Arsenal edge out Man Utd to keep pressure on Man City in title race

Arsenal regained top spot in the Premier League table courtesy of Leandro Trossard’s first-half winner in a 1-0 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford that keeps alive their title hopes.

Mikel Arteta’s side produced a functional rather than inspired display to move a point above Manchester City having played a game more than the defending champions after Trossard punished some slack United defending by tapping home Kai Havertz’s cutback on 20 minutes.

It was only Arsenal’s second league win at Old Trafford in the past 17 years, but the deserved victory again turns the focus on City, who visit Tottenham on Tuesday before hosting West Ham at the Etihad on the final day next Sunday.

Arsenal have won 15 out of their past 17 matches in the Premier League, but need City to drop points before Pep Guardiola’s team host Everton in their final match of the campaign next Sunday.

The Gunners are chasing a first title since 2004 and remain well in the hunt heading for the final day.

Player of the Match: William Saliba (Arsenal)

The Arsenal central defender just exudes confidence and class as his partnership with Gabriel was key to helping Arsenal see out the second half without too much fuss against a home side that did plenty of huffing and puffing yet could only two shots at goal in a fairly routine outing for Mikel Arteta’s side, who should probably have scored a few more.

Player Ratings

Manchester United: Onana 8, Dalot 7, Casemiro 5, Evans 6, Wan-Bissaka 6, Amrabat 6, McTominay 6, Mainoo 6, Amad 7, Hojlund 6, Garnacho 7 Subs: Kambwala 6, Eriksen 6, Forson 6, Antony 6, Wheatley 6

Arsenal: Raya 7, White 7, Saliba 8, Gabriel 8, Tomiyasu 7, Odegaard 7, Partey 7, Rice 7, Saka 7, Havertz 7, Trossard 8 Subs: Kiwior 6, Jorginho 6, Martinelli 7, Jesus 6

Match Highlights

20′ GOAL! MAN UNITED 0-1 ARSENAL (TROSSARD) Casemiro plays on Arsenal as Havertz dashes to the byline before crossing for Trossard to tap the ball home. All too easy for the visitors, who lead 1-0. United all over the show.

66′ ONANA ON POINT FOR UNITED The home goalkeeper diving low to his right to collect the shot by Martin Odegaard after some intelligent link-up work by Havertz. Who else you might ask. Still 1-0 to the Gunners.

83′ SAKA IS INJURED AND LOOKS SET TO COME OFF Gunners down to 10 men momentarlly as Martinelli comes up with a brilliant piece of forward play to earn his side a corner. Saka clashes with McTominay. Sore one on the knee and is replaced by Gabriel Jesus.

85′ RICE WITH A SWERVING EFFORT AT GOAL Got plenty of power on the finish from distance, but Onana does well to fist the ball away with his left paw as he dived to his left. Still a 1-0 lead for Arsenal.

81′ MARTINELLI WITH A STUNNING RUN AND HIT Superb save by Onana to tip the shot over the bar. Exceptional piece of goalkeeping as Martinelli looked to ease the Arsenal nerves. That second goal would relieve the tension.

Key Stat

United may have advantage in race for Fulham defender Adarabioyo – Paper Round

United receive Adarabioyo boost

Manchester United could have a leg up as they chase Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

The Mirror believes his history of working with United’s technical director Jason Wilcox, when the pair were at Manchester City, could help them.

The paper explains: “Manchester United could be in pole position to sign Fulham ace Tosin Adarabioyo.

“The defender is out of contract in the summer and attracting plenty of attention. But his links with United’s new technical director Jason Wilcox, who worked with Adarabioyo at Manchester City, may give The Red Devils a upper hand in negotiations. The 26-year-old is set to be available on a free transfer with Newcastle, Chelsea and Tottenham all potentially in the market for his services.

“The former England youth international joined Fulham from City, where he played under Wilcox in the academy, for £2m in 2020.

