Arsenal news

The weekend of European soccer brought plenty of drama, and GOAL US unpacks the main storylines from the Premier League, La Liga, and other top competitions in The Euro XI.

The weekend before an international break always feels significant. Pick up a positive result and the only thing a manager really has to worry about is players suffering injury while representing their countries. A defeat, though, results in two torturous weeks as the result is pored over in the press while the coach waits for the opportunity to make amends.

Mikel Arteta has admitted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping to power Arsenal’s Premier League title bid. The Gunners are looking to land a first top-flight crown since the fabled ‘Invincibles’ of 2003-04, with their Spanish head coach prepared to use all of the tools available to him. He has, however, urged caution when leaning on technology for assistance.

Since Pep Guardiola won his first Premier League title back in 2018, only two teams have been able to compete with Manchester City: Arsenal and Liverpool. The Gunners led the way for the majority of the 2022-23 season before they were overhauled by Guardiola's treble-chasing juggernaut, while only two points could separate them in 2023-24, when City won a fourth successive title.

Manchester City's Ruben Dias has thrown a warning shot at title rivals Arsenal after the defender's side romped to victory over Liverpool on Sunday. City tore through a feeble Liverpool defence to win 3-0 and go within four points of the league leaders, who dropped two precious points away to Sunderland following Brian Brobbey's late equaliser at the Stadium of Light.

Roy Keane believes Liverpool can no longer be considered Premier League title contenders, saying their 3-0 thumping at Manchester City proves they are in a "crisis". Goals from Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez, and Jeremy Doku saw Pep Guardiola’s City confirm themselves as the likeliest challengers to league leaders Arsenal, in what was a damaging defeat for the reigning champions.

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris admitted to making a sly tactical tweak to try and prevent Arsenal's long throws. It was one of those epic Premier League encounters that saw Arsenal’s title charge momentarily halted by the fearless Black Cats, who matched the intensity of their more illustrious rivals in every department and also employed some unusual help.

Mikel Arteta voiced his disappointment after his Arsenal side conceded late on at Sunderland on Saturday evening. Brian Brobbey scored a stoppage-time equaliser in the eventual 2-2 draw as the Dutchman acrobatically finished past David Raya. The result means Arsenal sit just six points clear at the top of the Premier League table following Saturday's action.

Sunderland dealt Arsenal a blow in the title race as Brian Brobbey bagged a sensational late equaliser in a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light. The Gunners looked to be home and dry before the Dutch forward popped up in the dying moments, ensuring Mikel Arteta's side failed to take all three points and fully capitalise ahead of title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool doing battle on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta is excited about the return of the "very unpredictable" Gabriel Jesus from injury following a lengthy rehabilitation. The Brazilian forward has been sidelined by a brutal knee injury since January in an FA Cup encounter with Manchester United. The striker clashed awkwardly with Bruno Fernandes and had to be stretchered off from the pitch as Jesus was in visible pain.

Mikel Arteta has lauded Pep Guardiola and recognised that the Manchester City boss will go down in football history as he prepares to take charge of the 1000th game of his managerial career. The former Barcelona head coach will reach the milestone on Sunday, when his City side face Liverpool in the Premier League, with Arteta saluting the "incredible achievement". Click the play button above to hear what Arteta had to say about the milestone ⬆️

Mikel Arteta has urged calm and perspective after Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly was dropped from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad. The 19-year-old left-back has struggled for regular minutes this season, and while his omission has sparked debate among fans, Arteta insists the setback could “happen for the right reason” as he backed the teenager to bounce back stronger.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is back training with Arsenal after becoming a free agent, claims to have turned down offers from a number of clubs. The 35-time England international has returned to his homeland after being released by Turkish side Besiktas. He is prepared to be patient while seeking fresh terms, with the midfielder making it clear where his next port of call will be.