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      Jose Mourinho reveals he’s still holding out hope of winning Premier League title with Man Utd

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      JOSE MOURINHO had claimed he’s still holding out hope that he will win the Premier League with Manchester Utd – nearly six years after being sacked by them.The now Fenerbahce boss faces his old club on Thursday in the Europa League.Jose Mourinho is still holding out hope for a Premier League title as Manchester United bossCredit: ReutersMourinho won the Europa League during his spell with the Red DevilsCredit: Rex FeaturesHe also guided United to a second place finish in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyMourinho, 61, spent two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford and helped the Red Devils win the Europa League and the League Cup during his tenure before he was axed in 2018.However, the Special One is claiming that he might still be able to add a Premier League title to that tally amid Man City’s battle against their 115 charges. Mourinho has claimed that he is still hoping that his side’s second place finish behind City in the 2017/18 season will be turned into a league title if the Etihad outfit are stripped of their achievements as a result of their ongoing court case.And the Portuguese manager is also hoping it might earn him a pretty penny too.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking ahead of Thursday’s clash, he said: “As you know, we won the Europa League and finished second in the Premier League.”I think we still have a chance to win that league, because maybe they punish Man City with points and maybe we win that league.”Then they have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal.”Mourinho was sacked after United failed to live up to the standards they’d set with their second place finish the season before.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited have only finished second in the league once in the six years that have followed Mourinho’s departure.And when asked if he thinks that the Red Devils have improved since he was axed, the Fenerbahce manager gave an uncharacteristically diplomatic answer. Inside Jose Mourinho’s £1,000-a-night Istanbul hotel as ex-Man Utd boss orders same three-course meal every nightHe said: “I wish the best to Man Utd since the moment I left.”I left with a good feeling to the club and a good feeling to the fans and I want the best for them.”So if things are not going amazingly well for them it’s not something that makes me happy.”But at the same time, I have no time and it doesn’t make sense for me to be thinking about what happened or didn’t happen.”Mourinho also added that United have “kept faith” in Erik ten Hag, claiming that the Dutchman is having different treatment to him at the Theatre of Dreams.Ten Hag remains under pressure at United after a poor start to the season has seen his side lose three of their opening eight Premier League clashes.While they are yet to win a European game this season either, with Thursday’s tie against Fenerbahce another tough test for Ten Hag’s men.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Shakhtar Donetsk chief tells off Chelsea saying ‘you don’t need a Ferrari if you don’t know how to drive it’

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      SHAKHTAR DONETSK general director Sergiy Palkin has slammed Chelsea for not knowing how to use “Ferrari” Mykhailo Mudryk.The Ukrainian has failed to make his mark in the Prem after signing from Shakhtar for £88.5m in January 2023.FC Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin has questioned how Chelsea use MudrykMykhailo Mudryk has failed to hit the mark at Stamford BridgeChelsea flop Mudryk has scored just seven goals and provided seven assists in 66 appearances for the Blues.The winger has struggled to hold down a regular place in the team, which has been compounded by the arrival of Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto and Joao Felix this summer – all of whom are above him in the pecking order.The 23-year-old has started just ONE game this season, where he was hauled off at half-time in Chelsea’s 6-2 win at Wolves.And his most recent blow came after being left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad to take on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday – which the Blues lost 2-1. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut now Shakhtar director Palkin has accused Chelsea of not having a plan for the Ukraine international and likened him to a sportscar.Palkin told GOAL: “You don’t need a Ferrari if you don’t know how to drive it.“A normal car will do. If you buy a Ferrari, you should think about how to handle it. That’s my opinion on Mudryk at Chelsea.”I am sure that he will show his qualities when he gets the chance.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMudryk is linked with a move away from Chelsea”He is an absolute difference maker, which can also be seen in his appearances for the Ukrainian national team. There are very few players in this category.”Mudryk was locked in a transfer tussle between top-flight rivals Arsenal and Chelsea but eventually settled on a move to West London. Mykhailo Mudryk reveals his cheat meal and best Chelsea pals in Q&A The Gunners had led the charge for Mudryk before Chelsea swooped in to hijack the deal.Mikel Arteta’s side then signed Leandro Trossard for £30m from Brighton instead.Bizzarely enough, Trossard missed a penalty in Arsenal’s Champions League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night.Meanwhile, fans were shocked to spot Mudryk cheering on his former side, who lost 1-0 at the Emirates after Gabriel Martinelli’s tame shot hit in off goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk’s backside inside 29 minutes.Mudryk was spotted at the Emirates as Shakhtar Donetsk took on Arsenal in the Champions League More

