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      in Soccer

      Chelsea 0 Southampton 1 LIVE RESULT: Fears for Azpilicueta as Chelsea ace stretchered off during shock defeat

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      CHELSEA’S torrid winless run continues as they were stunned by relegation-battling Southampton at Stamford Bridge.James Ward-Prowse’s stunning free-kick was enough to seal the deal in West London.
      But the game was clouded by Cesar Azpilicueta’s horrific injury which saw the Spaniard stretchered off in the second half.

      RESULT: Chelsea 0-1 Southampton
      TV channel: This game is NOT televised in the UK
      Chelsea XI: Kepa; Chilwell, Badiashile, Koulibaly, Azpilicueta; Kovacic, Enzo; Madueke, Felix, Mount; Fofana.
      Southampton XI: Bazunu; Armstrong, Maitland-Niles, Bednarek, Bella-Kotchap, Perraud; Ward-Prowse, Lavia, Elyounoussi; Sulemana, Onuachu

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      Potter on Azpilicueta
      Chelsea manager Graham Potter said the club will “keep monitoring” Cesar Azpilicueta’s condition.
      Potter said: “He’s in hospital so he’s in the best place.
      “He’s conscious and speaking to his wife so that’s good. We’ll keep monitoring him.
      “We have to take all the precautions now as it was worrying. It was a horrible incident”
      Credit: Alamy
      More from Potter
      Chelsea boss Graham Potter addressed calls for his dismissal.
      When asked if he was still the man for the Chelsea job, Potter said: “There’s no conspiracy. Sorry, I can’t give you that.
      “I always come in and speak to you guys and understand the questions.
      “When we’ve lost 1-0 at home to Southampton, it isn’t good enough because of the results we’ve had recently”
      Graham Potter hits back
      Chelsea manager Graham Potter insists he is “not the problem” after the 1-0 loss to Southampton.
      Potter said: “After a 1-0 defeat at home, any criticism you get is understandable.
      “We’ve had a tough period and lots of challenges in terms of integrating young players in the Premier League.
      “When you don’t get results, it can be tough. That’s how it is. Some people will think I’m the problem. I don’t think they’re right but that doesn’t mean they can’t articulate their views.
      “We took a step back in terms of our performance in the first half. The response in the second half was good but not good enough”
      Christian Atsu tribute
      Chelsea have paid a touching tribute to former player Christian Atsu, who has passed away aged 31 after the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria.
      The Blues’ tribute read: “It is with enormous sadness that Chelsea Football Club receives the news that Christian Atsu is confirmed as one of the many victims of the dreadful earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
      “Atsu was a Chelsea player between 2013 and 2017 having signed from Porto. He did not make a competitive appearance for our men’s first team having spent his seasons as a Blue out on loan, although he featured in some pre-season games.
      “During those years, the Ghanaian international was named the Player of the Tournament at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, also scoring the Goal of the Tournament as Ghana finished runners up.
      “His loans took him to Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth, Malaga and Newcastle before he was transferred permanently to St James’ Park. He moved to Turkey to play for Hatayspor last year.
      “Chelsea sends our heartfelt condolences to Christian’s family and friends and to all those affected by the earthquake tragedy”
      Ward-Prowse’s Beckham record
      Southampton star James Ward-Prowse moved within one Premier League free-kick goal of David Beckham with his latest sizzler.
      Ward-Prowse, 28, stepped up and delivered another ripper to grab the winner at Chelsea to complete the double for the first time since 1988.
      The midfielder’s 45th-minute effort curled beautifully over the Blues wall and into the back of Kepa Arrizabalaga’s net – prompting his trademark golf-swing celebration.
      That was the England international’s third direct free-kick league finish of this season alone – plus one in the FA Cup – and 17th overall.
      And the Saints captain is now just one behind the all-time Prem record of 18 held by David Beckham for 20 years
      Credit: Getty
      Off you Pott
      Chelsea were booed off at full-time after their shock 1-0 loss to Southampton at Stamford Bridge.
      The Blues were jeered with fans calling for manager Graham Potter’s head.
      One fan in desperation tweeted: “SACK GRAHAM POTTER BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.”
      Another said: “Graham Potter this is an absolute embarrassment but the players aren’t exempt from criticism either. S***show from top to bottom.”
      A third added: “People won’t believe in God but will believe in Graham Potter. It’s a sad world we live in”
      Fans react after Azpilicueta injury
