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      ‘You had one job lads’, joke fans after Arsenal supporters’ hilarious Champions League banner blunder

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      ARSENAL fans made a huge blunder with a banner displayed before the Gunners’ Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.Arsenal wound up 1-0 victors over the Ukrainian club, extending their unbeaten run in Europe this season.Arsenal fans made a huge blunder with their banner for their Champions League clash with Shakhtar DonetskFans inside the Emirates Stadium for the league phase fixture were building up the atmosphere by displaying a massive banner in the crowd before kick-off.However, in an unbelievable blunder, the Arsenal supporters displayed the banner the wrong way round.It was supposed to read “VAMOS” – the Spanish word for “Let’s Go” – alongside a picture of manager Mikel Arteta.However, the fan confusion meant the banner actually displayed the message: “SOMAV”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans online found the whole ordeal hilarious and took to social media to react to the embarrassing blunder.One wrote: “You had one job lads!”While another added: “Nothing is going right for Arsenal at the moment.”A third joked: “All that preparation and poor finishing. Such are the Arsenal.”Most read in FootballThe banner usually reads ‘VAMOS’Credit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd a fourth teased: “Sums up our season so far I feel…. still time to turn it around, literally.”The banner is used at most Arsenal games and is usually used without any hitches.Mystery as Kai Havertz denied chance to make Arsenal history but Mikel Arteta has no idea why it happenedThe fan mistake wasn’t the only issue inside the Emirates on Tuesday night either.The Gunners’ pre-match light show was hit by a technical error as the speakers around the stadium didn’t appear to be properly playing the music to accompany the lights.But Arsenal fans were quick to step in, chanting in place of the music and drumming up a better atmosphere for their players.What followed on the pitch wasn’t exactly enthralling as Arsenal plodded their way to a 1-0 victory over Shakhtar thanks to an own goal by opposition goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Arsenal managed a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk despite an unconvincing performanceCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I nearly joined Man Utd after Sir Alex Ferguson charmed me but I don’t regret it… then I ended my career at Barnet’

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      EDGAR DAVIDS revealed he almost joined Manchester United after meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson in 1996.Davids, 51, enjoyed tremendous success playing for the likes of Ajax, where he won the Champions League and the Eredivisie, as well as Juventus, where he won three Serie A titles.Edgar Davids revealed he almost joined Manchester United in 1996Credit: Times Newspapers LtdDavids held talks with Man Utd’s legendary boss Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyDavids turned Man Utd down to play for AC Milan as that was where the ‘big boys’ playedCredit: Allsport – GettyHowever, the former midfielder’s career could have looked a lot different if he accepted Ferguson’s offer to join him at United just three years before the legendary Treble triumph.The Dutchman revealed he had a “charming” conversation with Sir Alex but opted for AC Milan as that was there the “big boys” played back in the day.And the Netherlands great insists he has no regrets despite United’s tremendous success under Fergie until 2013.Davids told BetMGM: “When I left Ajax in 1996 there was a good chance of me going to Manchester United.Read More on Football“I had a conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson and it was one of the most unbelievable experiences I had in my whole career. He was funny, charming, intelligent — basically everything you wanted.“The big boys were in Serie A and that’s where I wanted to go at that time of my career. That was the main reason why I chose to go to AC Milan.“I don’t regret not going to Manchester United. I’ve seen Sir Alex since and we had a good laugh about it all and there are still the same good feelings between us.”Davids did ultimately make the move to England nine years later as he played for Tottenham until 2007 before a short stint with Crystal Palace in 2010.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe ex-Barcelona star then turned into an EFL cult hero two years later as he took over as player-manager at Barnet in League Two, where he amassed 38 appearances until his retirement in 2014.Davids is now pursuing a career in management and currently works as Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman’s assistant.Steven Bergwijn gives a finishing masterclass with Edgar Davids in Netherlands training The ex-Inter Milan star revealed he cut his teeth learning under current United boss Erik ten Hag during his time in charge of Utrecht.The Juventus legend insists Ten Hag is a remarkable manager and hinted that the Red Devils’ troubles are caused by a lack of firepower up front.Davids added: “I know him [Ten Hag] very well. I did an internship at FC Utrecht and he was there. “He was very innovative with lots of different things and I was very impressed. He’s very focused and passionate about football.“We all know it hasn’t gone great at Manchester United. They are a club trying to rebuild and that’s never easy — but I do look at their options up front and think there’s not a prolific goalscorer there which makes such a difference.“For me, that’s what they are really missing. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are good, young strikers and have talent but they don’t have that experience yet.“It’s so hard to say if he’s going to stay but the one thing you do know is, just like Real Madrid, results are what you are judged on and they clearly haven’t been nearly good enough while he’s been in charge.”Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8mDavids ended a successful career at Barnet in League TwoCredit: Getty Images – GettyDavids is now pursuing a career as manager and currently works as assistant boss for the Netherlands’ national teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      ‘Is that you?’ ask Arsenal fans as they spot what Leandro Trossard did with eerie similarity to cult hero

