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      Mikel Arteta reveals new plan to overcome discipline worries with Arsenal on verge of red card record

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      MIKEL ARTETA vowed Arsenal will use their red card “pain” to drive them on in a crunch week.The Gunners are still reeling from William Saliba’s dismissal at Bournemouth – their third sending-off in six Prem games – which led to a first defeat since April.Arsenal star William Saliba was sent off for a foul on Evanilson – their third red in six gamesCredit: PADeclan Rice was sent off versus BrightonCredit: GettyLeandro Trossard was sent for an early bath against CityCredit: APMikel Arteta says the red cards have galvanised the squadCredit: GettyIt was the 18th red card Arsenal have been shown in the league since Mikel Arteta took over on December 26, 2019 – SIX more than any other side.Should they pick up another this term, it will be Arsenal’s 108th red card in the Prem era – a joint-record alongside Everton.Yet Arteta claims his team have been “galvanised” by the woeful red-card streak.Arsenal aim to bounce back, starting tonight against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League before hosting Liverpool on Sunday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArteta said: “It’s absolutely galvanised the group. They’ll show their teeth and fight against the situation. They say: ‘OK, this is what we have to play, how we have to do it. We’re going to do it’.“But playing with ten men, obviously there is an issue. We just cannot continue to do this.“We’ve also had two different periods where we had a lot of reds and then not any. Now we have had three in a row.“But we can’t continue to play with ten at this level. The task becomes almost impossible.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“So, we must eradicate that. Let’s take that pain and use it tomorrow. It has to happen.”Centre-back Saliba’s red was the latest example of ill-discipline that has cost Arsenal seven points already this season.Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card?Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard have also been dismissed and now the Gunners lie four points off leaders Liverpool ahead of their Emirates clash.Asked how you sort this discipline problem, Arteta said: “The most effective way is not talking about it.“Because we tried and talked and repeated the message – and a red then happened again.”Midfielder Rice earned a second yellow in August for delaying the restart against Brighton, as did Trossard against Manchester City in September.Frenchman Saliba was deemed to have pulled down Cherries striker Evanilson as the last man.Saturday’s 2-0 loss was Arsenal’s first in 17 matches. But Arteta feels his side are ready to go on another unbeaten run.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “The relentlessness and attitude of the team is remarkable.”Arteta is sweating on the fitness of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, who did not seem to train yesterday.Arsenal player ratings vs BournemouthBy Alex CrookTEN-MAN Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season as brilliant Bournemouth dealt them a South Coast setback.The Gunners travelled to face Andoni Iraola’s men having won five and drawn three of their opening eight matches this term.But their task was made a tricky one when William Saliba was shown a red card on the half-hour.Ryan Christie brilliantly fired the hosts into a deserved lead following a well-worked set piece routine 20 minutes from time.Justin Kluivert then sealed his side’s incredible 2-0 victory from the penalty spot on 79 minutes.Here’s how SunSport rated each Gunners performer on the day.DAVID RAYA – 5Was lucky to get away with one poor pass out from the back early on. Made amends for another error by saving smartly with the legs to deny Marcus Tavernier after initially spilling a Semenyo cross-cum-shot before clumsily conceding the penalty.BEN WHITE – 4England outcast was back in the team after four games out, but did not look 100 per cent fit and found it tough going containing the lively Antoine Semenyo down the Bournemouth left in the first half and Dango Ouattara in the second.WILLIAM SALIBA – 3Usually calm and collected under pressure but paid the price for a rare moment of panic when he hauled down Bournemouth striker Evanilson to get himself sent off and will miss next weekend’s crunch clash at home to title rivals Liverpool as a result.GABRIEL – 5Given the captain’s armband in the absence of the stricken Bukayo Saka, but not at his commanding best, especially after losing centre-back partner Saliba. Did not really step up to the leadership plate.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Did a better job containing Semenyo when Bournemouth’s dangerman switched wings at half-time than White did in the first half, but unable to have his usual influence going forward.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Back in his traditional central midfield berth after being used as an emergency right back in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Was second best up against Bournemouth’s impressive Lewis Cook.DECLAN RICE – 5Another of Arsenal’s international contingent who looked sluggish after the break from domestic duty. Struggled to impose himself on the game in midfield and unable to get forward as much as he usually does. Did his bit dropping into the back-line after Saliba’s dismissal.RAHEEM STERLING – 4Former England man was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and gave the ball away a few times when in promising positions before being sacrificed after the Saliba red card.MIKEL MERINO – 5Finally able to make his full Premier League debut after an injury-affected start to his Arsenal career and showed some nice touches. Also fired into the side-netting with the visitors’ best first half opening.