ARSENAL ESTABLISH CONTACT FOR BRADLEY BARCOLA MOVE

Arsenal will attempt to sign 23-year-old French international Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain this summer after being snubbed by Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Bradley Barcola is also the subject of interest from Liverpool. The Reds are eager to bolster their offensive unit by signing a wide attacker in the ongoing transfer window, and they have their sights set on the 23-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger.

Per TEAMtalk, the Merseyside giants remain the front-runners in the battle for Barcola’s signature, even though Arsenal have contacted his camp to discuss a deal. Meanwhile, the report has added that PSG continue to hold out for €150 million to sell the Frenchman in the coming weeks.

Bradley Barcola and his time at PSG so far

Bradley Barcola has established himself as one of the world’s best young wingers since joining PSG from Lyon in August 2023. The 23-year-old hit the ground running at Parc des Princes, and he has made exponential progress in the last three seasons. Even though he has not been an undisputed first-choice starter, his pace, work rate, and technical ability have won him widespread recognition while making him a valued asset.

Barcola scored 13 goals and provided 7 assists in only 2,971 minutes of game time across 49 appearances in all competitions during the 2025/26 season. The French winger carried that form into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making his mark in France’s campaign. Meanwhile, his exploits have provoked interest from several high-profile clubs, with Arsenal and Liverpool among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

Premier League move on the horizon?

Bradley Barcola has been on Arsenal’s wishlist for several months. The continued interest makes logical sense, as the Gunners need a productive attacker on the left flank after Gabriel Martinelli’s struggles in the 2025/26 season. With Leandro Trossard joining Besiktas, Barcola is now a primary target, particularly in the wake of Vinicius Junior’s decision to sign a new deal with Real Madrid.

As for Liverpool, the Reds are preparing for life after Mohamed Salah, who has departed from Anfield this summer. While Victor Munoz has been signed to fill Luis Diaz’s void on the left flank, they need another wide attacker to fill the quality gap in the final third. With Cody Gakpo struggling to perform consistently, Barcola represents a potentially transformative addition to their offensive arsenal.

Meanwhile, reports have revealed PSG’s hard stance on Barcola’s price is making a summer deal difficult. However, with PSG holding firm on their €150 million asking price and Barcola reportedly eager to leave Parc des Princes, a summer move to the Premier League remains on the agenda.

- Keshav Awasty

AFTER TROSSARD: ANOTHER ATTACKER IS ON HIS WAY OUT OF ARSENAL AS ARTETA EYES MAJOR REBUILD

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s attacking rebuild is gathering pace, with Mikel Arteta prepared to make several difficult decisions after guiding the club to the Premier League title.

Rather than allowing successful players to remain because of past contributions, the Gunners appear determined to refresh the squad and create room for younger or more reliable attacking options.

The departure of Leandro Trossard has already changed the picture on the left wing, while another experienced forward could now follow him out of the Emirates.

Injuries and increased competition have reduced his importance, leaving Arsenal ready to listen to offers before his contract expires.

AC Milan emerge as leading contenders for Jesus

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are actively trying to sell Gabriel Jesus, with AC Milan currently among the strongest contenders for his signature.

The 29-year-old has entered the final year of his contract, and the Gunners are reportedly prepared to consider proposals worth around £20 million.

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Jesus made only 14 Premier League appearances last season, scoring six goals, and now finds himself behind Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz in Arteta’s attacking hierarchy.

Milan have made contact, while Juventus, Atlético Madrid and clubs in Turkey are also understood to have explored the situation.

A move to Italy could appeal to the Brazilian. Football Italia recently reported that Jesus had spoken positively about Serie A, admitting that playing in Italian football had been a childhood dream.

His experience, movement and ability to cover several forward positions could make him a useful option for Milan.

Arsenal expected to rebuild attack this summer

Jesus could become the second experienced attacker to leave Arsenal this summer.

Leandro Trossard has left the club to join Besiktas after Arsenal agreed a transfer worth approximately £17m.

Sky Sports reported that the Belgian was given permission to travel to Istanbul and complete the move after recording 36 goals in 174 Arsenal appearances.

Selling Jesus makes sense if Arsenal already have replacements lined up. His quality has never been in doubt, but repeated injury problems have made it difficult for Arteta to depend on him consistently.

However, Arsenal should avoid accepting a heavily discounted offer simply because his contract is running down.

A fee near £20m would be reasonable, particularly given his wages and fitness record.

With Trossard already gone, losing Jesus would leave the attack noticeably younger and less experienced.

- Ahad Shaukat

WHAT DAVID RAYA SAID IMMEDIATELY AFTER PABLO FOUL AS ARSENAL HANDED HUGE THE TITLE RACE VAR BOOST

Arsenal claimed a crucial 1-0 win over West Ham United at the London Stadium in a match full of late drama

A foul on David Raya saw a late West Ham United goal vs Arsenal disallowed after a VAR review.(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

David Raya predicted that West Ham’s equalising goal against Arsenal would be ruled out. The Hammers thought that they had scored a crucial equaliser against the Gunners in injury time, only to see the goal chalked off after a VAR review.

Replays showed a foul by West Ham’s Pablo on Raya as the ball came into the penalty box. The Arsenal goalkeeper was therefore unable to collect the ball, which fell to Callum Wilson to put beyond the goal-line.

