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    Man Utd fans rage VAR is ‘taking the p***’ as ‘BLATANT’ handball not given in Crystal Palace defeat

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been left raging at VAR after their defeat with Crystal Palace.The Red Devils were denied a penalty after a view by the match officials at Old Trafford.
    Manchester United were denied a penalty by VAR after the ball hit Joel Ward’s hand
    United players were fuming at the decision
    Untied supporters were convinced their side should have been awarded a penalty after the ball appeared to strike Joel Ward’s hand.
    However, Chris Kavanagh’s on-field decision was not overturned and a penalty was not awarded.
    Reacting to the decision, one fan tweeted: “The handball from Ward changed the direction of the ball. VAR useless again.”
    Another added: “Can someone explain to me why that wasn’t handball from Ward?”
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    A third supporter also fumed: “You taking the actual p***. How is that not a handball on Ward.”
    Meanwhile, one more commented: “Make the handball rule make sense, that travelled 30 yards before it hit Wards hand and still no penalty.”
    The decision proved crucial to the result, with United falling behind during the first half.
    Joachim Andersen’s goal after 25 minutes gave Palace the lead just days after they had been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by the same opponents.
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    Palace were able to frustrate their hosts and hold on to their advantage for the remainder of the match.
    The result gave Roy Hodgson’s side their third win of the season as they leapfrogged United in the table.
    As for the Red Devils, Erik ten Hag has now seen his team lose four of their first seven Premier League matches this term. More

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    Bournemouth 0 Arsenal 4: Gunners run riot on south coast to close gap on Man City to ONE POINT.. and even Havertz scored

    MIKEL ARTETA enjoyed a relaxing day by the seaside as his Arsenal team strolled to victory at Bournemouth.First-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were more than enough to maintain the Gunners’ unbeaten start to the season.
    Kai Havertz scored his first Premier League goal for ArsenalCredit: Reuters
    In fact it was so easy that even Kai Havertz broke his duck after an incredible act of generosity from his team-mates.
    Yet they barely had to break into a sweat to see off the tame Cherries, who have now failed to win a Premier League game in five months.
    Arteta might have been a boyhood team-mate of Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola but there was no old pals act for his Basque buddy at the Vitality.
    It took Arsenal just 17 minutes to take control of this match when Saka was able to nod in from a yard out after Gabriel Jesus’ header had come back off the far post.
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    And captain Odegaard put the game beyond doubt just before half-time when he sent Neto the wrong way from the penalty spot after Eddie Nketiah had been taken out by Max Aarons.
    Bournemouth were in full self-destruct mode by now and presented the visitors with another spot-kick shortly after the break when Ryan Christie inexplicably ploughed right through the back of Odegaard.
    Saka stepped up to take the ball but then presented it to Havertz, who has been struggling to win over the Arsenal fans since his £65million mive from Chelsea in the summer.
    The German international might have been low on confidence after his stuttering start to life in north London, but there was nothing hesitant about his finish as he coolly sent Neto the wrong way before being mobbed by his jubilant team-mates,
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    And they were not finished there, with Ben White heading home from Odegaard’s stoppage time free-kick to complete Bournemouth’s humiliation.
    It was all too easy for the Premier League’s away day specialists who won more points on their travels than any other team last season and have taken maximum points from their three games on the road so far this time.
    But it is already starting to look grim for Bournemouth and the ease with which they were brushed aside does not bode well for Iraola’s long-term prospects.
    THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Kai Havertz finally scores for Arsenal but fans think he’s ‘forgotten how to celebrate’ as team-mates mob him

