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      Damning Arsenal stats show worst goal tally for 22 years and Martinez has more Emirates clean sheets than Leno

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      ARSENAL suffered a major setback last night with defeat to Aston Villa – marking another step in the club’s attacking slump.
      For the first time since February 2016, the Gunners failed to score in two consecutive home games.

      ⚠️ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Arsenal were left shocked by Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Aston VillaCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      That season saw the club miss out on arguably their best chance to win the title in years, and the mad nature of the Premier League this time around could be seen as an opportunity to aim high.
      However, while Mikel Arteta has gone a long way to curing Arsenal’s defensive ailments, the attack has subsided considerably.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has not scored an open play goal in the league since the opening day.

      He is not alone in that department as no Arsenal player has scored in open play in the league for almost six and a half hours of football.
      Some fans will point to Arteta’s insistence on playing his biggest threat, Aubameyang, out wide and the club captain was one of only three outfield players to fail to register a shot on Sunday night.
      Indeed, it was the first Premier League home game the striker had gone without a shot in since signing in January 2018.
      All of this tallies to the worst start to a season in 22 years, when it comes to hitting the back of the net.

      Not since 1998 have the Gunners failed to reach double figures for goals in their opening eight league games.
      Therefore, it is little surprise that Arteta has overseen four defeats on the bounce when Arsenal trail at half-time.
      But it was not all doom and gloom heading into Sunday’s game, with the defence, as mentioned, a genuine high point for the season.
      That collapsed dramatically against Villa, who are now second to only Chelsea in league wins at Emirates Stadium against Arsenal.
      Indeed, Dean Smith’s side are turning into a bogey team for Arteta with two straight wins having suffered seven defeats on the bounce to the Gunners.
      Bukayo Saka put through his own net in the first-half to extend his side’s long run without a home clean sheet.
      Not since July have Arsenal shut out an opposition side in North London, with a 4-0 win over relegated Norwich.

      Emiliano Martinez now leads Bernd Leno for Emirates Stadium clean sheets in 2020-21Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Former goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s complete game in last night’s 3-0 win now means he has more clean sheets at the Emirates this season than Gunners stopper Bernd Leno.
      It underlines how the crazy start to the Premier League season has thrown up many unexpected stats.
      Arsenal had the best defence before the defeat and are now joint-sixth.
      While Villa had the second-worst defence last term yet are joint-top now with zero goals let in on the road – and nine at home.

      Arteta says Arsenal are inconsistent and something needs to be improved More

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      Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hails ‘humble’ Thomas Partey and praises summer transfer’s impact

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      THOMAS PARTEY has been hailed as a ‘really important’ signing for Arsenal after impressing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
      The club captain praised Partey, 27, for settling quickly into the Gunners’ dressing room.

      ⚠️ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Thomas Partey (left) celebrated Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s winner at Old Trafford with the strikerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Arsenal had tracked the midfielder throughout the summer but finally made his £45.5million move from Atletico Madrid official on transfer deadline day.
      And Aubameyang, 31, described in his programme notes for Thursday’s clash with Molde just how happy he is with his new team-mate.
      He wrote: “It was a great performance from the whole team and it was great to see Thomas Partey play like that even though he’s not been here long.

      “Off the pitch he’s a really humble guy and you can see that on the pitch as well because he really gives everything in the game.
      “He is really simple and quiet, so humble, and we all really like him.
      “He’s really funny too – sometimes he’ll do some jokes and we won’t be expecting it. So he’s settled in really quickly.

      I think he locked down three of Manchester United’s midfielders on Sunday. That’s really important for us.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

      “On the pitch his strengths are his energy and the way he can stop counter-attacks and dangerous situations. That’s really important for us.

      “I think he locked down three of Manchester United’s midfielders on Sunday – that’s my point of view anyway – and that’s really important for us.
      “Also he can play forward really well when he regains the ball and that’s a good point for us.”
      In three starts for Arsenal, Partey has enjoyed two wins including Saturday’s vital beating of Manchester United.

      Mikel Arteta is expected to continue with the Ghanaian alongside surprise star Mohamed Elneny for the upcoming visit of Aston Villa.
      The Gunners will leapfrog Dean Smith’s side and could enter the top-four with a win.
      Partey was rested for the 4-1 victory over Molde, Nicolas Pepe among the scorers after the Norwegians took a shock lead at Emirates Stadium.

      Watch Arsenal new-boy Thomas Partey blast out initiation song ahead of Leicester as he prepares to make full Prem debut More

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      Arsenal boss Arteta not ready to talk about extending Elneny’s contract with star available on free transfer in summer

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      MIKEL ARTETA has called for calm after Mohamed Elneny’s impressive revival of his Arsenal career.
      The Egyptian’s time in North London appeared to be up when sent on loan to Besiktas last year.

