04 April 2023 , 03:00
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It's been some season for Arsenal - and they're now entering a crucial stage of their Premier League title bid.
After comfortably beating Leeds 4-1 last weekend, Mikel Arteta's side now sit eight points clear of closest challengers and reigning Premier League champions Manchester City. Next up for the Gunners is a huge clash with Liverpool, who were thrashed by City in their most recent outing, this weekend.
Arteta will no doubt be busy ramping his his preparations this week, with the north Londoners knowing they need to maintain this momentum with nine games left to play. Here's a run-down of the latest headlines.
Alexandre Lacazette reacts to Arsenal's title challenge
Former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has claimed that he isn't surprised to see the Londoners at the summit of the Premier League this season after working with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.
Lacazette, who left the Emirates Stadium last summer upon the expiration of his contract, spent five years in north London and was a key player under Arteta following the Spaniard's appointment back in December 2019.
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Alexandre Lacazette has had his say on Arsenal's title challenge (Twitter/@PVSportFR)The Gunners finished fifth in the top-flight last season following a late implosion which cost them a place in the Champions League but have bounced back impressively this term and are now just nine games away from ending an agonising 19-year title drought.
"Arsenal? I’m not surprised," Lacazette replied when he was quizzed on the Gunners' title hopes. "I worked with the coach so I know how well he works. I’m not surprised by the club’s success, and I’m happy for my former teammates there."
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Jack Wilshere recalls Bukayo Saka question to Cesc Fabregas
Jack Wilshere has discussed Bukayo Saka's form (Sky Sports)Jack Wilshere has revealed that Bukayo Saka left Cesc Fabregas cracking up after the Arsenal star asked the former skipper for advice on how to improve.
Saka has scored 13 goals and notched 10 assists so far this season, helping the Gunners to charge to the top of the Premier League table. The Englishman has been a revelation since breaking into the first-team under Unai Emery in 2018.
Though he only played the final 30 minutes of the win over Leeds on Saturday, the 21-year-old is set to play a huge role in the title run-in. But according to Wilshere, his status at the club has not gone to his head, as proved by a recent meeting with Fabregas.
Wilshere is now a coach in Arsenal's academy and accompanied Fabregas at London Colney as the Spaniard returned to take his coaching badges. And Wilshere revealed that Saka left the former Gunners captain amused when he asked a question.
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Aaron Ramsdale makes generous donation to ex-teammate
Aaron Ramsdale has starred for Arsenal this season (Getty Images)Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale made a generous financial donation to help a former teammate have a career-saving operation.
Connor Dimaio, who played alongside Ramsdale at Sheffield United and Chesterfield, suffered a serious knee injury while playing for non-league side Matlock Town in March. He has ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament and strained medial and lateral ligaments.
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Dimaio needs surgery as soon as possible to keep his career alive, but, due to waiting times, has been unable to go under the knife on the NHS As such, the 27-year-old midfielder sought to raise £6,000 to have the surgery done privately instead.
Thanks to a JustGiving page set up by Matlock's James Griffiths, £6,195 has been raised to fund Dimaio's operation. The total reached £5,710 on Sunday after Ramsdale made a generous donation of £1,000 to get his former teammate close to the finishing line.
Ramsdale called Dimaio a "legend" after making his crucial donation. "You deserve this chance!" wrote the England international.
Read the full story here.