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      ‘I’m not sure Arsenal wanted him’ – Gary Neville makes bold Mikel Arteta claim

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      GARY NEVILLE has made a bold claim over Mikel Arteta following the flop signing of Raheem Sterling.The Arsenal manager brought in the forward on deadline day last summer to bolster his frontline.Gary Neville has made a bold claim over Arsenal’s Mikel ArtetaCredit: AFPNeville claims that Arteta was the main voice behind signing Raheem SterlingCredit: PAHe has only played 307 minutes in the Premier League this seasonCredit: GettyArsenal are without a striker following injury to Kai HavertzCredit: PASterling, 30, joined the club on loan from Chelsea but has failed to make a notable impression in North London.It was hoped that he would provide quality support and competition to stars such as Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz.However, Sterling has failed to score in all 12 of his Premier League outings for the club.He has only provided one assist in the league and has netted just once, which came in the 5-1 win over Bolton in the EFL Cup.READ MORE ON ARSENALHis struggles on the pitch have seen him get just 844 minutes of playing time this season.Former Manchester United defender Neville has suggested that Sterling was wanted by Arteta.And the eight-time Premier League winner believes that the Spaniard’s failed signing has damaged the board’s trust in him.Neville even claimed that it may have “put off” the club making a move for a striker in January – which they desperately needed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSpeaking on The Overlap with Sky Bet, he said: “Do you know what I think they’ve done? In the last part of the summer transfer window, I’m not sure Arsenal wanted to sign Raheem Sterling.”I’m not sure Arsenal, as a club, wanted him.Nuno thanks the fans after solid defensive performance against ArsenalBenjamin Sesko was heavily linked a move to with North LondonCredit: ReutersAlexander Isak was also a top target for ArsenalCredit: Getty”I think Arteta’s thought Sterling can play in all the positions up top and has basically told the club to get him in as cover.”I think that’s what he said.”He can play across the frontline so Arteta has looked at him as his second or third striker.”They’ve ended up backing him and I think that’s put them off doing another deal in January of the same ilk because they’re thinking ‘we brought Sterling in and Arteta hasn’t really used him’.”Arsenal were heavily linked with the likes of Ollie Watkins, Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak.However, the club opted not to seal a deal for any of the options and put their title hopes in Havertz.The support for the German backfired immediately as he suffered a season-ending injury during Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp.This paired with Gabriel Jesus’ ACL injury has left Arteta without a senior striker in his squad.In recent games, the manager has had to rely on playing midfielder Mikel Merino upfront.He made an instant positive impact with two goals in the role against Leicester City.But since then he and the rest of the team have drawn blanks in the defeat to West Ham and goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo picked up on Arsenal’s lack of firepower.Nuno admitted that he did not feel the need to play a back five against the Gunners due to their lack of a striker.Arteta admitted after the draw to Forest that he is trying to adapt the team to have more threat.He said: “We tried and adapted the quality that we have, how we can help the team to create different things.”To have threats from different qualities, probably they are not about arriving in the box and creating some magic moments, they are other kind of players.”Try to adapt to that and do the best that we can.”Sterling was called upon against Forest as he replaced Ethan Nwaneri in the closing stages.The former Manchester City and Liverpool star only managed six touches and did not muster a single shot.READ MORE SUN STORIESTitle rivals Liverpool have taken full advantage of the misfiring Gunners with back-to-back wins.The Reds beat Manchester City and Newcastle United to extend their lead at the top of the table to 13 points.Arsenal ratings vs Forest as NOBODY looks like scoring for Gunners but Saliba’s a Rolls Royce againMIKEL ARTETA may not have anyone to put the ball in the back of the net but in William Saliba he has one of the best defenders in the Prem.The Arsenal boss watched his side’s faint title hopes go well and truly up in smoke in the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.But his brilliant backline emerged, once again, with credit from this tricky clash at the City Ground.Together with Gabriel, Saliba kept a tight lid on Forest dangerman Chris Wood, who scored a hat-trick in his last appearance on this ground.But the fact the Gunners’ biggest threat at the other end of the pitch came from left-back Riccardo Calafiori – who was subbed off at half-time – says it all about the dire situation Arsenal somehow find themselves in.Here is how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated the Gunners stars’ displays… More

