Rice leads the charge but this player was up there close to him

 By Danong

As anticipation grew for Arsenal's clash with Real Madrid, the mood was electric. The Emirates Stadium was set for a momentous night and the Gunners did not disappoint. 

In an extraordinary performance, Arsenal stunned the visitors with a resounding 3-0 victory. Two sensational free-kicks from Declan Rice and a superb strike from Mikel Merino left Real Madrid reeling, unable to comprehend what had hit them. 

While Rice understandably stole the headlines with his brilliance, another Gunner deserving equal praise was the 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly. 

He didn't score, but his influence was crucial in executing Mikel Arteta’s tactical masterclass.

Lewis-Skelly, unfazed by the occasion, embodied Arsenal's modern approach. Operating as an inverted full-back, he tucked into midfield alongside Thomas Partey, forming a formidable pivot.

This tactical shift opened up opportunities for Martin Ødegaard and Rice, who were given the freedom to exploit space and wreak havoc on the opposition.

Lewis-Skelly’s tactical intelligence was pivotal. His carries and incisive passes through the middle constantly pushed Arsenal forward. 

Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga, for instance, was left puzzled, should he track Ødegaard who enjoyed the liberty to drift into dangerous areas or hold his position in midfield.  

In addition to his offensive contributions, Lewis-Skelly neutralised Rodrygo’s attacking threat down Real Madrid's right hand side. Despite frequently inverting into midfield the young full-back ensured there were no gaps for Madrid to exploit on the left hand side.

This fearless display highlighted maturity beyond his years. Making his senior debut just last September, the youngster’s performance on Wednesday night truly stood out. 

And the stats from the match further underscore his impact:

- 100% tackles won
- 100% dribbles completed 
- 57 passes attempted, 54 completed   (95% pass accuracy)
- 4 duels won
- 2 key passes (most in the match) 
- 1 assist

From open play, he was arguably Arsenal’s best player on the pitch.

As Arsenal fans revel in this monumental victory, the performances of players like Myles Lewis-Skelly signal a bright future for the Gunners.

Confident and fearless, the young full-back proved that he belongs on the biggest stage, standing tall against one of Europe’s footballing giants.

Has Kiwior played himself in the starting eleven against Real Madrid?

 By Danong

Tonight, Arsenal and Real Madrid meet at the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie. 

While this fixture is undoubtedly challenging, Arsenal must find a way to secure victory or at keast keep the tie level for the return leg. As things stand, their chances of European glory are far brighter than their prospects in the league. 

The Gunners will need to deliver their absolute best performance, and for most Gooners, the ideal line-up without Gabriel Magalhães seemed evident provided Jurrien Timber and Ben White were fit.  

Prior to Jakub Kiwior’s standout performance on Saturday, many fans had already settled on this line-up for the highly-anticipated clash with Real Madrid:

Raya
Timber, Saliba, White, Lewis-Skelly  
Rice, Partey, Ødegaard
Saka, Merino, Martinelli

Some have shown a preference for Trossard to start instead of Merino having scored against Everton last Saturday. But Arteta will likely keep Merino in the line-up.

Understandably however, Arsenal’s backline is the focus of every discussion. When asked about replacing Gabriel during Monday’s media briefing, Mikel Arteta remained tight-lipped, simply stating: “Yes, we’ve decided.”

A backline consisting of Timber, Saliba, White and Lewis-Skelly might hold up well against Real Madrid. But White has only recently came back from a long absence due to surgery and his appearances may need to be managed.

On the other hand Kiwior was rock-solid alongside William Saliba last weekend. His incisive forward passes behind the Everton defense were particularly noteworthy. With stats like these:

- Passing Accuracy: 58/62 (92%)  
- Long Balls: 4  
- Clearances: 3  

Kiwior was arguably deserving of a Man of the Match accolade. 

In my opinion, Kiwior should start ahead of White at center-back. Even if the chance is taken and White plays as the right-sided centre back, it forces Saliba—our best defender—to play out of position.

On top of that, Arsenal are already fielding a player out of position in attack (likely Mikel Merino). Let’s not disrupt the balance further. 

