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A 'brick wall' and a 'generational talent' - fans on Salibapublished at 11:20 BST 1 October
11:20 BST 1 October
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Arsenal defender William Saliba signing a new long-term contract at the club, after drawing reported interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid this summer.
It comes after centre-back partner Gabriel put pen to paper on a new four-year deal in June, so just how important will these contract extensions prove to be?
Here are some of your thoughts:
Chukwuemeka: Good news! Saliba has become a brick wall in Arsenal's defence. What I love most about him is his passion, he gives everything to his game. Hopefully this time the reward of trophies will not elude him and the rest of the lads!
Alexi: Saliba is such a hard-working character and a leader for us at the club. It is really important that we confirmed this new deal to push big clubs away like Real Madrid and PSG. Saliba and Gabriel could go down as one of the best centre-back duos in the Premier League ever.
Melvyn: Excellent news that Saliba has extended his contract with the Gunners. We just need Saka to put pen to paper now.
Vince: Saliba is a generational talent and a great example of what you can achieve with patience. He was out on loan for the first few years and I never thought he would amount to much, but I've never been more pleased to be proven wrong! He also reminds me of Ray Parlour in 1990s/2000s, who amazingly transformed from an average player into a midfield general who captained the Invincibles.
Roland: I feel the squad is now strong enough to complete on all fronts. Well done Arsenal!
Gunners thrive amid the chaospublished at 08:37 BST 1 October
08:37 BST 1 October
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
I was fortunate enough to be at the game of the weekend at St James' Park, Newcastle. The raucous atmosphere was at least the equal of Bethpage Black for the Ryder Cup later that evening.
It was a case of back to the future watching two sides slug it out brilliantly for more than an hour and a half without any let-up.
Controlled, modern football was replaced by chasing, battling and tackling - but with little of the technical ability lost in the mayhem. There were long throws, lumping it up to big strikers and, of course, the obligatory corner-kick mayhem. All three goals were scored from these set-pieces, and it was breathless brilliance.
If this is the new style for the Premier League, which I suspect it is, then sign me up for another decade.
Arsenal probably just deserved their 96th-minute winner after making more clear-cut chances, but it was a close call. The question is regularly asked: can the Gunners stay with Liverpool and maybe overtake them this time? Well, this game once again showed they are in the best shape since the Mikel Arteta era began.
Not everyone was great. Bukayo Saka was muscled out of it and others had to put the silky soccer skills on the backburner as they played it like a game from the 1980s. However, most showed they could rat when they needed to.
And this is why Arsenal will have Liverpool fans concerned for the rest of the season.
Gossip: Arsenal dismissed by Barcelona's Fernandezpublished at 07:28 BST 1 October
07:28 BST 1 October
Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Dro Fernandez, 17, has no intention of listening to offers from abroad, despite interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. (TBR Football), external
Arteta 'loved' Gyokeres' Newcastle performancepublished at 16:49 BST 30 September
16:49 BST 30 September
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he "loved" the way Viktor Gyokeres performed against Newcastle and has backed the forward to score the goals the Gunners need.
Gyokeres looked to have won a penalty in the first half against the Magpies on Sunday after he was brought down by goalkeeper Nick Pope, but the decision was overturned by the video assistant referee (VAR).
The Sweden international did not find the back of the net in Arsenal's dramatic 2-1 win at St James' Park and had a tough afternoon battling against the physical Newcastle defenders. Nevertheless, Arteta was impressed by the resilience the striker showed.
"I loved it. I absolutely loved how he took it. He went on board and there wasn't a single moment where he showed frustration," the manager said.
"I told him that he was going to get some decisions and some not and he was going to have two or three players around him, but I loved his reaction a lot.
"The way he handled the situation emotionally and also because he was involved in a lot of dangerous moments. It's a pity he didn't score a goal because in my opinion he fully deserved it."
Arteta will be hoping Gyokeres can show those qualities again when they host Olympiacos in their second game of the Champions League campaign on Wednesday night.
Arteta on Saliba contract, having no 'excuses' and 'special' Ezepublished at 16:21 BST 30 September
16:21 BST 30 September
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Champions League game against Olympiacos at Emirates Stadium (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
There are "no surprises" in team news, with Piero Hincapie and Noni Madueke still unavailable.
Arteta said William Saliba's new five-year deal is "thoroughly deserved" for the defender and he is "happy to keep the spine of the team with us".
On a number of players extending their stays at the club: "They feel like they belong to this club - they feel attached to it and share the same ambition. They feel valued, they feel loved here and they want to continue their careers here, which is great."
He added: "You have to respect that [dream of players]. We have been really lucky but it shows the power of the football club and how much people love it and want to come here. Even if they have possibility to go somewhere else, they want to remain here."
