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Tag: Arteta

Chelsea vs Arsenal: Premier League Showdown Set to Shape Title Race

Fola Badmus05 mins

The Premier League’s most anticipated clash of the season takes place on Sunday as leaders Arsenal travel to second-placed Chelsea in a match that could transform the title race — or push the Gunners closer to ending their two-decade wait for a league crown. Arsenal hold a six-point advantage at the top heading into the weekend. With Liverpool collapsing in form and Manchester City struggling to keep pace, the title appears increasingly within Arsenal’s grasp. Chelsea, however, remain their closest challengers. Fresh off winning the FIFA Club World Cup and boasting a squad assembled at a cost exceeding $1bn, Enzo Maresca’s youthful side is pushing well ahead of expectations. The Blues head into the derby on a three-match winning run and have won nine of their last 11 matches in all competitions, losing only once. Arteta’s side is unbeaten in 16 matches across all competitions, winning 14 of them. Widely regarded as one of the strongest squads in Europe, Arsenal have shown consistency that has escaped their main rivals. Arteta: Chelsea “fully deserve” their spot Despite Chelsea being labelled outsiders for the title, Mikel Arteta is not buying into that narrative. “They are there because they fully deserve to be,” Arteta said on Friday. “The squad they have assembled, the quality they have, the numbers they’re producing — it makes sense. They’re very tough.” Arteta called Chelsea one of the teams he most enjoys watching due to their fluidity, individual brilliance and tactical clarity. “It’s a big London derby. They’re in really good form. We know the challenge — and the opportunity — on Sunday. We are fully ready.” Are Chelsea Arsenal’s biggest threat? This match represents the most difficult test yet for Chelsea’s title aspirations. Eighteen-year-old Brazilian sensation Estevao, with nine goals in his last 13 appearances for club and country, has been a revelation. His arrival from Palmeiras has added dynamism and unpredictability to Chelsea’s attack. With Liverpool in crisis — having lost nine of their last 12 matches — and Manchester City’s inconsistency continuing, Chelsea appear the only team capable of sustaining a push against Arsenal. City, however, could climb temporarily into second place if they defeat Leeds United on Saturday. Recent history After finishing runners-up for three consecutive seasons, optimism is building that Arsenal may finally reclaim the trophy. Chelsea’s last match Chelsea delivered one of their best performances of the season on Tuesday, beating Barcelona 3–0 in the Champions League. Maresca, in his second Premier League campaign, continues to blend youthful talent with an evolving tactical identity. Sunday’s encounter at Stamford Bridge now stands as a pivotal moment in the Premier League narrative — one that could define the season’s closing months.

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Arsenal Crush Atletico Madrid 4–0 as Arteta’s Side Dominate Champions League Clash

Kamal Yalwa05 mins

Arsenal produced another dominant European performance as they thrashed Atletico Madrid 4–0 at the Emirates, sending a clear message to the rest of Europe — Mikel Arteta’s men are not just contenders; they look unstoppable. The Gunners have now kept four straight clean sheets, facing just one shot on target in their last three matches, while continuing their remarkable record from set-pieces — 10 goals already this season from dead-ball situations. Wednesday night’s victory was a masterclass in control, discipline, and ruthlessness. Declan Rice once again orchestrated proceedings in midfield, delivering two assists from set-pieces, while Viktor Gyökeres ended his nine-game goal drought with a confidence-boosting brace. When Arsenal dismantled Real Madrid 5–1 on aggregate last season, it was seen as their arrival among Europe’s elite. Six months later, Diego Simeone’s Atletico have suffered a similar fate. Atleti came prepared, compact, and disciplined — vintage Simeone football — but were eventually blown away by an Arsenal side operating at frightening efficiency. The Spanish giants, who scored five goals against Real Madrid earlier this season, managed just one shot on target all night. David Raya has made just one save across Arsenal’s last three fixtures, and the team has conceded only three goals in 12 games — their best-ever defensive start to a season. For all the legendary backlines under George Graham and Arsène Wenger, this defence may be reaching even greater heights. Arsenal’s set-piece record is becoming almost absurd. The Gunners scored twice from dead-ball situations again, making it the fourth match this season they’ve done so. Gabriel opened the scoring from a Rice free-kick, continuing a trend where Arsenal inevitably break opponents through well-drilled routines. Critics may argue Arsenal rely too heavily on set-pieces — but at this level of execution, it’s a weapon few teams can counter. As Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson put it: “No one beats Atletico by four. Arsenal steamrolled them.” It was also a night of redemption for Viktor Gyökeres. The Swedish striker, under pressure after a goalless spell, silenced doubters with two well-taken goals and another selfless, high-energy performance. “He makes us a better team,” Arteta said post-match. “His work rate and intelligence create so much space for our wingers. The goals were a reward for that effort.” With upcoming fixtures against Crystal Palace, Brighton, Burnley, Slavia Prague, and Sunderland, Gyökeres has a prime opportunity to build momentum — and Arsenal to extend their dominance. Top of the Premier League, joint-leaders in the Champions League, and statistically the best defence in Europe’s top five leagues — Arsenal’s rise under Arteta shows no signs of slowing down. If they continue combining tactical control with devastating set-pieces and newfound attacking depth, the question is no longer whether they can win major silverware — but who can stop them.

