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      Leandro Trossard explains Man City red card to devastated Arsenal stars as dressing room conversation revealed

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      LEANDRO TROSSARD’S words to his Arsenal team-mates after being sent off against Manchester City have been revealed, according to reports.Trossard was controversially shown his marching orders by referee Michael Oliver after barging into the back of Bernardo Silva and then booting the ball away and delaying the restart.What Leandro Trossard said to Arsenal team-mates in the dressing room after being sent off against Man City has been revealedCredit: AlamyTrossard was sent off for delaying the restart just before half-time in the 2-2 drawCredit: APThe latter offence – which Declan Rice was also sent off for against Brighton last month – saw the Belgian shown a red card, leaving Arsenal down to 10 men in trying to defend a 2-1 lead.John Stones eventually broke the Gunners’ stoic defence with a 97th-minute strike to see the fiery game end 2-2.However, according to the Mirror, Trossard told team-mates in the dressing room that he did NOT HEAR Oliver blow his whistle.The report claims Trossard explained how he was actually trying to play a pass and even told the referee about not hearing the whistle blow.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe sending-off was one of several incidents from the clash, with the antics of Erling Haaland, how much time was added on and the waste of time-wasting tactics also prevalent in the post-game discussion.Ex-Premier League referee Mark Halsey exclusively told SunSport series The Whistleblower that Haaland was lucky not to be sent off himself after he was seen throwing the ball at Gabriel’s head after City’s late equaliser.The Arsenal defender has since broken since silence on the incident – branded a “coward’s move” by Ian Wright – by issuing a chilling warning for the reverse fixture at the Emirates.Elsewhere, Opta stats revealed the ball was in play in the second half for 35 minutes, leading many to question where so much extra added time came from.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFourth official Andy Madley had originally signalled for six additional minutes before two more were played out – with City scoring their equaliser in the 97th minute.On the other hand, it was revealed Arsenal took 42.7 seconds to restart the game after being awarded either a corner, goal-kick, free-kick or throw-in.’Stay humble,’ Erling Haaland tells Arteta who gives him brutal death stare before Gabriel Jesus confronts Man City ace We thought games like this had been lostSunSport’s NEIL CUSTIS hails chaotic Man City vs Arsenal clash as a return to the Premier League of yesteryear.FOR two teams who have done so much to take the game forward this really was a tremendous throwback.We thought these games had been lost.Real feisty encounters between two rivals fighting for the top honours.How we used to love it when Manchester United came up against Arsenal when Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were in charge.When Roy Keane, watching on as a TV pundit here, used to clash with Patrick Vieira before a ball had been kicked.The Manchester derbies used to have it as well.In fact that were clashes everywhere throughout the league.Since then the emphasis on the beauty of the game, the tactical side, the ball playing centre-back, the false nine, the inverted full-backs have all come to the fore.But English football still loves something like this.Compare this to the two matches between this pair last season not least the really STALEmate here.Then along comes a blood and thunder classic.A match to set the tone for what we all hope will be a real title tussle to the end but with that added edge.While these two managers maybe good friends who knows we may even get the niggly comments in pre-match press conferences about each others teams.We knew we were in for something a bit different as straight from the kick-off Kai Havertz charged into Rodri and left him flawed.The first players’ melee ensued.Foreign coaches often scratch their heads as to why English crowds love stuff like this.Love a thumping tackle, or a bit of a barney.How that as much as any sweeping move gets them to the edge of their seats and there was plenty of that here.Jurrien Timber was employed on the right to combat the pace of Jeremy Doku.SO Doku just charged into him and floored him.Rodri was clearly seen as one of City’s key men so at a corner Thoams Party followed up Havertz’s early example and caught him behind the knee, and the player hobbled out of the action.Gabriel and Erling Haaland was a classic battle between a big centre-forward and an Arsenal centre-back who performs like greats of old like Tony Adams and Martin Keown.A player for whom a thumping tackle warrants the same high fives or celebrations as something defining at the other end of the pitch.Haaland did brilliantly to pull away William Saliba and slip behind Gabriel for his goal.Gabriel will have been fuming having kept the big Norwegian so quiet last season.He barely gave him another sniff of goal, barring a second-half header saved, as he stuck to him, the pair often pushing and shoving one another as Haaland became frustrated with his shadow.Leandro Trossard did not get his second yellow and therefore the only red for the actual barge on Bernardo as everyone first thought but for kicking the ball away after that.Both technical areas were a flurry of arm waving and shouting from the two managers.The staff on the two benches started having a go at each other and Guardiola had to intervene.In the press box one of Arsenal’s technical staff was losing it.As Arsenal players went down with cramp and played for time the boos went up.The fourth official was getting in the ear.Michael Oliver was being told he was not fit to referee by a large section of the home support.When Arsenal fans were spotted in the posh seats having been in the expensive tunnel club City fans shouted and pointed to try and get them ejected.Right at the end after City’s dramatic equaliser and the game restarted Haaland barged into Partey and every player on the pitch got involved even the two goalkeepers.At the final whistle the ref was harrangued.On the touchline Guardiola and Arteta hugged. 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      Roy Keane tells Mikel Arteta ‘show a bit of class’ after Arsenal manager’s comments as he weighs in on red card decision

