Arsenal transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares76 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal receive huge transfer boost as star man William Saliba pledges future to club amid Real Madrid interest

      by

      WILLIAM SALIBA has handed Arsenal a massive boost by pledging his long-term future to the club.Spanish giants Real Madrid have made the centre-back, 23, their  No 1 summer target.Saliba joined Arsenal in 2019 and has been a regular for three yearsCredit: GettyBut the Frenchman insisted: “I feel at home here.“I signed for the club five years ago but it’s only my third season and I’m enjoying everything — the players, staff and fans.”And, asked at an Arsenal in the Community visit to Islington’s Ashmount Primary School if he  could envisage staying at the  Emirates for a long time, Saliba replied: “Yeah, of course.”Arsenal splashed out £27million to sign the then 18-year-old from Saint-Etienne in July 2019 before loaning him back.READ MORE TOP STORIESTwo more loan spells at Nice and Marseille followed.But the 6ft 3in ace has now made 102 appearances under Mikel Arteta, establishing himself as one of world’s top defenders.The boyhood Arsenal fan signed  a new four-year  deal at the club last summer.But Carlo Ancelotti’s European champions are battling a defensive injury crisis.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd ex-Bernabeu defender Rafael Alkorta, 56, said: “I love Saliba,  I would definitely sign him.”Meanwhile, the Gunners hope to move four points behind Prem leaders Liverpool with victory at Fulham on SundayArsenal dubbed the ‘new STOKE CITY’ live on Amazon Prime by Man Utd legend after corner masterclassSaliba’s backline colleagues Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori face fitness assessments.Fellow defenders Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still out injured.Arsenal will definitely not have to take on frontman Reiss Nelson.Fulham aren’t allowed to field the loanee against his parent club. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea sign 15-year-old son of Arsenal cult hero with teenager playing at age groups well above his own

      by

      CHELSEA have landed one of the country’s top 15-year-olds.And if he goes on to emulate his dad – a true cult hero for Arsenal – then luring him from Watford will have been worth it.Mathis Eboue joins Chelsea after a rapid rise at WatfordCredit: InstagramDad Emmanuel Eboue, bottom left, was with Arsenal for seven yearsCredit: GettyMathis Eboue, an attacking midfielder, shone for the Hornets all the way up to under-21 level.And his move across London is another example of how Chelsea are looking to recruit so many of the nation’s leading starlets for their academy.Eboue Junior has also played three times of England U-16s.In fact, he hit the only goal as the Lion cubs beat France to win the U16 Challenge Trophy in Spain two months ago.READ MORE ON CHELSEABut of course whatever he’s achieved at such a young age can’t compare with what his father did over a 15-year career.Emmanuel Eboue, now 41, earned 79 caps for Ivory Coast, mainly at right-back.But his peak fame came with Arsenal from 2004-2011.Legendary then-boss Arsene Wenger recruited the pacy ace from Belgians Bevern.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd although Eboue took two seasons to become something like a regular, his bubbly nature and bursting runs made him a talk of the terraces.However, at one stage he was booed by Gunners’ supporters.I was sacked as a factory worker, the next day I had trials at Arsenal – I was gobsmackedAnd just last month he recalled: “I got back home and I was crying. “But the same week some of the fans came to the club to say sorry to me about that. That was very nice. It meant a lot.”‘Eboue, don’t listen,’ they said. ‘You know we love you’.”He finally left Arsenal – accompanied by a runners-up medal in the Champions League and two in the League Cup – for four years at Galatasaray.Then came an ill-fated short spell with Sunderland.Eboue Senior was banned for a year in 2016 after refusing to pay an agent, leading to the “lowest time” of his playing days.But eight years on from that, he surely can’t help but be cheered by his son’s big step-up.The Premier League applied their rigorous process to protect players so young before Eboue Junior’s switch to Chelsea could go through.READ MORE SUN STORIESCompensation to Watford also had to be agreed.But on Friday night transfer guru Fabrizio Romano insisted all the paperwork had been done to make it a “completed deal”. More

