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      How Arsenal can outsmart PSG in Champions League semi-final as Mikel Arteta faces Declan Rice dilemma

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      ARSENAL face Paris Saint-Germain in one of their most important games in recent history next week.The Gunners welcome PSG to the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday.Arsenal beat Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: GettyThe Gunners face PSG in the semi-finalsCredit: AFPAnd should they win across two games, they will reach the final of Europe’s elite competition for the first time in 19 years.It is certainly doable, given the club’s performance against Real Madrid earlier this month.But PSG will prove another tough test.In the latest edition of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our expert Dean Scoggins takes a look at how Arsenal can beat the Ligue 1 champions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWILL PSG PLAY WITH A 4-3-3 FORMATION?Aston Villa showed in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals that you can get at PSG.On paper, they will play 4-3-3 with three midfielders in a triangle including Vitinha at the base.PSG usually start in a 4-3-3 formation but shift to a 3-2-5 on the attackAchraf Hakimi will be key for PSGCredit: AlamyHowever, that is rarely how a team ends up.PSG and Luis Enrique are massive disciples of the 3-2-5, so the 4-3-3 will convert very quickly into wide players going up, a centre forward going forward, midfielders joining in and a full back going in to make a 3-2-5 shape.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesManchester City and Arsenal both do it in the Premier League on a regular basis.The tactical flexibility of Achraf Hakimi in this situation is key, because what may happen is that whoever plays on the right – possibly Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue or Ousmane Dembele – may go inside.’I already mentioned that twice’ – Mikel Arteta takes issue with reporter’s question as Arsenal title hopes all but endHakimi would then be the wide high man and the midfield player would stay inside.They’re very flexible, but it’s a rigid structure.PSG have an attacking shape that they want to play within.They will commit wide men right up on the line and try to maintain their width all the way through.PSG are not afraid to be direct – they will switch play a lot and they will try and target those wingers in behind.For Arsenal, the gaps to attack will be high and wide.PSG are very brave in possession. They are more than happy to take the ball under pressure in a bid to create more space for the attackers.Should Myles Lewis-Skelly play as a left-back for Arsenal, it is unlikely he will invert to the middle like he usually does, because the Parisians will have a field day on the wing with the remaining space.Mikel Arteta could go with Riccardo Calafiori or Jurrien Timber on the left with Ben White on the right because they are out-and-out full-backs.WILL RICE BE THE HOLDING MIDFIELDER?Thomas Partey will not feature for the Gunners in the first leg due to a one-match suspension.It leaves Arteta with a few dilemmas – not just about personnel.Declan Rice will have to adjust his position due to the absence of Thomas ParteyCredit: GettyEnrique absolutely loves the diamond shapeThe Arsenal boss could decide to play Mikel Merino next to Declan Rice in midfield.Or, Rice could push up next to Martin Odegaard, leaving the dilemma of who will be the holding man.It could be White, Timber or potentially Calafiori.But Arteta is risk averse. It’s very unlikely that he is just going to switch up a player that he hasn’t used in that position that much.Therefore, Merino will likely stay in midfield with Leandro Trossard moving into the No9 position.How do PSG combat that?Enrique absolutely loves the diamond shape – that’s why he likes that 3-2-5 formation.It means they can overload when moving forward.They want to create an overload so that opposition players are dragged in, leaving space behind for the attack.Rice will therefore have the job of his life moving across the pitch so that Arsenal’s full-backs don’t get dragged inside.DO PSG HAVE MOST ATTACKING THREATS?PSG are breathtaking going forward.They are so comfortable in every position. We could see any of Bradley Barcola, Kvaratskhelia, Doue and Dembele on the left – and then all of those in different positions.And because they regularly switch play during a game, it causes major problems for the defenders.The changes of positions out wide and into the middle will also be key.Read More on The SunIt’s not just the attackers that are the big threats, it’s Hakimi as well.That is why PSG are the hardest team in Europe to defend against right now.PSG have some of the best attacking players in EuropeCredit: Getty More