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      ROY KEANE has slammed Mikel Arteta for his lack of “class” after the Arsenal manager hinted at inconsistencies in his post-match interview.Arteta was clearly furious with referee Michael Oliver after 10-man Arsenal’s chaotic 2-2 draw at Manchester City on Sunday.Mikel Arteta has criticised the officiating performance in a frosty post-match interview following his side’s 2-2 draw at Manchester CityAnd Roy Keane told the Arsenal boss to have ‘some class’Trossard was shown a second yellow card on the stroke of half-time for kicking the ball away and delaying the restart, after he’d shoved into the back of Bernardo Silva, with the scoreline at 2-1 to the visitors.Arteta was enraged on the touchline, pulling his jumper up over his head in disbelief. He was just as frustrated in his frosty post-match interview with Sky Sports.The Spaniard alluded to inconsistencies in Oliver’s decision-making after City winger Jeremy Doku escaped punishment for kicking the ball away earlier in the first half.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSArteta said: “There were two incidents, very similar.”In particular, one was very different with a different outcome that forces you to play a game that nobody wanted to watch.”When quizzed on Trossard’s dismissal, Arteta responded icily: “You can ask me, but it’s that obvious I don’t have to comment.”Reacting to Arteta’s comments, Sky pundit Roy Keane said that the Arsenal manager’s frustrations were misplaced.Most read in FootballLeandro Trossard was sent off following a second yellow for kicking the ball awayArteta gave the fourth official an earfulArteta couldn’t watch anymore as he covered his faceJeremy Doku escaped punishment for kicking the ball away at 1-1FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFormer Manchester United captain Keane said: “Managers are coming out every week saying every decision is against them. Just come out and accept it. “Deep down he’ll be satisfied with a point. Show a bit of class as the manager of Arsenal.Fans joke Man City need ‘116th charge’ after spotting what Pep Guardiola did in Arsenal pre-match interview”Say he probably deserved the red card, we reacted well and we move on.”That’s the end of it. Take your medicine and move on. Show a bit of class.”Keane later added: “Wouldn’t it be good if a manager came out after a game and just said ‘Yeah, you know what he was a bit silly, it was a yellow card.”Just come out and be big enough… players do daft stuff on a football pitch, come out and show a bit of class.”And say: ‘The referee gave him a chance to send him off. We’re disappointed but we move on’.”But pundits are split on the Doku incident with Keane, and Alan Shearer, later pointing out that the Belgian was asked to pass the ball back towards Declan Rice for a free-kick by Oliver. But Doku hit the ball way past the England international.Arsenal ratings vs Man CityTEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.Here’s how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 9Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol. RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.GABRIEL – 9Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.DECLAN RICE – 7Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.BUKAYO SAKA – 6Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.  KAI HAVERTZ – 7Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.SUBSWHITE – 7(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.KIWIOR – 6(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.JESUS – 6(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutesLEWIS SKELLY – 6(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.Click here to read more on Arsenal.And Paul Merson said: “If Doku can’t play it to Rice he shouldn’t be playing football.“He’s kicking the ball away in my opinion. Rice is there, and he’s kicked it to there. “We’ve got to use a bit of common sense here otherwise we’ll just be sending people off left, right and centre.”It’s the second time this season Arsenal have had a player sent off for delaying the restart after Rice was given his marching orders in a 1-1 draw with Brighton at the Emirates.Arsenal went into half-time 2-1 up after goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel turned the game on its head following Erling Haaland’s early opener – his 100th for the club.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Trossard’s red card changed the game as Arsenal felt compelled to park the bus for 45 minutes as Ben White replaced Bukayo Saka at the break.Arteta’s side were mere seconds away from producing one of the finest defensive performances in Prem history and securing a historic win at the Etihad before John Stones equalised in the 97th minute.John Stones levelled for City at the deathErling Haaland threw the ball at Gabriel’s head after Stones’ last-second equaliser More

