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      Ian Wright full of praise for Arsenal star Granit Xhaka after Brentford win despite once being his ‘staunchest critic’

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      ARSENAL legend Ian Wright has singled out Granit Xhaka for praise following the 3-0 win over Brentford on Sunday.The Gunners won their sixth Premier League game out of seven played thanks to goals from William Saliba, Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira.
      Xhaka is one of Arsenal’s most important playersCredit: Alamy
      Wright has singled the Swiss star out for praiseCredit: Getty
      And the three points helped keep Arsenal at the top of the table heading into the international break.
      One of Arsenal’s best performers this season has been Xhaka.
      He provided a brilliant cross for Jesus’ goal against the Bees.
      The Swiss star, 29, at one point in his Arsenal career, looked like he’d never recover after being stripped of the captaincy.
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      However, he has since found his feet and continues to be a leader in the team despite not being the full-time captain of Mikel Arteta’s side.
      And one of his “staunchest critics”, Arsenal legend Wright, has recognised his performances.
      Wright told BBC’s Match of the Day: “For me, Granit Xhaka is a player that we’re finally see play like he does for Switzerland.
      “He’s playing in a position that suits him, playing more offensively. He’s playing with real authority and confidence.
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      “Lately he’s been able to find space and from there he can be really dangerous because, for me, he’s got easily one of the best left-foots in the Premier League.
      “It’s a great cross for the Jesus goal, it’s fantastic. He can also do the defensive stuff, he gets back and get his foot in there.
      “He set the tempo for Arsenal off the ball.
      “I’m really pleased for him because I was one of his staunchest critics. But now we’re seeing the best of Granit Xhaka.”
      Fans also treated the midfielder to choruses of “we’ve got Granit Xhaka” as he approached the away end at full-time. More

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      ‘Nice kickabout with the boys’ – Gabriel hilariously trolls Toney as Brentford ace has game to forget after England call

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      GABRIEL MAGALHAES has added salt to Ivan Toney’s wound’s after brutally trolling him following Arsenal’s emphatic win over Brentford.Toney had been left speechless by his first ever England call up – and he still hadn’t found his voice today.
      Gabriel Magalhaes enjoyed a good game against Brentford as he helped his side to a clean sheetCredit: AFP
      Gabriel then trolled Brentford striker Ivan Toney on Twitter after the gameCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Brentford barely heard a peep out of their striker as he was outshone by Arsenal superstars William Saliba, Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira.
      And Gabriel rubbed in the defeat even more when he Tweeted after the game: “Nice kick about with the boys.”
      Smug Arsenal fans joined in too, as they chanted “Ivan Toney, a stroll in the park.”
      The tweet and chant were a nod to the ex-Peterborough man’s cheeky “nice kick about with the boys” Tweet after Brentford inflicted a humbling 2-0 defeat over Arsenal on the opening day of the 2021/22 season.
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      The post was later used as ammunition in a team talk by Mikel Arteta ahead of Arsenal’s return meeting with Brentford in February last term.
      The Arsenal boss told his players to go and “f***ing win”. Win they did – and some too – as the Gunners proved revenge is a dish best served cool.

      Arteta will surely have scrolled back through his Twitter archives last night as he sipped on a glass of red and put his feet up on the sofa. 
      It had been a dream week for Toney as he was included in Gareth Southgate’s 28-man squad for the final two World Cup rehearsals against Italy and Germany.
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      Bees boss Thomas Frank said the usually loud-mouth striker was lost for words when he broke the news to him over the phone.
      He had been expected to cap his England call-up by rattling the visiting Arsenal backline at lunchtime, having already hit five Prem goals so far this season.
      But it was a bleak start for the ex-Newcastle striker who was out jumped by Saliba for the visitors’ opening goal after Bukayo Saka’s delicious, curling corner.
      He was unable to make any crucial touch in the first-half as Saliba did a superb job of snaffling him up.
      Social media was sent into meltdown of posts with Toney being emptied out of French centre-back Saliba’s pockets.
      Toney endured a frustrating game after his first-ever England call upCredit: Rex
      Toney did, in fairness, lash a peach of a Matt Le Tissier-esque free-kick, just inches over the bar after the break.
      Southgate will certainly need to see more of that if he is to lay his marker down for a place at the Qatar World Cup.
      Many will be championing Toney’s England plight given he has done it the hard way after being rejected at Leicester at age 14, saving Northampton from relegation at age 18 before being cast-off by Newcastle.
      He also played in League One at Barnsley, Shrewsbury, Wigan and Scunthorpe, before finding a home at Peterborough.
      Now he has made history at Brentford as their first player to be called-up by England since May 1939.
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      It is certainly a different path to the likes of Arsenal goalscorer Jesus’ glamorous journey from Palmeiras, Manchester City to Arsenal.
      With the way England is set up now Toney’s story will become even rarer in years to come – which is why many people will be willing him on to do well, just maybe not Arsenal fans.  More

