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      Bukayo Saka on track to break never-before-seen Premier League record in Arsenal clash against Leicester

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      BUKAYO SAKA could set a new Premier League record when Arsenal face Leicester City on Saturday.The 23-year-old has enjoyed a great season so far with the Gunners, providing six goal contributions in five league games.Bukayo Saka could set a new Premier League record this weekendCredit: GettyThe winger matched a record set by Thierry Henry last weekend by assisting five goals in the first five Prem games of the seasonCredit: GettyHe became just the second player in Prem history to register five assists in the first five games of a campaign last weekend against Manchester City, with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry the only other player to achieve the feat.But he could go one better this weekend by becoming the first person to manage six assists in the first six games.The Gunners face Leicester at home on Saturday, so Saka could fancy his chances – especially given Arsenal have not lost to the Foxes in four years.Speaking ahead of the match, Leicester boss Steve Cooper admitted Arsenal will provide the “toughest” test for his team so far.Read More in FootballHe said: “They’re an incredible team who have been in great form for a number of years. They’ve been challenging for trophies.”We’re coming up against a really tough opponent. It’s these games that you have to embrace and not fear failure.”That’s what we want to do, to back ourselves. We want to go for it.”Leicester are yet to win a Premier League match this season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Foxes currently sit 15th in the table with three points from five games.Meanwhile, Arsenal are yet to taste defeat.Man Utd legend Roy Keane blasts Arsenal as ‘small team with small mentality’ in furious rant at Ian WrightThe Gunners are fourth with 11 points from three wins and two draws.They also progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday with a 5-1 win over Bolton.Arsenal player ratings vs BoltonETHAN NWANERI will remember this night for the rest of his life after scoring twice on his full Arsenal debut.The Gunners eased to a 5-1 victory over Bolton in the Carabao Cup third round.See how their players, young and old, rated at the Emirates.Jack Porter – 6He may be 16 years old but he did not show it tonight. Had one scare when his pass was blocked by Aaron Collins and the ball flew over but other than that he did not put a foot wrong.Josh Nichols – 6Encouraging signs from the right-back although he was not really tested in a defensive capacity.Jakub Kiwior – 6Dealt with Bolton’s many crosses into the box but was far too high up the pitch, along with Calafiori, which allowed the visitors to break and score.Riccardo Calafiori – 7A Rolls-Royce defender who carries himself a bit like David Luiz, minus the erratic decision-making. Defended well and went close with a long shot.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Looked very comfortable in possession and saw plenty of the ball. Excellent composure for a young head and linked with Sterling well.Jorginho – 6Kept things ticking over but in truth it was quite an easy night for the Italian.Declan Rice – 7Took his goal very well and everything Arsenal did went through him.Ethan Nwaneri – 9A night to remember for the 17-year-old as he capped his first start for the club with his first goals. Showed great poaching instincts.Bukayo Saka – 9Typical Saka performance and he was a constant threat with his delivery, whether in open play or from corners.Raheem Sterling – 9A threat throughout and he is back playing with a smile on his face, which is great to see. Worked hard and got his deserved goal when he poked in from two yards out.Gabriel Jesus – 5Plenty of energy and panache up front but without the finishing to match – a familiar tale of his Arsenal career.See how the Arsenal subs rated here More

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      Former Arsenal star, 29, brutally snubbed from Crystal Palace team photo and banished to youth team in mystery fallout

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      A FORMER Arsenal star was brutally snubbed from Crystal Palace’s team photo and banished to the youth side in mysterious circumstances.Oliver Glasner appears to be taking no prisoners as the Eagles lined up for their annual squad snap.Crystal Palace left a former Arsenal star out of their new team photoIn a brilliant shot, players from both the men’s and women’s team lined up together for the special moment.Palace made seven first-team signings this summer.And each one was included in the bonding session this week.Goalie Matt Turner and defenders Trevoh Chalobah, Maxence Lacroix and Chadi Riad are all hoping to make an impact.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile further up the field, Palace have reinforced with Daichi Kamada, Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah.The latter arrived in an initial £25million move from Arsenal.But Nketiah has been unable to link up with a former Gunners teammate, who was not in the team photo after being dropped to the youth side.Defender Rob Holding, 29, was a £4m signing from north London last summer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe two-time FA Cup winner was seen as a bit of a coup for ex-Palace boss Roy Hodgson.But Holding failed to make one single league appearance for his new side.Marc Guehi shows off his skills in training with Crystal Palace Rob Holding has failed to make a single league appearance since last year’s transferCredit: GettyAnd his only game came in the Carabao Cup.However, Holding has failed to impress Glasner too.And after being demoted to the U23s, who he’s already turned out for in the EFL Trophy, Holding no longer has a future at Selhurst Park.Glasner reportedly informed the defender to find a new club during the summer, with Holding receiving no offers.And last month, Palace’s boss confirmed that Holding is not in his future plans.Glasner said: “He knows the reason. But it is something that stays between Rob and me. Nothing public.” More

