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      Fans claim FA Cup draw is ‘rigged’ as Man City and Liverpool get lower league opponents but Man Utd face Arsenal

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      THE FA CUP third round draw led to furious reactions from a few disappointed fans, with some going as far as to describe it as “rigged”.The third round draw’s most exciting tie is between Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United, who will face off on the weekend of January 11 at the Emirates.Some angry fans claim the FA Cup draw is ‘rigged’Arsenal drew Manchester United and their rivals are facing lower-league teamsIn contrast, Arsenal and United’s rivals were drawn against lower-league opponents.Manchester City got Salford, Chelsea drew Morecambe, Liverpool were paired with Accrington Stanley and Tottenham will face Tamworth.And some fans believe the difference of quality between those ties makes the draw, which was conducted by former Manchester United players Mark Hughes and Dion Dublin, look suspicious.One fan tweeted: “Absolutely f*****g rigged.”Read More on FootballAnother commented: “That’s fixed. Arsenal vs Utd. I’m sure he (Dublin or Hughes) didn’t even mix them around.”A third wrote: “Watching the FA Cup draw and what the hell.”This fan said: “City vs Salford. Liverpool vs Accrington. Chelsea vs Morecambe… Arsenal vs United. Of course.”And that one stated: “Calling fix, United getting drawn away to Arsenal, City getting Salford at home and Liverpool getting an effective nobody.”Most read in FA CupThe draw was conducted at Old TraffordMark Hughes and Dion Dublin pulled out the ballsBut of course there is absolutely no indication that supports those wild claims.Man Utd won the FA Cup last season thanks to a 2-1 win over rivals Man City in the Wembley final, which saved former manager Erik ten Hag’s job.Arsenal v Man Utd FA Cup historyAFTER drawing each other in the third round of the FA Cup, it will be the 17th time Arsenal and Manchester United have faced off in the competition.They previously met in the 1997 and 2005 finals, both won by Arsenal.The last match came in 2019, which was won by United.Overall Arsenal have six wins while United have eight, while they share two draws.United’s tally of 22 goals is also superior to Arsenal’s 20 in these games.Wayne Rooney is the top scorer in the fixture, with three of his goals against the North London side coming in the FA Cup.Bukayo Saka leads Arsenal’s tally at the moment with six goals, though these have all been in the Premier League.Bizarre moment man dressed as Elsa from Frozen sings Let It Go karaoke on pitch ahead of FA Cup first-round clashThe Red Devils will be facing the most successful team in the competition’s history, with Arsenal winning the trophy a record 14 times.However, if Ruben Amorim’s side were to go all the way they would draw level with the Gunners’ total. More

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      ‘I’m surprised’: Ex-Prem ref responds as VAR helps Arsenal again with controversial Saka and Timber calls at West Ham