“He played just a handful of first-team games for Pep Guardiola’s side and never featured in the Premier League but has blossomed in London. United are on the search for a new centre-half with uncertainty around the future of Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans.”

Lopetegui draws up West Ham shortlist

The Sun reports that Youssef En-Nesyri and Marcos Acuna are two players Julen Lopetegui wants when he takes over at West Ham.

Striker Michail Antonio and defender Aaron Cresswell are well into their thirties, leading to a search for reinforcements.

The paper says: “Julen Lopetegui is already drawing up lists of potential buys this summer as he closes in on becoming the next West Ham boss.

“And the Spaniard is considering raiding former club Sevilla for striker Youssef En-Nesyri and defender Marcos Acuna.

“Current Hammers chief David Moyes is leaving at the end of the season and Lopetegui has been in talks about taking over.

“He believes West Ham need a new striker with current centre-forward Michail Antonio now 34.

“En-Nesyri, 26, has previously been linked with them but with his old manager set to take over at the London Stadium he is now eager to try the Premier League.”

Partey future unclear at Arsenal

Arsenal have signed Italian midfielder Jorginho to a new one-year contract, which raises questions over the future of another midfielder.

Thomas Partey is linked with an exit and is struggling for fitness, reports the Daily Mail.

The paper writes: “Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has signed a new one-year contract to June 2025.

“The Italy international joined The Gunners from west London rivals Chelsea for £12 million in January last year, signing an 18-month deal with the option of a further year.

“The deal is particularly key with the uncertain future of fellow defensive midfielder Thomas Partey, whose season has been plagued by injury. His contract expires in June 2025.”

Chelsea to decide on Pochettino’s fate

Chelsea will review their season after the Bournemouth game, in an event that could decide Mauricio Pochettino’s future.

The Argentine has struggled to improve the side this season and the club do not want to wait too long to make a decision.

“Chelsea will stick to their plan of holding an end-of-season review in the days after the club’s final game against Bournemouth, which will ultimately determine the future of head coach Mauricio Pochettino,” the Telegraph claims.

“Pochettino will have one year remaining on the contract he signed last summer at the end of the season, although Chelsea hold an option to extend it by a further 12 months.

“Chelsea’s intention since hiring Pochettino was always to assess his performance, together with the performance of the club as a whole, at the end of his first season in charge, regardless of fluctuations in form and results.

“That is why Pochettino has never been in danger of being fired following disappointing results, such as the 5-0 thrashing at Arsenal or when supporters chanted against him during the draw at Brentford. But it also explains why assurances over his future beyond this season are yet to be given with three games left to play.

“Pochettino himself has suggested that he will seek clarification on issues from the owners and sporting directors at the end of the season, which means his future may not simply be decided by the club.

“The end-of-season review, which is likely to include Pochettino, sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, and members of the co-ownership team of Behdad Eghbali, Todd Boehly and Jose E Feliciano, is expected to take place in the days after the Bournemouth game.”

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Arteta calls match at Spurs 'the most exciting' challenge for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s visit to Tottenham is his ‘most exciting’ challenge as he looks for Champions League qualification.

A win for Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will ensure that they play in the premier European tournament next season, but they come up against a Spurs side who are improving under Antonio Conte.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Arteta said of the job in hand that: “It’s the most exciting one, probably. But we had others when we played finals against Chelsea and Liverpool in the FA Cup and the Community Shield, it was the same.

Barclays FA WSL

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“When you have the opportunity to achieve one of your objectives in the season, you just cannot wait to play the game because this is a job, and the work you have done throughout the season to try to earn it.”

The chance to win at the club’s North London rivals is not factored into their motivation for Thursday, the Spaniard claimed.

“The message is clear, if we win against them we are in the Champions League next season,” he said.

“You don’t need any motivation or to tell them anything more than that. The opportunity is there, we are going to play and go for it like we always do. It’s how we have got into this position, and it’s how we are going to approach it.

