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      Tight-lipped Mikel Arteta hints Arsenal picked up ‘serious’ injury against Man City as he says ‘we have to wait on one’

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      MIKEL ARTETA has revealed that Arsenal are sweating on a potentially serious injury suffered by one of their players during their clash with Manchester City on Sunday.The Gunners boss, 42, was speaking ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup clash with Bolton tomorrow.Mikel Arteta spoke ahead of his side’s clash with BoltonCredit: X @SkySportsNewsArsenal were accused of time wasting by Man City starsCredit: ReutersWith plenty of Arsenal players having gone down during the 2-2 draw with City, Arteta was asked whether any of them are struggling to be available for the Trotters cup clash.Keeping his cards close to his chest, the Spaniard said: “I always prefer the facts than words ‘supposing’ things.”So let’s see who is available tomorrow, and then we can talk about dark arts, or these things.”Arsenal were heavily criticised for their time-wasting antics during Sunday’s match, with several City players hitting out in public – including skipper Kyle Walker accusing them of “dark arts”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArteta continued: “Unfortunately yes, there will be players unavailable.”When asked specifically about Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, Arteta cut in, with a smile: “Tomorrow, you will find it, when I give the line-up.”Further quizzed on whether any “serious injuries” had been sustained on Sunday, Arteta responded: “We have to wait, one of them.”The Gunners boss did not, however, disclose which player his side are sweating on.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBukayo Saka was replaced by Ben White at half-time of Sunday’s game, although the substitution was likely tactical due to Leandro Trossard’s red card.Meanwhile, goalkeeper David Raya was seen limping as he left the Etihad Stadium.’It’s like throwing a punch’ | Why Haaland could be banned for launching ball at Gabriel’s headShould Raya miss out, Arsenal could be forced into handing their 16-year-old fourth choice goalkeeper a senior debut against Bolton.The Gunners’ new No2 Neto, who replaced Aaron Ramsdale last month, is cup-tied for the match after starting Bournemouth’s second round clash with West Ham.Third choice Tommy Setford also appears to be sidelined, having not been named in a squad since the international break.This could lead to Jack Porter, 16, playing against Bolton – having been named on the bench for the 0-0 draw with Atalanta in the Champions League last week.Arsenal already had a sizeable injury list going into Sunday’s match.Martin Odegaard has been sidelined since the international break with an ankle injury, while Mikel Merino is nursing a shoulder issue.READ MORE SUN STORIESOleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney both missed out, while Takehiro Tomiyasu was also unavailable due to a knee injury.Arteta may turn to his youngsters for tomorrow’s match, with Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly in line to feature – while Raheem Sterling could be handed his first Gunners start.We thought games like this had been lostSunSport’s NEIL CUSTIS hails chaotic Man City vs Arsenal clash as a return to the Premier League of yesteryear.FOR two teams who have done so much to take the game forward this really was a tremendous throwback.We thought these games had been lost.Real feisty encounters between two rivals fighting for the top honours.How we used to love it when Manchester United came up against Arsenal when Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were in charge.When Roy Keane, watching on as a TV pundit here, used to clash with Patrick Vieira before a ball had been kicked.The Manchester derbies used to have it as well.In fact that were clashes everywhere throughout the league.Since then the emphasis on the beauty of the game, the tactical side, the ball playing centre-back, the false nine, the inverted full-backs have all come to the fore.But English football still loves something like this.Compare this to the two matches between this pair last season not least the really STALEmate here.Then along comes a blood and thunder classic.A match to set the tone for what we all hope will be a real title tussle to the end but with that added edge.While these two managers maybe good friends who knows we may even get the niggly comments in pre-match press conferences about each others teams.We knew we were in for something a bit different as straight from the kick-off Kai Havertz charged into Rodri and left him flawed.The first players’ melee ensued.Foreign coaches often scratch their heads as to why English crowds love stuff like this.Love a thumping tackle, or a bit of a barney.How that as much as any sweeping move gets them to the edge of their seats and there was plenty of that here.Jurrien Timber was employed on the right to combat the pace of Jeremy Doku.SO Doku just charged into him and floored him.Rodri was clearly seen as one of City’s key men so at a corner Thoams Party followed up Havertz’s early example and caught him behind the knee, and the player hobbled out of the action.Gabriel and Erling Haaland was a classic battle between a big centre-forward and an Arsenal centre-back who performs like greats of old like Tony Adams and Martin Keown.A player for whom a thumping tackle warrants the same high fives or celebrations as something defining at the other end of the pitch.Haaland did brilliantly to pull away William Saliba and slip behind Gabriel for his goal.Gabriel will have been fuming having kept the big Norwegian so quiet last season.He barely gave him another sniff of goal, barring a second-half header saved, as he stuck to him, the pair often pushing and shoving one another as Haaland became frustrated with his shadow.Leandro Trossard did not get his second yellow and therefore the only red for the actual barge on Bernardo as everyone first thought but for kicking the ball away after that.Both technical areas were a flurry of arm waving and shouting from the two managers.The staff on the two benches started having a go at each other and Guardiola had to intervene.In the press box one of Arsenal’s technical staff was losing it.As Arsenal players went down with cramp and played for time the boos went up.The fourth official was getting in the ear.Michael Oliver was being told he was not fit to referee by a large section of the home support.When Arsenal fans were spotted in the posh seats having been in the expensive tunnel club City fans shouted and pointed to try and get them ejected.Right at the end after City’s dramatic equaliser and the game restarted Haaland barged into Partey and every player on the pitch got involved even the two goalkeepers.At the final whistle the ref was harrangued.On the touchline Guardiola and Arteta hugged. More

