Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said his side could handle any opposition after progressing directly to the Champions League last 16 with a 2-1 win at Girona on Wednesday. A much-rotated Gunners side defeated the Catalan outfit with goals from Jorginho and Ethan Nwaneri after falling behind to Arnaut Danjuma’s first-half strike. Arsenal, avoiding the play-off phase added this season, will play Juventus, AC Milan, Feyenoord or PSV Eindhoven in the last 16.

“Winning in this competition is very demanding but overall the team has been very consistent, regardless of all the issues they have had to face,” Arteta told reporters after a fourth consecutive European victory.

“(Hopefully it breeds) more belief in that dressing room that we are a good team and we can face anyone and still perform and win games.”

Neto made his Arsenal debut against Girona in goal with Arteta saying first-choice stopper David Raya was hurt.

“He certainly could not play, he is injured,” explained the coach, ahead of Manchester City’s impending visit to face Arsenal in the Premier League, in a key title race clash on Sunday.

Veteran Brazilian goalkeeper Neto, 35, erred for Girona’s opener, with the Bournemouth loanee caught out of his box and Danjuma able to finish past him from distance.

Attacking midfielder Nwaneri led the line for Arsenal and finished brilliantly for the winner, with team-mate Mikel Merino hailing the 17-year-old starlet.

“He is ruthless, he has no fear on the pitch,” Merino told TNT Sports.

“He has a really high ceiling and we are going to help him reach it.”

Arteta praised the teenager for his exciting display at Montilivi.

“I’m really impressed, making his debut as a Champions League starter today and scoring the goal that he scored, especially in a very important moment,” said the coach.

“His influence, his composure on the ball and how aggressive he is when he gets it, it’s impressive.”

Arsenal have been linked in English media with a bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins to reinforce their attack with Gabriel Jesus out injured, but Arteta did not want to comment on the matter.

“I can’t talk about any of that — my confidence is that we have an amazing club with people always working to try and improve,” he added. “Let’s see what happens.”

Christmas Premier League chart-toppers Liverpool are overwhelming favourites to see off struggling Leicester on Boxing Day (Thursday). Meanwhile both crisis-hit Manchester clubs will seek a festive fillip, with faltering champions City at home to Wolves and United away to Wolves. Second-placed Chelsea host Fulham while in-form Arsenal will fancy their chances against relegation-threatened Ipswich on Friday, even without the injured Bukayo Saka. Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham, licking their wounds after a brutal 6-3 hammering by Liverpool, face a tough assignment at high-flying Nottingham Forest.

AFP Sport picks out some of the major talking points in the run-up to one of the busiest points of the English football season.

Liverpool top of the tree

Liverpool are top the table on Christmas Day for the first time since the 2020/21 season and will want to make it count.

Just once in the past seven top-flight campaigns in which they have sat at the summit on December 25, have they gone on to win the title.

Arne Slot’s side returned to winning ways in style on Sunday, overwhelming Spurs following two frustrating draws.

They are four points clear of Chelsea with a game in hand. It would be a huge surprise if they slipped up against Leicester at home, especially with Mohamed Salah enjoying a purple patch.

The Egypt international is the first player to reach double figures for both goals (15) and assists (11) before Christmas in the history of the Premier League.

Leicester won their first match under new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy earlier this month but have collected just a single point in their past three matches, conceding nine goals.

The leaky Foxes have not won at Anfield since 2000 and are just two points clear of the drop zone after returning to the top flight this season.

Saka blow forces Arsenal rethink

A buoyant Mikel Arteta said the Premier League title race was “on” after Arsenal swept Crystal Palace aside 5-1 on Saturday.

But one dark cloud was Saka limping off at Selhurst Park, with the England winger set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

It is a blow for Arteta, depriving him of his most potent attacking weapon — Saka has scored nine goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions this season — just as Arsenal are finding their form again.

“It’s going to be a really good exercise for all of us to think about ways to overcome another challenge, because we’ve already had a lot in the season,” said Arsenal boss Arteta, whose team are third in the Premier League table.

Arteta has a number of attacking options, with Gabriel Martinelli a candidate to fill the void, but Saka, 23, offers something unique.

Forest chase European dream

Nottingham Forest fans are dreaming of a return to the Champions League — more than 40 years after they last played in Europe’s premier club competition.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have won seven of their past 10 Premier League games to climb to fourth in the table ahead of their match against Tottenham on Thursday.

