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      ‘I miss it sometimes,’ says Sir Alex Ferguson as former Man Utd manager opens up in rare interview

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      LEGENDARY Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has opened up about “missing” life in the Old Trafford dugout.The 82-year-old retired from management in 2013 following a 27-year spell with United.Sir Alex Ferguson discussed his career in a rare interview with BBC BreakfastCredit: BBCThe legendary manager admits he misses being at Man UtdCredit: GettyHe is still widely considered one of the greatest managers of all-time, having won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League titles.Although he stepped away from the job over 11 years ago, Ferguson admits it has taken time to adjust to life outside of football.In a rare interview with BBC Breakfast, the Scottish icon said: “Good yeah, I have been retired 11 years now so you find a way of adjusting.”Asked if he misses life in management, he continued: “Yeah, I miss it sometimes. Read More in Football”I think the first year after retirement, I went to the European final and I said to Cathy ‘this is what I miss’ – big games, the European games.”So then I went to most of the European finals because I find something I can relate to, something I would liked to have done every day. “Because these are the big events that United should always be involved in.”Ferguson’s wife, Cathy, passed away last October at the age of 84.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe couple had been married for 57 years having tied the knot in 1966.Cathy supported Fergie in his recovery after he suffered a brain haemorrhage six years ago.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-UpsThe legendary boss made a full recovery after being given a 20 per cent chance of survival.Ferguson spoke to BBC Breakfast as part of National Playlist Day, which is a UK-wide celebration of the power of meaningful music for people living with dementia.He said: “Fortunately my memory is quite good, pray the lord and touch wood it will stay that way.”I read a lot, I do quizzes, and I think that helps, there is the YouTube quizzes with 100 questions and if I don’t get 70 per cent I’m struggling.”Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Raheem Sterling makes history after coming on as a substitute in Arsenal’s drab Champions League draw

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      RAHEEM STERLING wrote his name into the Champions League history books on Thursday.The 29-year-old made his first European appearance for Arsenal against Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium, replacing Bukayo Saka in the 73rd minute.Raheem Sterling made Champions League history last nightCredit: GettyIn doing so, he became the first player to represent FOUR different English clubs in the Champions League.His first outing in the competition came with Liverpool ten years ago against Ludogorets.Sterling then went on to join Manchester City and spent seven years at the Etihad.During that time he helped Pep Guardiola’s side to the 2021 Champions League final, but they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.Read More in FootballThe winger subsequently signed for the Blues one year later.Sterling fell down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge last season.He was left out of Enzo Maresca’s plans earlier this summer and given the green light to leave Stamford Bridge.Arsenal swooped in to sign him on a season-long loan just a few hours before the transfer window shut.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Gunners negotiated a bargain deal with no fees and less than a 50 per cent wage contribution.Sterling is yet to start a match for Arsenal.’Arsenal’s Timber dodged red card v Spurs because of safe ref call’ | The Whistleblower, Mark HalseyHe made his debut in the club’s 1-0 win over Tottenham last week.And his second appearance came against Atalanta on Thursday.The Gunners held the Europa League champions to a 0-0 draw at the Gewiss Stadium.David Raya kept his team in the game with a stunning double-save.Arsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. More

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      David Raya reveals secret behind incredible penalty double save after Arsenal star took advantage of delay