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      Historic stadium of former Premier League club to increase capacity by 40% making it as big as Man City’s

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      LEEDS have announced plans to increase the capacity of their iconic Elland Road stadium by 40 per cent.This means the Championship ground will host the same amount of fans as seven-time Premier League champs Manchester City.Leeds have announced plans to upgrade Elland Road’s capacityElland Road will share the same capacity as the EtihadThe former Prem stadium will take its capacity from 37,600 to 53,000 – almost level with City’s Etihad ground at 53,400.The plans would see Elland Road become the seventh largest club stadium in England.The ground would also be modernised to meet Uefa Category 4 regulations for “elite” European stadia.Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe said: “We recognise how important Elland Road is to the Leeds United fans and the wider community.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium, coupled with the legacy of Leeds United, is unprecedented.”Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club.”I am excited that we are going to be able to welcome thousands more supporters to every game, in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road.”We look forward to sharing our plans with supporters and the local community for their input.”Most read in FootballElland Road has been the home of Leeds United since 1919The Etihad is currently undergoing its own renovationFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere are also 26,000 supporters on the waiting list for season tickets.This year the ownership of Elland Road, home to Leeds since 1919, was transferred back to the club for the first time in 20 years.Etihad Stadium appears to suffer LEAK during Man City vs Arsenal as Man Utd fans say ‘happens to the best of us’Marathe is president of the club’s owners, 49ers Enterprises who have experience in constructing stunning state-of-the-art stadiums.49er Enterprises built the 68,500 capacity Levi’s Stadium, home to the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise.The company has hired acoustic consultants to work on preserving Elland Road’s fierce atmosphere.But Man City are currently undergoing a £300million renovation to take the ground’s capacity to above 60,000 – a jump of 13 per cent.And 400-bed hotel will open as part of the build.But Elland Road will be larger than the world’s richest club Newcastle’s St James’ Park (52,305).It will become the fifth largest football stadium in the country behind Wembley, Old Trafford, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, West Ham’s ground and Anfield.READ MORE SUN STORIESLeeds city council leader James Lewis said: “This investment can also be a catalyst for wider regeneration plans of south Leeds, which represents an opportunity of national significance.”Leeds fell short in their attempt to secure immediate promotion back to the Prem after losing 1-0 to Southampton in the Championship play-off final – but will make it their mission to jump back up this term.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      Supercomputer predicts Arsenal Premier League title boost with Man City to lose 11 POINTS after serious Rodri injury

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      ARSENAL are set for a Premier League title boost with Manchester City predicted to lose ELEVEN points after Rodri’s injury woe.The midfielder limped off during Sunday’s 2-2 Etihad epic.Rodri’s potential ACL injury is set to seriously dent Man City’s title hopesCredit: GettyArsenal are set to capitalise on Rodri potentially missing the whole seasonCredit: GettyAnd reports claim Rodri is now set to miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL.City are yet to confirm whether or not the Spanish Euros winner has indeed suffered the huge setback.He is currently in Barcelona to see a specialist, who could rule him out for up to a year.And should Rodri be absent for the remainder of the campaign, a supercomputer reckons it’s finally advantage Arsenal in the title race.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to Opta, City have only lost 11 per cent of their games with Rodri in the team since his 2018 arrival.That builds up to an impressive return of 2.36 points per game.But when Rodri hasn’t been involved, City’s loss rate climbs to 24 per cent.Their points per game ratio also falls to 2.04.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd based on the above, the Standard has calculated that City will finish on 80 points this season.The last time a team won the title with that number was Manchester United in the 2010/11 term.Gary Neville makes shock Premier League prediction U-turn after ‘monumental, defining moment’ in Man City vs Arsenal Arsenal ratings vs Man CityTEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.Here’s how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 9Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol. RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.GABRIEL – 9Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.DECLAN RICE – 7Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.BUKAYO SAKA – 6Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.  