Forest have not won a major trophy since 1990 but they have a proud tradition in continental competition — with the Midlands club twice crowned European champions under former manager Brian Clough, in 1979 and 1980.

While Forest are not prolific scorers, they are impressive at the back — only Liverpool and Arsenal have conceded fewer goals in the English top flight this season.

Former Spurs boss Nuno is braced for the unknown against his former club, who have built a reputation as great entertainers.

“You never know what’s going to happen in the game,” he said. “What we can see is good players, a lot of goals, also conceding goals.”

Fixtures

Thursday (1500 GMT unless stated)

Manchester City v Everton (1230), Bournemouth v Crystal Palace, Chelsea v Fulham, Newcastle v Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest v Tottenham, Southampton v West Ham, Wolves v Manchester United (1730), Liverpool v Leicester (2000)

Friday

Brighton v Brentford (1930), Arsenal v Ipswich (2015)

Bukayo Saka’s double fired Arsenal a step closer to the Champions League last 16 as the England forward inspired a 3-0 win against Monaco on Wednesday. Saka netted late in each half and Kai Havertz struck in the closing minutes at the Emirates Stadium to lift Mikel Arteta‘s side into third place in the revamped league phase. The Gunners have won four of their six European games this term and, with two matches remaining, they control their destiny in the race for the top-eight finish that guarantees automatic progress to the last 16. Clubs that finish ninth to 24th in the 36-team first phase face a play-off to determine if they will advance.

With games against Dinamo Zagreb and Girona to come in January, the north Londoners will be confident of avoiding that unwanted obstacle.

After a damaging 1-1 draw against Fulham in the Premier League last weekend, Arsenal’s fifth win in their last six games in all competitions was a welcome tonic.

With Arsenal’s defensive injury crisis showing no signs of abating, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu were all absent.

That meant Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey started out of position at right-back despite missing training on Tuesday.

Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, came in at left-back for just his second Arsenal start, with his other coming in the League Cup against third-tier Bolton.

The youngest player to start a Champions League match for Arsenal since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2011, Lewis-Skelly rose to the occasion with a composed display.

In contrast, Gabriel Jesus has gone 32 games without a goal for Arsenal and the Brazilian’s lack of confidence was clear in the hosts’ first dangerous attack.

Picked out by Gabriel Martinelli‘s pass, Jesus should have hit the target but could only muster a tame shot straight at Monaco keeper Radoslaw Majecki.

Jesus failed to time his run well enough to reach Mikel Merino’s teasing cross moments later.

Aleksandr Golovin nearly caught out Arsenal keeper David Raya with a long-range strike that fizzed just past the far post.

Jesus’ travails showed no signs of ending as a raking long pass sent him clean through for a low shot that was too close to Majecki.

The 27-year-old was having a torrid time and, teed up by Martinelli, again he couldn’t beat Majecki with a close-range effort that drew a fine save from the ‘keeper.

But Jesus’ clever movement was at least causing Monaco problems and he played a key role in Arsenal’s 34th-minute opener.

Lewis-Skelly slipped a superb pass to Jesus, who ran in behind the Monaco defence and delivered a low cross that presented Saka with a simple tap-in for his fourth goal in his last six games.

Martin Odegaard squandered a golden opportunity to double Arsenal’s lead just before half-time as he robbed Soungoutou Magassa, but fired wide with only Majecki to beat.

Thilo Kehrer should have made Arsenal pay for their profligacy early in the second half, but his header flashed wide from 10 yards.

Arteta’s men lost concentration for a long period after the break and Takumi Minamino tested Raya before Breel Embolo drilled inches wide following sloppy defending from William Saliba.

But Arsenal emerged unscathed and wrapped up the points in the 78th minute.

Majecki didn’t clear his lines quickly enough when Havertz put the ‘keeper under pressure, allowing Saka to steer his shot into the empty net from close range.

There was still time for Arsenal to put further gloss on the scoreline in the 88th minute as Havertz turned in Saka’s shot.

Arsenal vs Manchester United Live Streaming Premier League Live Telecast: The Gunners host the Red Devils at the Emirates, hoping to keep up pace with runaway leaders Liverpool, who lead by 9 points at the top of the table. Arsenal, 2nd, could cut that gap to just six points if they beat United and Arne Slot’s Reds lose just their second game of the season at Newcastle United. United, on the other hand, are 15 points behind leaders Liverpool and four points off the Champions League spots after 13 matches.

