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      Man Utd fans fume ‘what sport’s he trying to play? as Baleba avoids red for ‘clotheslining’ Joshua Zirkzee for penalty

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans fumed after Carlos Baleba avoided a sending off at Old Trafford. Brighton were leading United thanks to Yankuba Minteh’s opener on five minutes. Carlos Baleba avoided a sending off for this foul on Joshua ZirkzeeCredit: PABaleba was only shown yellowCredit: GettyBut a mistake at the back cost the visitors and Joshua Zirkzee was through on goal.That was until Baleba dragged him to the ground – allowing Bruno Fernandes to level from the spot on 23 minutes.Denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) carries different punishments. A deliberate handball or foul, such as holding, pulling, or pushing, inside the box will result in a penalty kick to the opposition and a red card to the offender.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA non-deliberate handball or foul – if the offence was an attempt to play the ball or challenge for the ball – will result in a penalty kick to the opposition and a yellow card to the offender.Midfielder Baleba was shown yellow – but United fans online felt he was let off lightly. One said: “Shouldn’t that be a red card for Baleba being last man and not making a play for the ball? What’s the rule now?”Another fumed: “That’s a wrestling move from Baleba on Zirkzee.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne raged: “What sport is Baleba trying to play here?”Another said: “The more I watch this, how is that not a red card? “Baleba denies a clear goalscoring opportunity on Joshua Zirkzee & the foul is ridiculous. He should be sent off.”Things got worse for United as second-half goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter sealed a 3-1 win for the travelling Albion. Denis Law was the last of Man Utd’s ‘Holy Trinity’ and one of football’s true greats More

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      Man Utd pay emotional tribute to Denis Law as Sir Alex Ferguson joins legends on Old Trafford pitch before Brighton game

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      OLD TRAFFORD paid a heart-warming tribute to Manchester United legend Denis Law after his death aged 84.Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson joined Law’s former team-mates Paddy Crerand and Alex Stepney on the pitch as a touching poem was read before kick-off against Brighton.The two teams were led out by pipers playing ‘Flower of Scotland’Man Utd and Brighton players paid tribute to club hero Denis LawTo fans, he was simply known as The KingPaddy Crerand and Alex Stepney joined Ferguson on the pitchClub captain Bruno Fernandes held a wreath as the teams were led out, while the sell-out crowd applaudedThe crowd clapped after a beautiful poem was read out as Bryan Robson watched onFerguson laid down a wreathScottish pipers played out “The Flower of Scotland” as United’s starting line-up walked slowly next to Brighton’s XI on Sunday.Club captain Bruno Fernandes held a wreath as the teams were led out, while a sell-out crowd applauded.Ferguson, who was singing “Take Me Home, United Road”, emerged on to the pitch with a host of United legends.The fellow Scot, 82, laid the wreath on the half-way line after the poem dedicated to Law finished.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMore than 74,000 fans then burst out into another round of applause and song before kick-off. All the flags at Old Trafford are at half mast, including the Scotland flag above the Sir Alex Ferguson stand. Man Utd are wearing black armbands in tribute to Law – who was known as The King of the Stretford End.Mourners began arriving at Old Trafford late on Friday night to lay flowers, scarves and leave messages for Law.Most read in FootballA Ballon d’Or winner in 1964, Law won the European Cup, two English titles and the FA Cup in his 11 years at Old Trafford between 1962 and 1973. He is United’s third-highest goal scorer of all time behind Wayne Rooney and Charlton with 237 in 404 games, and Scotland’s joint top scorer with 30 goals from his 55 caps.Can you imagine how lucky I was-‘ says Van Nistelrooy as he opens up on being Denis Law’s neighbour in touching tributeLaw revealed in August 2021 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.He is one of the United Trinity immortalised in a statue at Old Trafford alongside George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton, who passed away last year.Ferguson hugged his former striker Danny Welbeck, who now plays for Brighton, before the whistle.Ferguson recalled heartfelt memories about first meeting Law, who he considers “the best Scottish player of all time”.The iconic Man Utd gaffer told MUTV ahead of this afternoon’s tribute: “Once you knew Denis, and saw him play, you said well this is a player.”He’s got all these caps for Scotland, the King of Old Trafford.“The interesting thing is why do they call him ‘The King’ because they had George Best and Bobby Charlton, the greatest English player of all time.“He was a fantastic player for this club but they called Denis ‘The King’. “It’s something to do with his determination, the will to win he showed every time he went on to a football field.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s what he was – a really competitive human being. No matter which game, that was always there. “This image of Denis Law fighting against the centre-half, if the goalkeeper dropped the ball, he’d be right over the top of them. “Ferguson recalled touching memories before kick offFerguson headed to Ruben Amorim in the technical area before the game startedCredit: ReutersUnited’s XI lined up and applauded Law with the fansTHIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Manchester City line up stunning January transfer for former star as Pep Guardiola tries to save horror season

