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      Sky Sports accidentally broadcast X-rated message during Man Utd vs Arsenal clash

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      A MANCHESTER United fan’s X-rated message to the owners was accidentally broadcast by live Sky Sports cameras.The supporter’s note – possibly to the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe – was beamed across the world as United players headed down the tunnel following the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.Fans spotted an X-rated sign during Sky’s broadcast of Manchester United vs ArsenalArsenal’s fading hopes of chasing Liverpool down took another knock, as they sit now 15 points behind the Reds with ten games to go.Declan Rice delivered heroics at both ends of Old Trafford to earn Arsenal a dramatic point against 14th place United.During the aftermath, fans spotted an X-rated sign held up by a supporter in the Stretford End as the players walked off.The capitalised message, written in a black marker on a slab of cardboard, read: “Sell United and f*** off home.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDThousands of fans gathered outside Old Trafford before kick-off to protest against the club’s ownership. Viral videos showed hundreds chanting those same words on the road leading up to the iconic stadium.There were an estimated 5,000 people taking part in the mile-long march.Scores of flares were set off as fans dressed in black sang abusive songs towards co-chairman Joel Glazer and Ratcliffe, who has spent £1.3bn for a 28.94 per cent stake in the club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 1958 spokesperson Steve Crompton has claimed that the club is “dying” and is “facing financial Armageddon”.Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Sky fully showing that Glazers f*** off home sign 😂😂”Amorim ‘pleased’ with Man Utd performance despite missed chances against Arsenal Another tweeted: “Well done to this man. Seen by the world.”A third fan added: “Let’s hope the Glazers saw it and for once read the room.”Speaking after the match, United boss Ruben Amorim was asked about the protest.He replied: “This club will never die, that is clear. You feel it in the streets. “This is a big business and maybe all the fans in this league sometimes feel it is harder to go to the games and pay for tickets.”We want to give them a lot of effort. In the future, we will not play like that.”United fans protested against the club’s ownership on SundayRuben Amorim spoke candidly about the pre-match demonstrationsCredit: GettyThe Red Devils looked on course for a morale-boosting victory thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ controversial free-kick on the brink of half-time.The United captain curled in a dead ball after referee Anthony Taylor set the Arsenal wall back 11.2 yards, according to broadcast technology, rather than the minimum 10 yards.READ MORE SUN STORIESRice brilliantly whipped in Jurrien Timber’s cutback to level the match with 16 minutes to go and then, moments later, slid in when sub Rasmus Hojlund was clean through on goal. The England star celebrated the tackle almost as emphatically as the goal. More

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      Chelsea’s Fernandez poses with girlfriend for first time since split after ‘Argentina team-mate tried to seduce her’

