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      Two Arsenal stars fail to make a single pass against Man City in never-before-seen Premier League record

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      TWO Arsenal stars broke a never-before-seen Premier League passing record against Manchester City. Arsenal looked on the way to a famous 2-1 victory at the Etihad despite going down to ten men.Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal drew 2-2 with Man CityCredit: ReutersErling Haaland opened the scoring on nine minutes before Riccardo Calafiori sensationally levelled with a left-footed strike. Gabriel then nodded the Gunners ahead from a corner just before the break but there was still time for Leandro Trossard to be shown red. Two yellows saw the Belgium international sent off and Arsenal left with the almighty task of holding onto victory. And they looked on course to doing so up until John Stones’ late leveller EIGHT minutes into added time. READ MORE IN football Forward Kai Havertz was forced to help defensively – as was makeshift full-back Jurrien Timber. And it came at the cost of creativity as neither recorded a single successful pass during the match. It broke an Opta record for outfield players who played 89+ minutes of a Prem match and failed to complete a single pass. Sensationally, it happened twice in the same game as Havertz failed with five attempts and Timber with six. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe points were shared in Manchester as Gunners boss Mikel Arteta hailed his side’s valiant defensive effort. Arteta said: “It’s impossible. It’s very hard already against 11 players, impossible. Furious Pep Guardiola lashes out and kicks chair with Man City stars fuming at Arsenal’s stunning equaliser”Because we are put under pressure to defend with six in our box time and time and time after time. That’s it.”Unbelievable, I’m so proud of them. When you survive like that that many minutes, to concede like that the way we did, because we had to play 97 minutes then 99, I was very disappointed. “But at the same time, I have to be proud of them.”Arteta hailed his side’s defensive effortsCredit: PA More

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      Man City vs Arsenal stopped after EIGHT SECONDS as Rodri falls to floor and immediate VAR check

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      ARSENAL’S trip to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium was stopped after just EIGHT SECONDS. As the game kicked off, Gunners forward Kai Havertz seemed to run into City’s Rodri. Rodri went down after eight seconds following a collision with Kai HavertzPlay was forced to a stopThe Spanish midfielder went down clutching his face as referee Michael Oliver got immediate instructions from VAR. But the official waved play on following a big break in play with Havertz’s collision adjudged to have been accidental. Fans online sided with Havertz as one said: “Embarrassing from Rodri that is.”Another added: “Embarrassing from Rodri…”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fumed: “That’s genuinely so embarrassing from Rodri.”Another raged: “Absolutely pathetic from Rodri.”Gooner Piers Morgan posted: “Poor Rodri, is he still alive? Looked a really savage light brush with Havertz’s hand.” But it was City fans who were soon cheering as just minutes later Erling Haaland opened the scoring. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Norwegian goal machine made in ten in just five appearances for City’s start to the season. Rodri was later forced off after what appeared to be an off the ball incident on 20 minutes. Physios took him off with Mateo Kovacic coming on in replace. The game took a further twist when Arsenal’s summer signing Riccardo Calafiori levelled with a sublime curling effort.What Arsenal and Mikel Arteta must do to topple Pep Guardiola’s Man City More

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      Harry Redknapp: Arsenal will be Prem title favourites if they beat Man City – Arteta should follow Inter’s example