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Started the game well but sold Saliba short with a poor back pass that led to the red card and disappeared from the action after that before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.KAI HAVERTZ – 5The German cut an isolated figure up front, especially after Arsenal were reduced to ten men, but worked tirelessly for the team without ever looking like adding to his run of scoring in the previous four games in all competitions.SUBSTITUTESJakub Kiwior (for Sterling, 37) – 4Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 64) – 5Gabriel Jesus (for Kiwior, 81) – N/AEthan Nwaneri (for Merino, 81) – N/A More

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      Man City’s winner is another kick in the teeth for the Prem’s sole voice of reason – they’ve every right to be paranoid

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      JUST because you’re paranoid, it doesn’t mean they’re not after you.As Wolves boss Gary O’Neil continues to realise.Wolves were the club who raged against the machines and forced a vote among Premier League clubs on whether VAR should be scrapped — only to lose 19-1 because none of their rivals shared their originality of thought.Gary O’Neil was left frustrated following Wolves’ defeat to Man City on SundayCredit: GettyThe game was decided with a late VAR callCredit: GettyJohn Stones scored the winnerCredit: GettyBelieving that technology doesn’t always improve things is becoming one of society’s great taboos.And then the Ipswich v Everton kick-off gets delayed due to “IT issues at the turnstiles”.My own digital season ticket has vanished from my so-called smartphone. I never once lost an actual season ticket.Yet profess a hatred of apps and QPR codes, or whatever they’re called, and suddenly you’re Captain f***ing Caveman.Read More in FootballStill, rant over and back to Wolves. Of course, football being football, the Molineux club acted largely out of self-interest by  bringing that vote.Last season, Wolves were top of the VAR “hard-done-by league” with a staggering  seven overturns going against them.But they ended up a lone voice of common sense, speaking out against a system which beats the joyous spontaneity out of the game and leaves match-going fans frequently baffled.On Sunday, O’Neil’s rock-bottom side were kicked in the teeth again when VAR awarded Manchester City’s John Stones an injury-time winner, despite Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and  jostling with keeper Jose Sa.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe on-field ref Chris Kavanagh —  on the scene for a remarkably  large percentage of high-profile gaffes — deemed Silva to have  been interfering with play, yet VAR Stuart Attwell disagreed.Then came Kavanagh’s trip to the VAR monitor — an entirely  performative process to give the impression that the referee is still allowed a mind of his own and won’t just automatically do whatever Stockley Park recommends.Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card?Pretty much every great old-school manager from Bill Shankly to Brian Clough is credited with quoting the phrase, “If he’s not interfering with play, what’s he doing on the pitch?”While that view is too simplistic, we’ve gone too far in the opposite direction. A set-piece coach will tell you that pretty much every player in the box following a corner is interfering with play — or should be.This season began with refs’ chief Howard Webb promising a “light-touch” approach to VAR, claiming that only on-field decisions which were genuine clangers would be overturned.Even those of us firmly opposed to VAR recognised this as an improvement.This lasted a couple of weeks before being conveniently forgotten — as pre-season refereeing edicts always seem to be.Now VARs have again started re-refereeing the huge number of subjective decisions which football always throws up.Because VARs will always be keen to stick their oar in to justify their existence. The system has become a labour-intensive jobs-for-the-boys scheme for match officials. Next, though, to O’Neil’s suggestion of a subconscious bias towards bigger clubs.O’Neil suggested referees have a subconscious bias towards bigger clubsCredit: EPAThis is barely borne out by stats  — Fulham and those great “world’s-against-us” conspiracy theorists Nottingham Forest were actually the biggest beneficiaries from VAR overturns last season with five more decisions going for them rather than against them.O’Neil, though, is right to be paranoid. Just in the wrong way.VAR simply seems to have it in for Wolves rather than “smaller” clubs in general.At least this all seems to disprove the age-old idea that refs try to “even things up” if they know they have made a bad error.Webb has issued so many  apologies to Wolves that he must have racked up a serious number of loyalty points with Interflora.But if any official on VAR duty is acting with a conscious or subconscious knowledge that Wolves have been continually shafted then they do a pretty good job of ignoring this and