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      MANCHESTER CITY are lining up a stunning January move to re-sign Douglas Luiz, according to reports.Pep Guardiola is planning a mid-season squad overhaul to save City’s troubling campaign and Luiz, who joined Juventus last summer, is among those being lined up.Manchester City are on the market for a new midfielderCredit: AlamyDouglas Luiz has been linked with the champions, according to the AthleticCredit: AlamyCity are in the process of a hectic transfer window this month after a troubling first half of the season. Guardiola’s men are eighth in the Premier League and 15 points behind table-topping Liverpool.According to The Athletic, their focus will now turn to adding a midfielder to the squad before the window closes on February 3.Among them is Juventus midfielder Luiz, who was on City’s books between 2017-19.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 26-year-old Brazil international joined Juve from Aston Villa last summer but has struggled to make an impact, playing only 16 times this season.City would be looking to acquire Luiz on loan until the end of this season, with no obligation to buy.But Juventus, who paid £42.2m for Luiz last summer, prefer a sale or loan with an obligation to sign him in the summer.City have been depleted in that area since losing Ballon d’Or winner Rodri to a serious knee injury in September.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLuiz made the summer move from Birmingham to Turin alongside his footballer girlfriend Alisha Lehmann.He made more than 200 appearances in all competitions for the Villans, while scoring 22 goals and 24 goals.Erling Haaland signs stunning nine-and-a-half-year Man City contract and ‘one of sport’s most lucrative contracts ever’ Swiss star Lehmann played 15 games for Aston Villa Women last season, scoring two goals, while also adding two goals in the FA WSL Cup.Guardiola is also considering a defensive revamp.Talks are ongoing with Lens for centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov and Palmeiras over defender Vitor Reis.City have also seen a bid rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt for forward Omar Marmoush.Luiz has been limited to 12 appearances this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Why are Man Utd wearing black armbands against Brighton?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are wearing black armbands for their Premier League match against Brighton. United sadly lost one of their most famous sons on Friday night, as Denis Law died after a battle with dementia.Man Utd are wearing black armbands todayLaw scored 237 goals for Man Utd and helped them to two league titles, an FA Cup and the 1968 European CupLaw’s family confirmed his passing in a statement released via the club.It read: “Manchester United is deeply saddened to share the following statement on behalf of the Law family.”It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away.”He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.Read more on Denis Law“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.”Tributes poured in for the striker, who scored 237 goals for United and helped them to two league titles, the FA Cup and the 1968 European Cup.Law, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1964, also played for Man City and famously helped United get relegated with an incredible back-heel goal late in the season.Why are Man Utd wearing black armbands against Brighton?Man Utd are wearing black armbands in tribute to Denis Law – who was known as The King of the Stretford End.Most read in FootballIt is a traditional sign of mourning and respect for someone who has passed away.United will also hold a minute’s applause at Old Trafford in honour of Law, who was part of the Holy Trinity along with George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.Fans lay down flowers, shirts and scarves next to Sir Bobby Charlton’s Old Trafford statue Tributes to Denis LawMourners began arriving at Old Trafford late on Friday night to lay flowers, scarves and leave messages for Law.The Holy Trinity have a statue outside the ground with people gathering there to pay their respects and more arriving throughout Saturday and ahead of kick off on Sunday.One message, written on a football shirt, contained a famous quote from journalist Hugh McIlvanney.It read: “If you were to send a man out to score a goal to save your life, send for the Lawman.”More flowers were laid at another Law statue in his hometown of Aberdeen.Former United players and others from the football world also sent messages on social media.Former team-mate Brian Kidd wrote: “He was slight, with the heart of a lion.”An unbelievable finisher, he scored every type of goal.”He said to me: ‘If you’re ever wide, don’t look up, put the cross in early. If I’m not there it’s my fault’. He was usually there.”Sir Matt [Busby] loved him. We all did. He was the King of the Stretford End.”The Trafford Pub in Manchester has a mural of LawMourners arrived at Old Trafford throughout Saturday and SundayFormer Man Utd captain Bryan Robson added: “We have lost one of football’s giants both as a player and a gentleman.”It’s incredibly sad, he was more than just a fantastic footballer, he was a fantastic man.”David Beckham wrote on Instagram: “Tonight we lost a true gentleman of the game. Our heart goes out to Denis’s family.”Our hearts are heavy tonight. A legend on the field but the perfect gentleman off.”Gary Neville, who played 400 times for United during a two-decade career, wrote: “Rest in Peace Denis.”A great footballer and a great man. It’s a privilege and an honour to have spent time in your company. The King of the Stretford End.”United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney took to X, adding: “Legend. Thoughts with all Denis’ family and friends.”Rod Stewart, who was great friends with Law, posted a picture of the pair of them together and wrote: “Farewell my hero – Rest in Peace”.Is Dennis Bergkamp named after Denis Law?Yes, this may sound like a myth because of the different spelling but it is true.Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp is named after Denis Law – his father Wim being a keen amateur footballer and huge fan of the United star.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe different spelling isn’t even down to a misspelling, rather that a local registrar forced the Bergkamps to add an extra ‘n’.They refused to recognise the name as they felt it was too similar to Denise without it. More

