Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has expressed his commitment to managing his emotions ahead of Arsenal's return to Newcastle, emphasizing the importance of avoiding any potential bans from the dugout. The Arsenal manager reflected on the controversial defeat his team faced at St James' Park last season, where a late goal from Anthony Gordon, which was not overturned by VAR, sparked his fury. Arteta has acknowledged that he has learned from that experience and is making a conscious effort to remain composed during matches. He has notably avoided receiving any yellow cards this season, joining a select group of Premier League managers who have managed to stay cautioned-free. As Arsenal gears up for their early kick-off against Newcastle, Arteta is focused on maintaining his professionalism on the sidelines.

**Premier League, WSL, and FA Cup First-Round Build-Up: Live Updates** Stay tuned for the latest updates from Friday's press conferences as we gear up for an exciting weekend of football. **Key Highlights:** - A look at ten crucial aspects to watch for in the Premier League this weekend. - We welcome your thoughts and insights—feel free to reach out via email. **Liverpool's Left-Back Situation: A Non-Issue?** While discussions around player selection often create dilemmas, it seems there isn't a real concern regarding Liverpool's left-back position. This is just part of the narrative that surrounds team selections in football. Keep following for more updates as the weekend approaches!

Manchester United vs. Leicester, Brighton vs. Liverpool: Carabao Cup Live Updates Join us for live updates from Wednesday's fourth-round matches in the Carabao Cup. Arne Slot has decided to rest several key players for Liverpool, including Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Mac Allister, and Salah. However, all except for Alexander-Arnold are available to come off the bench if needed. On the other side, Brighton's Fabian Hürzeler has opted to rest Welbeck and Mitoma, as he has fewer options to rotate. Good evening, everyone! Welcome to what promises to be an exciting Wednesday night of League Cup action. This is a standout evening, with all of England's top six teams in action, including Manchester United. Stay tuned for updates as the matches unfold!

**Don’t Be Misled by Arsenal vs. Liverpool: Elite Teams Are Shifting Away from All-Out Attack** In the wake of its chaotic past, football is now increasingly focused on denying opponents and maintaining possession in critical areas rather than simply pursuing relentless offense. The recent match between Arsenal and Liverpool ended in a 2-2 draw, with Arsenal taking the lead twice only to have Liverpool equalize on both occasions. By the end of the game, Arsenal's defense was comprised entirely of players not typically in their first-choice positions, yet they appeared surprisingly untroubled as the match drew to a close. While the scoreline suggests a thrilling encounter, the overall atmosphere felt somewhat subdued. Arsenal even had what many fans celebrated as a last-minute winner disallowed. Referee Anthony Taylor had already blown the whistle for a foul by Jakub Kiwior, a fact that was evident from Gabriel Jesus’s body language as he nudged the ball into the net. Given Arsenal's history, it was no surprise that conspiracy theories emerged, particularly regarding Taylor's origins from Greater Manchester—home to Manchester City. Some speculated whether this was merely a coincidence or if there were deeper, shadowy forces at play against Arsenal. In summary, while the match had its moments, it also highlighted a broader trend in elite football: teams are evolving beyond the traditional all-out attacking style, focusing instead on strategic possession and defensive solidity.

Darwin Núñez is putting in the effort to demonstrate his value to Liverpool under manager Arne Slot. Although the striker has not been a prolific scorer in England, his relentless energy can disrupt opposing defenses and provide cover for the injured Diogo Jota. In a recent match against RB Leipzig, Mohamed Salah's header was on course to find the bottom corner when Núñez seized the moment. He sprinted in to ensure he got the final touch, scoring what would ultimately be the winning goal and helping maintain Liverpool's perfect start in the Champions League—a crucial goal for both him and the team. Liverpool has been nearly flawless under Slot's management, with the only blemish being a home defeat to Nottingham Forest. This strong performance has led the Dutch coach to frequently rely on the same players who have been effective, leaving others waiting for their chance on the bench.

