SonOfWenger – Page 2 – Home Of Arsenal

Arsenal News

SAKA CONFIDENT ARSENAL WILL WIN PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE

Bukayo Saka believes Arsenal are ready to deliver the Premier League title this season, following a statement-making performance in Europe against Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners impressed in their Champions League home opener on Tuesday night, securing a 2-0 win with first-half goals from Kai Havertz and Saka, signaling their potential to challenge the best teams on the continent.

The victory over PSG is one of the defining moments of Mikel Arteta’s near five-year reign at the Emirates, showcasing Arsenal’s remarkable progress under his guidance. It comes after a disappointing goalless draw with Europa League holders Atalanta, demonstrating the Gunners’ ability to rebound and prove they can topple Europe’s elite. Saka’s role in the triumph further underscores his belief that this could finally be the year Arsenal break their long domestic title drought.

Arsenal News

RAYA DOUBTFUL FOR LEICESTER

Mikel Arteta has revealed that David Raya remains a doubt for Arsenal’s Premier League match against Leicester City on Saturday. The goalkeeper missed Arsenal’s recent Carabao Cup victory over Bolton due to a thigh injury, and his availability for the weekend is still uncertain.

Raya was absent from the squad during the Gunners’ third-round cup tie at the Emirates Stadium, a game in which Arsenal triumphed over Bolton. With backup goalkeeper Neto cup-tied, Arteta was forced to turn to 16-year-old Jack Porter, who made history as the youngest player ever to start a game for Arsenal. Now, as Arsenal gears up for their league encounter with Leicester, Arteta has stated that the club will make a final decision on Raya’s fitness closer to match day.

Read More “RAYA DOUBTFUL FOR LEICESTER”

Arsenal News

ODEGAARD EYES QUICK RETURN

Martin Odegaard admits he feels fortunate to have “got away with” his recent ankle injury, as the Arsenal captain works towards a return to full fitness. The Norwegian midfielder has been sidelined since suffering ligament damage while on international duty in early November, leaving a notable gap in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Initial concerns about the severity of Odegaard’s injury had Arteta hinting that the midfielder could be out for an extended period, potentially beyond the upcoming international break. However, Odegaard has now provided a more hopeful update on his recovery, indicating that the injury wasn’t as severe as initially feared. This news offers some optimism to Arsenal fans as they await the return of their influential captain.

Read More “ODEGAARD EYES QUICK RETURN”

Arsenal News

RAYA SAVE WAS INCREDIBLE

Mikel Arteta admitted David Raya’s astonishing double save against Atalanta was the best he has seen in his career. The Spanish goalkeeper ensured Arsenal avoided defeat in their Champions League opener by keeping out a penalty and the rebound from Italy striker Mateo Retegui, saving the Gunners from a potential setback.

Early in the second half, after Thomas Partey was beaten for pace by Ederson and pulled the Brazilian back, referee Clementin Turpin pointed to the spot. The pressure was on, but Retegui’s moment was thwarted by the brilliance of Raya. The Arsenal keeper first dived to his right to beat out the penalty, an already crucial save. But what followed left everyone in awe. As the ball looped up, Retegui, poised for a simple header into an open net, found himself denied once again. Raya, displaying remarkable agility, got back on his feet and launched himself left to claw the ball away from the goal line, leaving Atalanta stunned and Gunners fans celebrating.

Read More “RAYA SAVE WAS INCREDIBLE”

Arsenal News

ODEGAARD OUT FOR FORESEEABLE FUTURE

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is set to miss significant playing time after suffering a serious ankle ligament injury while on international duty with Norway. Initial assessments suggested a three-week absence, but further scans have revealed the injury is more severe than first feared.

Odegaard injured his ankle in a nasty fall during Norway’s recent match, prompting concern for both club and country. After undergoing multiple scans and consulting specialists, it was confirmed that the damage to his ankle ligaments will keep the 25-year-old out for the foreseeable future. Although Norway’s team doctor initially predicted a shorter recovery time, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta indicated that the situation is more complex and that Odegaard’s return to the pitch is uncertain.

