Arsenal FC | 2022/23 Season

[Firebat]

Not to worry Pakistan fans, Arsenal are winning and playing brilliantly.

 

[Rana]

Arsenal hanging on so far this half

 

[Rana]

Jesus bottling every chance

Come on man!

 

[Rana]

All the bottled chances by Jesus could come back to haunt us now

 

[MenInG]

Premier League leaders Arsenal dropped points for only the second time this season as Stuart Armstrong's second-half equaliser earned Southampton a hard-earned point at St Mary's.

Armstrong finished off a flowing team move involving Adam Armstrong and Mohamed Elyounoussi to stretch Saints' unbeaten league run to three matches.

Granit Xhaka had given the Gunners an early lead with his second goal in as many games, sweeping the ball first time into the roof of the net from Ben White's low delivery.

The effervescent Gabriel Martinelli had a shot deflected wide and Gabriel Jesus was denied by Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu as the visitors threatened to double their advantage before the interval.

Ralph Hasenhuttl's team improved in the second half but needed a superb last-ditch challenge from Elyounoussi to deny Jesus, who had broken clear of the Southampton defence.

Martin Odegaard thought he had put Arsenal back ahead not long after Armstrong's equaliser, but the Norwegian's effort was disallowed after the ball had gone out of play in the build-up.

The result leaves Mikel Arteta's team two points clear of second-placed Manchester City, while Saints stay in 15th - three points clear of the relegation zone.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Just like leeds last week good performance last week and a mediocre second half. Already the team looks tired, lack of decent depth on bench is clear. il say this again players like Eddie as 1st choice back up striker is simply not good enough..

The lack of decent cover for partey / xhaka as well means energy levels are just flagging in 2nd half.

Arsenal need to play the kids in PSV and give the 1st teamers proper rest now before Forrest game.

 

[topspin]

Just like leeds last week good performance last week and a mediocre second half. Already the team looks tired, lack of decent depth on bench is clear. il say this again players like Eddie as 1st choice back up striker is simply not good enough..

The lack of decent cover for partey / xhaka as well means energy levels are just flagging in 2nd half.

Arsenal need to play the kids in PSV and give the 1st teamers proper rest now before Forrest game.

Agreed. Arsenal looked simply jaded. They haven't had the energy to score multiple goals in recent games.

The two players which looked really jaded today were Jesus and Partey. The former missed a few chances where defenders were able to get close to him. In those situations, you'd expect him to race away from them.

Later in the second half, there were two really poor and tired passes from Partey.

It shows how lucky we were to get 3 points against Leeds when we could've easily lost 3-1 (at least).

I don't know why Arteta decided to play a strong team against PSV.

Luckily Spurs lost points to a non big 6 side today. I was relieved to see them lost at home. Newcastle might be the dark horses for the top 4 race.

 

[Rana]

Agreed. Arsenal looked simply jaded. They haven't had the energy to score multiple goals in recent games.

The two players which looked really jaded today were Jesus and Partey. The former missed a few chances where defenders were able to get close to him. In those situations, you'd expect him to race away from them.

Later in the second half, there were two really poor and tired passes from Partey.

It shows how lucky we were to get 3 points against Leeds when we could've easily lost 3-1 (at least).

I don't know why Arteta decided to play a strong team against PSV.

Luckily Spurs lost points to a non big 6 side today. I was relieved to see them lost at home. Newcastle might be the dark horses for the top 4 race.

Newcastle are doing the transfer market in a very smart way

I wouldn’t rule out their owners monitoring players like Saka and Martinelli who have not yet committed to long term future at Arsenal. Both players can get hefty wage packages at Newcastle and a gaurenteed first team spot in a side that will contest for top 4

 

[topspin]

The ref was appalling though.

Gave Saka a yellow for "simulation" even though it was a clear foul.

Southampton played proper dirty with their man handling of our players, particularly with Jesus.

Also, on another day we could've had two penalties.

The refereeing was shocking and even though Arsenal got tired, Southampton were fortunate to get a point as they hardly created anything let alone threaten the goal much.

 

[topspin]

Newcastle are doing the transfer market in a very smart way

I wouldn’t rule out their owners monitoring players like Saka and Martinelli who have not yet committed to long term future at Arsenal. Both players can get hefty wage packages at Newcastle and a gaurenteed first team spot in a side that will contest for top 4

I can see Martinelli maybe moving to Newcastle but not Saka.

I just hope Arsenal will offer these two + Saliba £200,000 p.w. contracts to keep them at the club. They're all brilliant.

 

[topspin]

The 3 most important additions that Arsenal need to make:

They need a CB who can compete with the error prone Gabriel.

They need a better back up than Nketiah for Jesus in the centre forward position.

We need to replace Lokonga in January. I'd be tempted to offer Leicester or Villa a swap deal for Tielemans or Luiz respectively.

They need a right wing forward who can cover for Saka. Marquinhos is still raw and at the same phase when Martinelli was new to the club. He'll shine through I'm sure in two-three years time because he's very gifted.

 

[Amjid Javed]

The 3 most important additions that Arsenal need to make:

They need a CB who can compete with the error prone Gabriel.

They need a better back up than Nketiah for Jesus in the centre forward position.

We need to replace Lokonga in January. I'd be tempted to offer Leicester or Villa a swap deal for Tielemans or Luiz respectively.

They need a right wing forward who can cover for Saka. Marquinhos is still raw and at the same phase when Martinelli was new to the club. He'll shine through I'm sure in two-three years time because he's very gifted.

These are all things i said at start of season. Also a reason why ive not got carried away with start of season.

1 serious injury to Jesus or Partey and we are in huge trouble.

