Carter Atherton
16 Arsenal Players Will Represent Their Respective Nations During The International Break
November 14, 2023 || 11:41am
​
Carter Atherton
Brazil:
Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes were all called up by Brazil this time again. The ‘Gabi Trio’ will face Colombia and Argentina this break, trying to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Jesus (BRA): 63 caps, 19 goals
Martinelli (BRA): 7 caps
Gabi Magalhaes (BRA): 4 caps, 1 goal
​
Poland:
Jakub Kiwior is the lone man from Arsenal in the Poland team. The center defender will fight for a spot in the squad that takes on Czechia and Latvia in Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Kiwior (POL): 17 caps, 1 goal
​
​
England:
Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Aaron Ramsdale will all
represent the Three Lions this international break.
England has already secured their spot in the Euro
2024, but the three will take on Malta and North
Macedonia. Ben White was not selected again
for the national team.
​
​
Saka (ENG): 30 caps, 11 goals
Declan Rice (ENG): 46 caps, 3 goals
Ramsdale (ENG): 4 caps, 2 clean sheets
Source: Getty Images
Ukraine, Italy
Oleksandr Zinchenko was called up to captain the Ukrainian team once again, as well as Jorginho being called up for the Italian team. The two will square off this break in Euro 2024 qualifiers depending on the extent of Jorginho’s head injury.
Zinchenko (UKR): 57 caps, 9 goals
Jorginho (ITA): 48 caps, 5 goals
Spain:
David Raya, after overtaking Ramsdale’s starting spot in the lineup this season, has been called up for Spain. The squad will take on Cyprus and Georgia in their final two Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Raya (ESP): 2 caps
​
​
Belgium:
Leandro Trossard will represent Belgium this international with their final Euro 2024 qualifier. The Belgians will take on Azerbaijan and also Serbia in a friendly.
Trossard (BEL): 28 caps, 6 goals
​
​
France:
For the second straight break, Wilo Saliba has been called up for Les Blues. The defender and the French will take on Gibraltar and Greece in their final Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Saliba (FRA): 10 caps
​
​
Germany:
Kai Havertz will represent the German National team this
break. Since the squad will host the Euro 2024, the team
will only play friendlies taking on Turkey and Austria.
Havertz (GER): 40 caps, 13 goals
Japan, Egypt:
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohammed Elneny will represent the Japanese and Egyptian National teams respectively, as they both start their World Cup qualifying efforts.
Tomiyasu (JAP): 36 caps, 1 goal
Elneny (EGY): 90 caps, 8 goals
Estonia, Iceland:
Karl Hein and Alex Runarsson will both represent Estonia and Iceland in their Euro 2024 qualifiers. Hein’s Estonia have already missed their spot, yet Runarsson and Iceland have a chance to qualify.
Hein (EST): 20 caps, 7 clean sheets
Runarsson (ICE): 27 caps, 4 clean sheets
​
While the other 16 players represent their nations, Martin Odegaard has withdrawn from the Norwegian National team, the squad he captained last break. Odegaard is still dealing with a constant hip injury, but also is recovering from a concussion after getting hit in the head with a ball in training.
The Gunners grow closer to the top of the Premier League table versus Burnley
November 13, 2023 || 1:30pm
​
Carter Atherton
Arsenal top Burnley 3-1 at home, propelling them to second place in the league, just a point behind league leaders, Manchester City.
Starting Lineups:
​
ARSENAL
GK: Raya
DEF: Zinchenko
DEF: Saliba
DEF: Gabriel
DEF: Tomiyasu
MID: Jorginho
MID: Rice
MID: Hazertz
ATT: Saka
ATT: Martinelli
ATT: Trossard
BURNLEY
GK: Trafford
DEF: Vitinho
DEF: O'Shea
DEF: Beyer
DEF: Taylor
MID: Koleosho
MID: Brownhill
MID: Berge
MID: Guomundsson
ATT: Amdouni
ATT: Rodriguez
Match Highlights:
In the first half, the game started slow with not many chances coming from either side. However, the break through came in the 45+3 minute as Leandro Trossard netted the opener for the second straight game. The Belgian scored the 1000th ever Arsenal goal at the Emirates Stadium.
​
"The 1000th goal at Emirates Stadium, a beautiful number, so I am very happy with him," said Mikel Arteta. The boss put away the 500th ever Arsenal goal at the stadium in 2014, so this moment surely was surreal for him.