KAI HAVERTZ – 7Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.SUBSWHITE – 7(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.KIWIOR – 6(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.JESUS – 6(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutesLEWIS SKELLY – 6(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.Click here to read more on Arsenal.And while in another campaign that could potentially be enough for five titles in a row, Arsenal’s recent finishes make that unlikely.Two seasons ago the Gunners finished on 84 points.While last term they picked up an impressive 89 points.And if Mikel Arteta emulates that number, he is likely to see Arsenal clinch their first title since the InvinciblesCity will now be praying for a miracle, with a potential finish of 91 points still on the cards if Rodri is somehow cleared of injury and returns to the team for Saturday’s clash at Newcastle.That’s the same amount of points they ended with last season to win a historic four titles on the bounce.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, the likes of Liverpool, Aston Villa and Chelsea have all enjoyed strong starts to the season and could fancy their chances in case of a City slip.If nothing else, the battle for top four is likely to be an intense one, with 68 points enough for Villa to clinch the final Champions League spot last term.We thought games like this had been lostSunSport’s NEIL CUSTIS hails chaotic Man City vs Arsenal clash as a return to the Premier League of yesteryear.FOR two teams who have done so much to take the game forward this really was a tremendous throwback.We thought these games had been lost.Real feisty encounters between two rivals fighting for the top honours.How we used to love it when Manchester United came up against Arsenal when Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were in charge.When Roy Keane, watching on as a TV pundit here, used to clash with Patrick Vieira before a ball had been kicked.The Manchester derbies used to have it as well.In fact that were clashes everywhere throughout the league.Since then the emphasis on the beauty of the game, the tactical side, the ball playing centre-back, the false nine, the inverted full-backs have all come to the fore.But English football still loves something like this.Compare this to the two matches between this pair last season not least the really STALEmate here.Then along comes a blood and thunder classic.A match to set the tone for what we all hope will be a real title tussle to the end but with that added edge.While these two managers maybe good friends who knows we may even get the niggly comments in pre-match press conferences about each others teams.We knew we were in for something a bit different as straight from the kick-off Kai Havertz charged into Rodri and left him flawed.The first players’ melee ensued.Foreign coaches often scratch their heads as to why English crowds love stuff like this.Love a thumping tackle, or a bit of a barney.How that as much as any sweeping move gets them to the edge of their seats and there was plenty of that here.Jurrien Timber was employed on the right to combat the pace of Jeremy Doku.SO Doku just charged into him and floored him.Rodri was clearly seen as one of City’s key men so at a corner Thoams Party followed up Havertz’s early example and caught him behind the knee, and the player hobbled out of the action.Gabriel and Erling Haaland was a classic battle between a big centre-forward and an Arsenal centre-back who performs like greats of old like Tony Adams and Martin Keown.A player for whom a thumping tackle warrants the same high fives or celebrations as something defining at the other end of the pitch.Haaland did brilliantly to pull away William Saliba and slip behind Gabriel for his goal.Gabriel will have been fuming having kept the big Norwegian so quiet last season.He barely gave him another sniff of goal, barring a second-half header saved, as he stuck to him, the pair often pushing and shoving one another as Haaland became frustrated with his shadow.Leandro Trossard did not get his second yellow and therefore the only red for the actual barge on Bernardo as everyone first thought but for kicking the ball away after that.Both technical areas were a flurry of arm waving and shouting from the two managers.The staff on the two benches started having a go at each other and Guardiola had to intervene.In the press box one of Arsenal’s technical staff was losing it.As Arsenal players went down with cramp and played for time the boos went up.The fourth official was getting in the ear.Michael Oliver was being told he was not fit to referee by a large section of the home support.When Arsenal fans were spotted in the posh seats having been in the expensive tunnel club City fans shouted and pointed to try and get them ejected.Right at the end after City’s dramatic equaliser and the game restarted Haaland barged into Partey and every player on the pitch got involved even the two goalkeepers.At the final whistle the ref was harrangued.On the touchline Guardiola and Arteta hugged. More

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      New referee verdict on Trossard red card explains why incidents involving Arsenal ace and Doku were completely different

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      FORMER Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has explained why Leandro Trossard was sent off and Jeremy Doku went unpunished in Manchester City’s thrilling draw with Arsenal.Mikel Arteta’s men played all of the second half with ten men after Trossard received a second yellow card for kicking the ball away following a foul on Bernardo Silva.Leandro Trossard was sent off for a second yellow card after kicking the ball awayIt is the second red card Arsenal have received this season after Declan Rice was dismissed in similar circumstancesCredit: GettyJeremy Doku went unpunished for kicking the ball away in the first halfCredit: Sky SportsFormer Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has explained both decisionsCredit: Action Images – ReutersGunners boss Arteta was visibly distraught about the decision on the touchline but restrained his comments after the game to avoid “big trouble”.It comes after Declan Rice was also dismissed for kicking the ball away against Brighton earlier this season.He said: “I’ve seen it and it’s that obvious so I’ll leave it to you guys.”I was already in big trouble trying to solve what happened on the pitch. It’s not my problem to solve what happens off the pitch.