The foul originally went unpunished with the goal given on the field. However, referee Chris Kavanagh was sent over to the pitchside monitor to watch replays and disallowed the goal.

The decision saw Arsenal emerge as 1-0 winners thanks to Leandro Trossard ’s goal just a few minutes earlier.

Speaking after the match, Trossard revealed what Raya said to him in the aftermath of the West Ham goal. “Raya said straight away ‘it can’t be a goal’,” he told Sky Sports.

West Ham United's late equaliser against Arsenal was disallowed after a VAR review.(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

“At that moment, I had a lot of faith. I believed because he was pretty convincing, but you never know.

“You are thinking it is not going our way, but luckily it was a foul and we won the game.

“It was relief as there wasn't long to go, but we still had to dig in for a couple of minutes. We are just really happy with this win.”

“Then with the goal, I was just happy we won.”

The victory moves Arsenal five points clear of second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League table. City do, though, have a game in hand, which will be played on Wednesday night when they take on Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium.

- Amie Wilson

TOTTENHAM LEGEND LEFT WITH EGG ON HIS FACE AFTER EBERECHI EZE VERDICT BEFORE ARSENAL CLASH

Tottenham hero Les Ferdinand gave his thoughts on Eberechi Eze's start to life at Arsenal before kick-off in the North London Derby, only to see him score a hat-trick

Eberechi Eze put Arsenal 2-0 up before half-time(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Eberechi Eze made Les Ferdinand eat his words after scoring a tremendous hat-trick for Arsenal as they thrashed Tottenham 4-1 in the North London Derby. Eze was the star of the show on Sunday afternoon as the Gunners continued their utter dominance of the fixture and moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Leandro Trossard opened the scoring before Eze took centre stage by finding the net with three confident and composed finishes. Richarlison scored a staggering consolation goal for Spurs from distance as he lobbed David Raya, but that was all their fans had to cheer.

Eze has now scored six goals in four games against Spurs across his career and the fact Tottenham tried unsuccessfully to sign him from Crystal Palace over the summer won't have been lost on Thomas Frank and co. Ferdinand played a role in Eze's development as QPR's director of football when they signed him in 2016 and he shared his thoughts before kick-off.

"I took him to QPR and straight away I saw a talent, someone we felt could go on and he's done that, in terms of going to Crystal Palace and then here (Arsenal)," Ferdinand said on Sky Sports. "I've often said I felt he could've gone from QPR to one of the bigger clubs.

"But he's come to Arsenal and I think he's playing with the handbrake on, that's what I'd call it. I think there's so much more from him. The reason Arsenal have bought him, he's got a calmness about him, the way he plays, his attitude and the way he is. I just feel he's got so much more to his game."

Asked to clarify his handbrake comment, he added: "There's so much more to come from him. It's almost like he's come to Arsenal and he's working his way in, rather than saying 'I'm the man, watch what I can do.' It's like he's working his way into it. I think he's got so much more to give.

"Every time I'm watching him, I'm thinking 'come on Ez, you've got more than this'. He's got what it takes to unlock teams playing a low block - I'm just not seeing him do it enough."

Les Ferdinand gave his thoughts on Eberechi Eze before kick-off(Image: Sky Sports)

Eze certainly did enough on Sunday and could have scored four goals, had it not been for a good save from Guglielmo Vicario in the closing stages. Having come into the match with two goals in an Arsenal shirt, he now has five to go with three assists in 16 appearances.

"That's a good one man. Enjoyable day. Happy to help the team and to win today was a special," he told Sky Sports. "It's special. I am grateful. I prayed for it. This is what I pray for. I prayed for a hat-trick so I am grateful to God.

"That was the prayer today. God gave it to me and that is faith, man. All my family is here and that makes it even more special for me."

- Felix Keith

MIKEL ARTETA JUST MADE BIG STATEMENT THAT SHOWS ARSENAL CAN DO TJE UNTHINKABLE THIS SEASON

Arsenal are up and running in the Champions League thanks to their 2-0 win away at Athletic Bilbao.

The Gunners, who are also second in the Premier League table, struck in the second half through Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

Martinelli fired Arsenal into the lead just 36 seconds after coming off the bench as he latched onto a ball over the top by Trossard in the 72nd minute.

Martinelli then repaid the favour, teeing up Trossard for an effort which was deflected into the net via the post in the 87th minute.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta made a big statement in the win at San Mames which shows the Gunners can do the unthinkable this season.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Arsenal’s strength in depth is among the best in the league

Modern-day football is not only more intense than ever, but the workload has increased hugely over the past few years.

As a result, it’s not enough to have a brilliant first XI any more – any team that wants to challenge on multiple fronts needs to have great strength in depth.

Arsenal have had a strong XI for a number of years now, but all too often their title hopes were derailed by key injuries or fatigue.

Now, the Gunners boast incredible strength in depth, as they showed at the San Mames.

The two players who made the difference, both in terms of goals and assists, came off the bench after a mixed performance from those who started.

It wasn’t that long ago that the prospect of having Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and William Saliba out would have caused panic among Arsenal fans.

Now, it’s no longer a huge issue, as Arsenal showed on Tuesday – and even if those who start aren’t quite delivering, the subs are more than capable of making the difference.