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      ‘I’m flabbergasted’ – Paul Merson tears into Thomas Partey’s ‘schoolboy’ defending as Arteta blasts performance vs Villa

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      MIKEL ARTETA blasted the defensive errors that left Arsenal’s title hopes in tatters.Two blunders from Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino allowed Aston Villa to come back from 2-0 down.Paul Merson has ripped into Arsenal’s makeshift defender Thomas ParteyCredit: GettyOllie Watkins dented Arsenal’s title hopes again – after scoring at the Emirates in AprilCredit: ReutersWatkins was left unmarked on the edge of the six yard boxAnd Gunners title winner Paul Merson let rip at Partey over his ‘schoolboy error’ that gifted Ollie Watkins Villa’s equaliser.Merson fumed: “I don’t know what Partey was thinking. Certain players let Arteta down.”Thomas Partey has played for one of the most disciplined teams in the whole of Europe at Atletico Madrid and you cannot do that.”That cannot win you league titles.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSArteta, who saw Merino’s late ‘winner’ ruled out by VAR for a Kai Havertz handball, admitted: “The way we defended can’t be part of our game.”We have to blame ourselves. You can’t defend like that if we want to be at the highest level in this country.”What we did for the second goal is nowhere near the standard that is required.”Merson added: “Thomas is on his man (Watkins) and then just leaves him to score.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I don’t know what he’s trying to do. And that’s what Mikel is talking about.”You won’t see a worse defensive goal than that all weekend. They were schoolboy errors.Lone sad Arsenal fan being asked to leave by security”Merino lets Youri Tielemans run off him for the first goal and I can’t believe what I saw with Partey. I am flabbergasted. I am really worried about their mentality.”Missing crocked William Saliba, Arteta’s side capitulated as Tielemans and Watkins scored to leave Arsenal six points adrift of Liverpool, who have a game in hand.It meant Arsenal have now dropped 12 points from winning positions this term, their worst record since 2020-21.Sky pundit Merson said: “I don’t care what division you are in, those two goals can be stopped if you do your job.”Former Arsenal star Paul Merson gave a damning assessment of Arsenal’s defensive errors against VillaCredit: GettyOllie Watkins was free to fire past David Raya to level the scoreCredit: GettyThe studio then erupted in laughter when Merson said the referee should have given Partey a microphone to explain himself mid-game.Merson added: “You want to stop the game with the Partey one when Watkins scored and tell the ref to give him a mic and go up to him and ask, ‘right what were you thinking?’.”I dread to think what Jamie Carragher is going to do to him on Monday Night Football. Jamie would never have done that.”Jamie must have played 600 or 700 games or even more. He would have never done that in his life. Never ever. He would’ve said ‘right that’s my man and I’m standing with him’.”Arteta said he is “very worried” about Saliba, who will have a further scan on his hamstring injury today.He added: “For sure I’m worried. Especially with the numbers we have in the squad and looking at our bench, very worried.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWatkins felt his side were fortunate with the handball. He said: “Seeing it back, I’m not sure. It’s gone in our favour if I’m honest.”If that was against me I’d have been a little bit disappointed. But that’s what VAR is there for.”Arsenal ratings vs Aston VillaArsenal’s title hopes took a huge hit as they threw away a two-goal lead against Aston VillaLeandro Trossard turned provider for the Gunners to set up both goals as it looked like they would cruise to three points.But defensive lapses from two stars cost Arteta’s side dearly.Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.GABRIEL – 7Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.THOMAS PARTEY – 6A great stint at right back but one lapse in concentration cost Arsenal the lead, losing track of Watkins in the box before he volleyed in.MIKEL MERINO – 6A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half.He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1. Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7Integral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinelli for the opener before blazing over himself.The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8Again, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range.The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better. That will do wonders for his confidence.SUBS:RAHEEM STERLING (MARTINELLI, 82) – 6A few darting runs, but added virtually nothing, other than a needless yellow card. A cameo that screamed “lacking confidence”. More

