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      Arsenal dubbed the ‘new STOKE CITY’ live on Amazon Prime by Man Utd legend as incredible heat maps revealed

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      DIMITAR Berbatov has christened Arsenal “the new Stoke City” after their corner masterclass against Manchester United.The Gunners, who sit third in the Prem, eased to a 2-0 win over United thanks to two goals from corners last night.Jurrien Timber broke the deadlock in the 54th minute with a deft headerWilliam Saliba unknowingly scored the Gunners’ secondArsenal dropped to third in the Prem, below Chelsea on goal differenceDimitar Berbatov watched on as Arsenal scored two goals from corners against UnitedInternet jokers mocked Mikel Arteta up as Tony PulisJurrien Timber broke the deadlock when he glanced Declan Rice’s corner beyond Andre Onana in the 54th minute.Arsenal then doubled their lead in similar fashion, this time from the opposite side when Bukayo Saka’s back-post delivery was headed back across by Thomas Partey, with William Saliba providing the finishing touch.Arsenal have scored 22 goals from set-pieces since the start of last season – more than any other team in Europe.And Mikel Arteta’s side are showing no signs of slowing down.READ MORE ON ARSENALBut that has led to some stark comparisons from Berbatov, who suggested Arsenal are the modern day version of Tony Pulis’ finest.Former United star Berbatov said on Amazon Prime: “Probably the Premier League is the only league in the world where you have so many players around the goalkeeper, pushing, shoving, making chaos.”Normally it is going to be a foul. Not here. You need to be strong.”And that’s probably why Ruben Amorim was watching from the side, he was like, ‘What is going on with my keeper?’Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”You need to work on that. As we joke, Arsenal are the new Stoke City, right? Depending on set-pieces, which can give you the win, as it was today.”Gabriel has already scored three Prem goals from set-pieces this season, but his absence wasn’t missed as he sat out with a minor knock.Gary Neville fumes at Arsenal’s ‘most annoying man in football’ – but Jamie Carragher says he’s worth £25,000-a-weekDeclan Rice’s map shows red at the corner flagArsenal’s first goal came from a Declan Rice corner, met by Jurrien TimberArsenal closed the gap to seven points on Prem leaders Liverpool after the Reds drew 3-3 away at Newcastle on the same night.Arteta has built a huge side capable of mixing it physically with any rival – including 6ft 4in duo William Saliba and Kai Havertz, along with fellow giants Mikel Merino, David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel, Ben White, Declan Rice and Thomas Partey.Summer signing Merino, who is 6ft 2in, said: “It is crazy. I am in the corridors of the training ground just walking, and back at my old club I used to be one of the tallest, so everyone was smaller than me.“Now, I look around and everyone is taller than me. We look like a basketball team.”Stoke, meanwhile, prided themselves on their physicality under Pulis during his reign from 2006 to 2013.Rory Delap’s long throw was often their main ammunition when it came to creating chances.Stoke’s Prem set-piece goal ratio under former manager Pulis was 43.1 per cent – 81 from a total of 188 goals.While Arsenal’s ratio accounts for 25.2 per cent of their 119 league goals.Stoke were famed for their physical approach to Prem matches under Tony PulisRice and Saka have the most assists from set plays since the start of last season (seven).Some believed Arsenal’s opener – again from a corner – against West Ham on Saturday should’ve been ruled out.Timber appeared to have fouled Lucas Paqueta, who covered the near post and could have easily headed the cross away.Former Prem ref Mark Halsey told SunSport: “Regarding decisions when a goal is scored. Was it a foul? Was it not a foul?”For me, I think it was a clear free-kick. And I’m surprised that VAR didn’t recommend a review.”Arsenal have scored 41 corner goals in the top-flight since the summer of 2021, seven more than anyone else.It was the first time in 10 years that United conceded two goals from corners in a Prem match.The last time was when Samuel Eto’o scored twice in Chelsea’s 3-1 win in January 2014.Arsenal often line up at the back post and then flood goal line for their corner routinesThe Gunners are set piece specialistsCredit: GettyBukayo