Strength in depth is what turns teams that challenge for silverware into teams that win trophies.

Why there is more to come from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard

Martinelli and Trossard have split the Arsenal fanbase for a while now, but all the signs are pointing to the two players delivering many more contributions this season.

Trossard is yet to start a game for the Gunners this term, while Martinelli has been dropped to the bench for their last two matches, along with being an unused substitute against Leeds.

However, both have likely put themselves in contention for a starting spot against Manchester City on Sunday with their heroics against Bilbao.

Standards have risen massively all across the board, and those on the bench will be eager to work hard to reclaim a starting spot.

Meanwhile, those who start will be well aware that those on the bench will be snapping at their heels for those spots in the XI.

With that in mind, there will no doubt be much more to come from Trossard and Martinelli, along with all the other forwards competing for starting spots.

- Giuseppe Labellarte

LEICESTER 0-2 ARSENAL: POST MATCH PLAYER RATINGS

Mikel Merino celebrates after scoring against Leicester City (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Arsenal left it late, but substitute Mikel Merino scored a brace to send the Gunners to within four points of leaders Liverpool.

After a first half with little attacking threat, the Gunners took the lead in the 81st minute. The inspired substitution of Merino paid dividends when the Spaniard fired Arsenal ahead as he headed home an Ethan Nwaneri cross.

Nwaneri, arguably the best player on the pitch, was the only real attacking threat until the introduction of Merino.

The former Real Sociedad midfielder scored a second six minutes later when he fired a Leandro Trossard cross past Mads Hermansen.

The Foxes looked shellshocked from there on out and Arsenal cruised to a comfortable win and closed the gap to leaders Liverpool ahead of their game against Wolves. 

• Arsenal player ratings:

David Raya – 7

Raya was not tested much but when called upon he made some good stops. The save from Wilfried Ndidi kept the game level at the interval.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7

Another solid display from the Hale End graduate. Lewis-Skelly’s most important intervention came before he was substituted when he prodded a Jordan Ayew away from the lurking Bobby Reid. The Jamaican winger had a certain tap-in if it wasn’t for the young left-back’s efforts.

Gabriel Magalhães – 7

Gabriel was an aerial threat from set-pieces but when is he not? The former Lille defender had little to do in terms of defensive work.

William Saliba – 7

The Frenchman dealt with the pace of Jamie Vardy well. Vardy had a quiet game and rarely threatened the Arsenal defence.

Jurrien Timber – 7

Timber was solid all around today. The Dutch defender was an attacking threat and also solid when the Foxes made a rare venture into the Arsenal half.

Thomas Partey – 6

Partey put up a decent showing against Leicester but made a few sloppy passes when looking to progress the ball.

Declan Rice – 7

Rice was decent in the No.8 role and carried the ball well. The English midfielder was one of the larger attacking threats in a game lacking quality.

Martin Odegaard – 6

Leicester did a good job in nullifying Odegaard’s threat on the ball. Apart from a few incisive passes, the midfielder was quiet for large parts of the encounter.

Raheem Sterling – 3

Sterling put in a low-quality display. When he was in possession, he failed to beat a man and lost the ball on multiple occasions. The Chelsea loanee is bereft of confidence and needs to pick up form if he is to remain at a top club.

Leandro Trossard – 6

Trossard had little service as the striker but did pull off a fine assist for Merino’s second goal. As the saying goes; if you cannot score, make sure you are still providing goals.

Ethan Nwaneri – 8

Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Arsenal FC (Credit: Shaun Botterill/GettyImages).

Nwaneri put in a performance of the highest quality against the Foxes. The Hale End graduate was by far the most threatening player, hitting the woodwork on two occasions. His cross for Merino’s opening goal was simply world-class.

Substitutes:

Mikel Merino – 8

Merino put in a superb performance as a makeshift striker. The Spaniard attacker the space in behind well and produced two good finishes to fire the Gunners to all three points.

Riccardo Calafiori – 6

The Italian was solid defensively when called upon in his short spell on the pitch.

Jorginho – 6

The former Chelsea man did not have time to impact the game, but did make a few key passes to help Arsenal keep the ball. 

Kieran Tierney – N/A

The Scot did not have time to impact the game. 

Arsenal take on West Ham next weekend as they look to continue their 15-game unbeaten Premier League run. 

- Harry Cooper-Smith

ARSENAL RATINGS: SAKA, TROSSARD STAR IN WIN VS. LEICESTER

Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka celebrate after Arsenal take the lead vs. Leicester City in the Premier League. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal returned to winning ways on Saturday afternoon as they secured a 4-2 victory over Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners dominated the first half and got themselves in front when Jurriën Timber crossed low towards Gabriel Martinelli, who registered his first Premier League goal of the season with an accurate finish. Martinelli was a regular spark for the home side's attack throughout the opening 45 minutes, and he was involved again before the break when providing the assist for Leandro Trossard to double the lead.

Manager Mikel Arteta looked comfortable as his side enjoyed 76% possession by the end of the first half, but it was just moments after the restart when the Foxes responded, with James Justin's effort deflected off Kai Havertz from Facundo Buonanotte's free kick.

Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen kept his side in it with saves against Gabriel Magalhães and then Trossard, before a spectacular effort from Justin was smashed in off the post to level the scoring. Hermansen was involved again when a poor pass out from the back allowed Declan Rice to play in Trossard, only for the 29-year-old to see his effort saved.

Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri were introduced as Arsenal looked to get a late winner, and after Hermansen made one more save from Riccardo Calafiori, it was one corner too many in the 94th minute as Trossard's effort was deflected in by Wilfred Ndidi to win the game. Havertz added a late goal to seal it with one of the final kicks of the match.

Positives

Arsenal's victory puts them on level points with Manchester City, while they continued to show how they continue to win games late, while being the best in the league at converting set pieces. Bukayo Saka's performance was also noteworthy, in an almost faultless display on the day.

Negatives

There were some moments when concentration could have been better, with Calafiori taking a chance on a yellow card -- but those were minor negatives in an otherwise convincing performance.

Manager rating (1-10)

Mikel Arteta, 7 -- Arteta's side created more than enough chances to win the game, and the Arsenal manager was unlucky to see his side concede from a deflected set piece and then a spectacular strike. Some might argue he could have made the introduction of Sterling sooner, but the Gunners did have a massive chance to retake the lead a minute before he came on.

Player ratings (1-10; 10: best. Players introduced after 70 minutes receive no rating)

GK David Raya, 5 -- There was little to do for Raya as Arsenal dominated the first half, but he had to pick the ball out of his net moments after the restart, with Leicester City converting from their free kick.

DF Riccardo Calafiori, 6 -- The Italy international combined well with Martinelli when advancing up the left flank, and was encouraged to shoot by the Emirates Stadium crowd after his effort against Manchester City last week. He could have been tighter to Justin before his strike, and was also careless with some challenges which may have seen him sent off on another day. Almost scored the winner with a powerful header but was denied by Hermansen.

DF Gabriel Magalhães, 6 -- Gabriel was a constant danger on set pieces as usual and came close to scoring when forcing a save from Hermansen. Composed in possession, and helped quickly restart attacks for his side after receiving the ball.

DF William Saliba, 7 -- A strong display from Saliba saw him regularly win the ball back with aggressive challenges high up the pitch, which allowed Arsenal to maintain pressure when their opponents tried to clear the danger. Involved in the first goal when challenging Jamie Vardy who claimed for a foul before the Gunners scored, but there didn't look to be too much in it. Booked in the second half for a foul on Vardy.

DF Jurriën Timber, 7 -- Timber fared well against Leicester City's attempts to counter-attack and dealt well against the threat of Stephy Mavididi. Registered an assist with a low cross that was delivered across the box to Martinelli.

MF Thomas Partey, 6 -- Kept things ticking in midfield by moving the ball on to Arsenal's more creative players, but didn't have too much to do defensively, with the majority of Leicester City's attacks going down the flanks.

MF Declan Rice, 7 -- An all-round strong midfield performance saw Rice help control the game as well as win possession back consistently, impressing with his decision-making. Played in Trossard after a big error from Hermansen, and was unlucky not to get an assist after the goalkeeper made amends with a save.

MF Kai Havertz, 6 -- The 25-year-old timed his runs well into the penalty area and was able to connect with multiple crosses but couldn't trouble the goalkeeper. He was also too deep from Leicester City's free kick, deflecting Justin's effort into his own goal. Got himself on the scoresheet late on to seal Arsenal's 4-2 victory.

FW Gabriel Martinelli, 8 -- Martinelli always looked to beat his marker down the left-flank and where he provided a regular option when Arsenal won the ball back high up the pitch. Got things up and running with a strong finish from Timber's low cross, and then turned provider to assist Trossard as the Gunners made it 2-0. Replaced by Sterling in the second half.

FW Leandro Trossard, 8 -- The Belgium international got into consistent intelligent positions and was rewarded at the end of the first half as he finished accurately from Martinelli's cut-back. Missed a big chance in the second half but made amends with his effort that was deflected into the goal in the 94th minute.

FW Bukayo Saka, 9 -- There was always a sense that something could happen when Saka had the ball on the right-flank, where Leicester City even struggled to deal with the 23-year-old when they doubled up on him. Impressed when beating his man down the line as well as cutting inside, and he consistently carried the ball into dangerous areas before creating shooting opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)

Raheem Sterling (on for Martinelli, 74"), N/R -- Positive in possession and tried to beat his marker down the line, but couldn't get his deliveries into the box.

Ethan Nwaneri (Partey, 85"), N/R -- Brought on and provided an instant lift to the crowd amid a confident performance, and was involved as he helped win the corner that put Leicester under all sorts of pressure.

Gabriel Jesus (Trossard, 98",) N/R -- Introduced as Arsenal looked to play the remainder of the game out.

- Adam Brown

ARSENAL'S MIKEL ARTETA EXPECTING 100 PREMIER LEAGUE RED CARDS

Mikel Arteta has said he expects 100 Premier League games to feature at least one sending off this season after Leandro Trossard was dismissed in Arsenal's 2-2 draw at Manchester City.

Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the ninth minute but goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhães gave the visitors a 2-1 lead before Trossard received his marching orders in first-half stoppage time.

Having already been booked, Trossard fouled Bernardo Silva and then kicked the ball away, prompting referee Michael Oliver to issue the Belgium international with a second yellow card.

Sunday's incident is the second time in three games that Arsenal have had a player sent off in this manner following Declan Rice's dismissal against Brighton.

