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      Premier League release statement on controversial West Ham penalty as Man Utd and Erik ten Hag left furious at decision

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE have released a statement explaining the award of West Ham’s controversial penalty against Manchester United.Referee David Coote did not give a spot kick after Matthijs de Ligt came together with Danny Ings in the area.Matthijs de Ligt was judged to have fouled Danny IngsThe penalty was given after the VAR sent referee David Coote to the monitorCredit: RexThe decision enraged Man Utd’s players and manager Erik ten HagCredit: GettyTen Hag described the decision as ‘not right’ after the gameCredit: AlamyA VAR review took place and Coote was instructed to view the incident on the monitor.He did so and ended up giving the penalty, before the Premier League made comment on their Match Centre account on X, claiming there was “sufficient contact”.They said: “The referee did not award a penalty to West Ham for a challenge by de Ligt on Ings.”The VAR deemed there was sufficient contact on Ings’ lower leg and recommended an on-field review.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The referee overturned his original decision and awarded a penalty.”Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag confronted the officials after the game and looked incensed by the decision.When asked about the controversial call, he said: “Three times this season we feel injustice.”Unfair and unjust the way we conceded the penalty.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It was so difficult to see. Before the season there was the instruction about VAR only interfering in clear and obvious mistakes.”That is definitely not a clear and obvious mistake from the on field referee.Watch Jose Mourinho’s hilarious reaction after Man Utd keeper Andre Onana’s ‘double worldy’ save”More frustrations but I can do nothing with that. They don’t collect points and that’s what we have to do.”We have to look in the mirror, we don’t score in a good game from our side. Create loads of chances and concede none but when you lose in this way it’s a bad feeling.”Asked whether he had talked to the officials, he added: “I spoke with them. But the decision is made. There’s no way back and that’s football.”That’s a third time I have felt injustice in the season and it has a big impact on our team and on our scores and where we are in the table. It’s not right.”Man Utd ratings vs West HamTHE LONDON STADIUM was the venue for the latest defeat in a shocker of a season.To be fair, it was a hugely controversial VAR call in the dying moments that handed West Ham a 2-1 win.And the first half from the Red Devils was impressive.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the players…Andre Onana – 6Very loose with the ball at his feet early on but soon settled.Manchester United conceded from West Ham’s first shot on target, though given Ings’ deflected strike there was little Onana could have done about it.Diogo Dalot – 5Delivered one of the most entertaining missed chances you will see all season – doing so well to clip the ball past Lukasz Fabianski before smashing the ball high and wide of an open goal.Despite that, had little trouble from those in claret and blue attacking down his side until Summerville was introduced. The former Leeds man tested Dalot a number of times with his pace.Redeemed himself a touch with the header back in ahead of Casemiro’s equaliser.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Hard done by in conceding the penalty for what looked a soft challenge on Hammers striker Ings.Restricted West Ham well for the most part but United never looked entirely comfortable at the back and a more potent attack could have caused much more trouble.Lisandro Martinez – 6Struggled at times to deal with the strength and direct nature of Michail Antonio, who tested all across United’s back line well until he was replaced by Ings.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Struggled to keep a handle on both Bowen and former Manchester United man Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the most part and was thrown around by Michail Antonio at times.Having looked soft at the back he also offered very little going forwards down the left.Casemiro – 6Started strongly dominating in the middle but struggled to wrestle that back when West Ham picked up.Was denied a first half goal by Fabianski’s superb save but got one eventually as he refused to give up and made sure the ball.Christian Eriksen – 5Some flashes of creativity in the first half but could not help United keep control in the second after West Ham perked up.Marcus Rashford – 4Entirely absent throughout the hour he was on the pitch. Played down the right he was easily managed by Emerson Palmieri who had little of note to do before the winger went off.Bruno Fernandes – 7Caused huge problems for West Ham and created plenty of chances which his teammates put to waste.Fernandes made a fine run to meet a Casemiro cross but headed over the bar and had to watch both Garnacho and Dalot pass up huge chances after his good work to set them up – especially the latter, a wonderful looped ball to cut out the entire West Ham defence.Alejandro Garnacho – 5The young winger should have had two goals inside the opening eight minutes. One chance was rattled against the bar before a poor finish sent the second wide of the far post.He continued to cause trouble down the left but faded as the game went on and crucially gave the ball away in the build-up to Summerville’s goal.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Drew a couple of saves from Hammers keeper Fabianski but neither looked too difficult.The Dane was rather comfortably dealt with by West Ham’s central defenders and never looked too much of a threat.SubstitutesAmad Diallo – 6Added some life and threat to a forward line which had offered little after the break and lifted a clever ball over to Dalot in the build-up to Casemiro’s goal.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Claimed an assist but did not know a lot about it and struggled to have an impact from there on.Victor Lindelof – n/aUnused subs: Altay Bayindir, Manuel Ugarte, Jonny Evans, Ethan Wheatley, Harry Amass, Jack Fletcher.Many fans had similar feelings about the decision as they took to social media to vent their frustration.One said: “That’s a disgrace. The game is gone, I can’t believe I witnessed this being given as a penalty.”Another added: “Not enough for a penalty. Contact not sufficient. Shouldn’t even have gone to the VAR. United robbed!”A third replied: “Manchester United were robbed in my opinion. Not a penalty.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile a fourth responded: “VAR HAS MADE AN ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE MISTAKE!”The result lifts West Ham above Man Utd into 13th place, one spot above Ten Hag’s men who are already seven points adrift of a Champions League place. More