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      ARSENAL’s victory over West Ham was comprehensive, but it wasn’t without controversy following some questionable VAR calls.The Gunners won 5-2 after an entertaining Premier League encounter against the Hammers on Saturday at the London Stadium.Arsenal picked up a controversial victory over West HamCredit: GettyFormer Premier League referee and SunSport columnist Mark Halsey addressed all the controversyCredit: RexThe London rivals played out a seven-goal thriller in the first half that saw the visitors lead 4-0 by the 36th minute with goals by Gabriel Magalhaes, Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz.However, West Ham got back in the game with two goals within two minutes thanks to Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson Palmieri.But Arsenal knocked the wind out of the East Londoners’ sales in the fifth minute of stoppage time with a controversial penalty that Gabriel earned and Bukayo Saka scored.Former Premier League referee and SunSport columnist Mark Halsey addressed all the controversy on Whistleblower.Read More on ArsenalHalsey started by analysing Arsenal’s final goal that ended West Ham’s hopes of a dramatic comeback.Saka whipped in a corner-kick from the right and Gabriel got the header that sent the ball way over the crossbar.But then referee Anthony Taylor deemed Lukasz Fabianski caught the centre-back in the face in his attempt to punch the ball away.Taylor booked Fabianski in front of a shocked crowd and Saka scored from the penalty spot.Most read in FootballHalsey told SunSport’s Will Pugh: “I think when the cross comes over and the ball comes over like that, you’re going to have contact between players at every occasion. You’re going to have contact. And it’s subjective. “We have seen penalties given in those sort of situations where a keeper has come out. But there’s been a lot more contact than we saw at the weekend.Jorginho tells Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to become England’s fifth-ever Ballon d’Or winner and end 23-year wait “Anthony Taylor’s given it. He’s taken some time to think about it. And he’s given it. And VAR are not going to overrule that, because obviously we’ve heard Howard Webb say that we want to stick with the on-field decision on those situations, on a subjective decision.”So, listen, yeah, I mean, had he not given that as a penalty, that would have stayed not given. It does seem that it did take four or five seconds to give the decision whether he was influenced by Gabriel on the floor, holding his head, his face and players sort of surrounding him. “So, as I said, had it not been given, it would have stayed not given. It would have stayed with the on-field decision.”Arsenal players weren’t really claiming for anything. It all went quiet in the ground. And then all of a sudden, there’s a penalty check for God knows what. And then Arsenal scored.”Halsey, though, was categorically against the way the referee and VAR handled Arsenal’s opener that saw Saka’s corner-kick from the right finding Gabriel who beat Fabianski with a clinical header.Jurrien Timber appeared to have fouled Lucas Paqueta, who covered the near post and could have easily headed the cross away.’I’m surprised’However, Timber seemed to have pushed him from behind and that didn’t allow Paqueta to clear the ball.Halsey added: “Well, again, we’re talking about inconsistency, aren’t we? Regarding decisions when a goal is scored. Was it a foul? Was it not a foul?”So, yeah, listen, for me, I think it’s a clear free-kick. And I’m surprised that VAR didn’t recommend a review.”Halsey also addressed Arsenal’s first penalty that saw Paqueta fouling Saka inside the West Ham area on 34 minutes.It seemed like there was very little contact and the England international didn’t go down immediately.Nevertheless, the decision stood and the North Londoners’ captain Odegaard converted from the spot to make it 3-0.Halsey said: “When he sticks his leg out like that, you run the risk. And I just want to see players, when they are challenged like that, just go down straight away.”Don’t need to take one or two more steps, then go down. Listen, had that not been given, it would have stayed.”Possibly not given. Because as I say, there was just slight, slight contact. But once the referee has given it…READ MORE SUN STORIES”Listen, I think he’s just guessed as in the way he’s gone in and Paqueta’s gone over. And he’s been safe and given a free-kick. “But we can all see that it’s not a free-kick and he has clearly won the ball. But in real time, it possibly looked like it’s a free-kick.” More

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      Jorginho says Arsenal dressing room tease Gabriel over his ‘Batman’ celebration but love Brazilian’s goal record

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      NOT many central defenders in world football feel the need to have a trademark goal celebration.But then again, not many are as deadly with their head as Arsenal’s Gabriel.Gabriel showed off his trademark celebration at the London StadiumCredit: AlamyGabriel scored his fourth of the season in all competitions with another headerCredit: AFPThe Brazilian centre back’s 10th minute header to open the scoring against West Ham at the London Stadium was his third in the Premier League this season – and fourth in all competitions.That takes his headed tally to 12 in the league since arriving in England in September 2020 – just five away from Virgil van Dijk and Sami Hyppia in the Prem all-time headed goal chart.And while he is still 15 away from John Terry’s tally, only a fool would bet against Gabriel edging closer to – or even surpassing – that target this term, let alone by the time the 26-year-old calls it a day in North London.His latest offering – a flicked header from a Bukayo Saka corner in a 5-2 thrashing of a woeful Hammers outfit – was followed by an unusual celebration, interlinking his fingers over his eyes.read more arsenalIt was first on show this campaign in Tuesday night’s 5-1 Champions League victory away at Sporting Lisbon, with some suggesting it was done to mock Viktor Gyokeres’ similar goal-getting theatrics – the Swede’s fingers covering his mouth instead.But a repeat showing in East London perhaps quashes those theories.Gabriel’s version is said to be a nod to comic book legend Batman – backed up by Arsenal’s social media team posting a masked superhero emoji moments after the header.Expect to see that celebration a lot more over the coming weeks with Arsenal’s set-piece efficiency back on show having overcome a recent four-match winless Prem slump to reignite a title charge.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt is not stopping Gabriel’s teammates teasing, though. Jorginho admitted: “We make fun of [the celebration] and he has fun with it as well. It is great stuff what is happening.”After five different goal scorers in Lisbon, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal repeated that feat against West Ham with Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Saka also netting in the first half.Moment huge brawl breaks out in West Ham end with punches thrown and fan knocked to ground in London derby vs ArsenalAaron Wan Bissaka and Emerson scored to briefly make it 4-2 but the visitors’ comeback was short-lived.Yet the name up in lights is Gabriel’s – the last player to leave the pitch on Saturday night as he soaked up the admiration of the away end by orchestrating the chants.His goal came from a slightly altered NFL-style routine conjured up by set-piece coach Nicolas Jover with Gabriel given freedom to roam at the back post while the others act as blockers.How West Ham allowed Arsenal’s biggest threat a free header is anyone’s guess. It is not exactly a secret where the ball is going – the corner-takers even point to Gabriel before their delivery.Asked how you stop Gabriel, Jorginho laughed: “I’m not going to tell you! He’s really good and it requires a lot of work from the whole team. Everyone does their job and then he’s a real threat.“He’s been so helpful to us.”Arteta added: “The more [Gabriel scores] the more you believe it. You can tell straight away from the body language of the player, how they communicate, that something is coming up.“To have various ways of scoring goals makes the team more unpredictable, the opposition have to work on many more things. It’s a good thing for us.”There is some concern over Gabriel’s fitness ahead of Wednesday’s Prem clash with Manchester United at the Emirates after he was subbed at half-time as a precaution owing to an ongoing muscular problem picked up in Lisbon.But Arsenal are heading into the festive period looking back to their best, winning their last three in all competitions and scoring 13 in the process, including a 3-0 home victory over Nottingham Forest.Arteta’s men also have the advantage of not leaving London for any games until January 4.READ MORE SUN STORIESJorginho said: “We are in a good momentum now. We need to carry on and focus.“Having players back from injury, having the whole squad available, has made a huge difference. We fixed something that wasn’t working and now it is.” More

