ARSENAL analyst Miguel Molina was SLAPPED by his Aston Villa counterpart after the Gunners' huge victory at Villa Park.
Molina was embroiled in a post-match squabble with rival analyst Victor Manas that continued into the tunnel.
Molina eventually removed himself from his seat but not before inflaming the situation by blowing kisses at his rival, who continued to rant loudly.
And SunSport understands they clashed again in the players’ tunnel immediately after the final whistle before being pulled apart and begrudgingly agreeing to shake hands.
Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka revealed the meaning behind his celebration after scoring in the 4-2 thriller against Aston Villa
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- James Colasanti
Saka injury boost after scare
Arsenal fans can breathe a sigh of relief this morning with news their talismanic winger Bukayo Saka is okay after his injury scare against Aston Villa.
The England star went down clutching his ankle in the 4-2 victory at Villa Park and was seen limping but Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has now confirmed he is "fine".
- Gary Stonehouse
Morning, Arsenal fans
Exciting attackers Elye Wahi and Jesper Lindstrom could be looming on Arsenal's radar.
The Gunners can bask on top of the Prem all week because their two pursuing Manchester giants, City and United, face tough European games.
But less than three weeks after the transfer deadline Arsenal are being linked with two of the continent's hottest starlets.
The Gunners and Spurs are both said to be keen on Montpellier striker Wahi.
The Frenchman, 20, has hit eight goals in 21 Ligue 1 games this season.
And Lindstrom – the "Danish Bruno Fernandes" – is regarded as another early contender for a summer move.
The Eintracht Frankfurt ace, 22, has established himself in the Bundesliga after arriving from Brondby in July 2021.
Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsdale has praised Oleksandr Zinchenko for giving Arsenal a “completely different dimension”.
The keeper believes four titles in five seasons for Man City help set the summer-signed left-back apart.
Ramsdale said: "He allows us to play the way we want to.
“He’s been brilliant, you see the passion he’s got. He’s only been here a couple of months but he’s a huge part of our group.”
It comes as Saturday's 4-2 late comeback win at Aston Villa restored the Gunners to the summit, two points above City.
That finally persuaded pundit Alan Shearer to tip Arsenal for the title – IF midfielder Thomas Partey soon returns and other key men avoid major injuries.
- Ian Tuckey
Ole Gunner role star
Aaron Ramsdale hailed Oleksandr Zinchenko for giving Arsenal a “completely different dimension”.
Keeper Ramsdale believes the summer signing’s four titles in five seasons for Manchester City help set him apart.
Arsenal roared back over City to the top of the Prem with Saturday’s 4-2 Prem comeback win at Aston Villa.
And of the £52million Ukraine left-back, Ramsdale told Viaplay: “He brings a completely different dimension to the team, allows us to play the way we want to.
“Yeah, he’s been there and he’s done it. He’s got four out of five Premier Leagues [titles] so he knows what it takes to win.
“He’s been brilliant, you see the passion he’s got.
“He’s only been here a couple of months but he’s a huge part of our group.”
- Ian Tuckey
Next three crunchers…
Arsenal look to be back on track after the brilliant win at Villa Park yesterday. But they still have some big games ahead against Prem big dogs before their can taste the silverware.
These are the dates to keep in the diary.
Saturday 8th April – Liverpool (A)
Wednesday 26th April – Man City (A)
Saturday 29th April – Chelsea (H) - Ian Tuckey
Shearer: Now I think Arsenal can win title
Alan Shearer is finally sure Arsenal can dethrone Manchester City.
A stoppage-time double completed Saturday's 4-2 comeback win at Aston Villa before City drew 1-1 at Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal are now two points clear of the champs, with Man Utd three points further adrift.
Shearer said via the Daily Mail: "I know Thomas Partey is out injured at the moment, but if Arsenal can get him back and then have a little bit of luck between now and the end of the season with keeping their key players fit, I think they will do it, I really do.
"Sometimes you just need to find a way to win and they did that in the second-half.
"Based on the second-half, Arsenal deserved the three points today. But they didn’t just get the win, they sent a message out to Manchester City too."
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners and spurs 'eye Wahi'
Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly keen on Montpellier striker Elye Wahi.
The 20-year-old has hit eight goals in 21 Ligue 1 games this season.
And his form has attracted interest from both Arsenal and Spurs, according to Telefoot.
The Premier League rivals are claimed to be "dreaming" of signing the France U21 international.
However, they are not alone in their liking of the striker.
German giants Borussia Dortmund are also reported to be keen on Wahi.
The young forward bagged 10 goals in Ligue 1 last season.
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners analyst 'slapped' by Villa counterpart'
Arsenal analyst Miguel Molina was SLAPPED by his Aston Villa counterpart after the Gunners’ last-gasp victory at Villa Park, writes SunSport’s Mark Irwin.
Molina was embroiled in a post-match squabble with rival analyst Victora Manas that continued into the tunnel.
He left the Arsenal dressing room with a large red mark on his face after being slapped on the cheek by fellow Spaniard Manas, who previously worked for the Gunners during Unai Emery’s time in charge.
They clashed in the stands in the immediate aftermath of Arsenal’s stoppage-time winner, with Manas taking exception to Molina’s celebrations as they exchanged furious insults in Spanish.
- Ian Tuckey
Fans love Gab's victory roar
Arsenal fans love Gabriel Martinelli even more after live TV caught their hero making a rousing three-word victory cry at Aston Villa.
The winger rounded off Saturday's 4-2 Prem comeback win with the Gunners' second stoppage-time goal.
And some Arsenal supporters have been endlessly watching replays of the Brazil star's scream, especially as he himself retweeted the clip with a heart.
The Gunners' win put them top again, two points clear of Manchester City, plus with a game in hand.
And Martinelli has become a social media hit for the way he grabbed at his shirt and roared: "This is Arsenal!"
Fans lapped up that response – in the same month he signed a new 5.5-year contract.
One posted: "How Gabriel Martinelli shouted 'this is Arsenal' is everything."
Another wrote: "Truly this is Arsenal" and a third revealed: "Man I can't stop watching this."
- Ian Tuckey
Jor Dropper
He’s had his fair share of critics since signing his Arsenal contract has Jorginho.
Gunners fans were wary of yet another ex-Chelsea star joining the Emirates are failed signings of the likes of Willian and David Luiz.
He also did not get off the best start after watching Everton score at Goodison Park only minutes after coming on as a sub.
But he made his mark yesterday and woke up this morning knowing he is the reason why Arsenal are top of the table.
- Ian Tuckey
Saka's hen party
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka confirmed that his most recent goal celebration was a tribute to Thierry Henry.
Saka helped the Gunners beat Aston Villa 4-2 in a dramatic encounter at Villa Park as he was the one that equalised after Ollie Watkins' early opener.
The winger then celebrated by placing his right hand on the corner flag and his left on his hip while basking in his glory.
That was the same celebration Arsenal's record goalscorer Henry would often use while playing for the North Londoners and France.
The England international took to Twitter after the whistle and confirmed that was a nod to the legendary forward, whom he called "the king".
Saka tweeted: "Honouring the king."
Fans loved the 21-year-old's gesture and took to the comments' section to brand him as Arsenal's next legend.
One supporter tweeted: "You’re next up!!!"
Another commented: "A Legend, and another in the making.
"One from [Arsene] Arsene, the other from [Mikel] Arteta – both A-list stars for Arsenal."
- Ian Tuckey
Huge Marc up to £120m
It will take at least £120m to prise Marcus Rashford out of Old Trafford, according to reports.
The star’s current contract expires in June 2024 and clubs like Arsenal are reportedly monitoring the situation.
The Daily Star report that while United have no intention of letting him go, they have a valuation in mind for the England international.
In-form Rashford has 14 goals in his last 16 games.
- Ian Tuckey
Zinchenko transforms us – Ramsdale
Aaron Ramsdale hailed Oleksandr Zinchenko for giving Arsenal a "completely different dimension".
Keeper Ramsdale believes the summer signing's four titles in five seasons for Manchester City help set him apart.
Arsenal roared back over City to the top of the Prem with Saturday's 4-2 Prem comeback win at Aston Villa.
And of the £52million Ukraine left-back, Ramsdale told Viaplay: “He brings a completely different dimension to the team, allows us to play the way we want to.
"Yeah, he’s been there and he’s done it. He’s got four out of five Premier Leagues [titles] so he knows what it takes to win.
“He’s been brilliant, you see the passion he’s got.
"He’s only been here a couple of months but he’s a huge part of our group.”
- Ian Tuckey
Big Tests Ahead
Arsenal look to be back on track after the brilliant win at Villa Park yesterday. But they still have some big games ahead against Prem big dogs before their can taste the silverware.
These are the dates to keep in the diary.
Saturday 8th April – Liverpool (A)
Wednesday 26th April – Man City (A)
Saturday 29th April – Chelsea (H) - Kiro Evans
Xhak's Not On
GRANIT XHAKA picked up his 56th Premier League yellow card at Aston Villa – but his latest came AFTER being substituted off.
The Arsenal midfielder, 30, is well used to being told off by referees during his career in England. And he was in the book again after celebrating a late own goal by Emi Martinez.
Xhaka sprinted across the Villa Park pitch to the corner in front of the jubilant away supporters and joined his team-mates in the huddle.
However, a Twitter video shows as the men in black slowly trotted back to their own half for the restart, Xhaka made his way directly across the pitch to the away dugout.
And as he made his sheepish journey back, Hooper brandished the yellow card.
- Kiro Evans
Goal Dry
After an impressive run of goalscoring form after replacing the injured Gabriel Jesus, the strikes have dried up of late for Eddie Nketiah.
It's no goals in his last five games now with big chances missed against Everton and Aston Villa.
Although he did win the penalty against Manchester City.
Eddie Nketiah will be looking to end his mini goal drought when Arsenal go to Leicester next weekCredit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
- Kiro Evans
'Danish Fernandes'
Arsenal have got their eyes on Eintract Frankfurt star Jesper Lindstrom.
The star, dubbed the 'Danish Bruno Fernandes', is of interest to the North London club according to Sport1.
The 22-year-old has been at Eintract since 2021 and has been a regular presence in their team this season.
- Kiro Evans
Slap Happy
Arsenal analyst Miguel Molina was SLAPPED by his Aston Villa counterpart after the Gunners' last-gasp victory at Villa Park, writes SunSport's Mark Irwin.
Molina was embroiled in a post-match squabble with rival analyst Victora Manas that continued into the tunnel.
He left the Arsenal dressing room with a large red mark on his face after being slapped on the cheek by fellow Spaniard Manas, who previously worked for the Gunners during Unai Emery’s time in charge.
They clashed in the stands in the immediate aftermath of Arsenal’s stoppage-time winner, with Manas taking exception to Molina’s celebrations as they exchanged furious insults in Spanish.
- Kiro Evans
All Eyes on United
Manchester United's hot form means this may not be a two-horse title race.
A win today for the Red Devils against Leicester means they will go back to within 5 points of the Gunners, albeit having played a game more.
With both Arsenal and Man City dropping points in recent weeks, it's probably worth keeping an eye on Erik ten Hag's side who continue to rack up the points.
- Kiro Evans
Jor Dropper
He's had his fair share of critics since signing his Arsenal contract has Jorginho.
Gunners fans were wary of yet another ex-Chelsea star joining the Emirates are failed signings of the likes of Willian and David Luiz.
He also did not get off the best start after watching Everton score at Goodison Park only minutes after coming on as a sub.
But he made his mark yesterday and woke up this morning knowing he is the reason why Arsenal are top of the table.
- Kiro Evans
Big Tests Ahead
Arsenal look to be back on track after the brilliant win at Villa Park yesterday. But they still have some big games ahead against Prem big dogs before their can taste the silverware.
These are the dates to keep in the diary.
Saturday 8th April – Liverpool (A)
Wednesday 26th April – Man City (A)
Saturday 29th April – Chelsea (H) - Kiro Evans
Breaking his Duck
Oleksandr Zinchenko hit the second Arsenal equaliser yesterday – and ended his extraordinary goal duck.
The Ukrainian had not found the net in a league game since 2015.
This run included all 77 Premier League appearances for Manchester City and his previous 15 league outings for Arsenal.
Oleksandr Zinchenko rifled home to make it 2-2 and set up yesterday's dramatic finishCredit: Andrew Orchard/Andrew Orchard sports photography
- Kiro Evans
The £120m Man
It will take at least £120m to prise Marcus Rashford out of Old Trafford, according to reports.
The star’s current contract expires in June 2024 and clubs like Arsenal are reportedly monitoring the situation.
The Daily Star report that while United have no intention of letting him go, they have a valuation in mind for the England international.
In-form Rashford has 14 goals in his last 16 games.
- Kiro Evans
Golden Boy
Bukayo Saka produced the goods again as Arsenal came from behind twice to beat Aston Villa in a rip-roaring game yesterday.
The 21-year-old was kicked all over the park but produced a stunning first-half volley to get Arsenal going.
It was his 10th goal in all competitions this season and he is now the Gunners' top scorer.
Bukayo Saka continues to be Arsenal's man for the big momentsCredit: Andrew Orchard/Andrew Orchard sports photography - Kiro Evans
Keeper Crisis
Ex-Arsenal manager Unai Emery was left unhappy when his ex-Arsenal keeper Emi Martinez went up for a last minute corner.
His decision led to the Gunners getting a fourth goal to seal victory over Villa and Emery did not hide his fury.
Emery said: "I've never told my goalkeeper to go score in the 90th minute. He decided, I told him it was not my idea.
"I don't like it. I told him… maybe [goalkeepers] can score in the history one or two times, there's more goals scored against you.
The manager added ominously of Martinez: "He knows now. For his career, he knows."
- Kiro Evans
Box-ing Match
Arsenal and Aston Villa staff members scuffled in the press seats after the Gunners' dramatic stoppage time winner this afternoon.
While it is customary for journalists not to ever celebrate goals in the press box, some club staff members also sit there.
When members of the Gunners' staff wildly celebrated their side's winner, they upset some of their Villa counterparts.
A scuffle subsequently ensued, with stewards having to break up warring analysts Victor Manas of Villa and Miguel Molina of Arsenal.
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