Tag: Arsenal FC

Arsenal have been dealt a blow after Viktor Gyokeres missed training ahead of the Champions League clash away at Slavia Prague.

Gyokeres, who opened the scoring in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor, was replaced at half time for Mikel Merino after complaining of a muscular issue.

Youngster Andre Harriman-Annous – who made his senior debut against Brighton last week – was called up to train with the first team as a result.

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was also absent, though Mikel Arteta should provide an update on the Spaniard in the pre-match press conference on Monday evening.

In addition, Martin Zubimendi also had a muscular issue and was replaced by Christian Norgaard with 13 minutes to go against Burnley after receiving treatment on the pitch.

While, the Spaniard is suspended for Arsenal’s trip to Prague after picking up three yellow cards in the competition, he did train on Monday which suggests he will be fit for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Sunderland.

Also missing from the aforementioned training session were the long-term injury casualties. Kai Havertz who has been out of action since August after undergoing knee surgery back then.

The German came off the bench in Arsenal’s opening Premier League game of the season at Old Trafford, but he has not played since then.

Noni Madueke, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer as part of a deal worth over £50million, has not featured since September.

The winger injured his knee during a 1-1 draw with Manchester City and had to come off at half time in that game.

Madueke avoided surgery and has been pushing to get back because he is eager to play for England during next week’s international break.

Martin Odegaard has had an injury-hit season. The Norwegian has had a recurring shoulder problem, while his latest issue is related to his knee.

The Arsenal captain injured his knee during a 2-0 win over West Ham at the start of last month and has not played since.

Mikel Arteta spoke positively about Havertz, Madueke and Odegaard’s fitness last week and is optimistic they will all be fit for the north London derby later this month.

Gabriel Martinelli has missed Arsenal’s last two games after tweaking his thigh towards the end of the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on October 26.

The winger was able to finish the match, but he limped down the tunnel following the full-time whistle and has not played since then.

Gabriel Jesus is also out of action, and will be until the end of this year, as he continues to recover from knee surgery back in January.

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards insists Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is now “one of the best in world football” after watching him in the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Burnley.

Mikel Arteta’s side are having a brilliant season with Arsenal‘s comfortable victory over Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday their fifth Premier League win in a row.

Liverpool’s implosion at the top of the Premier League has allowed Arsenal to build up a six-point lead at the summit with Man City now their closest rivals in second place.

England international Rice put in an almost perfect display against the Clarets on Saturday and Richards reckons he is now showing that he’s one of the best players in the world.

Richards said on The Rest is Football podcast: “I don’t like singling players out because it’s a team effort – and I have to give Mikel Arteta credit for building that – but I have to identify Declan Rice.

“He’s taken his game to the next level now where you’re taking about one of the best in world football.

“We saw at West Ham a very good player and I remember some pundits criticised him a little bit in terms of what he is and what’s his best position but he’s everything in that midfield.

“He can do everything and he’s consistently putting in these performances which mean we have to start talking about him as one of the best players I world football.

“It is so good to see and if Arsenal do win the Premier League this season it will be because players like him. I said at the start that it’s a team game but he’s just exceeding all expectations.”

Former England and Tottenham striker Gary Lineker agreed with Richards about Rice, he added: “I think that’s fair. People talked about his position but he’s got it all, he’s all-encompassing.

“The amount of ground be covers and the way he advances forward with the ball and puts in those deliveries while being so smart defensively… he’s got it all. He’s one of those players who just continues to improve.”

Lineker picked Liverpool as Premier League title winners in his pre-season predictions but the former striker admits he can’t think of many reasons why Arsenal won’t win it now.

He added: “I know we all tipped Liverpool at the start of the season but it’s got to the stage now where it’s hard to go against Arsenal.

“It’s still early but it’s hard to actually tip anyone ahead of them, but we all know what football is like and how quickly things can change.”

Viktor Gyokeres ended his wait for another Premier League goal over the weekend as he helped power Arsenal towards a win over Burnley.

