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      Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi emerges as shock contender to replace Erik Ten Hag with Man Utd chief two games from axe

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      INTER MILAN boss Simone Inzaghi has reportedly emerged as a “serious contender” to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.The Dutchman will have two away games to save his job against Porto on Thursday and Aston Villa on Sunday.Simone Inzaghi is on Man Utd’s radar should Erik ten Hag be sackedThe pressure is mounting on the Man Utd boss after another poor start to the seasonThe Man Utd manager’s future has been called into question following a dismal display in a humiliating 3-0 home loss to Tottenham.Ten Hag said he was not concerned about losing his job, claiming the club are backing him, after he signed a contract extension over the summer.But there remains uncertainty around his position.Sir Jim Ratcliffe will reportedly consider Ten Hag’s Man Utd future during the October international break.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOld Trafford chiefs are interested in securing Inzaghi from Italian side Inter Milan, according to The Star.Inzaghi guided Inter to Serie A glory last season and he is widely considered to be one of the best coaches in world football.The 48-year-old has won nine trophies during his managerial career so far, with both Lazio and Inter.Inter reached the Champions League final under his tutelage in 2022-23 but lost 1-0 to treble winners Manchester City.Most read in FootballInzaghi (centre) celebrating with his team as they secured their 20th Scudetto with five matches remaining in April 2024FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former Lazio forward has guided his side to fourth place this term, with three wins and two draws among their opening six fixtures.Inzaghi held Pep Guardiola to a 0-0 draw at the Etihad in early September.Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham He is also the current holder of the Enzo Bearzot Award, given to the best Italian manager each year.The Star report states that former England boss Gareth Southgate could also come in for Ten Hag should he be sacked.Meanwhile Ruud van Nistelrooy will also be considered after returning to Old Trafford as an assistant in the summer.Southgate remains without a job after quitting England following England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.Meanwhile Man Utd have only won six of their last 18 Premier League games and have already lost three of their six matches this season.Ten Hag could therefore be axed before the Red Devils face Brentford on October 19.Man Utd face four away games in their next five fixturesWhy NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo agreed to rejoin Man Utd in 2013 with Real Madrid star in £200m deal before cash row, club icon claims

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO and Gareth Bale both agreed to join Manchester United in 2013 – but the club wouldn’t cough up £200m.United legend Patrice Evra revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson believed Ronaldo’s return was nearly 100 per cent agreed, four years after the Portugal star left for Real Madrid in a then-record £80m deal.Cristiano Ronaldo agreed to rejoin Manchester United in 2013, according to Patrice EvraAs did then Tottenham prodigy Gareth BaleFormer United star Evra revealed the information during a recent podcast appearanceAnd the legendary Red Devils boss also worked on trying to land Bale from Tottenham at the same time.But then Ferguson – who had just won the Premier League title – was forced to confirm to his players that he would in fact be retiring.Former left-back Evra said on The Obi One podcast: “It was one of the most sad days. I didn’t cry, I was in shock. “The reason why, is two weeks before, he brought me into his office and said: “Look at those people, they think I am going to retire, I am going to be here another 10 years but we need to win more Champions Leagues.”read more football news”He said: ‘Patrice, Cristiano has agreed 99 per cent to come back and Gareth Bale.’ He needed £200m and the club refused. Now they have spent a billion, whatever.”I remembered when I got out of his office, I was like, ‘Cristiano is back, Gareth Bale, we are back in business’. Imagine. That’s what he said.”Since then, United have spent a record £1.19bn on transfers and £40m on managers while running up a debt of nearly £1bn. Still no title, though.As a result Bale, who was flying at Spurs, instead joined Madrid in the summer of 2013 for an updated world record fee of £86m.Most read in FootballRonaldo scored 450 goals in 438 games for MadridBale scored a spectacular bicycle kick in the 2018 Champions League final win over LiverpoolFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDavid Moyes came in at Old Trafford and signed Marouane Fellaini instead.Ronaldo would go on to stay at Los Blancos until 2018, winning four more Champions League titles.Gary Neville’s sheepish reaction after Jamie Carragher says Cristiano Ronaldo has ‘pied two of us off’Wanting a new challenge, he joined Italian giants Juventus and picked up back-to-back Serie A titles in 2019 and 2020.He would eventually get his comeback move to Old Trafford in 2021, where he was named in the Premier League Team of the Year, scoring 16 goals in an otherwise underwhelming campaign for United.But Ronaldo left for Al-Nassr just over a year later after launching a verbal attack on the club in a tell-all explosive interview with Piers Morgan.Bale himself returned to Tottenham on a season-long loan in 2020 before returning to Madrid for a term.The Welsh star joined Los Angeles in 2022 and announced his retirement a year later.Ronaldo and Bale were both nominated for Europe’s Best Player award in 2016Ronaldo won his first Champions League with United under Fergie in 2008 More

