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      Marco Asensio’s mum told Florentino Perez he’d be Real Madrid star aged NINE before tragic death from cancer

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      IT was the mother of all predictions that still brings a tear to the eye of Marco Asensio two decades down the line.A bold-as-brass prophecy from his biggest fan, before he was even at the baby-steps stage of a career which took him to the European summit.Marco Asensio has been a revelation for Aston Villa since his loan move from PSGCredit: REXAsensio became a global name during his trophy-laden stint with Real MadridCredit: AFPThe Spain international joined Real from Mallorca in December 2014Credit: GETTYAsensio’s late mother, Maria, told Florentino Perez her son would be a Real star when he was nine years oldCredit: AlamyAnd ultimate proof that mums DO know best — as a trophy cabinet packed with football’s most glittering prizes testifies.If Aston Villa fans get their way, any more medals that the Spanish forward wins will be done in the claret and blue shirt of Unai Emery’s men.For it has taken Asensio, 29, just three months to become a cult hero to Villa supporters, 18 games and nine starts after arriving on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.He has eight goals already, all celebrated with a look to the heavens, in memory of the mum who once told Real Madrid’s president that Marco would be a Bernabeu superstar.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAsensio was only nine, yet she knew her son had a gift — and was quick to tell Florentino Perez in their chance meeting at Puerto Portals in Mallorca.Maria and husband Gilberto had taken the family to see the luxury yachts in the marina and after spotting Perez on his boat, asked for a picture.Yet before heading off, she told the Real guv’nor to look at the pint-sized kid next to her, as one day he would pull on the most famous white shirt in football.While Perez simply smiled, Maria had no doubts. Neither did a man who was blown away from the day Asensio arrived at tiny Mallorcan club Platges de Calvia two years earlier.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJuan Pericas, a youth coach at the Spanish fifth-tier outfit, soon had the same conviction as Marco’s mum. He still chuckles at what she said to Perez.Marco Asensio scores a brilliant flicked goal in Real Madrid training Pericas revealed: “They asked Florentino for a photo and then his mother said, ‘You see this little boy? “‘He is my son Marco. One day he will play for Real Madrid and be very successful’.“That’s why, the day that Marco signed for Real, he cried like a child. He remembered his mother’s premonition.“He was seven when he joined us, an age when very few kids know what to do with the ball.“But he played with his head up and always made the right decision.“In his first season, he scored 64 goals and had 30 assists.“That was a huge thing for someone so young to have those stats.”Sadly, Maria never got to see her son at the Bernabeu, as she tragically passed away through cancer when he was just 15 and a youth player at Mallorca.Almost immediately, he was playing two categories above his age group, standing out against boys older and stronger.Before long, LaLiga’s big two were sniffing around — and when Real agreed to pay €4million in one hit for the 18-year-old, letting Mallorca keep him for the season, that swayed it.Marco has told me many times his mother is still his source of inspiration and he plays every match in her memory.”Juan Pericas on Marco Asensio’s late motherBarcelona missed out as they wanted the fee in four instalments — and Asensio was on the road to three Champions League wins in nearly a decade.And every golden moment was celebrated with a point to the heavens in tribute to the woman he says will always be his driving force.Just as they were when he left for Paris a couple of seasons ago — and since moving to the Midlands in February.Pericas added: “Marco has told me many times his mother is still his source of inspiration and he plays every match in her memory. “She left an indelible impact and lives on through Marco.“He has spoken many times of his desire to make her proud on every occasion.“That’s why, each time Marco scores, he celebrates by looking up at the sky. Every goal is dedicated to Maria.”Villa fans would love to see him bagging plenty more for them and they are urging Emery to pay the £12.5million or so that it would cost to make his move permanent this summer.Read More on The SunAnd Pericas is equally convinced that the two are a perfect fit.He added: “Marco is loving it in England. If everything can be worked out, it would be a great move for both of them.” More

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      Mikel Arteta does a Benitez as he rants about xG and tells Luis Enrique ‘look at the stats’ after bold Arsenal claim