Arsenal enjoy an excellent home record against United at home recently, winning each of their last three meetings at the Emirates. If the Gunners win, it will be their fourth straight win over the Reds, a feat which they have never achieved before in Premier League history.

When will the Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match take place?

Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will take place on Thursday, December 5 (IST).

Where will the Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match be held?

The Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will be held at Emirates Stadium, London.

What time will the Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match start?

The Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will start at 1:45 AM IST.

Which TV channels will show the live telecast of the Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match?

The Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will be televised on the Star Sports network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match?

The Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will be live streamed on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website.

(All details are as per information provided by the broadcaster)

Arsenal got their Premier League title challenge back on track with a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday as Chelsea moved up to third by beating Leicester 2-1. Champions Manchester City are aiming to snap a four-game losing streak when they host Tottenham later. Arsenal were expected to be contenders to take City’s crown after finishing second in each of the past two seasons. The Gunners had failed to win in their previous four league games to start the weekend nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool, who travel to bottom-of-the-table Southampton on Sunday.

Martin Odegaard‘s return from injury is a major boost to Arsenal’s hopes of a first title in over 20 years and his pass teed up Bukayo Saka to blast home the opener on 15 minutes.

Saka turned provider for another special strike, this time by Thomas Partey, to double the home side’s advantage early in the second period.

Ethan Nwaneri then came off the bench to score his first Premier League goal as the highly-rated 17-year-old slotted in Raheem Sterling‘s cross.

Chelsea remain ahead of Arsenal on goals scored despite failing to make their dominance show in manager Enzo Maresca‘s return to Leicester.

Nicolas Jackson prodded the visitors into a first-half lead with his seventh goal of the season.

Cole Palmer‘s goalbound effort was deflected behind by his team-mate Noni Madueke as Chelsea wasted a series of chances for the second goal.

It eventually arrived 15 minutes from time when Enzo Fernandez headed in after Jackson’s header was saved.

Leicester pulled a goal back in stoppage time through Jordan Ayew’s penalty but defeat leaves the Foxes just two points above the relegation zone.

Villa winless in six

Aston Villa are now winless in six and had to twice come from behind just to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Crystal Palace.

Ismaila Sarr and Justin Devenny twice put the Eagles in front either side of Ollie Watkins’ leveller before half-time.

Villa also had Youri Tielemans‘ first-half penalty saved by Dean Henderson but the Belgian midfielder made amends with the delivery for Ross Barkley‘s header to secure a point.

Brighton’s incredible start under 31-year-old boss Fabian Hurzeler continued with a 2-1 win at Bournemouth to climb up to fifth.

Joao Pedro and Kaoru Mitoma were on target for the Seagulls, who survived playing the final half hour down to 10 men after Carlos Baleba saw red.

Wolves are out of the bottom three thanks to a stunning 4-1 at Fulham.

Matheus Cunha strike twice for the visitors at Craven Cottage, while Joao Gomes and Goncalo Guedes were also on target in a second consecutive win for Gary O’Neil‘s men.

Everton failed to take advantage of an early red card for Brentford’s Christian Norgaard in a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park.

Ruben Amorim takes charge of Manchester United for the first time in the pick of Sunday’s action when the Red Devils visit Ipswich.

Chelsea vs Arsenal LIVE Updates, Premier League 2024-25 Football© AFP

Chelsea vs Arsenal LIVE Telecast Premier League: London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal head into the derby with the exact same record in the Premier League: 10 games, five wins, three draws and two losses. With Liverpool and Manchester City streaking clear at the top of the table, a victory is vital for both Chelsea and Arsenal to stay within touching distance of the top. Chelsea enter the game after a tough run of fixtures, where they defeated Newcastle United, drew with Manchester United, but lost to Liverpool. On the other hand, Arsenal have not won a Premier League match in over a month.

Chelsea vs Arsenal LIVE Streaming Premier League 2024-25 football, Check Where and How to Watch LIVE Telecast

When will the Chelsea vs Arsenal, Premier League football match take place?

Chelsea vs Arsenal, Premier League football match will take place on Sunday, November 10 (IST).

Where will the Chelsea vs Arsenal, Premier League football match be held?

The Chelsea vs Arsenal, Premier League football match will be held at Stamford Bridge, London.

What time will the Chelsea vs Arsenal, Premier League football match start?

The Chelsea vs Arsenal, Premier League football match will start at 10:00 PM IST.

