Arsenal

Emma Smith
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal's first-half frustration was encapsulated in manager Mikel Arteta being booked shortly before the break for leaving his technical area too many times.

They had been nullified by Sunderland at that point, with attacking metronome Martin Odegaard kept quiet by their former player Granit Xhaka.

Greece winger Christos Tzolis continued his inconsistent start to the season, more reminiscent here of his toothless showing against Aston Villa rather than the productive display at home to Chelsea.

Konsa, even before giving away the penalty, struggled to deal with Sunderland's direct attacking approach and the physicality of striker Brian Brobbey. And there was further concern at the back when Ben White went off injured at half-time.

But in a game where their attacking talent largely failed to sparkle, Arsenal could rely on their quality at the other end of the pitch as Raya showed his value.

The Spaniard kept his fifth clean sheet in six games this term, and marshalled a defence that has only conceded nine shots on target in the league so far - the lowest in the division.

Raya was also called into action late on to palm away a Xhaka cross that caused danger as Sunderland packed the box looking for a leveller.

As a result Arsenal have won each of their first four games in a top-flight season for the sixth time in their history, last doing so in 2022-23.

Arsenal starting XI:

David Raya: Little to do until he made a superb penalty save with Arsenal struggling. 8

Ben White: Got into some promising positions with overlapping runs, but looked lightweight when defending. Replaced at the break. 5

Gabriel Magalhaes: Strong in tackles and decent on the ball, but not without his usual theatrics - went down injured then complained when told to leave the field as per the rules. 6

Ezri Konsa: Struggled to deal with Brian Brobbey and looked unconvincing on the ball when pressed. Conceded penalty for hauling down Dan Ballard. 4

Riccardo Calafiori: Solid as usual but didn't provide his usual offensive threat. 6

Myles Lewis-Skelly: Lucky to escape an early booking, sloppy on the ball and withdrawn at half-time. 4

Declan Rice: Hard-working as ever both with and without the ball. Created a great chance for Saka at 0-0, but otherwise a bit sloppy. Recognised opportunity to tee up Guimaraes. 6

Bukayo Saka: Should have opened the scoring but failed to make proper contact. Kept largely quiet and missed one-on-one chance late on. Won late penalty and scored - just. 6

Martin Odegaard: Unable to continue his blistering start to the season. Good free-kick delivery. 6

Christos Tzolis: Looked lively early on but faded. 5

Kai Havertz: Missed a clear chance at 0-0 but almost scored a brilliant effort minutes later. Tried to square when he had the chance to put the game to bed. 6

Arsenal substitutes:

Jurrien Timber (on 45, White): Did a better job up against Nilson Angulo and Brobbey and proactive in winning the ball back. Headed in but caught offside. 6

Bruno Guimaraes (on 45, Lewis-Skelly): Brilliant strike moments after Raya's penalty save at a time Arsenal needed help. Not a bad way to score your first goal. 7

Martin Zubimendi (on 81, Rice) 6

Eberechi Eze (on 81, Tzolis) 6

Mikel Merino (on 85, Odegaard) 6

Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Hincapie, Gyokeres, Madueke.

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Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I'm extremely pleased to win again. We had a really tough week, Chelsea, Napoli, winning there and now against a really tough opponent in a difficult place. We had really good periods but didn't score and after that they can suffocate you especially when they decided to be really physical and very direct and we had to overcome a situation that in my opinion was absolutely unacceptable at this level. I'm very worried and very sad because this can never be a penalty ever.

"Are you surprised? Are you surprised? No. OK.

"It's a judo roll from the opponent. Ezri [Konsa] does nothing. Just watch it. We have a lot of cameras and VAR we have to take responsibility to protect the game. Today the game was unprotected and it could have cost us the game and the momentum which is a really, really serious thing.

"I loved the save from David [Raya] the way the team reacted, the way we go again and we go against everything, but this should never happen, it's not fair, and I am sad, very sad, in that sense.

"I'm making it very clear publicly because it's for the game, it's not only for Arsenal, this cannot happen at this level."

On David Raya's penalty save: "We should not talk about the save of the keeper, we should talk about what happened before that."

On Bruno Guimaraes' performance: "Beautiful, he came on, the goal, the assist, remarkable. That why we talk about the finishers and making that impact and being able to support and help the team. He was outstanding."

