Arsenal held at Brentford as Arteta rues missed chances
Arsenal join the race for Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi, valued at €92m. PSG lead the chase as Bournemouth push a new deal after his 8 goals in 21 Premier League games.
Debate surrounds Gabriel’s late tackle in the 1-1 draw, with a ‘definite’ verdict delivered on whether he should have seen red.
Madueke headed Arsenal ahead from Hincapie’s cross, but Lewis-Potter equalised from a Kayode long throw as Brentford’s set-pieces troubled Arsenal. Kelleher saved late from Martinelli. Lead now four points.
Arteta defends loaning Ethan Nwaneri to Marseille, calling injuries to Merino and Havertz ‘unfortunate’. He says the spell offers minutes before a return to Arsenal.
Arsenal are tracking Inter’s 20-year-old striker Pio Esposito after seeing him in a 3-1 Champions League tie. A backup role is planned if signed, with Buffon praising his mentality.
Arteta bemoaned a lack of ‘ruthlessness’ after a 1-1 draw. Madueke scored, Lewis-Potter levelled from a long throw. Subs Saka, Martinelli, Calafiori could not force a winner as Kelleher denied late.
Brentford boss Keith Andrews hailed his side as ‘sensational’, saying they outperformed Arsenal after the break in the 1-1 draw.
Keown praised Declan Rice as Arsenal’s stand-out in the 1-1 at Brentford, noting Odegaard’s pressing impact but suggesting Saka and Calafiori ‘didn’t quite look themselves’ after knocks.
Arsenal are four points clear with 12 to play but face pressure from Manchester City. Past run-ins raise doubt over sustaining form despite only three league losses.
Eze struggled as a right-sided No 8 and was subbed at half-time in the 1-1 at Brentford. Arteta said it was ‘tactical’, needing a different profile against Brentford’s press.
Raya admits Arsenal struggled with Brentford set pieces, urging more strength at restarts. He says tweaks improved pressing, focus turns to the FA Cup then league fixtures.
Arsenal scout Newcastle’s Lewis Miley amid PSR watch. Havertz faces 3-4 weeks out with a muscular issue, likely missing Wigan, Wolves, Tottenham, Chelsea and Brighton.
Rice urges Arsenal to ‘block out the outside noise’ after 1-1 at Brentford. Madueke struck, Lewis-Potter equalised from a Kayode long throw. City sit four points back ahead of April’s Etihad trip.
Brighton prepare to host Arsenal in the WSL under interim Chris Roberts after recent late collapses. Fran Kirby remains out. Albion beat Arsenal 4-2 late last season, lost 1-0 this term.
Predicted XI vs Wigan: Kepa, White, Mosquera, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Norgaard, Rice; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli. Seven changes expected after the 1-1 Brentford draw.
Arteta says Saliba missed Brentford due to illness and is ‘short-term’. Mosquera deputised. Havertz and Merino injuries narrow options, though Odegaard and Saka returned to the bench.
Arteta to rotate for Wigan in the FA Cup after the 1-1 Brentford draw, citing need to reset and rest. He notes Arsenal’s poor recent fourth-round record and urges excellence on the day.