The striker has received mixed verdicts over his time with the Gunners so far, following his transfer in the summer.

For many, Viktor Gyokeres was viewed as the missing piece of the puzzle for Arsenal, a goal-scoring striker who could add a presence in the box.

So far, though, his scoring has factored lower than other skills, such as disrupting defences with his running and his overall hold-up play.

While his performance in Arsenal’s win over Burnley may well be his best yet, there is still one area that the forward is yet to convince Micah Richards and Gary Lineker in.

Gary Lineker and Micah Richards question whether Viktor Gyokeres can score against top teams

Viktor Gyokeres’ goal against Burnley took his Arsenal tally up to six goals this season across all competitions.

There has been something of a dry spell in the Premier League, however, with five games going by without a goal for the forward before he found the scoresheet again.

While it proved to be an important goal in the end, both Micah Richards and Gary Lineker now want to see his impact on games against Arsenal’s biggest rivals.

Richards said on The Rest Is Football podcast: “The question is going to be, Gyokeres, can he make the difference in the bigger games?

“Because right now, he’s doing so well for the team in terms of stretching, but he’s missing a lot of opportunities that maybe could go against him at the end of the season.

“I know they’ve got Kai Havertz to come back, but Gyokeres needs to be the difference against the bigger teams, the later stages of the Champions League, and when it gets really difficult in a league, you’re playing three times a week.

“If you have a Real Madrid in one week, you have a Man City, or whatever it may be, that needs to be the difference.”

It was something Lineker agreed with, as he added: “The criticism that people perhaps would say is that, I don’t want to call him a flat-track bully, that’s a bit unfair, because what he did in Portugal, he didn’t really score many goals against the top teams, and so far his [Premier League] goals have been against Burnley, [Nottingham] Forest and Leeds.

“So I take your point, I think he needs to do in some of the big games, but I think he’s had a reasonable start.

While Gyokeres hasn’t been quite as free-flowing with the goals as some would’ve expected, he is still having quite an impact on how the team plays.

Viktor Gyokeres’ record against the big six teams so far in the Premier League

Viktor Gyokeres’ goal-scoring record so far has left some wanting a little more, but recent performances suggest he is getting sharper and ready to hit a run of form again.

A goal against Burnley could help kick-start something for the striker, but he may only truly win people over when he does it against a big six side in the Premier League.

So far, he has failed to score against Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City, a record that is similar to what he faced in Portugal against the top sides.

That narrative could all change, however, as the end of November puts him in a position to impress.

An upcoming run that features the North London Derby against Tottenham and London rivals Chelsea, either side of playing Bayern Munich, could be the perfect time to find the back of the net.

That may largely depend on the injury to Gyokeres, with a recent muscular problem forcing him off against Burnley.

However, the setting is there for the Swedish international to hit the ground running after the international break.

Arsenal began November where they left off in October with victory and a clean sheet.

The Gunners beat Burnley 2-0 on Saturday to record their ninth straight win across all competitions, keeping a seventh successive shut-out in the process.

Mikel Arteta’s side continue to lead the way in the Premier League, but attentions shift towards Champions League action on Tuesday evening and a trip to Czechia to face Slavia Prague.

Arsenal have made a perfect start to the league phase of Europe’s premier competition, beating Athletic Club, Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid, and will be out to take a big step towards qualification.

While the Gunners were boosted by the return of William Saliba from injury at the weekend, they have been handed a couple of fresh concerns heading into the game against Slavia.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest Arsenal injury news.

Viktor Gyokeres
After ending his Premier League goal drought by breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute at Turf Moor, Viktor Gyokeres was forced off at half-time and replaced by Mikel Merino.

The Swede was praised for arguably his best performance in an Arsenal shirt to date following a big money summer transfer from Sporting, but Mikel Arteta confirmed the striker was forced of with a “little niggle”.

“I think that was one of the best games he (Gyokeres) has played,” said Arteta. “I think overall his performance was exceptional.

Subsequently, the Brazilian winger missed the wins over Brighton and Burnley, with a timescale regarding a return not clear just yet.

