Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Odegaard update, Gabriel Jesus return - ReadSector (2023)

Alan Scherer is a

Alan Shearer joined Ian Wright in leaving Match of the Day following the decision to remove Gary Lineker from the presenter role for the time being.

Ian Wright's Decision

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has opted out of Saturday's 'Solidarity' match with Gary Lineker after the BBC announced the latter would not be presenting the programme.

Read the whole story here.

Gary Lineker's decision

Gary Lineker is stepping down from his duties as presenter of Match of the Day, the BBC said in a statement.

This comes after the former footballer's controversial posts on social media about British politics, which sparked discussions about his role in government.

FA inquiry decision

The FA decided not to charge Arsenal for failing to check their players and staff after the Bournemouth game.

The team celebrated wildly when Reiss Nelson's 97th-minute winner came into play against the Cherries, but it ended in an FA investigation which was ultimately resolved.

Latest Arsenal injury news, with four facing Fulham Test amid Gabriel Jesus plan

Arsenal's frantic march continues this weekend as they make the short journey to Craven Cottage to face Fulham three days after their trip to Portugal for Sporting CP.

the armed2-2 draw against the Portuguese team and is well positioned for qualificationEuropa League quarterfinalsin the second hand next week.Mikel ArtetaAt Estádio José Alvalade they were not at their best and were punished by persistent defensive problems against Rubén Amorim's team.

William Saliba's first-half header was saved by Gonçalo Ignacio before Paulinho put the hosts ahead. Arsenal were lucky not to be two goals down as Paulinho shot wide of goal before Hidemasa Morita's own goal equalized.

read more here.

Granit Xhaka is looking forward to the imminent return of Gabriel Jesus with Arsenal in line for a treble reinforcement

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has spoken candidly about how the imminent return of Gabriel Jesus could give the squad a huge boost.

The Gunners have been without their main striker since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as he tore a medial ligament in his knee in Brazil's final group stage game against Cameroon and required successful surgery on 6 December.

As a result,Jesuswas absentArsenalTeam of the Day for the last 12 consecutive Premier League games, plus the two FA Cup games against Oxford United and Manchester City and the Europa League round of 16 first leg on Thursday at Sporting CP.

Now,looking good in training on wednesday morning, there were indications that the 25-year-old would travel to Portugal with the rest of the squad. However,football.londonunderstands that the decision has been made for the Brazilian to stay at home.

Read more here.

Chances of winning the Europa League

Betfair- Europa League Champions 2022/23

United Man 8/15

Arsenal 5/2 [it was 3/1 before the draw with Sporting Lisbon]

Juve 7/1

Roma 8/1

seville 1/11

Mikel Arteta has the perfect alternative for Gabriel Jesus

He spoke to Arsenal icon Nigel WinterburnPaddy Powerand admitted that he thinks Gabriel Martinelli would be better used as a striker.

“I'm not a big believer in the fake 9 position. Leandro Trossard has been playing that role recently, but only because Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah were injured. Without a full nine, Mikel Arteta had to rely on the front row.

“If Jesus and Nketiah are not available, Gabriel Martinelli will fill that role [number 9]. He has real pace to stretch teams behind. When you play as a striker you have to turn on the game and create spaces and opportunities for yourself but also for your teammates.

“Martinelli was good when he took on the attacking role thanks to his pace and power up front. I don't see that [the lack of a striker] as a problem at the moment.

“Obviously we want to get Jesus and Nketiah back in shape because it gives them more options off the bench. When you follow a game, the more attacking players you have on the bench, the more likely you are to get a result."

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has endorsed Winterburn and believes Martinelli would make a brilliant centre-forward. Keown told BT Sport: "I think, I really believe he's a natural goalscorer. And I would have thought that the central position is really his natural position.

"But let's go in from the left now. We saw that with [Mohamed] Salah and [Sadio] Mane, especially when they played together as a couple, they just went in because Saka did the same. So you get a little more freedom.

"But if you put him in the middle he's going to score goals. I think he's going to prove that tonight. He's got everything in his game."

double bubble

Two lucky punters could be in line for a big payday after helping Arsenal to a double this season.

AfterBetfair, two players helped Arsenal win the Premier League and Europa League early in the season at odds of 425/1.

This incredible doubling has been backed by 30 people, two of whom have pledged £25 on the outcome, meaning they'll be in line for a massive £10,650 payout when it happens.

Despite a wobble in the league in February, losing to Everton and a point against Brentford, Arsenal's double was and is 10/1now at the lowest odds yet of 11/2, with Arsenal recently regaining form.

In the first leg of the round of 16 of the Europa League, they drew 2-2 against Sporting CP this Thursday.