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      MIKEL ARTETA doubled down as he insisted KO’d Arsenal WERE the Champions League’s best team —  and told Luis Enrique to ‘look at the stats’.Arteta was mocked by Paris Saint-Germain boss Enrique for claiming his men were better than the Munich-bound side — despite losing their semi 3-1 on aggregate.Mikel Arteta reckons the Gunners were unlucky in ParisArteta is basing his Arsenal verdict on figures like expected goals – and told everyone to look at the statsCredit: PARafa Benitez hit Alex Ferguson with his ‘facts’ in his infamous 2009 rantThe Arsenal chief — stopping just short of Rafa Benitez’s infamous ‘facts’ rant —  reiterated: “I stand by what I said, 100 per cent. I’ve watched it back, seen all the stats.“When you look at all the important stats, the ones that give you the best platform to win football matches, it’s crystal clear who was better.“With an expected goals of five against three, which we had over the two legs, normally you’re in the final.”Arteta’s statistical claims echoed then-Liverpool boss Benitez’s 2009 rant about Alex Ferguson, when the Spaniard blasted the Manchester United chief with a list of ‘facts’.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSArteta said: “If you face PSG and they blow you away, you shake hands and say, ‘We’re not ready still’.“When you look them in the eye, suffocate them in the way we did there, you were the better team.“But it’s not about the winning probability, it’s actually making it count.”But the Gunners chief did accept Liverpool “deserve” to be crowned Prem winners  because his side have taken a “step backwards”. Most read in Champions LeagueMartin Odegaard and Co were shattered by their semi-final KOCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKArteta had been under fire for claiming Liverpool’s title-winning tally — they can still reach 91 points — was less than the 89 his men racked up last term or 84 in 2022-23, when they were again runners-up to Manchester City.He said: “It’s true. With the amount of points we had, we could have been champions twice.This week’s title: How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-final“But we were not. In the Premier League we’ve gone a step backwards. Liverpool deserve to be champions.”While the thought of telling his team to line up on the Anfield pitch and give Liverpool their guard of honour on Sunday will be hard to swallow, the Spaniard knows it is something his players MUST do.To realise how close they came. To dig deeper to make sure the boot is on the other foot next term.Another campaign of near-misses has left Arteta wounded, no question.It is now five years and counting since the Basque watched his players parade round an empty Wembley with the FA Cup, the “Covid Final” win over Chelsea something from another age.I stand by what I said, 100 per cent. I’ve watched it back, seen all the stats.Mikel ArtetaSince then, while Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have all won trophies, Arsenal have not, falling short at the moment of truth.Being the unwitting walk-on extras at an Anfield party tomorrow will rub home that point, as Arteta knows.He said: “Paris was a very emotional moment.“It was one of the saddest but one of the proudest moments that I have had as an Arsenal manager.“We put a lot of hope and energy and work into that and we didn’t get the outcome. You need to go through that to become stronger and better and that’s what we do.“We are providing the numbers that win you titles. We have to be a little bit luckier or still do better.“Again, with what we did in the Champions League, with those  numbers, you have a big probability of winning it. That’s why a lot of people were thinking that we could go all the way.Last-eight hero Declan Rice couldn’t quite help Arsenal past PSGCredit: Shutterstock EditorialArteta consoled Jurrien Timber as the Gunners missed out on the finalCredit: Reuters“Those two words, ‘success’ and ‘failure’, they are not part of my vocabulary.“But not winning trophies bothers me a lot because I love winning and absolutely hate losing.“If it doesn’t hurt then it means you don’t love winning as much as I do, that’s for sure.”The fear of some Gunners fans is that Arteta might end up as another North London “nearly man”, the sort of jibe they loved to throw at Mauricio Pochettino and Spurs when their most bitter rivals were in the local ascendancy but could not get over the winning line.Arteta and his “trust the process” mantra retain the backing of most of the Emirates faithful but the manager wants his players to feel as bad as the travelling fans shortly before 4.30pm on Sunday.He added: “Liverpool have been the best team, the most consistent team. When somebody is better you have to applaud and accept and try to reach that level.I have no doubts about these players and their attitude. I know how much they are still hurting — now we have to show the fight.Mikel Arteta“Something that has to drive you, motivate you, and pain probably is a good one to use.“When you don’t really want to do something but it’s the right thing to do, usually it is a motivation for next season.“We cannot win the Premier League, that is clear. But over the last 16 days, with three games to go, we must make sure that we do ourselves proud and compete to the end in the manner we deserve.”For many Arsenal fans — and  outside critics — it was the failure to address the elephant in the room in January, the club’s lack of an  out-and-out striker, that ended up being exactly as costly as was widely predicted. Pressed on that and the fact that Mo Salah’s goals for Liverpool have been one of the key differences in the campaign, Arteta did bristle.He asked: “Did I have to make it more clear in January? Was it clear or not?“If you score over 90 goals you have a high probability of winning the Premier League.“It doesn’t guarantee you, but you have a high probability if your defensive record is very good and very dependable.Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris.“Of course, there’s not that many who can put up those numbers in the Premier League, so I must improve and love the ones we have right now.“This is not the moment to judge players.”That is on Arteta himself as well. He said: “I have so much to achieve and do. That is what drives me every day.“The only way to achieve what you want is to have really high standards and demands.“We are very, very close to achieving it. I understand the disappointment, and the criticism. That is all part of it.“At the end there is one winner and the rest of them aren’t going to win, so they need to reinvent themselves and do better.“But I have no doubts about these players and their attitude.Read More on The Sun“I know how much they are still hurting — now we have to show the fight and how much we care about what is happening.“And what we still have to achieve, which is a big thing because we haven’t done it yet.”Thomas Partey gave his all in vain in the return leg at PSGCredit: Alamy More