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      My mum’s a famous actress and my dad won the Champions League with Mourinho, now I’m making my own way at Real Madrid

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      THE son of a former Champions League winner and famous actress is joining Real Madrid.Cesar Peixoto was a midfielder in the Porto squad that clinched European glory under Jose Mourinho in 2004.Rodrigo is set to join Real MadridCredit: InstagramCesar Peixoto won the Champions League in his playing daysCredit: GettyRodrigo’s mum Isabel Figueira is an actress and TV presenterCredit: InstagramOff the pitch, the one-time capped Portugal international married actress and TV presenter Isabel Figueira.The couple, who have since divorced, had one child together named Rodrigo.And the 18-year-old is now making his own way at Real Madrid.But unlike his father, Rodrigo will not be swinging in crosses from the left flank.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is instead studying Sports Management at a top university in Europe.Rodrigo has used his sporting connections and is set to finish his course with a four-month internship at Real Madrid as he hopes to land a full-time job behind-the-scenes.Despite not being a footballer, his move into management does see him follow in his dad’s footsteps.Peixoto, 44, is currently the manager of Portuguese Primeira Liga club Gil Vincente.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDuring his playing days, he spent five years at Porto before moving on to Espanyol, Braga and Benfica.He is now married to another actress in Diana Chaves and they have a 13-year-old daughter named Pilar.Jose Mourinho ruins Mauro Icardi with sarcastic comments and fans love it Jose Mourinho guided Porto to Champions League glory in 2004Credit: Getty More

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      Tottenham are just famous for being famous, like Gemma Collins – they should not be part of Premier League’s Big Six

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      SHOULD Son Heung-min end up lifting the Europa League trophy for Tottenham, it will only start the argument —  not finish it.Win their first silverware since 2008 and some will claim Spurs are back among the Big Six, others may say English football’s ultimate fancy Dans never went away.Tottenham’s place in the Big Six comes with question marks that won’t go even if they win the Europa LeagueTottenham are famous for being famous — like Gemma CollinsAll while it’s a reasonable shout to suggest they should never have been in it in the first place.Spurs did well to overcome Eintracht Frankfurt in the last eight. A cracking achievement, given how hopeless they are on the home front this season.Monday night’s soulless surrender to Nottingham Forest came just four days after a stirring victory in Germany.The European quest is impressive of late and hopefully they’ll go all the way and bring the trophy back next month.Read More on FootballIf they do, it will finally end an agonising wait for glory stretching back 17 years — about the same time as it takes to walk from the ground to Seven Sisters Tube.The 2008 League Cup final success over Chelsea is a fast-fading and flimsy claim to historical fame.Because that came almost a decade after they had bagged the same trophy. North London’s original football club have never been serial winners.Tottenham try to play aesthetically. They have employed a few skilful  players — David Ginola, Glenn Hoddle, Paul Gascoigne. But, ultimately, they are famous for being famous — like Gemma Collins.Most read in FootballSo what exactly is it that makes so many people within the game class them as members of the so-called Big Six?And in an age of fluid wealth, when clubs can be transformed overnight with foreign investment, maybe it’s time to dismiss the  idea of an elite enclave.How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League titleDefining the size of a football club has no universal measure.It’s genuinely surprising that as football lurches towards total automation, some smart-arse has not conjured up a Stephen Hawking-style algorithm to calculate it to ten decimal places.Capacity of ground multiplied by number of honours, then dividing that by length of time between trophies is one possibility.Money in the bank, times international players, minus number of losses squared, all over position in the league table?Football today bears no resemblance to the 1980s. Back then it was easier to work it out as money didn’t muddy the equation so much. Life was simpler.Along with Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Everton, Tottenham were in a league of their own. It’s not so clear-cut now.Behind the competitionThey have a lovely, big ground.  