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    How Premier League could boast ELEVEN teams in Europe next season with seven qualifying for Champions League

    THE PREM could still have 11 teams in Europe next season – although it needs Aston Villa to pull off the mother of all Champions League comebacks to still be on.Arsenal’s quarter-final first-leg thrashing of Real Madrid last week confirmed that England will have a fifth Champions League place next term, for the first time.Aston Villa’s second leg against PSG will be integral for other Prem clubs and their European hopesCredit: EPAFulham and Brighton could still qualify for EuropeCredit: ReutersBut if Villa were to find a way of overhauling their 3-1 first-leg deficit when Paris Saint-Germain visit the West Midlands tomorrow and go on to lift the trophy in Munich next month, that would mean six Prem teams in the competition.That would even extend to SEVEN if either Tottenham or Manchester United can progress and win the Europa League.And there is the possibility of a further FOUR places on offer if Chelsea make their status as Conference League favourites count by adding that trophy to the club’s European haul.If the standings in the Prem table were not to change between now and the end of the season, the current top five of Liverpool, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Manchester City would all earn a passage directly into the initial stage of the Champions League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEnglish football also has three more guaranteed European slots, two in the Europa League plus one in the Conference League.But only one of those places, the second Europa League spot, would normally be awarded by a Prem finish, with the winners of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup respectively taking the automatic entries.However, a Wembley Final triumph for City or semi-final opponents Forest, or for Villa if they win the Champions League, will mean the place would revert to the Prem table.With Newcastle having won the Carabao Cup, their qualification for the Champions League would open the place in the third-tier competition.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIf Chelsea win the Conference League AND qualify for Europe through their League position, England would have a maximum of 10 sides in continental action.However, if Enzo Maresca’s Blues blow up in the Prem but still win the Conference League it would open up the path for a remarkable English battalion next term.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be missing four defensive starters for a mammoth Champions League quarter final That could see Europa League football for Fulham and Brighton, with Bournemouth squeezing into the Conference League. More

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    Jude Bellingham ‘has to be separated from Antonio Rudiger in training ground bust-up’ just days before Arsenal clash

    JUDE BELLINGHAM allegedly had to be separated from Antonio Rudiger in a training ground bust-up ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League showdown with Arsenal.Reports in Spain claim the pair were pulled apart on Friday during a heated session at their base outside the capital.Reports in Spain claim Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rudiger had a training ground bust-upCredit: GettyReal Madrid teammates were forced to intervene ahead of the Arsenal clashCredit: GettyEl Chiringuito claims that former Chelsea star Rudiger clattered Bellingham with a rough challenge during a training game.This prompted Real’s English midfielder to bite back with a cutting insult.And it sparked a clash between the pair as teammates intervened to split them up.However, Bellingham and Rudiger are said to have quickly resolved the matter.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile it was noted that incidents at the training ground are part and parcel of the beautiful game.Their collision comes at a key moment in Real’s season.Carlo Ancelotti’s domestic and European champions are in danger of losing their grasp on both titles.Real are four points behind Barcelona in the title race with just seven games remaining.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWhile they are on the verge of a Champions League quarter-final exit after losing their first leg against Arsenal 3-0.The two sides collide at the Bernabeu on Wednesday, with Real needing a miracle to overturn the scoreline.New footage sees raging Jude Bellingham KICK VAR monitor in frustration after Real Madrid’s last-gasp defeatAnd they will remain without three of their regular back four defenders, with Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy all missing through injury.Eduardo Camavinga is also suspended after being booked in the first leg.But Aurelien Tchouameni is available to anchor Real’s midfield after returning from suspension. More

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    Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall gives Eddie Howe health update as stars dedicate Man Utd thumping to hospitalised boss

