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    Arsenal verdict: Carabao Cup exit a blessing in disguise with one less distraction for Arteta in bid to end Prem drought

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    THERE were groans around the Emirates when Karl Hein made his fatal error in the 27th minute.The debutant’s slip and trip on Brighton’s Danny Welbeck began Arsenal’s descent into Carabao Cup despair.
    Arsenal’s Carabao Cup exit can only be a blessing in disguise for Mikel ArtetaCredit: Reuters
    And the night ended in a 3-1 defeat with Mikel Arteta’s men being dumped out of the competition earlier than expected.
    But is the result really the end of the world for Arsenal?
    Playing (mostly) top-class football, thumping rivals like Chelsea and Spurs, and competing for a first Premier League title since the Invincibles of 2004?
    The answer is simply no.
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    In fact, tonight’s exit can only be a blessing in disguise for Arteta, who almost certainly won’t be shedding any tears tonight.
    That’s because he now has one less distraction to deal with.
    And Arsenal no longer have to worry about a competition many see as meaningless.
    Yes, it’s always nice for potential league champs to kick-start things by landing the first trophy of the season.
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    But at the end of the day, Arteta will not be remembered nor championed for winning the Carabao Cup.
    He already has an FA Cup in the bank.
    And every diehard Gooner only has eyes for the Premier League this term.
    Arteta can now forget having to prep for eight or nine changes ahead of a random midweek fixture.
    He can also rule out further long trips away from London, making his already-knackered players even more tired.
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    Now Arsenal can fix their sights almost completely on the title, with the Europa League and FA Cup a nice sideshow.
    And nobody can be surprised if Arteta cracks a wry smile on his drive home tonight. More

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      Arsenal 1 Brighton 3: Hosts crash out of Carabao Cup after goalkeeper howler as Danny Welbeck returns to haunt Gunners

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      KARL HEIN will never forget his Arsenal debut – for all the wrong reasons.The Estonian keeper’s first half blunder allowed Brighton to equalise and then go on to take the wind out of Mikel Arteta’s high-flying side with a stunning comeback victory.
      Arsenal are out of the Carabao Cup after a 3-1 defeat at home to BrightonCredit: Rex
      Danny Welbeck returned to haunt his old side as the Seagulls mounted a valiant fightbackCredit: PA
      Hein, 20, was a shock inclusion in the starting line-up for the Premier League leaders as they looked to build on a three game winning streak in the Carabao Cup.
      And the Emirates Stadium was bouncing when Eddie Nketiah fired Arsenal ahead in the 20th minute with a classy right foot finish from just inside the box.
      A powerful run by Reiss Nelson split the Albion defence before a perfectly-weighted lay off fell for the striker to bend a shot past Jason Steele.
      But the lead was short-lived and Hein was lucky to stay on the pitch after his unlucky slip as he raced off his line to meet Danny Welbeck’s run towards his goal.
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      Arsenal got off to a flyer when Eddie Nketiah hit a great finish after 20 minutesCredit: Reuters
      The Gunners looked well on their way to storming to victoryCredit: PA
      Hein stumbled and in his recovery tugged the Brighton striker to the floor.
      Welbeck turned in the penalty to equalise and from then on it was all revitalised Brighton as they rocked Arsenal with two second half goals to secure a thrilling win.
      Hein was squarely beaten as Albion sub and Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma bent a shot beyond him on 58 minutes to claim his second goal in as many matches.
      And full back Tariq Lamptey sealed a memorable night for The Seagulls with number three 19 minutes from time – his first goal for more than two years.
      Things changed minutes later when Karl Hein fouled Danny Welbeck for a penaltyCredit: Reuters
      Ex-Gunner Welbeck put Brighton back on level terms from the spotCredit: Getty
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      Kaoru Mitoma fired Brighton ahead in the 58th minuteCredit: AFP
      The ace celebrated by leaping into the crowdCredit: AFP
      The deflating defeat is Arsenal’s first at home since April which was ironically a Premier League reverse against Brighton. 
      Arteta’s rejuvenated Arsenal had won 12 games on their own turf in a row prior to last night’s surprise setback.
      Eager to maintain impressive runs of form, both bosses named relatively strong sides but with a hint of experimental flavour.
      Arteta had keeper Turner on his bench even though the USA’s number one was named in his country’s squad for the World Cup prior to kick off, was not starting.
      Tariq Lamptey made sure of the result with a 71st minute strikeCredit: Reuters
      Brighton held out to see off Arsenal for the winCredit: Getty
      Turner has been injured recently suggesting he is not quite there yet in terms of fitness with the Group B game against England just 15 days’ away now.
      Arsenal hit the post in the second half through Nketiah but Arteta had hoped to give some of his bigger stars a night off ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash at Wolves – their last game before the World Cup.
      But with the tie slipping away from him he was forced to bring on striker Gabriel Jesus in a bid to break down Brighton and stay in a competition that is much-criticised from the outside but which is hugely popular with fans.
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      Arsenal will now be able to fully focus on their title challenge and European hopesCredit: Rex
      Mikel Arteta cut a quiet figure on the sidelineCredit: AP
      With the 60,000 capacity Emirates Stadium rapidly emptying, Nelson managed a shot with three minutes left only for it to drift harmlessly wide.
      Brighton manager Robert De Zerbi is now toasting a hat-trick of wins which now includes the current best team in the country and Champions League contenders Chelsea. More

