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      Andre Onana ready to play in NEW POSITION for Man Utd after watching Ten Hag play Mazraoui as No10 vs Fenerbahce

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      ANDRE ONANA summed up the chaos at Manchester United by claiming: “I’ll play as a striker if I need to!”With Bruno Fernandes suspended and nine others injured, boss Erik ten Hag employed full-back Noussair Mazraoui as a No 10 in the 1-1 Europa League draw against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce on Thursday.Andre Onana has teased he is ready to play in a new position for Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyErik ten Hag started Noussair Mazraoui in the No. 10 position against FenerbahceCredit: GettyOnana suggested Mazraoui did not want to play in such an advanced role as Ten Hag shuffled his pack, benching 21-year-old Danish centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund.The Cameroonian keeper — who made an extraordinary first-half double save to deny two Youssef En-Nesyri headers — started behind yet another new central-defensive partnership in Istanbul, with Victor Lindelof lining up alongside Matthijs de Ligt.And Onana, 28, said: “I have no problem with any of my guys because I have the feeling when you wear this shirt, you have to be able to play each position for them.“We had Mazraoui as No 10. I don’t know if he wanted to play there, but for the team, you have to take it.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“And Casemiro did a lot of times last season (play in central defence). If I have to play striker, I will do it. So for the team, we have to be able to be pragmatic.”United have scored just seven times in eight Premier League matches this term ahead of tomorrow’s visit to West Ham — and remarkably  they have gone a whole YEAR without winning a European tie.But Onana, who has already let in 14 goals this term, said: “It will come. Everything in life is temporary. It will come, if not today. It will be tomorrow. Also us as defenders, we have to take responsibility.“We were leading 1-0, and I start to question myself, because maybe I need to do things better, my defenders as well.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I don’t think we have to look at the strikers because they are trying.“The chances are there and at the moment the ball is not going in the net, but it will come. We lose together. We win together.Manchester United vs Fenerbahce: Player Ratings (1)Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute.“We are in the second or third position (for chances created), and the most important thing is creating chances.“So if we don’t create any chances, then we all have to worry.“We have to be patient. And I know my guys, that’s what they train for. And I’m very happy, the way they fight. The issue is that we are not winning. We don’t score goals and it will come.”Onana claims that he is only just starting to feel comfortable at Old Trafford after his move from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023 in a deal worth £47.2million.He said: “I came here as the best goalkeeper in the world, and I have a difficult period. People need time to adapt. It took me a year to feel good here. Now I feel home.“I’m happy but the team is above everything because my defenders cannot do anything more for me, they are making tackles, blocking shots for me. They make things very easy for me.”Onana refused to revel in his remarkable double save from En-Nesyri after the same player headed a second-half equaliser to earn a point for Mourinho’s side which left United 21st in the Europa League table with just three points.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I don’t really think about it. All I care about is the victory of the team. When we come to such a place we have to win.“Everyone is disappointed with the result. So I don’t give that much importance to the save.”Onana started behind another new centre-back pairing in Turkey on ThursdayCredit: Getty More

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      Deluded Erik ten Hag admits he’s in DENIAL about one Man Utd loss this season as he claims ‘it’s not fair’

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      ERIK TEN HAG admits he is in denial about Manchester United’s 3-0 home hammering by Tottenham.That late-September drubbing sent the Red Devils into meltdown and left Ten Hag on the brink of the sack.Erik ten Hag is in denial about Manchester United’s 3-0 home hammering by SpursCredit: EPABruno Fernandes was initially sent offCredit: RexDefeat left Ten Hag facing the sackCredit: ReutersOld Trafford skipper Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half with United one goal down — but his red card was later rescinded.Even though Spurs were running rings around United when they had 11, deluded boss Ten Hag says he ignores the result. The Dutchman said: “I deny that game.“I ignore that game against Spurs because we were down to ten with a 1-0 losing position and then the red card was overturned.“That is not a fair assessment because we didn’t have the chance to bounce back.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“Everyone agreed it was not the right decision, that it was an injustice and it is also an injustice to assess the team on that performance.”Ten Hag’s side are unbeaten in four games since that Spurs defeat.He added: “You see this team is resilient.“Against Brentford but also in the two tough away games in Europe — Porto and Fenerbahce — this team has character and showed fighting spirit and determination to win.”Most read in FootballMan Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAhead of tomorrow’s trip to West Ham, Ten Hag bemoaned the injuries which have hampered his Old Trafford reign.With Antony taken off on a stretcher at the end of Thursday’s 1-1 draw in Istanbul, he is likely to have NINE players out.Manchester United vs Fenerbahce: Player Ratings (1)Ten Hag, whose side sit 12th in the table, said: “That holds us back in our levels. And also in our position in the league.”Manuel Ugarte, 23, was impressive midweek in a rare start in the midfield holding role following his £42.3million move from Paris Saint-Germain.But Ten Hag says the Uruguayan still needs time to settle at Old Trafford.He added: “The No 6 position is a key position in your team, and he has to learn this position in our game model.“He came late in the window and then we had to integrate him and that takes time.”Manuel Ugarte still needs time to settle at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