      Chelsea fans took to Twitter to send their best wishes to Cesar Azpilicueta after his horror injury.
      One said: “I hope Azpilicueta is okay. That looked horrible, it really did. Real class shown by both the team’s medical staffs. Just hoping he is okay.”
      Another wrote: “Awful injury to our Dave [Azpilicueta’s injury]. I hope to goodness it’s not as serious as it looks.”
      And a third added: “Scary scenes at Stamford Bridge – prayers for Azpilicueta”
      Chelsea stars shocked
      Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta suffered a horror blow to the face when Southampton’s Sekou Mara attempted an overhead kick in hugely distressing scenes.
      Azpilicueta was struck by the stray boot in his own penalty area during the Premier League defeat to Saints at Stamford Bridge.
      Doctors from both teams initially tended to the full-back but St John’s Ambulance paramedics took over in disturbing scenes in West London.
      Players on both sides looked visibly shocked after the freak accidental incident occurred
      Credit: Getty
      More from Potter
      “After a 1-0 defeat at home, any criticism you get is understandable, we’ve had a lot of injuries/challenges integrating players in the league.
      “A lot of people will say I’m the problem and I’m not saying that their opinion is not worth articulating. My job is to work.”
      Potter on the performance
      “It was below par in the first half. I take as much responsibility as anyone in that. I thought we deserved a goal in the second half. You need score.”
      Azpilicueta latest
      Potter also adds that the Chelsea captain was unconscious at one point.
      Azpilicueta conscious in hospital
      Good news from Stamford Bridge as Graham Potter confirms Cesar Azpilicueta is in hospital but is consicious and responsive – and with his wife.
      Potter says: “He’s in hospital, the best place. He’s conscious and he’s speaking to his wife.”
      Credit: Getty
      Ruben Selles on Azpilicueta
      The Southampton caretaker says he hasn’t had a chance to see it back, but wishes the Chelsea captain a speedy recovery.
      He has also asked Willy Caballero – the former Chelsea keeper who was on the Southampton bench today – to keep him up to speed with the latest news.
      Ruben Selles
      “I didn’t have enough time to invent a different system. I identified anyway with the principles from before. If anyone wants to beat us then they’ll have to be at their best. We knew if we performed at our best level, we could win.”
      Ruben Selles
      On the vacant manager’s job: “I look like a manager because I am a manager.
      “It’s not for me and not for today. We had a fantastic week of work.”
      Ruben Selles is here
      On the win: “This has been a very difficult year for all of us, so to have that performance, to see the reaction, I was very happy for them.”
      No sign of either manager
      The press room is still packed and there is no sign of either manager just yet.
      There’s still not any news on Azpilicueta.
      ‘Sack Graham Potter’
      The inevitable social media backlash has already started with ‘SACK GRAHAM POTTER’ trending on Twitter in the aftermath of the defeat.
      What does this mean for Potter?
      As far as we know, Graham Potter still has the full backing of Todd Boehly and the Chelsea board, even in the face of his poor start at the club, which has been much publicised this week.
      However, unlike with Dortumund in midweek when it was easy to argue that Chelsea were unlucky and could’ve won but for poor finishing, that certainly wasn’t the case today.
      Southampton started the game better, dominated the physical battle and had the better chances in the first half.
      Chelsea improved after the break, but the same issues in the final third were cropping up – where poor finishing and a lack of synergy in attack hampered their play.
      Saints marching on
      Stat of the day: 33% of Southampton’s points this season have come in their two wins against Chelsea.
      ‘Can we play you every week?’
      No word on Azpi
      We are still awaiting official word on the condition of Cesar Azpilicueta, after he was taken off on a stretcher late in the game.
      Graham Potter is expected to emerge and face the press soon and is likely to bring an update.
      Chelsea fans unimpressed
      Stamford Bridge was not only met with huge boos at full time but further boos when certain players went straight down the tunnel without acknowleding their support.
      Surprisingly, it was Wesley Fofana who dragged several team-mates over to the Matthew Harding Stand to applaud, which was greatly appreciated by the fans there.
      FULL TIME: Chelsea 0-1 Southampton
      There you have it! Bottom of the Prem Southampton beat Chelsea at home – what will that do for Graham Potter’s tenure?
      Loud boos – as loud a noise as has been heard at Stamford Bridge today – ring out around the ground.
      Load more entries… More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Nketiah and Odegaard fluff amazing chances before Partey replacement Jorginho comes to rescue