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      CHELSEA midfielder Enzo Fernandez posed publicly with his girlfriend Valentina Cervantes for the first time since their brief split last October.The midfielder delighted fans with a snap from the Stamford Bridge pitch of the couple alongside their children Olivia, four, and Benjamin, one.Enzo Fernandes posed publicly with Valentina Cervantes for the first time since their splitThe couple went their separate ways in OctoberCredit: https://www.instagram.com/valucervantes/?hl=enThey re-united in January amid rumours one of Fernandez’s team-mates was speaking to ValentinaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/valucervantes/?hl=enValentina says she and the Chelsea star have worked through their problemsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/valucervantes/?hl=enFernandez, whose pass led to Spain defender Marc Cucurella’s winning goal against struggling Leicester, had posted several photos of their kids but none of 24-year-old influencer Valentina since she announced the end of the relationship.She confirmed last month they were back together – after reports Fernandez had tried to fix their relationship when he discovered an Argentina team-mate was trying to seduce her – but has yet to post her own pics with the Chelsea star.One of Fernandez’s 11.3 million followers on Instagram reacted to the happy family snap by saying: “Very good. You couldn’t lose that amazing woman.”Another, referencing the reports about Valentina and other footballers which she was quick to refute after confirming she had patched things up with Fernandez, said: “She did it very well. He wanted to be alone?READ MORE ON CHELSEA“With great dignity, she told him that it was perfect and literally left him alone: she took the kids to Argentina, got a job where she is doing well, and told him, “Calm down, I don’t need you.”“By the way, she sent word that many footballers invited her out and that she was willing to fall in love again. My new idol.”Another fan added: “The photo more than half the world were waiting for.”Fernandez and Valentina had sparked reunion rumours at the end of January after being spotted kissing and holding hands as it emerged she was still in London and had yet to return to Argentina with their two children nearly a month after flying to the UK for New Year to “stay a few days.”She went on to fuel fans’ expectations by posting photos showing her having breakfast in a dressing gown on a hotel balcony opposite Rome’s Colosseum with two coffee cups on the table.Most read in FootballConfirming they were back together as she prepared to head back to London last month after a modelling assignment in Buenos Aires, Valentina told an Argentine TV programme: “When I took the children to the UK for New Year we were able to speak.“We’re a family, we’re very young, our children are still very small and while there’s love and good communication, I don’t think there’s anything that can’t be fixed.”Watch Argentina World Cup winner and £107m Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez play hurling on holiday in Ireland Valentina will return to Argentina for work commitmentsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/valucervantes/?hl=enShe denied the rumours that have been circulatingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/valucervantes/?hl=enValentina and Fernandez have two children togetherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/valucervantes/?hl=enShe added in an impromptu airport interview before catching her flight: “Maybe by being with Fernandez in the UK, we realised, he more than anything, that he missed us as his family, that he missed me, and I think it was that.“This separation was good for us so that he realised a lot of things.“Thankfully I’m doing very well. From the beginning, even when we were apart, I had good expectations and I still have them now.“There are worse crises and thankfully ours never became a big thing.”Valentina has just signed for Buenos Aires-based model and talent agency Multitalent Agency and has said she will leave Olivia, who is now enrolled at school in the UK, with Fernandez and fly back to Argentina with their toddler son for future work commitments.Reports around the time the first reunion rumours emerged at the end of January centred on Fernandez trying to fix their love affair after discovering an Argentina team-mate was trying to seduce Valentina.Journalist Daniel Fava said on America TV show A la Tarde he had been told a fellow world champion was “sniffing around her” and then added in a second bombshell claim “more than one footballer” had contacted her over social media since the couple’s shock split.Valentina rubbished the claims as she confirmed she and Fernandez were back together, saying: “I don’t know how that came out or where it came from, but it’s false that one of Fernandez’s team-mates wrote to me.“If one had I probably wouldn’t say so publicly anyway, but I’d tell Fernandez and I haven’t said anything because it’s not true what’s been said.”She also admitted she hadn’t asked the footballer whether he’d slept with anyone else during their near-four month break but revealed Fernandez had asked her.Valentina announced the end of their relationship in late October by writing on Instagram: “With Enzo, today we decided to put space between us.“But we will always be family and we will support each other in everything because there are two children in the middle who need a lot of our love for them.“I know the person and the excellent father that Enzo is, and the heart he has and with that, I’m satisfied.“Don’t try to create wars where there are none.”In an interview with Argentine newspaper La Nacion in December where she revealed the New Year family reunion, Valentina admitted she and Fernandez lived and slept together for another 10 days after he left her shell-shocked by telling her “from one day to the next” he didn’t want to be with her anymore.Speaking of his decision to call time on their relationship, she added: “I think it was a combination of things on his part. He made the decision and I respected it. We have two children together.“To this day, we try to have a good relationship, we try to share, so that the kids can continue living together.“If you ask me what happened, I have nothing specific to tell you.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I just think that he decided to focus 100 per cent on his career, on performing, on finding himself.“He might not have been at his best as a player and tried to find it. Today, fortunately, things are going well for him. That’s why I’m also happy.” More

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      MOTD pundit makes embarrassing blunder live on BBC that leaves Lineker ‘corpsing with laughter’ – did you spot it?

