Premier League

ARSENAL are facing Brentford this evening knowing they can return to the top of the Premier League table.Manchester City and Liverpool played out a thrilling 1-1 draw in today’s early match,
Aaron Ramsdale will reclaim his spot in between the sticks for Arsenal later on.
The England international will step back into his former-first choice role with David Raya being ineligible to face his parent club.

Kick-off: 5.30pm
TV channel/ live stream: TNT Sports 1
Brentford XI: Team news to follow…
Arsenal XI: Team news to follow…

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Arsenal agree new contract with youth sensation
Arsenal have agreed a new contract with youth sensation Chido Obi-Martin.
The prospect went viral recently for bagging 10 goals in a single game against Liverpool.
Obi-Martin, 15, stole the show for the Arsenal U-16s as he helped himself to goals in the 14-3 win over the Reds.
Credit: Getty

Arteta breaks Jorginho silence
Mikel Arteta has broken his silence on Jorginho’s future.
The midfielder’s contract is up this summer and his agent raised doubt as to whether he will be offered a renewal.
Arteta said: “That’s a question for Edu or somebody else! You know I don’t discuss these things here, but I’m really happy with Jorgi, I think we all are. He contributes to make the team better – let’s see.”
Arteta on 200 games managed for Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has spoken of his pride of managing 200 games for Arsenal.
He said: “I’m really proud to reach that number. At a big club, it’s always difficult – you have to win a lot of games. Hopefully a lot more positive things will come. [Another 200 to come?] Or 300, or whatever. The most important one in our job is tomorrow – that’s the only thing that matters.”
Arteta on Timber fitness
Arteta has offered a promising update on the fitness of defender Jurrien Timber.
The defender was ruled out for a long period with an ACL injury.
But Arteta revealed he could be training back on the grass soon: “Well I hope so. He’s been for a few walks out on the field. He’s still a bit far from competing but he’s in a good place.”
Ben White fitness
Ben White is a fitness doubt for Arsenal’s trip to Brentford today.
On whether White would play a role today, Arteta said yesterday: “Again, hopefully if he’s available to train today, he will be available to play. It’s a question mark to be resolved in the next few hours.”
Credit: Reuters
Raya looks back on route to Arsenal
With David Raya ineligible to face Brentford today due to being on loan from the club, he sat down with The Guardian to look back on his career.
He revealed that while he was on loan at non-league Southport he had to wash his own kit and train at a local university.
He also opened up on his competition with Aaron Ramsdale for Arsenal’s no1 spot.