We need another striker / right winger (we went after Raphina so, we should be looking at others).

Midfield - lakonga / Elneny arent good enough and this should have been Addressed in the summer. I think we should be looking at better players then Tielemens and Luiz.

Also yeah we defo need another CB as holding ad back up isnt great and Gabriel isnt most realiable.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Starting to see some people Questioning Gabriel Jesus in last few games online and different forums. All players have dips in form, will at times miss chances or be unlucky.

Reality is Jesus is not a 25 goal a season striker, so when we signed him there should have been no expectation on that. Will he get 20 goals this season in all competitions? 15+ in the premier league? Yes i think he can.

Jesus at times didnt get enough game at Man city, Yes at Arsenal he will be the main man, yes he will start every week. Thats not something hes use to, that can be physically tough once your playing your 7th or 8th game in a row. Jesus will be at the World cup so means he going to not get much of a break. That means the club needs to have an option to play someone else through the middle in games in the PL at times or have someone else to bring off the bench to ease the burden. Having Just Eddie Nketiah as the sole option as replacement is not sufficient cover in my opinion.

So every time Jesus misses a chance like today or looks a little off the pace at times, the reality is lack of other options are just making the Dip in form / actual real output of the player look worse then what it is.

Arteta needs to address this in January.

 

[topspin]

Starting to see some people Questioning Gabriel Jesus in last few games online and different forums. All players have dips in form, will at times miss chances or be unlucky.

Reality is Jesus is not a 25 goal a season striker, so when we signed him there should have been no expectation on that. Will he get 20 goals this season in all competitions? 15+ in the premier league? Yes i think he can.

Jesus at times didnt get enough game at Man city, Yes at Arsenal he will be the main man, yes he will start every week. Thats not something hes use to, that can be physically tough once your playing your 7th or 8th game in a row. Jesus will be at the World cup so means he going to not get much of a break. That means the club needs to have an option to play someone else through the middle in games in the PL at times or have someone else to bring off the bench to ease the burden. Having Just Eddie Nketiah as the sole option as replacement is not sufficient cover in my opinion.

So every time Jesus misses a chance like today or looks a little off the pace at times, the reality is lack of other options are just making the Dip in form / actual real output of the player look worse then what it is.

Arteta needs to address this in January.

I'm starting to think the same.

I'm not sure he'll make it to even 20 PL goals this season for two reasons:

1. He's not clinical enough
2. At times he's too deep

I can see why Pep chose a false 9 as opposed to giving him a long run as a centre forward.

Having said all that, Jesus is still our best player. His dribbling, pressing and movement off the ball i.e. work rate makes him a complete player. I just wonder whether he's a proper number 9 who's ruthless in front of goal to consistently score 20+ in the PL each season like Kane does.

 

[topspin]

These are all things i said at start of season. Also a reason why ive not got carried away with start of season.

1 serious injury to Jesus or Partey and we are in huge trouble.

We need another striker / right winger (we went after Raphina so, we should be looking at others).

Midfield - lakonga / Elneny arent good enough and this should have been Addressed in the summer. I think we should be looking at better players then Tielemens and Luiz.

Also yeah we defo need another CB as holding ad back up isnt great and Gabriel isnt most realiable.

I think Xhaka and Partey are doing a great job. Lets be smart with spending and settle with a superior back up instead of relying on Lokonga and Elneny. We should priortise spending in other areas (forwards and CB).

I agree we're in serious trouble if Jesus and Partey are injured. The latter is our most important player because he's not only the best in his position but also because the second string DMs are nowhere near as good. They're ordinary.

The very reason why we lost to Man U was because of the absence of Partey. Lokonga's positioning was horrendous for 2 of the goals conceded in that game

Jesus is our best player but Nketiah isn't as hopeless as Lokonga/Elneny.

 

[topspin]

I think Xhaka and Partey are doing a great job. Lets be smart with spending and settle with a superior back up instead of relying on Lokonga and Elneny. We should priortise spending in other areas (forwards and CB).

I agree we're in serious trouble if Jesus and Partey are injured. The latter is our most important player because he's not only the best in his position but also because the second string DMs are nowhere near as good. They're ordinary.

The very reason why we lost to Man U was because of the absence of Partey. Lokonga's positioning was horrendous for 2 of the goals conceded in that game

Jesus is our best player but Nketiah isn't as hopeless as Lokonga/Elneny.

Jesus is our best player but if he gets injured Nketiah isn't as hopeless as Lokonga/Elneny in their respective positions*

 

[Firebat]

Arsenal have cooled their interest in Eintracht Frankfurt's French defender Evan Ndicka, 23, after handing a new deal to 24-year-old Brazil international Gabriel Magalhaes. (Express)

 

[Amjid Javed]

I think Xhaka and Partey are doing a great job. Lets be smart with spending and settle with a superior back up instead of relying on Lokonga and Elneny. We should priortise spending in other areas (forwards and CB).

I agree we're in serious trouble if Jesus and Partey are injured. The latter is our most important player because he's not only the best in his position but also because the second string DMs are nowhere near as good. They're ordinary.

The very reason why we lost to Man U was because of the absence of Partey. Lokonga's positioning was horrendous for 2 of the goals conceded in that game

Jesus is our best player but Nketiah isn't as hopeless as Lokonga/Elneny.

I dont really like logic of back up players in midfield, i think we need similar quality players to Partey and xhaka, we need competition for places, midfield is so important in regards to controlling games and as soon as you remove either player the quality drops to much. Also with energy levels dropping in 2nd half of games we need to be able to change things up in midfield in games, instead what we are getting is Arteta making usual subs at usual times as he doesnt trust certain players to cover in those positions. we need to be in a situation where if partey or xhaka are off colour they can be put on the bench.

