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Dermot Gallagher has backed referee Robert Jones' decision not to send off David Brooks for his tussle with Marc Cucurella despite VAR appeal.

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• Brooks unleashed a heavy challenge on Cucurella
• Referee wasn't convinced that it was "violent conduct"
• Gallagher believes Jones was right not to send off Brooks

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Brooks was involved in two separate tussles with Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella. In one off-the-ball moment, Brooks appeared to take a swipe at Cucurella, prompting VAR officials Graham Scott and Sian Massey-Ellis to intervene and suggest a review for potential violent conduct and a subsequent red card. However, Jones decided not to upgrade the yellow card to a red, marking the first time a Premier League referee refused to overturn an on-field decision after being advised to review it on the monitor.

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  WHAT GALLAGHER SAID

  Speaking on , former Premier League referee Gallagher, explained his perspective on the decision and suggested that VAR may have initially believed Brooks had pulled Cucurella’s hair. He noted that the replay revealed Brooks grabbing the front of Cucurella’s shirt instead, which likely influenced Jones’ final decision.

  "The VAR recommends a review because he thinks there's a possible act of violent conduct," he said.

  "I wonder if the VAR thought Brooks pulled Cucurella's hair. It looks as though his hair is pulled back. Brooks actually grabs the front of Cucurella's shirt. The referee looked at it for a long time and discussed it.

  "He came to the conclusion that Brooks pulled the top of his shirt which is why you get the clothesline effect. The referee deemed it reckless rather than violent because it was a grab of the shirt. His opinion was it stopped a promising attack. It wasn't violent conduct – he didn't grab his hair or throat."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Gallagher praised Jones for not succumbing to pressure and for thoroughly reviewing the footage before making a measured decision.

  "It's all about has he grabbed him at the top of the shirt or by the throat? The referee has looked and looked. Rob Jones hasn't knee-jerked and given him a red card. He's studied it," he added.

  Whereas, another ex-official, Keith Hackett, argued that Cucurella was lucky to stay on the pitch.

  "Cucurella is beginning to become a serious offender in games, and match officials in their preparations should be aware that he is a player to keep an eye on," he told

  "His act is a blatant unfair impeding offence for which he should have received a yellow card."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  Following the controversial match, Chelsea will shift their attention to their next Premier League encounter where they are set to host Wolves on Monday.

The international break was an opportunity for Manchester United players to turn their form around, and some of them have, although one came in for criticism.

It has been a frustrating start to the new season for the Red Devils and Erik ten Hag, as the club got off to a winning start against Fulham, but since then have suffered two defeats, putting pressure on them on the eve of the league returning.

Rashford is now being outscored by Man Utd flop who was sold by Solskjaer

The talented winger couldn’t make it work at Old Trafford.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Sep 11, 2024

Man Utd players on international duty

Like many Premier League clubs, Manchester United have had a lot of players away representing their countries during these last two weeks. It has been an opportunity for them to get away from club football and get back into form with their countries.

The Red Devils have seen four of their five summer signings go away on international duty, with Joshua Zirkzee impressing with the Netherlands as he netted in their 5-2 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte has also impressed once again while playing for Uruguay, as he completed 78 minutes and 90 minutes in the two outings. As well as these two players impressing, Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes also done well while on duty with Portugal, as the pair both got on the scoresheet, as it was two wins from two.

Man United have seen many of their other international players excel while on duty, even seeing academy player James Scanlon, who is yet to make his debut for the club, score for Gibraltar and now is just five goals away from their all-time leading goalscorer. But it wasn’t all plain sailing for United’s international players, as one in particular didn't have a great time.

Pundits slam Man United defender De Ligt after Netherlands error

Netherlands and Manchester United defender Matthijs De Ligt was slammed for his performance on Tuesday night against Germany, with the international making a mistake that cost his country the win.

De Ligt started in the Netherlands’ game against Bosnia & Herzegovina, and despite them winning 5-2, the Dutch centre-back did make an unfortunate mistake to make the game a nervy ending. He retained his place in the starting XI against Germany on Tuesday, but once again he made a mistake and was pulled off at half-time, and now there is speculation that his international career may be in jeopardy for the time being.

Pundit Pierre van Hooijdonk for NOS said on De Ligt’s performance: “He had a similar moment in the beginning, where he actually loses the ball in a simple way by means of a pass. And then it happens a second time. That is terrible for De Ligt.

