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ARSENAL are hopeful Bukayo Saka only suffered knee bruising after he limped off injured at Leeds on Sunday. The star winger will miss the Gunners’ Europa League trip to Molde tomorrow but should be back in action soon after. Saka, 19, came on as a second-half substitute in the 0-0 draw at Elland Road before […] More
CARLOS CARVALHAL has been playing his part in helping Portugal’s new ‘golden generation’ sparkle. For more than a decade the Iberian nation have at times resembled a one-man team given their reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo – even though they won Euro 2016. But that no longer looks the case after the emergence of numerous talents, […] More
ARSENAL face Molde in the Europa League looking to secure their place in the next round. And with several youngsters on the plane, Mikel Arteta is set to give youth a chance with up to four potentially starting the game. The Gunners have won all three of their opening Group B fixtures in the Europa […] More
ARSENAL will examine the severity of Bukayo Saka’s knee problem after the young Gunner suffered an injury during Arsenal’s draw at Leeds.
The England starlet was seen holding his knee after being tackled by Stuart Dallas in added time and had to be replaced by Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Arsenal are due to examine the extent of Bukayo Saka’s knee injuryCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail
The 19-year-old, who excelled for the Three Lions during the international break, was one of ten-man Arsenal’s best players at Elland Road.
The winger, who had a golden chance to score for the goal-shy Gunners in the 84th minute, had come on after Nicolas Pepe’s sending off.
And Mikel Arteta revealed Arsenal are going to review the extent of the England player’s injury.
⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates
The Emirates manager said: “We’ll have to assess how bad it is but it looks a pretty bad challenge and he was in pain.”
Saka, who won man of the match during England’s 3-0 win against the Republic of Ireland, has impressed with his performances for club and country.
The London-born starlet, who signed a long-term deal with the Gunners in the summer, was among a quintet of England starlets shortlisted for the 2020 Golden Boy Award.
Arteta’s Gunners, who are due to face Molde in the Europa League, are currently without the services of Thomas Partey who is recovering from a thigh strain.
And Sead Kolasinac and Mohamed Elneny are also currently unavailable after testing positive for Covid-19 whilst away with their national teams Bosnia and Egypt.
Bukayo Saka, 19, was one of Arsenal’s best players at Leeds before he came off injuredCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail
Arsenal, who are currently eleventh after winning just one of their last five games, face a tricky run of December fixtures.
Their upcoming league clashes include games against Everton, Southampton and London derbies with Chelsea and league leaders Tottenham.
And the Gunners, who face Wolves on Sunday, will be without Nicolas Pepe for three fixtures after the winger was given a red card for a headbutt on Leeds midfielder Ezgjan Alioski. More
SPURS boss Jose Mourinho has been hit with a suspended one-match Euro ban for a late kick-off against Royal Antwerp.
Tottenham were also slapped with a £23k fine after the Europa League clash on October 29 began late.
Jose Mourinho has been rapped for Uefa for causing a late kick-off in EuropeCredit: PA:Press Association
His club were fined just under £23,000 for the late start by Uefa’s control, ethics and disciplinary body (CEDB), as well as a further £2,700 for a breach of Uefa’s equipment regulations.
Spurs lost 1-0 in a game that started a few minutes late.
Meanwhile, Scottish champions Celtic were fined £6,300 for improper conduct related to their Europa League game against Lille on the same night.
Spurs and Celtic have been contacted for comment.
In July, Mourinho slammed the ‘clueless’ FA after Eric Dier was banned for four games for jumping into the Spurs crowd.
Spurs defender Dier was given a four-match ban and fined £40,000 for climbing into the stands to confront a fan who had hurled abuse at him and his family after the FA Cup shootout defeat to Norwich on March 4.
The FA’s independent panel punished England defender Dier for ‘threatening’ behaviour – despite being told the fan called him a ‘w*****’ and a ‘f***ing c***’.
Mourinho branded FA people ‘powerful people who do not have a clue’.
And he risked getting himself into trouble, insisting they ‘do not belong to the tribe’ of football.
Mourinho has opened the door for Gedson Fernandes to return to Benfica in January.