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      Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea fans can watch their teams for FREE in Europa and Conference League finals

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      SPURS, Manchester United and Chelsea fans are set to be able to watch their sides’ European finals for free this month.Broadcaster TNT Sports is understood to be planning to make all three of this season’s Uefa Finals available to all fans through its Discovery Plus channel.Bruno Fernandes hopes Man Utd put aside domestic woe to beat fellow Prem strugglers Tottenham in the Europa League final on May 21Credit: ReutersBrennan Johnson and Co might not save boss Ange Postecoglou’s job if Tottenham defeat the Red Devils in the Bilbao finalCredit: GettyCole Palmer’s Chelsea are gunning for Real Betis on May 28 in the Conference League showdownCredit: GettyWhile a formal announcement is yet to be made, Sun Sport understands TNT will repeat last season’s model for the three games.It means the all-Prem Europa League showdown between United and Tottenham in Bilbao on May 21, Chelsea’s Conference League climax with Real Betis in Wroclaw seven days later and the Munich Champions League Final between Inter Milan and PSG can all be watched by fans without a TNT subscription.Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is under so much pressure he could even be axed if he triumphs.Tottenham have been trophyless since lifting the League Cup in 2008.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd United counterpart Ruben Amorim says victory for his team is the least his club’s fans deserve – after admitting he must get better at his job.It comes as the English top flight could have a record NINE teams competing in Europe next season.That would smash the previous best of five from 2017-18, which saw United miss out on the top four but win the Europa League.The Prem has been awarded five Champions League spots next season – thanks to performing so well under Uefa’s coefficient rankings.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMan Utd and Spurs will fight for the Europa League trophyCredit: GettyThe key achievement in being rated so high was Arsenal beating Real Madrid in their quarter-final first leg.The Gunners went on to exit against Paris Saint-Germain in the semis – with Emirates boss Mikel Arteta sparking a mixed response for claiming his team were the best in the competition.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThis Conference League trophy is the prize at Chelsea vs BetisCredit: Shutterstock EditorialStamford Bridge erupts in brawls as Chelsea are accused of ‘most serious breach of stadium security in recent memory’Arsenal’s Real success meant the Prem’s Europa and Conference League places would now be filled by the sides finishing sixth and seventh.And they will down a spot further – if Manchester City beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.Spurs and United are far closer to the bottom of the table than the teams challenging for European places.But whoever wins the Europa League final will book a Champions League place.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

