Arsenal

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace (kick-off 17:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Riccardo Calafiori and Declan Rice are available, while Oleksandr Zinchenko "has a chance of making it".

• The game comes too soon for defender Takehiro Tomiyasu as he remains sidelined.

• On playing Palace again: "It is different, but we don't have to analyse them too much. I am sure both sides will change a few things and personnel. We know what it's like to go to Selhurst Park and we have to prepare for that."

• Arteta said he was "really pleased" with Gabriel Jesus' performance on Wednesday.

• On progress this season: "The unity, the connection and the fact we are competing on big fronts right now. We haven't managed to do that in recent years so that's positive."

• He said building a connection with fans "takes time" but five years on he feels there is "a common respect and feeling" between him and the fans.

• On if he has looked ahead to five years time: "No. You have to live in the present in this job. You can prepare for the mid-to long-term but you have to be in the moment to understand how things are working and putting processes in place to make better decisions."

• He admitted he was "very obsessed with the tactical aspects of the game" when he arrived in 2019 and had "to evolve" when football was paused during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to full commentary of Crystal Palace v Arsenal from 17:30 GMT on Saturday on BBC Radio 5 Live

Arsenal have previously held talks about a move for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko and retain a strong interest in the player having established a good relationship with his representatives. (Mail Plus - subscription required), external

Meanwhile, winger Reiss Nelson - currently on loan at Fulham - will be allowed to leave the Gunners next summer with the 25-year-old unlikely to be a major part of Mikel Arteta's plans in the future. (Mail Plus - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

The draw for the Carabao Cup semi-finals has been made, with Tottenham paired with holders Liverpool and Arsenal set to face Newcastle.

The two-legged semi-final ties will take place in week commencing 6 January (first leg) and week commencing 3 February (second leg).

Spurs completed the line-up for the last four with their victory over Manchester United on Thursday.

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Bukayo Saka says he and his Arsenal team-mates are "not scared" of saying they want to win the Premier League or Champions League this season.

The Gunners have finished runners-up to Manchester City in each of the past two domestic campaigns, and head into the festive period this year third in the table - six points off top spot.

They returned to the Champions League last season after a six-year absence, reaching the quarter-finals.

It is four years since Arsenal won a major trophy, and Saka is determined to help them end that run this season.

"We're not scared. The last two seasons we've competed for the league and come very close," he told BBC Sport in an exclusive interview.

"We're also back in the Champions League - we have some experience there now - so we feel we're ready to compete for every trophy.

"We really want to take that next step and try to win something."

Read the full exclusive interview here

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Gabriel Jesus says "the pressure will always be there" to score goals after his hat-trick against Crystal Palace sealed Arsenal's place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Jesus had scored only once this season before Wednesday's match – in the previous round against Preston.

His 27-minute treble marks the first time he has scored more than one goal in a match in 20 months and is also his maiden hat-trick in an Arsenal shirt, following his summer 2022 transfer from Manchester City.

After the game, Mikel Arteta claimed his number nine is now "back to his best" and hopes it is a turning point, after he spurned some good chances in their Champions League win over Monaco.

For his part, Jesus accepted he needed to be appearing on the scoresheet more regularly.

"I had pressure on my shoulders to score," Jess said. "Against Monaco I missed two clear chances. Obviously, I was disappointed that I didn't score in that game.

"I just had to keep my mind clear and strong. I work with [attacking coach, Hussein] Isa every day and he told me: 'Look Gabby, you're quality, you need to be calm and then you'll score'.

"That's what I did, and I'm happy to come back to score goals, because I have the number nine and the pressure will always be there to score. That's the challenge."

Image source, BBC Sport

Mikel Arteta believes that Arsenal have got Gabriel Jesus "back at his best."

The forward scored a hat-trick against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night to send the side through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals, his first goals at the Emirates since 17 December 2023.

"The movement, the quality of his touches, the way he finished, his reactions - that is a big, big thing for him and the team," said the Arsenal boss.

"It is a big message for the team in that we have got Gabby back at his best. Playing at that level he can really deliver for us.

"Gabby is someone who wants to do more. He wants to work harder and help the team more in every way. Today it got rewarded."