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      LaLiga ref exposed as secret Real Madrid fan by a PARROT live on TV as official desperately tries to silence pet bird

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      FORMER LaLiga referee Pajares Paz was left squirming after being exposed by his pet PARROT on live TV.And fans believe the exotic bird’s blunder confirmed Paz as a secret Real Madrid fan.Retired ref Pajares Paz begged his pet parrot to ‘shut up’ on live TVThe parrot started whistling Real Madrid’s anthemThe 75-year-old was discussing a controversial penalty decision in the closing moments of the Villarreal’s 1-1 draw with Getafe last Sunday.However, what happened during the conversation caught everyone by surprise.Paz’s parrot started singing the Hala Madrid’s anthem live on Spanish TV show El Chiringuito.The wide-eyed embarrassed ex-referee tried to calm the bird by shushing it and begging it to “shut up”.READ MORE FOOTBALLBut the mimicry kept singing, while the four hosts in the studio could barely contain their laughter, with two covering their eyes and mouths.Parrots are vocal learners, which means they are able to imitate and repeat new sounds.And while the comical moment is not total evidence that Paz is actually a Real Madrid fan, he had some explaining to do.He later dropped ex-referee Urizar Azpitarte in it, after claiming he has a parrot that says “Cabron” (b*****ds) when it hears the word “Barcelona”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans were quick to assume that the parrot had exposed Paz as a Madrid supporter.One wrote: “Madrid will never beat the allegations of favouritism.”Watch Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham roll his eyes at how he is introduced to fans at EA FC 25 launchA second said: “This referee, who teaches his parrot the Madrid anthem, used to whistle classics and now he acts as impartial.”Another commented: “The tokens keep falling. Shameless.”One more added: “How much do VARdrid pay the parrots? 😂😂”Paz retired as a referee at the end of the 1994/95 season.The Spanish official oversaw eight Madrid games, where the Los Blancos won seven, drew one and lost zero.Furious Jose Mourinho’s CUTTING dig at referee Clement Turpin after red card vs Man UtdJOSE MOURINHO launched a sarcastic blast at ref Clement Turpin after he was red-carded in his clash with former club Manchester United. The Fenerbahce boss saw his side fight back to earn a point as United tossed away the lead for a third successive drawn Europa League match.Mourinho was sent to the stands after raging against Turpin’s failure to award a penalty against Manuel Ugarte for a challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel.And Mourinho scowled: “The referee told me something incredible. He said at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.“I congratulate him because he is absolutely incredible. During the game, 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and one eye on my behaviour on the bench. That’s the explanation he gave me.”That is why he is one of the best referees in the world!” More

