DECLAN RICE was forced off at half-time in the draw with Tottenham due to a back injury, Mikel Arteta has confirmed.
The Gunners boss revealed a worrying update from Rice after the player revealed his discomfort.
On the transfer front, the Gunners are amongst other European powerhouses chasing Club Brugge youngster Antonio Nusa.
Elsewhere, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has been linked with a shock £60million move to Chelsea.
PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – Get £50 in free bet builder bets
Follow ALL of the latest from the Emirates Stadium below…
- By Kostas Lianos
Ray of light
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya had a touching moment before the North London Derby.
The two keepers stopped for a hug after exchanging words before kick off.
Raya kept his spot in Mikel Arteta's starting line-up ahead of the match with Tottenham.
Ramsdale, who has featured in every North London Derby since joining the club in 2021, was named on the bench.
Arteta has insisted that he does not favour one shot stopper over the other, but on Wednesday he claimed that he wants to make the "best decision" for the team.
Credit: PA - By Kostas Lianos
Kane X-rated chant
Arsenal fans broke out into an X-rated Harry Kane chant just minutes into today's North London derby.
The Gunners and Spurs faced off with both sides hoping to cement their spots in the top four of the Premier League.
And in normal derby fashion, there was no love lost between the fans as Gooners opted to poke fun at their rivals.
During the fiery clash at the Emirates, the home fans could be heard chanting: "Harry Kane, he left 'cos you're s**t."
- By Kostas Lianos
Neville slams Romero
Gary Neville has slammed Tottenham ace Cristian Romero after his own goal in the North London derby against Arsenal.
Romero deflected Bukayo Saka's strike into his own net to give the Gunners the lead.
Saka had cut inside from the right before going for goal from the edge of the box but his effort appeared to be going wide before hitting the centre-back's outstretched leg and nestling in the corner.
Neville fumed on Sky Sports: "That's the worst thing you could do."
The Manchester United legend also went on to add that the Argentina international was "rash wafting his leg at that".
- By Kostas Lianos
Arsenal linked with Dembele
Arsenal are one of a number of Premier League clubs eyeing up a move for Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele.
That is despite Dembele, 26, only moving to PSG in the summer from Barcelona.
However, the forward has failed to set the world alight in his first five games – failing to score for Luis Enrique's team.
According to the Daily Mirror, that has prompted the Parisians to consider cutting their losses,
A loan deal in the January transfer window has been suggested with the likes of Tottenham and West Ham also monitoring the France international's situation.
- By Kostas Lianos
Setting the Tone
Brentford star Ivan Toney has held exit talks with manager Thomas Frank.
Toney returned to training this week after reaching the halfway point of his eight-month ban for FA betting breaches.
The 27-year-old remains banned from playing until January 16 and may have appeared in his last game for the Bees.
According to the Mirror, the England international has discussed his future with Frank by outlining his desire for a new challenge.
Brentford will not stand in the striker's way, provided their £60million valuation is met.
Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal are believed to be interested in signing Toney.
- By Kostas Lianos
Arteta issues Rice update
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta suffered a major injury scare after he revealed that it was Declan Rice’s back that forced the star off against Tottenham.
He had some discomfort in his back. He was telling us during the first half that he was uncomfortable and when we assessed him at half-time he could not continue, so we had to change him.
Hopefully not [Rice won't be out for long]. We have to assess him.
It's strange when a player like him asks to come off because he's uncomfortable. Hopefully not, but let's see.
Mikel Arteta
- By Kostas Lianos
Mikel Arteta reacts
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta claims his team is "very disappointed" to not have won the North London derby.
Well we are very disappointed not to win the three points. Especially when you go twice in front.
Especially the moment when we conceded the goals.
We could have scored 2-0 in the situation with Gabi. We lacked some composure on the ball to get into the final third..
Mikel Arteta
Credit: Alamy - By Kostas Lianos
Arteta on Ramsdale
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has opened up on his ruthless decision to axe Aaron Ramsdale as his No1 and revealed the feeling it left "in his tummy".
This comes amid rumours suggesting Ramsdale has already attracted suitors, such as Chelsea.
And the Gunners could be open to offers worth at least £60million for the goalkeeper.
It is very difficult with every player. And I suffer and I care about every player who is not playing.
But this is the competition and this is my job to make decisions in the best possible way for the team.
In your tummy when you have players sitting out and you have to announce the line-up, it is one of the hardest things.
Mikel Arteta
- By Kostas Lianos
Bright Nu hope
Arsenal have joined the bidding war for Club Brugge star Antonio Nusa – dubbed "the next Neymar"
Manchester United, Chelsea Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Marseille are also among at least 20 other clubs understood to be monitoring £30million-rated Nusa.
The 18-year-old is highly rated as he became the second youngest Champions League scorer ever in September 2022 during a 4-0 group win over Porto.
Chelsea had a £26million deadline-day bid rejected for the forward by Brugge.
- By Kostas Lianos
FT: Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham
Arsenal drew 2-2 with rivals Tottenham in the North London derby at the Emirates.
The Gunners drew first blood after just 26 minutes following an own goal from Cristian Romero.
But Spurs silenced the home crowd three minutes before half-time with Son Heung-min's finish.
Bukayo Saka put Arsenal back up again with a penalty kick on 54 minutes following ahandball by Romero.
But Son completed his brace and levelled things up just a minute later following James Maddison's second assist.
- By Henry Tomlinson
HT. Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham
It was an exciting first half of the North London derby, but the teams go in level.
The Gunners took the lead through Christian Romero's own goal before Son Heung-min levelled for the visitors.