Mourinho’s countryman only moved to North London in January on an 18-month deal but his boss has hinted at cutting the flop’s spell short.
Fernandes, 21, has featured just 13 times across all competitions under his compatriot Mourinho, totalling 357 minutes of action, and yet to register a goal or assist.
And the Spurs boss suggested the deal could be terminated after just a year if that is best for the player.
He told Sport TV: “For me it is never a problem, but a solution.
Having him in the squad, even if he is not called up and not playing, is an extremely comfortable situation.
“I will never be the one to push him or say that I don’t want him here. But I understand the situation of the kid and Benfica.
“If the club wants to end the relationship here, we will be here to collaborate, because we want the good of the player.
“Benfica has the power to decide and will be accepted by us.”
Jose Mourinho says Spurs would win title in many European countries but the Premier League is difficult More
MIKEL ARTETA praised Joe Willock’s ‘special qualities’ as the youngster made his case for more minutes in an Arsenal shirt.
The academy graduate, 21, shone for the Gunners in their 4-1 win over Molde.
⚠️ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates
Joe Willock impressed Arsenal fans and the manager alike with his performance against MoldeCredit: AFP or licensors
Willock had a hand in three of the goals – forcing two opponents into own goals before finding the net for himself late on.
His boss knows he now has a selection headache going into Sunday’s game with Aston Villa, where he could hand the midfielder his first Premier League outing of the season.
Arteta said: “I think he was really strong in his performance. The way he’s approaching every opportunity it shows how mature he is.
“I saw his press conference as well – I’m impressed the way he’s communicated. He’s developing the right way.
“He’s a player I like – he has some special qualities and he’s showing it with his performances, his goals and his attitude.
“The thing is that we have a big squad a the moment. I really trust him.
“This is the competition that we are not treating to give young players a chance. This is a competition we’re taking seriously.”
Arsenal made it three wins from three in the Europa League this season – despite falling behind at home to the Norwegian outfit.
Mikel Arteta is yet to give the academy graduate a minute of Premier League action so far this seasonCredit: Reuters
But the own goals and Nicolas Pepe’s strike put the Gunners in complete control before Willock rounded off the scoring with his fifth European goal.
He was by far Arsenal’s standout player, even before his well-taken goal, and grabbed his chance with both hands.
Willock was desperate to make an impression, especially after being left out of the squad for the win at Old Trafford on Sunday despite getting a goal and an assist against Dundalk a week ago.
The star, who joined Arsenal aged four, said: “I’m just taking it game by game. This is part of my journey.
“I’m a young kid and I’m trying to play well every time I get a chance.
“I need to learn from the disappointment of not being in the squad [against Manchester United] and then getting myself back up to play again tonight.
“I trust in the manager and I trust he’ll give me an opportunity when I deserve it.
“I’m trying to work hard and perform like I did today and when I get a chance to play in the Premier League, hopefully I can do the same.”
“I’m just taking it game by game…””I’m trying to play well every time I get a chance.””I trust in the manager and I trust he’ll give me an opportunity when I deserve it.”Joe Willock on his hopes of playing Premier League football in the near future 🙏🎙 @ReshminTV pic.twitter.com/MTQYIpl0UC
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 5, 2020
Rio Ferdinand frustrated Man Utd didn’t sign Arsenal new boy Thomas Partey More
CELTIC’S Europa League hopes hang in the balance after a heavy defeat to Sparta Prague at Parkhead.
The visitors – who suffered two heavy opening losses in the group section – jetted to Glasgow without eight players, including two goalkeepers due to fitness and viral issues.
Sparta Prague picked up a 4-1 win over Celtic at Parkhead Credit: PA:Press Association
But Lukas Julis grabbed a hat-trick as they became the first-ever Czech side to win at Parkhead – despite a second-half strike from Leigh Griffiths – and picked up their first win in the group.
The defeat leaves Neil Lennon’s men bottom with one point from three games – including two defeats at home.
Lille picked up a shock 3-0 win over AC Milan at the San Siro to put them on seven points at the top of the group with the Italian side second on six.