Arsenal goalscorer Bruno Guimaraes speaking to TNT Sports: "It was unbelievable, I feel very good. Everyone knows I had a difficult start through injuries in my short time. But I'm glad to be back and glad to play. And yeah, I score a beautiful goal, beautiful moment for me and my family and I am happy."

On scoring against Sunderland as an ex-Newcastle player: "Beautiful goal. A very good place, everyone knows my past, I had an amazing history at Newcastle. But now I'm trying to create a new history here and I start with the right foot."

On goalkeeper David Raya being the best in the world: "Definitely. Very good saves. He keeps us alive in the game, that unbelievable moment saving the penalty. I think after this moment we want [from it] a big confidence to play forward and score our goal. Everything for this guy he's an unbelievable player."

Did you know?

• Arsenal have won each of their last nine Premier League games; it's their longest run since March 2004 (also nine).

• There was just 121 seconds between David Raya's penalty save for Arsenal (55:40) and Bruno Guimaraes' opener for the Gunners (57:41).

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

• Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest

• Bournemouth v Brentford

• Chelsea v Hull City - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Crystal Palace v Ipswich Town

• Liverpool v Fulham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Tottenham v Everton (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Sunderland v Arsenal (20:00)

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated.

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This was a cracking game last season, finishing 2-2, and it is arguably Arsenal's toughest test so far in this campaign.

I really like Sunderland and their European campaign has not started yet so those extra games won't affect them here.

I feel like being brave and giving them a draw because they are well capable of taking a point off Arsenal, but the Gunners just have the ability to shut up shop when they need to, and they can get physical again if they need to.

Thinking about it, I can't really go against an Arsenal victory, because of the players they were able to bring on in last weekend's comeback win over Chelsea.

They have got A-list replacements everywhere they look and, if they need a goal against Sunderland, I can see them bringing someone on to get them one.

Sutton's prediction: 0-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal will look to extend their perfect start to the new season when they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday (20:00 BST) in the Premier League.

The Gunners head to Wearside on the back of an impressive win over Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday. Arsenal have also won all three of their league games so far this campaign, making a strong start to the defence of the title they won last season.

Sunderland have bounced back well after an opening-weekend loss to Ipswich Town, taking four points from games against Fulham at home and Brentford away in their subsequent fixtures.

Can the Black Cats disarm the Gunners?

In the early weeks of last season, Sunderland were one of the few sides to give the Gunners problems. Dan Ballard's opening goal against Arsenal in November 2025 was the first time Mikel Arteta's side had conceded in eight games at the time; a stoppage-time strike from Brian Brobbey earned the Black Cats a 2-2 draw.

While they are capable of giving Arsenal a bloody nose, getting over the line and beating the Gunners has not been easy for Sunderland down the years.

Sunderland have only won one of their last 14 league games against Arsenal at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats actually only have one victory in 29 Premier League meetings against the Gunners, and are winless in 17.

How will they go about changing that record? With Arsenal likely to have the majority of the ball, Sunderland are likely to fall back on the direct style that has served them so well since returning to the Premier League. Under head coach Regis le Bris, they like to move the ball forward quickly.

Martin making his mark

Arsenal's start to the season has been supercharged by the form of their resurgent skipper, Martin Odegaard.

The midfielder netted one goal last season. This term, he has four in five games, including the winner against Napoli in midweek, as his sweet strike from the edge of the box capped off an excellent 29-pass move.

There has been a clear tactical shift in Odegaard's playing style this season, meaning he is getting much more of the ball in increasingly dangerous areas.

Overall, his shots, expected goals and touches in the opposition box are up this season per 90 compared with last term.

Odegaard's movements off the ball also illustrate more of a willingness to get into goalscoring positions.

In the Premier League this season, he has already made seven cross-option runs – a run to get into the penalty area to make yourself available for a cross while your team-mate has the ball in a wide area – having made just 10 across the whole of the previous term.

At the other end of the pitch, even with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba out injured, the Gunners remain solid at the back. Their win over Napoli made it three clean sheets from four and, across their past three games, they have conceded a total of 0.93 xG, which is the lowest in the division.

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal have reached a pre-contract agreement to sign Georgian forward Andria Bartishvili in July 2027.

The 17-year-old, who operates as a winger or attacking midfielder, will join from Kolkheti 1913, subject to the completion of regulatory processes.