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      ‘It causes a little bit of a tummy ache’ admits Mikel Arteta as Liverpool game gives Arsenal boss sleepless nights

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      MIKEL ARTETA is having sleepless nights and getting “tummy ache” over picking his ravaged Arsenal team to face Liverpool.The Gunners boss must do without the suspended William Saliba and is also sweating on the fitness of Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber.Mikel Arteta took one small step in training but isn’t expecting one giant sleep before Sunday’s match with Liverpool as he sweats on injuriesCredit: GettyDeclan Rice will be handed an extra big role as fellow midfield star Martin Odegaard is still out injured for the GunnersCredit: GettyGabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Gabriel are still hoping for lift-off without a handful of top men at home to the Prem leadersCredit: GettyAnd with injured captain Martin Odegaard still missing, Arteta says he has no fears about fielding the kids as the Londoners aim to avoid falling seven points behind Arne Slot’s Prem leaders on Sunday.Spaniard Arteta, 42, revealed: “Normally, I prefer to go to bed with the line-up in my head so I can sleep like a baby.“But sometimes it cannot be as you have to wait for the next day.“Sometimes two or three days before, you already have the idea, ‘Against this team this is what I am going to do’ — but when you have uncertainty with injuries it is tricky.READ MORE TOP STORIES“The stress comes from two things. First, when you don’t have options, what do you do? And then you get in the shoes of the players.“And every time you make a decision it is a positive one for somebody and not so positive for one.“That’s what causes a little bit of tummy ache but that happens every week.“The process of choosing the line-up and understanding how everyone will feel about it.Most read in FootballBen White is tipped to start but Raheem Sterling’s situation is less clearCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“There is going to be a lot of possibilities, a lot of ifs.“Probably the team that we start won’t be the team that finishes.Arsenal star Saka of three key men to miss training ahead of crunch Liverpool Premier League showdown “How prepared we are to make the changes we need to?“Get on with it. Show your teeth. Show how much you want it.“We know how good we are and how difficult we can be for the opponents.“You need the team prepared. When you lose your captain, that’s a big thing. When you lose your central defender, a full-back, another full-back,   a striker, a winger. . .“The team has to have the resources. First of all, mentally to adapt and then maintain the same belief that even like this we’re a great team.”Star winger Saka, 23, faces a late fitness test on a hamstring injury picked up in England’s Nations League clash with Greece 16 days ago.Defender Calafiori, 22, will have more tests on his knee today, while full-back Timber, 23, is still struggling with a muscle issue.Normally, I prefer to go to bed with the line-up in my head so I can sleep like a baby.Mikel ArtetaMyles Lewis-Skelly, who was a sub in Tuesday’s 1-0 Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk, could get his first Prem start at left-back.READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked whether he would be scared to start the 18-year-old in such a big game, Arteta said: “No. He is in contention.“Myles came on the other night and he did really well. He is a first-team player.”Myles Lewis-Skelly looks relaxed as Arteta ponders starting the teenCredit: GettyArsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A More

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      Leicester 1 Forest 3: Chris Wood downs old boss Steve Cooper with stunning double as high-flying visitors go FIFTH