When pressed for an update on Martinelli ahead of the trip to Turf Moor, Arteta said: “We don’t know yet, but I think this game is going to come too early for him.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard has had no luck with injuries so far this season, but he is one of three Arsenal players hopeful of returning to action after the international break.

After making a full recovery from a troublesome shoulder problem, disaster struck for the Gunners captain against West Ham last month as he suffered a medial collateral ligament injury.

Asked on Friday about his captain, Arteta said he is hopeful the playmaker will be back in time for the north London derby against Tottenham later this month.

Potential return date: November 23, 2025 vs Tottenham (H)

Noni Madueke
The summer signing from Chelsea was enjoying an impressive start to life at Arsenal, but suffered a setback in the draw against Manchester City.

Withdrawn at half-time because of a knee complaint, fortunately scans the next day showed Noni Madueke had not suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The winger has missed the last nine games in a row across all competitions. That number will increase to 11 following the two fixtures this week, but he could return – alongside Odegaard – for the north London derby.

Potential return date: November 23, 2025 vs Tottenham (H)

Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz has not featured for Arsenal since a second half substitute appearance in the win over Manchester United on the opening weekend of the new season.

After complaining of discomfort in his knee, the German international required minor surgery to correct the issue.

If all goes to plan, Arsenal’s No29 could be available for selection again after the international break to provide even further competition in attack.

On Friday, when asked if he hopes Havertz, Madueke and Odegaard will be back for the Tottenham game, Arteta said: “Yeah.

“And [I am] excited because they are tremendous players. I see them work every single day, how desperate they are to be part of the team.

“[It will be] a huge boost for the squad to have those players available again after such a long, long time. So, really happy that I think it is going to be very soon.”

There’s a real sense of optimism building at Arsenal Football Club that this year could finally be their year, with Mikel Arteta’s men the current pace setters in the Premier League.

Saturday’s victory over Burnley was their eighth of the league campaign, keeping their fourth successive league clean sheet – now only conceding three goals in the Premier League.

Their summer dealings have no doubt aided their success in recent weeks, with Arteta now having a squad full of incredible talent, but more importantly, strength in depth.

One of the players already at the Emirates before the summer transfer window has since seen a decline in performance levels despite the added quality around him in North London.

Bukayo Saka’s decline in form at Arsenal in 2025/26

Over the last couple of years, winger Bukayo Saka has firmly been Arsenal’s star man, with the Englishman often tasked with providing the goods within the final third.

Whilst he suffered a serious hamstring injury last campaign, the 24-year-old still managed to achieve a total of 25 combined goals and assists in his 37 appearances across all competitions.

However, this season is yet to ignite for the Hale End academy graduate, with Saka currently unable to reach the high standards that he’s set for himself at the Emirates.

In his first eight league outings in 2025/26, the England international has only registered two goals and has yet been able to register any assists at present.

His recent performance against Burnley saw the forward blank once again, which has seen his goalless run extend to three games in England’s top-flight.

Saka was also able to register just 34 touches of the ball during his 90-minute performance – a tally that was the lowest of any player from either side at Turf Moor.

He also failed to complete a single dribble or create any chances, further highlighting his lack of impact within the final third despite the Gunners securing a 2-0 triumph.

The Arsenal player who’s now becoming Arteta’s best player

There’s no denying Saka will return to his best form in the coming months, but his recent lack of impact has seen numerous other Arsenal players take the headlines.

Declan Rice has been hugely influential from set pieces, often being the man to provide the goods from dead-ball situations – as seen by his tally of three assists so far this campaign.

However, the 26-year-old turned goalscorer against the Clarets on Saturday afternoon, adding to his tally and netting his second Premier League goal this term.

Viktor Gyokeres and David Raya have both had impacts at opposite ends of the pitch, as seen by their respective tallies of four goals and seven clean sheets to date.

Whilst both the aforementioned trio have all made a positive impact of late, none have quite matched the levels produced by centre-back Gabriel, who has been a real dominant force at both ends.