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      Gary Neville tells Eddie Howe clear reason why he should QUIT Newcastle for ‘next step up’ in his career

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      GARY NEVILLE claims Eddie Howe should leave Newcastle to better himself.And the Manchester United legend warned the Toon chief he might “lose” out – if he doesn’t depart soon.Gary Neville has strong views on Eddie Howe’s futureCredit: YouTube/ The OverlapEddie Howe is rated one of the favourites for the England job, in the unlikely event that interim chief Lee Carsley isn’t handed the job permanentlyCredit: GettyTalk of “friction” between Howe and Newcastle’s new sporting director Paul Mitchell has soared this week.And Neville explains why he believes a swift exit is the easiest way for the former Bournemouth boss to make the “next step up”.Howe has been linked with the England job since Gareth Southgate’s departure over the summer.And although interim chief Lee Carsley is now strong favourite for the permanent job, it’s Howe, along with Pep Guardiola and Graham Potter, who comes next in the betting odds.READ MORE TOP STORIESNeville reckons it’s time for the 46-year-old, who has ben in charge of Newcastle since 2021, to put himself first.The ex-England defender told The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast: “If I was Eddie Howe, I would go and look after myself“You’ve had a great Premier League career, you’ve done a brilliant job. “You’ve been fantastic at Newcastle. You’ve almost closed that chapter of their development.”Most read in SportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNev added: “England are in a great position with players. You’re going to be working with amazing players. “The next step up in Eddie’s career would be England. Man Utd title winner looks unrecognisable as he rejoins former club at 35 “It’s difficult to get a Chelsea job, or Man United or Liverpool. He’ll know that. “He might get Tottenham at some point in the future.“My point is for Eddie, it’s difficult… to win with England, you’d have a chance of getting one of those top jobs. “I think it’s his next step up, and I think he would take that job. “He’s got to be proactive and not wait for other people to determine his outcome.”Neville also suggested it might all go wrong for Howe unless he acts within the next few months – because of reported wrangling within St. James Park.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Sky Sports pundit argued: “I think he’ll lose if this drags on until January or February.”It ends for him but (by then) the England job has been given to someone else – and he’s lost both.” More

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      Premier League admit state of the art new technology may not be ready until NEXT YEAR after series of concerns

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      PREM chiefs have admitted the new state of the art offside technology system may now not be ready until after CHRISTMAS.Club bosses voted to approve the use of Semi Automated Offside Technology – with special computer-aided tracking to pinpoint the exact position of players – at their summer meeting, with a promise that it would be ready by the end of the November international break.The new system is being extensively trialledSemi-automated offside technology was used at the 2022 World CupCredit: FIFAThe new system is designed to end the issues caused by PGMOL operators at Stockley Park drawing the offside “lines”.Last week, Leicester manager Steve Cooper accused Stockley Park of an “an awful human error” after a VAR intervention saw an offside call against Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta overturned.Cooper claimed the lines had been drawn from the wrong TV frame – emphatically denied by PGMOL in a meeting with the club.Mateta was ruled onside because of the agreed 5cm “tolerance” zone for close decisions and it is likely that, with no such margin of error when SAOT is used, the on-field ruling would have been confirmed.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut at their first “shareholders” meeting of the season yesterday, the 20 clubs were told by Prem chief football officer Tony Scholes that they should “manage their expectations” over when the new technology would be ready.The Prem opted against using long-term tech partners HawkEye in favour of US-based Genius Sports but that has meant extensive trials being required.In his presentation to the clubs, which also saw Scholes make a strong defence of referees and their decisions this season and question the behaviour of players and managers, he said League bosses were willing to wait until they had proof the system was foolproof before recommending its introduction.At this stage, despite lengthy trials, there are still some concerns that need to be addressed and it was suggested that deploying the technology might have to be delayed until the “winter”, potentially after the turn of the year.Most read in FootballThe Prem only want the system to come in when it’s foolproofFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSScholes, though, did push home the message that PGMOL HAS upped its game so far this season.Despite a series of moans from clubs, Scholes confirmed that only one incorrect Key Match Incident decision which was subject to VAR oversight had been awarded – Bournemouth’s wrongly chalked off “winner” against Newcastle.Gary Lineker makes bold prediction on Match of the Day that his ‘good idea’ to fix VAR will eventually come inBut he did point out that “participant behaviour” – including dissent from players and managers – was an issue that has not helped the situation.New time-keeping rules have reduced the average amount of added time per match by around 100 seconds while the average VAR check is now down from 44 seconds to 25 seconds. More