“The winning factor is always the best feeling! It’s different obviously as a player and manager, but in every occasion, it’s not just about winning, it’s about how you win those matches and the experience that you go through throughout the 90 minutes, especially when you play at home in front of your crowd.”

Discussing the difficulty posed by Conte’s Tottenham side compared to the previous derby this season, Arteta was undecided, telling the press: “I don’t know, let’s see tomorrow.

“It’s true that it’s many months ago that game, and we are much closer to the end, and the game has taken a much different level of importance because of the situation that we both are (in).”

Premier League

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Arsenal confirm Tierney to miss rest of season ahead of knee surgery

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Arsenal ready for Tielemans bargain transfer this summer – Paper Round

Tielemans ready for Arsenal move

Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans is keen on a move to Arsenal, or another club with Champions League football next season. The Daily Mail reports that the 25-year-old Belgian international is preparing to move on as his contract is a year from expiring, meaning he can negotiate a free transfer from January next year. Arsenal are keen to strike a bargain deal for him now.

Transfers

Rudiger agrees Real Madrid free transfer – reports

15 HOURS AGO

Paper Round’s view: Tielemans has not been at his best this season, but neither have Leicester City. If Arsenal – or any other suitor – can get hold of him for a reasonable price and without going overboard on wages then they have a potentially brilliant player for less than he would normally cost. The need for Champions League football will focus Arteta’s mind.

Read the full story

Mbappe visits Madrid

Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Kylian Mbappe sparked speculation after he visited Madrid earlier in the week. The 23-year-old French international forward visited the Spanish capital – and the home of Real Madrid, who are keen on signing the player this summer on a free contract – and he avoided meeting the president of Paris Saint-Germain, who was in town at the same time.

Paper Round’s view: It looks almost inevitable that Mbappe will join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, though rumours rumble on of PSG putting together an enormous financial package to persuade him to stay on for a year or two longer. Mbappe holds all the cards and if he is visiting the city even before his move away, his current club should be worried.

Read the full story

Pepe in, Pepe out at Arsenal

The Mirror claims that Arsenal are considering a bid for Porto’s 25-year-old Brazilian winger Pepe, with various suggestions that he has a release clause of between 50 and 60 million euros. He would be brought in as a replacement for Arsenal’s own Pepe, Nicolas, who has failed to impress since his £72 million move from Lille, and who could be sold for just £25m this summer.

Paper Round’s view: While there is no indication that Arsenal’s Pepe has been anything other than a professional, he has not been able to get much joy at the English club and the time has come for him to move on and try somewhere new. As for Porto’s Pepe, at 25 he needs to move on to a big club and a bigger platform before he becomes too old to be considered.

Read the full story

Rudiger’s huge release clause

The Sun reports on the huge deal that has seen Antonio Rudiger apparently commit to joining Real Madrid this summer. The 29-year-old German international will sign until 2026, and earn £400,000-a-week wages to do so. Beyond that, the player will also have a release clause worth £340m, which will essentially rule him out of a sale on anything but Real’s terms.

Paper Round’s view: Rudiger has improved rapidly over the last couple of years and if he is taking care of his fitness and health, then he should be able to perform at the highest level for a few years yet. But clubs are often burned when they shell out for players who are approaching 30, and if he starts to fall off then Real will be lumbered with a massive liability.

Read the full story

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Arsenal ready for Tielemans bargain transfer this summer – Paper Round

Tielemans ready for Arsenal move

Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans is keen on a move to Arsenal, or another club with Champions League football next season. The Daily Mail reports that the 25-year-old Belgian international is preparing to move on as his contract is a year from expiring, meaning he can negotiate a free transfer from January next year. Arsenal are keen to strike a bargain deal for him now.

Transfers

Rudiger agrees Real Madrid free transfer – reports

15 HOURS AGO

Paper Round’s view: Tielemans has not been at his best this season, but neither have Leicester City. If Arsenal – or any other suitor – can get hold of him for a reasonable price and without going overboard on wages then they have a potentially brilliant player for less than he would normally cost. The need for Champions League football will focus Arteta’s mind.