    • 188 Shares84 Views

      in Soccer

      How Mikel Arteta’s unstoppable ‘chaos creator’ corner routine can help win Arsenal the Premier League

      by

      CALL them Stoke 2.0 all you like but Mikel Arteta’s set-pieces feel unstoppable right now with specialist coach Nicolas Jover pulling the strings.With a staggering 30 goals from set-plays since the start of last season and more than a fifth of their goals this year coming from corners, they could be key to Arsenal winning the title.Arsenal are becoming the kings of corner kicksCredit: RexHere, our tactical expert Dean Scoggins — from SunSport YouTube show Tactics Exposed — dissects why the Gunners are so dangerous from corners and the secrets behind their success…1) THREE Ts — TRIGGER, TIMING AND TRAJECTORYTHE precision is incredible. There’s the hand up from Declan Rice or Bukayo Saka to begin the routine.From there, a two-second pause gives the ‘train’ lined up at the back post time to run into position.Then it’s about the trajectory of the ball. Rice favours it flatter to the front post, whereas Saka hits it higher and more to the back and middle.READ MORE IN football Declan Rice only has two seconds to put his hand up to signal deliveryThe trajectory of the cross is key for Arsenal2) THE JIGSAW PUZZLEALL the pieces have to come together for Arsenal — and everyone in the area has a role.The players beyond the back post make their moves to the front post — and they mix it up to confuse defenders.But they slot into gaps between the defenders, one in between each line… to complete the jigsaw. This means that, if the man at the front post is beaten, Arsenal have a ‘jumper’ before every other defender — making it virtually impossible for the opposition to see or stop. Most read in FootballJurrien Timber’s goal against Manchester United came from this exact move.Arsenal slot into the gaps perfectly3) CHAOS CREATORTHE Gunners have a free man at every corner.United tried to create a ‘forcefield’ around the keeper to stop Arsenal’s trick of blocking him.The new chaos creator ran across the eyeline of the keeper, making him think twice about coming off his line.Often, one player runs to the front post first to nudge the first defender under the ball — freeing up the ‘jigsaw jumpers’ to score.Kai Havertz is the ‘chaos creator’4) HOW DO YOU STOP IT?IT is very difficult. United had a good plan, two players at the front post to stop one of them being muscled out by a blocker.However, the players didn’t do their job. Bruno Fernandes got sucked under the ball and Rasmus Hojlund was too far outside of the line of the post, so both of them were redundant.I’d like to see a centre-back — or dominant centre-forward — occupy the front post and not leave the zone!My advice for defenders — start on the post, literally touching it, and attack the ball. Don’t wait for it.Man Utd had two men on the front post5) PLAYING FOR CORNERS!ONE way to stop it, of course, is to not concede corners. Back in the era of Rory Delap’s long throws at Stoke, we saw Hull keeper Boaz Myhill kick the ball out for a corner rather than face a hurl into the box.But Arsenal create lots of opportunities to win corners. READ MORE SUN STORIESOne, slightly risky, tactic — would be to allow crosses from wide, backing centre-backs and goalkeepers to deal with those better.Just don’t ‘do a Rashford’ and concede unnecessary corners which inevitably mean goals!Marcus Rashford gave away a corner trying to flick the ball up to boot awayCredit: Sky SportsThe mistake resulted in the corner that Arsenal scored fromCredit: Sky Sports More

