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      ‘I’m not Harry Potter!’ – Ten Hag says Rashford is conjuring up his own magic rather than any tricks from Man Utd boss

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      ERIK TEN HAG claims Marcus Rashford has conjured up his own revival rather than any “Harry Potter” magic from the boss.The Manchester United chief wanted to play down his own part in the incredible turnaround of the player’s fortunes under his charge.
      Old Trafford chief Erik ten Hag won’t take any of the credit for striker Marcus Rashford’s extraordinary form since the World CupCredit: Getty
      It was so different before Qatar 2022, with Rashford here showing his frustration after being substituted by Ten Hag in OctoberCredit: Reuters
      Instead, he puts it all down to the England international’s determination to find his very best form that has brought ten goals in his last ten games.
      Ten Hag said: “I’m not Harry Potter! It’s just confidence. Every player has to make  his own confidence. He fought for this, he invested in this.
      “Of course, with my coaching staff, we bring in structures, especially in the way of play, that give him routines  he needs to get into the right position.
      “But finally, it’s up to him, to the player, and when the player has the confidence then I’m convinced.
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      “The way of play is most important but the environment and  culture are also important, then the player can perform at his best.
      “It’s obvious that Marcus at this moment is in really good shape, really good form.”
      Rashford’s goalscoring run since returning from the World Cup is the best of any player in Europe’s top leagues.
      He scored another wonder goal against Nottingham Forest in the midweek on the back of his spectacular opener at Arsenal last weekend.
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      New on-loan signing Wout Weghorst also broke his duck in the Carabao Cup tie at the City Ground and with Antony on form in that game too, Ten Hag is confident in his attacking line-up — despite Anthony Martial’s ongoing fitness problems.
      Ten Hag said: “The front line now gives me a positive feeling, it’s getting stronger and they take benefit from each other.
      “In the first part of the  season, we had many problems in the front line.
      “Often we had games where we didn’t have players who were 100 per cent physically and mentally fit.
      “Now that’s not the case as much and Marcus can take even more benefit from such situations.”
      United take on Reading on Saturday night in the FA Cup fourth round as the only team in the country still fighting on four fronts.
      It means they are in a fixture run of ten games in 30 days but Ten Hag is not complaining.
      He said: “It’s tough but I think it’s always better to have games rather than training. Players like more games.
      “There is a good spirit and a good mood in this dressing room to cope with that.
      Antony and loanee Wout Weghorst are offering Rashford impressive support up front for the in-form Red DevilsCredit: Reuters
      “We want to stay in those competitions as long as possible so we have to fight for that. It is good for the development of this squad.
      “Every day we have to give our maximum, good is not good enough. We have to do better.
      “It’s never at an end. We want to win every game. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is.”
      Tonight’s Cup game could give club captain Harry Maguire a chance to stake his claim for a regular first-team spot again.
      He is right down the pecking order for one of the centre-back spots given the form of those ahead of him.
       And Ten Hag told him to battle to get his place back.
      The Dutchman said: “It’s up to him. He has to fight for his position and things can change quickly. I have to say he’s training very well, I think he is making progress.
      “After the World Cup, he should have played but then he got ill. I can’t do anything about that and he knows that.
      For them (Reading) it’s a perfect chance, we have to be aware of that and be on the front foot.Erik ten Hag
      “Then he has to wait for his chance, you have to wait for a change and make sure you are ready if the chance is there.”
      Meanwhile, Ten Hag says Jadon Sancho is on his way back after being sidelined since October, with the manager believing he has not been physically or mentally right to play.
      The winger, 22, only recently returned to full training with the first team since his last appearance at Chelsea.
      Ten Hag added: “He is  training with the team and improving  and we will make a decision after training.”
      Sancho is more likely to make the bench for tonight’s game as United aim for two trips to Wembley this season.
      They look to be on their way  in the Carabao Cup after  winning the first leg of their semi-final  against Forest 3-0.
      But Ten Hag will not underestimate their opponents  this evening, despite Reading standing 14th in the Championship.
      Read More on The Sun
      He said: “Every opponent will be tough, especially in the Cup.
      “For them it’s a perfect chance, we have to be aware of that and be on the front foot.” More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Trossard outshines new team-mates against Man City but Holding is hooked during Haaland battle

