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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

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      Ant and Dec ‘used clout to promote Saudi takeover of Newcastle according to Amanda Staveley’s leaked WhatsApp messages’

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      TV SUPERSTARS Ant and Dec allegedly helped to promote the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s Newcastle United takeover.But the Premier League will not look into the legality of the £305m deals amid fresh claims over the involvement of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.Ant and Dec allegedly helped to promote the Saudi PIF’s Newcastle takeoverCredit: GettyAmanda Staveley’s alleged leaked WhatsApp messages promised the pair would ‘push’ articlesCredit: PAGeordie duo Ant and Dec were reportedly asked to share an article from the Shields Gazette in October 2020 about opposition to the Premier League failing to approve the PIF buy-out.The Telegraph have claimed to have seen WhatsApp messages from ex-Newcastle director Amanda Staveley that promised the multi-award winning big screen pair would ‘push’ the piece.Ant and Dec then shared the article on Twitter within four minutes.The Shields Gazette had written about a supporters’ group who were claiming that by delaying the takeover the Premier League was acting against UK anti-competition law.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis investigation by The Telegraph then states that Ant and Dec shared another article from the same publication two days later regarding the progress of the takeover and that answered questions on it.The Premier League had refused to sanction the takeover earlier that summer due to concerns about the consortium, which was backed by PIF, and their links to the Saudi state.That led to the bid initially being abandoned due to them not being able to provide separation between themselves and the Saudi state, which is led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. That led to a petition that called on Prem chiefs to explain their reasons for delaying the takeover of the consortium that was made up of the Saudi Arabian PIF, the Reuben Brothers, and Staveley.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThings turned nasty when Premier League chief executive Richard Masters came under a personal attack and had his home address shared on fan forums online.The main sticking point and hold up was with regards to the completion of a key Premier League form in the owners and directors test about club control and ownership.Ant and Dec watch Newcastle United’s first game since Saudi takeoverAnt and Dec attended Newcastle’s first match following the takeover in 2021Credit: GettyIn particular, the residing of the 80 per cent stake in the club in Saudi.Top-flight bosses wanted to make the link between the Saudi Arabian state and Newcastle open but it was met by resistance and, after an offer to place the issue in arbitration was also rejected, the consortium pulled out.However, over a year later in September 2021 the £305m takeover was completed after proof that the Saudi state would not actually be in control of the North East club was provided and the Premier League owners’ and directors’ test was passed.Sun Sport have approached Ant and Dec, otherwise known as Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, for comment.Meanwhile, in the series of leaked WhatsApp messages, Staveley is said to have written to associates of the then Toon owner Mike Ashley: “The Crown Prince is losing patience – I need to assure him we will get there.”A further message then read: “(Yasir Al-Rumayyan) is trying to hang on to the deal and convince the Crown Prince not to pull out.”The messages raised questions over the political involvement in the deal but Sun Sport understands that the Premier League will not look into the matter as they were satisfied that the government interactions they were aware of at that time did not influence their decision in the Owners’ and Directors’ Test.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe lawyers of Staveley, who sold her stake in Newcastle this summer, say that she only referenced the Crown Prince in his capacity as PIF chairman.They added that any suggestions the messages cast doubt on the separation of the Saudi state and the running of Newcastle is “as illogical as it is misconceived”. More

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      Man Utd star Mazraoui splashes out on £200,000 Bentley to keep up with supercar loving team-mates

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      CROCKED Man Utd ace Noussair Mazraoui has snapped up a £200,000 Bentley – to keep up with his supercar loving teammates.The Bentley Bentayga S Black Edition is perfect for the injured defender coming with a range of safety features.Sidelined Man Utd ace Noussair Mazraoui has treated himself to a flash new motorThe Old Trafford right-back has taken home a stunning Bentley Bentayga S Black EditionBut the luxury SUV also has plenty of power upfront with a four-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 542 horsepower.The motor can accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 180mph.Mazraoui, 26, joins teammates Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro who all own top-of-the-range Bentleys.Last month The Sun revealed Rashford, 26, splashed out on a £200,000 Bentley Flying Spur Azure to ferry him to training while he’s on a driving ban.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhile United captain Bruno, 30, drives a sporty Bentley Continental GT and also has a Bentayga to ferry his family around.And we reported how Casemiro, 32, forked out £200,000 on a Bentley Bentayga SUV for his glamorous wife Anna Mariana to take their kids to school.Mazraoui arrived at Old Trafford in August after the club completed a stunning £60million double deal for him and Bayern Munich teammate Matthijs de Ligt.The Moroccan international is currently out injured after being taken off at half-time against Aston Villa on October 6 after suffering heart palpitations.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMazraoui has since had a procedure to correct the issue, but is likely out for another two weeks.In the past former United stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Dean Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Alexis Sanchez and Phil Jones, all drove high-end Bentleys to United training.Noussair Mazraoui celebrates the crowd after victory for Ajax David Bellion lifted the lid on Fergie’s strict rules around supercars with The Sun in 2017But the supercars haven’t always been popular at the club.Former Red Devils striker David Bellion recalled how Sir Alex Ferguson once made one of his teammates sell his Bentley after driving it to training one morning.Wayne Rooney has also previously revealed how Fergie would not allow players aged under 25 to own a sports car while he was manager.Speaking to The Sun in 2017, Bellion discussed the unnamed player who drove a Bentley to training, saying: “Sir Alex made him sell it immediately.“I drove to Carrington in an Austin Mini for nearly a year even though I had a Mercedes at home.“Sir Alex didn’t like young players getting above themselves. “He hated anyone showing their wealth before they had done anything in life or the game.”And United legend Gary Neville last month admitted buying a Bentley made him feel like a “proper w****r”.He told the It’s Called Soccer! podcast: “I always said to myself when I finished my football career that I wanted to drive a four-door massive big Bentley.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The massive one. Not the Baby Bentley, like the big thing. So basically I bought one a couple years after my career and I had it for about three weeks.“I recognised as I was driving round Manchester that I just felt like a proper w****r… not that I don’t now!” More