​
The blissful moment did not last long for the Gunners. Burnley's Josh Brownhill was able to equalize for the Clarets in the 54th minute. After a thorough VAR check, the goal was allowed, tying the game.
​
Just three minutes later, Wilo Saliba was able to get his head on the ball off a Trossard corner to give the Gunners the lead again. This was the center back's first goal of the season, and an important one at that.
​
After a few missed chances from the Gunners, yet another defender scored. Oleksandr Zinchenko was able to find a bouncing ball at the top of the box and strike a skillful scissor kick into the top corner, giving Arsenal a 3-1 lead.
​
Shortly after, Fabio Vieira, the sub on for Kai Havertz, laid down a challenge on Josh Brownhill that forced Micheal Oliver to show a red card. The Gunners would have to play with ten men for the final 15 minutes as well as Vieira being suspended for the next league match versus Brentford.
​
"With the red card, yes, VAR was right, the referee was right, [it was] a really good decision," said the boss.
​
In the last minute of the game, Jakob Kiwior and Jorginho collided, having the Italian go down with a head injury. The midfielder was able to walk off on his own, but needed to be check for a concussion and patched up.
​
"He had a few bad cuts, I think, which they couldn't sort out on the pitch," said Arteta. "The way this guy is competing, coaching and supporting the team in any way he can makes me really happy with him."
​
The Gunners were able to hold the Clarets off for the final minute with only nine players on the pitch, securing all three points in the duel.
​
​
​
Next Match:
Arsenal FC vs. Brentford
Premier League
Date: November 25, 2023
Time 12:30pm (EST) (USA)
Venue: Emirates Stadium
​
Arsenal out class Sevilla in Champions League Match Day Four
November 13, 2023 || 10:06am
​
Carter Atherton
The Gunners were able to stay atop of Group B as they defeat Sevilla 2-0. The Londoners are now able to secure their spot in the knockout round with a win in Match Day Five.
Starting Lineups:
​
ARSENAL
GK: Raya
DEF: White
DEF: Saliba
DEF: Gabriel
DEF: Tomiyasu
MID: Jorginho
MID: Rice
MID: Hazertz
ATT: Saka
ATT: Martinelli
ATT: Trossard
SEVILLA
GK: Dmitrovic
DEF: Sanchez
DEF: Bade
DEF: Gudelj
DEF: Salas
MID: Jordan
MID: Fernando
MID: Sow
MID: Pedrosa
MID Lamela
ATT: En-Nesyri
Source: Arsenal FC Media
Match Highlights:
The Gunners dominance started in just the second minute of the game as Gabi Martinelli whipped in a corner to Kai Havertz at the back post who flicked the ball on with his head past the goal. If the German would have found the back of the net, it would have been his first goal this season in the Champions League.
​
In the 29th minute, after 75% possession from the Gunners to start the game, Leandro Trossard broke the dead lock. Bukayo Saka provided his third assist of the tournament after he found himself in behind the Sevilla defense before laying it off to Trossard for an easy tap in goal.
​
The second half started with Oleksandr Zinchenko replacing Takehiro Tomiyasu at the left-back position. The Ukrainian was able to make a difference right away as he started the break in the 49th minute to create a chance for Havertz and a corner for Arsenal.
​
"Against West Ham in the first half, he was our best player, Newcastle he was one of the best and today, again, he was really strong," said Mikel Arteta about Hazertz. "I'm really happy with him."
The Gunners were able to double their lead in the 64th minute off of Bukayo Saka's left food. The 22 year old slotted home a picture perfect curling ball from the top of the box, sliding into the net past Dmitrovic.
The goal was Saka's second of the competition, keeping his brilliant run of form going in his first Champions League season.
​
In the end, Arsenal were able to control the rest of the game and see out a comfortable win.
​
​
Team News:
Takihero Tomiyasu's injury was an interesting change for Arteta and the Gunners. The Japanese defender was Arsenal's 'October Player of the Month' after a brilliant four games.
​
"He had some discomfort in the first half and we didn't want to take any risks," said Arteta. "He's played a lot of minutes and having Alex [Zinchenko] on the bench ready to come in, I think it was the right decison."
​
Also, Bukayo Saka was subbed out in the 85th minute after picking up a minor injury. The Englishman is the second most fouled player in the Premier League this season, creating a sense of worry for the Gunners.
​
"I think he is getting used to it [and] I don't think that's going to change, especially the way he plays," said Arteta on the constant fouls. "It was just a kick and he wasn't happy to continue, [but] I want to assume that he will be okay."