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      Conte can lead Tottenham title charge like Arteta at Arsenal, says Chimbonda who tips Kane to end career at Spurs

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      ANTONIO CONTE is “definitely the man” to end Tottenham’s 14-year trophy drought and turn them into Premier League title contenders, just like Mikel Arteta did at Arsenal.That is according to ex-Spurs ace Pascal Chimbonda who insists Conte can lead the club to its first piece of silverware since 2008, when the Frenchman was still playing and won the League Cup.
      Antonio Conte can end Tottenham’s trophy drought, according to Pascal ChimbondaCredit: AFP
      Pascal Chimbonda was still playing for Tottenham when they last won a trophyCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Italian tactician has had a major impact ever since joining the North Londoners last year as he led them to a top-four finish and received substantial backing in the summer transfer window.
      Chimbonda is confident the ex-Chelsea boss is bound to win a trophy with Tottenham and could even challenge for the Prem “within the next couple of seasons” like Arteta did with their local rivals.
      The Spaniard joined Arsenal during a turbulent time in 2019 and needed three years to turn the tide and transform his team into serious title contenders as they are currently top of the table.
      Speaking to Lord PIng, Chimbonda said: “Conte is definitely the man to help the club end its trophy drought, and I think he will want to win something within the next couple of seasons.
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      “He has had a massive impact on the squad since joining Tottenham and has improved the performances of so many players, who believe in what he is doing.
      “I think he can absolutely win a trophy with the club. Spurs can challenge for the title in the next couple of seasons. Look at what Arsenal are doing this season, there is no reason why Spurs can’t challenge.
      “I don’t think that anyone expected Arsenal to be up there after Arteta joined them, but he has turned them into challengers and I would expect Conte to do the same in a similar amount of time.
      “For Tottenham to really challenge, they need to add more quality players to their squad.
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      “Our squad is not that large at the moment – we have suffered with injuries to Richarlison, Son [Heung-min] and Kulu [Dejan Kulusevski] has only just returned – we really missed these players.”
      Chimbonda expects Conte to have his star striker Harry Kane for a long time as he is confident he could end his career at Tottenham.
      Kane came close to an exit last year in the summer when he almost joined Manchester City but ultimately stayed put.
      The ex-full-back, who made 103 appearances for Spurs, feels like it may be too late for a big move as the England captain is now 29 years old.
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      Pascal Chimbonda is confident Harry Kane will end his career at TottenhamCredit: Reuters
      The ex-France international claims former suitors Manchester United will want a different player whereas Bayern Munich are not on the lookout.
      Chimbonda added: “For me, I feel that if Harry was going to leave, he should have left last season. He is 29 now and time is running out for Harry.
      “We have to also think about the impact of Conte coming to the club and the influence that would have had on Kane – I’m sure he would have been excited by the appointment and would want to work with a proven winner.
      “I think that the business the club did over the summer and playing in the Champions League could have convinced Harry to stay. I can see him finishing his career at Tottenham, but in football you never really know.
      Pascal Chimbonda believes it is too late for Harry Kane to make a big moveCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      “I don’t think that he will join Manchester United – they will go for a different type of player – Bayern is a club that are reportedly interested, but I can’t see him playing there and [Eric Maxim] Choupo-Moting is playing well for them at the moment.
      “I can see Kane retiring at Spurs, hopefully with a few trophies under his arm and a lot more goals.” More

