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    Arsenal player ratings: Nightmare clanger from Bernd Leno but Pablo Mari shines on miserable night to forget for Gunners

    ARSENAL lost their first match in five games in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Everton at the Emirates.The Toffees picked up a valuable three points in their first win at Arsenal since 1996.
    Bernd Leno’s mistake cost Arsenal as Everton won 1-0 at the Emirates
    Granit Xhaka and Richarlison contest for the ball in what was a tough battle between the pair throughout
    Gylfi Sigurdsson struck the bar from a free-kick as Everton came closest to scoring in the first half
    There were plenty of fireworks outside the Emirates due to the protests against Stan Kroenke – but very few on the pitch from either side.
    Eddie Nketiah was given a rare start as Calum Chambers, Pablo Mari, Thomas Partey and Nicolas Pepe all came back in, but the changes did not lead to an improved performance.
    Everton have now won at Arsenal and Liverpool this season and moved to just three points off Chelsea in fourth place.
    Mikel Arteta should be disappointed with another lacklustre display from his men for the second home game in a row.
    Here’s what SunSport’s Kealan Hughes thought of Arsenal’s individual performances.
    Protests against the board began at 6pm and continued past kick-off
    A firework display could be heard in the first half as thousands gathered outside the Emirates
    Bernd Leno – 4/10
    Made a good save to deny Richarlison in a good position in the first half, but an absolute howler handed Everton an unlikely winner late on.
    Leno barely had anything to do and a loss of concentration saw a low cross somehow squeeze between the goalkeeper’s legs to hand the Toffees a memorable win.
    Calum Chambers – 6
    Advanced down the right flank regularly in the first half and put in a number of decent crosses. Showed why Arteta likes to use him on the right.
    Was presented with a great second half opportunity but fired his shot into the ground and over the bar from Pepe’s free kick.
    Rob Holding – 7
    Solid aerial display against a tough opponent in Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
    Was assured throughout and rarely troubled – though it must be said that Everton failed to stretch the Gunners’ defence.
    Pablo Mari – 7
    Looked comfortable playing out from the back and marshalled a tricky Richarlison well throughout, limiting the Brazilian to just one clear chance.
    It was an impressive display considering it was his ninth league game of the season. Made a good case to keep Gabriel out of the side for the next few games.
    Granit Xhaka – 5
    Struggled to deal with the overlapping Seamus Coleman at times.
    Failed to support attacks and left Pepe rather isolated. That was a big reason why Arsenal lacked dynamism in attack and were too easy for Everton to deal with.
    Thomas Partey – 6
    Booked for giving away a sloppy free-kick which Gylfi Sigurdsson almost scored from.
    He did keep a close eye on James Rodriguez and prevented the Everton No 19 from dictating play ,which was vital to stopping the Toffees as an attacking threat.
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    Dani Ceballos – 7
    Was perhaps Arsenal’s brightest player with some nice touches in midfield and put his side on the front foot at times – but did not impose his game on the Everton midfield.
    It was one of those clever touches which helped him evade Richarlison, who then brought down the Spaniard for the disallowed penalty.
    Came closest to scoring for Arsenal with a well-struck effort from just outside the box that was well-saved by Pickford.
    Bukayo Saka – 5
    Had a half-chance inside the opening 20 minutes and showed good anticipation to beat Lucas Digne to the ball but could only fire straight at Jordan Pickford.
    Aside from that the winger was unusually quiet and did not use his pace effectively enough to run at Digne or stretch the defence.
    Arsenal needed that bit of spark from him but he never got going.
    Emile Smith Rowe – 5
    Was very positive on the ball and looked to drive into Everton’s defensive third at every opportunity.
    But he was in and out of the game and his team-mates failed to find him in dangerous positions so his influence was limited.
    He faded quickly as a result and should have probably been substituted earlier than he was.
    Nicolas Pepe – 6
    Some bright spells for the winger but, like many of his attacking team-mates, he was isolated and did not get on the ball enough which was poor from Arsenal.
    Substituted rather harshly with 20 minutes left with Arteta keen to get Martin Odegaard back into action.
    Eddie Nketiah – 5
    The striker enjoyed a rare start due to Alexandre Lacazette’s injury but he failed to build on his last-gasp equaliser against Fulham last week.
    Some nice touches aside he failed to impact the game but can blame his team-mates for a lack of service. Was rightly subbed.
    Eddie Nketiah did not make the most of his chance as Arsenal drew a blank
    Subs: Martin Odegaard – 5
    Came on with just under 20 minutes remaining but his involvement was minimal until Arsenal chased the game in the last five minutes.
    Good to see him back on the pitch following injury though.
    Gabriel Martinelli – 6
    Left on the bench which was a little unfair given his bright showing last week.
    Arteta trusted the Brazilian to play centrally and it almost paid off as Martinelli struck a great shot in injury time that was well saved.
    Willian – 5
    Given ten minutes to make a difference in replacing Chambers but barely got on the ball and was snuffed out by Everton.
    Showed why he was left on the bench and probably should not have been brought on.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Thousands of Arsenal fans protest at owner Kroenke outside Emirates More