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      ‘I can see him going into that job’ – Ashley Cole tipped for first role in management by former Chelsea team-mate

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      CHELSEA and Arsenal legend Ashley Cole has been tipped for a huge managerial role, despite having no experience.Ashley, 44, is considered by many as the greatest left-back in Premier League history following a stunning career with the Gunners, the Blues and England.Chelsea and Arsenal legend Ashley Cole has been touted as the next Rangers managerCredit: GettyJoe Cole strongly recommends ex-Chelsea team-mate Ashley for the top job at RangersCredit: GettyThe former defender retired in 2019 and crossed over to coaching as he mainly worked as assistant manager for Chelsea and Everton under Frank Lampard as well as Birmingham under Wayne Rooney.The ex-Roma star currently works as assistant boss at England under manager Thomas Tuchel.Ashley has never worked as head coach, but former Chelsea team-mate Joe Cole insists his namesake has what it takes for that role.So much so that Joe, 43, strongly recommended him for the vacant Rangers job following Philippe Clement’s dismissal on Monday.Read More on ChelseaThe pundit believes Ashley would be ideal for the Gers’ top job due to his undying dedication to the game.The ex-Liverpool ace also suggested the legendary full-back would be as successful as Steven Gerrard, who also had no head coach experience before moving to Ibrox.Joe told The Dressing Room Podcast: “Where do they go, Rangers? I’m going to throw a name in there. “He’s our guy, Ashley Cole. I’m going to throw him in. I know he’s got a great job working with the England Under-21s…Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Rangers had such a great spell with Stevie G, another ex-England legend, and I can see Coley going into that job.”I worked with him doing a bit of media in a foreign country. We had the afternoon off and we were sitting on the sunbeds, ordered a couple of drinks, and I’m thinking, ‘This is a good job, Coley, I’m enjoying myself!’Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?”I’m watching the world go by, 90 degrees, and he just gets his laptop out and he’s showing me throw-ins! “The dedication… his dedication to football. We love him. But that would be perfect for him.”Rangers hired club legend Barry Ferguson as interim manager until the end of the season following Clement’s dismissal.The likes of Gerrard, Russell Martin, Lampard, Neil Warnock, Sam Allardyce and David Wagner have all been linked with the top job. More

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      Embarrassed Kate Abdo covers face on live TV as she says Arsenal legend was her celebrity crush

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      KATE ABDO was left red faced after revealing her childhood celebrity crush as none other than Arsenal legend Ian Wright.The presenter was hosting the broadcaster’s Champions League coverage alongside Micah Richards, Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher.Kate Abdo was left red faced after revealing her childhood celebrity crushCredit: CBSCarragher, Henry and Richards were all left shocked with Abdo’s revelationCredit: CBSThe latest clip to come off the CBS production line shows the pundits each discussing their old celebrity crushes.As ever, the much-loved quartet had provided some unexpected, but hilarious, answers.Carragher, Henry and Richards pressed Abdo for her puppy love, before she blurted: “I already said, Ian Wright!”The trio of former footballers were left genuinely shocked, causing Abdo to squirm in her chair and hide away behind her cards in embarrassment.READ MORE ON ARSENALAn animated Richards kept repeating: “You didn’t say that! Hold on.”Carragher added: “Wait. I thought he was your favourite pundit.”While Henry – who fans have long joked has a crush on Abdo – simply gasped: “Wow. Now we know”.The pick of the bunch from the three pundits came from Carragher.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Liverpool legend’s answer of Sheila Grant from 80s TV show Brookside was met with a fit of laughter from others in the studio.Richards went with American actress Jessica Alba and said he might dive into her DMs now that she’s split from husband Cash Warren.Watch Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s hilarious reaction after being called out by boxing champ Oleksandr UsykArsenal legend Ian Wright was Abdo’s celebrity crushCredit: GettyHenry picked Daisy Duke, who is a fictional character, played by Catherine Bach, from the US series The Dukes of Hazzard.Abdo tied the knot with former pro US boxer Malik Scott in an intimate wedding ceremony last September.Last year, Carragher’s awkward “loyalty” joke caused carnage.The incident occurred during coverage of Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Porto at the Emirates in March 2024.In a skit involving a Gunners shirt, Abdo stated that she wouldn’t wear it because she is “loyal” to Manchester United.Carragher then made a quip about her Scott, saying “not to Malik”, prompting her to ask: “Why would you even ask that?”Fans cringed and hit out at the former Liverpool defender for his ‘unfunny’ comment which uncomfortably missed the mark.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Abdo patched things up soon after and accepted Carragher’s apology after initially “feeling hurt” by it.Abdo subsequently addressed the incident live on TV 24 hours later, delivering an hilarious ‘brotherly’ put-down to Carragher.Sheila Corkhill (second right) is a fictional character from British soap opera Brookside, played by Sue Johnston More

