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      ‘I’ll keep questioning them’ – Gary Neville claims Arsenal still have to prove themselves ‘at business end of season’

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      GARY NEVILLE will keep questioning Arsenal’s title chances because they’re yet to prove themselves at the business end of the season.Mikel Arteta’s men returned to the top of the Premier League following an impressive 1-0 victory at Chelsea on Sunday.
      Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League after beating Chelsea 1-0Credit: Getty
      Gary Neville is still questioning Arsenal’s title chancesCredit: Rex
      Arsenal were in complete control from the get-go but didn’t break through until the 63rd minute when Gabriel poked home Bukayo Saka’s corner.
      If the Gunners beat Wolves on Saturday they will head into the World Cup leading the way and remain on course for a first title since 2003-2004.
      Despite their outstanding start to the campaign, which has seen them drop just five points in 13 games, Neville still has doubts.
      “We have to question them,” Neville told the Sky Sports Premier League podcast.
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      “Arsenal fans come at me every single week, because I will continue to question them until I don’t see a moment like I did here [at Tottenham] last season, and they get through those moments, and they finish second, or they finish third, or top, which would be out of this world.
      “Because they haven’t proven it yet. It’s like a boxer that hasn’t won a world title, or a national title.
      “You have to question them. But what you cannot question is, that was a really, really good performance.
      “We’ve seen over the last few years – this Arsenal group of players have found it more difficult in the last part of season. It’s not overly negative. Let’s see what happens in 20 games’ time.
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      “They’ve got to show us as the season keeps on into January, February. That’s when the interesting times will start to happen. I’m getting more confident by the week for them.
      “But I don’t think we’re wrong to question that they haven’t proven they can deal with the business end of the season.” More

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      Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes set to NOT make Brazil’s World Cup squad in blow after stunning season so far

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      ARSENAL star Gabriel Magalhaes is reportedly set to suffer World Cup heartbreak for Brazil.The defender, 24, has been ever-present for Mikel Arteta’s table-topping Gunners in the Premier League this season.
      Arsenal star Gabriel is set for World Cup disappointment with BrazilCredit: Rex
      And he was the hero yesterday as he scored the only goal to secure Arsenal victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
      Gabriel has produced a number of impressive displays this term and was hoping that would be enough to seal him a place in his country’s squad for the showpiece in Qatar this month.
      However, a number of reports in his homeland claim that the uncapped ace will be left disappointed.
      Samba Boys boss Tite is due to name his selection for the tournament later today.
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      But Gabriel is “practically out of the equation” and will not be part of Brazil’s 26-man World Cup squad, according to journalist @brunoandrd.
      The news will come as a bitter blow for Gabriel, who has been capped at U20 and U23 level for his nation.
      He recently revealed his dream to line-up for Brazil alongside his idol Neymar on the international stage.
      He said: “Since a young age, I’ve always enjoyed watching Neymar play.
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      “We don’t play in the same position, but he’s certainly my idol. I’m still a big fan of his today.
      “We haven’t played together yet, but I’ve been able to be together with him in training, and I spent some time with him when I was in the national team squad.
      “I’m a big Neymar fan. I hope to get to play with him soon and he can set me up to score a header!”
      Gabriel added: “When you’re called up for the national team, it’s a big step in your life.
      “I certainly want to experience that again. I’m just trying to work hard here at Arsenal and I know the opportunities will follow.
      “When you play for the national team, there’s a feeling that you’re representing your country and all the people that you see when you’re in your country.
      “I think there’s no better feeling. It’s certainly every Brazilian player’s dream to wear the national team shirt.” More

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      Arsenal fans direct X-rated chant at Aubameyang before Chelsea star is hauled off with embarrassing touch stat

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      CHELSEA striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang received a hostile reception from Arsenal fans this afternoon as he faced his former club for the first time since his dramatic exit.Aubameyang, 33, was repeatedly booed by Arsenal supporters throughout the first half at Stamford Bridge.
      Aubameyang failed to impress during Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to ArsenalCredit: Reuters
      And things went from bad to worse when he was booked for a rash challenge on Ben White at the half-hour mark.
      In response, Arsenal fans were quick to take aim at the striker as they began to chant: “Mikel Arteta, he thinks that you’re sh*t!”
      Aubameyang went on to be substituted in the 64th minute after managing just EIGHT touches throughout the game.
      The Gabon international has struggled to find his form since leaving Arsenal.
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      He left the club on a sour note earlier this year after falling out with Mikel Arteta.
      In December 2021, he was stripped of the captain’s armband AND axed from the first team following a number of disciplinary issues.
      After failing to earn his spot back in the squad, he eventually left to join Barcelona on a free transfer during the January window.
      He spent eight months with the La Liga giants before returning to the Premier League to sign for Chelsea in a £10million deal.
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      But Aubameyang has been limited to just 12 appearances across all competitions so far this season – most of which have come off the bench.
      Arsenal went on to win the London derby 1-0 thanks to Gabriel Magalhaes’ second-half goal.
      The Gunners remain two points clear at the top of the Premier League table as a result. More