​
Also, Eddie Nketiah and Martin Odegaard were absent for the match, bringing anxiety to some fans. Odegaard has missed his second straight match for the Gunners while Nketiah missed his first in five matches.
​
"They are racing against the clock to be fit and they tried to be here today with us," said the boss. "We have another 48 hours before we play Burnley [and] we need players at the moment."
​
​
Next Match:
Arsenal FC vs. Burnley
Premier League
Date: November 11, 2023
Time 10:00am (EST) (USA)
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Referee: Micheal Oliver (ENG)
The Gunners look to stay atop of the Champions League group stage table against Sevilla
November 8, 2023 || 10:06am
​
Carter Atherton
Arsenal are set to take on Sevilla in the fourth matchday of the Champions League group stage. The Gunners have already defeated the ‘Palanganas’ 2-1 in match day three in late October.
The Londoners sit atop of the group with six points above RC Lens with five points and both Sevilla and PSV with two points each. The Gunners lead the group in both goals scored and goal differential in this contest.
Arsenal defeated PSV and Sevilla on their way to the top of the table while suffering defeat to RC Lens. Sevilla has yet to win a game, drawing both RC Lens and PSV in matchday one and two.
The Gunners, who appear in the Champions League for the first time in seven years, have a chance tomorrow to solidify their spot in the knockout stages with a win. Each of the last seven times in the competition, Arsenal have made it to the knockout stages, but lost in the first round.
“The moment you have a chance in football to put it to bed, do it,” said Mikel Arteta. “We have to prove it [today] in front of our people how excited we are to play and what it means to us.”
Source: The Independent
Mikel Arteta giving tactics to his team in the 1-0 loss to Newcastle on Saturday.
“We have to build on a lot of things we did right against Newcastle,” said Arteta. “The way the team played, the way we competed, it was extraordinary.”
​
Team News:
Arsenal will continue to adjust the line up to deal with fitness and injury, as they have for the last few weeks. The Gunners have lost their last two games to Newcastle and West Ham, dealing with the absence of key players.
“Gabriel [Jesus] won’t be fit. With Martin [Odegaard], it’s still uncertain. The others, there is no news,” said Mikel Arteta.
Jesus was one of the goal scorers last time against Sevilla, while Odegaard also played a crucial role this season. However, both players, while massive for the club and team spirit, have had their back ups, Eddie Nketiah and Fabio Viera, prove themselves as suitable replacements for the duo.
Details of the Game:
Arsenal FC vs. Sevilla FC
UEFA Champions League Group Stage
Date: November 8, 2023
Time 3:00pm (EST) (USA)
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Referee: Istvan Kovacs (ROU)
Arsenal Suffer Controversial Defeat at St. James Park
November 5th, 2023 || 3:34pm
​
​
Carter Atherton
Arsenal drop their first Premier League game of the season versus Newcastle, headlined by questionable officiating. The Gunners drop from second to fourth in the league after the 1-0 loss away from home.
Starting Lineups:
​
ARSENAL
GK: Raya
DEF: White
DEF: Saliba
DEF: Gabriel
DEF: Tomiyasu
MID: Jorginho
MID: Rice
MID: Hazertz
ATT: Saka
ATT: Martinelli
ATT: Nketiah
NEWCASTLE
GK: Pope
DEF: Trippier
DEF: Lascelles
DEF: Schar
DEF: Burn
MID: Longstaff
MID: Joelnilton
MID: Guimaraes
ATT: Almiron
ATT: Gordon
ATT: Wilson
Source: Arsenal FC
Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes exchange words on the first half of Saturdays game at St. James Park.
Match Highlights:
The first real chance of the game came from Newcastle in the 29th minute. A Dan Burn header was put in front of the goal into the path of Callum Wilson on the six yard box, but the striker was unable to finish the chance. However, it was decided that the goal would not have counted due to the fact Wilson was offside.
​
In the 37th minute, a light scuffle broke lose on the pitch after a Kai Havertz tackle on Sean Longstaff. Havertz was given a yellow card for the challenge, but Anthony Gordon, Longstaff and Schar were all given yellows for Newcastle for their place in the fight.
​
Just three minutes later in the 41st minute, Kieran Trippier gave a promising ball into the Arsenal box for Wilson and Gordon, but David Raya was able to corral it and keep the score level for the Gunners. Then, just before half, Gabi Martinelli was able to free himself from the Magpies defense, but has his chance was saved by Nick Pope.