Ramsdale to start in goal
Aaron Ramsdale will start in goal today with David Raya ineligible to face his parent club Brnetford.
Ramsdale previously admitted to “suffering and hurting” after losing his place to Raya.
Here he is in training yesterday.
Credit: Getty
Matchday
It’s match day Gunners!
Arsenal travel to the G Tech Community Stadium today to take on Brentfrod at 5:30pm.
Aaron Ramsdale will return in goal with David Raya being ineligible to face the club he is on loan from.
Elsewhere, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard are fit again and could play a role.
It’s all ron you
Mikel Arteta has warned Aaron Ramsdale that he has no excuses in his first Prem appearance since September.
Boss Mikel Arteta has been simultaneously ruthless and supportive towards Ramsdale ever since Raya’s ominous arrival.
The Spanish coach feels competition can only be a good thing and must be embraced, regardless of the tension it may be causing inside London Colney’s keeper’s union.
And when it is suggested his English shot-stopper should be cut some slack if he shows rustiness at the Gtech Community Stadium this evening, Arteta was predictably unmoved.
Deeney speaks
Troy Deeney believes that Aaron Ramsdale’s dad has ‘killed’ his chances of getting back the No.1 jersey full-time after his comments.
The Watford icon said: “Up until this week, I thought Aaron Ramsdale would be OK against Brentford.
I was confident he would have a strong game and put himself in contention again.
But that was before I heard his dad speak. 
It has made the situation ten times worse.
Doug deal ‘complicated’
Recruiting Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa remains “complicated” for the Gunners.
So says transfer expert Fabrizio Romano as the Brazil midfielder continues to be rated the Gunners’ ideal midfield signing.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly targeting an eventual replacement for Thomas Partey and an accomplice for Declan Rice.
But Romano says there have been no talks with Villa over the 25-year-old.
He wrote: “It’s a complicated deal… he’s Arsenal’s dream target – they see him as a perfect midfielder with a big future.
“But unless they are able to come in with a very big package of money, it’s going to be very difficult for them to get this deal done.”
Aaron’s father has piled pressure on him
COMMENT: Up until this week, I thought Aaron Ramsdale would be OK against Brentford, writes TROY DEENEY.
I was confident he would have a strong game and put himself in contention again.
But that was before I heard his dad speak. It has made the situation ten times worse.
This was going to be a free hit for Aaron, and as a father, if you want to then speak after that game when your son has played well, that’s fine by me. Apply the pressure to Mikel Arteta.
Yet he has now put his lad under the microscope even further with his comments criticising Mikel for his decision making.
Now Ramsdale is starting for Arsenal against Brentford as David Raya is ineligible to play against his parent club.
And Aaron will have to have the perfect game, be good with his feet, take crosses and make two or three good saves. If I am Brentford, I am putting the first couple of crosses right under the bar and saying to Aaron: ‘Let’s have a go’.
Those comments from his dad have absolutely killed him. I hope it doesn’t backfire badly.
Gunners in queue for Ousmane
Sporting Lisbon must fight to retain Ousmane Diomande – as Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle reportedly hover.
The Portuguese giants would ideally like the Ivory Coast ace, 19, to sign a new contract.
Credit: Getty
It follows suggestions the Gunners bid around £30million for him in the last transfer window.
But it’s thought Prem clubs could have a better chance of recruiting the teenager at the end of the season.
Portuguese newspaper Record suggest Chelsea and Newcastle are also monitoring Diomande.
Gunners want to see Santia AFTER Christmas
Arsenal are tipped to hunt Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez in January.
The 22-year-old has notched 13 goals from 12 Dutch top-flight games plus two in two Champions League games.
TV Play say the Gunners could ponder a bid for the Mexico ace.
Emirates chief Mikel Arteta is thought to be seeking an out-and-out goal-getter.
United linked to ‘Arsenal target le Normand’
Real Sociedad centre-back Robin Le Normand is rated a serious target for United.
Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag is tipped to offload Raphael Varane next summer.
Credit: Rex
And the latest name on the list of potential replacements is eight-cap Spaniard Le Normand.
Spanish outlet Nacional suggest the Red Devils are willing to pay the 27-year-old’s reported £52million release clause.
Earlier this year, Arsenal were also talked up as a possible destination for the French-born ex-Brest star.
Mikel hails Aaron attitude
Arsenal chief Mikel Arteta insists Aaron Ramsey has responded perfectly to losing his goalkeeper’s place to loanee David Raya.
Arteta said: “Any player who is playing less than he wanted, we demand and expect them to constantly challenge and make each other better and always have the purpose and ability to overcome the situation.
“Aaron has had that attitude every day since I have been here.
“My job is to try to help every single player in the best possible way every day to make them better. To give them the best possible chance to fulfil their potential in their career.
“There is no exception in any position or any player.”
Ramsdale will have no excuses – Arteta
The message for Aaron Ramsdale is a clear one: You have no excuses.
Arsenal’s forgotten man has not pulled on a pair of goalkeeper gloves in the Premier League since September 3 – a 3-1 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates.

But with David Raya, the summer loan signing who has seized the No.1 jersey, cup tied for a Prem visit back at parent club Brentford, Ramsdale will make his Prem return.
And when it is suggested his English shot-stopper should be cut some slack if he shows rustiness at the Gtech Community Stadium this evening, Arteta was predictably unmoved.
He said: “No, he played a few weeks ago. I don’t expect [rustiness], like I don’t with any other player.”
‘Big package needed to lure Luiz’
Arsenal landing Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa could be more “complicated” than ever.
That’s the verdict of transfer guru Fabrizio Romano as the Brazil midfielder continues to be rated the Gunners’ ideal midfield signing.
It’s reckoned Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants a long-term successor to injury-hit Thomas Partey, as well as a new partner for Declan Rice.
But Romano believes there have been no negotiations with Villa over the 25-year-old.
He wrote: “It’s a complicated deal… he’s Arsenal’s dream target – they see him as a perfect midfielder with a big future.
“But unless they are able to come in with a very big package of money, it’s going to be very difficult for them to get this deal done.”
Gunners trio in Prem top 10 for game time
The top-flight stars who have played the most minutes in all club competitions this campaign is unveiled here.
And a trio of Gunners squeeze into the top 10.
One reason is because Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has tended to stick to his strongest available line-up.
Centre-back William Saliba is in fourth place, with versatile Ben White ninth and record signing Declan Rice tenth.

Gunners ‘in Reis talks’
Arsenal are reportedly in talks over 16-year-old Fluminense striker Matheus Reis.
TeamTalk say Gunners’ sporting director Edu is aiming to negotiate with the Brazilian club on the Rio-born sensation’s release clause.
Reis is under contract until 2028 but has yet to make a first-team appearance for Fluminense.
Calciomercato suggest he is valued at £44million.
Gunners ‘keen on Gimenez’
Feyenoord frontman Santiago Gimenez is rated a serious Arsenal target for January.
The 24-cap Mexican has hit 13 goals from 12 Dutch top-flight games plus two in two Champions League games.
TV Play claim the Gunners will consider bidding for the 22-year-old as early as the next transfer window.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is understood to be keen on recruiting a world-class natural finisher.
Credit: Rex
Ramsdale dad has ‘killed him’
COMMENT: Up until this week, I thought Aaron Ramsdale would be OK against Brentford, writes TROY DEENEY.
I was confident he would have a strong game and put himself in contention again.
But that was before I heard his dad speak. It has made the situation ten times worse.