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      THE KEY message for Arsenal today is a simple one:  Don’t be beaten!If Mikel Arteta’s boys win against Manchester City, they will be Prem title favourites in many people’s books.Mikel Arteta would turn Arsenal into title favourites if he beats Manchester CityCredit: RexHarry Redknapp believes Arsenal need to learn from Inter Milan’s draw with Man CityCredit: GettyBut after three points at Tottenham and a point against Atalanta, a draw would make it a great week.I know some people say the Gunners not going for the jugular at the Etihad last season cost them the title as they fell two points short.But I still feel it was the defeat by Aston Villa a couple of weeks later that really did the damage.No one would be complaining about that draw at City had they put away their first-half chances against Villa.Read More on ArsenalIf Arsenal lose, a five-point gap will open up, though that’s not impossible to close — there will be plenty of time.But this is a massive game.It’s a huge blow for Arsenal to lose Martin Odegaard. He unlocks doors and can play killer passes.It looks like Kevin De Bruyne is out, too, but City have more strength in depth. Whoever comes in will be a world-class player — I’m not so sure Arsenal will cope as well in the absence of the brilliant Norwegian.Most read in FootballMikel Arteta leaves fans in shock as he speaks fluently in new language despite never having lived or worked in countryLet’s face it, KDB was missing for half of last season yet City still ended up as champions!Inter Milan did a good job against them in the Champions League this week — they were hard to break down.Maybe Arteta will try to do the same and hit City on the break.Arsenal’s defence looks strong, especially centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. But it’s a bit early to compare them to Tony Adams, Steve Bould and other great Arsenal defenders of the past. They haven’t won a league title.And not forgetting Martin Keown as well, George Graham had great options.Adams was an unbelievable leader and talker. They don’t make ’em like him and John Terry any more. Two of the great talkers and leaders.Haaland is a machine and scoring goals for fun again — but there was a bit of edge between him and Gabriel last time. That could kick off again.I first saw Tony play,  aged 14, at West Ham’s training ground.He bossed his team-mates around all the time: “Come in here, push in there.”I thought, “Who’s this kid?”. He was such a captain, such a leader.I’d put Terry in the same category, a real warrior centre-half who led his team to major trophies.The question today is, can the two Arsenal centre-backs cope with Erling Haaland, like they did last season?Haaland is a machine and scoring goals for fun again — but there was a bit of edge between him and Gabriel last time. That could kick off again.  Regardless, it would be good to see a better game than last time, which was a bit of a bore — ending 0-0.Let’s hope it lives up to its star billing — even though I’m predicting  a 1-1 draw. But Arteta would be delighted with that.RAYA REMINDED ME OF JAMODAVID RAYA’S double save against Atalanta was brilliant.It was key in that Champions League clash on Thursday and Arsenal have a star in Raya.Many say Gordon Banks denying Pele’s header at the 1970 World Cup is the greatest stop of all time but for me it is David James for my Portsmouth at Preston in the FA Cup fifth round in 2008.Jamo pulled off a miracle save to stop  a penalty and made two other key saves before we won 1-0 with a late goal before going on to win the famous old trophy.CLOUGHIE MY HAIROIT’S hard to believe it’s 20 years since Brian Clough died.He was just amazing. To win two European Cups with Forest is beyond belief.You could sit and listen to stories about Cloughie all night — and I heard a new one the other night from my old mate Kevin Bond.Cloughie came in for Kevin when he was at Manchester City and the clubs agreed a fee. Kevin    drove to Nottingham to do the deal, only to be told by the secretary: “Mr Clough is in his office, he’ll be out shortly.”Kev sat outside for a good hour before Cloughie appeared and barked: “First thing you need to do, young man, is get your bloody hair cut.”And then he walked off.Two hours later, Kevin was still there waiting, but Clough never returned.So Kevin drove back to Manchester and that was that!ROD COULD STRIKE OUTRODRI says players are close to going on strike.But that would be a disastrous move as it’d send an awful message to fans who pay their wages.Stars should be talking to clubs, who could   cut back on pre-season tours for a start.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut it’s all about money as flying off to the USA, Australia  and China is the worst  preparation for a season.We’d go to Devon to play the likes of Plymouth, Exeter and Torquay so — make no  mistake — it’s clubs putting the strain on the players. More

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      Kevin De Bruyne could leave Man City midway through tournament with Real Madrid also facing contract chaos

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      KEVIN DE BRYUNE is one of a number of top stars who could leave their clubs next summer in the MIDDLE of the new Club World Cup.The newly expanded tournament will feature 32 teams – the Premier League’s representatives are Manchester City and Chelsea – playing in the United States across June and July.Kevin De Bruyne is among the stars whose contracts are expiring in the middle of the Club World Cup next summerCredit: GettyReal Madrid’s Luka Modric is another star with this problemCredit: AlamyHowever, Fifa has yet to secure a TV deal for the tournament and confirm venues the games will be played at before the July 13 final.It has been heavily criticised for adding more fixtures to an already packed calendar.And these are not the only headaches looming over the tournament.According to The Telegraph, players competing in the tournament have begun seeing clarity over their contract situations.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis is because the dates of the competition overlap June 30, which is the year-end for registrations globally recognised by Fifa.Several top stars will see their contract expire on the date next summer, meaning in theory that players could start playing the tournament for one team and end it with another.Belgium international De Bruyne is one of these.The report states many more players from the 12 Uefa clubs in the tournament have also asked for clarity over whether they would be allowed to compete due to their contracts being up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne source said: “If this had been held last summer, Kylian Mbappe would have started the Club World Cup playing for PSG and ended it at Real Madrid.”Real Madrid have three major stars who come under this bracket, with Luka Modric, Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vasquez all out of contract next summer. Man City vs Arsenal WagsMeanwhile, Bayern Munich have six players affected by the issue, with Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Eric Dier, Sven Ulreich and Alphonso Davies all out of contract next summer. Davies is a long-term transfer target of Madrid, so may have his future acutely impacted.Football’s governing body have created a never-before-seen dilemma with competitive club football not usually played at that time of year, which is when contract decisions are made en masse.Numerous legal issues surrounding said contracts may also unfold, with factors such as agent fees, salary and insurance all surrounding free agents. Fifa are expected to announce the venues for the tournament in the coming weeks, with much of it set to be played in the eastern USA.The expected venues are the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey; Washington DC’s FedEx Field; Philadelphia’s Subaru Park; Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium; Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium; Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium and Seattle’s Lumen Field.READ MORE SUN STORIESFifa president Gianni Infantino also faces problems such as audience interest in the States and a potential player revolution before it comes about.Man City star Rodri has hinted it may be a possibility for players to ensure they are heard, after persistent complaints that they are not listened to over concerns of match load.Alphonso Davies could switch from Bayern Munich to Real Madrid in the middle of the tournamentCredit: Getty More

