ARSENAL thrashed PSV 4-0 on their return to the Champions League – and preparation now turns to Tottenham in the North London derby on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are eyeing up a move for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, according to reports.
But goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has been linked with a shock move to Chelsea.
And Mikel Arteta is anxiously waiting to see how long he will be without Gabriel Martinelli
PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – Get £40 in free bet builder bets
Follow ALL of the latest from the Emirates Stadium below…
- By Ian Tuckey
No mistake signing Rasmus not Ferguson
Ex-Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has backed Manchester United recruiting Rasmus Hojlund rather than Brighton's Evan Ferguson up front.
Hojlund is finding his feet after a £72million summer switch from Atalanta whereas 18-year-old Ferguson is on fire for Brighton.
Credit: Rex Sagna told Paddy power: “Manchester United didn’t make a mistake going for Højlund over Ferguson because there is a different pressure added when playing for United compared to Brighton.
“If you play for Brighton, you don’t have much pressure, if anything you have positive pressure especially when the team is playing so well and so positively like they are at the moment.
The way Brighton play, they have possession of the ball and Ferguson gets more touches and may have more chances than Højlund at United right now.
“When you come to Manchester United and the team is already under pressure, it’s difficult for one player to change the situation.
It seems like this is what people are asking Højlund to do now because he’s a striker and he has to score. We can’t expect so much from him so quickly.
“We can’t really judge Højlund’s performances so far because it’s early, he’s come to a team in trouble at the moment. Manchester United fans need to be patient with him, it would be great to see him playing when the team is in a positive environment, that is when he will feel ‘himself’.”
- By Ian Tuckey
Prem giants flock for Brugge wonderkid
Prem giants are queuing up for Club Brugge wideman Antonio Nusa.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea are keen on the Norwegian, 18.
Credit: Rex The Blues reportedly had a £23million deadline-day bid rejected for the two-footed teen.
And the Daily Star suggest the Gunners are “preparing” a £30m offer.
Nusa has notched two goals and two assists in his five Belgian top-flight games for third-placed Brugge this season.
- By Ian Tuckey
Odegaard hailed for improvement
Ex-Gunners defender Martin Keown hailed Martin Odegaard’s progress under boss Mikel Arteta.
Keown told TNT Sports: "It’s astonishing how he’s risen in the game.
Credit: Alamy "It was his third Champions League game, his first goal in Champions League football.
"He was at Real Madrid for many, many years and not really doing it.
"He won three Champions Leagues while he was there. But look at how he’s come back and he’s really controlling games. "
- By Ian Tuckey
Declan hailed as better than Arsenal fans realised
It’s a “joke” how good Declan Rice has proved to be for Arsenal.
That’s the verdict of Danny Murphy following last night’s 4-0 win over PSV – with fellow ex-England star Rio Ferdinand agreeing.
Murphy is stunned how well Three Lions midfielder Rice, 24, has settled in since a £105million summer move from West Ham.
The ex-Liverpool schemer told Ferdinand’s YouTube channel: “He’s a joke, isn’t he. He’s so good, he’s so good.”
Credit: Rex Ferdy piped in with his own glowing praise for the 45-cap Londoner.
The former Manchester United defender commented: “I said it – Arsenal fans don’t know what they’re getting. Now they’re starting to see it.
“For me, as a West Ham fan, for him to have gone and us to start the season in the way we’ve started, it’s been fantastic.
“And I’m buzzing for him. Listen, forget that he played for the club that I support, I love him as a person, as a player. And I want him to do well.”
- By Ian Tuckey
How could I forget Jorginho?
Jorginho's late cameo against PSV suggested he won't be Arsenal's forgotten man for long.
That's the verdict of Dean Smith after the Gunners were able to flourish in last night's 4-0 Champions League win even after making five substitutions.
Jones told the Football Daily Podcast: “It’s really tough to be at that level all the time but they’ve made some really astute signings again which only strengthens them.
“Jorginho comes on and we forgot he was actually here.
"They’ve got a really good squad now that’s going to be a problem to anyone.”
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, 31, has been linked with a possible move in January – depending on how much game time he gets before that with Arsenal.
- By Ian Tuckey
Blues linked to Ramsdale
Chelsea are reportedly monitoring Aaron Ramsdale's situation at Arsenal after David Raya replaced him in goal for the last two games.