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      LEANDRO TROSSARD replicated an Arsenal cult hero during their win over Shakhtar Donetsk.Gunners fans spotted an eerie similarity between the pair at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.Arsenal fans spotted an eerie similarity between Leandro Trossard and a cult heroCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side continued their unbeaten start in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over their Ukrainian opponents.Dmytro Riznyk’s own goal was the difference but it could have been more comfortable after Trossard missed a penalty for the hosts.However, another part of his performance also got supporters talking on social media.The Belgian winger, who is right-footed, was spotted taking corners with his weaker left foot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTrossard whipped an inswinging ball into the box with his left just five minutes into the match.Fans quickly compared his antics to former midfielder Santi Cazorla, who also wore the number 19 shirt for the Gunners.The Spaniard was known for being two-footed and taking set pieces with both feet during his time in North London.Reacting on social media, one fan wrote: “Always said Trossard reminds me of Santi Cazorla and now he’s taking corners with his weak foot? He took the comparison to another level.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother added: “Trossard pulling a Santi Cazorla and using his weaker foot on a corner.”A third supporter also commented: “Trossard taking an inswinging corner with his left foot. Haven’t seen that since Santi Cazorla.”Mystery as Kai Havertz denied chance to make Arsenal history but Mikel Arteta has no idea why it happenedArsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/AMeanwhile, one more said: “Leandro Trossard with left-footed corners. Santi Cazorla, is that you?”Cazorla spent six years with the Gunners, making 180 appearances for the club.During that time, he scored 29 goals, provided 44 assists and won four trophies, including two FA Cups.The two-time Euros winner is still playing in Spain for boyhood club Oviedo aged 39.Santi Cazorla also took corners with both feet and wore the number 19 for the GunnersCredit: GettyTrossard missed a penalty in Tuesday’s 1-0 over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates StadiumCredit: Getty More

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      Meet England wonderkid Jamie Gittens, 20, who made history vs Real Madrid, changed name and will eye place under Tuchel

