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      Arsenal vs Man City referee appointment lacks common sense – Gunners fans are right to be unhappy, says ex-Prem ref

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      THE appointment of Peter Bankes for the power-keg Premier League showdown between Arsenal and Manchester City lacks common sense.Gunners fans are up in arms because Bankes is from Merseyside and has an affiliation with the Liverpool County Football Association.Arsenal face Manchester City in a crucial Premier League clash at the EmiratesCredit: ALAMYPeter Bankes has been appointed the referee for the matchCredit: REXGunners fans are up in arms as Bankes is from Merseyside and has an affiliation with the Liverpool County Football AssociationCredit: GETTYAnd I believe the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have brought undue pressure on Bankes and themselves with the appointment for today’s Emirates clash with Arsenal vying with Liverpool in the title race.In the wake of Michael Oliver receiving death threats and abuse after he wrongly sent off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly in the 1-0 win at Wolves last weekend, refs’ chiefs have made an unnecessary appointment.They are not helping themselves.The game is big enough because of the huge rivalry as outlined by Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSBut the appointment will only increase the pressure on Bankes.I would never question the integrity of any match official.But if anything happens then Bankes will be in the firing line.Arsenal fans are already fuming over Oliver’s decision to dismiss Lewis-Skelly.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut VAR Darren England and then the PGMOL were more to blame.England should have intervened at Molineux and then there was no reason for the PGMOL to back a decision which was clearly incorrect.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘calm and composed’ youngster Ethan Nwaneri for Champions League victory The statement to support the red card only inflamed the situation.I saw Gary Neville accuse Mikel Arteta of fuelling Arsenal fans’ growing hostility towards referees but I disagree.If Prem officials got decisions right on a consistent basis then the majority of supporters would have no complaints.MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one. More

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      Man Utd sign Arsenal wonderkid as Ruben Amorim makes Ayden Heaven his first signing with ‘substantial’ compensation paid

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed the signing of Arsenal wonderkid Ayden Heaven. The 18-year-old becomes Ruben Amorim’s first arrival since he took over as manager in November. Ayden Heaven has joined Man Utd from ArsenalCredit: Instagram @manchesterunitedHeaven will immediately join United’s first-team squadCredit: Instagram @manchesterunitedMan Utd have confirmed that Heaven has penned a contract until 2029 and he will be a part of the first-team.On signing for the club, he said: “I am incredibly proud to join Manchester United. “I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this dream a reality.“There is so much that I want to achieve in the game, I’ll be giving everything to continue my development and become the best player that I can be.” READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMan Utd chief Jason Wilcox added: “We are delighted that Ayden has joined Manchester United. “He is already an extremely talented defender who is ready to join our first-team squad in order to maximise his development. “This club has a phenomenal track record of supporting young players and we believe that Ayden is in the perfect place to reach his excellent potential.” SunSport understands Man Utd have paid a “substantial” compensation fee to land Heaven.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe towering centre-back made his senior Arsenal debut in October, coming off the bench against Preston in a Carabao Cup tie.Heaven impressed during the club’s pre-season tour in the US.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmerThe left-footed defender is highly-rated by Mikel Arteta and the club are disappointed to lose him.But with his contract up in the summer, the teen reportedly refused a new deal as he felt his path to the first-team was blocked by the number of senior defenders the Gunners have.Both Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt had also made approaches for the England Under-19s international.Heaven follows striker Chido Obi-Martin in switching Arsenal for Man Utd.The 17-year-old hit the headlines last season after scoring ten goals in one game against Liverpool’s Under-16s and then seven versus Norwich.He has continued to be prolific for the Red Devils, netting a hat-trick on his debut against Nottingham Forest. Mikel Arteta handed his his debut earlier this seasonCredit: Reuters More

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      Mikel Arteta issues worrying transfer update with Arsenal desperately scrambling after failed Ollie Watkins bid