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      ‘I was coached by Wenger, Benitez and Steve Bruce but one ex-manager had us singing R Kelly in the dressing room’

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      JERMAINE PENNANT has revealed that his former Billericay boss Glenn Tamplin had players singing R Kelly in the dressing room.The former Liverpool and Arsenal star, now 41, joined the non-league side as a 34-year-old in 2017.Jermaine Pennant has recounted his bizarre non-league experienceCredit: RexFormer Liverpool and Arsenal star Pennant signed for Billericay in 2017Credit: Getty – ContributorPennant played under Glenn Tamplin for the Essex sideCredit: Getty Images – GettyPennant, who played in the Champions League final a decade earlier, was convinced to sign for Billericay by fellow former Premier League star Jamie O’Hara, who claimed that they were paying “League One wages”.He lasted just four months with the Essex outfit, however, after finding Tamplin’s unorthodox methods difficult to work with.Speaking at the launch of Ladbrokes’ “Gaffer of all Accas”, Pennant recounted his unusual experience.He said: “Jamie told me they were going to be flying; the owner wanted to sign a load of ex-pros and try and climb up the leagues, and he said he reckoned the project could’ve taken the team up to the National League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I thought that sounded like a decent thing to be a part of, so decided to get involved.”Then, after around six months I just thought ‘I need to get out of this.’ The manager, Glenn Tamplin, was just a bit of a fruitcake.”You know, we’d be beating teams like Wingate & Finchley, on a Tuesday night, in the rain, maybe 3-0, and he’d come in screaming, because we hadn’t scored five or six goals.”Because he had a load of ex-pros, he thought we should have been battering everyone 7-0. If I hadn’t scored three – even if I’d scored and set a couple up, or created a load of chances, he’d have a go; he just didn’t understand it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And I’m just there like ‘I’ve had Arsene Wenger coaching me, Steve Bruce, Rafa Benitez… and you’re telling me what’s good and what’s not?'”I couldn’t listen to it, and so I just had to get out in the January.”I’m ex-Arsenal ace who turned John Terry inside out.. Chelsea idol isn’t even in Premier League’s top three centre-backsOn one of Tamplin’s more unusual tactics, Pennant continued: “Sometimes, when we played big teams, he’d get us all in the dressing room singing R. Kelly – The World’s Greatest.”I can remember looking around thinking ‘I’ve played in a Champions League final. What am I doing?’ I’m just looking at Kevin Foley, and Jamie, thinking ‘what am I doing?'”You know; I couldn’t imagine Stevie Gerrard, in Athens, singing The World’s Greatest, before we played AC Milan! I was just like, oh my God… where’s my career gone?! How’ve I got to this point?!”Prior to dropping down to non-league, Pennant had been playing in League One for Bury.After leaving Billericay, the winger did not sign for another club, soon announcing his retirement.’I COULD HAVE GONE TO REAL MADRID’A far cry from non-league, Pennant also revealed that he nearly signed for Real Madrid.He said: “I had six months left on my contract at Liverpool, and I could have gone to Real Madrid. The manager at the time was Juande Ramos, I think. He cancelled the deal.”It was more a deal the general manager and the hierarchy wanted to make happen; they wanted to bring in a right-winger because someone had got injured in the squad, and they spoke to my manager at the time.”I was absolutely up for the move, because I was in the last year of my contract and I wasn’t playing at Liverpool.”As we got nearer to agreeing everything, Juande cancelled the move, and they contacted me to tell me the manager wasn’t happy about it. They didn’t go to him first, and that had obviously bothered Ramos, and so they looked elsewhere.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But, yeah, I’d got as far as learning a deal had been agreed – so of course I started to think about the idea of playing for Real Madrid… who doesn’t dream about that kind of move? Yeah, I got excited by it, but it didn’t happen, so I was like “alright… let’s go to Portsmouth!””I’m not holding it against Juande Ramos, but if I do ever see him, he’s going to get it; I’m going to tell him if we ever cross paths… I’ll ask him why he did that!”Juande Ramos is unlikely to be on Pennant’s Christmas card listCredit: Getty More