Bartishvili is currently on loan at Georgian top-flight side Iberia 1999, where he scored his first professional goal in May.

He has two caps for Georgia under-21s, having also played for the under-16s, under-17s and under-18s.

Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Defender Ben White is "fine" to play against Sunderland, despite coming off late on in Wednesday's 1-0 win over Napoli, while Jurrien Timber has been "training with us for a few days and looks in good shape". Cristhian Mosquera is "doing really well" and may be available for "either this one or the next one".

• Arteta praised Kai Havertz's form and said: "Kai is extremely intelligent, that's his biggest quality. He is five seconds ahead of the game and he just makes the people around him better. He is scoring goals, producing chances, his work-rate is outstanding and he is in an outstanding emotional state."

• He was asked about how he coped with a plane delay when going to Italy, with Arteta saying he "loves those challenges" and that the club try to act out potential problems. He added: "I try to create them in pre-season and arrive at different times so when they happen we have already experienced it. You can miss a flight and the train can be delayed, but I don't want the players or staff to be panicking when it happens and instead adapt to it. But do not complain and use it as an excuse because it's not helpful at all."

• He added: "We delay the meals, delay the transport, take a different route, make the dressing room hot, less beds, because we are going to have to adapt so there is not an element of surprise on matchday. It's important."

• On Saturday's opponents Sunderland, he said: "We experienced last season how difficult it will be and it's great to play these type of games. We have prepared, we are ready tomorrow to be on the pitch and compete like we always do - and be better than the opponent and try to win the game. Last year, we dropped points there in the last minute [drawing 2-2] and we've learned a lot from that game."

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Martin Zubimendi may push to leave Arsenal in January after losing his place in the XI, with Chelsea and Real Madrid interested in the midfielder. (Teamtalk, external)

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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The perception of Arsenal's transfer window varies depending on who you speak to - but there will be no disagreement from anyone at Emirates Stadium over how crucial their next expected signing will be.

With the market closed until January, the club are now in the process of finalising an agreement with manager Mikel Arteta over his protracted new contract.

Well-placed sources indicate those discussions have moved forward recently, amid full confidence from those involved in talks that the Spaniard will renew.

Arteta moved unequivocally last month to remove any lingering doubt over his future: "Everybody feels comfortable that the timing of the contract is not going to be an issue because my will certainly is to be here and I'm very happy here."

For Arsenal supporters, the official announcement can't come soon enough, particularly given his current deal now has just nine months left to run.

Arteta's fingerprints are all over the club and - most importantly - the squad. Nothing happens from a first-team perspective without his approval.

With that in mind, the thought of removing Arteta from that dynamic, certainly for Arsenal's ownership, is the unthinkable.

This is a squad that has flourished under his tutelage. The average age of the squad (26.2 years) is one of the oldest in the Premier League. It is a group at its peak and primed to build a legacy on.

Beyond the new financial terms, Arsenal are buying into Arteta's vision.

The summer arrivals of Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa were sizeable investments, given both turn 30 next year, while the albeit failed pursuits of Vinicius Jr and Julian Alvarez provided evidence that the club's owners are willing to spend heavily on elite talent.

It is the sort of ambition Arteta is understood to have made clear he wanted to see as talks over his contract progressed.

Read the full article here

Image source, Getty Images

The Premier League has announced it will stage seven matches on Boxing Day this year after releasing its festive schedule.

Four fixtures will be staged at 15:00 GMT, with further matches played at 12:30, 17:30 and 20:00.

The fixture programme for 26 December, which falls on a Saturday in 2026, is considerably bigger than last year, when one game was held.

Three matches will be played on Sunday, 27 December, while three further rounds of games will be held over a period up to Thursday, 7 January.

A round of evening midweek fixtures will staged on 29-30 December, while Leeds will host Everton (20:00) for the only match on New Year's Day.

The remainder of that round will be held over the weekend of 2-3 January, with the fourth round of games spread across the evenings of 5-7 January.

The Premier League has brought forward the announcement of fixture scheduling over the Christmas and New Year period after consultation with both broadcast partners and the Football Supporters' Association and representatives from club Fan Advisory Boards.

Television scheduling for Premier League fixtures has been announced up to Monday, 2 November, with broadcast selections for the remaining games in November and December to be announced in the weeks commencing 21 September and 19 October respectively.