 

[topspin]

I dont really like logic of back up players in midfield, i think we need similar quality players to Partey and xhaka, we need competition for places, midfield is so important in regards to controlling games and as soon as you remove either player the quality drops to much. Also with energy levels dropping in 2nd half of games we need to be able to change things up in midfield in games, instead what we are getting is Arteta making usual subs at usual times as he doesnt trust certain players to cover in those positions. we need to be in a situation where if partey or xhaka are off colour they can be put on the bench.

In the ideal world, I fully agree with you but I just don't know whether Kroenke would be happy to give Arteta £40m-£60m to spend on average for a player each in 4 or 5 positions.

 

[Amjid Javed]

In the ideal world, I fully agree with you but I just don't know whether Kroenke would be happy to give Arteta £40m-£60m to spend on average for a player each in 4 or 5 positions.

Looking at squad now there are probably 3 or 4 more players we need to complete the squad so if kronkes are going to spend its got to be quality additions especially if we make top 4 and start playing CL again. I dont think any team apart from City have the luxury of two players in each position.

We need to replace both Eleneny / Lakonga. Lakonga isnt good enough and whilst people will say Elneny is a honest squad player, reality is hes 1st choice back up when fit.

So Arsenal need to either splash the cash on a top class midfielder, find a player on a free transfer (Top quality) or some how find a player who wont cost much put is quality. If we bought in a top class player, then we could get away with a young 4th choice player.

Striker or right winger. We have no plan B and we have no Saka back up. So that needs to be addressed. Then the squad would pretty much be covered in all areas.

Id like to see Gabriel and holding gone and replaced but that wont happen.

Im regards to Kronkes spending, in the entire time they have been here they have never backed any manager in January when we have been in a strong position to make top 4 or push for title. so this January we will see if the clubs happy to make top 4 or got real ambition.

Also if Edu is smart he should be working on transfers now because unless we some hoe lose next 3 games, we should be in top 3 going into WC break. its obvious what we need so Edu should already be doing informal talks if they have earmarked players to bring in.

we cant afford usual rubbish of haggling all TW and then at end of window saying oh we tried, oh we didnt want to over spend.

January is all on Edu and kronkes because last jan they messed it up and cost us top 4.

2 players in, if we get scouting right and discussions right should not be an issue.

We play newcastle, spurs and united in Jan and could even have rearranged city game in Jan, so we cant afford a Jan like we had last season.

 

[topspin]

Looking at squad now there are probably 3 or 4 more players we need to complete the squad so if kronkes are going to spend its got to be quality additions especially if we make top 4 and start playing CL again. I dont think any team apart from City have the luxury of two players in each position.

We need to replace both Eleneny / Lakonga. Lakonga isnt good enough and whilst people will say Elneny is a honest squad player, reality is hes 1st choice back up when fit.

So Arsenal need to either splash the cash on a top class midfielder, find a player on a free transfer (Top quality) or some how find a player who wont cost much put is quality. If we bought in a top class player, then we could get away with a young 4th choice player.

Striker or right winger. We have no plan B and we have no Saka back up. So that needs to be addressed. Then the squad would pretty much be covered in all areas.

Id like to see Gabriel and holding gone and replaced but that wont happen.

Im regards to Kronkes spending, in the entire time they have been here they have never backed any manager in January when we have been in a strong position to make top 4 or push for title. so this January we will see if the clubs happy to make top 4 or got real ambition.

Also if Edu is smart he should be working on transfers now because unless we some hoe lose next 3 games, we should be in top 3 going into WC break. its obvious what we need so Edu should already be doing informal talks if they have earmarked players to bring in.

we cant afford usual rubbish of haggling all TW and then at end of window saying oh we tried, oh we didnt want to over spend.

January is all on Edu and kronkes because last jan they messed it up and cost us top 4.

2 players in, if we get scouting right and discussions right should not be an issue.

We play newcastle, spurs and united in Jan and could even have rearranged city game in Jan, so we cant afford a Jan like we had last season.

What do you make of this:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/f...konga-Lazio-star-Sergej-Milinkovic-Savic.html

 

[Amjid Javed]

What do you make of this:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/f...konga-Lazio-star-Sergej-Milinkovic-Savic.html

100% id pack Lakonga's bags and send him to Lazio. This would be a statement signing if Arsenal signs SMS.

 

[Firebat]

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has called on his side to earn the point required at PSV Eindhoven on Thursday to finish top of Europa League Group A.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has called on his side to earn the point required at PSV Eindhoven on Thursday to finish top of Europa League Group A.

I hope we rest key players today, to many key players are already being over used. We see all these academy players on bench in various games not being used. Our so called squaf depth isnt really there or manager doesnt trust these youth players.

New signings needed in january.

 

[Amjid Javed]

2-0 PSV - Performance has been shocking so far, team lacking energy and its clearly obvious squad is now starting to be exposed for lack of depth.

Performances in last 5 games has been pretty average.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Reality time starting to kick in with the squad - We are basically depending on around 14 players right now. We have strengthened are 1st X1 and when they play its fine. Already the squads looking like its beginning to run on fumes.

Ramsdale / Tomi / Tierney / Saliba / white / Zinny / Xhaka / partey / oddegard / Vieira / saka / Martinelli / Jesus / ESR (Injured)

Holding / lakonga / Elneny (injured) / cedric / Eddie / Nelson are simply not good enough. Fans can argue a case for some of these but reality is when these guys come in quality drops.

Marquinhos is to raw right now, im sure he will come good though.

