Arsenal FC | 2021/22 Season

Think EPL and its quality of lack of beyond maybe three teams and unmanaged Galacticos, is exposed
 
Great win today!
Let's keep going.

That's the main message.

Arteta post-match interview: “We haven't done anything, we won a couple of matches. We are not where we want to be still. We have a lot of things to improve. Let's see humble, working hard and going game by game.”
 
Officials from Arsenal and Fiorentina met in London this week to discuss a deal that would see 21-year-old Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic join the Gunners. (Express)
 
Emile Smith Rowe scored in a third successive Premier League game as Arsenal claimed victory over Watford in manager Mikel Arteta's 100th match in charge.

The in-form Smith Rowe registered the 100th league goal of Arteta's tenure with a low drive from outside the box after 56 minutes.

Gunners captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a first-half penalty saved by Ben Foster following a poor challenge by Danny Rose on Alexandre Lacazette - and the Hornets goalkeeper produced another fine stop to keep out Gabriel's header shortly before half-time.

Watford were fired an early warning when Bukayo Saka had an eighth-minute finish ruled out for offside at Emirates Stadium.

The Hornets' first attempt did not arrive until the 40th minute when Juraj Kucka's shot was deflected wide and Rose was unable to add the finishing touch from the resulting corner.

Joshua King squandered the chance to earn a point, shooting into the side-netting after rounding Aaron Ramsdale, and the visitors' afternoon was made worse as Kucka was dismissed for a second yellow card late on.

A sixth victory in eight Premier League games moved Arsenal up to fifth, level on points with fourth-placed West Ham, while Watford remain two points above the relegation places.

BBC
 
Into 5th place, 2 points behind Liverpool, 3 behind West Ham and City, 6 behind Chelsea. Not bad. :)
 
As shown today against Liverpool, they are weak against the stronger teams.

Lots of work ahead for Arteta.
 
Liverpool 4-0 Arsenal: We completely crashed, says Gunners boss Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta says his Arsenal side were punished by Liverpool because they "completely crashed" during a comprehensive defeat at Anfield.

The Gunners were beaten 4-0 and conceded three of those goals in a 25-minute spell during the second half.

It brought Arsenal's 10-game unbeaten run in all competitions to an end.

"At 1-0 down we go to half-time, it is the moment we have to be patient but we were completely the opposite," said Arteta.

"We completely crashed. That's why we lose the game - the rest is a consequence of the frustration of having to chase the game."

The visitors gave the ball away while trying to play out from the back on several occasions, with Diogo Jota sparking the second-half flurry after pouncing on Nuno Tavares' loose pass.

Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Takumi Minamino were also on target for the hosts.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta added: "We know they will punish you. They can press, they are one of the best at it. Mistakes are a part of football.

"We showed for 45 minutes we could compete with them. We crashed for 15-20 minutes, we threw the game away and that is the learning from today."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59362988
 
As shown today against Liverpool, they are weak against the stronger teams.

Lots of work ahead for Arteta.

We are still weak no doubt but we were set up badly yesterday.

Two up front with Lacassette dropping into midfield was a massive mistake. They cut through our midfield like a knife through butter.
 
Full Time: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle.

Arsenal eventually broke Newcastle United down to leave Eddie Howe's side bottom of the Premier League without a win.

Howe, in the Magpies dugout for the first time after missing last weekend's 3-3 draw with Brentford because of Covid, set up a team to try to contain Arsenal and eke out a point.

It appeared as if the strategy might be working until Bukayo Saka slotted home from Nuno Tavares' through ball in the second half.

Saka went off injured and his replacement Gabriel Martinelli scored with his second touch, a wonderful volley from Takehiro Tomiyasu's clipped pass over the top.

Both sides had hit the woodwork in an otherwise uninspiring first half.

Jonjo Shelvey's long-range drive was tipped on to the bar by the diving Aaron Ramsdale - and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit a sitter off the post from six yards out.

Arsenal remain fifth in the Premier League, while Newcastle are five points adrift of safety with just over a third of the season gone.

Source: BBC.
 
Bukayo Saka is set to undergo a scan on a "muscular" injury after limping off during Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Newcastle on Saturday.

Saka gave Arsenal the lead after 56 minutes but was forced off eight minutes later, after going down and pointing to his left thigh.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provided limited details on Saka during his post-match press conference, but the 20-year-old's participation in Thursday's clash with Manchester United now appears uncertain.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Watch as Arsenal defender Gabriel fights off a baseball-bat wielding thief who attempted to steal his Mercedes from his garage...<br><br>🎥 | Courtesy of Metropolitan Police</p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1465970056844750850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Arsenal’s hopes of keeping hold of Eddie Nketiah have suffered another blow as the striker turned down the club's latest contract offer.

Afc
 
Arsenal are one of the form teams in the league. Not sure how long they can keep this up, but Top 4 is not entirely out of the question. It’s hard to see the final top three not involving Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City in some order or other — they just seem like the strongest teams this season and in a class of their own — but that 4th spot is certainly up for grabs.
 
Arsenal back to their worst tonight.

Outfought and bullied into submission.

A weak performance and deserved to lose against Everton.
 
Pathetic performance.
But it was inevitable. We have a rookie coach who keeps selecting the wrong players.

Arteta really doesn't know what he is doing.

Meanwhile where is the 72m Pepe?
Somebody call the police because he's been missing for awhile now.
 
Bit of a blip recently, they need to get back to winning ways this weekend with their home match against Wolves.
 