Stamford Bridge is tiny by comparison — but Chelsea are now by far the most successful club in London.Newcastle are awash with Saudi cash and winning this season’s Carabao Cup means they have won as much as Tottenham since 2008. Aston Villa are waking up from a decades-long coma.They entertained us in the Champions League this season and are fighting hard to get back in it.Manchester City were poor neighbours of United for donkey’s years. Eddie Large was their most famous fan.Yet this season is a write-off, even though they may yet win the FA Cup and qualify for a 14th successive campaign in the Champions League.They have billions locked away in their Arab owners’ vaults  and have amassed four Premier League titles on the trot. The Etihad isn’t the biggest mind.ResentmentThere’s been just two seasons since 2010 when Spurs finished outside the top six. Yet they are 16th and every match at their enviable new ground is tainted by resentment towards the ownership.They will lose more league games this season than they will win.Even if Son does get his hands on that Europa League trophy, three cups in 26 years is hardly massive. Relegated Leicester have won bigger things — the title and FA Cup — in the past decade.It’s mind-bogglingly complex working out  who is the biggest and the best.Maybe it’s easier switching the sums around and instead of going mad deciding who is in the Big Six, work out who isn’t. The Tottenham conundrum is much simpler then.MARESCA CAN’T WINENZO MARESCA copped it from some fans for not joining in the post-match celebrations of Chelsea’s win at Fulham.Even though he had just been booked for overdoing it on the touchline when Pedro Neto smashed home the winner moments earlier.There is a palpable distance between the Chelsea supporters and the reserved Italian.I’ve yet to hear them sing his name and there is a feeling that whatever he does, they will never completely warm to him.With Chelsea trailing at half-time on Sunday, Maresca was forced to take the long walk past the away end at Craven Cottage and was roundly labelled a “w*****” by a noisy minority.I don’t blame him for not wanting to attend the post-match party and salute those who, 45 minutes earlier, were giving him such stick. It seems he cannot win, despite having just won.Meanwhile, over at all-but-relegated Ipswich, boss Kieran McKenna’s name was lustily cheered when read out before they were thumped 4-0 by Arsenal. It seems he cannot lose, despite losing a lot.ROCKET’S LAUNCHEDLEAST surprising result of the week is Ronnie O’Sullivan’s demolition of arch-adversary Ali Carter at snooker’s World Championship.The Rocket rocked up to the Crucible, typically out of form and playing the wounded animal, claiming he would be lucky to  pot even one red ball.A crushing 10-4 triumph later — having won five frames in   succession — and O’Sullivan is in the balls, as they say. And into the last 16.He is someone who changes his mind on a daily basis whether or not he wants to pick up a cue. But he has seven world titles dating back to 2001.O’Sullivan  turns 50 in December — and  there is a serious belief that he will be enjoying his eighth world crown, having surpassed the haul of his other great baize nemesis, Stephen Hendry.ENI’S WRIGHT JIBE IS JUST WRONGTHE BEST broadcasters choose their words carefully.Eni Aluko has not with her surprising attack on Ian Wright for “dominating” punditry in women’s football.Ex-Chelsea star Aluko says:  “If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game  but that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game.”No, she can’t but maybe that’s for individual reasons rather than sexism. Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan will be sharing the biggest presenting gig in football with Mark Chapman on Match of the Day from next season.Read More on The SunThat’s two women and one man hosting the country’s flagship highlights show  covering the biggest men’s league in the world, with a vast audience.Genuine question . . . am I missing something here? More

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      Premier League’s best value-for-money transfers ever including Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea icons – and Jamie Vardy

