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    Arsenal ratings: Vieira not up to being Xhaka’s replacement, Ramsdale blots copybook as Martinelli toils in vain

    ARSENAL’s title hopes all but went up in smoke against relegation battlers Southampton.Mikel Arteta’s troops drew 3-3 with bottom-of-the-table Saints – who blew a two-goal lead late in the second half.
    Southampton raced into a 2-0 lead in the first half of their clash with ArsenalCredit: Getty
    Bukayo Saka rescued a point for the GunnersCredit: AP
    But the draw has done little to help their title hopesCredit: GETTY
    The draw with Ruben Selles’ side has seen Arsenal put defending champions Manchester City – who have two games in hand on them – in the driving seat for the remainder of the title race.
    Here, SunSport’s Dan King rates and slates the performances of the floundering title hopefuls.
    Arsenal player ratings
    AARON RAMSDALE – 4
    Made a terrible error inside 25 seconds and put Arsenal on the back foot. A decent double save midway through the first half was only partial redemption.
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    Did not have a lot else to do for the rest of the night but he set the tone for the disaster.
    BEN WHITE – 5
    After recent goals and assists, was unable to do much in the attacking third, with some poor crosses. Did his work defensively until he allowed Bella-Kotchap to get the run on him from the corner for the Saints’ third goal.
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    ROB HOLDING – 6
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    Was strong in the air and did little wrong defensively, so it would be harsh to say he was any kind of weak link. Maybe he was not quite good enough on the ball, with some missed passes, but fulfilled his main role.
    GABRIEL – 5
    Left exposed for Southampton’s second goal but made it too easy for Walcott to score. His drop-off in form in Saliba’s absence has really undermined Arsenal’s defensive solidity. Off target with a first-half header.
    OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 4
    On the ball, plenty, but failed to convince in a hybrid midfield role. Gave the ball away too much, although he was not the only Arsenal player guilty of that. Totally lost Caleta-Car for the third Saints goal that killed the game and maybe their title challenge.
    Aaron Ramsdale was at fault for Southampton’s first goalCredit: GETTY
    MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5
    Wayward pass led to Southampton’s second goal on a rare off-day. Played a part in Arsenal’s first goal, and scored the second, but overall did not deliver a captain’s performance when his team really needed one.
    THOMAS PARTEY – 5
    He was there, but not quite there. With both his midfield partners in the starting line-up struggling, the Gunners needed him to step up and take the lead. But without being too poor, he went through the motions rather than setting agenda.
    FABIO VIEIRA – 4
    His lightweight performance, until substituted, summed up Arsenal’s night. Lacked the presence of Granit Xhaka, giving Southampton the initiative in midfield. Underlined the lack of depth that may well end up costing the Gunners.
    Fabio Vieira was poorCredit: REX
    BUKAYO SAKA – 8
    Had the beating of Romain Perraud from start and set up Martinelli’s goal beautifully. Needed to be given more of ball to make that superiority count. Kept trying to make things happen and grabbed equaliser.
    GABRIEL JESUS – 4
    Chose the wrong night to give the least convincing performance since his return. His touch was off and he struggled to get into game, failing to find positions and runs that could hurt the Saints. Spooned over from six yards at key moment.
    GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
    Along with Saka, the only Arsenal player to live up to anything like the reputation gained over the previous 31 games of the season. A threat almost every time he had the ball, but did not have enough team-mates on form to make it tell.
    Bukayo Saka was once again Arsenal’s shining lightCredit: GETTY
    SUBS
    LEANDRO TROSSARD (for Vieira, 57) – 6
    Found it hard to reproduce previous match-changing contributions but hit the bar in stoppage-time
    EEDDIE NKETIAH (for Zinchenko, 72) – 5
    Struggled to make an impression and was the least effective of three Arsenal subs
    REISS NELSON (for Martinelli, 85) – 6
    His shot was parried to Saka for the equaliser and had late effort deflected agonisingly wide.

    Subs not used
    Turner, Tierney, Smith Rowe, Kiwior, Jorginho and Walters. More

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    Arsenal 3 Southampton 3 LIVE RESULTS: Odegaard and Saka’s late strikes rescues point for Gunners – latest

    ARSENAL dropped another two points in this dramatic title race – but it could have been so much worse.Alcaraz and Theo Walcott put the Saint 2-0 up before Gabriel Martinelli pulled one back for the Gunners.
    Then Duje Caleta-Car’s header restored Southampton’s two-goal lead.
    But Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka’s late strikes rescued a point for the Gunners in what was a thrilling Friday night contest.