Read the full story

Mbappe visits Madrid

Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Kylian Mbappe sparked speculation after he visited Madrid earlier in the week. The 23-year-old French international forward visited the Spanish capital – and the home of Real Madrid, who are keen on signing the player this summer on a free contract – and he avoided meeting the president of Paris Saint-Germain, who was in town at the same time.

Paper Round’s view: It looks almost inevitable that Mbappe will join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, though rumours rumble on of PSG putting together an enormous financial package to persuade him to stay on for a year or two longer. Mbappe holds all the cards and if he is visiting the city even before his move away, his current club should be worried.

Read the full story

Pepe in, Pepe out at Arsenal

The Mirror claims that Arsenal are considering a bid for Porto’s 25-year-old Brazilian winger Pepe, with various suggestions that he has a release clause of between 50 and 60 million euros. He would be brought in as a replacement for Arsenal’s own Pepe, Nicolas, who has failed to impress since his £72 million move from Lille, and who could be sold for just £25m this summer.

Paper Round’s view: While there is no indication that Arsenal’s Pepe has been anything other than a professional, he has not been able to get much joy at the English club and the time has come for him to move on and try somewhere new. As for Porto’s Pepe, at 25 he needs to move on to a big club and a bigger platform before he becomes too old to be considered.

Read the full story

Rudiger’s huge release clause

The Sun reports on the huge deal that has seen Antonio Rudiger apparently commit to joining Real Madrid this summer. The 29-year-old German international will sign until 2026, and earn £400,000-a-week wages to do so. Beyond that, the player will also have a release clause worth £340m, which will essentially rule him out of a sale on anything but Real’s terms.

Paper Round’s view: Rudiger has improved rapidly over the last couple of years and if he is taking care of his fitness and health, then he should be able to perform at the highest level for a few years yet. But clubs are often burned when they shell out for players who are approaching 30, and if he starts to fall off then Real will be lumbered with a massive liability.

Read the full story

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Haaland transfer confirmed with forward to join Manchester City, Dortmund to sign Adeyemi

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Arsenal ready for Tielemans bargain transfer this summer – Paper Round

Tielemans ready for Arsenal move

Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans is keen on a move to Arsenal, or another club with Champions League football next season. The Daily Mail reports that the 25-year-old Belgian international is preparing to move on as his contract is a year from expiring, meaning he can negotiate a free transfer from January next year. Arsenal are keen to strike a bargain deal for him now.

Transfers

Mbappe spotted in Madrid, Arsenal keen on Sterling transfer – Paper Round

YESTERDAY AT 22:03

Paper Round’s view: Tielemans has not been at his best this season, but neither have Leicester City. If Arsenal – or any other suitor – can get hold of him for a reasonable price and without going overboard on wages then they have a potentially brilliant player for less than he would normally cost. The need for Champions League football will focus Arteta’s mind.

Read the full story

Mbappe visits Madrid

Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Kylian Mbappe sparked speculation after he visited Madrid earlier in the week. The 23-year-old French international forward visited the Spanish capital – and the home of Real Madrid, who are keen on signing the player this summer on a free contract – and he avoided meeting the president of Paris Saint-Germain, who was in town at the same time.

Paper Round’s view: It looks almost inevitable that Mbappe will join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, though rumours rumble on of PSG putting together an enormous financial package to persuade him to stay on for a year or two longer. Mbappe holds all the cards and if he is visiting the city even before his move away, his current club should be worried.

Read the full story

Pepe in, Pepe out at Arsenal

The Mirror claims that Arsenal are considering a bid for Porto’s 25-year-old Brazilian winger Pepe, with various suggestions that he has a release clause of between 50 and 60 million euros. He would be brought in as a replacement for Arsenal’s own Pepe, Nicolas, who has failed to impress since his £72 million move from Lille, and who could be sold for just £25m this summer.

