Christmas may be over, but the festivities will certainly continue over the next few days with plenty of Premier League football on shown.
For Arsenal, they welcome West Ham to Emirates Stadium on Thursday, December 28 in search of following up their impressive 1-1 draw against Liverpool with a victory. Mikel Arteta did not appear to suffer any fresh injury blows ahead of the game, and while Kai Havertz will be suspended for the game, another key midfielder is close to a return.
Elsewhere, with the January transfer window on the horizon, the Gunners are being linked with moves for plenty of big names. Brentford striker Ivan Toney is of interest to the north Londoners and Chelsea with a big prediction being made on his future.
Premier League rivals Manchester United will also likely look to make some signings with Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann a mooted name. However, Arsenal have also been discussed as an option which could lead to a shock transfer hijack.
With that said, stay with us on football.london as we bring you the latest Arsenal team news, injury updates and transfer rumours LIVE throughout the day!
Aaron Catterson-Reid
Good night!
Thanks to everyone who joined us for today's Arsenal live blog.
Tune in tomorrow as we do it all over again!
Aaron Catterson-Reid
Neto claim
Former Wolves hero Don Goodman has given his thoughts on Arsenal potentially signing Pedro Neto.
Speaking to OLBG, Goodman said: "I think Pedro Neto could go to any of the big clubs - he's that good. Wolves fans are resigned to the fact they will lose him, with respect to them.
"Neto is a top-level player and Wolves can't lay claim to being one of those clubs right now. You have to grab the football opportunities with both hands and embrace the chances to develop your career and play at the highest level - and that means the Champions League. He's that good.
"Wolves will be able to keep Neto in January, and it's promising to hear him talk about how much he loves the club, fans, and the area. He's very settled and he'll have to revisit that in the summer.
"Arsenal are the ones who are linked with him, but I'd be very surprised if most of the big teams aren’t keeping an eye on him. He's been sensational."
Aaron Catterson-Reid
Pearce claim
Former Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce has voiced his concerns regarding three Arsenal players. The Gunners currently sit top of the Premier League table, having drawn 1-1 in their most recent clash - an away match against fellow title contenders Liverpool.
But Pearce has admitted that the lack of an out-and-out goalscorer could cost Mikel Arteta's side in their quest to win the title.
Speaking to The Express, the West Ham United assistant coach said: "You look at some of the high-flying teams around the world, they might have four options up front. There are still slight questions marks about (Eddie) Nketiah and (Gabriel) Jesus.
"Maybe even if (Kai) Havertz plays up top, there’s a question mark there. If an out-and-out goal scorer that guarantees 20-odd goals a season (becomes available), that would push Arsenal’s credentials even further."
Aaron Catterson-Reid
Title odds revealed
Odds from Betfair place Arsenal as the second most likely team to win this season's Premier League title, behind Manchester City.
Betfair - Premier League Winner 2023/24
Man City - 11/10
Arsenal - 5/2
Liverpool - 10/3
Aston Villa - 14/1
Tottenham - 20/1
Aaron Catterson-Reid
Gimenez price tag revealed
According to The Guardian, Feyenoord star Santiago Gimenez is likely to cost around £60million.
Arsenal have been linked with the 22-year-old in recent times.
Kieran Horn
Odegaard penalty verdict after Liverpool fury
Arsenal have been told by former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher they were fortunate to not concede a penalty against Liverpool. The two title rivals played out an enticing 1-1 draw at Anfield on Saturday with Gabriel Magalhaes and Mohamed Salah on the score sheet although there could have been a second goal on the day for the latter.
Towards the end of the first half, Salah attempted to play a sharp ball forward but it was blocked by the hand of Odegaard at close-range. While it initially looked accidental, as the Gunners captain lost his footing, other camera angles showed him moving his arm towards the ball.
Now, Gallagher has offered his thoughts as part of Sky Sports' Ref Watch and admitted that a penalty should have been awarded.
Read the full story here
Kieran Horn
Arsenal's Boxing Day stats
Arsenal are among the Premier League teams with a superb win ratio on Boxing Day.
The Gunners are not in action today but still rank as the second-best side above the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, with ‘bet365 News'supplying the data.
Kieran Horn
Trossard makes honest Saka admission
Leandro Trossard has revealed how his off-field relationship with Bukayo Saka has helped the Arsenal duo find success on the pitch. The Belgium international has not been offered many starts by Mikel Arteta this season but he has still managed to contribute to eight goals in all competitions this season.
Six of those have arrived with the 29-year-old as the player securing the and on every occasion the pass has arrived from Saka. The England international frequently sends deep crosses into the back post with Trossard aware of his expert delivery and in the right place to take advantage.
Read the full story here
Kieran Horn
Liverpool suspension worry and Man City injury doubt
The Premier League title race has continued to take numerous dramatic twists and there is still more than half of the 2023/24 season to play. Reigning champions Manchester City were understandably the favourites heading into the new campaign, however two teams have since emerged as shock contenders along with Arsenal and Liverpool thus far overperforming expectations.
The Gunners battled Man City right until the end for last season's crown, however injuries which exposed a lack of squad depth cost them severely. Significant summer recruitment has seen worries of a repeat mostly dissipate with Arteta creating a superb squad - though full-back has been an issue with new signing Jurrien Timber expected to miss most of the season.
As for Liverpool, given their last season struggles and major midfield rebuild which led to missing out on Champions League qualification, not much was expected of them and yet Jurgen Klopp's side currently sit second off the top by just one point.