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      DAVID RAYA has revealed the secrets behind his penalty heroics in Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Atalanta.The Spanish shot-stopper was the Gunners’ hero last night as he stopped Mateo Retegui from 12 yards before leaping back across his goal to miraculously claw a headed rebound off the line.David Raya saved Mateo Retegui’s penalty to preserve Arsenal’s clean sheetCredit: GettyHe then clawed a rebound off the lineCredit: RexHe has now revealed the secret behind his successCredit: ReutersRaya, 29, has conceded just one goal so far this season which has helped Mikel Arteta’s side to an unbeaten start.Their away trip to Europa League champions Atalanta looked to be a tricky test on paper, and so it proved, with Gian Piero Gasperini’s side having more possession and shots than Arsenal.However, Raya was there to thwart the Italian side’s attempts, and he has now revealed the secret behind his latest heroics.During the delay before it was taken, the 29-year-old went to speak with goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana, whom he had also previously worked with at Brentford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to TNT Sports after the game, he said: “I made the decision to go to the sideline during the VAR consultation because there was a long wait.”So I just wanted to speak to the goalkeeper coach to have more of a sense of which way I should go, what to do and what not to do.”Credit to him because he helps me a lot in every aspect. He does all the work with everything and he also deserves credit for the save.”Raya saw praise heaped on him by boss Arteta, who said the save was “probably one of the best saves I have seen in my career”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe also drew praise from Gasperini, who labelled him a “cat”.It has been some journey for Raya, who 10 years ago today lost 3-0 on his National League debut playing for Southport.The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton break down the new changes for the UEFA Champions League format for 2024/25He will doubtless be hoping to add to his list of clean sheets with a shutout against title rivals Manchester City on Sunday.City leads Arsenal by two points, with the match at the Etihad potentially pivotal in the season’s title charge for both.Raya revealed he spoke to goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana during the delay before the penaltyCredit: GettyArsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. 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      Watch Micah Richards’ hilarious reaction after Arsenal hero David Raya reveals favourite CBS pundit in awkward interview

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      MICAH RICHARDS celebrated a big win in the Champions League… with the help of Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.Richards, who never made it past the last-16 of Europe’s elite club competition, was appearing on CBS Sports alongside Jamie Carragher, Thierry Henry and newly-married presenter Kate Scott – formerly Abdo.Arsenal hero David Raya was interviewed by CBS Sports after his heroics against AtalantaRichards asked Raya who is favourite member wasRaya replied by saying Richards was his favouriteThis prompted a huge celebration from RichardsHe then ran over to Raya to hug and kiss himFollowing Arsenal’s game against Atalanta, which ended in a 0-0 draw thanks to a stunning double save from Raya which included a save from the penalty spot, the Spaniard appeared on the show.During the interview, former Manchester City star Richards asked Raya who his favourite member of the CBS crew was.In reply, Raya said: “Oh you put me right on the spot there.”I like you all, but for me I think Micah takes it, he’s quite funny.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis sparked a jubilant celebration from the 36-year-old, who then proceeded to get up before running over to the screen where Raya was and “hugging” and “kissing” him.Richards also shouted “I love you”, towards the goalkeeper.Fans loved Richards’ reaction, with one saying: “Who doesn’t love Big Meeks.”A second said: “Big meeks all the way.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third added: “l love this guy.”Another said: “You gotta love micah… He’s so lively.”Watch hilarious moment Kate Abdo gets the giggles after Micah Richards’ X-rated slip of the tongue live on CBS Sports, CBSSportsGolazoArsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. More

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      Man City backed to be relegated by staggering 42 PER CENT of punters after huge court case kicked off

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      MANCHESTER CITY have been backed by nearly HALF of punters to be relegated.It comes as the court hearing into their alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules nears the end of its first week.Almost half of punters have placed bets on Man City to be relegatedCredit: RexMan City are facing between 115 and 130 charges brought against them by league bosses.This includes giving false accounts on player wages and sponsorships and failing to assist with the investigation.The financial breach charges stretch for nine years from 2009, while charges of withholding information run into 2023.The decision for the unprecedented trial is not likely to be known until the Spring.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut since the hearing began on Monday, punters have placed their bets on what they reckon the outcome will be.According to Betfair, a whopping 42 per cent of punters have placed single bets on Man City to be relegated.If found guilty, punishments could include a heavy financial penalty, points deductions, being stripped of previous titles and relegation.And it has now been revealed that City are at risk of being kicked out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup too.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile there is also no certainty that the four-in-a-row Premier League champions would be able to compete in the Champions League and Club World Cup either.However, SunSport understands the latter is unlikely despite the rules allowing it to happen.’It was dead,’ says Peter Schmeichel as he savages Man City supporters and tells Micah Richards ‘leave the studio’Pep Guardiola’s Man City drew their most recent game 0-0 against Inter Milan in the Champions League.They have a 100 per cent winning record in the league so far, but host title rivals Arsenal on Sunday with one team set to lose their unbeaten start to the season. More

