Thomas Partey warned by Mikel Arteta as Thierry Henry his lists Arsenal worries
Arsenal are preparing for a crucial match against Brentford as they bid to go top of the Premier League for the first time since Christmas.
The Gunners are riding high on the back of seven successive thumping wins in the top flight, which have seen them keep pace with leaders Liverpool and defending champions Manchester City. With their two rivals playing each other on Sunday, this weekend represents a real opportunity for Arsenal to continue their form and put the pressure on.
Monday’s 6-0 win over Sheffield United was perfect, but for the problems which saw Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli withdrawn. Mikel Arteta will be hoping to have his star wingers back fit to face Brentford, with the title race well and truly on ahead of a key run of games.
The 5-0 half-time scoreline at Bramall Lane allowed Arteta to get some minutes into returning players like Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey – and he will need his whole squad if they are to lift the Premier League trophy in May. Here are the latest headlines from Mirror Football concerning the Gunners.
Arteta sends Partey message
Partey came off the bench for Jorginho in the 65th minute against Sheffield United after a long spell on the sidelines. But he is not going to breeze back into Arteta’s starting line-up anytime soon, with Jorginho, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard the first-choice midfield currently.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
“Obviously Thomas is available now to play a certain number of minutes,” Arteta said. “He needs to build that, because it was his first minutes after four months, which is a long time. And then, like everybody, you need to have the right to earn the minutes. We believe that today [the starting line-up] was the best option, at least to start the game."
Partey was a key player for Arsenal last season but has had this campaign ravaged by injury, with groin and hamstring complaints keeping him out of action since October. With Brentford and Porto on the horizon, Arteta has hinted that he’ll be eased back in.
Thomas Partey came off the bench against Sheffield United (ProSports/REX/Shutterstock)Saliba earns Van Dijk comparison
William Saliba has been excellent at the heart of Arsenal’s defence this season and former Gunners player David O’Leary believes his form is comparable to Liverpool stalwart Virgil van Dijk.
He said: “Saliba is like Van Dijk when Van Dijk came to Liverpool. To me he will only get better – he is a Rolls Royce. I think him and Gabriel are a partnership that is consistently as good as anybody in the Premier League. And what has brought them further on this year is the great Declan Rice sitting in front of them who has been awesome.
“That three there have been absolutely phenomenal. They are the backbone really. For the push now until the end of the season, it is vitally important that you don’t lose these three.”
Henry picks toughest tests
Thierry Henry outlined Arsenal's challenges (Sky Sports)Thierry Henry was on Monday Night Football and spoke extensively about Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League. He has been impressed with his old side but highlighted the fact that there’s a long way still to go.
Henry picked Arsenal's clashes with Man City and Tottenham as pivotal but also picked out fixtures against Brighton, Wolves and Chelsea as testing. The Frenchman believes that progress against Porto will be crucial. Arsenal are 1-0 down from the first leg in Portugal ahead of the second leg next week.
"Can you deal with that?” he said. “I know Manchester City and Liverpool are equipped to deal with all of that, so when I look at this, that is going to be a tough one away from home and I am scared.”
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