Football

Edu, a former Arsenal player who was part of the "Invincibles" squad in the 2003-04 season, has been involved in the behind-the-scenes running of the Gunners since July 2019.

He first returned to the club as technical director, and was promoted to sporting director in November 2022.

Edu has played a key role in supporting Mikel Arteta, and helping the Spaniard transform the Gunners into Premier League title contenders.

Reports emerged on Monday, however, that the Brazilian was quitting his role, with speculation mounting that he will be joining Evangelos Marinakis' footballing organisation - the Greek magnate owns Nottingham Forest and Olympiakos.

"This was an incredibly hard decision to make," Edu said in a statement released on Arsenal's website.

"Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey.

"I've loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend.

"Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best."

The news comes after Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle United on Saturday to leave them seven points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Arsenal face Inter in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The New York-born 21-year-old, who is currently on loan at French club Reims, has represented England at Under-21s level but has opted to play his senior international football for the country of his birth.

A FIFA spokesperson told the PA news agency said: “The change of association of the player Folarin Jolaoluwa Balogun from England to the USA has been approved.”

The news comes just weeks before England are due to launch their European Under-21 Championship finals campaign in Georgia and Romania.

Balogun has made 13 appearances for Lee Carsley’s side, but withdrew from the squad in March due to injury.

Having been born in America, Balogun moved to England when he was two years old and also qualifies for Nigeria through his parents.

Qualifying players are allowed to switch associations before they have played a competitive match for a nation’s senior team.

Balogun has made 10 first-team appearances and scored two goals for the Gunners, and spent the second half of the 2021-22 season on loan at Sky Bet Championship Middlesbrough.

However, he has made a name for himself in Ligue 1 this season with 19 goals in 34 appearances to date.

The English side beat their hosts 5-1 at the Groupama Stadium, with Caitlin Foord and Frida Maanum handing Arsenal a 2-0 lead before Melvine Malard halved the deficit.

Foord scored again in between two goals from Ballon d'Or runner-up Beth Mead to give Jonas Eidevall's side an impressive opening victory in Group C.

Barca romped to a 9-0 success against Benfica in Group D thanks to seven different goalscorers.

Asisat Oshoala and Geyse scored two each, while goals also arrived from Patri Guijarro, Aitana Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey, Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic and Claudia Pina as last season's runners-up strolled to victory.

The other game in Group D saw Bayern Munich earn a tougher three points at home to Rosengard after Loreta Kullashi's opener for the visitors was cancelled out by Carolin Simon, before Linda Dallmann struck a second-half winner for the Germans.

Group C's other contest ended with Juventus claiming a 2-0 win at FC Zurich, with late goals from Valentina Cernoia and Barbara Bonansea earning Joe Montemurro's side three points.

The two rivals meet in Sunday’s Community Shield, the Gunners taking part after they finished second to treble-winning City last year.

Arsenal led the way for much of the campaign but lost both home and away to Pep Guardiola’s men, who have now claimed five of the last six league crowns.

“They’ve shown their consistency over the years and they merit that respect from everybody for what they’ve done,” Arteta said of his former club.

“If you want to challenge for that championship you know the total points that you’re going to be needing and that’s unheard of in this league for the last 100 years.

“So that’s the standard and, if you want to be there, you know what you have to do.”

Asked if City’s treble-winning exploits could mark the pinnacle for Guardiola’s current crop, Arteta added: “I heard that a few times in the last seven years – and they won four titles, got to a hundred points and then they go to 95.

“So I don’t think that’s the case. And knowing the manager and the people who work at the club I don’t think that’s going to be the case.”

Arteta has won the FA Cup and Community Shield since taking over at the Emirates Stadium in 2019 but now wants to show last season’s unexpected title tilt was not a one-off.

“This is what we want, to be on every front fighting for trophies,” he added.

“We have to prove that what we did last year was something, but it wasn’t enough to win the biggest trophy and the one we were looking (for).

“We have to be better and that comes every day with trying to be better, making better decisions and playing better, and deserving to win the game. In the end, the outcome will come by itself.”

Interim boss Renee Slegers made it two wins from two in charge thanks to goals from Mariona Caldentey and Rosa Kafaji, despite the Gunners underwhelming for large parts of the game.

They eventually found a breakthrough with 20 minutes to play as Amber Tysiak brought down Stina Blackstenius in the box.

