Arsenal edge Chelsea as set-pieces and Raya shine
Arsenal have a strong chance to land free agent Leon Goretzka, with the Bayern midfielder targeting a Champions League Premier League club. Spurs and Italian sides are also linked.
Gabriel’s assist for Saliba set a new club record of 25 Premier League goal contributions by an Arsenal centre-back. Timber also scored, Neto saw red, and Rice went off injured in the 2-1 win.
After Arsenal’s 2-1 win, Neville still tips Chelsea for fifth but says they need an elite keeper, centre-back and striker. He predicts United third and Liverpool fourth.
Gary Neville backs Arsenal to edge Man City to the title but warns of a tense run-in amid a heavy schedule, saying rotation and injuries will be key across league, Champions League and cups.
Saka created five chances and drew three fouls against Chelsea, Arsenal’s chief threat despite no goal or assist. Rice leads Arsenal for big chances this season, with Saka second.
Yaya Toure calls Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea ‘disappointing’, noting all goals came from set-pieces and urging more fluent attacking despite the vital three points.
Arteta was frustrated with Eberechi Eze’s display in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea after his derby brace. Wayne Rooney said Eze should make himself ‘impossible to drop’ with consistent form.
Julian Nagelsmann expects Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz to rejoin Germany in March. Havertz has just returned for Arsenal but may face competition for the striker role.
Arsenal win 2-1 via Saliba and Timber corners, restoring a five-point lead. PGMOL back no handball on Rice from a Reece James corner. Rosenior laments set-plays and discipline after Neto’s red.
On-loan Arsenal teen Ethan Nwaneri earned praise in Marseille’s 3-2 win over Lyon, delivering an ‘impeccable’ 90+1' cross for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s winner after coming on as a sub.
Arsenal are scouting Norwich right back Kellen Fisher for a future right side option, admiring his balance in attack and defence. Everton, Man Utd and Newcastle also track the £1.6m-rated 20-year-old.
Arteta says doctors are ‘really happy’ with a player’s recovery and notes it will be a long process. Limited detail, with Brighton up next after the Chelsea win.
Riccardo Calafiori says he wants to return to Roma ‘sooner or later’, recalling his stalled spell under Mourinho. The Arsenal defender still feels unfinished business despite success in England.
Paul Merson claims Arteta does not fully trust Eze and Gyokeres despite recent braces, urging faith for the run-in. Gyokeres could face former club Sporting CP if both progress in the Champions League.
Arteta hails Raya after a late fingertip stop from Garnacho preserves Arsenal’s 2-1 win over 10-man Chelsea. He calls Raya ‘one of our leaders’. Rice a doubt for Brighton. Lead over Man City at five.
Saliba and Timber scored from corners as Arsenal beat 10-man Chelsea 2-1. Hincapie own goal levelled from a Reece James corner. Raya saved late from Garnacho. Lead over Man City back to five points.
Declan Rice mocked Chelsea’s away end after scoring for Arsenal, having the last laugh amid their attempts to unsettle him.
Arteta reminded players of being level at Spurs; they replied, ‘look what happened in the second half’. Arsenal again responded after the break, with defenders Saliba and Timber decisive in a 2-1 win.
Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover earns bonuses for goals from dead balls. Arsenal beat Chelsea with Saliba and Timber scoring from corners, taking the Gunners to 16 corner goals this season.
