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BVB fired former fan favourite Nuri Sahin after Tuesday's Champions League loss to Bologna, but their issues go far beyond the dugout

Vincenzo Italiano's Bologna were officially knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday, and yet when he appeared on after his team's 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund, he was applauded by esteemed pundits such as Fabio Capello and Zvonimir Boban.

"We are eliminated but it feels like we won a quarter-final or a semi-final!" a visibly ecstatic Italiano claimed. "These lads wanted this win at all costs and I'm so happy it's beyond words. It's a dream come true."

For Nuri Sahin, though, it was a nightmare. His side hadn't been eliminated, but they had been humiliated, last season's runners-up not just beaten but outplayed and outfought by a team that had never previously won a game in the tournament.

Given Dortmund had gone into the game at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on the back of three consecutive Bundesliga defeats, everyone knew what was coming next – and Sahin was subsequently sacked as BVB boss shortly after returning to the team's hotel in Bologna.

So, what on earth has gone wrong for Dortmund since very nearly upsetting Real Madrid at Wembley just over six months ago? And will the German giants' problems suddenly be solved by a change of coach?

• 'Nuri knows the club'

  Dortmund's remarkable run to the Champions League final played a major part in Sahin's appointment. The former BVB midfielder had returned to the club in December 2023 alongside former team-mate Sven Bender to become part of Edin Terzic's coaching staff and made a positive impact at Signal Iduna Park.

  Consequently, when Terzic decided to step down last summer, explaining he had taken the club as far as he could, he backed the decision to select Sahin as his successor.

  Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken also felt that the former academy graduate was the logical choice to take over, with Bender almost inevitably installed as his No.2. "Nuri knows the club and its DNA," the ex-BVB winger said, "both from his time as a player and from his time as an assistant coach."

  However, externally, there was some scrutiny of Sahin's credentials, given his only previous experience in the role of a head coach had come during a two-year spell at Turkish outfit Antalyaspor. Sadly, the fear that the job had come too soon for Sahin proved well-founded.

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  Topsy-turvy team

  Although Dortmund made a positive start to both their Bundesliga and Champions League campaigns, the team's lack of cohesion and consistency quickly became causes for concern. Encouraging victories throughout Sahin's first few months in charge were often followed by dreadful defeats, and Dortmund just couldn't seem to put anything resembling a decent run of form together.

  In fact, they often struggled to play well for an entire game, proving worryingly prone to costly lapses in concentration and seemingly incapable of responding to setbacks.

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  Dreadful defence

  There were some mitigating factors, such as an injury crisis in defence and the loss of Karim Adeyemi to a muscular problem after scoring a hat-trick in an impressive 7-1 rout of Celtic in the Champions League. However, Sahin was also accused of making too many tactical and personnel changes from game to game – which many critics believed was the cause of the team's inconsistency.

  Ultimately, though, he was undone by his inability to address Dortmund's defensive deficiencies, with BVB managing to keep just one clean sheet in the Bundesliga since August 31.

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  'We need victories'

  The faint hope was that the winter break might spark an upturn in form, as it offered Sahin a chance to shore up his side's backline. However, for the first time in the club's history, Dortmund lost their first three games of a calendar year, conceding nine times in the process.

  It was at that point that it was clear that the club's faith in one of the finest players of the Jurgen Klopp era was wavering. After Friday's 2-0 loss at Eintracht Frankurt, Ricken admitted that while Sahin would remain in charge for the Champions League trip to Bologna, it would be "with the clear expectation that we need victories".

Tottenham could replace Son Heung-min as captain with another lower-profile member of Ange Postecoglou’s squad, with the 32-year-old still yet to pen fresh terms and commit his future to Spurs.

Son contract expiring in potential concern for Spurs

Spurs have the option to extend Son’s contract by an additional 12 months, keeping him at the club until 2026, even though his current deal is due to expire in 2025 as things stand.

Tottenham offered chance to sign £162k-per-week "champion" just days ago

The Lilywhites were approached over an out-of-window deal.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 18, 2024

It is highly likely that Postecoglou’s side will trigger the one-year extension clause, but supporters and club chiefs alike would prefer that Son puts pen to paper on a new long-term deal to keep him at N17 for even longer.