Sure, not everyone fancies Kiwior against Mbappé, but this is a team game. If the rest of the squad steps up, they can cover any vulnerabilities. 

No one is giving us a chance (except the Opta computer) and we are at our best when our backs are up against the wall.

The Emirates awaits an electrifying encounter and make no mistake the Gunners will rise to the occasion.

Preserve for Real Madrid or Go Full Throttle Against Everton?

 By Danong

Saturday's Premier League early kick-off sees Arsenal take on Everton at Goodison Park in what promises to be a fascinating encounter.  

Since their unexpected 1-0 loss to West Ham, the Gunners have gone unbeaten in four games (two wins and two draws), finding resurgence in the PL Run In.

Everton, meanwhile, come into this fixture off the back of a 1-0 Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool. However, prior to that loss, they managed a solid six-game unbeaten streak (one win and five draws). They have been in some sort of resurgence under David Moyes.

Head-to-Head:

Arsenal have enjoyed a positive run against Everton lately, going unbeaten in their last four meetings (three wins and a draw).

Team News

- Gabriel Magalhães has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury.  
- Mikel Arteta has hinted that Bukayo Saka may see more minutes on the pitch, as the young winger continues to seek match fitness.  
- Ben White and Jurrien Timber may be available for selection, according to the Arsenal boss

For Everton, both Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil are back in contention for starting spots after returning from injury.  

Should Arsenal go all out against Everton or conserve their energy for the crucial Champions League tie against Real Madrid?  

With Liverpool facing tricky fixtures (Chelsea, Brighton and Arsenal) that could impact their title race, a win on Saturday is non-negotiable for the Gunners.

- Jurrien Timber should remain fresh for the Real Madrid clash but could make a substitute appearance against Everton.

- Thomas Partey’s fitness is critical, and he must be saved for the Real Madrid fixture.

- Mikel Merino’s resurgence as Arsenal’s stand-in number nine continues to be a hopeful sign.  

Predicted Arsenal Line-up vs Everton

Raya
White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly  
Jorginho, Rice, Ødegaard  
Nwaneri, Merino, Martinelli  

This is how Arteta can be bold and creative in his team selection to cover for Gabriel's absence

 By Danong and 1970s Gooner

Sixteen minutes into Arsenal's match against Fulham, Gabriel Magalhães suffered an injury that forced him off the pitch. Limping straight down the tunnel, early signs suggested a potential hamstring injury.

And it has now been confirmed that he is out for the season!

Without Gabriel, a cornerstone of Arsenal's defence, Mikel Arteta will need to find a way to maintain the team’s defensive solidity—a key factor in their competitiveness this season.

Is Kiwior up for it?

Jakub Kiwior replaced Gabriel during the Fulham game and while it was a rare chance for the Polish defender to impress, he struggled to make a convincing case.

His performance was rusty and he bore some responsibility for Fulham’s consolation goal.

Misjudging his positioning, when the ball was played forward behind Lewis Skelly, Kiwior backtracked instead of advancing to engage. This allowed Ryan Sessegnon to gallop into the area and had the time and space to pick out Rodrigo Muniz, who finished with ease.

In fact it's completely the same way that Liverpool's equalising goal at the Emirates in the 2-2 encounter was scored by Salah. Go back and see it....

He hasn't learned from his numerous past mistakes and he will never learn. This has left many Arsenal fans worried about how the defence (with him) would hold up against Real Madrid’s potent attack.

It is therefore imperative that Arteta finds a way of keeping Kiwior on the bench.

But we have a feeling that Arteta will play Kiwior instead judging by his comments in the presser after the Fulham game.

This will very probably prove to be a mistake.

1.The ideal scenario

We are hopeful that Ben White and Jurrien Timber will be fit and available. If so, a fit Timber would slot in at right-back, White alongside Saliba, allowing Partey to play in midfield. This is the ideal scenario really.

Raya
Timber, Saliba, White, Lewis Skelly  
Rice, Partey, Ødegaard  
Saka, Merino, Martinelli  


2. Only One of Timber and White declared fit

In this scenario whoever of the two is fit will have to play in central defence. The knock on effect will have to be that Partey will have to play at right back.

And Jorghino may slot in central midfield.