    RESULT: Arsenal 3-3 Southampton
    TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League
    Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Ben White, Holding, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Vieira; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
    Southampton XI: Bazunu; Perraud, Bednarek, Bella-Kotchap, Walker-Peters; Walcott, Ward-Prowse, Lavia, Elyounoussi; Alcaraz, Armstrong

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    Follow ALL the action from the Emirates Stadium below…
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    Both teams will certainly feel disappointed to come away from tonight’s game with just a point given the circumstances.
    But, it’s still all to play for at both ends of the table.
    Arsenal still have the Premier League title firmly within their reach while Southampton remain in touching distance from safety.
    Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
    Ruben Selles reacts
    When speaking to Sky Sports, the Southampton boss said: “I think from the very beginning we showed we are going to press high and sometimes it is hard to play against teams such as Arsenal and City as they have quality.
    “We showed character and we showed what we can do we are proud of the work ethic and that is the way we need to follow from now.
    “That’s two points dropped, but from me we showed something. For me it also two points dropped, but it is very hard here. I told them they did a fantastic job and we need to continue.”
    “We have been feeling that it is there we didn’t get what we wanted in the game and last three games we have done really good I think we need that to show what we can do it. We need the momentum.”
    Credit: Reuters
    James Ward-Prowse reacts
    When speaking to Sky Sports, the Southampton midfielder said: “A great game to play and incredible atmosphere and you can definitely feel the positive feeling here.
    “We took our chances really well and we knew they’d come on in the second-half. It’s a good point to come here, but we are disappointed not to take all three.
    “It’s a massive blow, but we have to take a lot of positives from it and I was surprised to see eight minutes at the end, a strange amount to be added on. But we have to defend better.
    “We lost our identity a bit and Ruben has definitely got that back on track with the high aggressive press. I think we tired towards the end and we came up against a world-class side.”
    “We need to follow it up with good performance and good results. We always get good points against the so called good teams but need to follow it up in following games.”
    “There here is still a lot of football. We’ve got to keep believing.”
    Credit: Getty
    Mikel Arteta reacts
    When speaking to Sky Sports, the Arsenal boss said: “Obviously unhappy with the result.
    “We made it very difficult again for ourselves but mistakes are part of football but the way we reacted I love my players more than ever.
    “It is incredible, we were on the way back, we conceded again with a sloppy goal but in the end we should have won the game. We created enough chances and opportunities but it didn’t happen and we are disappointed.
    “You can’t concede three goals in this league, if you concede three like we did in a sloppy way it is very difficult to win matches.
    “This young team reacts in a way that is incredible, when it is against the odds but the chances they created and the spirit they had it was a joy to watch. The message is clear that I love them.
    “We are down and they are more willing than anybody to win it. You can see that spirit and fight in the dressing room but it is clear we have to do defensively things better.”
    Credit: EPA
    Gabriel Jesus reacts
    When speaking to Sky Sports, the Arsenal striker said: “A lot of things is going on now.
    “We don’t want to come here and talk negative because we are very positive, what we are doing this season is amazing. The Premier League is tough.
    “Now is the difficult moment. It is time now to stick together until the end. We still have a lot of things to do this season, it is not over, we are still five points clear.
    “Manchester City have two games in hand but if we want to be champions we have to go there to win the game – that is all.
    “We are the youngest team in the league, not making excuses. Sometimes we do right and sometimes we do wrong, everyone can make mistakes that is why it is so important to stick together.
    “Everything can happen. Obviously we are not happy with the last three games, we dropped points and we know this is true, no one has to tell us.
    “We dropped a little bit of our level and focus, this is the Premier League, it is so difficult to win this competition.
    “We are still there, we are still fighting and we will fight until the end.”
    Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Full Time – Arsenal 3-3 Southampton
    Arsenal dominated this evening’s clash, but they only have a point to show for it.

    Full Time – Arsenal 3-3 Southampton
    Southampton thought they had all three points. They thought they had climbed off the bottom of the Premier League table.
    But Arsenal somehow managed to salvage a point in dramatic circumstances when all seemed lost.
    Ruben Selles and his team still have a huge mountain to climb if they want to avoid relegation.
    Full Time – Arsenal 3-3 Southampton
    What. A. Game.
    It was a monumental comeback from the Gunners, but Arteta and his team will be incredibly disappointed to come away with just a point.
    Credit: Reuters
    90+5. Arsenal 3-3 Southampton
    Nelson’s shot is deflected inches wide of the post!
    90+3. Arsenal 3-3 Southampton
    Huge chance for Arsenal!
    Trossard hits the bar!
    90. GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLL ARSENAL!!!
    IT IS!
    Arsenal are LEVEL!
    With EIGHT minutes added on!

