ARSENAL got their Europa League campaign off to the perfect start against FC Zurich last night.
Eddie Nketiah's 62nd minute header was enough to see the Gunners escape Switzerland with all three points.
But the game was overshadowed by the tragic news of Her Majesty The Queen sadly passing away.
And the whole stadium paid tributes throughout, particularly at half-time where they an image of Her Majesty was put on the big screens followed by a two minute silence.
The Gunners will find out at some point today whether their match against Everton on the weekend will go ahead.
- Emillia Hawkins
Premier League chiefs to make fixture decision this morning
Premier League officials are set to meet at 11am today to determine whether or not this weekend's fixtures will go ahead following the death of The Queen.
This comes after two EFL matches – scheduled to take place today – were postponed.
An EFL statement on Thursday evening read: "As a mark of respect, following the passing of Her Majesty, The Queen Elizabeth II earlier today, the EFL has confirmed that its fixtures scheduled for tomorrow evening (Friday 9 September) – Burnley v Norwich City and Tranmere Rovers v Stockport County – have been postponed.
"A determination regarding the remainder of this weekend’s scheduled fixtures will be made following a review of the official mourning guidance, in addition to further consultation with DCMS and other sports on Friday morning."
The Government is not planning to enforce a shutdown in sport as the UK enters 10 days of national mourning following the passing of the longest-reigning Sovereign in British history.
But Prem chief executive Richard Masters and his board are aware of a potential backlash if they play the weekend’s matches as scheduled.
And another factor is the potential drain on police resources as towns and cities up and down the land pay tribute to The Queen after her 70-year reign.
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal's minute of silence
Arsenal and Zurich held a minute’s silence to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth.
The players from both teams gathered around the centre circle before the second half of their Europa League game kicked off after the sad news broke while the match was already underway.
The official announcement totally overshadowed the game, which saw the Gunners' return to European action after failing to qualify for the first time in 25 years last season.
The North Londoners went on to win 2-1 thanks to goals by Marquinhos and Eddie Nketiah
- Kostas Lianos
Art to take
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has sympathised with Thomas Tuchel after he was sacked by Chelsea.
Tuchel was fired by the Blues on Wednesday after 20 months at Stamford Bridge.
And Arteta feels for Tuchel, who has been replaced by former Brighton manager Graham Potter.
The Spaniard said: “I was [surprised], yes. It was right before training when we got the news.
“It is always sad for any colleague in this profession to get fired. Unfortunately, we know how this works. Wish him the best of luck.
“It makes me realise that we have a profession that, in a big percent this is going to happen.
“We have to prepare for it and we have to enjoy the journey and we have to enjoy every day because you never know what’s coming”
Credit: Getty
- Kostas Lianos
Wilfried Zaha blow
Crystal Palace have offered longtime Arsenal target Wilfried Zaha a new contract with their star man in the final year of his deal, reports SunSport's Jack Rosser.
But it is not clear if Zaha will sign the deal because he will be able to speak to foreign clubs about a free transfer from January.
The Eagles have held talks with the winger's camp for over a year as they try to keep their talisman at Selhurst Park.
Approaches from Arsenal have been rejected in previous transfer windows.
The Ivory Coast international has never hidden his desire to play Champions League football
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal pay tribute
Arsenal paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following the announcement of her death at the age of 96 on Thursday evening.
The Gunners held a moment of silence at half-time during their Europa League match against Zurich, shortly after the Queen's death was announced.
The North Londoners then tweeted: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
"Along with many of our supporters today, we will be taking time to mourn and reflect on Her Majesty’s incredible life and devoted service"
- Kostas Lianos
Zurich 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal’s Europa League campaign got off on the right foot as they defeated Zurich 2-1 at the AFG Arena.
The Gunners opened the scoring after just 16 minutes with Marquinhos hitting the back of the net on his debut after an assist by Eddie Nketiah.
But the Swiss team equalised just one minute before half-time with Mirlind Kryeziu’s penalty kick.
But Nketiah and Marquinhos switched roles after 62 minutes with the former putting the Gunners back in the lead
- Kostas Lianos
Zurich 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal have opened the scoring against Zurich at the AFG Arena after just 16 minutes.
And it is summer signing Marquinhos netting on his debut as he hits the top corner after a cross by Eddie Nketiah.
Follow the live action in SunSport’s LIVE BLOG
- Kostas Lianos
Zurich 0-0 Arsenal
Arsenal's Europa League match against Zurich has kicked off in Switzerland.
Let's have a look back at the starting line-ups:
Arsenal: Turner, Gabriel, Holding, Tomiyasu, Tierney, Marquinhos, Xhaka, Lokonga, Fabio Vieira, Martinelli, Nketiah
Zurich: Brecher, Boranijasevic, Kamberi, Kryeziu, Aliti, Dzemaili, Selnaes, Okita, Krasniqi, Guerrero, Aiyegun
Follow the live action in SunSport's LIVE BLOG
- Kostas Lianos
Arteta responds to Leno
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has laughed off Bernd Leno's claims he was forced out because of political reasons.