“Ultimately, top sport is very tough, and then it’s over. We all think De Ligt is a great player, but how often has this happened to the Dutch national team? And at almost all crucial moments. At some point, it stops, especially when you have competitors who are of a high level.”

Meanwhile, Rafael van de Vaart’s three-word response to the analyst was: “This is fatal.”

De Light, who is said to be on a weekly wage of £195,000 at Old Trafford, has been capped 46 times by the Netherlands, and he will be hoping he can come back to United and play as best he can between now and the next international break, so he can retain his place in the squad.

Preparing for the January transfer window and beyond, Newcastle United reportedly sent scouts to watch one star in action as Atalanta held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw in the Champions League this week.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have plenty of making up to do after such a disappointing summer transfer window, with those at St James’ Park failing to sign Marc Guehi after a window-long saga. And with forgiveness in mind, Newcastle could finally land a replacement for Miguel Almiron in either the winter window or the summer of 2025.

Mitchell planning huge double contract signing for £9m-a-year Newcastle duo

They would be among the highest paid players at the club.

By
Ben Browning

Sep 21, 2024

Reports have already linked those in Tyneside with a move for Leroy Sane on that front in what would certainly steal the headlines. The Bayern Munich winger has lost his place in Germany to recent arrival Michael Olise and could now be on his way back to the Premier League. A serial winner with Manchester City in his last stint in English football, Sane would be Newcastle’s biggest signing since Alexander Isak.

The German’s not the only winger that they’ve set their sights on though. According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Newcastle sent scouts to watch Ademola Lookman in Atalanta’s 0-0 draw against Arsenal in midweek. The winger helped the Serie A side earn a crucial point to kick off their Champions League campaign, winning six duels up against a stubborn Arsenal side and completing 24 out of his 25 pass attempts, including three successful crosses.

The Magpies’ scouts weren’t the only ones in attendance either, it seems. Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Atalanta’s opponents, Arsenal, were also reportedly taking notes on the winger.

Earning a reported £37,000-a-week in the Serie A, Lookman’s arrival would hardly disrupt Newcastle’s wage bill and would offer Eddie Howe an instant upgrade down his right-hand side. Whilst things haven’t worked out for the Nigerian in past Premier League moves, he’s finally found his best form at Atalanta and is more than ready to take England’s top flight by storm.

"Fantastic" Lookman is Premier League ready

After ultimately failing to make his mark at Everton, Lookman showed a glimpse of his potential at Fulham before finally rising to stardom at Atalanta. Now, he could get the chance to return and complete unfinished business in England’s top tier, helping Newcastle return to the Premier League’s top four in the process.

It’s a rise that former Everton manager Marco Silva saw coming, despite several obstacles along the way, having told Sky Sports during his time at the Toffees: “Fantastic player. I said since the first day that I joined the club that it was really important to keep him.

“You know what happened in pre-season. I put high pressure on and turned his mind to keep him here with our club and I think what we saw today we will see better and better in the future.”

After scoring an incredible 17 goals and assisting a further 10 last season, Lookman was even nominated for the Ballon d’Or in the achievement of his career so far. The fact is, Newcastle wouldn’t be signing a winger who’s on the periphery of becoming one of the most exciting in Europe, they’d be signing a player who’s already there.

Kaitlin Olson has aired her pride at the “unbelievable idea” that saw husband Rob McElhenney buy into an emotional sporting adventure at Wrexham.

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• Hollywood stars completed takeover in 2021
• Families have been brought along for the ride
• Project embraced in the UK & across the world

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Back in 2020, plans were put in place by McElhenney as he sought to buy into British football. Various options were considered at that stage, with Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds being brought along for the ride, before a takeover was completed in North Wales.

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  THE GOSSIP

  Back-to-back promotions have been enjoyed since then, with Wrexham’s stock soaring on the back of an award-winning documentary series. They now boast followers all over the world, with fans in America being treated to big-screen action at Cosm LA.

• WHAT KAITLIN OLSON SAID

  Olson has bought into the project alongside McElhenney and has told of how a surprising venture has taken over their life – in a good way: “I am very invested in Wrexham, both the town and the team – my whole family is.

  “We went and watched an episode live at this venue, it’s called shared reality, in Los Angeles where we were able to watch it as though we were there. That was really cool and I plan to do that multiple times.

  “We go back as often as possible – Rob more than me. I am just so proud of this team and they are still doing so well. It’s crazy. Mostly proud of my husband for thinking of such an unbelievable idea and way to grow this club and also the community. What a blessing. It is just part of our family now.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Olson has attended matches at SToK Racecourse, as VIP guests become a regular theme, and added on what she likes most about Wales: “It’s not the food, they need help there, and that’s okay. It’s the people. The people are so beautiful, wonderful, sweet, kind, welcoming, happy, grateful. It’s the warmest community and we have just become friends with a bunch of people who live in the town. The people become family.”