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      Stamford Bridge erupts in brawls as Chelsea launch probe into ‘most serious breach of stadium security in recent memory’

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      CHELSEA have launched a probe after hundreds of away fans infiltrated the home end for Thursday’s Conference League match.Supporters of Swedish side Djurgarden were able to buy tickets in almost every section of Stamford Bridge for the semi-final second leg.Djurgarden fans packed into every section of the Stamford Bridge during the Conference League second legCredit: GettyFans were seen climbing the barriers between themCredit: GettyFans were seen clashing in the standsCredit: XFans from both sides came to blows during the gameCredit: XChelsea Supporters Trust called it a ‘serious security breach’Credit: XCops and stewards had to intervene to keep the peaceCredit: AlamyPolice have confirmed a number of arrests were madeCredit: AlamyCops and stewards had to intervene to keep the peace during the game, which Chelsea won 1-0.Chelsea claim to be cracking down on illegal ticket sales and are going digital with seat allocation from next season in a bid to beat the touts.The visiting supporters made no attempt to remain anonymous and sang loudly throughout the 90-minute match.Footage from inside the ground on the night shows one section of Stamford Bridge being completely taken over by visiting fans, which saw Chelsea release an update during the game and relocate fans in the impacted areas.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan captured a video showing fans clashing in the Matthew Harding Stand of the stadium during the match, with another showing fans brawling in the West Stand concourse at half-time.The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust released a damning statement following the game and asked fans to come forwards to present evidence for an formal investigation.The statement said: “During Thursday’s UEFA Conference League vs. Djurgården, a huge number of away supporters were able to infiltrate large areas of the home end.”This is the most serious breach of stadium security in recent memory, and it significantly undermines any security protocols Chelsea FC put in place ahead of the fixture.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge”As a result, the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust will formally write a letter of complaint to Chelsea FC’s COO and Head of Security. “We will call for a formal investigation by the club into the ticket sales process and Chelsea FC’s security response during the match.Chaos at Stamford Bridge as Djurgarden fans jump over barriers and clash in away end against Chelsea”The findings of this investigation and any subsequent recommendations must be made available to supporters.”The CST invites all supporters who attended the fixture on Thursday to submit written, photographic, and video evidence they captured during the fixture.”The CST will then collate this evidence and then submit it to Chelsea FC.”A Chelsea statement read: “We will be reviewing all ticketing arrangements following this evening’s match and commit to implementing all necessary changes following this review. “We will also share all our findings with the Fan Advisory Board.”Large numbers of police were on duty as they were in the previous round when the notorious Legia Warsaw ultras also gained entry into home sections of the ground.Chelsea’s own chairman Todd Boehly owns a stake in US-based Vivid Seats which is an unauthorised ticket resale site.A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘Officers were deployed to support stewards at Stamford Bridge last night after a number of away fans were identified in home stands. “The fans had purchased tickets but not for the appropriate part of the ground.“A number of away fans who had found themselves in the home stands climbed into the designated away stand where they remained without incident.Read More on The Sun“Where away fans remained in home areas, officers and stewards provided a visible presence to ensure any incidents or altercations could be dealt with.“While there were six arrests outside the ground for various offences including assault and possession of drugs, there were no arrests within the ground.” Chelsea ratings vs Djurgarden as Dewsbury-Hall makes most of rare start but Sancho should have done betterCHELSEA coasted their way into the Conference League final thanks to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half finish.Enzo Maresca’s men had done the difficult work last week with a thumping first-leg win.But Dewsbury-Hall gave the home fans something to cheer about with a smart finish.Tyrique George fed the midfielder, who cut inside Djurgarden defender Miro Tenho before slotting home.From there, Chelsea were going through the motions – and no wonder given how poor their Swedish visitors were.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the Chelsea stars… More