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      MIKEL ARTETA says he cannot promise fans that Arsenal will sign a striker before the January deadline.But the Gunners boss has assured them the club are “actively” working on bringing someone in, suggesting that age does NOT matter following their failed Ollie Watkins bid.Mikel Arteta has issued a worrying transfer update for Arsenal fansThe Gunners had a £60m bid for Ollie Watkins rejectedAston Villa rejected an offer of around £60m for Watkins, 29, from Arsenal earlier this week, and are now unlikely to sell with the impending £64m departure of Jhon Duran, 21, to Saudi’s Al Nassr.Arteta is desperate to bring in a forward before Monday’s deadline to bolster a squad that has suffered big injuries in attacking areas to the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.But the Spaniard admitted: “We are trying everything that we can, but I don’t want to give any reassurance or not. It doesn’t depend only on us.“We have the intention, the purpose and the ambition to try to help the team and support the squad to be better and to finish the season really, really strong. We are actively trying to do that.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL NEWS“I’m very confident with the work that the club is doing, and exploring every single opportunity that we believe can have an impact on the team.“If that’s the certainly the case and we can agree on something, we will, and if not, we won’t. I’m not going to talk about any individuals.”Arsenal’s pursuit of Watkins has taken some by surprise given the player’s age and profile, with Arteta in the past opting to strengthen his squad with young talents with potential.But Arteta explained: “We don’t really look at the market in those terms.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“We look at what we have in this squad and what we are lacking and what can really impact.“And bring something that potentially can make us much better, regardless of the age or sometimes the background that they have.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘calm and composed’ youngster Ethan Nwaneri for Champions League victory “It’s a real belief that that player can be really good for us over time.”Jesus is fighting to be back in 2025 after undergoing surgery on an ACL rupture, while Saka is targeting a March comeback following a hamstring operation.On if another injury or a negative result against Manchester City on Sunday could change their approach, Arteta added: “Hopefully not.“But obviously if something happens that obviously is not planned, it would put the squad in a much dangerous position.“It might do, you know, but [signing someone because of a defeat] no. That would mean that we haven’t planned anything and we’re just reacting to something last second, which is not good.”There are also concerns over the fitness of No.1 David Raya, who missed the 2-1 Champions League victory at Girona on Wednesday night with a muscular issue.READ MORE SUN STORIESLoanee Neto would be forced to step in to face City after only making his debut in Spain. Arteta said: “We are still uncertain. We have another session so we have to wait and see.”Arsenal ratings vs Girona as Neto has a shocker on debut but is rescued by wonderkidNETO endured a nightmare Arsenal debut against Girona but had 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to thank for sparing his blushes.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson has provided his ratings for the Arsenal team…Neto – 4He made his long-awaited debut, having joined Arsenal on loan from Bournemouth last summer.The goalkeeper got away with an early mistake and was caught out by former Spurs star Arnaut Danjuma.Thomas Partey 45′ – 6Too aggressive from the right-back spot and was beaten for pace by Danjuma as Girona opened the scoring.Partey struggled with the winger for much of the game which gave the hosts an edge.Managed to win a penalty to give Arsenal a route back into the game after a needless challenge but was hooked at half-time.Jakub Kiwior – 6The defender put in a decent shift at the back and was able to keep Abel Ruiz quiet for much of the match.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Like Kiwior, Gabriel was fairly solid against Girona and dealt with most of the danger from the hosts.Riccardo Calafiori 69′ – 6Thought he scored the opener but was a good foot offside.Continued to be positive up the wing and helped the Gunners up the pitch.Mikel Merino – 6Merino was fine against Girona. It was not a performance that will grab headlines but did what he needed to do in midfield.Jorginho 80′ – 7It’s been a while, but the Italian was back on the scoresheet after converting from the spot in the 38th minute.The midfielder was composed on the ball and helped recycle the ball and control possession.Martin Odegaard – 6It was a quiet night for the Gunners captain as he helped the team maintain the ball but lacked that creative spark.Raheem Sterling – 4Struggled to make a big impact in the first half and was the weakest of all of the Gunners’ frontline.To make matters worse, he was booked for diving in the 70th minute.And just as he though it couldn’t get even worse, he missed a penalty late on.Leandro Trossard 69′ – 6Should have given Arsenal the lead early on but was unable to deflect the ball goalwards.Continued to prob and rattled the crossbar before the break with a powerful effort.Ethan Nwaneri 85′ – 8The youngster showed why he is one of the most promising players at the club with a wonder strike in the first half.He wrapped a curling effort into the top corner before half-time on his first Champions League start.His goal saw him become the second youngest English goalscorer in the history of thre Champions League.SUBSJurrien Timber 45′ – 6Added some energy down the left-hand side after replacing Partey at half-time.Kai Havertz 69′ – 6Got involved in the attack but struggled to find a clear scoring chance,Myles Lewis-Skelly 69′ – 6Another comfortable outing for the impressive youngster.Declan Rice 80′ – 6Came on in the final stages to help solidify the defence for the Gunners and put in some dangerous corners.He did pick up a booking late on.Gabriel Martinelli 85′ – N/AReplaced Nwaneri late on and looked dangerous on the wing for the final minutes. 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      Ollie Watkins ‘ready to join Arsenal after shock £60m transfer bid’ with Aston Villa star a lifelong fan