On if expectations in the Champions League are great this season after reaching the semi-finals in 2024-25: "We have the same ambition - to go game by game and try to be better than the opponent, which is very difficult in this competition. We want to win as many games as we can. Tomorrow is going to be a really difficult one. We know how important the home form is going to be to reach the phase we want to."
Asked whether he pays attention to outside noise, Arteta responded: "What I want with this football club is to win major trophies. Nobody else has to put that line to us. That's the ambition. Excuses have never been a part of my life."
It is "non-negotiable to have a stadium that is able to create these moments [winning]", the Spaniard said about changes to the tunnel at the Emirates. He added: "As a club, we always have ambition to generate the best atmosphere. We have the best supporters in world and we have to facilitate everything."
Arteta praised "special character" Eberechi Eze and the "different quality" he brings to the number 10 role compared with Martin Odegaard: "He does things that are unexpected. When you think he is going to turn right, he turns left. When you think he is going to take another touch, he releases the ball. His vision [makes him] a player that can create those magic moments."
'I think this is huge' - Laurens on Saliba dealpublished at 12:43 BST 30 September
12:43 BST 30 September
Image source, Getty Images
William Saliba signing a new long-term contract at Arsenal shows he "believes in the club", says European football journalist Julien Laurens.
Despite interest from the continent, the 24-year-old has pledged his immediate future to the club by signing a five-year deal.
France international Saliba has built a strong partnership with fellow centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes in recent seasons, and this has helped the Gunners develop one of the best defensive records in the Premier League over the past three campaigns.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live before Arsenal's match against Newcastle, Laurens said: "It is massive, really.
"He had only two years left on his contract and top European clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were already getting in touch, hoping that he would go into the last year of his contract and then could put pressure on.
"But when you have a player who is ready to snub clubs like Real Madrid, and all this means, to stay at your club then you are doing something right too.
"He believes in the project, he believes in the club. He believes in his partnership with Gabriel, which is one of the best in Europe, if not the best in Europe with a couple of others – I think this is huge."
Despite joining for £27m in 2019 from Saint-Etienne, then 18-year-old Saliba would spend time on loan at multiple French clubs before making his debut in 2022 and establishing himself as a first-choice centre-back.
"He was not ready when Mike Arteta first arrived, for the demands that Mikel has and the details he requires," added Laurens.
"William had to grow. He had to grow quickly, when he was on loan, when he came back, and proved to Mikel he was ready to start at some point and that Mikel could build this team around him. That he could be at the heart of it.
"At 24, there is still room to improve in a lot of things, but he has come such a long way."
Another key contract - what's the message?published at 12:43 BST 30 September
12:43 BST 30 September
Alex Howell Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
William Saliba signing a new contract is as important as the squad building work carried out by Andrea Berta and Arsenal in the summer.
The noises from Saliba and around the club were that all parties always felt confident of getting a deal done and the centre back himself said he would "hopefully" sign a new deal with the club when speaking to media on the pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong.
The 24-year-old is a key part of the Arsenal side and possibly their most important defender. Saliba's partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes is arguably the best in the Premier League and their presence is a big part of what makes Arsenal so threatening from set pieces.
His previous deal was due to expire in 2027 and with Real Madrid admirers it is a major piece of business for Arsenal to complete.
The club have now tied down most of their key players on long-term deals, with just Bukayo Saka left to extend, and the message from these new contracts is that all of the players believe that they can win the trophies they crave at Arsenal.
Why Saliba is so vital to Gunnerspublished at 11:02 BST 30 September
11:02 BST 30 September
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
William Saliba's centre-back partnership with Gabriel has developed into one of the most formidable in the Premier League. His ability on the ball and reading of the game makes him the perfect foil for the more physically dominant Brazilian.
Saliba has won possession more often than any Arsenal player in the Premier League since his debut in 2022, but he also plays a crucial role in build-up play. He has completed more passes than any of his team-mates over the past three years and is second only to Martin Odegaard when it comes to carrying the ball forward.
The 24-year-old also ranks second in terms of clearances and aerial duels won, with those metrics both led by Gabriel.
Saliba was sorely missed during the during the final two months of the 2022-23 season, with Arsenal's title chances disappearing while he recovered from a back issue, but he has sat out only four top-flight matches since.
The summer signings of Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie mean the Gunners are now well stocked in central defence, but securing Saliba's long-term future is nonetheless a crucial bit of business.
'I feel proud of myself' - Saliba on new dealpublished at 10:33 BST 30 September
10:33 BST 30 September
Image source, Getty Images
Defender William Saliba says Arsenal is "the best place to be" after signing a new long-term contract.
The 24-year-old, who joined from Ligue 1 side St-Etienne in July 2019, has signed a five-year contract to keep him at the club until 2030.