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was also furious because Man City winger Doku had avoided a caution in the first half when he appeared to kick the ball away before an Arsenal free-kick.Arteta added: “That’s what I’m saying. It’s that obvious [the Doku incident] that it’s not necessary to comment on it.”It’s the second time. I’m expecting 100 Premier League games to be 10 against 11 or nine vs 10 this season. Let’s see.”However, Gallagher, who refereed in the Premier League for 15 years from 1992 to 2007, does not feel the two incidents were the same.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWe thought games like this had been lostSunSport’s NEIL CUSTIS hails chaotic Man City vs Arsenal clash as a return to the Premier League of yesteryear.FOR two teams who have done so much to take the game forward this really was a tremendous throwback.We thought these games had been lost.Real feisty encounters between two rivals fighting for the top honours.How we used to love it when Manchester United came up against Arsenal when Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were in charge.When Roy Keane, watching on as a TV pundit here, used to clash with Patrick Vieira before a ball had been kicked.The Manchester derbies used to have it as well.In fact that were clashes everywhere throughout the league.Since then the emphasis on the beauty of the game, the tactical side, the ball playing centre-back, the false nine, the inverted full-backs have all come to the fore.But English football still loves something like this.Compare this to the two matches between this pair last season not least the really STALEmate here.Then along comes a blood and thunder classic.A match to set the tone for what we all hope will be a real title tussle to the end but with that added edge.While these two managers maybe good friends who knows we may even get the niggly comments in pre-match press conferences about each others teams.We knew we were in for something a bit different as straight from the kick-off Kai Havertz charged into Rodri and left him flawed.The first players’ melee ensued.Foreign coaches often scratch their heads as to why English crowds love stuff like this.Love a thumping tackle, or a bit of a barney.How that as much as any sweeping move gets them to the edge of their seats and there was plenty of that here.Jurrien Timber was employed on the right to combat the pace of Jeremy Doku.SO Doku just charged into him and floored him.Rodri was clearly seen as one of City’s key men so at a corner Thoams Party followed up Havertz’s early example and caught him behind the knee, and the player hobbled out of the action.Gabriel and Erling Haaland was a classic battle between a big centre-forward and an Arsenal centre-back who performs like greats of old like Tony Adams and Martin Keown.A player for whom a thumping tackle warrants the same high fives or celebrations as something defining at the other end of the pitch.Haaland did brilliantly to pull away William Saliba and slip behind Gabriel for his goal.Gabriel will have been fuming having kept the big Norwegian so quiet last season.He barely gave him another sniff of goal, barring a second-half header saved, as he stuck to him, the pair often pushing and shoving one another as Haaland became frustrated with his shadow.Leandro Trossard did not get his second yellow and therefore the only red for the actual barge on Bernardo as everyone first thought but for kicking the ball away after that.Both technical areas were a flurry of arm waving and shouting from the two managers.The staff on the two benches started having a go at each other and Guardiola had to intervene.In the press box one of Arsenal’s technical staff was losing it.As Arsenal players went down with cramp and played for time the boos went up.The fourth official was getting in the ear.Michael Oliver was being told he was not fit to referee by a large section of the home support.When Arsenal fans were spotted in the posh seats having been in the expensive tunnel club City fans shouted and pointed to try and get them ejected.Right at the end after City’s dramatic equaliser and the game restarted Haaland barged into Partey and every player on the pitch got involved even the two goalkeepers.At the final whistle the ref was harrangued.On the touchline Guardiola and Arteta hugged.Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch about whether Arsenal could have complaints about Trossard’s red card, he said: “Well no because it is a foul no doubt about that.”And what you would say is would the player have kicked the ball like that if there was no foul and the ball is in play? The answer is no, certainly not, because he is not going to pass to Martinelli like that.’Stay humble,’ Erling Haaland tells Arteta who gives him brutal death stare before Gabriel Jesus confronts Man City ace “I feel for him because he has gone to pull out but it is too late, the damage is already done.”We have already seen it earlier in the season, referees are very hard on it this season. He should know not to do it. The referees have been hard and fast on it.”There is no doubt you could show me one or two that have got away [with it] but by and large the referees have been very, very strong on it.”And what I would say is if one player gets away with it then it’s not justification for another player saying ‘I am being punished’.”Gallagher then detailed the reason Man City’s Doku escaped a yellow card, insisting it was different to when Brighton’s Joao Pedro avoided a caution for kicking the ball away against Arsenal.He said: “I feel for them with Joao Pedro because I think that was one that got away from them.”This one, if you look, I don’t think this is kicking the ball away and delaying the restart.”The free-kick is in the wrong place, you see Michael Oliver looking at him and saying you have got to move it back. Doku actually looks at the referee doesn’t he.