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      OLLIE WATKINS is willing to leave Aston Villa in the lurch and join Arsenal, it’s been claimed.The Gunners are hot on the heels of the England striker, who they’ve made their main target to fill the void left by the injured Gabriel Jesus.Arsenal have had a £60million bid for Ollie Watkins rejected by Aston VillaCredit: GETTYWatkins, 29, is reportedly willing to join the north LondonersCredit: GETTYArsenal have had a £60million bid REJECTED by the Villans, who are on the verge of losing Jhon Duran.Villa are likely to turn down a second approach for their star striker due to a lack of time to find a suitable replacement.But lifelong Gunners fan Watkins is said to be willing to swap Villa Park for the Emirates.That’s according to The Daily Mail, who claim the 29-year-old would happily move to north London should the clubs reach an agreement.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWatkins, who fired England into the Euro 2024 final, has so far remained silent on his future.But he took to social media after Villa reached the last-16 of the Champions League on Wednesday.He wrote on Instagram: “Buzzing to qualify in top 8 of the UCL.”Special night for this special club. (Groundsman is getting the sack).”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWatkins has played a big role in Villa’s resurgence under former Gunners boss Unai Emery.The Three Lions hitman has been in fine form this season, in which he’s scored 11 goals and provided nine assists in 32 appearances.Ollie Watkins says it’s an honour to represent his country ahead of England Euro Final Watkins bagged a goal and an assist in Villa’s final Champions League group match with Celtic on Wednesday.He likely would’ve had two goals to his name had he not blazed a 67th-minute penalty over the bar.Villa will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to Molineux to take on Wolves in the Black Country derby.Arsenal, meanwhile, will welcome Manchester City to the Emirates on Sunday afternoon. More

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      Chloe Kelly criticises Manchester City after sealing transfer deadline day switch to Arsenal

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      CHLOE KELLY hit out at Manchester City after completing her transfer to Arsenal, claiming the club attempted to “assassinate her character”. The Lioness star shared her thoughts in a social media post on Thursday night after sealing a loan move to the Gunners. Chloe Kelly will spend the rest of this season at Arsenal after sealing a loan move from Manchester CityCredit: AlamyThe England forward’s contract with Man City is due to expire in JuneCredit: GettyYesterday evening Arsenal announced the Euros-winning England forward had joined the club on a temporary deal running until the end of this season.Kelly, whose contract with Man City expires in June, will wear the Gunners’ number 18 jersey.Her transfer to the London giants followed a dramatic day which included Man United attempting to sign her, with the Cityzens reluctant to see her join their local rivals. It is also thought the forward had declined a chance to sign for Brighton with Sky Sports claiming her initial preference was to remain in Manchester.Read More Football Stories However Kelly would later seal a move, before yesterday’s 11pm transfer deadline, that saw her return to the team where she began her senior playing career at the age of 17. And the England international claimed Man City were “briefing journalists” against her. SunSport have approached Man City for a response. Via an Instagram story shared after her Arsenal loan move, Kelly wrote: “So disappointed to find out that people at the club  are briefing journalists against me if I am to sign at a club before the window shuts.Most read in Football”They’ve called reporters to assassinate my character and tried to plant negative stories about me in the football media, of which are false accusations.”Following her Arsenal move Kelly thanked Man City’s fans for “welcoming her with open arms” and her team-mates at the club for their support. Her transfer comes almost five years after she joined the Cityzens for whom she has scored 30 times in 109 appearances. The forward helped the team to a Women’s FA Cup triumph in 2020 and a League Cup win in 2022. And last season she made 18 top-flight appearances registering five goals and five assists with the club beaten on goal difference to the WSL title by Chelsea. This term she struggled for top-flight game time making one start in the six top tier matches. And two days ago she issued a written statement which explained that she “accepted” her future would not be at Man City beyond June. In July 2022 Kelly made history playing an instrumental role in the Lionesses’ history-making European Championship triumph.Her extra-time goal sealed England’s tournament win after a 2-1 defeat at Germany at Wembley earning the 48-capped Lioness widespread praise. Two years ago she also helped England reach the Women’s World Cup final with the team falling to a slim 1-0 loss to tournament victors Spain. And Kelly hopes to earn a place in Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses squad ahead of this year’s Euros taking place in Switzerland in July. Head Coach Renée Slegers said: “Chloe is an exciting attacking player and will be a great addition to our squad as we approach the second half of the season. “She’s direct and explosive, with huge natural talent and ability. We’re all looking forward to working with Chloe as an Arsenal player in the coming months.”The completion of Kelly’s transfer comes ahead of Arsenal’s WSL trip to Man City on Sunday. Chloe Kelly will provide with more attacking options with the club battling for more trophy winsCredit: GettyThe Gunners are currently fourth in the table and one point behind the Cityzens. Both teams will also go toe-to-toe on February 6 in the semi-finals of this year’s Women’s League Cup. READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal, who are the contest’s record winners, hope to win the trophy for a seventh time. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      What do Arsenal need to do to guarantee qualification to the Champions League Last 16?

