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      Arsenal player ratings: Gabriel a rock at the back as Leandro Trossard lets his team-mates down with red card

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      TEN-MAN Arsenal desperately failed to hold on to a vital three points at the home of the Premier League champions.Erling Haaland opened the scoring for Manchester City but goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel looked to have sent the Gunners on their way to victory.Arsenal were pegged back by Man CityCredit: ReutersLeandro Trossard was shown red at the end of the first half for two yellows giving Arsenal an uphill task in the second half.Incredibly they managed to keep Man City at bay until the 98th minute.But they could not deny John Stones’ late leveller.Here, Martin Blackburn rated Mikel Arteta’s performers at the Etihad…READ MORE IN football DAVID RAYA – 9Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol.  RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.Gabriel was a standoutCredit: APGABRIEL – 9Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend. WILLIAM SALIBA – 8 Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly. Most read in FootballJURRIEN TIMBER – 8Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too. Jurrien Timber was asked to play an unfamiliar role on the rightCredit: GettyGABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7 Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDECLAN RICE – 7Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box. THOMAS PARTEY – 7Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game. Bukayo Saka was always a threat with his cornersCredit: AlamyBUKAYO SAKA – 6Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4 Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.  KAI HAVERTZ – 7 Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively. Kai Havertz worked well defensivelyCredit: GettySUBSWHITE – 7 (For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that. KIWIOR – 6 (For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight. JESUS – 6(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutes READ MORE SUN STORIESLEWIS SKELLY – 6 (For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut. More

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      Man City vs Arsenal stopped after EIGHT SECONDS as Rodri falls to floor and immediate VAR check

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      ARSENAL’S trip to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium was stopped after just EIGHT SECONDS. As the game kicked off, Gunners forward Kai Havertz seemed to run into City’s Rodri. Rodri went down after eight seconds following a collision with Kai HavertzPlay was forced to a stopThe Spanish midfielder went down clutching his face as referee Michael Oliver got immediate instructions from VAR. But the official waved play on following a big break in play with Havertz’s collision adjudged to have been accidental. Fans online sided with Havertz as one said: “Embarrassing from Rodri that is.”Another added: “Embarrassing from Rodri…”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fumed: “That’s genuinely so embarrassing from Rodri.”Another raged: “Absolutely pathetic from Rodri.”Gooner Piers Morgan posted: “Poor Rodri, is he still alive? Looked a really savage light brush with Havertz’s hand.” But it was City fans who were soon cheering as just minutes later Erling Haaland opened the scoring. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Norwegian goal machine made in ten in just five appearances for City’s start to the season. Rodri was later forced off after what appeared to be an off the ball incident on 20 minutes. Physios took him off with Mateo Kovacic coming on in replace. The game took a further twist when Arsenal’s summer signing Riccardo Calafiori levelled with a sublime curling effort.What Arsenal and Mikel Arteta must do to topple Pep Guardiola’s Man City More

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      Harry Redknapp: Arsenal will be Prem title favourites if they beat Man City – Arteta should follow Inter’s example