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been dropped from Arsenal's squad to face Southampton over a disciplinary breach, says Mikel Arteta.
 
Serious clumpy team with no sense of purpose. Arteta the cod philosopher would be gone were it not for the cabal in charge
 
Arteta on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: "He had a disciplinary breach, that applies to everybody. That's a non-negotiable and when that happens he’s out of the team."

"Whatever happens in the dressing room, I cannot share. I am sorry. I’m telling you the reason, I cannot lie, it was that, this is where I stand. From my side, I will never [say what the breach was.]"
 
Continuing to climb the table, keeping the pressure on that 4th place spot.
 
Up to 4th place now after beating West Ham 2-0
 
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham: Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe help Gunners leapfrog West Ham into top four

Arsenal moved into the top four for the first time this season as goals from young stars Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe gave them a 2-0 win over 10-man West Ham.

Arsenal, captained by Alexandre Lacazette again, had more clear-cut chances in the first half; Kieran Tierney saw his long-range effort tipped onto the bar by Lukasz Fabianski, while Gabriel Martinelli nearly turned home ahead of the West Ham goalkeeper from a rebound.

But Martinelli made up for that miss minutes after the restart, finishing coolly past Fabianski from a threaded Lacazette through ball (48), before drama with 20 minutes remaining as Vladimir Coufal saw red for a second yellow, fouling Lacazette in the box (69). Anthony Taylor awarded the penalty, a decision West Ham boss David Moyes had few complaints about after the game, but Fabianski saved well from Lacazette.

Sub Emile Smith Rowe made sure of the victory late on, slotting bottom right after a fine break (87) after being fed by the brilliant Bukayo Saka, a goal made in the Arsenal academy. Ten of Arsenal's 23 Premier League goals this season have been scored by players aged 21 or younger, the most by any team this season.

The result continues Arsenal's fine home form - they've won eight of their last nine in all competitions at the Emirates, and have the joint-best home record in the Premier League - and moves them into the Champions League spots for the first time this season. They replaced West Ham in the top four, with the Hammers winning just one of their last six in the Premier League.

https://www.skysports.com/football/arsenal-vs-west-ham/report/446448
 
Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence in the strength of Arsenal's leadership group following his decision to strip Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the club captaincy.

The 32-year-old had the captain's armband taken off him by manager Arteta on December 14 for a breach of the club's disciplinary rules.

He missed the victories over Southampton and West Ham and will again be absent when Arsenal face Leeds on Saturday live on Sky Sports, but Arteta believes his squad are more than ready to step up and lead.

"We have other captains and there is a list of captains for a reason because a player maybe starts not to play, a player gets injured, and then the other players have to take that responsibility," Arteta told Sky Sports News.

"In order to do that, you don't want that to happen overnight.

"That's why you have a leadership group because they are constantly making decisions, they are constantly communicating with myself, the coaching staff and the club in many other aspects, and they have to be used to be taking that responsibility and leadership."

Forward Alexandre Lacazette wore the armband during Arsenal's last three matches and could be in line to take on the role full-time.

Sky Sports News can confirm that, as requested by Arteta, Aubameyang is currently training away from the rest of the Arsenal first team. The Gabon forward is keen to maintain his fitness ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations next month.

Arteta was tight-lipped in his Friday press conference beyond Aubameyang's availability for the Leeds game, giving little away about both the striker's future at Arsenal and any immediate plans to name a permanent captain.

However, while the Arsenal boss did strike more of a conciliatory tone with Aubameyang, conceding everyone makes mistakes, he also hinted the club had already shown prior leniency.

"Absolutely. I think we all make mistakes. I always believe that everybody has the right intention - even if you have made a mistake," Arteta added.

"You have to understand that probably what for you is a mistake, for someone else is just a normal thing because they come from a different background, or culture, or education, and I am completely open to that - and I think we have shown that on many occasions."

SKY
 
Two goals from Gabriel Martinelli helped Arsenal sweep past an injury-hit Leeds at Elland Road to secure their third successive Premier League victory. (1-4)

Martinelli's double and Bukayo Saka's deflected effort made it 3-0 before half-time as the Gunners ruthlessly capitalised on an error-strewn Leeds performance.

Raphinha pulled one back from the penalty spot in the second half, before Arsenal substitute Emile Smith Rowe wrapped up an emphatic victory for Mikel Arteta's side late on.

The scoreline could have been greater but for an impressive performance by Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who made fine stops to deny Saka, Alexandre Lacazette, Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney.

BBC
 
[MENTION=133972]shaykh[/MENTION]

Do you think Arsenal will survive relegation under Arteta?
 
Arsenal have identified Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri as a possible transfer target. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dusan Vlahovic expensive options, the Gunners have scouted the 24-year-old Moroccan as an alternative striker. (Express)

Roma are in talks to sign Arsenal and England midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles, 24, on loan during the January transfer window. (ESPN)

West Ham, Crystal Palace and Brighton are among the sides interested in Arsenal's English striker Eddie Nketiah, 22. (Mail)
 
Saka scores twice at Norwich as Arsenal continue winning run

Arsenal secured their fourth Premier League victory in a row as they ran out comfortable 5-0 winners at Carrow Road and heaped more misery on bottom-of-the-table Norwich.

Bukayo Saka opened the scoring after six minutes when he guided a low shot past Angus Gunn at the end of a slick Arsenal attack.

The impressive Martin Odegaard, who teed up Saka's opener, then sent Kieran Tierney through to score the away side's second just before half-time.