Saka’s heat map shows significant movement at the corner spot on the right hand sideAmoirm, meanwhile, said: “The set pieces changed the game. We could’ve been more aggressive towards the Arsenal box. “Until the set pieces the game didn’t have too many opportunities for both sides, the set pieces killed the game.”They can put a lot of players near the goalkeeper and it’s almost impossible to fight for the ball but we have to manage to defend them and we already know we have to be better.”We were committed and we lost to the set pieces.”There were just five shots in the opening 45 minutes — three for Arsenal and two for United. It marked the fewest shots in the first half of any top-flight fixture so far this season.Meanwhile, former Everton gaffer and current Portugal boss Roberto Martinez backed Berbatov’s comments.He said on Amazon Prime: “We all suffered Stoke. I think it is a great credit to remember Tony Pulis.”READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea climbed above Arsenal on goal difference, as a result of their 5-1 win at Southampton.And the Red Devils dropped to 11th with Nottingham Forest travelling to Old Trafford on Saturday.Rory Delap’s long throw was often utilised by Stoke during their time under PulisRuben Amorim suffered his first defeat as Man Utd managerArsenal ratings vs Manchester UnitedARSENAL were comfortable 2-0 winners over Manchester United at the Emirates thanks to two goals from set-pieces.Check out how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 7/10One of his poorer games with ball at feet, scuffing clearances when he is usually so pin-point.All that can be forgotten after a stunning fingertip stop to keep out De Ligt’s looping header.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 7A reminder of why he is such a valuable squad player these days. Came in from out of the cold with a solid and resolute performance at the back.The only blip was a lapse in concentration meaning he was forced to foul Amad and pick up a needless yellow card.WILLIAM SALIBA – 9Missed his defensive partner but you wouldn’t know it. Cool and calm under pressure with some nice turns and drives up the pitch.So he deserved his luck for his goal to make it 2-0 – Partey’s header from a corner deflecting off his backside.JAKUB KIWIOR – 8Struggled physically against Hojlund from United goal kicks and long balls, often letting the ball bounce instead of attacking it aerially like Gabriel does.Saying that, he grew into his role and really put in a shift under pressure, even getting high fives from Saliba at one point.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Link-up with Saka down the right flank was not as fluid as in recent weeks, yet he was brave to win the flick on to open the scoring in the second half.Switched to left-back late on, showing off further his versatility and usefulness to Arteta and ArsenalTHOMAS PARTEY – 7Missed a sitter from a near-post corner that he shouldered wide early on and continued to have one of those games in midfield, giving up possession time after time with sloppy passes.Moved to right back with 20 minutes left only to help double their lead with his header for Saliba.DECLAN RICE – 7Struggled to assert his authority in the first half but fixed that after the break, providing the whipped corner assist for Timber.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Leads by example, even if he cannot sprinkle a big of magic into proceedings. His pressing and all-round work rate was more important in this one.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Shinned a decent chance from six yards after United failed to clear a corner. Was committed in defence in the second half to help out Zinchenko against Amad.BUKAYO SAKA – 7Pushed Malacia back and Arsenal up the pitch with his great runs in behind, a constant threat.His corner abilities – teeing up Saliba’s gaol – is just another string to his bow.KAI HAVERTZ – 6A real quiet one from the German, not that he had much service to feed off. Wore out his boots with plenty of running and battled with De Ligt and Maguire well.Missed a glorious chance to wrap up the game in a one-on-one with Onana.SUBS:MIKEL MERINO (ZINCHENKO, 70) – 7Leaped brilliantly from yet another corner unmarked and no clue how he didn’t find the bottom corner.LEANDRO TROSSARD (MARTINELLI, 70) – 6A couple of breakaways almost created openings. The added energy down the left was well received.JORGINHO (ODEGAARD, 90) – N/A More

