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      Mikel Arteta may buy a striker this month, but one player does not solve Arsenal’s issues as another title slips away

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      THE greatest hits of Arsenal’s season will inevitably play out across the land in the coming days after another knife to the heart of their title dreams.‘We need a striker. We need an out-and-out goal scorer. We can’t win a trophy without a No.9.’Mikel Arteta was left frustrated once again with his Arsenal squadCredit: GettyKai Havertz scored but it was not enough to beat Aston VillaCredit: GettyThose prayers may yet be answered during this transfer window, even if time is running out to find what many fans and pundits alike believe to be the missing piece to the jigsaw.But regardless of whether that mystery man finally arrives at the Emirates, either this month or in the summer, he will be walking into a team and a club currently on their knees both mentally and physically in their pursuit of English football’s Holy Grail.As a standalone result, blowing a two-goal lead at home to Aston Villa is a tough pill to swallow, having dominated for large periods in a must-win game to keep the pressure on leaders Liverpool.Now six points adrift with Arne Slot’s Reds having played one less after 22 games, it is not over, nor is it looking likely they will overhaul that ominous gap.read more arsenalBut in the wider context of the Gunners’ campaign, their progress under boss Mikel Arteta and the vast sums invested in recruitment over the past five years, it paints a much bleaker picture.Arsenal remain far away from ending their 21-year wait for a Prem crown they so desperately crave – and it is not purely down to lacking an Erling Haaland or Alexander Isak-type figure.Since Arteta took over in December 2019, around £700m has been spent on new players. A huge squad overhaul that has lifted them from mid-table obscurity to genuine challengers.And yet, against Villa, injuries to a few key players saw Arteta put out a worryingly patched-up XI with a bench that is laughable when compared to their rivals in terms of depth and quality.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMidfielder Thomas Partey was at right-back. Full-back Jurrien Timber was at centre back. Left winger Gabriel Martinelli had to do a job on the right.Loanee Raheem Sterling was the only recognised attacking sub alongside three academy kids in Maldini Kacurri, Ismeal Kabia and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji who have little to no senior experience.Of course, injuries have played a part this term.Striker Gabriel Jesus will miss most of 2025 with an ACL rupture. Winger Bukayo Saka is out until at least early march after undergoing hamstring surgery. Right-back Ben White is close to a return following a knee operation. Defenders William Saliba and Riccardo Calafiori were absent on Saturday night with minor muscular issues.Despite all this, Arsenal should have beaten Villa thanks to goals from Martinelli and Kai Havertz before an eight-minute second half collapse that saw Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins make the most of defensive errors from Partey and Mikel Merino to earn a momentum-crushing point in North London.The issue then, is clear. Arteta still requires near-perfection – his best 11 players on the pitch at all times – for his side to consistently gobble up wins and keep pace at the top.Lone sad Arsenal fan being asked to leave by securityAnd when that is not the case, cracks start to show and the foundations become rocky, shown by their recent FA Cup third round exit to Manchester United and Carabao Cup semi-final first leg defeat to Newcastle.It was the same in 2022/23 when they fell short to Manchester City after Saliba’s back injury, and again last season with Partey and Timber absent for large periods.City may also be suffering thanks to a medical team working overtime, but they can still call on the likes of £100m signing Jack Grealish, £55.5m forward Jeremy Doku and Ilkay Gundogan in reserve, and are adding further names to that list in this window.In search of a late winner at Brentford on Saturday, Liverpool threw on club-record £85m buy Darwin Nunez, the Uruguayan scoring twice in injury time to seal the deal.Arsenal desperately need a world class forward, but they also still need to add to a squad that can deal with the rough and tumble of gruelling league campaigns when injuries go against them.As Arteta said when asked about his options post-match: “We’re very short”.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Spaniard slumped to his knees when Merino’s 87th deflected winner was ruled out by VAR for a Havertz handball. Luck is against them right now, but it takes more than luck to win a league title. More often than not, it requires money, and lots of it. More

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      ‘Cry me a river’ – Match of the Day pundit Ashley Williams cheekily trolled after getting Arsenal ace’s name wrong TWICE

