Arsenal news LIVE: Antonio Conte praises Mikel Arteta, Smith Rowe undergoes groin surgery, North London derby latest | The Sun
ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has been praised by Tottenham manager Antonio Conte ahead of the North London derby.
The passionate Spurs chief said: “I know they are working with Arteta for many years. They are really well organised and Arteta I said last season he is a really good coach.
“He is young but he can have in front of him a great career. We know that Arsenal are one of the six teams that try to take the best position in the Premier League.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal have confirmed that youngster Emile Smith Rowe has undergone surgery to repair a damaged tendon in his groin.
A club statement revealed that the operation was a success but the England international is set to be out of action until December at the earliest.
And keep up to date with all the gossip around the upcoming North London derby including the Gunners' current injury crisis. .
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Stay up to date with all the latest from the Emirates…
- Sam Dymond
Spurs dealing with double blow
While Arsenal are welcoming back a host of players from injury ahead of tomorrow's North London derby, Tottenham are dealing with fitness issues of their own.
Yesterday we reported that Dejan Kulusevski was set to miss Saturday's showdown after picking up a muscle injury on international duty with Sweden.
The flying forward underwent a scan on his return to Spurs, and the club are yet to reveal the results.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris picked up a slight thigh strain ahead of the break.
It was enough to keep him out of France's two most recent games, but it was hoped that he would be fit in time to face the Gunners.
However, with little more than 24 hours until action, it is now understood that the stopper is in a race against time to make the match.
- Sam Dymond
Advantage Arsenal ahead of derby day
The Premier League returns tomorrow after the international break, and kicks off in style.
The North London derby opens up the weekend schedule on Saturday lunchtime as Premier League leaders Arsenal host unbeaten Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium.
And Dave Seager has come up with five keys reasons as to why the Gunners are favourites including home advantage and the return of Kieran Tierney.
- Gary Stonehouse
Morning, Arsenal fans
Four Gunners could get the all-clear in tomorrow's home derby with Tottenham.
Midfielder Thomas Partey, wideman Oleksandr Zinchenko and right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu expect to shake off knocks following international duty.
And Kieran Tierney should also be available after suffering concussion on Scotland duty.
Meanwhile, Arsenal may finally land Houssem Aouar in January – and for as little as £12.6million
Lyon's France midfielder is out of contract at the end of this season.
Barcelona want Manchester United and Arsenal target Ruben Neves, who now seems likely to leave Wolves by next summer.
Finally, Gunners' legend Martin Keown believes Mikel Arteta's table-toppers need to beat Tottenham.
The former England defender said: “Arsenal have to win tomorrow if they’re going to maintain their momentum and if their back four can stop Spurs they can cement their reputations for years to come.
“The unity and the positive mood is something I’ve never seen in that stadium (the Emirates) before. It’s finally feeling like Arsenal’s proper home."
- Ian Tuckey
Home comforts for firing Gunners
The North London derby has been a closely-fought affair in recent years but when it comes to games on Arsenal’s patch, it’s still the Gunners that hold the bragging rights.
The red half of North London have lost just one of their last 29 Premier League home games against Tottenham (W17 D11) since 1993.
Furthermore, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 11 league matches with Spurs at the Emirates since a 3-2 loss in November 2010 (a game when they led 2-0 at the break).
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners must beat Spurs
Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes derby victory over Spurs on Saturday is essential.
The ex-England defender said: “Arsenal have to win tomorrow if they’re going to maintain their momentum and if their back four can stop Spurs they can cement their reputations for years to come.
“And the one thing in their favour is that the Spurs will walk into a totally different atmosphere at the Emirates this time.
“The unity and the positive mood is something I’ve never seen in that stadium before. It’s finally feeling like Arsenal’s proper home.
“We had the same belief when we played at Highbury. It was a nightmare for the opposition and we would win the games as quickly as we could.
“Now there’s a similar energy about this Arsenal side which hasn’t been there for a very long time.
“Where they have improved is by bringing in role models for the younger players, leaders like Jesus and Zinchenko who have won the Premier League and have the credentials for everyone to follow."
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners will face 'Kray twins'
Prem leaders Arsenal are facing a showdown with the Kray twins in the battle to be London’s top dogs, writes MARK IRWIN.
Mikel Arteta’s eager young team face their toughest test of the season in tomorrow’s North London derby against Spurs at the Emirates.
And former Gunners hard man Martin Keown is relishing a proper scrap for supremacy between two teams both looking to make an unlikely title challenge.
The man who made his reputation as one of the most uncompromising defenders in football during his 21-year career has nothing but admiration for the work of rival bosses Mikel Arteta and Antonio Conte.
And while he believes that the team from the other end of the Seven Sisters Road are slightly ahead right now, he predicts that tomorrow’s game could be the making of Arsenal’s young pretenders.
He says: “I’m surprised that Arsenal are top of the table because I think they’re just behind Tottenham, but that’s their motivation to get ahead of them.
“Conte is a miracle worker. He’s won all the trophies and medals as a manager and you only have to look at where Tottenham were when he took over a year ago compared to where they are now.
“He’s an absolute connoisseur playing three at at the back and hitting you on the counter attack and it will be interesting to see if Arsenal can disrupt that system."
- Ian Tuckey
Ruben hunt hots up
Barcelona want Manchester United and Arsenal target Ruben Neves as a replacement for Sergio Busquets, according to reports.
The 34-year-old Barca ace is set to leave Catalonia for Inter Miami next summer after 15 years in his boyhood club’s first-team.
And according to Catalan paper Sport, Wolves star Neves has emerged as a key target for Xavi and Co.
United and the Gunners were both strongly linked with the Portuguese international over the summer although neither got close to agreeing a deal – and now they are set to be gazumped by Barcelona.
Despite keeping Frenkie de Jong and recruiting Franck Kessie last summer, the LaLiga giants still feel the need for more options alongside the likes of Pedri in midfield.
With Neves’ contract at Molineux only running until 2024, Barca feel that a deal should be simple enough to do – especially given their positive relationship with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes.
- Ian Tuckey
No Champions League football helps title bid
Ex-Arsenal and Tottenham defender William Gallas believes the Gunners are better placed to win the title.
Ahead of Saturday’s derby at the Emirates, former France star Gallas believes Mikel Arteta has emphasises to his Arsenal players that they can be realistic contenders this season.
He told Genting Casino: “I think Arsenal have a better opportunity to compete for the title than Tottenham because this season they aren’t playing in the Champions League, and I think they have to be focussed on the title.
“I don’t know what their target is, but whether it’s top four or to win the title, I hope Arteta has told his players, ‘this season we have a good opportunity to fight for the title, so let’s do it’.
“I think that would be a great message if he said that because it can boost the players. If they win the title, that means they will qualify for the top four.
“So I think Arsenal have a better opportunity to fight for the title.”
- Ian Tuckey
Conte rates Arteta one of the best
Antonio Conte believes Mikel Arteta is on course to prove with Arsenal he's one of the best young coaches around.
Football London report Spurs chief Conte as saying of the Gunners: "I know the quality of this team
“I know they are working with Arteta for many years. They are really well organised and Arteta I said last season he is a really good coach.
“He is young but he can have in front of him a great career. We know that Arsenal are one of the six teams that try to take the best position in the Premier League.”
- Ian Tuckey
Conte blasts 'disrespectful' link to Juve
Tottenham chief Antonio Conte has blasted talk of him returning to Juventus as "disrespectful" and "incredible".
Conte stressed he is "happy" at Spurs as they prepare for Saturday's top-three derby trip to Arsenal.
He's been linked to Juve as boss Massimiliano Allegri is under pressure after a mixed start to the season.
But Conte said: "The Italian giants are also reportedly encouraged by Conte's contract situation at Tottenham with his current deal expiring next summer.
"This is incredible. In this period I think this is disrespectful for the coach that works in Juventus and for me working in Tottenham.
"We have just started the season. Many times I have spoken about this topic and I've always said I'm happy and enjoying my time with Tottenham.
"We have the whole season to find the best solution for the club and for me, and for sure, I'm enjoying my time at Tottenham.
"I have a great relationship with the owner and [Fabio] Paratici [Spurs managing director of football]. I don't see any problems at the moment in the future. We both signed the contract."
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners eye huge fitness boost
Arsenal hope Thomas Partey, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu could be fit for Saturday's home Prem derby with Tottenham.
And Kieran Tierney should also be available after concussion on Scotland duty.
Ghana midfielder Partey and Japan right-back Toniyasu picked up knocks on international duty.
And wideman Zinchenko is recovering from a calf problem suffered against Brentford.
that saw him miss their win over Brentford, while Tomiyasu and Partey picked up injuries while away on international duty with Japan and Ghana.
- Ian Tuckey
Etihad aces shine in Dream Team
DREAM TEAM ROUND-UP: Arsenal deserve huge credit for the way they’ve burst out of the blocks this season, writes NICK ELLIOTT.
On the brink of October, the Gunners are top of the Premier League having won six of their first seven games.
Given that Mikel Arteta’s side also won their first European fixture of 2022/23, it would perhaps be reasonable to expect this supremacy to be reflected in the Dream Team rankings.
While plenty of Emirates residents are providing plentiful returns, not least the popular Gabriel Jesus (£5.7m) who has racked up 45 points, it’s Manchester City assets who are dominating the Stats Centre at this juncture.
Joao Cancelo (£7.6m) is already in a bracket of his own in his position having established a 17-point lead at the top of the defensive rankings.
The Portuguese full-back has earned seven 7+ ratings this campaign, only one player has more at this stage – more on him in a moment.
Cancelo built some serious momentum prior to the international break, registering 41 points across his last five outings.
Similarly, Kevin De Bruyne (£7.5m) is the current outright best asset in his field.
READ THE FULL VERDICT HERE
- Ian Tuckey
Barca in for Utd & Arsenal target Neves
Barcelona want Manchester United and Arsenal target Ruben Neves as a replacement for Sergio Busquets, according to reports.
The 34-year-old Barca ace is set to leave Catalonia for Inter Miami next summer after 15 years in his boyhood club’s first-team.
And according to Catalan paper Sport, Wolves star Neves has emerged as a key target for Xavi and Co.
United and the Gunners were both strongly linked with the Portuguese international over the summer although neither got close to agreeing a deal – and now they are set to be gazumped by Barcelona.
Despite keeping Frenkie de Jong and recruiting Franck Kessie last summer, the LaLiga giants still feel the need for more options alongside the likes of Pedri in midfield.
With Neves’ contract at Molineux only running until 2024, Barca feel that a deal should be simple enough to do – especially given their positive relationship with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes.
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners 'better placed than Spurs for title bid'
Ex-Arsenal and Tottenham defender William Gallas believes the Gunners are better placed to win the title.
Ahead of Saturday's derby at the Emirates, former France star Gallas believes Mikel Arteta has emphasises to his Arsenal players that they can be realistic contenders this season.
He told Genting Casino: "I think Arsenal have a better opportunity to compete for the title than Tottenham because this season they aren’t playing in the Champions League, and I think they have to be focussed on the title.
"I don't know what their target is, but whether it's top four or to win the title, I hope Arteta has told his players, ‘this season we have a good opportunity to fight for the title, so let's do it’.
"I think that would be a great message if he said that because it can boost the players. If they win the title, that means they will qualify for the top four.
"So I think Arsenal have a better opportunity to fight for the title."
- Ian Tuckey
New Houss for the New Year
Arsenal may finally land long-term transfer target Houssem Aouar in January and at a knockdown price, according to the the Express
The Lyon midfielder is out of contract at the end of this season, and the Ligue 1 club know he could swan off in the summer on a free transfer.
Quoted as a £50m purchase two years ago, the Gunners were then unable to negotiate a deal for the French international.
Several Premier League clubs including Nottingham Forest and Fulham were linked with the 24-year-old in the summer, and were told he was available for as little as £12.6m with Lyon looking to cash in.
That figure is likely to be even less once the transfer window reopens.
- Ian Tuckey
Smith Rowe out until December
Emile Smith Rowe's World Cup ambitions are over after undergoing surgery which will sideline him until December, writes MARK IWIN.
The 22-year-old Arsenal playmaker had been hoping to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s squad after winning his first three England caps last season.
But those dreams have been shattered by a persistent groin injury which restricted him to just 48 minutes of action this season.
And now he has been forced to take the difficult decision to go under the surgeon’s knife in an effort to get his career back on track.
An Arsenal spokesman confirmed: “Emile has been experiencing discomfort in his groin in recent months which has limited his training and match appearances.
“Following a significant setback at our match at Manchester United September 4, and after further specialist consultations and discussions with our medical team, Emile underwent surgery to repair a damaged tendon in his groin.
“This successful surgery took place in London in the past few days and his rehabilitation programme is already underway. We are hopeful that Emile will return to full training in December.”
- Ian Tuckey
Emile faces groin op
Arsenal have confirmed that Emile Smith Rowe has undergone surgery to repair a damaged tendon in his groin.
The operation is said to have been a success, and the England international will now undergo a period of recuperation.
The 22-year-old is expected to return to training during December.
The club stated that Smith Rowe has been experiencing discomfort for several months which has limited his game time, and so a decision was made following consultation with specialists and the Arsenal medical team.
Credit: @Arsenal Twitter - Ian Tuckey
Moura hails Jesus
Tottenham frontman Lucas Moura insists he's delighted Brazilian compatriot Gabriel Jesus is shining for new club Arsenal.
Ahead of Saturday's top-three derby trip to the Emirates, Moura told Stats Perform: "The kid started to score and doesn't stop.
"First on the personal side, on the friendship side, I'm very happy for him. He is a very deserving boy, of great quality.
"He left a big club and went to Arsenal, and he's doing very well there.
"The whole team is doing very well. Arsenal has been playing very well. Without a doubt, it will be a very good match for the fans to watch.
"It's going to be a tough game. Even more so at their stadium. But I think we have the quality to get there and fight for the three points.
"It's the kind of match that every player likes to play, every fan likes to watch, full of Brazilians on the pitch, and we'll see what happens."
- Ian Tuckey
Man City players are top in one way…
DREAM TEAM ROUND-UP: Arsenal deserve huge credit for the way they've burst out of the blocks this season, writes NICK ELLIOTT.
On the brink of October, the Gunners are top of the Premier League having won six of their first seven games.
Given that Mikel Arteta's side also won their first European fixture of 2022/23, it would perhaps be reasonable to expect this supremacy to be reflected in the Dream Team rankings.
While plenty of Emirates residents are providing plentiful returns, not least the popular Gabriel Jesus (£5.7m) who has racked up 45 points, it's Manchester City assets who are dominating the Stats Centre at this juncture.
Joao Cancelo (£7.6m) is already in a bracket of his own in his position having established a 17-point lead at the top of the defensive rankings.
The Portuguese full-back has earned seven 7+ ratings this campaign, only one player has more at this stage – more on him in a moment.
Cancelo built some serious momentum prior to the international break, registering 41 points across his last five outings.
Similarly, Kevin De Bruyne (£7.5m) is the current outright best asset in his field.
READ THE FULL VERDICT HERE
- Ian Tuckey
PFA fear injury spree in January
PFA chiefs fear an injury epidemic will rip through the Prem in January, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
The demands of the congested fixture list will be compounded by the impact of the first winter World Cup.
Worries about burn-out for players returning from Qatar are one element in the equation.
But players’ union bosses are also concerned about the shape of those players not selected for the tournament who face six weeks without competitive football in the middle of the season.