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      JAMIE VARDY’S departure from Leicester brings to a close the ultimate rags to riches football story.The rejected striker who went from non-league to a title-winning England international, scoring in a major tournament.Jamie Vardy won the Premier League in 2016 and has more than proved his worthCredit: APAcross the three decades since the Premier League was founded, Vardy arguably represents the best value-for-money signing any club has made, too.Sun Sport looks at the candidates for the top ten – but cannot look beyond the 38-year-old.1 Jamie Vardy(£1m, Fleetwood to Leicester 2012)The Foxes were in the Championship when they took a gamble on Conference top-scorer Vardy – and it paid off in spades.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVardy’s tally of 198 goals in 496 games for Leicester, 143 of them in the Prem – only Harry Kane, Sergio Aguero and Thierry Henry have scored more for a single club – would be enough in itself. But he was the spearhead of the greatest and most unlikely League triumph of all-time in 2016, including that record 11-game scoring streak.2 Roy Keane(£3.75m Nottingham Forest to Manchester United, 1993)Alex Ferguson smashed the British transfer record to bring the Irishman to Old Trafford – but was there ever an example of money well spent?Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCombative, inspirational, determined – and, if necessary, brutal – Keane was the epitome of a Fergie side until his spectacular fall-out with the manager in 2005. A relentless winner.3 Frank Lampard(£11m West Ham to Chelsea, 2001) Jamie Vardy reveals best XI he’s played with at Leicester with huge snub to England stars and entire current squadPlenty of Hammers fans were happy to see Lampard leave Upton Park. He spent the next 13 years making them regret it.Lampard smashed a staggering 211 Chelsea goals from midfield and was a mainstay of the team that won every major trophy including Prem crowns under Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti.4 Sol Campbell(Free Tottenham to Arsenal, 2001)No fan of either North London side will ever forget the transfer that sparked two decades and counting of seething animosity from N17.The England centre-half was exactly what Arsene Wenger needed as he transitioned from the “famous back five” he inherited  to the 2004 “Invincibles”.  Roy Keane was a British-record bargain at 3.75mCredit: Times Newspapers LtdChelsea £11m man Frank Lampard, who became their record goalscorerCredit: PA:Press Association5 N’Golo Kante(£5.6m Caen to Leicester, 2015)One of the great unheralded transfers and a key part of the most romantic title triumph of all time.Kante was truly outstanding as Leicester defied the odds under Claudio Ranieri, doing much the same for Antonio Conte’s Chelsea the following season. As they said: “Around 70 per cent of the earth is covered by water; the rest is covered by N’Golo Kante.”6 Eric Cantona(£1m Leeds to Manchester United, 1992)An enquiry by Leeds over full-back Denis Irwin saw Fergie wonder, out of nowhere, if the mercurial Frenchman might be available.The shock move generated outrage from the Elland Road fans but Cantona was the spark that lit the fire of United’s greatest era – even if he struggled to contain his own temper. Cantona, the collar upturned, was the symbol of a strutting, dominant club. Eric Cantona was the catalyst for Manchester United’s Prem dominanceCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd7 Peter Schmeichel(£505,000 Brondby to Manchester United, 1991)The Great Dane’s arrival at Old Trafford pre-dated the formation of the Prem but he was absolutely integral to their early successes.Big teams need a keeper who can make big saves. Few made more, with his “star jump” technique one that was copied by a generation of emerging glovemen. 8 Jurgen Klinsmann(£2m Monaco to Tottenham, 1994)Spurs had stunned English football by landing Ossie Ardiles and Ricardo Villa in 1978 – but that was a sideshow compared to the stunning deal that brought the German ace to N17.Klinsmann delivered 20 Prem goals to be named Footballer of the Year before leaving  for Bayern Munich, only to return to save Christian Gross’ side from relegation two-and-a-half years later. Jurgen Klinsmann dived into English football after his move to SpursCredit: Rex9 Gianfranco Zola (£4.5m Parma to Chelsea, 1996)The smiling Sardinian schemer was the face of Chelsea’s pre-Abramovich regeneration, scoring 80 goals across seven seasons at Stamford Bridge, which brought five major trophies.More crucially, perhaps, a player for whom nobody had a bad word. A true gent and still much-loved in SW6 and elsewhere.10 Nicolas Anelka(£500,000 PSG to Arsenal, 1997)Read More on The SunAnelka was to spend 18 years criss-crossing the globe including four of the Prem Big Six but his impact after arriving at Arsenal as a teenager was perhaps the most impactful.The French striker replaced Ian Wright for the second half of the 1998 Double campaign before his contentious £22.5m move to Real Madrid gave the Gunners the cash required to land a winger called Thierry Henry from Juventus.  More