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      Shay Given on why Arsenal can win title, Haaland will break Shearer record and Howe can lead Newcastle to Prem glory

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      MANCHESTER CITY hero Shay Given insists Arsenal can’t be ruled out of the Premier League title hunt.The Gunners are flying high in the table with two points separating them from second-placed City thanks to a remarkable consistency that has seen them win 11 out of their first 13 matches.
      Shay Given insists Arsenal can’t be ruled out of the Premier League title raceCredit: Getty
      Given, 46, believes the North Londoners’ decision to give “complete control” to manager Mikel Arteta is a main reason behind the club’s stunning comeback after a turbulent campaign last season.
      The legendary goalkeeper also argued that Arteta has learned a lot from City boss and mentor Pep Guardiola, with whom he worked at the Etihad for three years before joining Arsenal in 2019.
      The former Ireland international added that the signings of two proven winners in Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from his previous club have proven to be a major difference maker.
      Speaking to Mega Casino, Given said when asked if Arsenal can win the title: “I hope not. Arsenal are top of the league at the moment and I think people think that it is a foregone conclusion that City will climb above them at some stage.
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      “I think that Arteta has done a phenomenal job at Arsenal and you also need to praise the ownership at the club for sticking by him. Twelve months ago he was under a lot of pressure, he had the [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang issues to resolve.
      “I think the club has given him complete control and he has shown himself to be a fantastic leader and manager. He obviously learned from Pep, the best in the world, and now Arsenal and Arteta are getting their rewards.
      “There is a real togetherness on and off the pitch between the players and the fans, they are right behind their team and the Emirates has turned into a fortress for them. You can’t rule Arsenal out. They are definitely in for the title now.
      “Signing Jesus and Zinchenko was a brilliant move from Arteta, and I think Pep did him a favour on the transfer fees for both of them. Two Premier League winners coming into the team, that would have helped this young Arsenal side too.”
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      But Given still appears to like City’s chances as he has high hopes of star signing Erling Haaland, who has already registered a staggering 18 goals in 12 Premier League matches.
      The Newcastle great is so impressed with Haaland he expects him to break every record, including that of Alan Shearer’s historic 260 Prem goals, and could even lead the Citizens to Champions League glory.
      Given added: “We obviously knew all about Haaland’s record before he came to the Premier League, and I think people dismissed the fact that he would keep scoring at the rate he has done in Germany in England.
      “To do what he has done in his first few months in the Premier League is unbelievable. The records that he has already broken in the Premier League tell you that he is the real deal.
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      Shay Given expects Manchester City star Erling Haaland to break Alan Shearer’s recordCredit: Getty
      “I’ve been going to a lot of the City games this season because I live in Manchester and when he came off the bench on Saturday [against Fulham], you could feel the anticipation for him from the crowd.
      “In 20 minutes he had one disallowed and three or four chances before he scored the last minute penalty. The opposition were worried about him. He has that fear factor about him and he is hungry for goals.
      “People say he doesn’t get involved in the build-up, but he doesn’t need to; he just needs to be in the right place at the right time.
      “He is an absolute superstar and I think he will break every record in the Premier League, not just Shearer’s. I think he could be the missing pieces of the puzzle for the Champions League too.”
      Given spent nine years with Shearer at Newcastle and sees plenty of similarities between him and Haaland as they are both “so clinical”.
      The Irish legend said: “They are both so clinical. When a chance presents itself to these guys, a calmness comes over them and you know that they will score. They were born to score goals.
      Shay Given believes Newcastle could win the Premier League under Eddie HoweCredit: Getty
      “Both players have the killer instinct. Their movement is incredible and they put themselves into areas where they have the best possible chance of scoring a goal. They were both born to score goals.”
      Given also likes Newcastle’s chances under Eddie Howe as he claims he is the right man to soon lead the club to its first title since 1927 amid an impressive season that has seen the Toon climb up to third place.
      The former goalkeeper is surprised by the Magpies’ progress as he didn’t expect the former relegation strugglers to challenge for a top-four finish so soon after last year’s Saudi-led takeover.
      Given said: “Why can’t he win the title with the club? When he first got the job, people were saying that he would be a short term option.
      “I think many people expected him to steady the ship for a season or two because Newcastle were in big trouble when he went in there, but he’s done that and more.
      “I think the board will be thinking that they have the right guy in charge and that he should lead the club on this journey for a number of years. Newcastle need to take things step by step.
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could lead the Gunners to Premier League gloryCredit: PA
      “If Newcastle can finish in the Champions League places this season it would be a phenomenal achievement and the next step on from that would be to challenge for the Premier League title.
      “The owners probably didn’t expect to be challenging for the top four so quickly. I think they would have considered a top half finish a step in the right direction.
      “Somebody asked me at the start of the season if Newcastle could finish in the top four. At the time, I thought it was too soon and it still might be, but as every game goes by and the results keep coming it is hard not to get carried away because they are playing so well and the city is rocking again.
      “They need to keep the momentum going and see where they end up. It will be interesting to see what happens in January. Will they bring in a couple more to help push them towards the top of the table?
      “I think it is a real opportunity for them to do that. If Eddie wants a little bit more quality in certain areas of the team and they can do that, the owners will do it.” More