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      Arsenal ‘in advanced talks with Champions League sporting director as Gunners close in on Edu replacement’

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      ARSENAL’s hunt for a new sporting director may be resolved soon, according to reports.Last month, Edu resigned from his position with the Gunners to take up a new role at Nottingham Forest.Real Sociedad director of football Roberto Olabe is in ‘advanced talks’ with ArsenalCredit: Ander GilleneaArsenal have been looking for a new sporting director after Edu left the clubCredit: GettyThe Brazilian was offered a bumper pay rise at the Emirates, but wanted a new challenge under Evangelos Marinakis in a multi-club role.Since then, the Gunners have turned their attention to find his replacement.And according to reports, it appears they have found their man.Foot Mercato claims that Mikel Arteta’s side are in ‘advanced negotiations’ with Real Sociedad’s director of football, Roberto Olabe.Read more Arsenal newsThe 57-year-old has been considered the architect of the La Liga team’s success in recent years.Olabe announced he would be leaving Real Sociedad at the end of the current campaign.During his tenure with the Spanish side, Real Sociedad won their first major trophy in three decades when they lifted the Copa del Rey in 2021.While their league form dramatically improved as they became regulars in the top six.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn 2023-2024, they returned to the Champions League following a 10-year absence.For the past five seasons, they have qualified for European competition.Bukayo Saka appears to laugh in West Ham supporters’ faces as Arsenal fans say ‘love the new villain arc’Real Sociedad have been lauded for their conveyor belt of talent.Their success stories include Alexander Isak, Martin Odegaard, David Silva, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino.Arsenal already have ties with Real Sociedad.Captain Odegaard and Merino now star for the Premier League side’s first team.And Nacho Monreal and Kieran Tierney swapped North London for San Sebastian in recent times.Further still, like Olabe, manager Mikel Arteta is from the Basque Country and starred for the club during his playing days. More

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      Man Utd hit with Bruno Fernandes injury fears as worrying picture emerges days before Arsenal clash

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has left Man Utd fans sweating on his fitness after limping off during Ruben Amorim’s 4-0 trouncing of Everton.And it comes at an awful time for United with a massive trip to the Emirates looming in just three days time.Man Utd fans are concerned about Bruno Fernandes’ injury status after he was spotted wearing an ice pack at Old Trafford on SundayFernandes provided two goals on Sunday before Amad Diallo did the sameFernandes provided two assists for double goal scorers Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee either side of half-time against the Toffees before he was subbed off in the 66th minute.The Portugal international was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho as United moved into the top-half of the table for the first time in months. But the only potential concern for United ahead of their trip to second-placed Arsenal on Wednesday was the sight of their best playermaker in discomfort.Fernandes was pictured with an ice-pack strapped to his ankle after being substituted.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe skipper was, however, able to join his team-mates on the pitch after the game to salute the home fans attending Amorim’s first Prem game at Old Trafford.It could, of course, be precautionary as United had scored all FOUR goals by the time he and Casemiro came off.But United fans are concerned about his availability before they travel to North London in three days time.One posted: “Bruno Fernandes off injured. Arsenal have never seen luck like this.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother said: “So if Bruno gets injured what happens?”A third replied: “Just when Fernandes starts to find some form. I hope he makes the Arsenal game 🙏.”Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decisionBut others were more optimistic.One wrote: “Bruno never misses a game. He’ll be there midweek 💪.”While a second quizzed: “Surely he’d be in the medical room if it was that bad?”The returning Kobbie Mainoo has been suspended for United’s trip to Arsenal after picking up his fifth yellow of the season. The England star went into the ref’s book in the 49th minute when he hauled down Dwight McNeil just outside the United 18-yard box.It marked Mainoo’s first start under Amorim having been an unused substitute against Ipswich Town and Bodo/Glimt.Kobbie Mainoo will miss United’s mid-week trip to ArsenalLikewise, Lisandro Martinez will miss the game against Mikel Arteta’s back in-form men for the same reason.Martinez received a caution two minutes later when he pulled back Toffees striker Beto, who looked to get on the end of a through-ball.Meanwhile, United fans fans labelled co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe a “c***” as they protested the rise in ticket prices.READ MORE SUN STORIESRed Devils chiefs have hiked Old Trafford tickets to a staggering £66 per game.They have also abolished concessions for children and pensioners as fans outside Anfield had their own protests ahead of Man City’s visit on Sunday.United fans staged a protest against the rise in ticket price More