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    Best XI of players that Premier League clubs can still sign in domestic transfer window including Benrahma and Brooks

    THE summer transfer has finally closed after a hectic few weeks – or has it?
    While the main window has shut, clubs are still able to get a host of deals over the line.

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    The players Premier League sides may still sign in the ‘domestic’ window

    Teams are allowed to hunt freebies – such as Mario Gotze, Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge – and sign them at any time.
    On top of that though, there is a “domestic only” window now open – running until 5pm on October 16.
    In this instance, Premier League clubs are allowed to sign players from the Championship – or below – ONLY.
    That means no foreign signings and no bringing in other Premier League players.

    Clubs must raid free agency, the Football League or non-league – or simply go without.
    We take a look at the best XI of Football League stars who COULD be on the move before the domestic window closes.
    GOALKEEPER – Jack Butland

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    Jack Butland could move to Everton to provide back-up to PickfordCredit: Reuters
    Current club: Stoke
    Linked with: Everton

    THE England stopper has seemingly been destined to leave Stoke for years – yet still, he’s at Stoke.
    Butland transfer chatter has been uncharacteristically quiet this summer.
    But with Everton desperate for some competition for error-prone Jordan Pickford, they could turn to the now-only-£8million-rated Butland.
    RIGHT-BACK – Max Aarons

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    Max Aarons is still at Norwich despite a host of giants chasing himCredit: PA:Press Association
    Current club: Norwich
    Linked with: Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham
    THE Norwich full-back has been chased by seemingly every European giant this summer, including Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
    It’s looking increasingly unlikely he will now move, with time running out and the Canaries keen to hold out for around £25m.
    But with a host of clubs interested – and nowhere to look but the Football League – Aarons could yet still get a move back to the Premier League.
    CENTRE-BACK – Dael Fry

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    Dael Fry has been linked with a hatful of PL teamsCredit: Alamy Live News
    Current club: Middlesbrough
    Linked with: Burnley, Everton, Newcastle, Southampton
    THE Boro star is another to have been frequently linked with a move away from the Riverside.
    Burnley were leading the race, with Sean Dyche fearful of losing James Tarkowski.
    With the Clarets holding firm despite offers from multiple clubs – including West Ham – Fry may pop back up on the radar of Everton, Newcastle and Southampton.
    CENTRE-BACK – Joe Worrall

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    Worrall was a one-time target for Sean DycheCredit: Alamy Live News
    Current club: Nottingham Forest
    Linked with: Burnley
    ANOTHER linked with a move to Turf Moor, Dyche was monitoring Forest star Worrall.
    Now unlikely to leave, with Tarkowski staying put, reports have claimed Burnley had offered the Championship side £4m plus Ben Gibson earlier this summer.
    LEFT-BACK – Diego Rico

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    Diego Rico could join Sheff Utd to provide depth at the left-wing-back spotCredit: Alamy Live News
    Current club: Bournemouth
    Linked with: Sheff Utd
    CHRIS WILDER is desperate to bolster his squad and prove their incredible 2019-20 season wasn’t a flash in the pan.
    And reports claim the Blades chief is targeting Rico of recently-relegated Bournemouth to slot into his favoured left-wing-back role.