Caldentey neatly tucked away the spot-kick before Blackstenius created their second in the 89th minute as she picked out Kafaji, who finished first-time.

Slegers' first three points sees Arsenal go back to fifth, but West Ham are one of three teams still yet to win in the WSL so far this season as they prop up the table.

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace nearly pulled off another big shock but were instead held to a 1-1 draw by Liverpool.

The Eagles impressed at St Helen's Stadium as former Reds striker Katie Stengel opened the scoring after 14 minutes, prodding home from close range.

Cornelia Kapocs pulled the hosts level shortly before half-time, but they had to settle for a share of the points as both sides missed big chances for a winner in the second half.

Leicester City, meanwhile, claimed their first win of the season, edging past struggling Everton 1-0 thanks to Nicole Momiki's superb solo strike after just eight minutes.

It is the first victory for Amandine Miquel since joining the Foxes, while Everton sit 11th in the table, still searching for their first three points of the campaign. 

Arsenal's win was their 2,000th in English top-flight history, making them just the second side to reach this milestone after Liverpool (2,068).

Odegaard had been sidelined through injury since September with an ankle injury sustained while on international duty with Norway.

He returned to the starting line-up last time out against Chelsea and now has two assists from two since his return after setting up Bukayo Saka for the opener against Forest.

Arsenal ran out comfortable winners after Thomas Partey and Ethan Nwaneri extended their lead and Arteta is confident the influence of his captain helped.

"It's not a coincidence. The team flows in a different way when [Odegaard] is playing," he told BBC MOTD.

"I think we started really well. The sense I was getting in the last 48 hours after the international break, the boys coming together and were all at it.

"It was good to see the impact of the substitutes [Thomas Partey - goal; Ethan Nwaneri - goal; Raheem Sterling - assist]. Everyone has to feel important. It was a good afternoon."

Partey grabbed Arsenal's second just seven minutes after entering the pitch, curling into the left corner from outside the box following Arteta's half-time swap for Jorginho.

Four of Partey's seven Premier League goals have come from outside the box. Of all Arsenal players to score more than five goals in the competition, he’s the only one to net more than half from outside the box.

Arteta had particular praise for fellow goalscorer Nwaneri, who, at 17 years and 247 days, became Arsenal’s second youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer, behind only Cesc Fabregas in August 2004 (17y 113d).

"He is the second youngest [Premier League goalscorer] in our history. That's a story in itself. He's brave. You see the reaction of fans, and they were singing 'he's one of our own'," added the Arsenal boss.

"I think we have to put brick by brick and make sure the cement doesn't get dry. Hopefully, we can build a beautiful thing with him."

Arsenal outplayed their opponents, leading them on expected goals (xG) with a total of 1.4 compared to Forest's 0.4 xG.

"On a day like this, you need to be solid defensively and take your chances. Ultimately it was not good enough, and it was three relatively easy goals for them," James Ward-Prowse told Sky Sports.

"We are going to have to improve our defensive structure."

The Gunners, who could go second with a win on Saturday, are currently on a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions, only dropping points in a 1-1 draw in the top-flight against Fulham last Sunday.

Since the start of last season, Arsenal have scored more goals via corners than any other side (23), doing so in each of their last three Premier League games (four goals).

They proved they can still score from open play in their 3-0 win over Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday, and Arteta is confident they can do so in the Premier League too, given the positions they get into.

"No, I don't worry [about the lack of open-play goals] because when I watch the game, the situations we have in open play and what the opposition has created in open play, I don't know if we can do much more than that," Arteta said.

"Set-pieces are a consequence of what we do in open play and how we do defensively. It's a phase that is part of that.

"I know that you see this as set-pieces and that as open play, and I see set-pieces and open play all together, but I respect that a lot. I don't agree, but I respect it!

"We want to create more from every angle and from set-pieces as well, so always trying to evolve and be better."

Meanwhile, Everton did not play last weekend due to the postponed Merseyside derby but ended a run of five without a win with their 4-0 thrashing of Wolves last time out.

It was also the first time they had scored since late October, and Jesper Lindstrom credits the team’s mental strength for getting them through the tough period.

"We have a strong group, honestly," he told the club's media channels. "The team ethic is really strong.

"We had a tough start again this year, but I feel like we've regrouped, and we can push on from where we are."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arsenal – Martin Odegaard

Since returning from injury on November 10, Martin Odegaard has created the most chances of any player in the Premier League (17).