    SKIPPER Bruno Guimaraes dedicated Newcastle’s rout of Manchester United to stricken Eddie Howe.The Toon boss watched the game from a hospital bed as his team surged up to fourth in their quest for a Champions League place.Bruno Guimaraes quickly thought of ill boss Eddie Howe after rounding off Newcastle’s 4-1 defeat of Man UtdCredit: GettyEddie Howe could return in charge of the Toon’s next Prem gameCredit: ReutersGuimaraes, who scored in the thumping, said: “When we went to the pitch we said, ‘We’ll play for him’.“He’s been unbelievable for us. We missed him on the training ground.“Hopefully it gave him happiness and he’s back for the next game. It’s been a tough week for him.”Two-goal hero Harvey Barnes said: “He’s on the road to recovery, hopefully. He’s so influential throughout the week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We knew that we had a job to do without him. We said before the game we had to put a smile on his face.”Howe, 47, was admitted to hospital on Friday so his No 2, Jason Tindall, took charge against United on Sunday.The top five places guarantee a Champions League place this term and Toon started strongly.Sandro Tonali’s opener was levelled by Alejandro Garnacho to make it 1-1 at half-time.Most read in FootballStand-in chief Jason Tindall had a congratulatory message from HoweCredit: GettyBut Toon blew the Red Devils away after the break, with Barnes’ two goals and Guimaraes’ strike  securing a first league double over United for  94 YEARS.Tindall said: “I had a message from Eddie congratulating the team and the performance.Eddie Howe ‘hungry for more’ silverware as he celebrates Newcastle’s success “He was able to watch the game and I’m sure that performance will put a smile on his face.“I’m super proud of the players. But I am not  surprised because we have a fantastic group and some great leaders.“When the manager isn’t there you have to step up individually and collectively, and we did that. I’m really proud.”Asked  whether Howe would be back for Wednesday’s home clash with Crystal Palace, Tindall said: “Not sure. “He’ll be in good spirits and the sooner the manager is back, the better for everyone.”He was able to watch the game and I’m sure that performance will put a smile on his face.Jason TindallTindall, 47, who was a former team-mate as a player and then Howe’s assistant at Bournemouth, added: “He was hugely missed. Certainly for me.“It’s only the second time in 17 years that we’ve not been side by side and I did miss him.“You miss your leader when he’s not there. But it’s testament  to everybody to be able to step into them big shoes to fill.“He’s one of the best managers around and credit to everybody to be able to go out and deliver that performance.“We’ve had a good week, a really positive result away at Leicester on Monday, too.Read More on The Sun“We know our expectations and our goals, and what we want to try to achieve.“Every game is so important especially when you come into the money end of the season as they say, so it’s important we deliver a performance.” More

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    Harry Redknapp: Eddie Howe has a huge summer ahead – Newcastle are THREE good signings away from challenging for title

    NEWCASTLE fans waited so long for a proper knees-up that it was always going to be one to remember.They may have forgotten what it was like to win a trophy but not how to throw a party — as we all got to see two weeks ago.Harry Redknapp says Newcastle can now target more silverware after winning the Carabao CupCredit: GettyWhich is just as well, because their gaffer Eddie Howe is building something so special I think those supporters will have a lot to celebrate from here.Far bigger things than the Carabao Cup, with all due respect, because in my book that is just the start.They certainly won’t be waiting 70 years for the next domestic trophy!I am not saying the next stop is the Premier League title as they are three good signings short of pushing the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal over a season — but they are moving closer.READ MORE IN football Eddie, who was in hospital yesterday after feeling ill during the week, will miss their clash against Manchester United today and I wish him a speedy recovery.And so will all the Toon fans — which certainly shows up all those who reckoned Eddie was only keeping the seat warm for a glamorous foreign name after the Saudis appointed him.Whether that was the plan when they arrived I don’t know but — four years on — the only way I can see Howe leaving St James’ Park is for the England job.The search for Thomas Tuchel’s replacement, when that day comes, won’t take long, although I am not saying Newcastle fans should start worrying yet. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat’s for the future.For now, all that matters is making sure this is the real thing, not just another false start.Harry Redknapp rings me on the M40 after every game whether we win or lose – he’s the best uncle everAfter the Saudis took over there was a lot of talk the richest club in the world would take off, and when they made the Champions League two years ago, it certainly looked that way.But despite that famous win over Paris Saint-Germain, they never really got off the launch pad and when they went from finishing fourth in the Prem to seventh, quite a few feared the worst for Eddie.Thankfully the people who matter never doubted he was the right man and now you won’t find anyone who disagrees.Actually there was one… the radio pundit I heard who said Howe wasn’t the answer if they wanted to push on after the League Cup. What a load of cobblers!I think those supporters will have a lot to celebrate from here. Far bigger things than the Carabao Cup, with all due respect, because in my book that is just the start.Harry RedknappOf course, they must make sure the Wembley win isn’t a one-off and Newcastle can only prove that over time but what convinces me they will is the way Eddie has gone about it.Right from the start he said it wouldn’t be a trolley dash for the biggest names in football just because he had the money and he proved it by making Kieran Trippier his first signing.When Dan Burn, something of a journeyman up to then,  arrived soon after fans weren’t exactly buzzing at the new buys.Ask them now, though, and you will get a different answer. And do not forget, either, that for all there is no shortage of stars in the squad, the fact most have become bigger at the Toon than they were before says a lot.Eddie Howe lifted the Carabao Cup but he can win more with NewcastleCredit: PAThe Geordie’s still know how to party but fans shouldn’t be happy yetCredit: SplashAlexander Isak is a world-class striker you could put alongside any in the game, while Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are top-notch midfielders.Anthony Gordon is one of the best wingers around and young full-backs Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have both won England caps since signing.But for me, Trippier has been the real star of the show and the leader every manager wants.The second leg of the League Cup semi-final was perfect proof, when he steamed into the first tackle and set the tone. Arsenal were never in it after that.Dan Burn is just unbelievable. From doing the rounds at places like Yeovil, Birmingham and Wigan to man of the match at Wembley and an England cap. What a career!Harry Redknapp And Burn is just unbelievable. From doing the rounds at places like Yeovil, Birmingham and Wigan to man of the match at Wembley and an England cap. What a career!There have been more glamorous names since — most of them, to be honest — but Eddie knew it had to start with characters. And they don’t come bigger than those two.He knows there is a huge summer ahead, too, and top of the list has to be keeping Isak, with loads of Europe’s big names sniffing around.Read More on The SunSecuring a Champions League place will help, for sure, and with five teams in it from England next season, there is a great chance of Newcastle being one of them.Now those incredible Geordie fans are already daring to dream — and this time there may be no rude awakening. More

