Tag Archives: Arsenal

(Watch Highlights) Arsenal flatten Newcastle, Arteta, Havertz, Howe react

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Rampant Arsenal remained hot on the heels of the top two in the title battle with an emphatic 4-1 victory over a struggling Newcastle United side in the Premier League on Saturday at a rocking Emirates Stadium.

An own goal by Sven Botman and a simple Kai Havertz finish put the home side 2-0 up at the break following a siege on the Newcastle goal before Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior struck in the second half to comfortably wrap up the points.

Arsenal’s sixth successive Premier League victory this year took Mikel Arteta’s third-placed side to 58 points after 26 games, two behind leaders Liverpool and a point adrift of Manchester City, who earlier won 1-0 at Bournemouth.

“It’s crucial to win games and we have to put pressure on [Liverpool and Manchester City] and that is what we will do,” goalscorer Havertz told TNT Sports. “The fans give us so much energy that’s so important for us — it gives us a big boost.”

Arsenal opened the scoring after 18 minutes when the ball bounced off Newcastle defender Botman’s knee into his own goal following a goalmouth scramble after goalkeeper Loris Karius made a fine save from a Gabriel header at a corner.

Six minutes later it was 2-0 when Havertz tucked the ball home from the edge of the six-yard box following a cutback by Gabriel Martinelli on the right byline after a clever chipped pass from Jorginho left the Newcastle defence exposed again.

Arsenal’s domination was reflected in their 64% first-half possession with 12 goal attempts, including four on target, while Newcastle failed to register a shot in the opening period of a Premier League game for the first time since March 2014.

Saka put the game beyond the visitors with Arsenal’s third in the 65th, his 13th in the league this season, when he ran down the right and cut inside before firing into the far corner before Kiwior headed home a Declan Rice corner to make it 4-0.

Former Arsenal forward Willock got Newcastle on the scoresheet with a fine looping header into the far corner after 84 minutes following a pinpoint Dan Burn cross but by then it was all far to late for Eddie Howe’s floundering team.

Arsenal have scored 15 goals in their last three Premier League games and the win over Newcastle was the perfect tonic following their late 1-0 loss at Porto in a disappointing Champions League round-of-16 first-leg display in midweek.

“I think it was very important [to win] it was a tough game on Wednesday [in Portugal] and we wanted to win today — we did well today,” added Havertz.

The defeat leaves Newcastle in eighth place on 37 points.

“Arsenal were very good, we weren’t and we got punished,” said Howe. “We were off in most aspects of our games, we didn’t do the basics right.”

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Arsenal star set to return to Brazil

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Arsenal defender Marquinhos is set to return to Brazil for a loan spell with Fluminense, Fabrizio Romano reports.

The 20-year-old signed from Sao Paulo in 2022 in a £3m deal but, after only starting three cup games in the first half of last season, he was loaned to Championship side Norwich City for the remainder of that campaign and then French club Nantes last summer.

After seven Ligue appearances for Nantes (only one of them a start), Marquinhos was recalled from his loan last month just before joining up with Brazil’s U23 squad for the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament in Venezuela.

Now he is set to continue playing in South America for Fluminense, who are preparing the paperwork for the move to be completed.

Photo Credit: X

Club manager confirms summer move for Chelsea target

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Brentford boss Thomas Frank has told Danish outlet Tipsbladet that striker Ivan Toney is almost certain to leave the club this summer.

Toney, 27, has been linked with most of the Premier League’s top clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, and is about to move into the final year of his contract.

Brentford will demand a huge transfer fee for the England international, though perhaps won’t get the £100m that Frank believes the striker is worth.

“It is relatively obvious that Ivan Toney will probably be sold this summer,” Frank said. “We also know what he is worth.

“I don’t think there are many strikers in the world who are better than him right now.

“He is a really skilled striker who is in his prime football age. Personally, as a coach, I would prefer to keep Toney but one day it could be fun to see him on a top team.

“This winter we actually had no offers for him, but it will surprise me if there aren’t a lot of clubs that will be interested in him.”