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      Granit Xhaka is a new man this season, Arsenal’s best bit of business could be keeping him after Brentford masterclass

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      THERE’S barely a player in the Premier League that divides opinion quite like Granit Xhaka.The Arsenal star – captain in the absence of Martin Odegaard at Brentford – blows hot and cold like no other.
      Granit Xhaka takes the plaudits from the fansCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Mikel Arteta has turned Xhaka’s Arsenal career around this seasonCredit: Getty
      His ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory are beyond questionable, bordering on lunacy at times.
      But when he’s on song, running the Gunners’ midfield, dictating the tone and shielding the Gunners’ young defence, he’s a joy to watch.
      You’ll rarely see a better performance in the centre of the park than the one he put in in the 3-0 win over Brentford on Sunday afternoon.
      With Thomas Partey just returning from injury, and a young Fabio Vieira just in front, they needed their midfield general on form.Boy did he deliver.
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      A lot has already been said about the tactical changes Mikel Arteta has made to this Arsenal team, especially with Oleksandr Zinchenko in the side.
      The Swiss international covers the left-hand side of the pitch, allowing his Ukraine team-mate to get forward and move into midfield.
      But with the ex-Manchester City full-back missing, Xhaka went back to what he does best, patrolling the midfield, sniffing danger.
      He didn’t put a foot wrong, no lapse in concentration or rush of blood to the head, leading to an error in judgement.
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      One of Arsenal’s best bits of business this season could be keeping hold of Xhaka.
      The central midfield was wanted by Roma in the summer, and there was real talk of him leaving.
      But he’s found a new lease of life under Arteta, and he could be the main man in getting them back into the Champions League. More

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      Arsenal ratings at Brentford: Granit Xhaka and Fabio Vieira on song as Gunners go back to top of Premier League table

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      ARSENAL returned to the top of the Premier League with an incredible 3-0 win at Brentford.The Gunners put in a sparkling display, bouncing back from their first defeat of the season at Manchester United.
      Arsenal put in a brilliant display to thrash Brentford away from homeCredit: Getty
      First-half goals from William Saliba and Gabriel Jesus put Mikel Arteta’s side in control.
      Fabio Vieira – on his league debut in the place of the injured Martin Odegaard – scored a stunning third to seal the win.
      It was Arsenal’s sixth win in seven Premier League matches so far this campaign, and they head into the international break top.
      Dan Cutts was at their clash with Brentford and here’s how he rated their performances…
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      AARON RAMSDALE – 6
      Didn’t have much to do in either half, and will rarely have a more comfortable day in goal.
      What he did have to do, was done well, and his distribution was solid to get his team going.
      BEN WHITE – 7
      Is keeping Tomiyasu out of the team with his consistent performances at right-back.
      Has looked better there as the weeks go on, and his versatility is proving a godsend for Arteta.
      WILLIAM SALIBA – 8
      Keeps getting better and better as the season goes on, another brilliant display from the young Frenchman.
      Bagged a wonderful header to open the scoring, and kept new England international Ivan Toney quiet all day.
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      GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 8
      Is creating a rock solid partnership with Saliba, especially for such a young duo.
      Also dealt with Toney very well, and passed the ball from the back. Looked at ease all game.
      GRANIT XHAKA – 9
      Took over the captaincy from the injured Martin Odegaard, and thrived with a stellar midfield performance.
      Dictated play, shielded the back four and made sure the Bees got nothing going all day.