The Premier League has guaranteed clubs at least a 60-hour break between fixtures over the festive period to address the concerns over a congested festive schedule that follows recent expansions of the European and international calendars.

Premier League Christmas and New Year schedule

Saturday, 26 December

12:30 Aston Villa v Leeds

15:00 Everton v Sunderland

15:00 Fulham v Brighton

15:00 Ipswich v Brentford

15:00 Spurs v AFC Bournemouth

17:30 Hull v Liverpool

20:00 Newcastle v Manchester City

Sunday, 27 December

14:00 Coventry v Chelsea

16:30 Manchester Utd v Nottingham Forest

19:00 Crystal Palace v Arsenal

Tuesday, 29 December

19:30 Hull v Leeds

19:30 Spurs v Brighton

20:15 Everton v Manchester City

Wednesday, 30 December

19:30 Coventry v Brentford

19:30 Crystal Palace v AFC Bournemouth

19:30 Fulham v Arsenal

19:30 Manchester United v Sunderland

19:30 Newcastle v Nottingham Forest

20:15 Aston Villa v Liverpool

20:15 Ipswich v Chelsea

Friday, 1 January

20:00 Leeds v Everton

Saturday, 2 January

12:30 Brighton v Manchester United

15:00 Arsenal v Ipswich

15:00 Brentford v Crystal Palace

15:00 Liverpool v Coventry

15:00 Nottingham Forest v Fulham

15:00 Sunderland v Hull

17:30 AFC Bournemouth v Aston Villa

Sunday, 3 January

14:00 Chelsea v Newcastle

16:30 Manchester City v Spurs

Tuesday, 5 January

19:30 Arsenal v Brentford

19:30 Brighton v AFC Bournemouth

19:30 Everton v Aston Villa

19:30 Nottingham Forest v Hull

20:15 Sunderland v Liverpool

Wednesday, 6 January

19:30 Crystal Palace v Chelsea

19:30 Fulham v Spurs

19:30 Ipswich v Coventry

20:15 Leeds v Manchester City

Thursday, 7 January

20:00 Manchester United v Newcastle

Image source, Getty Images

The seemingly perennial debate surrounding Arsenal's striking options has returned to the fore after Wednesday's 1-0 Champions League win away at Napoli.

The Gunners dominated but were guilty of wasteful finishing and were relieved with captain Martin Odegaard's late breakthrough despite having 26 shots - their most in a Champions League game since the start of last season.

Viktor Gyokeres started his first game of the season but struggled at times and was replaced by Kai Havertz just before Arsenal broke the deadlock.

"There is always a question going to be asked of Gyokeres," former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"There is a lot of talk around Arsenal and their big moves in the transfer market and one of the big stories was around the number nine that they were looking to bring in.

"Obviously they have Gyokeres and Havertz and they have rotated so far this season with Havertz starting. Arsenal have a deep squad and the striker position, and possibly the left side after Martinelli's exit, are the two areas where they don't have the cover they have in other places.

"Those are the two areas you could maybe question but when you look at their squad and the rest of the Premier League - they have the deepest, strongest squad by a long way.

"I think with Gyokeres and Havertz there is the question mark of are either of those two of the world class quality that we talk about with Erling Haaland and maybe Julian Alvarez. You wouldn't put either of those two in that class.

"Arsenal have goals everywhere else in the team, the strength in depth is far more than anyone else in the Premier League and probably in Europe. They are going to be the team to beat again."

Image source, Getty Images

Former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam added: "To get the best of Gyokeres as a striker, he wants to be slipped down the side and use his pace and power to get in behind.

"When he has to come and link I think that becomes the problem whereas Havertz likes to come and link the game and play and get runners off the sides.

"Gyokeres wants space to run into. Against Napoli he was always receiving with his back to goal. I don't think that's his strength. I think he is more of a number nine who wants to run and use the spaces.

"He needs to get up to speed and getting goals early in the season gives confidence."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts on Arsenal beating Napoli 1-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Here are some of your comments:

Nigel: We always struggle in Italy for some reason, and a weak Napoli parked the bus, yet again shining the light on Mikel Arteta's inability to break that low block down. It took a late flurry of subs to work it out. Must do better.