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      THE KEY message for Arsenal today is a simple one:  Don’t be beaten!If Mikel Arteta’s boys win against Manchester City, they will be Prem title favourites in many people’s books.Mikel Arteta would turn Arsenal into title favourites if he beats Manchester CityCredit: RexHarry Redknapp believes Arsenal need to learn from Inter Milan’s draw with Man CityCredit: GettyBut after three points at Tottenham and a point against Atalanta, a draw would make it a great week.I know some people say the Gunners not going for the jugular at the Etihad last season cost them the title as they fell two points short.But I still feel it was the defeat by Aston Villa a couple of weeks later that really did the damage.No one would be complaining about that draw at City had they put away their first-half chances against Villa.Read More on ArsenalIf Arsenal lose, a five-point gap will open up, though that’s not impossible to close — there will be plenty of time.But this is a massive game.It’s a huge blow for Arsenal to lose Martin Odegaard. He unlocks doors and can play killer passes.It looks like Kevin De Bruyne is out, too, but City have more strength in depth. Whoever comes in will be a world-class player — I’m not so sure Arsenal will cope as well in the absence of the brilliant Norwegian.Most read in FootballMikel Arteta leaves fans in shock as he speaks fluently in new language despite never having lived or worked in countryLet’s face it, KDB was missing for half of last season yet City still ended up as champions!Inter Milan did a good job against them in the Champions League this week — they were hard to break down.Maybe Arteta will try to do the same and hit City on the break.Arsenal’s defence looks strong, especially centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. But it’s a bit early to compare them to Tony Adams, Steve Bould and other great Arsenal defenders of the past. They haven’t won a league title.And not forgetting Martin Keown as well, George Graham had great options.Adams was an unbelievable leader and talker. They don’t make ’em like him and John Terry any more. Two of the great talkers and leaders.Haaland is a machine and scoring goals for fun again — but there was a bit of edge between him and Gabriel last time. That could kick off again.I first saw Tony play,  aged 14, at West Ham’s training ground.He bossed his team-mates around all the time: “Come in here, push in there.”I thought, “Who’s this kid?”. He was such a captain, such a leader.I’d put Terry in the same category, a real warrior centre-half who led his team to major trophies.The question today is, can the two Arsenal centre-backs cope with Erling Haaland, like they did last season?Haaland is a machine and scoring goals for fun again — but there was a bit of edge between him and Gabriel last time. That could kick off again.  Regardless, it would be good to see a better game than last time, which was a bit of a bore — ending 0-0.Let’s hope it lives up to its star billing — even though I’m predicting  a 1-1 draw. But Arteta would be delighted with that.RAYA REMINDED ME OF JAMODAVID RAYA’S double save against Atalanta was brilliant.It was key in that Champions League clash on Thursday and Arsenal have a star in Raya.Many say Gordon Banks denying Pele’s header at the 1970 World Cup is the greatest stop of all time but for me it is David James for my Portsmouth at Preston in the FA Cup fifth round in 2008.Jamo pulled off a miracle save to stop  a penalty and made two other key saves before we won 1-0 with a late goal before going on to win the famous old trophy.CLOUGHIE MY HAIROIT’S hard to believe it’s 20 years since Brian Clough died.He was just amazing. To win two European Cups with Forest is beyond belief.You could sit and listen to stories about Cloughie all night — and I heard a new one the other night from my old mate Kevin Bond.Cloughie came in for Kevin when he was at Manchester City and the clubs agreed a fee. Kevin    drove to Nottingham to do the deal, only to be told by the secretary: “Mr Clough is in his office, he’ll be out shortly.”Kev sat outside for a good hour before Cloughie appeared and barked: “First thing you need to do, young man, is get your bloody hair cut.”And then he walked off.Two hours later, Kevin was still there waiting, but Clough never returned.So Kevin drove back to Manchester and that was that!ROD COULD STRIKE OUTRODRI says players are close to going on strike.But that would be a disastrous move as it’d send an awful message to fans who pay their wages.Stars should be talking to clubs, who could   cut back on pre-season tours for a start.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut it’s all about money as flying off to the USA, Australia  and China is the worst  preparation for a season.We’d go to Devon to play the likes of Plymouth, Exeter and Torquay so — make no  mistake — it’s clubs putting the strain on the players. More

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      Alan Shearer snubs Rice, Havertz and Raya and picks just four Arsenal players in combined XI with Man City