Saka added a fine third before Alexandre Lacazette's penalty and substitute Emile Smith Rowe's stoppage-time strike wrapped up a stress-free win for Mikel Arteta's side.

The victory meant the Gunners maintained their six-point lead over fifth-placed Tottenham, while Norwich must regroup after a 12th defeat of the season.

Canaries boss Dean Smith admitted he "didn't see that coming" after watching his side go "toe-to-toe" in defeats by Manchester United and Aston Villa.

"This was just as flat a performance as we have had and it was littered with unforced errors," he said.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59403659
 
Mikel Arteta will miss Arsenal's match against Manchester City on New Year's Day after testing positive for Covid-19.

The Spaniard, who also contracted the virus in March 2020 prompting the shutdown of football at the start of the pandemic, is now isolating.
 
Liverpool are interested in Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka, 20, whose contract at Emirates Stadium expires in 2024. (Transfer Window podcast, via Express)
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I think it's the best Arsenal for the last four or five years." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MCFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MCFC</a> manager Pep Guardiola praises the current <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFC</a> side ahead of the clash today &#55357;&#56586; <a href="https://t.co/YUJqa91Qv4">pic.twitter.com/YUJqa91Qv4</a></p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1477224539910295552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Good going Arsenal so far but can they actually win this game vs MCI?
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gabriel what have you done!!<br>Keep the discipline and take the emotion out...just stupid!<br>Can't play City with 10 men...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARSMCI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARSMCI</a></p>— Mickey Arthur (@Mickeyarthurcr1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mickeyarthurcr1/status/1477276520888643591?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
FHyoiRDXMAYVWbW


Getting instructions per second from Arteta
 
FIBf3o6XEAYwBKu


Bottles thrown after Rodri scored a stoppage-time winner as Manchester City beat 10-man Arsenal.
 
Total disbelief. Deja-vu from our defeat at Wolves last season.

That really was a brilliant performance from Arsenal. We battered the champions for 55 minutes, they didn't have a shot on target. A fantastic goal, a clear penalty on Odegaard not overturned. Considering the opposition, it's one of the best 50 minutes of football I've seen us play under Arteta.

In 5 minutes it's all thrown down the drain with a little hot-headed naivety but, most significantly, some absolutely horrendous officiating, as usual.

Yes, stupid from Xhaka to have his hand on Bernardo's shirt, but he's already falling down from his soft dive! How can Xhaka pull him down if he's already falling down!!! Where's the logic? Absolutely not a penalty. And to think they didn't even go to the screen for Odegaard's penalty shout where Ederson doesn't even touch the ball but they give this one!

Somehow Martinelli, who was immense the entire match, inexplicably misses an open goal after getting his run blocked by the referee :) (still of course he has to score it).

Then Gabriel picks a 2nd yellow in as many minutes and the game is truly gone. Rodri committed that same foul blocking an attack at least 100 times in the match, and didn't pick up a single yellow until he took his shirt off celebrating a goal! You cannot fabricate a more farcical officiating performance if you tried.

Still, despite all that, those players kept fighting and fighting until the very last second.

When the champions of England who were on a 10-win run have to nick it in the 93rd minute to win a 12v10 match and then celebrate in front of your fans like they won the WC, you know you're heading in the right direction.

We were immense, and did not deserve to walk away with nothing.
 
Total disbelief. Deja-vu from our defeat at Wolves last season.

That really was a brilliant performance from Arsenal. We battered the champions for 55 minutes, they didn't have a shot on target. A fantastic goal, a clear penalty on Odegaard not overturned. Considering the opposition, it's one of the best 50 minutes of football I've seen us play under Arteta.

In 5 minutes it's all thrown down the drain with a little hot-headed naivety but, most significantly, some absolutely horrendous officiating, as usual.

Yes, stupid from Xhaka to have his hand on Bernardo's shirt, but he's already falling down from his soft dive! How can Xhaka pull him down if he's already falling down!!! Where's the logic? Absolutely not a penalty. And to think they didn't even go to the screen for Odegaard's penalty shout where Ederson doesn't even touch the ball but they give this one!

Somehow Martinelli, who was immense the entire match, inexplicably misses an open goal after getting his run blocked by the referee :) (still of course he has to score it).

Then Gabriel picks a 2nd yellow in as many minutes and the game is truly gone. Rodri committed that same foul blocking an attack at least 100 times in the match, and didn't pick up a single yellow until he took his shirt off celebrating a goal! You cannot fabricate a more farcical officiating performance if you tried.

Still, despite all that, those players kept fighting and fighting until the very last second.

When the champions of England who were on a 10-win run have to nick it in the 93rd minute to win a 12v10 match and then celebrate in front of your fans like they won the WC, you know you're heading in the right direction.

We were immense, and did not deserve to walk away with nothing.

Clear penalty. Not the first time Xakha has ruined it for Arsenal. Arsenal absolutely bottled it in a space of 3min.
 
Seems like AFC threw this one away a bit. Was a great opportunity to beat the Champions.
 
Right, so emotions have calmed down a bit....

That was probably the best Arsenal have played in a very long time.
VAR spoilt the game. I think both were penalties.

Having said that, Gabriel let his emotions get to him and that first yellow card was inexplicable.

We threw the game away in 5 minutes of reckless play.
 
DAILY STAR SUNDAY

Newcastle United want to sign Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on loan in January with a view to a £20m summer transfer.
 
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta apologised for his side's display after they were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round by Nottingham Forest for the second time in four years.