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      ASHLEY WILLIAMS was cheekily pulled up after getting Jurrien Timber’s name wrong TWICE on Match of the Day.Williams, 40, was appearing on Saturday night’s show, which featured highlights of Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.Ashley Williams was trolled after mistakenly referring to Jurrien Timber as JustinCredit: BBCWilliams was highlighting why Timber and Thomas Partey had cost Arsenal against Aston VillaCredit: BBCBut viewers at home wondered why he had not been pulled up on itCredit: BBCHowever, while analysing the game, fans noticed a slight error made by the former defender.The Welshman was heard accidentally referring to Gunners star Timber as “Justin” – possibly in a mix-up caused by pop star Justin Timberlake.Viewers were left doing a double-take as Williams then made the same mistake again moments later.And fans couldn’t help but poke fun at the former Swansea and Everton star.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTaking to social media, one fan said: “Can someone tell Ashley Williams that Arsenal’s Timber is called Jurrien, not Justin?”A second said: “Justin Timber…(lake)”A third, referencing the hit song by Timberlake, added: “Justin Timber?! Cry me a river, Ashley Williams.”Another said: “Justin Timber you know.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWilliams’ analysis of the Dutchman came as he explained why he and Thomas Partey playing at right-back in the absence of William Saliba cost Arsenal from the defensive point of view.Arsenal had taken a 2-0 lead with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz but were forced to settle for a draw after goals from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins.Lone sad Arsenal fan being asked to leave by securityWilliams explained that the makeshift right side of the defence left them exposed down that flank, leading to the first Villa goal.Partey was then highlighted as he left Watkins unmarked for him to volley home the equaliser.With Liverpool enjoying a late comeback against Brentford through Darwin Nunez, Mikel Arteta’s side have now fallen six points behind the league leaders, who still have a game in hand.Arsenal host Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League next before travelling to Wolves next weekend.Arsenal ratings vs Aston VillaArsenal’s title hopes took a huge hit as they threw away a two-goal lead against Aston VillaLeandro Trossard turned provider for the Gunners to set up both goals as it looked like they would cruise to three points.But defensive lapses from two stars cost Arteta’s side dearly.Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.GABRIEL – 7Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.THOMAS PARTEY – 6A great stint at right back but one lapse in concentration cost Arsenal the lead, losing track of Watkins in the box before he volleyed in.MIKEL MERINO – 6A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half.He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1. Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7Integral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinelli for the opener before blazing over himself.The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8Again, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range.The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better. That will do wonders for his confidence.SUBS:RAHEEM STERLING (MARTINELLI, 82) – 6A few darting runs, but added virtually nothing, other than a needless yellow card. A cameo that screamed “lacking confidence”. More

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      Daphne van Domselaar says Arsenal ‘are on a roll’ under Renee Slegers as they aim to extend unbeaten run 