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      MANCHESTER CITY got one over on their Premier League title challengers Arsenal by dumping them out of the FA Cup.Arsenal may hold a five-point advantage and a game in hand in the league, but it was City whose FA Cup run continues thanks to a Nathan Ake winner.
      Leandro Trossard impressed on his full Arsenal debutCredit: AFP
      Rob Holding lost his battle with Erling HaalandCredit: Getty
      On his full debut, Leandro Trossard outshone his team-mates, giving Rico Lewis a torrid time in the first half.
      He created Takehiro Tomiyasu’s early shot on goal and even had a pop himself, but his effort was well saved by Stefan Ortega.
      Rob Holding, meanwhile, had an evening to forget as he went head-on with goal machine Erling Haaland.
      City’s tactic to isolate Holding with Haaland worked with the defender getting booked just before half-time before being subbed.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Pep Guardiola will be hoping Friday’s defeat will unnerve Prem table-toppers Arsenal in the second half of the season.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Gunners.
      Matt Turner – 6
      Only his sixth start for Arsenal.
      Was out well to deny Haaland with his feet early on and made a good second half stop from De Bruyne.
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      Picked up a second half shoulder injury not long before he was beaten by Ake’s shot. 
      Takehiro Tomiyasu – 6
      Early shot from edge of box tipped away by Ortega.
      Cleaned up Haaland’s overhead kick and was deputising well – but then allowed Grealish to wriggle away from him to create the opening goal.
      Rob Holding – 5
      A rare start with Saliba dropping down to the bench and what a test to be up against Haaland.
      Booked for pulling back the Norwegian and was in danger of getting a red so hooked at the break.
      Gabriel – 7
      Beaten to a loose ball by Haaland and relieved the Norwegian’s radar was off for once and looked more comfortable with Saliba alongside him.
      Would have been happy to help keep Haaland relatively quiet.
      Kieran Tierney – 6
      Given the nod ahead of former City man ZInchenko – and did well to keep the in-form Mahrez under wraps.
      Careless clearance almost put his team in trouble and replaced by Zinchenko after the opening goal.
      Fabio Vieira – 7
      Stepped in so Odegaard could have a rest.
      Fluffed a second half volley when he had more time than he realised shortly before City took the lead.
      Lovely cross almost created an equaliser for Nketiah.
      Thomas Partey – 7
      Great challenge on De Bruyne on edge of the box late in first half and helped the Gunners control City in the opening 45 minutes.
      Did not reappear after the break – leaving the visiting fans praying he is not injured as he was missed.
      Granit Xhaka – 7
      Sent off last time he played here 18 months ago but is a different player these days and showed some real authority in the first half.
      Found it more difficult after Partey had gone off at the break as City took command in the middle.
      Bukayo Saka – 5
      England ace was up against a makeshift full-back in Ake but got little change out of the Dutch centre-back.
      Guardiola is a big admirer but he had a frustrating night before being replaced by Odegaard as Arteta tried to salvage the game late on. 
      Eddie Nketiah – 6
      The hero against United on Sunday had a chance to repeat the trick but volleyed a decent chance wide on the half hour.
      So close to getting on the end of Vieira’s cross to level but was denied by Laporte’s last ditch tackle.
      Leandro Trossard – 8
      Very encouraging full debut.
      Some nice work to set up Tomiyasu for early strike at goal.
      Had a shot of his own that was well saved by Ortega and gave young Lewis a torrid first half.
      Surprisingly subbed when Arsenal needed an equaliser.
      Subs
      William Saliba (for Holding, 45 min) – 6
       Could have made himself bigger for the City goal.
      Albert Sambi Lokonga (for Partey, 45 min) – 5
      Came on for Partey at half-time but did not have the same impact.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Tierney, 65 min) – 6
      Replaced Tierney on 65 minutes and got a warm welcome back to his old club.
      Read More on The Sun
      Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 66 min) – 7
      On for Trossard midway through the second half and also looked lively denied an equaliser by Ortega late on.
      Martin Odegaard (for Saka, 74 min) – 6
      Thrown on in place of Saka in the 74th minute but for once he could not find the answer.
      Man City play Arsenal again in February More

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      Man City 1 Arsenal 0 LIVE RESULT: Ake’s strike sees much changed Gunners go crashing out of FA Cup – latest reaction

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      ARSENAL go crashing out of the FA Cup at the hands of Manchester City courtesy of Nathan Ake’s second-half strike.Takehiro Tomiyasu and Leandro Trossard forced Ortega Moreno in to two early saves.
      But Ake’s low effort turned out to be the difference maker in what was a cagey affair.