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      ‘I wouldn’t want to be the VAR’ gasps Mike Dean as Aston Villa goal overturned in controversial circumstances

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      BAFFLED Mike Dean was left puzzled as Aston Villa had a goal ruled out by VAR in controversial circumstances. The former Premier League referee was in the Sky Sports studio on Soccer Saturday to provide his expert view on all things refereeing.Mike Dean gave his verdict on a super-tight VAR callCredit: Sky SportsThe ex-Prem ref took a close look on his screenCredit: Sky SportsAnd that included weighing in on Villa’s disallowed goal against Bournemouth.John McGinn thought he had fired the hosts in front at Villa Park on 27 minutes.However, the Cherries stars were furious – claiming the ball had gone out of play in the build-up when Ollie Watkins stretched for an overhit pass to try and prevent it from rolling out for a goal kick.As the Bournemouth defenders and goalkeeper appealed, Watkins laid it back for McGinn, who opened up his body and curled into the far corner expertly. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut on first viewing, Tim Sherwood and Dean were not sure.Sherwood said: “It’s very, very tight. It’s going to be checked, obviously. “Oh, I’m not sure Mike, I don’t think the whole ball is gone [out].”Dean replied: “I don’t think all the ball’s gone out.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”They will have a look at it, they have to have a look at it.”For me, all the ball hasn’t gone out of play.”Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card?The replay on Dean’s screen then forces the ex-ref to take a closer look.He added: “Oh, it’s very very tight. It is tight.”You can’t tell if a tiny bit of the ball is touching, you can’t tell. “It’s tight. It’s very, very tight.”I wouldn’t like to be in the VAR studio – I would just go outside to a boil a kettle I think. “It’s more out than in but you don’t know if a tiny bit of the ball… they’ll have all the technology to say if it’s in or out.”The Premier League confirmed the ball did go outCredit: XSherwood quickly quipped back: “Will they?”However, the official Premier League Match Centre account on X shared a screengrab from the replay.And it showed the ball had indeed just gone across the line.As a result, the goal was chalked off.The post said: “27’ VAR OVERTURN.”The referee’s call of goal for Aston Villa was checked by the VAR. “As there was factual evidence that the ball was out of play in the build-up to the goal, the VAR recommended that the goal was disallowed.”Fans weighed in with various interpretations on social media.One said: “Tough break for McGinn and Villa! VAR’s decision can be frustrating, especially when the goal seems clear.”Another added: “That ball has probably not gone over the line.”But a third replied: “Correct.”And a final user commented: “It looks like it’s out of play.”The tight decision came back to hurt Aston Villa.Because although Ross Barkley gave the hosts the lead in the 76th minute, Bournemouth striker Evanilson rescued a point for the visitors in the 96th minute.That was not the only late drama on Saturday afternoon.READ MORE SUN STORIESWolves scored in the 88th and 93rd minutes to snatch a 2-2 draw at Brighton.And Brentford, who trailed 2-0 then led 3-2, thought they would have to settle for a point against Ipswich until Bryan Mbeumo’s dramatic winner in the 96th minute.John McGinn curled into the corner in styleCredit: GettyThe Villa Park celebrations were cut shortCredit: GettyTim Sherwood didn’t think all of the ball was outCredit: Sky SportsTV 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) More

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      Wrexham clash delayed after referee injured twice as home and away fans sing brutal chant during substitution

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      WREXHAM’S League One clash away at Charlton was stopped after referee Sam Purkiss suffered a knee injury and had to be replaced.Yet despite the fitness issue, fans inside The Valley had little sympathy for the official as they sang a brutal chant as he left the field.Referee Sam Purkiss was forced off due to a knee injuryCredit: GettyPurkiss initially went down in the 11th minute and received treatment on the field of play.He continued and Conor Coventry’s own goal gave Wrexham a 1-0 lead.Macaulay Gillesphey levelled for the hosts midway through the first half, before Purkiss went down again.This time he was unable to carry on and Alan Dale replaced him 10 minutes before half time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs he left the pitch, fans could be heard singing: “You’re not fit to referee”.Wrexham went to Charlton knowing they could close the gap to Birmingham to just two points with a win.In one of the lunchtime kick-offs, Birmingham were held to a 1-1 draw away at Mansfield.Wrexham are seeking a third successive promotion and have made an impressive start to the season.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPhil Parkinson’s side have picked up seven wins, four draws and two defeats from their opening 13 League One matches.They have also lost just one of their last seven games in all competitions – since going down 3-1 to pacesetters Birmingham in September. More

