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      Real Madrid star Federico Valverde reveals he had decided to join Arsenal before being handed Gunners transfer snub

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      REAL MADRID star Federico Valverde revealed he decided to join Arsenal before being turned down by the club.The midfielder has been a key part of Carlo Ancelotti’s side for the past few years, but he could have been playing in the Premier League.Federico Valverde trained with Arsenal ten years agoCredit: RexHe trained with Arsenal ten years ago and felt at home at London Colney.Valverde, 26, was welcomed by the likes of Emi Martinez and Alexis Sanchez and he claims he saw a future at the club – only to be rejected by the Gunners.He told Marca: “I was 16. I said: ‘That’s it. This is my club. I’m going to grow here.”In Uruguay, the Premier League was watched a lot. I imagined a future there. READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I enjoyed it and I trained with spectacular players. “I don’t know if he’ll remember me, but Dibu [Emi Martinez] was one of the ones who helped me the most in everything, along with [Hector] Bellerín, Alexis [Sanches] and [Santi] Cazorla. I didn’t know English and they had to explain all the work to me.”Valverde was playing for Uruguayn side Penarol at the time and he went on to join Real Madrid two years later.He has 275 appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring 24 times, while winning plenty of silverware.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSValverde has three LaLiga titles to his name as well as two Champions League victories.He was also subject to a £51million bid from Liverpool last summer, which was rejected.’He bottled it,’ squeals Neville as Carragher gives updated title prediction More

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      Mikel Arteta warned Arsenal stars need spirit of Invincibles in hearts and minds to keep Prem title dream alive

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      ARSENAL Invincible Gilberto Silva has warned Mikel Arteta’s stuttering title-chasers: “Every game is a final now.”The Gunners are already NINE points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after suffering from injuries and three controversial red cards in their first 11 league games.Mikel Arteta’s side must treat every game like a ‘final’ nowArsenal Invincible Gilberto Silva believes his former side can get back on trackSilva believes Arsenal will need Invincible spirit to win trophies this seasonBrazilian World Cup winner Gilberto believes his former club can still overhaul Arne Slot’s Reds and Manchester City — but only if they show the right mentality.Gilberto was a key member of Arsenal’s last title-winning team 20 years ago, when Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles went the entire Prem season unbeaten.And he insists it is what players have in their hearts and minds that will determine who ends up as champions.The 89-cap Selecao star said: “Arsenal have great players, they are a great team.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“But great teams do not always win titles. We have seen this before. Sometimes giving 100 per cent is not enough.“You need to have something extra to put on the table — an extra ten per cent. And that extra comes from your heart and mind.“You have to have a strong heart. You have to leave everything on the field.“Mikel’s players have shown great spirit, but if they want to win they need to give a bit more than they have because they are up against very big competitors.Most read in FootballArsenal have suffered three red cards in 11 games this seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“They have to be better than them on the field,  in their minds and in their hearts — in every game.“So every game is a final now. Every day is one to battle and not let your opponents be better than you.”’He bottled it,’ squeals Neville as Carragher gives updated title predictionArsenal have dropped SEVEN points in the three games they have been reduced to ten men.They drew 1-1 against Brighton after Declan Rice was sent off by Chris Kavanagh after being adjudged to have delayed the restart and 2-2 at Manchester City when Leandro Trossard was dismissed by Michael Oliver for the same offence.A 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth followed after VAR Jarred Gillett’s intervention led to William Saliba’s yellow card being upgraded to red for denying Evanilson a goal- scoring opportunity.The Gunners have also badly missed skipper Martin Odegaard after he injured ankle ligaments playing for Norway in the Nations League  in September.He returned to the Gunners’ starting line-up in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea, laying on Gabriel Martinelli’s opener.But Arsenal have now been hit by injuries to winger Bukayo Saka, £105million midfielder Declan Rice. Bukayo Saka has been in and out of the medical room this seasonWinger Saka picked up a leg injury against the Blues and Rice has been playing with a broken toe, so both pulled out of Lee Carsley’s England squad.Ben White has had surgery on a knee problem and fellow defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also sidelined.The Gunners next play on Saturday against high-flying Nottingham Forest.Gilberto, who also won the FA Cup twice at Arsenal, added: “Red cards and injuries always affect you. “They cause disruption. You have to change the squad, change the system if players are not available.“Odegaard has been an important miss because he is the playmaker and captain.“Now he has returned I am hoping he can contribute as he did before. It is important not to drop silly points because they can impact your whole season, especially if you aspire to be champions.“But Arsenal must forget about the points they have already lost because they are gone, you cannot get them back.“You have to go game by game, point by point.”Martin Odegaard returned to start against Chelsea in the Prem last time outAsked what extra ingredient Wenger’s incredible 2003-04 side had, Gilberto replied: “We did not accept losing. That was key to that season.“But our squad had some world champions, myself, Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, plus other guys who had done great jobs for their national teams.”In that Invincible season, Arsenal also reached the FA Cup and Carling Cup semi- finals and Champions League quarter-finals, before being beaten by Manchester United, Middlesbrough and Chelsea respectively.Gilberto added: “I don’t want to compare our squad to Mikel’s. “His players have real quality, but it’s what they can bring extra to their game that could make a difference to beat any team they face.“Mikel is doing a great job. It’s his team now, his players. And they believe in him. But it’s about their mindset. “They have to think: ‘The opposition cannot beat us in the mind and  in the heart. We are going to give everything’.”Gilberto went undefeated in the league with Arsenal in 2003-04Gilberto also believes it is vital Arsenal win a trophy this season — even if it’s only the Carabao Cup.They host Crystal Palace in next month’s quarter-final with City, winners six times in the last ten, already knocked out.And he added: “I would love Arsenal to win the Premier League, it’s been too long. But, yes, it is important to get some silverware.”  Gilberto made 244 appearances during his six years at the club, but is set to pull on his boots again tomorrow, alongside fellow Brazilian World Cup winner Roberto Carlos.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey will play in a ‘united against suicide’ charity match at Lewes FC to raise money for the Campaign Against Living Miserably.A fan will be plucked from the crowd  to coach for ten minutes. And Gilberto said: “It is a very important project.”Arsenal and Edu resignation statement in fullEdu Gaspar has today resigned from his position as our Sporting Director.Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of Technical Director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to Sporting Director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s and academy football.   We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart. Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.”Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.  “I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. “Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”Our Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.  “Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.  “Change and evolution is a part of our club.  We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.” More

