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      ‘I need to f***ing change’ – Arsenal’s David Raya reveals he was at ‘my lowest’ after ‘worst game as a professional’

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      DAVID RAYA has opened up on his “worst game as a professional” footballer and how it inspired him to improve.The Spanish goalkeeper joined Arsenal on loan from Brentford in 2023, with Gunners set to decide in the summer of 2024 whether they would trigger a £27million option to buy him permanently.David Raya has opened up on the lowest moment of his professional careerCredit: GettyHis career had started well there as he managed to dislodge Aaron Ramsdale as the No1.But his chances of sealing a full transfer and keeping the No1 spot took a dramatic dent after a pair of clangers against Luton in December.Raya had firstly flapped when trying to come off his line for a cross at a corner to allow Elijah Adebayo to head home an equaliser to make it 2-2.Less than ten minutes later Raya was once again found wanting as Ross Barkley fired a shot straight through him for the Hatters to take a shock lead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGoals from Kai Havertz and an injury time winner from Declan Rice publicly spared Raya’s blushes, but the game proved to be a major trigger of self reflection privately.Speaking on the Seaman Says podcast with legendary Gunners goalkeeper David Seaman, Raya said: “We go back to last year, it was like an adaptation year. “I think we saw one David before the Luton game, and one David after Luton. That was a turning point of when I was at my lowest. “That was the worst game I ever played as a professional. I just said to myself, ‘I need to f***ing change.’ Sorry about the language.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I needed to change things and I need to turn it around because I wasn’t myself. So from there, I think we saw an improving David in goal and off the pitch.”I think this season, from the start of the season, there’s been another goalie more like myself. I don’t think I was myself the whole season last year. There were good periods, very bad periods. Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Ethan Nwaneri excels amid injury crisis but dreadful Raheem Sterling shadow of old self”And then from Luton towards the end of the season, it was a very good period, personally, but I knew I had more to give to the team and to everyone. I said to myself, this is the season.”Raya pushed on from that disastrous performance to lead Arsenal to 12 more clean sheets that season to bring his total to 16 overall.Mikel Arteta subsequently triggered the purchase option in the loan deal, with Raya affirming his spot as No1 in year two.He has led the Gunners to nine shut outs and the best defensive record so far this season.That was the worst game I ever played as a professional. I just said to myself, ‘I need to f***ing change.’ Sorry about the language.David RayaHe added: “It was just an adaptation season because it’s difficult to come from Brentford to a big team. All the noise, of course you can not listen to it, but you know it’s behind you, so it’s tough. “To turn it around to this season, I think I’m just myself, I’m just having fun playing. That’s the most important thing for a player. If you don’t have fun, you’re not going to be your best version. “So I’m having fun every single game, enjoying playing and just taking the challenges.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The pressure from last season to this season is completely different, in my opinion. “I always said the pressures are what you put on yourself because you know how good you are, what you can do, and then just don’t listen to the outside world.” More

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      Arsenal complete first transfer of 2025 as they move for 15-year-old wonderkid defender from St Johnstone

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      ARSENAL have reportedly completed their first transfer for 2025.The Gunners have agreed a deal to sign Scottish wonderkid Callan Hamill.Callan Hamill will join Arsenal in JulyCredit: GettyHe impressed Jack Wilshere before the former Gunner left for Norwich CityCredit: GettyHamill, 15, will officially join the club on July 1 as he will leave St Johnstone.The Athletic claim that Arsenal have agreed to a six-figure package plus add-ons to sign the defender.The Scottish club are entitled to at least £100,000 in cross-border compensation.Hamill has already trained with Arsenal’s under-18 group more than once.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe Scottish Sun claimed that he caught the eye of former Gunner Jack Wilshere before he then left for Norwich City in October.He also took part in an international tournament in July 2024.Last summer he had the chance to move to Rangers and Celtic but rejected the Old Firm pair.Hamill opted to extend his stay at St Johnstone and committed himself to a one-year contract.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut on March 1, he will be eligible to travel south and across the border to move to England as he will be 16.Callan is mostly viewed as a defender by can also feature in midfield.’It’s like Messi… there I said it’ – Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him ‘potential superstar’This season, he has been used in St Johnstone’s under-18s squad.Callan even starred for Scotland’s Under-16s on Wednesday as he netted his first international goal in the win over Cyprus.He spoke about the achievement after the game.He said: “It was a very proud moment for me and my family to score my first international goal for my country.”A corner came in and I ran across the front post and attacked it and blasted it into the back of the next.”It was an amazing feeling.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Arsenal will continue their title challenge with Liverpool, as they face West Ham on Saturday.The Gunners then travel to the East Midlands to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. More

