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Arteta wants to 'capitalise'published at 17:28 21 January
17:28 21 January
Alex Howell BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal go into the game with Dinamo Zagreb in a strong position in the Champions League group stage table.
The Gunners are third on 13 points and look set to finish inside the top eight places.
Clubs that finish above eighth after completing the group stage fixtures avoid the two extra play-off matches.
Arsenal have suffered with injuries this season and Mikel Arteta said in the build up to the game that he is looking to "capitalise" on the work his side have done so far.
"We're in a really strong position, and now we try to capitalise at home, the way that we've done for many months," he said.
"So we need a strong performance tomorrow against a really good side and we'll try to get it."
Arteta on team news, music in training and European qualification published at 15:55 21 January
15:55 21 January
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Champions League game against Dinamo Zagreb at Emirates Stadium (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Arteta said "it's very positive news" that Riccardo Calafiori and Ethan Nwaneri have returned to training and will be available.
Centre-back William Saliba is "evolving really well" but Wednesday's game comes too soon.
On the Champions League: "So far, we have done really well. We are in a strong position and now it's time to capitalise at home. After the work that we have done for many months, we need a strong performance against a really good side and we'll try to do that."
He said they have used music in training "to help bring energy and to change some purposes we want in the training session" and also because "the players enjoy it".
On the possibility of fewer games if they finish in the top eight: "Let's do what we have to do first. We're talking about the Champions League. If we manage to do that then we will have the ideas to make that decision."
On the Dinamo players, some of whom have been linked with the Gunners before: "They have a lot of talent. They have some individuals who catch your eye. You have in your head the players who played for that club."
He said Bukayo Saka being off crutches "is not going to change" the timeline for his return and added: "He is getting better day by day but we have to respect the process."
Max Dowman, who is 15 years old and trained with the squad on Tuesday, is "taking very fast steps" and "every time we put him in a new challenge he meets it".
He said he "doesn't get too distracted" by for follow transfer speculation.
What 's the one thing no-one is talking about?published at 11:57 21 January
11:57 21 January
Arsenal failed to hold on to a two-goal lead against Aston Villa on Saturday, leaving the gap to Liverpool at six points, having also played an extra game.
A lot is being made of how badly the Gunners are in need of a clinical number nine.
But you know your team best... so what's the one thing - good or bad - nobody seems to be talking about but really should be?
Have injuries proven crucial in title race?published at 10:44 21 January
10:44 21 January
Media caption,
New York Times chief football correspondent Rory Smith believes Arsenal's injury issues are affecting the club's form, and if Liverpool would have seen their own results impacted with a similar injury situation.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, Smith said: "Liverpool have had injuries, obviously [Diogo] Jota again, Alisson missed a substantial part of the season, they've struggled a bit with [Ibrahima] Konate and [Joe] Gomez.
"If they were to have the same injury situation as Arsenal I think you would see an impact on their performances and then their results.
"This season might be about who perseveres the most in terms of fitness as well as ultimate ability. Arsenal did look light on the bench but they've got so many players out - seven or eight players missing?"
He added: "Arsenal's longest winning run is three games - I think if your team is changing consistently it makes it much harder to put a run of form together."
The gloomy stats reflected in Arsenal fanbase's current moodpublished at 09:36 21 January
09:36 21 January
Laura Kirk-Francis Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Many Arsenal fans are grappling with a pressing question: have the Gunners regressed this season? And if so, why?
After 22 Premier League games, Arsenal have won 12 matches - only two fewer than at the same stage last year.
They have also lost fewer games - so far so good.
However, they have drawn eight times, three more than any other top-five side.
Alarmingly, in six of those draws, Arsenal have surrendered winning positions. Only against Fulham, when they went behind in the 12th minute to a stunning Raul Jimenez strike, and the 0-0 stalemate with Everton at the Emirates, did this trend differ.
Much has been made of Arsenal's lack of cutting edge in attack, with many continuing to point to a lack of available forwards, especially now Gabriel Jesus faces an extended time out of the game to add to Bukayo Saka still being months from returning.
But Arsenal now take fewer shots per game (14 compared to 17 last season, according to stats on the Premier League's website), though their accuracy has improved. Leandro Trossard's winner on Wednesday in the north London derby showcased exactly why Arsenal need to test out goalkeepers more. In the words of James Bond's M: "Take the damn shot!"
The issues in attack are causing problems defensively, putting an often makeshift back four under unnecessary pressure.
Arsenal have kept clean sheets in just a third of their games this season, down from nearly 50% last year. David Raya, despite his quality, faces significantly more action, making 2.36 saves per game compared to 1.45 last season.