Everton had a significant transfer window in the summer of 2022 and signed six players on permanent deals, and two on loan.

The Toffees marquee signing that summer was Amadou Onana, who cost £33m from Lille, beating East London outfit West Ham United to his signature.

The other permanent signings included some crucial players still at the club today. One of those was Idrissa Gueye, who returned from Paris Saint-Germain, James Garner from Manchester United and Burnley pair Dwight McNeil and James Tarkowski, with the latter joining on a free transfer.

Whilst all of those permanent signings were successful to some degree, there was one player who joined the Toffees that year who never really settled. That man was Neal Maupay.

Maupay’s Everton career

French striker Maupay certainly had an indifferent time of things at Goodison Park. They bought him late on in the 2022 summer window, moving to the Toffees for £15m from Brighton and Hove Albion.

His Everton career got off to a strong start after he scored in his second appearance for the club, a well-taken striker against West Ham United in front of the Gwladys Street End.

It seemed like Maupay and Everton could be a match made in heaven based on that goal, but sadly that was as good as it got for the Frenchman on Merseyside.

He played 32 games for the club in total, with his goal against the Hammers his only one in that famous Blue shirt. He did manage to register two assists, both in the Carabao Cup. One of those came in his last game before he moved to former club Brentford on a season-long loan.

It was a solid return to the Gtech Community Stadium, with the 28-year-old scoring eight goals and getting three assists in 31 games in all competitions. He earned a move back to France as a result, with Olympique Marseille signing him on loan with an obligation to buy in 2025.

Everton fans will no doubt be frustrated that things did not work out with Maupay at Goodison Park. However, they may be even more disappointed to hear that they could have signed one of Europe’s most exciting strikers instead, Goncalo Ramos.

One that got away

The transfers that nearly happened but never did. This article is part of Football FanCast's One That Got Away series.

When Everton wanted to sign Goncalo Ramos

Now plying his trade at PSG after a sizeable £67m transfer, Everton were looking at signing Ramos before the end of the 2022 window. According to reports, the Merseysiders were one of a number of teams looking at snapping him up for a potential fee of around £30m.

Had they brought him in, they would have added a striker with excellent pedigree to their squad. Ramos had a superb record for Benfica, with 106 games under his belt, and 41 goals to his name in that time.

After staying at the Portuguese outfit in 2022/23, he then proceeded to score 19 goals in 30 games in the top flight of Portugal.

After an impressive hat-trick at the 2022 World Cup, Ramos earned his big move in the summer of 2023. He signed for the French giants on a loan deal initially in a fee that is over double what he would have cost Everton.

Described as “outrageous” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the striker is a superb penalty box striker and possesses excellent movement. He has scored 14 goals in 41 games in Paris, although is yet to get off the mark this term due to injury.

Everton fans will no doubt be disappointed to miss out on Ramos. Not only would they have signed a superb striker instead of bringing in Maupay, but they would likely have made a healthy profit, judging by the fee PSG paid for the striker last summer.

Everton wanted to sign £25m star who's now outshining Gordon this season

Everton could have signed him over the summer.

By
Joe Nuttall

Oct 7, 2024

Manchester United have decided not to sign a striker in the January transfer window despite struggling for goals so far this season.

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• Man Utd won't sign a new forward in January
• Were linked with Nkunku and Tel
• Did not want to make a panic buy

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United will not sign any more players before the January transfer window slams shut at 11pm on deadline day. The club primarily focused on defensive reinforcements in the winter window as they signed left-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce for £25m ($31m/€30m) plus £4m ($5m/€4.8m) in potential bonuses as well as 18-year-old centre-back Ayden Heaven from Arsenal and in exchange they paid a compensation fee.

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  THE EXPLANATION

  Manchester United have confirmed that they are happy with the business they've done after bringing in talented, young stars and avoiding paying out high fees. The Red Devils were unwilling to take any expensive risks or be reckless in the January window which will therefore mean they are in a stronger position in the summer market. United are also working under financial constraints due to PSR limits and were not willing to sacrifice long-term aims for short-term gains.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  The English giants were linked with a move for Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku and Bayern Munich's teenage sensation Mathys Tel in January, however, neither move materialised. United were in talks with the Bavarian side over Tel's transfer in the last week but the negotiation reportedly collapsed after hearing Bayern's demand of a £5 million ($6m) loan fee.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  There could still be some movement before the window closes, with Tyrell Malacia hoping to seal a loan move to PSV. Meanwhile, Amorim's side will aim to get back to winning ways this weekend as they take on Ruud van Nistelrooy's Leicester in an FA Cup fourth-round clash.