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    How the PL’s best transfer XI for this summer could look

    CENTRE-MID – Todd Cantwell

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    Cantwell is being seriously pursued by Leeds, as well as Leicester and NewcastleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Current club: Norwich
    Linked with: Leeds, Leicester, Newcastle
    A HATFUL of top-flight teams have been after Cantwell this summer – including Leicester, who feared losing James Maddison, and Newcastle.
    Leeds now appear to be leading the race after their move for Bayern Munich star Michael Cuisance collapsed in the 11th hour.
    CENTRE-MID – David Brooks

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    Man Utd had hoped to sign Broooks, with Bournemouth holding out for £50mCredit: PA:Press Association
    Current club: Bournemouth, Sheff Utd, Tottenham
    Linked with: Man Utd
    BROOKS has been linked with a number of clubs, most-notably Man Utd.
    However, Bournemouth are determined to get £50m for their versatile midfielder, putting off even mega-rich United.
    RIGHT-WING – Ismaila Sarr

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    Ismaila Sarr is on the radar of at least three Premier League sidesCredit: Alamy Live News
    Current club: Watford
    Linked with: Aston Villa, Liverpool, Man Utd
    ANOTHER winger on the radar of Man Utd, Premier League clubs are hoping to lure £40m-rated Sarr back to the top flight after being relegated with Watford.
    Sarr was electric as Watford stunned champions Liverpool 3-0 last season, alerting a number of clubs to his undoubted potential.
    LEFT-WING – Said Benrahma

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    Said Benrahma may have priced himself out of a summer move to the PLCredit: Alamy Live News
    Current club: Brentford
    Linked with: Aston Villa, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham
    QUITE possibly the most-talented player in the Championship, Benrahma was expected to leave Brentford this summer.
    However, Benrahma talked himself out of a move to Palace due to his sky-high wages demands.
    The Eagles could make another move – but only if they can offload Andros Townsend first – with Aston Villa and Fulham also linked.
    Chelsea were rumoured to be interested earlier in the summer before their monster splurge on the likes of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.
    STRIKER – Troy Deeney

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    Troy Deeney is on the radar of Leicester boss Brendan RodgersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Current club: Watford
    Linked with: Leicester, West Brom
    THE Watford captain is another tipped with a move away from Vicarage Road.
    Leicester want Deeney to provide back-up to on-fire Jamie Vardy, while West Brom are also in the hunt for a new striker.
    STRIKER – Josh King

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    Josh King is almost certain to leave in the domestic transfer windowCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Current club: Bournemouth
    Linked with: Aston Villa, Man Utd, Tottenham, West Brom, West Ham
    BOURNEMOUTH are doing a good job of keeping their star players at the club, despite relegation.
    But King appears desperate to move, most-strongly linked with Old Trafford.
    After United signed Edinson Cavani on deadline day and Spurs signed Carlos Vinicius, it now seems more likely King will join one of Villa, West Brom or West Ham.

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    The best free agents available to clubs now the window has closed

    Danny Welbeck leaves Watford on free transfer just a year after move as club cannot afford his £100k-a-week wages More

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    Fans to return for first competitive football matches in England NEXT WEEK with Cambridge hosting two matches

    CAMBRIDGE UNITED will host the first TWO competitive games on English soil in front of fans since MARCH next week.
    EFL chiefs have selected the Abbey Stadium EFL Trophy clash with Fulham under-21s on Tuesday and next weekend’s opening League Two match with Carlisle as official Government-approved test events.