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      ARSENAL are among the favourites to advance straight to the last 16 of the Champions League.The Gunners are fifth in the League Phase table with eight points separating them from high flying Liverpool, but Mikel Arteta’s men have a game in hand.Arsenal might need only one more win to advance to the Champions League’s Last 16Credit: GettyThe North Londoners have two more games to go in the revamped first round consisting of 36 teams.Mikel Arteta’s men face Dinamo Zagreb tonight at the Emirates and then visit Girona on January 29.Arsenal have amassed 13 points from six matches of which they won four and lost only once.Just one more win from the final two games could send the Premier League giants straight into the Round of 16.Read More on ArsenalThe teams who finish in the top eight spots automatically qualify for the Last 16.And those who find themselves between ninth and 24th place will face off in the play-offs to determine the other eight teams that make it to the next round.Arsenal are currently five points ahead of Dinamo, who are 25th in the Champions League table.Opta found that in 99 per cent of their simulations, teams who collected 10 points made it into the play-off round, which means Arteta and co might already be guaranteed at least a spot in those.Most read in Champions LeagueEven nine points proved to be enough in 69 per cent of the simulations, which were run 50,000 times.But Arsenal will want direct qualification for the Last 16.16 points proved to be enough in 98 per cent of the available scenarios.Arsenal ratings: Trossard turns creator to put Gunners in driving seat but Merino and Partey lapses cost Arteta’s sideAnd 15 points were sufficient for eighth place in 73 per cent of the simulations. On the other hand, 14 points were enough in just 28 per cent of the supercomputer’s simulations.That means 15 points could be the magic number for Arsenal to avoid two crunch clashes amid their gruelling bid for a first Premier League title since 2004.That would mean one win from their final two games will likely be enough. More

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      David Luiz picks out key player who could bring Premier League title to Arsenal despite Liverpool dominance

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      ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta should not give up hope of winning the Premier League, according to David Luiz.Liverpool chief Arne Slot is ahead in this year’s race, while Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City bagged the previous four titles.Former Arsenal defender David Luiz, pictured with the FA Cup in 2020, reckons his old club can still win the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyCaptain Martin Odegaard is key to Arsenal’s title chase, says LuizCredit: RexLuiz is also impressed by his fellow Brazilian centre-back GabrielCredit: Sunday TimesLuiz, who won the Prem while at Chelsea, played for the Gunners under Arteta before leaving in 2021. And he said: “Arsenal haven’t won the league already because there are other amazing clubs such as City.“Guardiola has turned City into a machine but also Liverpool now with the new coach are amazing. “Arsenal have to keep fighting . . . maybe one day Chelsea and Arsenal are gonna win the Premier League again. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The mentality has to continue this way, with ambition. That’s how you achieve something special.”Brazilian Luiz believes keeping ‘world-class’ captain Martin Odegaard fit is vital to Arsenal’s hopes.He said: “Martin has grown a lot and is now a world-class player. He’s an amazing person and he’s turned into a great leader.”And Luiz loves how a fellow Brazilian central defender has blossomed under Arteta.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe added: “Gabriel has the power of a monster —  he can score in every single match!“He’s a powerful guy. I hope he continues this way with the help of Arteta who gets the best out of him every day.”What makes William Saliba and Gabriel the Premier League’s best More