carrying on regardless.O’Neil’s job is under threat because Wolves have one point from eight games.While their fixture list has been extremely tough — and a couple of poor VAR decisions have again gone against them — that’s clearly not good enough.Should O’Neil get the sack his next job will probably be in the EFL, where clubs admirably refuse to follow the Premier League into mechanised mayhem.Or perhaps his next gig should  be in Sweden — the only western European nation to keep VAR out of its top flight.Or in Norway, who may scrap it due to widespread fan opposition — with matches having been delayed by irate supporters throwing pastries, fishcakes and tennis balls on to pitches in protests against VAR.By common consent, the  Scandinavians are beautiful and enlightened people.As O’Neil would doubtless agree.VILL TO WINHOW would Aston Villa deal with the twin demands of the Premier League and Champions League, we all asked?By scoring impressive wins in their first two fixtures back in the European elite and achieving their best start to a top-flight campaign this century.And, with Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings returning from long-term injuries and skipper John McGinn back from a month on the sidelines, things promise to get better still.Unai Emery is, pound for pound, the best manager in the top flight.Aston Villa have enjoyed a fantastic startCredit: GettyHOWE ABOUT THATHAD Eddie Howe left Newcastle in the summer, he would almost certainly have been Gareth Southgate’s successor — ending debate about whether the England boss should be English.Now with the Toon in midtable  — and Chelsea and Arsenal next up —  might Howe become available before Thomas Tuchel even starts work?England outperformed Germany in four tournaments under Southgate.But when it comes to coaching and management, the Germans still hold sway. See, for example, Brighton’s child genius Fabian Hurzeler getting the better of Howe on Saturday.Eddie Howe was not contacted about the England jobCredit: GettySQUAD DEPTHHOW is the five-sub rule affecting Premier League football? It is leading to far more comeback wins and, as predicted, giving more advantage to bigger clubs with deeper squads.Last season provided an all-time high of 63 comeback wins in the top flight (16.5 per cent).This year we’re at more than 21 per cent.Of the weekend’s nine top-flight fixtures, five were won by the team conceding first,  including both Manchester clubs, Tottenham and Aston Villa.NO WAY, JOSEAS Erik ten Hag limps grimly on as Manchester United manager, a party of Mancunian old-boys lie in wait in Istanbul for Thursday’s Europa League visit to Fenerbahce.Not just boss Jose Mourinho but also ex-United players Sofyan Amrabat and Fred  as well as former City title-winning striker Edin Dzeko, 38.Lose to that little lot and it really will be “welcome to hell”.Man Utd will meet former manager Jose Mourinho this weekCredit: GettySTOP GUNSWILL Sir Keir Starmer’s beloved Arsenal miss out on the league title due to “indiscipline”, after already dropping seven points when reduced to ten men?We all know the best cure for indiscipline: mandatory National Service. As advocated by Rishi Sunak at the election. That would have taught ’em.READ MORE SUN STORIESBUNDLE OF JOYWHY are baby-related goal celebrations, like Liverpool’s Curtis Jones sucking his thumb and Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert sticking a ball up his shirt, so irritating?Because they remind us Premier League stars are the only men in the country who can afford to have kids in their 20s.Curtis Jones celebrated his goal against Chelsea by sucking his thumbCredit: Getty More

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      6ft2in Arsenal star admits he feels ‘tiny’ in Mikel Arteta’s giant squad as he says ‘it’s like a basketball team’

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      AT Real Sociedad, Mikel Merino saw himself as a giant of a man.But after joining Arsenal in the summer, the 6ft 2in Spanish midfielder feels like one of the smallest members of Mikel Arteta’s elite group of NBA-sized man mountains.Mikel Merino has opened up on the physicality needed to play in the Premier LeagueCredit: RexArsenal have a physically imposing squadCredit: AlamyBut Arteta wants more than just height and strength from his midfieldersCredit: ReutersMerino, 28, laughed: “It is crazy. I am in the corridors of the training ground just walking, and back at my old club I used to be one of the tallest, so everyone was smaller than me.“Now, I look around and everyone is taller than me. We look like a basketball team.”In their 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday, the Gunners’ starting XI had NINE players above six foot — with just 5ft 8in duo Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard below that mark.Heading that lofty line-up was the 6ft 4in duo of William Saliba and Kai Havertz, along with fellow giants Merino, David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel, Ben White, Declan Rice and Thomas Partey.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSince taking charge nearly five years ago, boss Arteta has made it his mission to assemble a squad not only with technical ability but powerful physiques to match, in their quest for Premier League three-pointers.In the tunnel before kick-off, this net-busting Arsenal team are a frightening prospect for rivals, even more so from set-pieces with their slam-dunk corner routines striking fear into defenders.But these big guys sure can shift, much like the Harlem Globetrotters covering the pitch with a stunning combination of bulk, brains and beauty.SunSport even understands Arteta shows basketball clips to members of his team to encourage them to use their size more efficiently, creating space with clever movement.