Image source, The i/ The Mail

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final between Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

Here are some of your comments:

Arsenal fans

Rachel: On the strength of that, we have a number nine. Gabriel Jesus is a class act but needs a run in the team to build confidence. Outstanding from Martin Odegaard - how flat we look without him. Wiliam Saliba is needed to boost the backline and then Bukay Saka seals the deal. Just play this way at the weekend!

Matt: I'm so happy for Jesus as he's had a rotten time of it for a while. If we can get an in-form Jesus back that really adds something to our attack. Roll on the semi-finals!

Ali: Great... a Jesus hat-trick in December is just what Mikel Arteta needs as justification for not buying a new striker in January. So on we go, another season without a trophy.

Guy: Arsenal made it hard for themselves again. Last year we had a solid defence that the attack could build on. With Ben White out we look more shaky at the back. Raheem Sterling was unimpressive as usual. Pleased to see Kieran Tierney back in the team and playing well.

Crystal Palace fans

Gary: Poor performance after the win at Brighton. We lacked energy and gave the ball away too easily. It shows the lack of depth in our squad. We stood off them and gave them too much room. It was a good idea to leave players up at Arsenal's corners though. Hope we get a better result on Saturday.

Steve: Disappointing, yet somehow predictable. We must shake off feelings of inferiority when playing teams like Arsenal. They are not invincible. Let's hope on Saturday that Palace take the game to Arsenal. Put them under pressure from the get-go, and let's see how good they really are.

Ian: Arsenal deserved the win but gutting to lose to an offside goal. Palace's 120-year quest for a major trophy continues!

Peter: Really happy with our overall performance and great to see youth players breaking through and getting minutes. Arsenal having to put on their premium players really showed how well Palace were doing.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio 5 Live reporter John Southall says the fine hat-trick scored by Gabriel Jesus in Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Crystal Palace will "do a lot for him".

The Brazil striker has faced criticism after struggling for goals this season. However, after finding the net at Emirates Stadium for the first time in a year in the second half, he went on to claim the match ball.

"People don't see what Jesus does when he doesn't score goals," Southall told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "I think he'd also admit he hasn't started as many games as he would like. He has been injured as well, but he does need to score more.

"Before Wednesday night, it was one goal in 33 games, which is not enough. I know he has only come on for a few minutes in some of those matches but he is a centre-forward and should be scoring more.

"The hat-trick against Palace will do a lot for him. It will be interesting to see if he starts against the Eagles again on Saturday.

"It was a great hat-trick. The first one was a lovely dinked finish, the second smashed into the corner from the right of the area, and the third a run from the halfway line where he kept his composure and finished brilliantly.

"We have talked a lot about Arsenal centre-forwards - well there is your Arsenal centre forward. Now, can he do it in the next game?"

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Andy Cryer
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

Mikel Arteta has undoubtedly had backing for his Arsenal project with his 'trust the process' motto adhered to by many.

Since he came in, the Gunners have a net spend of £500.14m, according to data from Football Transfers, Man City's is just £59.75m in that same period, helped by significant player sales of young talent.

It also makes the £235.4m net spend from the five years previous pale into insignificance.

That has allowed him to build a younger, more harmonious squad from the group of players he inherited - including spending big on the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz in recent times.

The Athletic's Rory Smith told BBC Sport: "It's seven years since Wenger left and that immediate succession was difficult, but since 2019 when Mikel Arteta took charge, it's been a pretty steep trajectory.

"They've come back to the position they've occupied since 2004, which was regularly qualifying for the Champions League, mounting title challenges and being one of England's undoubted elite.

"In the past year or two, it's maybe slowed down a bit. That might be because the final hurdle is the hardest.

When asked last month about managing Arsenal for 250 games, Arteta was clear what he thought his biggest achievement was.

"Bringing the club together, 100%," he said. "Lifting the spirit, giving a very clear DNA to the football club, and pride. To representing this shirt, from the players to everyone involved in the club, in the way that is expected at this level."

"Now it is about winning, that is the next step for sure."

Read the full article here

Arsenal are considering a move for 26-year-old Chelsea and England midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in January. (Caught Offside), external

Meanwhile, Scotland left-back Kieran Tierney will leave Arsenal in the summer, after the club opted not to trigger a contract extension option for the 27-year-old. (Athletic), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking after 3-2 win over Crystal Palace: "Really happy. We're in the semi-final.