Prime Video greenlights NWSL docuseries that features Morgan, Rodman, Marta and Bethune

• Prime Video to run new series around the NWSL
• Series covers the final three months of the 2024 season

• The premiere date is not yet announced

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  WHAT HAPPENED

  Prime Video has officially given the go-ahead for a new four-part docuseries on the National Women’s Soccer League, tracking the 2024 NWSL playoffs. The series, titled ‘For the Win: NWSL’ is set to feature some of the league's most noteworthy athletes including Washington Spirit stars Trinity Rodman and Croix Bethune.

  Recently retired USWNT star Alex Morgan and legendary football star Marta are also set to feature.

  The series will cover the final three months of the 2024 season. The production team have already captured behind-the-scenes footage with the Spirit. Much like the other docuseries on Prime Video, it will delve into the lives of the athletes, both on and off the field through exclusive interviews, match-highlights and more. The premiere date is not yet announced.

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  WHAT PRIME VIDEO SAID

  Prime Video statement: “For the Win: NWSL is an immersive four-part docuseries offering unprecedented access into the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League playoffs and Championship. The series will take fans behind the scenes of one of the most thrilling seasons in NWSL history, chronicling the intensity, resilience, and passion that define the league’s top teams and star players as they battle for the ultimate prize: the Championship trophy."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The series will be produced by Words + Pictures in association with the NWSL. The production house is well known for their documentaries, having produced the likes of "Giannis: The Marvelous Journey" and and five episodes of ESPN’s 30 for 30 series.

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  WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE NWSL?

  The 2025 NWSL season kicks off on March 14 when the reigning NWSL Championship and Shield winner Orlando Pride take on Chicago Stars FC. That is the first three games taking place, as the Houston Dash faces Washington Spirit while the Kansas City Current will take on the Portland Thorns.

  This will also be the last time that the NWSL will feature with just 14 teams. From 2026 season onwards, the league will have 16 teams with the introduction franchises in Boston and Denver NWSL.

Chelsea’s momentum in the Premier League was curbed before the October international break, with Nottingham Forest holding the Blues to a feisty draw at Stamford Bridge to end a three-match winning run.

Enzo Maresca deserves plaudits for taking the reins from Mauricio Pochettino and lifting the club closer to the limelight. It’s going to take several campaigns, but the Londoners are starting to look like they could be serious competitors sooner rather than later.

There’s been plenty to praise regarding the transfer activity from the market just gone, with a wealth of quality brought in, but it’s been particularly pleasing to see the immense Cole Palmer joined by some of his partners from last season in stepping up to the plate.

Noni Madueke got himself on the scoresheet against the Tricky Trees, with his rise really starting to take shape.

Noni Madueke continues to shine

Madueke has been a part of the Chelsea project since signing from PSV Eindhoven in a deal worth £29m, but the 22-year-old joined the cause at a turbulent time and has only recently started to showcase that he can be a leading figure as Chelsea continue to raise the bar.

After losing against Manchester City in a tough season opener, the newly-blooded England international wreaked destruction at Molineux as Chelsea defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 6-2.

Having been a regular feature on the right flank this term, Madueke came up clutch once again last weekend as he fired past Matz Sels after beating the stricken Alex Moreno for a fourth time. It took the winger’s tally to five goals from eight matches in all competitions in 2024/25.

Writing in his post-match player ratings, football.london’s Rob Guest awarded Madueke with an 8/10 score, praising his energy and influence across the match, playing his part even if the Blues failed to defeat Forest on home turf.

He wrote: ‘Shot wide following some good movement early on and wasn’t too far off not long after with a curling effort following a sharp turn. Chelsea’s brightest player in the first half with some excellent play down the right and deservedly got his name on the scoresheet with a low effort 12 minutes after the restart. Strong showing from the winger.’

Chelsea have plenty of quality in the final third, but it’s a measure of Madueke’s performances that he’s keeping the likes of Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku and Pedro Neto at bay, playing with gusto and impact.

It was his fine goal that spared the blushes – to a degree – of another Chelsea star over the weekend. Indeed, Nicolas Jackson’s brilliant start to the campaign was stifled, for he flattered to deceive before the October international break.