Lewis Grabban slid home Ryan Yates' inviting cross seven minutes from time to shock the 14-time winners.

The Gunners appeared to have turned a corner of late but were lacklustre against their Championship opponents.

"We were not good enough and we have to apologise for it," Arteta said.

"We needed more drive, more hunger to win at any cost in every single action, much more. We were not at our level.

"I'm really disappointed with the performance, first of all. Not with the attitude but how much purpose we have and what determination we showed to change the game when it's difficult to play against the way they play.

"I have played in games like that for the past 18 years and I know how complicated it is to come here. It's no surprise the difficulties you are going to face. But when we do that, we have to face it in a different way.

"It is really hurting. It is a competition that is very related to our history and to get out of it is a big bump."

Arteta made numerous changes but England winger Bukayo Saka, Norway playmaker Martin Odegaard and in-form Gabriel Martinelli all played at the City Ground.
 
Dusan Vlahovic: Arsenal retain strong interest in Fiorentina striker but deal difficult to complete this month

Arsenal retain a strong interest in Dusan Vlahovic but will find it difficult to complete a deal this month due to the size of the transfer fee needed to sign the Fiorentina striker.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted there is a "cloud" hanging over Arsenal's forward options, with former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dropped for disciplinary reasons and Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah into the final six months of their contracts.

Arteta has said the Gunners are working hard on new arrivals and that they "are open" to making a big signing if it is financially viable.

Vlahovic came to prominence last season when he scored 21 goals in 40 appearances for Fiorentina, and has continued his impressive form with 18 goals in 22 games this campaign.

Vlahovic has just 18 months remaining on his Fiorentina contract, although he has not ruled out signing a new deal with the Serie A side.

Sources in Italy believe there is only a small chance of the 21-year-old moving this month, and that he is more likely to remain with Fiorentina - who are currently sixth in Serie A - and aid their push for European qualification.

Italian sources also say Vlahovic's preference is to join a side competing in the Champions League. Arsenal have not qualified for the competition for the past four seasons, although they are currently fourth in the Premier League.

The Gunners' pursuit of Vlahovic could be aided by their good relationship with Fiorentina. Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreria is currently on loan at the Italian club, and including him as part of a deal for the Serbia international has not been ruled out.

Fiorentina also have an option to make Torreira's loan move permanent.

Vlahovic joined Fiorentina from Partizan Belgrade in 2018. As well as making an impression in Italy, the striker also has seven goals in 14 games for Serbia.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...ker-but-deal-difficult-to-complete-this-month
 
Arsenal have made contact with Juventus over a loan deal for Brazil midfielder Arthur Melo, 25. They are also targeting Leicester's Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans, 24. (Goal)

The Gunners are also still interested in Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, 21, but will struggle to finance move for the Serb by the end of the month (Sky Sports)
 
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his side's "fight, determination and brotherhood" after the 10-man Gunners frustrated Liverpool in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at Anfield.

Granit Xhaka was dismissed after 24 minutes for denying a goalscoring opportunity - the Swiss midfielder catching Diogo Jota with a high challenge on the edge of his penalty area as he attempted to cut out Andrew Robertson's pass.

Trent Alexander-Arnold could not punish Arsenal further from the resulting free-kick, however, and the visitors produced a resolute defensive display to leave on level terms.

Despite coming under intense pressure it was Arsenal who registered the first shot on target 71 minutes into the contest, but a poor first touch by Bukayo Saka allowed Alisson to smother the England international's shot at close range.

Takumi Minamino blazed over the crossbar when faced with an open goal with Liverpool's best chance of the match in the closing stages.

"They never gave up even though it's extremely difficult against this opponent," said Arteta.

"I said to the players before the game that you have to have a certain attitude and in difficult moments you have to react - I think the boys did that very well," he added.

"We played the game we had to play. I'm expecting now our fans will create an even better atmosphere [in the second leg] than today."

The second leg takes place at Emirates Stadium next Thursday at 19:45 GMT.

The winner will face Chelsea in the final at Wembley at the end of February, after Thomas Tuchel's side completed a 3-0 aggregate victory over Tottenham on Wednesday.

Eight-time EFL Cup winners Liverpool had lost home advantage for the second leg after a Covid outbreak in their squad saw the planned first meeting in north London postponed until 20 January.

A number of those cases turned out to be false positives - though the EFL has said it will not be investigating further - but despite being able to field a strong side the Reds were unable to make the most of their home leg against 10-man opposition.

Both sides have lost key players to the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations but it was the absence of top scorer Mohamed Salah and fellow forward Sadio Mane which proved most noticeable as Liverpool struggled to break Arsenal down.

Minamino flashed a ball across the six-yard box as the hosts pressed for a breakthrough with greater urgency in the second half, but Jurgen Klopp's forward trio that also included Jota and Roberto Firmino could not produce the necessary quality in the final third.

On a challenging night for the visitors, Martin Odegaard missed out following a positive Covid test and Xhaka's dismissal - in addition to Thomas Partey's Afcon participation - has compounded Arteta's midfield issue ahead of Sunday's north London derby at Tottenham.

Xhaka's undeniable red card saw Rob Holding replace Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette subsequently cut a lonely figure in attack as his team-mates worked tirelessly to protect Aaron Ramsdale's goal.

But the Arsenal goalkeeper's only moments of real concern arrived in the final moments, as Minamino struck over after Ramsdale failed to claim the ball - while the excellent Ben White was back to clear Neco Williams' attempt in stoppage time.

Liverpool will feel deeply frustrated that they could not make their numerical advantage count, yet Arteta's side deserve huge credit for a disciplined performance that ensures they have every chance of reaching the final.

"I would have preferred to score a goal rather than them getting a red card," Liverpool boss Klopp said.

"It looked better [in the second half] but not good enough for a better result. But it's a two-leg game and it's half-time. I've never been at 0-0 at half-time and thought 'we have no chance'."

BBC
 
Arsenal have requested the postponement of Sunday's north London derby with Tottenham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium because of a lack of available players.

The Gunners said they have "reluctantly taken this step" as a result of injuries, positive Covid-19 cases and players away with their countries at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Premier League board will meet on Saturday to decide whether to grant Arsenal's request.

BBC
 
Arsenal urged to reimburse fans for hotel and travel costs as Tottenham furious over North London Derby
 
Arsenal have made a £50m offer for Fiorentina's Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic, 21, with Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Torreira offered as a makeweight. (Metro)

Arsenal remain interested in a possible January move for Nottingham Forest's on-loan right-back Djed Spence but the Middlesbrough player, 21, is also attracting interest from Italian giants Roma and Inter Milan. (Mirror)

Juventus want Arsenal's Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, 28, included in any deal for the Serie A side's Brazil midfielder Arthur Melo, 25. (Sky Sports Italy, via Mail)

Arsenal are keen on signing Tielemans, who has 18 months left on his current Leicester deal. (Sun)
 
Dusan Vlahovic: Arsenal target prefers to wait until summer before making transfer decision while Fiorentina are open to January sale

Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic would prefer to wait until the summer before making a decision on his future, but Fiorentina are open to selling the striker this month.

The Italian club are ready to move quickly, according to Sky in Italy, because they want to ensure they get a good price for the 21-year-old, who has 18 months to go on his deal.

But Vlahovic is keen to hold fire on any potential transfer as he waits to see how the season pans out for his potential suitors, with Champions League football a priority for the Serbia international.

Arsenal retain a strong interest in Vlahovic but will find it difficult to complete a deal this month due to the size of the transfer fee needed to sign the Fiorentina striker.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is convinced they still have the pull to sign the world's best players, saying it remains "one of our biggest powers".

The Gunners' striker situation is up in the air beyond this season, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang having been stripped of the captaincy and Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract in the summer.

Vlahovic has risen to prominence over the last 18 months after racking up 33 goals in 2021, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo's record for most Serie A goals scored in a calendar year.

Sources in Italy believe there is only a small chance of the 21-year-old moving this month, and that he is more likely to remain with Fiorentina - who are currently sixth in Serie A - and aid their push for European qualification.

Italian sources also say Vlahovic's preference is to join a side competing in the Champions League. Arsenal have not qualified for the competition for the past four seasons, although they are currently fourth in the Premier League.

The Gunners' pursuit of Vlahovic could be aided by their good relationship with Fiorentina. Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreria is on loan at the Italian club, and including him as part of a deal for the Serbia international has not been ruled out.

Fiorentina also have an option to make Torreira's loan move permanent.

Vlahovic joined Fiorentina from Partizan Belgrade in 2018. As well as making an impression in Italy, the striker also has seven goals in 14 games for Serbia.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...ion-while-fiorentina-are-open-to-january-sale
 
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal "did the right thing" when requesting the postponement of last weekend's north London derby against Tottenham.

Sunday's game was called off because Arsenal did not have enough players.

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte called the decision "strange" and said matches should only be called off because of Covid-19 cases and not for injuries or players on international duty.

"We will defend our club with teeth and nails," said Arteta.

Arteta added: "We're not going to get anybody damaging our name or trying to lie about things that haven't occurred.

"We will make mistakes, we will put our hands up but we will defend our club in a really strong way.

"We didn't have the players necessary to put out a squad available to compete in a Premier League match, that is 100% guaranteed."

Premier League rules say clubs can apply for postponements if Covid-19 is a factor in teams having fewer than 13 players and a goalkeeper available.

The Gunners said a combination of injuries, positive Covid-19 cases and players away with their countries at the Africa Cup of Nations had taken them beyond that threshold.

BBC
 
The Football Association is probing a yellow card shown to an Arsenal player during a Premier League match, following allegations of suspicious betting patterns.

It comes after concerns were raised with the FA about an unusual amount of money being placed on a Gunners player being cautioned during the match.

The player in question has not been named.

An FA statement said: "The FA is aware of the matter in question and is looking into it."

It is understood that while the governing body is looking into the matter, it is not a formal investigation at this time.
 
The Football Association is probing a yellow card shown to an Arsenal player during a Premier League match, following allegations of suspicious betting patterns.

It comes after concerns were raised with the FA about an unusual amount of money being placed on a Gunners player being cautioned during the match.

The player in question has not been named.

An FA statement said: "The FA is aware of the matter in question and is looking into it."

It is understood that while the governing body is looking into the matter, it is not a formal investigation at this time.

Wouldn't be surprised if it was Xhaka.
 
Wouldn't be surprised if it was Xhaka.

Rumours going around that it was Xhaka's yellow card late in the game at Leeds in our 4-1 win. He had apparently attempted some ridiculous tackles that didn't get a yellow, so when we had a free kick on the halfway line he "time-wasted" an usually long time with taking the free kick when many options were open, until he finally got a yellow for time wasting.
 
Rumours going around that it was Xhaka's yellow card late in the game at Leeds in our 4-1 win. He had apparently attempted some ridiculous tackles that didn't get a yellow, so when we had a free kick on the halfway line he "time-wasted" an usually long time with taking the free kick when many options were open, until he finally got a yellow for time wasting.

If he gets caught, the happier I'll be. We need to get rid of him. He's far too reckless and irresponsible to be playing for an Arsenal team that are moving forward for once after many years of doom and gloom.
 
Well, that was the most dismal, unenergised semi-final performance one could hope to see. At home, no less. So disappointing.
 
Jurgen Klopp hailed "world-class" Diogo Jota after his double saw Liverpool past an Arsenal side whose manager Mikel Arteta was left "concerned" by his side's discipline.

Jota made light of the absence of Liverpool big-hitters Sadio Mane and Mo Salah in a man-of-the-match performance at the Emirates Stadium, scoring both goals and giving Takehiro Tomiyasu a torrid time on the right of the Gunners defence from first whistle to last to see the Reds into next month's Carabao Cup final.

Diogo Jota scored his and Liverpool's second goal against Arsenal after it was referred to VAR in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
The brace took him to 14 goals in a Liverpool shirt this season from only 22 starts in all competitions, and left head coach Klopp regaling the talents of a player whose £41m price tag drew some scorn when he first joined the club less than two years ago.

"We were completely convinced when he arrived he'd help us massively," he told Sky Sports. "There's so many things before you sign a player, nowadays you can watch 100 games, we were really confident but since he's been here he's made another step. He's turned into a world-class striker, and that's really helpful for us.

"We scored two wonderful goals, Jota was on fire, but the passes too. I don't think a lot of people in the stadium saw Diogo in that position for the second goal, but Trent did which was helpful and he finished it off - absolutely outstanding.

"We're over the moon. It's a difficult game, a difficult time generally, we just have to get through it. We try everything we can, and what the boys did tonight against a really strong Arsenal side was really exceptional.

Diogo Jota opens the scoring for Liverpool against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

"Arsenal were pretty lively at the start of both halves, we calmed it down, played good football, didn't create a lot but with their quality it's not easy."

Mikel Arteta said Arsenal did not take their chances and were punished by Liverpool in the 2-0 defeat, in a game that saw yet another red card for the Gunners.

The game was already gone by the time Thomas Partey earned two yellow cards in three minutes shortly after coming on, but left Arteta facing questions as his team racked up a 14th red card in barely two years since he took the reins at the Emirates.

Partey had flown back from the Africa Cup of Nations earlier on Thursday and while Arteta denied the associated fatigue played any part in his laboured challenges, he admitted he was concerned about the ill-discipline of his players. Eight of the 32 defeats Arteta has suffered as Arsenal manager have come in games where they have finished with less than 11 men on the pitch.

He told Sky Sports: "We've played the last three games with 10 men. At this level, that's extremely difficult to win football matches. We'll keep trying to do what we do, but there have been some decisions which haven't happened going the other way. Today is a good example as well.

"I regret I can't use him now. He made the effort to come and play, Emile [Smith Rowe] hasn't had one single training session, [Alexandre Lacazette] had a yellow card, we had to make a decision and decided to use him.

"I don't think [the red card was related to his travel from AFCON]."

SKY

CztjeMp.jpg
 
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Rumours going around that it was Xhaka's yellow card late in the game at Leeds in our 4-1 win. He had apparently attempted some ridiculous tackles that didn't get a yellow, so when we had a free kick on the halfway line he "time-wasted" an usually long time with taking the free kick when many options were open, until he finally got a yellow for time wasting.

This does actually sound quite plausible given how the events have played out. Beyond pathetic if true and Xhaka should be looking at a long ban from all football.
 
Arsenal have submitted a 70m euro (£58.6m) bid for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic. The 21-year-old Serbian striker has scored 17 goals in 21 Serie A appearances this season. (Tutto Mercato - in Italian)
 
Arsenal missed out on a chance to return to the Premier League's top four after they were held at the Emirates Stadium by bottom club Burnley.

Forward Alexandre Lacazette went closest for the Gunners, poking an Emile Smith Rowe cutback narrowly wide midway through the second half.

Smith Rowe also forced a fine diving stop from Burnley keeper Nick Pope in the second period while Martin Odegaard was denied by the stopper's feet with a powerful effort in the first half.

A draw for Burnley ended a run of three straight defeats with the Clarets now four points off safety having played four games fewer than 17th-placed Norwich City.

Meanwhile Arsenal, now winless in their past five matches in all competitions, go sixth, two points off Manchester United in fourth.

Arsenal were booed off after a poor start to 2022.

Arsenal will be pleased to see the back of January, so far in 2022 the Gunners have been dumped out of the EFL and FA Cups and have lost three of their past four matches.

Arsenal dominated possession but were frequently frustrated in the first half by their opponent's low-block.

After the break, the hosts upped the tempo, but Bukayo Saka, Smith Rowe, Odegaard and Lacazette all failed to hit the net despite finding themselves in promising positions.

This season appears to be Champions League qualification or nothing for Mikel Arteta's team, making their dropped points against their injury-hit opponents all the more infuriating for supporters.

A small section of home fans booed their team off at full-time, the five-game winning streak at the end of 2021 an increasingly distant memory.

Burnley battled to a much-needed point.

Burnley's game plan was obvious from the first whistle, they defended as a unit, sitting behind the ball and stifling their opponents' attacks.

This was the Clarets' first match since losing to Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup on 8 January with Sean Dyche's side seeing league matches against Leicester City and Watford postponed in recent weeks.