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    ‘This is why people don’t like Arsenal’ – Gunners fans spotted already wearing Champions League WINNERS shirts

    ARSENAL fans were spotted already wearing Champions League WINNERS shirts. The Gunners take a commanding 3-0 lead to the Spanish capital after their quarter-final first-leg victory against Real Madrid at the Emirates. Arsenal fans were spotted already wearing Champions League winners shirtsCredit: AFPSo confidence was high ahead of Brentford’s Premier League trip to North London. In a picture shared by the Prem’s official Instagram account, two Arsenal fans have “CL WINNERS” on their backs. Unsurprisingly, it caused outrage online with football fans quickly taking the opportunity to mock.One said: “This is exactly why no one likes them.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother quipped: “This delusion is getting out of hand someone give them medical attention.”A third wrote: “They’re brave.”And one added: “The type of thing you just don’t do… setting yourselves up for potential disaster.”Even fellow Arsenal supporters couldn’t condone the behaviour.Most read in FootballArsenal ratings vs Brentford as Partey dominates in midfield but Jorginho a passenger as title hopes fizzleCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne saying: “Nah our fanbase can be annoying sometimes.” While another feared the worst, adding: “Ah they’ve proper jinxed it with that shirt…”Arsenal’s Kai Havertz hits the gym as he continues his recovery from injury Those Arsenal fans may be biting their fingernails if the Brentford match is anything to go by.Thomas Partey’s opener was cancelled out by Yoane Wissa to drop more league points – with Liverpool three wins from the title. Mikel Arteta left out Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Myles Lewis-Skelly – but Arteta said his team’s minds were not focused on Madrid. He insisted: “The way we did the game certainly not. The way the feeling was with the players, certainly not.”To prepare well you have to play as well as possible and win the next game.” More

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    Arsenal ratings: Partey states his case for contract extension but Jorginho is a passenger against Brentford