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      How Arsenal could line up against Chelsea with Saka set for instant return and Tierney pushing to start

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      ARSENAL are set to go with an extremely strong starting XI when they travel to Chelsea on Sunday.The Gunners are going into the match as favourites after storming to the top of the Premier League.
      How Arsenal could line up against Chelsea
      But there is also pride at stake as they look to cement themselves as London’s top team.
      And Mikel Arteta looks set to be forced into just one change as he prepares for the huge occasion.
      Takehiro Tomiyasu is expected to miss out against Chelsea after picking up an injury in Zurich yesterday.
      That should see Kieran Tierney drafted in at left-back.
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      He is set to be joined by Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba in defence.
      And Aaron Ramsdale is certain to start between the sticks.
      Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey will stick together as the midfield duo.
      While Bukayo Saka has shaken off a knock to line up with Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus in attack.
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      Another way Arsenal could look at Stamford Bridge
      Arteta could spring a couple of surprises though if he opts for an alternative team.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko has been training after missing the last eight games with injury and could be pushing for a start.
      Elsewhere, Fabio Vieira may get the nod after regular No10 Odegaard admitted he became “frustrated” in a secret meeting regarding Arsenal’s slight dip in form.
      Reiss Nelson is another candidate to come in should Saka be deemed not fit enough before kick-off.
      And Eddie Nketiah could yet spring a surprise as the striker, with Jesus firing blanks in his last eight outings. More

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      Stat that shows why Arsenal WILL win the Premier League – and only ONE team has failed from their position

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      ARSENAL are enjoying their best Premier League season in living memory.And as far as the stats are concerned, the Gunners are on course for a first Premier League title since the Invincibles in 2004.
      The stats show Arsenal are set to win their first title in nearly 20 yearsCredit: Getty
      Only Newcastle have failed to win the title with a similar points total after 12 games
      Star players like Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have played their hearts out under Mikel Arteta this term.
      Arsenal have won 10 of their 12 games so far, losing just once and scoring 30 times.
      And a super computer has already predicted the Gunners will win the title with a club-record points tally.
      Indeed, Arsenal’s current points total of 31 is among the best in Premier League history at this stage of the season.
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      Man City boast two of the best three starts after 12 matches played, picking up 34 points in the 11/12 and 17/18 seasons.
      Liverpool also reached that impressive figure in the 19/20 campaign.
      Elsewhere, City (18/19) and Chelsea (14/15) managed 32 points in the past.
      And all those sides went on to win the title that season.

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      As for four other teams who had 31 points after 12 games, three of them ended the term with silverware.
      Chelsea (05/06) and Man Utd (93/94, 06/07) were crowned champs with the same tally as Arsenal right now.
      But there was one side who hit 31 points and failed to clinch the title.
      That unenviable award goes to Newcastle, who infamously finished second under Kevin Keegan in the 95/96 campaign.
      They led the league from August until mid-March, and were 12 points clear of Man Utd in late January.
      But Newcastle steadily saw their lead cut before Keegan’s iconic rant, provoked by Sir Alex Ferguson’s mind games, sealed their fate.
      He said just weeks before United beat Toon to the title by four points: “You can tell him [Fergie] now, we’re still fighting for this title and he’s got to go to Middlesbrough (for the last game of the season) and get something.
      “And I’ll tell you, honestly, I will love it if we beat them. Love it.”
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      It is certainly a moment Arteta will reflect on as the season continues, with defending champs Man City just two points behind.
      And one of Arsenal’s biggest tests of the season is just days away when they travel to Chelsea on Sunday. More

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      Barcelona ‘line up Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’ as next boss as pressure on Xavi heats up after Champions League exit

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      BARCELONA are reportedly considering Mikel Arteta as their next boss.That’s as pressure ramps up on Xavi Hernandez following last week’s Champions League exit.
      Barcelona boss Xavi is feeling the heat after last week’s Champions League exitCredit: Getty
      Club chiefs are eyeing Arsenal’s Mikel Areta if a change is needed further down the lineCredit: Getty
      Former Man City assistant Arteta is shining in the Emirates dugout this season.
      He has guided Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table.
      And Sport claims Barcelona chiefs are keeping tabs on Arteta after being impressed.
      Current Nou Camp boss Xavi is under the spotlight after seeing Barca crash out of Europe’s top competition in the group stage.
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      The cash-strapped Catalans were banking on a major pay day from the knockouts after a summer splurge.
      It’s reckoned the early exit will set Barcelona back at least £20million, plus add-ons they could have had later down the line.
      And there will now be more pressure on Xavi to deliver in the league, with Barca one point behind leaders Real Madrid.
      However, club chiefs are still backing their former midfielder to deliver.
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      And Arteta is instead seen as a future option should a change become necessary.
      That’s good news for Arsenal, who hope their ex-player can deliver a first Premier League title since the Invincibles in 2004.
      As for Xavi, he admits he is fully aware of the consequences if he doesn’t deliver trophies after signing stars including Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.
      He said: “With the effort made by the club and the squad we have, we have to compete for trophies.
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      “And if we don’t win, as the president said, there will be consequences, starting with me.
      “But if we don’t win, another coach will come in. But I am going to give everything so that this works.” More

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      Rio Ferdinand would ‘put his house’ on Man Utd, Arsenal and City finishing in top four… along with one outsider

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      RIO FERDINAND says he would “put his house” on Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City finishing in the top four this season.But Ferdinand also reckons there’s one strong outsider to take the final spot for next term’s Champions League.
      Rio Ferdinand has revealed his predictions for the top four race… with a surprise twistCredit: Reuters
      The race to qualify for Europe’s elite competition is already proving to be an intriguing one.
      Arsenal, Man City, Tottenham and Newcastle occupy the top four after 12 to 13 games played.
      Man United and Chelsea are hot on their heels in fifth and sixth.
      Meanwhile, surprise packages Fulham and Brighton follow on ahead of last season’s beaten finalists Liverpool.
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      And Ferdinand reckons there could be a shock come the end of the campaign.
      The former United superstar is backing his old side to qualify under Erik ten Hag.
      He also believes Arsenal and City, the two top teams this term, should also easily make the cut.
      But as for the fourth and final Champions League spot, Ferdinand has overlooked all three of Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool.
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      He believes it’s Newcastle who are actually leading the race for fourth.
      The Magpies have impressed under Eddie Howe this term, losing just once while boasting the best defence in the table.
      And with no extra European games to play this term, Newcastle will be able to fully focus on the league once the World Cup is out of the way.
      Ferdinand told Vibe with Five: “It will be Arsenal, Man City and Man United.
      “They are the three teams I would put my house on now.
      “And then the fourth one I can’t pick. Newcastle could come in and take it.” More