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      Inside astonishing Man City match fixing scandal which saw entire squad auctioned off and manager banned for life

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      IF Manchester City beat Arsenal on Sunday, some might say the title race  is already pretty much over.And everyone will be able to focus on the really big battle of the season: Man City versus the Premier League.Manchester City’s entire squad was auctioned off and the manager banned for life after a match-fixing scandalCredit: PAMan City are currently having troubles with the Premier LeagueCredit: RexBut off-the-field sagas in English football are a tale as old as time and City were at the centre of one of the first big scandals.After Aston Villa beat them 3-2 in the final match of the 1904-05  season, ending City’s title chances, a fight broke out between Sandy Turnbull and Villa’s Alex Leake.An investigation found that another City player, Billy Meredith, had offered £10 to Leake for Villa to throw the game.The FA banned Meredith for a year and when City refused to pay him, he took revenge.Read More on FootballMeredith revealed to the authorities that boss Tom Maley not only had instructed him to offer Leake the bribe but had also overseen a separate scheme of giving illegal payments to City players in excess of the £4-per-week maximum wage.As further details emerged, the club imploded. Maley was banned for life, some club directors were sacked and others received suspensions.The FA fined the club £900 and 17 players, as well as banning them from playing until New Year’s Day 1907.City then had to auction off all their players at the Queen’s Hotel in Manchester.Most read in FootballNeighbours Manchester United signed many of the more talented ones, including Meredith, and went on to be crowned champions in 1907-08.All forgotten and in the past, right?How much every Premier League club earns in shirt sponsorsWrong. There’s a Stockholm-based United fan who has an X account under the name of @BillyMeredithMU.Last week he responded to reports that the Prem would seek for City to be relegated if they won the case against the club.Cyber Billy agreed, saying:  “Relegation and removal of titles is the only result that would satisfy.”Of course, the current incarnation of City is yet to be found guilty of anything.The independent disciplinary commission only started to hear the case on Monday and City may have won a fifth title in a row by the time the verdict arrives.In any case, City deny all the allegations and claim to have a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” to back up this position.At least the authorities were able to sort things out quickly and cleanly back in 1905.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut there is no prospect of Kevin De Bruyne doing a Billy Meredith and grassing City up for anything.And if United had their pick of City players at an auction, you still would not back them to come out of it with a left-back. More

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      Alan Shearer snubs Rice, Havertz and Raya and picks just four Arsenal players in combined XI with Man City

