Arsenal

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has come to the defense of Arsenal amid accusations of employing "dark arts" tactics. As Liverpool prepares to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, Slot expressed that he has no concerns regarding such tactics from Mikel Arteta's team. Arsenal faced criticism for time-wasting during their recent 2-2 draw with Manchester City, particularly while trying to maintain a lead with only ten players on the field. However, Slot emphasized that his focus is solely on Arsenal's style of play rather than any alleged tactical fouls. "When I think about Arsenal and City, the idea of tactical fouls or dark arts doesn't even cross my mind," Slot stated. "What stands out to me is how well they play."

**Liverpool's Legacy in Replacing Legends and Arteta's Progress** Replacing a footballing legend is often seen as a daunting task. Historical examples abound, illustrating the challenges that come with following in the footsteps of greats. For instance, Manchester United endured a 24-year wait for a league title after the departure of Matt Busby, and it has been 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson left without another triumph. Leeds United faced an 18-year drought after Don Revie took the England job, and many would argue they have yet to fully recover. Similarly, Everton waited 12 years after Harry Catterick's exit to win the league again, and they have not tasted success since Howard Kendall's move to Spain. The legacies of iconic figures like Rinus Michels, Hennes Weisweiler, and Brian Clough continue to loom large over clubs like Ajax, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Nottingham Forest. Many managers at Dynamo Kyiv have found themselves pondering, “What would Valeriy Lobanovskyi do?” This persistent challenge highlights a fundamental issue in football: the game is always evolving, and while managers must adapt, they also need to find a way to honor the past without being overshadowed by it. In contrast, Liverpool has demonstrated a remarkable ability to transition smoothly after the departure of their legends. The club has effectively navigated the challenges of replacing iconic figures, allowing them to maintain a competitive edge. Meanwhile, Arsenal's Mikel Arteta appears to be breaking free from the constraints of the past, particularly the long shadow cast by Arsène Wenger's tenure. Arteta is gradually establishing his own identity and philosophy, showing that he can lead the club into a new era while learning from the successes and failures of those who came before him. As football continues to evolve, the ability to balance respect for history with the need for innovation will be crucial for managers like Arteta. The journey of replacing a legend may be fraught with difficulties, but it also presents an opportunity for growth and transformation.

**Arsenal's Disciplinary Woes Could Hinder Title Challenge Ahead of Key Liverpool Clash** Mikel Arteta faces a significant challenge as he prepares for a crucial match against league leaders Arne Slot's Liverpool, with poor discipline emerging as a pressing concern for his Arsenal side. For those seeking comfort in the club's history, Arteta might reflect on the era of Arsène Wenger. The legendary French manager, who recently celebrated his 75th birthday, is fondly remembered for transforming player fitness and nutrition, effectively ending the notorious Tuesday drinking club. However, during each of the three Premier League titles he secured, Arsenal recorded at least three red cards, showcasing a tenacity reminiscent of George Graham's championship-winning teams. A notable incident occurred on September 29, 2001, when Martin Keown was sent off against Derby for two yellow cards, the first for "preventing a quick free-kick"—a lesson for players like Declan Rice. While Arteta's squad hasn't reached that level of indiscipline, they have faced challenges of their own. William Saliba's red card in the recent defeat to Bournemouth marked a continuation of a troubling trend: Arsenal has only dropped points this season when reduced to ten men. As the team gears up for the pivotal clash against Liverpool, Arteta must address these disciplinary issues to keep their title hopes alive.

Arne Slot has emphasized the importance of Liverpool improving their away performance against top Premier League teams if they aim to secure the title. As Liverpool prepares to face Arsenal on Sunday, a victory would create a significant seven-point lead over Mikel Arteta's squad. Last season, Liverpool struggled in away matches against their title rivals, earning only seven points from a possible 21 against the top eight teams. Their only win in that stretch came against Newcastle, and their campaign included a notably controversial defeat to Tottenham. In contrast, Manchester City and Arsenal managed to collect 11 and 9 points, respectively, from their away fixtures against the same opponents. With this context in mind, Slot is keen for Liverpool to turn their fortunes around starting with the crucial match against Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal squad not to adopt a defeatist attitude as they gear up to face league leaders Liverpool on Sunday, despite grappling with a notable injury list. In a press conference on Friday, Arteta expressed concern over the availability of key players Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurriën Timber, stating, “We’re going to do our very best to somehow have them available, but obviously it’s very, very uncertain.” The manager emphasized the importance of maintaining a "ruthless mentality" as they prepare for the challenging match at Anfield, encouraging his team to rise above their current difficulties rather than feeling sorry for themselves.