Emile Smith Rowe faces o problem of Martin Odegaard

He spoke to Arsenal icon Nigel WinterburnPaddy Powerand admitted he doesn't think Emile Smith Rowe will return to the team before Martin Odegaard.

“Emile Smith-Rowe's best position is behind the striker. He is a good runner with the ball, but unfortunately he has Martin Ødegaard, who has been outstanding this season, in that position.

“It really hasn't been an issue this season because Smith-Rowe was injured so badly and he never got a chance to play and get his fitness back to the highest level.

“He can play number ten and he can play on the left and he can play on the right, so there's a lot of opportunities for him this season, he just needs to be 100% fit.

“The more playing time Smith-Rowe gets, the better he plays. He needs to get into the rhythm to play but there is no doubt about his quality and as long as he is fit his time will come”.

William Saliba defends Arsenal star after harsh criticism after mistake in Sporting's draw

William Saliba defended Arsenal teammate Jakub Kiwior after the signing was criticized for his performance in January's 2-2 draw with Sporting CP. Kiwior has completed a £21m moveSpice no Emirates Stadiumand made his debut for the Gunners against Sporting on Thursday night.

Despite a shaky debut for the Gunners, Kiwior's central partner has already defended him and Saliba admitted he thought the young Polish defender played well. "He played his first game well and for me it was the first time I played with him and we did well," said Saliba.

"Unfortunately we conceded two goals, but that's okay, we played well and that's good. We trained a lot together, in training we always changed partners, so we played well together and it wasn't bad to play with him for the first time."

Kiwior has been praised by fans for his passing ability, but his performance against Sporting could suggest he needs to improve his decision-making and physicality, something Saliba did during his loan spells away from the Emirates Stadium and is now reaping the rewards. Arsenal fans stayed after the Result in Kiwior as the Gunners now focus on the Premier League title race ahead of the return leg at the Emirates Stadium next Thursday.

One Arsenal fan tweeted: "Away from Sporting Lisbon is not an easy debut. Jakub Kiwior will only get better *Love Heart Emoji*.”

Another Gunners fan wrote: "Jakub Kiwior had a good game last night, I don't know why you would expect a Gabriel Magahale performance from a guy who has just made his debut. Besides that corner, you can show me your missed passes and duels lost. Support him or leave him.”

What Oleksandr Zinchenko did to Sporting CP star in Arsenal's Europa League Round of 16

Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko was in action in Thursday night's 2-2 win over Sporting CP in the Europa League round of 16 first leg. Shortly after William Saliba opened the scoring for the Gunners, Zinchenko was thereseen against several Sporting playersbecause the referee had to intervene.

When Fabio Vieira Saliba took a precise corner, the Ukraine international appeared to pin one of the Sporting players before both went down. The Portuguese team protested and thought the goal should have been disallowed.

Saliba's goal was allowed but both Zinchenko and Sporting star Sebastian Coates received yellow cards after their brief encounter, meaning Coates is suspended for next week's second leg at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta will be hoping to field the likes of Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard for the north London second leg after the four stars missed Thursday night's clash through illness and injury.

Arsenal fans have already seen what Zinchenko did to the Sporting defender who missed the Gunners' first goal as Saliba and his teammates celebrated. The Ukrainian defender sarcastically applauded the opponent, who fell to the ground and took a free kick.

Mikel Arteta told the Arsenal star he could not be trusted after their Europa League round of 16 draw against Sporting

Arsenal star Matt Turner has been criticized by club icon Martin Keown for his performance in the Europa League round of 16 first leg against Sporting CP. The Gunners goalkeeper wascriticized for his role in both Sporting goalson Thursday night, when Mikel Arteta's team face the Portuguese in the second leg.

Arteta is aware of defensive concernsHe currently faces his team as a recognized Spaniard: "We conceded a lot of easy goals. We talk about the importance of the pit lane, especially in a competition when you're in or out."

North Londoners took overTour by William Saliba after just 22 minutes, with the France international heading in after Fabio Vieira's perfectly weighted corner. However, Sporting equalized just 12 minutes later, scoring a corner through Gonçalo Inácio and Turner was criticized for his role in the goals.

Read more here.

Jurgen Klopp's prediction proved correct as the Arsenal duo were hailed as 'the best in Europe' by the Sporting CP star

Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium with plenty of positive results after drawing 2-2 in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Europa League against Sporting CP. The Gunners took the lead through William Saliba before a deflected Granit Xhaka cross equalized in the second half after Sporting had gone 2-1 up.

Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Sakaboth started together with Reiss Nelson on offense, who was the hero of the comeback against Bournemouth at the weekend following the elimination of Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, Eddie Nketiah and Martin Odeegard in Portugal. Martinelli and Saka proved to be important playersMikel Arteta this season, who scored 11 goals each and topped the club's goalscoring table.