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      JOE HART made a subtle error while appearing on Match of the Day as a pundit at the weekend, leaving Gary Lineker and Micah Richards in stitches.The 37-year-old was a guest pundit on Saturday’s edition of the Premier League highlights show.Joe Hart left Gary Lineker and Micah Richards in stitches with a bizarre piece of analysis on MOTDCredit: https://x.com/BBCMOTDLineker revealed he was copying and speaking to the directorCredit: https://x.com/BBCMOTDBut when discussing Brighton’s clash with Fulham he stunned his colleagues with a small mistake.During his analysis of Jan Paul van Hecke’s equaliser, he said: “What a great header that is.”He’s got a clean run. Yeah, you’re right. It’s a heck of a header, that.”Both Lineker and Richards burst into laughter before the former revealed that Hart was just agreeing with the director giving him instructions behind-the-scenes.Read More in FootballThe ex-goalkeeper responded: “I’m having conversations in my head!”Lineker discussed the incident further in Monday’s episode of The Rest is Football podcast.He explained: “There was a wonderful moment, I don’t know whether you saw it Alan but it was brilliant.”Micah and myself were almost corpsing with laughter because he’s doing his analysis and Joe was going through his bits.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”Van Hecke scored and Jamie (the editor) said, ‘oh that was a heck of a header,’ and Joe answered him, he was in his ear and he went, ‘yes it was.'”Micah and myself, because we hear the same feed in our ears, you know the gallery talking, and it was so funny.”BBC viewers spot bonkers MOTD editing blunder as Tyrone Mings is in two places at once Richards went on to say: “It was a brilliant moment.”The duo then referenced the slip-up again later in the episode, with Lineker saying: “There was a really good header, wasn’t there, Micah? from Van Hecke.”Ex-Manchester City star Richards responded: “It was a heck of a header!”And Lineker joked: “It was a heck of a header. ‘Yes it was, yes it was.'”It comes after BBC chairman Samir Shah revealed that he believes Match of the Day should not be about football highlights.He told The Times: “[Match of the Day] should not be built around highlights.”It should be built around analysis and examination of the match to give viewers a deeper insight.”Furious supporters have urged him not to mess with the 61-year-old format and ex-boss Harry Redknapp, 78, said: “It’s not a talk show. People tune in because they want to watch the football.”I know it’s different to the old days, when it was the only way to see football on TV, but you still want to see what’s happened, not listen to someone telling you why.”Meanwhile, the Sun’s head of sport Shaun Custis hit back: “There is a misconception that everyone has seen the goals before Match of the Day. People do have lives, they aren’t watching football all day on Saturday.”We’re already drowning in analysis. Nobody down the pub talks about expected goals, transitions and goal involvements.”And many people I know record MoTD and fast- forward through the analysis just to watch the matches.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMotD is already in line for a summer make-over when long-time host Gary Lineker steps aside after 26 years.Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will take over. More

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      Cole Palmer insisted on playing with DIARRHOEA after being wiped out ill for 48 hours, reveals Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca

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      COLE PALMER had an afternoon to forget as he suffered stomach cramps and missed his first penalty as a pro.The England ace insisted on playing, despite being ill for 24 hours before this hard-fought win.Cole Palmer was ill for two days before playing against Leicester CityCredit: ReutersEnzo Maresca revealed that Palmer had diarrhoeaCredit: APMarc Cucurella’s second-half strike against Leicester City sent the Blues back into the top four.Palmer — whose perfect record of 15 spot-kicks for club and country was KO’d by Mads Hermansen — went straight to the loo after being subbed off.And boss Enzo Maresca said: “Cole didn’t train on Saturday. During the night he didn’t feel well.“This morning he woke up and said, ‘I want to be on the pitch to help us play in the Champions League’.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS“In the last two days, he was completely out. Fever and I don’t know if it’s something I can say in English — diarrhoea.“But he asked to play  and this shows how he wants to bring this club where it belongs.”Cole’s first-half penalty woe came when Jadon Sancho was fouled by Victor Kristiansen.Maresca celebrated wildly at the final whistle and revealed Leicester’s tactical trickery meant Chelsea’s pre-match plans had to be ripped up just minutes before kick-off.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDefender Cucurella’s winner was his fourth Prem goal of the season for Chelsea.Maresca also called on fans to be more positive after boos were heard at half-time at Stamford Bridge as they struggled to brush relegation-bound Leicester aside.’That will live with me forever – Boxing champ reveals crazy party with Chelsea stars after 2012 Champions League finalThe Italian said: “I am happy. The main reason is because when we prepare a game, we watch as many games as possible.“So we watched Leicester and they always played with a line of four.“They arrived here with a line of five. So all our sessions were rubbish.“I understand when there is a negative feeling. But today, how many chances did we create in the first half?“People have to understand this is our style and way we’re going to play.“When a team creates the amount of chances we did today, you have to be happy. It’s not easy.“If you think football is just a PlayStation and you win easily — no way. Every game is difficult. We need our fans.”The Foxes are six points adrift of Prem safety with ten matches left.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut boss Ruud van Nistelrooy said: “The display was really good, a lot of heart, a lot of spirit.“We don’t know if we will run out of time. What we do know is we have today and tomorrow.” More

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      Man Utd stars Casemiro and Joshua Zirkzee hailed for genius role in Bruno Fernandes’ stunning free-kick against Arsenal

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      CASEMIRO and Joshua Zirkzee are stealing Bruno Fernandes’ thunder after his stunning free kick opened the scoring against Arsenal.The pair have been credited with some clever positioning, blocking David Raya’s view of Fernandes’ shot.Raya left a clear gap in the wall before the free kick was taken…Credit: Sky…but Zirkzee and Casemiro filled it at the crucial momentCredit: SkyThe goal follows controversy surrounding where referee Anthony Taylor set the wall – 11.2 yards from where the kick was taken, rather than the ten yards that the rules stipulate.This gave Fernandes more chance of getting his shot up and over the wall.And Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp said: “I want to explain why I think this is so hard to stop. First you have to give credit to the striker of the ball, then I want to look at Zirkzee and Casemiro.Read more football”What they do really clever [is]…”The keeper [Raya] has just got a nice gap and that’s exactly what you want because then you might be able to get a look at it as he’s struck it.”But as he gets to the ball, just watch what Casemiro and Zirkzee do. They take Thomas Partey across.”All of a sudden that gap is gone, so the next time that he’s [Raya] going to see the ball is just after it’s gone over the wall.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”Now you have absolutely no chance by then, with that trajectory and that top spin that he’s [Fernandes] got on it, of getting anywhere near it.”That’s why it’s quite smart from whoever has devised that free kick.”How Bruno Fernandes’ ‘Steven Gerrard syndrome’ spoils Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd systemThe goal was a crucial one, coming at the end of a half where United had been on the back foot.Arsenal made amends, though, clawing an equaliser back through Declan Rice in the second half.The set piece marks Fernandes’ second free kick goal in his last three appearances.And United employed similar antics for his goal at Everton two weeks ago, with Zirkzee and Harry Maguire positioning themselves very intentionally to block Jordan Pickford’s view.The England number one was rooted to the spot as the shot hit the bottom right corner.Before this run of goals, Fernandes had scored just one free kick in his previous 183 Premier League appearances.Ruben Amorim may not have made much of an impact in the results column, but he does at least have set piece routines on song. More

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      Mikel Arteta walks out of Sky Sports interview moments after Arsenal lose further ground in Premier League title race