Seven of those were created for team-mate Bukayo Saka, the most from one player to another in that time.

Everton – Dwight McNeil

Only Dwight McNeil (three goals, three assists) has been involved in more Premier League goals for Everton this season than Ashley Young (one goal, three assists).

Along with that, the Toffees' midfielder has created 33 chances in the top-flight this term, more than anyone else in his team.

MATCH PREDICTION: ARSENAL WIN

After a run of four defeats in five Premier League games against Everton between 2020 and 2023 (W1), Arsenal have now won each of their last three against the Toffees.

In fact, the Gunners' 102 wins against Everton is the most any side has beaten another in English top-flight history, while their 344 top-flight goals against the Toffees is also the most.

Arsenal have won 81% of their home Premier League matches in 2024 (P16 W13 D2 L1), their best home win percentage in a year since winning 84% of their games in 2007 (16/19).

Meanwhile, Everton have won just one of their last 28 Premier League away games against Arsenal (D4 L23), picking up a 1-0 victory in April 2021.

Sean Dyche's side have failed to score in each of their last three away Premier League matches, attempting 42 shots with an expected goals (xG) of 3.26 without success and are the only side without an away goal since the start of November. They last went four in a row without a goal across October/November 2022.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Arsenal – 72.4%

Draw – 16.5%

Everton – 11.1%

Slegers has been in interim charge of the Gunners since Jonas Eidevall's resignation last month, and has impressed during her temporary tenure. 

She has won three of her four games at the helm, the latest of which came in a 5-0 victory against Brighton, moving Arsenal up to fourth in the Women's Super League table.

And Mead, who joined Slegers on pre-match press duties on Monday, believes Arsenal are heading in the right direction under her guidance.  

“It’s a breath of fresh air with Renee and we’re enjoying it so far," Mead said. "We’re in a good place at the moment.

"We have the environment to build again, it’s a release of new energy right now and when you get the results and the performances, then it makes you a happier footballer.

When asked if she would like Slegers to stay at Arsenal, Mead added: “In some capacity. We love having Renee here and will be happy with whatever she chooses to do.”

However, Slegers revealed she was unsure about what the future may hold, placing full focus on their upcoming Champions League clash.

"I think I get this question every time, and my answer will be the same," Slegers began. 

"I'm very much in the moment, I know that this will be the situation for this block, and we as the coaching staff are trying to do everything to help the girls forward.

"I think everyone is putting that little extra in from both the staff and the player's perspective. So I’m just trying to get the best out of Arsenal, because I care a lot.

"I really enjoyed the role I had before. Now I have to play this role for the team, so I’ll play this role for the team. About the future? I don't know."

Arsenal will be looking to improve their recent away from in Europe on Tuesday at the Stadio Comunale Vittorio Pozzo Lamarmora. 

They are winless across their last three Champions League away matches (D1 L2), only enduring a longer run in the competition once before (D1 L3 between 2003 and 2005). 

The Gunners sit second in Group C on three points, level with Tuesday's opponents, but Slegers is confident of sealing a big result in Italy. 

"We are going there to play our best football, and we have a big belief in what we can do tomorrow," Slegers said. 

"Looking at what we've been performing lately, and obviously scouting Juventus, we have a big belief in ourselves. 

"And then we'll see how the game progresses, what decisions we have to make, but we go there to win."

Williamson did not feature in the Gunners' 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Sunday, and is one of three absentees unavailable for the must-win game with Hacken at Meadow Park. 

Eidevall also revealed that both Steph Catley and Lina Hurtig will also miss the game against the Swedish side. 

The visitors hold a 1-0 advantage going into the second leg, with Tabitha Tindell's goal enough for the victory at the Bravida Arena last week. 

"I don't have a timeframe on Leah's injury at the moment. It's guided by our medical team," Eidevall said. 

"When I have something more concrete to communicate, I will do that. She sustained the concussion during an incident in training.

"If we don't qualify, I would definitely consider that a failure. We need to get into the groups."

The Euro 2022 Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament winner, who ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) last November, was greeted with thunderous applause on her return in the 88th minute at the Emirates on Sunday, where two stoppage-time goals completed a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Aston Villa.

Mead looked sharp from the moment she stepped onto the pitch – observed by England boss Wiegman from the stands – and provided the assist to set up Alessia Russo’s winner, which came moments after Katie McCabe had cancelled out Maz Pacheco’s opener.

“I am ready to compete,” said Mead.