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      Uefa issue two referees with huge bans after drunkenly taking road sign before Champions League clash

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      UEFA have banned two referees for drunkenly taking a road sign before a Champions League clash.Bartosz Frankowski and Tomasz Musial were arrested in the Polish city of Lubin back in August.Uefa have banned Polish referee Bartosz Frankowski after he drunkenly took a signCredit: GettyTomasz Musial has also been suspended following the incident in Lubin back in AugustCredit: GettyThe pair had been appointed as VAR and AVAR officials for the third qualifying round tie between Dynamo Kyiv and Rangers.However, they were replaced by the Polish FA following their drunken antics the night before the match.Police caught the two referees on CCTV before arresting them, with Uefa fining them at the time.Frankowski and Musial have now both been handed lengthy bans for their behaviour.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey have been suspended until June 30, 2025 by Uefa’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body.Their punishment is for breaking “basic rules of decent conduct”, the governing body confirmed.In a statement, Frankowski said: “I am still trying to find words that will sufficiently express how much I regret this incident and how sorry I am.”I realise that with one such violation, I ruined 22 years of refereeing, ruined my entire career. I should have calmly prepared for the match and not gone anywhere.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”As one of the police officers later told me, our prank was spotted by CCTV cameras and they intervened. I would like to clarify that we were in no way aggressive. These were stupid jokes.”We did not suspect that it would be perceived this way. We had no bad intentions. It was stupidity, an idiotic fantasy, I don’t even know what to call it.”Furious former Champions League finalists’ fans protest against club owner He also claimed the incident was simply a “prank” and had been a “stupid game” that went wrong.The 38-year-old, who is a Fifa referee, added: “Now, looking back, I understand that it was not a very smart idea.”It was a sign that was lying next to where road works were being carried out and we were passing by.”I am very sorry that this happened. And on a purely human level, it was stupid, because I know that my unfortunate behaviour will cast a shadow on many years of hard work.”What happened was irresponsible and unprofessional on my part, and I am fully aware of that.”I would just like to emphasise that there were no acts of aggression in my behaviour, I did not break the law and there was no unlawful behaviour on my part towards police officers or anyone.”Frankowski admits the incident was a ‘stupid game’ which went wrongCredit: Getty More

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      Championship clash temporarily suspended after bizarre moment man flies over stadium

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      THE CHAMPIONSHIP clash between Coventry and Luton was temporarily suspended when a person FLEW over the ground.Referee, Robert Madley, called a halt to proceedings when somebody was seen paragliding over the Coventry Building Society Arena.A person was seen flying over the Coventry stadiumThe strange incident caused the game to stop temporarilyThe game was resumed by Robert Madley once the flyer was goneCredit: Sky SportsIn the 81st minute of the game, cameras stopped filming the match action to watch the peculiar flight path above them.The person was seen in a seated position with a red, black and white glide fully extended.A huge paramotor behind the pilot was helping direct them over the skies of Coventry.The match resumed after the flyer had gone over the stadium stand and was no longer visible.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReacting to the extraordinary stunt, one fan on social media said: “Dude casually flying over the match between Coventry vs Luton FC.”A second said: “Coventry City vs Luton Town has been interrupted by Moe Szyslak.”A third said: “Hahahaha one paragliding over the stadium at Coventry and Luton Town. Paragliding is the discipline.”Another said: “Why’s someone just flying about the Coventry game?”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe game itself saw Luton take the lead through a Carlton Morris penalty after 15 minutes.Elijah Adebayo then got on the scoresheet in the 37th minute, which came after the 26-year-old had suffered vile racist abuse following their 2-1 loss to Sunderland on Wednesday.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowHowever, Ellis Simms got the hosts back into the game with his 59th minute strike, before Victor Torp netted an equaliser in the 76th minute.Following a sending off for Tom Holmes, Haji Wright then scored an injury-time winner for Coventry to complete their comeback. More