Raya 
Partey White/Timber Saliba Lewis-Skelly 
Odegaard Jorghino Rice 
Saka Merino Martinelli 

Alternatively Merino can play left midfield instead, with Rice covering the holding number 6 role. Trossard to play a false number 9 role.

Raya 
Partey White/Timber Saliba Lewis-Skelly 
Odegaard Rice Merino
Saka Trossard Martinelli

3. Go with a back three. The worst case scenario?

If Timber and White both remain sidelined, Arsenal will end up having to play Kiwior. 

Arteta may provide cover for him though by going for a back three of Saliba, Kiwior and Tierney shifting to a bold 3-4-3 formation. Partey and Lewis Skelly will be the wing backs.

Raya
Saliba, Kiwior, Tierney  
Partey, Ødegaard, Rice, Lewis Skelly  
Saka, Merino, Martinelli  

Arsenal fans may be praying that this scenario doesn't need to be adopted. But it sounds good to us if need be...

That said, hopes are also high for Arsenal’s attacking trio—the goal scoring Mikel Merino, the resurgent Gabriel Martinelli and the effervescent Bukayo Saka—to rise to the occasion and beat Real Madrid against all the odds.

Saka Returns, Arsenal Are Ready—Is This the Line-Up to Finally Put Fulham in Their Place?

 By Danong and 1970s Gooner

Arsenal return to action tonight in a London derby, as the Gunners host city rivals Fulham.

Fulham have recently tried to establish themselves as Arsenal’s bogey team, denying them all three points in the last three meetings:

- Fulham 1-1 Arsenal (a, 2024–25)  
- Fulham 2-1 Arsenal (a, 2023–24)  
- Arsenal 2-2 Fulham (h, 2023–24)  

With the North Londoners missing out on the title race last season by just two points, it’s fair to say that failing to beat the Cottagers played a role in their eventual disappointment.

Earlier this season, Arsenal were unable to impose themselves on Fulham, the match ending in a 1-1 draw. Tonight, however, the boys in red and white have a fresh chance over 90 minutes to rectify that and claim the win.

One major positive for Arsenal heading into this match is the return of Bukayo Saka. The Gunners’ number seven has been sidelined since December with a hamstring injury. 

Speaking about Saka, Mikel Arteta revealed: "He's ready to go," a clear indication that the star boy is set to play an important role in this game as he builds match fitness ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.

Jurrien Timber, who was ill during the international break, is also available for selection. Unfortunately, Ricardo Calafiori, who sustained another injury while on duty with Italy, remains out, though his absence isn’t expected to be lengthy.

With the players available, Arteta has decisions to make. How strong will he go against Fulham? A possible lineup could include:

- Raya
- Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly
- Partey, Rice, Ødegaard
- Saka, Trossard, Martinelli

Alternatively Arteta may feel that Saka should be eased in slowly and also that Timber may need to sit on the bench and let a fit again White play at right back. He can also rest Trossard who has been below par recently and start Nawneri.

Raya
White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly
Odegaard, Partey, Rice
Nawneri, Merino, Martinelli

A win over Fulham tonight would maintain the faint hopes in the Premier League title race and put pressure on Liverpool. 

It would also help build momentum, laying the foundation for Arsenal’s ambition to end the season in style in both the Premier League and Champions League. 

5 Goal Contributions in 6 Games: Arsenal Star Proves He Is Worth the Price

 By Danong

What an impact Declan Rice has had on his club and country this March. In six games, the Englishman has directly contributed to five goals.

He had his fifth goal involvement on Monday night as England faced Latvia in a USA 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Last Friday, during England's 2-0 victory over Albania, Rice set up Harry Kane's goal that sealed the win. Despite his critics refusing to acknowledge the Arsenal man's playmaking ability, he proved them wrong again on Monday night.

Close to the 70th minute, the £105 million Gunner darted into the box, drilled a low cross across the face of the goal, and Kane tapped it in at the back post.