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      Zlatan Ibrahimovic gives Kyle Walker transfer update with AC Milan set to choose Man City star over Marcus Rashford

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      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has confirmed Kyle Walker’s switch to AC Milan is moving closer.The Italian giants are first in the queue for the wantaway Manchester City defender.AC Milan senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic confirmed Kyle Walker’s switch is moving closerCredit: GettyWalker has expressed his desire to leave Man City during the January transfer windowCredit: ReutersMilan have reportedly ended their pursuit of Manchester United star Marcus RashfordCredit: GettyIbrahimovic, a senior adviser at Milan, said: “When someone like Walker is on the market, there is going to be a lot of interest. “Everyone knows he’s a great player, he’s done big things at Manchester City and England.”City boss Pep Guardiola revealed a week ago that Walker, 34, wanted to quit for a new challenge abroad.And Ibra confirmed age was no stumbling block, adding: “Walker doesn’t go against our strategies.Read More on Football“He is strong, he is a leader, he dominates the dressing room.“We are checking what is possible.”Andrea Cambiaso has been lined up as Walker’s replacement.And Cambiaso’s club Juventus have been linked with Milan’s England centre-back Fikayo Tomori.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesBut Ibrahimovic insisted: “He is our player, he is happy at Milan.”This comes after reports suggesting Milan have abandoned their pursuit of Manchester United wantaway star Marcus Rashford.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferSerie A rules only allow clubs to register one non-EU player per year and the Rossoneri prefer Walker.The Man City star has won a staggering six Premier League titles, two FA Cup trophies, four League Cups and the Champions League ever since his move to the Etihad from Tottenham in 2017.The full-back has amassed a total of six goals and 23 assists in 319 appearances.However, the England international has struggled for minutes this season with only 18 appearances under his belt. More

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      ‘This seriously needs investigating’ – Arsenal fans lose their heads over Premier League tweet about disallowed goal

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      ARSENAL fans were left fuming after the Premier League addressed VAR’s controversial decision to disallow Mikel Merino’s last-gasp winner against Aston Villa.The Gunners dropped crucial points at the Emirates to Villa as two second-half goals within eight minutes by Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins cancelled out Gabriel Martinelli and Havertz’s strikes.Arsenal thought they’d earned all three points when Mikel Merino’s strike deflected off Kai Havertz and into the netCredit: RexBut VAR determined that the ball had hit Havertz’s handArsenal fans were furious with the Premier League’s tweetHowever, the North Londoners thought they saved their blushes in the 87th minute when Mikel Merino fired a shot from the edge of the box and the ball deflected off the Germany international.The goal was awarded by referee Chris Kavanagh but VAR recommended that it should be disallowed for handball.The camera angles showed the ball hitting Havertz’s hand, though a minority of fans were unconvinced.And the wording of the Premier League official accounts tweet added fuel to the fire for Arsenal fans.Read More on ArsenalThat was because it stated that the ball had “clearly” struck the German’s hand.The Prem’s official account tweeted: “NO GOAL! @Arsenal think they have a third, but Mikel Merino’s effort clearly strikes Kai Havertz’ hand on the way in.”The Premier League’s take enraged several Arsenal fans who insisted there was no clear handball.Some even suggested there should be an “investigation”, considering this came from the Prem’s official handle.Most read in FootballOne fan tweeted: “Where? Where is the handball? Show me the hand ball!”Best new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesAnother commented: “It’s an absolute disgrace. It’s happened to Arsenal again. This seriously needs investigating now. The ball hits his side, and even it does hit his arm it’s not in an unnatural position.”A third wrote: “I mean, this photo doesn’t show it hitting his arm. I’m not saying it hasn’t, but I haven’t seen clear and obvious. THIS is what millimeter-action video would actually be useful for.”Lone sad Arsenal fan being asked to leave by securityThis fan said: “Feel so sorry for Arsenal fans. Clearly hits Havertz’s midriff. Even slowed down on VAR it’s clear to see. Go to Specsavers lads. I used to work there I’ll get you a good deal.”And that one stated: “Clearly? This is the official EPL handle…..Wow!”Arsenal ratings vs Aston VillaArsenal’s title hopes took a huge hit as they threw away a two-goal lead against Aston VillaLeandro Trossard turned provider for the Gunners to set up both goals as it looked like they would cruise to three points.But defensive lapses from two stars cost Arteta’s side dearly.Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.GABRIEL – 7Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.THOMAS PARTEY – 6A great stint at right back but one lapse in concentration cost Arsenal the lead, losing track of Watkins in the box before he volleyed in.MIKEL MERINO – 6A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half.He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1. Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7Integral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinelli for the opener before blazing over himself.The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8Again, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range.The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better. That will do wonders for his confidence.SUBS:RAHEEM STERLING (MARTINELLI, 82) – 6A few darting runs, but added virtually nothing, other than a needless yellow card. A cameo that screamed “lacking confidence”. More