City dominated the second half as a result and snatched a point through substitute John Stones' 98th-minute equaliser.

In the same game, Jérémy Doku appeared to escape punishment for delaying the restart during the first half and Arteta said: "That's what I'm saying. It's that obvious that it's not necessary to comment on it. It's the second time. I'm expecting 100 Premier League games to be, 10 against 11 or nine versus 10 this season. Let's see."

Asked if he felt he was allowed to express his true opinion on the incident, Arteta said: "I have if I want to. Today I don't want to.

"I prefer not to comment. I've seen it and it's that obvious so I'll leave it to you guys. I was already in big trouble trying to solve what happened on the pitch. It's not my problem to solve what happens off the pitch."

Arteta hailed his players resilience in the second half as City racked up 20 shots to Arsenal's zero in search of an equaliser while taking a swipe at the amount of time added on at the end of the game.

"The way the team competes is unbelievable," Arteta said. "I'm so proud of them. You cannot be thrown in a more difficult situation against that kind of opponent. The way we handled that situation was unbelievable. I'm so proud of them.

"The boys were very gutted [after the game]. They put so much in. They put their heart and soul into every action. Then to be punished in the last minute -- well it was 97 [minutes], then it was 99 [minutes] -- they were gutted. They know as well that they have made another big step today to do what they've done as individuals here."

With the teams sharing the points, City remain at the top of the table with 13 points after five games while Arsenal sit fourth with 11 points.

- James Olley, Senior Writer, ESPN FC

ARSENAL ARE A THREAT TO MAN CITY'S PREMIER LEAGUE THRONE

Sunday's draw between Man City and Arsenal had the feel of the most celebrated, heated title rivalries in Premier League history. Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

MANCHESTER, England -- John Stones' 98th-minute equaliser salvaged a 2-2 draw for Manchester City on Sunday against an Arsenal side who had to play the entire second half with 10 men following Leandro Trossard's controversial red card.

In a pulsating game at Etihad Stadium between last season's top two in the Premier League, Erling Haaland scored his 100th goal for City in just 105 appearances, giving the home side a ninth-minute lead. The Gunners responded impressively, though, as Riccardo Calafiori marked his league debut with a sublime left-footed strike before Gabriel Magalhães headed in Bukayo Saka's 45th-minute corner.

Trossard was dismissed for a second yellow-card offence in kicking the ball away after fouling Bernardo Silva, a moment that promoted a furious reaction from Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. City spent the entire second half camped on the edge of Arsenal's box but looked destined to lose a league game at home for the first time in almost two years before Stones turned the ball home from close range after a scramble in the box following a short corner. -- James Olley

Arsenal ill-disciplined or refereeing inconsistency?

For the second time in three Premier League games, Arsenal lost a player to a second yellow card for kicking the ball away.

Whereas Declan Rice was punished for a faint nudge against Brighton & Hove Albion, Trossard was dismissed here for booting the ball off into the distance after fouling Silva on the stroke of half-time. Both were technically correct decisions, but both were also examples of time wasting, which frequently go unpunished during matches -- and often in the same games. Joao Pedro escaped censure for kicking the ball away in that Brighton contest while Jérémy Doku delayed the restarting of play in the first half in City's favour without receiving a booking.

 Whatever the inconsistencies in the application of that particular law, however, Trossard's red card extends a poor Gunners disciplinary record under Arteta. Since the Spaniard's first game in December 2019, Arsenal have had 17 players sent off in the Premier League, four more than any other team. -- Olley

Gunners toughen up to take the fight to City

Arteta has added some steel to his Arsenal side this season, and it was evident within just five seconds of the kickoff when Kai Havertz crudely body-checked Rodri in the centre circle.

One of the criticisms of Arteta's Gunners during their fruitless title battles against City in recent years has been their lack of edge. They have plenty of talent, but was there anything behind the smiles and joy of their young players?

Those smiles have been replaced by snarls this season, and Arteta's side is beginning to develop the nasty streak that ran through all of Arsene Wenger's successful teams. Arsenal's battles with Manchester United, when the two sides won every Premier League title during a nine-year period between 1996 and 2005, became legendary for the belligerence displayed by both sets of players.

Although the City-vs.-Arsenal games have yet to come close to matching the intensity of the United-Arsenal rivalry, this game showed that it is certainly beginning to brew up. The Havertz challenge was one of a number of spiky exchanges, including Trossard's barge on Silva that preceded his second yellow card.

Gabriel spent the afternoon wrestling with Haaland, while Calafiori and Jurriën Timber have both added toughness to Arsenal's defence, too. If the Gunners fail to win the title again this season, it won't be because of a lack of fight. -- Mark Ogden

City should've been prepared for Arsenal's set-piece prowess

Man City couldn't say they weren't warned -- in every sense. Moments before Gabriel headed in Saka's 45th-minute corner for what threatened to be the winning goal -- until Stones struck at the death -- the Brazilian defender had a similar opportunity from another Saka delivery he headed off target.

Gabriel's threat should have been obvious -- 14 of his 16 Premier League goals have been from corners, the highest ratio of any player with 10 or more goals in Premier League history -- and yet the first time he evaded Doku too easily and the second time he left Kyle Walker in his wake. Gabriel also headed in a Saka corner to provide the match-winning moment in Arsenal's north London derby win at Tottenham Hotspur a week earlier.