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      ‘We’re going to have a situation…’ – Ian Wright fears THREE Arsenal superstars could run down contract, including Saka

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      IAN WRIGHT has serious fears over the futures of three Arsenal stars – who he reckons could RUN DOWN their contracts with the club.The North Londoners’ slim hopes of winning their first Premier League title since the 2003-04 season went up in smoke last weekend as they fell 11 points behind table-toppers Liverpool thanks to a 1-0 defeat to West Ham.Arsenal’s slim title hopes went up in smoke against West HamCredit: GettyThe contract of crocked winger Bukayo Saka expires in the summer of 2027Credit: ReutersAs do the current deals Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba are onCredit: GettyThe ending of the Gunners’ title hopes comes just weeks after manager Mikel Arteta failed to land a new striker to alleviate his attacking woes.The decision prompted many of the Emirates faithful, including Wright, to question the club’s ambitions in the transfer market.And Wright believes a continued lack of ambition could prompt stars Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba to hold off signing new deals.During the latest episode of Wrighty’s House podcast, he said: “When you’re talking about renewals with certain players, Saka, Gabriel [Magalhaes], Saliba, the way they’re moving now, I bet those renewals are all going to be slow.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”We’re going to have a situation maybe like Liverpool with Trent, Salah and Virgil.”If I’m one of these players, and their teams are going to be saying, ‘Let’s wait and see, we’ve got two years left so let’s wait and see who they get in the summer.”‘I know the manager has signed again but let’s wait and see.'”If they’re not going to get the kind of players that take us to the next step, look at Saliba. Real Madrid would take him tomorrow.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Why not wait and see what’s going on in the summer to see the kind of players and calibre of player we’re signing. This is what the people upstairs need to be careful of.”Wright, the Gunners’ former all-time leading goalscorer, believes his fears are also shared by Arteta.Mikel Arteta lays into Arsenal flops after defeat to West Ham derails Premier League title bidHe continued: “I’m sure Mikel will have told them that because he’s probably got the same kind of ambition.”‘If you’re not going to give me the kind of players I need, I’m not going to be able to keep the players I’ve got here that are our best players, who are now running down their contracts.”We haven’t even got into that conversation yet about these players.”This summer and who comes is f***ing vitally important to these players.”‘There’s a lot going on right now that needs to be unpacked by these people upstairs and they better get it right. They better get it right.”Magalhaes, Saka and Saliba’s respective multi-million-pound contracts at the Emirates all expire in the summer of 2027.Arsenal will be back in action on Wednesday night, travelling to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest.Ian Wright fears Arsenal’s current crop of stars could run down their contracts if things don’t changeCredit: PA More

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      Arsenal are more mentality muppets than monsters and you can see why fans have major reservations over Mikel Arteta