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      Paul Pogba finally free to make Prem return as Juventus rip up ex-Man Utd star’s contract with blunt 34-word statement

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      JUVENTUS have ripped up Paul Pogba’s contract after his recent doping ban.Pogba, 31, was initially handed a four-year ban from football for a doping offence, before the suspension was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.Paul Pogba and Juventus reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contractCredit: GettyEx-Manchester United star Pogba’s future is currently uncertainCredit: APIt meant he was able to return to training with Juve from January and could have played as soon as March.However, the Bianconeri and the former Manchester United star have mutually decided to terminate his contract.The Serie A giants confirmed the news with a short and blunt 34-word statement that stated Pogba will become a free agent on November 30.It read: “Juventus Football Club and Paul Pogba announce that they have reached a mutual agreement for the termination of their contract as of 30 November, 2024.Read More on Football”The club wishes Paul the very best for his professional future.”Pogba, 31, tested positive for banned substance DHEA — which naturally boosts testosterone production — in August 2023.The former Manchester United star claimed he took it by accident.But the Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office dismissed Pogba’s pleas and handed him a four-year ban in February — effectively ending the French World Cup winner’s playing career.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, Pogba was handed a major lifeline this month after taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.They reduced his ban from four years to 18 months.Paul Pogba ban reducedPogba’s future is currently unknown but the ex-France star appears keen to return at top level and that has sparked immense speculation about a potential Premier League return.And Arsenal heroes Emmanuel Petit and Bacary Sagna have urged their former club to sign the midfielder.Petit claims his fellow Frenchman would make a perfect addition to Mikel Arteta’s side due to his motivation to “wash his name”.Sagna, on the other hand, argues Pogba would be bringing a lot of Premier League experience combined with a “desire” to start fresh.The ex-France captain issued a touching farewell message to Juventus fans after his contract was terminated.Pogba posted on Instagram: “There are moments when things don’t go the way we want, but one thing is certain: the bond I have with you, dear fans, will remain unforgettable. READ MORE SUN STORIES”You have given me so much, more than I can put into words, and I will always carry with me all the affection you gave me. “You’ll be in my heart, aways. Good luck @juventus.”What is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket. More