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMerino continued: “Football now has changed and you need a strong team. Physicality is key and we need to be the most complete team possible.“You need the physical aspect, technical aspect, the tactical one, you need to be a total team to achieve big things as we want to do.Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori reveals he learned English through Netflix and drill music “It is not only about being tall and big, you need mentality. If you are tall and big but don’t go with the 100 per cent intention to win the ball, it’s just nothing.“Set-pieces are a big part of the game and you can win or lose a lot because of that.“We train a lot and have the physical advantage. But the main thing is the mentality and we have that.”Merino arrived in North London for £27.4million from Sociedad with a reputation for dominating duels, winning 326 last term — the most in Europe’s top five leagues.But after making his first Prem start against the Cherries — having recovered from a freak shoulder injury suffered in his first training session back in August — Merino says he is much more than just a midfield bruiser.He said: “That is one of the reasons I am here, because I can be a threat in the opposite box. That is something I need to work on to get better at. I have a high ceiling.“Of course, goals are not the main thing for a midfielder but if you can provide them it is going to be a whole different thing for you as a player.“I have admired a lot of players — Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Cesc Fabregas, Patrick Vieira — all-round midfielders that are box-to-box, can score, can defend, win duels.“Of course, in Spain we had Xavi, Andres Iniesta and that mentality of keeping the ball, dominating through short passes.”Merino is coming off the back of what he describes as “the best summer”, one that “changed my life”, having won the Euros with Spain before earning a career-defining Arsenal switch.The Osasuna academy star scored an extra-time winner in the quarter- finals to dump hosts Germany out and played his part in the final to break English hearts.Add that to a German Cup win with Borussia Dortmund, a Copa del Rey title with Sociedad and European triumphs with Spain’s Under-19s and Under-21s, it is clear Merino brings a winning mentality to a talented Arsenal group that are young and hungry — but lacking  silverware.It seems then there is no better man to have on your side when it comes to ending a 20-year Prem drought, as well as trying to win the Champions League for the first time.Ahead of their league-phase clash with Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates, Merino explained: “I’ve been lucky enough to win a lot of trophies in my career, I know the feeling.“You cannot compare it with anything else. Knowing what this club is about and how  big the Champions League is and winning  trophies, winning the competition here would be amazing.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The squad may not have the experience yet, it is a really young team, but luckily I have experiences of winning, when you have the moment of truth in the semis or final and to be able to keep that calmness.“There is still a long way to go to achieve that but I think we have the basics, the players, the mentality, and that has to be the ultimate goal.”Arsenal player ratings vs BournemouthBy Alex CrookTEN-MAN Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season as brilliant Bournemouth dealt them a South Coast setback.The Gunners travelled to face Andoni Iraola’s men having won five and drawn three of their opening eight matches this term.But their task was made a tricky one when William Saliba was shown a red card on the half-hour.Ryan Christie brilliantly fired the hosts into a deserved lead following a well-worked set piece routine 20 minutes from time.Justin Kluivert then sealed his side’s incredible 2-0 victory from the penalty spot on 79 minutes.Here’s how SunSport rated each Gunners performer on the day.DAVID RAYA – 5Was lucky to get away with one poor pass out from the back early on. Made amends for another error by saving smartly with the legs to deny Marcus Tavernier after initially spilling a Semenyo cross-cum-shot before clumsily conceding the penalty.BEN WHITE – 4England outcast was back in the team after four games out, but did not look 100 per cent fit and found it tough going containing the lively Antoine Semenyo down the Bournemouth left in the first half and Dango Ouattara in the second.WILLIAM SALIBA – 3Usually calm and collected under pressure but paid the price for a rare moment of panic when he hauled down Bournemouth striker Evanilson to get himself sent off and will miss next weekend’s crunch clash at home to title rivals Liverpool as a result.GABRIEL – 5Given the captain’s armband in the absence of the stricken Bukayo Saka, but not at his commanding best, especially after losing centre-back partner Saliba. Did not really step up to the leadership plate.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Did a better job containing Semenyo when Bournemouth’s dangerman switched wings at half-time than White did in the first half, but unable to have his usual influence going forward.