    KAI HAVERTZ finally got on the scoresheet for Arsenal today – but fans have joked that he “forgot” how to celebrate it.The midfielder, who completed a £65million switch from Chelsea in June, scored Arsenal’s third goal against Bournemouth from the penalty spot.
    Kai Havertz scored his first Arsenal goal against BournemouthCredit: Getty
    The midfielder was instantly surrounded by his team-mates after converting a penaltyCredit: Getty
    After being handed the ball by captain Martin Odegaard, he stepped up and sent Neto the wrong way before slotting it into the bottom-left corner.
    However, before he got the chance to celebrate he was instantly surrounded by his teammates.
    Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Magalhaes and Odegaard all jumped in to congratulate the midfielder.
    And Arsenal fans flocked to social media to react, with one person writing: “What a big moment for Havertz that is. Every single Arsenal player ran over to celebrate with him in front of the visiting fans. They are absolutely delighted.”
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    Another added: “That was very wholesome moment Saka & Odegaard giving the penalty to Havertz. Seeing the whole squad celebrate that goal to make it 3-0 was beautiful really was.”
    A third wrote: “FAIR PLAY HAVERTZ, great penalty and composure. I love the Arsenal players making him celebrate it properly. Nice move to get his confidence back.”
    However, some fans joked that he had “forgotten” how to celebrate.
    One person commented: “Havertz has forgotten on how to celebrate, good on captain O and Saka allowing him to take it #Arsenal.”
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    While another said: “Been so long since Havertz scored a goal. Bro forgot how to celebrate!”
    Arsenal led the match 3-0 following Havertz’s second-half strike.
    Saka opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Odegaard extended the advantage just before half time.
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta expressed his support for Havertz during his pre-match press conference on Friday.
    He said: “We are trying to help him as much as possible. He needs to keep improving and with any player, the way he tries and applies himself.
    “If he doesn’t perform, it’s up to us. He needs to play within the team.
    “[We will] try to give him as much support and confidence as we can because that is going to help him for sure.” More

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    William Saliba claims ‘without my injury Arsenal could have been champions’ as fans say ‘I live for this confidence’

    WILLIAM SALIBA believes Arsenal would have won the league last season if he had not got injured.The centre-back missed the Gunners’ last 11 Premier League matches of the season.
    William Saliba claims Arsenal would have won the league if he did not get injured last seasonCredit: Getty
    Arsenal won their first two games after Saliba picked up a back injury – against Crystal Palace and Leeds.
    But Mikel Arteta’s side then went four games without a win, and conceded 11 goals in that run.
    Manchester City took control in the title race and did not let Arsenal back in, but Saliba feels things would have been different if he was fit.
    He told Telefoot: “Yeah, it’s clear with me (fully fit), Arsenal could have been champions, but injuries are a part of football.
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    “Last year, I had a good season. Unfortunately, I got injured during the year and at the final sprint.”
    Fans loved Saliba’s comments with one writing: “I live for this confidence.”
    Arsenal were five points clear of City after Saliba’s last game of the season – a 3-0 win at Fulham.
    They ended up five points behind Pep Guardiola’s side after winning just five of their final 11 games.
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    That included three defeats – the same amount Arsenal suffered in 27 games with Saliba in the side.
    The Gunners remain unbeaten this season with Saliba featuring in all of their Prem matches.
    He was a doubt for the match against Bournemouth after failing to train all week but was named in the starting line-up. More

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    Bournemouth 0 Arsenal 4 LIVE: Gunners run riot to close gap on City as Havertz grabs first goal – Prem updates

    ARSENAL will be determined to put their North London derby draw behind them with a win against Bournemouth – and they couldn’t have dreamed for a better start.Bukayo Saka nodded the Gunners ahead after Gabriel Jesus’ initial header hit the post.
    Martin Odegaard doubled Arsenal’s lead before Kai Havertz got on the scoresheet through a coolly dispatched penalty.
    And Ben White’s stoppage-time head put the icing on the cake for the Gunners.

    RESULT: Bournemouth 0-4 Arsenal
    TV/Live stream: Not televised in UK
    Bournemouth XI: Neto; Aarons, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Cook, Philip; Tavernier, Christie, Kluivert; Solanke
    Arsenal XI: Raya (GK), Saliba, White, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Saka, Odegaard (C), Havertz, Rice, Gabriel Jesus, Nketiah

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    Follow all the action with our live blog below…
    FT: Bournemouth 0-4 Arsenal
    The Cherries suffer a drubbing at the hands of Arsenal.
    From start to finish The Gunners were in control of the game.
    They will feel it could have been more.