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If you look, watch Doku here, the ball comes to him, he looks at the ref and then turns back to the Arsenal player to take the free-kick.”I don’t think that is delaying the restart, it’s passing the ball back. I think there is a massive difference.”Arsenal ratings vs Man CityTEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.Here’s how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 9Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol. RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.GABRIEL – 9Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.DECLAN RICE – 7Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.BUKAYO SAKA – 6Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.  KAI HAVERTZ – 7Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.SUBSWHITE – 7(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.KIWIOR – 6(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.JESUS – 6(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutesLEWIS SKELLY – 6(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.Click here to read more on Arsenal. More

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      ‘You have to accept the way he is,’ says Enzo Maresca about Mudryk’s potential as Chelsea flop struggles for minutes

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      CHELSEA boss Enzo Maresca has questioned Mykhailo Mudryk’s potential by declaring: “You have to accept the way he is.”Maresca’s comments came ahead of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup clash against League Two Barrow, with Mudryk hoping to start after featuring just twice so far this season.Enzo Maresca has questioned the potential of Chelsea flop Mykhailo MudrykCredit: GettyThe Italian also opened up over his potential XI against Barrow in the Carabao CupCredit: GettyThe Ukrainian winger was an initial £62million purchase from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023, with Chelsea pipping Arsenal to his coveted signature.But he so far has just five goals and four assists in 46 Premier League outings.And Mudryk looks some way off hitting the numbers required to turn his transfer into an £89m deal.The summer arrivals of Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto have also seen Mudryk slide down the pecking order.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCole Palmer, Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku can operate out wide too.And Mudryk has some work to do if he wants to live up to former manager Roberto de Zerbi’s claims that he can be a future Ballon d’Or winner.Indeed, new Chelsea boss Maresca has appeared to suggest that such individual merits look extremely unlikely in the future.Speaking ahead of the Barrow game, the Italian dismissed talk that Mudryk was lacking in confidence.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMaresca instead declared that “Misha is Misha” before telling fans to “accept” what they see on the pitch.But the Leicester Championship winner added that he retains hope that Mudryk can improve with more game time under his belt.Chelsea Player Ratings vs West HamMaresca said: “I don’t think it’s a lack of confidence. Misha is Misha.“You have to accept the way he is. Hopefully he can get minutes and do better.”Meanwhile, Chelsea’s gaffer revealed exiled man Ben Chilwell is in contention to start against Barrow as he plots a host of changes to his XI.Maresca added: “Hopefully we can give him (Chilwell) some minutes. The idea for him was to leave.“In the moment that he’s here, he’s one of the squad, he’s training.”On other players, he added: “Malo (Gusto) is available. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Romeo (Lavia) is not available. Hopefully he can be available for Brighton.”“(Kiernan) Dewsbury-Hall, yes, probably (he will start).” More

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      Rio Ferdinand slams Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag for ‘confusing’ Marcus Rashford with shock decision

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      RIO FERDINAND has criticised Erik ten Hag for “confusing” Marcus Rashford.After the Manchester United boss benched Rashford against Crystal Palace – just when the 26-year-old was starting to find some form again.Rio Ferdinand has called out Ten Hag for confusing RashfordMarcus Rashford was benched for United’s trip to Crystal PalaceBut Erik Ten Hag got United playing well at PalaceRashford has endured a difficult period at Old Trafford but found the back of the net for the first time in since March in United’s 3-0 win at Southampton.He then bagged a brace as United thumped Barnsley 7-0 in the midweek Carabao Cup clash, with many believing the forward had been reignited. But Rashford was subsequently left out of United’s starting XI for their 0-0 trip to Selhurst Park on Saturday, with Alejandro Garnacho instead getting a start.When quizzed before the game Ten Hag insisted the decision was just to “rotate” his players.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut club legend Ferdinand was baffled by the decision and accused Ten Hag of confusing Rashford by naming him among the subs.On Rio Ferdinand Presents, he said: “Talking of rotation, following the game against Palace.”United are third in terms of xG, only bettered by Man City and Liverpool. So they’re creating the chances but not scoring the goals. “When you’ve got a man in form like Marcus Rashford, who’s coming into a bit of form and momentum which is key for any player and their confidence, I’m thinking is it the right time now to rotate?Most read in FootballRashford looked on from the bench as United missed glorious first half chancesHe was introduced for Joshua Zirkzee in the 61st minuteIt’s the first time Rashford has been benched since last seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We’re creating chances and you take out the guy who is actually starting to score. I just look at that and think, wow.”It was pleasing to see the manager come out and say it was rotation, nothing else, because there was some murmurings around it.”Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’He added: “But Marcus Rashford man, I think he will be sitting there thinking ‘I’ve just hit a bit of form and they’ve taken me out.’ That confuses me, it’s confusing.”But then again Garnacho has been one of the most productive players and has been causing havoc. And Amad Diallo is playing well. So it’s a hard one.”Rashford, who was linked with a move away during the summer, was introduced in the 61st minute after United dominated Palace early on by couldn’t score.Before kick-off Ten Hag said: “It is not a difficult decision, we have to rotate. We have so many games.”We also have to give Garnacho games. He has so many goals and assists off the bench, but only has one start this season.”The Dutchman also hit out at Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp post-match for assuming “obviously something’s happened”.Ten Hag said: “I heard already speculation from some pundits. That is crazy.“I would almost say that, as a person, you are not OK when you bring such speculation if you don’t know. This has nothing to do with it.“I’m very happy with Marcus, with everything.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe pair fell out last term over mid-season partying incidents, one of which caused Rashford to ring in sick and miss training before an FA Cup tie.United are back in action against Dutch outfit Twente at Old Trafford in the Europa League on Wednesday.Man Utd ratings vs Crystal Palace as Andre Onana saves the day for wasteful Red DevilsMANCHESTER UNITED were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace as they missed a flurry of first-half chances.Erik ten Hag shocked fans this afternoon when he left Marcus Rashford out of his starting XI.And the Red Devils failed to make a breakthrough – dropping two more points.Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies delivers his Man Utd player ratings…ANDRE ONANA – 8/10Had one save to make just before half time – a comfortable one from Eberechi Eze.And then, a worldie double save to keep out Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr, rivalling the one made by Arsenal’s David Raya in mid-week.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7One of United’s most consistent performers who continues to impress week by week. Strong in the tackle and great positioning to stop Palace counters.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 7Lost an early duel with Jean-Philippe Mateta which put the Frenchman in but it was pulled back for a foul. Blamed his boots and changed them moments later.Unlucky with a brilliant header from a corner that was somehow kept out by Dean Henderson and made a superb last-ditch tackle to stop Eze in the second half.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Another player who came close to scoring but for the brilliance of Henderson, swivelling and turning in the six-yard box with a stabbed effort.Lucky not to be sent off for a ridiculous two-footed lunge that narrowly avoided contact with Daichi Kamada.DIOGO DALOT – 7Played as a left winger for most of the first half, such was United’s dominance.Brilliant pick out only for Garnacho to hit the crossbar.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Covered ground well and linked defence with attack. Drifted forward more in the second half without seriously threatening.An insane Cruyff piece of skill in the second half was worth the admission fee alone.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Kept things ticking over and picked some nice passes at times but his lack of pace and physicality was evident.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tenacious in ensuring Palace’s midfield could not get a foothold in the game and grazed the top of the bar with a volley into the ground just before the half hour mark.Was United’s most creative player on the ball and should have had one goal to his name at least.AMAD DIALLO – 6Showed glimpses with some darting runs but never possessing the intent and aggression to force anything meaningful from it.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Had a personal battle with Henderson, one that he ultimately lost.Early chance to show it was the right call to start ahead of Marcus Rashford squandered – put through by Zirkzee but 1v1 effort palmed away by Henderson.Smacked the bar in a similar position from Dalot’s through ball and came close to knocking one in from close range.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 6Linked up well with Garnacho, dropping deep and slipping the winger in that should have led to the opener. Headed wide from a Diallo corner just before the break.Rightly subbed off on the hour mark as his influence waned.SUBS:MARCUS RASHFORD (ZIRKZEE, 61) – 6Did very little to convince Erik Ten Hag to throw him back into the starting XI, but was barely given the service either.MANUEL UGARTE (ERIKSEN, 76) – 6United certainly appear calmer and more solid with him at the base of their midfield.RASMUS HOJLUND (DIALLO, 76) – 6Still getting minutes back into his legs after returning from injury, but this is one of his more forgettable cameos. More

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      Man City verdict in legal challenge to Premier League rules ‘set to be revealed in coming days’

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      MANCHESTER CITY could hear the verdict on a huge legal battle with the Premier League within days.The champions are challenging financial rules designed to stop clubs getting an unfair advantage from massive sponsorship deals.Man City await the result of a big case over sponsorship dealings, but the matter of their alleged 115 fairplay breaches could take months more to resolveCredit: AlamyThe appeal is separate from the case over City’s alleged 115 breaches of Prem financial rules.But it too has big repercussions – as some rival clubs worry the top-flight’s global standing will be damaged if the Etihad club wins.Prem chiefs brought in “associated-party” transaction (APT) financial rules in December 2021 following Newcastle’s Saudi-backed takeover.The aim was to stop teams inflating sponsorship deals with organisations linked to the club owners.