    • 250 Shares84 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Sit down.. childish,’ Roy Keane fumes at Ian Wright and slams ‘f***ing rubbish’ Man Utd star in Arsenal game watchalong

      by

      ROY KEANE snapped at Ian Wright for his reaction to Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Manchester United during The Overlap’s live watchalong last night.Keane couldn’t bite his tongue as Wright revelled in the Gunners’ victory at the Emirates, telling his “childish” co-podcaster to “sit down”.Roy Keane lashed out at Ian Wright for ‘childishly’ celebrating Arsenal’s winKeane later hit out at one United star in particularArsenal’s potency from set-pieces prevailed after half-time as two corners created Jurrien Timber and William Saliba’s decisive goals.Wright, who was in top form, leapt in utter euphoria when Saliba’s punt doubled Arsenal’s lead in the 73rd minute.And as stoppage time played out, Wright began the wind-up mission.He cheekily praised Arsenal for how they dealt with a lowly team as he struggled to keep a straight face.READ MORE ON ARSENALWright, 61, said: “I think what we’ve done is we’ve been very patient with a mid-table team that’s come and been very frustrating.”They’ve really frustrated us, and we just had to get it done with the set pieces. I know it must be…”Keane failed to restrain himself, interrupting: “Can I ask you, what age are you? You’re a grandfather.”Wright hit back: “I’m a football fan. What’s that got to do with anything?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKeane, 53, continued, talking over the Arsenal icon: “Sitting there going ‘oh mid-table’, being childish, show some class, show some class, show some class.”Wright added: “No, I’m watching my team win. What do you mean show some class? It’s got nothing to do with class.”Arsenal dubbed the ‘new STOKE CITY’ live on Amazon Prime by Man Utd legend after corner masterclassKeane responded: “It is. Saying a mid-table team that come and defend.”The United legend also slammed Marcus Rashford’s performance later in the show. He said: “I tell you what, Rashford has come on, his general play as a footballer is shocking. Watch his header there.”You know what that is, rubbish! That is f***ing rubbish… kicks it out of play.”Rashford came under scrutiny when he conceded a corner that led to Arsenal’s second goal.Rashford had 22 touches during his cameo but he failed to produce any shots or key passesNeville added: “That can’t happen. It’s a looped corner. You do scratch your head, you’re there as a coach and spend hours going through these corners.”Rashford had 22 touches during his cameo but he failed to produce any shots or key passes.Jamie Carragher had entertained with animated celebrations to tease Neville throughout the stream.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the former United right-back got his sweet revenge when Newcastle grabbed a last minute equaliser to hold Liverpool to a 3-3 draw.Neville threw his drink over Carragher as he celebrated Fabian Schar’s hit at the back post to convert Bruno Guimaraes’ free-kick.Man Utd ratings vs ArsenalRUBEN AMORIM lost his first game since taking charge of Man Utd after a 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates.See how the players rated…ANDRE ONANA – 5He was let off early in the game after a stray pass saw Gabriel Martinelli put the ball in the net before the linesman raised his flag.Failed to command his area as 5″10 Jurrien Timber leapt highest to rattle the back of his net, before the ball floated to the back post for Arsenal to score their second set piece.DIOGO DALOT – 6Flashed a shot just wide at the end of the first half when he did eventually get forward.Not bad defensively but more dangerous going forwards.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Formed a good partnership with Maguire in the first half, and fans will be hoping he is okay after suffering a slight knock.Needed to be a more commanding figure in the box to stop being dominated by The Gunners at set pieces.HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was actually very impressive in the first half, with a solid showing.Not at fault for Timber’s header hitting the back of the net, before he was replaced by Leny Yoro.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Playing as a left-sided centre-back he looked fairly comfortable, which is a credit to the Moroccan’s versatility.That said, he still looked better off in the role that Malacia, then Dalot occupied tonight as a left-wingback.TYRELL MALACIA – 3Noticeably looked extremely physically weak up against Bukayo Saka on the left-hand side, before being booked for a kick out at Kai Havertz.Offered nothing going forward and his link-up with Garnacho was practically non-existent. Hooked at half-time for the far more threatening Amad.MANUEL UGARTE – 5Another one who was booked in the first half, he failed to establish any kind of presence in the game and on the ball, looked pretty woeful.Cleared a Joshua Zirkzee header off of his own line to stop Arsenal from doubling their lead early in the second half.BRUNO FERNANDES – 4This game was crying out for Bruno Fernandes to stamp his authority on it, and it seemed he just couldn’t quite get his foot on the ball to do so.Played a deeper role today, next to Ugarte, which meant we didn’t see any of his attacking spark.MASON MOUNT – 3Mason Mount at right wing was an experiment tried and failed at Chelsea, which Amorim tried again tonight.He was often lost in the half-space, meaning he was essentially useless going forwards. Hooked in the second half after a fairly abysmal showing.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5A very quiet first half, only brightened by one half-decent cross, was met by a second half where he was quickly subbed for Marcus Rashford.Quiet.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Battled well with the physical presence of William Saliba early on, but his side failed to create him any kind of chances.Cut a frustrated figure for most of the match, and rightly so. There will be no point signing Gyokeres if they can’t create anything for him to score.SUBSAMAD (TYRELL MALACIA, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank.However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.MARCUS RASHFORD (MASON MOUNT, 72) – 5Having been electric on the whole under Amorim, he wasn’t able to provide any kind of spark against an opponent which has been one of his favourites in recent years.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (ALEJANDRO GARNACHO, 72) – 4After an impressive display last time out, he failed to offer anything to his side going forward today.The closest he came to scoring was a dangerous header which almost saw him get an own goal on the scoresheet.LENY YORO (HARRY MAGUIRE, 72) – 6Looks like a pretty good defender on the whole, a tough game for a young centre-back, but he didn’t look out of place whatsoever.ANTONY (RASMUS HOJLUND, 79) – 5Played his part in a clever free-kick routine at the end of the game, before fluffing his lines and finding the gloves of David Raya. More