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      Man Utd’s Chido Obi-Martin breaks goal record months after joining as fans say ‘we stole Arsenal’s biggest ever talent’

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      CHIDO OBI-MARTIN made history as Manchester United Under 18s continued their perfect start to the season.The 17-year-old was signed from Arsenal’s academy to much fanfare given his record-breaking exploits with the Gunners of 32 goals in just 20 appearances in the competition.Chido Obi-Martin became the highest goalscorer in Premier League U18 historyCredit: GettySince officially switching North London for Manchester in September, those record-breaking exploits have continued.The teenage striker’s first professional contract with the club started on Friday.And he celebrated it by becoming the record goalscorer in Premier League Under 18s history.Obi-Martin opened the scoring in the Red Devils 3-0 win over Stoke on Saturday in the 71st minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe latched on to a long ball before being hauled down in the penalty area before going on to score the subsequent penalty.The goal put him on five goals in as many games for United, while it also took his tally in the competition up to 37 overall.That saw the Dane move ahead of Coventry star Ellis Simms’ tally of 36 scored for Everton.Following the game, Obi-Martin shared a post of his trademark celebration with his fingers in his ears.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe captioned his post: “Nice team win, happy to become the record goalscorer in the Premier League U18’s history.”Reacting on social media, one fan said: “We stole Arsenal’s biggest ever talent.”New Man Utd signing arrives at Old Trafford for first time since transfer… only to see horror show against TottenhamA second said: “We really snatched him from that small club.”A third said: “Breaking records already… wow.”He scored just 11 seconds in his Man Utd debut before bagging a 14 minute hat-trick.United went on to win the game 3-0, with James Scanlon and Dante Plunkett netting to seal the tenth win of the season for Mark Lawrence’s team. More

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      Premier League star became a viral sensation at 12 at Arsenal then was signed by Charlton after playing in a car park

