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      Premier League legend in line to join Match of the Day after starring as BBC pundit

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      A PREMIER LEAGUE legend is reportedly in line for a job at Match of the Day.The BBC football highlights show is undergoing major changes, with Gary Lineker leaving at the end of the season.Gary Lineker is leaving the iconic show at the end of the seasonCredit: PAKelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will be the new hosts of MOTDCredit: PAWayne Rooney could land a job on Match of the DayCredit: RexRooney appeared on Amazon Prime earlier this yearCredit: ReutersThe former Barcelona and Everton striker is stepping down as the host of the show after 26 years.He is being replaced by fan-favourite presenters Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan.There could also be another addition to the pundits that appear on the show with Wayne Rooney said to in line for a role.Heat World has claimed that there is “talk” of the Manchester United legend joining the iconic programme.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is also suggested that because the show is filmed in the Dock10 studios at MediaCityUK in Salford it would be easy for the retired striker to get to.It means that Rooney would not have to “travel too far” to get to the job.He has already made his BBC debut as he worked with the broadcaster during Euro 2024.Rooney also impressed as a pundit during his recent appearance for Amazon Prime.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe appeared in the coverage of the Champions League clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium.Rooney was in good spirits as it took just THREE seconds for him to make a dig at his former rivals.Wayne Rooney slams ‘strange’ decision by Man City to let Kyle Walker join AC Milan on loan after Real Madrid horror showRooney worked on the BBC for Euro 2024Credit: BBCHe was sacked by Plymouth in DecemberCredit: PAHe also joked about himself with the rain potentially ruining his hair.The Premier League icon has been out of full-time work since December.Plymouth Argyle axed Rooney after he won just five of his 25 games at the club.The report has also suggested that he could be returning to football management in the EFL.It claims that he could become the new manager at League Two outfit Salford City if Karl Robinson is sacked.The Ammies are currently seven points adrift of the play-off places.It is thought that the club could make a change in the dugout if they fail to be promoted to League One.Rooney would be working with some familiar faces if he was hired at Salford City.Man United’s legendary Class of 92 Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt first took over Salford FC in 2014.David Beckham became a shareholder of the club in 2019.Rooney has also admitted that he would even be interested in working as an assistant manager.During an appearance on the Stick to Football podcast, he said: “I’d have no problem dropping into an Under-21 team or going in as a coach.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m still young enough to learn and develop. Just having a good group of players who were at a [good] level.”He has been keeping his coaching up as he recently worked for Football Escapes at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai.Rooney’s managerial careerHere is a look at Wayne Rooney’s career in the dugout so far.Derby County, Nov 2020 to Jun 2022Games – 84Wins – 25Draws – 21Losses – 38DC United, Jul 2022 to Oct 2023Games – 53Wins – 14Draws – 13Losses – 26Birmingham City, Oct 2023 to Jan2024Games – 15Wins – 2Draws – 4Losses – 9Plymouth Argyle, May 2024 to Dec 2024Games – 25Wins – 5Draws – 6Losses – 14Average points per game – 1.03 More

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      ‘Early retirement?’ – Danny Murphy makes cheeky comment to departing Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker

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      GARY LINEKER was put into ‘early retirement’ by Danny Murphy on Match of the Day.The ex-Liverpool star was on punditry duty alongside Alan Shearer and the presenter on Saturday evening.Danny Murphy put Gary Lineker into early retirement on Saturday’s Match of the DayLineker is set to leave the show as presenter after 25 seasons at the end of the campaignAs they reacted to Arsenal’s home defeat to West Ham, Shearer and Murphy both agreed that the title race was done and the Premier League title is heading to Anfield.Not putting up a defence for the Gunners’ title hopes, Lineker then quipped about his role as MOTD presenter: “Perhaps not bother for the rest of the season.”However, Murphy got a cackle out of Lineker when he retorted: “Early retirement?”Back in November, it was announced Lineker is stepping down from presenting Match of the Day after 25 seasons.Read more football newsHe will be replaced by Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan who will rotate the role.Mikel Arteta’s side faint hopes of winning the Premier League further diminished on Sunday as Liverpool defeated Man City 2-0 at the Etihad.The Reds extended their lead at the top to 11 points thanks to goals from Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, boss Arne Slot is not counting his chickens yet – despite Liverpool fans singing, “We’re going to win the league.”Most read in FootballThe Dutch tactician said: “The fans can sing whatever they want, but we know how hard we have to play for every single win.Mark Chapman opens Match of the Day with cheeky one-liner as he is confirmed as one of Gary Lineker’s three successors “So I don’t believe that [the title is won]. It’s so hard to judge the league table before every game has been played.”If you play against City at the Etihad and win, it is always a big win, but three days ago we had a draw at Aston Villa and people told me we weren’t in a good place. Then three days later we win and it changes again.”We know how hard it was to beat Wolves last week and we have Newcastle next after a 3-3 draw at Newcastle, so every game is difficult.”In any other league, this lead would be comfortable, but not this one. Even the [FA Cup] game at Plymouth showed us that.” More