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      Anthony Gordon set to make Newcastle transfer U-turn after telling England team-mates at Euro 2024 he was leaving

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      NEWCASTLE are on the verge of tieing down Anthony Gordon to a new long-term contract – despite the star telling England team-mates at Euro 2024 he was heading to Liverpool.The 23-year-old moved to St. James’ Park in a £45m deal from Everton in January 2022 and has become a key man in Eddie Howe’s side.Liverpool and Arsenal eyed Anthony Gordon but he is set to stay putCredit: RexHowever, with his contract due to expire in 2026, pressure was mounting on Toon’s sporting director Paul Mitchell to sort out the winger’s future.The chief’s relationship with Howe has been the subject of much speculation since he failed to land any top transfer targets this summer.But the head coach will be delighted to discover that Gordon and the club are close to agreeing terms on an extension.Talks have intensified over recent weeks and Sun Sport understands that the final few details of the package will be completed shortly.READ MORE TOP STORIESIt comes after Gordon’s head was turned while on England duty at the Euros as he nearly returned to Merseyside to join Liverpool – the club he supported as a boy.The Magpies were desperate to meet PSR regulations at the end of June and there were talks over a potential £100m move to Anfield.Newcastle eventually sold Yankuba Minteh to Brighton instead but that was only after sources informed us he had told a number of people in the Three Lions camp that he was heading to the Reds.But the North East club want to reward him for his performances and secure his future, especially with Arsenal also interested in him.Most read in FootballThe Magpies aim to sort out a new Gordon deal to end speculationCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Gordon himself is keen to put pen to paper and focus all of his efforts on trying to get Newcastle back into Europe.Howe stressed the importance of Mitchell sorting out Gordon’s contract last week, saying: “I think having your players secure in their futures is key to their performances. Newcastle star reveals gruesome scars after horror injury as he’s pictured back at work“You don’t want the transfer speculation or the contracts potentially running into shorter terms because I think that it distracts and rarely benefits the player or the club.“So, my wish is that players are always focussed on their performances and that the outside distraction is minimal.“Our best way to do that is to get them secure and happy but of course there is a balance because with wage structures and PSR we can’t be reckless with what we do either.“So we have to get those calls right but, of course, getting those players to play at their best levels will have a dramatic effect on our season.“I think that if there are issues with either player, or any player, then of course communication and resolving any issues is really important.” More

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      ‘I’m not at my level,’ claims £54m Chelsea star as he says ‘no one can sleep’ over competition under Enzo Maresca

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      CHELSEA stars are losing sleep over the competition in Enzo Maresca squad.The new Blues boss spent £220million after taking over in the summer following Mauricio Pochettino’s exit.Pedro Neto during a Chelsea training sessionCredit: GettyWinger Pedro Neto was a £54million addition from Wolves and has been competing to get a regular spot out wide. Neto – who took the No7 jersey from Arsenal loanee Raheem Sterling – scored his first Chelsea goal in the 5-0 League Cup drubbing of Barrow. And he admitted Maresca’s squeezed squad are only just getting used to the rotating line ups. He said: “When you arrive at a big club, it’s a new adaptation. Maybe in Wolverhampton, I was going to play maybe 90 per cent of the games.READ MORE ON football“Here, I have to work even more or maybe I’ll not play because the coach will rotate the players. “It makes you play even better because you know that you have to work.“With the amount of quality that we have here, no one can sleep. As the coach has said: ‘Everyone will not play every game’.“We have to work hard and make for ourselves and continue to to do it every weekend, every training session, every game. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It’s the mentality that I hope can take us to the top.”Neto, 24, has made seven appearances so far this season operating on both the left and right in competition with Noni Madueke, 22. Chelsea Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace SocialBut Neto admitted: “At the moment, I’m not at my level, but I’m getting there. I know that I will arrive at my top form and I will enjoy it.“I continue to work. I continue to work on my confidence, on my football, on the adaptation, and I hope to be [at full fitness] as soon as as I can.” More

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      I sat on sofa with Man Utd boss and his wife at my house… I agreed transfer but changed my mind when he was sacked

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      TONI KROOS claims he was moments away from joining Manchester United before David Moyes was ruthlessly sacked while the pair sat together on a sofa.The Scot only lasted 10 months at Old Trafford following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement 11 years ago.Toni Kroos claims he almost joined Man Utd after leaving Bayern MunichCredit: GettyHe was sat on a couch with David Moyes when the Scot was sackedCredit: GettyMoyes won just 27 of his 51 United matches in the 2013/14 campaignAnd United’s seventh-place finish saw them miss out on Champions League football for the first time since 1995.Moyes only made one signing in his sole summer transfer window, with his former Everton star Marouane Fellaini a late arrival.But it appears the Scot was already working on deals for his second season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat’s because Germany and Real Madrid icon Kroos claims he nearly joined United in the summer of 2014.The midfielder, who led his country to World Cup glory that year, met with Moyes and the Scot’s wife Pamela at his house in Bavaria.Kroos had decided to leave boyhood club Bayern Munich on a free transfer.And he was ready to put pen to paper on a lucrative deal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, as Kroos and Moyes sat together on a couch, the manager was brutally sacked by United.Ryan Giggs took charge for United’s last few games before Louis van Gaal was hired.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Louis van Gaal did not want to complete the deal to sign KroosCredit: EPAKroos also turned down Van Gaal before eventually joining Real MadridCredit: GettyAnd Kroos ended up declining the planned switch to Old Trafford, with Van Gaal also not keen on signing him.Kroos told SPORT1: “In 2014, before I signed with Real Madrid, I had already agreed with Manchester United. That would have been a move from Bayern to United.“But then they kicked out David Moyes, who I was still sitting on my couch with in Munich.“It was very nice for him to be sitting in our house with his wife.“Then they hired Louis van Gaal. And we both politely declined.The playmaker eventually struck a deal with Real Madrid as he secured the World Cup in Brazil.And the rest is history, with Kroos appearing 465 times for Los Blancos before retiring following Euro 2024.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn that time he won four LaLiga titles, five Champions Leagues and as many Club World Cups, making him one of the most successful Germans in history.One star Kroos played alongside was Gareth Bale, who was Moyes’ top target during the summer of 2013 before joining Real.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Arteta asked about a 12-year-old Ethan Nwaneri in his first week as Arsenal boss – five years later he must unleash him

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      MIKEL ARTETA has had his eye on Ethan Nwaneri since he was 12-years-old.Within the first week of his appointment as Arsenal boss in December 2019, Arteta spoke with U16 coach Dan Micciche about an immense talent playing with kids four years his senior and asked him: “I hear you’ve got a player for me…”Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta has had his eye on Ethan Nwaneri since 2019Nwaneri signed his Arsenal contract alongside Jack WilshereCredit: Arsenal FC via Instagram / @ethan_nwaneriNwaneri made history when he featured in the Premier League at the age of 15Credit: GettyA video compilation was compiled to prove that the early comparisons to Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere were not as wild as they initially sounded.Fast forward to the present day and 17-year-old Nwaneri is on the cusp of a full Prem debut after scoring twice on his first senior start against Bolton in the Carabao Cup third round.And given the Gunners’ current injury issues in midfield, Arteta should hold him back no longer ahead of their clash with Leicester at the Emirates on Saturday. The time is now.As Arteta himself admitted after the 5-1 thumping of the Trotters, “the boy is ready” before adding: “He’s ahead of what anybody could expect”.READ MORE ON ARSENALHowever, Arsenal’s Hale End academy have known about Nwaneri’s potential since his arrival as a nine-year-old – where he was introduced to several senior stars on his first day.His progress since has been nothing short of meteoric, playing with the U18s at the age of 14 and the U21s at the age of 15 before his history-making Prem debut in September 2022.There was interest from Chelsea and Manchester City before he signed his first pro deal back in March after his 17th birthday – but leaving Arsenal has never been a consideration.After scoring his first two goals for the club on Wednesday night, the England U19s starlet said: “It’s a great feeling when the club you love and have grown up with and the fans are chanting your name.Most read in FootballNwaneri scored two against League One side Bolton in the Carabao Cup on WednesdayCredit: RexNwaneri made his Prem debut in a 3-0 win over Brentford aged 15Credit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s a good feeling. It’s a surreal feeling. It’s a feeling I’ve wanted to feel for almost 16 years of my life so to actually feel it, it’s crazy. I just want more of it.”Nwaneri was one of NINE academy players in the squad against Bolton, with 16-year-old keeper Jack Porter, defenders Maldini Kacurri, 18, and Josh Nichols, 18, and winger Ismeal Kabia, 18, also making their debuts.Mikel Arteta insists Ethan Nwaneri will get more chances for Arsenal this season Nwaneri added: “All of those players that I’ve played with since I’ve been like nine and now we’re on the big pitch together, it’s a crazy feeling.”But Nwaneri is the shining light and the quiet leader among them, despite his shy and down-to-earth nature. Before kick-off against Bolton, Nwaneri led his academy pals out on to the pitch to soak up the atmosphere, shaking hands with managing director Richard Garlick.Nwaneri does his talking on the pitch, showing an eye for goal in the 37th and 49th minute and looking immensely comfortable on the ball, constantly dodging tackles with power and poise.Not that it has affected his school work. Much like another academy grad Myles Lewis-Skelly, the pair would often finish training, put on their uniforms and race to school to hand in homework.Nwaneri has had many a role model, coached by club legend Wilshere in the U18s and called “very, very special” by former midfielder Granit Xhaka while the Swiss international picked up his coaching badges with the U16s at London Colney.Nwaneri joined Arsenal when he was eight years oldCredit: Arsenal FC via Instagram / @ethan_nwaneriHe now plays for Mikel Arteta’s first teamCredit: GettyEven current skipper Martin Odegaard has gone out of his way to guide and nurture a player who could one day replace him as Arsenal’s talisman and fan favourite.With Odegaard and Mikel Merino missing through injury and Jorginho and Thomas Partey in need of a rest, these upcoming home league outings against the Foxes and Southampton could not have come at a better time for Nwaneri’s official unveiling as a first team regular.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has already featured once this Prem term, off the bench late on to help see out a 1-0 victory away at rivals Tottenham, adding to previous sub appearances at the Bees and West Ham.Nwaneri said: “It’s been intense, but it’s definitely helped me as a player. I’ve added that to my game.”Arsenal player ratings vs BoltonETHAN NWANERI will remember this night for the rest of his life after scoring twice on his full Arsenal debut.The Gunners eased to a 5-1 victory over Bolton in the Carabao Cup third round.See how their players, young and old, rated at the Emirates.Jack Porter – 6He may be 16 years old but he did not show it tonight. Had one scare when his pass was blocked by Aaron Collins and the ball flew over but other than that he did not put a foot wrong.Josh Nichols – 6Encouraging signs from the right-back although he was not really tested in a defensive capacity.Jakub Kiwior – 6Dealt with Bolton’s many crosses into the box but was far too high up the pitch, along with Calafiori, which allowed the visitors to break and score.Riccardo Calafiori – 7A Rolls-Royce defender who carries himself a bit like David Luiz, minus the erratic decision-making. Defended well and went close with a long shot.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Looked very comfortable in possession and saw plenty of the ball. Excellent composure for a young head and linked with Sterling well.Jorginho – 6Kept things ticking over but in truth it was quite an easy night for the Italian.Declan Rice – 7Took his goal very well and everything Arsenal did went through him.Ethan Nwaneri – 9A night to remember for the 17-year-old as he capped his first start for the club with his first goals. Showed great poaching instincts.Bukayo Saka – 9Typical Saka performance and he was a constant threat with his delivery, whether in open play or from corners.Raheem Sterling – 9A threat throughout and he is back playing with a smile on his face, which is great to see. Worked hard and got his deserved goal when he poked in from two yards out.Gabriel Jesus – 5Plenty of energy and panache up front but without the finishing to match – a familiar tale of his Arsenal career.See how the Arsenal subs rated here More