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      Gary Neville calls Arsenal staff member ‘most annoying bloke in football’ – but Carragher says he’s worth £25,000-a-week

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      GARY NEVILLE labelled Arsenal’s set-piece coach the “most annoying bloke in football” – but Jamie Carragher said he should be paid £25,000-a-week.Mikel Arteta’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has been credited for masterminding some of the Gunners’ goals from corners this season. Gary Neville called Arsenal’s set-piece coach the ‘most annoying bloke in football’But Jamie Carragher said he is worth £25,000-a-weekMikel Arteta with Nicolas JoverCredit: GettyAnd Arsenal scored twice from corners at the Emirates against Manchester United – leaving Old Trafford legend Neville fuming.He said on The Overlap watchalong: “He’s got to be the most annoying bloke in football the set-piece coach at Arsenal. “He’s got to be, hasn’t he? He’s got to be though, hasn’t he?”Arsenal icon Ian Wright laughed: “Course, nobody likes somebody who’s rubbish at his job.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDCarragher said later on in the episode: “I’ll tell you what, give him what he wants. “If you was that set-piece coach for Arsenal, you could write your own contract, couldn’t you? Couldn’t get rid of him. “You know, if he said, ‘I want 25 grand a week,’ you’d have to give it to him, wouldn’t you?”Headed goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba saw Arsenal take three points. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSManchester United manager Amorim bemoaned conceding in such a way, saying: “The set pieces changed the game. We could’ve been more aggressive towards the Arsenal box. Until the set pieces the game didn’t have too many opportunities for both sides, the set pieces killed the game.”Arsenal have scored 22 goals from corners since the start of last season, that’s more than any other side in the Premier League.Chelsea and Arsenal both now sit seven points behind league leaders Liverpool, who drew 3-3 at Newcastle.Meanwhile United are 11th after losing their first game under new boss Ruben Amorim. ‘No wonder management didn’t work for you’ says Jamie Carragher as he calls out Gary Neville’s controversial opinion More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Saliba runs the show with superb defensive display but Martinell fails to dazzle under lights

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      SET pieces were king as Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners over Manchester United.A goalless first half gave way to the thought that Mikel Arteta’s side might drop points in the title race.Set pieces were king in North London as Arsenal scored twice from them to beat Man Utd 2-0Credit: GettyJurrien Timber nodded home the opener in the 54th minuteCredit: GettyBefore William Saliba bundled home the second amid a superb defensive outingCredit: GettyHowever, Jurrien Timber’s opener cut those thoughts down as he nodded home from a set piece 54 minutes in.Timber had snuck into the front post area before the ball sailed over the head of Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund.And United failed to learn their lesson before William Saliba doubled the lead with Thomas Partey heading the ball back across goal before Saliba put the ball home with his backside.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDAVID RAYA – 7/10One of his poorer games with ball at feet, scuffing clearances when he is usually so pin-point.All that can be forgotten after a stunning fingertip stop to keep out De Ligt’s looping header.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 7A reminder of why he is such a valuable squad player these days. Came in from out of the cold with a solid and resolute performance at the back.The only blip was a lapse in concentration meaning he was forced to foul Amad and pick up a needless yellow card.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWILLIAM SALIBA – 9Missed his defensive partner but you wouldn’t know it. Cool and calm under pressure with some nice turns and drives up the pitch.So he deserved his luck for his goal to make it 2-0 – Partey’s header from a corner deflecting off his backside.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundJAKUB KIWIOR – 8Struggled physically against Hojlund from United goal kicks and long balls, often letting the ball bounce instead of attacking it aerially like Gabriel does.Saying that, he grew into his role and really put in a shift under pressure, even getting high fives from Saliba at one point.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Link-up with Saka down the right flank was not as fluid as in recent weeks, yet he was brave to win the flick on to open the scoring in the second half.Switched to left-back late on, showing off further his versatility and usefulness to Arteta and ArsenalTHOMAS PARTEY – 7Missed a sitter from a near-post corner that he shouldered wide early on and continued to have one of those games in midfield, giving up possession time after time with sloppy passes.Moved to right back with 20 minutes left only to help double their lead with his header for Saliba.DECLAN RICE – 7Struggled to assert his authority in the first half but fixed that after the break, providing the whipped corner assist for Timber.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Leads by example, even if he cannot sprinkle a big of magic into proceedings. His pressing and all-round work rate was more important in this one.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Shinned a decent chance from six yards after United failed to clear a corner. Was committed in defence in the second half to help out Zinchenko against Amad.BUKAYO SAKA – 7Pushed Malacia back and Arsenal up the pitch with his great runs in behind, a constant threat.His corner abilities – teeing up Saliba’s goal – is just another string to his bow.KAI HAVERTZ – 6A real quiet one from the German, not that he had much service to feed off. Wore out his boots with plenty of running and battled with De Ligt and Maguire well.Missed a glorious chance to wrap up the game in a one-on-one with Onana.SUBS:READ MORE SUN STORIESMIKEL MERINO (ZINCHENKO, 70) – 7Leaped brilliantly from yet another corner unmarked and no clue how he didn’t find the bottom corner.LEANDRO TROSSARD (MARTINELLI, 70) – 6A couple of breakaways almost created openings. The added energy down the left was well received.JORGINHO (ODEGAARD, 90) – N/A More