Nicolas Jackson's performance vs Forest

Jackson has come on leaps and bounds already in 2024/25. He was hardly ‘poor’ during his maiden year in London, joining from Villarreal on an eight-year deal in July 2023 after a fee in excess of his £30m release clause was paid.

He bagged 14 Premier League goals across 34 matches last year, which is an impressive feat for a young centre-forward stepping into English football for the first time – and at a club that had been suffering from harsh climes besides.

With 24 big chances missed, however, it was clear that much work was needed. For reference, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins scored 19 times and only missed 22 big chances.

This season has been a different tale, with the Senegalese striker reaping the rewards of a refined sense of fluency at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are not quite so reliant on Palmer’s brilliance anymore.

Jackson has posted four goals and three assists across his opening seven Premier League matches of the term, although he struggled to add to his efforts against Nuno Espirito Santo’s expertly woven low block, with the aforementioned Guest far more displeased with his display, branding him with a 5/10 match rating and commenting on his ‘frustrating afternoon’ with ‘very little’ falling his way.

Indeed, the 23-year-old was well-marshalled, taking just one shot all game – hitting the woodwork – and taking just 30 touches, as per Sofascore, which was even fewer than that of the hosts’ shot-stopper Robert Sanchez (39).

Forest also had him covered in the air, with Jackson winning only one of his four contested aerial battles.

It’s a reminder that he’s not yet the finished article, and that, with such an array of talent at Maresca’s clutches, he perhaps shouldn’t start every single week.

Why Maresca must consider dropping Jackson

Nkunku missed a glorious opportunity to win it for Chelsea after being introduced, taking Jackson’s place, with ten minutes on the clock, but the France international’s dynamic and breezy style of play might have had an effect in unlocking an iron-willed and bullish Forest backline, had he had longer to apply his instruments.

We all know of Jackson’s quality, and that he’s one of the most talented young forwards in the Premier League. After all, he’s claimed seven goal contributions from as many matches to kick off his second year in England.

But he’s not infallible. Jackson got lost in the forest on Sunday afternoon and proved to Maresca and the Blues fanbase that he’s got much to learn before he reaches the apex of his potential.

With the likes of Nkunku, Felix and Guiu waiting in the wings, it’s simply a reminder that Maresca has an embarrassment of attacking riches at his disposal, and must rotate beyond flicking the switch as his team jumps between Conference League and top-flight football.

For now, Chelsea stand in fourth place in the Premier League after seven matches – only four points behind table-topping Liverpool. Jackson will continue to play his instrumental part in the term, but Maresca must make sure to shuffle the pack and remind stars that they are always apt to lose their starting berth if they falter.

Chelsea star who was a 5/10 vs Nottingham Forest is now droppable

Chelsea man has now become droppable ahead of the Liverpool game

By
Connor Holden

Oct 7, 2024

Real Madrid set a Champions League record after Jude Bellingham's last-minute winner helped them beat Manchester City.

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• Madrid set Champions League record
• Bellingham scored a late winner
• Madrid beat Man City 3-2

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Los Blancos came back from behind twice to beat Manchester City 3-2 in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 play-off at Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland opened the scoring for City in the first half before Kylian Mbappe netted the equaliser on the hour mark. Haaland then completed his brace from the penalty spot in the 80th minute, but the hosts' celebrations were short-lived as Brahim Diaz equalised and then Bellingham netted the winner in injury time.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Bellingham's last-gasp strike was the third time Madrid have scored a 90th-minute winner against the Cityzens, thereby setting a Champions League record. In the 2021-22 season, the Spanish giants came back from a two-goal deficit on aggregate to score three times after the 90-minute mark to qualify for the final.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  One of the key City stars who came under scrutiny after the match was goalkeeper Ederson, whose performance left many supporters frustrated. The Brazilian was at fault for Madrid’s second equaliser and questions were asked about his decision-making after Bellingham's winner.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Carlo Ancelotti's side will be back in action on Saturday in La Liga as they take on Osasuna away from home.

Mikel Arteta has orchestrated a special rise at Arsenal, proving to be the leader that the club yearned for after several years of struggle.

How funny that he, Pep Guardiola’s protege, should rise to be his most fierce competitor over the past few campaigns. How funny that he, the new kid on the block, played under Arsene Wenger as a Gunners star, absorbed the Frenchman’s teachings and understood what it means to be a key part of this proud and prestigious Premier League outfit.