The Gunners scored a league-high 22 goals from dead-ball situations last season, and the mastermind behind it all once wore City blue: Nicolas Jover left City for Arsenal in 2021. -- Olley

Gunners cement status as genuine contenders

The transition was almost complete. Arsenal are desperate to prove they are finally ready to end City's dominance by winning their first Premier League title since 2004, and what better way to do that than beat City in their own backyard?

The Gunners -- like most teams, in fairness -- have a terrible away record against City, their most recent win in this fixture coming in January 2015. It created an inferiority complex that has proved difficult to shake.

In that context, last season's 0-0 draw was a significant step forward in proving themselves City's equals. On Sunday, they were seconds away from going even further and securing a statement victory that would have fuelled Arsenal's self-belief that they could become champions -- only for Stones to snatch that feeling away with almost the last kick of the game.

Arteta made some surprising calls, handing Calafiori his Premier League debut and switching Timber to right-back at the expense of Ben White, who the manager later confirmed was carrying an injury. Some criticised Arteta's defensive approach in securing that 0-0 last season, and following Trossard's red card, he surrendered any intention of trying to attack given the numerical disadvantage his team faced for 45 minutes. White came on for Saka and Arsenal effectively went 5-4-0 in formation.

Stones' goal leaves a sour taste for Arteta, but he will take immense pride from the way his team defended throughout the second period -- facing 20 shots to none of their own -- especially at the end of a long week that began with victory at Spurs and continued with a Thursday night Champions League stalemate at Atalanta. The wait for a win at City goes on, but Guardiola knows he has a serious contender sitting close in his rearview mirror. -- Olley

Pep had few answers as Arsenal frustrated the champs

Pep Guardiola must have felt as though he was in a recurring nightmare while watching his Manchester City try to break down Arsenal in the second half. Arsenal, reduced to 10 players by the 45th-minute sending off of Trossard, spent virtually the entire second half with a defensive low block of five defenders and four midfielders, sometimes less than 2 yards apart, repelling City attacks on the edge of their penalty area.

Holding out for 45 minutes against such a fearsome attacking side as City may have seemed like an impossible task for Arsenal, but they almost pulled it off, and Guardiola was as much to blame as his players for City's struggles in making a breakthrough before Stones' equaliser.

Seasoned Guardiola watchers will remember two epic Champions League exits at the Camp Nou when his Barcelona team failed to overcome two sides -- Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan in 2010 and a Roberto Di Matteo-led Chelsea in 2012 -- who both spent the entire second halves smothering the ball and defending on the edge of their penalty area. It happened again on Sunday at the Etihad, and Guardiola failed to make key changes when it was obvious that his team were struggling to score.

City's tactic boiled down to defenders Walker, Rúben Dias and Manuel Akanji taking ambitious shots from the outside of the box, and it was so obvious that Guardiola had to do something. He waited until the 70th minute, though, before making a change -- Phil Foden for Doku -- and another eight minutes before throwing Stones and Jack Grealish into the fray.

The changes made little difference until Stones struck, but Guardiola should have shaken it up earlier. He didn't need two centre-halves on the pitch against an Arsenal side without a striker, and he took too long to introduce Grealish.

On this occasion, City and Guardiola got away with it, but Arsenal were so close to frustrating the champions and claiming an incredible victory. -- Ogden

Cracks appear in Rodri-less City

If there was anyone still in doubt as to Rodri's importance to Manchester City, the midfielder's first-half injury, which forced him out of the game, underlined just why he is arguably the one player Guardiola can't be without.

Rodri appeared to suffer a knee injury in a seemingly innocuous collision with Thomas Partey on 20 minutes. He underwent lengthy treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Mateo Kovacic when it became clear the Spain midfielder couldn't continue.

Without Rodri, City lack the glue that holds the team together. He is the world's best defensive midfielder, but he has more to his game than that, and his creativity is what makes him so important to the team.

City haven't lost a Premier League game with Rodri in the side since a defeat against Tottenham in 2023, a run that now extends to 52 games.

When he was sidelined because of suspension early last season, City lost back-to-back league games against Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, so if Rodri is facing a spell on the sidelines with his injury, it will be interesting to see how City cope. They almost lost against Arsenal, but for Stones' late equaliser, so the cracks in the team without Rodri are already showing. -- Ogden

ARSENAL THRASH BAYER LEVERKUSEN AS XHAKA MAKES EMIRATES RETURN

Gabriel Jesus was among the scorers in Arsenal's preseason win over Bayer Leverkusen.

Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Arsenal cruised to a 4-1 win over Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday as they ramped up their preparations for the new season.

Oleksandr Zinchenko, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus all found the net in the first half for Mikel Arteta's side. Kai Havertz then added a fourth after half-time in a preseason friendly that saw former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka make his return to the club.

Xhaka, who spent seven seasons at Arsenal before departing for Leverkusen last summer, was greeted with a "welcome back" message on the big screen ahead of kickoff. 

Arsenal went in front after less than eight minutes. At the end of a fine team move, Havertz cut the ball back to the edge of the area where Zinchenko dispatched a first-time left-footed shot into the bottom corner of the net.