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      Inside Arsenal’s January transfer plans with defence hit by injuries and Gunners still without a centre-forward

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      ARSENAL are unlikely to be busy in the January transfer window – despite their injury woes so far this season.Ben White could be out for around six weeks after undergoing a minor procedure on a troublesome knee that has hampered his playing time this term.Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have been hit by a flurry of early-season injuriesCredit: ReutersBen White is facing a fitness battle over the next few weeksCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard’s return against Chelsea was a huge positive for the GunnersCredit: GettyDepending on his recovery, the right-back’s return may be sooner than hoped. But he remains in a battle to feature over the crucial festive period.Gunners defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also fighting to be back fully fit before December with knee injuries.Italian international Calafiori is targeting a comeback in the next few weeks.READ MORE ON ARSENAL NEWSWhile Japanese full-back Tomiyasu’s timeline remains up in the air after suffering several set-backs following his pre-season knock.SunSport understands Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal board are currently not targeting recruitments this winter to cope with any further potential absences.Managing Director Richard Garlick made a routine trip to the United States this week to meet with owner Stan Kroenke and co-chair Josh Kroenke.The meeting was to plan for next summer’s window – and was held without Sporting Director Edu after his resignation last week.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYet the club’s policy remains that January is a reactive window instead of an active one.Arsenal’s last big splurge in a January window came in the 2022/23 campaign.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problemThey splashed the cash two years ago on Brighton’s Leandro Trossard, Chelsea’s Jorginho and Spezia’s Jakub Kiwior for around £40m.Arteta’s injury worries have softened over the past few weeks with skipper Martin Odegaard returning to action. Mikel Merino [shoulder], Jurrien Timber [knee] and Gabriel [knee] have also proved their fitness.Arsenal and Edu resignation statement in fullEdu Gaspar has today resigned from his position as our Sporting Director.Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of Technical Director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to Sporting Director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s and academy football.   We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart. Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.”Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.  “I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. “Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”Our Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.  “Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.  “Change and evolution is a part of our club.  We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”Arsenal made several moves in the summer, including a permanent £27m deal for keeper David Raya after his season-long loan spell from Brentford. They also signed Calafiori for £42m and spent £32.6m to bring in Merino from Real Sociedad. READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal ratings v ChelseaHere’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:David Raya – 7Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.Ben White – 5Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.William Saliba – 6Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.Jurrien Timber – 6Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.Thomas Partey – 6Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.Declan Rice – 6Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.Martin Odegaard – 7Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.Bukayo Saka – 5Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.Kai Havertz – 6Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head.Deadline Day loan moves for back-up keeper Neto and Raheem Sterling helped provide competition among the squad. There were also big sales of academy stars Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham and Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace, as well as keeper Aaron Ramsdale’s switch to Southampton. More

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      Alexander Isak breaks silence on Arsenal transfer speculation after ‘breakdown in Newcastle contract talks’

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      ALEXANDER ISAK has broke his silence on rumours he might leave Newcastle.The striker scored 25 goals in 40 games last season, with his form catching the eye of some other of Europe’s top clubs like Arsenal.Alexander Isak has lifted the lid on his Newcastle futureCredit: RexThere were preliminary contract talks in the summer, but they went no further and there are no plans to reopen discussions. This led to reports of a “breakdown” between Isak and Newcastle.But SunSport understands neither the player or the club see a new contract as a top priority as his deal does not expire until 2028.Isak has now had his say, telling The Chronicle: “Throughout my career, I have never talked about or really commented on the move rumours during the season. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There have been many such years where it has been talked about. It does not affect me.“I am commenting on my situation in Newcastle and I have never had any problem there. “I am fully focused on my task there and that we will have a fantastic season. “There are still great opportunities for that. I have no thoughts about anything else.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The only thing I can say is that a lot of information and rumours often come out but much of what I read is not true.”That is about all I can say about the whole thing.”Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelIsak has scored five goals in 11 games this season and is believed to still be wanted by Arsenal.Newcastle could demand more than £100million for the 25-year-old Swede, who they signed for £63m from Real Sociedad in 2022. More