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      Arsenal 2-2 Aston Villa LIVE RESULT: Gunners fail to close gap at the top as Villans secure point after superb comeback

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      ARSENAL have to settle for a point after a thrilling 2-2 with Aston Villa.Gabriel Martinelli broke the deadlock on 35 minutes despite Emiliano Martinez’s best efforts to stop the ball from crossing the line.After half-time, Kai Havertz ended his poor run in front of goal with a close-range finish to make it 2-0.But Arsenal’s two-goal advantage didn’t last long as Youri Tielemans headed home for 2-1.And things went from bad to worse for the Gunners after Ollie Watkins slammed home a stunning equaliser on 68 minutes.Match result: Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaArsenal team: Raya, Partey, Timber, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Odegaard, Merino, Trossard, Martinelli, HavertzAston Villa team: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen, Onana, Kamara, Rogers, Tielemans, Ramsey WatkinsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Match reportIf this is the night when Arsenal’s title hopes died, then Ollie Watkins has been their gravedigger again.But the death sentence might have been passed by Stockley Park.With less than two minutes to go the Emirate erupted as Mikel Merino’s hopeful effort from the edge of the box took a big deflection to find its way past Emi Martinez and put Mikel Arteta’s men back ahead in a game they had tossed away.Yet Merino, pointedly, did not celebrate.He knew what Jon Brooks in the VAR booth near Heathrow was going to tell ref Chris Kavanagh – that the final, vital touch to deceive Martinez had come, albeit accidentally, off Kai Havertz’ right arm.The referee had no choice but to disallow the goal – and while Merino hit the post in added time, there was to be no reprieve.Copy linkCopied’Formula’Opta report that Arsenal have scored more goals than any other Premier League side from CROSSES this season.And Trossard’s assist double both came from crosses – only the second time in the league that’s happened this season.They tweeted from OptaJoe: “Arsenal have scored more goals from crosses than any other team in the Premier League this season (11), while Leandro Trossard is one of only two players to assist 2+ goals via crosses in a game this season (also Damsgaard v Wolves in October). Formula.”Copy linkCopiedUp nextBoth sides turn their attention to Champions League duty in midweek.Then it’s back to league business next weekend with very winnable games, with the Gunners at Wolves and Villa hosting West Ham.Copy linkCopied’Disappointing day’Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli says his side need to improve for upcoming games after their second half collapse.He told Sky Sports: “It’s a disappointing day. We wanted to win the game, but we have to keep going.”We trust in ourselves, and we have to keep going and improving – it is a long journey to go. We have to focus on ourselves.”That’s football, that’s the Premier League, the most difficult league in the world. We have to see the game and see what we have done wrong and improve for the next games.”We know our qualities and we know the potential we have and we trust in ourselves.”Copy linkCopiedYouri not kiddingYouri Tielemans reckons Aston Villa were well worth their point.He told the BBC: “From our point of view [a good result] is always deserved. We take the point and move forward. They had many chances but we defended with our bodies on the line. “2-2 is a good result for us. First half we had a couple of counters, misplaced passes from me which could have put Ollie Watkins in.”We fought really well to come back into the game.”Copy linkCopiedForward ratingsLEANDRO TROSSARD – 8: Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinez for the opener before blazing over himself. The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8: Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8: Again, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range. The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better. That will do wonders for his confidence.Copy linkCopiedMidfielder ratingsMIKEL MERINO – 6: A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half. He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1. Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7: Integral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6: A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.Copy linkCopiedPlayer ratingsHere’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies scored the Gunners players tonight, starting with the defenders:DAVID RAYA – 6: Let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8: With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.GABRIEL – 7: Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7: Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.Copy linkCopiedThe damageHere’s how the top of the Premier League table looks after today’s results.Liverpool started the day four points clear with a game in hand – they’re now SIX clear with that game in hand still.Nottingham Forest with the chance to move level on points with Arsenal if they beat Southampton at home tomorrow.The battle for top four looks set to be a good one too!Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaThis place, around the stadium was bouncing at 4.45pm when it looked like Liverpool were dropping points.Incredibly, Arsenal go to bed tonight even further behind Liverpool in the title race.To watch Liverpool score two in stoppage time would’ve been bad enough.To then bottle a 2-0 lead is unforgivable in most circumstances. After today’s events probably moreso.Just one win from their last five games now too….Copy linkCopiedFULL TIMEHugely damaging, costly COLLAPSE from Arsenal. Boos at the whistle too.Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaCopy linkCopied90+7 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaOdegaard’s delivery is abysmal. High, lofty and straight into the arms of Martinez.Not great from him or the set piece coach.Copy linkCopied90+7 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaHere he comes – the set piece coach is front and centre!Arsenal have a free kick, 15 yards from the Villa byline on the right. Odegaard will send it in in-swinging.Copy linkCopied90+6 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaWHAT A CHANCE FOR TROSSARD!!!Ohhh Arsenal and their fans can’t believe it. Arteta is almost on his knees, HE can’t believe it.Trossard looks to have broken the offside trap with a clever pass through to him on the left. It’s just Martinez to beat on his left foot and he drags his shot a foot wide of the far post. Agony!Copy linkCopied90+5 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaNow Rogers is booked for stopping Arsenal taking their throw-in quickly.Copy linkCopied90+4 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaSterling in comfortable possession gives the ball away at the edge of the Villa box.It’s to Jhon Duran and Villa have nobody to hit but they get out of trouble when Sterling swipes him from behind to give the free kick away.Sterling is booked for it too.Copy linkCopied90+2 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaUp the other end now and Villa work it well to get Youri Tielemans on it at the edge of the box.He drags his shot just wide and it looks like Raya may well got a touch. Not so, according to the referee as Arsenal get the goal kick.Copy linkCopied90 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaSEVEN MINUTES ADDED!Copy linkCopied90 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaNothing comes of the corner as a foul is given to Villa in the middle.Copy linkCopied90 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaMERINO HITS THE POST!Pinball inside the box as Merino gets space in the box and fires it off the post. It bounces around and is kept alive, worked to Trossard on the left at an angle and he fires low and hard at goal and Martinez scrambles across to keep it out.Now Trossard is cheerleader to gee the home crowd up as they win a corner.Copy linkCopied88 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaMerino has a strike from the edge of the box heading towards goal and it hits Kai Havertz on the way through.It wrong foots Martinez and ends up in the far corner.The first replay shows it quite clearly hits his arm on the way in. He’s pointing to his side but unfortunately for him, there’s replays involved in football that show he’s not telling the truth.The home support boo as the replay is shown but not quite sure why.Copy linkCopiedSCRATCH THAT…NO GOAL – VAR RULES IT OUT FOR HANDBALL!Copy linkCopiedTHEY’RE BACK IN FRONT!Copy linkCopied86– Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaClose for Aston Villa!It’s a rapid counter attack led by Rogers who bursts through the middle of the park unchallenged.He works it to Bailey on the right edge of the area and as Arsenal try to block the cross, it’s laid back to Bogarde who strikes low and hard through the bodies and Raya just manages to keep it out.Copy linkCopied83 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston VillaAaaand another change for Aston Villa.All a bit stop-start at the minute, just as Villa want it at the minute.OFF: Jacob RamseyON: Leon BaileyCopy linkCopied More