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      IN a flash, Jamie Gittens has become Borussia Dortmund’s heir-apparent to Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho.At 20 years old and 75 days, Gittens became the youngest English player to score against Real Madrid in the Champions League, when he put Dortmund two goals ahead at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.Jamie Gittens suddenly finds himself in the form of his life after scoring his third Champions League goal of the seasonThe 20-year-old became the youngest English player to score against Real Madrid in the Champions LeagueGittens beat former Leeds forward Alan Smith by about two months with his clever back-post run and simple finish to establish a stunning two-goal lead over the holders after half an hour.But despite going on to lose 5-2 in Madrid, courtesy of a Vinicius Junior second half hat-trick, Gittens has cemented his name in the Champions League history books after being subbed off at 2-0 in the 55th minute.In fact, only Harry Kane (four) has more European goals than Gittens, who has three, this season.The England wonderkid, who previously went by the surname Bynoe-Gittens before changing it on his Barbadian dad’s advice, is in the form of his life.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe has scored six goals and registered three assists in 11 games in all competitions this season.After making history on Tuesday, he told TNT Sports: “To lose how we did should not have happened. But this stadium is so magical. They have great players to make impacts and they did it again tonight.”Gittens scored Dortmund’s first two goals in their last Champions League outing as they beat Club Brugge 3-0, after a stoppage-time penalty from Serhou Guirassy.The Reading-born winger has already starred in a European final, coming on from the bench at Wembley when Madrid won their 15th title in June.Most read in FootballGittens shortened his name from Bynoe-Gittens at the behest of his fatherFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGittens went the Sancho route of joining Dortmund straight from Manchester City’s academy four years ago.He has since made 51 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund since joining the first team from the Under-19 side in July 2022.15 year old Jamie Bynoe-Gittens shows why he is such a special player at Man City Bellingham named his fellow Englishman as his successor to the Golden Boy award when the Madrid superstar won it in December.Gittens signed up with Reading at Under-9 level after rejecting an invitation to switch to Chelsea.He told Secret Scout: “I’m from Reading and started when I was about four. “I was playing for a little local team called Cavs and Trents from the age of five to seven. “My dad used to play cricket so I was caught between football and cricket. “I played a little but obviously football turned out better. I then went to Reading, and was also at Chelsea too for a bit. “I got to U9s level where I had to pick between Reading and Chelsea. I picked Reading and stayed there until U14s.”He eventually moved north to join Man City’s Under-15s.His train to City would take three hours so he would stay with a host family up there and joined a new school in Manchester. The distance was tough on both him and his family.Gittens revealed he also turned down approaches from Arsenal to move to Manchester.He said: “It was an easy decision. I could have gone to Arsenal but I chose City because they were producing players like Brahim Diaz and Jadon Sancho back then.”At the start, I didn’t really believe it. I’m from a small town in the middle of nowhere. “When they told me that they wanted me, I was just surprised, but thought that all the hard work I had put in was paying off.”He was highly-rated at City but in 2020 moved to Dortmund, believing it would provide him a quicker route to the first team.England fans are already getting excited at the prospect of Dortmund developing another Three Lions talent.Gittens could be set to earn himself an England call-up as new boss Thomas Tuchel will be fully aware of his talent, having faced him as Bayern Munich manager in March.A month into his training with us, we were thinking ‘Christ, this boy has got some serious ability’. His dribbling was incredible, even as a six-year-oldCoach Martyn BeneyGittens played the final half-an-hour of Dortmund’s 2-0 win over Bayern in March.Although he has grown up in Dortmund, he has been progressing through England’s youth levels.The winger was part of England’s triumphant Under-19 Euro campaign two years ago, starting the 3-1 win over Israel in the final alongside recent senior call-up Jarell Quansah.He has made 10 appearances for England’s Under-21s and is set to play a prominent role under Lee Carsley, who will return to the fold after a three-camp stint with the first-team.Martyn Beney coached Gittens as a seven-year-old at local club Caversham Trents, who also produced female star Fran Kirby.The 49-year-old told SunSport earlier this year: “A month into his training with us, we were thinking ‘Christ, this boy has got some serious ability’. His dribbling was incredible, even as a six-year-old.Gittens joined Man City’s academy from Reading aged 15Credit: Manchester City“Jamie was a shy boy behind the scenes, with a really nice, sporty family, but they didn’t push him. “They said they wanted him to be coached in a way where he could enjoy it, learn a few things along the way and can develop naturally. That’s exactly what we did.“We worked out quickly that he was a goal-scorer, and he scored a ridiculous number of goals.“But he was happy to play anywhere. He would even go in goal at times and he wasn’t bad.”His German is developing nicely too, after three and a half years of three lessons a week, and is even conducting parts of some interviews in it.He has also had to curb his sweet-tooth ways in his bid to reach the top, confessing: “When I was younger, I used to always eat chocolate and sweets.“I had to cut that out. Now I try to avoid sugar as much as I can.”Future England star?Jamie Gittens was born in Reading in August 2004.He was outstanding at a very early age, and played at Chelsea’s famous Cobham Academy aged eight.Gittens went to Reading before moving to Man City’s academy in 2018.He moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2020, and made his debut in the Bundesliga in April 2022, against Wolfsburg.He is a winger blessed with pace, outstanding dribbling skills and a cool head in front of goalGittens has played for England at U15, U16, U18, U19 and U21 levels, but could also represent Barbados.Gittens in training with the England Under-21s in September 2023Credit: PAGittens playing for England Under-19s v Italy in 2022Credit: GettyThe talented wideman’s new lease of life has coincided with using a shorter version of his surname on the back of his shirt.In August 2024, Dortmund announced that he would play under the surname “Gittens”, rather than “Bynoe-Gittens” as he had previously used. Gittens told Dortmund’s official website: “Both are my father’s names, but he said he thinks it’s better if I’m just called Gittens because it’s shorter.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Most people know him as Gittens, so in the future, I’ll only wear Gittens.”The “shorter the better” he told German outlet Bild. More