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      Arsenal confident of completing Martin Zubimendi transfer this summer despite Real Madrid’s late hijack attempts

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      ARSENAL are confident of making Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi their first signing of the summer – despite reports of a hijack attempt from Real Madrid.It was revealed in January that the Gunners had agreed to pay the Spanish midfielder’s £51million release clause, as well as sorting personal terms, with a view to joining ahead of next season.Arsenal expect Martin Zubimendi to join in the summer for £51mCredit: GettyMikel Arteta has convinced Zubimendi to snub Carlo Ancelotti’s Real MadridCredit: GettyIn recent weeks, Real have been linked with a late smash-and-grab raid – desperate to bolster their ageing midfield after a disappointing campaign under Carlo Ancelotti that included losing 5-1 on aggregate to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter finals.But SunSport understands the Gunners still expect Zubimendi, 25, to choose North London instead of Madrid – having been convinced of the Emirates project by boss Mikel Arteta.Arteta wanted Zubimendi to join immediately in the winter window, providing competition for the likes of Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Thomas Partey, only for Sociedad to demand he remain in San Sebastian for the rest of the season.Liverpool were on the brink of signing the Euros winner last summer but for a last-minute U-turn, one that scuppered the plans of new boss Arne Slot.read more arsenalThe arrival of Zubimendi is considered a done deal by Arsenal internally but it is unlikely to be announced until at least early June.It is a key bit of business with the futures of midfielders Partey, 31, and Jorginho, 33, up in the air.The pair’s contracts expire this summer. Partey has been linked with a move back to Atletico Madrid, with Barcelona also keen, but the Ghanaian would prefer to stay in London, and Arsenal are open to negotiating a short-term deal.Jorginho is considering interest from Brazil and the MLS, but is also enjoying learning from Arteta at Arsenal and would be happy to sign a rolling one-year contract. The Italian has been taking his coaching badges at London Colney.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesZubimendi is anticipated to be the beginning of a huge summer of incomings for Arsenal, with Arteta revealing it will be “big” following the appointment of new sporting director Andrea Berta.Berta had no influence on the Zubimendi deal, but will now be tasked with bringing in an elite striker, while also strengthening the general depth of the squad, selling fringe players to raise cash and extending the contracts of the likes of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.Mikel Arteta accidentally photobombs Sky Sports report as he takes Arsenal dog Win for a walkIt is for that reason Alexander Isak may be out of Arsenal’s reach, valued between £100m and £120m by Newcastle, with Berta instead looking at Sporting Lisbon’s £60m Viktor Gyokeres, Red Bull Leipzig’s £70m Benjamin Sesko and Athletic Bilbao’s £50m Nico Williams.A cheaper option up top would allow for more signings in other areas. Arsenal are tracking Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia with current No.2 Neto’s season-long loan spell from Bournemouth ending shortly, having played just ONCE this term.And as Kieran Tierney plots a move back to Scotland and Oleksandr Zinchenko linked with a move away, left-back could be an area to strengthen. SunSport revealed in March that Espanyol’s £12.5m Omar El Hilali was being monitored. More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Leandro Trossard passes PSG audition but everything Raheem Sterling does is negative and tepid

