring first an unbelievable football brain.“He’s so intelligent, the way he decides, he occupies spaces, he makes decisions. “It’s very rare to see that. And he’s a very talented player, in every phase — defending, attacking.“He can do things that complement really well the quality we have in midfield. Physicality, for sure, and then he’s a big threat.“The moment that he’s in the opponent’s box, you’ll see that he’s a big, big threat.”Merino has already proven himself to be a sociable team member off the pitch, attending David Raya’s birthday party alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus just weeks after his shoulder injury.Mikel Merino is one of the Gunners’ most multi-faceted playersCredit: GETTYWHERE WILL HE PLAYMerino is multi-faceted when it comes to the role he will play in Arteta’s midfield.When needed, Merino can slot in at the defensive base of the three, allowing Odegaard and Declan Rice to play in more advanced positions.But being left-footed, he can also play as a marauding eight – similar to Rice – so gives Arteta plenty of options for team selections and mid-game alterations.It will also give Partey and Jorginho – both in their 30s and lacking the legs to play multiple 90-minute games in a week – the chance for a rest.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith everyone back fit, Arsenal’s bench will suddenly look incredibly healthy and full of depth and quality with Merino, Rice, Odegaard, Partey and Jorginho to choose from.And let’s not forget the experience and knowledge Merino can pass on to Arsenal’s young stars, in particular 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri who is still finding his feet in the first team.Mikel Merino’s inclusion in the starting XI will free up Declan RiceCredit: REUTERS More