A decade after the Brazilian World Cup winner left the Emirates Arsenal look to have at last found a defensive midfielder of similar stature in the powerful pocket-sized UruguayanSo it turns out what Arsenal had been missing all this time has been an energetic deep-lying midfielder. Who knew? It was entirely fitting that it should be Lucas Torreira who rounded off their 4-2 victory in the north London derby on Sunday; he had been the key player in the game, not just for what he did with the ball, and without it, but because of what he embodies.In the days of the debilitating niceness, Arsenal would probably not have come back from conceding two goals in quick succession just after...
The Merseyside and north London derbies did not disappoint whilst Wolves might need to change tactics and personnel Related: Spurs face FA inquiry after fan throws banana skin at Arsenal’s Aubameyang Related: The Dozen: the weekend’s best Premier League photos Related: European round-up: PSG drop points for first time in Bordeaux draw Related: Manchester City’s Georgia Stanway inflicts first WSL defeat on Arsenal Continue reading...
German enigma continues to divide opinion at the Emirates and beyond but if his manager cannot trust him then Arsenal have a problem, and an expensive one at thatTell me what you think about Mesut Özil, and I will tell you who you are. Or at least that is the way the endless debate around the Arsenal playmaker often seems to be framed. Are you somebody who loves beauty and grace and is prepared to accept occasional indolence as a price worth paying, or are you some sort of utilitarian box-ticker, demanding constant effort at all times? Are you a continental sophisticate, or a blunt English football man who prizes industry above imagination? But it is, of course, much more...
From Reiss Nelson to Kevin Mirallas we check how the players are doing to see if they have a future at their parent clubsPart two: every loanee from Leicester to WolvesReiss Nelson, 18, Hoffenheim: A whirlwind start to Bundesliga life has seen Nelson flourish, keen to express himself and take responsibility. Often a supersub, the goals are flowing, as is his confidence, and he was named Rookie of the Month for October. Related: Hot dog stocks and snowploughs: life as a Premier League stadium manager Related: Joel Campbell tells Arsenal he is reluctant to go on loan for sixth time ⚽️ @mbatshuayi ⚽️ @kevingameiro9 ⚽️ Rodrigo Moreno #YoCreoEnEsteEquipo pic.twitter.com/95xhqIEQfh Related: Gordon Taylor, the world’s ruliest rulers and an attempted PFA...
Hugo Lloris ends his madcap day on a high, Everton work out how to stop Chelsea and Salomón Rondón proves his worthUnai Emery delivered an overdue update on Danny Welbeck, the Arsenal striker who was stricken against Sporting in the Europa League last Thursday. Welbeck, the manager reported, underwent surgery last Friday to repair his badly broken ankle and he will be out for some time. With Welbeck’s contract due to expire at the end of the season, has he played his final game for the club? Emery had more pressing matters with his strikers against Wolves and he made a tactical change at half‑time, switching from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-1-2 in order to allow Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to come in from...