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      Watch bizarre optical illusion as Barcelona star sent off in Champions League… and commentator has NO idea what happened

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      A FORMER Premier League star was incredibly sent off in a bizarre optical illusion.And it proved crucial as his side fell to a shock defeat in their Champions League opener.Eric Garcia appeared to only be shown a yellow card despite his blatant foulCredit: X @TNTSportsThe official Champions League graphic indicated he had received a straight red cardCredit: X @TNTSportsEric Garcia started in midfield for Barcelona as they took on Monaco.However, his game lasted just TEN minutes before he was given his marching orders… or was he? Garcia was put under pressure by a sloppy pass from goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.And that allowed Takumi Minamino to pick his pocket.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEx-Manchester City man Garcia then brought down the former Liverpool forward in a cynical foul as Minamino closed in on goal.It was a blatant goalscoring opportunity and with the incident taking place outside of the penalty area, the offence warranted a red card.But did the referee agree?Well, it was not immediately clear. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat is because official Allard Lindhout blew his whistle to award the free-kick and sprinted over to the two players sprawled out on the turf.He then reached for his back pocket and produced a card.’Brain-breaking’ intro to Champions League MOTD divides fans as BBC decision shows ‘game has never been more gone’However, on first viewing on the TV cameras, the card looked yellow. The commentator clearly thought so, too.Sam Matterface, calling the action for TNT Sports, said: “It’s just a yellow card. That’s a massive let-off for Eric Garcia. “Well, it looked like the yellow card came out. I was almost convinced the red card was incoming. The VAR will certainly check it.”Interestingly, as soon as the referee brandished the card above his head, it was the Barcelona players – rather than the Monaco stars – who immediately surrounded him and protested.That would therefore imply they were not happy with the decision – and surely would not have done so if Garcia escaped with only a yellow. Then the official Champions League graphic flashed up on the screen stating Garcia had received a direct red card – as he trudged off the pitch towards the tunnel. Matterface added: “Well, I wonder if the referee has brought out the wrong-coloured card because there’s absolutely no intention to win the ball and that would ordinarily be a red card. “We are being told on our information system it’s a yellow card but I think he’s walking here.”That’s a red card, a direct red card, that’s the right decision.”I think the referee pulled out the wrong card.”However, on further investigation, although the card seemed to be yellow on the screen, that actually appeared to be another footballing optical illusion due to a reflection of light.In fact, the referee DID pull out the red card.That was confirmed by photographs from the scene with Garcia and Minamino lying on the floor as the referee held up the card.The video footage also showed him putting the red back into his shorts during the commotion on the field.And Garcia’s early bath clearly had an impact as Maghnes Akliouche put Monaco ahead six minutes later.Lamine Yamal equalised just before the half-hour mark with his first Champions League goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut George Ilenikhena grabbed the winner for the Ligue 1 side 20 minutes from time to hand Barca the nightmare start to the new campaign. It was the 18-year-old’s first Monaco goal – and prompted hilarious scenes in the CBS Sports studios as Jamie Carragher butchered his attempt to pronounce Ilenikhena’s name. Referee Allard Lindhout clearly brandished a red cardCredit: GettyThe Barca stars complained as he put the card back in his pocketCredit: ReutersGarcia trudged off the field after just ten minutesCredit: Getty More

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      Jamie Carragher leaves Thierry Henry in stitches as he butchers name of Monaco’s newest hero after beating Barcelona