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      Aston Villa hothead Jhon Duran RAGES as he’s subbed moments after scoring and kicks back of team-mate’s chair

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      JHON DURAN was visibly FURIOUS after being substituted off during Aston Villa’s Champions League clash with Bologna.Duran, 20, was given a rare change from his super-sub role by starting the Villa Park match on Tuesday.Jhon Duran punched a chair after being subbed off moments after scoring against BolognaCredit: X/ footballontntDuran then kicked the back of a team-mate’s chairCredit: X/ footballontntDuran was then seen throwing somethingCredit: X/ footballontntIt was the 20-year-old’s second start of the seasonCredit: X @footballontntThe goal machine took 64 minutes to find the back of the net and make it 2-0 after John McGinn had opened the scoring nine minutes earlier.Duran got across his marker to volley home a low shot into the bottom corner from a Morgan Rogers cross for his seventh goal of the season.It proved to be his final touch of the match because two minutes later the subs board went up to show his number as he was replaced by Ollie Watkins.However, after going off and sitting down on the bench Duran was clearly upset about the decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was filmed punching his chair before sitting down and then kicking the back of a chair that his TEAM-MATE was sitting in.The Colombian was then seen with an angry expression on his face before throwing something.After giving Duran his first start in front of the home fans in 11 months, manager Unai Emery was relaxed over his reaction to being subbed.Speaking after the game, he said: “I’m managing everything and the reaction of the player as well.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We are sending a message in the dressing room that our values mean we need to try to be mature and responsible.”It’s not only Duran, before the other players have sometimes reacted a little bit (shrugs shoulders).Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card?”It’s under our control. It’s not a problem.”Duran has started two games this season, but also came off the bench to net the winner against Bayern Munich in their last Champions League game.The Villans host Bournemouth at 3pm on Saturday for their next match.Reports suggest both Arsenal and Chelsea are now battling to sign £75million-rated Duran next summer.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Mystery as Kai Havertz denied chance to make Arsenal history but Mikel Arteta has no idea why it happened