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSThe new rules were also intended to make sure transfers involving teams with multi-club ownerships remained fair.The Telegraph suggest many Prem opponents would be alarmed if City win their appeal.It’s also claimed a result is due imminently.Rivals reckon the Prem needs to keep the financial controls.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe fear is that losing them could create less interest in the English game at the top level across the world.That’s because it might get more difficult for so-called smaller clubs to compete financially with bigger rivals taking advantage of sponsorship arrangements.Furious Ian Wright calls Erling Haaland a ‘coward’ and says Man City star throwing ball at Gabriel ‘really boiled me up’ City launched their action in February – arguing that the rules were discriminatory.The Times revealed that Etihad chiefs want “damages for the losses which it [claims to have] incurred as a result of [what they alleged to be] the unlawfulness of the FMV [fair market value] rules”.City further say that other teams are just trying to “safeguard their own commercial advantages”Prem rules state the aim of the rules is to end the “reliance on enhanced commercial revenues” from “entities linked to the club’s ownership”.They want to ensure that such dealings don’t give clubs an “unfair advantage over domestic competitors”.Meanwhile, in the headline-grabbing other case, City could face points deductions and even possible relegation if they are found guilty of numerous financial fairplay breaches, relating to 2009-2018.The club deny all charges and say their case is backed by a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence”.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe private hearing into that matter is likely to last around 10 weeks, with a verdict expected early next year.What City may face if 115 breaches are provedBy Martin LiptonMANCHESTER City’s fate lies in the hands of the independent commission hearing the financial allegations that have hung over the club for the past 18 months.But while it is theoretically possible that the Etihad club could be banned from any competitions if they are found guilty it is, simply, not going to happen.Yes, if the commission decides the Prem charges have been proven, any and all punishments are available.That would include expulsion from the League and relegation into the lower tiers.But nobody, seriously, in the real world, believes City will be banished from the top four levels of the pyramid and cast into the National League – the only way in which they would be ineligible to play in the Carabao Cup.And while the FA will ratify any punishment imposed by the Prem, the commission has NO remit that allows it to impose a sanction that applies to any other competition.As in so many potential scenarios, the word “may” can do an awful lot of heavy lifting.I, for example, at 57, “may” be a shock signing for Arsenal. It won’t happen. But, theoretically, it “may”. If I suddenly win a few billion and buy the club, for example. Which “may” happen. But won’t.What is more intriguing – and could cause a difficult series of conversations – is a scenario in which City, having been found guilty – a very big “if” given the club’s vehement and persistent denials of all the allegations – were to win the Champions League this season, after being given a points deduction that ensures relegation.Under Uefa regulations, the holders of the competition have an AUTOMATIC right to try to retain their trophy.But all representatives of a country can only play in European competition if their names are proposed by the national federation.In other words, while people often do not realise it, no club can play in Europe without FA endorsement – normally something that is guaranteed.It would therefore fall on the FA – after discussions with Uefa – to decide if City’s name should be put forward. Similar issues would arise if they won either this season’s Carabou or FA Cups.As for the looming Club World Cup, City are already confirmed as participating, by dint of their 2022 Champions League win.Fifa rules do not give holders automatic entry to competitions, so even if they win in the USA next summer, they would have to qualify through Uefa.And if they are relegated even to the Championship, meaning at least a two season Uefa absence, they would have to win the Champions League in 2028 to qualify.City fans are in for a nervous few daysCredit: Getty- More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal 250-man axe list includes Man Utd-mad comms officer, club historian & kit man of 40 years

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      IT all got a bit emotional down at Carrington last week.While there is talk about a reboot of Manchester United under Sir Jim Ratcliffe there are things going on behind the scenes which are genuinely affecting morale.Mann Utd comms officer John Allen got a shirt and a goodbye speech from Erik ten Hag but just wanted to stay at the club he lovesCredit: SuppliedUnited’s minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is making brutal decisionsCredit: GettyStaff are being fired left, right and centre, 250 of them.It has been talked about in this column before but it deserves a revisit following the exit of a good guy called John Allen from the communications team.John is 40 and has worked for United for 25 years, starting in the ticket office before moving into the media department in 2011.He is United through and through. Something he inadvertently showed when he amusingly failed to keep his emotions in check after the Red Devils completed a 3-2 derby day comeback from 2-0 down at the Etihad in April 2018.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe press seats are just behind City fans and they were less than impressed with his reaction to Chris Smalling’s winner as he let out a cheer.Still, that is John.So on Thursday,  at his last press conference, he was understandably struggling to keep his emotions in check for a very different reason as he said goodbye.Manager Erik ten Hag gave him a team shirt with the No 25 on the back representing his years at the club and made a little speech thanking him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “John, 25 years is a very long time. You are proud of this club and proud that you worked here. You feel so connected with this club. It is a difficult moment to say goodbye.