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      JURGEN KLOPP described his never-say-die Liverpool team as mentality monsters.So what are Arsenal under Mikel Arteta?Mikel Arteta’s side appear to be out of the title raceArsenal lost 1-0 to West Ham when it mattered most on SaturdayOn the back of this latest title collapse, they are English football’s mentality muppets.Saturday’s abject display at the Emirates was surely confirmation the club’s wait for a title, which now stands at 21 years, will continue.It is Arsenal’s longest gap for a title post-war and you have to wonder if Arteta is actually capable of getting them over the line.This was their first Premier League defeat in 16 matches and only the third of the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut this was an absolute must-win and Arsenal bottled it just when they needed to show some b******s. You can see why Arteta was so angry afterwards. Conspiracy theorists — and there are certainly a few of them about — will complain about Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card, their fifth of the season, with the team dropping ten points in those games.Incredibly, this was the 20th sending-off in the top flight under Arteta, so it is absurd to blame the officials for all of them.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal have had some bad decisions go against them this term and Lewis-Skelly’s foul on Mohammed Kudus was on the halfway line.But it was still a red card.  Arteta has spent over £600million, so he has been backed heavily by the club.Arsenal player ratings vs West Ham (1)The decision not to sign a No 9 in the summer — or in January — was obviously ludicrous.It would have helped. But looking at this current team, you have to wonder whether that will have solved all their problems because there are just so many flaky  players in this squad.Due to the spectacular fall of Manchester City, this season was a great opportunity for Arteta.You can see why some of the club’s fans are now having major reservations over their manager.He will be given even more cash next summer. But if Arsenal find themselves in a similar situation in 12 months’ time, then the club may consider a change – even though it would break  hearts.Arteta has been hit badly by injuries this season which is why the team have gone backwards.And maybe they can still deliver something magical in the Champions League.Yet Liverpool suffered unbelievably bad luck last term with  injuries and, while they fell away in the league, Klopp’s team somehow managed to win the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea — even though they ended the game with a bunch of teenagers.Jarrod Bowen’s goal all but ended Arsenal’s title dreamsJurgen Klopp described his never-say-die Liverpool team as mentality monstersArsenal’s approach to the West Ham game was completely wrong. There was a lack of belief, desire and intensity, as well as quality.Equally, the visitors defended superbly and new boss Graham Potter seems a perfect fit.Over the last couple of seasons, the atmosphere at the Emirates has been superb, the best since the move to the stadium in 2006.Yet there was no buzz before or during this game. And it seemed as though the supporters were resigned to their team’s fate.Mikel Merino was the two-goal hero against Leicester a week earlier in his first ever-game as a central striker.You can see why Arteta started him in this position owing to the lack of options but the Spaniard looked lost up front.The defending for the opening goal from Jarrod Bowen before half-time was embarrassing, with Riccardo Calafiori deciding not to bother to stop a cross from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.Calafiori, a £42m summer buy from Bologna, is still adjusting to the Prem but this display was just not good enough.Arteta’s decision to relegate Lewis-Skelly to the bench was curious, particularly as he was also substituted at Leicester just minutes after he delivered a stunning goal-saving intervention.The one positive was the sight of defender