After a number of initial loan spells back in France, Saliba has established himself as a key part of Mikel Arteta's side, making 140 appearances for the Gunners.
The centre-back's existing deal was due to expire in June 2027 and his impressive form had drawn transfer interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
"I feel proud of myself because I first signed in 2019, and now in 2025, I'm still here to extend my contract. I'm so happy," Saliba told club media.
"I feel at home. We have a good team, we have a good squad, we have good staff. The coach is perfect for me, so it's the best place to be.
"I enjoy every day when I have the chance to wear this shirt. I try to give everything, and now I'll give even more to this club and to the fans."
Manager Arteta added: "William is loved by all the players and staff, and that speaks volumes about his character, commitment and attitude every day.
"Since joining us, William has grown so much, embraced responsibility, and has created a strong connection with our supporters and everyone at the club.
"We know there is still so much to come from him and will continue to work together to keep improving with the clear ambition of winning major trophies."
What do you make of the news? How important is it for Arsenal to secure the future of a player like Saliba?
Gossip: Arsenal among three Premier League clubs eyeing Gulerpublished at 07:33 BST 30 September
07:33 BST 30 September
hold an interest in Real Madrid's Arda Guler. The 20-year-old Turkey midfielder has struggled to break into the Real starting XI and is also wanted by Newcastle and Tottenham.(Fichajes - in Spanish), external
The Gunners are in talks with Bukayo Saka about a new contract which will make the winger one of the club's highest-paid players. (Express), external
Rice produces 'best display' after 'difficult start to the season'published at 15:46 BST 29 September
15:46 BST 29 September
Laura Kirk-Francis Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
A few weeks ago, I wrote about Declan Rice's difficult start to the season, notably how he had struggled at both Old Trafford and Anfield.
Arsenal's player of the season for 2024-25, his performances so far this time around had been characterised by wayward free-kicks and underwhelming deliveries from corners.
But Rice's display against Newcastle was, without doubt, his best of the campaign.
Defensively, Rice was exceptional. His athleticism is one of his finest attributes, and it was called upon in the 64th minute as Jacob Murphy went through on Arsenal's goal. A block from Rice saw Murphy's shot deflected out for a corner. With the score at 1-0, it would have almost put the game out of sight for the Gunners.
At the other end of the pitch, it was Rice's intelligence and intuition that led to Arsenal's equaliser. Defying the instructions of the bench to put the ball in from the corner, Rice recognised Newcastle's lapse and instigated a short corner routine. Many fans have highlighted the midfielder's leadership credentials, and it was this characteristic, bold decision-making that sparked Arsenal's comeback.
At St James' Park, Arsenal were simply able to get Rice much more involved. He had 106 touches compared to 77 at Liverpool and just 33 at Old Trafford. Against Manchester United, he did not create a chance, but he created three on Sunday, including his assist for Mikel Merino.
With Liverpool dropping points on Saturday, there was a huge amount of pressure on Arsenal to capitalise at their bogey ground. In a hostile environment, Rice's performance could not have come at a more important time for the Gunners.
'This is what champions do' - Rooney on Arsenal's late winpublished at 14:15 BST 29 September
14:15 BST 29 September
Image source, Getty Images
Former Premier League forward Waye Rooney says we are seeing "different Arsenal" this season after their late win against Newcastle.
Gabriel's winner leaves the Gunners second in the Premier League table, just two points behind defending Champions Liverpool after they dropped their first points of the season on Saturday.
"I just think Arsenal are efficient and I don't know why," Rooney told The Wayne Rooney Show. "I think they've got a very good squad and I think they're going to come into something special. I think there's something coming to Arsenal and I really like what they're doing.
"I think this is a massive result and obviously with Liverpool losing to Crystal Palace. I think if you walk into the training ground on Monday morning, Tuesday morning, I think every Arsenal player, their heads will be high, they'll be really confident.
"I think this is a different Arsenal. I think the mentality is good. I think they are a strong-minded team. They've got good characters in there. And to win the Premier League, you have to overcome challenges. You have to go to Newcastle and go behind and stay calm, stay relaxed and find a way to win the game. That's what Arsenal did and that's what champions do.
"For whatever reason, I'm really liking what is going on. They're figuring out how to find a way, they're being difficult to beat, don't concede many goals. I just think there's something happening. I really hope they do because I really like Arteta as well. He's bit mad in all his methods but I'm lucky enough to have sat down and had a chat with him a few times and I really like him."
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'Feeling as important as the points'published at 12:03 BST 29 September
12:03 BST 29 September
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty Images
The feeling around Arsenal's win at Newcastle is as important as the three points that the team picked up.
The Gunners have had a tough start to the Premier League with games against Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City and now the Magpies.