    FT: Bournemouth 0-4 Arsenal
    The referee brings the game to a close.
    It has been a heavy defeat for Bournemouth in every aspect of the game.
    Job done as far as Mikel Arteta is concerned.
    Bournemouth 0-4 Arsenal
    90+6. Arsenal almost make it five as Jesus lays it off to Smith Rowe.
    His curling shot is tipped around the post by Neto.
    The Cherries are really struggling here.
    Bournemouth 0-4 Arsenal
    90+4. Salt is rubbed into the wound as a free kick comes in from Odegaard and White gets up to head it.
    Neto can get nowhere near the ball as it heads into the top corner.
    VAR is currently checking it for offside.
    Goal – Ben White (Arsenal)
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    90+2. Arsenal are camped out in the Bournemouth half now.
    The home players and fans look ready for the final whistle to put them out of their misery.
    Iraola is sunk into his seat on the bench.
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    90. The Bournemouth fans are leaving the ground in their droves.
    Cherries’ fans have seen enough for today.
    We are going to have seven additional minutes of torture for the home fans.
    Smith Rowe has the chance to make it four-nil but Neto gets a touch to take the ball wide of the goal.
    Credit: Getty
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    88. It will be important for Arsenal to keep a clean sheet now.
    Jesus is limping after that challenge with Neto.
    Arteta will be worried about all these casualties.
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    86. The Gunners come forward, looking for another goal.
    Jesus is played in and tries to square the ball as Neto slides in.
    The ball rebounds off the Brazilian for a goal kick.
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    84. The away end starts to sing ‘shall we sing a song for you?’
    Arsenal continues to pass the ball around the back four.
    Raya joins in the festivities as Bournemouth chase the ball.
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    82. The game has become a bit dead now.
    There is no doubting Arsenal are walking away with all three points.
    Bournemouth heads are down as they struggle to even register a goal themselves this afternoon.
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    80. Emile Smith Rowe is being introduced to the action.
    Neto is down for Bournemouth and struggling once again.
    Meanwhile the Arsenal travelling fans continue to make themselves heard.
    Rice and Havertz make way for Smith Rowe and Jorginho.
    Credit: PA
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    78. Another chance for Arsenal as Jesus gets into the box.
    He tries his luck from a right angle but the ball goes fizzing past the far post.
    It would have been some goal to score from there.
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    76. Viera comes on for Saka who is hobbling off the pitch.
    It would be refreshing to see him walk off the pitch one week.
    With Champions League action in the week, it will be a worry for Saka to see.
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    74. All you can hear at the Vitality Stadium is the away end singing.
    The travelling Arsenal fans are having a great day out.
    It is looking very comfortable for The Gunners as the artist formerly known as Billing is brought off.
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    72. The Cherries come forward as the ball is played into Solanke.
    He manages to find Christie who lays it off to Zerkez.
    His shot goes well over the bar but on the follow through he collides with Saka.
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    70. This has been an easy day at the office for Arsenal.
    While you can say Arteta’s side have played well, you have to worry for Bournemouth’s plight this season.
    Their best hope of staying up this season is that there are three teams worse than them in the league.
    Credit: Reuters
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    68. Christie whips in a cross from the right wing but Raya comes to collect the ball under no challenge.
    They break upfield and the ball ends up with Nketiah, who cuts inside and looks to shoot at goal but the ball goes harmlessly wide.
    It is his last involvement of the game as he and Zinchenko are substituted for Tomiyasu and Nelson.
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    66. Christie comes forward for Bournemouth but has no options so passes the ball backwards.
    It is a surprise that Iraola has not brought Kieffer Moore on.
    The big physical striker would allow them to play a more direct style which could test the visitors.
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    64. Arsenal come forward once again but the move breaks down when Zinchenko tries an elaborate diving header.
    Bournemouth come forward on the counter but once again the move breaks down.
    It is hard to see a way back into this game for the hosts now.
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    62. Cook is penalised for a foul on Jesus.
    The referee awards the visitors a free kick.
    Arsenal are knocking the ball around, making The Cherries chase shadows right now.
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    60. Iraola makes some changes for Bournemouth.
    He needs his players to start performing more on the pitch or he could be the next replacement the club makes.
    Arsenal come forward once again as Havertz cuts it back to Nketiah but it is cut out for a corner.
    Credit: Reuters
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    58. The Arsenal fans are creating a real carnival atmosphere in the away end now.
    It seems they are really enjoying their trip to the south coast.
    As for the action on the pitch, since that third goal, it is all looking all too comfortable for the visitors.
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    56. Nketiah is running clear of the two covering defenders and as he heads towards goal he takes a heavy touch.
    The Arsenal striker knows he is not going to get to the ball before Neto and goes to ground looking for a free kick.
    Both the referee and the VAR room are having none of it.
    Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
    54. Arsenal seem to be handing the penalty taking responsibilities around right now.
    Saka takes the ball, hands it to Odegaard who then gives it to Havertz.
    He puts the penalty into the bottom corner, with Neto going the other way.
    Load more entries… More

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    Chelsea icon savages Kai Havertz as he reveals best position is ‘on the bench’ even after quitting Blues to join Arsenal