Turner is a back up keeper - He does what a back up keep does.

we could be playing twice as many games in 2nd half of season as we are now, January signings or recalling players from loans is a must.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Lets see if anyone defends Eddie tonight, once again shows hes not good enough as 1st back up striker.

 

[topspin]

2-0 PSV - Performance has been shocking so far, team lacking energy and its clearly obvious squad is now starting to be exposed for lack of depth.

Performances in last 5 games has been pretty average.

It's been really poor in the last 2 weeks. I worry about this team going into Sunday's game and then against our remaining fixtures (Chelsea and Wolves) before the WC.

 

[topspin]

Lets see if anyone defends Eddie tonight, once again shows hes not good enough as 1st back up striker.

His finishing hasn't good of late.

We do need someone better as 1st back up. I agree.

 

[topspin]

Lets see if anyone defends Eddie tonight, once again shows hes not good enough as 1st back up striker.

We've already made it through to the next round so I was puzzled to see 4 of our regulars (Saliba, Xhaka, Odegaard and Martinelli) starting for us.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

We've already made it through to the next round so I was puzzled to see 4 of our regulars (Saliba, Xhaka, Odegaard and Martinelli) starting for us.

There's a play-off if second and it backfired

 

[Amjid Javed]

It's been really poor in the last 2 weeks. I worry about this team going into Sunday's game and then against our remaining fixtures (Chelsea and Wolves) before the WC.

Im worried we could drop points in all 3 of our remaining PL fixtures now we are just limping to the world cup break now with a squad lack depth.

 

[Amjid Javed]

His finishing hasn't good of late.

We do need someone better as 1st back up. I agree.

A new striker or goal scoring winger is a must.

 

[Amjid Javed]

We've already made it through to the next round so I was puzzled to see 4 of our regulars (Saliba, Xhaka, Odegaard and Martinelli) starting for us.

Bad selections and we running players into the ground, not a good sign.

 

[topspin]

Im worried we could drop points in all 3 of our remaining PL fixtures now we are just limping to the world cup break now with a squad lack depth.

Bad selections and we running players into the ground, not a good sign.

We're literally running on fumes.

I won't be surprised if we don't beat Forest on Sunday.

Imagine if we drop points at home against the bottom of the table side.

 

[topspin]

Bad selections and we running players into the ground, not a good sign.

Arteta hasn't managed the squad rotations well for the Europa games.

When you're playing on Thursday, it's even more important to rest your players. We didn't to play any regulars today.

We're good enough to get a draw in our final game which is at home.

 

[Firebat]

Premier League leaders Arsenal missed a chance to seal top spot in Europa League Group A as they lost to PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands.

The Gunners only needed a point to go straight through to the last 16 next March.

But Joey Veerman's first-time finish from 16 yards and a header by substitute Luuk de Jong - after a mistake by keeper Aaron Ramsdale on his European debut - saw Mikel Arteta's side lose in Europe for the first time this season.

PSV, managed by former Manchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy, also had three goals ruled out for offside as Arsenal were well beaten.

The Gunners need to beat Zurich in their final group game next Thursday at Emirates Stadium (20:00 GMT) to guarantee a place in the last 16.

If they fail to win and PSV beat Bodo/Glimt in Norway, Arsenal will face two extra games in the knockout round playoffs, where teams that finish third in the Champions League group stage, including Barcelona, drop into.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Strongest starting After January transfer window closed last season

Ramsdale
Tomi
Gabriel
white
Tierney
Xhaka
Partey
Saka
Martinelli
Laca

Subs
Leno
Pepe
Elneny
ESR
Tavares
holding
Cedric
Elneny
Hutchinson

Leno and ESR could easily slot into 1st 11. So essentially 13 dependable players. Rest were either not trusted by manager or simply not good enough.

- So we have upgrade laca to Jesus.
- Brought Saliba into strengthen defence, - Upgrade Tavares to Zinny.
- Replaced Vieira with Pepe.

So weve gone form 13 dependable players to maybe 14 / 15. We are in 4 competitions this year.

 

[Amjid Javed]

We're literally running on fumes.

I won't be surprised if we don't beat Forest on Sunday.

Imagine if we drop points at home against the bottom of the table side.

we did that last season vs burnley.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Arteta hasn't managed the squad rotations well for the Europa games.

When you're playing on Thursday, it's even more important to rest your players. We didn't to play any regulars today.

We're good enough to get a draw in our final game which is at home.

100% we havent rotated well.

have a look at my post of squad we had in Jan after TW closed and now. We have improved dependable squad players by about 1 or 2 players. Yeah we have strengthened 1st time. But this was always my worry with squad.

 

[Firebat]

One person has died and at least five others have been injured - some seriously - in a stabbing in a supermarket near the Italian city of Milan, police have said.

Local media reported that a 30-year-old supermarket cashier died after a man started attacking people in Assago.

Among the injured was Pablo Mari, a football player on loan from Arsenal.

A 46-year-old suspect has been detained. Police have ruled out any terrorist motive.

Reports say the attacker has had mental health problems and had grabbed the weapon from the supermarket shelves.

The man started stabbing people at random at about 18:30 local time (16:30 GMT) at a Carrefour in a local shopping centre.

 

[Firebat]

Shakhtar Donetsk sporting director Carlo Nicolini says Arsenal and Manchester City are among a number of club interested in 21-year-old Ukraine forward Mykhaylo Mudryk, who would cost more than the 100m euros Manchester United paid Ajax for Brazil forward Antony. (Calciomercato.it, via Mirror)

 

[MenInG]

One person has died and at least five others have been injured - some seriously - in a stabbing in a supermarket near the Italian city of Milan, police have said.