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      Heartwarming moment Premier League referee surprises kids by taking charge of U7s game and even uses official coin

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referee Simon Hooper dropped down more than a few divisions to referee a KIDS game in Manchester last weekend.Hooper, 42, has been refereeing in England’s top flight since 2018.Simon Hooper dropped down to the youth leagues to surprise some kids in ManchesterCredit: AlamyHooper refereed an U7s game last weekendCredit: Richard MoriatyThe professional ref took the time out of his week to stop by the Manchester Youth Super League and officiate a clash between two U7s teams.Hooper even had time to stop and chat to the league’s usual referees and offer them some advice.While the official came decked out in his Premier League gear and even brought along an official Prem coin to decide the kick off.A post on the league’s social media gushed about Hooper’s heartwarming moment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt read: “FIRST TIME EVER!!! A Premier League ref has reffed a game in the MYSL. “A massive thanks to Simon Hooper for reffing a game last weekend.”Adding: “He even brought his Premier League coin for the toss to start the game. WHAT A GUY.”Thanks so much for this Simon Hooper, who even had the time to speak with our refs.”Most read in FootballHooper took charge of the game on the same weekend as acting as a Premier League fourth officialCredit: Richard MoriatyThe official was commended for his kindhearted actCredit: Richard MoriatyThe game came in the same weekend that Hooper had acted as fourth official for Southampton’s defeat to Leicester.It’s a big drop down for Hooper who is used to the dizzying heights of the Premier League.He’s taken charge of over 100 Prem games already in his career and is used to coming face to face with international superstars rather than school kids.Although his venture into the youth leagues won’t have left him struggling without VAR, with Hooper regularly taking charge of Championship games too.This season he has already officiated two Championship clashes, while he has been the man in the middle for four Prem games.Hooper’s last Prem clash came earlier this month when he took charge of Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.And he will return to action this weekend as he heads to Stamford Bridge to referee Chelsea vs Newcastle.Hooper is used to dealing with Premier League superstarsCredit: PA More

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      Iconic ex-Premier League referee warns Arsenal that officials have cottoned on to their secret weapon in title blow

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      FORMER Premier League referee Peter Walton has warned Arsenal that officials are aware of their tactics.The Gunners currently sit four points behind leaders Liverpool and three off champions Manchester City in the race for the title.Arsenal’s clever set pieces earned them a huge win over SpursCredit: AlamyPeter Walton has warned the Gunners their set-piece goals might dry upCredit: ITVPrior to the Reds travelling to the Emirates on Sunday, Walton has claimed that refs are becoming increasingly aware of their corner-kick routines.Mikel Arteta’s side are well-drilled at set-pieces and are often instructed to block opponents to allow for the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes to attack Bukayo Saka’s delivery at the back post.But Walton, who was a Prem ref from 2003 to 2012, has suggested that set-piece coach Nicolas Jover might need to come up with a new plan as refs are cottoning on to their tricks.He wrote in The Times: “In my day, Chelsea were good at blocking opponents off the ball, but then referees and the media drew attention to their tactics and they were much more likely to be caught. READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I sense a similar process has happened recently with Arsenal’s set pieces.”But so far the tactic is still working for Arsenal and they have scored three goals from set pieces this season.Only Aston Villa, Brighton, Leicester and Everton have netted more.Last term, they were the highest scorers from them with 20 goals.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal already have an issue to resolve when it comes to referees as they have had a player sent off in three of their last six league games.The North Londoners have had 18 red cards since Arteta took over in December 2019 – SIX more than any other team.One more this season will be their 108th red of the Premier League era – a joint-record alongside Everton.Arsenal star Saka of three key men to miss training ahead of crunch Liverpool Premier League showdown Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A More