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      MIKEL ARTETA walked out of his interview with Sky Sports after Arsenal drew with Manchester United.The Gunners have dropped 15 points behind Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title with just ten games left to play.Mikel Arteta did not finish his interview with Sky SportsCredit: Sky SportsHe walked out after being asked about the title raceCredit: Sky SportsArteta, 42, was clearly frustrated after watching his side have to settle for a point at Old Trafford.The Spaniard had very little patience during his post-match interview with broadcaster Sky Sports.He answered questions about the performance but wanted to leave before the interviewer finished his questions.The last moment saw Arteta start to walk out after being asked about the club’s failure to sign a striker in January.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe interviewer stopped the manager to insist that he ask about the title race and the huge gap between Arsenal and Liverpool.However, Arteta just muttered “no” and continued to walk out of the interview.Fans found the moment hilarious as they reacted to it on social media.One posted: “Mikel Arteta’s head is HOT.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second wrote: “Arteta walked off hahaha.”A third commented: “Arteta’s just stormed off from the interview hahaha.”Roy Keane fears Man Utd will get WORSE and reveals biggest red flag that could spell the end for Ruben AmorimA fourth said: “Arteta has just run away from the title race question LOL.”Another added: “Wow, did you see Arteta’s interview? What an absolute embarrassment.”Storms off like a petulant child. It’s on him, he doesn’t have a striker.”Arteta did answer a few questions about the match and insisted that his side did “dominate” the game.He said: “Very frustrated we haven’t won because of the dominance and control we had especially in the first half.”Out of nothing we gave the ball away. In the second half we tried and we generated the goal.”We had them and you could feel that they were really fatigued and we gave them life.”We tried in various ways but ultimately we have to execute — the right moment, with the right weight of pass.”Bruno Fernandes gave Manchester United the lead with a stunning free kick in the first half.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere has been some controversy as it has emerged the wall was 11.2 yards away from the spot it was taken from.Rice fired in a brilliant equaliser in the second half but it was Man United who had the better chances to take all three points.Bruno Fernandes’ goal gave Man United the lead for the first halfCredit: GettyDeclan Rice scored a brilliant equaliserCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal wall was 11.2 yards back for stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick as furious fans slam referee Anthony Taylor

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      ARSENAL fans have been left raging after finding out their wall was marched too far back for Bruno Fernandes’ stunning free-kick.Manchester United broke the deadlock in the 1-1 draw on the stroke of half-time via an incredible set-piece strike from their captain.Arsenal’s wall was marched further back than ten yardsGunners fans felt the extra 1.2 yards made all the differenceBruno Fernandes’ goal broke the deadlock just before half-timeCredit: APThe free-kick was won by Alejandro Garnacho after he was fouled on the edge of the box by Leandro Trossard.Fernandes stood over the ball as referee Anthony Taylor walked Arsenal’s rearguard backwards.Despite man mountains in Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino, Gabriel and Declan Rice forming the line, United’s talisman was still able to generate enough power and dip to beat the jumping wall and David Raya in goal.But eagle-eyed fans noticed that Arsenal’s five-man wall looked a long way from where the ball was placed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGary Neville spotted it immediately, saying on commentary: “The wall looks a fair way back. Looks like it’s giving him a chance. It looks a mile back.”Usually, you see the wall, particularly a big wall like that, it always looks really difficult to get it up and over.”There just seemed to be so much space, so much space that he didn’t even have to go that high up into the net.”Sky Sports later confirmed that the wall was in fact 11.2 yards away – instead of the regulated ten.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNeville added after the game that you could tell “something was wrong” as the ball went in only “half way up the net”. Arsenal fans were left fuming, with one saying: “If Arsenal were a yard closer to the Bruno free-kick, its hits the wall.”Thousands of Man Utd fans launch furious protest march at way club is ‘slowly dying before our eyes’Another added: “The extra 1.2 yards gave the ball enough space to get up and over the wall.”A third commented: “There’s a lot that was our fault about going behind, but the wall being over a metre too far back is unbelievably poor refereeing.”But United fans hit back, saying: “Arsenal fans complaining about how far away the wall was lined up might be a new low.”More responded: “You find any excuse.”On the free-kick, Christian Eriksen revealed: “Happy that the wall was about 15 metres away, so it was perfect for him to put it over.”I think I saw it early before the kick. It was the same when they had it in the second-half, obviously we were a bit angry with the ref for putting us so far back.”Rather than take issue with the wall, Gunners hero and pundit Paul Merson instead slammed Raya’s positioning, which led to him “getting nowhere near it”.Jamie Redknapp praised Joshua Zirkzee and Casemiro for pushing Thomas Partey into the keeper’s eyeline as Fernandes ran up to the ball.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe pundit also added that he was surprised Arsenal’s wall stayed behind the magic spray line and did not edge forward.If Raya was to blame, he later made amends with stunning saves to deny Noussair Mazraoui and a late Fernandes chance to win it.Arsenal were unhappy with ref Anthony Taylor over the wall’s positionCredit: RexFernandes’ effort had the perfect balance of accuracy, power and dipCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Declan Rice runs the Gunners midfield but wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri falls below high standards