That assist capped off a complete performance from the ex-Hammer, as his stats reflect:

- Minutes: 79  
- Touches: 65  
- Passes: 64 (98.5% accuracy)  
- Key passes: 3  
- Assist: 1  
- Accurate long balls: 1/1  
- Accurate crosses: 3/7  
- Interceptions: 2 (most in the game)  

Focusing on that assist, Rice's run for Kane's goal showed how far ahead he is of others. Few holding midfielders make runs like that nowadays.

But without Rice's boldness, intelligence, and determination, these goal contributions would not have materialised.

- vs. PSV (assist)  
- vs. Man Utd (goal)  
- vs. PSV (goal)  
- vs. Albania (assist)  
- vs. Latvia (assist)  

Watching Rice over the March international break, it's hard to understand the disrespect he receives. He has even added goal contributions to his game—he's everything you could want in a midfielder.

Now Arsenal is facing a pivotal stage in their season. Catching league leaders Liverpool, 12 points ahead, looks unlikely (although you never know). However, they can target Champions League glory with Rice leading from the front.

Seeing Rice shine, no Gooner can help but say: Bring on Real Madrid!

Porto’s Gain, Arsenal’s Hope

 By Danong

As Gooners, let's not allow Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira's resurgence to go unnoticed—let's rave about it.  

In the summer of 2022, out of nowhere, Arsenal completed a £34.2 million deal for Vieira. The Gunners' scouts must have watched the Portuguese playmaker shine for FC Porto, where he racked up 6 goals and 14 assists and thought he'd be perfect for Arteta's project.  

Arriving at Arsenal with the moniker “Assist King,” many expected him to provide a wealth of assists at the Emirates Stadium. However, that wasn’t the case.  

After two full seasons at Arsenal, Vieira's career unfortunately failed to reach the heights many anticipated—especially in the Premier League.  

- 2023/24 season: 11 league appearances (2 starts), 1 goal, 2 assists.  
- 2022/23 season: 22 league appearances (3 starts), 1 goal, 2 assists.  

Injuries, the emergence of other Gunners and his struggle to adapt to the league’s physicality held him back.  

Last summer, Arsenal sought to resurrect his career by giving him a fresh start, allowing him to return to Porto on loan, where he thrived.  

The Gunners clearly wanted him to rediscover himself and this was evident in the loan deal with Porto, which includes a clause that penalises the club if Vieira doesn’t feature in at least 50% of their matches.  

Initially, an injury at Porto threatened to derail his progress, causing him to miss the start of the season. But upon his return, he gradually re-established himself in the team.  

There’s now hope for Vieira to finally reach his potential. This was underlined last weekend when he scored an impressive volley in Porto's 2–0 win over AVS.  

Vieira might have rediscovered his form, which is good news for FC Porto and of course Arsenal but spells trouble for the teams he faces.  

With that goal on Saturday, the Gunner has now registered a goal involvement in each of his last five appearances. Impressively, he’s also on a run of 3 goals in 3 games.  

Sofascore highlights his reliability, showing that he has started 13 of the 18 games he’s featured in this season and his match ratings are above 7.0 since early February.

He is clearly determined to be at his best ahead of the 2025/26 season, either to stake his claim in Arteta's team or to secure a big move elsewhere.

He has earned a place in Sofascore's Primeira Liga Team of the Week five times, while also recording 4 goals and 3 assists with an impressive 1.91 expected goals.  

There has been talk of Arsenal needing to recruit a natural playmaker to revitalise the number 10 role. Vieira might just be the answer, as he not only contributes goals but also brings the creativity to generate chances in the final third.  

Some Gooners called for Vieira to be recalled during the January transfer window. That idea is now starting to make more sense for the new season.   

Arsenal’s UCL Glory Hinges on Three Big Fixes Before Santiago Bernabéu Date

 By Danong

It will be at least 16 days until Arsenal are back in action—how boring the next few days are going to be for die-hard Gooners. Of course, some will pass the time watching the Gunners turn out for their national teams in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

While attention shifts to the World Cup qualifiers, the Arsenal technical bench along with Arteta has three pressing matters they must address to ensure the team ends the season in style.

With the Gunners sitting 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool, winning the Premier League title this season seems unlikely. Arsenal’s glory this campaign lies in the UEFA Champions League, where Real Madrid (in the UCL quarters) stand in their path.