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      Beth Mead says Arsenal are “moving in the right direction” under interim women’s team boss Renee Slegers

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      BETH MEAD reckons Renee Slegers has been a “breath of fresh air” for Arsenal ahead of their Champions duel with Juventus tomorrow. The Gunners star, 29, was speaking before their 5:45pm clash with the Serie A side with Slegers taking charge of the side for the second time in the contest. Beth Mead says Arsenal work with Renee Slegers on “small details” in the final third has been positiveCredit: GettyThe Gunners are hoping to win their third group stage game when they take on Juventus awayCredit: GettyMead and her team-mates have registered three wins and a draw in the WSL and the Champions since Slegers became interim bossCredit: GettyThe Dutch coach, 35, was handed the responsibility of being Arsenal Women’s interim boss after former gaffer Jonas Eidevall resigned last month.Before she took charge the Gunners endured a tough start in the WSL this term and their first group stage outing in the Champion League.Results included a hefty 5-2 loss to Bayern in Munich in Europe and three winless games at the Emirates that preceded Eidevall’s exit.Since then, the team have gone unbeaten under Slegers, winning three of their last four games across all competitions including a 5-0 trouncing of Brighton in the WSL. Read More Football StoriesMead, who broke the deadlock in that game four nights ago, said: “It’s been a breath of fresh air with Renee and I’ve been enjoying it so far. “We’ve been working really hard alongside Renee in training. “We’ve really tried to hone in on the small things that we’re not getting quite right in front of goal at the moment. “Sometimes those small details can win you games and that’s what we did (on Friday).Most read in Football”We’re heading in the right direction and it puts us in good stead for Tuesday night and we’re looking forward to that challenge.”Slegers, who is interim head coach until at least the November international break, guided Arsenal to a 4-1 defeat of Valerenga last month in the Champions League. The head coach has refused to be drawn on whether she would consider the role on a permanent basis. Former Manchester City Women’s boss Nick Cushing had been heavily linked with the job last month. However Cushing, who manages New York City FC, dismissed the speculation and stated he will be with the MLS side in 2025. Before joining the Gunners’ as their women’s team assistant Slegers was head coach of Rosengard from She led the side to back-to-back top-flight title wins in Sweden 2021 and 2022. When asked if she would like to see Slegers remain at Arsenal, Mead added: “In some capacity. “We love having Renee here and will be happy with whatever she chooses to do.Juventus are good form having won eight of their nine top-flight games in Serie A this seasonCredit: Getty”We’ve worked with Renee for quite a while now in different roles to the one she’s in now.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think she’s taken to it like a duck to water. “It’s been easy for us as a group. We know what she gives us and the confidence she gives us.” More

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      Frustrated Mikel Arteta admits misfiring Arsenal are suffering ‘engine trouble’ with title hopes hit by more injury woes