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      Chelsea could be forced into market for another striker as Aubameyang proves not even Arsenal game can inspire him

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      CHELSEA could be forced back into the transfer market for another striker if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s form continues. After all, it looked as though not even leading the line against Arsenal could inspire him back to his best.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fired a blank at Stamford BridgeCredit: Rex
      In a day Aubameyang was supposed to haunt his old side and manager, he fired a blank after a lacklustre display.
      And in truth the former Arsenal captain – who was let go on a free transfer after falling out with Mikel Arteta – never looked like scoring.
      He lacked any sort of movement off the ball and rarely made an effort to get involved in the 65 minutes he lasted.
      Admittedly the striker – signed from Barcelona in the summer – was not helped much by his attacking colleagues.
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      But a player of Aubameyang’s experience and quality should be able to turn a game on its head.
      His replacement at Stamford Bridge, Armando Broja, 21, immediately showed more ambition than Aubameyang, 33, managed in over an hour.
      It also condemned the Gabon star to a fifth Premier League match without a goal.
      He was brought in to replace £97.5million man Romelu Lukaku, 29, the latest misfiring Chelsea forward signed for major money.
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      And although Aubameyang’s £10million fee will not hurt new owner Todd Boehly’s pockets right now, he could end up costing the American down the line.
      As if things do not change, Boehly could be forced to improve on the already £300m he spent in his first summer in charge.
      Chelsea are set to wait until next season for RB Leipzig’s versatile playermaker Christopher Nkunku, 24, to come into the side.
      So new head of recruitment Joe Shields, who only came in last month, might have to get busy drawing up a wishlist ahead of the January sales.
      Graham Potter looks on as Chelsea suffer defeat to ArsenalCredit: EPA More

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      Chelsea vs Arsenal: Aubameyang out to bite Arteta’s title chances but points priority for Potter in evolving rivalry

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      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG takes on his former team-mates – just nine months after his acrimonious Arsenal exit. And oh how the striker will be desperate to get one over on his former employers at Stamford Bridge on Sunday lunchtime.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang takes on Arsenal for the first time since leaving the club in JanuaryCredit: Reuters
      His replacement Gabriel Jesus has made an immediate impression at the EmiratesCredit: Getty
      But even the Gabon international would surely admit three points is far more important than adding another to his own personal goal tally to inflict another dent in Arsenal’s title ambitions.
      For defeat in another league clash against the Gunners at Stamford Bridge would make it three in a row, something not experienced since 1974.
      And it would extend the gap between top-of-the-table Arsenal and Chelsea to 13 points after 13 games in a further dent to their hopes of Champions League qualification.
      To make matters worse, the Blues headed into the weekend’s games knowing the pressure was on from neighbours Fulham and Graham Potter’s old side Brighton, who stuffed them 4-1 last week.

      That thumping on the south coast was Potter’s first defeat for the Blues, who remain unbeaten at the Bridge since Arsenal headed across town and also stuck four past them in April – including a pair for former Chelsea academy talent Eddie Nketiah.
      Roman Abramovich’s arrival in West London led to a drastic shift in this rivalry as Chelsea dominated.
      They lost just four times out of 29 competitive matches between 2004 and 2016, collecting four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, the Europa League and the Champions League in that time.
      By comparison, Arsenal added three FA Cups to add to their Invincibles campaign.
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      But the tide has turned in recent years and now it is Arsenal in the ascendancy, further along the path of transition as Mikel Arteta closes in on three years in the dugout and Potter only just getting going.
      Excitement levels at the Emirates have never been higher since their switch from Highbury in 2006.
      Their young, hungry squad – now devoid of Aubameyang and his misdemeanours – are flying high with talented forwards finally backed up by a stable defensive unit.
      For Chelsea, they are still in the early phases of the Potter regime, still working out who and what works best – and in particular where.