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      OMARI HUTCHINSON was an internet sensation at the age of 12 — but only now is he on the stage he really craved.Hutchinson, 21, has been on a high since scoring his first Premier League goal as Ipswich drew 1-1 with Manchester United last week.More than 4million viewers saw Omari Hutchinson’s special skillsCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills ChannelFootball fans went head over heels for his exhibition stuffCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills ChannelHutchinson’s career took many twists on the way to facing Man UtdCredit: RexNow Nottingham Forest are in his sights as the Tractor Boys battle to prove they are good enough to mix it with game’s established stars.And that is a feeling Hutchinson knows only too well despite having his super skills praised by Pele when he was a schoolboy.Chelsea released Hutchinson twice and gave him just two first-team outings before Ipswich paid a club-record £22.5million fee for the youngster in the summer.Inbetween was a spell at Arsenal that made him famous — but not on the pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThen there were the unsuccessful trials at Tottenham and Brentford.Plus a couple of seasons at Charlton, who only signed the Londoner because they saw him playing in their car park.It has not been a conventional route to the top by any means for Hutchinson, even though his talent was always there to see.A collaboration with the F2 Freestylers when he was 12 saw more than four million viewers log on to watch his skills.Most read in FootballAdvice from Arsenal and Chelsea aces kept Hutchinson on the upCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills ChannelFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “It had its pros and cons.“I got quite popular at a young age but at the time I wasn’t really playing much football.Arsenal player ratings vs Sporting“I wasn’t really a starter at Arsenal at that time and you want to be playing every minute of every game at a young age.“I would play football with my dad after a game and do extras.”One constant, however, was the refusal to give up on his dream.Hutchinson added: “One hundred per cent. As a young player you need that self-confidence and self-belief that you are going to make it and be one of the best in the league — or the world. That’s what I have been doing.“I have been at two of the best clubs in the world and trained with the first team in both of them.“I have seen what it takes to get to that stage and a lot of senior players have spoken to me saying, ‘You’re a very talented player, make sure you focus on this and that and you will make it’.“They also told me not to get distracted and I have taken it on board. I have gone a different route and shown myself from there.”Hutchinson is far too young to remember Pele, the world’s greatest player in the 1960s, but the Brazil legend still had a part to play on his journey. The three-time World Cup winner — who died in December 2022 — witnessed Hutchinson’s skills on a visit to London and let the youngster know he was impressed.Hutchinson said: “It was at a Brentford tournament when I was with the Under-12s at Arsenal.“He was there, he came towards the end, and we did some freestyling skills.“All the teams gathered round in a circle and a player from each team had to show some skills — I got forced to go up!“He saw it and he liked it. When we took a picture of him he told me to come up and rest on his knee.I saw that the Lottery is easier to win than becoming a professional footballer in the Premier League.Omari Hutchinson“I was doing kick-ups-round-the-world and putting the ball on my neck.“When I was young my grandma always used to say, ‘You’re going to be like Pele when you’re older’. She gave me a lot of books and cards and stuff like that.”It was no surprise that Hutchinson joined Ipswich on their return to the top tier after 22 years away, although there were other offers.The attacking midfielder, who can play wide or No 10, had helped them to promotion when on loan from Chelsea last season.And Tractor Boys manager Kieran McKenna promised Hutchinson the chance of the regular football he craved.He said: “I spoke to Kieran in the summer and it was a no-brainer to come here.“I knew I was going to play in the Premier League, which is a rare occasion.“I saw that the Lottery is easier to win than becoming a professional footballer in the Premier League.”Hutchinson still has one big decision to make however — to choose England, where he is in the Under-21s, or go back to Jamaica, for whom he has played a couple of friendlies and qualifies through his dad.READ MORE SUN STORIESNo Town player has represented the Three Lions at senior level since Richard Wright in 2001 — and only 12 have in total.That might change soon but Hutchinson insisted: “I have very high ambition but I’m not focused on that right now.”Hutchinson has gone on to play for England U-21s and JamaicaCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills ChannelNine years on from this, he’s up to his young tricks again – but in the PremCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills Channel More

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      Arsenal ‘identify Serie A star as new striker priority’ with Gunners set to be beaten to Isak and Gyokeres transfers

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      ARSENAL are interested in signing Atalanta star Mateo Retegui, according to reports.The Gunners are keen to bolster their striker options in January.Mateo Retegui has been in red-hot form for AtalantaCredit: ReutersAlexander Isak has impressed Barcelona with his displaysCredit: AlamyViktor Gyokeres has gathered plenty of admirersCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side have shown interest in Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.But SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this week that both forwards are likely to move elsewhere.Newcastle star Isak has emerged as Barcelona’s top summer target.While Gyokeres reportedly wants to reunite with former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLosing out on Isak and Gyokeres could see the Gunners turn their attention towards Retegui.Italian outlet Calciomercato claim that Arsenal scouts were present as Retegui’s Atalanta took on Young Boys in the Champions League this week.The 25-year-old will have done his reputation no harm, having scored twice in the 6-1 rout.Retegui signed for Atalanta from Genoa in a August in a deal worth around £23million.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Italy international has had a blistering start to life in Bergamo, scoring 12 goals in his opening 13 Serie A appearances for his new club.If Arsenal are to secure Retegui’s signature, they may have to beat off interest from Paris Saint-Germain.Ben White ruled out for months in mega blow to Arsenal title hopes, confirms Mikel Arteta Kai Havertz has primarily been deployed down the middle of Arsenal’s attack this season.Leandro Trossard has also played the role, although Gabriel Jesus is yet to score in the Premier League or Champions League this term.The Gunners spread the goals out as they trounced Sporting 5-1 on Tuesday night.Gabriel Martinelli, Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Trossard scored as Arsenal thrashed Gyokeres and Co.After the game, boss Arteta said: “I’m very happy. It’s a big result against a big opponent. We wanted to make that statement.”When you play in this competition against these teams you have to enjoy it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”What I loved about this team is the way that they flowed. They played with purpose.”If you want to be challenging for big trophies you have to be consistent.”Mikel Arteta was pleased with his team’s efforts against SportingCredit: Getty More