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      ‘Lineker never misses a chance’ – Fans in stitches as BBC show host trolling Alan Shearer in throwback clip from 2007

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      FANS hailed Gary Lineker’s lethal trolling after he enjoyed a trip down ‘memory pain’ at Alan Shearer’s expense.Prem record scorer Shearer never won silverware in 10 years at Newcastle.Gary Lineker showed Alan Shearer an awkward clip from 18 years agoShearer had a different look back in 2007 but unfortunately not much has changed for Newcastle in terms of a lack of trophiesFellow pundit Shay Given was also dragged into the trollingAnd when the two ex-England strikers were together in the BBC Match of the Day studio on FA Cup fourth-round day, Lineker went straight THERE…Admittedly, it came on the day Newcastle fought back to oust League One Birmingham 3-2, albeit with a controversial goal.But back in 2007 the story could not have been more different when the two sides met at St James’ Park in a round-three replay.Toon cult hero Nolberto Solano even bagged an own goal as Brum triumphed 5-1, despite a reply from James Milner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBirmingham netted three times after Steven Taylor saw red for the Magpies.And Shearer’s MOTD colleague Shay Given was the Toon keeper that day.Lineker showed a flashback clip from 18 years ago, when Shearer was an MOTD rookie after retiring as a player at the end of the previous season.Beeb host Lineker was seen addressing grinning studio pundits.Most read in FootballBruno N’Gotty netted as Brum won 5-1 at Newcastle 18 years agoCredit: ReutersJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe ex-Tottenham striker said: “No shortage of cup winners, though, in the studio.”Alan Hansen with Liverpool, Lee Dixon with Arsenal and… Alan Shearer, who went close a couple of times with Newcastle.”Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires Lineker mocked Shearer for being “really confident” Newcastle would beat Birmingham back then – and for always predicting his old club were set for glory.He said to the 260-goal Prem marksman at the time: “I suppose this would be typical if this is the year they go and do it, now you’ve retired?”Shearer admitted ruefully: “I’ve been saying it for the past 10, 11, 12 years – this might just be our year.”MOTD then returned to live coverage, with gleeful viewers suggesting “Lineker never misses a chance!” to taunt pal Shearer.One reckoned the ex-Barcelona ace delivered a “straight bullet”.And another fan twisted the knife by saying of Shearer: “He never won anything at Newcastle that’s for sure unless he played for them in the 60s.”By this stage, Given might have thought he’d escaped stick – for being between the sticks for the 5-1 humiliation.However, Shearer then joked Birmingham’s triumph was “only because Shay was in goal”.READ MORE SUN STORIESGiven said, “Don’t look at me, lads!” – before adding: “I know, I know – I can’t remember!”One viewer responded: “Some things never change! Shearer taking Ls even off the pitch, and Shay caught in the crossfire.” More

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      Four-way tug of war for Wayne Rooney with Man Utd legend set for new job just weeks after Plymouth sacking