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      MIKEL ARTETA and Arsenal fans were left scratching their heads after Kai Havertz was denied the chance to make history.The Gunners claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk as a first-half Gabriel Martinelli strike cannoned off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk and into the goal after hitting the post.Mikel Arteta admitted he was unsure why Kai Havertz did not take the penaltyHavertz had the chance to match Thierry Henry’s record with a goalCredit: GettyInstead Leandro Trossard stepped up to take it but fluffed his linesCredit: RexThe hosts were on top for most of the game, but had a few late scares.That could have been avoided when Arsenal were given the chance to double the lead from the penalty spot with 15 minutes to go.A VAR review had revealed that Valeriy Bondar had handled the ball in the box.However, with the North Londoners usual takers Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard sidelined through injury, it was left to a new star to take on the mantle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHavertz, 25, appeared to be the obvious choice, given he had scored 20 of his 21 career penalties.The German was set to match an all-time club record by Thierry Henry by scoring in eight consecutive home games. But surprisingly, it was team-mate Leandro Trossard who stepped up to take the kick.Yet the Belgian – who was already enduring a below par night – fluffed his lines as his weak strike down the middle of the goal was saved by Riznyk.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal held on to their win and clean sheet thanks to some late heroics from David Raya, though Arteta might have wished his team had added a layer of comfort.Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted he was not sure what the reason was behind the decision.Arsenal player ratings vs ShakhtarHe told Amazon Prime Sport: “I don’t know.”I don’t know the conversation because he’s one of the takers but Leo decided to take it. Okay, he missed it, [but] that’s it unfortunately.”Speaking in his post-match press conference he doubled down on the answer, adding: “They made a decision. The penalty takers normally are Bukayo and Martin. Unfortunately Leo missed it.”Reacting to the penalty miss on social media, one fan said: “You get a penalty and give it to Trossard yet your best penalty taker (Havertz) is on pitch. We can really take risks and that’s not acceptable.”A second said: “Havertz has scored 20 of the 21 penalties he’s taken in his career. Why was Trossard taking it?”A third added: “Havertz is way too nice too. Should have snatched the ball straight away from Trossard.”Despite continuing their unbeaten Champions League run, the Shakhtar win has proven costly with Riccardo Calafiori now looking set for a spell on the sidelines after going off injured.With Arsenal also confirming yesterday they would not appeal William Saliba’s red card from the Bournemouth game, it means they will be without a number of key stars as they host Liverpool on Sunday.READ MORE SUN STORIESArteta described Calafiori’s injury as worrying, while he has also cast doubt on Bukayo Saka’s availability for the match.With Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard also sidelined, they could be without as many as six first team stars against the Premier League leaders.Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A More

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      Ex-Newcastle coach recalls famous Champions League night when unlikely hero came up trumps against Gianluigi Buffon & Co

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      IT IS 22 years ago since one of the most under the radar but magical European nights occurred at Newcastle – and Steve Harper got an incredible memento.Tino Asprilla’s incredible hat-trick in the 3-2 victory over Barcelona back in 1997 still takes some beating for those members of the Toon Army old enough to remember it.Simon Smith (left) was goalkeeper coach under Sir Bobby Robson (right)Credit: PA:Press AssociationNewcastle United’s Andy Griffin (C) scored the winner against Juventus in 2002Credit: ReutersWhile the stunning 4-1 thumping dished out to Paris Saint-Germain a year ago also goes down as one of the greatest nights in the history of the Magpies.However, another club famed for wearing black and white have also suffered disappointment under the lights at St. James’ – and it was packed with superstars.Alessandro Del Piero, Lillian Thuram, Pavel Nedved, Edgar Davids and Gianluigi Buffon were all part of the Juventus side that suffered a 1-0 loss to Sir Bobby Robson’s Newcastle on this very day in 2002.The Magpies had lost each of their opening group matches that year with a 2-0 reverse at Dynamo Kyiv, a 1-0 home setback to Feyenoord and a 2-0 defeat in Turin leaving them with a mountain to climb.REAL MORE ON FOOTBALLThe probability of them reaching the next round was slim – so much so that Sir Bobby opted to play back-up ‘keeper Harper in order to just give him experience.But it turned into an evening that the Toon legend would never forget as Andy Griffin scored the only goal to secure the win.It was a result that reignited their Champions League campaign, with following victories over Kyiv and in Feyenoord meaning they completed a remarkable turnaround to reach the next stage, where they would eventually be eliminated. Newcastle’s former Geordie goalie coach Simon Smith, who has also worked under the likes of Ruud Gullit, Steve Bruce and Eddie Howe during his two spells at his boyhood club, still remembers the game as if it was just yesterday.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe told Sun Sport: “We thought that we were out. We hadn’t won one of our opening three games and then we had Juventus, who were packed with great players.“But, lo and behold, we won 1-0. We then went on and beat Feyenoord to get through into the next stage.I was earning £10,000 a week at Newcastle before I went to jail and I’d still be in the Premier League now if I’d behaved “There was no pressure at all. It really just felt like we hadn’t done very well and we were going out and Sir Bobby changed his team.“I know Harps played and I think Sir Bobby just wanted to give him some experience of playing in Europe, not thinking that we’d go any further. But he kept a clean sheet.”And Smith’s work was only just beginning once the full-time whistle had gone.He continued: “My main memory of that night is that Harps was desperate to swap shirts with Buffon.“He gave me his shirt to go and swap and I had to go and stand outside of their changing room and ask their staff if Buffon would exchange his shirt after they had just lost.“To be fair to him, he came out and it was a real classic pink and black goalie shirt, and he swapped it for Harps’ blue Newcastle one. A quite remarkable night really.”Newcastle’s Andy O’Brien battles with Juventus’ Edgar Davids in the Champions League matchCredit: PA:Press AssociationSmith enjoyed plenty of memorable moments sat in the dug-out at St. James’ – two of which came when the ground was being redeveloped into the huge arena it is now.He said: “I’ve had two really magical experiences of the place that will always stand out. One was when they built the new stands with the top on.“We had an afternoon out, just before it was finished, and went right to the top and looked down and we all just thought ‘oh my, this is unbelievable’.“Then they arranged for me to take Shay Given and Steve Harper to test out the floodlights when nobody else was there.“We pitched up at St. James’ one night, just the three of us, to have a kickaround and they switched all of the lights on and it was all to make sure that the new lights would not be shining in the eyes of the goalies.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So we did corners, free-kicks etc to make sure that the lights were on the right angle and it was totally unbelievable to be there, just the three of us with no crowd. That was very special.“The other special day was after Sir Bobby’s death and the tribute at the Leazes end with the scarves, flags – that was totally unbelievable.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      in Soccer

      Watch moment Arsenal wonderkid’s sub appearance is delayed by wardrobe malfunction as fans say ‘his mum will be fuming’

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      ARSENAL wonderkid Myles Lewis-Skelly was left baffled after being temporarily blocked from entering the pitch during Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.The 18-year-old was introduced to replace Riccardo Calafiori in the 72nd minute.Myles Lewis-Skelly was baffled when he was briefly stopped from entering the pitchThe teenager made his second Champions League appearanceCredit: GettyHowever, he was briefly stopped from entering the pitch by the fourth official due to an earring.The official would not let him go on until he took the earring out – even though it was taped up.Lewis-Skelly quickly resolved the issue before running on for his second-ever Champions League appearance.Fans on social media found the mishap hilarious, with one person writing: “Myles Lewis-Skelly trying to come on for Arsenal with a brand new earring taped over. 4th official not having it 😂.”Read More in FootballAnother commented: “They made Lewis-Skelly take out his fresh piercing 😂 He better hope that don’t heal up and close on him.”While a third joked: “Lewis-Skelly’s mum is gonna be fuming 😭 his entry into a champions league game delayed because he has to take his earring off 🤣.”Arsenal went on to win the match 1-0 thanks to an own-goal.Gabriel Martinelli’s 29th-minute strike was deflected in off the back of Shakhtar keeper Dmytro Riznyk.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Gunners had plenty of chances to extend their lead but failed to make the most of them.Leandro Trossard missed a golden opportunity to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot with 15 minutes left to play.Chelsea star spotted at Emirates Stadium watching Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar DonetskThe Belgian fired his shot straight down the middle, making it relatively easy for Riznyk to save.Arsenal now have seven points from three games in the Champions League. More