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      DECLAN RICE rescued a point for Arsenal after David Raya failed to stop a Bruno Fernandes freekick.Fernandes’ set piece was followed by a confident Rice strike in the second half, leaving the sides with a point apiece.Declan Rice celebrates scoring Arsenal’s equaliserCredit: PABruno Fernandes put his side ahead with a wonderful free-kickCredit: GettyDavid Raya kept the Gunners in it when he denied Mazraoui at point-blank rangeCredit: APRice made a goal-saving tackle on Rasmus Hojlund late onCredit: GettyAfter a quiet first half, both sides woke up and provided more going forward after the break but lacked quality in the final third.Raya’s display in the second half more than made up for his earlier error and, alongside Rice, kept his side in the game.Coming off the back of a riotous 7-1 victory over PSV, Arsenal reverted to their goal scoring drought and proved once again that they desperately need a striker.United fans staged a protest before the match, marching against the club’s ownership but had something to smile about after their captain whipped a free-kick that was just enough to beat Raya.The result all but solidifies Liverpool’s title hopes as Mikel Arteta drops more unnecessary points in a game where his side dominated but failed to break down United’s defence.The Gunners now sit 15 points behind leaders Liverpool with just 10 matches left to play and questions will be asked of Arteta’s failure to keep his side in the title race.But, who was on the mark for the Gunners?Can Arteta push for the title without an out-and-out striker?JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDid anyone shine off the bench for Arteta’s side?Here, SunSport’s Conor Jones delivers his Arsenal player ratings against Manchester United…How Arteta’s Merino experiment is surprising defenders and crucial to Arsenal’s attackDAVID RAYA – 9With Fernandes’ freekick not hitting the corner, Raya should’ve saved it and you need to deliver in those moments if you want to challenge for a title.The Spanish keeper dived slowly and has no excuses for this one.However, the keeper made up for his fatal error, producing three world class saves in the second half.An outstretched right leg managed to deny a Noussair Mazraoui volley from close range and the Spaniard spread himself in Peter Schmeichel fashion to stop a flick from Joshua Zirkee’s backheel, again from incredibly close range.A late chance for Fernandes was stopped with a flailing dive and scooped off the line with a Seaman-esque save.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8With Ben White back to the Arsenal bench, Timber is fighting to make sure the right-back position is his and made a strong case at Old Trafford.A comfortable display against PSV midweek saw the Dutchman start and he delivered with a solid defensive performance and a wonderful assist forRice.Timber constantly made himself an option on the right hand side where the Gunners focused their attacks, and displayed a fantastic work rate.He was strong in aerial duels and returned most of Onana’s goal kicks to the delight of the travelling faithful.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7A solid performance managing the counterattacks which United were reliant on.The Frenchman was comfortable in possession which was vital on an afternoon where the Gunners had a lot of it.Though United looked more dangerous in the second half, it’s hard to fault either of the Gunners’ centre-halves.GABRIEL – 7Following on from a solid display in the Champions League, the Brazilian marshalled Zirkzee well, often getting in front of him to sniff out United attacks early.The defender was quick to spread the ball out to Calafiori and Trossard helping to push his side forward at each opportunity.Neither himself nor his partner lived up to their success from corners this year which could have been the difference for a blunt Arsenal attack.