Angry Arteta Mikel breaks silence on Barcelona move

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Mikel Arteta has categorically dismissed rumours he is quitting Arsenal at the end of the season.

Sensational reports from Spain yesterday claimed Arteta would QUIT the Gunners at the end of the season.

Arsenal told SunSport these claims were not true, with the Spaniard committed to managing the north London outfit.

And Arteta, 41, has now broken his silence on the rumours.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Nottingham Forest, Arteta was asked whether he was leaving Arsenal.

In response, he said: “Who me? No.

“That’s totally fake news what you read yesterday.

“I don’t know where it’s coming from and it’s totally untrue. I’m really upset about it.”

Arteta added: “I could not believe [it] (the reports). I don’t know where it’s coming from.

“I think we have to be very cautious when you talk about personal things.”

Asked whether he has unfinished business at the Emirates, he nodded his head, before saying: “I’m in the right place, I’m with the right people, I feel really good about it.

“As I’ve said many times, I’m embracing a beautiful journey with this football club, these players, these staff [and] our people and there is still a lot to do.”

The Arteta reports came after Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Jurgen Klopp kicked off the shocking football announcements by announcing he would be leaving Liverpool last week.

(Watch Video) Mikel Arteta reacts to furious row between two Arsenal stars after away win at Nottingham Forest

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Arsenal defenders Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ben White were involved in a furious post-match row after Bukayo Saka fired them back into the thick of the title race after a stormy win at Nottingham Forest.

Saka struck Arsenal’s crucial second goal to seal a 2-1 victory after Gabriel Jesus had put the visitors in front following a goalless first half. But it was substitute Taiwo Awoniyi’s late strike for the home side that caused the spat in the Arsenal backline.

With the three points secured, Zinchenko and White berated one another on the pitch, apparently about the defensive confusion that led Awoniyi in and caused a nervous ending.

Arteta had to step in to calm his arguing players but insisted he had enjoyed their reaction.

He said: “I love it, they demand more from each other and they are not happy with the way they concede that and they are trying to resolve it.

“It was a bit heated, but that means it is not enough playing the way we played, the result has to be bigger.

“That’s pushing each other and being not happy conceding and I have to encourage that and promote it in the right way and a respectful way.

“Sometimes after the game, it’s emotional and heated but I love that the players are pushing each other and demanding excellence.

“We wanted to generate some momentum in the league and I thought we did that. The performance was very good, we completely dominated the game.

“We had to be patient but we always had an eye to the opponent, we didn’t allow them to run. We generated chances in a number of ways. I think we showed a lot of maturity to deal with the game in the way we had to.”

Arteta also revealed Arsenal had been inspired by their title collapse at Forest last season after the Gunners’ 1-0 defeat at the City Ground in May ensured Manchester City lifted the Premier League trophy.

Arsenal were particularly poor that day and it has clearly preyed on their minds ever since.

The Spaniard added: “I could feel it, they were talking about it coming to that dressing room, it really reminds you, our brains and bodies are really intelligent and coming to the same situation they know what happened and they were really active and engaged and they were talking about the game with each other. I thought it was really good.”

Photo Credit: premierleague/ X

Arsenal Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace: Martinelli, Magalhaes shine as Gunners return to winning ways

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The Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be delighted to have seen his side get back to winning ways after the Gunners smashed Crystal Palace 5-0 on Saturday, ending a four-game winless run in all competitions.

David Raya (7/10):

Good day’s work for the keeper. There was one poor clearance but he made amends straight away by making a sharp diving save. Produced a superb throw to Jesus to start the breakaway for Trossard’s goal.

Ben White (6/10):

Played a couple of nice defence-splitting passes to open up the Palace backline in the first half.

William Saliba (7/10):

Good battle with Jean-Philippe Mateta. Calm and composed as always. Did one lovely turn that drew gasps from the crowd.

Gabriel Magalhaes (8/10):

Showed his quality from set pieces yet again. Capped an excellent display with two fine headers, even if the second did eventually go down as an own goal.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (7/10):

Always involved. Arteta will be happy to have him back after his injury lay-off.