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      David Beckham shows true colours with savage reply to Arsenal fan son Romeo ahead of Man Utd clash

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      DAVID BECKHAM had a savage reply to son, Romeo, ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United.Red Devils icon David Beckham is no stranger to the rivalry with Arsenal on the pitch, having been a regular star in the fixture until leaving for Real Madrid in 2003.David Beckham penned a brutal reply to son Romeo on Instagram ahead of Arsenal v Man UtdCredit: GettyRomeo Beckham called out his dad ahead of the game as Beckham issued a brutal replyCredit: InstagramHowever, the 49-year-old now has to deal with the rivalry in his own home with his second eldest child Romeo being a Gunners supporter.And with United off to the Emirates for their first meeting of the season, Romeo took to Instagram to fan the flames before the game.He shared a selfie with the caption: “Big game in the old Beckham household today @davidbeckham. COYG.”But Inter Miami owner Beckham snr took no prisoners with a brutal reply.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLQuoting Romeo’s story on Instagram, he said: “Big game for you lot. “Just another game for us.”Beckham has recalled how Romeo wanted to watch a match one weekend, with Arsenal happening to be on.He was then treated well by then-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who took him into the changing room to meet the players and present him with a signed shirt.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd from there, Beckham has been unable to sway his son back to supporting his own old club.He told Rio Ferdinand Presents: “It was done!David and Victoria Beckham join the King and Queen at lavish State Banquet at Buckingham Palace for the first time”I’ve tried to change his mind since, but it is impossible.”Tonight’s game starts an incredible 13-game run for Arsenal where they will travel just 250 miles across all competitons.A win for Mikel Arteta’s side could move them to within six points of Liverpool if the league leaders lose to Newcastle.Meanwhile, a win for Ruben Amorim’s side will move them to within three points of Arsenal. More

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      Arsenal 2 Man Utd 0 LIVE RESULT: Timber & Saliba BOTH score from corners as Gunners close gap at the top – updates