Local media reported that a 30-year-old supermarket cashier died after a man started attacking people in Assago.

Among the injured was Pablo Mari, a football player on loan from Arsenal.

A 46-year-old suspect has been detained. Police have ruled out any terrorist motive.

Reports say the attacker has had mental health problems and had grabbed the weapon from the supermarket shelves.

The man started stabbing people at random at about 18:30 local time (16:30 GMT) at a Carrefour in a local shopping centre.

One person has died and at least five others have been injured - some seriously - in a stabbing in a supermarket near the Italian city of Milan, police have said.

Local media reported that a 30-year-old supermarket cashier died after a man started attacking people in Assago.

Among the injured was Pablo Mari, a football player on loan from Arsenal.

A 46-year-old suspect has been detained. Police have ruled out any terrorist motive.

Reports say the attacker has had mental health problems and had grabbed the weapon from the supermarket shelves.

The man started stabbing people at random at about 18:30 local time (16:30 GMT) at a Carrefour in a local shopping centre.

Screams were reportedly heard inside the centre, as terrified visitors tried to flee in panic.

The attacker is reported to have been detained by several customers and handed over to police who arrived at the scene.

Mari, a 29-year-old Spanish defender, suffered a stab wound to the back - but his injuries are not life-threatening. His agent, Arturo Canales, told the BBC that the star was conscious and no vital organs had been affected.

Monza CEO Adriano Galliani told Sky Italy that Mari had been shopping with his wife and young son when the attack took place.

"He had his son in a trolley and his wife next to him. He didn't notice anything. He then felt something painful in his back, which was the criminal's knife," Mr Galliani said.

"Unfortunately, he also saw the criminal stab someone in the throat. He saw everything that happened and it was deeply disturbing," Galliani added.

While the executive said the defender had suffered a "fairly deep wound on his back", he said his life was not in danger and that he "should recover quickly".

Mari joined Arsenal from Brazilian side Flamengo in January 2020. He has only played 19 times for the Gunners and is currently on loan with top flight Italian club Monza.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: "I just found out. I know Edu [Arsenal technical director] has been in touch with his relatives. He's in hospital but he seems to be okay."

BBC

 

[MenInG]

Mikel Arteta says ‘it’s worrying’ to see his players’ performance levels drop after suffering defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Europa League.

The Gunners boss admitted his side was ‘extremely poor’ as they went down 2-0 to the Dutch giants on Thursday night – a game where they needed to avoid defeat to ensure of top spot in Group A.

A place secured in the Round of 32 would have meant avoiding an extra game for finishing second, and facing a Champions League dropout.

Arteta has called on his players to get their momentum back and reach the performance levels expected, with Nottingham Forest their next opponent in the Premier League fresh from their victory over Liverpool last time out.

“Today’s the first defeat after a long period. It’s time to reset, to analyse what happened,” he told Arsenal.com.

“Congratulations to PSV – they were the better team and they deserved to win the game. There’s no question about that. We were nowhere near our level today, especially the way we competed.

“They were on top of that. Last week it was all ours and today it was very different.

“When that happens against top teams, it’s very difficult to win. Apart from any other aspects, today we were extremely poor.

“We have periods where we’ve been excellent and periods where we’ve suffered. For sure, we haven’t had the consistency for 95 minutes to maintain the level we want.

“That’s the next challenge and the next aim for this team. Today I think it was very different, right from the beginning.

“Even though we had periods where we controlled the game, I didn’t feel that we had the threat and the aggression that we’ve been playing at.

“That was worrying. In the second-half, the moment something went wrong, we just went down and we didn’t really find moments to give us some hope to react and get something out of the game.”

Next up for Arsenal is Nottingham Forest who defeated Liverpool last Saturday

The Gunners have congested fixture schedule and don’t have to wait long to put their performances right.

Their next clash comes just a few days away against Nottingham Forest, who recently defeated Liverpool 1-0 at the City Ground.

Arteta and his side have set their standards high, and dropped their first points domestically in the 1-1 draw against Southampton at the weekend.

The Spaniard will need to rally his troops to get them back to their best, with the aim to return to winning ways very quickly with defending champions Man City hot on their heels.

 

[MenInG]

Arsenal's Pablo Marí says he feels "lucky" to have escaped life-threatening injuries after being stabbed and seeing "a person die in front of me" in an Italian supermarket.

Milan's Niguarda hospital performed surgery to reconstruct two injured muscles in Marí's back.

Supermarket employee Luis Fernando Ruggieri, 47, has been named as the man killed in Thursday's attack in Milan.

Another employee was left injured along with four customers, including Marí.

Ruggieri had worked at the Carrefour supermarket for three years - all 12 of the company's shops in Italy observed a minute's silence for him on Friday.

Carrefour said knives would be removed from store displays following talks with the Milan prosecutor's office and further safety measures may follow.

The mayor of the Milan suburb of Assago, where the fatal stabbing happened, described it as a day of mourning and flags were lowered to half-mast.

The 46-year-old suspect is being treated under guard in a psychiatric ward at San Paolo hospital in Milan.

Mari, 29, who is on loan at Monza from Arsenal, had been walking around the supermarket with his wife and son when he was stabbed in the back, reports Gazzetta dello Sport.

"After the hard moment we experienced yesterday, both my family and I want to communicate that fortunately we are all fine despite the circumstances," Mari wrote on Twitter on Friday afternoon, alongside a picture from his hospital bed.

"We want to thank all the messages of support and affection that we are receiving.

"In addition, we want to send our condolences and all our strength to the family and friends of the deceased person, and we sincerely wish that all injured people recover as soon as possible."

Monza said Marí's surgery went well, adding that he will remain in hospital for two or three days before starting the rehabilitation process.