Defender Jeremiah St Juste described the attacking duo as "the two best wingers in Europe" ahead of Thursday night's 2-2 draw. The two youngsters have long been lauded for great things, but this year both have truly revealed their potential.

read more here.

Every word Mikel Arteta said about Fabio Vieira's form, Arsenal's set pieces and easy goals against

Was it too wild for your taste?

When you concede two bad goals, like we conceded away in Europe, it's very difficult to get a positive result. The game had different phases because we conceded a lot of easy balls in our midfield and gave them the opportunity to [explore] transition moments where they are good.

At other times we had complete control of the game and today we lost some of the threat, especially with the four players absent from the front row. Some positive points because we showed a lot of resistance to get back into the game, but we have to defend our area much better and be better on Sunday.

Kiwior deflects the first goal. Was it a communication error?

I don't know what it was, it happened in a fraction of a second, but nobody in this space can head free and concede a goal.

Read more here.

Vieira's Climb Test, Zinchenko's Kryptonite - Arsenal Winners and Losers in the Sporting CP Draw

winner

Sport-PC

Coming clean from the first leg will be good, but the Portuguese will be heartbroken for not winning the game. Barring a bizarre own goal, they could have traveled to London.

However, they learned some valuable lessons about their opponents and their weaknesses.. Arsenal suffered again from set pieces and counterattacks, revealing exactly what Ruben Amorim's side may need to do when they come to the Emirates in a week's time.

fabio vieira

I cannot understand the enthusiasm of some Arsenal fans to beat this man.fabio vieiraHe was a bright spark for Arsenal throughout the game, constantly challenging the ball in tight spaces, running in to win the ball back and hitting a perfect corner for William Saliba to take the lead (special credit for a very good performance earned).

Read more here.

'Shut up': national media react to the draw between Arsenal and Sporting in the round of 16 of the Europa League

Arsenal came from behind to draw 2-2 against Sporting CP in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie. The Gunners were hoping to return to the Emirates Stadium with a good lead ahead of next week's second leg in north London.

football.londonSee how the national media reacted to Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Sporting CP as they now turn their attention to the Premier League title race.

Spiegel

“January signing Jakub Kiwior has had his first minutes as an Arsenal player nearly two months after joining Spezia for £21m. Anyone who has followed the development of the Polish international knows that one of Kiwior's strongest attributes is his passing, competence and general technical quality.

"Despite his size, Sporting's opener would indicate that Kiwior still has work to do in the air. The debutant stayed rooted where he should have jumped, around the corner where Sporting equalized, towards goal. Kiwior's position can also be questioned as the host's second."

Read more here.

Saka and Martinelli complain

Sporting CP defender Jeremiah St Juste has named Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli as the two best wingers in Europe.

Ahead of yesterday's game, the St Juste defender was asked if Saka and Martinelli were currently the two best wingers in Europe, to which he replied: "Yes, I think so."

"They have a lot of quality and they show it at the highest level every week, so it will be an exciting challenge." Saka has scored 11 goals and provided nine more assists in La Liga this season, while Martinelli has also scored 11 goals and provided two assists.

Jesus, Odegaard, Trossard, Tierney: Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Fulham clash

Arsenal drew 2-2 with Sporting CP in the Europa League round of 16 first leg.

William Saliba's first half was canceled out by Gonçalio Ignacio before Paulinho put the Portuguese ahead just after the break. However, an unexpected own goal by Hidemasa Morita evened the scores in Lisbon, leaving open next week's second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

But first Mikel Arteta's men travel to Craven Cottage on Sunday when they face Marco Silvas Fulham in the Premier League. Before this long-awaited duelfootball.londongathered the latest news on injured Gunners players as Arteta looks to extend his side's five-point lead at the top of the table.

Read more here.

Message from Rabiot

Arsenal have been told that Juventus star Adrien Rabiot, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is better for them than Manchester United.

talk toDAZN BETFormer Champions League winner Florent Malouda believes his French compatriot is better suited for the Gunners than United.

He said: "Adrien Rabiot would be a good signing. He's fit and plays a lot. But I think he'd be a better fit at Arsenal than Man Utd. While he's a great signing for anyone of his skill level, he can play in many positions.

"But it is important that he has a connection with the coach, that he is used well. He is very talented. You see that in France he does a lot of work, a lot of dirty work, to compensate and help the attacking players." to balance each team. He's a talented player."

Urkomischer Saliba Stat

Good morning!

Hello and welcome to today's Arsenal live blog.

Stay tuned as we bring you the latest team news and transfer talk from Emirates!