      ⚠️ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Mohamed Elneny has been like a new signing for Mikel ArtetaCredit: AFP or licensors
      But he has been a surprise star of the Gunners’ campaign so far, making nine appearances.
      That has drawn talk of a new contract for Elneny, 28, given his current deal runs out in the summer.

      Arteta, however, will not be drawn into a fresh commitment at this stage.
      He told reporters ahead of Thursday’s game with Molde: “Let’s go step by step.
      “What I can say is that I’m really pleased with the player and hopefully he can continue like that and perform all season.
      “I think he’s responding really well to all the challenges we’re putting in front of him.

      “He had a big one when he came back from his loan spell to show what he can bring to the squad.
      “I think everybody’s seen what he can do. I’m really pleased with his performances and what he can bring to the team.”
      Former Arsenal boss Unai Emery had disposed of Elneny last summer and fans did not expect a return under Arteta.
      Many eyebrows were raised when he started the Community Shield clash with Liverpool, which the Gunners won on penalties.
      Since then, Elneny has been a reliable option for Arteta, who has nonetheless made no secret of his desire to improve his midfield.
      Houssem Aouar was a major target before Thomas Partey signed on transfer deadline day from Atletico Madrid, with Lucas Torreira going the other way.

      And it was Elneny who partnered the Ghana international in the 1-0 win at Manchester United on Saturday.
      After that clash, Arteta enthused: “I like players who have zero ego, who want to contribute to the team whether it’s for one minute or 96 minutes and contribute all the time to our culture by giving positive feedback all the time.
      “That’s not just on the pitch, but also on the training ground when you are not selected. What can you bring to the group, how can you help and what are you contributing?
      “What Mo transmits to the team is special. Don’t forget that I played with him and I know his qualities as a person.”

      Arsenal star Elneny shock as ‘DEAD BODY discovered in home’ More

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      Arsenal name three youngsters in Europa League squad for Molde clash with Monlouis, Giraud-Hutchinson and Patino added

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      ARSENAL have named three youngsters in their Europa League squad for Molde, as Mikel Arteta has included Zane Monlouis, Omari Giraud-Hutchinson and Charlie Patino.
      The youthful trio, all 17, have been added to the Gunners’ Uefa squad list ahead of Thursday’s game at the Emirates.

      ⚠️ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Omari Giraud-Hutchinson in possession for ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Zane Monlouis playing for Arsenal Under-16Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Charlie Patino has been added to Arsenal’s Europa League squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Defender Monlouis bolsters Arteta’s options with the ability to play centre-back and left-back.
      Monlouis has featured on a number of occasions for the Under-18s despite still being a schoolboy.

      Both he and Charlie Patino have signed professional terms in North London.
      Central midfielder Patino is believed to have caught boss Arteta’s eye after he moved him into first-team training in September.
      Left-footed Patino has impressed with the Under-18s after arriving on Arsenal’s books from Luton Town aged 11.
      Giraud-Hutchinson is another one to look out for as he attempts to follow in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka.

      Like Arsenal’s No7, he can play at either left wing or left-back and is a rising talent within the club’s academy set-up.
      Arsenal have already beaten Dundalk and Rapid Vienna and Spanish boss Arteta explained he was fed up at the William Saliba situation.

      Arteta, 38, said: “I am fed up with the situation because as you could see we tried to find a way in the last few days [of the transfer window] to give him some football.
      “I explained that he needed that transition year when we decided to buy him and send him on loan to Saint Etienne, for many reasons that didn’t happen, he didn’t have that transition year and he needs to go through that.
      “At the moment, with the amount of central defenders that we have in the team we had to leave him out of the [Europa League] squad, which is painful because we have some injuries and we could have used him, but it’s part of this profession.
      “I don’t know [if he will go on loan in January], we certainly tried in the last few days of the transfer window to find the right club and we had it, but at the end of the day we could not make it.
      “We will review his situation in the next few weeks, sit down with him as well and see what is the best thing to do. But it will depend on him and other players’ situation as well.”

      Arsenal boss Arteta admits he is ‘fed up’ with William Saliba situation More

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      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ends five-game drought to hand Gunners important win

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      IF ONLY ROY KEANE could have put down his microphone and clambered from the Sky TV stage on to the pitch.
      To bring down his very own fire and brimstone on this Manchester United side.

      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s spot kick earned Arsenal the three points

      The first person he would have headed for would have been Paul Pogba.
      Bruno Fernandes would not have been far behind.
      Yes even the great Bruno was rubbish today.
      In fact there was little urgency about anyone in a United shirt.