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      Premier League set to have NINE teams playing in Europe next season as Spurs and Man Utd reach Europa League final

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      THE Premier League is set to have NINE teams competing in Europe next season after Spurs and Manchester United set up an all-English Europa League final.The tally includes a record number of six English teams in the Champions League.Manchester United will hope to qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa LeagueCredit: Shutterstock EditorialChelsea and Nottingham Forest will fight for European positions in the leagueCredit: ReutersThe previous record was five, set in 2017/8 when Man Utd finished outside the top four but won the Europa League.Traditionally only the top four go through to the Champions League, with fifth place reserved for a Europa League slot and sixth for the Conference League.This season the Premier League was awarded a fifth slot for next year’s Champions League after English teams impressed in Europe.England was a top-two nation in UEFA’s coefficient rankings after Arsenal beat Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis means that Europa and Conference League spots have moved to sixth and seventh, but could be bumped down once more if Manchester City beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup.Tottenham and Manchester United sit well outside of the European standings having both suffered disastrous league campaigns.But their respective Europa semi-final wins, on aggregate 5-1 against Bodo/Glimt and 7-1 against Athletic Bilbao, have meant that one of them will take home the trophy and the Champions League spot that it offers.Who’s involved?Nearly half of the Premier League’s teams will play in Europe in the 2025/6 season.Most read in FootballLiverpool have claimed their Champions League spot, with Arsenal looking set to join them – only needing one win in their final three games.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe final three Champions League spots will be decided in the race for the top five between Newcastle, Manchester City, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.Only four points separate the high-flyers with three games left to play. Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton and Fulham are in contention for the final European places but will have to compete with the losers of the Champions League race. The lower placed teams will doubtless feel sore if they miss out on Europe next season as either Spurs in 16th or 15th-placed Man Utd will leapfrog them into the Champions League.Porro helped Spurs seal a Europa League final placeCredit: Getty More

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      Get 50/1 for Nottingham Forest to qualify for Champions League with Betano

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      THINK Nottingham Forest are going to finish off a terrific season by finishing in the top five and qualifying for next season’s Champions League?Well how about this offer…Betano are offering brand new customers a whopping 50/1 that Nuno Espírito Santo’s men do exactly that!How to claim…Betano offerCreate your Betano account HERE*Opt in to this promotion via the Offers tab or Sign Up pageMake your first depositPlace a maximum £1 bet at the normal price on Nottingham Forest – Premier League Top 5 Finish 2024/25 – Outright –  Win Only by 14:00 on 18.05.2025You must do this between 10:00 on 09.05.2025 and 14:00 on 18.05.2025.If your bet his successful, Betano will pay you out at the normal priceYou will then have the extra amount credited in Free Bets, bringing your total returns up to the enhanced price of 50/1Betano: Get Nottm Forest to qualify for Champions League at 50/1 – HERE*What’s the offer?Brand new Betano customers who register an account will be eligible to back Nottingham Forest at a massive 50/1 to qualify for next season’s Champions LeagueAnd this season they’ll do so by finishing the season in the Premier League’s top 5!How to claim?It’s very simple. Create your Betano account HERE* and then Opt In to this promotion via the Offers tab or Sign Up page.Once that’s done, deposit and stake a maximum £1 at the normal price on Nottingham Forest – Premier League Top 5 Finish 2024/25 – Outright –  Win OnlyWhat happens next?If Nottingham Forest finish the season in the top five, you’ll be paid out at the normal price. Betano will then credit your account with the the extra amount in free bets – bringing your total returns up to the enhanced price of 40/1!E.g. £1 bet at 1/1 gives £2 real cash and £39 in Free Bets.Betano: Get Nottm Forest to qualify for Champions League at 50/1 – HERE*18+ New Customers Only. Opt in and bet max £1 on Nottingham Forest – Premier League Top 5 Finish 2024/25 – Outright – Win Only by 14:00 on 18.05.2025. Get enhanced odds paid in Free Bets, which expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      Mikel Arteta is in danger of becoming The Deluded One and must accept Arsenal have gone backwards