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      ‘Alexander Isak to Arsenal confirmed’ say ecstatic supporters as Newcastle striker poses with Gunners superfan Chunkz

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      YOUTUBE superstar-turned-secret “agent” Chunkz blew his mission to convince Alexander Isak to join Arsenal.The social media sensation visited Newcastle’s training ground this week and shared a number of snaps.Arsenal fan Chunkz played secret ‘agent’ with Newcastle ace Alexander IsakCredit: INSTAGRAM @chunkzChunkz also met Will Osula and Bruno GuimaraesCredit: INSTAGRAM @chunkzChunkz, who boasts over 4.5million followers on Insta alone, posed alongside Toon players Will Osula, Bruno Guimaraes and Swedish striker Isak in one.He then followed that up with a photo of him next to Isak giving the thumbs-up while holding his signed shirt.Proud Gooner Chunkz, who turns 25 tomorrow, then revealed that he had used the opportunity to try and convince Isak to join Arsenal, who have been long-term admirers of the goal-getter.Though, despite his efforts, it looks like it was a failed mission.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCaptioning a self of himself travelling on a train, Chunkz first joked “Agent Chunkz in action” before claiming a transfer to the Gunners was “imminent”.But he quickly added alongside a crying with laughter emoji: “Jus joking he said he loves Newcastle. I tried tho.”Speculation over Arsenal’s pursuit of Isak will no doubt mount once the summer transfer window re-opens.But they will face a huge fight as we revealed this week how Newcastle have no desire to sell and instead want to build a team around him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt would also take nearly DOUBLE a reported £83m fee for them to even respond to any potential bids with a “no”.Isak has become one of the most-coveted players on the planet since his club-record £63m buy from Real Sociedad in 2022.Eddie Howe determined to end Newcastle’s trophy drought in Carabao Cup final He has scored 19 goals so far this term and hopes to achieve legendary status by ending Newcastle’s 70-year major trophy drought in the Carabao Cup Final next month.Wembley opponents Liverpool and Chelsea would also both love to sign him.Newcastle, though, are under no pressure to sell and have the hotshot tied down to a contract believed to be worth £130,000-a-week until 2028.And even though initial talks over an improved extension ceased late last year, further discussions are set to take place once this season is over.But this latest move by Chunkz will no doubt further infuriate the Toon Army, who are growing tired of certain Sky Sports pundits trying to tout their talisman to other clubs. More

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      Van Dijk’s awkward slip of the tongue caught live on TV as Arsenal fans say ‘we’re living in his head rent free’

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      LIVERPOOL superstar Virgil van Dijk appeared to suffer an awkward slip of the tongue after dropping points at Aston Villa.The Reds drew 2-2 against Villa on Wednesday, which means a win for Arsenal against struggling West Ham on Saturday would find Mikel Arteta’s challengers just five points behind Arne Slot’s high-fliers.Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk appeared to have suffered an awkward slip of the tongueArsenal fans claim they ‘live rent free’ in Van Dijk’s headCredit: GettyThe Merseysiders’ lead is now in peril, considering they are also visiting Manchester City on Sunday before hosting Newcastle at Anfield on Wednesday.Van Dijk, 33, faced the cameras after the final whistle to analyse the game and appeared to misspeak live on TV.The centre-back seemed to mention Premier League title rivals Arsenal instead of Villa when discussing the game.Van Dijk appeared to say: “Listen, credit to Arsen… Aston Villa as well.”Read More on ArsenalArsenal fans caught wind and took to social media, with some claiming that slip of the tongue was a result of the Gunners “living rent free” in his head as pressure piles up in the title race.One fan posted: “Arsenal living rent free in Van Dijk’s head.”Another commented: “It shows he thinks about Arsenal a lot!”And a third said: “The pressure is mounting, they are worried about us.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHoweverm many fans think he actually said something else.They suggest he was instead saying “us” in reference to Liverpool – not Arsenal.In that interpretation, Van Dijk said: “Listen, credit to us. Aston Villa as well.”Mo Salah calls out Jamie Carragher after Liverpool legend urged him to ‘take a leaf out of Virgil van Dijk’s book’Those supporters joined the debate in the comments’ section in their bid to set the record straight.One fan posted: “‘Credit to us, Aston Villa as well’. But nice try.”Another commented: “Think he’s rent free in YOUR head though.”And a third posted: “Arsenal fans always have a new theory every day to make their fans feels happy.” More