      RESULT: Man City 0-1 Arsenal
      Live stream: ITV X
      TV channel: ITV 1
      Man City XI: Moreno; Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Ake; Rodri, De Bruyne, Gundogan; Mahrez, Grealish, Haaland
      Arsenal XI: Turner; Tomiyasu, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey, Vieira; Trossard, Saka, Nketiah

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      That’s all from the Etihad Stadium
      Arsenal crash out of the FA Cup following a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.
      Nathan Ake’s second half strike was all that separated the two sides at the end of 90 minutes of competitive Cup action.
      While Pep Guardiola and his players are the ones progressing to the next round of this competition, it is still all to play for in the Premier League with an intense title race in motion.
      The Spaniard will meet his former apprentice twice more this season, with each game promising to be unmissable.
      Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
      Pep Guardiola reacts
      When speaking to BBC Sport, the Man City boss said:
      “We were definitely better in the second half. Arsenal have taken a step forward. It was a tight game and you realise how good a side they are.
      “I did not expect the approach from them – man-to man – it was difficult to build up but we beat the team at the top of the league and are in the next round.
      “What a season he [Nathan Ake] is playing. He controlled one of the toughest opponents in the Premier League because Saka is in an incredible moment.
      “He is really good in the duels in the box, defending the far post and set pieces is an extra bonus. He is an exceptional guy, there was a period where he didn’t play and he never complained once.”
      Credit: Reuters
      BREAKING: Arsenal target Caicedo wants transfer
      Despite tonight’s result, Arsenal fans have found something to smile about as the club’s top transfer target Moises Caicedo has requested a move away from Brighton.
      In a statement on Instagram, the midfielder said: “I am grateful to Mr. Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I always play football with a smile and with heart.
      “I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador.
      “My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador.
      “I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful.
      “The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity. 🙌🏽🙏🏽”
      Credit: Getty
      Mikel Arteta reacts
      When speaking to ITV, the Arsenal boss said:
      “Really disappointed. I think we could have got much more out of the game. The action decided the game but it was a tight game and that one action changed it all.
      “I think we could have dealt with it much better in terms of our discipline when the ball was in the box.
      “We had big situations in the game and we didn’t put them away. We can take a lot of positives, I think the way we approached the game and competed. It is really difficult to win against this team but we went head to head with them.
      “In the big moments, in big matches you have the make the difference. That is how you win these games.”
      Credit: Getty
      Full Time – Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Mikel Arteta won’t be too disheartened with that result.
      His team put in a respectable performance to frustrate Man City on their own turf for the majority of the game, but Pep Guardiola’s side narrowly got the better of the Gunners in the second half.
      Nathan Ake’s strike was all that separated the two sides, but Arsenal almost drew level in the final stages with Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli making a huge impact off the bench.
      Despite the result, the away fans were still in full voice after the final whistle as they remain quietly optimistic about the Premier League title race.
      Full Time – Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Man City see off their Premier League rivals to advance to the next round of the FA Cup.

      Full Time – Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Man City book their spot in the FA Cup fifth round thanks to Nathan Ake’s second half strike.
      Credit: Reuters
      90+1. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Four minutes have been added on…
      Arsenal could still get something from this game.
      88. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Another chance for Arsenal.
      Martinelli drives into the box and attempts to square the ball towards the penalty spot.
      It deflects off Gundogan and is directed towards goal, but Ortega is there again to collect.
      87. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Huge chance for Arsenal!
      Xhaka exploits a gap in the Man City defence and sends the ball through to Martinelli, but Ortega comes out to collect.
      84. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Arsenal have a corner.
      Vieira crosses the ball towards Xhaka in the box, who attempts to flick it on, but Laporte is there to make the clearance.
      Martinelli then picks it up on the left and is given the space to drive into the penalty area.
      He looks to square the ball, but Ortega can make the stop.
      76. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Man City have also made a change.
      Silva is on for De Bruyne.
      75. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Arteta has made his final change.
      Odegaard has replaced Saka.
      73. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Saka receives the ball on the left before sending a cross into the box.
      Nketiah attempts to get there, but the pass is intercepted.
      67. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Huge chance for Arsenal to get back into the game!
      Xhaka sends a cross to Nketiah in the box, but just before the striker can make contact, Laporte gets a crucial touch on the ball to deflect it out of reach!
      Credit: Getty
      66. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Arsenal respond with two changes.
      Zinchenko replaces Tierney.
      Martinelli replaces Trossard.
      65. Man City 1-0 Arsenal
      Alvarez strikes from distance and hits the post with his effort.
      The ball then falls to Grealish in the box, who sets it to Ake.
      The defender then places it perfectly into the bottom-right corner of the goal! What a finish!
      Credit: Reuters
      64. GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL MAN CITY!!!!!!
      Ake breaks the deadlock!
      Man City take the lead!

      59. Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Chance for Arsenal as Vieira attempts a volley from the edge of the penalty area, but his strike flies wide.
      58. Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      City make two more changes.
      Mahrez is replaced by Alvarez.
      Lewis is replaced by Walker.
      56. Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Turner is called to action immediately after being treated as Man City break forward.
      The ball finds De Bruyne on the right, who sends a low driven cross into a dangerous area.
      But, the goalkeeper can get down to make the stop.
      55. Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Turner will look to play on for now.
      53. Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Concern for Arsenal as Turner goes down in the box with a shoulder injury.
      Ramsdale is warming up.
      Credit: Reuters
      51. Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      City attempt to break forward as the ball is sent through the Arsenal defence to Haaland.
      But, Tomiyasu does well to track back and shields the striker away from goal.
      50. Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Arsenal have a free kick in midfield following a foul on Vieira.
      The Gunners are looking much more comfortable on the ball.
      Load more entries… More

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      Man City 1 Arsenal 0: Gunners lose first game in almost three months as Ake goal dumps them out of FA Cup

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      MIKEL ARTETA retreated from the Etihad, out of the FA Cup but unbruised for the title race to come. The Arsenal boss made six changes against a virtually full-strength City side but was only undone by a second-half Nathan Ake strike. 
      Man City’s Nathan Ake celebrates after breaking the deadlock against ArsenalCredit: Reuters
      The defender curled home after being teed up by Jack GrealishCredit: Getty
      City had lost defender John Stones to injury moments earlierCredit: Getty
      Eddie Nketiah and Arsenal failed to find a breakthrough against the CityzensCredit: Reuters
      This was the first meeting of the season between the Premier League leaders and the champions and it was a decent appetiser for the more serious battle at the Emirates on February 15. 
      City progressed to the fifth round but Arsenal proved they have greater squad depth than many reckoned. 
      It was not the worst outcome for Arteta. Had he selected his strongest side and suffered a beating, we’d be talking of psychological scars. 
      There was none of that after this encounter – Leandro Trossard, on his full debut, illuminated the first half and will add serious competition for places at the North London side, who lead City by five points with a game in hand. 
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      The last time Arsenal visited this place, they were gubbed 5-0 early last season, with resounding calls for Arteta’s head. 
      How times have changed for Guardiola’s former right-hand man, who is now threatening to dethrone his old boss. 
      City, despite their dominance of the League, have only won one FA Cup in the last decade and Guardiola clearly has an appetite for another. 
      Beating the leaders cannot be bad for their confidence yet this was not exactly convincing.
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      For 64 minutes, it felt as if we were heading for a replay and a heavyweight trilogy between England’s best two sides in the space of 19 days. 
      Ake ended that idea with a cool finish after sub Julian Alvarez had crashed a shot against the post.
      But Arsenal, closer to full strength after Arteta had made his subs, staged a serious spell of late pressure in an attempt to take City back to the Emirates next week. 
      When the teams were announced, it was clear where Arteta’s priorities lay – those six changes included the benching of skipper Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba. 
      Guardiola, clearly up for the Cup, changed only two of his starting line-up from last weekend’s victory over Wolves. 
      Arsenal have added depth with the signing of Trossard from Brighton.
      The Belgian forward, on his first Gunners start, gave John Stones an early filleting and teed up Takehiro Tomiyasu for a rattling long-ranger which City’s stand-in keeper Stefan Ortega pushed away. 
      At the other end, Erling Haaland was giving Rob Holding a physical going-over.
      And when City’s goal machine pounced on a mistake from his marker, keeper Matt Turner raced out of his area to block and the Norwegian attempted a saucy 25-yard bicycle kick, only for Tomiyasu to clear. 
      Trossard, having plenty of joy on the left flank, was soon rinsing Rico Lewis and drilling a shot which Ortega dived to fend away.
      Mikel Arteta suffered defeat for the first time in nearly three monthsCredit: Reuters
      De Bruyne got some serious bend on a shot which narrowly cleared the far post. 
      But for once, De Bruyne wasn’t even the liveliest Belgian on this pitch – Trossard continued to torment City’s defence and this time, he squared for Eddie Nketiah to shoot wide at the near post. 
      Despite all their changes, Arsenal were playing some excellent stuff, knocking it about with pace and purpose. 
      For City, though, there was always Haaland, who beat Gabriel and lobbed Turner only for his effort to land wide. 
      City were growing tetchy, with ref Paul Tierney and with one another, Guardiola was doing his conkers on the touchline, even out-Fawltying Arteta. 
      Stones limped off in first-half injury-time, after a heavy challenge from Trossard, and was replaced by Aymeric Laporte. 
      Holding had just been booked for rugby tackling Haaland, the Arsenal centre-back’s selection always looking like Arteta’s riskiest one. 
      And at half-time Holding was hooked in favour of Sailba, while Albert Sambi Lokonga replaced Thomas Partey. 
      Arteta and Guardiola still have to face off two teams in the Prem title raceCredit: Getty
      Guardiola soon turned to Kyle Walker and Julian Alvarez but the spark was beginning to go out of the contest, when – out of the blue – City scored.
      Alvarez, the Argentinian World Cup winner, crashed a long-range shot against the foot of the post, Jack Grealish received the rebound, dribbled around Tomiyasu and laid back for Ake to guide his shot inside the far post. 
      Arsenal almost managed an immediate response, Granit Xhaka’s artful centre almost fell to Nketiah but Laporte nicked it off his toes in the six-yard box.
      Arteta wasn’t going to lie down, though, and brought on former City man Oleksandr Zinchenko and Odegaard. 
      The visitors enjoyed plenty of late pressure but City, with Laporte to the fore and Ortega alert when he needed to be, held firm for a place in the last sixteen. 
      Read More on The Sun
      There will be better to come next months when these two meet at full strength and at full tilt for the title. 
      But for the blessed Arteta, even a rare defeat felt like a minor triumph. More

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      Arsenal struggle against simple Man City tactic in FA Cup clash as Erling Haaland exploits Rob Holding