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      Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar prediction: Best free betting tips, odds and preview for Europa League tie

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      TOTTENHAM are two from two in the Europa League and their 100% record is put to the test when AZ Alkmaar visit North London this week.SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesTottenham vs AZ Alkmaar previewBarring THAT Brighton collapse, it’s been a terrific spell for Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou.Six wins from their last seven, 17 goals in their last six games – Angeball is looking like taking shape again.They’ve won both of their Europa League games so far and three from three here would put them in a strong position.They fielded a bit of a second string side in this competition last time out and still won, and they likely could do so again.AZ have lost their last four games in all competitions, seeing them dropping down to fifth in the Dutch top flight and three points in Europe.They do have one very interesting player to keep an eye on this week. Troy Parrott came through the youth ranks at Spurs and will lead the line on Thursday on his return to north London.Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar betting oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar predictionsTimo timeTimo Werner was the most experienced in the Tottenham front four against Ferencvaros last time and could be again here.Still lacking confidence it would seem and needs a goal to get that going.Not yet scored this season but that only means the value of him FINALLY scoring is getting higher!Speaking of scorers, you can’t ignore the storyline of Troy Parrott scoring against his former side!Troy Parrott to score anytime at 23/10 – CLAIM HEREComfyGoals are expected when Spurs are in town and the side’s confidence should be fairly high.They’ve scored 10 times in their last three home games and that average can continue.Spurs win and 4+ goals in match at 15/8 – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10+ at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 Acca, 1 x £10 Horse Racing, 1 x £10 Football, 1 x £10 Bet Builder. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      I won Sky Sports competition and ended up playing for Chelsea – I’ll never forget my first day sat in the canteen

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      CARL MAGNAY lived a young footballer’s dream when he won a competition to sign for Chelsea.Out of thousands of applicants between the ages of 16 and 18, he claimed a six-month contract at Stamford Bridge after starring on Sky Sports’ Football Icon 2 show.Carl Magnay spent four years at Chelsea after winning a Sky Sports competitionCredit: GettyHe jumped from playing for Birtley Town U17s as a regular sixth form student, to rubbing shoulders with Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and John Terry on a daily basis.During the final stages of Football Icon 2, he was invited to train alongside Jose Mourinho’s first-team squad.And the centre-back, 35, admits it was an incredible experience to see Chelsea’s superstars at work.Speaking to Football London, he said: “It was surreal. You’ve got no option but to take it in your stride. Like I said, looking back now I didn’t know it at the time, I had a strong mentality and I was quite level headed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Chelsea’s first-team players were really respectful. They were just going about their daily jobs and their routines. I remember sitting in the canteen and I’m sharing an area where we’re all eating.”It took me about an hour to eat my food because I was just looking round the room staring at people.”Lampard going up to get food and get a plate of second and I’m looking at his physical stature thinking ‘look at the size of his quads’ and I was just in awe of everything that was going on around me.”It was really surreal but I knew I was there and had to prove myself and when you got on the pitch you had to push all that to one side and just focus on the session.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I think I did that really well to be fair.”Magnay ended up spending four years at Chelsea and played under a number of high-profile managers including Mourinho, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Carlo Ancelotti.How Liverpool outsmarted Chelsea with Slot’s genius ‘traffic jam’ trick and Curtis Jones masterclassHowever, he failed to secure a single first-team appearance and left in 2011 to join non-league side Gateshead.He went on to feature for Grimsby, Hartlepool, Spennymoor Town, before he returned to Gateshead in 2022.The defender, who earned one cap for Northern Ireland’s U21s, retired last year and is now Gateshead manager. More

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      Man Utd ‘set to appoint former EFL boss and academy product, 48, to surprise role’ in major backroom rethink

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      MANCHESTER UNITED look geared up to bring old boy Michael Appleton into their new-look backroom staff.The 48-year-old has been linked with a return to his childhood club after he was sacked by League One side Charlton in January.Manchester United look ready to bring Michael Appleton into their backroom staffErik ten Hag has already added Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake to his staffNow Old Trafford’s sporting supremo Dan Ashworth is poised to appoint him to the transfer team with responsibility for loans.Former Tranmere physio and manager Les Parry holds the position but he is set to be replaced, according to The Mail.Appleton was spotted sitting alongside Ashworth and Old Trafford technical director Jason Wilcox at the start of October.The trio watched the Under-21s fight out a 1-1 draw with Hertha Berlin in the Premier League International Cup in Salford three weeks ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAppleton’s appearance has re-ignited talk that he could be appointed in the near future to oversee United’s young players who go out on loan to other clubs.The Mail initially reported that Appleton wouldn’t take the job last month, but it appears the lifelong United fan could make a stunning U-turn.Appleton was appointed as Charlton gaffer last September, eight months after being sacked by Blackpool. However, he didn’t last very long at The Valley as he was shown the exit door in January.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 48-year-old has also previously taken charge of Portsmouth, Preston, Blackburn, Oxford and Lincoln.Appleton worked with Ashworth at West Brom and is among his proteges.Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noHe was given a chance to come through as a coach at the Hawthorns under his mentor and they have a very close relationship.It would be his first administrative job but he has a good knowledge of United’s rising stars and the right contacts to find them homes.Appleton joined the Red Devils as a teenager and earned his first professional contract in 1994 after impressing academy coaches.He was loaned to Wimbledon and Lincoln the following season to get first-team experience and eventually returned to Old Trafford in 1996 to make his senior debut.After playing just 90 minutes in total for Man Utd, Appleton moved to Preston North End in 1997.He then joined West Brom, where he spent the final two years of his career before retiring in 2003 after losing his two-year battle with the injury. Michael Appleton spent three years in the United set up More

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      ‘I nearly joined Man Utd after Sir Alex Ferguson charmed me but I don’t regret it… then I ended my career at Barnet’

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      EDGAR DAVIDS revealed he almost joined Manchester United after meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson in 1996.Davids, 51, enjoyed tremendous success playing for the likes of Ajax, where he won the Champions League and the Eredivisie, as well as Juventus, where he won three Serie A titles.Edgar Davids revealed he almost joined Manchester United in 1996Credit: Times Newspapers LtdDavids held talks with Man Utd’s legendary boss Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyDavids turned Man Utd down to play for AC Milan as that was where the ‘big boys’ playedCredit: Allsport – GettyHowever, the former midfielder’s career could have looked a lot different if he accepted Ferguson’s offer to join him at United just three years before the legendary Treble triumph.The Dutchman revealed he had a “charming” conversation with Sir Alex but opted for AC Milan as that was there the “big boys” played back in the day.And the Netherlands great insists he has no regrets despite United’s tremendous success under Fergie until 2013.Davids told BetMGM: “When I left Ajax in 1996 there was a good chance of me going to Manchester United.Read More on Football“I had a conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson and it was one of the most unbelievable experiences I had in my whole career. He was funny, charming, intelligent — basically everything you wanted.“The big boys were in Serie A and that’s where I wanted to go at that time of my career. That was the main reason why I chose to go to AC Milan.“I don’t regret not going to Manchester United. I’ve seen Sir Alex since and we had a good laugh about it all and there are still the same good feelings between us.”Davids did ultimately make the move to England nine years later as he played for Tottenham until 2007 before a short stint with Crystal Palace in 2010.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe ex-Barcelona star then turned into an EFL cult hero two years later as he took over as player-manager at Barnet in League Two, where he amassed 38 appearances until his retirement in 2014.Davids is now pursuing a career in management and currently works as Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman’s assistant.Steven Bergwijn gives a finishing masterclass with Edgar Davids in Netherlands training The ex-Inter Milan star revealed he cut his teeth learning under current United boss Erik ten Hag during his time in charge of Utrecht.The Juventus legend insists Ten Hag is a remarkable manager and hinted that the Red Devils’ troubles are caused by a lack of firepower up front.Davids added: “I know him [Ten Hag] very well. I did an internship at FC Utrecht and he was there. “He was very innovative with lots of different things and I was very impressed. He’s very focused and passionate about football.“We all know it hasn’t gone great at Manchester United. They are a club trying to rebuild and that’s never easy — but I do look at their options up front and think there’s not a prolific goalscorer there which makes such a difference.“For me, that’s what they are really missing. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are good, young strikers and have talent but they don’t have that experience yet.“It’s so hard to say if he’s going to stay but the one thing you do know is, just like Real Madrid, results are what you are judged on and they clearly haven’t been nearly good enough while he’s been in charge.”Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8mDavids ended a successful career at Barnet in League TwoCredit: Getty Images – GettyDavids is now pursuing a career as manager and currently works as assistant boss for the Netherlands’ national teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      ‘Is that you?’ ask Arsenal fans as they spot what Leandro Trossard did with eerie similarity to cult hero

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      LEANDRO TROSSARD replicated an Arsenal cult hero during their win over Shakhtar Donetsk.Gunners fans spotted an eerie similarity between the pair at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.Arsenal fans spotted an eerie similarity between Leandro Trossard and a cult heroCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side continued their unbeaten start in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over their Ukrainian opponents.Dmytro Riznyk’s own goal was the difference but it could have been more comfortable after Trossard missed a penalty for the hosts.However, another part of his performance also got supporters talking on social media.The Belgian winger, who is right-footed, was spotted taking corners with his weaker left foot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTrossard whipped an inswinging ball into the box with his left just five minutes into the match.Fans quickly compared his antics to former midfielder Santi Cazorla, who also wore the number 19 shirt for the Gunners.The Spaniard was known for being two-footed and taking set pieces with both feet during his time in North London.Reacting on social media, one fan wrote: “Always said Trossard reminds me of Santi Cazorla and now he’s taking corners with his weak foot? He took the comparison to another level.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother added: “Trossard pulling a Santi Cazorla and using his weaker foot on a corner.”A third supporter also commented: “Trossard taking an inswinging corner with his left foot. Haven’t seen that since Santi Cazorla.”Mystery as Kai Havertz denied chance to make Arsenal history but Mikel Arteta has no idea why it happenedArsenal 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/AMeanwhile, one more said: “Leandro Trossard with left-footed corners. Santi Cazorla, is that you?”Cazorla spent six years with the Gunners, making 180 appearances for the club.During that time, he scored 29 goals, provided 44 assists and won four trophies, including two FA Cups.The two-time Euros winner is still playing in Spain for boyhood club Oviedo aged 39.Santi Cazorla also took corners with both feet and wore the number 19 for the GunnersCredit: GettyTrossard missed a penalty in Tuesday’s 1-0 over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates StadiumCredit: Getty More