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      Robin van Persie lands new job at Champions League club and could be set for instant Arsenal reunion

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      ROBIN VAN PERSIE is on the verge of landing a new job with his boyhood club.The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker turned to a career in coaching after hanging up his boots in 2019.Robin van Persie is on the verge of a return to FeyenoordCredit: RexHe first took up an unofficial role at Feyenoord as an assistant to then-manager Dick Advocaat.After his position was eventually made permanent two years later, the Dutchman became the co-head coach of the club’s U16s.Van Persie was then promoted to co-head coach of the U18s and U19s.But he left in May 2024 to become head coach of Heerenveen – his first proper job in senior football.READ MORE ON ARSENALNow, however, he is in talks to make a triumphant return to Feyenoord.Dutch outlet 1908.nl claims the Rotterdam-based side want Van Persie to replace Brian Priske, who was sacked last week.The 41-year-old is understood to be keen on the move, but Feyenoord have to reach an agreement with Heerenveen first.While he would like a return to his former club, the ex-striker will not force a move.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVan Persie would like to take his coaching staff – including assistant Brian Pinas – with him should he complete the switch.Rene Hake, who worked with Erik ten Hag at Man Utd, is also in talks to join Feyenoord.How did you get this’ – Aaron Ramsey left stunned as details of Arsenal bust-up with Robin van Persie leakedShould he return to his old club, he could be in line to face Arsenal in the Champions League last-16.After leaving the Dutch side as a player in 2004, Van Persie joined Arsenal and spent eight years in London, where he scored 132 goals in 278 appearances.He then moved on to join United in 2012 and stayed at Old Trafford for three years before signing for Fenerbahce.The ex-striker then ended his playing career back at Feyenoord. More

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      Champions League last-16 confirmed as Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa learn which two teams they could face