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      ARSENAL held up Liverpool’s inevitable title celebrations with a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at the Emirates.Liverpool knew a Palace win would hand them the title without having to kick a ball, but Arne Slot’s side only need to avoid defeat against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.Jean-Philippe Mateta scored an unbelievable equaliserCredit: ReutersJakub Kiwior opened the scoring for the Gunners inside three minutesCredit: GettyChelsea loanee Raheem Sterling struggled against PalaceCredit: APJakub Kiwior – who has stepped up in recent weeks after the season-ending injury to Gabriel – scored his first goal of the season with an incredible 10-yard header to give Arsenal the lead inside three minutes.Both sides looked cagey with upcoming chances to win external silverware- Arsenal with a Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain next Tuesday and Palace facing Aston Villa in the FA Cup semis on Sunday.Eberechi Eze levelled with a super strike, before Leandro Trossard put the Gunners back in front before half-time.But Palace ended up giving Liverpool’s players and staff – watching the game all together from a Merseyside hotel – some reason to believe.READ MORE ON ARSENALWilliam Saliba’s heavy touch was pounced upon by Jean-Philippe Mateta, who sensationally lobbed David Raya with a brilliant finish, after being subbed on just three minutes before.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners from the Emirates. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesDAVID RAYA – 6/10After being able to snooze his way through the 4-0 win at Ipswich, the Spaniard was put under far more pressure here with several dangerous crosses into his cross early on.Most read in FootballHe did not deal with them all that well, flapping at a few. He was then nearly chipped from 35 yards out after his poor pass to Adam Wharton was hit first time only to be blocked.A vital touch on the hour mark was gladly received, tipping it away at the far post to stop two Palace players from heading in, and another sharp stop from a flicked corner.But then with eight minutes left, his bizarre positioning allowed Mateta to capitalise on an error and chip in off the bar into an empty net.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7Seems to cruise through games right now without a care in the world, spending more time as a midfielder than a left-back.He appears to have also mastered the art of winning a foul at the age of just 18, halting Palace momentum on numerous occasions when the side needed a breather.Shout out to one brilliant moment when he managed to bump the giant that is Mateta off the ball, getting a huge roar from the home fans.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6At times looked like his cool, calm and majestic self, but showed rare signs of fragility with the speed of Eze and the trickery of Eddie Nketiah to contend with.Set-pieces also proved a problem for Saliba – and the entire back four in fairness.And then, a real costly, dithering error that put Martin Odegaard in all sorts of trouble against Mateta, who then nicked the ball and brought the scores level.A rare off night, even if he did make a great block to stop Ismaila Sarr flicking in an injury-time winner.JAKUB KIWIOR – 8Manners maketh the man, and minutes maketh the player. Kiwior has been crying out for several games on the spin in his favoured position of centre back to really build up a head of steam.In the past, he has been used sparingly and shunted out to full-back.But right now, with Gabriel out of the picture until the start of next season, the Pole is finally showing us what sort of a player he can be.A fine header inside three minutes to give Arsenal the lead and produced a stunning block in the six-yard box to deny Nketiah when he looked destined to score.Before there was doubt, but now he will be one of the first names on the teamsheet to face PSG in their semi-final first leg next week.JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Another occasional victim of Eze’s pace and was made to work hard, arguably more than he was made to at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid last week.The Dutchman still had time to grab an assist, slipping inside on the run and feeding Trossard. That is quickly becoming a trademark of Timber’s.THOMAS PARTEY – 7With talk of a new deal on the horizon and his current one expiring this summer, Partey has been red hot in recent weeks – only to go cold in a dismal first half.Losing possession and lazy passes galore, this was the Partey of a few seasons ago, one of frustratingly unpredictable form.He must have had a rollocking at half time – or maybe a quick reminder of a potential job hunt in the coming weeks – because he emerged from the break a different player.Calm on the ball under pressure, dictating from deep and juggling balls over opposition heads for fun. This is the Partey everyone loves to see – and one Arsenal will miss next week with his suspension for the first leg against PSG.The bonus is that a player with a shocking injury record now has 10 days to rest and recover.DECLAN RICE – 7The levels have been raised after mullering Real Madrid over two legs, so we can put this one down as a quiet night at the office for Rice.He spends much more of his time in games higher up the pitch, wanting to get on the end of things in attack instead of collecting from deep.But Arsenal were not at their fluid dominant best, so the Englishman got lost at times in no-man’s land, even if his presence and leadership remained important throughout.