"This type of muscle injury usually requires two months of rest before one can resume physical activities," the club said.

Italian outlet Corriere della Sera reported that former Napoli player Massimo Tarantino was among those who immobilised and disarmed the attacker before police arrived.

"I'm not a hero. I didn't do anything special," said 51-year-old Tarantino.

Monza chief executive Adriano Galliani said the club have asked the Italian football league to postpone Monday's Serie A match at home to Bologna scheduled for Monday because the team is "in a total state of shock".

"I'm happy with the outcome of the surgery, but we asked to postpone the next league game," Galliani told Gazzetta.

"Last night our players were crying. The boys are in shock. We do not know if our request will be accepted or not."

Marí joined Arsenal from Brazilian side Flamengo in January 2020 and played 19 times for the Gunners before joining Udinese on loan at the start of the year.

He was then loaned to newly promoted Monza in August.

BBC

 

[SpiritOf1903]

They'll mess up against Forest too. Lack of squad and stupid selections will cost them. Second strung should've got a draw and be capable of beating Zürich

 

[topspin]

4-0 up!
[MENTION=16]Amjid Javed[/MENTION] [MENTION=138771]Firebat[/MENTION] [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] [MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION]

 

[Amjid Javed]

4-0 up!
[MENTION=16]Amjid Javed[/MENTION] [MENTION=138771]Firebat[/MENTION] [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] [MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION]

Good return to form today. Hope Saka's injury isnt to serious. Glad Nelson has taken his chance.

looks like Parteys learn to shoot this season.

With chelsea / liverpool losing means are top 4 chances are getting better.

 

[PakLFC]

Arsenal can not do anymore then win versus what is put in front of them. They easily took care of Nottingham Forest who in return beat the mighty Liverpool just a few days back. This tells us of the current gap between Liverpool and Arsenal now. These days Liverpool are what Arsenal have been over the past few seasons.

 

[MenInG]

Arsenal bounced back from Thursday's Europa League loss to PSV Eindhoven by returning to the top of the Premier League table with an emphatic win over Nottingham Forest. (5-0)

Gabriel Martinelli headed the Gunners in front early on before England's Bukayo Saka - who set up the opener - was forced off with an injury.

Reiss Nelson, Saka's replacement, doubled the lead four minutes after the restart with his first Arsenal goal since November 2020 before quickly adding his second.

Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard goals added gloss to the scoreline as Arsenal restored their two-point lead over Manchester City at the summit, with Forest still bottom after an eighth defeat of the season.

Saka was on the receiving end of Renan Lodi's heavy challenge in the opening minute, and while he recovered to tee up Martinelli, the 21-year-old twice required treatment before being taken off in the 27th minute.

The sight of Saka heading straight down to the tunnel after being substituted will concern England fans just three weeks out from the start of the World Cup,although Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said there was no update on his condition in his post-match remarks.

While Saka looked bright before being withdrawn, Nelson seized an opportunity to shine on his first Premier League appearance since the opening match of last season.

The 22-year-old, who spent the 2021-22 campaign on loan at Feyenoord, put daylight between the teams when he fired home at the second attempt after Dean Henderson saved his initial shot.

Having had to wait almost two years for an Arsenal goal, Nelson scored his second in the space of three minutes when he poked a Gabriel Jesus cross into the far corner.

Nelson then turned provider, teeing up Partey, who lashed a superb right-footed shot into Henderson's top corner before Odegaard hammered home a fifth to cap a dominant Arsenal display.

Forest collapse in second half
For Forest, it was a sobering defeat after the ecstasy of their shock win over Liverpool last week.

Sights of the Arsenal goal were rare for the visitors in the first half, with Remo Freuler firing a long-range shot straight at Aaron Ramsdale and Jesse Lingard seeing his effort blocked after Gabriel Magalhaes gifted him the ball.

Trailing by a single goal at the break, Forest boss Steve Cooper will be disappointed with how his side collapsed in the early stages of the second half.

However, with Forest having picked up just two points on the road this season, taking something away from Emirates Stadium was always going to be a big ask.

But they will look to regroup quickly with home games against Brentford and Crystal Palace before the season breaks for the World Cup.

BBC

 

[MenInG]

'Hopefully we can go all the way'

FT: Arsenal 5-0 Nottingham Forest

Arsenal

Arsenal goalscorer Reiss Nelson: "It was amazing you know, we had a bit of a slow start after the goal but everyone got into the game and it was great to play in.

"Couldn’t have got gone much better than that for me after coming on. Delighted with the goals and the assist. I have been training for my chance and I got it and tried my best to take it."

On Bukayo Saka's injury: "Of course, it is a huge shame for Arsenal and the nation and we will go and check now and see how he is is. He’s a great boy and it’s great to have him in the team.

"We are just trying to do well for the gaffer and the team. We're top now and it's nice, hopefully we can go all the way.

On Pablo Mari: "We found out after the game, it was really bad and unfortunate and some of the lads wished him well on the phone. He is a great guy and we wish him well in his recovery."

 

[Amjid Javed]

Interesting that when attacking subs were made both Nelson and Vieira came on before Eddie. I think Eddies lackluster performances recently have put him down the pecking order of selection now.

 

[Rana]

Great win

Great result at home. About time we make the Emirates a daunting venue for the opposition

 

[MenInG]

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he hopes the injury sustained by Bukayo Saka in Sunday's win over Nottingham Forest will not threaten the player's World Cup participation with England.

Saka was forced off during Arsenal's 5-0 victory after being tackled by Forest full-back Renan Lodi.

