The goals were scored by Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka (twice), Leandro Trossard, and Kai Havertz, securing a convincing win for the visitors.
Arteta said: “We have to believe we can win every game and we are approaching every game that way. When the team has that belief and confidence, something good can happen.
“We know what standards are required and we have to keep elevating those standards if we want to have a chance.
The young talent, who hails from England but has Ghanaian heritage, has gained recognition for his standout performances in recent weeks while playing for the Red Devils.
Mainoo’s impressive displays has earned praise from several pundits in England, with many advocating for his inclusion in the upcoming England national team call-up.
Wright, echoing these sentiments, expressed his belief that Mainoo deserves a spot in the next England squad during a recent interview.
“Kobbie Mainoo has to be in the next England squad. Such maturity in chaotic conditions is something we’ve not seen from an England player in a long time. Impressed every time I watch him,” the former England striker said.
Kobbie Mainoo is still qualified to play for Ghana’s senior national team, even though he has represented England on a number of U20 national teams.
Kai Havertz expressed solidarity with his Arsenal teammates, stating that they are “all in this together” after the team’s impressive victory over Burnley.
The win, coupled with their recent high-scoring performance against West Ham, has seen Arsenal close the gap at the top of the Premier League to just two points.
Arsenal’s goal-scoring prowess was on display once again, with captain Martin Odegaard opening the scoring with a well-placed shot into the bottom corner after a pass from Gabriel Martinelli.
Bukayo Saka then doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Lorenz Assignon fouled Leandro Trossard in the box.
“We are in a good moment, we have won all of the games so far so it feels good,” Havertz said after the match.
“Behind that was hard work and there are many hard games to come. We have to continue the hard work.”
England forward Saka continued Arsenal’s goal-scoring spree by netting his second just after the restart. He capitalized on a clever pass from Odegaard, cutting inside and firing a shot into the roof of the net.
Although Havertz’s initial attempt was blocked in the box, Trossard capitalized on the rebound to curl in his third goal in as many league games.
Arsenal’s dominance was further highlighted when Jakub Kiwior’s long throw found an unmarked Havertz, who slipped behind the defense to drill the ball past Burnley’s goalkeeper James Trafford, sealing a comprehensive victory for the Gunners.
With 21 goals in five consecutive wins, Arsenal now trail leaders Liverpool by just two points. Meanwhile, Burnley remains in the relegation zone.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has boldly claimed that Bukayo Saka has yet to reach world-class status, offering his reasoning behind this assessment.
Saka emerged from the ranks of the Arsenal academy and made his first-team debut in 2018 under Unai Emery. Since then, he has been one of the team’s most consistent performers.
His contributions were pivotal to Arsenal’s title push last season, although it ultimately ended with Manchester City clinching the championship, surpassing Mikel Arteta’s men for a third consecutive title.
According to Sky Sports, Saka became the youngest player since Frank Stapleton in 1978 to score 50 goals for the club. Currently, he boasts an impressive tally of 51 goals and 49 assists for his boyhood club.
Ferdinand downplays Saka’s status
Former player and pundit Rio Ferdinand disagrees that Saka is a world-class player and claims he has to do it outside of the local scene to be recognised.
“Not yet,” he said on Vibe with Five when asked if the Hale End graduate is world-class. “Listen, I think Saka’s been unreal. I actually think he needs a bit of a rest, so many games for a young kid.
“But I think it’s almost like, What is world-class? He hasn’t done it in the Champions League, has he? I’m talking about the nitty-gritty stages. Saka’s top, don’t get me wrong. He’s not world-class yet.
The claim was anticipated to stir disagreement among fans. Achieving 100 goals for a prestigious club like Arsenal at the age of 22 is truly remarkable.
Looking at it from a different angle, this season marks Saka’s debut in the UEFA Champions League. In just five group-stage games, he managed to score three goals and provide four assists.
Arsenal delivered a resounding 6-0 victory over West Ham United in an away fixture, firmly asserting their presence in the Premier League title race on Sunday.
The visitors dominated the game from the outset, establishing a commanding 4-0 lead by halftime.
Goals from William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel, and Leandro Trossard ensured Arsenal’s overwhelming advantage before the break.
The onslaught continued in the second half, with Saka netting his second goal to make it 5-0. Former West Ham midfielder Declan Rice then added insult to injury by scoring Arsenal’s sixth goal.
The comprehensive victory allowed Arsenal to narrow the goal difference gap with champions Manchester City, bringing both teams level on 52 points in the league standings.
However, Arsenal remains in third place due to a lower goal tally, with City having a game in hand. Meanwhile, league leaders Liverpool maintain their lead with 54 points.
Arsenal’s triumph served as sweet revenge for previous defeats suffered against West Ham earlier in the season, including a League Cup loss and a 2-0 home defeat in December.
This time, Arsenal showcased lethal efficiency, inflicting one of West Ham’s worst home league defeats since 1963.
The magnitude of Arsenal’s dominance was such that thousands of disillusioned home fans left the stadium before halftime, sparing themselves from witnessing further humiliation for West Ham.
Brentford striker Ivan Toney has reacted to remarks made by Thomas Frank, with the Bees’ head coach effectively indicating that Toney is expected to be sold in the upcoming months.
Ivan Toney emphasised that he cannot compel clubs to pursue him, following Brentford manager Thomas Frank’s acknowledgment that Toney is likely to depart this summer.
The 27-year-old striker, who missed a significant portion of the 2023–24 season due to a ban for breaching betting regulations, was still heavily linked with a transfer during the January window, with Arsenal showing interest.
Toney, who has scored three goals in four matches since his return, will have only 12 months left on his contract by summer’s end. Frank confirmed earlier this week that Toney will likely be sold at the conclusion of the season.
In an interview with Danish magazine Tipsbladet, it was claimed that Frank had conceded: “It’s quite obvious that Ivan Toney will most likely be sold in the summer. It can be expensive to sell your best player but on the other hand, I also know that by the summer, he’ll only have a year left on his contract with us.
“Of course, the Bees boss wants to keep his talisman. But Toney was asked for his reaction to Frank’s comments after scoring in Brentford’s 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday and quipped, “I see that [Frank’s comments] as he doesn’t want me!
“The manager has said what he’s said but I can’t make clubs come and get me. I’ve just got to keep doing what I do and that’s scoring goals. What will be will be.”
Although Arsenal are long-term admirers of Toney, the Gunners were unable to add him to their squad in the winter transfer window as a result of their Financial Fair Play commitments.
Lyle praised the former Ajax midfielder, describing him as extraordinary in the Premier League.
He revealed his wish for Kudus to be an Arsenal player, suggesting that Arsenal should have signed him instead of allowing him to join City rivals West Ham United.
“Arsenal should have signed Mohammed Kudus. He has been a fantastic player in the league and I believe he would have been a great addition to our team and title ambitions,” Robbie said on Happy FM on Friday, February 9, 2024.
Mohammed Kudus, who has made an immediate impact for West Ham United, joined the Hammers from Ajax for a reported fee of 40 million euros.
Arsenal has made a significant addition to their UEFA Champions League squad list for the upcoming last-16 encounter against FC Porto, with midfielder Thomas Partey included.
The Gunners are preparing to face Porto in Portugal on February 21, followed by the second leg at the Emirates Stadium the following month.
