Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta ‘upset’ as Chelsea tipped for transfer raid
Mirror Football takes a look at some of the biggest Arsenal news
Arsenal’s belief that they can end a 21-year wait for the Premier League trophy this season is growing stronger with every game. Mikel Arteta’s men have finished second in each of the last three campaigns, but those exhausting gaps have played a key role in the Gunners becoming the force we see today.
This was evident in Sunday’s north London derby, where Tottenham were outclassed in every way. Without last season’s injury crisis, Arteta might not have bought so many crucial players this summer, including Eberechi Eze, who scored a historic hat-trick in the 4-1 win over the team he almost joined.
Arsenal are now six points clear of second-placed Chelsea after 12 games, but a defeat against the Blues at Stamford Bridge this Sunday could blow up the title race. Mirror football brings you two of the latest stories involving the Gunners ahead of another mouth-watering London derby.
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Arteta tackles set pieces
Arteta joked that he was ‘upset’ his side failed to score from a free-kick in last weekend’s win over Spurs. All four of their goals came from open play, showing that the Gunners are still capable of breaking down teams as they have historically been known to do, contrary to how some have sought to describe Arsenal’s approach this season.
The absence of Gabriel Magalhaes was a big miss in the opposition box when it came to trying to score from corners, where Arteta’s men have been so dangerous in recent years.
And, after answering questions about Arsenal’s reliance on set-piece goals all season, the Spaniard said wryly in his post-match press conference: “I’m upset that we didn’t score from set-pieces. I want to score from set-pieces too.”
The north Londoners finished November with more goals from play than any other Premier League team.
Ben White tipped for transfer
Shaun Wright-Phillips has predicted Ben White will make a surprise move to London rivals Chelsea this summer. White, for much of his Arsenal career, was one of the first names on the team sheet.
Yet after missing much of last season through injury, the England right-back lost his place in the team to the indomitable Jurrien Timber, having played just 294 minutes this season in six appearances in all competitions.
This led former Blues winger Wright-Phillips to sympathize with White, who he described as “incredible” before his injury. He then controversially highlighted Chelsea as a suitable next destination for the 28-year-old.
Wright-Phillips told Best Betting Sites: “I could imagine Ben White moving to Chelsea next summer. It makes sense, it’s possible. I feel really sorry for Ben because he was injured and he was playing so well for Arsenal. He was incredible.
“Then he came back and he lost his place to Jurrien Timber, who is the best right-back in the Premier League. It’s going to take something special to topple him now.”
He added: “I don’t think Arsenal would be willing to sell him in the winter window because squad depth is one of Arsenal’s biggest advantages.”
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