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      MANCHESTER CITY are making use of route-one football against Arsenal with Erling Haaland hoping to exploit the defensive fragility of Rob Holding.The two Premier League title contenders are colliding in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
      City want to isolate Arsenal’s defenders one-on-one with Erling Haaland using the simple tactic of route-one
      Erling Haaland is isolating Arsenal’s Rob Holding one-on-oneCredit: Getty
      And Pep Guardiola will be hoping he can unsettle his former prodigy by condemning the Gunners to an early cup exit.
      And City’s intentions were clear from the get-go.
      The first long-ball from Sky Blues keeper Stefan Ortega was directed towards Haaland, who was being marked by Holding.
      Holding has played just 707 minutes of football this term with 13 of those coming in the Prem.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      City’s players are also moving centrally from goal-kicks to attract pressure so Ortega can hit a free player.
      This could be seen in the 8th minute when full-back Rico Lewis tucked in.
      Just moments later, Haaland got the better of Holding, dispossessing the Arsenal defender in a dangerous area inside his half.
      Luckily for Holding, keeper Matt Turner was on his toes and got out quickly to close Haaland down.
      Most read in Football
      The ball flicked up into the air and the 22-year-old tried a Zlatan Ibrahimovic-like Sweden vs England overhead kick, but Takehiro Tomiyasu covered the goal well.
      Lewis and Rodri’s positioning is also helping isolate Gunners holding midfielder Thomas Partey.
      The City pair are attracting Granit Xhaka and Fabio Vieira, creating a 2 vs 1 between Ilkay Gundogan-Kevin de Bruyne and Partey.
      Haaland very nearly found himself in on goal against towards the end of the first half, but Gabriel managed to clear his lines before the striker to dispossess him.
      Arsenal appear to be set on continuing their high-pressing style of play.
      It is, however, leading to Mikel Arteta’s men being lured into City’s build-up phase, which allows Haaland to isolate his marker.
      He did so in the 41st minute with Holding ending up in the book.
      Holding also only manged to win one of six aerial duels in the opening 45.
      Read More on The Sun
      The introduction of Julian Alvarez could give Haaland the player he needs to attack the space in behind his duels.
      Holding was subbed at half-time and City found a breakthrough with Nathan Ake scoring the winner. More

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      Roy Keane slams Arteta’s Arsenal team selection against Man City but Ian Wright leaps to boss’s defence in ITV studio

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      ROY KEANE has slammed Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta for making six changes to his team for their FA Cup fourth-round clash with Man City.The Premier League’s top two go head-to-head at the Etihad on Friday night for a place in the fifth round of football’s oldest competition.
      Roy Keane slammed Mikel Arteta’s team selection but Ian Wright defended the Arsenal managerCredit: ITV
      Arteta has done an incredible job with Arsenal so far this seasonCredit: Getty
      Yet despite the magnitude of the clash, Arteta has rotated several players following the 3-2 win over Man Utd on Sunday.
      Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, William Saliba, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli have all come out of the side.
      That has made space for Matt Turner, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Rob Holding, Kieran Tierney, Fabio Vieira and Leandro Trossard to all start.
      Man City have made just two changes from the 3-0 win over Wolves last weekend.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      And Keane was not impressed with Arteta’s decision to swap a host of his key players out for the match.
      Alongside Arsenal legend Ian Wright in the ITV studio, the former Man Utd man said: “It’s a huge gamble to make so many changes, particularly in the defensive position, the goalkeepers.
      “We thought he’d make one or two, but that’s such a gamble to make so many changes at the back, especially with the attacking players Man City have got.”
      When pressed on whether he understands why Arteta decided to rotate, Keane then added: “Yes and no. The priority for Arsenal – because they’ve had such a great start – is of course the league.
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      “But I just think to make so many changes defensively, people talking about the priorities, but it’s still January. They’ve got no midweek game coming up.
      “Huge risk and I’m pretty sure it will backfire on him.”
      That was before Wright said: “He’s moving the team around, he wants to see what the players are capable of – the back-up players – against a real top side.
      “If this season is going to go how they want it to go and how we all want it to go then you’re going to need some players at certain stages.
      “Plus, I think these players need minutes. And you want minutes against good teams, top teams, so you can really see what you’re about.
      “I think that’s what he’s going to do today. He’s going to find out about a few more players.”
      Wright then later addressed Keane directly, saying: “You telling me they’re not looking forward to a game like this? This is a game that makes or breaks for some of them!”
      Arteta won the FA Cup with Arsenal back in 2020, less than six months after taking over as manager.
      Read More on The Sun
      Arsenal currently sit five points clear of Man City in the Premier League table and also have a game in hand.
      The two sides meet in the league for the first time this season at the Emirates on February 15. More

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      I’m a Man Utd fan and these are the competitions I’d sacrifice this season to bring back the glory days