Since they last played, forward Chris Wood has moved to relegation rivals Newcastle.

Jay Rodriguez and Matej Vydra started up front together in the target-man's absence, but the pair rarely received the ball in attacking positions.

With Maxwel Cornet representing Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations, defender Ben Mee was Burnley's leading Premier League goalscorer among the starting XI with two goals scored this season.

And it was Mee who had the visitors' best opportunity, volleying a half-chance off-target from a corner in the first half.

Dyche will have been delighted with the defensive performance of his side - their next fixture, at home to fellow relegation-candidates Watford, will be one in which a more attacking mindset will surely be employed.
 
Arsenal's pursuit of striker Dusan Vlahovic, 21, has been further complicated by Juventus presenting Fiorentina owner Rocco Commisso with a competing offer for the Serbia international. (Times)

Meanwhile, Vlahovic has been accused of ignoring the club's calls by Fiorentina chief executive Joe Barone following the Gunners' reported bid for the Serie A forward. (Metro)
 
Arsenal are planning to spend up to £180m this summer to sign Wolves' Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves and Everton's England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, both 24, plus Real Sociedad's Sweden frontman Alexander Isak, 22. (Sun)
 
Liverpool and Manchester City could move for 20-year-old England winger Bukayo Saka if Arsenal fail to qualify for next season's Champions League. (ESPN)
 
Arsenal are planning to spend up to £180m this summer to sign Wolves' Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves and Everton's England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, both 24, plus Real Sociedad's Sweden frontman Alexander Isak, 22. (Sun)

so did arsenal get anyone this transfer window?
 
Arsenal's pursuit of striker Dusan Vlahovic, 21, has been further complicated by Juventus presenting Fiorentina owner Rocco Commisso with a competing offer for the Serbia international. (Times)

Meanwhile, Vlahovic has been accused of ignoring the club's calls by Fiorentina chief executive Joe Barone following the Gunners' reported bid for the Serie A forward. (Metro)

Dusan Vlahovic already stated he only had his eyes on juve only
 
Liverpool and Manchester City could move for 20-year-old England winger Bukayo Saka if Arsenal fail to qualify for next season's Champions League. (ESPN)
He needs to move to develop or arsenal need a proper manager
 
seriously, another bad transfer window, most likely another 5th-8th finish.

arsenal squad is bang on average.

We have a very thin squad at the moment, in terms of players and wages. They are probably setting up for a proper summer window to try get their top targets.

Despite a lean January results-wise, there is (generally) cautious optimism the team is on the up. It's the youngest squad in the league, and are fighting top 4 against sides like Spurs and United with higher-calibre managers/players than us.

We've had a very tough first half of the campaign, so the run-in from now is relatively easier. The only top 6 grounds to visit are Spurs and Chelsea in the final 17 games.

I think we're in with a very good chance of top 4 this season, and that will be a huge achievement to get the UCL financial boost for the summer transfer window. Not to mention the chance to play in the UCL for the first time in 5 years.

We lost the first 3 games with 0 goals scored. After a couple week break, the team regrouped and went on a run of form that took us from the relegation places to 4th. After a bumpy, win-less January, we dropped behind the pack again, but have had another couple weeks break where they've gone to Dubai for training.

Hopefully, they can regroup similarly to before and make a final push for 4th. If it doesn't work out, many will be calling for Arteta's head.
 
Gabriel Martinelli dismissal: 'I've never seen anything like it' - Arsenal boss Arteta

"I've never seen that. In the space of five seconds he's got two yellow cards. It's really unusual."

BBC pundit Clinton Morrison was all of us when Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli was shown two yellow cards - and therefore a red - all at once in the Gunners' 1-0 win at Wolves.

After mis-controlling the ball and seeing it run out of play, Martinelli pushed Daniel Podence as he tried to take a quick throw-in.

Referee Michael Oliver let play go on because Podence's throw-in reached Chiquinho, who ran down the wing.

Martinelli proceeded to chase him down and shove him over, prompting Oliver to show Martinelli the yellow card once, and then immediately again, followed by a red card.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told BBC Sport: "I've never seen that. I've been 18 years in this country and I've never seen something like it.

"We made it even more difficult for ourselves playing with 10 men. We suffered a lot in the last 10 minutes."

Ex-Republic of Ireland striker Morrison was the co-commentator for BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra: "I've never seen it before where you get booked twice in the space of five seconds. Arsenal do have a case [to be angry]."

Former Gunners defender Martin Keown on BT Sport thought it was unfair on Martinelli as he did not know he was going to be booked for the first foul.

He said: "It's within the laws of the game but I thought it was pedantic from the referee.

"There's a moral issue with what the referee has done. It doesn't feel sporting."

He thought Oliver should have stopped play after the first foul, although fellow pundit Joleon Lescott pointed out the referee did not know the Brazilian was going to commit another foul before he got a chance to book him.

Since Arteta's first game in charge of Arsenal in December 2019, the Gunners have received 15 red cards, seven more than any other Premier League side.

"To win football matches like that [with 10 men] is extremely difficult and we have to stop it," said Arteta. "We've been talking about it. I have run out of ideas [about how to stop it], I think.

"We need to play with 11 players in the last 16 games and that is key. To win games with 10 men is very unlikely."

Wolves boss Bruno Lage had another issue with referee Oliver, in awarding Arsenal's goal.

Gabriel poked home from close range from Alexandre Lacazette's flick-on but Lage said: "I saw the Arsenal goal and the striker kicked Jose Sa's hand.