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      CHRIS WOOD haunted former boss Steve Cooper with the goals that took Nottingham Forest fifth in the table.It was the now-Leicester City manager Cooper who took Wood to Forest 16 months ago in a £15million deal from Newcastle.Chris Wood celebrates his match-winning double for ForestCredit: AFPWood fired home his brilliant first goal to make it 2-1Credit: GettyThe striker looped home a header to complete Forest’s victoryCredit: ReutersCooper may have known what he was doing – but he would not have seen this scenario coming.The Kiwi striker struck in the space of 13 minutes after the break to make it a miserable reunion for Cooper – who was sacked by Forest last December.And the travelling City Ground fans did not let him forget it at this East Midlands derby – as they revived a chant from his days on Trentside.They sang: ‘Stevie Cooper, he hates the Leicester, he hates the Derby, Forest are magic’.READ MORE TOP STORIESForest had taken the lead through home-grown skipper Ryan Yates – only for Jamie Vardy to level the scores.But it was Wood, 32, who had the final say as he scored for the third game running to make it seven for the season as Forest gatecrashed the top six.Cooper will be furious with his side’s defending though – as Leicester made mistakes for all three of Forest’s goals.The Foxes boss was reluctant to talk about his City Ground spell in the build up to the game – and only mentioned them once once in a paragraph near to the end of his programme notes.Most read in FootballJamie Vardy had put Leicester level midway in the first halfCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSForest boss Nuno Espirito Santo was serving the second game of a three-match touchline ban and sat at the back of the main stand with the Forest analysts as his side clinched their second win in five days.The Portuguese coach saw Forest take a 16th minute lead when Yates made the most of a series of defensive errors.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelFacundo Buonanotte misplaced a pass and when the ball came back into the Leicester box from Elliot Anderson, James Justin sliced his clearance to Yates to net from the edge of the area.But the Foxes levelled just seven minutes later as Vardy displayed his poacher instincts.Harry Winks delivered an ideal cross into the six yard box – and Vardy got in ahead of Murillo to grab his fourth goal of the season after a superb team move.But Forest should have regained the lead just moments later as Foxes keeper Mads Hermansen made a point blank save from Nicolas Dominguez.Hermansen made another crucial save nine minutes before the break when the Dane produced a flying stop to keep out a long range effort from Callum Hudson-Odoi.It was end to end stuff and Stephy Mavididi almost put Leicester ahead in first half stoppage time when he curled a shot just wide of the far post. But Forest went ahead just one minute after the restart.Again, Leicester were at fault with Winks losing the ball with the Foxes in little danger.It was Anderson once more who took advantage and slid the ball in for Wood to turn and fire home just out of Hermansen’s reach as the ball squeezed in.Ryan Yates drilled the opener for Forest on 16 minutesCredit: ReutersThe goal put Forest in control, and Hudson-Odoi almost made it three when he swept a shot against the post – with Anderson putting the rebound wide.But Leicester shot themselves in the foot yet again on the hour when they gifted Wood his second of the game.Belgium defender Wout Faes appeared to have a long ball from Forest keeper Matz Sels under control – but when he mis-timed his header back to Hermansen, Wood nipped in to finish the job.Wood was subbed as Forest saw out the game – wary of Leicester’s comeback at Southampton last weekend. But the Foxes looked a beaten side after Forest’s third goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESForest fans continued to taunt Cooper in the final stages with a chant of: “Take them down, take them down Stevie Cooper”.In contrast, Leicester fans booed their team off at the final whistle. More

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      Troy Deeney: There is NO conspiracy against Arsenal – their red cards have been stupid and petulant… it’s worrying