    88. GOOOAAAAALLLLLLL ARSENAL!!!!!
    Odegaard gets one back with a long range strike into the bottom corner!
    Is this the start of an unbelievable comeback?!

    86. Arsenal 1-3 Southampton
    Southampton make another change.
    Lavia is replaced by Diallo.
    85. Arsenal 1-3 Southampton
    Another change for Arsenal.
    Nelson is on for Martinelli.
    80. Arsenal 1-3 Southampton
    Saka sends the ball to Jesus in the box, but the striker can’t get enough contact on it.
    Far too many chances missed by the Gunners this evening.
    77. Arsenal 1-3 Southampton
    A double change for Southampton.
    Walcott is replaced by Sulemana.
    Armstrong is replaced by Onuachu.
    76. Arsenal 1-3 Southampton
    Armstrong is shown a yellow card for throwing the ball away.
    72. Arsenal 1-3 Southampton
    Another change for Arsenal.
    Nketiah is on for Zinchenko.
    67. Arsenal 1-3 Southampton
    Arsenal have completely dominated this game, but another lapse in concentration has cost them again!
    Ward-Prowse sends a corner into the box which is flicked on to Caleta-Car at the back post.
    The defender is left completely free to head it into the back of the net!
    Credit: Reuters
    66. GOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL SOUTHAMPTON!!!
    Completely against the run of play, Southampton get another!

    63. Arsenal 1-2 Southampton
    Southampton are desperately trying to see out this game with a very defensive formation.
    The only problem is… there is still half an hour to play.
    And Arsenal are looking very dangerous.
    57. Arsenal 1-2 Southampton
    Arsenal make their first substitution.
    Vieira is replaced by Trossard.
    55. Arsenal 1-2 Southampton
    Saka sends a dangerous cross to Vieira in the box, but Lyanco deflects the ball away before the midfielder can head it towards goal.
    Credit: Reuters
    52. Arsenal 1-2 Southampton
    Another penalty appeal for the Gunners as Odegaard goes to ground, but once again, nothing is given.
    51. Arsenal 1-2 Southampton
    Arsenal appeal for a penalty following an off-the-ball challenge from Caleta-Car on Jesus, but no action is taken.
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    Arsenal 3 Southampton 3: Premier League classic as Gunners stage late comeback but title tilt still suffers major blow