"The game started in a way we didn't want with a very simple goal and then the team had to react in a great way. [They] showed a lot of character and so much desire to turn things around. Even in the first half [when] we lacked some threat, we created two or three big chances and didn't score.

"With a few adjustments in the second half we got a grip of the game again and we looked threatening."

On Gabriel Jesus scoring a hat-trick: "I'm so pleased for him. It's been a long period for him without goals and today, to score three goals, the three types of goals that he scored - and the many actions he was involved in - he looked very sharp.

"I think it's a great thing for him and the team that we can rely on a player of such quality. It's the same with Kieran [Tierney] and other players who haven't started many games and today they had the chance to do so.

On how far Jesus can go now: "It's now about consistency. Now this is a moment of spark that will bring so much confidence, not only to him, but to the team as well that we can rely on him to change games.

"Now we need to take it and give him more games and chances. We need to give him more chances because when a player is in that moment it's important to continue that."

On making changes: "I thought it was appropriate and good for the team to make those changes. You are right or wrong in relation to the result basically.

"I think the players, especially the ones who haven't played much, deserved to feel important. And everything that they earn, with their attitude and their behaviours, the way they train, the way they play when they have chances, to feel that it's worth it.

"I'm really happy with that."

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal's hat-trick hero Gabriel Jesus, speaking to Sky Sports: "I have scored a lot of goals but sometimes I have this problem with a lack of goals.

"I can create, I can make assist, I can run and help the team defending. When I score everyone sees, but when I don't they want their striker to score goals and I agree with that.

"That is why I am working a lot in training, finishing more, putting myself in a good position to finish the action.

"I think my hard work has paid off."

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Arsenal’s performance

What did you make of Crystal Palace’s display?

Come back to this page on Thursday to find a selection of your replies

There are three Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday.

• Arsenal v Crystal Palace 19:30

• Newcastle v Brentford 19:45 - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Southampton v Liverpool 20:00 - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

All kick-off times GMT

Follow all the action and reaction here

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On the most recent episode of the BBC's Planet Premier League podcast, former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha says criticism of Arsenal about their goalscoring mirrors the debate from 12 months ago.

"It's funny because this is the same as it was a year ago when the talk was that they needed a number nine," Onuoha said.

"When January came all of a sudden it was like: 'Oh Havertz, what a great player we've got here. It's great to see him doing well. Never doubted him. He's such a great signing for Arteta'.

"I think they'll be fine, but I thought that for a long time and I put a lot of the eggs in the basket that they're going to win the league. As it stands, that's not looking so good, is it?"

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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Friday marks five years since Mikel Arteta took charge as Arsenal boss. The Gunners have reached one domestic cup semi-final since their FA Cup triumph in the Spaniard's first season, but have competed for the Premier League title in the past two campaigns.

We asked you to have your say on Arteta's time in charge so far and whether the team can make the next step to more silverware.

Here are some of your comments:

Scott: Before Arteta arrived, I was on the verge of stopping my support for them because I felt like the Arsenal I grew up loving were gone. Mikel has rebuilt the club, made us solid, given youth their chance to make an impact, made difficult decisions, and been ruthless when needed. The progress from where we were has been fantastic, especially when you compare with other clubs like Manchester United. I think we have to remember he is a young manager doing remarkably well. The trophies will come!

Savs: Arsenal have come a long way in five years. And this was after a lot more than five years of gradual decline. The comparison is often made with a post-Sir Alex Ferguson Manchester United - it is a fair one and they are still in disarray. For this lens, Arteta has done a magnificent job. However, now comes perhaps the hardest final step: winning trophies. He should be given the time and opportunity to do this. But this has to be this season or next. Keep the faith. Keep supporting. Keep believing.

Tharun: He has done what Ruben Amorim is trying to do. We went from a team who were not finishing in the top four, which was disappointing, to not winning the league, which is disappointing. Now we know we can win silverware so we ought to expect one.

Lee: We will never win anything until a striker like Alexander Isak or even Marcus Rashford were to come in. I'm sure Arteta could get him back to his best and then teams would be more afraid of the striker and less dependant on trying to stop Martin Odegaard or Bukayo Saka. That would open more space for the team to do damage, especially in tight games.