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      ARSENAL handed new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim his first defeat as they beat the Red Devils 2-0.Jurrien Timber and William Saliba both scored from second-half corners as the Gunners closed the gap on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.Kick-off time: 8:15pm GMTLive stream/TV: Amazon Prime Video FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the Emirates with our live blog below…Ruben needing change at Old TraffordYou cannot purely blame a manager for poor performances.The reality of the situation Ruben Amorim finds himself in is that he blessed with a squad who are just not up to the task.It is quite cliche but the league table does not lie.For the manager to put his stamp on this team, he needs to bring in players who can deliver his tactics.Copy linkCopiedQuestions will still be askedWhile it was mission accomplished for The Gunners this evening, there is still a long road ahead in this campaign.They need to work a way to create more chances against the bigger teams as they need to assert themselves.Whether the Spaniard plans on bringing a striker into the club in January, only time will tell.They need one if they plan on winning trophies.Copy linkCopiedRuben looking for winning formulaThe Portuguese manager will experience his first ‘festive period’ of fixtures in the Premier League.With many games to be played, there will be quick turnarounds between matches.Some tricky fixtures coming up, it will be a real baptism of fire for Ruben Amorim.Copy linkCopiedGunners needing to put run togetherMikel Arteta needs his side to continue their good form of late.Even without the influential Gabriel, they kept a clean sheet this evening against a lacklustre opponent.You can only beat who is put in front of you, Arsenal now move on to focussing on the challenge ahead.Copy linkCopiedDec’s crucial to Christmas spirits in North LondonDeclan Rice was awarded the man of the match award against Man Utd this evening in the 500th game at The Emirates.They forked out to bring Rice from West Ham and he wants to try and win some silverware here.To stand a chance of challenging for the title, they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas at all.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedNorwegian crucial to title challengeIf Arsenal are to keep pace with Liverpool and challenge for the Premier League title, Martin Odegaard is vital.He makes such a different to this side, pulling the strings and creating the chances for them to put sides away.Arteta will need to ensure that he stays injury-free for the remainder of the season.Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 2-0 Man UtdThe stats show that Arsenal were the more dominant side here tonight.Set pieces came to their aid once again.More importantly, they reduced the gap between them and Liverpool to 7 points after this win.Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 2-0 Man UtdThe referee brings the match to a close.Arsenal are the victors in North London.Plenty of work to do for Ruben Amorim.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Man Utd90+3. The win is all that mattered for Mikel Arteta and that is exactly what they have got.They deserved the victory, of the two teams, they were the only ones creating chances.It was not a great watch, the biggest cheer will be the final whistle for those who stayed.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Man Utd90+1. Almost another goal for Mikel Arteta’s side.Rice swings in the corner and it is scrambled off the line as Onana misses his punch.We are going to have four additional minutes.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Man Utd89. Declan Rice has been awarded the man of the match award.He has had two assists so far this evening from his corners. It seems more important that The Gunners secure all three points first.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Man Utd87. Man Utd opt to try a training ground move.Fernandes slides it into the path Antony in the box.His shot is straight at Raya but other than that, the move worked.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Man Utd85. Antony is fouled by Merino on the edge of the box.Chance for Fernandes to get a consolation goal for the visitors.That said, if they score now, we might have a game on our hands.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Man Utd83. Another big chance for The Gunners.Trossard tries to walk it into the net and the resulting tackle sees the ball break to Odegaard in the middle of the box.His shot is blocked and Havertz is penalised for a foul.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Man Utd81. Antony has come on for Hojlund now.The pair look like they do not have a goal between them in their locker.Some of great signings of the ten Hag era right there.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Man Utd79. Ugarte is penalised for a foul on Saka out wide.Chance for Arsenal to put another dangerous cross into the box.De Ligt heads clear but The Gunners recycle it well.The move breaks down when Merino is caught offside,Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Man Utd77. Rice puts an inswinging corner in right under the crossbar.Onana punches it over for another one.As the cross comes in, Merino has a completely free-header but sends it wide of the target.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Man Utd75. Not the best goal you will ever see but that really does not matter right now for Mikel Arteta’s side.We have some wait at the moment as VAR checks the goal for offside.Check complete, the goal stands.Partey headed back across goal, it hit Saliba’s hip and ends in the back of the net.Copy linkCopiedGoal – William Saliba (Arsenal)Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Man Utd73. Rice looks to shoot from some distance.When he does this you can see it coming a mile off and usually a defender will slide in to block.Exactly what happened on this occasion. Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Man Utd71. Merino and Trossard come on for the hosts.Martinelli and Zinchenko make way for the changes.This game is still finely poised in North London.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Man Utd69. Man Utd are seeing more of the ball now.They are trying to be direct with passes forward but it is too easy for Arsenal to head clear.The Gunners are camped out in their own half.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Man Utd67. As the ball is clipped in, de Ligt heads it solidy towards goal.Raya watches it all of the way as he claws it out of the goal.It was a great save by the Spaniard.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Man Utd65. Although Arteta would take this result right now, this really has been a drab affair between the pair.Hopefully we are building to mammouth finish to this game.A second goal for The Gunners would surely put this game to bed.Amad is fouled making a beeline for the box and wins his side a free kick.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Man Utd63. Still plenty of this game left.If they have any will to win this game, they need to throw more players forward than they are now.It is all looking too easy for Arsenal out of possession.Copy linkCopied More

