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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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      Former Arsenal and England star, 32, posts four-word message after completing shock League Two transfer

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      A FORGOTTEN Arsenal ace has completed a shock move to a League Two outfit.The versatile full-back amassed a total of 93 Premier League appearances and played in the Champions League 10 times during his 14-year career.Ex-Arsenal ace Carl Jenkison has joined League Two side BromleyCredit: GettyEx-England ace Jenkison is excited with his upcoming challengeCredit: GettyThe ex-Arsenal ace also picked up one England cap after bursting onto the scene with the Gunners in 2012.That is none other than Carl Jenkinson who joined Bromley as a free agent. The defender put pen to paper on a one-year contract with the Ravens.The ex-Nottingham Forest ace shared a pic of him in a Bromley shirt on social media and expressed his excitement for the new challenge lying ahead.Read More on ArsenalJenkinson posted on Instagram: “Another new chapter begins.”Jenkison returns to English football after a two-year stint in Australia that saw him playing for Melbourne City and Newcastle Jets.And the ex-England international will be reuniting with Bromley manager Andy Woodman, with whom he worked at Charlton back in his youth days.Jenkinson said: “How’s it feel? It’s good, I’m glad it is sorted out now with all the international clearance stuff which was dragging on a bit…Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I know Woody [Woodman] from when I was a kid coming through at Charlton… it’s one of them that when you know someone – he was always so easy to get along with even as a young lad…”That led to me reaching out to Woody a couple of weeks ago and saying can I come in and train because I wanted to be fit and maintain my fitness.Arsenal ratings: Martinelli ends goal drought but Partey struggles against Leicester”We have that relationship where I can ask that question, so it was nice that he said yeah and then that it’s led to this.” More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Martinelli ends goal drought as Trossard bags winner but Partey struggles against Leicester

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      LEANDRO TROSSARD netted an injury time winner to ensure Arsenal survived after blowing a two-goal lead to Leicester at the Emirates.Mikel Arteta’s team knew they had the chance to make a considerable gain in the title race after seeing Manchester City draw with Newcastle earlier in the day.Gabriel Martinelli got Arsenal underway against LeicesterCredit: EPALeandro Trossard netted a deserved goal on the stroke of half-timeCredit: ReutersA superb James Justin double levelled it up at the EmiratesCredit: GettyTrossard netted an injury time goal to ensure the Gunners claimed victoryCredit: PAThe players seemed to get the message loud and clear and came flying out of the blocks as Gabriel Martinelli got the opener after 20 minutes for his first league goal since April.Martinelli then set up Leandro Trossard just before half-time to hand them a 2-0 lead. Leicester threatened a second-half comeback as a James Justin header deflected off of Kai Havertz to wrong foot David Raya moments into the second half.Justin netted an equaliser with a world class volley that Raya could do nothing about even at full stretch, and despite heavy pressure, they were unable to find a way past Mads Hermansen.READ MORE ON ARSENALThat was until Trossard managed to squeeze an injury time shot in thanks to a deflection off of Wilfried Ndidi to ensure the Gunners did not lose ground in the title race.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners against Leicester.David Raya – 6After quiet first half Spaniard had to be alert in the second. Quick distribution allowed Arsenal to sustain attacking pressure.Could do nothing for the goal after being wrong-footed by the Havertz deflection and was at full stretch for Justin’s world class equalising volley.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJurrien Timber – 7Showed off both sides of his game with some good early interceptions before a superb low cross to set up Martinelli’s opener.Skied a shot over the bar following a goal mouth scramble in the second half.Fans convinced Leandro Trossard was handed unique punishment by Arteta after Arsenal star’s red card against Man City William Saliba – 7William Saliba generally fared well against Jamie Vardy, but was caught out by giving away the free-kick Leicester scored fromCredit: GettyExpertly marshalled Jamie Vardy whenever caught in a one-v-one situation in the first half. Gave away a free-kick against the Foxes ace which ended up going in after a deflection off Havertz.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7After being centre of attention against Tottenham and Man City, the Brazilian had a more low key day dealing with the Foxes. His problems today were more on the ball than off.Saw one near post header miraculously saved by Hermansen in the second half.Riccardo Calafiori – 6Closed down a dangerous chance early on after some sloppy midfield play from Thomas Partey, often tucked into midfield when in possession and looked very comfortable in the role.Went missing for Justin’s equaliser and was booked in the second half for a trip on Facundo Buonanotte. Denied by a goal with a far post header by a superb Hermansen save.Thomas Partey – 5The game seemed to overrun Thomas Partey todayCredit: GettyCaught out on the ball in the opening stages by Ndidi but recovered to play some nice passes.Seemed absent from the midfield at times when asked to defend.Declan Rice – 6Made some good runs into the attacking third and was always able to offer an option. Delivered some dangerous corners and provided energy in midfield, even if much of the rest of his impact on the game was limited.Saw a pass into Havertz on the edge of the area result in a penalty appeal waved away.Kai Havertz – 7Back in midfield role today and looked assured in much of his play. Nodded a header agonisingly wide in the 37th minute. Saw Leicester’s goal just after half-time deflect in off his chest to wrong foot Raya.Only denied a foal by a world class save by Hermansen and was denied a penalty moments later. Showed desire to get to the far post a score a last minute goal and make it 4-2 after a Jesus run.Bukayo Saka – 7Usual bright self and tested the gloves of Hermansen early on before smart switch to play in Martinelli, who should have done better before skying his shot over the bar. Moments later played in Timber before he set up the opener.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Martinelli grew in confidence throughout the gameCredit: EPANaughty tackle from ex-Spurs man Oliver Skipp didn’t dampen his spirits as he ended his goal drought by netting from Timber’s low cross. Arsenal’s most dangerous player in the first half and ended with an assist for Trossard on the stroke of half-time. Faded in the second half and did not get back in time for Justin’s equaliser before being hooked for Sterling.Leandro Trossard – 9Tigerish work leading the line and forced a number of high turnovers, one of which led to a good Martinelli chance being saved by Hermansen. Got a goal for his efforts with a deft side foot into the bottom corner on the stroke of half-time.Struck the wood work in the 58th minute and should have scored after Arsenal won the ball back high. Was eventually the match winner with a scruffy injury time strike from close range.SubsRaheem Sterling (on for Martinelli 74 mins) – 5Didn’t make much impact after coming on.READ MORE SUN STORIESEthan Nwaneri (on for Partey 85 mins) – 7First act after getting the ball was to dribble and curl a shot to the far corner, which was destined for the net if not for a superb Hermansen save.Gabriel Jesus (on for Trossard 94 mins) – 6Dribble and shot helped Havertz net a last minute goal. More