Football

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that the team has had to adapt its tactics in the absence of captain Martin Odegaard, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury. Odegaard has missed Arsenal's last six games, forcing Arteta to change his usual 4-2-3-1 formation.In Odegaard's absence, Leandro Trossard has taken his place in the starting lineup, while Kai Havertz has played alongside him in a two-man strike partnership. This tweak has allowed Arsenal to maintain their unbeaten record in the Premier League, with the Gunners sitting in third place just one point behind leaders Liverpool."We had to be different," said Arteta. "The impact Martin has in everything that we do, it was too big to try to replicate it with one player. We've tried to do it in a different way, adapting a few things, using players' qualities, players that can play in different positions and with the right chemistry around them."Arteta praised the team's ability to adapt, but admitted that they still miss Odegaard's presence. "We found a way, but we still miss him," he said. "We don't have Martin, there are all the things that we cannot do. But as well we have a big threat in other areas and we have to make the most of them."Odegaard is working hard to return to action, but Arteta could not provide a specific timeline for his comeback. "He's working so hard," said Arteta. "He's doing everything he can to get back as quickly as possible, but we don't want to rush him. We want to make sure he's fully fit and ready to go when he comes back."

Manchester City's title hopes suffered a setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Newcastle United, while Arsenal moved level on points with the champions after a dramatic 4-2 win over Leicester City.City's absence of star midfielder Rodri, who is out for the season with a knee injury, was keenly felt as they lacked control and poise in midfield. Despite taking the lead through Josko Gvardiol, Newcastle deservedly equalized through Anthony Gordon's penalty.Arsenal, meanwhile, showed their resilience by coming from behind twice to beat Leicester. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard gave the Gunners a 2-0 lead, but James Justin's brace brought Leicester level. However, Trossard's deflected shot and Kai Havertz's late strike secured the victory for Arsenal.At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea's Cole Palmer made history by becoming the first player to score four goals in the first half of a Premier League match. The 20-year-old forward's stunning display helped Chelsea overcome Brighton's early lead and secure a 4-2 win.West Ham avoided a fourth defeat in five games with a 1-1 draw at Brentford. Bryan Mbeumo's early goal put Brentford ahead, but Tomas Soucek's equalizer rescued a point for the Hammers.Everton ended their winless start to the season with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace. Dwight McNeil scored twice in the second half to give the Toffees their first three points of the campaign.Fulham continued their impressive form with a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest. Raul Jimenez's penalty proved to be the difference as Fulham moved into the top half of the table.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledges the "advantage" his team will have when they face Arsenal on Sunday, given their extra day of rest. However, the champions are concerned about the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne ahead of the crucial clash.City played at home in their Champions League draw with Inter Milan on Wednesday, while Arsenal traveled to Italy for their goalless stalemate against Atalanta on Thursday. Guardiola believes the additional 24 hours of recovery could be crucial in the first meeting this season between the two clubs that have finished first and second for the last two seasons.City won both of those title races, leaving Arsenal still waiting for their first English crown since 2004. A victory at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday would be a significant boost to City's hopes of an unprecedented fifth successive Premier League title.However, City's recovery time advantage might be offset by the potential absence of De Bruyne, who limped off during the draw against Inter. Guardiola said the Belgian midfielder "feels a bit better today" and will be assessed in training on Saturday.Fueled by Erling Haaland's nine goals, City have established themselves as the team to beat once again this season. The champions, who boast a 100 percent record after four league games, sit two points ahead of Arsenal, who have won three and drawn one.Guardiola has a healthy respect for the threat posed by Arsenal, who took the title fight down to the final day last season. "They are a complete team, which is why they've been our biggest rivals in the last two seasons," he said.Although they finished above them, City failed to beat Arsenal last term, losing 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium, drawing 0-0 in Manchester, and suffering a penalty shoot-out defeat in the Community Shield."It's always been a tight game in the last few years," Guardiola said. "Every season they are better and better. Both years have been close, but we have been so strong and we are still strong."City would move five points clear of Arsenal with a first victory over them since April 2023. However, Guardiola insists it is far too early in the season for the result to be regarded as significant."In this early stage of the season, nothing more than the mood over the next few games will be decided. In terms of the table, it's not really important," he said. "It'll be more important when we go to London in the second half of the season."