      Potter’s chopping and changing at times seems a masterstroke – but also leaves some fans wondering if he really has any idea of his best team or formation just yet.
      Aubameyang is his only genuine No9, although Kai Havertz is more prolific in front of goal and adds far more to the overall team performance.
      The ex-Arsenal skipper – who managed 92 goals in 163 games for the North Londoners – made a bright start with three goals in his first five Chelsea appearances.
      But two of those were against a pretty woeful AC Milan side, albeit the finish at Crystal Palace showed the class plenty of Arsenal fans who all about.
      Now the 33-year-old goes up against an in-form William Saliba and the rest of a defence who know the forward’s game inside out.
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      A goal – in particular a winning goal – would see Auba join fellow former Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas as the only two players to score in this fiery fixture for both clubs in the Premier League.
      And after following Fabregas’ footsteps from Arsenal captain to Barcelona and then to Chelsea, there will be zero love lost.
      Graham Potter has won three of his six Premier League meetings with ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Eddie Nketiah scored twice in a 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge in AprilCredit: Reuters More

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      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta ‘requests Youri Tielemans in January transfer with Leicester ready to cash in’

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      MIKEL ARTETA has requested Arsenal sign Youri Tielemans in January, according to reports.And they could try and tempt Leicester to cash in on their £40million Belgian midfielder.
      Youri Tielemans’ transfer future remains unclearCredit: Getty
      Tielemans, 25, is out of contract at the King Power at the end of the season and has rejected the offer of an extension.
      SunSport revealed the Arsenal board will back Arteta in the January transfer window to bolster the squad and continue their surprise title challenge.
      And according to Rudy Galetti reporter Manuel Maraia, he is finally going to push for a move for Tielemans.
      The article adds they face competition from another English team and two teams in Serie A for Tielemans’ signature.
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      But it is understood Leicester retain hope he will put pen to paper on a new deal with the Foxes and extend his stay in the East Midlands.
      Although Brendan Rodgers’ side are being linked with Lorient’s French midfielder Enzo Le Fee as a possible replacement should they lose their No8.
      Tielemans would improve the options in the middle of the park for Arsenal, especially with Thomas Partey’s injury struggles.
      The Gunners have been linked with Tielemans for the past few transfer windows but never made a formal bid.
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      After signing Fabio Vieira, they failed in their deadline-day bids for Douglas Luiz, who has now signed a new Aston Villa contract.
      Tielemans struggled to find his best form last season but has been back near his mercurial best this term.
      The FA Cup winner has scored twice in 13 Premier League appearances – including his stunning volley against Wolves.
      The ex-Monaco ace – who is set to be part of the Belgian World Cup squad in Qatar – has even captained Leicester in recent weeks.
      Manager Brendan Rodgers said this week: “Youri’s been a fantastic professional for us, even though he’s in the situation with his contract, he’s never wavered with his mentality and what he gives to the team.
      “Youri provides the team with a great know-how in the game. He’s a wonderful player to work with.
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      “I’ll just continue to work and develop his game while he’s here, however long that is.
      “I’d love him to sign another deal and continue his journey here. We’ll see in the coming months.”
      Mikel Arteta may go all out to land the Belgian in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I loved playing there’ – Valencia star Yunus Musah open to Arsenal transfer return after breakthrough season in LaLiga

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      VALENCIA star Yunus Musah has refused to rule out a sensational move back to Arsenal. The 19-year-old is enjoying another fantastic season in LaLiga having featured nine times for the Spanish giants this campaign.
      Yunus Musah has impressed for Valencia this seasonCredit: Alamy
      Musah was in the Gunners’ youth ranks for seven years but decided to make the move to Valencia back in 2019.
      The USA midfielder has expressed his openness to move back to North London while insisting he remains happy working under manager Gennaro Gattuso.
      Musah was asked by CBS Sports if he would one day go back to Arsenal to which he responded: “You never know.
      “I had a great time at Arsenal developing there, I still have friends there, the coaches were great, being an Arsenal player in general is great.
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      “I loved playing for Arsenal. I’ve nothing against the club and if one day it turns out to be that it’s time to go back then it’s possible.
      “For now I’m really happy at Valencia and I’m looking forward to carrying this season on in the same way we’re doing now.”
      Musah reportedly has an £87million release clause in his contract and his deal runs until 2026.
      Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is supposedly keen on signing a central midfielder to bolster his squad as they challenge for the Premier League title.
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      Musah has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Juventus too.
      And he will have the chance to impress on the global stage as he aims to be part of the USA squad heading to the World Cup.
      Despite his young age the starlet has already been capped 19 times on the international stage and could feature versus England. More