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      Former Arsenal star who made English football history finally retires at 45 after 27-year career

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      FORMER Premier League star Junichi Inamoto has hung up his boots – at the age of 45.The midfielder became English football’s first Japanese player when joining Arsenal in 2001.Junichi Inamoto has hung up his boots at the age of 45Credit: GettyInamoto became English football’s first Japanese player when joining Arsenal in 2001Credit: AFPInamoto also played for Fulham, West Brom and CardiffCredit: GettyInamoto is rolling credits on his 27-year football careerCredit: GettyHe made just four cup appearances for the Gunners without scoring during his loan spell from Gamba Osaka.But Inamoto went on to spend two seasons with Fulham – scoring FOUR goals in their Intertoto Cup final win over Bologna.He also played for West Brom and Cardiff, and won 82 Japan caps – appearing at three World Cup finals.His career also took him to Galatasaray, Eintracht Frankfurt and Rennes before returning home in 2010.Read More on ArsenalInamoto has played for fifth-tier club Nankatsu SC since 2022, but has now decided to retire.He said: “Of course the environment at Arsenal is completely different to Nankatsu.  But you have one ball, and football as a sport doesn’t change.”My goals at the 2002 World Cup were the launchpad for my name to be known around the world.”I was already at Arsenal by then, but those goals had a tremendous impact.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I have decided to retire at the end of this season.  To be honest, I have thought about retiring every year for the last two or three years.”As far as this year is concerned, I don’t think I can help the team at the moment.Jorginho tells Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to become England’s fifth-ever Ballon d’Or winner and end 23-year wait “I will be lonely to leave the field after doing so much.  I think I will go on to become a coach.”Inamoto’s career kicked off back in 1997 with Gamba Osaka. More

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      Man Utd set to include exciting 6ft 5in wonderkid, 16, in squad vs Arsenal as Red Devils hit with defensive crisis

