Arsenal

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."

Follow all of Tuesday's Champions League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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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."

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.

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.

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.

It is another boost for Arteta's defence after centre-back partner Gabriel agreed a long-term deal until 2029 in June.

"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?

Get in touch with your views here

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

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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.

Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast, external

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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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.

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."

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.

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."

Pundits Ellen White and Joe Hart join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Aston Villa 3-1 Fulham

• Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Away days do not come much tougher.

Arsenal had lost their previous three fixtures at a raucous St James' Park in all competitions and looked to be heading for a fourth.

They found goalkeeper Nick Pope in inspired form as he twice kept out volleys from Eberechi Eze, got down to low to claw away a header from Jurrien Timber and palmed a cross-shot from Bukayo Saka behind.

On the one occasion Pope looked beaten in the first half, Leandro Trossard saw an effort crash off the bar.

But the last couple of weeks have taught us that Arsenal never know when they are beaten.

Late goals from substitutes Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli secured a Champions League win at Athletic Club, and a dramatic equaliser from the latter earned a draw against Manchester City last week.

This time it was the turn of substitute Mikel Merino to transform the game, as he came back to haunt his former side.

But Arsenal were not content with just a point - they went for all three.

They got their reward from a familiar source - a set-piece - as Gabriel headed home at the near post to spark huge celebrations in the away end.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke to Sky Sports after his side staged a late comeback against Newcastle United: "I feel pride. I think we fully deserved the win after the way we played, performed and competed. With the chances we generated, we deserved to win even if we did it in a dramatic way.

"That's how you get to a different level, by going through those moments and taking lessons from it. It was a massive opportunity to show who we are because they are a terrific team and they are so difficult to play against. The level of consistency and quality we showed was top.

"We want to achieve the next level and to do that you have to come to these places and you have to win. You have to find a way to do it. It was tremendous."

On making a lot of attacking substitutions: "We had to throw everything we had. Nick Pope was exceptional, fair play to him, but we believed and we fully deserved to win it."

On Viktor Gyokeres' penalty being overturned: "If it's not a clear and obvious error, VAR should not intervene."

Goalscorer Mikel Merino also spoke to Sky Sports after scoring against his old club: "It is unbelievable to win these kinds of games, late winners are the best. Obviously from my perspective, it is even greater. Coming back here [St James' Park] is always big for me, I have big memories here and it was an amazing point in my life, but also being able to score and help the team is incredible.

"It is always great to see old faces and old friends when I come here. I was only here for one year but it is still a big part of my life and my career. So to come here and score a winner, a header again, in the same goal that I scored in for Newcastle is magical."

On whether this result will help strengthen their mentality: "Maybe for the fans or for you guys, but not for us. We know how well we have been playing to be putting on the kind of performances we have been. We have been creating as well.

"Winning the way we won here shows the character of the team, how much we trust each other and how confident we are. That doesn't change, no matter the result. We are confident. We have an amazing team, amazing staff and amazing fans, so we are ready for it."

Did you know?

• Arsenal scored their 35th and 36th goals from corners in the Premier League since the start of the 2023-24 season - 15 more than any other side in this period (21 for Chelsea and Tottenham).

• Mikel Merino is Arsenal's top scorer across all competitions (9) and the Premier League (7) in 2025. Four of his nine goals this year have been scored with his head, with no Premier League player netting more headers in this period.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Newcastle's performance

What did you make of Arsenal's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Record signing Nick Woltemade starts for Newcastle United as the hosts make six changes against Arsenal.

Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento and Sandro Tonali also come back into the starting line-up after head coach Eddie Howe rotated his side in their midweek win against Bradford City in the Carabao Cup.

It looks like Newcastle are going to line up with a back five.

Newcastle XI: Pope, Murphy, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Livramento, Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Gordon, Woltemade

Substitutes: Ramsdale, Trippier, Lascelles, Barnes, Krafth, Osula, Elanga, Willock, Miley

Bukayo Saka is fit to make his first league start in a month as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also freshens up his side.

David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Viktor Gyokeres come in following their midweek Carabao Cup win against Port Vale.

Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Gyokeres, Saka

Substitutes: Kepa, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly, White, Odegaard, Norgaard, Merino, Martinelli, Dowman

There are two games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Aston Villa v Fulham (14:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Newcastle United v Arsenal (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Kick-off times BST

Follow Aston Villa v Fulham here

And Newcastle v Arsenal can be found here

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