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      MIKEL ARTETA will watch his Arsenal players give Liverpool a guard of honour on Sunday with a strange sense of injustice.After being knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday to confirm their fifth season in a row without a trophy, the Spaniard has started  talking nonsense as the mounting pressure begins to affect him.Mikel Arteta is dejected as Luis Enrique celebrates with his PSG staffCredit: RexPSG midfielder Fabian Ruiz consoles gutted Gunners’ ace Declan RiceCredit: AFPArteta claims the Gunners have been the best team in Europe this season — and very few observers  agree with him.Tottenham famously came third in a two-horse race when  Leicester won the title 2016.Yet Arteta’s team could end up doing the same, finishing behind Liverpool and Manchester City.After the 2-1 semi-final defeat in Paris, he claimed: “I don’t think there’s been a better team in the competition so far.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite a slow start to the  competition’s group stages which saw them finish 15th, Luis Enrique’s PSG have flourished.They had already knocked out Liverpool and Aston Villa before dumping Arsenal.Arteta claimed members of the PSG bench reckoned Arsenal were the better team over  two legs but opposing boss  Enrique dismissed that.Even stranger were Arteta’s comments before the second leg —  words which could  haunt him if Arsenal lose at Anfield on  Sunday and fall 18 points behind the champions.Most read in FootballBukayo Saka is one of two stars who’d make the 2006 teamCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAsked if he felt pressure to win something, Arteta said: “Liverpool have won the title with less points than we have in the last two seasons.“But with the points of the last two seasons, we have two Premier Leagues, so you have to be in the right moment in the right place.”Mikel Arteta’s claim that PSG bench told him Arsenal were the better team over two legsLiverpool do indeed have 82 points, compared to Arsenal’s total of 89 for last season and 84 the year before.But Arteta is forgetting  Arne Slot’s team still have THREE games to play.The Reds could end up with a total of 91 points, beating both Arsenal’s previous tallies. Right now, the Spaniard is in danger of becoming The Deluded One.Arteta has to accept that his club has gone backwards after two poor transfer windows.For the first ten minutes in Paris, they were outstanding — but were missing a No 9.Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris.Bukayo Saka scored one and missed a key chance. Since returning after  three months on the sidelines, Arsenal had won four and drawn three —  but have now lost three in a row.Equally, Saka is one of only two of this current team which would get into the Arsenal side which reached their last European final in 2006, when they lost to Barcelona in Paris.That golden team featured Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Cesc Fabregas, while Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie were on the bench.In a combined XI, only Saka and Jurrien Timber would come in for Alex Hleb and Emmanuel Eboue.Viktor Gyokeres has long been on the radar of Prem clubs like ArsenalCredit: RexBenjamin Sesko is another strike option who’d be tough to lureCredit: GettySo it is vital Arteta gets his recruitment right this summer.They need to get a top-class striker — but signing either RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko or Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres will not be simple.Arsenal will also look to bring in a new left winger, while Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is certain to arrive and will boost the midfield.The board will once again spend big, so the expectations of Arteta will be even greater.He has already spent £700million, so that amount after the summer could hit £850m.Arteta will not want to be remembered as the man who was given the ammunition to build a great side but moulded one which fired blanks and only won one FA Cup.Read More on The SunTime is no longer on the manager’s side.He  needs to oversee a huge improvement — because if he is not careful, next season could be his last. 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      How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-final despite Arteta’s brilliant Kvaratskhelia plan