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      MANCHESTER UNITED look set to name 16-year-old wonderkid Godwill Kukonki in Ruben Amorim’s squad to face back in-form Arsenal.It comes after the Red Devils were again hit with a defensive crisis after Luke Shaw’s injury set-back and Lisandro Martinez’s suspension.Man Utd look set to name 16-year-old Godwill Kukonki in their squad to face ArsenalCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeTowering youngster Kukonki was given a chance to impressKukonki, who hails at 6ft 5in, was pictured travelling down with the squad to North London on Tuesday afternoon.He also went along to Portman Road for Amorim’s Prem debut against Ipswich but was not included in the matchday squad.But given United’s lack of depth at the back, Kukonki looks set to be named in his first Prem squad against Arsenal, according to Manchester Evening News.Left-footed centre-back Kukonki is highly rated at the club, having impressed with the Under-18s, who look to be heading to their second successive Premier League this season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt is believed that he has the “technical and physical qualities” needed to star in senior football before he turns 17 in February 2025.It comes as United are missing FIVE defenders for their trip to the Emirates.Shaw, 29, had just returned to action late last month following a nine month spell on the sidelines due to problems with his knee and calf.The full-back made three appearances from the bench against Ipswich Town, Bodo/Glimt and Everton since his return to fitness.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, the England international suffered another minor injury after the weekend, with fans hoping he’d start in the back-three in the absence of Martinez.Argentinian star Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo are both suspended after picking up their fifth yellow cards of the season against Everton.How Ruben Amorim unleashed Rashford with game-changing Zirkzee role ahead of Man Utd v ArsenalVictor Lindelof’s groin issues has left him ruled out, while Jonny Evans is still being assessed following a knock against Ipswich.Amorim could be eyeing his first defeat in the United dugout tonight.Evans was not included in United’s 4-0 win over Everton on Sunday and summer signing Leny Yoro is working his way back to fitness.The Gunners are looking to extend their run to four consecutive wins as they climbed to second in the Prem.Mikel Arteta’s side have scored 13 GOALS in their last three games against Nottingham Forest, Sporting and West Ham.Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder strugglesRUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…ANDRE ONANA – 6Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.AMAD DIALLO – 8Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back.HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench.MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5Will be wanting more minutes than this.MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5Sharp and up for it. More

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      Arsenal will travel just 250 miles in next 13 matches thanks to favourable fixture schedule

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      CHRISTMAS and New Year are some of the busiest times around for people, with travelling often making up a big part of that schedule.That rule also commonly applies to football, with Arsenal being no different in terms of having a busy schedule.Arsenal have avoided any huge away days over the Christmas and New Year periodCredit: GettyBut Arsenal have found some nice luck in their Christmas schedule with a surprisingly low amount of travelling on the itinerary for them over their next 13 games.In fact, they will travel outside of London just ONCE before January 22, with three away games all coming in the capital.Their clash with Brighton on January 4 2025 will be the only Premier League game that is not a London derby away from home.Arsenal remarkably play nine games at the Emirates Stadium during the run, starting with Manchester United on Wednesday and ending with Dinamo Zagreb on January 22.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe run will see them rack up just under 250 miles of travel on the road.Brighton alone will account for 177.4 miles of this overall figure.Meanwhile, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Brentford will count for 21.2, 26, and 24 miles respectively.Mikel Arteta and co might have feared travel fatigue from an unfavourable FA Cup third-round tie in tonight’s draw.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, they were spared any with new travel arrangements in tonight’s FA Cup third-round draw as they were drawn at the Emirates against Manchester United. It means they will face Crystal Palace and Man Utd twice during the run.Moment huge brawl breaks out in West Ham end with punches thrown and fan knocked to ground in London derby vs ArsenalAfter their 5-2 win over West Ham on Saturday, which in itself was a trip of 11.8 miles, Arsenal are nine points off of league leaders Liverpool.The favourable fixture list of not travelling a lot could help them close that gap.In the same period, Arne Slot’s side travel to Newcastle, Girona, Southampton, West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Brentford – none of which are exactly around the corner.Regardless, Arsenal will be aiming to take advantage and chase down the leaders by the end of the season, though a nine-point lead at this stage of the season has never been lost before in Prem history.Arsenal ratings vs West HamWEST HAM and Arsenal served up one of the finest London derbies in recent memory on Saturday night, with SEVEN goals in the first half alone.The Gunners sailed into a 4-0 lead in the opening 35 minutes before the Hammers reduced the deficit with two quickfire goals, including a sublime Emerson free-kick.Bukayo Saka’s penalty on the stroke of half-time made it 5-2, becoming only the fourth Premier League match in history to see seven goals before the break.A relatively lacklustre second half followed, with Mikel Arteta ringing the changes, particularly with Wednesday night’s showdown with Man Utd at the Emirates in the back of his mind.The result pulled the Gunners up to second in the Premier League table, six points behind Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s huge showdown between the leaders and a struggling Man City.Read how SunSport’s Charlie Pittock rated the Gunners stars. More