    ARSENAL’s title hopes are hanging by a thread after Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders shot themselves in both feet against bottom of the table Southampton.Now it’s s*** or bust at Manchester City next Wednesday, when nothing less than victory will be enough to keep their dreams alive.
    Arsenal scored two late goals to salvage a point against the SaintsCredit: Reuters
    Gabriel Martinelli pulled one back for the Gunners to make it 2-1Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    It was another two points dropped for the GunnersCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    And after chucking away six points in their last three games you certainly wouldn’t bet on them stopping the rot against Pep Guardiola’s serial Champions.
    It could have been a whole worse for Arteta’s men, who staged another stunning late comeback with two goals in the dying minutes from Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.
    But in the cold light of day this will still feel like another two points dropped rather than one point saved for a team who look to be losing their nerve at the business end of the season again.
    Because if Arsenal supporters thought that surrendering consecutive two-goal leads against Liverpool and West Ham was bad, it didn’t even compare to this horror show.
    Their team was trailing right from the kick-off and completely lost their heads as struggling Southampton so nearly pulled off the biggest shock of the season.
    Now Saints boss Ruben Selles will have to pick his team off the floor again after they were denied a first away win at Arsenal since 1987 right at the death.
    But though they remain deep in the brown stuff, at least they have momentum on their side for the battles ahead. 
    Which is more than can be said for Arsenal right now
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    Arteta had claimed that his team had been so fired up in training all week that he’d actually had to hold them back.
    But that certainly wasn’t how it looked when they found themselves a goal down after just 27 seconds with keeper Aaron Ramsdale apparently half asleep.
    There was no pressure whatsoever on the England international when he received the ball straight from kick-off but for some unfathomable reason he rolled it directly to Saints star Carlos Alcaraz.
    The young Argentine could barely believe his luck as he picked his spot and calmly slotted his shot into the top corner.
    It wasn’t quite as quick as the goal Arsenal conceded to Bournemouth in just 9.11 seconds last month yet it came as even more of a shock to the stunned Emirates supporters.
    But worse was soon to follow for Arteta when another of his most reliable players handed struggling Saints another gift-wrapped goal in the 14th minute.
    This time it was skipper Martin Odegaard who conceded cheap possession for Alcaraz to turn provider with a perfectly weighted through ball to Theo Walcott.
    The one-time Arsenal favourite might not be as quick as he used to be but he still had enough pace to run away from Gabriel Magalhaes and roll his shot beyond the bewildered Ramsdale.
    At least he had the good grace not to celebrate the goal which threatened to wreck his former team’s title dreams.
    But it was still too much for Oleksandr Zinchenko, who furiously summoned all his team-mates for an urgent pep talk/b******ing.
    And those home truths finally seemed to rouse his dopey team-mates from their torpor when Gabriel Martinelli reduced the arrears midway through the first-half.
    Saka skinned Romain Perraud down the flank and when he crossed from the by-line Martinelli was perfectly placed to score his 15th goal of the season with a thumping volley.
    Yet still Arsenal were still as wide open as a barn door at the back and it took a vital double save from Ramsdale from Mohamed Elyounoussi and Alcaraz to make partial amends for his earlier howler.
    But inspired by memories of recent comeback victories against Bournemouth and Aston Villa, Arsenal now had the bit between their teeth and laid siege to Gavin Bazunu’s goal.
    Odegaard headed over, Fabio Vieira shot wide, Ben White’s header was cleared off the line by that man Alcaraz and Gabriel Jesus had a couple of efforts blocked by Bazunu and Armel Bella-Kotchap.
    The visitors were fighting for their lives seemed to be inviting trouble when the impressive Alcaraz was hauled off at half-time to go with a back five.
    But Selles clearly knew what he was doing when James Ward-Prowse’s 66th minute corner was flicked on by Bella-Kotchap for sub Duje Caleta-Car to head in at the back post.
    Yet the one thing you can say about this Arsenal team is that they never know when they are beaten and when Odegaard fired home in the 88th minute another famous prison break was on.
    Saka lifted the roof off the Emirates when he fired in a 90th minute equaliser after Bazunu could only parry an initial low effort.
    It means Arsenal are now just five points ahead of City, who have two games in hand and home advantage in next week’s title decider.

    Game over the Gunners?
    It’s beginning to look that way.
    Duje Caleta-Car had scored to put Southampton 3-1 aheadCredit: Getty
    Carlos Alcaraz had initially put Southampton ahead after just 27 secondsCredit: AFP
    Theo Walcott scored against his former club to double Southampton’s leadCredit: Reuters More

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    Ralf Rangnick ‘very worried’ about Christopher Nkunku and thinks he’s agreed Chelsea transfer ‘far too early’

    FORMER Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has declared Christopher Nkunku agreed to join Chelsea “far too early”.The RB Leipzig star is expected to join the Blues at the end of the season in a deal worth a reported £63million.
    Christopher Nkunku will reportedly join Chelsea in the summerCredit: Getty
    Ralf Rangnick hit out at Nkunku’s decision to join the BluesCredit: PA
    But the 25-year-old will arrive at Stamford Bridge with the club in turmoil.
    Chelsea are currently slumped 11th in the Premier League table having sacked Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter this season.
    The Blues have spent over £600million over the last two transfer windows, and Nkunku is set to join the long list of new arrivals at the club.
    Rangnick has hit out at Chelsea’s transfer strategy, something Blues star Thiago Silva also slammed in recent days.
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    And Rangnick claimed Nkunku has made a decision on his future far too soon.
    He told ZDF sports, via German newspaper Bild: “At the moment, no matter who comes as a coach, you can’t really recommend anyone to go there (to Chelsea).
    “The very first thing to do is establish some sort of strategy and reduce the squad to a reasonable size that any coach can work with.
    “I’m also thinking of a player whose commitment to RB Leipzig I was at least a little involved in – Christopher Nkunku – for me one of the best attacking midfielders currently available.
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    “And who, in my opinion, decided to move to Chelsea far too early.”
    Rangnick also said he would be “worried” if he was a representative for Nkunku.
    He added on the attacker: “Imagine he comes to a club that is in the state it is at the moment. Such an outstanding player.
    “This hurts my heart personally. If I were his advisor or his father, I would be very worried right now.”
    Nkunku has played 28 games in all competitions this season – scoring 17 goals and providing two assists. More

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    Erling Haaland fan immortalises Man City striker in famous masterpieces and iconic film scenes