There was more to admire about Arsenal's play that led to the hosts doubling their lead just a minute later. After Arsenal won the ball back deep in Leverkusen's half, Martin Ødegaard, Jesus and Havertz were all involved in a series of quick passes before Trossard coolly took a touch beyond a defender and finished low from the centre of the box.

Jesus, starting as the No. 9, made it 3-0 seven minutes before half-time, dribbling past a defender and then squeezing a shot past the dive of Leverkusen goalkeeper Matej Kovar from 20 yards out.

Jesus was withdrawn at half-time but earned praise from his manager.

"I said from day one, the first feeling when I saw him after talking to him at the end of the season is that he was something different," Arteta said of Jesus in his post-match news conference. "I could sense it. His energy was different, the way he looks is different, the way he's moving is different. He really wants it.

"Now it's about finding that consistency and doing it in any context, against any opponent, against any formation, any day, every three days, for 90 minutes, for 30 minutes, for 70 minutes. If you are produce in those circumstances? It looks good."

Arteta made four changes at half-time with England internationals Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice among those to enter the action. It didn't take long for Saka to make his mark, delivering a low cross that was cleared right into the path of Havertz to finish from close range in the 65th minute.

Leverkusen substitute Adam Hlozek pulled a goal back in the 76th minute but it was little more than a consolation.

"We can take a lot of positives from the game as well as the result," Arteta said. "The way we performed, there were lots of positive aspects, collectively and individually. 

"A lot of things to learn from it as well. I think we can improve, especially in the second half when we made seven changes. But again, a really good test, a really good team who are really well coached and it was a good performance."

While there was no involvement for Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori following his transfer from Bologna last week, Arteta said he hopes to hand him some minutes when  Arsenal complete their preparations for the new season with another home friendly, against Lyon on Sunday.

Their Premier League campaign kick off at home to Wolves on Aug. 17.

Leverkusen, who completed an unbeaten domestic season in 2023-24, will compete for their first silverware of the new campaign in 10 days' time against VfB Stuttgart in the DFL-Supercup.

Game Information

Emirates Stadium

8:00 PM, August 7, 2024

London, England

Over/Under: 3.5

Attendance: 50,000

Referees: Samuel Barrott

- ESPN 

TUCHEL BLASTS REFEREE OVER MISSED PENALTY FOR 'KIDS MISTAKE '

Thomas Tuchel was left furious by the referee's decision not to award Bayern Munich a second penalty. Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images

 Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has expressed his fury at Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg's failure to award a penalty for a "kid's mistake" during Tuesday's Champions League quarterfinal first leg clash at Arsenal.

The Bundesliga giants earned a 2-2 draw at Emirates Stadium as Bukayo Saka put the home side in front on 12 minutes before Serge Gnabry's 18th-minute strike and a Harry Kane spot-kick put Bayern ahead at the break.

Substitute Leandro Trossard drew Arsenal level 14 minutes from time and Saka felt he should have had a penalty in stoppage-time when going down under a challenge from Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

But Tuchel focused on a 66th-minute decision -- with the score at 2-1 to Bayern -- when David Raya played a goal kick short to Gabriel and the Arsenal defender picked the ball up with his hands before attempting to restart play even though the ball was live.

Bayern protested but nothing was given.

"For me, for all of us, he made a huge mistake not giving the handball penalty," said Tuchel afterwards.

"I know it is a crazy situation but they put the ball down, he whistles, he gives the ball and the defender takes the ball in his hand.

"What makes us really angry is the explanation on the field. He told our players that it is a 'kid's mistake' and he will not give a penalty like this in a quarterfinal. This is a horrible, horrible explanation. He is judging handballs. Kid's mistake, adult's mistake. Whatever. We feel angry because it is a huge decision against us."

Arteta refused to be drawn on either the challenge on Saka -- which left the winger furious at full-time -- or Kane's 55th-minute collision with William Saliba, where the England captain was booked for a stray elbow.

"I haven't seen it," he said. "The decision is made. We cannot change that. We have to focus on other aspects that we can control. We could have done much better tonight.

"Against these kind of players, this opposition, especially when they have space you know they can punish. We have let them run in a few occasions. That's something in the return leg that we have to do much better.

"The margins are very small in this competition. It's very difficult to penetrate the opponents and generate chances against this level of opposition.

"You have to make sure as well that you don't give anything. I think the team showed a lot of composure especially after 2-1. You can throw your toys away and generate a lot of spaces for the opponent and lose the tie in 20 minutes. We haven't done that."

The return leg takes place in Munich next Wednesday.

- James Olley, Senior Writer, ESPN FC

SMALL MARGINS WILL DEFINE SECOND LEG BETWEEN ARSENAL - BAYERN

Bayern Munich and Arsenal played out to a 2-2 draw which leaves their quarterfinal tie all on the line in Munich next week. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)

 )

LONDON -- Bayern Munich's pedigree cancelled out Arsenal's promise. Tuesday's 2-2 draw at Emirates Stadium leaves this UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie finely poised and it will ask perhaps the one remaining question this Gunners side have yet to conclusively answer: can they deliver when the stakes are at their highest

There is no doubting the progress manager Mikel Arteta has engendered at Arsenal, nor their resolve in coming from behind to salvage a draw through Leandro Trossard's 76th-minute equaliser. However, this is the third successive European game in which the Gunners have been bereft of the poise that has permeated their Premier League form, a likely consequence of their lack of experience in knockout ties at the business end of Europe's premier club competition.

