Arsenal face Brighton as Rice and Havertz declared fit
Pep Guardiola defends Arsenal’s set-piece reliance, saying winners deserve credit however they score. He notes City score fewer from dead balls but insists goals matter more than style.
Declan Rice is fit to travel to Brighton after a Chelsea knock, with a decision pending on the matchday squad. Kai Havertz is also set to be available for Arsenal’s crucial league trip.
Arsenal and Manchester United are monitoring 16-year-old Hertha Berlin midfielder Kennet Eichhorn, with Bayern Munich also keen. A long-term prospect, he has impressed at youth level.
Arsenal visit Brighton seeking to keep a five-point lead. Odegaard a doubt, Rice expected to recover, Raya fine, White out. Havertz has a strong scoring record vs Brighton, Saka key at the Amex.
Eden Hazard names ex-Arsenal winger Gervinho among the most talented he played with at Lille, alongside Fabregas and De Bruyne, noting Arsenal never saw his best after a £10m move and £8m exit.
Ian Wright tips an Arsenal vs Manchester City Champions League final, warning City look in ‘flow’. He notes Arteta’s mixed record against Guardiola heightens concern.
Mikel Merino flies to Pamplona to continue rehab after foot surgery, likely out for the season. Arteta has asked Andrea Berta to gather info on Inter’s Pio Esposito as Arsenal eye future options.
Viktor Gyokeres says back-to-back title fights with Sporting help him handle Arsenal’s run-in ‘without fearing anything’, citing big-game experience and self-belief after 15 goals this season.