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    Cambridge will welcome fans back to their stadium next weekCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Cambridge will be allowed to have up to 1,000 fans inside for the first game with a capacity of 2,500 for the clash with the Cumbrian outfit.
    Fans will be allowed both in seats and standing on terraces as part of the pilot, which will be overseen by crowd dynamics experts Movement Strategies.
    EFL chiefs hope two successful events will speed up the nationwide return of fans.
    The last competitive match to be played in front of supporters in England was Liverpool’s Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid on March 11.

    The previous day saw four matches in League One and Carlisle beat Newport – in front of 2,822 fans – at Brunton Park in League Two.
    Within 48 hours the national lockdown was brought into effect.

    Cambridge are due to announce ticket application details as soon as possible.
    Brighton’s pre-season friendly with Chelsea last month hosted 2,500 home supporters as part of a government pilot scheme.

    It was a test to determine test how sporting venues can cope with crowds while safety measures are still in place.

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    Brighton hosted 2500 fans for their friendly with ChelseaCredit: Reuters

    Neymar ‘tests positive for coronavirus’ after Ibiza holiday as PSG confirm three cases just eight days before season More

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    Stephen Tataw dead at 57: Cameroon captain for iconic Italia 90 World Cup run passes away after ‘protracted illness’

    FORMER Cameroon captain Stephen Tataw has died at the age of 57.
    The defender was part of the famous side which reached the quarter-finals at the Italia 90 World Cup.

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    Stephen Tataw clashes with England’s Gary Lineker in 1990 Credit: PA:Empics Sport
    He played every minute as the Indomitable Lions got to the last eight – the first African team to do so.
    They were beaten 3-2 in extra-time by Sir Bobby Robson’s England.
    Tataw is said to have died after a lengthy illness.
    Cameroon, led by the dancing veteran striker Roger Milla, famously beat reigning World Cup champions Argentina in their first game in Italia 90.

    Their incredible runs also included wins over top sides Romania and Colombia.
    They looked set to knock the Three Lions out and reach the semi-final.
    But Gary Lineker’s late penalty forced extra-time before he got England through in the additional period.
    Tataw, who had a trial at QPR after the 1990 World Cup, also played in the USA World Cup four years later.

    But they were thrashed 6-1 by Russia, also losing 3-0 to eventual winners Brazil, and went out at the group stage.

    Tataw played for Cameroonian sides Tonnerre Yaounde and Olympic Mvolye before ending his career in Japan with Tosu Futures.
    It is not known yet the exact circumstances of his death.
    But a relative said he passed away on Friday after a “protracted illness”.

    Gary Lineker defies Cameroon spies to score World Cup penalty at Italia ’90 More

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    Goalkeeper Ivan Zaborovskiy fighting for life in intensive care after being struck by lightning during training session

    FOOTBALLER Ivan Zaborovskiy is fighting for his life in intensive care after being struck by lightning during a training session. The young goalkeeper was taken to hospital after the freak incident in Russia. Ivan Zaborovskiy, seen here in training for his Russian football club, has been struck by lightning and remains in intensive care His […] More

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    Football rocked with 45 LIFETIME bans slapped on Armenian owners and players over outrageous match-fixing scandal

    FOOTBALL chiefs in Armenia have suspended their second tier and handed out 45 lifetime bans for huge scale match-fixing. The scandal has brought down professional football in the former Soviet country. One of the football stadiums in Yerevan in ArmeniaCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription Suspicious results flagged up by the FFA included 12-0, 0-12, 1-8 and […] More

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    Chelsea 2 Arsenal 2 LIVE RESULT: Ten-man Gunners fight back TWICE as Bellerin curls in late leveller to snatch a point

    YOU don’t usually get a dull London derby – and so it proved at Stamford Bridge. The Gunners fell behind to Jorginho’s penalty after David Luiz saw red for a clumsy tackle on Tammy Abraham, but roared back in the second half through Gabriel Martinelli. Chelsea thought they had won it late when Cesar Azpilicueta […] More