Arsenal
Premier League Matchday 12 Predictions: Chelsea and Tottenham to secure 3 points
Premier League Matchday 12 will kick-off with Leeds United entertaining West Ham United at Elland Road on Friday. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been one of the league’s most exciting teams to watch with their tireless workrate and they will be aiming to return to winning ways, similarly to the Hammers.
However, the main focus of attention will be Saturday’s 183rd Manchester derby from Old Trafford. Manchester United are the in-form side in the league at the moment with four wins on the trot and they will come up against arch-rivals Manchester City, who have registered back-to-back league triumphs.
Predictions for Matchday 12:
Leeds United vs West Ham United – Friday:
Leeds were beaten 3-1 at Chelsea last week and the Blues were the first team, who outran them in the Premier League (by more than 6kms) this term. The Hammers, meanwhile, are coming off a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Manchester United, where they should have been out of sight at half-time with the multiple clear-cut scoring chances. Instead, they managed just a 1-0 lead and paid the price for a poor second half display. This game has goals written all over it and we are fancying a high-scoring draw.
Leeds United 2-2 West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Aston Villa – Saturday:
Saturday’s early kick-off will see Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa face off in the west Midlands derby. Wolves recently produced one of their best games of the season with their 2-1 win at Arsenal and that was followed by a lacklustre display against Liverpool with a 4-0 loss. They will be a response in the derby against the Villans, who are two places and two points behind them with two games in hand. With the home advantage, we are backing them to beat the Villans for a third-straight league game.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Aston Villa
Newcastle United vs West Bromwich Albion – Saturday:
Newcastle United’s previous game against Aston Villa was postponed after multiple cases of coronavirus in their squad. The match against West Brom, however, is expected to go ahead and it could be a tight affair. The visitors have vastly improved on the defensive side and last weekend’s 5-1 humbling to Crystal Palace resulted after Matheus Pereira’s sending off. Still, their main concern has been the lack of regular goals. The hosts have fared better and have a quality striker in Callum Wilson, who already has seven goals to his name.
Newcastle United 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
Manchester United vs Manchester City – Saturday:
The highlight of the weekend and already one of the most popular searches on soccer streaming sites this week. United go into the game after a 3-2 defeat at RB Leipzig which saw them eliminated from the Champions League. They have won four league games on the trot, but it has been a game of two halves with comeback wins at Southampton and West Ham United after average first half displays.
The Red Devils had the upper hand in the derby last term as they won both league meetings, but they can anticipate a tougher test on Saturday with their uncertainty at the back. Still, we are not fancying the Cityzens to come up triumphs as they are also vulnerable on the counter-attack.
Manchester United 1-1 Manchester City
Everton vs Chelsea – Saturday:
The Toffees have picked up just one victory since Matchday 4 when they were three points clear at the top of the table. In the same period, the Blues have been one of the in-form teams in the league and they have registered four wins and stayed unbeaten. The Toffees have an excellent recent record against the Blues at home, picking up seven points from previous three meetings, but they could be up for a difficult night on Saturday. The Blues are now much better defensively and they will be aiming to pick up their first victory at Goodison Park since 2017.
Everton 1-3 Chelsea
Southampton vs Sheffield United – Sunday:
The Saints climbed to fifth on the table with a comeback win at Brighton & Hove Albion where Danny Ings scored a rather controversial winner from the penalty spot. Up next, they will come up against Sheffield, who are bottom of the standings with a solitary point. The Blades have shown better defensive resolve in recent weeks, but ultimately the lack of a genuine goalscorer has cost them. The hosts have no such trouble with Ings back after his injury and they will be hoping to jump into the four win with three points.
Southampton 2-0 Sheffield United
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur – Sunday:
Palace ended a two-match losing run with a stunning 5-1 win over 10-man West Bromwich Albion. Spurs, meanwhile, continued to maintain the top spot after a dominating 2-0 triumph over north London rivals Arsenal. The league leaders have an excellent record against Palace and they have beaten their neighbours in nine of the previous 10 meetings. The only setback came via the 1-1 draw in July this year. Both Harry Kane and Son Heung-min are in superb form upfront and we don’t see Palace picking up anything from the game.
Crystal Palace 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur
Fulham vs Liverpool – Sunday:
Fulham were outclassed by Manchester City last weekend and they did exceptionally well to concede only two goals. Their record against Liverpool has been poor over the years and have lost their previous six league meetings. It could be more of the same at Craven Cottage this weekend with the Reds coming off a stunning 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite multiple injury concerns, they have the superior quality in the attack and the Cottagers, who have already conceded 21 goals, can anticipate another tough challenge..
Fulham 0-3 Liverpool
Leicester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion – Sunday:
Leicester may be fourth on the table, but their home form has been a concern with just six points from a possible 15. Brighton, meanwhile, have played some good football over the course of the season, but their defence has let them down in the closing stages of games. Graham Potter’s side are a more possession-based team nowadays and that may play into the hands of the Foxes, who could outwit them on the counter-attack.