The Gunners must devise a masterplan to eliminate the Spanish giants, excel in the semi-finals, and lift the Champions League title at the Allianz Arena in Munich, finishing the season with silverware.

Sounds like a tall order but get these three fixes right and glory may indeed follow.

1. Who leads the attack?

Mikel Merino has done a decent job leading Arsenal’s attack. Amidst calls to abandon his false-nine setup before the Chelsea clash, it was Merino who ultimately decided the match.

One could argue that the more Merino plays as the false nine, the more he grows into the role, builds momentum, and establishes on-field relationships to thrive in that position.  

So, does Arteta stick with Merino’s false-nine approach? With Bukayo Saka set to return and Gabriel Martinelli finding form, will Merino retain his spot in the starting XI?  

The fact that only Mohamed Salah (5) and Omar Marmoush (4) have scored more goals than Merino (3) since the Spaniard’s debut as a false nine highlights his impact. This makes it difficult to overlook his contribution.  

However, if Saka returns, Arsenal could opt for a front three of Trossard, Martinelli, and Saka. That would be an intriguing prospect and a decision needs to be made that will have a crucial impact on the outcome of the tie.

2. Rediscovering set-piece brilliance

Without Merino’s goal from a corner, Arsenal probably wouldn’t have beaten Chelsea 1–0 on Sunday afternoon. Whether mocked as “Set Piece FC” or not, Arsenal need to embrace this strength.  

Surprisingly, before Sunday, they had gone 12 matches in all competitions without scoring from a set-piece. That is disappointing, especially considering they had scored 12 set-piece goals in their first 21 Premier League games this season.  

Nicolas Jover, Arsenal’s set-piece coach, must come up with new strategies. In big games, where the margins are thin, set-pieces can be the decisive factor. 

Reinstating the fear factor around Arsenal’s set-pieces could be their secret weapon to knock out Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

3. The Ben White conundrum

By the time Arsenal are back in action, Ben White should be at peak fitness. So far, he has only managed 110 minutes of football since returning from injury.  

Mikel Arteta has hinted that he will not rush White into the team, but post-international break, excuses may no longer hold water.  

While White will need more minutes, benching Jurrien Timber in his current form would be a mistake. The Dutch full-back has been instrumental, ensuring Arsenal don’t miss Saka’s influence on the pitch.  

Does White earn his minutes by deputising for Timber, or is it time to reconsider White for a central defensive role? A combination of cameo appearances at right-back and central defence could help balance his game time and prevent frustration.

If these three issues are addressed by the time Arsenal return to action, there’s no reason the Gunners cannot be very optimistic of what a lot of 'experts' would consider an unlikely success in the Champions League...

Saka Nearer to a Comeback than we thought? Could Arsenal’s Dream Duo with Ødegaard Fire Them to Glory?

 By Danong 

Bukayo Saka has been sidelined since December with a hamstring injury that required surgery. However, there’s been a positive update on Arsenal’s starboy.  

On Friday, manager Mikel Arteta revealed that the Arsenal number 7 is nearing a return to the pitch.  

Speaking to reporters, Arteta said:  

"He’s going to be here next week. Hopefully with the ball at his feet. That will mean he’s shooting and running. He’s already done quite a lot on the pitch. The next step is to integrate him into more competitive training and see how he copes."

Following Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea to paint London red, Arteta was once again asked about Saka’s fitness and whether a return was imminent. He admitted:  

"He's got a good chance."

Gooners have undoubtedly missed Saka, and it’s hard not to look forward to his return. 

With 9 goals and 13 assists in 24 games, you can't help but feel frustrated that Arsenal were robbed of their best player due to injury. Any club would miss such an influential figure—imagine Arne Slot's Liverpool without Mohamed Salah; where would they be?

That said, beyond missing Saka, his partnership with Martin Ødegaard has also been sorely missed. Together with the Norwegian, Saka has illuminated Arsenal’s right-hand side.

While football is a team sport, there are moments when teams need certain players to drive them to success. For Arsenal, few would argue that, in a fully fit squad, Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard are the duo expected to lead them to glory.

This season, Saka and Ødegaard have only started 12 games together. In those games, Arsenal registered eight wins and three draws, scoring 30 goals while conceding just seven.  