      THOMAS PARTEY – 8
      Arsenal look so much stronger with him in the team, everything going through him.
      His injury problems are a concern, but if he can stay fit, the Gunners have a chance of doing something special this season.
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      FABIO VIEIRA – 8
      To come in and make your Premier League debut and score a rocket from 25-yards is what dreams are made of it.
      It wasn’t just his goal that stood out though, his overall play in tight spaces was impressive.
      BUKAYO SAKA – 7
      Getting better each week, but could really do with a goal for give his confidence a lift.
      Had a few chances, and is looking sharp, but could do with one to get his season going.
      GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
      A threat down the left all day, but his defensive work is something to admire as well.
      He tracks back and never gives up on a lost cause. So important to this team now.
      Read More on The Sun
      GABRIEL JESUS – 7
      Has already equalled Alexandre Lacazette’s Premier League goal total for the entire of last season, with four.
      His work-rate, skill and ability to fashion chances out of nothing has turned Arsenal’s fortunes around.
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      Eddie Nketiah, 78 mins
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      Marquinhos, 92 mins
      Ethan Nwaneri, 92 mins. More

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      Vieira makes first start as Odegaard and Zinchenko ruled out vs Brentford amid early season injury crisis for Arsenal

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      ARSENAL are already facing an early season injury crisis with Martin Odegaard and Oleksandr Zinchenko out of their clash against Brentford.The Gunners captain trained during the week, but has been struggling and is not fit to start at the Bees due to a calf injury.
      Mikel Arteta has picked his side to face BrentfordCredit: Getty
      Martin Odegaard managed to train in midweekCredit: Getty
      He has been Mikel Arteta’s star player so far this season, with a string of man of the match performances.
      Meanwhile, Zinchenko is missing through a calf muscle injury and is expected to be missing for around two weeks.

      Kieran Tierney comes in to replace him at left-back and Fabio Vieira makes his first start in place of Odegaard behind the front three.
      However, there is good news for Arsenal with the return of Thomas Partey to the starting line-up after a calf issue.
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      The Gunners also have injury concerns around Emile Smith Rowe, Mohamed Elneny, Reiss Nelson and Cedric Soares.
      Aaron Ramsdale continues in goal at Brentford, with Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel and Tierney at the back.
      Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are in midfield with Vieira.
      And Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus start up top as the Gunners look to get back to winning ways.
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      Among those on the bench is 15-year-old midfielder Ethan Nwaneri.
      They lost their last Premier League match 3-1 away at Manchester United two-weeks ago, despite a solid performance.
      It was their first league loss of the season, after winning their opening five matches for the first time in nearly two decades.
      Fabio Vieira makes his first startCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal transfer blow as ‘Newcastle look to steal £26m Shakhtar Donetsk prospect Mykhaylo Mudryk from under their noses’

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      ARSENAL have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Shakhtar Donestk star Mykhaylo Mudryk as Newcastle have emerged as rival bidders, according to reports. The Gunners have been interested in the Ukrainian star but reportedly pulled out of a deal in the summer due to the high fee Shakhtar were demanding.
      Mykhaylo Mudryk is wanted by a number of Premier League sidesCredit: Alamy
      Despite reports also suggesting Mudryk had agreed personal terms with Arsenal – the transfer was not completed.
      And now Newcastle want to hijack a deal claim Football Insider.
      Manager Eddie Howe has supposedly given the green light to the signing that could be worth £26million.
      The Magpies want to bolster their attacking options to support new big money signing Alexander Isak,.
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      Mudryk is a winger and the 21-year-old has netted two goals in the Champions League this season.
      He has been dubbed as Ukraine’s answer to Neymar.
      Overall, he has netted four times for Shakhtar and assisted 12 goals in 42 appearances.
      The player has previously expressed his willingness to join Arsenal but mega-rich Newcastle seem happier to meet Shakhtar’s demands.
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      Brentford and Everton have also been interested in him in the past.
      Arsenal could be active in the transfer market come January as they may also look to seal the signing of Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa after seeing a deadline day bid rejected over the summer.
      Mikel Arteta’s side are back in action tomorrow as they face fellow Mudryk suitors Brentford. More