“Yeah, still ongoing,” said Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge on talks over a new deal for Son earlier this year (GiveMeSport).

“This is a player who, let’s face it, is just brilliant on the field, but a brilliant ambassador and obviously globally, so key to the football club. He’s been a great club captain since taking over from Harry Kane. He’s come back from the Asian Cup. He was very personally disappointed with the way it was done. I don’t think he had the best relationship in the world with Jurgen Klinsmann. Maybe that’s taken him a little bit of time to come back.”

Postecoglou, when asked about Son’s contract situation earlier this summer, was more vague in his response.

“Yeah, look, that’s not really my area, what I always do and what I’ve always done is irrespective of the contract situation of players is to you know, treat them all the same,” said Postecoglou on Son’s contract.

“Ben and Sonny are an important part of this football club. We’ve got a really young team at the moment and we need some good experienced players around them and they’re two that certainly set the right example. And in terms of contracts I think that all gets sorted out at the appropriate time. But from my perspective, and I think the players’ perspectives themselves, we’re just focused on preparing for a big year.”

Tottenham could replace Son as captain with Guglielmo Vicario

Of course, if Son does depart in 2026, then the Lilywhites will need a new captain to replace their legend. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has impressed overall since joining Spurs from Empoli last summer, even if the Italy international came under-fire for his handling of set-pieces once again during Tottenham’s 1-0 North London Derby defeat to Arsenal.

According to Milan Live, Spurs could make Vicario their future captain, akin to how long-serving ex-number one Hugo Lloris took the armband for many years. The “underrated” 27-year-old is attracting interest from Inter Milan, who are thinking of making an offer for him to replace Yann Sommer, but a deal will be very difficult to do for the Nerazzurri.

Tottenham apparently have full faith in the £75,000-per-week shot-stopper, and want to make him the “new Lloris”, with a Vicario captaincy on the agenda for future seasons.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a “crucial” Liverpool player is in discussions over a contract extension at Anfield, alongside another individual.

Liverpool contract news

It is a busy and stressful situation when it comes to contracts at Liverpool currently, especially regarding the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

The legendary Reds trio appear to be three of the first names on Arne Slot’s team sheet, providing world-class quality on a weekly basis, but they are all out of contract at the end of this season.

Supporters are desperate to see all three superstars extend their stay at Anfield for many more years, even though Van Dijk and Salah are 33 and 32 respectively, and it would feel like a massive blow if even one of them left on a free transfer in the summer of 2025.

Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah aren’t the only areas of focus when it comes to new deals, however, with Jarell Quansah signing an extension on Monday. That is great news for Liverpool, with the 21-year-old a player with such a bright future in the game, and it now looks as though another player could be set to agree a new contract alongside him, too.

"Crucial" Liverpool player also in talks over new Anfield deal

Taking to X, Romano reported that Ibrahima Konate is also in talks over signing a new deal at Liverpool, seen as a “crucial” part of the project under Slot.

Agreeing a contract extension for Konate is so vital, considering the 25-year-old looks like the heir to Van Dijk as the leader of the Reds’ defence, hopefully not for a few years yet, though.

While there have been some concerns over the £70,000-a-week France international’s injury-prone nature, he has looked back to his best and fittest this season, starting six of Liverpool’s seven Premier League matches, and replacing Quansah at half-time in the opening fixture away to Ipswich Town.

The fact that Konate is deemed “really appreciated” by Slot shows that he has made an instant impression on the new head coach, and staying fit could be vital to Liverpool’s chances of success this season.

At 25, the centre-back’s best years should still be ahead of him, and his combination of pace, power and character make him a player that the Reds cannot afford to lose at this point in his career.

Leading the race: Liverpool want £67m talent who's just like Zubimendi

This would be a signature signing for Slot’s side…

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 7, 2024

There is no reason why Konate can’t become a legend at Anfield over time, and while Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah are even more important to tie down, this would be a major boost for everyone associated with the club.

