Alan Shearer delivers Mikel Arteta verdict as Arsenal get Bukayo Saka boost
Just two points separate Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal at the top of the table, with this season's Premier League title race set to go down to the wire.
The Gunners have been in excellent form since returning for their mid-season break, having won seven league games in a row and scored 31 goals in the process. Mikel Arteta's side are now set to host Brentford on Saturday, having thrashed Sheffield United 6-0 on Monday.
If they beat Brentford, Arsenal will go top with Liverpool and City set to face each other on Sunday in a blockbuster clash. With all that in mind, here's a round-up of the latest news from the Emirates.
Shearer delivers Arteta verdict
Alan Shearer has admitted he would have "hated" playing under Arteta due to his management style. "I never worked under an Arteta kind of manager," Shearer wrote in The Athletic. "Someone manically cajoling, telling you exactly where to stand or exactly what to do. I've always been of the opinion that if you're a good player, then you know that stuff anyway.
"If I felt I needed to drift out to the right wing or the left wing or even drop deep, I would do it myself. And as a captain, I felt I had the authority to tell my fellow players to do something. If it needed saying, I would say it."
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
Alan Shearer says he would have "hated" playing under Mikel Arteta (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Saka boost
Bukayo Saka was forced off at half-time as Arsenal thrashed Sheffield United, with Arteta revealing after the game that the winger was unwell.
"Bukayo was feeling sick. He wasn't feeling right so we decided to take him off and bring Fabio [Vieira] in," Arteta said. However, he is hopeful that both Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will be able to feature against Brentford.
"We got some players back last Monday, and then we had Martinelli and Bukayo with little issues but we are pretty positive that hopefully they can be part of that but we'll have to wait and see how they are tomorrow," Arteta said in his pre-match press conference.
Arteta is hopeful Bukayo Saka will be able to feature against Brentford (PA)Chelsea set to rival Arsenal for Williams
According to football.london, both Chelsea and Arsenal are eyeing a move for Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams. The report states that Williams has a release clause of around £43million, with the Gunners said to be keen on signing a versatile forward who can operate across their frontline instead of an out-and-out striker like Ivan Toney. Wolves star Pedro Neto is another potential target, having been on Arsenal's radar since 2022.
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