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6Decent pass for Gabriel Martinelli near end of half that put him through on goal but another unwelcome outing from Arsenal’s skipper.It is hard to describe, but he just looks and feels off it. The vibes aren’t right. He is relied upon to create some magic, but the magician keeps fumbling with his wand.Had a part to play in Palace making it 2-2, slipping near Mateta as the Frenchman scored a stunner. Odegaard needs to wake up as Arsenal approach crunch time in Europe.RAHEEM STERLING – 5It is tempting to give Sterling a lower score and really lambast him for yet another forgettable performance that highlights his stunning decline on the Premier League stage, and why he will not be missed when his loan from Chelsea ends next month.But you have also got to feel sorry for the guy – spending most of his weeks sitting on the bench twiddling his thumbs and counting the number of stitches in his leather seat, only to suddenly be flung into the action without warning and expected to perform to the levels he hit at Liverpool and Manchester City in yesteryear.But this is not the same Sterling. You can see why Arteta is reluctant to use the winger because of his disappearing act when he does take to the field. All aspects of his play – his dribbling, his passing, his attacking intent – is negative and tepid.But it is also Arteta who should take the blame for not giving him a long enough run earlier in the season to ensure he could be called upon for moments like this to offer something fresh and exciting. The opposite is currently true of Sterling right now.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6A disallowed goal and a few darting runs, but that was about it from the Brazilian.This is the constant frustration with Martinelli. He can have some golden moments, scoring a truly spectacular solo goal away at the Bernabeu.But that is not enough if you want to be a world class winger. You need to be doing it week in, week out, not picking and choosing based on your mood or the opponent.It was summed up in injury time as he squandered a glorious chance, shanking into the side-netting with the pressure on.Martinelli is a talented, hard-working winger. But is he a ruthless winner? The jury is out.Martinelli was frustrating to watch at timesCredit: APLEANDRO TROSSARD – 8If the past week or so has been his audition to start up top against PSG, then he surely has passed? Another goal after two at Portman Road on Sunday.He offers something different to Mikel Merino in that No.9 role. Physicality? No. Cleverness? Yes, sneaking into pockets of space and firing from angles that defenders hate.Will it be good enough to reach a Champions League final? It is yet to be seen, but the Belgian is at least going into it full of confidence and with a taste of goals.Read More on The SunSUBS:BUKAYO SAKA (STERLING, 59) – 6An instant impact and should have made it 3-1 with a smart volley that was brilliantly saved by Dean Henderson. Could not conjure up a rescuing act off the bench this time.ETHAN NWANERI (ODEGAARD, 86) – N/AKIERAN TIERNEY (LEWIS-SKELLY, 86) – N/A More

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      ‘Is anyone surprised?’ – Ex-Man Utd star gets clumsy red card as fans say ‘he’s played his last game’ for LaLiga side

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      A FORMER Manchester United ace endured a torrid afternoon in a crunch LaLiga clash.Villarreal visited Celta Vigo at the Balaidos amid their ongoing bid to secure Champions League qualification.Villarreal ace Eric Bailly was sent off with a straight red card at Celta VigoEx-Manchester United ace Bailly was given his marching orders after just 37 minutesBailly was penalised for a clumsy challenge on the edge of the areaReferee deemed Celta ace Alfonso Gonzalez was in a position to scoreHowever, the Yellow Submarine suffered a heavy 3-0 loss to Celta, who are also pushing for a place in Europe, and it all started after losing a key defender to a straight red card.And that was none other than Eric Bailly, who was sent off for a clumsy challenge after just 37 minutes.Bailly, 31, took down Celta ace Alfonso Gonzalez with a late challenge just outside the area and the referee deemed the Spaniard was in a good position to score.The centre-back, whom United signed from Villarreal in 2016 and had him in their books for seven years, was immediately given his marching orders and Ruben Uria Corral’s side crumbled soon after.Read More on Man UtdThat led to an intense reaction from fans, who stormed social media.One fan tweeted: “Is anyone surprised?”Another commented: “That was rough!”A third wrote: “Eric Bailly red card. I miss him man.