Paper Round’s view: While there is no indication that Arsenal’s Pepe has been anything other than a professional, he has not been able to get much joy at the English club and the time has come for him to move on and try somewhere new. As for Porto’s Pepe, at 25 he needs to move on to a big club and a bigger platform before he becomes too old to be considered.

Read the full story

Rudiger’s huge release clause

The Sun reports on the huge deal that has seen Antonio Rudiger apparently commit to joining Real Madrid this summer. The 29-year-old German international will sign until 2026, and earn £400,000-a-week wages to do so. Beyond that, the player will also have a release clause worth £340m, which will essentially rule him out of a sale on anything but Real’s terms.

Paper Round’s view: Rudiger has improved rapidly over the last couple of years and if he is taking care of his fitness and health, then he should be able to perform at the highest level for a few years yet. But clubs are often burned when they shell out for players who are approaching 30, and if he starts to fall off then Real will be lumbered with a massive liability.

Read the full story

Premier League

Arteta says Arsenal ‘absolutely adore’ Nketiah after Leeds double

08/05/2022 AT 16:12

Transfers

Arsenal to rival Man Utd for Martinez – Paper Round

02/05/2022 AT 22:10

Arsenal ready for Tielemans bargain transfer this summer – Paper Round

Tielemans ready for Arsenal move

Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans is keen on a move to Arsenal, or another club with Champions League football next season. The Daily Mail reports that the 25-year-old Belgian international is preparing to move on as his contract is a year from expiring, meaning he can negotiate a free transfer from January next year. Arsenal are keen to strike a bargain deal for him now.

Transfers

Mbappe spotted in Madrid, Arsenal keen on Sterling transfer – Paper Round

YESTERDAY AT 22:03

Paper Round’s view: Tielemans has not been at his best this season, but neither have Leicester City. If Arsenal – or any other suitor – can get hold of him for a reasonable price and without going overboard on wages then they have a potentially brilliant player for less than he would normally cost. The need for Champions League football will focus Arteta’s mind.

Read the full story

Mbappe visits Madrid

Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Kylian Mbappe sparked speculation after he visited Madrid earlier in the week. The 23-year-old French international forward visited the Spanish capital – and the home of Real Madrid, who are keen on signing the player this summer on a free contract – and he avoided meeting the president of Paris Saint-Germain, who was in town at the same time.

Paper Round’s view: It looks almost inevitable that Mbappe will join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, though rumours rumble on of PSG putting together an enormous financial package to persuade him to stay on for a year or two longer. Mbappe holds all the cards and if he is visiting the city even before his move away, his current club should be worried.

Read the full story

Pepe in, Pepe out at Arsenal

The Mirror claims that Arsenal are considering a bid for Porto’s 25-year-old Brazilian winger Pepe, with various suggestions that he has a release clause of between 50 and 60 million euros. He would be brought in as a replacement for Arsenal’s own Pepe, Nicolas, who has failed to impress since his £72 million move from Lille, and who could be sold for just £25m this summer.

Paper Round’s view: While there is no indication that Arsenal’s Pepe has been anything other than a professional, he has not been able to get much joy at the English club and the time has come for him to move on and try somewhere new. As for Porto’s Pepe, at 25 he needs to move on to a big club and a bigger platform before he becomes too old to be considered.

Read the full story

Rudiger’s huge release clause

The Sun reports on the huge deal that has seen Antonio Rudiger apparently commit to joining Real Madrid this summer. The 29-year-old German international will sign until 2026, and earn £400,000-a-week wages to do so. Beyond that, the player will also have a release clause worth £340m, which will essentially rule him out of a sale on anything but Real’s terms.

Paper Round’s view: Rudiger has improved rapidly over the last couple of years and if he is taking care of his fitness and health, then he should be able to perform at the highest level for a few years yet. But clubs are often burned when they shell out for players who are approaching 30, and if he starts to fall off then Real will be lumbered with a massive liability.