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      Chelsea are still on a different level to Arsenal… Gunners have achieved NOTHING yet, says Blues legend Joe Cole

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      ARSENAL may be getting grand ideas of what they can do under Mikel Arteta this season, but Chelsea great Joe Cole has told the Gunners they’re still in the Blues’ shadow ahead of tomorrow’s derby.Cole offered a reminder of what Chelsea have managed to do while Arsenal were floundering over the past decade or so.
      Arsenal are flying high at the top of the Premier League tableCredit: GETTY
      But they face one of their toughest tests yet against ChelseaCredit: Getty
      And Chelsea legend Joe Cole says the Gunners have a long way to go to usurp their London rivalsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Since Arsenal last won the title in 2004, the west Londoners have won 19 major trophies, including five Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues.
      The Blues are rebuilding under new owner Todd Boehly and manager Graham Potter, while Arsenal are riding high at the top of the Premier League.
      But despite Arteta’s recent success, Cole is confident the Blues will be back on top in no time.
      He told SunSport: “We have to be very mindful of what’s happening at Arsenal because nothing has paid off as of yet.

      “Arsenal have set high standards for themselves.
      “I do like what they’re doing. I enjoy watching Arsenal play, which I haven’t said for a long time. I like Mikel Arteta and what he does, how he sets up the team and I like the young players.
      “Nothing significant has been achieved at Arsenal as of yet with their high standards, but they’re on the right path.
      “Chelsea have battled at a different level over the last 20 years. We have to say that.
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      “Chelsea are the most successful team in the country over the last 20 years.
      “I still feel Chelsea can more than compete and go above Arsenal very soon.”
      Chelsea may be looking at getting one over Arsenal this weekend, but the long-term target for Boehly and the rest of the ownership group is to overhaul the Manchester City juggernaut.
      The American’s plan for doing so is to move away from Roman Abramovich’s hire and fire model and plan for the long term.
      Boehly quickly moved to sack Thomas Tuchel when it became clear they did not share the same ideas about reaching the top – and promised Potter he would get the time he needed when leaving Brighton for Stamford Bridge.
      Abramovich’s model may have delivered unprecedented success, but Boehly wants to carefully plot his way to the top and has also overhauled the club behind the scenes with the same idea in mind.
      And while Cole played for and worked at Chelsea as a coach during Abramovich’s era, he is encouraged by the change in approach.
      The ex-England international said: “I like it, I think it’s very smart from the new owners.
      “Because what’s happened is, I have to take my hat off to Man City, I believe they’ll win the league this year.
      “I think that’s five league titles out of six, that’s getting into an era of domination we never thought we’d see in the Premier League because of the levels of competition. But they’ve made so many smart decisions.
      “Chelsea have stepped back and looked at the situation, thinking it is going to need to be a long-term project, taking the right steps along the way to match Man City off the pitch and on it.
      Joe Cole is encouraged by Todd Boehly’s approach at Stamford BridgeCredit: Alamy
      “Everything has to be done with such precision, Man City are a well-oiled machine at the moment. You have got to respect that.
      “Chelsea are in a position of respecting what they have done, but the competitive nature is that we want to be back on top of the tree in English football.
      “It has to be a long-term project, there have to be foundations and I think it is a smart move.”
      Planning for the long term is all well and good but Chelsea fans will still want results in games like a London derby against the Gunners, and losing both Reece James and Ben Chilwell is a huge blow to Potter.
      James suffered a knee injury in Milan last month while, in a dead rubber against Dinamo Zagreb this week Chilwell suffered a hamstring injury that has ended his hopes of playing at the World Cup.
      But Cole has defended Potter’s decision to play Chilwell against the Croatian side.
      Cole said: “I’ve seen that argument, and I don’t like it.
      “When you play at the level Chelsea play at it is very easy to criticise the manager picking a player at any time.
      “There is so much in-depth behind the scenes, we don’t know what the situation was.
      “He could have benefited from the game.” Regardless of that decision, it is a huge loss to Chelsea and England.
      He added: “The best football Chelsea have played over the last 18 months is Chilwell and James are at wing-back, flying and giving real penetration.
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      “Chilwell against [Luke] Shaw would have been great competition for the left back spot [for England].
      “It’s unfortunate. You want to see the best players at the World Cup, I feel for Ben and for Gareth [Southgate].” More