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      MIKEL ARTETA fears “engine trouble” is damaging Arsenal’s drive for a first Premier League title in 21 years.Blowing the lead at Chelsea means they now sit nine points behind leaders Liverpool with no wins from the last four league games.Mikel Arteta says injuries have forced him to chop and changeCredit: GettyArsenal’s star Englishmen Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka went offCredit: RexAt least Arteta welcomed back playmaker Martin OdegaardCredit: GettyAnd boss Arteta reckons injuries to key players are forcing him to chop and change so much that the season is stalling.The Spaniard said: “We had a very clear intention of what we could do as a team and that was about making the pieces in the car much better, more efficient and unpredictable.”But what we found out was that every day we had to change something big – the engine, the wheels or the steering wheel because we have problem after problem.“There’s nothing that we can do about that. What I’m praying is that after the international break we have the team fully physically equipped.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“That they are available and that they are fit, because it’s been a nightmare for eight weeks.“Doubt after doubt, issue after issue, not only with the ones that are not able to play, but with the ones who are able to play only for certain moments and not able to play.“So I’m just asking that, because the desire the team has and how much we want it there’s no question. It’s going to come. We just need that on our side to be more consistent.“When it gets nasty, show your teeth and show how much you want it.Most read in FootballAs Arsenal’s form dips through injuries, Arteta himself took a slide, as he fell over in despair after a last-gasp Leandro Trossard missCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”When it’s Disneyland it’s very easy. Everybody’s next to you, telling you how beautiful you are. When it gets dark and difficult and everybody’s questioning it, that’s when I want to see people.”Arteta himself took to tumbling over – accidentally crashing to the floor in frustration after Leandro Trossard wasted a gaping chance at the deathChelsea Player Ratings vs ArsenalArteta’s woes worsened when his England duo Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka asked to come off with knocks.He has welcomed back skipper Martin Odegaard to help Arsenal ‘flow’ again but also blames lack of concentration for letting the lead slip.They did the same twice in the same game against title rivals Liverpool last month.Gabriel Martinelli put Arsenal ahead on 60 minutes only for Pedro Neto to smash a stunning equaliser ten minutes later.Arteta said: “I’m very disappointed with how we conceded their goal. That’s nowhere near the standards of our defensive habits, how we allowed it.“The moment you give space and time to any of their players with the quality that they have you’re going to get punished, so that’s not bad luck.“That’s not very much like us. I think today in that sense with the way we conceded, we have to fault ourselves. “That’s something that we have to do better, especially when you’re not scoring two or three goals and, at the moment, we are not.“I’m disappointed with the result because I think we deserved more. And at the same time very proud of the team for the way we played against this opponent in this stadium.“Chelsea have battered everyone here and it wasn’t the case today.“After their goal the team showed its teeth. We took risks, we were very aggressive, we created three big chances. Unfortunately we weren’t able to put the ball in the net, but we deserved to win it.”Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca believes his team is still some way behind clubs like Arsenal, who finished second last season.But the Italian is convinced that his young squad is only getting stronger. Winger Noni Madueke stomped off down the tunnel when he was substituted in the 68th minute.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaresca said: “Very soon, we are going to win these types of games. For sure, we at least 100 per cent deserved a point.“The problem is that when you change a player, they are never happy. But it’s not only about Noni, it’s about all the players.”Enzo Maresca believes Chelsea are close to matching the Prem eliteCredit: Getty More

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      Gary Neville mocks himself with hilarious theory why Malo Gusto missed sitter for Chelsea against Arsenal

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      GARY NEVILLE trolled himself with a hilarious quip as he tried to explain Chelsea ace Malo Gusto’s unbelievable miss against Arsenal.Gusto, 21, started at right-back for the Blues in the crunch Premier League clash against their London rivals at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea ace Malo Gusto missed a sitter against ArsenalCredit: APChelsea ace Gusto missed a header in front of Arsenal’s open goalCredit: GettyChelsea ace Gusto met a brilliant cross from Pedro NetoCredit: ReutersManchester United legend Gary Neville was baffled by Gusto’s missCredit: GettyAnd the France international came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock after just 24 minutes.Chelsea ace Pedro Neto delivered a pinpoint cross from the left flank towards the far post.Gusto met the cross and got the header in front of open goal as Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya took too long to cover his left corner.However, the defender missed an unbelievable sitter as he sent the ball way over the bar with a poor header.Read More on FootballNeville, 49, was baffled by the Frenchman’s miss and couldn’t understand how he didn’t hit the target.But the legendary Manchester United right-back quickly figured it out and shared his theory on live TV.Neville told Sky Sports: “I don’t know how he’s missed that… “Actually I do, he’s a right-back, that’s what we do.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea and Arsenal shared an eventful first half in West London.The Gunners thought they broke the deadlock after 32 minutes with Kai Havertz.Gary Neville reveals he bought and sold a Bentley after three weeks as he ‘felt like a w*****’However, VAR deemed that ex-Chelsea star Havertz was offside before beating goalkeeper Robert Sanchez with a fine finish.Gusto may look back at his miss as Arsenal broke the deadlock in the hour mark with Gabriel Martinelli.However, Pedro Neto equalised to share the spoils.Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.Gusto plays at right-back for Chelsea, like Neville used to at Man UtdCredit: GettyNeville jokingly claimed Gusto missed because he’s a right-back and ‘that’s what we do’Credit: PA More