The 21-year-old, England's men's player of the year, is expected to be a part of Gareth Southgate's squad for Qatar.

"Hopefully not," Arteta said when asked if Saka was a World Cup doubt.

"It was a bad kick. Right from the beginning he was limping, but I don't see any further than that. Let's see how he is in the next couple of days.

"He got kicked a few times and he wasn't comfortable."

England's first World Cup fixture is against Iran on Monday, 21 November.

Saka, who has scored four goals in 20 England caps, was tackled heavily by Lodi in the opening minute against Forest.

He recovered to set up Gabriel Martinelli's opening goal but twice required treatment before being withdrawn after 27 minutes.

Saka was replaced by Reiss Nelson, who marked his first Arsenal appearance since August 2021 with two goals and an assist.

Nelson has spent time on loan at Hoffenheim and Feyenoord since making his Arsenal debut in 2017 and Arteta praised the 22-year-old for capitalising on a rare opportunity to shine.

"I think not only me but all his team-mates, all the staff are so happy for him because he is a kid that is really changing, he's really evolving, he's really maturing," said Arteta.

"He's showing every day how much he wants it and today he had the opportunity and he did extremely well because it helped us win the game."

Asked how Nelson has changed, Arteta added: "How mature he is, how focused he is in his profession.

"The way he talks, the way he reflects, the way he respects decisions, the way he is challenging everybody every single day.

"He is a joy of a kid. We all want him to be successful and do well. What he has done today for the team is something he really merits."

Victory returned Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table, two points above Manchester City.

"It is great to be there, we knew we had a difficult game ahead of us," Arteta said.

"It is always difficult to win in this league and we knew it was a tricky game after travelling [for the Europa League in midweek]. We played really well and scored some fantastic goals."

BBC

 

[MenInG]

Sublime...

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[James]

Absolute thrashing. Thought it would be

 

[Mamoon]

Great to see Nelson play well, he has been a massive disappointment so far. Today was comfortably his best outing in an Arsenal shirt and hopefully it won’t be a flash in the pan and he can build on this.

If he can have a breakthrough season, it will take some pressure off Saka and Martinelli and he will almost be a new signing.

He cannot ask for a better coach than Arteta and he needs to grab his opportunities with both hands especially when he starts in Europa.

 

[Mamoon]

Interesting that when attacking subs were made both Nelson and Vieira came on before Eddie. I think Eddies lackluster performances recently have put him down the pecking order of selection now.

Nketiah is more of a pure number 9 who will play only if Jesus is out and when Arsenal are in dire need of a goal. Otherwise, Nelson and Vieira offer more in terms of overall play.

I don’t think it is a case of him falling down the pecking order. He is a very useful option to have on the bench.

 

[Firebat]

Arsenal's players have paid tribute to Pablo Mari as he recovers from being stabbed in an Italian supermarket.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Nketiah is more of a pure number 9 who will play only if Jesus is out and when Arsenal are in dire need of a goal. Otherwise, Nelson and Vieira offer more in terms of overall play.

I don’t think it is a case of him falling down the pecking order. He is a very useful option to have on the bench.

Jesus has played out wide on right if needed, he did that at city. So Eddie could have been used through middle. not that hes warranted that lately.

 

[Firebat]

Arteta is unbeaten at Stamford Bridge (W2 D1). If Arsenal win on Sunday, it will be the first time in our history we have won at Stamford Bridge 3 consecutive seasons.

Very important to get back that confidence and form against Forest before that match. Beating Zurich at home to claim top spot should be a non-event now.

 

[Firebat]

Arsenal are cautiously optimistic that Bukayo Saka did not suffer serious injury on Sunday and could even be available for Sunday's crunch game at Chelsea. (The Sun)

 

[WengerOut]

Just realised that Arsenal are yet to play Man City, Chelsea, Brighton and Newcastle this season. Latter 2 can be a banana peel situation. Man Utd have played them all and are only 8 points behind. Table does not tell half the story.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Arteta is unbeaten at Stamford Bridge (W2 D1). If Arsenal win on Sunday, it will be the first time in our history we have won at Stamford Bridge 3 consecutive seasons.

Very important to get back that confidence and form against Forest before that match. Beating Zurich at home to claim top spot should be a non-event now.

we do have a good recent record at stamford Bridge so team should have confidence on getting a good results. Before this 3 game unbeaten run away to Chelsea the record at stamford bridge from 2006 to 2019 was very poor to say the least.

If we come away unbeaten in sundays game thats a good thing, it will be a tough game still.

 

[topspin]

If Saka isn't fit, play Jesus on the right and the mighty Nketiah upfront just so we can see him win it again at Stamford Bridge.

 

[Firebat]

If Saka isn't fit, play Jesus on the right and the mighty Nketiah upfront just so we can see him win it again at Stamford Bridge.

To be honest if there is 1 game Nketiah should start it's at Stamford Bridge. He can warm the bench the rest of the season

 

[Amjid Javed]

1-0 vs Zurich and made hard work of game and could easily have been 1-1 near end and would have ended up 2nd. Certain fringe players are just not goodd enough lakonga and Eddie being prime culprits again. Getting better players in Jan is a must.

 

[topspin]

If Zinchenko ain't ready to play against Chelsea, I would rather see Tierney at LB.

I get why Arteta isn't starting him as it's a protective measure due to his injury prone track record.

 

[Firebat]

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says that "winning helps winning" as his side narrowly beat Zurich to secure their place in the last 16 of the Europa League.

Kieran Tierney's thumping 20-yard drive into the bottom right corner ensured the Gunners finished top of Group A on 15 points, two clear of PSV Eindhoven.