This was going to be a free hit for Aaron, and as a father, if you want to then speak after that game when your son has played well, that’s fine by me. Apply the pressure to Mikel Arteta.
Yet he has now put his lad under the microscope even further with his comments criticising Mikel for his decision making.
Now Ramsdale is starting for Arsenal against Brentford as David Raya is ineligible to play against his parent club.
And Aaron will have to have the perfect game, be good with his feet, take crosses and make two or three good saves. If I am Brentford, I am putting the first couple of crosses right under the bar and saying to Aaron: ‘Let’s have a go’.
Those comments from his dad have absolutely killed him. I hope it doesn’t backfire badly.
Diomande linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Toon
Sporting Lisbon will reportedly battle to keep Ousmane Diomande in January – amid rumoured interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle.
The Portuguese giants even hope the one-cap Ivorian, 19, might eventually sign a new deal – despite claims the Gunners tried to buy him for £30million-plus over the summer.
But it’s thought Prem clubs could have a better chance of recruiting the teenager at the end of the season.
Portuguese newspaper Record suggest Chelsea and Newcastle are also monitoring Diomande.
Diomande linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Toon
Sporting Lisbon will reportedly battle to keep Ousmane Diomande in January – amid rumoured interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle.
The Portuguese giants even hope the one-cap Ivorian, 19, might eventually sign a new deal – despite claims the Gunners tried to buy him for £30million-plus over the summer.
But it’s thought Prem clubs could have a better chance of recruiting the teenager at the end of the season.
Portuguese newspaper Record suggest Chelsea and Newcastle are also monitoring Diomande.
Refs told to curb players waving imaginary cards
Refs chief Howard Webb has told Premier League officials they MUST clamp down on players waving imaginary cards.
PGMOL boss Webb has also reiterated the need for refs to enforce directives penalising dissent.
And in a further statement of intent, Webb wants VAR officials to step in if “soft” penalties are wrongly awarded.
The former World Cup final whistler laid down his demands at the scheduled gathering of officials at their Loughborough base ahead of this weekend’s Prem resumption.
Webb pointed out that the early season directive to book – and if a second offence, send off – players showing imaginary cards after fouls appears to have been forgotten in recent weeks.
That inconsistency has been a complaint from fans up and down the country.
Webb is equally keen to ensure the strong line against dissent continues – as a way of enforcing better behaviour from players and managers alike. More

LIVERPOOL have ended Manchester City’s incredible home-winning run after holding them to a draw at the Etihad.Nathan Ake superbly set up Erling Haaland to score his 50th Premier League goal in record timing.
But Trent Alexander-Arnold channeled his inner-Steven Gerrard to snatch a point for the Reds.

RESULT: Man City 1-1 Liverpool
Live stream: NOW TV
TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League
Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias; Ake, Rodri; Bernardo, Doku; Foden, Alvarez; Haaland
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Jota
Explainer: Why is the match on Sky Sports and not TNT Sports?

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Little to separate familiar foes
After sharing the points at the Etihad Stadium, there is barely anything between the sides in the Premier League.
Man City remain top of the table on 29 points, with Liverpool hot on their heels on 28 points.
Their positions may change as Arsenal and Tottenham both have the chance to capitalise from the draw, but Liverpool will take confidence from ending Guardiola’s side 100% record at home this season.
Credit: Reuters
Trent shows his worth to Klopp
If anyone ever doubted the form of the Liverpool right-back, he stuck to his role today, trying to keep Doku quiet for the hosts.
When the chance presented itself, he looked to support his side’s attacks and offer options for Salah down the right wing.
Even getting himself into the box to try and create and score himself, Alexander-Arnold showed why he is so highly rated in Manchester today.

Guardiola frustrated with Liverpool draw
Pep Guardiola will feel his side did more than enough today to take all three points at the Etihad Stadium.
Dominating possession and having more chances than Jurgen Klopp’s side, they could not put the game to bed.
At this level, one-nil is a dangerous scoreline and the visitors punished them for not getting that second goal.

