Tag: Mikel Arteta

Premier League make major decision for next season that will anger Mikel Arteta

Next season The Premier League will be provided match balls by Puma, a decision that is likely to be an unpopular one with Mikel Arteta.

Puma will be partnered with the English top flight for the next six seasons.

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Puma were previously Arsenal’s kit sponsors from 2014 to 2019 coinciding with Arteta’s playing days at the clubCredit: Getty

Nike’s 25-year association with the league is coming to an end this campaign marked by the re-release of the classic T90 Aerow I, which was previously used between 2004 and 2006.

From 2021/22 Puma manufactured balls for all English Football League competitions including the Carabao Cup, Championship, League One, League Two and EFL Trophy.

Arsenal boss Arteta has already aired his views about the Puma balls earlier this season, bizarrely laying the blame for their Carabao Cup exit.

Following a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in January Arteta commented on the Puma balls, saying: “I think we kicked a lot of the balls over the bar and it’s tricky that this ball flies a lot.

“It’s just different, it’s just very different to the Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies different.

“When you touch it, the grip is very different as well, so you have to adapt to that.”

In response The EFL said the ball had passed all the required Fifa tests.

It was a very wasteful shooting performance proven by only three shots being on target from a total of 23.

Kai Havertz missed an unmarked header and Gabriel Martinelli hit the post after running clear through on goal.

However, clubs were provided with Carabao Cup balls for training prior to their games in the competition.

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Isak haunted the Arsenal defence that night showing the home fans what their club missed out onCredit: Getty

Arteta will have to ensure his players get plenty of shooting practice ahead of the 2025/26 season but what that match demonstrated was Arsenal’s need for forwards, especially a striker.

The same game where Anthony Gordon and previous Arsenal target Alexander Isak scored to take the lead in the first leg.

In recent transfer windows the Gunners have been linked with RB Leipzig centre forward Benjamin Sesko.

Speaking on the new matchball deal Arne Freundt, Puma’s chief executive, said: “The agreement with the Premier League, the most-watched football league in the world, is an important step in Puma’s brand elevation strategy.

William Gallas laughs at Mikel Arteta question and claims he will NOT lead Arsenal to Premier League glory

“We look forward to bringing our performance technology to the forefront of the game and connecting with the many fans worldwide.

“With Puma’s ball at the centre of attention during every match in this incredible league, we will create unforgettable moments for players and fans alike.”

Richard Masters, the Premier League’s chief executive, said: “Puma has a proud history of involvement in football over many years and we look forward to seeing the new ball used at all our matches from this summer onwards.”

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March 18, 2025
‘We needed more’: Ange nails misfiring star as Spurs slump to latest dismal Premier League defeat

Chelsea’s challenge for a place in next season’s Champions League faltered in a toothless 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday (Monday AEDT) as Fulham beat Tottenham 2-0 — with Ange Postecoglou giving a stinging assessment of one player.

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Tottenham kept their season alive by reaching the Europa League quarter-finals with victory over AZ Alkmaar on Thursday, but suffered the latest in a series of European hangovers at Craven Cottage.

Victory for Fulham propels Marco Silva’s men into the race for Champions League places as they climb to eighth, four points off the top four and three outside the top five.

A top-five finish will almost certainly secure a place in Europe’s top club competition next season thanks to the strong performance of English sides in European competitions.

Spurs, though, have struggled to handle the burden of Thursday nights when it comes to their Premier League form.

Postecoglou’s side have won just three times in the 10 league matches that have followed a midweek Europa League fixture.

“It’s been a difficult campaign for sure,” said Spurs captain Son Heung-min. “But I feel we’ve lost too many games that we should have got stuff out of, and this was one of those games.”

Postecoglou was unimpressed with Mali international Yves Bissouma’s performance.

“I feel Biss sometimes lets the game drift by him, he needs to be more dominant,” Postecoglou said, per the BBC.

“Today, we needed more in that position. I had needed him to play because he hasn’t played a lot.

“At the same time, I need him to perform. It is safe to say maybe Biss and a few guys lack a bit of confidence but at this stage of the season we need people to perform.

MORE: Newcastle’s 56-year trophy drought ends with stunning Carabao Cup final upset over Liverpool

Son Heung-Min and Ange Postecoglou look dejected after defeat at Fulham.Source: Getty Images

“A disappointing outcome obviously. A tight game, it was always going to be a tight game, there wasn’t really much in it,” Postecoglou added.