Partey’s return to the squad is a major boost for Arsenal, as the midfielder has been sidelined due to injury since October 2023.
Other injured players listed include Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Jesus, and Fabio Vieira.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is optimistic about Partey’s potential impact in the latter part of the season, aiming to make up for lost time after missing a substantial portion of the campaign.
The Gunners’ Champions League squad features notable names such as Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Martin Odegaard, and Bukayo Saka, among others.
Partey’s inclusion adds depth and experience to the squad as they navigate through the knockout stages of the competition.
England and Arsenal’s rightwinger, Bukayo Saka, presented an Arsenal jersey to Nigerian Afrobeat superstar Wizkid after Arsenal’s 3-1 win against Liverpool on February 4, 2024.
Saka, of Nigerian descent, scored the opening goal by capitalising on a scuffed chance from Kai Havertz.
Despite a temporary leveller with a Gabriel Magalhães own goal, Alisson’s errors, including a miscommunication with Virgil Van Dijk, allowed Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to secure victory for Arsenal.
Liverpool’s typically reliable defensive duo, Virgil van Dijk (32) and Alisson (31), experienced a defensive breakdown against Arsenal on Sunday that resembled scenes from an amateur match.
However, manager Jurgen Klopp refrained from assigning blame. In the 67th minute, Van Dijk hesitated under pressure from Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, failing to handle a long ball forward.
Subsequently, goalkeeper Alisson rushed out but failed to make contact with the ball, allowing Martinelli an easy tap-in, resulting in a score of 2-1.
This turn of events deflated Klopp’s league-leading team, and Leandro Trossard’s stoppage-time goal sealed their second league defeat of the season.
“We were growing more into the game in the second half; we had our moments and then we conceded that goal,” Klopp said. “That doesn’t help. It just shows the boys are human beings.
“Today we were really human.”
Lacklustre Liverpool were nowhere near their best and their lead has now been cut to two points, while champions Manchester City are five points behind with two games in hand.
“In general, we can admit that Arsenal deserve the three points,” Klopp said. “The circumstances were a bit strange.
“They scored goals and were many parts better than us. We have to play better football; that’s clear.”
Van Dijk, usually a colossus for Klopp, held up his hand and took full responsibility for his part in Martinelli’s goal.
“Obviously, these things don’t happen too often in my career, but I will recover from them,” he said.
“It is a physical game and I am not looking for excuses. I should have made a better decision; it hurts for me.”
Arsenal secured an early lead courtesy of Bukayo Saka and displayed dominance, but their momentum was dampened just before halftime when Gabriel’s own goal handed Liverpool an equaliser.
However, Arsenal bounced back in the second half, capitalising on defensive errors from Liverpool.
This victory marked Arsenal’s third consecutive league win, placing Mikel Arteta’s team firmly back in contention in the title race. A defeat would have left them trailing by eight points, but their resilience has kept them in the mix for the title.
“It gives us momentum—three wins in a row—and the way we have done it we are back on it—really excited,” Arteta said.
“It was a huge game that was going to dictate where we are and where we’re going to be. What the players produced was phenomenal.”
The Ghanaian is expected to leave the Gunners at the end of the current season, primarily attributed to his persistent injuries and resulting unavailability.
Thomas Partey, who became the most expensive Ghanaian footballer after joining Arsenal in the summer of 2020 for a transfer fee of £45 million, has faced challenges with injuries throughout his time at the club.
These persistent injuries have limited his playing time for Arsenal below the anticipated level.
In the ongoing 2023–2024 Premier League season, Partey has not featured for Arsenal since contributing to the match-winning goal against Manchester City on October 8, 2023.
Having played just four games for Arsenal in this season, his return to action remains uncertain after suffering another setback, as confirmed by Mikel Arteta in January 2024.
Although Saka, who scored the opening goal, was substituted late in the game due to an injury, Arteta expressed optimism and doesn’t anticipate a prolonged absence for the England star.
In contrast, Arteta expressed more concern about Oleksandr Zinchenko, the full-back, who appeared to worsen a pre-existing calf issue during the match against Liverpool.
Speaking after the game, Arteta appeared optimistic about Saka, as he told reporters: “He should be fine. He got a kick, I think, on the ankle or on the back of his foot, but he should be fine.”
On Zinchenko, the Arsenal boss seemed a lot more uncertain. “With Alex (Zinchenko), we don’t know,” Arteta added. “He had this feeling in his calf again and we had to take him off.”
Arteta’s initial assessment follows a familiar trend for both players. Saka’s dynamic runs often result in minor injuries, but it rarely hinder the 22-year-old from taking the field for his club.
On the other hand, Zinchenko has faced several challenges since his move to north London from Manchester City, experiencing three separate periods on the sidelines due to calf problems. Arteta is optimistic that this recent issue for Zinchenko is a minor one.
Following the significant victory on Sunday,Arsenal’s upcoming schedule provides some relief, with only one game per week to prepare for in the next two weeks.
With a full six days before the next match against West Ham at the London Stadium next Sunday, there is ample time for the players to recover from any bumps and bruises.
Ghanaian youngster Charles Sagoe Jr expresses his eagerness to contribute to Swansea City’s success by leveraging his explosive playing style.
Swansea City has finalised the loan acquisition of the 19-year-old forward from Arsenal, a deal that extends throughout the 2023/24 season.
Charles Sagoe Jr is expected to enhance the offensive options available to head coach Luke Williams, offering a dynamic combination of width and speed in the attacking areas.
Having debuted for Arsenal in a Carabao Cup encounter against Brentford earlier this season, Sagoe Jr. arrives at the Swansea.com Stadium with a promising track record.
“When I had that conversation with the manager, it put a smile on my face. I just want to help us win as many games as possible and help us climb the table,” he said.
After making his debut for the Gunners in a Carabao Cup match against Brentford earlier this season, Sagoe Jr. brings a promising track record to the Swansea.com Stadium.
Originally linked with Fulham, he made the switch to Arsenal in 2015 and has been a notable presence in the EFL Trophy, showcasing his talents for their under-21 side in recent seasons.
Arsenal’s manager,Mikel Arteta, has confirmed that Thomas Partey won’t be playing in the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest.This adds to the team’s challenges as they get ready for Premier League action this week.
After a convincing 5-0 win against Crystal Palace in their last game, Arsenal aims to continue their winning streak.
However, they had a bit of a rough patch towards the end of 2023.
To get back into the race for the league title, Arsenal knows they need victories in the upcoming matches. Nottingham Forest, fighting to avoid relegation, poses a potential challenge.
Arteta stressed the importance of being well-prepared for this match.
In addressing the team’s fitness concerns, Arteta disclosed that Thomas Partey remains unavailable for the forthcoming fixture.
The manager also provided an update on Declan Rice’s status, stating, “We’ve got some late decisions to make. Thomas won’t be one of those. We are still uncertain about a few players. Thomas is not in the squad.”
Tonight, the Gunners aim to overcome challenges and put on a strong performance against Nottingham Forest as they try to make a mark in thePremier League title race.
He highlighted how the presence of the Ghanaian midfielder significantly enhances the overall performance of the squad.
Since October, Partey has been sidelined, but now he is on the brink of making a competitive comeback after an extended absence. As Partey resumes team training with Arsenal, Arteta eagerly anticipates his full availability, emphasising Partey’s strength and positive form.