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      ALAN SHEARER picked only four Arsenal stars in his combined XI with Manchester City.City host the Gunners in what poses as a battle for the Premier League summit that could determine the eventual title winner this Sunday at the Etihad.Alan Shearer picked his combined XI ahead of Manchester City’s clash with ArsenalCredit: GettyAnd it seems like Shearer, 54, believes that the Citizens hold an advantage in terms of star quality as he picked seven of Pep Guardiola’s aces in his combined line-up.The Newcastle legend opted for Ederson over Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya between the sticks – despite his midweek double-save heroics.Kyle Walker made it at right-back with the Gunners’ comeback hero Jurrien Timber on the other side, while his team-mates William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes partner up at centre-back.The BBC pundit then went for a full City midfield with Rodri teaming up with Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne, while the Gunners’ superstar Declan Rice was left out.Read More on FootballArsenal star Bukayo Saka earned a spot in the right wing up front with Phil Foden on the other side and Erling Haaland spearheading the attack.Kai Havertz was omitted despite a bright start to the campaign with two goals and one assist in four Premier League matches.Many expect an entertaining encounter between the two biggest favourites to lift the Premier League trophy in May.However, Shearer has a different opinion as he expects Arsenal and City to draw in the weekend.Most read in FootballShearer left Arsenal stars Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and David Raya out of his Combined XIAnd the Premier League’s record goalscorer is adamant that wouldn’t be a bad result after Liverpool’s loss to Nottingham Forest last week.Shearer told Betfair: “I am going for a draw in this one.What Arsenal and Mikel Arteta must do to topple Pep Guardiola’s Man City”It’s a long week with both teams having played in the Champions League as well, so a draw for both teams isn’t a bad result, even though Man City are at home.”Liverpool have dropped points already, Arsenal have dropped two points already at home to Brighton, but I don’t think a draw would be a disaster for either team.”Arsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. 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      David Raya reveals secret behind incredible penalty double save after Arsenal star took advantage of delay

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      DAVID RAYA has revealed the secrets behind his penalty heroics in Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Atalanta.The Spanish shot-stopper was the Gunners’ hero last night as he stopped Mateo Retegui from 12 yards before leaping back across his goal to miraculously claw a headed rebound off the line.David Raya saved Mateo Retegui’s penalty to preserve Arsenal’s clean sheetCredit: GettyHe then clawed a rebound off the lineCredit: RexHe has now revealed the secret behind his successCredit: ReutersRaya, 29, has conceded just one goal so far this season which has helped Mikel Arteta’s side to an unbeaten start.Their away trip to Europa League champions Atalanta looked to be a tricky test on paper, and so it proved, with Gian Piero Gasperini’s side having more possession and shots than Arsenal.However, Raya was there to thwart the Italian side’s attempts, and he has now revealed the secret behind his latest heroics.During the delay before it was taken, the 29-year-old went to speak with goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana, whom he had also previously worked with at Brentford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to TNT Sports after the game, he said: “I made the decision to go to the sideline during the VAR consultation because there was a long wait.”So I just wanted to speak to the goalkeeper coach to have more of a sense of which way I should go, what to do and what not to do.”Credit to him because he helps me a lot in every aspect. He does all the work with everything and he also deserves credit for the save.”Raya saw praise heaped on him by boss Arteta, who said the save was “probably one of the best saves I have seen in my career”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe also drew praise from Gasperini, who labelled him a “cat”.It has been some journey for Raya, who 10 years ago today lost 3-0 on his National League debut playing for Southport.The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton break down the new changes for the UEFA Champions League format for 2024/25He will doubtless be hoping to add to his list of clean sheets with a shutout against title rivals Manchester City on Sunday.City leads Arsenal by two points, with the match at the Etihad potentially pivotal in the season’s title charge for both.Raya revealed he spoke to goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana during the delay before the penaltyCredit: GettyArsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. 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      Watch Micah Richards’ hilarious reaction after Arsenal hero David Raya reveals favourite CBS pundit in awkward interview