    ERLING Haaland’s masterpiece goals inspired an artist to immortalise him in scores of classic images.Self-taught Rory O’Keefe even portrayed the Manchester City striker as Johannes Vermeer’s famous Girl With A Pearl Earring.
    Erling Haaland as Johannes Vermeer’s famous Girl With A Pearl EarringCredit: Deadline
    The striker is painted like Vincent van GoghCredit: © RoryPaints – http://www.redbubble.com/people/RoryPaint
    Haaland in the style of Jack & Rose from the movie TitanicCredit: Deadline
    The City ace in the Obama-style posterCredit: Deadline
    Others are in the style of Van Gogh, Barack Obama’s Hope campaign poster and a church stained-glass window.
    The record-breaking Norwegian, 22, is also shown as both Jack and Rose in the bow scene from Titanic.
    Rory, from Cardiff, said: “Erling Haaland is my muse. I’ve painted him over 100 times in many different ways.”
    Asked why pick him, he added: “Why does anyone paint anything?
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    “Why did Monet paint water lilies? Why did da Vinci paint the Mona Lisa? Why did cavemen paint animals with faeces in caves?”
    He added the works were not for sale.
    Refusing to give more details, he said: “My reasons will remain a mystery”.
    Haaland, 22, has so far scored 48 goals in his first Premier League season.
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    Haaland as master complete with houndsCredit: Deadline
    The footie player as the iconic cherubCredit: © RoryPaints – http://www.redbubble.com/people/RoryPaint
    Haaland is painted in a church stained-glass windowCredit: © RoryPaints – http://www.redbubble.com/people/RoryPaint
    Haaland in the style of a religious paintingCredit: Deadline
    Haaland has so far scored 48 goals in his first Premier League seasonCredit: Getty
    Rory O’Keefe said: ‘Erling Haaland is my muse. I’ve painted him over 100 times in many different ways’Credit: Deadline More

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    Southampton star Jan Bednarek FUMING after being told he had to be substituted after horror landing

    SOUTHAMPTON star Jan Bednarek appeared to be left fuming after being told he had to be substituted against Arsenal.The defender landed awkwardly on the floor after a coming together with Gabriel Martinelli.
    Jan Bednarek landed awkwardly following this collision with Gabriel MartinelliCredit: Sky Sports
    Bednarek was told that he could not continue following the incidentCredit: Sky Sports
    Jan Bednarek was seemingly fuming after being told he had to be substitutedCredit: AFP
    Bednarek initially lay motionless on the deck, with doctors rushing on to treat him.
    However, after standing up he appeared to insist he was ok to continue playing.
    The Poland international appeared to plead with medics to let him play on following the coming together.
    But Bednarek was overruled by the Southampton medical team and subbed off for Duje Caleta-Car shortly before half-time.
    Even an Arsenal club doctor appeared to back up the Southampton medical team in not allowing Bednarek to continue, according to the Evening Standard.
    Fans on social media were impressed by Bednarek’s commitment to the cause, but praised the medical team for making the decision to stop him from playing on.
    One Southampton account wrote on Twitter: “Have to admire the commitment from Bednarek but the medics were spot on to stop him from coming back on.”
    Another supporter wrote: “Glad common sense (and medical protocols) prevailed re Bednarek.”
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    A third said: “Well done to the Southampton medical staff for not allowing Bednarek to come back on with a head injury.”
    And a fourth added: “Class from both sides. Great to see a football player that still wants to push through for his team and care about the badge. Even better that there’s a medical team that can override said passion in the name of player safety.”
    Speaking on Sky Sports’ commentary, Gary Neville said: “Bednarek is disappointed but sometimes you just need your medical staff to look after you.
    “He is arguing with his medical team, [the] doctor from Arsenal team is coming up to him and saying you are off.
    “I don’t like them (falls). Good work from the medical team, they stood their ground, not easy.”
    Southampton took a shock lead at the league leaders just 28 seconds into the game after a howler from Aaron Ramsdale.
    Theo Walcott scored against his former club to double the Saints’ lead, before Martinelli pulled one back for Arsenal.
    But Bednarek’s replacement, Caleta-Car, restored the visitors’ two-goal lead after the break.
    However, two late goals from Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka saw the hosts fight back to draw the game 3-3. More

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    Julian Nagelsmann breaks silence on why he rejected chance to manage Chelsea with Mauricio Pochettino new favourite