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      CBS Sports pundit Jamie Carragher begged Thierry Henry for help live on air – after struggling to pronounce George Ilenikhena’s name.The Liverpool legend needed all the help he could get during Thursday’s Champions League broadcast. Jamie Carragher joined Kate Scott, Thierry Henry, and Micah Richards on CBS Sports on ThursdayCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazoThe former England defender had trouble saying George Ilenikhena’s nameCredit: CBS SportsHis colleague Thierry Henry tried to help him out with the pronunciationCredit: CBS SportsBut Carragher butchered his attempt, leaving the Arsenal legend in stitchesCredit: CBS SportsIlenikhena bagged the winner for Monaco as they stunned Barcelona in their clash at Stade Louis II.The 18-year-old forward netted his first goal for the club to give the Ligue 1 side a famous 2-1 victory. Carragher joined Henry, host Kate Scott, and colleague Micah Richards to review the game. Seemingly aware of his past challenges pronouncing names, Carragher jokingly said: “I think it’s only right that I [analyse] the winning goal.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs Scott asked why, Carra laughed in response: “Have you seen his name?”Henry attempted to help Carragher with his linguistic issues with the help of a “little song.”But Carragher couldn’t get past the first syllable of Ilenikhena, prompting the French legend to slam his head onto the table in laughter.The former Three Lions defender eventually got his pronunciation on point thanks to Henry’s input.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN-UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it’s not the first time Carragher has been stumped by a language barrier during a live broadcast. Back in April, Richards was left crying with laughter as the Kop legend struggled to interview AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.Watch Micah Richards cry ‘like never before’ at Jamie Carragher’s broken conversation with AC Milan starCarragher asked the Portuguese star: “When you see the games tomorrow, obviously the big rival of yours, Inter Milan are in the other semi-final, would you like that? A big semi-final with your biggest rival?”A baffled Leao, scratching at his earpiece, replied: “I didn’t understand can you, repeat please?”Carragher went back in again, only for the segment to fall apart with Leao unable to understand the question.In a separate awkward moment last season, Abdo was forced to apologise to Fikayo Tomori after Carragher and Richards both pronounced his name incorrectly throughout an interview. Monaco’s George Ilenikhena celebrates after his winner against Barcelona on ThursdayCredit: ReutersIt’s been a busy week on CBS Sports, with host Abdo revealing she has officially changed her name.The 43-year-old host married former boxer Malik Scott over the summer.She told her colleagues, to cheers: “Abdo – it has to go.”Allow me to reintroduce myself. We’re going to do this. S-C-O-T-T. Kate Scott.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCarragher couldn’t resist making an awkward joke following the on-air announcement. After Henry had shared a hug with Scott to congratulate her, Carra quipped: “Malik’s not here, is he?” More

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      Arsenal player ratings: David Raya shines in strong defence but Thomas Partey struggles in drab Champions League draw

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      ARSENAL began their new-look Champions League campaign with more David Raya heroics. The defences won out in the first half, with just one save of note from a Bukayo Saka free-kick.David Raya kept his clean sheet with a piece of genius goalkeepingCredit: GettyBut within three minutes of the restart – and then a lengthy VAR check – Atalanta had a penalty.Raya, though, spared Thomas Partey’s blushes with a truly extraordinary double save.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw. Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…READ MORE ON ARSENALDavid Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour. William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRetegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday. Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Refs’ chief Howard Webb reveals Declan Rice red card was correct – but Arsenal wronged by different incorrect decisionStarting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances. Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season. Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”. But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics. Thomas Partey gave away the penalty just after half-timeCredit: RexDavid Raya produced a stunning double save from the penalty and reboundCredit: RexBen White was up against Ademola LookmanCredit: GettyDeclan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards. Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle. Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save. Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday. Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area. Withdrawn before the hour mark. Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over. Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. Bukayo Saka went close with a drilled free-kickCredit: PAKai Havertz played deeper in midfieldCredit: GettyMarco Carnesecchi made the save then thwarted Partey’s follow-up effortCredit: GettyGabriel Jesus struggled to get involved at the business end of pitchCredit: ReutersSUBSLeandro Trossard (for Jesus, 58 mins) – 5Plenty of energy from the Belgian. Jorginho (for Partey, 58 mins) – 5Headed on for Partey before the hour mark – presumably knowing a strong showing could get him a starting spot at the Etihad. READ MORE SUN STORIESRaheem Sterling (for Saka, 73 mins) – 6Became first player ever to represent four English clubs in the Champions League and immediately set up Martinelli. Riccardo Calafiori (for Timber, 73 mins) – 6Helped ensure Arsenal kept the clean sheet – crucial minutes with his new team-mates. Arsenal went to Italy to face the Europa League championsCredit: Reuters More