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      ARSENAL’S red-card run has me worried — but not for why you might think.If the likes of Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard and William Saliba had been sent off for violent conduct, aggressive behaviour or arguing with refs, I could understand.Mikel Arteta can’t legislate for stupid things his players are doingCredit: AlamyDeclan Rice’s red card was unlucky but showed Arsenal’s recklessnessCredit: RexLeandro Trossard’s actions for his dismissal were so needlessCredit: GettyThese things happen, move on.But in Arsenal’s case, none of them were for tackles. They were simply for petulant, lazy and stupid actions — things that manager Mikel Arteta cannot account for.In all fairness, Rice’s red against Brighton for kicking the ball away was mental. The ref handled that badly.But Trossard’s against Manchester City was incredibly petulant.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd with Saliba’s at Bournemouth, he has got credit for reacting to a poor pass — ironically from Trossard — but I would have backed him to get back and for David Raya to save it.It is something that keeps happening.My other concern is the Arsenal players are starting to feel there is an agenda against them from the Prem refs — which there is NOT.I have seen it in dressing rooms — you can find an excuse if you are looking for it. As players, it is never our fault.Most read in FootballWilliam Saliba saw red for a challenge that was clumsy in more ways than one as he felled Bournemouth striker Evanilson in mid-pitchCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd if you are hearing it on social media and begin talking about it then it will seep in.I am also worried that when these red cards have been given, I haven’t seen or heard of anyone screaming or shouting, pointing fingers.  That’s maybe a sign of the times.Arsenal star Saka of three key men to miss training ahead of crunch Liverpool Premier League showdown I was sent off five times in my professional career and every time in the dressing room after the games, I’ve got hammered for letting the team down.I have experienced all of the emotions. Sometimes you feel hard-done-by and there is an element of smashing the dressing room up because you are angry, and sometimes I felt like a kid again getting told off by my parents — there is so much shame.I don’t sense that has happened at Arsenal; more: “Unlucky, mate. Better luck next time.”Arsenal players are starting to feel there is an agenda against them from the Prem refs — which there is NOT.Troy DeeneyYou need accountability, you need players to show their frustration.When Saliba was sent off and the team then lost 2-0, I would expect someone to at least ask: “Why did you do that?”You are supposed to have conflict. You are allowed to hold people to a high standard.Arsenal have obviously been doing that to get to the position they are at, challenging for the title.But in these situations, if they are going into games without their best players — especially an avoidable one in Saliba — then that should rightly boil over behind the scenes.And do not underestimate the toll it takes on you playing with ten men on several occasions in quick succession.It is almost impossible physically to pull it off just once, let alone three times, as well as the psychological damage of not having the ball.When that is the case, it becomes a long, hard slog.You can still see what that draw at Man City did to them — it is still in their legs, in their heads.Bukayo Saka showed commendable confidence in saying it will be Arsenal’s year but ‘with great expectation comes great responsibility’Credit: ReutersDrawing 2-2 so late on. You’ve played for so long with ten men, defended so well, contained them, and then someone scores and the whole emotion leaves your body.City now have an effect on Arsenal whereby if they are not six or seven points ahead going into the last ten games of a season, they know they will be caught.At the start of this campaign, they put a lot of pressure on themselves — maybe too much.Bukayo Saka came out and said: “This is our year, we can do it.” I liked it.I don’t see Arsenal getting a result but, for their sakes, I hope they do.Troy DeeneyBut with great expectation comes great responsibility and I don’t remember a game this season where they have looked like the Arsenal of the previous two years.They have looked clunky and looked like they are forcing things.And they are now in a position already this season where they have to go out and attack and win games, like against Liverpool on Sunday.I don’t see Arsenal getting a result but, for their sakes, I hope they do. And as a neutral fan, I don’t want them to be done. Seven points adrift is huge.So Arsenal have to deliver. And I am beginning to think of the question: When is Arteta under pressure?READ MORE SUN STORIESMaybe if they drift away from the title race by Christmas?It is a harsh question given what he has done for the club but you have to deliver at some point.Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A More

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      I’m a rising Premier League star and been tipped for England – but I’m training to be an AIRLINE PILOT when I retire