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Back in his traditional central midfield berth after being used as an emergency right back in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Was second best up against Bournemouth’s impressive Lewis Cook.DECLAN RICE – 5Another of Arsenal’s international contingent who looked sluggish after the break from domestic duty. Struggled to impose himself on the game in midfield and unable to get forward as much as he usually does. Did his bit dropping into the back-line after Saliba’s dismissal.RAHEEM STERLING – 4Former England man was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and gave the ball away a few times when in promising positions before being sacrificed after the Saliba red card.MIKEL MERINO – 5Finally able to make his full Premier League debut after an injury-affected start to his Arsenal career and showed some nice touches. Also fired into the side-netting with the visitors’ best first half opening.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Started the game well but sold Saliba short with a poor back pass that led to the red card and disappeared from the action after that before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.KAI HAVERTZ – 5The German cut an isolated figure up front, especially after Arsenal were reduced to ten men, but worked tirelessly for the team without ever looking like adding to his run of scoring in the previous four games in all competitions.SUBSTITUTESJakub Kiwior (for Sterling, 37) – 4Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 64) – 5Gabriel Jesus (for Kiwior, 81) – N/AEthan Nwaneri (for Merino, 81) – N/A More

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      Man Utd boost as £52million Leny Yoro progresses to next stage of rehab after disastrous pre-season injury

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      MANCHESTER UNITED new boy Leny Yoro has taken the next step in his recovery from a foot injury.The 18-year-old fractured his metatarsal during a pre-season match against Arsenal back in July.Leny Yoro has taken the next step in his recoveryCredit: GettyThe teenager is now back training on grassCredit: GettyYoro has also been put through his paces in the gymCredit: GettyHe subsequently underwent surgery and has been on a rehabilitation programme since.Yoro is now gradually edging closer to a return – much to the joy of under-pressure Erik ten Hag.He took to the training pitch at Carrington today for the first time since his operation.The defender was also put through his paces in the gym last week under the watchful eye of United’s medical staff.Read More on Man UtdDespite his progression, the Red Devils insist there is “still plenty of work to do” before he can make his competitive debut.Yoro thrilled fans earlier this month after posting a video of his progress on social media.He shared a clip of himself running on an anti-gravity treadmill in the gym and wrote: “On the way back.”The teenager joined Man Utd in a £52million transfer from Lille this summer but is yet to make his Premier League debut.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUpon his arrival at Old Trafford, he said: “Signing for a club with the stature and ambition of Manchester United so early in my career is an incredible honour.”Since my first conversations with the club, they set out a clear plan for how I can develop in Manchester as part of this exciting project, and showed a lot of care for me and my family.Man Utd’s Brentford Comeback: Player Ratings “I know about the history of young players at Manchester United and feel it can be the perfect place to reach my potential and achieve my ambitions, together with my new team-mates. I cannot wait to get started.” More

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      ‘We don’t want goals ruled out for those situations’ says ex-Premier League ref as he hints at major tactical change

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      A FORMER Premier League referee has hinted at clubs making a major tactical change following John Stones’ winner for Manchester City because “we don’t want goals ruled out for those situations”.Mark Halsey appeared on the latest episode of SunSport’s The Whisteblower to run the rule over the key refereeing decisions from the weekend.Manchester City’s late goal at Wolves was originally ruled out before VAR intervenedCredit: Sky SportsEx-Premier League referee Mark Halsey reckons the right decision was made in the endCredit: AFPAnd high on the agenda was Stones’ controversial goal at Wolves.The Manchester City defender powered home a thunderous header in injury time.However, after plenty of confusion, the goal was originally chalked off when the referees concluded there was an offside against Bernardo Silva.Silva tussled with Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa as the ball came in and was in an offside position when it flew into the back of the net. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut following a lengthy VAR review, the goal was allowed to stand – because Silva was adjudged to be out of Sa’s line of sight and not impacting his compatriot once Stones headed goalwards.So despite the complaints of Gary O’Neil, Halsey was pleased to see the goal given. He said: “I think the VAR was absolutely spot on to recommend a review for Chris Kavanagh to go and have a look because when you do see the replay, you know straight away that Silva hasn’t impacted on the goalkeeper with being in his line of vision.”He just moves out of the way straight away. So, for me, I think the correct decision was made and that’s what we want to see and that is what VAR is there for.