Leicester City 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Arsenal vs Burnley – Sunday:
Arsenal have made their worst ever start to a Premier League season and they are currently 15th without a win in four matches. Burnley have likewise been disappointing as they languish in the drop zone. The Gunners have lost their last three league games at the Emirates Stadium, but there is bound to be a strong response. Burnley have a dreadful record against the Gunners with nine defeats and one draw from the last 10 meetings. Mikel Arteta’s side should return to winning ways, but the game won’t be straightforward.
Arsenal 2-1 Burnley
Arsenal Eye Rodrygo Move as Gyokeres Alternative Emerges
Arsenal are seriously considering a summer move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, viewing the Brazilian as the missing piece in their title puzzle. The 24-year-old has become available as Madrid reshape their attack around Mbappe and Vinicius, and Arteta sees him as the natural left-footed winger they’ve desperately needed.
While the Gunners have also been tracking Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting CP, Rodrygo offers something different – proven quality at the highest level and the kind of big-game mentality this Arsenal squad has been questioned about in crunch moments.
What Arsenal Would Be Getting
Goals When It Matters Rodrygo isn’t just a highlights reel player. He’s scored 12 goals and grabbed 9 assists this season despite being rotated regularly in Madrid’s loaded attack. His 18.2% shot conversion rate is well above average for wingers in La Liga, and more importantly, he turns up when the lights are brightest.
His Champions League record tells the story – crucial goals against Chelsea, City, and other Premier League sides prove he can handle the pressure. That’s exactly what Arsenal have been missing in their title runs.
Technical Profile The Brazilian solves Arsenal’s right-wing problem in one move. His left foot provides natural balance, cutting inside to create or shoot while allowing Saka to potentially move to the left or giving Arteta tactical flexibility. At 5’7″ with quick feet, he navigates tight spaces well and consistently beats defenders one-on-one.
His crossing from wide areas is genuinely excellent, and he’s averaging 2.3 key passes per game this season. Not just a goalscorer, then – he creates plenty for others too.
Fits Like a Glove Tactically Under Ancelotti, Rodrygo has played right wing, left wing, and false nine, often switching mid-game. That versatility is perfect for Arteta’s system, where wingers drift inside to create overloads. His defensive work has improved massively – 1.8 tackles per game shows he gets the modern winger role.
The Gyokeres Factor
Arsenal’s interest in Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres adds another layer to their summer planning. While the Swedish striker has been prolific in Portugal, Rodrygo offers Premier League-tested quality and immediate integration into Arteta’s setup. The Brazilian’s experience against English opposition in Europe means no adaptation period – something crucial in a title race.
-> READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal: Scout Report + SWOT Analysis
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Clutch Gene Simple as that – Rodrygo delivers in big moments. His 0.73 goals per 90 in Champions League knockouts over three seasons is elite. Arsenal have bottled too many crucial games; this guy thrives in them.
Perfect Tactical Match Everything about his game suits Arteta’s vision. Drifts inside naturally, creates space for overlapping fullbacks, provides the left-footed balance they’ve missed since Alexis left. He’s basically made for this system.
Premier League Ready Unlike most La Liga signings, he’s repeatedly faced Premier League teams in the Champions League and performed. No concerns about physicality or pace – he’s already proven he can handle it.
Weaknesses
League Form Questions While he shines in big games, his La Liga consistency isn’t perfect – just 8 goals in 23 league appearances. The week-to-week grind of Premier League football might expose this.
Aerial Limitations Wins only 31% of aerial duels, which limits Arsenal’s attacking options from set pieces and crosses. Not a deal-breaker, but something Arteta would need to work around.
Opportunities
Title Difference-Maker Arsenal’s squad lacks a winger who can single-handedly decide matches. City look vulnerable, Liverpool inconsistent – the right addition could tip the balance.
European Catalyst His Champions League pedigree could transform Arsenal’s knockout mentality. Sometimes it’s about believing you belong at that level.
Threats
Price Tag Pressure Madrid won’t sell cheap – probably €80-100m. That’s serious money that could backfire if he doesn’t adapt quickly.
Wage Structure Risk His salary demands might upset Arsenal’s carefully managed structure and create problems with current players.
-> READ MORE: Rafael Leao to Arsenal: Scout Report + SWOT Analysis
Bottom Line
Rodrygo makes sense on every level except the price tag. He addresses Arsenal’s biggest tactical need, brings proven big-game quality, and fits perfectly into Arteta’s system. While Gyokeres offers a different option as a central striker, Rodrygo’s versatility and Premier League experience make him the smarter move.
The question isn’t whether he’d improve Arsenal – it’s whether they can afford to make it happen without compromising other areas of the squad. In a tight title race where margins are tiny, sometimes you need to take calculated risks. This feels like one worth taking.