“I know you as a good colleague and a very good support for me.“I wish you all the best for what is coming, it will be great for you because you are so competent.Inside Man Utd’s wild two-day bender after winning Champions League as Paul Scholes admits he didn’t sleep for 48 hours“I wish you all the best in your work but also for your family, too.”The regular United press pack also gave him a present. It all had the air of a happy retirement but it wasn’t, this bloke was getting the shove and he didn’t want to go.Pausing to hold back the tears, John said: “It has been the biggest honour coming from Manchester to work with all these managers.“This is my club and to be able to do this, I am very lucky.”John doesn’t know why he has to leave, he is just one of those 250 Ratcliffe’s new broom is sweeping out to trim the wage bill.Also out this week was club historian Cliff Butler after 40 years working at United and Alex Wylie after the same time as kitman.Emotional goodbyes are being replicated all over the club while other members of staff are having their workloads, in some cases, doubled.That’s business, the new minority shareholder might say.But these are people’s lives.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. Ed Woodward, right, was seen as the Glazers’ man but wanted the bestCredit: AFPWith all the money that swills around football it all seems a drop in the ocean compared to the size of players’ contracts. But it is a drop which is continuing to have serious ripples.How can you aim to be the biggest and the best again when so many corners are now being cut?The man who used to run the club, Ed Woodward, came in for plenty of stick as he was seen as the Glazers’ man.But members of staff were well looked after under him. It may have been seen as largesse but it was Manchester United and he wanted everything to be the best.It was why so much money was spent on the pitch as well, not always on the best recruits in what was seen as a scattergun approach.Still, they showed the world they remained a major name.Of course the new financial rules are restricting everyone and things have to change.READ MORE SUN STORIESI’m not sure John’s departure was necessary in the grand scheme of things.And that can be said for plenty more at the self-proclaimed ‘biggest club in the world’.Man Utd ratings vs Crystal Palace as Andre Onana saves the day for wasteful Red DevilsMANCHESTER UNITED were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace as they missed a flurry of first-half chances.Erik ten Hag shocked fans this afternoon when he left Marcus Rashford out of his starting XI.And the Red Devils failed to make a breakthrough – dropping two more points.Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies delivers his Man Utd player ratings…ANDRE ONANA – 8/10Had one save to make just before half time – a comfortable one from Eberechi Eze.And then, a worldie double save to keep out Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr, rivalling the one made by Arsenal’s David Raya in mid-week.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7One of United’s most consistent performers who continues to impress week by week. Strong in the tackle and great positioning to stop Palace counters.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 7Lost an early duel with Jean-Philippe Mateta which put the Frenchman in but it was pulled back for a foul. Blamed his boots and changed them moments later.Unlucky with a brilliant header from a corner that was somehow kept out by Dean Henderson and made a superb last-ditch tackle to stop Eze in the second half.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Another player who came close to scoring but for the brilliance of Henderson, swivelling and turning in the six-yard box with a stabbed effort.Lucky not to be sent off for a ridiculous two-footed lunge that narrowly avoided contact with Daichi Kamada.DIOGO DALOT – 7Played as a left winger for most of the first half, such was United’s dominance.Brilliant pick out only for Garnacho to hit the crossbar.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Covered ground well and linked defence with attack. Drifted forward more in the second half without seriously threatening.An insane Cruyff piece of skill in the second half was worth the admission fee alone.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Kept things ticking over and picked some nice passes at times but his lack of pace and physicality was evident.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tenacious in ensuring Palace’s midfield could not get a foothold in the game and grazed the top of the bar with a volley into the ground just before the half hour mark.Was United’s most creative player on the ball and should have had one goal to his name at least.AMAD DIALLO – 6Showed glimpses with some darting runs but never possessing the intent and aggression to force anything meaningful from it.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Had a personal battle with Henderson, one that he ultimately lost.Early chance to show it was the right call to start ahead of Marcus Rashford squandered – put through by Zirkzee but 1v1 effort palmed away by Henderson.Smacked the bar in a similar position from Dalot’s through ball and came close to knocking one in from close range.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 6Linked up well with Garnacho, dropping deep and slipping the winger in that should have led to the opener. Headed wide from a Diallo corner just before the break.Rightly subbed off on the hour mark as his influence waned.SUBS:MARCUS RASHFORD (ZIRKZEE, 61) – 6Did very little to convince Erik Ten Hag to throw him back into the starting XI, but was barely given the service either.MANUEL UGARTE (ERIKSEN, 76) – 6United certainly appear calmer and more solid with him at the base of their midfield.RASMUS HOJLUND (DIALLO, 76) – 6Still getting minutes back into his legs after returning from injury, but this is one of his more forgettable cameos. More