It was also the Premier League leaders' 10th victory in 12 matches in all competitions, a habit Arteta is keen to retain with his side facing three more matches until their season breaks for the World Cup in Qatar.

"Job done. I don't think it was the prettiest game we have played but we manage to win it," Arteta told BT Sport.

"Today was really important. We know how important it is going to be with all the teams playing in February. Winning helps winning.

"The atmosphere in the dressing room is much better after a win than a loss."

While Arsenal's margin of victory could have been more significant, there were still other positives for Arteta to take.

The Spaniard was able to introduce Bukayo Saka after the break to allay any fitness concerns and he also rested several key players prior to Sunday's Premier League trip to Chelsea.

The only complaint was that Arsenal did not put the result beyond doubt during a dominant first-half display in which Eddie Nketiah twice stung the palms of Zurich goalkeeper Yanick Brecher, and Fabio Vieira saw his goalbound effort blocked from close range.

That ensured a nervy finale with Adrian Guerrero's left-foot effort ruled out for offside and Ukrainian forward Bogdan Viunnyk seeing his rasping drive just fly wide of the top left corner as the visitors searched for an equaliser.

However, the hosts held on and have now won all eight of their matches against Swiss clubs in European competition.

BBC

 

[Firebat]

Elneny: We don't have big egos

Mohamed Elneny has said there are no egos allowed in the Arsenal dressing room - revealing players are "scared" to step out of line after Arteta axed Aubameyang.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's London derby, the Egypt midfielder said the Arsenal squad was now benefiting from a feeling of togetherness as they look to remain at the Premier League summit.

"We don't allow big egos," he said. "This is the dressing room we have now. Everyone loves each other and everyone works for each other.

"This is what actually makes our squad really strong, because we don't have egos in the team.

"Now everyone looked at themselves because Mikel did that to the captain of the team. What is he going to do with another player?

"This showed that now we can't play around, now we have to be calm with the team and the way the team is going we have to stick with the team, not do something different."

While many outside of Arsenal were surprised with the decision to release their captain, first-choice striker and highest-paid player, Elneny believes it showed the squad that Arteta is boss.

Asked if the incident unified everyone at the club, the 30-year-old - who is currently Arsenal's longest-serving player - replied: "I think so, because now everyone was scared!

"Everyone is scared with their position because this happened to Aubameyang. Of course if anyone is not the captain of the team, does a small mistake, they are going to have the same problem, and no one needs that problem.

"We agree with what Mikel decided because he is our boss and we just have to agree what his vision is for us."

SKY

 

[James]

Huge fixture tomorrow. Very exciting!

 

[Rana]

Great day for Arsenal and Pakistan fans

Massive 3 points on the road!

 

[MenInG]

Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table as Gabriel's close-range finish gave them victory away to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Gabriel pounced to steer the ball over the line in the 63rd minute, after the hosts failed to deal with Bukayo Sako's corner from the right wing, to give the Gunners a deserved lead.

They had created the best chances when it was goalless but Gabriel Martinelli curled a shot over the crossbar and Gabriel Jesus failed to hit the target with a diving header when unmarked.

Chelsea, with ex-Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang failing to make an impact against his former side, struggled to create clear-cut chances and are now without a win in four Premier League matches.

Arsenal lost top spot on Saturday when 10-man Manchester City beat Fulham 2-1 thanks to Erling Haaland's winning penalty in the fifth minute of injury time, but this win takes them two points clear of Pep Guardiola's side after 13 matches.

For Arsenal, this was a chance to show their title credentials as they look to become English champions for the 14th time - but the first since 2003-04 when their 'Invincibles' went through an entire league campaign without losing.

The Gunners, without a top-four finish since 2016, have beaten Tottenham and Liverpool at home this season, although they tamely lost 3-1 at Manchester United in September.

But they started brightly at Stamford Bridge as Gabriel headed wide inside the first two minutes.

Ben White pulled a shot wide from 15 yards, Martinelli curled an effort over the top and Jesus had an effort superbly blocked by his Brazil team-mate Thiago Silva.

However, Jesus should have done better with a diving header when free at the back post and found by Martinelli but could not hit the target from eight yards.

Gabriel Jesus has not scored in his past five Premier League games for Arsenal after five goals in his first eight league matches of the season
But Jesus was involved in the build up to Arsenal's goal as he gained possession from Silva and shot at goal, with Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy sending it behind for a corner.

England international Saka swung the ball in and no Chelsea defender could clear before Gabriel volleyed it in from only a couple of yards out for a massive three points for the Gunners.

BBC

 

[topspin]

Great day for Arsenal and Pakistan fans

Massive 3 points on the road!

Indeed, it's the happiest day to be an Arsenal and Pakistan fan this year!

 

[Firebat]

Another match-winning intervention from the liability. The top scoring CB in Europe for the past 2 seasons.

 

[Rana]

I think Arsenal definitely need another CF in the January window

Jesus has alarmingly dried up with goals, also extremely wasteful

 

[James]

Top result. One match closer.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Statement win yesterday. Controlled performance from start to finish, defensively solid, strong in midfield. only think missing was a goal for jesus, he needs to improve his finishing.

Hopefully a win away to wolves next.

 

[Rana]

Statement win yesterday. Controlled performance from start to finish, defensively solid, strong in midfield. only think missing was a goal for jesus, he needs to improve his finishing.

Hopefully a win away to wolves next.

Chelsea are woeful! I was amazed at how United dominated and deserved a full 3 points against them at the bridge. United are probably the worst side playing away from home out of the top 5/6 teams. They could potentially lose to a Championship side on the road!

 

[Amjid Javed]

League cup vs Brighton, this is one cup i dont care about. If we went out it means less needless fixtures.