    JULIAN NAGELSMANN has spoken for the first time since rejecting the chance to manage Chelsea.The German manager, 35, was one of the frontrunners for the job at Stamford Bridge following the sacking of Graham Potter.
    Julian Nagelsmann has spoken about his rejection of ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Mauricio Pochettino is now the favourite for the role at the BluesCredit: Getty
    The Blues are on the hunt for their next permanent boss to arrive in the summer following Frank Lampard’s stint as interim manager.
    The club legend has lost all four of his games in charge of the club since his return, making the focus on who will replace him even more intense.
    However, they were dealt a blow as the former Bayern Munich boss ruled himself out of the race.
    When asked why talks collapsed with the Blues, he told Sky Sports DE: “To cancel something, you have to commit to something.”
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    Journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the German had many rounds of talks with Chelsea.
    But the move collapsed due to the timing, with Nagelsmann wanting to “plan for his future”.
    Romano also suggested that the out-of-work manager and the club have “different views on crucial points”.
    This means that the West London side will have to turn to their other targets for the managerial hunt.
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    Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pocchetino is likely the leading candidate as ex-Spain and Barcelona boss Luis Enrique was ruled out by the club.
    The 51-year-old Argentine has been out of work since he was sacked by Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season.
    The ex-Southampton chief capped off his five-year stint at White Hart Lane by leading Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final, where they lost to Liverpool.
    But he was sacked just months later following a poor start to the 2019-20 campaign before eventually taking over at PSG in January 2021, winning the Coupe de France and Ligue 1 prior to his departure.
    Another candidate for the role is Burnley’s Vincent Kompany, while Napoli’s Luciano Spalletti and Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim are others believed to have been spoken to by Chelsea chiefs.
    Meanwhile, club co-owner Todd Boehly is ready to introduce a new transfer policy to drag his side back towards the top of the table.
    And it could see a radically different squad at Stamford Bridge next campaign. More

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    Arsenal fans rage that Ramsdale is ‘doing a De Gea impression’ as howler gifts Southampton lead after just 27 SECONDS

    SOUTHAMPTON’s opening goal in their 3-3 thriller at league leaders Arsenal came courtesy of a gift from Aaron Ramsdale.The Gunners stopper passed it directly to Saints man Carlos Alcaraz as he tried to play out from the back.
    Aaron Ramsdale gifted the ball straight to Carlos AlcarazCredit: Sky Sports
    Alcaraz made no mistake and punished Ramsdale for his errorCredit: Sky Sports
    Arsenal’s stars rallied around Ramsdale following his errorCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Mikel Arteta was seen consoling Ramsdale following his errorCredit: Alamy
    OH MY WORD 🤯Barely 30 seconds in and Carlos Alcaraz puts Southampton ahead after a shocker from Aaron Ramsdale! pic.twitter.com/T1kZVTwldr— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 21, 2023

    And Alacaraz gleefully made Ramsdale pay for his error, composing himself before curling home just 27 SECONDS into the game.
    Ramsdale’s team-mates rallied around him following his error, while Mikel Arteta was also seen consoling his keeper.
    However, fans trolled the goalie on social media, despite the Arsenal man enjoying a superb season between the sticks.
    Ramsdale was compared to Manchester United stopper David De Gea, who endured a tough night in Thursday’s Europa League defeat to Sevilla.
    Read More on Arsenal
    One wrote on Twitter: “Ramsdale doing his best David de Gea impression.”
    Another said: “Ramsdale learnt well from De Gea.”
    Former Chelsea and West Ham defender Scott Minto said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Aaron Ramsdale clearly didn’t watch David de Gea last night!”
    Speaking on Sky Sports’ commentary, Gary Neville said: “Wow, I had flashbacks to David de Gea and Harry Maguire last night, the difference is that got there this didn’t.
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    “It was telegraphed, what a start to this game, I thought Ramsdale was fantastic at Anfield a few weeks ago, could have done better for second goal v West Ham.
    “But that is a very nervy start and has put the team top of the league against the bottom right up against it.”
    Ramsdale went some way to redeeming himself by denying Alcaraz with a superb reaction save on 25 minutes.
    An incredible start at the Emirates saw former Arsenal man Theo Walcott double Southampton’s lead on 14 minutes leading to Oleksandr Zinchenko to hold an on-pitch inquest.
    The Gunners then pulled one back six minutes later as Gabriel Martinelli volleyed home from a Bukayo Saka cross to finish off an excellent team move.
    The action didn’t finish there as Southampton then went 3-1 up in the second half through Duje Caleta-Car.
    But at the death, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka managed to salvage a point for the Gunners. More