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      ALAN SHEARER picked only four Arsenal stars in his combined XI with Manchester City.City host the Gunners in what poses as a battle for the Premier League summit that could determine the eventual title winner this Sunday at the Etihad.Alan Shearer picked his combined XI ahead of Manchester City’s clash with ArsenalCredit: GettyAnd it seems like Shearer, 54, believes that the Citizens hold an advantage in terms of star quality as he picked seven of Pep Guardiola’s aces in his combined line-up.The Newcastle legend opted for Ederson over Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya between the sticks – despite his midweek double-save heroics.Kyle Walker made it at right-back with the Gunners’ comeback hero Jurrien Timber on the other side, while his team-mates William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes partner up at centre-back.The BBC pundit then went for a full City midfield with Rodri teaming up with Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne, while the Gunners’ superstar Declan Rice was left out.Read More on FootballArsenal star Bukayo Saka earned a spot in the right wing up front with Phil Foden on the other side and Erling Haaland spearheading the attack.Kai Havertz was omitted despite a bright start to the campaign with two goals and one assist in four Premier League matches.Many expect an entertaining encounter between the two biggest favourites to lift the Premier League trophy in May.However, Shearer has a different opinion as he expects Arsenal and City to draw in the weekend.Most read in FootballShearer left Arsenal stars Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and David Raya out of his Combined XIAnd the Premier League’s record goalscorer is adamant that wouldn’t be a bad result after Liverpool’s loss to Nottingham Forest last week.Shearer told Betfair: “I am going for a draw in this one.What Arsenal and Mikel Arteta must do to topple Pep Guardiola’s Man City”It’s a long week with both teams having played in the Champions League as well, so a draw for both teams isn’t a bad result, even though Man City are at home.”Liverpool have dropped points already, Arsenal have dropped two points already at home to Brighton, but I don’t think a draw would be a disaster for either team.”Arsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. 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      Vincent Kompany tells Harry Kane and Bayern Munich stars to ‘have a beer’ at Oktoberfest and says ‘we will join in’

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      VINCENT KOMPANY has told Harry Kane and his Bayern Munich teammates to go to a beer festival – and indulge in full.Manchester City icon Kompany has made a heady start to his career in charge of the German giants.Vincent Kompany told Harry Kane and his Bayern Munich teammates to go to a beer festivalCredit: GettyThe Bayern squad will enjoy a pint – or twoCredit: GettyBayern are top of the Bundesliga after winning all three games, and they thrashed Dinamo Zagreb 9-2 in the Champions League on Tuesday.Kompany, 38, and his squad are due to attend Munich’s world-famous Oktoberfest on Sunday.He, England skipper Kane and fellow ex-Premier League stars Michael Olise, Joao Palhinha, Leroy Sane and Eric Dier will don lederhosen for the occasion.Belgian Kompany said: “The Oktoberfest is important for the players’ families to experience a bit of Munich and Bavaria’s culture.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The festival is important for a lot of people.  We are looking forward to it, and we will join in.”The day before is all about our game at Werder Bremen, but then we will witness some Bavarian culture.”Drinking beer is all part of it.  If the players want to have a beer on Sunday I’ve got no problem with it.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The main thing is that they are once again fit on Monday!Most read in Football”Of course I’ll sometimes have a beer myself.  I’m from Belgium, and the beer there is something special.Watch Vincent Kompany scream ‘don’t f***ing test me big boy’ in explosive X-rated row in sneak preview to Burnley TV doc”A competition between Bavarian and Belgian beers would be at a pretty high level.”I’ve never been to the Oktoberfest before, but I was in Munich with Manchester City while the festival was on.”It was difficult even for City to find a hotel for our stay.”Kane at Oktoberfest last yearCredit: GettyManuel Neuer, Kane and Thomas Mueller enjoyed a large beerCredit: Reuters More

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      Manchester City vs Arsenal odds: Price boosts and specials offers for Premier League showdown

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      AFTER a pair of goalless draws to kickstart their Champions League campaigns, Manchester City and Arsenal turn their attention to Sunday’s crucial Premier League meeting.Last season’s top two have started the season well but know this game will help shape the Premier League title race, even this early on.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereArsenal are struggling a bit in front of goal and Mikel Arteta will likely look to sit in and make it hard for Erling Haaland and co.At SunSport, we’ve carefully selected some of the best price boosts and special offers for existing customers from our betting partners.Man City vs Arsenal odds: Price boosts and specials offers for Sunday’s showdownWilliam HillOur partners over at William Hill continually have some of the best price boosts across football – and they’ve stepped it up here. We’ve selected our favourite couple which you can back below!Kevin de Bruyne to assist a goal – was 9/4 NOW 11/4 – CLAIM HERERodri shot on target & over 2 tackles – was 9/4 NOW 11/4 – CLAIM HEREBukayo Saka to score anytime – was 7/2 NOW 4/1 – CLAIM HEREBTTS & each team over 4 corners – was 5/1 NOW 6/1 – CLAIM HEREtalkSPORT BETtalkSPORT BET also have a selection of price boosts for the game at the Etihad! Here’s some of those on offer:Manchester City 7+ shots on target – was 7/5 NOW 31/20 – CLAIM HEREArsenal to win 1-0 – was 10/1 NOW 11/1 – CLAIM HEREManchester City to win and both teams to score – was 29/10 NOW 31/10 – CLAIM HEREErling Haaland to score the 1st goal – was 3/1 NOW 16/5 – CLAIM HERERemember 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