Summary

Live Reporting

Craig Nelson, Ben Ramsdale, Charlotte Coates & Tasnim Chowdhury. Edited by Murray Burnell

  1. It's January and you know what that means... the transfer window is open! We'll be taking a look at what could be coming up in the next month so stay with us.

  2. Get Involved - can Arsenal challenge Liverpool?

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    I believe that Arsenal will win the title this season if they sign one or two new players in Jan. Liverpool are going to drop points - and they have to play the last ever Merseyside Derby at Goodison against a highly motivated Everton. Arsenal need to add a different dynamic in attacking midfield and if Arteta doesn't do this he'll be proven to be myopic and deluded, and will lose out again, and never get the opportunity again.

    Jay, Arsenal fan

  3. Get Involved - can Arsenal challenge Liverpool?

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    If Arsenal are going to have a chance at this title they’re going to need all their best players fit. That means Saka recovering quickly, Saliba staying fresh and, for me, Nwaneiri getting a run of games in the team. He’s a special player and I’ve not seen someone like that in north London since Cazorla!

    Brett, Islington

    Arsenal’s challenge will ultimately come down to the length of time Jesus purple patch lasts, if he keeps the run going for the time of Saka’s absence then they will push Liverpool close; the biggest threat to Liverpool though will come from within, what happens in this month regarding the big 3 contracts can have a big say on their momentum going into the backend of the season.

    Ricky, Plymouth

  4. Get Involved - can Arsenal challenge Liverpool?

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    Some fantastically entertaining nonsense in the comments today as always. One of my personal favourites is the "Liverpool haven't had injuries like other teams argument." Their first choice goalkeeper, centre back, and most clinical striker have all been out long-term alongside other injuries. We'd never hear the end of it if Raya, Saliba/Gabriel, and Havertz had been out for the same length of time. But as Slot said "no one talks about injuries when you're winning."

    Thomas

  5. Biggest points gap overturned in PL title race

    With Arsenal now six points behind leaders Liverpool having played a game more, it's time to start looking at the biggest points gap overturned in a Premier League title race.

    • In 1997/98, Arsenal overturned a gap of 13 points to Manchester United. The Gunners had a game in hand when trailing United by 13 points in December.
    • Manchester United clawed back a 12-point gap to Norwich in 1992/93. This was United's first title in 26 years.
    • Manchester City charged down a 10-point gap to Liverpool in 2018/19. On 29 December, the Reds were unbeaten but lost to City in January as Pep Guardiola's side won 18 of their last 19 games.
    Arsenal holding the Premier League trophy in 1998Getty Images

  6. Get Involved - can Arsenal challenge Liverpool?

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    Some dreadful Liverpool takes on here today. Slot has totally changed the way 'Klopps Team' plays and they're looking great having only lost 2 games all season. Plus Salah isn't carrying them, he's just playing great at the moment which is contributing to some of these big wins.

    Tom K, Leeds

    Replying to comments from rezaasait - Arne slot is special.... One loss in 2024 across all league games for both his teams. No other manager has only one loss in 2024 so it's not just his Liverpool record that's impressive. Also top of the champions league and did something Klopp never did... beat Real Madrid.

    Anon

    It’s becoming a snoozefest listening to Arsenal fans constantly complain about how many injuries they’ve had. Liverpool have had multiple injuries themselves. Liverpool are at the top of the Premier League on merit, and Slot deserves huge credit. Arteta is to blame for not installing a winning mentality at Arsenal. Coming second in the league three times in a row would be a failure, nothing less.

    Sam, Kent

  7. What's in store for you next?

    Now that we've touched on Arsenal's Premier League title credentials and some team news from Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, we've got plenty more coming your way, so don't go anywhere!

    Up next:

    • More talk around Arsenal and the title race.
    • A brief look at the opening days of the transfer window.

  8. Ayew and Faes available, Hermansen remains out

    Aston Villa v Leicester (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Leicester City

    Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy on team news: "Jordan Ayew is back after suspension. Wout Faes has been training individually so far but he will be back in team training from today onwards so we will look at how he continues his progress. These two I think we can add to the team hopefully.

    "Mads Hermansen won't be available. He has been assessed over the last week. He is in his rehab program. We want him to be well and 100% fit before he comes back on the pitch. Not a clear picture yet of how long it will be but he will be out for a couple of weeks at least."

  9. Edouard to remain at Leicester

    Aston Villa v Leicester (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Leicester City

    Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy on the future of Odsonne Edouard, who is on loan from Crystal Palace: "Odsonne is part of our squad. He will be part of the squad. He is one of the two Premier League loans we have with Facundo Buonanotte and Odsonne. We expect them to be at the club."

  10. 'December gave a clear view where the team needs to improve'

    Aston Villa v Leicester (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Leicester City

    Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy on if he and the board have established targets for the January transfer window: "When I first came in I assessed the current squad and I wanted to see how it was to be working with this squad, the players and the positions. We are aligned with that, right from the start of our first conversation before I signed and right through the December month.

    "We are clear on looking at certain options and when the options are right for us to strengthen and help the team then we are able to do something."