Credit: Getty - By Henry Tomlinson
Goal. Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham
42mins: Son Heung-min has dragged Spurs level after latching on to James Maddison's cut back.
- By Henry Tomlinson
Saka's influence
Former Premier League star Matty Upson has hailed Bukayo Saka's influence during the opening stages of the North London derby.
He told the BBC: "Well the Emirates has just erupted. Both teams staying in the pocket all the time. Counterattack, counterattack, nobody really backing down but Arsenal have that breakthrough.
"It comes from Saka. He has been so influential in this first half. It's one v one, he skips inside. There's just not enough pressure on the shot here from Spurs."
- By Henry Tomlinson
Saka copies Maddison
Bukayo Saka was spotted mimicking James Maddison's darts celebration after forcing the opening goal against Tottenham in the North London derby.
Credit: Twitter - By Henry Tomlinson
Arsenal fans sing Kane chant
Arsenal fans broke out into an X-rated Harry Kane chant just minutes into the North London derby.
The home supporters have opted to take the mick out of Spurs for losing their star player in the summer transfer window.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
SPURRED ON Arsenal fans sing X-rated Kane chant in North London derby to wind up Spurs
- By Henry Tomlinson
Follow the NLD
You can get all the updates between Arsenal and Tottenham during the North London derby on SunSport's match blog.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
ARSENAL 2 TOTTENHAM 2 Son secures point for Spurs with quickfire equaliser as Rice injured
- By Henry Tomlinson
Tottenham's line-up
- By Henry Tomlinson
Neville backing Arsenal
Gary Neville has admitted that the North London derby is his favourite game to cover and is backing Arsenal to win the league.
He told Sky Sports: "I've loved doing this game for the last 10 to 11 years for Sky, this is my favourite game that I do. It's better here than it is at Tottenham.
"The atmosphere is electric and both teams are in good form, so it should be a classic today.
"I was questioning whether Mikel Arteta could take this team where he wants to.
"Last season he proved everyone wrong. there is a good feeling at Tottenham again, Postecoglou has brought that feel-good mood back to the club.
"But I have Arsenal as title winners this season, it's ambitious but they've stopped conceding goals. Raya coming in is a masterstroke from Arteta, that shows he has that brutal decision-making to him."
- By Henry Tomlinson
Torssard injury
Leandro Trossard has missed out on being in the team to face Tottenham due to injury.
A statement from Arsenal said: "Leandro Trossard misses out today due to a slight muscle issue."
- By Henry Tomlinson
Arsenal team to face Spurs
- By Henry Tomlinson
Trio want Hickey
Arsenal are reportedly battling two other Premier League clubs for the signature of Aaron Hickey.
The Gunners have been linked to the Brentford star by The Mirror.
The report also claims that Man United and Liverpool are also in the running for the Scottish international.
Credit: Getty
- By Henry Tomlinson
Spurs trio backed to succeed
Berbatov has also suggested that Tottenham trio Yves Bissouma, James Maddison and Pape Matar Sarr will be key against Arsenal.
He told Betfair: Sarr, Bissouma and Maddison are a strong unit together in the middle of the park both defensively and offensively. They move the team up and down.
"They are the core that can push Spurs forward and also help defensively. When it comes to who is key for Spurs, I could easily say Son, but for me these three will be key against Arsenal.
I would really Spurs to continue to take risks and be brave, it doesn't matter who they're playing. I expect them to attack and continue to be brave.
"They take chances, they take risks and that's what the fans want to see.
I want to see an attacking display from Spurs, they shouldn't be afraid.
- By Henry Tomlinson
Berbatov makes big NLD claim
Dimitar Berbatov has claimed that Arsenal are "there for the taking" when they face Tottenham in the North London derby.
He told Betfair: "It's a derby, I'm sure Spurs will be pumped for this north London derby. They're going into the game in great form and great shape but on the other hand it means nothing. This is a derby. Going into a derby, your form doesn't matter and it doesn't matter where you are in the table. It's all about who wants it more, who makes the least mistakes.
"I'm pretty sure Ange Postecoglu will be getting the team up for it. He's brought that brave football to Spurs, they attack until the last minute. Ange will know Arsenal are there for the taking and I'm sure they will want the game to come quickly because they're flying right now.
"I could easily say Spurs will win because of my connections and everything, but we can't discount Arsenal. The Everton win was a smart one, it might have been a boring 1-0, but they can play football too. Getting the three points is exactly what you need from time to time, even if you don't play the way you want to play.
"I like the way Arteta is getting his team to play football. With this game being at the Emirates, I can see this one being a draw."
- By Henry Tomlinson
Arteta backed over Ramsdale call
Martin Keown has hailed Mikel Arteta for "raising the bar" and replacing Aaron Rasmdale with David Raya.
He told talkSPORT: "You have to keep raising the bar!
"It’s tough on Ramsdale, but you’re trying to take Manchester City on and become champions."
Credit: The Sun - By Henry Tomlinson
Jesus 'must play'
Ian Wright has claimed that Grabiel Jesus must play ahead of Eddie Nketiah against Tottenham.
He said on the Wrighty’s House podcast: "If I’m in Eddie’s shoes, I make sure that when I’m on there, whatever half chance I get I take it and I’m ruthless with it.
"Because if this guy [Jesus] is fit, he must play. He brings it to another place.
"I’m not saying this as a knock to Eddie, but he has to do something like that so people aren’t so worried when Jesus isn’t around Jesus is an entity on his own with the way he’s playing.
"His work rate, his finishing, everything he does: that is his main strength.
"Eddie’s is taking chances. He could’ve had a couple more at the start of the season to put him into that, and he has to do that, because if Jesus continues like he is there is no conversation, he’s so good."
Source: Read Full Article