      Quite simply Arsenal were at it and United were not.
      Arsenal wanted it and United did not seem to mind either way.
      That is unforgivable.
      Some way for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to mark his 100th game in charge.

      Bukayo Saka went close with a header in the first half
      Every time he seems to have turned the corner the team takes him back to square one.
      In his positive programme notes, Solskjaer said: “I think everybody can see now that this group is coming together.
      “With each passing game we’re showing our quality and spirit…”
      Yes against PSG and RB Leipzig that was the case, we could see that.
      But there was none of that quality and spirit on show today.
      It is simply not good enough for a Manchester United team to turn it on one day and take their foot off the pedal the next.
      There are six games gone in the league and they are 15th.
      They have played four home games and taken just one point, with two goals for and ten against.
      I bet they wish they could stay on the road, as they’ve won their last six away.
      In fact, their last league defeat away from Old Trafford was to Liverpool last January.

      Mason Greenwood had United’s only shot on target
      The winning goal came from the penalty spot with Pierre –Emerick Aubameyang converting for his first league goal since the opening day win over Fulham.
      How he and Arsenal needed that after losing three of their last four league games.
      The penalty was conceded because Pogba was simply not alert to the danger when Hector Bellerin darted into the box.
      Bellerin got past him, got to the ball first and Pogba’s outstretched leg caught him.
      It was no surprise really.
      He had been off the pace all game, ambling around. He never seems to sprint.
      As Keane himself put it: “For all Pogba’s talent, he should be in this team, but he doesn’t do enough.
      “He doesn’t do the other side of the game, he doesn’t show enough spirit, enough fight.
      “He’s got talent but that’s not enough for me to play in midfield for Manchester United, you need more than that.”

      Aubameyang’s goal was his first in the Premier League since the opening day of the season
      As for the rest of United’s midfield he added: “If you think Fred, McTominay and Matic in midfield will get Man United back to the heights of winning titles, then you’re living in cuckoo land.”
      Fernandes could not escape criticism either. Subbed on 75 minutes after one of those games where he seems to go into a bit of a sulk.
      There was barely any creation and United only seemed to come to life after they went behind.
      The first half was particularly poor from United, although they did have the only shot on target.
      That came in the 21st minute when Marcus Rasford curled a defence splitting pass into the path of Mason Greenwood who had darted unnoticed into the left hand side of the area.
      His shot on goal was powerful but Bernd Leno saved with his feet at the near post.

      A first win in three Premier League matches lifts Arsenal into the top half of the tableCredit: EPA
      That was about it in terms of an attacking threat from United in the first half.
      Arsenal looked sharper all around the park with Bellerin and Kieran Tierney getting forward and pinning back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw.
      They had their chances too, first when Bellerin fired the ball across the six-yard box and Aubameyang just failed to connect with an outstretched leg at the far post.
      Just past the half-hour mark he did supply a great chance when he controlled a ball into the area and teed up Alexandre Lacazette eight yards out only for him to completely miss his kick.
      Willian then grazed the bar with a shot that left David de Gea flat-footed and when Bellerin crossed from the right Bukayo Saka sent a free header over.

      You expected a reaction from United in the second-half but it didn’t come.
      A late Donny van de Beek effort that hit Mohammed Elneny’s knee, the goalkeeper’s head and the post was as close as they came to earning an undeserved point.
      They ended the match with just two shots on target, as did Arsenal but it was Mikel Arteta’s side who fully deserved this.
      United deserved a visit from Mr Keane.

      Man Utd vs Arsenal – Watch LIVE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ‘not worried’ by both his AND Arsenal’s horror run of form ahead of Man Utd clash

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      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG has confidence in his and Arsenal’s ability to get back to scoring ways versus Manchester United.
      Consecutive 1-0 defeats in the league have hampered a strong start from the Gunners, ahead of Sunday’s trip north.

      Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has struggled since signing a new deal

      But it is the form of club captain Aubameyang that is concerning many fans, with just one league goal all season.
      The striker, 31, says he will rely on his experience to get back to scoring ways as soon as possible.
      He is quoted by the Standard as saying: “We are not finding scoring goals easy at the moment.

      “This happens in teams — I haven’t scored for a few games in the league, either.
      “But we’re an experienced team, with experienced attacking players and we know we will turn this around.
      “I’m not worried about that.”
      Aubameyang does have a strong record against United, netting three goals in their last four meetings.

      Arsenal handed the Gabon international a new £350,000-a-week contract three days after he scored in the opening day win over Fulham.