Klopp shows his side’s inner strength
At a ground where Liverpool often struggle, they showed their grit today by digging deep and ensuring Man City were not able to get that second goal.
As a result, it left the game on a knife edge and after Alexander-Arnold’s superb strike, changed the whole complexion of the game.
Guardiola will feel that this is two points dropped but for the visitors, it is a result that should inspire confidence for the season ahead.
Credit: Reuters
FT: Man City 1-1 Liverpool
As the game finished and the players and mangers shook hands, something seemed to happen between Guardiola and Nunez.
The pair went to shake hands and the Man City manager seemed to react to something.
Klopp acted peacemaker as he looked to defuse the situation and get his striker into the dressing room.
That fiery South American temper eh.
FT: Man City 1-1 Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold is awarded the man of the match award.
He dealt with the threat of Jeremy Doku throughout the game and scored the goal to get his side a point.
When a ball drops to a right back on the edge of the box, it rarely threatens, but this one is has the skills to pay the bills when it comes to shooting and passing.
Credit: AP
FT: Man City 1-1 Liverpool
The referee brings the game to a close, the points are shared.
Man City’s sequence of home wins comes to an end.
Guardiola and Nunez have a coming together after the final whistle.
Man City 1-1 Liverpool
90+8. Liverpool have made all their changes but Alisson seems to be struggling with a hamstring issue.
Man City have a corner in the dying embers of this game.
Alvarez crosses and Haaland flicks it on, going just wide of the far post.
Man City 1-1 Liverpool
90+6. Foden looks to swing a ball into the back post.
It goes over the head of Silva and once again Doku is not attacking the space in behind him.
Liverpool are happy to see it go out harmlessly for a goal kick.
Man City 1-1 Liverpool
90+4. This game is on a knife edge now.
A goal by either side would definitely win this game now.
Neither team wants to make a mistake to give away what they have worked so hard for.
Credit: Reuters
Man City 1-1 Liverpool
90+2. You have to wonder where they get this added time from.
They seem to pluck these numbers out of thin air.
Certainly cannot think of anywhere near that sort of level of stoppages in this game.
Man City 1-1 Liverpool
90. Man City’s making the most out of challenges come back to bite them as Akanji stays down holding his head.
The referee stops Man City’s attack to make sure the player is okay.
Replays show there was barely any contact on the City defender and he immediately leaps back to his feet, making a miraculous recovery.
We are going to have eight additional minutes added.
Man City 1-1 Liverpool
88. The ball is swung in by Bernardo Silva but Endo heads it over for a corner.
Alisson catches the cross before he is bundled over the line by Akanji.
It seems a more clear-cut foul than the previous one.
Man City 1-1 Liverpool
86. This will be a big end to the game for the visitors now.
Having worked hard to get back into this game, they cannot do anything silly now.
Doku wins a free kick on the edge of the box, the replay shows this one was a foul however.
Matip is booked for the challenge.
Man City 1-1 Liverpool
84. The free kick is headed clear by the wall.
Liverpool cannot clear their lines and City come back at them.
They finally manage to counter but Ake beats Gakpo to the loose ball.
Elliott and Endo come on for Nunez and Mac Allister.
Credit: Reuters
Man City 1-1 Liverpool
82. Akanji goes down under the challenge of Gakpo.
It is a clumsy challenge by the Liverpool man.
Chance for Man City to test Alisson in the Liverpool goal.
Man City 1-1 Liverpool
80. Diaz plays a ball towards the back post which Salah collects.
He lays it off into the path of Alexander-Arnold on the edge of the box.
Taking one touch to control it, he strikes a shot across Ederson into the bottom corner.
Big goal for the visitors.
Goal – Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Man City 1-0 Liverpool
78. Foden goes down as he receives a stray arm in the face.
The replay shows there was barely any contact but the Man City player went down like Deontay Wilder had nailed him.
It is about time the Premier League started doing something about this simulation.
More likely to win an Oscar than a Ballon D’Or.
Man City 1-0 Liverpool
76. Darwin Nunez is penalised for a foul on Phil Foden.
It produces the first yellow card of the game for the pull on the Man City player.
Alvarez whips the ball in, Haaland flicks it on, but it is well over the crossbar.
Credit: Reuters
Man City 1-0 Liverpool
74. Gakpo jojns the game, replacing Szoboszlai for the visitors.
It seems a more attacking move for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Man City are still making it difficult for Liverpool to play in between the lines.
Man City 1-0 Liverpool
72. The ball is swung in by Alexander-Arnold.
Again it is all too easy for the Man City keeper.
Liverpool’s dead-ball delivery has been poor today.
Man City 1-0 Liverpool
70. Liverpool need to start imposing themselves on this game more.
The ball is crossed and Nunez meets it at the near post.
Ederson makes the save at the expense of a corner.

Man City 1-0 Liverpool

68. Big let off for Alisson in the Liverpool goal.
He seemed to make a hash of the corner but the review agrees with the referee that he was impeded by Akanji.
Mac Allister is penalised for foul on Alvarez but the replay shows the Man City player went down easier than a submarine.
Minimal if any contact at all.
Credit: AP
Goal disallowed More