    On what positions he feels the team need to strengthen: "These conversations are important and the December month gave a clear view for me in what positions the team needs help and improvement. You can also look at injuries and how long they are out for, this is also part of where we want to strengthen but that is something we want to keep behind closed doors."

    On whether he will look at bringing any Manchester United players to Leicester: "I am looking at my network having played in a couple of countries and more clubs. It is important to use my network in opportunities to strengthen the squad. We are looking at all possibilities to help this team reach their targets. We are looking everywhere."

  11. Time to hear from Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy before he takes his struggling side to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa on Saturday.

  12. Get Involved - can Arsenal challenge Liverpool?

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    The weekly swing in opinions based on the recent matches about who is 'in the title race' is crazy. Liverpool's to lose, all Arsenal or anyone else can do is take it game by game and hope that Liverpool slip up.

    Samuel

  13. Nwaneri stands in for Saka

    Brentford 1-3 Arsenal

    Arsenal

    Arsenal were dealt a huge blow in December when Bukayo Saka underwent hamstring surgery after the injury he picked up in the win over Crystal Palace.

    Ethan Nwaneri, 17, was tasked with filling Saka's large hole and he did so very well in the win over Brentford last night.

    "That was a decision we made because I thought he was the best player to play in the position to start the game and because there was a story there, with his debut here," said Arteta about Nwaneri.

    Arsenal winger Ethan Nwaneri running with the the ballGetty Images

  14. Get Involved - can Arsenal challenge Liverpool?

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    Arsenal will win the Premier League with one game to go, I’ve been saying it since the start of the season. We will win at Anfield this time round. Isak in the summer, but as for January - loan for Osimhen? Liam Delap looked absolutely insanely good against Chelsea, Cunha? We need someone who can play in the Champions League for us now. If Isak was willing to leave Newcastle mid season then I would pay upto 100m for him now.

    Josie, Sheffield

  15. Toughest remaining fixtures for Liverpool

    Liverpool

    Liverpool come into the second half of the season knowing they are in control of the title race but Arsenal don't seem to be going anywhere. Let's take a look at the toughest remaining games for Arne Slot's side.

    • 14th place Manchester United (H) - Sunday
    • Third place Nottingham Forest (A) - 14 January
    • Seventh place Bournemouth (A) - 1 February
    • Sixth place Manchester City (A) - 23 February
    • Ninth place Aston Villa (A) - 15 March
    • Fourth place Chelsea (A) - 3 May
    • Second place Arsenal (H) - 10 May
    • 10th place Brighton (A) - 18 May
    Liverpool boss Arne Slot appealing fansGetty Images

  16. Get Involved - can Arsenal challenge Liverpool?

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    Re can Arsenal catch Liverpool.. yes. But as a Liverpool fan, it’s STILL City we have to watch. We are doing great and I’m hopeful but we have to avoid too many draws.

    Phil, Derbyshire

  17. Toughest remaining games for Arsenal

    Arsenal

    Arsenal are now at the halfway point in their season having now played 19 games, but what do their remaining fixtures look like? The Gunners only have three of the top 10 away from home remaining.

    • 10th place Brighton (A) - Sunday
    • 11th place Tottenham (H) - 15 January
    • Ninth place Aston Villa (H) - 18 January
    • Sixth place Manchester City (H) - 2 Feb
    • Third place Nottingham Forest (A) - 25 Feb
    • Fourth place Chelsea (H) - 15 March
    • First place Liverpool (A) - 10 May

  18. Get Involved - can Arsenal challenge Liverpool?

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    RezaaSait on X: The only reason Liverpool are top of the league is because City and Arsenal lost their best players during the season and Chelsea are still young. Arne Slot is basically getting plaudits for winning with Klopp's team. Nothing special about him.

  19. When is Liverpool v Arsenal?

    Liverpool will welcome Arsenal to Anfield on 10 May in a match that could decide the destination of the Premier League title. Put that in your diaries!

    The two sides played out a 2-2 draw in the game at the Emirates Stadium at the end of October after Liverpool came from behind twice.

    Mohamed Salah knee sliding at the Emirates StadiumGetty Images

  20. Villa's Lewis Dobbin close to joining Norwich

    Nick Mashiter
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Lewis Dobbin is poised to sign for Norwich on loan from Aston Villa until the end of the season.

    The 21-year-old winger could wrap up the move in the next 24 hours and has visited the Canaries' Colney training ground.

    Dobbin is available after his loan at West Brom was terminated as he struggled for game time at the Hawthorns.

    He joined Villa from Everton for £10m in the summer and moved to the Baggies in August but made just one league start for Albion, the 1-1 draw against Preston in November, as well as 16 substitute appearances.

    He was left out of Albion's matchday squad for the New Year's Day 3-1 home win over Preston and joint-caretaker boss Chris Brunt confirmed that the two clubs have come to an agreement to terminate the loan.

    "Villa have asked to call him back," Brunt told BBC Radio WM. "He's not played as much as they'd have wanted for a loan player coming out of a Premier League club."