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      ARSENAL crashed out the Champions League to PSG despite Mikel Arteta’s bold tactical plan nearly paying off.The boss claimed the Gunners were the “better team” and the difference came in both boxes.Mikel Arteta’s bold plan so nearly workedCredit: GettyBut missed chances and Mikel Merino’s lack of goalscoring instinct proved costlyCredit: ReutersPSG have goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and some other excellent movements from goalscorers Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi to thank.Meanwhile, Arsenal fans will be left scratching their heads again as to why the club refused to buy a striker.1. Striker LightEnough is enough – Arsenal need to spend big on a top quality No9 this summer.Last night, there was more than one occasion when Arsenal won it back high up the pitch and flooded towards the area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Mikel Merino inexplicably, even though he is not a striker, runs off to the left instead of going into the number nine position and when the cross comes in, there’s nobody there.Arsenal’s lack of a striker was clear to seeThey got into good areas but nobody was thereOther situations saw Declan Rice, who was covering so much ground, break into that area but make the wrong movements to lose the PSG defenders.Eventually, the Parisians began to welcome crosses and they made a whopping 43 clearances in the match – easy for centre-backs Marquinhos and Willian Pacho.A striker must be Arsenal’s one and only priority in the transfer window – if they had a centre-forward they could well be in the final.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS2. Brave ArtIt was relentless in the opening stages from Arsenal and they deserved a goal – front-foot, pressing high and aggression in the tackle.To help get Bukayo Saka running at PSG left-back Nuno Mendes, Jurrien Timber was playing like a right-sided No10.Mikel Arteta’s claim that PSG bench told him Arsenal were the better team over two legsWhen Arsenal had the ball deeper, William Saliba would shuffle across and Martin Odegaard would drop to receive it. It allowed Timber to go forward and then move wide to interchange with Saka.It presented PSG with a headache – does a midfielder follow the Dutchman and mean they lose their shape? Or do they allow him to go unmarked and double up on Mendes with Saka?The tactic forced danger man Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to do loads of defensive work.Timber deserves plenty of credit for playing the role so well and at times he was getting the ball between makeshift No9 Merino and Saka to overload the right.The bravery was nearly rewarded with an early goal – fair play to Arteta.Timber drifted forward and combined with SakaIt made Kvaratskhelia go the other way3. Incredible Donnarumma The Italian stopper won the tie for PSG. The save from Odegaard is as good as you’ll ever see a goalkeeper make. They should be playing it on loop at the their training ground because it was absolutely sensational. He doesn’t see the ball until it’s gone through two defenders and Odegaard can’t hit it any better. It’s going into the corner and it bounces just before it gets to him.He moves his feet, taking little steps on his line, like a tennis “split step” so he is ready to dive either way.Donnrumma’s save percentage is not that high compared to other keepers in the Champions League this season, but PSG’s dominance means few shots come at him and it shows how good he is to constantly stay alert.4. Ab FabRuiz goes under the radar but as an integral part of this PSG side and the Spain team that won the Euros last year, he should be spoken about among the best in the world.His overall play is unbelievable. But his movement for the goal is incredibly clever.PSG have a free-kick to be crossed from out wide and he lines up next to the Arsenal defence.Ruiz anticipated the ball dropping brilliantlyBut the Gunners are not deep enough and the delivery comes in too far from David Raya to claim and the defence have to flick a ball clear after charging back to their own goal to deal with it.Ruiz is smart enough to stay put on the edge of the box and anticipate a loose ball. His genius bit of movement away from the backline, which are going in the opposite direction, creates the space for him and the goal.His first touch and finish was spectacular5. Hak AttackHakimi was absolutely everywhere and he plays on the right by himself at times.This enables the right-winger ahead of him to drift inside and create overloads elsewhere on the pitch.Hakimi has all the attributes, but his game intelligence to move into areas that team-mates have vacated is extraordinary. Read More on The SunPSG progress the ball up the pitch by creating diamonds and the right-back is always a pass ahead.He bursts into inside areas when Desire Doue is wide or he overlaps and becomes the wide option if the winger is elsewhere.PSG use diamonds to progress the ballHakimi’s energy and intelligence to know when to move inside was exceptional More