**Football Daily | The Battle of the Buffet: Manchester United vs. Arsenal, 20 Years Later** Step into the time machine of Football Daily as we take a nostalgic trip back to October 24, 2004. On this day, two of football's fiercest rivals, Manchester United and Arsenal, faced off in a match that would become legendary. United emerged victorious at Old Trafford, ending Arsenal's remarkable 49-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League, a record that had stood tall under the management of Arsène Wenger. The match was marked by a controversial penalty awarded to Ruud van Nistelrooy, which sparked heated debates among fans and pundits alike. Additionally, a goal from a young Wayne Rooney, celebrating his 19th birthday, sealed the win for United in what was a physically intense and fiercely contested game. If this match were to take place today, it would undoubtedly ignite passionate reactions from fans on social media, reminiscent of the dramatic flair of Victorian-era melodrama. As we reflect on this iconic clash, it serves as a reminder of the intense rivalry that has defined English football for decades.

**Send in the Clown Emojis: The Perils of Discussing an Arsenal Red Card** Social media has opened the door for a diverse range of voices in football commentary, but sometimes it feels tempting to disconnect entirely and retreat into a blissful bubble. This week brought yet another well-received podcast episode, but the reactions were anything but positive. Geoff lamented that the Guardian has lost its commitment to genuine journalism. GoonerRay chimed in, criticizing journalists who seem more interested in clicks than content, punctuating his point with a flurry of clown emojis. Peter expressed his disappointment, stating that the Football Weekly podcast has deteriorated, prompting him to consider ending his long-standing subscription. ScottishGooner threatened to cancel his subscription unless the podcast addresses what he perceives as gaslighting. The comments continued with a barrage of frustration, with users like Grant and Robbo resorting to expletives, while Arsenteta argued that Arteta should consider legal action against the media for what he sees as a relentless smear campaign. Unlike other managers who receive praise for their sideline antics, Arteta is expected to remain silent and compliant. In the age of the internet, one can never predict the kind of backlash that might arise after stepping away from the screen. Anyone who has spent time online in recent years knows it can be a far from welcoming environment.

Nick Cushing has emerged as a potential candidate to take over as head coach of Arsenal's women's team following the resignation of Jonas Eidevall. Cushing, who previously led Manchester City’s women’s team to a Women’s Super League title in 2016, is currently the head coach of New York City FC's men’s team, a position he has held since 2022 after serving as an assistant coach starting in 2020. At just 39 years old, Cushing has quickly become a target for Arsenal as they seek a new leader for their women's squad. His successful track record in women's football makes him a strong contender for the role.

Arsenal's injury woes have deepened following the departure of Riccardo Calafiori during their recent victory over Shakhtar Donetsk. The defender was forced off in the second half due to what manager Mikel Arteta described as “not great news,” indicating concerns over a potential knee injury. The match, which Arsenal won thanks to a first-half own goal by Shakhtar's goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk, was overshadowed by Calafiori's discomfort. His exit adds to the growing list of absentees, which already includes key players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Jurrien Timber. With a crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool approaching this Sunday, the team faces uncertainty regarding the availability of these important squad members.

Arsenal secured a crucial victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, bolstering their chances of advancing in European competition. Despite having numerous opportunities to dominate the match, the Gunners faced a tense finish after Dmytro Riznyk saved a penalty from Leandro Trossard in the 79th minute. The decisive moment came from an unexpected source: Riznyk himself, who inadvertently scored an own goal in the first half, which ultimately determined the outcome of the match. Shakhtar Donetsk remained competitive throughout the game, putting up a strong fight against their opponents. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be concerned about the fitness of Riccardo Calafiori, who was forced to leave the pitch in visible pain with 20 minutes remaining.