The Mail reckon the Blues will consider a bid for England stopper Ramsdale in January.
It's understood the Gunners would be reluctant to sell – and rate Ramsdale at £60million.
- By Ian Tuckey
Huge rise in live TV games
Up to 270 Prem games will be screened live from 2025-26 with clubs on the verge of agreeing the new TV packages.
Today's meeting of the 20 top flight chief executives saw League bosses outline the proposed new schedule to clubs.
The new deal – expected to be confirmed next week – will see between 260 and 270 games per season broadcast live, a significant increase on the 200 matches shown in the current TV contracts with Sky, TNT Sport and Amazon.
It is understood that the reduction to five “packages” from the seven in place now will see an increase in Saturday evening matches at 7.45, although Prem bosses insist the idea of Sunday evening matches has been dismissed.
All four “midweek” fixture lists will be screened in full and club and League chiefs are united in their hope that offering more games will see the value of the domestic deal increase when the packages go out to “tender” over the coming weeks.
Confidence in that happening will increase if the Government gives permission for the League to offer four-year contracts to broadcasters as opposed to the three season deals which have previously been on the table.
It comes with the overseas deals for the 2025-28 cycle already higher than for the current three-year deal, which saw TV rights from abroad overtake domestic deals for the first time.
French broadcaster Canal + agreed a new deal for French-speaking Europe and the Czech Republic which is 10 per cent up on the current package, taking the overall value of overseas deals above the existing £5.5bn tally.
- By Ian Tuckey
Fans Sali-vating
Arsenal fans were left in awe after a brief moment of panic when William Saliba worked himself out of trouble during their 4-0 thrashing of PSV.
The Frenchman has already established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League and he showed his skills on the Champions League stage last night.
Saliba was running back to his own goal with the ball at his feet in the second half at the Emirates Stadium when he realised PSV's Noa Lang was hot on his tail.
The 22-year-old remained calm and turned away from trouble with ease, but he found himself in a compromising situation with Ismael Saibari now charging at him.
But in a wonderfully sharp and silky move the centre-back evaded the oncoming pressure witch a quick two touch that saw him drag the ball away from Saibari with his right foot and then take a touch past him with his left.
Saliba then turned and charged into midfield bringing the ball away from trouble and maintaining possession for Arsenal.
And although it all turned out well for him and the Gunners, some Arsenal fans still had their hearts in their mouths watching the sequence of play.
Many took to social media to react to the incredible passage of play. One joked: "He's so good. Dangerous, but good!" Another said: "He's nicknamed Rolls Royce for a reason."
- By Ian Tuckey
Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea eye Nusa
A string of Prem giants are expected to watch Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa at home to Besiktas in the Europa Conference League tonight.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea are thought to have already shown interest in the Norwegian, 18.
Credit: Rex The Blues reportedly had a £23million deadline-day bid rejected for the two-footed teen.
And the Daily Star suggest the Gunners are "preparing" a £30m offer.
Nusa has notched two goals and two assists in his five Belgian top-flight games for third-placed Brugge this season.
- By Ian Tuckey
Rice labelled a 'joke'… in a good way
It's a "joke" how good Declan Rice has proved to be for Arsenal.
That's the verdict of Danny Murphy following last night's 4-0 win over PSV – with fellow ex-England star Rio Ferdinand agreeing.
Declan Rice was again outstanding on his Champions League debutCredit: Rex Murphy is stunned how well Three Lions midfielder Rice, 24, has settled in since a £105million summer move from West Ham.
The ex-Liverpool schemer told Ferdinand’s YouTube channel: “He’s a joke, isn’t he. He’s so good, he’s so good."
Ferdy piped in with his own glowing praise for the 45-cap Londoner.
The former Manchester United defender commented: “I said it – Arsenal fans don’t know what they’re getting. Now they’re starting to see it.
"For me, as a West Ham fan, for him to have gone and us to start the season in the way we’ve started, it’s been fantastic.
“And I’m buzzing for him. Listen, forget that he played for the club that I support, I love him as a person, as a player. And I want him to do well.”
- By Ian Tuckey
Star man Gab reveals 'bad times' while injured
Despite his joyful, genius display last night, Gabriel Jesus has revealed how he battled to shrug off the "bad times" of injuries.