“If Sarina thinks so or not is a different story, but in my own head I am ready to compete. I’m a hopeful person. Hopefully I get a chance to speak to Sarina at some point in the next few days and we will go from there. Unfortunately I am not a mind reader, I don’t know where her brain is at the moment.”

Wiegman will name her squad for this month’s UEFA Nations League home and away legs with Belgium tomorrow at 4.15pm BST.

England will first host the Group A1 leaders at Leicester’s King Power Stadium on October 27 before travelling to Leuven for the Halloween return fixture.

The new tournament serves as UEFA’s Olympic qualifier and also has implications for teams’ Euro 2025 qualifying campaigns.

England, as the nominated home nation to qualify a Team GB for next summer’s Olympics in Paris, are hoping to secure one of two available berths, and would most likely need to reach the tournament final to do so.

Third place could be enough if France, automatically qualified as Olympic hosts, reach the final themselves.

The Lionesses need to top their League A group to advance but currently sit third after opening their tournament with a 2-1 victory over Scotland before losing away to the Netherlands.

Both Mead and fellow European champion Fran Kirby, who also missed the World Cup due to a knee issue and surgery, have now made their club comebacks and will be itching to crack Wiegman’s October squad.

For Mead, who also lost her mum June to ovarian cancer in January, Sunday’s return was an emotional one.

She added: “(It was) pretty amazing. It’s been a long, long time coming. There have been a lot of hard days, a lot of good days.

“I think, ultimately, you want to do your job, you want to do something you love – and that had been taken away for such a long time. So to be able to get out there, with that type of reception from the fans, was pretty incredible.”

The 21-year-old, who scored his first professional hat-trick as England thrashed North Macedonia 7-0 in a Euro 2024 qualifier at Old Trafford on Monday night, has been working with charity organisation Big Shoe to help people in need in Turkey.

Over 50,000 people were killed after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked Turkey and Syria earlier this year, with over two million left homeless by the damage caused.

Saka has paid for accommodation for 26 families directly affected by the disaster, financing shelters in Hatay, Adiyaman, Kahramanmaras and Malatya, having also teamed up with Big Shoe to cover 120 surgeries for children in Nigeria last year.

“I’ve seen the devastating news on social media and on TV and I knew right away that I really want to help the people affected by this tragedy,” Saka said.

“Anyone who has a roof over their head can consider themselves lucky. From one day to another, the catastrophe took away everything those people had, through no fault of their own.

“To be able to help and give something back, means a lot to me.”

The 32-year-old Scot is in her second spell with the club, having first joined in 2009 and had subsequent stints with Montpellier, Manchester City and Melbourne City before returning to north London in 2019.

She signed a contract extension last month and is loving every minute of life with the Gunners.

“Each or every contract extension, I’m more and more grateful for because I don’t want to retire,” Beattie told the PA news agency. “I’m nowhere near done and I love being at such a top club at a top level.

“It definitely makes me more proud to still be a part of it, having seen the game go from amateur, semi-pro to professional.

“I think I was about 22 when I first got my professional contract – that’s quite late, considering how long I’ve played.

“It’s amazing, you never dream of playing at the Emirates in front of sell-out crowds, so to do that last year and to hope to still do that again next year or in the next couple of years is just exciting.”

Beattie’s contract extension announcement came two days after she was made an MBE at Windsor Castle for services to football and charity.

The centre-back has worked with charities to raise awareness about cancer after making her own recovery from breast cancer.

A post shared by Jen Beattie (@jbeattie91)

“It was incredible,” Beattie said. “Chatting to Prince William will always be one of the most surreal moments I’ve had.

“Windsor Castle was obviously an incredible place and stunning, just one of those things you never expect. It’s never on your radar when you start playing football so it was definitely a special day.”

Beattie was diagnosed with breast cancer during October 2020 and underwent radiotherapy while still playing football.

She has made a full recovery and praised the football community for helping her to raise awareness.

“It was without a doubt one of the most difficult periods of my life,” she said.

“I thought if we can all come together and have open and honest conversations about raising awareness – I was 29 with no family history and I think that’s important to say that it can happen to anyone, but if you find it early enough it can be OK.

“So getting checks is important – especially over Covid, and the middle of lockdown, the number of cancers being diagnosed had dropped massively – so I think speaking about it and raising that awareness meant a lot to me.

“I’ll always credit the football community, who were incredible during that time, because I might have started the conversation by talking about myself, but the football community definitely made it as big as it could’ve been.

“I’m so thankful for that, for spreading the word.”

Beattie is an ambassador for the McDonald’s Fun Football programme, the largest grassroots programme in the UK for 5-11 year olds, where 250,000 children have had access to free football in the last 12 months.

Her attention now turns to a new season with Arsenal, who were affected last season by injuries to key players including Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema and Leah Williamson.

Despite this, the Gunners lifted the Continental Tyres Cup, finished third in the Women’s Super League and reached the Women’s Champions League semi-finals, and Beattie has set her sights high for the 2023-24 campaign.

“If we get everyone back fit, onto the pitch, it’s scary what hopefully we can achieve,” she added.

“Like most people, when you get a taste for something, you just want more. But Arsenal and the way it’s run, the players that we bring in, the staff we have behind the scenes, that’s what we all want.

“That’s why we’re at Arsenal – to win trophies. That’s where we got back to with the League Cup final and that’s what we want next year.”

:: Jen Beattie was speaking at the largest ever McDonald’s Fun Football session to celebrate the landmark of over 250,000 children from across the UK benefiting from access to free football this season. Sign up to a free session near you at www.mcdonalds.co.uk/football

The latest figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO) put the number of confirmed cases at 86,927 in 59 countries, with 2,976 people killed.

Sporting events have been affected as countries take measures to contain the outbreak, with Swiss Super League and some Serie A fixtures having been postponed this weekend.

Matches in England have not yet been disrupted but, with 23 confirmed cases of the disease in the UK as of early on Sunday, there are growing concerns that competitions could be impacted.

Arsenal head coach Arteta insists there is no great anxiety within the club but accepts the players' families, particularly those from abroad, are worried.

Arteta also made it clear the club are following advice from authorities as they prepare for Monday's FA Cup fifth-round meeting with Portsmouth on Monday.

"[We are] not anxious," he said. "Obviously, we read the information, it's all the time in the media.

"Our families are concerned. We have a lot of foreign players with foreign families in different countries so it's something that is on a daily basis.

"The club and the authorities are in contact every day. We are following all the instructions from the club doctor.

"So far, the protocols we have been doing are enough but obviously don't know to what stage it is going to develop.

"We've seen in other countries the difficult decisions they have to make around it to protect the situation, so we have to wait and see and be guided by them."

Arsenal endured a difficult week as they exited the Europa League following a shock 2-1 home defeat to Olympiacos on Thursday, which saw them lose the last-32 tie on away goals.

Arteta is now hoping for a long run in the FA Cup to bring some positivity to the Gunners' season.

"It's really special," he said of the competition. "It's probably one of the nicest games and days of the season when you play the final day in England, at Wembley, nice weather and an incredible atmosphere.

"And you know, it's a trophy that's been very much linked with our history. So, we want to continue to be attached to that, knowing that on Monday night in Portsmouth, it will be tough."

United have one win and one draw from two Premier League matches under the former Sporting CP coach, drawing 1-1 at Ipswich Town before crushing Everton 4-0.

On Wednesday, the United boss will face his toughest test yet as United visit the Emirates Stadium, where they have lost on seven of their last nine Premier League visits (one win, one draw), losing on their last three.

Last Sunday's comprehensive victory over Everton was the biggest ever managed by a permanent United boss in their first home league match at the helm.

They registered 59.9% possession, 630 total passes and three big chances in that match, with all of those figures bettering their per-game averages under former boss Erik ten Hag this term (52.2% possession, 494 passes and 2.9 big chances).

Arteta has been impressed by the swift nature of Amorim's impact, saying at Tuesday's pre-match press conference: "You can see his fingerprints already in how he wants to play. 

"You know what he wants to do straight away, I think he's been very clear. He's been very successful with Sporting.

"It's remarkable after so many years what he achieved there, especially in the way he did it and the way his teams have been playing. 

"He brings energy to the club, to the players, new ideas and that's always something that's positive.

"We focus on ourselves. We're on a good run and have good momentum. It will be a big and beautiful match against United."

Arsenal are currently trailing pacesetters Liverpool by nine points at the Premier League summit, with United six points further back in ninth place.

However, Arteta still thinks plenty of teams could catch Arne Slot's Reds – including United.

"We're still very early in the season. Any team that has the capacity to put wins in a row has a chance," the Spaniard said. "I think anything is possible."

Arsenal thrashed West Ham 5-2 last time out, with Bukayo Saka scoring a penalty and laying on two assists. 

Saka has now provided 10 assists in Arsenal’s 13 Premier League games this season – only Harry Kane (11 in 2020-21), Cesc Fabregas (12 in 2014-15) and Mesut Ozil (12 in 2015-16) have reached double figures fewer games into a team's Premier League campaign.

Arteta feels the England international has made a visible step up this season, saying: "In terms of the numbers, yes. 

"We see a shift from Bukayo every single year. He's more and more consistent. He can only improve and only get better. He wants more."

Sterling made the journey across London late in the transfer window after being deemed surplus to requirements by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

The 29-year-old, who is with the Gunners on a season-long loan, could make his debut in the North London derby against Tottenham on Sunday and Arteta, who worked with him during his time as an assistant coach at Manchester City, has enjoyed linking up with the Englishman again so far.

Arteta said of Sterling: "He looks great. First of all, because he has a big smile on his face, a lot of energy. He's at it and wants to prove a point."

The Spaniard has already seen a desire from Sterling to return to his past form, which saw him win four Premier League titles with City, and score 123 Premier League goals.

"When someone has got that in his belly you sense it straight away," said Arteta.

"Obviously, I don't need to discover anything about his quality and what he can bring to the team.

"What I see is hunger. He is a player who wants to play every minute of every game. When that is not the case, he's not happy."

Arteta refused to rule out the possibility of Martin Odegaard being involved on Sunday, despite the midfielder sustaining an ankle injury during the international break.

Norway's national team doctor said Odegaard would be out for the next three weeks, but the Arsenal boss was bullish about his chances of possibly being involved.

He said: "We need some more tests so let's see what happens in the next day or so, this afternoon probably, and see what happens with the extent of the injury and how quickly we can get him back.

“"48 hours until the game, players could always become available, but let's see what happens."

Arteta signed a new three-year contract during the week, having been appointed in December 2019, and said his strong feelings towards the club made the decision to extend a no-brainer.

"The emotional attachment that I have, that my family has, and my kids have [to Arsenal], as well as the experience that I have and the moment [I am sharing] with the people - it is too strong," said the 42-year-old.

"We are going in the right direction, we have made some huge steps, and we have a lot still to make."

The 25-year-old hobbled off during his country's Nations League 2-1 win over Austria in Oslo on September 9 and returned to London on crutches.

Odegaard missed Sunday's 1-0 derby victory against Tottenham and Arteta revealed the bad news on the midfielder ahead of Arsenal's opening Champions League game away to Atalanta.

"The scans showed that he's got some damage especially on one of the ligaments in the ankle," the Arsenal manager said on Wednesday.

"It's something quite significant so we're going to lose him for a while."

Arteta, whose side are second in the league and two points behind Manchester City, said he hoped it would not be months "but let's see".

Odegaard has become a key player for Arsenal, missing only a handful of games over the last three seasons, and a lengthy absence will come as a huge blow.

"He's our captain. He's been one of the biggest and best players in our team," continued Arteta.

"Our identity is very linked to how he plays and behaves. It's a big test for the team to see how able we are to show a different face."

Norway coach Stale Solbakken told VG newspaper he had been fully updated about the injury and was "preparing for a life without Martin".

"We have to take it week by week and day by day. Some types of damage go faster and some go slower," he said.

Defender Gabriel Magalhaes scored the decisive goal, heading home from a corner in the second half, to leave the Gunners second in the Premier League table.

Spurs enjoyed the better start of the two, creating plenty of openings in the early part of the first half, but were unable to take advantage.

Arsenal had fewer shots than Spurs (seven to 15) but were more clinical than their hosts. 

"They are a great side and create an unbelievable atmosphere," said Arteta of their opponents while talking to Sky Sports.

"We knew it would be tough. We believed we could hurt them, we weren't the best with the ball today.

"The way we defended was top drawer. We want to play a different game, but they put a structure that is extremely difficult to match up, so we decided not to do that."

Three of Arsenal's last four Premier League goals against Spurs have come from corners, compared to just three in their previous 88 such matches beforehand.

"We just work on heading the ball, having the right delivery and winning the ball," Arteta added.

"It is about the right timing. Over the season, the team has to go over hurdles, so I am delighted."

Arsenal's players echoed their manager's happiness, with stand-in captain Jorginho highlighting how the team spirit helped them over the line.