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      Two Arsenal stars fail to make a single pass against Man City in never-before-seen Premier League record

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      TWO Arsenal stars broke a never-before-seen Premier League passing record against Manchester City. Arsenal looked on the way to a famous 2-1 victory at the Etihad despite going down to ten men.Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal drew 2-2 with Man CityCredit: ReutersErling Haaland opened the scoring on nine minutes before Riccardo Calafiori sensationally levelled with a left-footed strike. Gabriel then nodded the Gunners ahead from a corner just before the break but there was still time for Leandro Trossard to be shown red. Two yellows saw the Belgium international sent off and Arsenal left with the almighty task of holding onto victory. And they looked on course to doing so up until John Stones’ late leveller EIGHT minutes into added time. READ MORE IN football Forward Kai Havertz was forced to help defensively – as was makeshift full-back Jurrien Timber. And it came at the cost of creativity as neither recorded a single successful pass during the match. It broke an Opta record for outfield players who played 89+ minutes of a Prem match and failed to complete a single pass. Sensationally, it happened twice in the same game as Havertz failed with five attempts and Timber with six. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe points were shared in Manchester as Gunners boss Mikel Arteta hailed his side’s valiant defensive effort. Arteta said: “It’s impossible. It’s very hard already against 11 players, impossible. Furious Pep Guardiola lashes out and kicks chair with Man City stars fuming at Arsenal’s stunning equaliser”Because we are put under pressure to defend with six in our box time and time and time after time. That’s it.”Unbelievable, I’m so proud of them. When you survive like that that many minutes, to concede like that the way we did, because we had to play 97 minutes then 99, I was very disappointed. “But at the same time, I have to be proud of them.”Arteta hailed his side’s defensive effortsCredit: PA More

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      Watch moment Erling Haaland throws ball at Arsenal rival’s head after last-second equaliser in huge Premier League clash

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      ERLING HAALAND rubbed salt into the wounds of Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes by throwing the ball at his HEAD seconds after John Stones’ equaliser.Stones rescued a crucial point for defending champions Manchester City in the 98th minute of their Etihad clash.John Stones broke Arsenal hearts with a 98th minute equaliserCredit: ALAMYThe Gunners were left crestfallen by the last-gasp equaliserCredit: REUTERSErling Haaland rubbed salt into their wounds by throwing the ball at Gabriel Magalhaes’ headCredit: SKY SPORTSThe England defender made it 2-2 in the dying embers of the game by bundling home the ball after it kindly deflected to him in the box.Ten men Arsenal – who defending valiantly – cut crestfallen figures after being denied what would have been a historic victory at Eastlands.And Haaland trolled a dejected Gabriel by bouncing the ball off the back of his head as he raced away to celebrate with his team-mates.His cheeky act didn’t go unnoticed by footie fans, with one writing: “Haaland throwing the ball at Gabriel’s head after the goal hahahahaha.”READ MORE ON CITY VS ARSENALAnother said: “Haaland is an a**hole. Why [did] he throw the ball off that man’s head?”And another said with a series of laughing emojis: “Haaland throwing the ball at Gabriel’s head.”One remarked: “So Haaland is allowed to throw the ball directly into the back of Gabriel’s head while his back is turned without any sort of consequence?”And chimed in: “Haaland throwing the ball at the back of Gabriel’s head to celebrate the goal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCity remained top of the Premier League table thanks to John Stones’ equaliserCredit: REX”This is apparently ok by the refs and VAR.”Haaland lit the blue touch paper in what was a pulsating clash of title challengers in the ninth minute.Furious Pep Guardiola lashes out and kicks chair with Man City stars fuming at Arsenal’s stunning equaliserBut Gunners newboy Riccardo Calafiori drew the visitors level with a sensational finish from outside the box in the 22nd minute.Gabriel headed the visitors into the lead in first-half stoppage time, in which Leandro Trossard saw red for receiving a second booking for time wasting.The North Londoners defended admirably but were ultimately unable to stop the relentless Citizens from breaching their goal for a second time.The draw has left City and the Gunners in first and fourth place in the Prem table with 13 and 11 points to their names respectively. More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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