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”When the ball comes in, he can quite rightly stand there. When John Stones headers that ball, is he interfering with an opponent? Does he impact on his line of vision? “You can clearly see, no, he doesn’t. And you can clearly see that the keeper sees the ball all the way.Man City match-winner John Stones reflects after controversial win against Wolves”It’s just a great header from John Stones and, in my opinion, the goal was correctly given. We do not want to see goals ruled out for those sorts of situations.”Players cannot be offside directly from the original kick and corners. So Silva getting away with his antics at Molineux could prompt more teams into trying similar tactics at corners to disrupt goalkeepers – before ducking out in time.So Silva getting away with his antics at Molineux could prompt more teams into trying similar tactics at corners to disrupt goalkeepers – before ducking out in time.Pressed on the issue, Halsey added: “Listen, there’s always a little bit of contact going on in the box and all the time you see goalkeepers pushing players, don’t you? “They push them out of the way just before the corner’s taken or while the corner comes across. “So, for me, that’s normal contact. And yes, if that’s the tactics they employ in other clubs, then so be it.”But we do not want to see goals ruled out of that nature.”Halsey also had his say on the William Saliba red card at Bournemouth.TV fixtures in DecemberHere are all the games that will be televised in December…Tuesday 3 December19:30 Ipswich v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Leicester v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)Wednesday 4 December19:30 Everton v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Man City v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Southampton v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Aston Villa v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)Thursday 5 December19:30 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)Saturday 7 December12:30 Everton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 8 December14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Chelsea (Sky Sports)Monday 9 December20:00 West Ham v Wolves (Sky Sports)Saturday 14 December17:30 Nott’m Forest v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Sunday 15 December14:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Man City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)19:00 Southampton v Spurs (TNT Sports)Monday 16 December20:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Saturday 21 December12:30 Aston Villa v Man City (TNT Sports)17:30 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Sunday 22 December14:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Thursday 26 December12:30 Man City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Chelsea v Fulham (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Nott’m Forest v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)17:30 Wolves v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:00 Liverpool v Leicester (Amazon Prime Video)Friday 27 December19:30 Brighton v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Ipswich (Amazon Prime Video)Sunday 29 December14:30 Leicester v Man City (Sky Sports)17:15 West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 30 December20:00 Man Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports)The Frenchman received his marching orders after half an hour after pulling back Evanilson just inside the Arsenal half – but was the last man and was deemed to be denying a goalscoring opportunity.But Halsey would have preferred the referee to stick with his original call of a yellow card. The ex-Prem official said: “Rob Jones straight away showed a yellow card. Exactly what I would have done in that situation. “Was it a clear and obvious error by Rob Jones? In my opinion, no. I thought he got it spot on.”For me, there’s doubt there to whether that was an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. “And we keep hearing about Howard Webb saying we don’t want VAR getting involved in subjective decisions. Well, for me, that was subjective.READ MORE SUN STORIES”VAR shouldn’t have got involved. It wasn’t a clear and obvious error, in my opinion, from Rob Jones.”We should have stuck with the on-field referee decision of a yellow card.”The referees were happy Bernardo Silva got out of the wayCredit: GettyStones celebrates the important winCredit: PAHalsey believes William Saliba should have been allowed to stay on the field at BournemouthCredit: PA More

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      Bukayo Saka injury: Mikel Arteta gives update as Arsenal sweat on star’s fitness ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk clash