“I thought, especially in the second half, I thought we were growing to the game, I thought we had the better chances at 0-0 to get ahead and then we gave them a really soft goal and then the game just got away from us.

“So it’s another day where we’re disappointed to lose. I don’t think Fulham really created much, I think Vic [Guglielmo Vicario] had a save to make and we had a couple of big chances to go 1-0 up.

“But we’ve done that a fair bit this year, conceding a soft goal and when you do that, especially away from home, then it just gives the opposition a chance to grow into the game.”

Fulham had to wait until 78 minutes to take the lead when Rodrigo Muniz steered home from Andreas Pereira’s pass.

Ryan Sessegnon then curled in a brilliant second against his former club to secure victory late on.

Spurs remain down in 13th, now 10 points off the top half.

Ange Postecoglou speaks to Yves Bissouma (L) earlier this season.Source: Getty Images

CHELSEA POOR AGAINST GUNNERS

Mikel Merino scored the only goal of a disappointing contest at the Emirates as Arsenal pulled clear in second place and to within 12 points of runaway leaders Liverpool.

Chelsea badly missed the presence of the absent Cole Palmer due to injury as they meekly surrendered to a damaging defeat for their hopes of a top-four finish.

The Blues remain in fourth for now but have five sides from Manchester City in fifth to Aston Villa in ninth within four points of Enzo Maresca’s team.

Both managers are hoping to be stronger after the upcoming international break. Bukayo Saka is nearing a return for Arsenal, while Maresca is confident of having Palmer, Nico Jackson and Noni Madueke back when they are next in action at home to Tottenham on April 3.

“We did enough to deserve to win the game,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. “Now we have the international break so let’s take a chance to breathe and bring some players back hopefully.”

Mikel Merino of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s goal.Source: Getty Images

Arsenal have struggled badly for goals since the loss of Kai Havertz to a season-ending injury forced midfielder Merino into a makeshift centre-forward role.

The Spanish international proved the match winner from a corner as he looped a header from Martin Odegaard’s delivery inside the far post on 20 minutes.

Chelsea barely threatened but were nearly gifted a route back into the game when David Raya fumbled Marc Cucurella’s shot and the ball trickled wide.

At the other end, Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez made a brilliant stop to prevent Merino doubling Arsenal’s lead with the best effort of the second half.

But the game petered out with little goalmouth action as a limp performance will do little to quieten the critics of Maresca’s style of play among the Chelsea support.

“There was not a big difference in the two games between us,” said Maresca. “Given the injuries, we fought until the end.”

Manchester United are in action later on Sunday when Ruben Amorim’s team visit lowly Leicester.

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March 16, 2025
Mikel Arteta has reporter in stitches for post-match interview gesture

Mikel Arteta has walked out of another post-match interview, but this time he was only joking.

The Arsenal boss returned to his media duties following his side’s 1-0 win against London rivals Chelsea on Sunday.

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Arteta appeared a lot happier after an Arsenal match this weekendCredit: AFP

Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the game with a first-half header to keep their slim hopes of Premier League glory alive.

It was yet another afternoon in which Bukayo Saka was missed whilst he still recovers from the hamstring injury he sustained in December.

Arsenal have been patiently waiting for his return to the starting XI, and Arteta has offered hope of this happening soon in jokey fashion.

“You mentioned the international break, Bukayo Saka, after the break, you talked positively about him,” said a Sky Sports reporter.

Arteta then pretended to run away, which sparked laughter from the interviewer, before swiftly returning with a slight grin.

“Has he got a chance?” the reporter asked him on Saka’s hopes of a return to action, with Arteta replying: “Yes, he’s got a good chance.”

Arteta was clearly much more upbeat this weekend compared to last.

He made a swift exit from his post-match interview after the 1-1 draw at Manchester United when asked about their title chances.

“I have to ask you about the title race because it’s 15 points now, is it too much?” Sky Sports reporter Patrick Davison asked him.

But Arteta wasn’t one to stick around any longer and before leaving, he said: “Alright, thank you.”

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Arteta jokingly walked out of his post-match interview for a split secondCredit: @SkySportsPL X

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He returned with a grin before offering a positive update on SakaCredit: @SkySportsPL X

Arsenal simply got the job done against Chelsea to win for a 16th time in the Premier League this season.

Merino’s goal was enough to separate the two sides, although David Raya nearly handed the Blues an equaliser.

He failed to hold onto a volley from Marc Cucurella and allowed the ball to go through before watching it sneak past the post.

Luckily for him and Arsenal, that was about as close Chelsea were to scoring on the afternoon.

The Gunners are 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool with nine games left to play this season.

It would take a dramatic dip in form from the Reds to swing the title race in Arsenal’s favour during the final weeks though.

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Saka could be back in action for Arsenal against Fulham next monthCredit: Getty

However, the return of Saka could inspire what would be an unlikely comeback for the north London outfit.

He could make his return to the side when they host Fulham on April 1 in their first game back from the international break.

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March 16, 2025
Palmer isn’t Chelsea’s most vital player – his poor form is down to injured star

Cole Palmer needs Nicolas Jackson to function at Chelsea – he gives him the space to shine.

That’s the opinion of Arsenal legend Martin Keown, who believes Jackson’s absence in the Blues side has contributed to Palmer’s poor form of late.

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Palmer and Jackson share a great relationship on the pitch – something that has been missing in recent weeksCredit: Getty

Palmer is currently enduring his worst spell as a Chelsea player, having failed to be directly involved in any goals during his last nine games in all competitions.

And that run could stretch to ten with the west London outfit to face rivals Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday – a team they have lost seven out of their last 11 games to.

England international Palmer has scored twice from his three fixtures against the Gunners, and Chelsea fans will be desperate to see him end his barren spell in north London.

Nothing seems to be going right for the ex-Manchester City playmaker, with Palmer hitting an unwanted career first in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Leicester last weekend.

Prior to Marc Cucurella’s second half winner, the 22-year-old missed the first penalty of his career having previously scored each of his 12 spot-kicks for the Blues.

And while he has unarguably been a massive hit since his £42.5million arrival in 2023, there is undoubtedly concern over his drop-off.

But Keown believes Jackson‘s hamstring injury has played its part, with the Senegalese striker stretching defences to give Palmer the space to attack.

Sadly for Chelsea supporters, Jackson, who has missed his side’s last five matches, will not be in action against Arsenal as he targets a comeback after the March international break.

Speaking to talkSPORT.com, Keown was asked whether supporters should be worried over Palmer’s drop-off in 2025.

To which he said: “I think it’s linked to Jackson being fit.

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Palmer is struggling for form having gone nine games in a row without a goal or assistCredit: Getty

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But Palmer still leads his Blues teammates for goals and assists in the Premier League

“I think he’s really underrated and I looked at his statistics – he’s making more high-intensity runs than any other player.

“Almost 100 more runs into channels, he’s freeing up space for Palmer.

“OK, it [Palmer’s form] started to drop a little bit before Jackson gets his injury.

“But they need him back really quickly.

“And of course, again, recruitment, it’s an area Chelsea will want to strengthen despite the fact they’ve spent £1.5billion on players.”

Despite Palmer’s form, Chelsea have returned to winning ways – beating relegation-threatened Southampton and Leicester in their last two matches.

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Jackson may have his critics, but Chelsea are a better team with the striker leading the line

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The Senegal international has missed Chelsea’s last four top-flight matches with a hamstring issue

Their victories have lifted them back into fourth spot having previously won just two from their ten previous top-flight matches.

But Keown isn’t getting carried away by their positive results, as he stated that their current stars may be feeling the pressure of Chelsea’s history under ex-owner Roman Abramovich’s stewardship.

He also insisted that comments made by boss Enzo Maresca where he insisted his side were not in a title race may have done more harm than good.

Pressed as to whether Chelsea have turned a corner, Keown remarked: “Well, they were two useful home games.

“You play Southampton and then you play Leicester, it was on the brink a little bit with the fans, [there is] high expectations with the last regime of ownership.

“They won 21 trophies in 19 years and they’re looking at the [current] team and thinking, ‘Are they really at the level anymore?’

Danny Murphy defends Cole Palmer and insists he’s still one of England’s best players!

“So it’s a hard club to play for from that point of view with their history.

“It seems to be weighing heavy a little bit on the players.

“Cole Palmer, no goals in seven [Premier League games]. But six points on the board and you’re back in the top four.

“So that’s a launching pad really now for the rest of the season, it’s important what they do and what he [Maresca] says.

“Because I do feel that where he kind of lowered the bar a little bit around the Christmas period when he was saying they weren’t in the race to win it, it seemed to have put the brakes on their success.”

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March 15, 2025
Gallas laughs at Arteta question and insists he won’t end Arsenal’s title wait

William Gallas has given a brutal assessment of Mikel Arteta’s attempts to end Arsenal’s league title drought.

The Gunners have not won the Premier League since their Invincible 2003/04 season – 21 years ago.

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Former Arsenal skipper Gallas laughed when he was asked for his view on ArtetaCredit: talksport

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Arteta and Arsenal look set to miss out on the Premier League title once againCredit: Getty

However, Arteta has guided the club to back-to-back second place finishes in the last two seasons.

And his side look set to suffer the same fate once again this term, sitting 15 points behind leaders Liverpool with ten matches remaining.

Former skipper Gallas has now shared his thoughts on the Spaniard, and it’s safe to say he’s not been impressed by him this season.

Gallas, who spent four years at the Emirates between 2006 and 2010, appeared on talkSPORT Drive on Friday where he was asked what he makes of Arteta.

The 47-year-old simply proceeded to laugh, leading co-host Darren Bent to quip, ‘What a start’.

After composing himself, Gallas said: “I’m a little bit disappointed to be honest about what Arsenal is doing this season, because for me, I think they didn’t improve from last season.

“And this season, I think it was a great opportunity to win the Premier League.

“Mikel Arteta, I think, made some mistakes. Not only him, I think players make a lot of mistakes when they draw some games in December.

“And for me, I don’t think only for me, but I think as well for the fans, it was very difficult to accept some games they drew.

“Especially against, for example, Everton at home, they lost at West Ham, they drew at Fulham and if you want to be champion, you can’t make that mistake.

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Gallas doubts whether Arteta is the man to end Arsenal’s title droughtCredit: getty images

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The Gunners have finished second in each of the last two campaigns under ArtetaCredit: Getty

“It’s not the first time with Arsenal, it’s every season they make that mistake. And for Arteta, some people were talking about this, about that striker they didn’t buy. And they should buy that striker maybe at least one year ago. And they didn’t do it.

“That’s why they are in that situation. And about the rotation as well because when you got the squad, 24 players, good players, some players didn’t play for some reason, I don’t know why.

“So that’s why he used always the same players, but when you play the Premier League with another competition, the Premier League is very tough, you have to do rotation. And he didn’t do it.”

The Gunners are into the quarter-finals of the Champions League once again this term, where they will face Real Madrid next month.

But it’s the Premier League title that fans are dreaming of, however Gallas believes Arteta isn’t the man to bring glory back to the red half of north London.

Pressed as to whether Arsenal will win the top-flight under Arteta’s tutelage, Gallas stated: “Good question.

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The Gunners boast the Premier League’s meanest defence, but scoring goals has been their problem of late

Martin Keown believes Arsenal don’t have a mentality problem and thinks they just need a striker in mould of Thierry Henry or Ian Wright

“What he did with Arsenal is great because Arsenal, maybe five years ago, they were in a difficult position and he built something with that squad and he did very well.

“Now the question is, can he win the Premier League? And at the moment, my answer is no. Because now he’s almost, yeah, he’s three times, he’s going to finish second.

“This season, Manchester City was hard for some reason. I think they were tired, mentally it was very difficult for the players.

“And this season it was the best opportunity to win the league. And when you see Liverpool were in front, OK, they did well.

“But they had the new manager and how, as we know, sometimes it’s very difficult for the new manager to arrive in the new club and to try to do his best for his players to be on the top.

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Arteta has guided Arsenal into the Champions League quarter-finals for a second timeCredit: Getty

“Sometimes you need some time. But with that manager straight away they got a good result. But Arsenal was not there.”

Arteta penned a new deal with Arsenal in September to keep him at the club until 2027.

The extension will take him through to the end of a seventh full season in charge in north London.

However, he has not won a major trophy since lifting the FA Cup eight months into his tenure.

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March 14, 2025
‘Unacceptable’: Arsenal boss storms out of interview, left fuming as grim PL reality sinks in

Declan Rice’s equaliser denied Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim a much-needed win but Arsenal’s faltering Premier League title challenge suffered another damaging blow in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday.

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The Gunners sit 15 points behind runaway leaders Liverpool, now with just one game in hand, with their focus beginning to turn to holding off the chasing pack for a place in next season’s Champions League.

Bruno Fernandes’ stunning free-kick put United ahead in first-half stoppage time.

The Red Devils, though, could not hold on for just a sixth Premier League win in 16 games under Amorim as Rice swept home on 74 minutes.

United missed a string of late chances to win the game, with a point leaving them down in 14th.

PL WRAP: Chaotic’ Spurs rally saves Ange’s blushes; bitter rival lands brutal title blow on Gunners

“How we conceded chances in certain moments was not acceptable,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

“They have so much quality and they pick the right player and normally that would end in a goal.

Utd coach full of praise for Fernandes | 00:48

“We opened the gate to lose the game. there was no chance to lose the game and we opened it ourselves. I will defend my players all the time but in those moments we have to do better.”

Arteta, however, was in no mood to answer questions about the club’s failure to make signings in January amid a striker injury crisis, or about its stuttering title challenge.

The Arsenal boss awkwardly ended a post-match interview abruptly when asked about both matters.

Asked if he regrets not signing a striker in January, Arteta shook his head, said ‘no, it’s not about that’, then started trying to exit.

Stopped and asked for one more question, Arteta paused. But when the interviewer started to point out the 15 gap to Liverpool in the title race, the Spaniard said ‘no’ and completed his walk off.

Spurs salvage draw against Bournemouth | 01:30

Also feeling the heat will be United boss Amorim.

United have had three permanent managers and an interim during Arteta’s five years in charge of Arsenal.

Amorim said he knows he will not get the time Arteta did to turn around a sinking ship at Old Trafford.

The discontent among the home support could be seen around the stands with many taking part in a protest by wearing black over what they perceive as “the death” of their club.

“This club will never die, that is clear,” said Amorim. “You feel it in the streets. This is a big business and maybe all the fans in this league sometimes feel it is harder to go to the games and pay for tickets.”

Arsenal had failed to score in either of their previous two league games to realistically wave goodbye to their hopes of a first title in 21 years.

Premier League wrap: Arsenal fall behind | 03:13

Despite still missing the attacking quartet of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, the Gunners hit back in stunning fashion to thrash PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Infused with fresh confidence, Arsenal started on the front foot but again missed the focal point of a natural centre-forward.

Midfielder Mikel Merino has been forced to deputise upfront in recent weeks and fired wide from the edge of the area with an early opening.

United have struggled for goals all season, but their skipper has remained a source of inspiration and Fernandes produced once more with a sumptuous free-kick just before halftime.

Questions will be asked over Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya’s starting position, but Fernandes still had to whip the ball over an imposing wall and back down into the visitors’ net.

Spurs suffer huge Europa League blow | 01:41

– Raya rescues Arsenal –

If Raya was at fault for the opener, he made amends with a string of saves in the second period.

Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee were the first to be denied as United threatened a second on the counter-attack.

Arteta was able to throw on Martinelli on his return from a hamstring injury in the hunt for an equaliser.

Instead, it was Rice who matched Fernandes’ fine finish by arrowing a shot beyond Andre Onana from Jurrien Timber’s pass.

Amorim had dropped Rasmus Hojlund to the bench after a run of 19 games without a goal.

The Dane should have ended that streak when he allowed Rice to get back and make a goal-saving challenge.

More Raya heroics followed to stop Fernandes from snatching a winner as the match entered stoppage time.

However, a draw did little for Arsenal’s title challenge.

Arteta’s men edge four points clear of third-placed Nottingham Forest and eight clear of Manchester City in fifth in the battle for a place in next season’s Champions League.

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March 9, 2025
Arteta walks out of interview as he refuses to answer question in awkward moment

We may never know if Mikel Arteta has now conceded Arsenal’s chances at winning the Premier League title.

That’s because the Gunners boss made a noticeably early exit from an interview when asked if his side were too far behind leaders Liverpool following Arsenal‘s draw at Manchester United.

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Arteta saw the title lead get even biggerCredit: Getty

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And wasn’t willing to talk about it post-matchCredit: Sky

Arteta saw his side claim a point at Old Trafford as Declan Rice‘s sumptuous strike cancelled out Bruno Fernandes‘ sublime opener.

A point wasn’t enough, though, with leaders Liverpool now 15 ahead, despite playing a game more.

Following the game, Arteta tried to leave his post-match Sky Sports interview with Patrick Davison having just been non-committal when asked if Arsenal’s shortcomings in the title race were down to their lack of options up front.

Davison made sure to remind Arteta he hadn’t yet fulfilled his duties.

“Mikel, one more,” he said as the Spaniard tried to dart away.

“I have to ask you about the title race because it’s 15 points now, is it too much?”

Arteta replied: “Alright, thank you,” before departing the scene.

With Arsenal second in the table, four points ahead of Nottingham Forest, questions about the title race have obviously fallen at Arteta’s door.

The Gunners lost 1-0 to West Ham on February 22 as Liverpool went 11 clear, and on that occasion Arteta had a convincing answer.

“Over my dead body. If not I will go home,” he said when asked the same question.

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The table doesn’t look great for Arsenal

“Mathematically it is possible. Three days ago we could close a gap and you are like ‘you are one and a half games away’.

“The difficulty is higher than three days ago but if you are going to win the Premier League you have to do something special.

“If you are going to win the Premier League with the circumstances we have you will probably have to do something that nobody else has done in the history of the Premier League.”

Since then Arsenal have drawn to Forest and United, while Arne Slot’s leaders have won three on the bounce.

Questions over the north London side’s transfer activity have been rife in recent weeks since Kai Havertz left them strikerless following an injury against Manchester City on February 2.

He joined Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka in the treatment room, while Arteta has shown he’s no willing to rely on Raheem Sterling, instead playing midfielder Mikel Merino up front.

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March 9, 2025
Man United vs Arsenal predicted line-ups, team news and how to follow clash

Manchester United have nine injury issues for their crunch Premier League clash against old rivals Arsenal this weekend.

Ruben Amorim‘s nightmare start to life at Old Trafford went from bad to worse as the Red Devils crashed out of the FA Cup on Sunday.

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Manchester United against Arsenal is also a highlight of the English football calendarCredit: Getty

The Portuguese manager saw his side, who won the competition under his predecessor Erik ten Hag, fall to Fulham on penalties.

Amorim‘s latest disappointment comes amid United languishing in 14th in the Premier League table and desperately needing a win.

To add insult to injury, another two senior stars picked up fitness issues against Fulham and are now doubts over their involvement.

Arsenal will be buoyed by their historic 7-1 win over PSV in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.

However, the Gunners have faltered domestically in recent weeks, following a goalless draw with Nottingham Forest, which was preceded by a home defeat to West Ham.

Arsenal are now a whopping 13 points behind leaders Liverpool, albeit with a game in hand, and Mikel Arteta has vowed not to give up on his club’s title challenge.

Manchester United

United‘s England contingent continues to thin, with Harry Maguire forced off just before extra-time during the Red Devils’ FA Cup exit.

He hasn’t trained this week, but unlike compatriots Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, and Mason Mount, should still be fit to feature this Sunday.

Manuel Ugarte similarly picked up a ‘minor knock’ against Fulham and faces a race against time to be named in the XI against Arsenal.

Amorim’s absentee list also includes Lisandro Martinez, Amad, Jonny Evans, and Altay Bayindir – with Patrick Dorgu still suspended.

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This dismissal came moments before Ipswich equalised to make it 2-2Credit: Getty

Andre Onana will continue between the sticks, with Amorim’s preferred three centre-backs lined up in front of him.

Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro will flank Maguire if the latter is available, with Victor Lindelof waiting in the wings to deputise.

Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot are likely to remain the two wing-backs, despite the latter’s red card at the Emirates in January.

United captain Bruno Fernandes will hope to be joined by Ugarte in midfield but Casemiro may be needed instead.

Alejandro Garnacho is set to come into Amorim’s three-pronged attack, with Joshua Zirkzee playing in behind Rasmus Hojlund.

Former Arsenal starlet Chido Obi-Martin will be itching to face his old side having not been registered for the Europa League on Thursday.

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Man United are sweating on a fresh double injury blow

Arsenal

Arteta was afforded the opportunity to withdraw several of his key stars early in midweek such was his side’s dominance over PSV.

Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, Thomas Partey, and Jurrien Timber were all substituted early in order for them to remain fresh here.

However, Myles Lewis-Skelly – who was fortunate to avoid receiving a third red card of the season – may be taken out of the limelight.

Riccardo Calafiori underlined his credentials with an impressive outing from the bench as he later scored Arsenal’s seventh goal.

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Trossard was one of six different goalscorers for the Gunners at PSVCredit: Getty

The Italian has struggled with injuries this term, but may finally have the chance to stamp his authority on a Premier League match.

Ben White is still building up his fitness, with Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Raheem Sterling all returning to the bench.

The rest of Arsenal’s team selection will be dictated by the club’s own injury crisis, with Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz the chief absentees.

Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still on the long road to recovery as well.

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Arteta may not risk Lewis-Skelly in such a fiery atmosphere

Man United vs Arsenal: How to follow

This Premier League clash will take place on Sunday, March 9.

Kick-off at Old Trafford is scheduled for 16:30pm.

The action will also be broadcast live on TV on Sky Sports.

talkSPORT will have live updates on Sunday Session with Adrian Durham on hand for all the goals from the Premier League.

To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

Listen via the talkSPORT app here, or on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

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Alan Pardew slams Manchester United as Ruben Amorim’s awful record laid bare as he’s warned of huge next three games

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March 6, 2025
Mikel Arteta ‘lacks support’, says Invincible, who sees what Arsenal are missing

Arsenal have been told that Mikel Arteta being a victim of his own authority is what’s costing them a league title.

The Gunners lost yet more ground on what’s been a rapidly fading title push as they were held to a goalless draw at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.

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Arteta ‘lacks support’ at the club, according to former Gunner Jens LehmannCredit: Getty

The draw comes on the same night Liverpool beat Newcastle 2-0 at Anfield to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to 13 points.

Although Arsenal have a game in hand, there are still just 11 matches remaining this season.

Speaking to TNT Sports, the 42-year-old was asked what the issue was behind his side failing to convert their dominance into victory.

Arteta bluntly responded: “I don’t want to discuss that again, we know that.”

He continued: “It’s a good time to reflect. We have a few days now before the PSV game so now’s the time to do it.”

As for his players, the Arsenal boss said: “They are very disappointed not to win the game, obviously.

“We are here and putting everything that we possibly can. Liverpool at the moment is unbelievable, this period that they have.

“So, we did not win, we are here to win.”

The Champions League represents Arsenal’s last realistic chance at claiming silverware this season, although they will have to face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals should they beat PSV Eindhoven.

And if they get through those ties then Liverpool could well await in the semi-finals.

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Arsenal were held to a goalless draw by Forest on WednesdayCredit: Getty

Meanwhile, a third consecutive second place finish is looking likely, with the Gunners not winning a major trophy since the FA Cup in 2020.

Former Gunners goalkeeper Jens Lehmann believes that Arteta lacks the necessary support around him at the club to challenge for trophies.

Reflecting on Arteta’s tenure so far, Lehmann told Drive: “I think he had a very difficult start when he had a very bad position on the table.

“And sometimes he played a formation where we weren’t sure whether he really understood what he was doing. But since then, he was doing really well and brought them into the top four.

“They are very stable, always positioned there. The problem is sometimes that you don’t know why they’re not enduring.

“There are sometimes really good spells during the season to maintain that throughout the whole season, to be at the top of the table, to win the Premier League.

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The result leaves the Gunners 13 points adrift of leaders LiverpoolCredit: Getty

“And you said already there that this year they had a couple of red cards and some injuries. I can see that.

“I think he’s still a very young manager. It’s his first position in that role. And I’m not so sure if he has support from the club.

“Not meaning that the club does not want to support him. But as a young manager, actually that goes for most of the clubs, as a manager you have to have support from some guy or some guys within the club who are even as knowledgeable as you are.

“Because at the age of 42, I think you can’t cover all the areas which are needed to become a very successful manager.”

Since Arteta was appointed in December 2019, the FA Cup triumph eight months into his reign is the club’s only major piece of silverware. The Gunners have also won the Community Shield twice under the Spaniard.

Asked how long Arteta has left if he continues to miss out on trophies, Lehmann added: “It’s not up to me to discuss that because I’m not involved.

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The gap at the top of the Premier League is now a chasm

“You can win it, right? For example, if you compare that with Arsene Wenger, if he still would be there and have missed it now the third year on a consecutive run, there would have been a lot of criticism.

“With Mikel, because he’s young and he brought the team up now, I have to say, very good.