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      DAPHNE VAN DOMSELAAR relishes putting her goalkeeping talents to the test. The upbeat Arsenal star, 24, and her club pals have come through some testing moments in the WSL and Champions League this season. So far this season Daphne van Domselaar currently has the second highest number of clean sheets (six) in the WSLCredit: GettyManuela Zinsberger, Van Domselaar and their team-mates hope Arsenal’s form will lead to trophy wins under Renee SlegersCredit: GettyVan Domselaar and her Gunners pals have conceded just five goals in their past 11 games across competitionsCredit: GettySome mixed results — which included three winless matches at the Emirates — were followed by ex-Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall departing last October. Those early-season hurdles have since been overcome by the resurgent Gunners, who are third and seven points off leaders Chelsea. Following their clash with Crystal Palace this afternoon an away duel with the Blues awaits them next Sunday. In the past three months under their now permanent head coach Renee Slegers, the WSL giants have been on an unbeaten run of ten wins and one draw in the top flight and Europe. Read More Football StoriesMatches in which Van Domselaar, who this term has made 12 WSL and Women’s Champions League appearances, has started in goal. The Dutch international, who began her senior career at FC Twente in 2017, said: “Earlier this season we didn’t feel we were playing as well as we can. “After the change in October, we have a common goal. We’re on a roll. “We kept on winning and have grown in every single game as a team and as individuals. Most read in Football”That’s been great and everyone is on the same page. “Especially from our home win against Valerenga (in the Champions League). “In that moment we got that extra percentage and fire that brought through this streak of winning.” That togetherness and clearness Renee provides gives us more confidence individually as players but also as a team.Daphne van Domselaar A breath of fresh air is how Arsenal’s England forward Beth Mead described Slegers, who has been in charge since that win against Valerenga and earned the respect of fans.It’s a view shared by Van Domselaar who also sees similarities between the Arsenal boss and her Dutch compatriot the Lionesses chief Sarina Wiegman.Van Domselaar adds: “Renee is a really calm coach to have on the sidelines. “That togetherness and that clearness she provides gives us more confidence individually as players but also as a team. “When I speak to the girls here at Arsenal who play for England, they’re really happy with Sarina and her approach in being direct, straightforward and providing clarity. “That’s also what Renee does. She’s really clear and gives us good guidance around things to work on. “That’s something they have in common.”Renee has good staff around her who support her and they are really doing it together.”With four trophies including the WSL title up for grabs, Arsenal hope to extend their unbeaten run across all competitions when they host Palace at 2pm today. And then at Stamford Bridge next Sunday against title holders Chelsea. A match that could see Van Domselaar face her friend and national team-mate Wieke Kaptein.The midfielder, 19, has impressed for the Blues this term in her seven WSL appearances following a one-season loan spell at her former club Twente. The Gunners stopper, who is an avid photographer in her spare time, added: “It’s hard to see Wieke as a Chelsea player. “She’s new to the club and there’s a rivalry but we’ve been friends for longer — I played with her for about four years at Twente. “I just see Wieke as Wieke and it’s great to see her get minutes — but I also want to win against her.Victory against Palace at Meadow Park today would push Arsenal up to second above Manchester City before the Cityzens’ clash with Man United at the Etihad tonight. The matches are two of three derby duels taking place today with West Ham hosting Chelsea. Of course you want to win every cup and competition. Let’s see what the next few months will bringDaphne van DomselaarOf the Gunners derby clash today, Van Domselaar said: “Crystal Palace will be a hard team to play against. “We need to win that and every game.”We’ll give our best against them and from there we’ll go and see what will be at Chelsea. “We’ll do everything to be our best in that moment.”With Arsenal unbeaten under Slegers, Gunners fans will be dreaming of a first title win since 2019.Van Domselaar adds: “Hopefully we can win prizes. That’s what we want to do and what we work for every day”We want to win the Women’s Super League but we’ll go game-by-game and from there we’ll see. “We’d love to win the Champions League one day. “Of course you want to win every cup and competition. Let’s see what the next few months will bring.”Van Domselaar’s first coach at Twente, Tommy Stroot, described the 2023 Ballon d’Or nominee as a pure, natural talent. Her journey to becoming one of the most talented goalkeepers in Europe began at 11 with Dutch club LSVV before joining Telstar’s Academy ahead of a Twente move.And standout performances at the 2022 Euros paved the way for a June 2023 move to Aston Villa before Arsenal triggered a release clause to sign her last July. Reflecting on her Euros performance and move to England, Van Domselaar said: “You have these tournaments where you’re on a roll, you’re in the moment and everything goes well. “I was in that place where I felt like the best version of myself. “After that moment I chose to stay in the Netherlands for an extra year at Twente to see if I could continue having that form. “I’m really happy that I did that and had a year to think about what I wanted to do after”I still had to grow a lot especially coming from the Eredivisie to the WSL. “But I’ve grown a lot in the past season and the past two years. You can only test yourself if you’re put in a harder environment. “The league here is the most competitive in Europe so that was a big step. I said to myself, ‘Let’s see how good I actually am’.Along with club team-mate Victoria Pelova Van Domselaar, is one of 13 Dutch aces currently playing in the Women’s Super League.Her national team are one of England’s group stage rivals at this year’s Women’s Euros taking place in Switzerland in July.Both sides were steered to glory in the contest by Wiegman who led the Netherlands to the title in 2017 before lifting the trophy with the Lionesses five years later. Van Domselaar is looking forward the Netherlands’ battle with England in this year’s EurosCredit: GettyThe Gunners star added: “It’s always good to play against England because you know it will be a hard game but also an exciting one especially after the last Euros. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It will be a good check of where we are as a team. “It’s good we’ve had players coming back from injury like Jill Roord. Hopefully Victoria (Pelova) will be back as well and we’ll be full force.” More