To the surprise of many, Man City are actually the team struggling with just one win in their last five and a six-point gap between them in fourth and leaders Arsenal, although they do have a game in hand
Read the full story here
Kieran Horn
Arteta handed best-case Arsenal injury scenario
Mikel Arteta will be hoping to name an unchanged Arsenal starting XI for the clash against West Ham this Thursday. The Gunners picked up a valuable point at Anfield against Liverpool before Christmas that saw them remain top of the Premier League table and, depending on results elsewhere, another win could see them go up to four points clear at the summit.
In recent weeks, Arsenal have been fortunate to not be impacted by major injury blows while the same cannot be said for some of their title rivals. Jurgen Klopp has been without Alexis Mac Allister for nearly one month while Joel Matip is out for the rest of the season because of a serious knee injury.
At Manchester City, star striker Erling Haaland has missed the last few weeks because of a foot injury with Rodri also emerging as an injury scare after he left the Club World Cup final with an issue. While there have been no significant worries at Emirates Stadium, both Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny have dealt with minor problems in the month of December but have since returned.
Read the full story here
Kieran Horn
Ivan Toney to Arsenal transfer prediction
rsenal are once again enjoying a successful season and will be desperate to end it with silverware by May.
The Gunners have kept pace at the top of the Premier League and reached the knockout stages of the Champions League but the second half of the season is where the real test will be.
To ensure they are prepared for that, the January transfer window will be of high importance with Brentford striker Ivan Toney one player linked who could easily join next month.
Read the full story here
Kieran Horn
Griezmann tipped to join Arsenal
Antoine Griezmann signing for Arsenal would certainly be a surprise transfer. It's hard to believe that Griezmann has never played in the Premier League. Currently at Atletico Madrid, the France international has scored 16 goals in 23 games in Spain this season.
There hasn't been any concrete interest from Arsenal, with the north Londoners tipped at 14/1. Manchester United, who were reportedly preparing a move in January, are favourites at 9/2.
Kieran Horn
Latest Arsenal injury news amid Partey hope
Arsenal came through an intense test against Liverpool at Anfield to maintain their position as Premier League leaders. The Gunners drew 1-1 against the Reds and will face West Ham at the Emirates Stadium in their next Premier League fixture after Christmas.
Kai Havertz will miss that game after picking up his fifth booking of the season in the draw against Liverpool. However, Mikel Arteta will have the likes of Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny available for selection once again after both players were included in the matchday squad at Anfield on Saturday evening.
Thomas Partey is closing in on a return to action but not expected to feature in the squad until January. With that said, football.london has taken a look at all the injury news from Emirates Stadium ahead of West Ham.
Read the full story here
Kieran Horn
Good morning
Hello and welcome to today's dedicated Arsenal live blog on football.london. For all the latest team news, injury updates and transfer rumours, stay with us throughout the day for regular updates!
Arsenal sat top of the Premier League table on Christmas day following the 1-1 draw against Liverpool and they will be hoping to either extend or maintain that gap with a win over West Ham this Thursday. Kai Havertz is suspended for the game but Thomas Partey could potentially be available, although a return in the new year is more likely.
With under a week until the January transfer window opens, fresh updates on Ivan Toney and Antoine Griezmann have emerged ahead of the winter trading period. Here are your Arsenal morning headlines:
- Arsenal injury latest
- Toney prediction
- Griezmann hijack
- And much more
From the article, it seems to be a comprehensive roundup of Arsenal's recent matches, player situations, injury updates, transfer rumors, and betting odds. Let's break down the concepts mentioned and provide relevant information:
Football Match Recap:
- Arsenal vs. Liverpool (1-1 Draw): This match took place recently, and Arsenal performed impressively by securing a draw against Liverpool.
Team Status and Player Updates:
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Injuries and Squad Fitness: Mikel Arteta's team seemed relatively injury-free, with no major fresh injury concerns reported ahead of their upcoming game against West Ham.
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Suspensions: Kai Havertz was suspended for an upcoming game, while Thomas Partey was on the verge of a return from injury, likely after January.
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Player Performance and Concerns: Stuart Pearce expressed concerns about Arsenal's potential lack of a prolific goal scorer despite their strong position in the Premier League. Concerns were raised about specific players like Nketiah, Jesus, and potentially Havertz's role in that aspect.
Transfer Rumors and Predictions:
- Transfer Speculations: Arsenal has been linked with several potential transfers:
- Ivan Toney from Brentford, with a prediction about a possible transfer happening.
- Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid, although no concrete interest has been stated.
- Pedro Neto, who has received praise from former players and pundits, with indications that big clubs are eyeing him.
Betting Odds and Title Contention:
- Title Race and Betting Odds: Arsenal is placed favorably in the betting odds for the Premier League title, behind Manchester City but ahead of other competitors like Liverpool.
Other Notable Points:
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Football Match Statistics and Rankings: Arsenal has a notable win ratio on Boxing Day, positioning them well compared to other Premier League sides.
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Player Dynamics: Insights into how players like Leandro Trossard benefit from their off-field relationship, translating into on-field success with Bukayo Saka's assists.
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League Dynamics: Mention of Manchester City's recent struggles despite being favorites, while Arsenal seems to be maintaining a strong position atop the league.
Injury Reports and Referee Decisions:
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Referee Decisions: Discussions around controversial referee decisions involving Arsenal, such as a potential penalty claim against Liverpool that wasn't awarded.
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Injury Comparison with Rivals: Comparisons made with other title contenders regarding injury concerns and squad depth, particularly with Manchester City and Liverpool.
This comprehensive analysis and coverage in the article highlight the intricacies of Arsenal's current standing, potential player movements, and their position in the Premier League title race.