Manchester City and Arsenal, two English Premier League powerhouses, are set to clash once again on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, with the coveted title on the line. The Gunners, led by Mikel Arteta, will be determined to dethrone the reigning champions, who have triumphed over them in the past two seasons.Arsenal's defense has been a formidable force this season, conceding only one goal in five matches. However, they will face a stern test against Manchester City's attacking prowess. Former City forward Shaun Wright-Phillips believes that the team's ability to create individual moments of brilliance will be crucial in overcoming Arsenal's defensive resilience."City always play tactically, but they also have players like Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, and Kevin De Bruyne who can produce moments of magic," Wright-Phillips said. "It doesn't have to be a one-two or an interchange; it can be a shot from outside the box."Arsenal's challenge has been compounded by the absence of their captain, Martin Odegaard, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. The Gunners' attacking play has suffered in his absence, as evidenced by their recent goalless draw against Atalanta in the Champions League.Manchester City, on the other hand, also faced a goalless draw in their Champions League match against Inter Milan. However, they dominated the game, creating 22 shots with five on target. Wright-Phillips believes that City's experience and depth will give them an edge over Arsenal."They dealt with a similar situation against Inter Milan and they will be prepared," Wright-Phillips said. "I think they will be able to deal with the Arsenal counterattack and take their chances."The match promises to be a tactical battle, with both teams looking to exploit each other's weaknesses. Arsenal will need to find a way to break down City's defense without Odegaard, while City will need to be clinical in front of goal.

Arsenal's European adventure begins with a daunting challenge as they travel to Bergamo to face Atalanta in the opening round of the UEFA Champions League. The Gunners, fresh off a victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, will be eager to make a winning start to their continental campaign.However, Atalanta, the reigning Europa League champions, will pose a formidable obstacle. Gian Piero Gasperini's side has bounced back from recent Serie A setbacks with a victory over Fiorentina, demonstrating their resilience and attacking prowess.Arsenal will be without captain Martin Odegaard, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, and Declan Rice, who is suspended. These absences will test the depth of Mikel Arteta's squad, particularly in midfield.Atalanta, on the other hand, will be buoyed by the return of key players such as Duvan Zapata and Ruslan Malinovskyi. The Italian side is known for its high-octane attacking style, which could pose problems for Arsenal's defense.The match will be played at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on Friday, September 20, at 12:30 AM IST. It will be telecast live on the Sony Sports network and streamed on the SonyLIV app and website.Arsenal will be looking to make a statement in their first Champions League match under Arteta. A victory would boost their confidence and set the tone for the rest of the group stage. However, Atalanta will be determined to prove that they are not to be underestimated and will be eager to make a mark on the European stage.

Arsenal's captain, Martin Odegaard, will be sidelined for an extended period due to an ankle injury sustained while on international duty with Norway. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the news on Wednesday, stating that Odegaard will be out "for a while."The injury occurred during Norway's Nations League match against Austria earlier this month. Odegaard twisted his ankle, prompting concerns about the severity of the damage. Subsequent scans revealed ligament damage, necessitating a significant recovery period.Arteta expressed his disappointment at losing Odegaard, who has been a key player for Arsenal since joining the club in 2021. "We're going to miss him," Arteta said. "It's a significant injury, so we're going to lose him for a while."The Arsenal manager declined to provide a specific timeframe for Odegaard's return, emphasizing that he is not a medical professional. However, he indicated that the injury is not expected to keep Odegaard out for months.Odegaard's absence is a blow to Arsenal's ambitions this season. The Gunners are currently second in the Premier League table, two points behind reigning champions Manchester City. They will face a tough test on Sunday when they visit the Etihad Stadium to take on Pep Guardiola's side.In Odegaard's absence, Arsenal will need to find a suitable replacement in midfield. Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are likely to be the first-choice pairing, but Arteta may also consider using Emile Smith Rowe or Fabio Vieira in a more advanced role.The injury to Odegaard is a reminder of the physical demands of international football. Players are often called upon to play multiple matches in a short period, which can increase the risk of injuries. Clubs must carefully manage their players' workloads to minimize the chances of setbacks.