The Brazilian centre-back, who joined from Lille in 2020, would no doubt have been signed to provide defensive quality, but he’s now making a name for himself in the final third.

The 27-year-old has already achieved a staggering total of five combined goals and assists in his first 15 outings in 2025/26, with his latest coming against Burnley this weekend.

He rose highest at the back post from Rice’s corner, before nodding the ball across the face of goal and into the path of Gyokeres, who tapped in from close range.

However, Gabriel, is the main man. He has also dominated at the back – subsequently playing a key role in the club’s tally of seven league clean sheets during the early months of 2025/26.

He made 11 defensive contributions, which included nine clearances and one tackle and an interception made, further highlighting his ability without the ball at his feet.

The Brazilian also completed 93% of the passes he attempted, whilst also registering a total of 72 touches – numbers which make him the perfect modern-day centre-back.

His ability to be outstanding at the back, coupled with his tremendous goalscoring threat, has made him one of the most well-rounded talents in world football at present.

If the Gunners are to end their two-decade wait for a Premier League title, Gabriel will likely be a key component to any of their success – especially if he can maintain his current form. As Jamie Carragher put it, he’s now the frontrunner to be named PFA Player of the Year & he’s now “the most influential player in the Premier League.”

As for Saka, his lack of form will no doubt be a concern, but if he can return to his own incredible heights, the club’s chance of claiming title glory in May will no doubt increase tenfold.

Gyokeres continued his seamless adaptation to Premier League intensity by opening the scoring with instinct and control.

His movement stretched Burnley, his intelligence threaded Arsenal’s transitions and his industry set the tone. Mikel Arteta did not hide his admiration. “I think that was one of the best games he (Gyokeres) has played,” said Arteta. “I think overall his performance was exceptional.”

Arteta continued, “Everything, his high press, his position and his touches. His running in behind, the way he linked play, the way he got us from this situation to transition moments, a lot.” Praise rooted in detail, the hallmark of a manager who values patterns and behaviours as much as outcomes.

Yet reality intruded. Gyokeres was withdrawn at half time, and the manager revealed why. “It’s a shame that he felt something. We had to take him off because he was feeling a little niggle. So we’ll have to wait and see. He felt something muscular so we have to wait to learn the extent of that.”

Zubimendi, meanwhile, had been the quiet conductor again, gliding, breaking lines, shielding, recycling. Then came the raised hand. “He asked to be subbed, so we’ll have to wait and see,” Arteta confirmed. No alarm sounded, but tension lives in silence as well as noise.

Performance Strength and Strategic Calm

This Arsenal side has become a machine built on discipline and clarity. Seven straight clean sheets speak to cohesion, communication and the value of structure. Burnley barely breathed in Arsenal’s half and did not register a shot on target. The manager reflected calmly.

“The first half was exceptional, we scored two goals and gave nothing away,” Arteta said. “That was the platform. We had to make a few changes and did not have that much control in the second half. The defending was exceptional again, we did not give anything away.”

The progress is clear. Champions govern games with control and steel. Arsenal look every inch that level, and the confidence to weather adversity has grown with each passing week. But rhythm, particularly midfield rhythm, cannot be fractured without consequence.

Focus Shifts to Europe and Squad Depth
Tuesday brings a European test and Arsenal will hope both Gyokeres and Zubimendi prove fit enough to travel. Arteta has depth, but losing two core components at once would test versatility and resilience.

Elite seasons are decided not just by brilliance, but by endurance. Arsenal have built a lead and a standard, and now they await fitness news that may shape the cadence of their winter push. Hope rests on precaution rather than concern.

A seven point lead, defensive solidity, and a forward line humming with intent creates a platform many envy. Yet campaigns of this nature are built on hardened legs as much as sharp minds. Arsenal must now trust their medical department as much as their midfield.

Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory over Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Gunners picked up a fifth-straight league win with an impressive display at Turf Moor.

Declan Rice was handed the man of the match after playing a part in both goals scored.