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      ARSENAL returned to the top of the Premier League table following a dramatic 4-2 win over Aston Villa.Ollie Watkins gave Villa an early advantage before Bukayo Saka cancelled out his goal with a fantastic strike.
      Martinelli sealed all three points with a dramatic late finishCredit: Reuters
      Jorginho scored his first Arsenal goal in spectacular styleCredit: EPA
      Out-of-form Philippe Coutinho then put his side back in front before Oleksandr Zinchenko levelled the score once again.
      Just as it looked as though the Gunners would have to settle for a point, Jorginho unleashed a phenomenal strike which rattled the crossbar and deflected off Emi Martinez before flying into the back of the net to give his new team the lead in the dying minutes.
      And super-sub Gabriel Martinelli sealed the three points with a solo effort just before the full-time whistle.
      Following an unforgettable clash, SunSport’s Mark Irwin rates Arsenal’s performance.
      Read More on Arsenal
      Aaron Ramsdale
      Not his finest afternoon, he might have done better on Villa’s first goal and certainly should have done better for their second, when he dived in completely the wrong direction after being given the eyes by Coutinho. Brilliant late save from Bailey to salvage a point. 7  
      Ben White
      Back in the starting line-up after being rested in midweek, he was fine going forward and provided the cross for Saka’s goal. But allowed Moreno to get in behind him when Arsenal fell behind again. 6 
      William Saliba
      Word seems to have got around that he can be bullied by physical strikers and he was far too easily bypassed by Watkins for Villa’s early opener. But he stood up to the challenge after that. 6
      Gabriel
      No repeat of his midweek horror show against Manchester City but this still wasn’t the most convincing of displays from the Brazilian as Arsenal struggled to deal with Villa’s pace on the break. 6
      Most read in Football
      Oleksandr Zinchenko
      Surrendered cheap possession in the build-up to Villa’s early opener but more than made up for that error when he struck with a low shot from the edge of the area for his first Arsenal goal. 6
      Martin Odegaard
      The Arsenal captain has lost his spark in recent weeks but came up with the assist for Zinchenko’s equaliser and his sublime through ball should have been finished off by Nketiah. But awful miss right in front of goal. 6
      Jorginho
      Continuing to deputise for the injured Thomas Partey, he was always probing for an opening in the congested midfield battle but doesn’t drive the team forward like his absent team-mate does.
      That being said, he ultimately sealed the points for the Gunners with a fantastic strike late in the game. 7
      Granit Xhaka
      Worked tirelessly to haul the team back onto level terms but all of his good work was in a defensive capacity when Arsenal were crying out for more attacking creativity. 6 
      Bukayo Saka
      Into double figures for the season with his perfectly struck goal but is clearly getting fed up with the treatment he is getting from opposing full-backs and was booked for his part in sparking a first-half melee. 7
      Eddie Nketiah
      He’s working so hard to fire Arsenal back to the top of the table and was desperately unlucky when his looping header hit the bar. But he should have scored minutes later when sent clear by Odegaard before shooting over. 5
      Leandro Trossard
      The Belgian was making his first Arsenal start since his £27million move from Brighton last month but wasn’t able to make as much impact as he has managed recently when coming off the bench. 5.
      Substitutes
      Gabriel Marinelli (for Trossard 68 mins)
      Electric pace really scared Villa. He went on to seal all three points for the Gunners with a fantastic solo finish. 7
      Fabio Vieira (for Xhaka 79 mins)
      Got the assist for Martinelli’s last minute goal following a composed pass. 6
      Read More on The Sun
      Takehiro Tomiyasu (for white 79 mins)
      Gave Arsenal a bit more defensive stability to see the game out. 5
      Subs not used: Turner, Tierney, Smith Rowe, Kiwior, Holding, Nelson. More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reveals Thomas Partey’s exact injury return date after missing Aston Villa clash