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney has been receiving a lot of job offers just two months after his dismissal as Plymouth boss.However, Rooney, 39, is not being courted for a return to the dugout after also being sacked by Birmingham on the same year as his Pilgrims axing.Wayne Roooney has been approached by four major broadcastersCredit: PAInstead, the Man Utd record goalscorer is being chased by four major broadcasters, making him the most sought-after name in football punditry.SunSport exclusively revealed the England legend is wanted by Match of the Day.The former striker is eyeing up a lucrative move to the rejigged show following long-term presenter Gary Lineker’s departure at the end of this season.Rooney hopes to join new hosts Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates on the BBC highlights show as a rotating guest pundit.Read More on FootballThe ex-Derby boss could command up to £200,000 for the year, depending on how many appearances he makes.According to GB News, Amazon, Sky Sports and TNT Sports are also keeping tabs on the Everton hero.Amazon have emerged as a frontrunner for his signature, with discussions already underway.The same source claims the streaming service wants Rooney in time for the crunch Champions League play-off clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid – the first leg of which will be played next Tuesday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.The legendary forward would be joining the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Alan Shearer as well as presenter Gabby Logan if he signed with Amazon.The broadcaster hosts select Champions League matches and a few rounds of Premier League games over the course of a season.’Are you alright-‘ – Gary Neville stunned as Wayne Rooney admits he STILL wants to manage and reveals unusual next stepBut Rooney has also been approached by Sky Sports and TNT Sports after impressing in recent appearances.Those two are the chief broadcasters of the Premier League and would be able to offer a busier role to Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer.Meanwhile, Rooney’s wife Coleen has been inundated with offers following her stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle, where she finished as a runner-up.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Ultimate sports presenters’ rich list as new Match of the Day hosts’ salaries are revealed

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      MARK Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates take on the shared responsibility of hosting Match of the Day from next season.According to reports, they will be paid less than pundit Alan Shearer, who was declared as earning between £445,000-£449,999 for the 2022-23 and £380,000 last year.Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will be fronting MOTD next seasonCredit: PAGary Lineker is stepping down after 25 seasons in the jobCarle Balding has an estimated net worth of £1mCredit: BBCWhile in contrast, their salary pales into comparison to Gary Lineker’s mega wage.But, who tops the ultimate sports presenters’ rich list?Let SunSport reveal all from numbers crunched online of their estimate net worths.10. Clare Balding, £1millionA staple of our TV screens for decades, Balding has worked on horse racing for Channel 4, and reported for the Beeb’s Olympic coverage a staggering SEVEN times!Read more football news Balding also appeared on Today at Wimbledon from 2015, eventually taking over from Sue Barker as lead presenter, after she retired in 2022.Her interview skills were put to the best by BT Sport, who gave her her own show.On The Clare Balding Show, she interviewed sporting superstars including Mike Tyson, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Lewis Hamilton, and Tom Daley.9. Jeff Stelling, £2millionThe ultimate professional, Stelling was the eyes and ears of football fans wanting updates on their teams for years on Saturday afternoons.Most read in FootballHe famously fronted Soccer Saturday – keeping pundits like Paul Merson, Charlie Nicholas and Matt Le Tissier in check.Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the DayStelling has taken his stories from the sports world on tour around the country with his own stage show.He currently fronts talkSPORT’s breakfast show.Jeff Stelling now hosts talkSPORT’s breakfast showCredit: talkSPORT8. Alex Scott, £2millionPoor Alex appears to have been snubbed by the Beeb of late.Not only was she left off the coverage for the Paris Olympics, the former footballer wasn’t chosen as one of the three new Match of the Day presenters either.Despite her daring outfits livening up Football Focus, the show’s dwindling viewing figures have led to reports suggesting it could soon be axed.Scott’s wealth has been boosted by appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and she’s lucky in love – dating pop star Jess Glynne.Glam Alex Scott is in a relationship with singer Jess GlynneCredit: Getty7. Laura Woods, £2.5millionWoods worked her way to the top by starting as a runner on Sky Sports.But she became a household name thanks to her brilliant talkSPORT breakfast show.Woods is now the leading host for TNT Sports’ Champions League coverage, as well as the face of ITV’s football coverage.She is currently enjoying materninty leave after giving birth to her first child, little boy Leo.Laura Woods has reportedly amassed a £2.5m fortune thanks to her TV and radio workread more sport features6. David Jones, £3millionDavid Jones fronts the live coverage of Super Sunday and Monday Night Football.Over the years, he’s kept tempers in check with pundits such as Roy Keane and Graeme Souness, although he had on-screen spats with the latter.Jones is a Sky Sports News OG – joining the channel for their launch in 1998 alongside Georgie Thompson.Outside of presenting, he has a role as non-executive director of his beloved Sunderland AFC.David Jones’ Sky Sports career dates all the way back to 1998Credit: PA5. Mark Pougatch, £3.5millionCalm and collected Pougatch fronts ITV’s major coverage of both football and rugby.He replaced Adrian Chiles as ITV’s chief football presenter six years ago to cover Champions League and England fixtures.Before that, he spent 22 years at BBC Radio 5 Live.He also joined BT Sport in the summer of 2016 to host the show BT Sport Score, to rival Sky Sports’ Gillette Soccer Saturday.Mark Pougatch is ITV’s chief football presenter and fronts their rugby coverage4. Gabby Logan, £4millionGabby is a stalwart when it comes to presenting sport shows on our box.From 2007, she started presenting for BBC sport and was used as a replacement for Lineker on Match Of The Day.She is the face of athletics on the channel and has presented the Olympics, London Marathon, Commonwealth Games and World Athletics Championships’ coverage.She was also part of the BBC’s presenting team for Euro 2024, which made her totally suitable for her upcoming role sharing MOTD hosting duties.Consummate professional Gabby Logan will share MOTD hosting dutiesCredit: Getty3. Mark Chapman, £4millionChappers is the purist’s host for the BBC.His dry wit and knowledge of the game has been admired by fans who tune into Match of the Day 2 show on a Sunday.Chapman also hosts Sports Report on BBC 5 Live, one of the longest-running programmes on British radio, and the world’s longest-running sports radio programme, plus The Monday Night Club.In 2023, he joined Sky Sports to present their Carabao Cup output.MOTD 2 audiences are already familiar with Mark Chapman’s work2. Kelly Cates, £8millionCates is riding high in her career, after revealing she is making the switch from Sky to BBC for Match of the Day.The much-loved football presenter is the daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish.She was one of the OG Sky Sports News presenters, when that launched in the late 90s.Like Chapman, Cates has also recorded shows on BBC 5 Live. Kelly Cates has worked for Sky Sports and the BBC through the years1. Gary Lineker, £30millionThe winner, by some way, is BBC’s highest paid presenter.Lineker, 62, began his TV journey on comedy quiz show They Think It’s All Over as a team captain.In 1999, the former England star replaced Des Lynam as the anchorman for all football coverage and he fronts Match of the Day.READ MORE SUN STORIESAccording to the latest figures, Lineker is paid £1.35million a year by the BBC.Better still, his podcast empire – Goalhanger Podcasts – is raking in a fortune.Gary Lineker has amassed an astonishing £30m fortuneCredit: PA More