Ben White returning to action after three months out.READ MORE SUN STORIESNow Arteta must lift his team for Wednesday’s tricky trip to Nottingham Forest.And at the very least, Arsenal’s players need to start showing that they actually care.Arsenal player ratings vs West HamMYLES Lewis-Skelly’s second red card of 2025 appeared to put the final nail in Arsenal’s title dreams and any chances of them catching Liverpool.The Gunners lost 1-0 to West Ham and failed to respond to Jarrod Bowen’s opener on the brink of half-time.The Hammers’ wall stood firm as Arsenal registered just two shots on target before Lewis-Skelly’s last-man foul on Mohammed Kudus was upgraded to a red after ref Craig Pawson went to the monitor.And Liverpool fans will breathe a sigh of relief given their recent dip in form as Arsenal remain EIGHT points behind Arne Slot’s men.Here SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rates every Arsenal player from the Emirates Stadium.DAVID RAYA – 5Declan Rice indicated to Raya that he expected him to come off his line to deal with the cross for the goal.Maybe he had a point but ultimately, Raya was let down by his defenders.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6West Ham did not offer much of a threat down their left so Timber had a reasonably comfortable game while he did try and get forward. WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Was ordered by Mikel Arteta to push forward more in the second half when Arsenal had possession and in the closing stages, seemed to spend more of his time in West Ham’s area.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Switched off for the Bowen goal but he was not the only one. Also found the impressive Kudus tough to handle when he cut inside.Guilty of delivering an abysmal cross late in the game when Arsenal needed a bit of quality.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 4A poor performance. Given the nod ahead of Lewis-Skelly but badly at fault for the opening goal as he did not get close enough to Aaron Wan-Bissaka who delivered the cross to Bowen.Was replaced after he kept losing the ball.DECLAN RICE – 5Not a day he will want to remember against his former club and he got plenty of stick from West Ham’s fans, as you would expect.Wasted one chance before the break and failed to track Bowen for the goal. Substituted shortly into the second half which was a surprise.THOMAS PARTEY – 5A sluggish performance from Partey whose passing was also poor. Lucky not to be replaced.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Had a fascinating battle with West Ham teenager Ollie Scaries, who  was making his first Premier League start.Nwaneri was excellent at Leicester but had less success against his fellow youngster although still had some bright moments.But, at least he has a bit of a spark unlike some of his more experienced team-mates. The 17-year-old sparked concern when he came off injured in the final 10.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5Not having his best season at Arsenal. This was the sort of game Arsenal needed their captain to deliver a moment of inspiration but he failed to do so. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5Not a surprise that he was not used as a false nine like that disastrous experiment against Leicester.But he had no joy against the impressive Wan-Bissaka.MIKEL MERINO – 5Was the two-goal hero in his first ever appearance as a substitute striker at Leicester but had no success against West Ham’s well-drilled defence.He looked lost out there as the makeshift No 9.SUBS:Myles Lewis-Skelly (for Calafiori 56 minutes) – 4Got a red card – Arsenal’s fifth of the campaign – and although he was a long way out could have no complaints.Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Rice 56 minutes) – 6Raheem Sterling (for Nwaneri 81 minutes) – N/ABen White (for Saliba 87 minutes) – 5Was handed his first Premier League minutes since returning to the squad for last week’s Leicester win. Subs not used: Neto, Tierney, Kiwior, Jorginho, Butler-Oyedeji. More