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      ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has issued an injury update on star man Bukayo Saka.Saka was forced to withdraw from the England squad earlier this month after suffering a knock against Greece.Mikel Arteta has issued an update on Bukayo SakaCredit: AFPThe winger could return ahead of Arsenal’s match against Shakhtar Donetsk on TuesdayCredit: ReutersThe 23-year-old subsequently missed Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, with Arteta later revealing he did not want to push him.But he could return to the fold ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.Speaking in his pre-match press conference this afternoon, Arteta revealed: “With Bukayo, let’s see how he feels today and (after) the training session we have later on.”The Gunners currently sit 13th in the 36-team Champions League group stage table.READ MORE ON ARSENALAfter their meeting with Shakhtar at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal host Liverpool in the Premier League.Club captain Martin Odegaard is nearing a return from his injury, having already missed eight games.The midfielder suffered ligament damage to his ankle while on international duty with Norway last month.Odegaard has made just three Premier League appearances for Arsenal so far this season as a result.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTakehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber are also at risk of missing Tuesday’s European clash.Tomiyasu suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury earlier this month.Bournemouth vs Arsenal: Player RatingsHis first appearance of the campaign was a six-minute cameo against Southampton.But he is now set for another spell on the sidelines.As for Timber, he is allegedly struggling with his own fitness issues.Arsenal player ratings vs BournemouthBy Alex CrookTEN-MAN Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season as brilliant Bournemouth dealt them a South Coast setback.The Gunners travelled to face Andoni Iraola’s men having won five and drawn three of their opening eight matches this term.But their task was made a tricky one when William Saliba was shown a red card on the half-hour.Ryan Christie brilliantly fired the hosts into a deserved lead following a well-worked set piece routine 20 minutes from time.Justin Kluivert then sealed his side’s incredible 2-0 victory from the penalty spot on 79 minutes.Here’s how SunSport rated each Gunners performer on the day.DAVID RAYA – 5Was lucky to get away with one poor pass out from the back early on. Made amends for another error by saving smartly with the legs to deny Marcus Tavernier after initially spilling a Semenyo cross-cum-shot before clumsily conceding the penalty.BEN WHITE – 4England outcast was back in the team after four games out, but did not look 100 per cent fit and found it tough going containing the lively Antoine Semenyo down the Bournemouth left in the first half and Dango Ouattara in the second.WILLIAM SALIBA – 3Usually calm and collected under pressure but paid the price for a rare moment of panic when he hauled down Bournemouth striker Evanilson to get himself sent off and will miss next weekend’s crunch clash at home to title rivals Liverpool as a result.GABRIEL – 5Given the captain’s armband in the absence of the stricken Bukayo Saka, but not at his commanding best, especially after losing centre-back partner Saliba. Did not really step up to the leadership plate.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Did a better job containing Semenyo when Bournemouth’s dangerman switched wings at half-time than White did in the first half, but unable to have his usual influence going forward.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Back in his traditional central midfield berth after being used as an emergency right back in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Was second best up against Bournemouth’s impressive Lewis Cook.DECLAN RICE – 5Another of Arsenal’s international contingent who looked sluggish after the break from domestic duty. Struggled to impose himself on the game in midfield and unable to get forward as much as he usually does. Did his bit dropping into the back-line after Saliba’s dismissal.RAHEEM STERLING – 4Former England man was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and gave the ball away a few times when in promising positions before being sacrificed after the Saliba red card.MIKEL MERINO – 5Finally able to make his full Premier League debut after an injury-affected start to his Arsenal career and showed some nice touches. Also fired into the side-netting with the visitors’ best first half opening.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Started the game well but sold Saliba short with a poor back pass that led to the red card and disappeared from the action after that before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.KAI HAVERTZ – 5The German cut an isolated figure up front, especially after Arsenal were reduced to ten men, but worked tirelessly for the team without ever looking like adding to his run of scoring in the previous four games in all competitions.SUBSTITUTESJakub Kiwior (for Sterling, 37) – 4Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 64) – 5Gabriel Jesus (for Kiwior, 81) – N/AEthan Nwaneri (for Merino, 81) – N/A More

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      Man Utd have not lost this season when Hojlund has started as stats show how striker could save Ten Hag’s job