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      THE SKY’S the limit for Leif Davis, who has propelled Ipswich from League One to the Prem.Attacking left-back Davis has even been tipped as an England international after his stunning rise with the Tractor Boys.Ipswich Town star Leif Davis is training to become an airline pilotDavis has been tipped to become an England star after a bright start in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyAnd he will still be aiming high once he hangs up his boots — in a new career as an airline pilot.Aviation-mad Davis, 24, spends his down-time on the controls of a flight simulator.He said: “A private pilot licence would be the start and I can decide what I want to do after what is hopefully a successful career.“I taught myself to do it. The software is called FlightSim, which is where other people in the world are also on it.Read More on Football“There will be someone, say, on a computer in London and he will be doing air traffic control.“So if I’m flying I have got to speak to him while doing that as well. It is like real life but on the computer.“It’s a thing I’ve always done. You don’t have to look at your phone, you don’t have to think about football, it just switches you off from everything.”Ipswich travel to Brentford on Saturday — just five miles from Heathrow Airport — still searching for that elusive first Premier League win in over 24 years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKieran McKenna’s side, who jumped from League One to the top flight in successive seasons, have drawn four games and lost four so far.It has been a steep learning curve for the Town players, few of whom have played at the top level before.Football icons’ strange hobbiesDavis already has big plans for his retirementCredit: GettyDavis couldn’t believe he was lining up against Mo Salah at the start of the seasonCredit: GettyBut Davis insists his hobby of coaxing virtual Boeings and Airbuses into the air has helped him improve on the pitch.He said: “You have got to focus on that one thing — or your plane is going down!“You have to focus on it all the time but that focus helps me take it into training.“You know what you have got to do when you are focused — how good you can be.“It’s when you switch off for a second that’s when disasters can happen.”Former Leeds man Davis revealed he has spent time in the wide blue yonder in the cockpit of a light aircraft.Impressing experienced pilotsAnd he surprised an airline pilot with his knowledge of how to land a jet.He said: “I have been up there a few times in a little Cessna but not flying a big plane.“I actually got the chance when we went to Austria for pre-season to go in the cockpit and do the landing with the pilot, which was my highlight of the year.You have got to focus on that one thing — or your plane is going down!Leif Davis“It was the best thing I have ever done in my life, just seeing in person how they do it.“The captain was talking us through it and I’d say, ‘Oh, you are not doing that’ and he would say, ‘I’m just about to!’“I actually knew a lot of what he was doing and he was shocked.Surprise Prem pilot ace“He kept looking at me as though, ‘How do you know this?’ but I just kept my mouth shut.“It was mad how I knew what he was doing.”Davis, who has just penned a new four-year deal at Town, would not be the first celebrity pilot should he get his wings eventually.Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson has flown Liverpool and Rangers to European matches in the past.And Davis revealed that he is not the only current Prem star who likes to get airborne.When we got promoted it didn’t sink in properly until that first day when we were in the tunnel. You look to your left and there is Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.Leif DavisHe said: “I think Chris Wood at Nottingham Forest has got his pilot licence as well.“I don’t think it’s just me that would love to do it, there are other players who have their licence already.“It’s a different hobby to everyone else. Look at Ben White, he doesn’t even watch football.“When I was at Leeds with him he hated watching it. Well, probably not hated it but his hobby was something else.”’Welcome back to the Prem’Davis is the only Portman Road promotion hero to play every minute of league action so far, starting with a narrow 2-1 defeat at home to Liverpool on the opening day.The defender, who made two top-flight appearances off the bench at Leeds, said: “It was welcome back to the Prem!READ MORE SUN STORIES“When we got promoted it didn’t sink in properly until that first day when we were in the tunnel. You look to your left and there is Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.“I’ve loved every minute of it even though we have not yet got the win we wanted.” More

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      Karren Brady: Football isn’t broken and Keir Starmer’s plan to fix it will create many more problems than it solves