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      Brentford vs Arsenal: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Premier League clash

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      ARSENAL travel to Brentford this weekend aiming to bounce back from their Old Trafford humbling.The Gunners lost 3-1 at Manchester United in their last Premier League outing, and now face the Bees with England new boy Ivan Toney leading the line.
      Brentford’s Ivan Toney received his first England call up
      On the decision to call-up Toney, England boss Gareth Southgate said: “With Ivan Toney, we have been tracking him for a long time.
      “I had a good chat with Thomas Frank about him last season.
      “His form and his qualities – not only his goalscoring but his technical ability, build-up play and aerial prowess – gives us a different threat to some of the other players we could pick.”
      Toney is in the England squad for the games against Italy and Germany from next week.
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      When is Brentford vs Arsenal?
      Brentford vs Arsenal will take place on Sunday, September 18.
      The match kicks off at 12pm.
      The fixture has been moved forward from its original 2pm kick-off. This is due to policing concerns surrounding The Queen’s Lying-in-State and funeral the next day.
      Arsenal said: “The earlier kick off has been agreed following discussions between the Premier League, the Metropolitan Police, Brentford and ourselves, after the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
      What live stream and TV channel is Brentford vs Arsenal?
      Brentford vs Arsenal will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
      Sky Sports begin their coverage at 11.30am.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko will miss out for ArsenalCredit: Getty
      What is the Brentford vs Arsenal team news?
      Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko is set for a spell on the sidelines with a calf injury.
      The Football Federation of Ukraine have confirmed that Zinchenko will miss the upcoming international break due to injury.
      An official statement read: “Oleksandr Zinchenko will not be able to help the blue and yellow during the September matches in the UEFA Nations League.
      “The Arsenal player suffered a calf muscle injury during training at the club which will require two weeks for treatment and recovery.”
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      Arsenal club shop sell out of bizarre £25 T-shirts based on Mikel Arteta’s All Or Nothing speech – with fans divided

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      ARSENAL have sold out of bizarre shirts that were inspired by Mikel Arteta’s confusing speech from the club’s All of Nothing documentary.Arteta left his players baffled before last season’s North London derby at the Emirates as he took to the whiteboard and drew a cartoon heart and brain.
      Arsenal have sold out of a bizarre shirt based on Mikel Arteta’s weird shirt
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta delivered a bizarre speech before last season’s North London derbyCredit: Amazon Prime Video
      The Spanish tactician used that analogy to teach his players how to work together on the pitch.
      Arteta was filmed saying: “Guys, we have to play with our big hearts. At the same time, we have to play with a big brain. And these have to work together.
      “This is your passion, how your manager wants you to put into the game. How much you want to commit yourself in the game.”
      Cameras caught the likes of Bukayo Saka, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Albert Sambi Lokonga looking confused.
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      But it seems like they may have actually understood Arteta’s weird speech as they ultimately beat rivals Tottenham 3-1.
      That is why the club decided to commemorate this speech with a funny shirt that shows Arteta’s cartoons.
      The T-shirt, which cost £35, is now sold out with even Arsenal technical director Edu buying one – a development that left the fans divided.
      Many fans were left baffled as they were not impressed by the design and took to Twitter to criticise those who spent their hard-earned cash on it.
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      One fan tweeted: “Surely nobody over the age of 5 wears that?”
      Another posted: “Grown man wearing this would need a slap.”
      A third wrote: “Embarrassing.”
      But there were also those who liked the shirt and praised Arsenal for their latest initiative.
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      Arsenal’s All or Nothing documentary depicted the club’s campaign last season
      Some even believe Arteta should pose with one of them next time he faces the press.
      One fan posted: “I need this ASAP.”
      Another tweeted: “Went to get it for my son, but sadly they were all sold out!!”
      And third stated: “In fairness fair play. Would love to see Mikel rocking one of these in the post-match interview.” More