**Champions League Review: Bayern Struggles While Raphinha and Pulisic Shine** In the latest round of Champions League action, two prominent teams faced challenges, while AC Milan has discovered a dependable performer. Here’s a look at the highlights and lowlights from the week’s matches. **VFB Stuttgart:** Last season, it was Stuttgart that finished second in the Bundesliga, trailing only the unbeaten champions Bayer Leverkusen. However, replicating that success has proven difficult for Sebastian Hoeness’s squad, currently sitting in 10th place in the German league. On Tuesday night in Turin, Stuttgart put on a dominant display against Juventus, who delivered their poorest performance under coach Thiago Motta and were left with 10 men after Danilo received a red card. Although Deniz Undav’s stunning first-half goal was disallowed by VAR, it seemed that Mattia Perin, who made a remarkable save against Enzo Millot’s penalty, would thwart Stuttgart’s efforts. Ultimately, it took a moment of creativity from El Bilal Touré to secure Stuttgart’s first Champions League victory this season, marking a significant achievement for a club returning to the competition after a 15-year absence.

**Golden Goal: Steve Nicol's Header for Liverpool Against Arsenal (1987)** Doubts loomed over Steve Nicol and Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool side, but an 18-yard header from Nicol helped to alleviate those concerns, paving the way for a dominant season ahead. Following a rare trophyless campaign in 1986-87, skepticism arose regarding the strength of the Liverpool dynasty. The departure of star striker Ian Rush to Juventus for £3.2 million left a significant void in the squad, placing the onus on manager Kenny Dalglish to find a suitable replacement for the seemingly irreplaceable forward. In his preview for the 1987-88 season, the Guardian's David Lacey remarked, “The coming season is going to be Dalglish’s biggest test yet as a manager.” Other commentators echoed similar sentiments, with John Bond stating in an exclusive article for the Express, “Dalglish has a lot to live up to this season. Time will tell whether he really can do it.” As the season unfolded, Nicol's crucial goal against Arsenal not only eased the pressure on the team but also set the tone for what would become a remarkable campaign for Liverpool.

Oleksandr Zinchenko has opened up about the challenges of being away from his home country of Ukraine during the ongoing war, emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of adversity. The Arsenal full-back reflected on his journey from his small hometown of Radomyshl, where he faced significant obstacles in pursuing a professional football career. “Becoming a professional football player from where I grew up seemed almost impossible. It was incredibly tough,” Zinchenko shared, his eyes lighting up as he reminisced about his early days. “We had limited facilities and only trained twice a week for one game, which isn’t the ideal way to develop as a player. Playing with my local team brought me joy, but I always aspired for more. My mother recognized the passion in my eyes and encouraged me.” As we spoke in a bright, airy room on a lovely autumn afternoon in Hampstead, the contrast with the harsh realities back home was stark. The war in Ukraine continues to wreak havoc, and the approaching winter poses further challenges. Zinchenko revealed a recent message from his aunt, who has worked in a nursery for over three decades. “This morning, she sent me a video showing her hiding in a shelter from 7:30 to 10:30 due to a siren. She cannot take any risks while working with children,” he explained, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by his loved ones. Zinchenko's experiences serve as a reminder of the resilience required to navigate both personal and national struggles, and he remains committed to advocating for peace in Ukraine. “We need to stick together to bring peace in Ukraine; we cannot give up,” he asserted, underscoring the collective strength needed during these trying times.

Liverpool successfully navigated their first significant challenge as title contenders, securing a 2-1 victory over Chelsea. This win allows them to maintain their position at the top of the table, ahead of Manchester City. In the latest episode of the Football Weekly podcast, host Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Jonathan Wilson, and Sam Dalling to discuss the match. They analyze how Liverpool managed to overcome a Chelsea side that has shown considerable improvement. The podcast delves into Liverpool's performance, highlighting their ability to handle the pressure of the game with relative ease. The discussion also touches on the implications of this victory for both teams as the season progresses. Listeners are encouraged to rate, review, and share the podcast on various platforms, and to engage with the conversation through social media and email.

Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has expressed his thoughts on Thomas Tuchel's recent appointment as the England national team manager. He acknowledged that some fans might feel disappointed about the lack of an English manager in the role. However, Arteta emphasized that there is much to be proud of, noting that many managers aspire to take on the England managerial position. Arteta, who is originally from Spain, highlighted the respect and admiration that foreign managers have for English football. He remarked on the passion, history, and traditions associated with the sport in England, suggesting that these qualities contribute to the appeal of the role for managers from outside the country. In addition, Arteta hinted that he might be open to the idea of managing the England team in the future, reflecting on the honor and significance of such a position.