Celtic started the better of the two sides and dominated the early exchanges but as the minutes ticked by the visitors grew into the contest and on 24 minutes they would have been ahead hadn’t it been for Scott Bain’s crossbar.
Moments later the Hoops keeper was then called into action to make a smart save from a half-volley as the Czech side upped the pressure.
And just one minute after the woodwork came to their aid, the home side fell behind.
Julis smashed the ball high into the net after his team-mate David Hancko headed against the far post from a corner.
Mohamed Elynounoussi was close to bringing Lennon’s men level on 38 minutes but his effort crashed off the bar from a Ryan Christie cross after losing his marker with a smart run.
Julis completes his hat-trick with a simple tap-in Credit: AFP or licensors
Mohamed Elyounoussi crashes his effort off bar for Celtic in first halfCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
Celtic were then hit with a sucker punch right on half-time.
A long ball forward found David Moberg Karlsson and he caused chaos in the Celtic box before digging out a cross that fell to the feet of Julis.
He rounded Callum McGregor before confidently curling a low shot beyond Bain.
Moberg Karlsson threatened once again early in the second half as he broke at pace towards the Celtic goal but a timely interception from Shane Duffy denied the visitors the chance to further extend their advantage.
Just before the hour the Hoops nearly grabbed a way back into the contest.
Jeremie Frimpong latched on to a ball forward from Tom Rogic and cut inside the defender before curling just wide of the target.
Lennon threw Griffiths on to partner Odsonne Edouard up top for the final 30 minutes as they looked for a way back into the game.
And the Scotland international – who was recalled by Steve Clarke for the crucial Euro play-off with Serbia next week – was on the scoresheet inside four minutes.
Scott Brown and Shane Duffy rejected as Celtic concede goalCredit: PA:Press Association
The visitors crashed an effort off the base of the post to go 3-0 up at one end but after surviving that scare, Celtic raced up the other side and Griffiths fired home from a rebound after a brilliant flick and strike from Rogic.
The goal installed some confidence in Lennon’s men as they pushed for a leveller.
However, they were hit with another blow as that man Moberg Karlsson once again caused havoc with his pace before teeing up his team-mate Julis to complete his hat-trick with a simple tap-in 15 minutes from time.
And to add more misery to a poor night at Parkhead, Ladislav Krejci headed home a FOURTH goal for the visitors in stoppage time to inflict a heavy defeat on the Scottish champions.
US superstar Lana Del Rey sings Celtic fan anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ More
ARSENAL had to come from behind as they saw off a spirited Molde at the Emirates.
Final score: Arsenal 4-1 Molde
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THAT’S A WRAP
Thanks for joining us this evening.
Don’t forget to take a look at our match report, you can find it here.
YOUNG GUNS
There is a bunch of young talent in the Arsenal squad and the Gunners boss has been thrilled with the way they’ve played of late.
Arteta says “I really like the approach they have for every game.
“They want to make the difference for the team, they’re playing with a lot of personality so I’m really pleased with them.
On Willock’s performance and his chance to feature in the Premier League, Arteta says: “He could have scored more, he was in good goal scoring situations and created a few.
“I think he had a really good performance.
“If he keeps doing what he is doing consistently then his time will come.”
BOSS SPEAKS
Mikel Arteta says: “It was a really important for us to win tonight and go top of the group with a very convincing victory.
“After going a goal behind it was about the reaction and being patient, we were and generated a lot of chances which meant we won the game.
“I think we got into good spaces and if they didn’t score own goals then we would have been there for the tap in.”
NO AVERAGE JOE
Willock’s performances have been limited to competitions other than the Premier League, but fans are hoping that it won’t be long until we see him in top-flight English football.
Willock says “I’m just taking it game-by-game, it’s all part of my journey, I’m a young kid and I’m trying to play well each time I’m given the opportunity.
“I need to learn from the disappointment of not being in the squad and then pick myself up to play.
“I trust the manager and trust that he’ll give me the opportunities when I deserve it.
“When I get a chance to play in the Premier League, I hope I can perform like I did tonight.”
MAN OF THE MATCH
After an incredible performance, we can hear from 21-year-old Joe Willock.
The midfielder says “The first half was tough, they started sharp and they played really well, so we had to stick with it.