The Brazil striker missed most of the World Cup and Arsenal's run-in last season as they just blew an eight-point lead and failed to dethrone Prem champs Manchester City.
And the 26-year-old told Arsenal legend Thierry Henry on CBS Sports how he tries to stay "strong in my mind" despite previous injury worries.
Jesus said: "It’s so hard. You guys play the game. I had some injuries in my career and they were bad times, always.
"But I try to be strong in my mind, to come back as quickly as possible and stronger.
"It’s not easy to watch. You want to play all the time. But at the end you have to go for the challenge. That is the football player’s life. Also, it’s good to score goals. I love to score goals. I try."
And of the Gunners' 4-0 defeat of PSV, he added: "We played good and won the game – that is the most important thing."
- By Ian Tuckey
Dutch media hail 'menace' Jesus
Dutch media raved over Gabriel Jesus' star man destruction of PSV.
The Brazil striker neatly bagged the third goal as Arsenal led 3-0 at the break on the way to last night's 4-0 home Champions League win.
Many journalists in Holland reckon he was too good for PSV's French defender Olivier Boscagli.
And Voetbal Primeur labelled Jesus a "real nuisance".
Gabriel Jesus regularly taunted Olivier Boscagli in Arsenal's home rompCredit: Getty - By Kostas Lianos
Keown praises Odegaard
Arsenal legend Martin Keown praises Martin Odegaard's development under Mikel Arteta.
It’s astonishing how he’s risen in the game.
It was his third Champions League game, his first goal in Champions League football.
He was at Real Madrid for many, many years and not really doing it.
He won three Champions Leagues while he was there. But look at how he’s come back and he’s really controlling games.
Martin KeownTNT Sports
Credit: Alamy - By Kostas Lianos
Martin Odegaard reacts
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard praised the "amazing" atmosphere at the Emirates following his team's return to the Champions League.
It was amazing.
Before the game, you could feel this was a special game for everyone and the atmosphere with the Champions League anthem and then everything around.
Our fans were brilliant again so we just have to thank them once again for everything they do for us/
How much energy they give us and we’re all together.
Martin Odegaard
- By Kostas Lianos
Declan Rice praise
Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit hailed Declan Rice as a "natural-born leader".
I’m in love with this guy. Before he arrived at Arsenal I was begging Arsenal to sign him for two, three years already.
“I think this guy is a natural-born leader and he has so many qualities, he shows so much maturity and composure on the pitch and this is exactly what Arsenal needed for ages. For so many years, [Bukayo] Saka and [Thomas] Partey have done a great job last season.
But I remember when Arsenal used to win titles and fight for the big prizes, there were always so many great holding midfielders so I think Rice is the perfect player for Arsenal.
Emmanuel PetitTalkSPORT
- By Kostas Lianos
Il be back
Arsenal legend Mesut Ozil is in line for a shock return to football just six months after retiring.
According to Bild, Ozil is being lined up for a boardroom role as the general manager of Turkey.
The ex-Germany international's link to the job comes after the Turkish national team sacked Stefan Kuntz from his managerial role after a 4-2 defeat to Japan.
The former attacking midfielder could replace Hamit Altintop at the board.
The association are lining up former Germany manager Joachim Low as Kuntz's replacement and may appoint Ozil to oversee preparations for the Euros and World Cup.
- By Kostas Lianos
Go get Gitt
Arsenal are eyeing up a move for Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, who has been compared to Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham.
According to Fichajes, Bynoe-Gittens has emerged as someone on the Gunners' "target list".
It is understood the North Londoners' manager Mikel Arteta believes the 18-year-old has "great potential" and could "contribute to the sporting growth" of the team.
However, BVB are not willing to let the winger go for anything less than a substantial fee.
An offer of around £26million is thought to be around the kind of price Dortmund will consider for the England Under-21 international.
Credit: Getty - By Kostas Lianos
Work of Art
Arsenal hero Theo Walcott revealed his former team-mate and the Gunners' current manager Mikel Arteta gave him the best team talk ever.
It was actually Mikel Arteta, he was playing for us at the time at Arsenal, it was when we were struggling and not making the top four.
And he essentially called a meeting for the players only, and he just said it how it was, said a few truths, he said exactly what we needed to do.
And then after that moment, we made fourth quite comfortably in the end. Essentially that inspired everyone, and I’m not surprised why he’s doing so well here at Arsenal.