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      ‘This seriously needs investigating’ – Arsenal fans lose their heads over Premier League tweet about disallowed goal

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      ARSENAL fans were left fuming after the Premier League addressed VAR’s controversial decision to disallow Mikel Merino’s last-gasp winner against Aston Villa.The Gunners dropped crucial points at the Emirates to Villa as two second-half goals within eight minutes by Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins cancelled out Gabriel Martinelli and Havertz’s strikes.Arsenal thought they’d earned all three points when Mikel Merino’s strike deflected off Kai Havertz and into the netCredit: RexBut VAR determined that the ball had hit Havertz’s handArsenal fans were furious with the Premier League’s tweetHowever, the North Londoners thought they saved their blushes in the 87th minute when Mikel Merino fired a shot from the edge of the box and the ball deflected off the Germany international.The goal was awarded by referee Chris Kavanagh but VAR recommended that it should be disallowed for handball.The camera angles showed the ball hitting Havertz’s hand, though a minority of fans were unconvinced.And the wording of the Premier League official accounts tweet added fuel to the fire for Arsenal fans.Read More on ArsenalThat was because it stated that the ball had “clearly” struck the German’s hand.The Prem’s official account tweeted: “NO GOAL! @Arsenal think they have a third, but Mikel Merino’s effort clearly strikes Kai Havertz’ hand on the way in.”The Premier League’s take enraged several Arsenal fans who insisted there was no clear handball.Some even suggested there should be an “investigation”, considering this came from the Prem’s official handle.Most read in FootballOne fan tweeted: “Where? Where is the handball? Show me the hand ball!”Best new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesAnother commented: “It’s an absolute disgrace. It’s happened to Arsenal again. This seriously needs investigating now. The ball hits his side, and even it does hit his arm it’s not in an unnatural position.”A third wrote: “I mean, this photo doesn’t show it hitting his arm. I’m not saying it hasn’t, but I haven’t seen clear and obvious. THIS is what millimeter-action video would actually be useful for.”Lone sad Arsenal fan being asked to leave by securityThis fan said: “Feel so sorry for Arsenal fans. Clearly hits Havertz’s midriff. Even slowed down on VAR it’s clear to see. Go to Specsavers lads. I used to work there I’ll get you a good deal.”And that one stated: “Clearly? This is the official EPL handle…..Wow!”Arsenal ratings vs Aston VillaArsenal’s title hopes took a huge hit as they threw away a two-goal lead against Aston VillaLeandro Trossard turned provider for the Gunners to set up both goals as it looked like they would cruise to three points.But defensive lapses from two stars cost Arteta’s side dearly.Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.GABRIEL – 7Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.THOMAS PARTEY – 6A great stint at right back but one lapse in concentration cost Arsenal the lead, losing track of Watkins in the box before he volleyed in.MIKEL MERINO – 6A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half.He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1. Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7Integral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinelli for the opener before blazing over himself.The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8Again, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range.The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better. That will do wonders for his confidence.SUBS:RAHEEM STERLING (MARTINELLI, 82) – 6A few darting runs, but added virtually nothing, other than a needless yellow card. A cameo that screamed “lacking confidence”. More

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      Arsenal ratings: Trossard turns creator as Gunners seek attacking spark but Merino and Partey lapses cost Arteta’s side

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      LEANDRO TROSSARD could hold his head high after his performance in Arsenal’s draw against Aston Villa.The Gunners were looking for a win to keep pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool.Leandro Trossard was Arsenal’s star man against Aston VillaCredit: GettyMikel Merino has had better days on the pitchCredit: ReutersMartinelli netted the opener after firing in an effort that Emiliano Martinez failed to keep out.But it was the impressive Leandro Trossard’s cross that created the chance.Kai Havertz made it 2-0 in the 55th minute however, the game was far from won.Aston Villa fought back to level the game as Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins struck twice inside eight minutes to flip the game on its head.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe Gunners thought they had scored a late winner through a frustrated Mikel Merino but were denied after the ball deflected in off Havertz’s arm.SunSport’s Jordan Davies has given their ratings for the Arsenal team…DAVID RAYA – 6/10He was let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close-range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGABRIEL – 7Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.Bukayo Saka update as Arsenal star spotted at Emirates without crutches… but Gunners suffer fresh injury blowTHOMAS PARTEY – 6A great stint at right back but one lapse in concentration cost Arsenal the lead, losing track of Watkins in the box before he volleyed in.MIKEL MERINO – 6A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half.He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1.Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7Declan Rice was integral for the Arsenal sideCredit: EPAIntegral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez, but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinelli for the opener.The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8Kai Havertz scored with a clinical finish in the second halfCredit: GettyAgain, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range.The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat will do wonders for his confidence.SUBS:RAHEEM STERLING (MARTINELLI, 82) – 6A few darting runs, but added virtually nothing, other than a needless yellow card. A cameo that screamed “lacking confidence”. More