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis fan said: “Thats Bailly’s Villarreal career, his last match for the club.”And that one stated: “Unnecessary.”Roy Keane cracks joke live on Sky Sports as he tells De Bruyne to join Man UtdThat was Bailly’s fourth red card of his 21-year career, two of which he picked up during his time with United in the Premier League and Europa League.The Ivory Coast international managed one goal and one assist in 113 appearances with the Red Devils where he endured a raft of injuries. More

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      European semi-finals set to take centre stage as Dream Team season reaches dramatic climax

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      DOUBLE Gameweeks are invaluable in the world of Dream Team.More fixtures equals more point-scoring opportunities and with the season reaching its dramatic climax, gaffers should endeavour to make the most of the precious few double Gameweeks remaining.Madueke, Rice and Solanke starred in the European quarter-finalsCredit: Dream TeamDream Team managers have been blessed by the fact FOUR English teams have reached the semi-final stage of the European competitions.Arsenal are set to take on PSG in a mouthwatering Champions League tie.Premier League stragglers Manchester United and Tottenham will face Athletic Bilbao and Bodo Glimt respectively in the Europa League.While Chelsea have to get past Djurgarden if they are to reach the Conference League final.The first legs of all these semi-finals will take place in Gameweek 33 with the second legs to follow in Gameweek 34 around the usual domestic action.Arteta oversaw a fantastic victory over Real MadridCredit: ReutersIn a perfect world, these match-ups would be more favourable.The Gunners were hugely impressive against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals but they will have to produce a pair of performances of equal quality (at least) if they are to eliminate Luis Enrique’s side – PSG are on the brink of an invincible Ligue 1 campaign.Declan Rice (£4.9m) leads the way for points among Arsenal players with Bukayo Saka (£6.4m), David Raya (£4.5m) and William Saliba (£4.3m) completing the top four.Most read in FootballHowever, it’s important to note that Mikel Arteta’s side will only double up in Gameweek 34 as they will not be in action this weekend.Only Mohamed Salah has more points than Bruno Fernandes this seasonCredit: AlamyDream Team bosses may be hesitant to back the Red Devils and Spurs given both clubs are among the most disappointing under-performers in the Premier League this season.Even so, these additional fixtures are too tempting to pass up.Plus, the likes of Bruno Fernandes (£7m), Pedro Porro (£4.9m), Alejandro Garnacho (£3.3m), Dejan Kulusevski (£4.1m) and others have provided plentiful points despite the broader weaknesses of the teams they represent.Predicting Arsenal, Spurs or Man United’s semi-final fortunes comes with risk but Chelsea have to be considered strong favourites to beat their Swedish opponents over two legs, hence why Cole Palmer (£5m) is currently the most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 33 despite his dwindling form.Forest will also pull double duty this coming GameweekCredit: GettyIt’s worth noting that Nottingham Forest will also pull double duty in Gameweek 33.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals this weekend before hosting Brentford in the league on Thursday night.UPCOMING DOUBLE HEADERSGAMEWEEK 33MANCHESTER UNITED v Bournemouth (a) & Athletic Bilbao (a)TOTTENHAM v Liverpool (a) & Bodo Glimt (h)CHELSEA v Everton (h) & Djurgarden (a)NOTTINGHAM FOREST v Man City (n) & Brentford (h)GAMEWEEK 34ARSENAL v Bournemouth (h) & PSG (a)MANCHESTER UNITED v Brentford (a) & Athletic Bilbao (h)TOTTENHAM v West Ham (a) & Bodo Glimt (a)CHELSEA v Liverpool (h) & Djurgarden (h)Read More on The SunDream Team bosses should endeavour to make the most of these additional fixtures.The deadline for Gameweek 33 is 11am this Saturday.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More