    ARSENAL saw any lingering Premier League title hopes go up in smoke after dropping more points against Brentford.Mikel Areta made five changes from Tuesday’s stunning 3-0 win over Real Madrid for the Gunners’ return to domestic duty.Thomas Partey opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 61st minuteAfter a quiet afternoon, Yoanne Wissa equalised for BrentfordAnd, the magnificent Thomas Partey aside, it seemed this Arsenal XI had more than one eye on Wednesday’s return leg in their Champions League quarter-final.It started out like a pre-season friendly, with Arsenal cautiously trying to avoid any unnecessary injuries ahead of the big trip to the Bernabeu.And while Brentford chanted “You’ll win f*** all” come May, the away players started flat in their chase for European qualification. Arsenal thought they took the lead but Kieran Tierney’s header in the 26th minute was ruled out by the new semi-automated offside rule.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd moments later Brentford captain Christian Norgaard avoided a red card for a rough challenge on Gabriel Martinelli.Partey finally found a breakthrough after a lung-bursting counter-attacking run from provider Declan Rice, before Arteta brought on the cavalry.Yet the subs actually negatively effected Arsenal’s momentum, and Brentford quickly equalised through Yoane Wissa’s acrobatic finish.After just two wins in their last seven league games, Arsenal are now 10 points behind Liverpool, who need a maximum of just three victories to secure the title.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesHere’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Gunners at the Emirates stadium…David Raya – 7Not as composed and commanding as he was against Madrid, but how could he be?The Spaniard sent a few iffy passes into the visitors’ path early on. But he produced a great save to deny Kristoffer Ajer from an opener inside 20 minutes, after Bryan Mbeumo’s great first time ball for the overlap around Tierney. Distribution was fantastic as pro-active goalkeeping saw him pluck a testing Brentford corner out the air before rolling out to Rice for his on a rampaging run for Arsenal’s goal. Great vision.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesKieran Tierney – 6The left back looked chuffed after receiving huge applause from the fans and hugs from his team–mates after heading in a goal in the 26th minute.But an offside call from VAR denied the Scot what could have been his last goal for the club, with a likely summer exit to Celtic looming.Brilliantly got back to nick the ball from Mbeumo, who was a few yards from getting a shot off.Jakub Kiwior – 6The Pole just keeps growing in confidence with each passing game, a credit to his circumstance and how he has taken the opportunity. There is a sense of calm that previously was not there when he first came in. William Saliba – 8Woke the fans up from their sleep with an inviting 20 yard run, to win Arsenal a corner in the first 15 minutes.The Frenchman wasn’t asked to do much defensively in the first half.But he dealt with the pace of Kevin Schade and dominated their one-on-one strength battle later in the game.Brilliant on the ball as he repeatedly carried it out from the back, rarely making a mistake.Thomas Partey – 8Should the 31-year-old be given a contract extension when his current deal expires in the summer? Tuesday’s unsung hero moved into right back in Arteta’s five man squad rotation ahead of the trip to Madrid on Wednesday. He inverted into midfield, with Brentford unable to offer any threat down the right hand side. And just as Arteta was prepping Saka and Odegaard to come on, Partey lashed in his first fourth Prem goal of the season.Things turned sour though, because Partey could be a doubt for Madrid, after the Ghanaian picked up an unspecified knock.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5Started in midfield and was eager to impress with some nice flashes in his audition to come off the bench against Madrid.Gifted chances to Ethan Nwaneri and Martinelli in the first half and tested Mark Flekken’s goal himself.The Ukrainian, of course, isn’t as brave going forward as Odegaard. But this was a solid performance.Declan Rice – 7 His name was cheered the loudest before kick-off after his thunderous free kicks against Madrid here on Tuesday.But he’s clearly the engine of this Arsenal team, who dominates in midfield, gets in the box and sends glorious corners in time after time. It was Rice’s near 30-yard run that set up Partey’s opener.He did head down into Vitaly Janelt’s path inside six minutes, but luckily for him, Brentford couldn’t get a shot off.But there’s a feeling among fans that something special can happen every time Rice touches the ball in the opposition box.Rice is on unstoppable formJorginho – 4The Italian was wearing the armband from the off with Odegaard rested on the bench and Gabriel Magalhaes out until the end of the season.But it wasn’t exactly a captain’s performance from a deeper role in midfield. Much of the game seemed to pass him by at times.The former Chelsea star is clearly one of those destined to leave in the summer overhaul. Arsenal went down to 10 as Jorginho limped off with a suspected rib injury and all five subs were used.Ethan Nwaneri – 5The 18-year-old stepped into Bukayo Saka’s shoes on the right wing, with Arteta saving the England superstar for Madrid. But he didn’t see much of the ball and struggled with Brentford’s physical low block.Produced a brilliant cross which sadly was nodded in by the only player who happened to be offside in the build-up.And got the fans up from their seats with some tricky feet through several Brentford stars at the start of the second half.Nwaneri didn’t see much of the ball and struggled with Brentford’s physical low blockGabriel Martinelli – 5Was Arsenal’s most fouled player. He took a bizarre touch when Zinchenko found him a few yards from Flekken’s goal in the first half. The Brazilian needs to be stronger at times. But his runs were a handful down the left flank all afternoon.The Emirates went nuts – and so did Arteta – when Norgaard avoided a red card after clattering into Martinelli from behind in the first half.Leandro Trossard – 6Another game, another makeshift striker for Arsenal, with club player of the month Merino rested on the bench.Trossard did well to break away inside 13 minutes but his pass was just behind Martinelli. He’s always a great player to have in your squad and had several shots kept out by busy bees keeper Flekken in the first half.SUBSBukayo Saka – (for Nwaneri ’63 min) – 5Should’ve scored a massive chance when he pinched the ball off Flekken and rounded him late on, but couldn’t make it count.Martin Odegaard – (for Zinchenko ’62 min) – 5A valiant attempt to pull some strings, but to no avail.Myles Lewis-Skelly – (for Tierney ’62 min) – 6Strolled through Brentford’s left hand side within a minute of coming on. What a talent he is.Imagine being saved and prioritised for the 15 times Kings of Europe at 18 years old.Read More on The SunJurrien Timber – (for Partey ’70 min) – 4Was turned by Wissa for Brentford’s goal.Mikel Merino – (for Rice ’75 min) – 5A smart sub for Arteta, came just a minute after 1-1. But the midfielder had little-to-no impact on proceedings. More