That sort of moment alone was like ‘he’s a manager, meant to be’. For me, he’s made Arsenal into an absolute force now.
Theo Walcott
- By Kostas Lianos
Jesus awkward moment
Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus was awkwardly cut off during a post-match interview as CBS opted to speak to Bayern Munich superstar Harry Kane.
Jesus scored in the win over PSV Eindhoven and was discussing his return from injury.
However, the striker's interview was awkwardly cut short as he was thanked by presenter Kate Abdo.
CBS then spoke to Kane after his new side Bayern came out on top against Manchester United.
- By Kostas Lianos
Carragher's Arsenal prediction
Jamie Carragher gave a pretty polarising reason as to why Arsenal won't be able to win the Premier League title.
Carragher pointed at Aaron Ramsdale as the downfall in the Gunners' title ambitions.
The Liverpool legend told CBS Sports: "Arsenal will NEVER win the league with Ramsdale in goal, no chance."
Carragher's comments come after Mikel Arteta replaced Ramsdale with David Raya for the North Londoners' last two games.
- By Kostas Lianos
Ivan Toney statement
Arsenal are set for a transfer battle over banned Brentford star Ivan Toney.
Bees boss Thomas Frank admits Toney could be sold once an eight-month betting suspension ends in January.
I think every club in the world are a selling club except five or six clubs. We are a selling club, if the right price is there.
If they have developed with us, been on the journey and now they’re proven good enough to go to the top clubs, then I think it’s the right thing, if it’s the right price.
[Does that apply to Toney?] Yeah I think so. I understand why there are a lot of rumours out there about him.
For me he’s one of the best strikers, I don’t see many out there who are better than him, of course you have Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski, Erling Haaland, but not many.
He scored 20 Premier League goals last year in a very good Brentford side but we are not creating as many chances as the top teams.
Imagine him in a top team, he’d easily score 20, 25. I think he’s composed, a good finished, top mentality, so I understand why clubs are looking at him.
Thomas FrankSky Sports
Credit: Getty
- By Kostas Lianos
Declan Rice wrecked
Arsenal star Declan Rice has been mocked by rival fans after being spotted "playing up for the cameras" during training.
Prior to last night's PSV Eindhoven's game, Rice had been panned for his reaction to being handed an Adidas Champions League ball which the Gunners were training with.
A video of the midfielder was posted on Twitter captioned "Find someone who looks at you like Declan Rice looks at the Champions League ball."
As Emile-Smith Rowe handed the England international the ball he held it in hand, pausing for a while and smiling.
- By Kostas Lianos
Stadium's name change
Arsenal’s stadium has undergone a temporary name change due to a little-known UEFA rule.
The Gunners' 60,704-seater home has been called the Emirates ever since they moved there in 2006.
However, due to rules regarding sponsorships in UEFA competitions, it will have to be referred to differently throughout the Champions League.
Instead, the ground will be called the “Arsenal Stadium”.
UEFA do not recognise stadium sponsors and the North Londoners are not the only club to have been forced into making a change.
- By Kostas Lianos
Gift of the Gab
Arsenal ace Gabriel Jesus aimed a hilarious dig at Manchester United after helping his team win on their Champions League return against PSV Eindhoven.
Jesus' jibe came when the Gunners' legend Thierry Henry asked him about his recent injury problems which meant that his first start of the season came against PSV following a "warm-up" goal against United.
Was a good warm-up, huh? It's so hard, you guys played the game, you know. I had some injuries in my career and [that] was a bad time always.
But obviously I tried to be strong in my mind to come back as quick as possible and stronger.And it's not easy to watch, you wanna play all the time. But at the end you have to go for the challenge.
That's the life, football players' life is like this. And also, yeah, It's good to score goals, I love to score goals, I try.
It was a good goal against United, the first one [of the season], finally. And then tonight, again, we play good and we win the game, that's the most important thing.
Gabriel Jesus
- By Kostas Lianos
Ell of a game
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Gabriel Martinelli's injury.
Martinelli hobbled off the pitch after scoring a disallowed goal against Everton.
He felt, I think, something in the action in the run for the goal.
He’s not normally a player to have muscular issues, but he had to come off. Let’s see.
Mikel Arteta
Credit: EPA
Source: Read Full Article