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      Bukayo Saka update as Arsenal star spotted at Emirates without crutches… but Gunners suffer fresh injury blow

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      BUKAYO SAKA was spotted without crutches at the Emirates – but Arsenal were still dealt with another injury blow.The Gunners star has been out since late December and has missed the last five league matches. Bukayo Saka was spotted without crutches at the EmiratesCredit: XHe has been out since DecemberCredit: GettyMikel Arteta told Saka to go on holidayCredit: GettyBut there were positive signs before the Aston Villa clash as Saka was seen walking around before the game without crutches. The England international is set to be out till at least March – and manager Mikel Arteta urged him to go on HOLIDAY. Arteta said: “He needs to. He is obligated to go! With his girlfriend or his family, he can choose. Or on his own.”But he needs to get away for a few days and refresh. He can still do a lot of things with his rehab because it is the perfect stage. READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I think it will make him really better. He has been [around the squad] every single day. “There is a moment, especially when we are going to be away for a few days, that he needs to do that. “That is very important for him as well. We need to look after our players.”Arteta is also without centre-back William Saliba after he was seen holding his hamstring in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Tottenham in the week. Most read in FootballWilliam Saliba suffered a knock against SpursCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Gunners posted on social media: “William Saliba misses out with a minor issue.”Jurrien Timber replaced Saliba to partner alongside Gabriel in defence. Arsenal went into the game seven points adrift league leaders Liverpool – who beat Brentford late. Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka is set to miss months after surgery as he gives injury update on Arsenal star More

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      Man Utd ‘hopeful’ of completing Viktor Gyokeres transfer in bitter blow to Premier League rivals Arsenal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are optimistic about their prospects of signing Viktor Gyokeres this summer, according to reports.The Red Devils are eager to strengthen their front line ahead of next term.Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move away from SportingCredit: RexGyokeres, 26, excelled under United boss Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP.And according to the Independent, Red Devils chiefs are “hopeful” that they can reunite the pair at the end of the season.To do so, United may well have to beat off strong competition from Arsenal.The Gunners are keen to sign a prolific striker and could even try to move for one this month following the ACL injury suffered last weekend by Gabriel Jesus.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGyokeres is admired by figures within the London club, however Sporting would rather sell at the end of the season.The Swede is said to possess a release clause worth under £100million.It’s claimed that he would “love” to work with Amorim again as the Portuguese attempts to take United into a successful new era.In addition to Gyokeres, Arsenal are also said to hold interest in Benjamin Sesko and Evan Ferguson.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSesko, 21, has scored eight Bundesliga goals for RB Leipzig so far this season.While Ferguson, 20, has struggled for game time at Brighton, starting just two Premier League games under Fabian Hurzeler.Inside Viktor Gyokeres’ glamorous life, from dating fellow footballer and actress to luxury holidays around worldParis Saint-Germain star Randal Kolo Muani is expected to join Juventus in the coming days.This could see forward Dusan Vlahovic become available towards the end of the window.Arsenal previously held a strong interest in the Serbian striker.But that interest is said to have cooled in recent years.Evan Ferguson has not had much game time this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal interested in signing wonderkid dubbed ‘next Martin Odegaard’ in brutal blow to Man Utd after years of scouting