The Gunners are second in the league - technically an improvement on last season's third-place standing at this stage.
But the stats tell a gloomier story, which is definitely reflected in the mood of the fanbase at the moment.
Arsenal 2-2 Aston Villa - the fans' verdictpublished at 11:29 20 January
11:29 20 January
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Here are some of your comments:
Arsenal fans:
Pauline: Arsenal are not been led by the right manager - Arteta needs to be gone at the end of the season. Unfortunately Arsenal will win nothing under him this season. Extremely disappointing. Liverpool would never give up a two goal lead, they fight right to the end. Arsenal don't do this.
Matteo: Same story... Not enough movement up front, combined with not enough determination to run forward and a reluctance to take shooting opportunities! Defence almost perfect, but not quite. Outstanding Martinelli, Trossard and Lewis -Skelly. It not over yet, but worrying!
Martin: William Saliba was definitely missed. Such poor character to lose a 2-0 lead, and we need to cut Thomas Partey loose. I didn't think Havertz handballed, looked like it hit his stomach, but still we shouldn't have been in that position, and it makes the league more difficult now.
Dan: Sadly, like last season, I think that was the game to lose us the title, given how good Liverpool are right now. I, like many others, am really losing patience with Arteta. In just over five years, he's only won one FA Cup, which was with a squad mainly built by Emery and Wenger! It's simply not good enough. I think we'll only keep him if we somehow win the Champions League.
Aston Villa fans:
Samuel: The greatest improvement that Emery has made in his time at Villa is the unbelievable mentality this team has. Even when we're 2-0 down at the Emirates, and not playing particularly well, we don't give up and get things done!
Ian: Good all round performance and I think if we were a bit more positive we could have sneaked it. Showed great character to come back from two down but I think it was a fair result against a good side in Arsenal. Hopefully we get the right result in Monaco and when we get some of the injured players back and perhaps one or two additions in transfer window we can look forward to good second half of the season. Keep the faith!
Paul: Battling performance against the tide of Arsenal pressure. At 2-0 we were dead and buried but Unai changed tactics, went on the attack and in the end we could have won it when Bogarde should have put his foot through it. Immense team performance and Monaco here we come!
Steve: Backs to the wall for the larger parts of the opening 60 minutes before Tielemans got us back in the game. Watkins loves scoring against Arsenal and all Villains are delighted he extended that record with the equaliser. Cash exposed for both opening goals and it remains an area of defensive concern for Unai Emery.
'Something is not right'published at 08:40 20 January
08:40 20 January
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal have dropped 12 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season.
That is already three more than the whole of last season combined.
"You can't be doing that if you want to be crowned champions at the end of the season," said former top-flight striker Glenn Murray on the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily podcast. "That is a real concern for Mikel Arteta.
"They were a team that people thought were game management masters and now all of a sudden they don't look that way.
"When behind or a game is in the balance they seem to lose their way. They don't have the balls going into the box because they don't have a physical number nine that will win aerial duals.
"They have a few injury concerns but it just doesn't seem to be clicking at Arsenal at the moment. Something is not right."
'Best game we've played against Villa since I've been here'published at 20:20 18 January
20:20 18 January
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports his feelings after today's game: "Pride [at] the way the boys played and competed, the third time in six days. To deliver that dominance, that performance, they were outstanding. We deserved much more, that's clear.
"The way we defended, especially the second goal, can't be part of our game.
"Overall the word is pride because they were exceptional. The way they tried [was impressive]. There were players that were dead and performed like this for 97 minutes. They don't look for excuses or to the bench looking what to do.
"It was the best game we've played against Villa since I've been here. They're a good side. In attack and defending, the level we're playing is so high. Something was missing. The line is so thin and we have to find it.
"Today we cannot concede the two goals we did after everything we did. That line is so thin. Credit to them as well."
On the disallowed goal: "The decision is made. It's difficult because we have so much emotion, the celebration and it's taken away from you. Not easy."
'That is football - that is the Premier League'published at 19:55 18 January
19:55 18 January
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, has been speaking to BBC Sport after today's draw: "We wanted to win the game. That was our goal. We tried our best. We didn't win. We have to keep going and trust in ourselves.
"We have to rewatch the game and see what we did wrong and where to improve.
"I have to play wherever Mikel tells me to play. I prefer to play on the left, it's more natural for me but I play anywhere to help the team."
On Myles Lewis-Skelly: "We love him. He's brilliant, a star boy. We trust him. I think he's going to be one of the best players in the world in the future."