The Englishman delivered a fantastic corner in the lead-up to the opening goal. He doubled the club’s advantage with a fabulous header from a lovely counter-attack.

Speaking after the 2-0 win, Rice was particularly delighted with the performances of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori on the day.

The midfielder said that the back four are ‘something special’.

He told BBC Sport (via Premierleague.com): “You’ve got two centre-halves and two full-backs who live and breathe defending and every duel means something to them.

“If you even look at my goal, we’re defending a long throw, but big Gabi [Gabriel Magalhaes], he heads the ball like his life depends on it and we break.

“I think when teams play against us, they get set and try to keep a lot of people behind the ball. But in those moments when the game opens up and we can stretch teams, we took advantage of that today.

“It was a big moment, but the back four they are something special.”

Arsenal’s Premier League back four are undroppable

Saliba and Gabriel have established themselves as the best central defensive pairing in the Premier League. The duo have a brilliant chemistry and have been flawless in open play this season, barring one moment when Erling Braut Haaland scored.

The duo are undisputed starters in the heart of the defence for the Gunners. The same can be said for Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori. Timber had a wonderful 2024/25 season, where he coped with a heavy workload at right-back in Ben White’s injury absence.

The Dutchman eventually picked up an ankle injury before the season concluded. With White having impressed in pre-season, it was anticipated that the Englishman could reclaim his right-back role. However, Timber has been exceptional since his comeback.

The 24-year-old has two goals and two assists in the Premier League this term. He has also developed a tremendous understanding with Bukayo Saka, making quality overlapping runs. White has gone out of the league picture amid the Dutchman’s sublime form.

Similarly, Calafiori has been brilliant, having got over his injury troubles from his debut season. The Italian got the nod to start over Myles Lewis-Skelly at Manchester United in August, where he scored the winning goal. He has not looked back since.

The former Bologna man has three goal involvements. He has been brilliant as an inverting left-back and has managed the most shots among full-backs. His performances have meant that Lewis-Skelly has been limited to starts in other competitions.

It is quite clear that the current Premier League back four are undroppable under manager Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal extended their grip at the top of the Premier League with a composed 2–0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor, sealing a fifth straight league win. 

The opening goal came in the 14th minute from a set-piece move that has become something of a trademark for the Gunners this season. Declan Rice floated in a corner that was flicked on by Gabriel at the near post; Gyökeres was alert at the far side and nodded home from close range for his fourth league goal of the campaign. Burnley offered little response in that period, failing to get a shot on target in the first half.

Ten minutes before the break, Arsenal struck again. The visitors cleared a Burnley long throw and quickly transitioned into attack. Gyökeres delivered an excellent cross-field pass to Leandro Trossard, who whipped in a dangerous delivery. Rice timed his run to perfection and powered a header past Burnley’s goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka, doubling the lead.

The second half was quieter and less eventful. Burnley sought to gain momentum, but Arsenal’s defense remained resolute. Dúbravka made a few saves—most notably from Trossard—and Burnley barely threatened.

Their first real attempt came only in the 73rd minute through a header by Florentino Luis, which sailed over. Marcus Edwards nearly pulled one back late on, smashing a free-kick against the post in stoppage time, but Arsenal held firm.

Gyökeres did not return after half-time due to a muscular issue, according to manager Mikel Arteta. Even so, the Gunners never looked in danger of relinquishing control, securing a clean sheet and seeing out the game with composure.

With this result, Arsenal stretched their advantage at the summit to seven points. The victory also marked their seventh straight clean sheet across all competitions, underscoring the solidity that’s becoming a hallmark of this side.

The Gunners set yet another record this week — and surprisingly, it had nothing to do with teenage sensation Max Dowman.

While Dowman, aged 15 years and 302 days, became the youngest player to start for Arsenal in their 2–0 Carabao Cup victory over Brighton, the club achieved a more historic feat: they became the first English top-flight team ever to play at least six matches in a single month, winning all of them without conceding a goal, per Opta.