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      ERIK TEN HAG may have to sacrifice the Europa League and FA Cup in order to win the Carabao Cup and secure Champions League football this season.If you had said to any Man Utd supporter in August, following back-to-back defeats to Brighton and then Brentford, that they would be in the top four and have one foot in the Carabao Cup Final, most would have laughed and bitten your hand off.  
      Man Utd are set to reach the Carabao Cup final and sit fourth in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP
      It’s crazy that a little over 10 days ago we were even discussing the possibility of a title challenge as well.  
      But a draw at Crystal Palace and defeat to high-flying Arsenal mean that is certainly not going to happen this season.  
      What is universally agreed amongst United supporters is just how well Ten Hag is doing given the numerous obstacles he has faced.  
      In this January window alone, he’s having to watch as most of his rivals for the top four are splashing the cash.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      And although Wout Weghorst is a welcome addition up-front, there’s so much more required in other areas.
      United, traditionally, have done very little in the January window, but the gaps are significant.  
      On top of this, the manager has dealt with the Cristiano Ronaldo situation very well, along with the impending sale of the club and other disciplinary matters.  
      It’s the lack of squad depth that is the real issue, though. 
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      It makes you wonder, with United placed so nicely in the Premier League, if Ten Hag might be happy to sacrifice one of the FA Cup or Europa League.  
      It’s not something that he would ever publicly admit – and we’ve heard him say that “we must win every game” – but it’s simply not possible.
      There’s no doubt Ten Hag’s United will try and win every game, but will the XI he puts out be capable of doing so?  
      United play eight times in February alone, which works out as a match every three and a half days.  
      People have pointed to the run United had in 1999 but they only faced six matches in February that year, and had a far superior squad.  
      So it’ll come down to fixture management.
      Jurgen Klopp was a huge supporter of English football when he managed in Germany.
      But, after joining Liverpool, he was alarmed at how much football was played over here during the winter period.  
      We watched him tinker sufficiently in earlier years, in a way the great Sir Alex Ferguson once did.
      Hopefully Ten Hag doesn’t try to compete on too many levels – which could end with United missing out on a place in the Champions League and losing the Carabao Cup final. 
      Whatever happens, the signs are that United are on their way back.
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      Hopefully the fans are smiling come May and not rueing a squad that was simply pushed too far.
      Tom McDermott is the host of The Red Devils Podshow which you can subscribe or listen to here. More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta slams claims he’s a ‘mini Pep’ as mentor Guardiola calls comparison ‘bulls***’ in X-rated rant

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      ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has dismissed claims that he is a “mini Pep” with his mentor Guardiola also calling the comparison “bulls**t” in an X-rated rant.The Gunners are currently sat top of the Premier League after 19 games played, and five points above Guardiola’s Manchester City, while also holding a game in hand.
      Mikel Arteta worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Man CityCredit: Reuters
      The two Spanish coaches have had a close relationship for some time, even dating back to the 90s when Arteta was in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.
      At that time, Guardiola was one of Barca’s star players.
      After his playing days, Arteta would cut his teeth in coaching, working as Guardiola’s assistant at Man City.
      During his time at the Etihad, City won the Prem twice, an FA Cup and two League Cups.

      But with Arteta now in charge of his own team in Arsenal, and directly going head-to-head with Guardiola’s City for supremacy in England’s top division, the Gunners boss has dismissed claims that he has based his managerial style on his mentor.
      Ahead of Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with the Citizens this weekend, Arteta said: “We are very different as a person and we are very different as a manager.
      “That’s probably why we understand each other so well and have the relationship that we have.
      “I had this when I was a player as well because we grew in the same position.
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      “‘I have never tried to copy paste anything because I feel this club deserves much better than that and it wouldn’t work that way.
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      “Every character and person dictates how they are as a manager and I think we are very different.
      “I feel gratitude because he inspired me as a player and he has inspired me and gave me the opportunity as a coach. 
      “I accept peoples views because I probably wouldn’t have had the career that I had as a player or the understanding of the game if I didn’t have that time with him at Barcelona, and I wouldn’t be sitting here with that love for the game if he hadn’t crossed into my life and given me the opportunities that he has given me.”
      Guardiola has also refused to take credit for Arteta’s meteoric rise in an X-rated rant.
      The serial winner says Arsenal’s success belongs to the North London club and Arteta.
      Guardiola said: “I’d like to say, ‘Yes. What they do is because I taught him’. Bulls**t.” More