“We hade to stick to the game plan and not get frustrated- that’s what we did, so we came out on top.”
Speaking of his goal, Willocks says: .”It broke for us and Nico looked up, passed it to me so I made sure I wasn’t making any mistake with that one, as I had a couple of chances earlier.
“I thought ‘this is my chance to score’ and it went it, which I’m happy about.”
HISTORY MAKERS
There have been 90 goals in one night of Europa League action, from 25 games!
NOR WAY WAS THAT THE SCORE!
Molde scored three goals, but lost 4-1.
Two own goals from the Norwegian outfit doesn’t really do their performance much justice.
YOUNG GUNNERS
From a slow start, Arsenal recovered well and bagged nine points out of nine to top Group B.
Willock, 21, was in the thick of the action and thoroughly deserved to get his name on the score sheet.
FT: ARSENAL 4-1 MOLDE
ARSENAL 4-1 MOLDE
90. Two extra minutes at the Emirates.
ARSENAL 4-1 MOLDE
89. Great ball in from Saka to the six-yard box, but as the ball fizzes to Nketiah he misreads the path of the ball and fails to connect with it.
88. Pepe pokes the ball through to Willock who pushes the ball once before firing it into the top right corner with his right foot.
He absolutely walloped the ball and managed to do so as he was being pushed the ground- he thoroughly deserved that goal after his performance this evening.
ARSENAL 4-1 MOLDE
GOOOOAL
WILLOCK MAKES UP FOR MISSING HIS LAST EFFORT
ARSENAL 3-1 MOLDE
86. Tierney sends a lovely ball across the centre of the box, as Willock turns 180 to put himself on his right foot.
But his body positioning is off and he sends it wide of the right post.
ARSENAL 3-1 MOLDE
84: OH MY! THAT WAS CLOSE
James takes a shot from the right of the box and Luiz’s deflection causes the ball to ruffle the side netting.
ARSENAL 3-1 MOLDE
84. Substitution for Molde; Ellingsen is replaced by Mostrom.
ARSENAL 3-1 MOLDE
Arsenal have had two goals disallowed for offside infringements.
But this a chance well and truly missed!
A glorious chance to take the lead 😫
Sead Kolašinac misses when it looks easier to score!
He won’t want to see that one again… pic.twitter.com/AZFplCSqm8
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 5, 2020
ARSENAL 3-1 MOLDE
80. The ball is in the back of the net, but the flag is up again for Arsenal!
Cedric’s effort is deflected and falls to Saka who is only a yard or two in front of the left post.
Miraculously he hits the post and as the ball falls to Nketiah he buries it.
But Saka had drifted offside beforehand.
ARSENAL 3-1 MOLDE
79. Arsenal make two more substitutions; Ceballos is replaced by Elneny and Xhaka makes way for Tierney
ARSENAL 3-1 MOLDE
How’s Saka for a stat?
14 – Since the start of last season, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has registered 14 assists in all competitions – more than any other teenager for a Premier League club in that time. Provider. #ARSMOL
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 5, 2020
ARSENAL 3-1 MOLDE
75. Saka is booked for a tackle on Wingo just a few yards out from the Arsenal area.
ARSENAL 3-1 MOLDE
Here’s Pepe’s shot for your viewing pleasure…
Arsenal are in control now! 💪
Pepe picks his spot and slots the ball away 🎯
Great work from Bukayo Saka down the left flank to assist the goal… pic.twitter.com/E31aYBAhKI
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 5, 2020
ARSENAL 3-1 MOLDE
74. Arsenal aren’t content with three, as Willock is on the hunt again.
ARSENAL 3-1 MOLDE
72. Double substitution for Molde; their goal scorer Eirkrem is replaced by Brynhildsen
James is also on for Omijuanfo.
69. Saka is picked out on the overlap, on the left, and pulls it back to Pepe who meets the ball at the top of the box.
There’s one touch before Pepe pulls the trigger with his left foot to fire the ball hard and low into the bottom left corner.
Linde is left blindsided by the shot that sees Pepe bag his fourth goal European goal.
ARSENAL 3-1 MOLDE
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