Arteta underscored the pivotal role Partey plays in elevating the team’s performance and expressed the squad’s anticipation for his return. The manager’s eagerness highlights the importance of having a key player like Partey back in action for the team’s success.
“He always looks strong and very good. That’s not the issue; it’s that we need him,” said the Arsenal manager.
“And we need him fit and available because he makes us better.
“We are better when Thomas is on the team.”
Thomas Partey, the Ghanaian international, last featured for Arsenal in October 2023. During this time, he also played for his country in matches against Mexico and the United States.
Following his last appearance, Partey has been absent for a total of 21 games across various competitions. In the current season, he has made only five appearances, with four in the Premier League and one in the FA Community Shield.
As Arsenal prepares to face Nottingham Forest on Tuesday in their return to Premier League action,there is hope that Partey’s comeback will significantly boost the team’s performance. The anticipation of Partey’s return adds a sense of optimism for Arsenal fans, eager to see his impact on the upcoming matches.
Speculation about Arteta’s potential move to Barcelona surfaced on Sunday, following the announcement by Barca’s current coach, Xavi, that he would be stepping down at the end of the season, citing the need for a change at the club.
Arteta, however, seemed perturbed by these reports.
“What you read yesterday … it’s totally untrue. I’m really upset about it,” Arteta told reporters on the eve of Tuesday’s Premier League game at Nottingham Forest.
“I could not believe (it). I don’t know where it’s coming from. It’s got no source; it’s got nothing. And I think we have to be very cautious when you talk about personal things.
“There is a lot to do (at Arsenal) and we all share that ambition. We want more; we aren’t satisfied and the club wants another push to go to another level. We have everyone on board to achieve it,” he added.
Arteta expressed his optimism about having midfielder Declan Rice and defender Gabriel Magalhaes back in the squad. Both players sustained injuries during Saturday’s 5-0 home victory against Crystal Palace, in which Gabriel scored twice. Arteta is hopeful that they will recover and be available for future matches.
“We had some issues at the end of the last game so we will assess those players,” he said. “Rice is one of those players. He has done some work but he has missed some work as well. Hopefully, he will be ok. Gabriel is another one.”
Arsenal, who were top in December, have slipped to third on 43 points, five behind leaders Liverpool. Forest, who have won two of their last three league matches, are in 16th place.
Spanish forward of Ghanaian descent, Nico Williams, is reportedly attracting interest from both Liverpool and Arsenal.
The two English Premier League powerhouses, looking to strengthen their squads, are said to be making preparations for a potential transfer move for the talented youngster.
Despite Athletic Club’s desire to retain him, Nico Williams, who has been in impressive form this season with five goals and eight assists, is being targeted by clubs seeking to bolster their attacking options.
The player’s future could hinge on the right offer, with bothLiverpool and Arsenal eyeing his services.
Arsenal revived their Premier League title aspirations with a commanding victory over struggling Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium.
Having faced a dip in form with three losses in their last five Premier League matches towards the end of the previous year, Arsenal, under the management of Mikel Arteta, utilized a week-long winter break in Dubai to regroup.
The Gunners demonstrated their resurgence with a convincing 5-0 win, featuring a header from Gabriel, an own goal by Crystal Palace’s Dean Henderson, a composed finish by Leandro Trossard, and two late strikes by Gabriel Martinelli.
Gabriel’s opening goal in the 11th minute and Henderson’s own goal both resulted from corners. Trossard added to Arsenal’s lead in the second half, calmly finishing a one-on-one opportunity.
Crystal Palace struggled to mount a response, and in injury time, Martinelli sealed the emphatic win with two well-placed shots into the far corner.
This victory propelled Arsenal to third place in the Premier League standings, trailing leaders Liverpool by two points but having played one more game than Jurgen Klopp’s side. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, remained in 14th place.
Arsenal is reportedly considering a bold move to secure Karim Benzema on a short-term loan from Al-Ittihad to bolster their offensive capabilities during the January transfer window.
In the 2023-24 campaign, Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, and Kai Havertz are not fully convinced in leading the line, prompting Mikel Arteta to explore options.
According to Teamtalk, the Gunners are contemplating a sensational move for the former France international, Benzema, who, at 36, won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 and departed European football for the Middle East, following his ex-Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
While Manchester United has also been linked with Benzema, the likelihood of an approach from them is considered low.
Chelsea remains in the hunt for a proven No.9, posing a potential challenge to Arsenal’s pursuit of Benzema.
Although Arsenal is interested in Ivan Toney, a Premier League-experienced forward from Brentford, the cost of such a deal may lead the Gunners to explore temporary solutions, with Benzema emerging as a prominent consideration.
Ray Parlour, a former Arsenal midfielder, has suggested that Thomas Partey may be on the verge of leaving the club due to persistent injury issues.
Partey, who hasn’t featured in a Premier League game for Arsenal since October, was also ruled out of the African Cup of Nations with Ghana due to ongoing problems.
His injury-prone history has resulted in significant periods of absence during his time in north London.
Despite currently being in Dubai for warm-weather training with the team, it remains uncertain when the 30-year-old, formerly of Atletico Madrid, will be fit for selection.
Speaking to BettingSites.co.uk, Parlour said: “I think Thomas Partey is the big question because it looks like he’s going to be on his way. You need to replace him, which is difficult. When he’s in the team, he’s a decent player in that central midfield area.”
Partey has featured in just four league matches and five overall in all competitions.
Arsenal, along with several other European teams, express a strong interest in securing the services of Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
Although Real Sociedad anticipated a quiet winter transfer window, interest in the Spanish international has intensified, particularly due to the 24-year-old’s €60 million release clause.
The Gunners, previously linked to Zubimendi during the summer, are reportedly among the top Premier League sides eyeing the midfielder. Manager Mikel Arteta sees Zubimendi as an ideal addition to the midfield.
However, despite the growing interest, Zubimendi faces a potential dilemma as he is set to participate in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages with Real Sociedad against Paris Saint-Germain next month.
This raises the possibility of a challenging decision should his release clause be activated.
Zubimendi showcased his scoring prowess in the recent 1-1 LaLiga draw with Alavés, marking his 19th league appearance of the season. Additionally, he played a key role in Spain’s recent European Championship qualifying matches in November.
The 46-year-old concluded his illustrious 20-year club career in 2014, playing for Monaco, Juventus, Barcelona, and the New York Red Bulls.
Henry, a two-time Premier League winner with Arsenal, also achieved success at Barcelona, winning La Liga titles and the Champions League.
As a World Cup champion with France, he transitioned into coaching, managing Arsenal’s youth teams, serving as Belgium’s assistant coach, and holding head coaching positions at Monaco and the Montreal Impact in the MLS.
Henry took on the role of head coach for the France under-21s in August.
“Throughout my career and since I was born, I must have been in depression,” Henry told The Diary of a CEO podcast.
“Did I know it? No. Did I do something about it? No. But I adapted in a certain way.”
Henry said it had been a difficult time for him during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he was managing Montreal.
“I was in isolation in Montreal, and not being able to see my kids for a year was tough,” he added.
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has shed light on Thomas Partey’s earnest efforts to regain fitness in time for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Addressing the media before Arsenal’s FA Cup match against Liverpool, Arteta revealed a pragmatic decision-making process between the club and the FA regarding Thomas Partey’s situation.