Arsenal News

EDU: ARTETA’S NEW DEAL BRINGS STABILITY TO ARSENAL

Arsenal sporting director Edu believes Mikel Arteta’s new contract will bring much-needed stability as the club looks to achieve new heights. Arteta signed a contract extension on Thursday, committing his future to the Gunners until 2027. His previous deal was set to expire at the end of the current season, but both sides were confident of reaching an agreement.

Since taking charge of Arsenal in 2019, Arteta has had a transformative impact on the club, winning the FA Cup in his first season and leading the team to consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League over the past two campaigns. Arsenal now has its sights set on winning the league title for the first time since 2004, and Arteta is seen as the man to lead them to that goal.

Arsenal News

JORGINHO BACKS STERLING TO SHINE AT ARSENAL

Jorginho has expressed confidence that Raheem Sterling will quickly adapt and make an impact at Arsenal, ahead of the north London derby against Tottenham. Sterling joined the Gunners on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day and could make his debut this weekend with Arsenal facing a shortage of midfield options. Declan Rice is suspended, and both Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino are out injured, opening the door for Sterling to feature as a No. 10 or winger.

Jorginho, who played with Sterling at Chelsea, believes the 29-year-old is well-equipped to thrive under Mikel Arteta. Sterling also has familiarity with several Arsenal players, including Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz, which should ease his transition.

Transfer News

VIEIRA OPENS UP ON ARSENAL STRUGGLES

Fabio Vieira has spoken candidly about the challenges he faced during his time at Arsenal after completing a season-long loan move back to Porto. The Portuguese midfielder joined Arsenal in 2022 for £34 million with high expectations, but injuries and limited opportunities left him struggling to make an impact in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Vieira made just 16 appearances for Arsenal last season, and in an interview with *O Jogo*, he revealed that returning to Porto was a decision he initiated. “The idea of returning came from me. I love this club and I’m going to give everything on the pitch,” said the 24-year-old. “I’m happy, obviously, it’s my home. I’m looking forward to being at the stadium, playing in front of these fans and doing the best I can for this club this season.”

Arsenal News

ARSENAL FACE INJURY CONCERNS AHEAD OF DERBY

Arsenal are grappling with multiple injuries as they approach the season’s first international break. Currently fourth in the Premier League, the Gunners’ momentum has been slowed by a 1-1 draw with Brighton, a game in which Declan Rice received a red card. The midfielder will now miss the north London derby against Tottenham, adding to the club’s injury woes.

One of the biggest concerns for Mikel Arteta’s squad is new signing Mikel Merino, who has yet to make his Arsenal debut. Merino, who joined the Gunners for a fee that could rise to £32 million, suffered a shoulder injury during his first training session. Arteta confirmed that the midfielder’s injury could keep him out for several weeks, with reports suggesting he could be sidelined for up to two months. The incident occurred during a collision with teammate Gabriel Magalhaes, which resulted in a possible small fracture. No definitive return date has been given for Merino, as further medical tests are required to assess the extent of the injury. It’s a frustrating setback for the 27-year-old, who had been eager to make an immediate impact.

Arsenal News

STERLING TAKES NUMBER 30

Arsenal have confirmed that Raheem Sterling will wear the No30 shirt following his move from Chelsea. The 29-year-old England winger joined on loan during transfer deadline day after being sidelined by Chelsea and will now aim to strengthen Arsenal’s Premier League title charge.

Sterling was in the stands watching Arsenal’s recent draw with Brighton and is expected to begin training with his new team immediately. With no international call-up, he has time to familiarize himself with Mikel Arteta’s tactical style. Arsenal fans could see him make his debut in two weeks against rivals Tottenham, a match where his skills and experience will be crucial.

Read More “STERLING TAKES NUMBER 30”