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      ARSENAL have reportedly entered the race to sign Sverre Nypan, who has been dubbed the “next Martin Odegaard.”The 18-year-old midfielder is said to have caught the eye of several European clubs with a string of impressive displays for Rosenborg.Arsenal have reportedly entered the race to sign Rosenborg’s Sverre NypanCredit: ALAMYThe 18-year-old has been dubbed the “next Martin Odegaard”Credit: GETTYManchester United are reportedly one of the teams interested in acquiring the teenager’s services.The Red Devils are said to have scouted Nypan – who is represented by Erling Haaland’s agent – Rafaela Pimenta – for several years.But according to The Telegraph, Arsenal are now “interested” in snapping him up.The north Londoners could land the teenager – who is regarded by many to be one of the best young talents in Europe – for the cut-price fee of £10million.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSNypan is aware of teams’ reported interest in signing him but has so far remained coy on his future.When asked about a potential January exit, he told TV2:“I don’t know – we’ll see.“[Rumours] have been going on for a while.”You don’t get completely used to it but I am starting to a little.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSArsenal player ratings vs TottenhamBy Dan KingARSENAL came from behind to defeat Tottenham 2-1 in the North London derby. Son Heung-Min had given the visitors the lead in the 25th minute against the run of play.But as they have done so often, the Gunners scored from a corner as Gabriel Magalhaes’ header was bundled in as an own goal by Dominic Solanke.Leandro Trossard then put the home side ahead on the stroke of half-time with an fine finish.Here’s how the players rated…David Raya – 6Spectator until kept out Kulusevski shot midway through first half, then beaten by deflection for Son goal. Didn’t make a save in second half.Jurrien Timber – 6Solid enough defensively to keep Son Heung-Min mostly quiet but less sure of himself going forward, wasting good chances to cross.William Saliba – 6Untroubled until Son’s shot went in off him. Started second half hesitantly but kept his concentration to minimise Tottenham openings.Gabriel Magalhaes – 8Brilliant interception to deny Solanke then decisive at other end to force equaliser. Excellent against Solanke twice more in calm and steadfast second half.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Fine pass to play in Sterling set tone for excellent, mature, all-round display from second youngest Arsenal player to start a North London derby.Thomas Partey – 7Strong presence who won the ball back well, not least ahead of Arsenal’s second goal. But sometimes looked vulnerable to Spurs’ pace on break.Declan Rice – 7Covered lots of ground and finally found a good set-piece delivery to create equaliser. Still not quite at his best, but much closer.Raheem Sterling – 5Saw plenty of ball, but with little end product, including golden chances at start of both halves. Curiously reluctant to take on his man. Deservedly hooked.Martin Odegaard – 6Prompted and probed without finding killer pass but released Trossard for second goal. Missed chance to make it 3-1, fewer signs of return to form than Rice.Leandro Trossard – 6Frustrated home fans with lack of killer instinct and poor decisions until he fired Arsenal in front. Did little after break to merit staying on for so long.Kai Havertz – 4Barely involved first half apart from nicking ball off Spurs keeper Kinsky. Headed wide from close range early in second. Nothing coming off for him.SUBSGabriel Martinelli (for Sterling, 61) – 5Slow to get up to speed and contributed little apart from one penetrating run into the box and a blocked shot.Kieran Tierney (for Trossard, 77) – 6Brought on to shore things up and did it well enough.Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Lewis-Skelly, 87) – 6Useful legs for dying minutes, almost created chance.Mikel Merino (for Rice, 87) – 6Good booking to stop Solanke getting away in stoppage time.Nypan scored eight goals in 33 appearances for Rosenborg in the 2024 season, in which he also provided ten assists.He has a total of 15 goals and 11 assists to his name in 60 appearances for the Norwegian giants.Mikel Arteta hails ‘sensational’ Arsenal after comeback win over Tottenham It’s unclear whether Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will move for Nypan before the window closes early next month, although the Spaniard is looking to bring in attacking reinforcements.When asked if he’s hoping to make some additions to his squad this month, he told TNT Sports: “Yes, for sure.”Because we lost two big players – Bukayo [Saka], who could be out for up to three months.”And then Gabby [Gabriel Jesus], who will be out for a long, long, long time.”We are going to try [in this window] for sure. We are actively looking.”We will try. Let’s see what we can get.”Mikel Arteta hopes to bring in some reinforcements before the transfer window closesCredit: REX More