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      Forgotten former £17million Arsenal striker joins PSV on free transfer just weeks before Champions League tie

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      EX-ARSENAL ace Lucas Perez has made the 14th transfer of his career to the 12th different club after signing for PSV Eindhoven.The 36-year-old sealed a free transfer to the Eredivisie giants just weeks before the two sides face off in the last-16 of the Champions League.Lucas Perez has sealed the 14th transfer of his career by signing for PSVIt comes weeks before Arsenal are due to play the Dutch club, though he cannot be registered to face his old clubCredit: PA:Empics SportHe has signed for PSV after unexpectedly terminating his contract at Deportivo La Coruna in JanuaryCredit: GettyArsenal secured their passage after finishing in the top eight of the new league phase of the competition, while PSV stunned Juventus with a 4-3 aggregate victory in the knockout play-offs.The first leg of the clash will be played in the Netherlands on March 4, with the Emirates playing host to the second leg on March 12.And just weeks before the tie the Dutch club have brought in a familiar face for Arsenal fans.However, Perez will not be eligible to play against the Gunners due to the registration date for the competition passing on February 6.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPerez had been a free agent after unexpectedly ripping up his Deportivo La Coruna contract in January for personal reasons.The Spanish striker has now signed a short-term contract to the end of the season to sign with PSV, where he will wear the No.27 shirt.In a statement, he said: “I can’t wait to show myself to the fans and my new team-mates. “I am very ambitious and am looking forward to delivering many goals and assists. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”My first impression of the club is very good, I get energy from the people I have already met.”PSV were on top of it right away and did everything they could to bring me to Eindhoven.‘Second again, ole ole’ – Brutal West Ham fans taunt Arsenal with three cheeky chants after stunning the Emirates”That did me a lot of good. Unfortunately, it took a bit longer than planned before a final agreement was reached, due to personal reasons on my part. “I found a solution for that and I am very grateful for the fact that the PSV management remained so patient.”He will join the team’s training group on Monday to work under Peter Bosz.The veteran added: “I am extremely driven to help this club achieve its other objectives, including winning the national title and national cup.””I have worked very hard in recent weeks, both on and off the field. I am more than ready to prove myself here.”Perez originally joined Arsenal in 2016 in a £17million transfer from Deportivo.But he never managed to truly settle in North London despite having a solid record when playing, with seven goals and five assists in 21 games in all competitions.Arsenal loaned Perez back to his hometown club, Deportivo in August 2017 before they sold him to West Ham the following summer.He scored six goals in 19 appearances for the Hammers before they sold him a summer later to Spanish side Alaves.Perez then bounced around from Elche to Cadiz and back to Deportivo for the fourth time in his career.READ MORE SUN STORIESOverall he has scored 62 goals and added 53 assists in 172 games for the Spanish side.His other clubs include Atletico Madrid C, Rayo Vallecano B, Rayo Vallecano, Karpaty Lviv, Dynamo Kyiv (where he never made an appearance), and PAOK Saloniki before signing for Deportivo.Perez also played for West Ham during his time in EnglandCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil makes shock career change after retiring from football

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      FORMER Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has made a shock career change after retiring from football.The German-born Wold Cup winner has entered the world of POLITICS.Mesut Ozil has made a shock career change after retiring from footballOzil  made 244 appearances for the Gunners between 2013 and 2021Ozil has been a longtime supporter of Turkish president Recep Tayyip ErdoganOzil has become a member of Turkey’s ruling AK Party’s central council at a congress meeting in Ankara.The legendary midfielder was one of 39 new appointees into a key decision-making body called the Central Decision and Executive Board (MKYK).Ozil, who ended his club career in 2023 with Istanbul Basaksehir, has been a longtime supporter of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.Tens of thousands gathered in a sports hall congress as Erdogan secured his ninth re-election as AKP’s leader.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe congress was attended by 31 representatives from 16 political parties across 13 countries, along with 62 ambassadors and 34 mission representativesIn 2019, Ozil chose Conservative leader Erdogan as the best man at his wedding to Amine Gulse, a former Miss Turkey.But his association with Erdogan has previously sparked controversy.A 2018 photo of Ozil and fellow German star Ilkay Gundogan alongside Erdogan triggered a political backlash in Germany.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOzil, previously held up as a symbol of a multicultural Germany, retired from the German national team soon after.He said: “I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose.”Mesut Ozil shows off incredible body transformation in new video as ex-Arsenal star takes fans inside insane workoutsThe third-generation Turkish-German was born in Gelsenkirchen and was a key member of his country’s 2014 World Cup-winning side.He won 92 caps and was voted the national team’s player of the year five times since 2011 by fans.Now, with his political career taking shape, Ozil is set to play a new role within Turkish politics under Erdogan’s leadership.But in his prime, he was regarded as one of football’s best playmakers.Ozil scooped trophies with Werder Bremen, Madrid and Arsenal during a glittering club career.His incredible body transformation made headlines last September.He wowed fans when he lifted up his top to show his ripped six-pack, captioning an Instagram post: “1 year very hard work.”READ MORE SUN STORIESReacting to the body transformation, one follower wrote: “Animal.”Another added: “Bro is going to WWE.”Ozil’s sensational body transformation made headlines last SeptemberThe German has undergone a crazy body transformation More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Ricardo Calafiori hooked for constantly losing the ball as Mikel Merino looks lost as a striker