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are unbeaten in every game that Rasmus Hojlund has started this season.And the stats suggest if United keep superb Hojlund fit, Erik ten Hag might have more chance of seeing out the season at the helm.Manchester United are undefeated when Rasmus Hojlund has started this seasonHojlund has been better at leading the line this term, stats have revealedUnited have avoided defeat in all of the three games that Hojlund has started since he returned from a hamstring injury picked up in pre-season.The Dane scored the winner with an ice-cool dink in United’s 2-1 comeback victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday, with Alejandro Garnacho drawing his side level after half-time.He has already scored TWO in the three consecutive games he’s started in all competitions – and is yet to play a full 90 this season.It took the 21-year-old just 20 minutes to poke home in his first start of the season, United’s 3-3 draw at Porto in the Europa League.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWith Hojlund in the team, United’s average shots have boosted up to 20.6 per game. This is a stark difference to the 15.5 shots per game the team mustered up in the opening eight games in all competitions before Hojlund started.Hojlund has 0.73 goals per 90 in all competitions this season – the highest of all United’s forwards.He has already matched Marcus Rashford, Zirkzee and Amad Diallo’s Prem goal tally this term, despite playing 50 per cent less.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Red Devils must keep Hojlund out of the medical room if they have any chance of winning the pressing game too.The Prem giants are a far better pressing unit when Hojlund leads the line, with his hold up and link-up play stronger than other centre forward Zirkzee’s.Man Utd’s Brentford Comeback: Player Ratings United have conceded an average of 11 shots over the last three games he’s started, compared to 12.5 shots faced in the games without the Dane.Ten Hag’s men have seven goals from 112 shots this season, meaning their xG is just 13.02.Hojlund’s conversion rate of 24 per cent was better than Manchester City star Erling Haaland (23 per cent) in the Prem last season.And Alan Shearer was impressed by Hojlund’s Brentford showing, believing his off the ball work has had an effective impact on the team.Shearer said on Match of the Day: “The positives today were without a doubt the front three in Garnacho, Rashford and Hojlund.”I thought they more than played their part and were a constant threat for large parts of the game. “They linked up well, getting their shots away at goal. I thought Hojlund was really impressive.”A lot of times having to do the dirty work and holding defenders off. It allowed the other two to play a more forward role.On Hojlund’s potential, Ten Hag said: “He will always score. What is important is he is keeping fit. “He picked up so many injuries in the first season and when he stays fit, he will score goals because that is proved in his stats.”Another number signifies Hojlund’s significance. His shirt number has been switched this season, from 11 to 9. The Denmark international faced big criticism for a scratchy first few months at Old Trafford last season following his £72m move in the summer of 2023.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he found his shooting boots after his first Prem goal against Aston Villa on Boxing Day, and finished the campaign with 16 in all competitions. This ensured the striker finished his debut season as United’s top scorer.Hojlund bagged his first Prem goal of the season against Brentford More

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      Arsenal’s Premier League title chances are over and Man Utd will record worst-ever finish, predicts supercomputer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will record their worst-ever Premier League finish, according to a supercomputer.The Red Devils overcame a 1-0 deficit to beat Brentford 2-1 at the weekend despite a makeshift backline.Man Utd could be set for their worst-ever finishCredit: GettyArsenal are predicted to miss out again in a close title raceCredit: ReutersRasmus Hojlund’s first goal of the season proved the winner to lift United above Brentford in the table.However Erik ten Hag’s side are still in the bottom half and they will struggle to end up much higher, according to a supercomputer run by CSDB.gg.In fact, the supercomputer predicts United to finish below the Bees in tenth place, which would be their worst-ever finish.Erik ten Hag already has that unwanted record after his side finished eighth last season, yet this time round he is tipped to win two fewer points.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe win over Brentford was just United’s third of the season and they are already six points off the top four.The Champions League race may not end up as close as it sits currently, with Chelsea expected to finish seven points ahead of closest rivals Tottenham.Liverpool are predicted to be in the title race and miss out by just a few points following Arne Slot’s impressive start to the season.They will not be the only team left disappointed, with Arsenal’s title chances in tatters following defeat to Bournemouth, says the supercomputer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Gunners are now four points behind Liverpool and three behind Manchester City, who are set to win a fifth consecutive title, according to the latest algorithms.However it is still going to be a closely-fought race with Pep Guardiola’s side tipped to pip their rivals to the title by just a point.It’s bad news at the bottom for two the three promoted clubs, with Southampton and Ipswich going straight back down along with Wolves.Erik ten Hag slams reports he’s set to be sacked as ‘fairytales’ but admits Man Utd ‘have a mountain to climb’ More