Mikel Arteta's team selection had been criticised for being too conservative but during the fixture he showed that he is not afraid to take risks.
The Arsenal manager started Eberechi Eze in place of Mikel Merino and having his creativity and goal threat made a difference.
Arteta also played Leandro Trossard at left back when chasing the win and his messages from the sideline were for his players to push for the win.
Arsenal have played well in most of their matches but navigating a tricky start and picking up a win in this manner - at a place where they have struggled in the past - will be so important for this squad.
How Rice went 'off the cuff' to make a differencepublished at 11:41 BST 29 September
11:41 BST 29 September
Media caption,
What is it about Arsenal and set-plays?
For context, since the start of the 2023-24 season, the Gunners have scored 36 goals from corners in the Premier League - 15 more than any other side in this period.
Arsenal's prowess from set-pieces ultimately turned the game against Newcastle on its head.
From the first, in the 84th minute, Arsenal took a short corner before Declan Rice swung the ball into the box.
Mikel Merino got there in front of Sven Botman to glance the ball in off the post.
And the decision to go short certainly did not go unnoticed by Match of the Day pundit Joe Hart.
"Rice was willing to do something off the cuff [for the goal]," the former Manchester City goalkeeper told BBC Sport. "That is someone who is not bothered about the problems Arsenal had faced, that was someone looking for a solution and, at that moment in time, that was the solution.
"When he needs to make the last-ditch tackles, that's what he does and when he needs to do something special, like that kind of blind round the corner ball on to Merino's head, that was a special bit of play that his team needed."
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal - the fans' verdictpublished at 09:07 BST 29 September
09:07 BST 29 September
Media caption,
We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Newcastle United and Arsenal, which saw Mikel Arteta's side stage a late comeback at St James' Park.
Here are some of your comments:
Newcastle fans
Duncan: Arsenal got what they deserved. We set up to not lose and not to win the game, which is always disappointing. It was such a negative approach, tactically speaking. Up until the 70th minute, Pope was 'man of the match' and then he reverted to type. Thiaw continues to impress at the back and seems to fit in rather well. The midfield was non-existent, much like the forward line. Tonali was doing his best to get the midfield into the game but failed miserably. Bruno was conspicuous by his absence, as was Murphy. Gordon was completely ineffective, only creating two noticeable instances of creative play. If this is Howe's approach to the season then you can keep it.
Dean: Eddie Howe needs to go. There is nothing new here and no skill like Alexander Isak. We were a one-trick pony team and now we just can't hit a barn door. We need new management with new ideas.
Ali: When will Newcastle's coaching team realise that sitting deep and pumping the ball back to the opposition is not working? Sometimes a team has to retain possession, but we are awful in that respect.
Richard: Surely we've got to look at Nick Pope's actions. He had a great first half then sold us out with poor distribution and was nowhere near the following corner.
Arsenal fans
Nigel: After Newcastle's goal I was honestly bewildered about the game plan and the line-up but, as always, Arteta silenced my inner question mark. The referee was awful and VAR was pointless. Overall, it was a hard-fought win which underpins our season aspirations; the Premier League title.
Brian: Arteta took the brake off and it showed.
Sean: We needed that win! I know it is early in the season but we need to keep the pressure on Liverpool. One concern is that Gyokeres doesn't score in big games, but maybe that is down to the way we play. He is a target man that needs crosses into the box.
Karl: We need more up front and chances need to be taken. While the defence does its thing, we need the attack to match. We can't keep relying on corners and free-kicks. A much needed win, but way harder than it needed to be.
Lou: I can feel the boys are determined now. We didn't start the season as great as we could have, but Saka is back and the whole team are together now.
'Now you're Gunner believe us' - Reaction to St James' Park comebackpublished at 07:49 BST 29 September
07:49 BST 29 September
Image source, Daily Star and Mirror Sport
Arsenal have closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to two points with a late win at Newcastle on Sunday.
We might only be six games into the season, but the notion that the Reds will run away with the league again was hindered somewhat when Gabriel headed Arsenal to victory.
Monday's newspaper back pages feature the Gunners comeback at St James' Park and "how it proves their title fight" as a collective team.
But should Arsenal have had a penalty after striker Viktor Gyokeres was brought down by Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope?
"Pope came out and made himself big - albeit with a little extension of the foot - and the ball hits him," said former Premier League goalkeeper David James on the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily podcast. "He wasn't trying to tackle Gyokeres, he was trying to block him and there is a fundamental difference there.
"If Pope goes to tackle him and makes contact then there would be a shout but he has gone for a block.
"It was the perfect decision from the referee.
"He is allowed to try and stop the ball from going in and I don't think there was any danger in there. If anything Gyokeres made the contact with Pope."