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez may be out of action for around eight months after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

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• Martinez stretchered off vs Palace
• Will have to undergo surgery on injury
• Defender faces long spell on sidelines

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The centre-back was seen crying as he was stretchered off in the second half of his side's 2-0 loss against Crystal Palace on Sunday and reports he has now been diagnosed with a cruciate ligament tear.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Martinez will now have to undergo surgery, the report adds, and will be sidelined for eight months. It is just the latest of several serious injuries he has suffered since joining United. The Argentina international missed the final nine weeks of his debut season at United due to injury and was limited to just 14 games in all competitions last season with a string of issues.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The loss of the 27-year-old, who has played 32 games for United this season, comes as a huge blow for Ruben Amorim amid his team's ongoing struggles in the Premier League. The weekend's defeat leaves the Red Devils 13th in the Premier League table and 12 points away from fourth-placed Manchester City. They are also 12 points from the relegation zone.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?

  As Martinez prepares to undergo surgery and then begin his rehabilitation, United take on Leicester in the FA Cup on Friday, followed by a trip to Tottenham on February 16.

Leeds United have successfully got over the losses of many of their former star men from the summer, with a mass exodus from Elland Road definitely hurting Daniel Farke’s camp at the moment.

Now, there is a new freshness to proceedings at Elland Road that Farke will hope can lead to promotion from the Championship being won, with the likes of Mateo Joseph among others attempting to become new heroes for their side after the notable departures of Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville.

One new star could even end up being Leeds’ next Raphinha if everything goes to plan, with the Brazilian attacker dazzling supporters and opposition defences alike in West Yorkshire throughout his short but sweet stay at the club.

Raphinha's time at Leeds

Raphinha would have certainly been viewed as a coup when he left Ligue 1 outfit Rennes behind in 2020 for pastures new in England after the South American forward had left his lasting impression on the French top division.

With a promising return of eight goals and seven assists from 36 games playing for Rennes, Leeds must have taken a liking to the tricky footwork on display by the winger, with the decision to go after the audacious 5 foot 9 gem for a £17m transfer fee proving to be an unbelievable masterstroke.

The constantly entertaining winger would slot straight into the Leeds set-up effortlessly under Marcelo Bielsa, firing home six goals and picking up nine assists during his debut season to instantly become a firm fan’s favourite.

It was his second, and final, campaign for the Whites where he really stepped it up a gear, however, as the Brazilian notched up double digits in terms of goals with 11 top-flight strikes, leading to giants of the game such as Barcelona sniffing around for his coveted services.

Leeds wouldn’t let Raphinha leave without getting their money’s worth, as the Spanish titans splashed out a bumper £55m fee to land their desired target, as the Whites then slipped down to the Championship without their spellbinding number ten.

Now, the second-tier promotion hopefuls could have stumbled across their next Raphinha in the making in Largie Ramazani, who even faced off against the former Leeds man’s new club last season playing in La Liga.

Leeds' next Raphinha

Much like the current Barca captain managed when making the move to England, Ramazani has taken to his fresh surroundings well so far donning his new Leeds jersey.

The exciting Belgian already has two goals and an assist next to his name playing in the tough demands of the Championship from six games, including a confident breakaway strike against Cardiff City last month which opened his account for the club.

Following that up with a calm finish under pressure away at Norwich City to gift his side a share of the points at Carrow Road to start October, plenty more will be expected of the “outrageous” winger – a label that was once handed to him by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – as he becomes even more confident playing in England, potentially reaching the same heights Raphinha was once capable of.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Equally daring on the ball and prepared to run himself into the ground like Raphinha, with an astonishing 16 attempted duels against the Canaries showing off his boundless drive, Farke will also pray that Ramazani’s capture means the more immediate void left behind by Summerville has been filled up too.

Of course, for the ex-Almeria man to fully replicate the Brazilian’s excellent spell, he will have to show off the best of his skillset in the Premier League.

Ramazani will hope that will come very shortly after his exploits play a big role in the Whites returning up to the promised land of the top-flight.

Leeds wanted to sign PSG star on a free, they got Rodrigo instead

The Whites were interested in signing the proven elite goalscorer for Marcelo Bielsa.

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By
Dan Emery

Oct 8, 2024

Former Arsenal star Ian Wright showed solidarity with Manchester City's Khadija shaw after she was subjected to vile abuse.

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• Wright backs Shaw after racist attack
• Sent out an X-rated message in support
• Shaw pulled out of Arsenal clash last week

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The City star was subject to vile racist and misogynistic abuse during the club's Women's Super League clash against Arsenal on February 2. The Cityzens were then scheduled to meet the Gunners once again on February 6 in the semi-final of the League Cup, but after the incident, Shaw decided to voluntarily pull out of the game for the sake of her mental well being.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After the incident, City released a statement condemning the behaviour of some Arsenal fans and later that week they confirmed that Shaw had returned to training after taking a brief break. Now Gunners icon Ian Wright has come into the City player's defence as he sent out an X-rated message on Instagram.

• WHAT IAN WRIGHT SAID

  In a long rant on his Instagram story, Write conveyed: "Strength and love to Bunny. Watched Cyril's entire generation go through it and have to take it. Went through it myself with the rest of the brothers, saw the generation after us go through it, then had to watch Marcus, Bukayo, Raheem, Jadon, Pogba etc go through it. Past few days it's Joe Willock, Myles and Bunny going through it. Man's tired. Don't have the fight left to go sit on fucking shows and tables trying to convince or explain or educate these people that it's racism. They do not care. I'm not telling people especially young people that it's going to get better, rather let's get them ready for it because it's coming. 61 big years here and all still the same. And now you bring it up again on shows and start all over again with bringing heat to the people who are the actual victims. F*cking sh*t cycle. It's exhausting man. I've said what I can say and done what I could do."

  IG:@wrightyofficial

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

  Gareth Taylor's side will be back in action on Sunday as they take on Liverpool in a crucial WSL fixture at home.

Butler was traded to the GSW and revealed he picked his new number to honor Neymar amongst other footballers

• Jimmy Butler will wear the No. 10 for Golden State Warriors
• The 35-year-old picked it because of his connection to football
• Former Miami Heat forward is good friends with superstar Neymar

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  WHAT HAPPENED

  Former Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler was traded to the Golden State Warriors in early February and the 35-year-old has picked a new number that has sent waves across soccer and basketball. The American opted to take the No. 10 as his new jersey number, which he revealed was in tribute to several great soccer stars including Neymar, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, and more. Not only that, Butler also cited several NBA legends as his social media post showcased Tim Hardaway, alongside Sadio Mane while Larry Drew featured alongside Ronaldinho.

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• WHAT JIMMY BUTLER SAID

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The new Golden State Warriors star is a well-known fan of soccer although Jimmy Butler is more known for being good friends with Neymar. The former Barcelona and PSG superstar has known the 35-year-old basketball star for years, and their relationship goes back to Butler’s time with the Chicago Bulls. It started after Butler was captivated by the Brazilian’s performances in 2016 and by 2018, with the help of social media the two were good friends.

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  WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR BULTER?

  Butler made his debut for Golden State Friday, helping his team complete a stunning rally in its win over the Bulls Saturday. He dropped 25 points in that game.

After quitting Chelsea in the summer, one player has discovered a new lease of life for himself away from Stamford Bridge, with the man himself recently expressing his relief that he decided to leave.

Players who could leave Chelsea in 2025

Chairman Todd Boehly and BlueCo orchestrated a host of exits from west London over the summer window, with Ian Maatsen, Conor Gallagher, Lewis Hall, Romelu Lukaku, Omari Hutchinson, Angelo Gabriel, Hakim Ziyech, Malang Sarr, Tino Anjorin, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling, Lesley Ugochukwu, Armando Broja, Djordje Petrovic, Trevoh Chalobah, Kepa Arrizabalaga, David Datro Fofana, Aflie Gilchrist and Basir Humphreys all parting company on permanent or loan deals.

Maresca has decided to sell £100k-per-week Chelsea star alongside Chilwell

They’re both “firmly” not in his plans.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Oct 9, 2024

Chelsea’s bloated squad was seriously trimmed, but head coach Enzo Maresca and co may move to ship out more players who have been deemed surplus to requirements at the turn of the year.

Left-back Ben Chilwell is most likely to leave Chelsea in January, according to various reports recently, but the Blues are also ready to offload a few of his teammates. Midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is attracting interest from AC Milan and Saudi clubs, and it is believed that Maresca is prepared to part company with the £100,000-per-week ace despite club legend Marcel Desailly being a real fan of his.

