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Bukayo Saka injury: Mikel Arteta gives update as Arsenal sweat on star’s fitness ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk clash

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Bukayo Saka injury: Mikel Arteta gives update as Arsenal sweat on star's fitness ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk clash

TEN-MAN Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season as brilliant Bournemouth dealt them a South Coast setback.

The Gunners travelled to face Andoni Iraola’s men having won five and drawn three of their opening eight matches this term.

But their task was made a tricky one when William Saliba was shown a red card on the half-hour.

Ryan Christie brilliantly fired the hosts into a deserved lead following a well-worked set piece routine 20 minutes from time.

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Justin Kluivert then sealed his side’s incredible 2-0 victory from the penalty spot on 79 minutes.

Here’s how SunSport rated each Gunners performer on the day.

DAVID RAYA – 5
Was lucky to get away with one poor pass out from the back early on. Made amends for another error by saving smartly with the legs to deny Marcus Tavernier after initially spilling a Semenyo cross-cum-shot before clumsily conceding the penalty.

BEN WHITE – 4
England outcast was back in the team after four games out, but did not look 100 per cent fit and found it tough going containing the lively Antoine Semenyo down the Bournemouth left in the first half and Dango Ouattara in the second.

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WILLIAM SALIBA – 3
Usually calm and collected under pressure but paid the price for a rare moment of panic when he hauled down Bournemouth striker Evanilson to get himself sent off and will miss next weekend’s crunch clash at home to title rivals Liverpool as a result.

GABRIEL – 5
Given the captain’s armband in the absence of the stricken Bukayo Saka, but not at his commanding best, especially after losing centre-back partner Saliba. Did not really step up to the leadership plate.

RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6
Did a better job containing Semenyo when Bournemouth’s dangerman switched wings at half-time than White did in the first half, but unable to have his usual influence going forward.

THOMAS PARTEY – 5
Back in his traditional central midfield berth after being used as an emergency right back in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Was second best up against Bournemouth’s impressive Lewis Cook.

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DECLAN RICE – 5
Another of Arsenal’s international contingent who looked sluggish after the break from domestic duty. Struggled to impose himself on the game in midfield and unable to get forward as much as he usually does. Did his bit dropping into the back-line after Saliba’s dismissal.

RAHEEM STERLING – 4
Former England man was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and gave the ball away a few times when in promising positions before being sacrificed after the Saliba red card.

MIKEL MERINO – 5
Finally able to make his full Premier League debut after an injury-affected start to his Arsenal career and showed some nice touches. Also fired into the side-netting with the visitors’ best first half opening.

LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4
Started the game well but sold Saliba short with a poor back pass that led to the red card and disappeared from the action after that before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.

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KAI HAVERTZ – 5
The German cut an isolated figure up front, especially after Arsenal were reduced to ten men, but worked tirelessly for the team without ever looking like adding to his run of scoring in the previous four games in all competitions.

SUBSTITUTES
Jakub Kiwior (for Sterling, 37) – 4

Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 64) – 5

Gabriel Jesus (for Kiwior, 81) – N/A

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Ethan Nwaneri (for Merino, 81) – N/A

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Anna Morris: From doctor to cycling world champion

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October 22, 2024

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Anna Morris: From doctor to cycling world champion

That led to her first taste of competition at the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) championships.

Success there earned her support from Welsh Cycling, though her training was fitted in around her medical career.

“It would just be like ‘if I could train, I would do it’,” Morris says.

She would aim for an hour on the turbo trainer in the evenings and a longer ride on weekends. At most she would manage eight hours a week, but that would come down if she was too busy at work.

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She would use her annual leave to train longer, either booking a week of cycling in Majorca or riding at home.

By 2021, as the Tokyo Olympics approached, she decided to pause her medical career to focus on an attempt to secure Wales selection for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“Going full time made a huge difference, particularly in terms of recovery,” Morris says. “You could control the times you were able to eat, sleep and train.

“At Nationals [in January 2022] I managed to medal in all three endurance events. That was a bit of a turning point and it contributed to Commonwealth Games selection.

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“The Commonwealth Games was still another level that I hadn’t operated at before. The roar of the crowd was like nothing I’d heard before.

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Mikel Arteta reveals new plan to overcome discipline worries with Arsenal on verge of red card record

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21 mins ago

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October 22, 2024

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Mikel Arteta reveals new plan to overcome discipline worries with Arsenal on verge of red card record

MIKEL ARTETA vowed Arsenal will use their red card “pain” to drive them on in a crunch week.

The Gunners are still reeling from William Saliba’s dismissal at Bournemouth – their third sending-off in six Prem games – which led to a first defeat since April.

Arsenal star William Saliba was sent off for a foul on Evanilson - their third red in six games

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Arsenal star William Saliba was sent off for a foul on Evanilson – their third red in six gamesCredit: PA
Declan Rice was sent off versus Brighton

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Declan Rice was sent off versus BrightonCredit: Getty
Leandro Trossard was sent for an early bath against City

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Leandro Trossard was sent for an early bath against CityCredit: AP
Mikel Arteta says the red cards have galvanised the squad

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Mikel Arteta says the red cards have galvanised the squadCredit: Getty

It was the 18th red card Arsenal have been shown in the league since Mikel Arteta took over on December 26, 2019 – SIX more than any other side.

Should they pick up another this term, it will be Arsenal’s 108th red card in the Prem era – a joint-record alongside Everton.

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Yet Arteta claims his team have been “galvanised” by the woeful red-card streak.

Arsenal aim to bounce back, starting tonight against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League before hosting Liverpool on Sunday.

Arteta said: “It’s absolutely galvanised the group. They’ll show their teeth and fight against the situation. They say: ‘OK, this is what we have to play, how we have to do it. We’re going to do it’.

“But playing with ten men, obviously there is an issue. We just cannot continue to do this.

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“We’ve also had two different periods where we had a lot of reds and then not any. Now we have had three in a row.

“But we can’t continue to play with ten at this level. The task becomes almost impossible.

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“So, we must eradicate that. Let’s take that pain and use it tomorrow. It has to happen.”

Centre-back Saliba’s red was the latest example of ill-discipline that has cost Arsenal seven points already this season.

Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card?

Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard have also been dismissed and now the Gunners lie four points off leaders Liverpool ahead of their Emirates clash.

Asked how you sort this discipline problem, Arteta said: “The most effective way is not talking about it.

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“Because we tried and talked and repeated the message – and a red then happened again.”

Midfielder Rice earned a second yellow in August for delaying the restart against Brighton, as did Trossard against Manchester City in September.

Frenchman Saliba was deemed to have pulled down Cherries striker Evanilson as the last man.

Saturday’s 2-0 loss was Arsenal’s first in 17 matches. But Arteta feels his side are ready to go on another unbeaten run.

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He added: “The relentlessness and attitude of the team is remarkable.”

Arteta is sweating on the fitness of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, who did not seem to train yesterday.

Arsenal player ratings vs Bournemouth

By Alex Crook

TEN-MAN Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season as brilliant Bournemouth dealt them a South Coast setback.

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The Gunners travelled to face Andoni Iraola’s men having won five and drawn three of their opening eight matches this term.

But their task was made a tricky one when William Saliba was shown a red card on the half-hour.

Ryan Christie brilliantly fired the hosts into a deserved lead following a well-worked set piece routine 20 minutes from time.

Justin Kluivert then sealed his side’s incredible 2-0 victory from the penalty spot on 79 minutes.

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Here’s how SunSport rated each Gunners performer on the day.

DAVID RAYA – 5
Was lucky to get away with one poor pass out from the back early on. Made amends for another error by saving smartly with the legs to deny Marcus Tavernier after initially spilling a Semenyo cross-cum-shot before clumsily conceding the penalty.

BEN WHITE – 4
England outcast was back in the team after four games out, but did not look 100 per cent fit and found it tough going containing the lively Antoine Semenyo down the Bournemouth left in the first half and Dango Ouattara in the second.

WILLIAM SALIBA – 3
Usually calm and collected under pressure but paid the price for a rare moment of panic when he hauled down Bournemouth striker Evanilson to get himself sent off and will miss next weekend’s crunch clash at home to title rivals Liverpool as a result.

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GABRIEL – 5
Given the captain’s armband in the absence of the stricken Bukayo Saka, but not at his commanding best, especially after losing centre-back partner Saliba. Did not really step up to the leadership plate.

RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6
Did a better job containing Semenyo when Bournemouth’s dangerman switched wings at half-time than White did in the first half, but unable to have his usual influence going forward.

THOMAS PARTEY – 5
Back in his traditional central midfield berth after being used as an emergency right back in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Was second best up against Bournemouth’s impressive Lewis Cook.

DECLAN RICE – 5
Another of Arsenal’s international contingent who looked sluggish after the break from domestic duty. Struggled to impose himself on the game in midfield and unable to get forward as much as he usually does. Did his bit dropping into the back-line after Saliba’s dismissal.

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RAHEEM STERLING – 4
Former England man was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and gave the ball away a few times when in promising positions before being sacrificed after the Saliba red card.

MIKEL MERINO – 5
Finally able to make his full Premier League debut after an injury-affected start to his Arsenal career and showed some nice touches. Also fired into the side-netting with the visitors’ best first half opening.

LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4
Started the game well but sold Saliba short with a poor back pass that led to the red card and disappeared from the action after that before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.

KAI HAVERTZ – 5
The German cut an isolated figure up front, especially after Arsenal were reduced to ten men, but worked tirelessly for the team without ever looking like adding to his run of scoring in the previous four games in all competitions.

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SUBSTITUTES
Jakub Kiwior (for Sterling, 37) – 4

Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 64) – 5

Gabriel Jesus (for Kiwior, 81) – N/A

Ethan Nwaneri (for Merino, 81) – N/A

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On to the Next One: What’s next for Francis Ngannou? Plus matches to make after UFC Vegas 99

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23 mins ago

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October 22, 2024

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On to the Next One: What’s next for Francis Ngannou? Plus matches to make after UFC Vegas 99

Francis Ngannou left no doubt that he’s still one of the best heavyweights in the world. The question is what will he do for his next act?

After a resounding knockout of Renan Ferreira in the PFL Battle of the Giants main event, Ngannou appears to have numerous options ahead of him once again, with the MMA community welcoming him back with open arms and the boxing world still beckoning. Whatever the former UFC champion decides to do for his next fight, you can be sure everyone will be watching.

On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss the possibilities for Ngannou after his emotional return to the cage. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for UFC Vegas 99 winner Anthony Hernandez following a dominant win over Michel Pereira, bantamweight veteran Rob Font after a streak-busting performance, plus main card winners Charles Johnson, Cameron Smotherman, Darren Elkins, and more.

Audio-only versions of the podcast can be found below, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

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Watch: Sunday's SWPL highlights on Sportscene

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28 mins ago

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October 22, 2024

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Watch: Sunday's SWPL highlights on Sportscene



Action and reaction to the weekend’s Scottish Women’s Premier League matches.



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Forest boss Nuno 'delighted' with first home win

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42 mins ago

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October 22, 2024

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Forest boss Nuno 'delighted' with first home win

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo says he is “delighted” after Nottingham Forest beat Crystal Palace 1-0 for their first home win of the season.

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No harm, no foul in UFC low blow vs. Alice Ardelean

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44 mins ago

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October 22, 2024

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No harm, no foul in UFC low blow vs. Alice Ardelean

LAS VEGAS – Melissa Martinez beat Alice Ardelean with a unanimous decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 245 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Take a look inside the fight with Martinez, who returned after more than two years away to pick up her first UFC win.

Melissa Martinez def. Alice Ardelean

Melissa Martinez

Result: Melissa Martinez def. Alice Ardelean via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Updated records: Martinez (8-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Ardelean (9-7 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Key stats: Ardelean outstruck Martinez 103-78 overall and 92-72 in significant strikes.

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Martinez on the fight’s key moment

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 19: (L-R) Melissa Martinez of Mexico punches Alice Ardelean of Romania in a strawweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on October 19, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

“I was happy to actually to put it into practice, everything that I can do. I wasn’t able to do it in my first (UFC) fight because the nerves got in the way. … I knew she was a tough fighter. I think when you get to this level, every fighter is tough. This is an organization that whoever, her or anyone else, is going to be a tough fighter. I knew it was going to be a tough challenge and I think when you’re up here, you have to be ready to face everyone.”

Martinez on a phantom low blow

Melissa Martinez def. Alice Ardelean, UFC Fight Night 245 phantom low blow

“I felt that the shot was legal, and (the ref missed it), … but I didn’t let that distract me from the fight because the focus is actually to come out with the win. I would love for that to be a different result (and it was a TKO), but I think the referees are doing their job and I think that it was the correct procedure because they were not sure whether it was legal. The only thing was not to let myself get distracted and continue to fight.”

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Martinez on what she wants next

Melissa Martinez def. Alice Ardelean, UFC Fight Night 245 (via UFC)

“I’m going to rest a little bit, but I’m going to go back into the gym – not with the same intensity as usual, but I’m going to be right there and continue to support all my my other teammates because they have their fights coming.”

To hear more from Martinez, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 245.

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Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.

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