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      ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed the return date for injured star man Thomas Partey after the midfielder missed the Gunners’ trip to Aston Villa.Arteta’s team ended their Premier League woes in February with a 4-2 win over Villa, managed by former manager Unai Emery.
      Mikel Arteta has confirmed that star man Thomas Partey will be back soonCredit: Getty
      Ollie Watkins opened the scoring before Bukayo Saka equalised.
      Philippe Coutinho restored Villa’s lead before half-time, but the Midlands club were unable to hold on in the second 45.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko grabbed Arsenal’s second before an Emiliano Martinez own-goal and a Gabriel Martinelli strike in added-time saw Arsenal snatch all three points.
      Despite the win, Arsenal have struggled without star man Partey.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      The Ghanaian midfielder missed the crunch midweek 3-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium after picking up a muscular injury and was absent again for Saturday’s trip to Villa Park.
      And boss Arteta has confirmed when fans can expect to see Partey back in contention to play.
      Speaking to BT sport pre-game, Arteta said on Partey: “He’s not fit.
      “He didn’t even train with us yesterday.
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      “He wasn’t feeling good enough to do that so he probably need another week.”
      The turnaround at Villa has fired Arsenal back to the top of the Premier league with title rivals Manchester City playing Nottingham Forest later in the day.
      Arsenal’s next fixture is away to Leicester, before they take on Everton at home. More

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      in Soccer

      Aston Villa 2 Arsenal 4: Emi Martinez scores incredible last-gasp own goal as Gunners title hopes get back on track

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      JORGINHO produced a blockbuster ending to break the heart of Aston Villa fan Tom Hanks.Jorginho’s Hollywood hit came back off the bar and then went in off former Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez to give the travelling fans a perfect, magical moment that could prove crucial.
      Arsenal grabbed a last-gasp winner to claim three points at Aston VillaCredit: PA
      Jorginho let fly deep into injury time but crashed against the barCredit: Getty
      The ball bounced back off Emiliano Martinez’s headCredit: Alamy
      Gabriel Martinelli sealed the points with a swift counter and open goalCredit: PA
      Deep in stoppage time, Mikel Arteta’s team found a way to complete a comeback from twice going behind, with substitute Gabriel Martinelli making it 4-2 to really rub it in Martinez’s face.
      Ex-Gunners boss Unai Emery was moments away from putting another dent in his old club’s title bid.
      But the late late drama in an excellent game stole the points for the visitors.
      Martinelli and fellow sub Fabio Vieira were punching the air even before he put it in the net.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL

      This was a massive, massive win, with tempers fraying on the pitch and in the stands as Arsenal staff over-celebrated.
      After losing to rival Manchester City in midweek, Arteta needed a reaction.
      He made changes to the side beaten by City, but the same problems dogged the Gunners.
      Takehiro Tomiyasu paid the price for the mistake that led to City’s opening goal in midweek, with Ben White restored at right-back.
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      Gabriel Martinelli’s drop in form saw him dropped to the bench, too, and Leandro Trossard made his first start since his January move from Brighton.
      Emery made five changes from the side that had lost to Arsenal’s title rivals, Manchester City, giving Coutinho a first Premier League start since he took over from the sacked Steven Gerrard.
      But after panic in London in midweek, there was panic again in Birmingham as Villa went ahead inside five minutes.
      Watkins initially miscontrolled Matty Cash’s lofted ball forward but William Saliba stood off the Villa striker.
      Watkins gained a yard of space far too easily and then beat Aaron Ramsdale with a low left-footed shot.
      Hanks, sitting in the directors’ box, could hardly believe it.
      The Gunners were shell-shocked.
      A few minutes later, Ramsdale delayed a clearance long enough for Watkins to block it in the six-yard box.
      Ollie Watkins fired Aston Villa into an early leadCredit: PA
      Bukayo Saka’s sweet volley flew into the netCredit: EPA
      Philippe Coutinho restored the hosts’ advantageCredit: Getty
      The game was being played at a frantic pace.
      Tyrone Mings made a spectacular goalline clearance ahead of Eddie Nketiah, not knowing that White had been offside before providing the cross.
      And soon afterwards the equaliser came.
      This time Mings failed to deal with a White cross properly, his header fell to Bukayo Saka and the England man belted it home.
      The visitors seemed to have banished their nerves and to be gaining a bit of control when suddenly they went behind again.
      It was a fine Villa move, too, that would have people purring if Arsenal had produced it.
      Coutinho dropped off to feed Boubacar Kamara, who rolled the ball into the path of left-back Alex Moreno.
      Emi Buendia wrongfooted the Gunners’ defence with a brilliant dummy and Coutinho used the space and time he had been granted to perfection.
      The goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of Arsenal, who struggled to find openings.
      Some tasty tackles were flying in from both sides and emotions spilled over just before the break.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko rifled into the bottom corner for 2-2Credit: Reuters
      Saka was targeted for some heavy treatmentCredit: Reuters
      Unai Emery was up against his former employersCredit: Reuters
      Saka took exception to a Coutinho foul and pushed him.
      Douglas Luiz flew in to defend his fellow Brazilian and then almost everyone got involved.
      Somehow only Saka and Luiz were shown yellow cards by referee Simon Hooper.
      Arsenal came out early for a second half on which their season could turn.
      They dominated possession and territory, with Saka a regular outlet, but met stern resistance from a well-organised and determined Villa.
      Nketiah was struggling to make an impact but did hit the bar with a header from a White cross.
      But on the hour Arsenal worked a short-corner routine, Martin Odegaard fed Oleksandr Zinchenko and the Ukrainian’s precise low shot beat Emi Martinez at his near post.
      Zinchenko didn’t even celebrate, preferring instead to roar for more effort from his team-mates.
      Almost immediately, Nketiah nearly rose to the challenge.
      But after running on to Odegaard’s through ball and holding off Ezri Konsa, he shot over the bar.
      Arsenal and their fans were turning the screw.
      Arsenal were left frustrated as they battled with Aston VillaCredit: Reuters
      Martin Odegaard missed a glorious chance to put the Gunners in frontCredit: EPA
      Mikel Arteta’s mood turned from frustration to delightCredit: Reuters
      Saka was all smiles come full-timeCredit: Getty
      “You’re just a s*** Aaron Ramsdale,” the visiting supporters told former Gunner Martinez.
      Martinelli came on for the disappointing Trossard and immediately looked a threat as the visitors went for the winner.
      Villa weren’t doing much at the other end, although John McGinn wriggled free only to put his shot much too close to Ramsdale.
      Then came the moment that Odegaard and Arsenal may look back on with bitter regret.
      Nketiah robbed Konsa and laid the ball into the Norwegian’s path in the penalty area.
      The Arsenal captain had most of the goal to aim at but put his shot wide.
      There was still more bittersweet drama for Hanks to enjoy.
      Substitute Leon Bailey smashed a shot goalwards but Ramsdale managed to get enough on it to divert the ball on to the underside of the bar.
      Then Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes headed over the frame of the goal.
      Early in stoppage time, Villa sub Jhon Duran burst clear but Ramsdale saved again.
      Read More on The Sun
      But then Jorginho struck and World Cup winner Martinez tasted the other side of football.
      The visiting fans taunted him with a sarcastic song of praise before Martinelli raced on to Vieira’s pass to score, with the Villa ‘keeper caught upfield. More

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      in Soccer

      Aston Villa 2-4 Arsenal LIVE SCORE: Martinelli completes stunning fight back to put title tilt back on track

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      ARSENAL have beaten Aston Villa 4-2 to get their title tilt back on track.The Gunners had to fight back twice in the game before Emi Martinez’s own goal and Gabriel Martinelli’s injury-time strike sparked joyous celebrations in the Arsenal dug-out.
      City take on Nottingham Forest following the match at 3pm this afternoon.