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      Jhon Duran set for medical ahead of £65m Al-Nassr transfer in move that KO’s Arsenal’s Ollie Watkins bid

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      ASTON VILLA striker Jhon Duran is set for a medical with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.The Colombian has reportedly agreed personal terms ahead of a £65million blockbuster move to the Saudi Pro League. Jhon Duran looks set to leave Villa Park for the Saudi Pro LeagueCredit: GettyThe 21-year-old was named among the subs for Villa’s Champions League game with CelticCredit: AlamyOllie Watkins’ proposed move to Arsenal looks unlikely to materialiseCredit: AlamyDuran’s Saudi switch appears to end Arsenal’s hopes of bringing England striker Ollie Watkins to the Emirates. The Gunners tabled an audacious £60m bid for the Villa forward on Wednesday afternoon. According to The Athletic, Duran has penned a five-and-a-half-year deal in Saudi.The 21-year-old – who joined Unai Emery’s side from Chicago Fire in 2023 – only signed a new contract in October.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt kept the fan-favourite at Villa Park until 2030. Duran has netted 12 goals in 29 appearances for Villa this season, with the majority of his action from the subs bench. He was named among the substitutes for Wednesday’s Champions League showdown with Celtic.But reports suggest Duran will head to London after the game for a medical with Al Nassr on Thursday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAl Nassr currently sit fourth in the Saudi Pro League. Alongside Ronaldo, former Premier League stars Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte make up the backbone of the team. Tottenham snubbed Ollie Watkins transfer as Jose Mourinho refused to pay price tag and signed flop striker instead Watkins joined Villa from Brentford in 2020 for a then-club record £28million.Following on from his Euro 2024 heroics for England, he’s netted 10 goals in 23 Premier League appearances this season.A boyhood Arsenal fan, Watkins has previously indicated it would be a “dream” to play for the Gunners.Arsenal player ratings: David Raya saves all three-points for Arsenal but Trossard’s woeful deliveries an issue againARSENAL finally won a match with ten-men after Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off.It was the Gunners’ fourth sending off this season and they had not won any of their matches without 11 players this term.But Arsenal showed their character and battled past Wolves 1-0.Here is how SunSport rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 8/10Very little to do until the 63rd minute when he brilliantly tipped a deflected Matheus Cunha effort wide. He then stopped Rayan Ait-Nouri in a one-on-one in the 84th minute.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 6Was having another fine game before being the victim of one of most ludicrous red cards in Prem history. His cynical trip was worthy of a yellow and nothing more.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Arsenal just look so solid with him in this backline. A welcome return from a minor hamstring injury. Kept Cunha at bay.GABRIEL – 7Led from the front and put his body on the line. Constantly headed away from danger.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Hit with some nasty challenges that required treatment – including one that had Joao Gomes sent off – but carried on playing and was resolute.DECLAN RICE – 7More of a goal threat than in recent weeks and stood up when Arsenal needed him.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Steady Eddie for most parts back in his favoured midfield position after spells at right-back this season. Displayed his importance to this side once more.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Unfortunately made way at half-time as a sacrificial lamb following Lewis-Skelly’s sending off. Was a lively, creative spark in the first-half.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the Belgian is on corner-taking duty, but his deliveries were woeful. A quiet afternoon that sums up why he is in and out of the team currently.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Was lacking that clinical edge in the first half, but came up with the cross after the break that led to Arsenal’s vital opener.KAI HAVERTZ – 7Missed two glorious first half chances with his head and another in the second half, but worked tirelessly on his own – especially with Arsenal down to ten.SUBS:RICCARDO CALAFIORI (NWANERI, 45) – 8The sort of goal that keeps title dreams alive. Added real height and danger aerially, as well as a sweet volley from a tough angle.KIERAN TIERNEY (MARTINELLI, 87) – N/ADuring his time with the Bees, Watkins said: “Yeah, that’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day. “But, you know, it’s a long shot.” More