Arsenal have now built themselves up to be an elite-level team on the European stage, and after finishing as runners-up in successive terms, must claim the elusive title this time, especially with Manchester City linchpin Rodri out for the remainder of the campaign.

Joint-second, alongside the Citizens and one point behind Liverpool, Arsenal need to keep picking up victories and must do so later this afternoon against Bournemouth.

Bournemouth have been impressive under Andoni Iraola but have a testing run of top-flight fixtures coming up and cannot afford to cede ground at the Vitality Stadium.

Arsenal team news

Arsenal supporters will be sweating over the fitness of several key players ahead of the trip to the south coast, with fears principally built around Bukayo Saka, who picked up a muscular injury on England duty last week.

The red-hot forward is expected to play a part, with Arteta allaying fears during his pre-match press conference on Friday. He did, however, reveal that Gabriel Martinelli picked up a calf problem with Brazil and might not make the matchday squad.

Kai Havertz is expected to be fit, however, club captain Martin Ødegaard continues to languish in the stands after suffering an ankle injury with Norway in September. That said, the creative midfielder is expected to return next week.

How Arsenal are faring without Martin Ødegaard

It bears testament to Arsenal’s deep-rooted fluency and cohesion that Ødegaard has been missing for four Premier League matches and the only dropped points came at the Etihad Stadium, against Manchester City.

His return to action is only going to enhance the north Londoners further, having won Arsenal’s Player of the Season award for two seasons in succession and posting 44 goal contributions during the timeframe.

As per FBref, Ødegaard ranked among the top 6% of central midfielders in the Premier League last term for assists and the top 1% for shot-creating actions and progressive passes per 90, highlighting the playmaking brilliance that makes Arsenal such a fearsome unit in transition.

Arsenal have been fine without their leader but there’s plenty of reason to get excited about his comeback. In any case, he’s not going to be around today, and thus, Mikel Merino must be rewarded with his first start since returning to England in the summer.

Why Arteta must unleash Mikel Merino

Arsenal signed Merino from Real Sociedad in a deal worth around £32m, adding another element to their central fold that could bear dividends across the vast stretch of the season.

An untimely injury meant that the 28-year-old sat on the sidelines throughout the early phase of the term, but he made his debut before the October break and is now in line to earn his first starting berth.

With Gabriel Jesus flattering to deceive and Martinelli injured, Havertz might be needed at number nine once again, which means Thomas Partey and Declan Rice can operate in midfield with Merino playing slightly further forward.

The reasons for unleashing their new recruit in this way are manifold. Arsenal have become one of the most direct teams from the goal-kick, and Merino, who ranks among the top 1% of midfielders for aerial battles won per 90 (5.89), will enhance this thriving system.

Ethan Nwaneri might want to earn his first start in the Premier League after impressing in recent weeks, claiming a brace against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup earlier this month, but the 17-year-old would not have the same effect on the overall ticking of Arteta’s team, whereas Merino would help claim full control from Bournemouth.

The left-footed midfielder has even been described as an “aerial duel monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, who has gushed over the ace’s athleticism and combativeness.

Last season in La Liga, the 28-year-old absurdly won 10.2 duels per game, speaking of the kind of steel that he will inject into Arsenal’s midfield.

It’s already been showcased. Against Southampton, Merino was introduced with little less than half an hour on the clock and played a key role in turning the tide, winning all four of his contested ground duels.

He’s not just a one-trick pony either, ranked among the top 3% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored (0.26) and the top 18% for progressive passes (6.66) per 90, speaking of an attacking edge that stands proud of his dynamic skillset and could be used to add a dimension that can make up, in part, for Odegaard’s continued absence.

His middling season with Newcastle United during his younger days might have left Premier League fans indifferent, but he is now a refined and robust player with the perfect properties to make a difference for Arsenal, with young Nwaneri likely to still be called upon from the bench.

Bournemouth will look to play their flowing game and wrest chances from Arsenal’s imperious backline, and though the Cherries have proven their attacking quality, Arsenal will have more than enough to overpower them with Merino uniting with Rice and Havertz in the engine room.

Man City and Liverpool are both top-class outfits in their own right, but Arsenal are building something special and will have full belief in their ability to overturn the Bournemouth threat.

Odegaard might not be back yet, but Merino can play his own part in Arteta’s midfield and prove his worth in a title-chasing English team.

Imagine him & Saka: Arsenal battling PL rivals to sign their own De Bruyne

Arsenal could bolster their attacking ranks in January.

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 18, 2024