"We had to work really hard, as you saw, we knew it was going to be a difficult game," he told Sky Sports.

"On these days you have to work, and we know we can count on each other as teammates.

"At the end, it paid off, and we are so happy that we won. We had key players missing, but we are a total team, the whole squad. We know that whoever comes on will be ready to help the team. We are really proud of the team."

Arsenal's victory over their rivals was the first time since 1988 that they have won three in a row at Tottenham, and that significance was not lost on the players.

"We did it three times in a row now, and you felt the excitement in the dressing room after the game," Jurrien Timber said to BBC Match of the Day.

"You know how bad the fans want to win this game, but it's the same for every game. You prepare for every game the same way, but it felt really nice winning this one.

"I am really, really enjoying it even with all these games coming up. The feeling of being fit is an amazing feeling.

"It's a true honour. We showed up today and credit to everyone who came in."

All three title contenders – Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City – are in action twice this week, with the Gunners taking on Chelsea and Tottenham in two huge London derbies.

They returned to the top of the table with Saturday's 2-0 win over injury-hit Wolves, but with City possessing a game in hand, the destination of the trophy remains out of their hands. 

Following a difficult few days in which Arsenal surrendered control of the title race and exited the Champions League against Bayern Munich, Arteta was delighted with their response at Molineux. 

"If you look at the amount of games we have played in the last few weeks, the type of games we have played, their effort is unquestionable and the results are something else," Arteta said.

"It's a joy to work with them, and it makes us realise we want to be involved in the big competitions, fighting for the Champions League, fighting for the Premier League with the level that it requires."

Chelsea's ambitions, meanwhile, are limited to securing qualification for either the Europa League or the Europa Conference League, with their hopes of silverware being dashed on Saturday. 

They were guilty of spurning several golden opportunities in their 1-0 defeat to City at Wembley Stadium, with their wait for a first trophy under the Todd Boehly regime being extended.

Mauricio Pochettino, though, is choosing to take the positives from that game as the Blues bid to draw level with Newcastle United and Manchester United in the table on Tuesday.  

"Now we need to take the positive things from the game," Pochettino said. "This group of players needs these types of moments and games.

"Now is the time to finish the season in the best way and then see how we can do better next season."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Arsenal – Leandro Trossard

Trossard scored in October's reverse fixture as Arsenal fought back from 2-0 down to clinch a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge, and he has provided an invaluable source of goals from the left wing in recent games, with Gabriel Jesus struggling.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion man is enjoying his most prolific Premier League campaign, with nine goals, and only Bukayo Saka (14) has netted more for the Gunners this term.

Chelsea – Nicolas Jackson

Jackson missed several clear-cut chances as Chelsea failed to make the breakthrough against City at Wembley on Saturday, and he is perhaps running out of chances to show he can be the Blues' long-term solution in that number nine role.

Jackson's 10 Premier League goals this season have come from a total of 13.98 expected goals (xG), giving him an underperformance of -3.98. Only Dominic Calvert Lewin (-5.98) and Darwin Nunez (-4.1) have underperformed their underlying numbers by a greater margin.

MATCH PREDICTION – ARSENAL WIN

Arsenal have only lost one of their last eight Premier League games against Chelsea (five wins, two draws), going unbeaten through their last four against them. That is their longest such streak versus the Blues since they went 19 matches against them without defeat between 1995 and 2005.

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games (four wins, four draws) and have scored multiple goals in each of their last six. However, that run could come to a halt at the Emirates, with Arsenal possessing a strong record in the biggest games this term.

City and Liverpool have already left north London defeated this season, and Arsenal have not lost back-to-back home Premier League games since April 2022. Chelsea should be competitive, but the Gunners cannot afford to miss this chance to pull clear of their rivals. 

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Arsenal 51%

Chelsea 22.5%

Draw 26.5%

Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher likened Arsenal's manager to Mourinho, suggesting the Gunners "don't play great football".

That verdict came after Sunday's 2-2 draw with Liverpool before Arsenal eased to a 3-0 win against Preston North End in the EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday.

Arteta refused to be drawn on the comparison, however, insisting his focus was solely on repaying the faith of Arsenal's board and supporters with victory away to Newcastle.

"I don’t talk about myself. I leave him to give his opinion," Arteta started, referring to Carragher's punditry comments.

"Nobody is un-sackable. When this happens you have earned something and you have it in the bank somehow, but we are here to win football matches – never forget that."