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      LIVERPOOL, Arsenal and Aston Villa finally know which two teams they might face in the Champions League last 16.The big draw for the first true knockout phase is at 11am on Friday – after the midweek play-off results at last made the format of the new-look competition appear more straightforward!Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick helped Real Madrid KO Man CityCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard & Co face a tough last-16 tie if Arsenal are to taste gloryCredit: RexMo Salah and Liverpool will take on PSG or BenficaCredit: PAOllie Watkins hopes Villa’s impressive European adventure continuesCredit: GettyKylian Mbappe’s hat-trick sent Manchester City crashing out 6-3 on aggregate after a 3-1 loss at Real Madrid.But the Prem’s other three representatives had already qualified automatically after finishing in the top eight in the group stage, with Liverpool going through as top seeds.The other teams into the last 16 without needing the play-offs were Barcelona, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Lille. And following the midweek action, the Champions League takes the shape of a standard cup competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBayern Munich broke Celtic’s hearts on Tuesday, with Benfica, Club Brugge and Feyenoord also reaching the last 16 the same night.And on Wednesday they were joined by Real, Borussia Dortmund, PSG and PSV, who edged out Juventus 4-3 on aggregate after extra time.It all means Liverpool will face a mammoth task against PSG, who thrashed Brest 10-0 on aggregate, or Benfica.Arsenal take on Dutch opposition – either Feyenoord or Juventus’ extra-time conquerors PSV.Most read in Champions LeagueHOW THE LAST 16 LOOKSHere’s what is coming up next – with Liverpool boss Arne Slot perhaps hoping to avoid PSG. PSG vs Liverpool/BarcelonaClub Brugge vs Lille/Aston VillaReal Madrid vs Atletico/LeverkusenBenfica vs Barcelona/LiverpoolBorussia Dortmund vs Aston Villa/LilleBayern Munich/Leverkusen vs AtleticoFeyenoord vs Inter/ArsenalPSV vs Arsenal/Inter MilanBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd eighth-ranked Villa meet Borussia Dortmund (10th), who KO’d Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday, or Club Brugge (24th).Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real face Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen.Barca’s Lamine Yamal is dreaming of his first Champions League crownCredit: RexPep Guardiola’s City had begun a dramatic Wednesday night by leaving record-breaking goal-getter Erling Haaland on the bench.And they ended it dumped out in humiliating fashion at the Bernabeu.Arsenal post new footage of Mikel Merino goal… but supporters are more interested in what Leicester fans are doingBut for the remaining trio of Prem giants, it’s all eyes on Friday.Meanwhile, Guardiola admitted: “After we conceded a goal we didn’t defend well.”But we accept it – the best team won. Now we focus on the Premier League.”Borussia Dortmund celebrated going through after a 0-0 home draw sunk Sporting Lisbon 3-0 on aggregate in the play-offsCredit: AFPKhvicha Kvaratskhelia was one of seven scorers on the night as PSG destroyed Brest 7-0 to triumph 10-0 over the two legsCredit: AFPPSV scorer Ivan Perisic tangles with Juve’s Lloyd Kelly as the Dutch side beat the Italian giant 3-1 on the night, 4-3 on aggregateCredit: Rex More

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      ‘He’s not Messi or Ronaldo’ – Man Utd and Arsenal target warned to keep his head down under ‘strict’ Prem manager

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      MATHEUS CUNHA has been told to stay out of trouble and keep proving his worth at Wolves because he is not “Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo”.The Brazilian striker was linked with a move away in January – and appeared to have his head turned by Arsenal before signing a new deal until June 2029 on February 1 with a £62.5m release clause.Matheus Cunha has been told to keep his head down amid links with top clubsCredit: GettyCunha has been warned he is not in the same league as stars like Lionel MessiCredit: GettyWolves boss Vitor Pereira has had run-ins with Cunha since replacing the sacked Gary O’Neil in late December, previously criticising the 25-year-old forward’s body language and suitability as captain.That looks to be in the past now with Cunha scoring in Wolves’ last three games in all competitions – including a beautiful strike in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield to take this season’s tally to 13 goals and four assists.Centre back Abdoulaye Ba, 34 – now at Saudi second tier side Al-Faisaly – played under Pereira at Porto from 2011 to 2013 where he lifted the Portuguese top flight in 2012/13.And Senegalese defender Ba told SunSport: “Pereira is very strict with discipline and his game plan. I remember he would often tell our Porto side: ‘I have two hands, one to give and the other to receive’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He acted like a father or a protector when the players gave their all without limits and raised the level of the team.“Cunha is not Messi or Ronaldo or even Neymar, so it does not surprise me that they have worked together to find the best way to help the team.”Cunha was berated by Pereira for allegedly refusing to acknowledge the away fans in a 3-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last month, having been banned under O’Neil for two games by the FA for an on-field scuffle with Ipswich security just before Christmas.Pereira, 56, who has managed in Greece, Turkey, Germany, China, Brazil and Saudi Arabia during his varied managerial career to date, also played hard-ball with want-away midfielder and then-captain Mario Lemina, 31, before the Gabon international was sold to Galatasaray in the winter window.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBa continued: “Under Pereira, I became more mature with tactical discipline and respected the game plan, and above all, trusted my team-mates in difficult situations.“He always prioritised teamwork and the group. In his speeches, he would say that optimism is a magnet of happiness.Wolves players and staff clashing with one another after full-timeVitor Pereira has been backed to revitalise WolvesCredit: GettyAbdoulaye Ba won a title playing under Pereira at PortoCredit: Getty“While he was a coach in the Porto youth team, he convinced me to sign in 2008 as a teenager with an inspiring video call. He knew how to find the right words to convince and motivate me.“He has the sense to explain and talk with you. He says titles are won with discipline and attitude.”Pereira was linked with the Everton job in 2013 to replace David Moyes, and again in December 2019 to replace compatriot Marco Silva but turned it down to stay with Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai SIPG.He was then tipped to take over at Goodison in January 2022 after Rafa Benitez was axed, only for Frank Lampard to be hired following protests from Toffees supporters.Wolves have won five of 11 matches with Pereira in charge at Molineux, three those in the Prem.Should Wolves avoid relegation – currently two points off the bottom three with 13 games remaining – the Portuguese coach could be a wanted man again in the summer.Ba added: “To follow managers like Jose Mourinho and Andre Villas Boas at Porto, he must have the same stuff and DNA as them. He has the confidence and the ability.READ MORE SUN STORIES“His office door was never closed and he wanted communication. He is a humble person and a true leader. His loyalty to all players was incredible.“He has already shown a lot of good things in different countries. The results, the numbers, the evidence is there. He is very stubborn and has all the abilities to succeed in the Premier League.” More

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      ‘I’m not causing any harm by wearing a pair of heels’ – Former Arsenal star reveals why he felt ‘misjudged’ at the club

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      FORMER Arsenal midfielder Miguel Azeez has admitted he felt “misjudged” throughout his time with the Gunners.Azeez first joined the London side at the age of five and spent the next 11 years climbing the Hale End academy ranks.Miguel Azeez has opened up about feeling ‘misjudged’ at ArsenalCredit: GettyThe midfielder, who now plays in Greece, expresses himself through fashionCredit: INSTAGRAMHe also has a love for music and artCredit: INSTAGRAMHe signed his first professional contract in 2019 and made his senior debut the following year in a Europa League match against Dundalk.That proved to be his only first team appearance for Arsenal as he was later sent out on several loan spells to Portsmouth, Ibiza and Wigan respectively before joining Spanish side Atletico Baleares last January.Seven months later, Azeez moved on again, this time to PAS Giannina in Greece.The midfielder has since made 13 appearances, scoring once.Read More on ArsenalAlongside football, Azeez enjoys expressing himself through art, music and fashion.But in a recent interview with The Athletic he revealed that he felt “misjudged” compared to his team-mates.The 22-year-old said: “I definitely felt, not adversity, but being misjudged.”Ask anyone at Arsenal — I was always first into training and last to leave.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAzeez left Arsenal last JanuaryCredit: INSTAGRAM”If I looked like a quintessential footballer they would not have thought anything of it but because of how I looked, the hairstyles, the face, jewellery, whatever it was, they would say, ‘He is trying to be aloof by coming in early to be by himself’. I was just trying to improve.”That word ‘aloof’ was used against me at Arsenal. My team-mates were in the changing room on their phones on Snapchat when I was in the gym working, but they would just see me by myself and put two and two together.Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Ethan Nwaneri excels amid injury crisis but dreadful Raheem Sterling shadow of old self”The players seemed to take to it, which was nice. It was from the coaching side of things.”I don’t know if it was an upbringing thing or a hierarchy thing. I took it as people thinking, ‘Who does he think he is? Does he think he is better than me?’.”Nah, I’m just being myself. I’m not causing any harm by wearing a pair of heels.”There was always this thing representing the badge. I get that, but I think they wanted a different image to what I was giving.”I guess there’s a lot of people who would change their personalities just to get to where they felt they needed to be. I’ve always said I’m a person who plays football.Nah, I’m just being myself. I’m not causing any harm by wearing a pair of heels.Miguel Azeez”When people start to think they are a footballer before they’re a person, that’s when they start to change who they are.”Recalling his Arsenal departure, he added: “I felt like I had to go. You would train with the 21s, be in with the first team and be on the bench but not get on. I had to try to create my own path.”I don’t think anybody would like a player not extending their contract, but it wasn’t the nicest send-off.”Normally, a player who was leaving would get their shirt signed by all the players and staff. I didn’t get that or a meeting saying goodbye.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Not that I cared as I don’t need that to feel validated but me being the longest-serving player, it would have been nice to get something.”SunSport has approached Arsenal for comment. More