​
Coming out of the half goalless, the game sped up, seeing chances for both sides. Both Gordon and Rice missed chances for their squads to put their teams up.
Anthony Gordon's 64th minute goal was the lone goal in this match, lifting Newcastle above Arsenal. After a five minute VAR check, the goal was given. The Gunners and faithful claimed the ball went out of play in the build-up, the final touch on the ball was offsides, and there was a foul on the build up as well.
​
"It's an absolute disgrace the goal was allowed, an absolute disgrace!" said Mikel Arteta. "Its not a goal. Its simple. Its not a goal. In football here, in China, in Japan, in Spain, in Portugal, it's not allowed."
Team News:
Both Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus did not get in to the squad for Saturday's match. Odegaard's fitness has been an issue after the amount of minutes he has played to begin the season. Jesus' reoccurring hamstring injury has been a constant issue for the Gunners this season.
Kai Havertz and Wilo Saliba played excellent games in the defeat, but something that came as a welcoming surprise for the Arsenal fans. "Its incredible the way these guys play, the way way compete against this team, [Newcastle], because they are a top team. Incredible," said Arteta.
Next Match:
Arsenal FC vs. Sevilla
UEFA Champions League Group Stage
Date: November 8, 2023
Time 3:00pm (EST) (USA)
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Referee: Istvan Kovacs (ROU)
Arsenal Suffer Brutal Defeat in the 4th Round of the Carabao Cup
November 1, 2023 || 8:48pm
Carter Atherton
Arsenal bow out of the Carabao Cup after a today's loss to West Ham. The Hammers netted three past Ramsdale and the Gunners in shocking 3-1 win at London Stadium.
Starting Lineups:
​
ARSENAL
GK: Ramsdale
DEF: White
DEF: Kiwior
DEF: Gabriel
DEF: Zinchenko
MID: Jorginho
MID: Viera
MID: Hazertz
ATT: Trossard
ATT: Nelson
ATT: Nketiah
WEST HAM
GK: Fabianski
DEF: Coufal
DEF: Mavropanos
DEF: Aguerd
DEF: Emerson
MID: Soucek
MID: Alvarez
MID: Kudus
MID: Paqueta
MID: Benrahma
ATT: Bowen
Aaron Ramsdale started tonight's match after sitting out the last three matches as David Raya's backup.
Source: Football Insider
Match Highlights:
Arsenal fell behind in the 16th minute after a West Ham and Jarrod Bowen corner was deflected into the back of the net off the head of Arsenal defender, Ben White. Both Gunners' players and fans pleaded for a VAR check after Ramsdale accused West Ham midfielder, Thomas Soucek, of holding his jersey on the corner.
Unfortunately for the Gunner faithful, VAR is not allowed in the Carabao Cup, thus awarding the goal to the Hammers. "If there is VAR, then there is no goal, that's for sure," said Arsenal boss, Arteta. "But again, I don't want that to be an excuse; we can still compete on the goal much better than we did."
​
In the 29th minute, Arsenal had a chance to equalize as Leandro Trossard played a ball across the six yard box for Eddie Nketiah who knocked the ball over the bar. It would have been his fourth goal in two games, after his hat trick Saturday.
​
In the 36th minute, the Gunners had another chance after Reiss Nelson beat two defenders on the right side of the box to free himself for a shot. The Englishman was unlucky as he slipped when taking on the chance, missing wide.
West Ham went into the half with a 1-0 lead and would almost double the lead in the first minute of the second half. Jarrod Bowen snuck behind Jakob Kiwior and the Arsenal back line giving him a chance at goal, but White was there to redeem himself, and saved the rolling ball off the goal line.
​
Soon after, the Hammers doubled their lead. In the 50th minute, Mohammed Kudos, the recent transfer from Ajax, slotted home a goal from the top of the box. London Stadium erupted with their famous bubbles and song as they felt they were on the way to knock the Gunners out.
​
Just ten minutes later, Bowen smashed a half volley off the back of Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu to give the Hammers a three goal advantage with 30 minutes to play. Arsenal lost all momentum and could never bounce back.
In the last minute of extra time, usual Arsenal captain, Martin Odegaard, slashed his way through the West Ham defense, combining with Declan Rice, to slot home a consolation goal for the Gunners as the game ended 3-1.
​
"I wanted the team to play in a very different way, and we haven't done that [today,]" said Arteta. "I am very disappointed [and] obviously I am responsible for that."