      Result: Aston Villa 2 Arsenal 4
      Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Alex Moreno; McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Kamara, Coutinho; Buendia, Watkins
      Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Xhaka, Saka, Odegaard, Trossard, Nketiah

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      That’s all from us!
      Thank you so much for joining us for this game, it was a cracker as we expected, maybe even better!
      After watching that, of course you want more football in your life, and boy do we have good news for you…
      Catch our coverage of Chelsea vs Southampton HERE, as The Blues look to finally get a win with their new signings under Graham Potter.
      Thanks for reading, have a wonderful day!
      The title race is ON
      Sublime showing from Arsenal.
      Behind in the game twice, and twice they came back firing, first through Saka, and then Zinchenko.
      They did everything right in the second half, and showed the type of performance that gets you to the summit of the Premier League table.
      They had a bit of luck, and a lot of skill, combined with patience and ability, which saw them get over the line.
      Full credit goes to Arteta and his Gunners, who are firing themselves back to the top of the Premier League, for at least another few minutes…
      Character personified from The Gunners.
      Arsenal showed real character to get the win today against Aston VillaCredit: Reuters
      Full time stats:
      This is how the stats look at full time, and what a game it was.
      The full time stats from Aston Villa vs Arsenal
      Man of the match
      For us at SunSport, man of the match today goes to Jorginho.
      An exemplary passer of the ball, he was brilliant in possession for The Gunners today.
      He created a few chances, and then smashed one home at the death to give Arsenal all three points (Even if it was technically a Martinez O.G)
      He was sublime.
      Who was your man of the match?