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Arsenal vs Man City: Arteta Faces Midfield Dilemma Involving Declan Rice and Mikel Merino

Fola Badmus04 mins

Watch Arsenal vs Man City live Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has a tough decision to make ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash with Manchester City, as he grapples with a growing concern in midfield involving Declan Rice and Mikel Merino. The Gunners secured a 2-0 win over Athletic Club in Bilbao earlier this week, with substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard making the difference off the bench — a testament to Arsenal’s increasing squad depth and attacking firepower. But the key question remains: why were they needed at all? Midfield Lacking Creativity Despite controlling large portions of the match and facing minimal pressure from the hosts — Athletic registered 11 shots, only two of which troubled David Raya — Arsenal struggled to create meaningful opportunities for much of the game. Much of that came down to their midfield setup. As seen in previous fixtures, Arteta once again paired Declan Rice and Mikel Merino as advanced No. 8s, ahead of Martin Zubimendi in the holding role. It’s a combination that has yet to fully click. Just like in last month’s draw against Liverpool, the Rice–Merino axis appeared too rigid, limiting Arsenal’s attacking fluidity and link-up play in the final third. Neither player naturally fills the creative void left when Martin Ødegaard is absent or deeper in midfield. Stats Paint a Cautionary Picture The numbers don’t lie:In the Premier League, Arsenal have started Rice and Merino together as No. 8s nine times.They’ve won just one of those matches — a 4-0 win over a struggling Ipswich Town side. Even that victory came under low pressure, with Champions League progression already secured. What It Means Ahead of City Showdown With Manchester City arriving at the Emirates this weekend, Arteta must weigh his midfield options carefully. The defending champions are ruthless at punishing sides that lack midfield cohesion — and if Arsenal struggle to transition quickly from defence to attack, it could prove costly. Arteta’s squad has improved in terms of depth and versatility, but his midfield combinations — especially in high-stakes games — remain under the microscope. The manager must now decide whether to persist with the Rice–Merino pairing or bring in a more attack-minded midfielder to balance out the structure and provide the creative spark that could tip the scales in Arsenal’s favour.

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Arsenal’s Trophy Drought Continues After Champions League Exit: What’s Next for Arteta’s Gunners?

Fola Badmus02 mins

Arsenal’s 2024–25 campaign ended in heartbreak as they were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals by Paris Saint-Germain, losing 3-1 on aggregate. The result extends the Gunners’ trophy drought under Mikel Arteta, who last lifted silverware with the club in the 2020 FA Cup. Despite dominating large parts of the tie, Arsenal were undone by clinical finishing from PSG and a heroic performance from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Arteta, however, praised his team’s effort, stating, “I don’t think there’s been a better team than us in the competition, but we are out.” The exit has reignited debate over Arteta’s future. While critics question the lack of trophies, many supporters point to the club’s steady progress and tactical development under his leadership. Arsenal remain a competitive force in both domestic and European competitions, but are yet to turn their promise into tangible success. With the summer transfer window approaching, Arsenal now face a pivotal moment. Reinforcements, particularly in attack, will be essential if the team hopes to take the final step and finally break their silverware drought. The club’s board appears committed to Arteta’s long-term vision, signaling continued backing for the Spanish manager. As the Gunners look ahead to the 2025–26 season, the challenge is clear: convert potential into trophies and reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.

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