The worries were brought home with the release of the study by analysts and insurance company Howden that found Prem clubs suffered 1,131 injuries and absences last season.
And the PFA is increasingly wary that the demands of this extraordinary campaign will take an even worse physical toll on Prem stars.
PFA chief exec Maheta Molango explained: “Fixture congestion is a player welfare issue. In many of the conversations we have with PFA members it’s the number one issue they raise.”
The PFA anticipates the players not selected for the World Cup will need to undertake what will effectively be a second pre-season fitness campaign from early December.
- Ian Tuckey
Odegaard's our best trainer
Aaron Ramsdale rates Martin Odegaard as Arsenal's best trainer.
Keeper Ramsdale has already suggested the Norway playmaker is setting new levels around London Colney.
And the England World Cup hopeful told Peter Crouch on Around The Block: “Martin Odegaard’s always on it.
“He’s a modern-day captain. He’s probably one of the first five in the building and the last five out.
“But then, on the pitch, he’s never going to hide or shrink from a challenge. So that’s the first person we look to.”
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners sweat on Thomas
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is in a race against time to ensure he’s fit for Saturday’s North London derby with Tottenham.
The Ghanaian withdrew from international duty on Friday with discomfort in his knee, shortly before the Black Stars were due to take on Brazil.
Ghana boss Otto Addo revealed that the move was mostly precautionary.
“Hopefully, Thomas will be healthy very, very soon. We didn’t want to take that risk in a friendly game to play him,” he said.
Partey had only just returned for the Gunners in their last match at Brentford, having missed the previous four fixtures with a thigh complaint.
- Ian Tuckey
Tug of Aouar in January
Arsenal may finally land long-term transfer target Houssem Aouar in January and at a knockdown price, according to the the Express
The Lyon midfielder is out of contract at the end of this season, and the Ligue 1 club know he could swan off in the summer on a free transfer.
Quoted as a £50m purchase two years ago, the Gunners were then unable to negotiate a deal for the French international.
Several Premier League clubs including Nottingham Forest and Fulham were linked with the 24-year-old in the summer, and were told he was available for as little as £12.6m with Lyon looking to cash in.
That figure is likely to be even less once the transfer window reopens.
- Ian Tuckey
17-hour drinking allowed at World Cup
England fans can drink for up to 17 HOURS a day at the Qatar World Cup.
But they will have to dig deep to get a piece of the desert festival action.
World Cup chiefs, who confirmed that fans will not need proof of Covid vaccinations but will have to have a negative PCR test within 48 hours of travelling to the Gulf state, have contacted Glastonbury event promoters Arcadia to run a Qatar 2022 version.
The “Arcadia Spectacular”, complete with the fire-breathing 50-tonne Glastonbury spider, will offer a capacity of 15,000 per day.
As well as the promised “A-list line ups from the global stage of techno and house music” it will have food options and bars selling alcohol from 10am through to 3am the next day, allowing fans to watch all four daily games in the group stage of the tournament that starts on November 20.
The festival, offering “the most immersive shows on Earth”, will be sited between Doha’s airport to the south of the city and the England team base camp Souk Al-Wakrah hotel, around 20 minutes from the centre of the capital.
- Ian Tuckey
Arteta's left with a problem
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is facing a crisis at left-back as he prepares for this weekend’s North London derby.
A calf injury meant that the Gunners boss was without summer signing Oleksandr Zinchenko for the last Premier League outing at Brentford two weeks ago.
The Ukrainian also missed the international break, but it is hoped he will have recovered in time to feature against Tottenham in some capacity.
Zincheko’s return has been made even more urgent after Kieran Tierney sustained a head injury on Scotland duty.
The former Celtic man returned to his club as a precaution following the clash with Matt Doherty (a Spurs player, ironically) during his country’s win against Republic of Ireland.
Another potential option for Arteta would be Cedric, but the full-back is also a doubt.
The Portuguese defender has been out since the start of September after picking up a knock.
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