“I like Carney Chukwuemeka because he is like an artist who comes onto the stage,” said Desailly (via Chelsea News).

“He has got the ball. Now is my moment. Shine. You see the dribbling. He is sure about what he is going to do and he is clinical. I love it.”

Meanwhile, winger Mykhailo Mudryk could also leave in January, with the Ukraine international forward failing to impress on a consistent enough basis to justify his £89 million price tag (including add-ons).

Defenders Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile are on the Chelsea transfer list as well, with the latter not even making a single Premier League appearance so far this campaign.

There have even been some reports that mainstay left-back Marc Cucurella doesn’t have a long-term future at Chelsea, but we believe this would be quite a surprise considering he’s clearly Maresca’s favoured option in that position.

Diego Moreira absolutely flying since Chelsea exit

Big-name departures could be on the horizon, one way or another, but one player who’s been absolutely flying since his own Chelsea exit is Brazilian winger Diego Moreira.

The 20-year-old started just once during his time at the Blues, an EFL Cup game against AFC Wimbledon, but his debut went on to be his only appearance for the club before he joined Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg on a permanent basis.

So far this season, Moreira has scored one goal and assisted another in seven Ligue 1 appearances. The Boot Room highlights that Moreira is making quite an impression in France after quitting Chelsea, with the player himself also recently admitting that he’s delighted.

“I see myself staying here. Since I got here, it’s been a relief. I rediscovered this joy of playing football, of having fun. Everything is great: the coach, the club, the infrastructure, the quality of life, the city,” said the South American to La Derniere Heure.

“It’s true that the level of academy football is not comparable to professional football: you have the impression that you are stagnating, that you are not learning anything. Yes, we still learn something every day, but at that time I needed to gain experience. It’s not what I was looking for.”

Ipswich Town are reportedly considering allowing a “really good” player to leave the club in the January transfer window, following a tough start to the season.

Ipswich eyeing first Premier League win

Kieran McKenna’s side have predictably found life back in the Premier League tough, failing to win any of their opening eight games in the competition this season.

The Tractor Boys have at least managed to pick up four draws in that time, ensuring that they don’t currently sit in the relegation zone, but there is no question that improvements are needed, especially after last weekend’s disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to struggling Everton.

Next up for Ipswich is Saturday’s trip to Brentford in the league, which while clearly far from an easy task, should be viewed as a game where McKenna’s men could pick up their maiden victory of the campaign.

For that to happen, though, a strong team performance will be required away to the 13th-place Bees, with players turning up and performing to the best of their abilities. A key update has now emerged regarding the future of one individual – one that may not bode well for him.

Ipswich could axe "really good" player in January

According to Football Insider, Ipswich could sanction the exit of Kalvin Phillips in the January transfer window, with the Englishman struggling to enjoy a positive impact at Portman Road. The report claims that the club are “amazed” at the 28-year-old’s “lack of mobility and running power”, with senior figures also feeling that his “head is still at Leeds”, and could now terminate his loan contract with Manchester City.

Seeing Phillips departing so soon after arriving on loan at Ipswich would be a real shame, both for the player and the club, but there is no doubt that he isn’t enjoying the impact he would have hoped for back in the summer. The £150,000-a-week Englishman has started five Premier League games, but his displays haven’t been the dominant ones he used to produce so often in a Leeds shirt, with 0.6 aerial duel wins and 0.2 blocks per game coming his way in the league.

The frustrating aspect of Phillips is that he is clearly an extremely effective player when he wants to be, with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola lauding him back in July during pre-season, saying: “Kalvin was really good.

“When he can get the ball and see all of the pitch in front of him he is a really good player. When I have him in smaller spaces we have more problems. With the ball he was really good and helped us a lot. I am very, very pleased with his performance.”

Sadly, Phillips’ career has nosedived fairly spectacularly ever since he departed for City, however, losing not only his place in England’s starting lineup, but also the squad.

Roy Keane worried by Ipswich Town fans' energy "going already"

Keane believes the atmosphere has already softened after a tough start to the season.