    • 238 Shares114 Views

      in Soccer

      Bukayo Saka’s Wag Tolami Benson stuns in hotpants and revealing Arsenal shirt as she watches Gunners beat Man Utd

      by

      BUKAYO SAKA’S girlfriend Tolami Benson stunned once again as she watched Arsenal beat Manchester United in a very revealing Gunners shirt.Saka’s side beat United 2-0 on Wednesday with goals by Jurrien Timber and William Saliba to hand Ruben Amorim his first defeat as the Red Devils’ new boss.Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson watched Arsenal beat Manchester UnitedCredit: InstagramTolami looked incredible in leather hotpants and a revealing Arsenal shirtCredit: InstagramTolami showed off her outfit with a selfie from the toiletsCredit: InstagramSaka helped Arsenal defeat Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyTolami, 24, was in the VIP section enjoying the victory with a cup of coffee.The social media personality posed in an Arsenal shirt that had been cropped extremely high up and leather hotpants for her 196,000 followers on Instagram.She then went to the stadium’s bathroom to take a selfie.That led to a raft of comments from her fans who left over 36,000 likes.Read More on ArsenalOne follower posted: “3 points.”Another commented: “Star girl.”A third wrote: “Our queen.”And her followers were blown away by what the fashionista had done with the Gunners shirt.Most read in FootballOne wrote: “This cropped shirt is everything. Love to see you always changing it up.”Another, who is clearly an Arsenal fan too, joked: “This is vandalism, but for our queen, we will allow it.” Arsenal dubbed the ‘new STOKE CITY’ live on Amazon Prime by Man Utd legend after corner masterclass”A third added: “From how you’ve rocked the kit to the nails to the subtle view of the win at the back…” This comes after Tolami stole the headlines on the star-studded red carpet at The Fashion Awards in London this week.She has been dating Saka since 2020 and is often seen at the stands supporting him for club and country.Tolami often supports Saka from the standsCredit: InstagramTolami is social media personalityCredit: PATolami often shares glam picsCredit: Instagram/@tolami_bensonTolami was on the red carpet for the Fashion AwardsCredit: GettyTolami also attends Saka’s England matchesCredit: GettySaka and Tolami have been dating since 2020Credit: PA More

    • 238 Shares84 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 225 Shares127 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 225 Shares87 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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