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      Micah Richards names conditions to do Match of the Day NAKED as Alan Shearer forced to clarify awkward comment

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      MICAH RICHARDS has revealed he will do Match of the Day NAKED if one major condition is met.The Man City icon made the hilarious demands on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football.Micah Richards has revealed he’ll do Match of the Day naked on one conditionCredit: GettyIt forced Alan Shearer to clarify a comment he madeCredit: GettyRichards joined pals Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker, who will step down as Match of the Day host this summer, for more football-related banter.Richards and Shearer are both expected to continue as pundits on the BBC show after it was confirmed that the trio of Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will take turns presenting Match of the Day next season.The duo remain on the sofa Lineker for the rest of the current campaign.And Richards has now revealed there is one thing that will make him present without any clothes on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLeaving Lineker and Shearer in stitches, Richards admitted he’d strip off if Newcastle pip Liverpool and Arsenal to the Premier League title.He declared: “If Newcastle win the league, I’ll do Match of the Day naked.”Lineker, who presented the show in his pants following Leicester’s title win in 2016, replied: “I wonder if they’d allow me to do one last show then if that was the case.”Shearer laughed: “F*****g hell, everyone would have to get wide screens for that night, wouldn’t they?”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe then clarified: “I didn’t mean for that, I meant for his guns.”Lineker continued: “I’m going to start cheering Newcastle on now so they win the league. Micah’s promised.”Watch moment Luke Littler stuns Micah Richards into silence with brutal ‘I am the man’ jibe Shearer chuckled: “We don’t want that, man, do we? And we want Newcastle to win the league, we don’t want that idiot on our TVs with nowt on.”Richards went on: “Course we do. All oiled up, it would be fantastic. Be like Mr Motivator.”Lineker concluded: “Could you imagine? The viewing figures wouldn’t be the only thing that’s huge — your guns, Micah, your guns.” More

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      New Match of the Day host Mark Chapman, 51, ‘goes house-hunting’ with girlfriend, 43, five years after being widowed