Leno said: "When I realised that it wasn't about performance or quality, I knew I had to go.
"During the preparation, I saw that it's not about performance, it's just about politics. It was clear to me: I have to get out of here."
Arteta responded: "I’m really surprised and I don't know if he’s talking about the politics when he was starting every match or when he wasn’t playing. Really surprised about it"
- Kostas Lianos
Zurich XI vs Arsenal
Here is who Zurich boss Franco Foda chose for his starting line-up and bench.
XI: Brecher, Boranijasevic, Kamberi, Kryeziu, Aliti, Dzemaili, Selnaes, Okita, Krasniqi, Guerrero, Aiyegun.
Subs: Kostadinovic, Omeragic, Santini, Marchesano, Hornschuh, Conde, Avdijaj, Vyunnyk, Rohner, Hodza, Mets, De Nitti.
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal XI vs Zurich
Here’s who Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta picked for his starting line-up and bench at Zurich.
XI: Turner, Gabriel, Holding, Tomiyasu, Tierney, Marquinhos, Xhaka, Lokonga, Fabio Vieira, Martinelli, Nketiah
Subs: Ramsdale, Hein, White, Saka, Odegaard, Jesus, Saliba, Zinchenko, Cirjan, Smith, Cozier-Duberry.
Credit: Getty - Anthony Chapman
Gabriel Jesus pursuit 'frustrated' Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel was reportedly left frustrated over a failed move for Gabriel Jesus this summer.
The Athletic claims the ex-Chelsea boss was encouraged to sign Jesus from Man City by Todd Boehly.
But Tuchel rejected the idea before later changing his mind.
However, this time Boehly did not back Tuchel, who was left annoyed after Jesus made it clear he wanted to join Chelsea over Arsenal.
- Anthony Chapman
Xhaka aiming to make amends
Granit Xhaka is targeting Europa League glory with Arsenal after losing 2019's final to Chelsea.
He said: "(I was) Very disappointed, first of all, because when you get to the final you want to win it, for sure.
"But you can only learn about this. Three years later we are still here now in the Europa League – and it's time to win.
"We want to start well in a new competition, in the Europa League and we want to take the three points back to London."
- Anthony Chapman
Wright regrets Iwobi transfer exit
Ian Wright admits he wishes Arsenal did not sell Alex Iwobi to Everton.
He said: “I’m so pleased with the way it’s going for him.
“I’m loving the way it’s working out for Iwobi. He’s the pass before the assist, people don’t realise it.
"It’s the kind of intensity that Mikel wants now and needs now, we need that, we need somebody who can press like that.”
- Anthony Chapman
Predicted Arsenal XI vs Zurich
Arsenal kick off their Europa League campaign against Zurich tonight.
And Mikel Arteta is sure to ring the changes after six Premier League matches.
Is this how the Gunners will look this evening?
- Anthony Chapman
Neville criticises Arsenal's late business
Gary Neville has put Arsenal on blast for failing to sign a new player for Mikel Arteta late in the transfer window.
He said: "We asked Mikel Arteta on the first game of the season, we said to him 'are you going to do any more business?'
"He said he did, in midfield. Why did they wait until transfer deadline day to bid for Luiz? Why did they wait that three, four weeks?
"I know that Arsenal did really well in midfield (in their 3-1 defeat at Man Utd), but when there was a moment to open up the game – I know Odegaard can do that – I felt they did lack a midfield player."
- Anthony Chapman
Vieira ready to make impact
Mikel Arteta is backing Fabio Vieira to make his mark for Arsenal against Zurich tonight.
Arteta said: “We were looking for players that could play in three positions in the frontline and in the attacking midfielder positions.
“We were looking for very specific qualities in the market and when I saw him, I really liked what I saw.
"Straight away, I was convinced that he was a player who can help us go to the next level and that he had the right personality and character to play for our club.”
- Anthony Chapman
Jesus and Odegaard get nominations
Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard have both been nominated for Premier League Player of the Month.
The duo have been in superb form to lead Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table.
But they face stiff competition from Man City's Erling Haaland, as well as Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Also in the running are Brighton's Pascal Gross, Newcastle's Nick Pope, Leeds' Rodrigo and Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha.
- Anthony Chapman
Luiz set for Villa exit
Arsenal target Douglas Luiz will leave Aston Villa for free next year.
UOL claims the Brazilian midfielder has decided to depart after being denied a deadline day move to the Gunners.
Arsenal bid up to £25m for Luiz but Villa held firm.
And Luiz will become a free agent when his deal expires in 2023.
