Arsenal eye derby boost as Arteta expects Ødegaard and Havertz back
Feature hails Declan Rice’s leadership and complete midfield game, from set-piece threat to mentoring youngsters, as he is urged to steady Arsenal’s title push starting with the derby.
Arteta dismisses ‘bottlers’ claims after 2-2 at Wolves, says standards dipped and he takes responsibility. Arsenal still lead, face Spurs next. Ødegaard and Havertz have a ‘big possibility’ to return.
Arteta says Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard have a ‘big possibility’ of being available for the north London derby, giving Arsenal a potential boost in a pivotal title-race trip to Tottenham.
Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri was benched for Marseille’s 2-0 loss at Brest in Habib Beye’s first game. He played 25 minutes, booked late, as Arthur Vermeeren started ahead of him amid poor OM form.
Shearer warns anything but an Arsenal win at Spurs would be a ‘disaster’ after the 2-2 at Wolves, but still predicts an away win even with City able to cut the gap before the derby.
Rafael van der Vaart agrees with Wayne Rooney that Arsenal have no world-class players, arguing their stars lack the mentality and pressure-handling needed at clubs like Real Madrid.
Arsenal plan further Emirates Stadium redevelopment, with prize money and revenues from a strong season under Mikel Arteta expected to fund works while maintaining competitiveness.
Round-up claims Arsenal are in talks for Rafael Leao and that Julian Alvarez has picked a preferred club, with further notes on Tommy Setford and other transfer rumours.
Technical director James Ellis departs Arsenal. Some fans blame him for Viktor Gyökeres’ signing, though the club sit top, in a cup final and thriving in the Champions League.
Eberechi Eze, used wide and as a No 8 at Arsenal, says he could play CDM ‘maybe late in my career’. He targets Spurs next but is unlikely to be deployed as a six by Arteta.
Arsenal’s interest in Club Brugge talent Aleksandar Stankovic faces a setback as Inter plan to trigger their buy-back clause to recall the youngster.
Spurs interim Igor Tudor calls it an ‘emergency situation’ but says the derby brings ‘bigger motivation’ as he targets adding to Arsenal’s title jitters despite limited fit players.
Pearce defends Arsenal, saying only Wolves’ second half truly troubled them, calling Arteta’s side ‘champions in waiting’ while noting results this weekend could shift the title picture.
Arsenal confirm Daniel Oyetunde’s permanent move to USL League One side Fort Wayne. The 19-year-old Hale End forward, capped at U18 and U21 level, seeks senior minutes after a St Albans City loan.
Arsenal chase a fourth straight away derby win at Spurs. Arteta assesses Ødegaard and Havertz, Saka and Trossard fine. Spurs under Igor Tudor, Romero banned, injuries bite. Bankes referees.