Read the full story

Premier League

Arteta says Arsenal ‘absolutely adore’ Nketiah after Leeds double

08/05/2022 AT 16:12

Transfers

Arsenal to rival Man Utd for Martinez – Paper Round

02/05/2022 AT 22:10

Arsenal ready for Tielemans bargain transfer this summer – Paper Round

Tielemans ready for Arsenal move

Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans is keen on a move to Arsenal, or another club with Champions League football next season. The Daily Mail reports that the 25-year-old Belgian international is preparing to move on as his contract is a year from expiring, meaning he can negotiate a free transfer from January next year. Arsenal are keen to strike a bargain deal for him now.

Transfers

Mbappe spotted in Madrid, Arsenal keen on Sterling transfer – Paper Round

YESTERDAY AT 22:03

Paper Round’s view: Tielemans has not been at his best this season, but neither have Leicester City. If Arsenal – or any other suitor – can get hold of him for a reasonable price and without going overboard on wages then they have a potentially brilliant player for less than he would normally cost. The need for Champions League football will focus Arteta’s mind.

Read the full story

Mbappe visits Madrid

Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Kylian Mbappe sparked speculation after he visited Madrid earlier in the week. The 23-year-old French international forward visited the Spanish capital – and the home of Real Madrid, who are keen on signing the player this summer on a free contract – and he avoided meeting the president of Paris Saint-Germain, who was in town at the same time.

Paper Round’s view: It looks almost inevitable that Mbappe will join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, though rumours rumble on of PSG putting together an enormous financial package to persuade him to stay on for a year or two longer. Mbappe holds all the cards and if he is visiting the city even before his move away, his current club should be worried.

Read the full story

Pepe in, Pepe out at Arsenal

The Mirror claims that Arsenal are considering a bid for Porto’s 25-year-old Brazilian winger Pepe, with various suggestions that he has a release clause of between 50 and 60 million euros. He would be brought in as a replacement for Arsenal’s own Pepe, Nicolas, who has failed to impress since his £72 million move from Lille, and who could be sold for just £25m this summer.

Paper Round’s view: While there is no indication that Arsenal’s Pepe has been anything other than a professional, he has not been able to get much joy at the English club and the time has come for him to move on and try somewhere new. As for Porto’s Pepe, at 25 he needs to move on to a big club and a bigger platform before he becomes too old to be considered.

Read the full story

Rudiger’s huge release clause

The Sun reports on the huge deal that has seen Antonio Rudiger apparently commit to joining Real Madrid this summer. The 29-year-old German international will sign until 2026, and earn £400,000-a-week wages to do so. Beyond that, the player will also have a release clause worth £340m, which will essentially rule him out of a sale on anything but Real’s terms.

Paper Round’s view: Rudiger has improved rapidly over the last couple of years and if he is taking care of his fitness and health, then he should be able to perform at the highest level for a few years yet. But clubs are often burned when they shell out for players who are approaching 30, and if he starts to fall off then Real will be lumbered with a massive liability.

Read the full story

Premier League

Arteta says Arsenal ‘absolutely adore’ Nketiah after Leeds double

08/05/2022 AT 16:12

Transfers

Arsenal to rival Man Utd for Martinez – Paper Round

02/05/2022 AT 22:10

Arteta says Arsenal 'absolutely adore' Nketiah after Leeds double

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal “absolutely adore” Eddie Nketiah after the forward, whose contract expires in the summer, scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Leeds.

Nketiah, 22, has started the last five games for the Gunners after previously struggling for minutes under Arteta.

He has seized his opportunity with two goals against Chelsea, impressive showings in wins over Manchester United and West Ham, and a starring role against Leeds.

Transfers

Arsenal to rival Man Utd for Martinez – Paper Round

02/05/2022 AT 22:10

His future, though, is still unclear as he has resisted several attempts by Arsenal to extend his stay, seemingly due to concerns over regular first-team action.

“He is doing what he has done all season,” Arsenal manager Arteta told Sky Sports after the win over Leeds.