“But something for whatever reason is still missing. We don’t know what because we’re not inside the club. I don’t know who inside the club could make that decision based on which knowledge.

“That’s always a discrepancy because of the ambition of a club and the actual conduct or action you’re taking.”

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Arteta and Arsenal are staring down the barrel of a third straight title defeatCredit: Getty

Arteta still has more than two years remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium.

He penned an extension in September which sees his current deal run until the summer of 2027.

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February 26, 2025
Arsenal set for defensive shake-up vs Forest with decision made over Merino

Mikel Arteta may be in the middle of an attacking injury crisis – but he could be set to name his starting defence for the first time since November.

Arsenal face high-flying Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Wednesday night – live on talkSPORT.

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Arsenal boss Arteta could shuffle up his side for the club’s trip to ForestCredit: AFP

The Gunners are looking for an immediate return to winning ways following their shock 1-0 defeat to West Ham at the Emirates last weekend.

Having failed to cut Liverpool‘s lead down to five points, the north London outfit now trail Arne Slot’s men by 11 points following the Reds’ 2-0 triumph at Manchester City.

Many Gooners now feel as though their title tilt is all-but over – and a defeat to Forest could leave them in a fight for a top four spot.

Just six currently separates Arsenal in second and Forest in third, and with Manchester United and Chelsea on the horizon for Arteta‘s side, they know they can’t afford a second successive loss.

But they know they will be in store for a tough night with the club without their four key forwards in Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Jesus.

Goals from Jesus and Saka at the City Ground last term helped Arsenal claim all three points, while the latter also scored in the 3-0 win over Forest in November.

While the club are undoubtedly light up top, they have been boosted by the return of versatile defender Ben White, who is finally back to full fitness following his knee surgery.

He made his first appearance for the club since the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on November 10 in the defeat to the Hammers.

Waxing lyrical over the England international in his pre-match press conference, Arteta said of White: “He’s a player that has given us something very, very special, especially in that right unit.

“We haven’t played with that right unit at all this season with him, Bukayo and Martin as well – a unit that has played so much football together.

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White has given Arsenal a boost with the defender ready for selectionCredit: Getty

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The Gunners sit 11 points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand

“It’s great to have him back, it’s more options and his energy, the way he is around the team and what he generates, he’s certainly been missed.”

White’s return is a boost for Arsenal in more ways than one with the club set to be without left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly due to suspension following his red card.

With a possible defensive shake-up in order, here talkSPORT.com takes a look at how they could start against Forest.

David Raya will continue to deputise between the sticks having established himself as one of the top-flight’s best goalkeepers since joining from Brentford.

White could then return to his right-back role, resulting in Jurrien Timber being shifted off to left-back – ahead of Riccardo Calafiori.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes would then once again be paired in the heart of defence as they look to shut out goal machine Chris Wood.

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Timber could be moved back to left-back should White return to the line-upCredit: Getty

Should White, Saliba, Gabriel and Timber all start, it would be the first time they’d have been in the line-up together since the 1-1 draw at Chelsea.

Timber started off his Arsenal career as a left-back, with seven of his opening nine matches this term coming from the position.

Moving into midfield, and Thomas Partey could once again be deployed in a lone defensive No. 6 role.

This would allow both skipper Martin Odegaard and club-record signing Declan Rice to slot in as No.8s – though the pair know they must start soon chipping with goals with the duo having a combined three strikes in the league so far.

Leandro Trossard will then slot in ahead of Raheem Sterling on the left wing, with Ethan Nwaneri to keep his spot on the right wing after shaking off his cramp issues.

With no fit and available striker, Arteta turned to Mikel Merino against West Ham following his dazzling display off the bench away at Leicester.

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Arsenal’s lack of goals from midfield has been an issue for Arteta

But he failed to replicate his heroics against West Ham, leading to suggestion Arteta could look to try something else.

However, the Spaniard has hinted he will experiment with Merino up top once more when asked whether he feels his compatriot can play as a false nine.

He remarked: “Yes – in relation to the opposition and the options we have, and then what the team generates as well.

“Attacking players depend a lot on what the team is generating, the chemistry, the fluidity, the areas we are hitting, and how we interact with each other.

“It worked really against Leicester, but the other day there were a lot of things missing.”

Martin Keown believes Arsenal fans won’t turn against Mikel Arteta if they fail to win anything over the next few seasons

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February 25, 2025