It’s clear that Saka and Ødegaard are Arsenal’s most threatening partnership. Had they been available all season, it’s plausible the Gunners wouldn’t find themselves 12 points adrift of Liverpool in the title race.  

Last season, during the run-in, Saka and Ødegaard created 34 chances for each other—making them the Premier League’s most effective attacking duo. The fact they’ve only played together for a quarter of this season has undoubtedly held Arsenal back.  

As Saka’s return draws nearer, it’s hard not to feel optimistic about the impact he’ll have. While overtaking Liverpool for the league title seems improbable, Arsenal still have a shot at glory in the UEFA Champions League.  

Based on Arteta’s admission, it’s reasonable to hope that Saka will be ready by the time Arsenal face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals on 8th April at the Santiago Bernabéu.  

With 22 days until the first leg, there’s hope Saka could get minutes against Fulham and Everton after the international break. By then, he’ll be ready to start against Real Madrid—and perhaps he and Ødegaard will run riot in that game, reigniting Arsenal’s European dreams.

Merino's goal tally only bettered by Salah and Marmoush! Here are the alternative lessons from the victory over Chelsea

 By Danong

As Arsenal faced Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, was there ever any doubt they’d walk away with all three points—especially with Cole Palmer absent?

It has been observed that Palmer has struggled in Nicolas Jackson's absence. With both players unavailable for this game, the Blues posed little to no threat to Arsenal—and indeed, they did not.

Before Sunday’s London derby, Chelsea had failed to beat the Gunners in their last seven encounters. Arsenal boasted five wins and two draws, and on Sunday, they added a sixth victory to their record in this fixture.

In a game that glaringly highlighted the attacking struggles of both teams, it was Mikel Merino’s 20th-minute header from a Martin Ødegaard corner that proved decisive and separated the two sides.

What did we take away from Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea?

1. Top Four Almost Guaranteed

Arsenal might have silenced the doubters who were keen to include them in the top-four battle. If they had lost to Chelsea, they’d have been just seven points ahead of fifth-placed Manchester City and firmly in the top 4 battle. 

However, with this victory, Arsenal are now nine points clear. It seems increasingly likely that Arsenal will secure a top-four finish.

2. Jurrien Timber’s Stellar Performance

Jurrien Timber is playing himself into contention for Arsenal’s Player of the Season award. He was outstanding against Chelsea and deservedly earned the Man of the Match accolade. 

Defensively, he was exceptional, backing up the press and never allowing his marker any room to escape. His ability to handle aerial duels was equally impressive.  

  Jurrien Timber’s stats vs. Chelsea:
   ◉ Most duels won (9)  
   ◉ Most possessions won (6)  
   ◉ Most aerial duels won (4)  
   ◉ Most interceptions (2)  
   ◎ 3 fouls won  
   ◎ 3 clearances  

3. William Saliba’s Brilliance

Like Timber, William Saliba stepped up brilliantly. His dominance in aerial duels was a standout feature, as he won 3/3 against Chelsea. In fact, the Frenchman has now won every aerial duel he’s contested in his last three Premier League matches—6/6 vs. Nottingham Forest and 5/5 vs. Manchester United.

4. Mikel Merino’s False Nine Role

Mikel Merino’s effectiveness in the false nine role should not be understated. He has now scored three goals since taking on the position. To put that into perspective, only Mohamed Salah (5) and Omar Marmoush (4) have scored more during the same period. 

5. Dominance Against the Big Six

Arsenal are approaching two years without losing a league match to a traditional Premier League big-six opponent. Their unbeaten streak now stands at 19 matches, boasting 11 wins and 8 draws.

6. Martin Ødegaard’s Milestone

With his assist for Merino’s goal, Ødegaard now has five assists against Chelsea. This makes him the Gunner with the most assists against the Blues in Premier League history.

While both teams struggled in front of goal (with key attackers missing), Arsenal’s victory was secured thanks to their physical strength and defensive superiority. They kept Chelsea’s forwards at arm’s length throughout. In the past, these were the type of games Arsenal would have drawn or even lost.

I'm glad as Gooners we are long way past that.