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      MICAH RICHARDS celebrated a big win in the Champions League… with the help of Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.Richards, who never made it past the last-16 of Europe’s elite club competition, was appearing on CBS Sports alongside Jamie Carragher, Thierry Henry and newly-married presenter Kate Scott – formerly Abdo.Arsenal hero David Raya was interviewed by CBS Sports after his heroics against AtalantaRichards asked Raya who is favourite member wasRaya replied by saying Richards was his favouriteThis prompted a huge celebration from RichardsHe then ran over to Raya to hug and kiss himFollowing Arsenal’s game against Atalanta, which ended in a 0-0 draw thanks to a stunning double save from Raya which included a save from the penalty spot, the Spaniard appeared on the show.During the interview, former Manchester City star Richards asked Raya who his favourite member of the CBS crew was.In reply, Raya said: “Oh you put me right on the spot there.”I like you all, but for me I think Micah takes it, he’s quite funny.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis sparked a jubilant celebration from the 36-year-old, who then proceeded to get up before running over to the screen where Raya was and “hugging” and “kissing” him.Richards also shouted “I love you”, towards the goalkeeper.Fans loved Richards’ reaction, with one saying: “Who doesn’t love Big Meeks.”A second said: “Big meeks all the way.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third added: “l love this guy.”Another said: “You gotta love micah… He’s so lively.”Watch hilarious moment Kate Abdo gets the giggles after Micah Richards’ X-rated slip of the tongue live on CBS Sports, CBSSportsGolazoArsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. More

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      Atalanta 0 Arsenal 0: David Raya the hero in drab game as Gunners get off to underwhelming start to Champions League

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      WITH Manchester City up next, this was not the week for Arsenal to go cold in front of goal.But with David Raya in between the sticks, the Gunners will always be in safe hands.David Raya pulled off a stunning double saveCredit: RexMateo Retegui saw his penalty saved then had a golden chance on the reboundBut Raya was somehow able to scoop the ball of the lineCredit: RexThe save helped Arsenal keep a clean sheet and earn a pointCredit: TNT SportThe Spaniard pulled off a stunning double save from Mateo Retegui’s 51st minute penalty – the latest addition to his collection of world class stops since becoming the club’s No.1.As VAR checked Thomas Partey’s foul on Atalanta’s Ederson in the box, Raya sprinted over to the Arsenal dug-out for a last-minute chat with goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana.Not that Raya needs any advice on saving penalties, such is his superb record, sending Arsenal to the Champions League quarter finals with two shoot-out stops against Porto last season.He won the Prem’s Save of the Month in August for an insane reactive stop on his own goal line to deny Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but this one was arguably even more jaw-dropping.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDown to his right to palm away Retegui’s first attempt and then back to his feet like a tasered eel scrambling to his left to fingertip the follow-up header destined for the corner.It is a save that earned a below-par Arsenal a point in their Champions League opener against a tough Italian outfit, but a performance that will leave Mikel Arteta potentially far more concerned than relieved.A reasonable result at any other time, this will feel like a confidence-deflator ahead of their title-defining trip to the Etihad in two days’ time.In their hard-fought victory at Tottenham on Sunday, attacking flair was few and far between, instead replaced by defensive solidity, winning the game via more set-piece magic.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut yet again in Bergamo, Arteta’s boys were found guilty of lacking an eye for goal, unable to dig out a moment of brilliance from open play to win a tight contest.Another goalless draw against City would not be disastrous, but last season’s 0-0 between the pair ultimately cost Arsenal a first Prem title in 20 years, ending the term two points from glory.Ex-Arsenal star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas charged with importing drugs after £600,000 worth of cannabis seized at airportArsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City.There is the sense that Arteta’s men need to change the narrative, seize the initiative and dent Pep Guardiola’s winning-machine when they get the chance.But right now, Arsenal couldn’t ripple a child’s paddling pool, let alone the back of the net.Through gritted teeth in the build-up, Arteta revealed his skipper and talisman Martin Odegaard would be out for the foreseeable future with ankle ligament damage.But amid the injury crisis growing by the day in his squad, Arteta had options to play with as Declan Rice was back after suspension and Riccardo Calafiori returned from a calf knock.Yet there was no rest for the big hitters with just two changes from the North London Derby – Rice and Gabriel Jesus coming in for Jorginho and Leandro Trossard.A bold call from Arteta with a potentially title-defining clash sooner than he would have liked. The Spaniard eyed momentum and a winning mentality heading to the Etihad.In the early stages, it looked as though Arteta’s decision would be validated as Arsenal took control with some slick play, dominating proceedings with ease.Saka cut inside and had a fizzed effort deflected out for a corner. Kai Havertz then linked up with Jesus but the German’s attempt dribbled wide after driving into the box.Gabriel Martinelli missed Arsenal’s best chance to scoreCredit: AFPThe win at Spurs was at times edgy, nervy and an unpleasant watch for the neutrals. The Gunners were pinned in with their backs against the wall and defending resolutely for spells.There was a different feel to this one. A sense from the visitors that they could toy with their opponents and hit them with moments of brilliance at any given moment.But there was a no real urgency or aggression as Arsenal looked to be going through the motions. Saka’s low curler of a free-kick forced Marco Carnesecchi into his first stop.Another Ballon d’Or nominee in Ademola Lookman was doing his best to spark his own side into life, drifting inside and chipping into the box as Rice covered well at the back post.Charles De Ketelaere pinged over after a rare foray into the Arsenal box. Raya was yet to muddy his shorts.Huff and puff responded Arsenal in attack. Gabriel Martinelli blazed over with a panicked finish after a cute throw-in routine from the playbook of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.For all their possession, Arteta’s men were as blunt as airport cutlery as the half-time whistle blew. The travelling Arsenal fans are not usually kept waiting for goals these days.Three minutes into the second half, they were treated to some goalmouth action, but at the wrong end as Partey was turned far too easily, tangling himself up in Ederson’s legs and sending the Brazilian to the deck.Referee Clement Turpin pointed to the spot immediately before VAR decided to take an age to complete their check. Arteta spent it waggling his finger in the air from his technical area.Raya’s save – something that is now expected, not just hoped for – did little to galvanise his teammates.Subs Raheem Sterling, Jorginho, Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were ineffective.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal have now won just one of their last six away games in Europe, a real surprise given their incredible run of 10 wins from 11 on the road in the Prem in 2024.Bergamo blushes spared, Arteta needs a significant away-day moment this weekend. More