    FRANK LEBOEUF has claimed Kai Havertz’s best position is on the bench.The Chelsea icon ripped into the Arsenal star following his move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer.
    Kai Havertz has been slammed by Chelsea icon Frank LeboeufCredit: Alamy
    Leboeuf claimed Havertz’s best position is ‘on the bench’Credit: PA
    Havertz has made a slow start to life in North London and is yet to grab his first goal or assist for the Gunners.
    His form has prompted Leboeuf to give the German playmaker a scathing review.
    Asked what Havertz’s best position is, the Frenchman told ESPN FC: “Maybe right now on the bench (is his best position) because he doesn’t disturb the others.
    “We talked about it in pre-season when we knew he signed. His positioning is going to affect the rest of the midfielders, they are unbalanced because of him and Odegaard playing in almost the same line.
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    “What made Arsenal strong last season, Odegaard was on his own trying to create the game and the others were working for him.
    “Maybe playing on the left but when you have Trossard and Martinelli I don’t see any room for him.
    “I think from Arteta it was a mistake to hire Havertz, I don’t find any good position for him.”
    Havertz has failed to score or assist in his nine appearances for Arsenal so far this season.
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    After starting the first four Premier League matches, he was dropped by Mikel Arteta for the win at Everton earlier this month.
    However, the Spaniard recalled Havertz to the starting line-up for Arsenal’s trip to Bournemouth on Saturday.
    Prior to joining the Gunners, Havertz scored 32 goals in 139 appearances during three years at Chelsea. More

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    Fans have amazing theory why Aston Villa raced into lead against Brighton as Unai Emery’s side break into top four

    FANS have come up with an amazing theory for Aston Villa’s stunning display against Brighton.Unai Emery’s side raced into a lead on their way to a 6-1 victory at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.
    Aston Villa raced into an early lead as they beat Brighton 6-1Credit: AFP
    The heavy win sees Villa move into the top four, leapfrogging Brighton into third on goal difference.
    A brace from Ollie Watkins and a Pervis Estupinan own goal had the hosts three goals ahead inside the opening half an hour.
    Supporters are now convinced that Villa’s shirts were behind their fast start to the match.
    One fan tweeted: “Villa playing like they need to have a decent lead before the sweat in their shirt weighs them down too much.”
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    Another joked: “Imagine how bad this could have been if Villa’s shirts weren’t weighing them down.”
    A third also wrote: “I guess Aston Villa’s heavy shirts were weighing them down.”
    Meanwhile, one more fan commented: “Those Villa shirts don’t appear to be holding the lads back.”
    Villa are set to end their kit deal with Castore after players from both their men’s and women’s teams complained about the shirts.
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    Villa’s wet look kits did not hold them back against BrightonCredit: Reuters
    The kit’s wet look has been a major talking point this season with players left looking drenched during matches.
    However, the shirts did not appear to affect their performance against the Seagulls.
    Captain John McGinn did admit that “it’s still heavy, don’t worry about that,” as he spoke to TNT Sports after the match.
    Villa’s fast start saw the hosts go in 3-0 up at half-time and they remained ruthless even after Ansu Fati pulled one back for Brighton.
    Watkins completed his hat-trick before Jacob Ramsay and Douglas Luiz completed the scoring late on. More

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    Eagle-eyed fans spot Alejandro Garnacho has replaced Cristiano Ronaldo as phone wallpaper ahead of Man Utd vs Palace

    MANCHESTER UNITED forward Alejandro Garnacho showed off his new phone background after arriving at Old Trafford this afternoon.The 19-year-old previously had a Cristiano Ronaldo tribute as his lockscreen.
    Alejandro Garnacho showed off his phone background ahead if Man Utd vs Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
    His previous background was an image of him recreating one of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s celebrations after scoring his first senior goal for Man Utd in November.
    Fans spotted it in December, shortly after Ronaldo was dismissed from Old Trafford.
    But many were left delighted and hailed Garnacho as “amazing”.
    The winger has now had a change, swapping the Ronaldo tribute for a recent snap of him celebrating.
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    And eagle-eyed fans were quick to point out the image on social media.
    One person tweeted: “Garnacho has arrived and has a new lockscreen on his phone 👀.”
    While another added: “Garnacho’s phone screen 😂.”
    Garnacho has made six appearances for Man Utd so far this season.
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    However, Erik ten Hag has claimed that his start to the campaign was “not good enough.”
    He said: “You have seen at the start of the season [that] we played him… his contribution was not good enough.”
    The Red Devils face Crystal Palace at Old Trafford this afternoon. More