Declan Rice (7/10):

Lovely corner to set up the first goal. Couple of loose passes, but aside from that a typically solid display. Limped off towards the end, which will be a bit of a worry to Arteta.

Martin Odegaard (7/10):

Led the press as always and worked hard, but was unable to really hurt Palace from an attacking point of view.

Kai Havertz (6/10):

On the fringes of things. Had a couple of nice moments but was never a major threat.

Bukayo Saka (6/10):

Palace coped with him quite well. Saw plenty of the ball but not in areas that caused the visitors too many problems.

Gabriel Jesus (7/10):

Link-up play was nice and got his reward when he set up Trossard for the third goal.

Leandro Trossard (7/10):

Had one great chance in the second half which he miscued but he made amends with a fabulous turn and finish to make it 3-0.

Gabriel Martinelli (8/10):

Very bright cameo which he rounded off with two fines goals in stoppage time.

Emile Smith Rowe (6/10):

Got a huge cheer when he came on. Neat and tidy.

Jorginho (7/10):

Kept things ticking over after replacing Rice. Lovely assist for Martinelli’s second.

Eddie Nketiah (6/10):

On for the last 10 minutes and got an assist with a nice pass for Martinelli to make it 4-0.

Jakub Kiwior (N/A):

Replaced the injured Gabriel for the closing stages.

Photo Credit: premierleague/ X

Gabriel Martinelli nets brace as Arsenal crush hapless Crystal Palace

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Arsenal have recorded a resounding and comfortable victory over Crystal Palace thanks to a brace from Gabriel Martinelli, one each from Gabriel Magalhaes and Leandro Trossard, plus a Dean Henderson own goal.

In truth, it was a hugely controlled performance from the Gunners, who cruised through that game and scored five goals from six shots on target.

A worrying afternoon for Crystal Palace though, who seemed to fold at the end of the game, and had generally limited their opponents to not that many chances for most of the game, but still conceded five.

Gabriel’s headed goal from a corner and a Dean Henderson own goal courtesy of another Gabriel header from a corner put Mikel Arteta’s side in control in the first-half. Leandro Trossard furthered their lead just short of the hour mark with a clinical finish from a sweeping move.

Substitute Gabriel Martinelli added gloss to the scoreline with two almost identical finishes in added time.

Palace, who are 14th, had a few chances of their own and almost equalised when Jefferson Lerma’s swerving shot was well-saved by David Raya shortly before Arsenal made it 2-0.

Such was Arsenal’s comfort that Arteta was able to make four substitutions late on with Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Trossard and Gabriel all being given a breather.

Arsenal’s victory ended a run of three successive defeats in all competitions and put them level on 43 points with Aston Villa and champions Manchester City. Arsenal’s goal difference is superior to Villa’s but worse than City’s.

The past few weeks have been dispiriting for Arsenal who topped the Premier League before Christmas but whose title challenge stalled with a run of one win in five league games.

But Palace’s problems appear even greater with a banner being unfurled near the end that read: ‘Wasted Potential. On and off the pitch weak decisions are taking us backwards.’

They have won only once in their last ten league games and went out of the FA Cup to Everton on Wednesday, after which manager Roy Hodgson came under fire from the visiting fans.

Arsenal spent their mini winter break enjoying some warm weather training in Dubai and it appeared to have revived them.

They took the lead in the 11th minute when Rice’s corner was met by Gabriel who headed in from close range.

Another corner led to Arsenal’s second in the 37th minute as Gabriel again got clear and his header went in off Palace keeper Henderson.

Trossard effectively killed Palace off when he applied a clinical finish from Gabriel Jesus’s pass in the 59th minute.

With Palace in disarray, Martinelli then got in on the act with two silky finishes to give Arsenal’s goal difference a healthy boost and equal their best margin of victory in a Premier League derby.

Photo Credit: premierleague/ X

Karim Benzema makes decision on his future amid Chelsea, Arsenal chase

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Karim Benzema has reportedly made a decision on his future amid rumours linking him with a move away from Saudi Arabia.