      Jorginho post match interview:
      “That’s the Premier League, that’s why it’s the best league in the world.
      “It was very important after the last results we had, at the start it wasn’t easy, we were not producing our game.
      “We went in at half-time, had a chat, went back to doing the basics and it changed the game.”
      Jorginho’s strike secured the win for Arsenal against Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      FT. Aston Villa 2-4 Arsenal
      What a game.
      There are not superlatives to describe how good that was from these two teams.
      The scoreline does not tell the tale of the game, but at the same time it does.
      End to end, non-stop action, beautiful goals, fantastic saves.
      Wow. This is why we love the Premier League.
      90+7. Aston Villa 2-4 Arsenal
      Martinelli scores on the break!
      Martinez goes up for the corner, and Arsenal break in a flash with Vieira and Martinelli.
      The Brazilian runs through, CELEBRATES, and then taps the ball home…
      Wow.
      90+6. Aston Villa 2-3 Arsenal
      Is there room for one more twist at Villa Park?
      Villa have a corner, and Martinez is up for it…
      90+5. Aston Villa 2-3 Arsenal
      Holding and Tierney are on for Arsenal.
      They come on for Zinchenko and Odegaard.
      90+3. Aston Villa 2-3 Arsenal
      OH MY WORD JORGINHO!
      That is sensational!The ball comes out to him on the edge of the box and he smashes it from distance towards the top corner!
      It comes off the bar, bounces down, and hits Emi Martinez on the back of the head before rolling in!
      It will likely go down as a Martinez own goal, but WOW.
      90+2. Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal
      Great play from Jacob Ramsey leads to a chance for Villa in added time!
      He finds the ball into Jhon Duran, who strikes the ball at goal, but it is saved by Ramsdale.
      90. Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal
      Arteta is fuming on the touchline, the Arsenal boss definitely wears his heart on his sleeve.
      There will be SIX minutes of added time at the end of this game.
      88. Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal
      Chance for Saka!
      Great pass from Jorginho into Saka, who turns beautifully, but can’t get enough on the shot to beat Martinez.
      86. Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal
      This is end to end at the moment!
      Arsenal have a chance now, as Bukayo Saka wins a free kick on the edge of the box.
      The ball gets whipped in, but the header is glanced over by Gabriel!
      So close!
      Martinez is then booked for delaying the restart – the most inevitable action of the day.
      84. Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal
      Off the bar from Leon Bailey!
      That was electric from the Jamaican winger!A long ball from Kamara looks to be heading out of play, but Bailey leaps up and cushions the touch before driving at the Arsenal defence.
      He smashes a shot at goal which is saved onto the bar from Ramsdale.
      That has to be one of the saves of the season!
      82. Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal
      Jorginho finds Tomiyasu in a pocket of space on the right hand side, his cross is blocked before Jorginho is penalised for handball.
      Huge last ten minutes in this one.
      80. Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal
      Ben White and Granit Xhaka are off for Arsenal.
      They are replaced by Fabio Vieira and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
      Leon Bailey gets into a dangerous position for Villa, but Gabriel shows some masterful defending to stop him inside the box.
      78. Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal
      How has he missed?
      Nketiah lays the ball back to Odegaard, who has the whole goal to aim at!
      It looks like he is certain to score, but he drags the shot wide!
      I can’t believe my eyes!
      What a chance…
      76. Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal
      John McGinn has a go from distance, and looks for his first goal in 44 games for Villa.
      It’s something of an Eden Hazard-esque attempt, but into the gloves of Aaron Ramsdale.
      74. Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal
      Villa are preparing two more subs here, as they hold some good possession with Leon Bailey.
      He tries to dance through the Arsenal defence, but gets stopped by Zinchenko.
      72. Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal
      Ben White gets a cross in, which is deflected out for a corner.
      Odegaard can’t quite make the most of the set-piece.
      70. Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal
      Perfectly poised this game, with just 20 minutes of regulation time to play.
      Leon Bailey wins a corner for Villa, he gets the cross into the middle before it is cleared out by Zinchenko.
      69. Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal
      Alex Moreno is struggling to deal with Bukayo Saka at the back for Villa, he gives away a foul.
      Trossard comes off, and Gabriel Martinelli is going to have 22 minutes to make a difference for The Gunners.
      68. Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal
      A few changes from Aston Villa.
      Jacob Ramsey came on a few minutes ago in replacement of Phillipe Coutinho.
      Now Buendia and Douglas Luiz are being swapped for Leander Dendoncker and Leon Bailey.
      66. Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal
      Arsenal almost have the lead!
      A Martin Odegaard pass is perfectly timed into the path of Eddie Nketiah.
      The striker takes it in his stride under pressure, but skies the shot over the crossbar.
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      Man Utd snatch Cardiff wonderkid Gabriele Biancheri as 16-year-old agrees transfer on four year contract

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly agreed to sign 16-year-old Cardiff City wonderkid Gabriele Biancheri on a permanent deal.Biancheri confirmed his departure from the Cardiff City Stadium with an official statement on Friday.
      Biancheri is set to join Man UtdCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gabebiancheri_/
      It read: “After more than 9 years my time with Cardiff has come to an end.
      “I’d like to thank all of my coaches for helping me become the player and person I am today and to all my teammates.
      “I’ll forever be thankful for the opportunity I’ve had at this club.”
      According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Biancheri is on his way to Old Trafford.
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      The teenager, who has already completed a medical, is expected to sign a four-year deal with Man Utd’s academy within the next week.
      Several other English clubs were understood to be interested in signing him, but the Red Devils have won the transfer race.
      Erik ten Hag has been eager to enhance United’s academy since he took over as manager last year.
      Upon his arrival at the club’s Carrington training ground, he insisted that he took full control over the Under-23’s in a bid to improve the pathway from the reserves to the first team.
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      A number of Man Utd’s academy stars have become established first team players over the past few years.
      Alejandro Garnacho has impressed for the Red Devils this season following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
      He has scored two goals and assisted two in 12 Premier League appearances. More

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      Wout Weghorst reveals what Ten Hag told him before deploying the striker in ‘Fellaini role’ against Barcelona