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    History-making Premier League legend retires immediately after featuring in Man City vs Crystal Palace match

    PREMIER LEAGUE mainstay Darren Cann has officially retired from assistant refereeing.Cann, 58, has been running the line in the English top-flight for over 25 years and is one of the most recognised officials in the country.Assistant referee Darren Cann has retired from officiatingCredit: AFPCann began his officiating journey all the way back in 1991Credit: PACann has officiated the most matches in Premier League history and called time on his career after Manchester City’s win over Crystal PalaceCredit: AFPCann cut an emotional figure after the final whistle of his careerCredit: TNT SPORTSBut after helping officiate 579 Premier League fixtures – the most of any official in the competition’s history – the veteran linesman has decided to hang up his flag.Cann’s final Prem appearance came in Manchester City’s 5-2 win over Crystal Palace at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.Ahead of the game, Cann, who reffed over 1000 games in his career, said: “It’s been an honour to serve the professional game for the last 25 years.“Officiating the World Cup final and the Champions League final are memories I will cherish forever.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But, above all, I’m proud of the fact I’ve given 100 per cent in every single match throughout my career.“I would like to thank every single person who has helped and supported me to work in this wonderful sport, PGMOL and The FA as well as all of the clubs, managers, players and fans that have made the Premier League the greatest league in the world.“It’s been the privilege of my life to serve the game that I love.”Cann, who played in Crystal Palace’s youth team as a striker alongside Ian Wright, began his refereeing journey in 1991.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCity skipper Kevin De Bruyne had some words for the retiring Darren Cann after the final whistleCredit: TNT SPORTSIt would take him ten years to be promoted to the Football League, where he’d officiate for four years.Cann would go on to represent England on the global stage, taking part in 140 international fixtures – including games at the Euro 2008 and the 2010 and 2014 World Cups in South Africa and Brazil.Ruben Amorim’s Garnacho dilemma explained ahead of Manchester derbyHe was part of the refereeing team that officiated the 2010 Champions League and World Cup finals, which were contested by Bayern Munich and Inter Milan and Spain and the Netherlands, respectively.PMGOL chief Howard Webb, who knows Cann all too well having worked alongside him in the Champions League and World Cup finals, was quick to pay tribute to the retiring official.He said: “As I know first-hand from working with Darren on many matches.”He is an official of extraordinary talent and he has performed at the very highest level with distinction.”His professionalism and dedication have made him an outstanding ambassador for English officiating.”We wish him all the very best as he steps away from the field.”Though we’re sure his impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.”Darren Cann was part of the officiating team for the 2010 Champions League and World Cup finalsCredit: GETTY More

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    Stop obsessing over set-piece coach ‘messiahs’ – top-class football will always be about special stars like Declan Rice