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6The Italian left-back replaced Myles Lewis-Skelly to deliver a goal and an assist against PSV, earning him the starting spot at Old Trafford.After a solid first half, Calafiori struggled to deal with Garnacho in the second 45 and the home side saw most of their joy attacking his flank, so his replacement felt necessary.On the attacking front, Calafiori again proved to be a nuisance for the opposition and featured in a number of attacks but needs to work on his deliveries if he wants to solidify his spot in the starting lineup.THOMAS PARTEY – 7A dangerous challenge on Garnacho in the fifth minute and the midfielder was lucky not to see yellow.Other than that, he swept up in front of his back line well and effectively recycled possession, often winning the ball back to stop attacks.The midfielder played some strong passes between the lines but can offer more to his side’s offensive unit than he did today.DECLAN RICE – 9The England star showed his eagerness by offering forward runs throughout, nearly going clean through in the third minute of the game, and saved his team from an embarrassing loss.Timber laid the ball back to Rice just inside the area and the midfielder struck cleanly beyond Onana to round off a strong performance.The midfielder linked up with Trossard a couple of times but lacked the final pass on most occasions.Rice went on to provide a goal-saving challenge on Rasmus Hojlund after Merino was dispossessed just outside his own area and proved to be the difference for his side.Arsenal would have struggled without him on the pitch and most likely lost.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Odegaard confidently pulled the strings for Arsenal combining well with Rice and Nwaneri.The Norwegian tested Andre Onana with a shot from outside the area and dinked a couple of balls over the top but lacked the cutting edge.While he failed to deliver on this occasion, the captain was at the heart of Arsenal’s attacks and was unlucky to see a curling strike saved by Onana in the second half.ETHAN NWANERI – 5Constantly offered an option down the right but carelessly gave the ball away to kick off a United counterattack which luckily ended in a Mazraoui handball.Like many of his team-mates, and the opposition, he lacked the final pass or shot and wasn’t as dangerous as he can be.The attacking line needed to be freshened up in the second half and his departure made sense as he failed to create as much as Trossard on the left-hand side.MIKEL MERINO – 6Merino defended doggedly, popping up to help the Gunners defend in their own final third but nearly gave the game away in the 82nd minute after being dispossessed.The Spaniard’s pressing almost nicked him a goal in the fourth minute after a defensive calamity from United and he was unfortunate to drag a shot wide of the post later on.The makeshift striker was unlucky not to send Declan Rice through in the third minute but showed again that the Gunners are in dire need of a goalscorer.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6The attacker was at fault for Fernandes’ freekick opener with a careless challenge on Garnacho, earning him a deserved yellow card.Nonetheless, Trossard pressed ferociously and got the better of Matthijs De Ligt on a number of occasions.The Belgian came close with a strike from the left that sailed just wide of the right post and nearly got on the end of a neat chip over the defensive line from Odegaard.SubsMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (Calafiori, 58) – 7The youngster made a positive impact again and won his side a dangerous freekick on the edge of the area.GABRIEL MARTINELLI (Nwaneri, 58) – 7Brought fresh legs into the attacking unit and managed to make himself a reliable option on the right wing.Was unlucky not to score in the final ten minutes after Rice played him through while United’s backline were napping.An offside flag saved him from the embarrassment of missing a chance to win the game. More