Arteta clarified that, despite Thomas Partey’s strong desire to join Ghana’s team for the AFCON, the physical impossibility stemmed from the long-term injury he sustained in October 2023.
Providing an update on Partey’s status, Arteta indicated that the 29-year-old midfielder is far from making a comeback, both for Arsenal and the Ghana national team.
“It was about common sense. He had a long-term injury. He really wanted to be with his national team but he’s still far from training for the team and it didn’t make sense for him to be involved,” he said.
https://youtu.be/323h4yaLNGo
Thomas Partey, initially named in Ghana’s provisional 55-man squad, is among the high-profile players absent from the final selection due to injury.
Notable omissions also include Kamaldeen Sulemana and Daniel Kofi Kyere, who were sidelined due to injuries.
Despite their unavailability, these players will be fervently cheering on their teammates as the Black Stars kick off the tournament with the opening match against Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14, 2023, at the Felix Houphet Boigny Stadium, scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Ghana time (20:00 GMT).
A highly anticipated showdown awaits in the second Group B game on January 18, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. (20:00 GMT), as Egypt and Ghana clash in a match that many expect to be a battle between Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah and West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus.
The culmination of Ghana’s group stage matches will see them face Mozambique on January 22, 2024, at the Olympic Stadium of Obimpe, with the game scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Ghana time (20:00 GMT).
Mikel Arteta has characterised Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat at Fulham as their “worst performance of the season,” labelling it “painful.”
Despite Bukayo Saka opening the scoring in the fifth minute, goals from Raúl Jiménez and Bobby De Cordova-Reid resulted in Arsenal’s second consecutivePremier League defeat, leaving them in fourth place on the table.
With the FA Cup third-round clash against Liverpool on the horizon, Arsenal won’t feature in the league until January 20. Arteta expressed the need for his team to rectify their course after another disappointing performance, following Thursday’s loss to West Ham.
“We certainly need that reset after today, because that’s going to be in our tummy for a few days,” Arteta said.
“The game against West Ham feels very different, so you can move on. It’s football; it can happen.
“What happened today cannot happen again, because if you do that, we will never have the chance to be where we want to be. Today could have been a beautiful day to end the year, that’s for sure.
“But these are the margins, and you have to try and find the bar. We have to look at ourselves in the mirror because today’s performance is the worst we have played all season.
“Painful and a sad day, that’s how I would sum it up. We had the chance to be top of the table after 20 games with the consistency that we’ve shown.
“We haven’t managed well enough to earn the right to win the game. Three days ago, we lost a game that we deserved to win; today was a very different story.”
Midfielder Declan Rice insisted Arsenal needed to be more ruthless after Saka’s early opening goal.
“Today, when you go 1-0 up, you need to take more control, have more self-belief, have more desire and your mentality needs to be better. We need to demand more from each other,” Rice said on Sky Sports.
“I am not saying we didn’t do it, because we still tried to push for more. But ultimately, Fulham have won the game and we have to look at why they won the game.
“Once we went 1-0 up, we had to push on again and go for more. In this league, there is no room to mess up. There are so many good teams around you, and obviously we want to be pushing up the top end of the table. It is a tough one to take today.”
Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke is currently showcasing outstanding form, emerging as one of the key contributors for the Cherries this season.
His stellar performances have played a crucial role in Bournemouth’s recovery from a challenging start, propelling them up the Premier League standings.
At 26 years old, the former Liverpool striker seems to be hitting his prime and establishing himself as one of the top-flight’s dependable goalscorers. With rumors circulating about a potential January move to Arsenal, we examine the likelihood of such a transfer.
Solanke has already notched an impressive 12 goals in 18 league appearances this season, surpassing his previous best returns in the division. His goal-scoring prowess was evident in critical moments, including a significant performance and goal in Bournemouth’s 3-0 victory at Old Trafford and a recent hat-trick against Nottingham Forest.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola praised Solanke’s contributions, highlighting his commitment, physical strength, technical abilities, and overall importance to the team.
“He is doing all the good things, on the ball, off the ball.
“I think he helps his team-mates a lot. Even if he doesn’t score, he is giving us a lot of things.”
Solanke not finding the net is becoming more of a rarity now, with his recent flurry of goals helping Bournemouth move clear of the relegation zone.
Arsenal attention
Interest in Solanke from other Premier League clubs is unsurprising given his form, which shows no sign of being unsustainable.
According to reports, Arsenal could target the former Chelsea youngster instead of pursuing Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who has not played since the end of 2022-23.
Along with Ollie Watkins and Callum Wilson, Solanke has established himself as one of a small number of reliable English No9s in the top tier.
Title-chasing Arsenal have been linked with a January move for Dominic Solanke
And in a Gunners team that regularly creates chances, he could be the clinical finisher Mikel Arteta’s side needs.
Bournemouth, of course, will hope to keep hold of their star player beyond the January transfer window.
Reacting to the possibility of a move, Iraola said: “It’s very good that he [Solanke] receives some recognition because he deserves it.
“I think he is very happy here. He has shown it by renewing his contract not so long ago [in September].”
Lessons learned
Even if Solanke is content at Bournemouth, a move to Arsenal would be tempting.
The promise of a title race and Champions League football — just a few months before Gareth Southgate names his England squad for the upcoming European Championship — would attract even the most loyal of players.
It would also be another opportunity for Solanke to prove himself at a top Premier League club after he struggled to establish himself at Liverpool between 2017 and 2019.
Dominic Solanke is now in his sixth season at Bournemouth
Reds legend John Barnes said: “He [Solanke] has shown now that he can be the main man.
“The pressure of having to do that at Liverpool and Chelsea at that young age was probably too much for him.
“Now that he’s settled, he can be a very good Premier League player in a team that’s surviving in the league, he’s playing with confidence and showing what he can do.”
Ahead of their trip to Tottenham, Bournemouth will hope they can ward off any interest and continue to benefit from Solanke’s goals for the foreseeable future.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has refrained from blaming a lack of VAR intervention for his team’s 2-0 home loss to West Ham.
West Ham took the lead in the first half with Tomas Soucek’s goal from a Jarrod Bowen cutback, which was closely scrutinized for a potential out-of-play scenario.
Despite the uncertainty, the goal stood, and Konstantinos Mavropanos’ second-half header secured an unexpected away victory. Arteta, previously under FA investigation for VAR-related comments, took a more measured stance following this defeat.
He said: “They are saying it’s not conclusive.
“It’s a shame that with the technology that we have that it’s not that clear, so that we cannot say whether it’s out or in.
“But it’s done. It’s gone. There’s nothing we can do about it now.
“If the technology we have at the moment is not good enough to give us that answer, what we have to do is without that, win the game.
“With the number of situations we generated in the game, that should have been more than enough.”
He added: “I congratulate West Ham and praise my players.
“This is football. When you look at how much we generated in the game, to see the result is very disappointing.
“But they were better than us in both boxes. They had two shots, with the penalty three. We had 30.
“If we don’t score with 30 shots, then we have to do 50 or 60 to try to score. That’s the only thing.
“I can’t imagine a game where we have more touches in the box, more dominance and less situations for the opponent against a really good West Ham side.
Arsenal missed an opportunity to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League, suffering a disappointing defeat to West Ham amidst further VAR controversy.
The Gunners aimed for victory to surpass Liverpool at the summit but lost 2-0, with Hammers manager David Moyes securing a rare victory at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite losing Kurt Zouma and Lucas Paqueta to injuries, West Ham took the lead through Tomas Soucek’s strike. The goal was awarded after VAR could not definitively determine whether the entire ball had gone out of play in the build-up.
A second-half header from former Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos secured the points for West Ham, and the visitors could have extended their lead further if not for David Raya saving Said Benrahma’s last-minute penalty.
David Moyes secured a long-awaited victory in his 73rd Premier League away game at Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, or Manchester United as West Ham defeated Arsenal 2-0. The win denied Arsenal the chance to return to the top of the table.
Arsenal struggled to continue their recent winning streak in London derbies, with only captain Martin Odegaard standing out. Despite a strong start from Arsenal, defensive lapses allowed West Ham’s Tomas Soucek to score, with VAR unable to conclusively determine if the ball had gone out of play in the build-up.
Arsenal’s efforts to equalize were in vain, with Gabriel Jesus missing key chances. Konstantinos Mavropanos, a former Arsenal player, extended West Ham’s lead with a second-half header. Despite a late penalty opportunity for West Ham, Arsenal’s David Raya saved Said Benrahma’s spot-kick.
The defeat marked a forgettable night for Arsenal, while Moyes celebrated a significant away win.
Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey is back in full training with Arsenal after a two-month absence from both club and international matches.
The midfielder’s last appearance was for the Black Stars in October during friendlies against Mexico and the USA.
Partey suffered a hamstring injury before a game, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had announced that the player would be sidelined for several weeks.
This setback led to Partey missing 30 matches across various competitions for Arsenal and also prevented him from participating in the Black Stars’ opening 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Madagascar and Comoros.
Concerns had arisen about the vice-captain’s availability for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, but the 30-year-old has made a full recovery and is set to return to action. Arsenal’s upcoming match against West Ham United is on the horizon, providing an opportunity for Partey to resume competitive play.
Despite his recent injury, Thomas Partey remains a key figure for Ghana, as evidenced by his inclusion in the 55-man provisional squad for the 2023 AFCON, which will take place in Ivory Coast.
Following a hard-fought draw against Premier League title rivals Arsenal, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp delivered unfortunate news for the team’s fans.
Gabriel had given the Gunners an early lead at Anfield, but Mohamed Salah equalized after 29 minutes, securing a point for Liverpool.
Despite the positive outcome, there was a downside as Kostas Tsimikas and Luis Diaz were both forced off due to injuries.
The draw allowed Liverpool to enter the Christmas period just one point behind the league leaders, but the setbacks in player injuries raised concerns for Klopp and the team.
Klopp, 56, said: “Tsimikas broke his collarbone at least. That’s really bad for us.”
Asked whether Diaz had also picked up an injury, he added: “I hope not. He has pain, it was knee on knee and in that moment we wanted to change twice and then he was down.
“He told me ‘little pain’. The physios were not too concerned but you never know.
"Anfield was outstanding tonight, I think everybody felt it. It was brutal. It was really nice to see what we can do all together." ✊
Mikel Arteta has issued a challenge for Arsenal to break a longstanding streak and secure a victory at Anfield for the first time in 11 years.
The Gunners, aiming for a Christmas Day lead in the Premier League table, will face Liverpool on Saturday.
However, Arsenal has not won against Liverpool away since September 2012, a 2-0 victory in which Arteta played in midfield.
While Arteta has overseen wins at Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham during his four years as Arsenal’s manager, Anfield has proven a challenging venue.
Next up is to leave Anfield with three points and Arteta, 41, said: “We have done it at Old Trafford, we have done it at Stamford Bridge and many other places where we haven’t done it for years.
“This is the next challenge. Go there and win. If you want to be at the top you have to go to those places and be dominant. That’s what we’re going to try to do.”
Arsenal held a 2-0 lead at Liverpool last season but was pegged back, ultimately settling for a draw.
Arteta added: “It’s going to be a great atmosphere. The two teams are in a really good moment, really good position, really strong position.
“They are going to be well placed to win it and to go for it. It’s going to be an intense match.
“You have to play better than them. You will silence the crowd if you are dominant and better than them.
“There are certain things we didn’t manage very well [last season] that we need to correct and be much better at because when they have that momentum and space they are a really dangerous team.
“We had some big, big situations after those moments when we could have killed the game and we didn’t. When you have the opportunity to do that, you have to do it.”
Arsenal is reportedly in pursuit of Goncalo Inacio to fortify their defense in the ongoing three-way title race with Liverpool and Manchester City.
According to A Bola, the Portuguese international and Sporting CP star, aged 22, has attracted the attention of Arsenal.
However, securing Inacio’s services could prove costly, given his crucial role at Liga Portugal leaders Sporting CP and the €60 million (£52m/$65m) release clause in his contract.
Inacio, known for his left-footed prowess, would provide formidable competition for Arsenal’s left-sided center-back, Gabriel Magalhaes.
In light of last season’s setback, where Arsenal faced defensive challenges following an injury to William Saliba, the club is actively seeking defensive depth in the upcoming January transfer window.
The Gunners are currently thin at the back, with the loss of summer-signing Jurrien Timber to an ACL injury in the Premier League season’s opening game.
Additionally, Arsenal is exploring the possibility of acquiring Inacio’s teammate and fellow defender, Ousmane Diomande, as part of their efforts to strengthen their defensive lineup.
Interestingly, Inacio has previously played against Arsenal and even scored a goal in Sporting’s 2-2 draw with the Gunners in the first leg of last season’s Europa League round of 16.
Sporting eventually eliminated Arsenal in a penalty shootout.
Considering Arsenal’s financial constraints and adherence to Financial Fair Play regulations, a January transfer seems unlikely unless the club makes a significant sale.
With both Sporting CP and Arsenal deeply involved in their respective title pursuits, neither side wishes to endure significant disruptions mid-season.
Arsenal fans are ecstatic over a video featuringThomas Partey engaged in a gym workout, signalling his imminent return to the team.
The footage, emerging on Thursday, December 14, 2023, captures Partey intensively training as he strives to recover from a three-month injury hiatus.
In the latest social media post, the Ghanaian midfielder demonstrated unwavering determination during a rigorous workout session, closely supervised by an Arsenal physio.
The video highlights Partey’s resilience, a quality that has defined his role as a midfield dynamo for the team.
Having sustained an injury in October during a challenging match against Manchester City, Partey has been on a recovery journey, missing significant fixtures, including Ghana’s initial games in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against the Central African Republic and Madagascar.
Providing insight into Partey’s progress, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta disclosed that there is no definitive timeline for his return. The uncertainty surrounding his availability for theupcoming 2023 AFCON has kept fans eagerly anticipating further updates.
Ladies and gentlemen, Thomas Teye Partey is back for The Arsenal, from injury. Pray for Liverpool FC and Jurgen Klopp because they are about to have a very long walk alone!! pic.twitter.com/BwTFYV5y3D
Quick reminder: Thomas Partey left Atletico Madrid (a UCL playing team ) to join Arsenal (struggling team) to aid Arsenal come back to UCL. After 3 years, he has achieved it
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been exonerated from a charge by the Football Association (FA) in relation to comments he made after the team’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle United last month.
Arteta expressed his frustration over the decision to allow Anthony Gordon’s goal, despite three VAR checks for potential infractions such as the ball going out of play, a foul, and an offside in the build-up.
Speaking immediately after the match, Arteta said, “It’s a disgrace. It’s embarrassing. That’s how I feel and that’s how everybody feels in that [dressing] room. You cannot imagine the amount of messages we’ve got saying this cannot continue. It’s embarrassing. I’m sorry, it’s embarrassing.
Mikel Arteta has avoided a ban for his comments in the aftermath of Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle United. Getty “I feel sick. That’s how I feel. I feel sick to be part of this. It is not good enough and we cannot accept that.”
Mikel Arteta, charged by the Football Association (FA) under Rule E3.1 for alleged misconduct related to insulting comments towards match officials and actions detrimental to the game, has been found “not proven” by an independent commission. The decision came after an investigation that involved Arteta attending a personal hearing
In the written reasons accompanying the decision, Arteta is described as an “impressive witness” who successfully argued his comments focused on a wider frustration with the VAR process rather than targeting a match official.
It read, “[In the post-match interviews], MA expressed his frustration at the VAR decision and the standard of refereeing and VAR decision-making in the Premier League.
“He did not descend into language which insulted or cast aspersions about particular officials, nor to language which reflected anything other than his reasonably held view, supported by others, that VAR decision-making and officiating standards require improvement.’”
Former Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock, now with Newcastle, reportedly informed his ex-teammates that he thought the ball had exited play in the lead-up to Anthony Gordon’s goal. Additionally, it is disclosed that Arteta’s use of the term “disgrace” in Spanish carried a different connotation
“The word ‘disgrace’ used by MA in the Interviews ‘has a very similar spelling and pronunciation to the Spanish ‘desgracia’ … the Spanish word has connotations of misfortune, tragedy or bad luck rather than the connotations of the English equivalent, which suggest contempt, dishonour or disrespect,” continued the written reasons.
“While the English meaning may lead to interpretations of abuse or insult, this was not the intended meaning of the comments.”
Arteta was also said to have made “considerable efforts that he has made in the past [and continues to make] to work with other stakeholders [including the PGMOL and the Chief Refereeing Officer] in the pursuit of improving the standards of match officiating [including VAR officiating] in the Premier League” and that he had “frustration that such efforts [on his part and by others] had ‘failed to produce any meaningful improvements’ in those standards.”
Arsenal player Gabriel Jesus has reluctantly agreed with the decision not to give him a penalty in the Gunners’ 1-0 loss to Aston Villa on Saturday, even though he said he was touched.
The team from North London lost their second game of the Premier League season at Villa Park. John McGinn scored a goal after only seven minutes, which made the difference.
Arsenal was mostly in control of the game, especially before and after halftime. They had chances to score a goal to tie the game, but they didn’t take advantage of them.
The Gunners thought that the referees made some unfair decisions. They wanted a penalty for Jesus but the referees didn’t listen. Kai Havertz also had a goal ruled out because of handball.
Douglas Luiz touched his friend Jesus on the back of his leg while he was controlling the ball in the area, but the referee and video assistant referee didn’t think it was enough to give a penalty.
Manager Mikel Arteta disagreed with the decisions made against his team, saying they were very clear, but Jesus was a bit more polite about it.
Afterwards, he talked to Premier League Productions and said: “I felt someone touch me, but I’m not sure about the rules, so maybe for them, it’s not a penalty. ”
I can’t do anything about it. I felt someone touch me, but it’s their choice.
I’m not sure if the goal was a handball or not. We don’t know, but we have to accept it and focus on doing better in the next game. Then maybe we can make some better decisions.
He said that he thinks his team played better than in the last game at Villa Park.
“I believe we were in control of the game. ” I believe we gave up a goal early and that changed the direction of the game.
We did well in the game. They have a great team with great players and they play really well. You can see it when they play. I believe we can win the game, but we need to concentrate on the next game now.
Arsenal is now in second place in the Premier League. Liverpool moved up to first place after beating Crystal Palace. The two teams will play against each other at Anfield in two weeks.
Mikel Arteta is happy with how quickly Kai Havertz has been improving lately, but he admits that his team still needs the experience of Granit Xhaka.
The Arsenal manager didn’t want to, but he let the Swiss player leave in the summer. The player had his best season at the club.
Arteta took a big risk by deciding to swap Xhaka for Kai Havertz, agreeing to a £65million deal in hopes of turning the 24-year-old into a midfielder.
Havertz had a tough time at first, but now he seems to be understanding his new job better. He has scored three goals in his last four games, showing that he is improving.
Arteta says that even though the team is doing better, they still miss Xhaka who left. The team was doing well in the Premier League.
He said to Sky Sports: “He was a very important player for our team. ” We miss Granit, yes. We are sad because we don’t have Granit with us. I also miss him because I care about him.
Havertz is playing really well now because he feels more confident. Arteta also said that he thinks everyone can sense what’s happening around them.
“When things aren’t good, it can affect you. ” When it’s very good, it can affect you as well.
‘I believe he felt the encouragement from all his fellow players and his club supporting him. ‘ And now, he feels the help from our community, which is really important and can make him even better. That’s why I think we’re seeing a really good version now.
We need to have more than one idea for what we want. Ultimately, we need to make sure that the player’s qualities fit the position and its requirements in order to make them stronger.
If something isn’t working, we need to make small changes so that it can have a positive impact on the team.
‘I think he needs to feel at ease so he can do a good job. ’
In a bid to secure crucial transfer funds, Arsenal is reportedly considering the sale of midfielder Thomas Partey during the upcoming January transfer window.
Manager Mikel Arteta is determined to strengthen the squad, aiming to guide the Gunners to their first Premier League title in two decades.
The primary focus is on acquiring a new midfielder, with a forward also high on Arteta’s transfer wishlist.
The pursuit of new additions, however, necessitates the departure of some current Arsenal players.
ESPN reports suggest that Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey could be among those set for a move away from the club.
Partey, at 30, has been limited to just four Premier League appearances this season due to injury, and his return to action is not anticipated until January.
Complicating matters, Arsenal is likely to miss Partey for an additional month as he joins the Ghana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Gunners were reportedly open to selling Partey earlier, particularly after the arrival of Declan Rice in July.
However, a suitable bid did not materialise before the transfer deadline.
As Arsenal explores the possibility of Partey’s departure, it could pave the way for the club to address Arteta’s priorities in the transfer market and make the necessary additions to the squad.
Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League knockout stages as Group B winners with a commanding 6-0 victory over French club Lens at Emirates Stadium.
The Premier League leaders only needed a point to advance to the last 16 after PSV Eindhoven’s comeback win at Sevilla earlier that evening. Mikel Arteta’s team delivered an emphatic performance with first-half goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard. Jorginho, coming on as a substitute, completed the scoring with a late penalty.
Despite the one-sided nature of the match, the joyous atmosphere was marred when visiting fans threw a lit flare at home supporters after Saka’s 23rd-minute goal.
With first place in the group secured, Arteta can now rotate his squad for the next match in Eindhoven, given the luxury of having already advanced to the knockout stages.
Arsenal dominated from the start, and Lens struggled to keep up. Havertz opened the scoring in the 13th minute, followed by goals from Jesus and Saka. Martinelli added a fourth with a brilliant finish, and Odegaard volleyed home a fifth before halftime.
Arsenal continued to control the game in the second half, and Jorginho’s late penalty sealed the comprehensive victory. The result allows Arteta to rest key players in the upcoming matches, providing flexibility during a busy December schedule.
Arsenal is considering a midfield overhaul in January, targeting Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz as a key option, especially with uncertainties surrounding Thomas Partey’s future, according to sources from ESPN.
Despite having had three bids for Luiz rejected in September 2022, totaling around £25 million, and the player signing a contract extension until 2026, Arsenal’s interest persists.
Luiz has been a crucial part of Aston Villa’s strong season, starting all 13 Premier League games.
However, any potential move for Luiz in the midst of Villa’s promising campaign would likely require a significantly improved offer from Arsenal.
The club, with limited funds after a substantial summer spending of over £200 million, structured the deal for goalkeeper David Raya to comply with financial rules.
To finance new signings, Arsenal may consider the departure of Thomas Partey, who has struggled with ongoing injury issues and started only three league games this season.
The 30-year-old midfielder, Thomas Partey, is facing a sidelined period until the New Year due to a hamstring issue and is expected to join Ghana for the Africa Cup of Nations from Jan. 13 to Feb. 11.
Recent reports suggest Juventus is monitoring Partey, and sources from ESPN indicate that Arsenal had considered letting the midfielder leave during the summer, but no suitable offer materialised, despite earlier interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.
While Arsenal is open to retaining Partey, it remains uncertain if another club will formalise their interest. Partey’s potential departure could provide Arsenal with more financial flexibility to pursue Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz.
However,Mikel Arteta might prioritise other areas, with ongoing interest in Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Wolves winger Pedro Neto.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta commended goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale for displaying resilience after surviving two first-half errors in the team’s 1-0 Premier League victory against Brentford on Saturday.
While Kai Havertz’s late-headed goal took centre stage in securing Arsenal’s position at the top of the table, Ramsdale, making his first league start since September, became a focal point of discussion.
Ramsdale’s recent stint on the bench behind David Raya raised eyebrows, but given an opportunity to prove himself, he faced a challenging first half.
His caught-in-possession mishap within his own area led to a Bryan Mbeumo shot, cleared off the line by Declan Rice.
Additionally, he made an inexplicable error by throwing the ball onto the turf while attempting to send it forward from his gloves.
Despite these shaky moments, Ramsdale regained composure in the second half.
However, Arteta might have lingering concerns about the goalkeeper’s overall performance.
“Courage. He has big courage and a big personality and that’s what we need,” Arteta told reporters. “This is football. I’m so happy with the team. The way the team performed with the clean sheet We move on.”
Arsenal standout Bukayo Saka acknowledges the challenge of being consistently man-marked while playing for the team.
The English international winger has observed a trend of facing double coverage in nearly every game this season, prompting him to actively seek solutions by reviewing his own performances.
Even in the recent 1-0 victory against Brentford on Saturday, Saka encountered the familiar scenario of having at least two opposing defenders closely monitoring him.
Despite this intense attention, the talented Englishman demonstrated his resilience, contributing to Kai Havertz’s decisive goal in the 89th minute.
Speaking to reporters, the 22-year-old said, “I feel like a lot of games I’m facing a double team with two guys on me and it’s the same for Gabi (Martinelli). It’s happening in every game. I keep watching all my games again, trying to find a solution and what I can do better.
“In the end, I just feel like I need to understand that this is how it’s going to be this season and I just need to deal with it and keep finding a way like I did today. That’s what I need to keep doing.
“The managers know a bit more about how we play and it’s up to us to adapt to each game and find a solution. Of course, each game is different but we know that we can be a lot better.
“We’re especially working on breaking teams down, but we’re still getting really good results and we’re at the top of the league. So we can be really happy.”
The Gunners currently boast of having an incredible defensive record in the ongoing season, as they are the team to have conceded the least number of goals (10, in the Premier League thus far.
With nine victories and just one defeat in 13 matches, Mikel Arteta’s team currently holds the top spot in the league table, leading by one point over Manchester City.
ThePremier League leaders are set to confront Lens in the Champions League on Wednesday, followed by a league clash against Wolves on Saturday.
The Football Association (FA) has charged Arsenal manager Mikel Artetawith making insulting comments about match officials, as announced on Thursday.
Arteta expressed his frustration, labelling the decision to allow Anthony Gordon’s goal in Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle United on November 4th as embarrassing and disgraceful.
This criticism followed the goal, despite a triple VAR assessment.
“Mikel Arteta has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3.1 following comments that he made in media interviews after Arsenal’s Premier League game against Newcastle United on Saturday, November 4,” the FA statement said.
“It’s alleged that his comments constitute misconduct as they are insulting towards match officials and/or detrimental to the game and/or bring the game into disrepute.”
BREAKING: Mikel Arteta has been charged with misconduct following comments he made in post-match interviews after Arsenal’s Premier League game defeat to Newcastle United. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/eukb97vhM0
Arsenal’s goalkeeper situation has come under scrutiny from Aaron Ramsdale’s father,who has voiced concerns about Mikel Arteta’s decision-making, suggesting that the Arsenal manager has made mistakes.
Initially, it seemed that the Gunners had solidified their long-term No. 1 choice by entrusting England international Ramsdale with the starting duties.
However, Arteta brought in David Raya from Brentford over the summer, and the Spaniard swiftly assumed the position as the first-choice goalkeeper.
Ramsdale has admitted to “suffering and hurting” after surrendering his spot, with his father telling The Highbury Squad that a sense of joy has been lost in the game for a usually confident and enigmatic character.
Nick Ramsdale has said: “Aaron’s lost that smile to when he was holding onto that ball at this moment in time. And it is difficult. It really is difficult to see him there and we all keep saying you need to keep smiling.”
Ramsdale senior went on to say of how Arsenal kept transfer business close to their chest, before then taking the decision to hand starting duties to Raya: “When I spoke to Mr Arteta on the phone before he signed Aaron, he said he wanted Aaron. But now, you know, David Raya’s back on the market and he’s had David Raya. Aaron is going to be the cup goalkeeper, and David Raya is going to be the main man unless something happens—an injury or a sending-off.
“Aaron’s got to live with that and he is living with that even though he’s not been told it. By anybody. You’ve got to give the guy a chance for God’s sake. Even though it’s been done, in my eyes, it’s been wrong and we can talk about that but it’s the decision. Really and truly, we’ve got to get behind David Raya. He’s part of the family now. Whether it’s only until May or June of next year, it won’t be; it’ll be longer in my eyes, but that’s by the by.”
Speculation has arisen about Aaron Ramsdale considering a move elsewhere, possibly in January or by the end of the season. The 25-year-old goalkeeper is contemplating his own future, aiming to secure regular playing time at the club level and enhance his prospects for further recognition with England as Euro 2024 approaches.
After Manchester City’s 4-4 draw against Chelsea, Pep Guardiola asserted that he sees Chelsea as a stronger team than Arsenal.
The clash between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday was a Premier League spectacle, concluding with Cole Palmer’s last-minute penalty securing a 4-4 draw for the hosts against the reigning champions.
Despite falling short of securing all three points, Guardiola expressed no regrets and praised Mauricio Pochettino’s team for their performance.
“In his evaluation, he emphasized that Chelsea surpasses Arsenal in terms of strength.
Despite currently holding the 10th position in the league standings, Pochettino’s team has displayed resilience by remaining unbeaten against three of the top four teams.
Their matches resulted in a 2-2 draw against Arsenal, an exhilarating 4-4 draw against Manchester City, and a convincing 4-1 victory over Tottenham.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Guardiola said, “They are a really good team so there’s no doubt.
Liverpool couldn’t win. They were much, much better than Arsenal and in the end, Arsenal drew. So, you know, it’s Chelsea; they won’t go away.
“I always have to think about what we can do to get better. It’s not going to happen that we come here and win 7-0. They are trying to rebuild. We have no complaints.
“We go into [the break] at the top of the league and I didn’t expect that after the Arsenal defeat. The next games are really tough.”
The Premier League is set to pause during the international break and is scheduled to resume action on November 25, kicking off with a match between Manchester City and Liverpool.
Arsenal’s midfield powerhouse, Thomas Partey, has become a growing source of concern for the club, with reports from England suggesting that his absence might stretch into the year’s end.
The situation took a worrisome turn following recent statements from Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, confirming that Partey would be out of action for “weeks” due to a groin injury suffered in September, further complicated by a subsequent muscle injury.
The repercussions of Partey’s prolonged absence extend beyond the confines of the Emirates Stadium, as his home nation, Ghana, closely monitors the situation.
His unavailability could potentially affect Ghana’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Comoros and Madagascar later this month.
The impact of Partey’s absence in Arsenal’s lineup has already been deeply felt this season, with the midfielder missing a total of nine games.
His recurring injuries have cast a shadow over his influence within the team, a regrettable turn of events considering the high expectations that accompanied his 2020 transfer from Atletico Madrid for a substantial fee of 50 million euros.
Unfortunately, Partey is currently more renowned for his frequent injuries than his on-field prowess, despite shining moments in the previous season when he played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title.
Both Arsenal and Partey’s supporters are eagerly awaiting his return and hoping for a sustained period offitness and stellar performances in the future.
Arsenal, an English Premier League club, remains committed to keeping Ghana international Thomas Partey on their roster despite his recurring injury woes.
Since his transfer from Atletico Madrid to the Gunners, Thomas Partey has been plagued by a series of injuries, resulting in his absence from multiple games each season.
Just last month, Arsenal faced another setback when the midfielder sustained yet another injury during training.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that it was a muscle injury.
Subsequently, Thomas Partey has missed four matches for Arsenal, with his absence expected to continue into the next game before the November international break.
Despite the concerns raised by his numerous injuries, reports suggest that the club still values Thomas Partey as a pivotal player. Consequently, there are no plans to consider his sale during the upcoming January transfer window.
In the meantime, Thomas Partey will be unable to represent the Black Stars of Ghana in the initial round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Information from other sources also suggests that there is a possibility that he may not make a return to the field until the following year.
Arsenal have expressed their full support for managerMikel Arteta following his criticism of the officiating during Saturday’s Premier League loss to Newcastle United.
Arteta called on the referees’ body (PGMOL) to examine the refereeing standards.
Arteta openly expressed his feelings of being “embarrassed” and “sick” after Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal in Newcastle’s 1-0 victory over his team.
He delivered a harsh critique of the match officials and the overall standards of the Premier League.
Despite an extended VAR review that considered whether the ball went out of play, if there was a foul in the build-up, and for potential offside, the goal was allowed to stand. This defeat marked Arsenal’s first loss of the league season.
“Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening,” the club said in a statement on Sunday.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world, with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better.
“PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on action, which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies.”
The PGMOL has been under increasing pressure this season after several VAR decisions stirred debates, the most high-profile being the “human error” that led to a legitimateLiverpool goal against Tottenham Hotspur being chalked off.
Mikel Arteta expressed his clear dissatisfaction when evaluating Newcastle’s winning goal against Arsenal.
In the match at St. James’ Park, the Magpies secured a 1-0 victory, with Anthony Gordon scoring in the 64th minute. However, the goal was surrounded by controversy.
VAR spent four minutes reviewing various aspects of the goal, including whether Joe Willock had carried the ball out of play, a potential foul committed by Joelinton on Gabriel Magalhaes, and whether Gordon was in an offside position.
Ultimately, the officials concluded that there was insufficient evidence to disallow the goal, leading to an impassioned outburst from Arteta.
After the game, the Arsenal boss told the BBC: “I have praised my players for the way they played and competed in this stadium against this team. The result should not be what it is — there are many reasons for that.
“If there was a team looking to win the game today it was Arsenal. Embarrassing what happened, how this goal stands in the Premier League, this league we say is the best in the world.
“I’ve been 20 years in this country and now I feel ashamed. It’s a disgrace and there’s too much at stake here. We are trying to do incredible things and be at the highest level each week.
“When we’re not good enough I hold my hands up and take responsibility.
“The outcome is nowhere near the level this league needs to have and the way this league is getting competed in. It’s not good enough. I feel embarrassed to be part of this.”
Following the match, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who was unable to clear Willock’s initial cross towards Gordon, also commented on the matter.
He said: “We are all frustrated. My point of view is I saw the ball going out of play. I think it is a foul on Gabriel, he [Joelinton] pushes him on the back and the decision was it wasn’t a foul.
“I don’t think it was supposed to go that way. And in my opinion it was offside. We are very, very disappointed.”
Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus has explained the technique he used in scoring a stunning goal in West Ham’s 3-1 win against Arsenal in the EFL Cup.
Kudus delivered a standout performance that included scoring a crucial goal against Arsenal in the EFL Cup.
The midfielder’s remarkable goal showcased his exceptional ball control and striking prowess.
Kudus’ moment of brilliance came when he netted West Ham’s second goal in the match. With breath-taking finesse, he displayed a jaw-dropping touch that can only be described as magical.
The confident Hammer unleashed a lethal strike into the far-right corner of the net.
Speaking after watching his goal, Kudus provided a glimpse into the technique he employed.
“Wow!!! What a finish. I think it was a beautiful ball from Nayuf so I just had to take the touch inside because there was no space outside and I saw the goalkeeper was on the other side.
“And when I come inside, it’s always the far corner and boom, it was a goal,” Kudus said.
The 23-year-old, who has been nominated for the CAF African Player of the Year, has so far scored four goals since joining West Ham in the summer transfer window.
Brentford is reportedly seeking a transfer fee of £100 million for their striker Ivan Toney, who has garnered interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, as per Sky Sports.
The Bees are planning to retain Toney at least until the end of the season, given his return following an eight-month ban for betting offenses on January 16.
Although Toney’s comeback is a positive development for Brentford manager Thomas Frank, it has also attracted the attention of several Premier League clubs looking to acquire his services.
However, any potential transfer would require a significant offer, as offers in the range of £60 million are said to have been dismissed at the Brentford Community Stadium.
Toney came third in the Premier League goal-scoring charts last season, with 20 goals. Leading Frank to say in the summer: “£100m plus?… What would you pay for a striker who guarantees you 20-plus goals? And this is 20 goals for a mid-table club. What can he do in a bigger club?”
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