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      WOUT WEGHORST has revealed the reason for his deeper playing position against Barcelona in midweek.He was also moved there during the 2-0 win against Leeds last weekend.
      Wout Weghorst has been employed in a deeper playing position in the last two gamesCredit: Getty
      United fans dubbed it the “Fellaini role” in honour of the Belgian midfielder, who was often employed in the same position during his time at Old Trafford.
      That was despite Fellaini being known as a central midfielder, while Weghorst is typically more of an out and out striker.
      But the towering Dutchman has revealed a very good reason as to why he played in the position against Barcelona.
      Weghorst said Erik ten Hag’s special plan was for him to be “annoying” and sit further back in order to break up the play of influential Barca midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Pedri.
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      He told ESPN, via MEN: “[The midfield] are very important for them to shift the game, my job was to constantly get in their way and be annoying there so that they don’t get into their game and can play the way they like to do.
      “And to be able to make my depth actions offensively from the second line, because they are vulnerable in that.
      “You saw that in the first half.”
      And his Dutch colleague De Jong admitted Weghorst had executed the plan well against him.
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      De Jong told ESPN after the 2-2 draw on Thursday: “He [Weghorst] already said it in the tunnel before the game ‘I will get in your way.’ He did a good job.”
      While the decision to drop Weghorst further back raised some eyebrows, Ten Hag has always known that he has the potential to play in the position.
      The boss told Utd’s website after the Leeds game: “Wout, as a second striker, a no.10. I know him from [his] youth that he can play there.
      “With Bruno [Fernandes] on the right and Garnacho on the left, it was a dynamic to change the game and I think we can benefit from it.
      “I think Rashford as a striker, Wout on the no.10 position and Bruno on the right brought more composure to our game.” More

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      ‘Get a grip’ – Piers Morgan slams Arsenal’s ‘diabolical’ defending in X-rated blast after conceding at Aston Villa

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      PIERS MORGAN slammed Arsenal’s “diabolical” defending in an X-rated Twitter rant after seeing his side concede after five minutes against Aston Villa. The Gunners were going through a rough February, failing to win in the three games played before Saturday’s comeback 4-2 win at Villa Park.
      Ollie Watkins opened the scoring for Villa in the 5th minuteCredit: Getty
      Philippe Coutinho restored Villa’s lead after Bukayo Saka’s equaliserCredit: Getty
      Piers Morgan has slammed his team, Arsenal, in an X-rated rantCredit: Getty
      Arsenal fell to a 1-0 defeat to Everton at the start of the month, followed by a 1-1 home draw to Brentford.
      And a home defeat to Premier League title rivals Manchester City cost Arsenal top spot in midweek.
      Against Villa, Mikel Arteta’s men struggled to shake off their poor form and conceded after five minutes at Villa.
      Ollie Watkins got the goal – but Arsenal’s defenders didn’t cover themselves in glory.
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      And Arsenal fan Piers told his team to “get a grip” in an X-rated Twitter rant.
      The SunSport columnist, and TalkTV main man, said: “For f***’s sake Arsenal, this defending is diabolical. Get a grip.”
      Piers later added: “Teams have worked out that if they bully us, we’re easily bullied.
      “Arsenal’s players need to remember there’s only one way to deal with bullies – punch them (metaphorically) in the face.
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      “We need to get tougher, and nastier – fast.”
      Bukayo Saka drew Arsenal level at Villa Park just over ten minutes after the opener.
      The England star volleyed home after a poor headed clearance by Three Lions team-mate, Tyrone Mings.
      However, Villa responded and restored their lead through Philippe Coutinho just after the half-hour mark to head into half-time with an unlikely 2-1 lead.
      What followed in the second 45 would’ve been exactly what Piers wanted to see, though.
      Arsenal scored three goals through Oleksandr Zinchenko, an Emiliano Martinez own-goal and Gabriel Martinelli to win the game 4-2.
      Piers tweeted at full-time: “FT: 4-2. THAT’S how you win the League.
      “THAT’S called heart, desire, character and will-to-win. We needed the fire and we got it.
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      “Brilliant, Arsenal.. absolutely bloody brilliant.” More