Arsenal emerged victorious in the highly anticipated North London derby, defeating Tottenham 1-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Despite missing key midfielders Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, the Gunners displayed resilience and determination to secure their third consecutive win in the Premier League.Mikel Arteta's side faced a spirited Tottenham team in the early stages, with David Raya making crucial saves to deny Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke. However, Arsenal gradually gained momentum and threatened through Kai Havertz and Martinelli.The match took a heated turn as tackles flew in and tensions escalated. Seven players were booked in the first half, including five from Tottenham. The physicality of the derby was evident, but Arsenal remained composed and focused.In the 64th minute, Arsenal's set-piece prowess proved decisive. Bukayo Saka's corner found Gabriel Magalhaes, who outmuscled Cristian Romero and headed the ball past Guglielmo Vicario. The goal silenced the Tottenham crowd and gave Arsenal a crucial advantage.Tottenham pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but Arsenal's defense held firm. Kulusevski came close with a shot that sailed just over the crossbar, but the Gunners ultimately secured a hard-fought victory.The win extends Arsenal's unbeaten start to the season and keeps them within striking distance of league leaders Manchester City. It also marks their third consecutive victory at Tottenham, a testament to their dominance in the North London derby.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has signed a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium, the Premier League title chasers announced on Thursday. The Gunners said in a statement that the 42-year-old Spaniard, who has reportedly agreed a three-year deal, "has been a key figure in re-establishing us as a force back at the top of English and European football."Arteta, who became Arsenal boss in late 2019, said he felt "extremely proud." "I feel extremely lucky to work every single day with good people and the ambition we have here," he said. "I feel very inspired, I feel challenged, I feel supported and I want to do much more than what we've already done together."Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke said he was delighted with the new deal. "Mikel is a dynamic and passionate manager, who is relentless in the pursuit of excellence," he said. "He has a deep understanding of Arsenal's values, and since joining us as head coach, he has taken the team to another level in an Arsenal way."Arteta, who had been working as an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, replaced compatriot Unai Emery as Arsenal boss in December 2019. He won the FA Cup in his first season in charge -- his first silverware as a manager.Arsenal have finished as runners-up to City in the Premier League for the past two seasons. Last term, they went agonisingly close to lifting the trophy for the first time since 2004 before being pipped by City on the last day of the season.Arteta's men, who face north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday, are currently fourth in the table after two wins and a draw. They begin their Champions League campaign next week against Atalanta.Arteta, who played 150 times for Arsenal and captained the side, called for calm last month regarding his contract situation, insisting his focus had been on the transfer window. "We are on it and we will take care of that in the right moment," said Arteta, who had previously been linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona."I don't think anybody has to panic. I am in the place where I want to be and am really happy. Hopefully the club thinks the same thing and the players I work with, who in my opinion are the most important ones."Arsenal strengthened in the summer transfer window, bringing in a clutch of players including Raheem Sterling, Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori. There are still questions over whether they have enough firepower to overhaul champions City after their failure to sign a striker to compete with inconsistent Germany forward Kai Havertz.But Arsenal sporting director Edu has no doubts about Arteta's ability to keep the club on course for sustained success. "It's a very positive and proud moment for everyone at the club and an important part of what we're all working towards," Edu said."Mikel has shown his qualities since the very first day he joined us, not only as a football manager, but as a person with wonderful values. We have a strong belief in what we are doing and what we want to achieve together. Mikel's new contract gives us stability and clear direction as we aim for new heights."

Manchester City's relentless pursuit of the Premier League title continues unabated, as Erling Haaland's prolific goalscoring form has propelled the reigning champions to the top of the standings. With three games played, City boasts a perfect record and a two-point advantage over Arsenal, who dropped points in a frustrating draw against Brighton.Haaland's impact has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Norwegian striker has netted seven goals in three games, including two hat tricks. His latest treble came in City's 3-1 victory over West Ham, where he showcased his diverse finishing skills. Haaland's first goal was a clinical low shot, while his second was a thunderous strike into the roof of the net. He completed his hat trick with a composed finish after a through ball.Haaland's goalscoring prowess has made it increasingly difficult for opponents to keep pace with City. His eight Premier League hat tricks equal the combined tally of Thierry Henry, Harry Kane, and Michael Owen. Moreover, this was his first away hat trick for City, demonstrating his ability to perform on any stage.Arsenal's title challenge suffered a setback when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton. The Gunners took the lead through Kai Havertz but were reduced to 10 men in the second half when Declan Rice was sent off for a controversial foul. Brighton capitalized on the numerical advantage and equalized through Joao Pedro.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was furious with the refereeing decision, claiming that similar offenses had gone unpunished earlier in the game. The draw leaves Arsenal with four points from three games, while Brighton earned their first point of the season.Elsewhere, Everton's dismal start to the season continued with a humiliating 3-2 home defeat to Bournemouth. The Toffees took an early lead but collapsed in the final minutes, conceding three goals in quick succession. Bournemouth's victory moved them to five points, while Everton remains rooted to the bottom of the table with no points.Brentford showed their resilience without Ivan Toney, who completed a move to Saudi Arabia on deadline day. Bryan Mbuemo stepped up in Toney's absence, scoring two goals in Brentford's 3-1 win over Southampton.In other matches, Aston Villa edged out Leicester 2-1, promoted Ipswich earned their first point with a 1-1 draw against Fulham, and Nottingham Forest drew 1-1 at home against Wolves.