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      NEW Match of the Day host Mark Chapman smiles as he appears to go house-hunting with his girlfriend.Chappers, 51, was seen looking in estate agents’ windows in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, with Clere Collier, 43.New Match of the Day host Mark Chapman appeared to go house-hunting with his girlfriend Clere CollierCredit: BackGridChapman window shopping in ManchesterCredit: BackGridPals say he has found happiness with Clere, five years on from being widowed.Blonde Clere regularly posts loved-up snaps of them together on social media and their relationship is flourishing.In October last year, when Mark celebrated his 51st birthday, Clere gushed over her man on Instagram, calling him “my one love”.Posting an image of the couple together as they went on a country walk, she wrote: “Happy birthday to this one. My one love.READ MORE ON MARK CHAPMAN“So proud of all you do, the biggest heart, the kindest soul, the leader of our pack and not to mention devilishly handsome. I love you, happy 51.”Last week the BBC announced Mark as the next MOTD presenter alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan.The trio will replace footie legend Gary Lineker, 64, who leaves at the end of the season.Chapman is already one of the BBC’s hardest working presenters, currently hosting Match of the Day 2 as well as fronting a range of programmes on Radio 5 Live.Most read in FootballHe also hosts the BBC’s Champions League highlights and fronts Sky Sports’ Carabao Cup coverage.Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the DayA covered up Mark eyeing up a new homeCredit: BackGridKelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan have been announced as new Match of the Day presentersCredit: PAPals say Chapman has found happiness with her five years on from being widowedCredit: BackGridMark’s wife Sara dies aged 44 after a long illnessCredit: Twitter More

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      ‘Cry me a river’ – Match of the Day pundit Ashley Williams cheekily trolled after getting Arsenal ace’s name wrong TWICE

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      ASHLEY WILLIAMS was cheekily pulled up after getting Jurrien Timber’s name wrong TWICE on Match of the Day.Williams, 40, was appearing on Saturday night’s show, which featured highlights of Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.Ashley Williams was trolled after mistakenly referring to Jurrien Timber as JustinCredit: BBCWilliams was highlighting why Timber and Thomas Partey had cost Arsenal against Aston VillaCredit: BBCBut viewers at home wondered why he had not been pulled up on itCredit: BBCHowever, while analysing the game, fans noticed a slight error made by the former defender.The Welshman was heard accidentally referring to Gunners star Timber as “Justin” – possibly in a mix-up caused by pop star Justin Timberlake.Viewers were left doing a double-take as Williams then made the same mistake again moments later.And fans couldn’t help but poke fun at the former Swansea and Everton star.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTaking to social media, one fan said: “Can someone tell Ashley Williams that Arsenal’s Timber is called Jurrien, not Justin?”A second said: “Justin Timber…(lake)”A third, referencing the hit song by Timberlake, added: “Justin Timber?! Cry me a river, Ashley Williams.”Another said: “Justin Timber you know.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWilliams’ analysis of the Dutchman came as he explained why he and Thomas Partey playing at right-back in the absence of William Saliba cost Arsenal from the defensive point of view.Arsenal had taken a 2-0 lead with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz but were forced to settle for a draw after goals from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins.Lone sad Arsenal fan being asked to leave by securityWilliams explained that the makeshift right side of the defence left them exposed down that flank, leading to the first Villa goal.Partey was then highlighted as he left Watkins unmarked for him to volley home the equaliser.With Liverpool enjoying a late comeback against Brentford through Darwin Nunez, Mikel Arteta’s side have now fallen six points behind the league leaders, who still have a game in hand.Arsenal host Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League next before travelling to Wolves next weekend.Arsenal ratings vs Aston VillaArsenal’s title hopes took a huge hit as they threw away a two-goal lead against Aston VillaLeandro Trossard turned provider for the Gunners to set up both goals as it looked like they would cruise to three points.But defensive lapses from two stars cost Arteta’s side dearly.Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.GABRIEL – 7Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.THOMAS PARTEY – 6A great stint at right back but one lapse in concentration cost Arsenal the lead, losing track of Watkins in the box before he volleyed in.MIKEL MERINO – 6A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half.He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1. Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7Integral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinelli for the opener before blazing over himself.The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8Again, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range.The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better. That will do wonders for his confidence.SUBS:RAHEEM STERLING (MARTINELLI, 82) – 6A few darting runs, but added virtually nothing, other than a needless yellow card. A cameo that screamed “lacking confidence”. More