- Anthony Chapman
Arteta dismisses Leno 'politics' claim
Mikel Arteta has laughed off Bernd Leno's claims he was forced out of Arsenal for political reasons.
Leno said yesterday: "When I realised that it wasn't about performance or quality, I knew I had to go.
"During the preparation, I saw that it's not about performance, it's just about politics. It was clear to me: I have to get out of here."
Arteta responded: "I’m really surprised and I don't know if he’s talking about the politics when he was starting every match or when he wasn’t playing. Really surprised about it."
- Anthony Chapman
Arsenal icon enters esports arena
Ex-Arsenal star Nicklas Bendtner has swapped victories for video games … by founding an esports team.
Bendtner said: "When the coronavirus came and I was bound by isolation, I started playing Counter-Strike.
"I learned about the esports industry, and the impact it has on young people who are working very hard to reach the top.
"That's why I founded Prosapia eSport, so that my employees and I can help young and promising talent reach their goals.”
- Anthony Chapman
Smith Rowe to miss Zurich
Emile Smith Rowe will play no part in Arsenal's Europa League clash against Zurich.
That's after he picked up a knock during the WARM-DOWN following Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Man Utd.
Mikel Arteta confirmed: "He felt discomfort in an area that [he’s been dealing with] now for a few weeks.
"He wasn’t comfortable after the game and he hasn’t trained in the last few days, so he’s out of the squad."
- Jake Lambourne
Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal visit Zurich tonight to mark their Europa League return.
The hosts' manager Franco Foda is expected to have a well-stocked side for their big contest against the Gunners.
However, Foda will have to continue without centre-half Ilan Sauter and Shakhtar Donetsk loanee Bogdan Viunnyk as they are both injured.
Elsewhere, the North Londoners remain light in midfield with Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny still in the treatment room, while Reiss Nelson is going through his own recovery process.
But Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been handed a fresh blow as Emile Smith Rowe sustained an injury in the Manchester United warm-down.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa ace and Arsenal summer target Douglas Luiz will leave Villa Park as a free agent next summer.
Luiz was chased by three top Premier League clubs this summer after entering the final year of his deal.
Chelsea were known to be keen before they eventually plumped for Juventus ace Denis Zakaria on loan.
Liverpool also kept tabs on the midfielder until they pulled off a loan swoop for Juve’s Arthur Melo.
But it was the Gunners who led the charge for Luiz on transfer deadline day, having a £23million bid turned down by Villa.
But despite being happy to stay at the Midlands this term, UOL report the Brazil international has already decided to leave Steven Gerrard’s team when his contract expires in 2023.
The 24-year-old is eager to extend his Premier League tenure.
And Fulham star Bernd Leno has launched a stinging attack on Arsenal as he revealed he left the club due to “politics not performances”.
Leno told Sport Bild: “When I realised that it wasn’t about performance or quality, I knew that I had to go.
“In preparation, I saw that it is not about performance, but only about politics. It was clear to me: I had to get out of here.
“The most important thing for me is to find my rhythm again.
“Especially after I wasn’t actually able to train properly at Arsenal and had no preparation. It’s up to me to get the focus back on the national team.”
Finally, Arsenal were left frustrated late in the summer transfer window due to their move for Wolves ace Pedro Neto being scuppered by Nottingham Forest.
The Gunners' bid for Neto collapsed when the Molineux outfit upped the winger's price after Morgan Gibbs-White’s exit.
Gibbs-White was sold to Forest for a fee which could go up to £42.5m, but this will require all the add-ons in the deal to be met, with the upfront fee just £25m.
According to The Athletic, this deal left the North Londoners “alarmed” as they knew Wolves may up their asking price for the Portugal international.
That is exactly what happened, as Wolves demanded £50m for the 22-year-old ace which was more than what Arsenal were willing to splash.
- Kostas Lianos
Your not the one
Arsenal pulled out of the transfer race for Leicester ace Youri Tielemans over doubts that he would not be the right fit for the team.
According to journalist Pete O'Rourke the Gunners' boss Mikel Arteta was "not interested enough" in signing Tielemans.
O'Rourke told Give Me Sport: "The offer of around £23million for Douglas Luiz would have been enough to land Tielemans – so I think we can take from this that Arsenal lost belief that he was the right fit for their team.
"They were interested but not interested enough"
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal's young gun
Arsenal have promoted Lino Sousa to their first-team squad ahead of their Europa League game against FC Zurich.
Sousa, 17, who is part Brazilian, trained with Mikel Arteta’s senior squad earlier today.
And now The Athletic report that he will travel to Switzerland for tomorrow’s match.
The left-back moved to the Emirates from West Brom in January and has made an instant impression at youth level.
The defender broke straight into Kevin Betsy’s Under-23 side and then travelled to Germany with them in pre-season under new coach Mehmet Ali after Betsy left for Crawley Town
Credit: Getty
Source: Read Full Article