On dropping two points: "That's football - that's the Premier League. We have to rewatch the game and see what we did wrong and stop making the same mistakes in the next months."
Arsenal 2-2 Aston Villa: Did you know?published at 19:48 18 January
19:48 18 January
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal have failed to win a Premier League home game in which they led by 2+ goals for the first time since October 2019 (2-2 vs Crystal Palace), having won each of their past 46 before tonight.
Aston Villa avoided defeat in a Premier League away game in which they trailed by 2+ goals for the first time since November 2013 (2-2 vs West Bromwich Albion), ending a run of 52 straight defeats.
Arsenal 2-2 Aston Villa - send us your thoughtspublished at 19:26 18 January
Sutton's predictions: Arsenal v Aston Villapublished at 11:16 18 January
11:16 18 January
This was the game that did it for Arsenal last season. They won 16 of their last 18 league games, but had one bad half against Aston Villa and the defeat cost them the title.
That memory must still hurt but it might actually help Mikel Arteta's side focus on getting the job done this time.
Villa come into this game after a good win at Everton but they allowed David Moyes' side to have a few opportunities.
The Gunners deserved their win over Tottenham on Wednesday and I can see them building on that performance, by finding their ruthless touch.
Saka is 'obligated' to go on holiday - Artetapublished at 11:05 18 January
11:05 18 January
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has urged star forward Bukayo Saka to go on holiday while he is suffering from a hamstring injury sustained against Crystal Palace last month.
The England international had scored nine goals and 13 assists before injury interrupted his season and ruled him out until March at the earliest.
The 23-year-old returned to the Emirates, on crutches, for the first time as Arsenal beat Tottenham in the north London derby on Wednesday.
Arteta was asked if said should go on holiday, he said: "Yes, he needs to. He is obligated to go, with his girlfriend, or his family, or on his own. He can choose.
"He needs to get away for a few days and refresh. He can still do a lot of things with his rehabilitation because it is the perfect stage. It will make him better."
There is a possibility that Saka's getaway will coincide with Arsenal's warm-weather training camp following the club's semi-final second-leg fixture against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on 5 February.
The Gunners will have a 10-day break between matches following their FA Cup exit to Manchester United.
Arteta on Lewis-Skelly's left-back journey published at 15:38 17 January
15:38 17 January
Alex Howell BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Mikel Arteta has been speaking about the progress academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly has made this season.
The 18-year-old is having a breakthrough campaign and shone during the 2-1 win over Tottenham at Emirates Stadium.
Lewis-Skelly is naturally a central midfielder but has been impressing at left-back for the Gunners.
"The moment that I saw him the only thing that I could think was to change his position," said Arteta.
"I spoke to him and said this is where you're going to have a chance.
"It fits a lot his quality and the way we play because we had necessities in the position and we started to work on that. He bought into it strength away with the personality that he has."
Arteta went on to speak about the challenges Lewis-Skelly has had to face when learning the role of a full-back.
"Adapting to the role is not only the defensive part," he said.
"You're facing wingers a lot of time in that position and you're part of the defensive line.
"All the attacking process on top of that. It's quite a lot. He's dealing with it in a great way. Physically, he has matured a lot in the past year."
Arteta on Calafiori, a striker pursuit and the title racepublished at 14:03 17 January
14:03 17 January
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Aston Villa (kick-off 17:30).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
On Riccardo Calafiori potentially playing against Aston Villa tomorrow, he said: "There a few decisions to make with the medical staff this afternoon, whether he can play in this game or the next one."
He added that none of Arsenal's longer-term absentees are closer to a return.
Arteta was asked about Arsenal's well-documented pursuit of a striker and said: "At the moment we don't have them, we are trying to find the solution. We will have to see what we can do. We are actively always evolving the squad."
On beating north London rivals Tottenham and looking forward to facing Aston Villa: "I loved the attitude that the team played with, a great occasion in front of our people, the atmosphere was brilliant but we move on to the next one, that's a big game. We will try as hard as possible to prepare in the best way to win. We know the difficulty of the team that they are, that's why they are performing so well. Great players, and a great coach."
The Gunners are in the hunt for the title again and are currently four points behind leaders Liverpool. On the title race, Arteta said: "If we refer to the stats, the stats said that we were the best team in the league but the reality is that we didn't win the league so we still need to improve and be better. We are playing to win and that's exactly where we want to be. The pressure comes from within. You have to thrive to be the best that you possibly can be."
Image source, Getty Images