“When he’s on the bench, when he’s sitting at home or when he’s on the pitch, this boy doesn’t change, that’s what we absolutely adore him, and he deserves what is happening to him.

“He has the right environment. The right personnel around him and now he is going to get judged for what he does when he is on the pitch and before he didn’t have that context.”

Asked about his recent form, Nketiah said: “Any player wants to be playing and have opportunities, and I’ve worked hard throughout the season to make sure I was ready when I get my chance.

“Credit to my team-mates for helping me play and do well. I am just happy to be in the team and helping the team. It was a big three points, we have been working hard, it’s amazing to get the three points and it moves us closer to our objective.”

Arsenal have now won their last four matches in a row and will secure a top-four finish with victory over north London rivals Tottenham on Thursday.

“We know how big that game is going to be and how decisive that game is going to be,” said Arteta. “We plan the game as always and go there to win.”

Arsenal looked set for a comfortable afternoon after Nketiah’s early double was followed by a red card for Leeds defender Luke Ayling.

However, Leeds hit back as they scored with their first shot on target to ensure a nervy finish at the Emirates.

“We started really well, with the right determination, attitude, quality, we were at them and didn’t allow them to breathe,” said Arteta.

“We generated chance after chance, after the sending off we should have scored the third goal, when you don’t do that they scored with their first shot and then it’s nervy.

“At the end we suffered more than we needed.”

Premier League

‘He had a significant injury’ – Arteta fears Partey will not play again for Arsenal this season

29/04/2022 AT 20:09

Transfers

Saliba unclear of Arsenal future ahead of summer talks – Paper Round

27/04/2022 AT 21:58

Arteta says Arsenal 'absolutely adore' Nketiah after Leeds double

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal “absolutely adore” Eddie Nketiah after the forward, whose contract expires in the summer, scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Leeds.

Nketiah, 22, has started the last five games for the Gunners after previously struggling for minutes under Arteta.

He has seized his opportunity with two goals against Chelsea, impressive showings in wins over Manchester United and West Ham, and a starring role against Leeds.

Transfers

Arsenal to rival Man Utd for Martinez – Paper Round

02/05/2022 AT 22:10

His future, though, is still unclear as he has resisted several attempts by Arsenal to extend his stay, seemingly due to concerns over regular first-team action.

“He is doing what he has done all season,” Arsenal manager Arteta told Sky Sports after the win over Leeds.

“When he’s on the bench, when he’s sitting at home or when he’s on the pitch, this boy doesn’t change, that’s what we absolutely adore him, and he deserves what is happening to him.

“He has the right environment. The right personnel around him and now he is going to get judged for what he does when he is on the pitch and before he didn’t have that context.”

Asked about his recent form, Nketiah said: “Any player wants to be playing and have opportunities, and I’ve worked hard throughout the season to make sure I was ready when I get my chance.

“Credit to my team-mates for helping me play and do well. I am just happy to be in the team and helping the team. It was a big three points, we have been working hard, it’s amazing to get the three points and it moves us closer to our objective.”

Arsenal have now won their last four matches in a row and will secure a top-four finish with victory over north London rivals Tottenham on Thursday.

“We know how big that game is going to be and how decisive that game is going to be,” said Arteta. “We plan the game as always and go there to win.”

Arsenal looked set for a comfortable afternoon after Nketiah’s early double was followed by a red card for Leeds defender Luke Ayling.

However, Leeds hit back as they scored with their first shot on target to ensure a nervy finish at the Emirates.

“We started really well, with the right determination, attitude, quality, we were at them and didn’t allow them to breathe,” said Arteta.

“We generated chance after chance, after the sending off we should have scored the third goal, when you don’t do that they scored with their first shot and then it’s nervy.

“At the end we suffered more than we needed.”

Premier League

‘He had a significant injury’ – Arteta fears Partey will not play again for Arsenal this season

29/04/2022 AT 20:09

Transfers

Saliba unclear of Arsenal future ahead of summer talks – Paper Round

27/04/2022 AT 21:58