Subsitutions and Strategy:
In the midst of a three match week, Arteta gave chances to less experienced players like defender Jakob Kiwior and winger, Reiss Nelson. "[We have to} do certain things that require you to win a football match, especially when you play away from home against West Ham, and today we haven't done that [well] enough," added the boss.
​
Arteta changed the team around in the 57th minute, bringing on former Hammer captain, Declan Rice, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. The West Ham fans gave a mixed reaction to the midfielder as he jolted on the field.
​
"Its not for me to judge [their reaction]" to Rice entering the game,
said Arteta.
The Englishman was able to tally the assist for Odegaard in the dying embers of the match, as it turned out to make no difference. After three good runs, Rice was able to catch his footing and control the game as the usual defensive midfielder does.
Much later in the match, usual starters, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli entered the pitch for the Gunners, replacing wingers Reiss Nelson and Leandro Trossard. The young pair made an instant impact, spreading the field and combining with their outside backs well.
​
Martin Odegaard entered in the 80th minute as well for Eddie Nketiah, scoring 15 minutes later. "There are no messages to be sent," said Arteta on bringing on the more experienced players late in the game. "We tried to put out the team who we believed to have the best chance to compete the right way at the start of the game, and the game took a different direction."
Final Notes:
As the Gunners did fall at the hands of the Hammers, the game was controlled by Arsenal. Arsenal led West Ham in shots 14 to five, led in possession 72% to 28%, led in passes 678 to a mere 265 from West Ham and led in corners six to four. Both teams tallied three shots on goal and 12 fouls a piece.
​
The Gunners gear up again for Saturday as they face sixth place Newcastle United away from home, yet again.
​
"We have to use this defeat to prepare the best way to go to Newcastle and win," said Arteta. "We have to use this pain for Saturday, that's for sure."
​
​
Arsenal and West Ham Set to Square off for a Spot in the Quarterfinal Round of the Carabao Cup
November 1, 2023 || 9:25am
Carter Atherton
Arsenal are set to take on West Ham United this afternoon in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. The Gunners, coming off a 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield United on Saturday, are looking to slide by the Hammers, who are on a run of poor form.
In their past five games, Arsenal are 3-1-1 while suffering defeat in their Champions League match versus RC Lens. On the other side, West Ham are 1-3-1 with all three losses coming in their most recent games.
Domestically, the Gunners are unbeaten this season, sitting at second in the table. This West Ham side sit at ninth place with four losses so far. Both teams respectively are 2-1 in the Champions League and the Europa League.
In the third round of the Carabao Cup Arsenal beat Brentford and West Ham defeated Lincoln City, both finishing in a 1-0 result.
​
​
​
Team News:
​
​
The Arsenal head coach, Mikel Arteta, should be looking to mix up the team this afternoon as they will be on their third straight week of midweek and Premier League games. After Saturday's master class showing without many usual starters, the boss should be able to completely rotate the Starting XI this afternoon.
Eddie Nketiah is an expected starter tonight after his first Premier League hat-trick on Saturday. The 24 year old put three goals past Shefield and also gave up a chance for four after giving a penalty to Fabio Viera, who was announcing the birth of his son.
“He is a top level [player]. He fully deserves [the hat-trick],” said Arteta on Nketiah. “He needs to enjoy the moment, and hopefully there are many more to come.”
Usual captain, Martin Odegaard, sat out against Sheffield last time out, while fellow Ballon d'Or nominee, Bukayo Saka, was appointed skipper for the Gunners. Odegaard had appeared in the last 14 games for Arsenal, but the rest was well needed while he could find himself on the pitch this afternoon.
“He has played an enormous amount of minutes,” said Mikel Arteta. “We have players with enormous quality and we have to trust them [to replace Odegaard.] We [believed] it was the right day to do so,” Arteta added on Saturday.
Defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is also available for the Gunners this afternoon. Tomiyasu is coming off a quality performance last week against Sevilla, earning him the “Man of the Match” and he netted his first Arsenal goal of his career versus Shefield.
“Everybody loves him. He is one of the most popular in the dressing room,” said the boss. “He's a fantastic player for the team,” continued Arteta on Tomiyasu.
Defender, Jurrien Timber, remains out until February with his torn ACL suffered in August. Also, midfielder Thomas Partey and striker Gabriel Jesus will not be in action with lower leg injuries.
Details of the Game:
Arsenal FC vs. West Ham United
Date: November 1, 2023
Time 3:30pm (EST) (USA)
Venue: London Stadium
Referee: Simon Hooper (ENG)