"It's clear, so clear. When you look at the image it's a strange decision."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60342552
 
Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

<b>Second-half strikes from Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka lifted Arsenal to victory over Brentford as the Gunners moved to within a point of the top four.</b>

England international Smith Rowe ran at the Brentford defence and curled a measured right-footed shot past David Raya to send his side on their way to a second successive win.

His goal came following a first half in which Arsenal had two penalty appeals turned down.

Bukayo Saka capped a satisfying afternoon for Mikel Arteta's side when he slotted home, although Brentford felt they should have had a free-kick for a foul on Pontus Jansson in the build-up.

Brentford were superb when they beat Arsenal on the opening night of the season and, while Christian Norgaard struck an injury-time consolation, the Bees' winless run extended to seven games.

Victory moves Arsenal level on points with fifth-placed West Ham, who drew at Newcastle earlier on Saturday, and within a point of Manchester United in fourth with two games in hand on the Red Devils.

Having not played since beating Wolves on 10 February, Arsenal started brightly as Alexandre Lacazette had a goal disallowed for offside with Martin Odegaard and Saka both firing wide.

The main talking point from the first half, however, centred on Jon Moss after the referee waved away the home side's appeals following Kristoffer Ajer's challenge on the French striker in the box.

The Gunners had another shout for a spot-kick when Cedric Soares' shot struck Yoane Wissa's arm, but again it was turned down following a VAR check.

But increasing frustration turned to elation three minutes after the restart when Smith Rowe collected Lacazette's pass and drove at the visiting defence before finishing confidently.

After scoring twice last term, it was a ninth goal of the season - and first of 2022 - for Smith Rowe, who was recalled to Arteta's line-up to replace the suspended Gabriel Martinelli.

Only Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Raheem Sterling have scored more league goals than Smith Rowe.

Needing to chase the game, Brentford improved slightly, but with top scorer Ivan Toney still injured they were unable to sufficiently trouble the home side's defence.

And Arsenal punished them again when Thomas Partey found Saka, whose shot flew past Raya and went in off the post.

With seconds remaining, the visitors found the target when Norgaard's strike stood after a VAR review for offside. But there was not enough time for Thomas Frank's side to push for the leveller.

Brentford are now without a win since 2 January and sit 14th - six points clear of relegation and having played more games than each of the six teams below them.
 
Not it europe, out of both cups. playing practically once a week. its Top 4 finish or manager needs to go, no excuses. All other teams are either in europe or still in FA cup. The lack of a half decent striker in end maybe teams downfall.
 
What a huge victory!!!! Haven't celebrated like that in a long time :akhtar

Pepe and Nketiah absolutely changed the game. Brilliant performances from Odegaard and Partey, we totally deserved that win.

1 point behind 4th place United with 2 games in hand. We are coming for that top 4.
 
<b>Arsenal financial results: Gunners announce record £107.3m loss for 2020-21</b>

Arsenal have announced a record loss of more than £100m for the year ending 31 May, 2021.

After losses of less than £50m during the previous year, Arsenal posted post-tax losses of £107.3m, the biggest in the club's history.

The Gunners say as much as £85m of their losses are attributable to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Arsenal played just two games in front of a crowd at their Emirates Stadium during the 2020-21 season.

As a result, matchday revenue fell by £75m to £3.8m.

Overall wage costs came in at £244m - a near £10m increase from 2020 - despite Arsenal's first-team players and head coach Mikel Arteta having agreed to a voluntary pay cut of 12.5% to help with the financial impact of the pandemic.

As a result of 55 redundancies, the club incurred exceptional costs of £6.7m while the total profit on player sales earned the club £11.8m compared to £60.1m in 2020.

Arsenal's latest financial results were released just hours after they announced a 4% rise in ticket prices for the 2022-23 season to deal with "rising costs".

"We recognise that no-one welcomes price increases, and this decision has not been taken lightly," a club statement read.

"Ultimately in the face of continued rising costs, we need to continue to drive growth in all our revenue streams - including matchday - as part of our aim to return our finances to a break-even position in the medium term."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60562771
 
Nervy last few minutes but 3 really fantastic goals. 3-2 win and into the top 4 with 2 (soon to be 3) games in hand over United.
 
Arsenal climbed into the Champions League places with an entertaining victory over lowly Watford in a game with five quality goals.

The Hornets, who remain in the relegation zone, thought they had taken the lead within the first 20 seconds as Emmanuel Dennis slotted home but he was offside.

Martin Odegaard put Arsenal ahead not long afterwards after flicking the ball into the path of Bukayo Saka and then running into the centre to slot in Saka's cross.

Watford levelled with the best individual goal of the game, Cucho Hernandez's acrobatic flying volley from Kiko Femenia's cross.

The visitors restored their lead when Saka won the ball off Tom Cleverley and found Alexandre Lacazette, who rolled the ball back into Saka's path to fire into the top corner.

England star Saka was involved again in the third goal as his quick throw-in set up a move with Lacazette laying the ball off to Gabriel Martinelli to finish.

They looked as if they were cruising, and Eddie Nketiah hit the post, before Moussa Sissoko controlled the ball on his chest and beat Ben White before slotting in.

That set up a tense finale but Watford did not manage a clear-cut chance to equalise.

Arsenal move above Manchester United into fourth spot for a couple of hours at least, with United facing Manchester City in the derby.

Watford, who blow hot and cold too often, remain three points off safety.

BBC
 
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