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      Arsenal just one red card away from worst record in Prem history and stats show they’re up against it to win title

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      THE odds are already stacked against Arsenal to lift the Premier League title this season – owing to their disciplinary record.The Gunners crashed to a 2-0 away defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday, with the game-changing moment coming in the 30th minute as William Saliba was shown a straight red via VAR intervention.William Salbia’s first-half dismissal saw Arsenal receive their 107th red card in Prem historyVAR intervened saw Saliba sent marching after the control room thought he’d denied a clear goal scoring opportunity as the last manIt was Arsenal’s third dismissal inside eight games this seasonCredit: RexThat is now three red cards in eight Prem outings this term after Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard’s dismissals against Brighton in August and Manchester City in September respectively.It was the 18th red card Arsenal have been shown in the Prem 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.And it may well spell the end for their hopes of knocking Manchester City off their perch and claiming a first English league title crown since the Invincibles of 2004.READ MORE ON ARSENALOn this occasion, the numbers do not lie.It must be said that it is very rare for a Prem team to go through an entire league season without having a player sent off.Only three sides have managed that Manchester United in 1992/93 and Chelsea in 2004/05 and 2016/17.But the correlation between the number of red cards and chances of finishing on top of the pile are clear for all to see, especially in recent times.Most read in FootballLeandro Trossard was booked twice in the first half against title rivals Man CityCredit: RexDeclan Rice was also received a second yellow against Brighton for kicking the ball awayFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOf the 32 campaigns in the Prem era, 17 league winners have managed to avoid picking up three reds or more.Up until the 2011/12 season, of the 20 league winners, 13 of them were shown three or more red cards.Bournemouth vs Arsenal: Player RatingsThe most was six in 2001/02, from Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, who needed a late charge with 13 straight wins to snatch the title away from Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man United.In Arsenal’s three Prem titles since 1992/93, they have received three red cards or more, and only once have they won the league with more than three, in 2002.But since 2012/13, only TWO teams have picked up three or more red cards and went on to be victorious: Chelsea’s four dismissals in 2014/15 and Leicester who saw three in 2015/16.Between 2016 and 2024, no winner has picked up more than two.In their six title-winning campaigns over the last seven years, Pep’s City have earned just nine red cards. Their only blip came in 2019/20 when they picked up four reds while losing out to Liverpool, who received just one.In the modern era of Premier League football then, good discipline usually leads to glory – something Arteta needs to defy in the remaining 30 league games this season.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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      Premier League legend David James is BOOED by Liverpool fans after saving two penalties from young fan

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      DAVID JAMES was booed by Liverpool fans after saving two penalties from a young fan.The iconic Prem goalkeeper returned to his former club for their match against Chelsea.A young fan twice had the chance to score in front of The KopCredit: @jamosfoundation TWITTERDavid James saved both of his penaltiesCredit: @jamosfoundation TWITTERThe keeper was booed for his anticsCredit: GettyHe was at Anfield to help promote Standard Chartered’s community engagement programme, ‘Futuremakers’.And at half-time he donned his goalie gloves once again to take part in a penalty shoot-out.James took his duties too seriously for fans’ liking however, as he saved an effort from a young fan.The kid was even giving an opportunity of a retake to fulfil his dream of scoring in front of The Kop, only to be denied by James again.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter the save James turned towards the stand with his hands outstretched, appearing to brag jokingly.Supporters began booing as soon as he saved the spot-kick, but the former Liverpool keeper did not appear to mind.He proudly shared a clip of the save on social media, provoking a mixed response from fans.One reacted saying: “Honestly, this says so much about you. None of it good.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother added: “David James brutally destroying an 11 year old child’s dream of scoring at Anfield by saving his penalty. Top s***house.”And a third wrote: “Sometimes in life you gotta learn the hard way, but yeah this was messed up.”Liverpool player ratings vs Chelsea More