    DO you want to know the best thing about Declan Rice’s two magnificent free-kicks against Real Madrid?It’s that we can all now stop obsessing about set-piece coaches — and Arsenal’s supposed ‘Messiah’ Nico Jover in particular.Football will always be about the top starsCredit: GettyWe need to stop obsessing over so-called set-piece ‘messiah’s’ like Nico JoverCredit: RexGreat players do great things in the heat of the momentCredit: GettyI loved the fact that Declan came out in his post-match TV interview and revealed Jover had wanted him to cross the ball rather than shoot from 28 yards.And also that Declan, 26, had told Bukayo Saka: “I fancy this.” And Saka had replied: “Go on, then. Have a go.”The statisticians, sports scientists, number crunchers and coaching gurus would have said: “You’ve played 400-odd games as a professional footballer, Declan, and you’ve never scored a direct free-kick, so you ain’t taking one against Madrid in a Champions League quarter-final.”But here were two excellent footballers, Rice and Saka making an instinctive, off-the-cuff, on-field decision in a hugely consequential match.That is what top-class football will always be about: great players doing great things in the heat of the moment. And even more special was the fact that Declan went and did it twice.The coverage of football is becoming far too intellectualised by people in the media who want to make themselves sound clever by over-complicating a game which is both simple and chaotic.Great coaches can rein in that chaos factor but most goals come from elements of individual brilliance which cannot be coached, or from serious defensive errors which can’t be predicted.Arsenal’s supporters painted a mural of Jover on a wall near the Emirates. But surely we can now stop mythologising these blokes?BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Gunners are good at set-pieces for the same reason that certain teams have always been good at set-pieces — great delivery and great heading ability.Saka, Rice and Martin Odegaard can all deliver a wicked dead ball and Gabriel, in particular, is seriously good at heading them in. Jover’s routines are not rocket science.’Get off the phone’ snaps Troy Deeney after his wife called him out live on air over Arsenal commentFrom corners, Arsenal usually position a bunch of players beyond the back stick, a couple move to the near post, a couple to central areas and a few remain at the far post so that all areas are covered.It’s pretty much the same as it ever was. Set-piece coaches became a major part of the game about seven or eight years ago, when I was playing in the Premier League.The best ones are the guys who realise they are not the stars of the show, that they are at training to deliver a short, sharp 20-minute session without trying to bore the pants off of everyone — because very few footballers enjoy practising set-pieces.These coaches can sometimes give a team an extra one per cent. But they aren’t reinventing the wheel.I reckon Newcastle’s set-piece coach must keep to himself because when Dan Burn scored the opening goal in the Carabao Cup final, we didn’t hear about coaching genius.We just saw Kieran Trippier — one of the best dead-ball merchants in the business — crossing it to the tallest bloke on the park, who nutted it in.When it comes to taking direct free-kicks, that is a true art form.I’d have fancied myself to score them in training but doing it in a match, getting the ball up and over a wall of 6ft 3in blokes — or round them — in front of a full house is a different matter.At Watford we had three particularly good free-kick takers — Gerard Deulofeu, Tom Cleverley and Jose Holebas.There were times when, as captain, I had to intervene when they were arguing about who was going to take one.And given that I was substantially bigger than all three of them, that was where the argument ended.Gerard would want to take every single one but some days he just wasn’t at it and I’d have to tell him as much.Before Rice’s first goal against Madrid, he and Saka had a conflab with Odegaard and Mikel Merino.Skipper Odegaard was telling them that Jover wanted the ball crossed, while Rice was simply going with his gut instinct.He doesn’t think he is anybody special, even though he is a very special player. Troy DeeneyOn Declan RiceBut if Arsenal get a free-kick around 25 yards out against Brentford today, no conversations will be necessary. Declan will take it.For Declan to have scored two direct free-kicks in 12 minutes made Tuesday a career-defining night for him.Having played against him and met him, it is impossible not to like Dec. I was just delighted that it was him.Here is a kid who fully appreciates the life of a professional footballer and who thoroughly enjoys it.There is no sense of entitlement. He doesn’t think he is anybody special, even though he is a very special player. It’s lovely when good things happen to good people.Especially when they’ve treated a crucial moment in a Champions League quarter-final as if they were having a kickabout with their mates at the park.“I fancy this, I’m going to have a pop here” — and not just once, but twice. That is the sort of instinct you simply cannot coach.Rice revealed Bukayo Saka told him to ‘go for it’ More