      Since then, he has only netted against Rapid Vienna in the Europa League, in a barren run of six games.
      Some fans have blamed Mikel Arteta for the dry spell, given the coach’s penchant for playing Aubameyang out wide.
      But the Gunners boss insisted ahead of the defeat to Leicester that the player needs to take responsibility and find opportunities – regardless of where he is playing.
      Arteta said: “Expectations for [Aubameyang] are that he has to score a goal every game, so this comes with the nature of the big player he is, what he has done in the past.

      “People expect that from him in the future.
      “He needs to handle that. We’re here to support him when difficult times come round him.
      “He needs to get in more goalscoring opportunities, he needs to get the ball more around the box to do what he’s able to do.”

      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is out to continue his strong run against Manchester United on SundayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Aubameyang and Lacazette appear to slam seats in frustration as Kieran Tierney misses chance for Arsenal against Dundalk More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal combined XI ahead of huge Premier League clash… but how many Gunners make the team?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED face Arsenal on Sunday to reignite their old rivalry in the hunt for a top-four finish.
      The two sides are both building young teams that they hope will one day challenge for the Premier League title.

      And this weekend’s meeting, kicking off at 4.30pm, will provide a useful progress report for both clubs’ ambitions.
      Here, SunSport has formulated a combined Manchester United and Arsenal XI to determine who has the edge in the clash.
      GK: David De Gea
      The first, and arguably most difficult pick, of this combined XI sees De Gea edge Bernd Leno in between the posts.
      Although United’s defence has been far from perfect this season, the Spaniard’s longevity at this level remains impressive.

      RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
      Another tricky decision, the England defender comes in ahead of Hector Bellerin at right-back.
      Wan-Bissaka impressed versus Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig, having topped the stats as one of Europe’s best tacklers.
      CB: Gabriel Magalhaes
      Is Gabriel a step above the sort of centre-back Arsenal have become used to in recent years? Ask Shkodran Mustafi.
      The Gunners have conceded just five goals in the seven games he has played since signing from Lille – with one coming despite a sound piece of advice for his team-mate.

      Gabriel Magalhaes is proving to be a shrewd purchase for the GunnersCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Harry Maguire has done well to bounce back from a rough spellCredit: Reuters
      CB: Harry Maguire
      Most would balk at the idea of Maguire making any top XI a few weeks ago, but his bounceback from a poor run of form has emphasised his class.
      An awesome performance against Newcastle has been extended into a strong spell by the centre-back, pushing him ahead of David Luiz and Victor Lindelof in this selection.
      LB: Kieran Tierney
      Alex Telles is yet to prove himself in English football, and will miss Sunday’s game with coronavirus.
      One player who has landed in the Premier League and excelled, despite injury issues, is Arsenal’s Tierney. His team-mates will be hoping he doesn’t shoot this weekend though.

      CM: Thomas Partey
      Central midfield is not the strongest area for either side, with the likes of Granit Xhaka and Scott McTominay steady but unspectacular.
      In terms of raw talent, Partey is one of the most exciting Arsenal signings for years and this trip to Old Trafford could be a definitive early marker in his time with the club.
      CM: Paul Pogba
      Pogba’s absence from the United line-up was ended with Wednesday’s win over Leipzig, which saw the Frenchman bag a smart assist.
      On his day, the midfielder is world-class and it is up to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to tease it out of Pogba on a regular basis.

      Paul Pogba showed why he deserves a start on Sunday with his display against RB LeipzigCredit: PA:Press Association

      Willian has already bagged a couple of assists for ArsenalCredit: AFP or licensors
      RW: Willian
      The right flank is another toss-up between these two clubs.
      Mason Greenwood and Nicolas Pepe can both make a claim to being the superior winger but Willian is the all-round star with bags of experience Mikel Arteta was desperate to sign in the summer.
      CAM: Bruno Fernandes
      A Mesut Ozil at the top of his game would make good competition for Fernandes, but as it is the central attacking midfield role is a sure thing.
      With 16 goals and 12 assists in his opening 30 games for United, the Portugal international continues to establish himself as a major star on these shores.

      Bruno Fernandes has become an integral player for Manchester UnitedCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Will Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang end his drought on Sunday?Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      LW: Marcus Rashford
      Arteta’s unpopular decision to move Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the left flank has been put to one side in this selection.
      One striker who has succeeded in heading out wide is Rashford, who backed up his off-field stardom in the week with a hat-trick past Leipzig, albeit from a central role.

      ST: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
      Anthony Martial and Alexandre Lacazette are steady goal-getters but neither have the ability of Aubameyang.
      The Arsenal captain is in a poor spot of form just now but can turn that around with his fourth goal against the Red Devils on Sunday.

      Rio Ferdinand compares Marcus Rashford’s performance to an older kid bullying younger kids and “taking their dinner money” More