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      Terrified PSG fans expect Arsenal to win by ‘kicking the ball off our players on purpose’ as ultimate weakness exposed

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      WORRIED Paris Saint-Germain fans have identified an area of weakness that Arsenal may look to exploit this evening.The French champions have travelled to London ahead of their Champions League clash with the Gunners.Paris Saint-Germain trained at the Emirates last nightCredit: AFPRed-hot Bradley Barcola will look to give the Gunners problemsCredit: AFPLuis Enrique’s side head to Arsenal having made a productive start to the campaign.PSG are top of Ligue 1, ahead of Monaco on goal difference, having earned five wins and a draw from their opening six games.They also got off to a winning start in the Champions League, having beaten Girona 1-0 a fortnight ago courtesy of Paulo Gazzaniga’s late own goal.Despite being unbeaten so far this campaign, plenty of PSG fans hold concerns ahead of this evening’s big test at Arsenal.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSHaving watched the Gunners in action, several PSG supporters are worried about set pieces.One wrote on social media: “I fully expect Arsenal to kick the ball off our players on purpose for corners.”This is not a game. Every player we have over 6 foot needs to be starting.”While a second speculated that Enrique could opt to field Fabian Ruiz and Randal Kolo Muani due to their height.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPSG have several diminutive players among their ranksCredit: PAA further social media user commented: “5-1 for Arsenal including 4 goals from corners.”And an Arsenal fan added: “PSG have one of the shortest teams in Europe while Arsenal have one of the tallest group of players in Europe.Former Arsenal and England star, 32, completes League Two free transfer after months unemployed “We are going to have a meal from corners tomorrow.”PSG’s commanding 6ft 5in goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has missed their last three games with a thigh injury – but has travelled to London and was seen training at the Emirates last night.Ousmane Dembele has not made the trip to the capital, however, after being dropped by Enrique for disciplinary reasons.Goncalo Ramos, meanwhile, has been missing since undergoing ankle surgery in August.In their 3-1 win over Rennes at the weekend, PSG started a speedy front three comprised of Dembele, Lee Kang-in and red-hot Bradley Barcola.With Dembele out, 6ft 2in Kolo Muani could start – which would give the French side more presence at set plays.Ironically, given fans’ concerns, PSG have not yet conceded a goal from a set-piece this season.Lille came close in their 3-1 defeat to the champions, but Tiago Santos’ close range finish was disallowed for a narrow offside.Arsenal, meanwhile, have been deadly from set pieces since coach Nicolas Jover was appointed to Mikel Arteta’s backroom staff.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey scored their latest goal from a corner on Saturday, their crucial third against Leicester.While they also claimed goals from a similar route in recent big matches against Manchester City and Tottenham.Mikel Arteta may look to exploit set plays against PSGCredit: GettyThe Gunners have been a constant threat from set playsCredit: Getty More

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      I didn’t kick a ball for my club for two and a half years, then I starred as we beat Bayern Munich in European final

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      NIGEL SPINK was the stand-out stand-in who came off the bench after NINE minutes to inspire Aston Villa’s famous 1982 European Cup triumph.The 23-year-old rookie keeper’s heroics against mighty Bayern Munich, after replacing injured No 1 Jimmy Rimmer, earned him iconic status and his place in Villa folklore.Nigel Spink was just a rookie goalie when he helped Aston Villa win the European CupCredit: GettySpink (left) hadn’t played in two-and-a-half years when he starred against Bayern MunichCredit: GettyRimmer, who had only missed one game for the club in five years, was  carrying a neck injury into the final and knew he could not continue when he struggled to move an arm towards an early shot.Spink admits Villa will have a much more experienced keeper to call on in World Cup-winner Emi Martinez  than the rookie he was on the club’s finest night.And Spink, who will cheer on his old club when they take on Bayern again in the Champions League tomorrow, said: “I’d only made one first-team appearance before Rotterdam — 2½ years earlier.“On Boxing Day, 1979, I was told to travel with the first team to  Nottingham Forest because Jimmy had a problem with his foot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Ron Saunders took me, so he could make a last-minute decision. When Jimmy couldn’t get his boot on Ron asked if I fancied a game.“We lost 2-1 and I wasn’t needed again until I came on against Bayern Munich, nine minutes into the European Cup final!”Spink went on to make 460 appearances for Villa between  1979 and 1996 but none came close to matching his remarkable display to keep Bayern at bay in Rotterdam.He admits he had no idea he could be called on that night as Rimmer was so rarely injured.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpink revealed: “It was very much just one goalkeeper in those days. Back then the reserve players didn’t even train with the first team, let alone play with them!“The only time we got to see the first team play was on Match of the Day because if the first team were playing at home, the reserves would be playing away.Gary Shaw dead at 63Spink became a Villa legend with his showing against the GermansCredit: GettyUnai Emery’s men face Bayern in the Champions League on WednesdayCredit: Rex“Our gaffer Tony Barton, his assistant Roy MacLaren and our physio knew there was a slight problem with Jimmy but assumed he would be OK. “His career was littered with  bumps and bruises and he would just get on with it. I’m not sure he ever missed a training session.“Having to come off must have been a tortuous decision for him to make. He was on the bench when Manchester United won it in ’68.“You talk about mental health these days but that must have cut him up — that would have been the highlight of his career and he called [to be subbed] to help the team.“Fortunately I’m a pretty laid-back character so I just got on with it and enjoyed it. I’ve got a DVD of the game  and I watch it back from time to time — and the hairs still stand up on the back of my neck.“And I know it’s coming, because I’ve seen it one million times, but the save at the start of the second half from Bernd Durnberger at the near post still gives me goosebumps. It was my best save because he gave me the eyes. But I stood still and managed to keep it out.New Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season.“When I know that’s coming, my shoulders start going back and my chest puffs out a bit. Then it happens and you think, yeah, I did my bit.“I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about Villa drawing Bayern again, before the draw. When it came out, a cold shiver of enjoyment and happiness went down my spine at the thought of it.”The occasion at Villa Park will be all the more poignant after the recent death of Spink’s former team-mate Gary Shaw. Villa’s golden boy sadly died aged 63 from injuries  sustained in a fall last month.Spink was earning £13,000 a year as a Villa reserve but pocketed a bumper £10,000 bonus for winning the European Cup.However he was glad he did not have to pay the bar bill in  Rotterdam that famous night.He revealed: “Ken McNaught, Jimmy and Peter Withe were approached by the waiter at the hotel to see if we wanted him to put some champagne in the cup, so the lads could have a drink out of it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We were all up for it and thought it would be nice for everyone  to have a sip of champagne from the trophy.“But it took 26 bottles and it was still nowhere close to being full — and I have no idea who footed the bill for that! But it certainly wouldn’t have been big Ken.” More

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      ‘Lads, it’s Man Utd’ – Ten Hag WILL be sacked after turning Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous three-word team talk on its head

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      FIRST, the easy part — Erik ten Hag must go and Erik ten Hag WILL go before long.Perhaps as soon as Sunday’s visit to Aston Villa and probably at some point during October.Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is facing the axe after another miserable lossCredit: GettyTen Hag risks turning Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous Tottenham team talk on its headCredit: GettyThe home thumping by Tottenham was the TENTH time  Manchester United have been thrashed by three goals or more in just over two years of the Dutchman’s reign.Ten Hag’s United don’t just lose consistently, they are thrashed consistently.Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford are among the teams to have demolished his outfit.Read More on Man UtdSir Alex Ferguson’s most famous three-word team talk — “Lads, it’s Tottenham” — could now be turned on its head by Ange Postecoglou or several other Premier League bosses.“Lads, it’s Man United.”Facing United hasn’t held a fear factor for many years.Now, it is a fixture openly relished by many — a big-name scalp which is relatively easy to come by.Most read in FootballThere has been a regular cycle of doom around Old Trafford for the last 11 years, under six different managers.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnited are trounced on a Sunday afternoon, Gary Neville and Roy Keane rant on the telly, everyone speculates on the manager’s future on a Monday.Managers come and go, many players linger for too long, and United continue to be largely terrible.Man Utd reveal first pics of redeveloped 100,000-capacity Old Trafford in ‘biggest regeneration scheme ever seen’Yet under Ten Hag — who offers little as a coach or man-manager — the bad days are even worse.It was the wrong decision for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos crew to keep faith with the former Ajax boss after last season’s FA Cup win.And then to have signed another tranche of overpriced Dutch players.Ratcliffe will realise that by now, and it is only a matter of time before Ten Hag is gone.So now for the hard part. Who, realistically, takes over?And, more pertinently, who would want to?Emery wouldn’t take United job – he’s not stark raving madThis is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Not many optionsEmery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Gareth Southgate concernYet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the  equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Replacement needs to succeed Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a “figurehead” manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor Ratcliffe, Ashworth and the rest of United’s new management structure, the hard part is what happens next.And it is a decision they desperately need to nail.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular replacement for Ten Hag but is considered a loose cannonCredit: GettyMan Utd assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is the bookies’ favourite to take overCredit: GettySouthgate is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by Man Utd last springCredit: Getty More

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      Graham Potter hilariously breaks silence on Man Utd talks and ‘being linked with Napoli and Stoke in the same week’

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      GRAHAM POTTER addressed speculation linking him with the top job at Manchester United with a hilarious quip.Potter, 49, has been a free agent since his dismissal by Chelsea 18 months ago but continues to be touted as a potential successor to under-fire United boss Erik ten Hag.Graham Potter addressed speculation linking him with Manchester United with a jokeCredit: ReutersMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford is becoming increasingly untenableCredit: PATen Hag’s position at Old Trafford is under threat after Sunday’s 3-0 thumping by Tottenham in another hapless display by the Red Devils.And the ex-Brighton manager broke his silence amid all the continuous talk linking him with the job.Potter, who was appearing on MNF on Sky Sports, said when asked if he’d enjoy the challenge of managing United: “I am sitting here enjoying the challenge of answering your questions.”The ex-Chelsea boss was less coy when asked about reports suggesting he was approached by Man Utd chiefs during the summer before they decided to hold on to Ten Hag.Read More on Man UtdThe former Swansea manager added: “I take what the media say with a pinch of salt.”I am the only coach in world football to be linked with Stoke City and Napoli in the same week. “I have had lots of conversations with lots of people and I think out of respect to those people it’s best those are kept private.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPotter also joked about taking the England job ahead of Bournemouth’s 3-1 win over Southampton. He said: “I think it’s time for a commercial break, isn’t it?!Most read in Football”As an Englishman, of course it’s a fantastic job and I’m supportive of FA and what they decide to do and whoever the next coach is.”Gareth did a fantastic job and I’m sure Lee will in his time, however long that is.”Potter, though, doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to return to the dugout after 12 years of non-stop work for the likes of Ostersunds, Swansea, Brighton and Chelsea.The Solihull tactician admitted he deliberately decided to step away from the limelight and focus on his family.Watch Graham Potter’s reaction as he is asked about England manager job moments after earning uni degreePotter recently admitted: “I spent some time with the family, [to] connect with them after a 12-year journey which has started in the fourth tier of Swedish football and ends in the last eight of the Champions League.”Graham Potter’s managerial careerA brief look at Graham Potter’s managerial career to date…2008 – 2011: Leeds Beckett University Carnegie2011 – 2018: Ostersund 2018 – 2019: Swansea City2019 – 2022: Brighton and Hove Albion2022 – 2023: Chelsea More

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      Arsenal boost as Ousmane Dembele AXED by PSG after blazing row with boss Luis Enrique ahead of Champions League clash

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN winger Ousmane Dembele has been axed by Luis Enrique ahead of Tuesday’s huge Champions League clash with Arsenal.Dembele has widely been considered one of PSG’s best players so far this season.Ousmane Dembele will miss Tuesday’s match against ArsenalCredit: GettyHe allegedly had a row with Luis Enrique on FridayCredit: AFPIn six Ligue 1 appearances, the 27-year-old has scored four goals and provided four assists.But despite his stellar form, he will not feature against Arsenal.Dembele has been dropped from the PSG squad entirely ahead of the huge match.Instead, Vitinha has been called up for the trip to London.Read More in FootballAccording to French outlet L’Equipe, Dembele had a blazing row with manager Enrique following PSG’s 3-1 win over Rennes on Friday.Enrique criticised the winger for some of the decisions he made on the pitch during the match.It led to a heated discussion which left the Spaniard furious.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was asked about the development during his pre-match press conference on Monday morning.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe responded: “We just got the news. We don’t know if it is true or not.”But we prepare like we always do, but they have many other options.”Mikel Arteta leaves fans in shock as he speaks fluently in new language despite never having lived or worked in countryOn the match itself, he added: “Everybody is looking forward to it. “We missed it for a number of years, and last year was the first one after so many years that we had the experience to do it.”The group stage is a bit different this season and the opposition we are going to face tomorrow is probably at the highest level that you can face in European football.”But honestly, it’s a good opportunity for us to see how we deal with these nights, how prepared we are and how we can impose ourselves in this kind of context.”Arsenal face a tough month of fixtures More

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      Declan Rice jokingly reveals Arsenal stars are feeling title pressure with THIRTY-TWO Premier League games to play

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      DECLAN RICE joked Arsenal stars are already feeling the title pressure – with 32 games left to play.The Gunners were in danger of blowing two home points on Saturday before two stoppage-time goals clinched a 4-2 Prem win over promoted Leicester.Declan Rice has revealed that Arsenal stars are already suffering from title anxietyCredit: GettyRice opened up on the mentality that has already crept into the title raceCredit: RexAnd midfielder Rice insists his title favourites are already experiencing “Squeaky Bum Time” with 32 League games to go. He said: “Mentally, it’s tough having so many games to get up for.“If you want to win Premier Leagues you need to  win, otherwise pressure mounts.”“We knew coming into this game how big it was. When it went to two-all, it was tough.READ MORE IN ARSENAL“You look up at the clock and think, ‘We’ve still got time here’, but you’ve also got another thought of, ‘We cannot drop points, we can’t lose this game, we have to keep going’.“You can’t drop points if you want to compete at the end of the season and win the title. We kept going, kept believing and in the end the three points were massive.“The first half was probably the most comfortable we’ve been all season in terms of passing and dominating the ball. But at the end it was like a sigh of relief because we won.“We deserved to win, so lots of positives to take but still so much to improve on.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe task for Arsenal now is to maintain their focus for a week that  contains tomorrow’s Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain before Saturday’s league visit from Southampton.Rice added: “It’s tough, but mentally we have to wrap our heads around the schedule and make sure we’re doing everything we can off the pitch to prepare and be ready.’Get off the phone’ snaps Troy Deeney after his wife called him out live on air over Arsenal comment“The games are coming fast, with so few training sessions to prepare.“We always believe in what we do. That comes from the manager — that we keep pushing.“The Champions League is a different format now. We’re excited because we’ve not played PSG before. “It’s our second group game and it’s massive. You normally find these games in the quarter-finals or semi-finals.”Pressure on Leicester is equally intense as they continue to seek their first Premier League win following last season’s promotion.Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard put Arsenal two up before a James Justin brace for the visitors.Late on, an own goal by Wilfred Ndidi and a strike from Kai Havertz  sealed the Gunners’ victory.Foxes goalkeeper Mads Hermansen was magnificent at the Emirates, flying across his goal to make a succession of superb second-half stops.The Dane pulled off 13 saves in the match — one shy of the Premier League record — but admitted he would rather be less busy.Hermansen said: “There are always mixed feelings. READ MORE SUN STORIES”As a keeper I am trying to help the team whenever it is needed, but it was a bit too much here  for me to do.“And conceding 36 shots is a bit much. That is something we have to improve as a team.”Arsenal player ratingsBy Tony Robertson, Digital Sports ReporterLEANDRO TROSSARD inspired Arsenal to a dramatic injury-time 4-2 win after Leicester’s second-half fightbackHere’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the players…David Raya – 6After quiet first half Spaniard had to be alert in the second. Quick distribution allowed Arsenal to sustain attacking pressure.Could do nothing for the goal after being wrong-footed by the Havertz deflection and was at full stretch for Justin’s world class equalising volley.Jurrien Timber – 7Showed off both sides of his game with some good early interceptions before a superb low cross to set up Martinelli’s opener.Skied a shot over the bar following a goal mouth scramble in the second half.William Saliba – 7Expertly marshalled Jamie Vardy whenever caught in a one-v-one situation in the first half.Gave away a free-kick against the Foxes ace which ended up going in after a deflection off Havertz.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7After being centre of attention against Tottenham and Man City, the Brazilian had a more low-key day dealing with the Foxes, at least in the first half. His problems today were more on the ball than off.Saw one near-post header miraculously saved by Hermansen in the second half.Riccardo Calafiori – 6Closed down a dangerous chance early on after some sloppy midfield play from Thomas Partey, often tucked into midfield when in possession and looked very comfortable in the role.Went missing for Justin’s equaliser and was booked in the second half. Denied by a goal with a far-post header by a superb Hermansen save.Thomas Partey – 5Caught out on the ball in the opening stages by Ndidi but recovered to play some nice passes.Seemed absent from the midfield at times when asked to defend.Declan Rice – 6Made some good runs into the attacking third and was always able to offer an option. Delivered some dangerous corners and provided energy in midfield, even if much of the rest of his impact on the game was limited.Saw a pass into Havertz on the edge of the area result in a penalty appeal that was waved away.Kai Havertz – 7Back in midfield role today and looked assured in much of his play. Nodded a header agonisingly wide in the 37th minute. Saw Leicester’s goal just after half-time deflect in off his chest to wrong foot Raya.Only denied a goal by a world-class save by Hermansen and was denied a penalty moments later. Showed desire to get to the far-post and score a last-minute goal and make it 4-2 after a Jesus run.Bukayo Saka – 7Usual bright self and tested the gloves of Hermansen early on before smart switch to play in Martinelli, who should have done better before skying his shot over the bar. Moments later played in Timber before he set up the opener.A real captain’s performance from the winger with the most chances created, most shots and most completed dribbles out of any of his team-mates – and he chipped in with an assist.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Naughty tackle from ex-Spurs man Oliver Skipp didn’t dampen his spirits as he ended his goal drought by netting from Timber’s low cross. Arsenal’s most dangerous player in the first half and ended with an assist for Trossard on the stroke of half-time.Faded in the second half and did not get back in time for Justin’s equaliser before being hooked for Sterling.Leandro Trossard – 9Tigerish work leading the line and forced a number of high turnovers, one of which led to a good Martinelli chance being saved by Hermansen. Got a goal for his efforts with a deft side foot into the bottom corner on the stroke of half-time.Struck the wood work in the 58th minute and should have scored after Arsenal won the ball back high. Was eventually the match winner with a scruffy injury time strike from close range.SubsRaheem Sterling (on for Martinelli 74 mins) – 5Didn’t make much impact after coming on.Ethan Nwaneri (on for Partey 85 mins) – 7First act after getting the ball was to dribble and curl a shot to the far corner, which was destined for the net if not for a superb Hermansen save.Gabriel Jesus (on for Trossard 94 mins) – 6Dribble and shot helped Havertz net a last minute goal. More