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      MYLES Lewis-Skelly’s second red card of 2025 appeared to put the final nail in Arsenal’s title dreams and any chances of them catching Liverpool.The Gunners simply didn’t turn up and failed to respond to Jarrod Bowen’s opener on the brink of half-time.Jarrod Bowen gave the visitors the lead with a diving headerCredit: PAMyles Lewis-Skelly was handed his second red card of the seasonMikel Arteta’s side remain eight points behind table toppers LiverpoolAnd Liverpool fans will breathe a sigh of relief given their recent dip in form as Arsenal remain EIGHT points behind Arne Slot’s men.The Hammers’ wall stood firm as Arsenal registered just two shots on target before Lewis-Skelly’s last-man foul on Mohammed Kudus was upgraded to a red after ref Craig Pawson went to the monitor. Mikel Arteta looked heartbroken to see the 18-year-old – who had only been on the pitch for 17 minutes – given his marching orders again – just weeks after he was sent off at Wolves.That one was rescinded by the Prem a few days later, but today’s incident won’t be, as midfielder Mikel Merino looked lost as a makeshift No 9.READ MORE ON ARSENALHere SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rates every Arsenal player from the Emirates Stadium.DAVID RAYA – 5Declan Rice indicated to Raya that he expected him to come off his line to deal with the cross for the goal. Maybe he had a point but ultimately, Raya was let down by his defenders.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6West Ham did not offer much of a threat down their left so Timber had a reasonably comfortable game while he did try and get forward. Most read in FootballWILLIAM SALIBA – 6Was ordered by Arteta to push forward more in the second half when Arsenal had possession and in the closing stages, seemed to spend more of his time in West Ham’s area.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Switched off for the Bowen goal but he was not the only one.  Also found the impressive Kudus tough to handle when he cut inside. Guilty of delivering an abysmal cross late in the game when Arsenal needed a bit of quality.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 4A poor performance. Given the nod ahead of Lewis-Skelly but badly at fault for the opening goal as he did not get close enough to Aaron Wan-Bissaka who delivered the cross to Bowen. Was replaced after he kept losing the ball.DECLAN RICE – 5Not a day he will want to remember against his former club and plenty of stick from West Ham’s fans, as you would expect. Wasted one chance before the break and failed to track Bowen for the goal. Substituted shortly into the second half which was a surprise.Declan Rice endured a torrid afternoon against his former sideCredit: PATHOMAS PARTEY – 5A sluggish performance from Partey whose passing was also poor. Lucky not to be replaced.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Had a fascinating battle with West Ham teenager Ollie Scaries, who  was making his first Premier League start. Nwaneri was excellent at Leicester but had less success against his fellow youngster although still had some bright moments.But, at least he has a bit of a spark unlike some of his more experienced team-mates. The 17-year-old sparked concern after coming off injured in the final 10.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5Not having his best season at Arsenal. This was the sort of game Arsenal needed their captain to deliver a moment of inspiration but he failed to do so. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5Not a surprise that he was not used as a false nine like that disastrous experiment against Leicester. But he had no joy against the impressive Wan-Bissaka.MIKEL MERINO – 5Was the two-goal hero in his first ever appearance as a substitute striker at Leicester but had no success against West Ham’s well-drilled defence. He looked lost.READ MORE SUN STORIESSubs: Zinchenko (for Rice 56 minutes) – 6Lewis-Skelly (for Calafiori 56 minutes) – 4Got a red card – Arsenal’s fifth of the campaign – and although he was a long way out could have no complaints.Sterling (for Nwaneri 81 minutes) – N/AWhite (for Saliba 87 minutes) – 5.Subs not used: Neto, Tierney, Kiwior, Jorginho, Butler-Oyedeji. More