There was no gulf in class evident the last time these two sides met in 2017 -- when Bayern thrashed Arsenal 10-2 on aggregate -- but nervousness in defence and a lack of fluidity in attack undermined their efforts to take control of proceedings.

"We have made some mistakes today," said Gunners boss Arteta. "The probability for that to happen next time is less. OK, it happened today. Let's learn from it. Let's support those players that have been unbelievable. It's part of football as well.

"Against these kind of players, this opposition, especially when they have space you know they can punish. We have let them run on a few occasions. That's something in the return leg that we have to do much better."

It is uncharacteristic of recent weeks. Arsenal conceded two goals in eight matches before Tuesday night but were breached twice in 14 minutes here as Bayern recovered from Bukayo Saka's excellent 12th-minute strike which put them in front. Bayern were supposedly the vulnerable side ahead of kick-off.

Facing a failure to win the Bundesliga for the first time since 2012, a manager in Thomas Tuchel whose end-of-season departure has already been confirmed and no fans inside the stadium here due to a UEFA ban, a defeat would have been in keeping with a disappointing campaign.

Yet that intangible quality, an ability to rise to the occasion and attune to the small margins and fine details of Champions League knockout football, came to the fore. They had to survive what Arteta described afterwards as "the critical moment of the match" when Ben White fired straight at Manuel Neuer when through at 1-0 up but thereafter, Arsenal looked both surprised and frightened by Bayern's counter-attacking pace, defending with a high line looked either brave or reckless depending on its success.

Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have been the best centre-back pairing in England this season but both were flustered, the former giving the ball away to allow Leon Goretzka to find Serge Gnabry to equalise on 18 minutes.

Blind panic followed 14 minutes later. Sane turned Jakub Kiwior and burst forward on a run which saw limbs flailing in his direction, Gabriel lunging in the box before Saliba caught the Bayern winger in the box. Harry Kane scored his 15th goal against Arsenal from the resulting penalty, dispatched in a highly unusual fashion, stroked into the net rather than dispatched with his trademark power.

The England captain revealed afterwards that he had watched David Raya in the previous round's penalty shootout against Porto, noting that he "goes to the corners early" and he adjusted accordingly. Small margins, again. Those small margins extended to the officiating. 10 minutes into the second half, Kane caught Saliba with an elbow which looked worse with each replay. A yellow card was given.

In the 66th minute, Raya played the ball short to Gabriel. He handled the ball in the box to restart play even though the game was live. Bayern protested, but nothing was given. Tuchel later revealed Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg recognised the error but his explanation left him furious.

"For me, for all of us, he made a huge mistake not giving the handball penalty," said Tuchel. "I know it is a crazy situation but they put the ball down, he whistles, he gives the ball and the defender takes the ball in his hand. "What makes us really angry is the explanation on the field. He told our players that it is a 'kid's mistake' and he will not give a penalty like this in a quarterfinal. This is a horrible, horrible explanation. He is judging handballs. Kid's mistake, adult's mistake. Whatever. We feel angry because it is a huge decision against us."

Arsenal deserve credit for galvanising themselves to equalise 14 minutes from time, or as Arteta put it, to not "throw your toys away and lose the tie." He recognised what was probably a mistake to start Kiwior at left-back against Leroy Sané and introduced Oleksandr Zinchenko at half-time but two further substitutes combined to haul Arsenal level, Gabriel Jesus expertly finding Trossard to sweep home first-time right-footed.

Arsenal felt they should have had a penalty in stoppage-time when Saka went down under Neuer's challenge in the box but Arteta did not mirror Tuchel's annoyance at the official.

"[The equaliser] created insecurity in the team because we gave them things that you have to earn, Then you have to defend open spaces against a team that have a huge capacity to hurt you there. After that we did well and we never gave up."

That spirit may be enough to get Arsenal the result they need in Allianz Arena next Wednesday. But they must execute their game plan with the efficiency expected of teams accustomed to this level to lower Bayern's colours.

- James Olley, Senior Writer, ESPN FC

SCOTT MCTOMINAY SCORES WHEN NEEDED | POINTS WON BY SUBSTITUTES' GOALS

 

ARSENAL SMASH SIX PAST WOEFUL WEST HAM TO SEND TITLE MESSAGE

Reuters 

 Arsenal exacted sweet revenge on West Ham United with a 6-0 away thrashing to stay right in the thick of the Premier League title race on Sunday, obliterating their hosts before halftime.

Mikel Arteta's side had lost twice against their London rivals this season but were 4-0 ahead by halftime with goals by William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel and Leandro Trossard.

The punishment continued in the second half with Saka making it 5-0 before former West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, who assisted two goals in the opening period, thumped his team's sixth on a day of abject humiliation for the hosts.

It was a sublime display by Arsenal who wiped off a goal difference deficit to champions Manchester City who they joined on 52 points, although they stay in third place courtesy of scoring fewer goals. Leaders Liverpool have 54 points.

- Martyn Herman

ARSENAL SIGN LEANDRO TROSSARD

Leandro Trossard  Official and exclusive news confirmed: Leandro Trossard joins Arsenal on permanent deal from Brighton.