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      Arsenal face losing Takehiro Tomiyasu in January transfer with Japan star open to move to Champions League giants

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      ARSENAL could be set to lose Takehiro Tomiyasu in January, Sun Online can reveal.Inter Milan, Napoli and Juventus are all tracking the Japanese ace who is thought to be open-minded to the idea of a move.Arsenal could be set to lose Takehiro Tomiyasu in JanuaryCredit: GettyInter Milan, Napoli and Juventus are all tracking the Japanese ace who is thought to be open-minded to the idea of a moveCredit: GettySunSport understands the Gunners are expected to demand at least £25m for the utility man, who is a favourite among supporters at the Emirates.But he has slipped down the pecking order and Mikel Arteta is understood to have accepted he might lose the player in the New Year.Inter are thought to be in the driving seat for the player and have identified him as their number-one target for January.Tomiyasu has established himself as an asset for Arsenal since arriving from Bologna in August 2021.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe defender did not take long to find a stable footing at the Emirates, and his ability to play across the backline has made him an important utility man for the North London club.The 25-year-old has turned out 83 times thus far for Arsenal while chipping in with two goals and six assists.While Tomiyasu has struggled with fitness issues throughout his spell with the Premier League outfit, he has made his mark whenever he has taken the field.He is currently on the sidelines as he recovers from a knee injury. So, he has yet to make an appearance for Arsenal thus far this season.Most read in FootballHe suffered a knee injury just before the start of the season – leaving manager Mikel Arteta stunned.”It’s unbelievable,” Arteta said in the run-up to the season. “The kid works so hard but he had an incident in training.How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch out”We don’t know the extent yet but we kept him there for precaution and we’ll see what happens.” More