Vince: Martin Odegaard might be in the form of his life but it'd be foolhardy to keep relying on our captain to win the day, particularly with the boys playing 2-3 games a week. This should have been an easy win but we missed too many good chances. Eze and Gyokeres look like they need more minutes under their belt but otherwise, given this is just the start of the season, we look like we're warming up nicely!

Phoenix: Rock steady performance... at this stage just get your three points regardless. Well done boys.

John: Odegaard getting all the headlines so well done Martin but credit too to the Arsenal defensive unit. That's five competitive games so far this season; goals for: 10, goals against: 1. Not shabby.

Bobb: Spent most of the game in total control but left their shooting boots at home, especially Saka. Fortunately Napoli were really wasteful too with their few chances. Clinical performance in the end by Arsenal with incredibly complex passing through the familiar low block. Impressive performance again by Odegaard. Also Konsa has fitted straight in seamlessly.

Did you know?

Since the start of 2021-22, Arsenal's 3.81 open play xG against Napoli is the most accumulated by an away side in a Uefa Champions League game.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

Martin Odegaard, as manager Mikel Arteta hinted, is almost playing like someone with something to prove.

He knows that while Arsenal had a season of glory last time out, his personal contribution was not what he expected from himself.

Former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha said Odegaard "will want to have a bigger impact on the team this season" on Match of the Day.

"They have got unfinished business in the Champions League," said Onuoha. "He wants to be the first captain of Arsenal to lift that trophy.

"You would not back against them winning it based on what we have seen them do in this competition in the past two seasons, but he 100% takes Arsenal to a different level when he is on form and playing like this.

"That's the way it should be as well. When he is at his best, Arsenal are at their best. The best version of Arsenal, in my opinion, comes when Odegaard is pulling the strings."

This time around, Odegaard looks smooth as silk - and it is no coincidence Arsenal look exactly the same.

"Arsenal have obviously looked good at the start of the season and he has been a big reason for that," added Onuoha. "Some of his creativity, especially on the right-hand side, has been excellent.

"He looks after the ball so well. He is always looking for that pass to be able to create opportunities. He even does defensive work as well."

Arsenal's superiority was illustrated by having 26 shots against Napoli, their most in a single Champions League match since records began in 2003-04.

The Champions League has proved elusive for Arsenal, with finals lost to Barcelona in 2006 and Paris St-Germain last season.

It remains their Holy Grail - but if Odegaard maintains his brilliant form, their chances of crossing a so far insurmountable barrier will increase hugely.

Read the full article here

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal starting XI:

David Raya: Fortunate to escape unpunished after spilling an attempt by Kevin de Bruyne from outside the box. 6

Piero Hincapie: One of four players making their first starts of the season. Fired over from close range when it seemed easier to score. 6

Gabriel Magalhaes: Dominant performance at the heart of the defence and produced some strong challenges. 7

Ezri Konsa: Worked hard as the Gunners kept another clean sheet. His passing was also decent. 7

Ben White: Eager to burst forward and supply crosses into the box. Did well to react first after Raya spilled a Kevin de Bruyne attempt. 6

Declan Rice: Work rate could not be faulted. 6

Mikel Merino: Should have marked his first Arsenal start since January with a goal but headed straight at the keeper. 6

Eberechi Eze: First start of the season. Early attempt deflected over the bar but was also lucky to escape a caution. 6

Martin Odegaard: Captain to the rescue with an outstanding finish from outside the box as Arsenal looked set for a frustrating night. 8

Bukayo Saka: Busy performance and registered five attempts alone in the first half. Wasted one glorious chance when he lifted it over the bar and had one acrobatic effort straight at the keeper. 6

Viktor Gyokeres: Had just six touches in the first half and struggled to make an impact on his first start of the season. 5

Arsenal substitutes:

Bruno Guimaraes (on 65, Merino): Helped his team to three points. 5

Christos Tzolis (on 65, Eze): Sent the ball into orbit while attempting a shot before providing the assist for the winner. 5

Kai Havertz (on 73, Gyokeres): Helped his side to an important win. 5

Noni Madueke (on 73, Saka): Worked hard after coming on. 5

Martin Zubimendi (on 82, White)

Subs not used: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Illan Meslier, Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Max Dowman.

Read the match report and see how you rated the players

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

Have your say on Arsenal's performance

Reaction, analysis and highlights to follow - and come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies.