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      Premier League stadium set for £4.35m makeover as ‘game changing’ project gets green light

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      WEST HAM’S London Stadium is set to go green as part of a major makeover project.A £4.35million revamp is about to take place that will lead to the installation of 6,500 square metres of solar membrane panels.West Ham’s London Stadium is set for a massive revampCredit: Getty – ContributorThe London Stadium is about to become one of the greenest venues in the worldCredit: GettyThe LLDC Solar Membrane Project has received funding from the £500m-worth Mayor of London’s Green Finance Fund.The Hammers’ ground is expected to save more than 200 tonnes of carbon emissions a year and generate enough to power all the venue’s major events.It is expected that in the period between 2022 and 2026 the stadium will have reduced energy drawn from the national grid by 3m kWh – from 11.5m kWh per year to 8.5m.To put it in perspective, the annual 850,000-kWh generated by the solar panels is equivalent to the power used for several major events each year.Read More on FootballThat is approximately 20 football matches, four concerts, two MLB games and one international athletics meet. The solar energy will also save more than 200 tonnes of carbon emissions a year, which is equivalent to 100 flights from London to New York.The installation at West Ham’s stadium is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025.The solar membrane panels will be installed on London Stadium’s roof. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat will mark the largest solar array on a Premier League ground, thus making the London Stadium one of the greenest venues in the world.Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Mete Coban said: “These solar panels are a game changer for the London Stadium, turning it into one of the world’s greenest sports and concert venues and hugely reducing its energy use and running costs.Fuming West Ham fans stream out of London Stadium before HALF-TIME during Arsenal drubbing”The Mayor’s Green Finance Fund offers exciting opportunities to help public sector bodies lower their carbon footprint and become more sustainable, and I encourage organisations to get involved as the next round of funding opens and we continue to build a greener, fairer London for everyone.” More

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      Inside Mikel Arteta’s bizarre Arsenal team-bonding after hiring undercover waiter to ‘destroy’ one of his players

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      OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO has lifted the lid on Mikel Arteta’s latest bizarre team-bonding exercise.The Arsenal boss, 42, has shown down the years that he is not afraid to think outside the box.Oleksandr Zinchenko has opened up about Mikel Arteta’s motivational techniquesCredit: GettyThe Spaniard, 42, is never afraid to think outside the boxCredit: AFPIn 2022, fans were left baffled as it emerged Arteta had boomed “You’ll Never Walk Alone” out of speakers while players trained ahead of a game against Liverpool at Anfield.More recently, the Spaniard hired a team of pickpockets to swipe his stars’ belongings during a dinner – in a bid to teach his players the importance of staying alert at all times.He was also dubbed the “David Brent of the Premier League” after coming up with a new motivational word – “collaboretition” – a combination of collaboration and competition.In his latest wacky exercise, Arteta hired a professional football freestyler to show up one of his players.READ MORE ON ARSENALSpeaking to The Guardian, Zinchenko revealed: “We stayed at the same hotel before a match, and we knew all the waiters.”But there was a new guy that day. So before we go to the stadium [Arteta] said: ‘OK guys, let me wake you up, because we need energy.”Last time, Alex, we played staff against players and you beat [the set-piece coach] Nicolas [Jover]. Let’s do it the same, but freestyling.”Everyone was like: ‘What? For sure, Alex will beat him, blah blah blah’. Nico started to do something with the ball and then suddenly it looks like he got an injury. It was so obvious but weird.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Then they called the new waiter. We didn’t know he was a professional freestyler.”He destroyed me with his tricks and all of us were in deep shock. But then we were all laughing and we went to the game with good energy.”Former Man Utd star Wayne Rooney thinks Arteta is copying his management skills Zinchenko, 27, has scarcely played this season due to a calf injury.He has made just two appearances for the Gunners, and none since the 1-1 draw with Brighton on August 31.The Ukrainian was back on the bench for the 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth last weekend, however, and could be in contention to feature against former side Shakhtar Donetsk this evening.Zinchenko was on Shakhtar’s books as a teenager, before leaving to join Russian side FC Ufa in a bid to secure first team football. More

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      I played under Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea – but I remember what reserves manager did over both of them

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      FORMER Chelsea star Carl Magnay worked with Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti but praised another manager for having the biggest influence on his career.The defender won a contract at Chelsea after winning the second series of Sky show Football Icon.Carl Magnay saw many managers at work at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe former defender is now in charge of GatesheadCredit: Instagram @gfc_officialHe beat many hopefuls to secure a place in the Blues squad in 2007, and saw plenty of change at the club before leaving on permanent basis in 2011 without making an appearance.Magnay, 35, saw several high profile managers come and go including Mourinho, Ancelotti, Luiz Filipe Scolari and Avram Grant.He said of the experience in an interview with Chronicle Live: “That was a strange one because from an early age I’ve always been interested in coaching and see the manager styles. “Mourinho was a really intimidating character.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He had the respect of the players undoubtedly, when he’d walk into a room you’d sit upright and make sure you checked yourself. He had that presence and that aura about him.”I was there when Carlo Ancelotti was there – who I really liked – I thought he had more of a personal approach with his players and was very organised with his set-ups, similar to Mourinho. “Then there was Andre Villas-Boas who tried to change things quite drastically.”However none of those managers impacted Magnay as much as his reserve manager at the time – Brendan Rodgers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former full-back praised the now Celtic boss for his detail on the training pitch and revealed he uses his tricks at Gateshead, having taking charge of the National League side this month.Magnay continued: “The biggest influence on my career, without a doubt, was Brendan Rodgers. The History Of Chelsea’s Logo “He was my reserve manager for two-and-a-half years and he was incredible. His content with his sessions but also his personable approach, he’s someone that I take a lot of into my work now.” More

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      Gary O’Neil at centre of FA probe after Wolves boss claimed refs have ‘subconscious’ bias towards big clubs

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      THE FA have launched a probe into Gary O’Neil’s claims that refs have a “subconscious” bias to the Prem’s big clubs.Wolves boss O’Neil has been contacted by football chiefs after his  post-match comments following John Stones’ controversial 95th-minute winner for Manchester City on Sunday.Gary O’Neil is facing a probe after his commentsCredit: ReutersBernardo Silva was judged to have not impeded Jose SaCredit: Sky SportsReferee Chris Kavanagh ruled out Stones’ header for offside against  Bernardo Silva — but changed his mind in a pitchside review after VAR intervened to hand City a 2-1 win.Now O’Neil will have to explain his remarks before the FA decide on any further action.O’Neil said: “There’s no chance people are purposely against Wolves.“But is there something in the subconscious around the decision-making, without even knowing it? Are you more likely to give it to Man City than Wolves?READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“My senses are heightened when we are facing Man City. Are the officials the same?“If I had to upset someone and there’s a big and a little guy, I’m upsetting the little guy.”City’s winner hinged on whether Silva, who was standing in an offside position, had unsighted Sa as he attempted to keep out Stones’ bullet header.Silva appeared to step away from the keeper just before Stones’ effort, with Kavanagh judging Sa was not prevented from being able to see the ball.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Premier League explained the decision in a statement that read: “Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision. “The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review.”The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.”Man City match-winner John Stones reflects after controversial win against Wolves More

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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