Last week, it was reported that Premier League side Manchester United are exploring a deal to sign Benzema on loan.

Aside from United, London clubs Chelsea and Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner.

But according to L’Equipe, the striker is expected to stay in Saudi Arabia despite the recent rumours.

It has been claimed that those around the 36-year-old say he feels good and will remain with Al-Ittihad.

Arsenal set to hijack Chelsea move for Karim Benzema as Mikel Arteta considers blockbuster loan deal

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Arsenal are considering a blockbuster loan deal for superstar striker Karim Benzema, although London rivals Chelsea have also discussed a move for the Frenchman, according to TEAMtalk.

Benzema moved to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad in June last year on a free and is only a year removed from winning the Ballon d’Or while with Real Madrid.

However, the 36-year-old has become something of a pariah at the club, sparking rumours of a return to European football.

Manchester United were immediately linked with a loan switch for the former France international but HITC reports that the Red Devils have zero intention of signing Benzema this month.

United are known to be in the market for an experienced frontman to ease the load on Rasmus Hojlund but they will not pursue Benzema.

Arsenal are said to be considering Benzema, if they can get the veteran attacker on a temporary deal.

It’s no secret that Mikel Arteta needs a new No.9 after both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah’s struggles in front of goal this season.

And while the Gunners boss has publically played down talk of signing a striker in January, links to Brentford frontman refuse to go away – as we also reported earlier on Wednesday.

However, that will be incredibly expensive to pull off in a winter window where big money is not traditionally spent.

To that end, a loan makes plenty of sense, although Benzema’s salary will certainly be an eye-opener.

As for Chelsea’s interest, Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a number of forward options, given that Nicolas Jackson has yet to fully convince as the club’s leading marskman.

The report states that they are continuing to monitor Benzema’s situation at Al-Ittihad, where he has scored 15 times in 24 appearances.

Manchester United Player Ratings vs Arsenal: Cristiano Ronaldo, Dalot, others impressive

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Manchester United overcame Arsenal in the Premier League clash on Thursday at Old Trafford, beating their rivals 3-2.

Manchester Evening News rates the Red Devils’ peformances:

David de Gea

Prone for the goal when he then sprinted at Martin Atkinson to protest the goal. Good save at 1-1 was vital. 6

Diogo Dalot

Acquitted himself well and his positioning was key to United generating momentum. Always offered United an attacking outlet and key pass for Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal. 8

Victor Lindelof

Often looked uncomfortable at set-pieces and against United’s fluency but there was an occasional key header and defending improves as game progressed. 7

Harry Maguire

Stepped up literally at times to supplement the attack and his passing between the lines was impressive at times. Defended stoutly. 7

Alex Telles

Blemished an otherwise positive performance by being dragged too far inside, leaving Gabriel Martinelli free to find Emile Smith Rowe. 6

Scott McTominay

Put himself about and that aggression gave an exasperated crowd encouragement. More withdrawn in the second-half to shield the back four. 7

Fred

Erred time and again, be it a stray pass or a foul – on an opponent and De Gea. Recovered to tee up Bruno Fernandes. Off the pace when Martin Odegaard struck. Then won a penalty. 7

Jadon Sancho

Sancho was never short of endeavour all night and his surge into the area led to the equaliser and sparked United’s recovery. 6

Bruno Fernandes

Erratic and sloppy but kept going and coolly levelled just before half-time to herald the momentum swing. 6

Marcus Rashford

Rarely looked happy on the right but showed good vision to pick out Ronaldo for United’s second goal when Fernandes was freer. Came off first. 6

Cristiano Ronaldo

Had an appalling first-half and was immediately more threatening in the second when Aaron Ramsdale denied him. Then Ronaldo beat him. And then beat him again. 8

Subs

Jesse Lingard

Offered energy. 5

Anthony Martial

Bought a key foul. 6

Donny van de Beek

Late cameo. N/A

Manager

The formation was questionable in principle but once United rumbled Arsenal’s playing-out-from-the-back approach they had joy and deservedly won. 7

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