By
Brett Worthington

Oct 24, 2024

At 28, he still has time to turn things around, but with his performances for Ipswich flattering to deceive, seeing him moved on in January would feel like a damning indictment, having arrived as a key signing.

They'll be dancing in the streets of Liverpool as the north Londoners paid the price for a woeful attacking display

Arsenal's title hopes suffered a significant blow as Jarrod Bowen's first-half header secured an unlikely 1-0 win for West Ham, with substitute Myles Lewis-Skelly seeing red on a miserable afternoon for the Gunners.

A tepid first-half saw the hosts severely lacking in creativity and end product, and Graham Potter's side duly punished them by taking a surprise lead just before half-time. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was allowed to gallop down the right-hand-side before he delivered a cross right onto Bowen's head and he made no mistake from close range.

The Hammers' low block was working effectively to nullify Arsenal and they were looking dangerous themselves on the counter – Bowen coming close to a second as he almost got on the end of a deflected cross after an intelligent dart into the six-yard box.

Then came the major talking point of the game as Lewis-Skelly, on as a sub for the disappointing Riccardo Calafiori, swiped Mohammed Kudus' legs on the halfway line as he looked to race away on the break. Referee Craig Pawson initially awarded a yellow card although that was correctly upgraded to red following a VAR review.

From there, the 10 men never looked like finding an equaliser and it's a result that will be celebrated wildly in Liverpool – Arne Slot's side now having the chance 11 points clear at the top, should they beat Manchester City on Sunday.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Emirates Stadium…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  David Raya (6/10):

  Beaten by West Ham's only shot on target but there was nothing he could do to keep out Bowen's close-range header. Produced Arsenal's highlight of the match by beating James Ward-Prowse in a foot race.

  Jurrien Timber (5/10):

  Tried to support Nwaneri with his runs up the right flank but there was zero end product.

  William Saliba (6/10):

  Was dealing well with the significant threat of Kudus, with the Ghanaian soon realising he might have more luck attacking Calafiori and Gabriel.

  Gabriel Magalhaes (5/10):

  More unsettled than usual as Bowen and Kudus consistently pressed and harassed. Might've dealt better with Bowen's run for the goal.

  Riccardo Calafiori (4/10):

  Well below his usually high standards. Loose with his passing and gave far too much room to Wan-Bissaka for Bowen's goal. Paid the price as he was substituted 10 minutes after half-time.

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  Midfield

  Declan Rice (4/10):

  Shook off the abuse from the West Ham fans in the corner with a smile but they would've loved it as he completely lost Bowen's run for the goal. Hooked after an ineffective 55 minutes.

  Thomas Partey (6/10):

  Mopped up well with West Ham looking dangerous on the counter but did little to help the cause going forward.

  Martin Odegaard (5/10):

  Tried to rally the crowd but they needed much more from their skipper as he struggled to unlock the stubborn West Ham defence.

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  Attack

  Ethan Nwaneri (5/10):

  Tried to make things happen as he frequently cut inside onto his dangerous left foot but West Ham did well to get tight and limit his influence on the game.

  Mikel Merino (5/10):

  Made some intelligent passes and forward runs but he had little to no impact in front of goal, unlike last week at Leicester.

  Leandro Trossard (5/10):

  Wasteful with his finishing and wouldn't have lasted the full 90 had Arteta had better options to choose from on the bench.

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  Subs & Manager

  Myles Lewis-Skelly (2/10):

  A nightmare cameo off the bench. Would've hoped his red card dramas were over for the season after the Wolves debacle but was correctly sent off here for mindlessly chopping down Kudus on halfway.

  Oleksandr Zinchenko (5/10):

  Replaced Rice in the heart of the midfield but had minimal impact.

  Raheem Sterling (5/10):

  Didn't do anything meaningful as Arteta eventually threw him on with nine minutes left.

  Ben White (N/A):

  Finally made his return in the final few minutes having not played since November and almost bagged the equaliser with a fizzing shot in stoppage time.

  Mikel Arteta (5/10):

  The end of Arsenal's title hopes? Quite possibly. Arteta made the right call to start Merino in attack after his impact at Leicester but with limited options on the bench, he wasn't able to swing the game in his favour and there was no coming back after the Lewis-Skelly red.