Pressed on his five-year tenure at Arsenal, Arteta reiterated the same message, adding: "Very unusual. Unfortunately, it is very unusual.

"I will carry on with my job in the best possible way and football matches are the most important thing and you have to win many of them to keep your job."

Hosts Newcastle are winless in five league outings, slipping down to 12th in the table, and boss Eddie Howe warned no player is guaranteed selection before Wednesday's 2-0 against Chelsea in the same cup competition.

"No one is undroppable," he said, referring to Bruno Guimaraes.

"I think you make a valid point on Bruno’s minutes, his travelling, he’s done a lot, he’s always been there for us so we need to make sure we manage him well and manage the other players who have had a lot of minutes well."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Newcastle United – Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak averages a goal every 133 minutes in the Premier League for Newcastle – only Andrew Cole (one every 121 minutes) has a better average for the Magpies in the competition.

The Sweden striker has also scored 11 goals in his last 11 league appearances at St James’ Park, where he will hope to continue that run of form on Saturday.

Arsenal – Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka has created more chances than any other Premier League player this season (27), while he has either scored or assisted in 10 of his last 12 league games – including seven of eight matches this campaign.

His three goals and seven assists in 2024-25 also make him one of just four players to achieve double figures for goal involvements in the Premier League.

MATCH PREDICTION – ARSENAL WIN

Arsenal may be winless in their last two league games but they will be the favourites against Howe's struggling side.

Newcastle have not tasted victory in their last five league outings, their longest winless streak since a six-match run across August and September 2022.

Arsenal may have been beaten in their last trip to Bournemouth, too, but they have not suffered back-to-back away defeats in the league since May 2022.

The second of those defeats did come at Newcastle, however, where the Magpies have won two of their last three home Premier League games against Arsenal.

That is as many wins as Newcastle managed across 19 previous home league fixtures with Arsenal, who lost this exact fixture 1-0 last season thanks to Anthony Gordon's controversial winner.

Fortunately for Arteta, Arsenal have not suffered defeat in consecutive away league games against Newcastle since their first three such visits in the Premier League between 1994 and 1996.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Newcastle United win – 27.1%
Draw – 25.1%
Arsenal win – 47.8%

Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, who went off in their Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, are all injury doubts for this match, while Martin Odegaard is also unavailable.

Arteta also has to contend with a suspension, with William Saliba out after being sent off against Bournemouth in Arsenal's 2-0 defeat last weekend.

The Gunners have a worrying record without the Frenchman in their starting line-up; he has missed just 11 games since his debut in 2022, with Arsenal boasting a 74%-win rate with him in the side compared to just 45.5% without him.

Arsenal are, however, in good form against Liverpool at home, winning their last two such Premier League matches, and Arteta is upbeat ahead of their latest clash against the Reds.

"This is the game. We obviously don't want to be in this situation, but we are lucky to have the squad we have and the attitude to react to difficult situations," Arteta said.

"We don't feel sorry for ourselves, we face it, and we know how good we are.

"We have different options [in defence]. That partnership [between William Saliba and Gabriel] has been very stable but we have to find a solution.

"[There's] so much going on with the backline, but we have had to adapt to that and the versatile players have been really useful.

"We had a day off after the Champions League and two days to prepare the game. This is a big match, a big opportunity, and we love these kind of matches at the Emirates. The team is really looking forward to it.

"We have to maintain playing with dominance and belief. Our belief, energy and commitment is needed in a big match like this."

Liverpool sit top of the table going into the weekend's fixtures having lost just one of their 12 matches under Arne Slot so far. Arsenal are currently four points adrift of the pacesetters, who could sit second by kick-off if Manchester City beat Southampton.

Arteta was full of praise for the work Slot has done since moving to Merseyside, but brushed off the idea that this game was his biggest test as Arsenal boss so far.

"Arne Slot's start has been very good. They are in a really great moment and run. They're a team who, for nine years, have been competing at the highest level.

"We have had very difficult and challenging moments, but I don't think this is one of them. We are so energised; the atmosphere will be tremendous, and we are really looking forward to the game.

"I never think about losing. I don't spend one second on the preparation thinking about if we lose it. It is just very bad luck [with the injuries].

"They are difficult issues and traumatic injuries. International ones are difficult to control. It can happen, but it is about how we can react to it and change it. The team have to mentally adapt to that and maintain the belief that even with the team like this, we are still a great team."