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      TO change, and to change for the better, are two different things.And the Government’s plan to change football is more likely to create many more problems than it solves.Keir Starmer’s Government will introduce the Football Governance Bill this weekCredit: GettySunSport columnist, and West Ham vice chairman, Karren Brady thinks the bill will only cause more problemsCredit: PAI remain wholly unconvinced about the role of regulators, both in and out of football.Just look at some of our leading industries and the way regulators have worked. Or not.Water is the obvious one as our beaches and rivers have been transformed into a toxic dumping ground while the companies rake in millions in wages, bonuses and shareholder dividends — almost always of little or no benefit to the UK.And don’t get me started on the trains. We have the most expensive railway network in the Western world, and best-paid train drivers, yet actually getting trains to run on time has been well-nigh impossible.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSo, please, when politicians preach about how the Football Governance Bill introduced in the House of Lords this week will make everything rosy in football’s garden, don’t believe the hype.There is no need for another layer of administration and regulation. And I’ll tell you why…The Premier League has been one of this country’s major success stories of the past three decades.It has taken a game which was crumbling and collapsing around our feet to the best and most-watched football league in the world. It is the global Big One.Most read in FootballThere are critics who say the Premier League just looks after the hotshots, the Manchester Uniteds and Arsenals. Rubbish.In the last three years the Premier League has given a world-leading £1.6billion to the EFL, National Leagues, grass-roots football and the women’s game. Nowhere else in the world can even get close to matching that.Jose Mourinho makes cheeky dig at the referee after being sent off against old club Manchester UnitedThe PL give nearly £8m on average to every EFL Championship club, £1.4m to each League One club and £900,000 to each League Two club.Politicians tell you the regulator will make clubs more fan-friendly but it is already being done.The Premier League instigated a Fan Engagement Standard, meaning there has to be a Fan Advisory Board at every single club.An away ticket price cap was introduced years ago, which ensures supporters pay a maximum of £30 when they travel.At the rate we’re going you’ll get about half a bathtub for that from our regulated water companies.What happened to Bury and others like them was terribly sad but you cannot blame the Premier League for their financial mess.Karren BradyI’ll give you some other numbers. The Premier League annually hands over £4.2bn in tax to the Treasury and directly employs 90,000 people, a third of whom are in the North West, an area which sadly has pockets of high deprivation.A total of 51 clubs have reached the Premier League, which surely underlines the fact that the financial distributions do broadly work.And while going into administration is a worrying time for fans, the likes of Crystal Palace, Luton, Bournemouth, Southampton and Leeds all reset and got to the Premier League — with three of them still in it.What happened to Bury and others like them was terribly sad but you cannot blame the Premier League for their financial mess.I’ve heard it said, mainly by ill-informed politicians, that parachute payments are fundamentally wrong. Not so. They allow clubs to remain financially sustainable should they suffer relegation from the top flight.The regulator will have to consider INCREASING parachute payments as that is the only way established relegated clubs can be more sustainable.There are critics who say the Premier League just looks after the hotshots, the Manchester Uniteds and Arsenals. Rubbish.Karren BradyThey give clubs the security to be able to invest in competitive squads, sign players and coaches on multi-year contracts and invest in world-class stadia and fan experience, with the knowledge that there will be some financial protection in the event of relegation.When you are relegated you still have to pay all the staff, including the players, and have all the same overheads, so if you don’t have the parachute payment you are effectively bust.The numbers are what makes the Premier League the world’s leading domestic club competition.Over 15million fans go to games every year and internationally OUR Premier League is watched annually by 1.5bn supporters from 189 countries.In every sense of the word it is a success, with not a regulator in sight.The Bill will change the way football operates, impacting supporters and clubs.READ MORE SUN STORIESA regulator that delivers stronger oversight of fan engagement and club heritage — and prevents breakaway leagues — is welcome.But one that significantly impacts the competitive balance of the league is not. More

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      ‘What happened?’, asks Nicolas Jackson as Chelsea ace and Mo Salah SNUBBED from African Player of the Year shortlist

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      CHELSEA ace Nicolas Jackson addressed the controversial African Player of the Year shortlist that includes some major omissions, such as Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah.The Confederation of African Football released the list of players who are nominated for this year’s esteemed POTY award but sparked a heated debate.Chelsea ace Nicolas Jackson fired back at the controversial African Player of the Year award shortlistCredit: RexJackson and Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah were both snubbed from the shortlistCredit: GettyThe list includes Brighton’s Simon Adingra, Rennes’ Amine Gouiri, Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, Marseille’s Chancel Mbemba, Al-Ain’s Soufiane Rahimi, Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, Al-Kholood’s William Troost-Ekong and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Ronwen Williams.However, some big names were left out, such as West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz, Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface as well as Jackson and Salah.The Chelsea ace was left baffled and took to social media to express his surprise.Jackson posted on his Instagram story: “What happened?!”Read More on FootballSalah, 32, stood out for Liverpool once more last season as he won the Carabao Cup and amassed a staggering 25 goals and 14 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.The Egypt international broke another record just an hour into the new season only two months ago as he recorded the most opening-day goals in Premier League history.Senegalese star Jackson, 23, has been on fire for Chelsea this season with five goals and three assists in eight Prem matches.Ghanaian ace Kudus already counts 16 goals in 55 matches for West Ham after only moving to east London a year ago.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBoniface was among the brightest African stars last season as he played a key role in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga triumph, which saw them winning their first ever title undefeated.The Nigeria international scored 21 goals and produced 10 assists in 34 matches for Xabi Alonso’s side last term.Mo Salah appears to confirm Liverpool transfer exit live on Sky Sports after ripping Man Utd to shredsAnd Moroccan star Diaz helped Real win LaLiga as well as the Champions League.But none of those exploits were enough to make the shortlist. More