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have now won 12 of 14 games across all competitions, leading the Premier League by four points, unbeaten in the Champions League, and through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

The win over Brighton capped a flawless October that underlined Arsenal’s defensive evolution, depth, and dominance — proof that their success extends well beyond one record-breaking teenager.

Arsenal are now looking to get ahead in the race to sign Levante striker Karl Etta Eyong, amid widespread interest from some top Premier League clubs.

The Gunners made it nine wins on the bounce in all competitions on Saturday afternoon, courtesy of a 2-0 victory at Burnley, with their backline once again looking very strong, limiting the Clarets to an xG of just 0.41.

Goals from Declan Rice and Viktor Gyokeres secured all three points, with the latter bagging his first Premier League goal since September, displaying his striker’s instincts by nodding home from close range.

Mikel Arteta is very well-stocked in attacking areas on paper, although Gabriel Jesus has suffered persistent injury issues and Kai Havertz has featured just once in the Premier League this season due to a knee problem.

As such, it could make sense to bring in a new striker to compete for Gyokeres’ starting spot, and the north Londoners are now looking to sign a highly-rated young forward.

Arsenal looking to get ahead in Etta Eyong race

According to a report from Spain, Arsenal are now looking to get ahead in the race to sign Levante striker Etta Eyong, who is being targeted by a number of the Premier League’s top clubs, with Manchester City and Manchester United also keen.

Signing a new striker isn’t a priority for the Gunners, but the 22-year-old is of interest, and a release clause of around just €40m (£35m) means he would be an affordable option.

Ideally, however, the forward would prefer to play in La Liga, so it remains to be seen whether the interested English clubs are able to tempt him into a move.

Stan Kroenke & co clearly mean business, having set out to sign another striker, despite Arteta already having the likes of Gyokeres, Havertz and Jesus to choose from.

With Arsenal looking to compete on all fronts, however, it makes sense to have squad depth, and the Levante star could be an exciting addition, having been lauded as “powerful” by journalist Kai Watson.

The Cameroonian has certainly hit the ground running at Levante since arriving from Villarreal in the summer, scoring five goals in his opening seven games for the La Liga side, while he also has three assists to his name this season.

The Gunners travelled to Turf Moor and did exactly what most expected: they beat the Clarets 2-0. Viktor Gyökeres and Declan Rice scored the decisive goals, helping Arsenal tighten their grip at the top of the Premier League table.

While there was plenty to dissect from this one, here are a few key takeaways.

Gyökeres and Rice brilliance

Viktor Gyökeres’ influence continues to grow. This was arguably his finest performance in Arsenal colours so far. It wasn’t just the goal or his role in the second, it was his link-up play, movement, and the way he constantly stretched Burnley’s back line.

Tellingly, Arsenal struggled to break down Burnley’s low block after he was withdrawn. Being subbed off at half-time felt harsh, especially as he was beginning to look like a proper Arsenal No.9.

As for Declan Rice, his consistency is becoming almost ridiculous. He was everywhere at Turf Moor – breaking up play, dictating tempo, and delivering real quality in the final third. Then there was his goal. That £100 million price tag? He is making it look like a bargain.

At this point, some Gooners probably tune in to Arsenal games just to watch him play. Honestly, does he ever have a bad one?

Saka concern and what the win means
There was one slight concern: Bukayo Saka seems to be operating at around 60%. It almost feels as though he is missing Martin Odegaard’s presence – the Arsenal captain is not expected to return to the pitch until after the November international break.

Ideally, Saka needs to start producing those prime Mohamed Salah numbers, but that will only happen if he begins punishing sides like Burnley more consistently.

Beyond that, the win means Arsenal are now unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions and have not conceded a goal since September. They hold a four-point cushion at the top with eight wins, one draw (Man City), and a single defeat (Liverpool).

Perhaps most impressively, they’ve managed this without Saka hitting top form – and the same can be said for Eberechi Eze.

It could get even better, with Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus all on the verge of returning. This Arsenal side still has another gear, maybe two. If they find it, few will be able to deny them league glory.