Which TV channels will show the live telecast of the Chelsea vs Arsenal, Premier League football match?

The Chelsea vs Arsenal, Premier League football match will be televised on the Star Sports network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the Chelsea vs Arsenal, Premier League football match?

The Chelsea vs Arsenal, Premier League football match will be live streamed on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website.

(All details are as per information provided by the broadcaster)

Inter Milan vs Arsenal Live Streaming UEFA Champions League: Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is set for a return to action during his side’s UEFA Champions League clash against Inter Milan at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Thursday. Odegaard has missed his team’s last 12 matches after picking up the injury on international duty with Norway, but he trained and travelled to Milan with the squad for the clash. Arsenal sit ninth in the Champions League’s new single standings, level on seven points with their Italian opponents. Simone Inzaghi’s men have won seven times in an eight-match unbeaten run and Wednesday’s game is between two teams with ambitions to go deep in the tournament.

Arsenal were beaten last weekend, 0-1 away loss to Newcastle United in the Premier League. Inter, on the other hand, edged out Venezia with the same scoreline.

When will the Inter Milan vs Arsenal, UEFA Champions League match be played?

The Inter Milan vs Arsenal, UEFA Champions League match will be played on Thursday, November 7.

Where will the Inter Milan vs Arsenal, UEFA Champions League match be played?

The Inter Milan vs Arsenal, UEFA Champions League match will be played at San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy.

What time will the Inter Milan vs Arsenal, UEFA Champions League match start?

The Inter Milan vs Arsenal, UEFA Champions League match will start at 1:30 AM (IST).

Where to follow the live telecast of the Inter Milan vs Arsenal, UEFA Champions League match?

The Inter Milan vs Arsenal, UEFA Champions League will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the Inter Milan vs Arsenal, UEFA Champions League match?

The Inter Milan vs Arsenal, UEFA Champions League match will be streamed live on Sony Liv.

(All the details are as per the information provided by the broadcaster)

Newcastle put a huge dent in Arsenal’s title aspirations on Saturday, winning 1-0 to give leaders Manchester City the chance to move eight points clear of the Gunners at the top of the Premier League. Alexander Isak scored what proved to be the winning goal in the 12th minute, heading home Anthony Gordon‘s pinpoint cross from the right. Arsenal struggled to get out of first gear and although they dominated possession, they produced just one shot on target in the entire game.

Mikel Arteta‘s men have now picked up just one point in their past three games as their title push quickly runs out of steam.

If defending champions City win at Bournemouth later on Saturday they will be eight points clear of the Gunners. Liverpool, a point behind City, host Brighton at Anfield.

Arsenal have pushed Pep Guardiola’s City hard in each of the past two seasons and appeared to be well-equipped for another title challenge but the gap already looks alarmingly big.

The injury-hit visitors started brightly in the opening seconds at St James’ Park, with Leandro Trossard dragging the ball wide.

But the home side, who had not won for five matches, quickly settled and Sweden forward Isak got between Gabriel and William Saliba to head home from Gordon’s exquisite first-time cross.

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka lacked penetration but headed just wide in the 18th minute after leaping above his marker.

Newcastle defender Lewis Hall blocked Mikel Merino’s shot on the line after a Declan Rice corner caused chaos but the visitors lacked rhythm and failed to match the intensity shown by the home side.

Arteta opted against making changes at half-time and Newcastle came close to doubling their lead almost immediately, with Joe Willock’s shot saved by David Raya.

The Spanish boss threw on 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri and Oleksandr Zinchenko for Gabriel Martinelli and Merino just after the hour mark.

Isak fired a shot at Raya that the Arsenal goalkeeper pushed away before Rice muscled his way into the Newcastle area and flashed a shot wide.

Arteta made further changes, introducing defender Ben White and forward Gabriel Jesus in the desperate push for an equaliser.

Arsenal struggled to build up a head of steam as the clock ticked down but they squandered a golden chance to equalise when Rice headed just wide from a Saka cross in stoppage time.

The Gunners, still missing captain Martin Odegaard, suffered a shock defeat against Bournemouth last month and drew 2-2 with Liverpool last week.

They have tough games coming up against Inter Milan in the Champions League and Chelsea next week.

The win lifts Eddie Howe’s Newcastle to eighth in the table ahead of the later kick-offs on Saturday.

Manchester City vs Arsenal LIVE Telecast, Premier League 2024-25 LIVE Streaming© AFP