-> READ MORE: Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal: Scout Report + SWOT Analysis
Viktor Gyokeres has left the door open for a potential summer move to Arsenal after his response when quizzed about his future. The Sporting CP striker’s reply has caught attention, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealing the Swedish international’s stance on potential links to North London.
When pressed about his future plans, Gyokeres offered a diplomatic yet revealing response: “It’s impossible to say, we never know what happens in football.” The 26-year-old striker then addressed the Arsenal speculation directly, stating: “Arsenal links? I don’t know anything. My focus was on the games. If the links were true then… we will see this summer.”
It’s that phrase – “we will see this summer” – that has caught Arsenal supporters’ attention. Rather than dismissing the speculation, Gyokeres appears to be keeping his options open for summer discussions.
The timing of these comments couldn’t be more significant. Arsenal’s pursuit of a proven goalscorer has been well-documented, with Mikel Arteta’s side falling short in the title race due to inconsistent finishing. Gabriel Jesus has struggled with injuries and form, while Eddie Nketiah’s departure has left Arsenal light on attacking options.
Gyokeres’ explosive form at Sporting CP has made him one of Europe’s most coveted strikers. The former Coventry City forward has netted an impressive 66 goals in 68 appearances since joining the Portuguese giants, establishing himself as a lethal finisher capable of leading the line for a title-challenging side.
Arsenal’s interest appears genuine, with reports suggesting the Gunners have been monitoring the Swedish international throughout the season with some reports even suggesting that Gyokores’ move is all but confirmed. His comments to Romano suggest he’s aware of the speculation and isn’t ruling out a move, despite maintaining his focus on current commitments.
The striker’s measured response also indicates a professional approach to transfer speculation. Rather than fueling rumors or making bold declarations, Gyokeres has positioned himself perfectly – remaining committed to Sporting while acknowledging that football’s unpredictable nature means anything could happen.
-> READ MORE: 3 Tactical Reasons Why Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal Makes Perfect Sense
Would Gyokeres tactically fit in at Arsenal?
Summer transfer windows often hinge on such statements, and Gyokeres’ words suggest he’s prepared for potential discussions. Arsenal’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements is expected to intensify once the season concludes.
Tactically, Gyokeres would provide Arsenal with the clinical edge they’ve desperately sought. His physical presence, aerial ability, and intelligent movement in the box would complement Arsenal’s creative midfield perfectly. The Swedish striker’s knack for finding space and his composure in crucial moments make him an ideal fit for Arteta’s system, offering the ruthless finishing that could transform the Gunners from title challengers into genuine champions. His versatility to drop deep and link play would also suit Arsenal’s fluid attacking approach, making this potential transfer a perfect tactical marriage.
-> READ MORE: Arsenal’s Next Saka? Scout Report of Max Dowman who is set for First-Team role
Arsenal’s Leao Pursuit: Tactical Fit and Transfer Analysis for the Portuguese Winger
Arsenal’s pursuit of AC Milan’s Rafael Leao could transform their attacking options under Mikel Arteta. The Portuguese winger brings pace, technical ability, and tactical intelligence that fits the Premier League’s demands perfectly.
Player Profile and Current Form
Leao operates as AC Milan’s left winger in their current system. At 6’2″, he combines physical presence with pace and agility that makes him dangerous in transition. His ability to drift between the lines has evolved significantly, creating overloads while maintaining width through overlapping full-backs.
Recent performances show his development as a complete forward. His progressive carries and successful dribbles highlight his ability to advance play individually – complementing Arsenal’s possession-based approach perfectly.
Tactical Fit Within Arteta’s System
Arteta’s system centers on numerical superiority in central areas while maintaining attacking width. Leao fits seamlessly into this approach, particularly in the left-sided role.
Unlike traditional touchline wingers, Leao’s comfort in half-spaces would enable fluid attacking rotations. His deep positioning creates space for overlapping defenders while his pace threatens high defensive lines.
The Portuguese tracks back effectively and shows improved discipline in defensive shape. This work rate suits Arteta’s demands where wide forwards contribute significantly in defensive transitions.
Alternative Targets and Transfer Context
Arsenal’s attacking recruitment extends beyond Leao. The club has identified Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as alternative striker options. Gyokeres brings proven goalscoring pedigree from the Portuguese league, while Sesko offers youth and potential despite his inconsistent performances.
This multi-pronged approach suggests Arsenal prioritizes attacking reinforcement regardless of position. Leao’s versatility across the front line makes him attractive compared to more specialized strikers, offering tactical flexibility Arteta values highly.
->READ MORE: Arsenal’s Next Saka? Scout Report of Max Dowman who is set for First-Team role
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Pace and Acceleration: Leao’s speed makes him dangerous on the counter-attack. His ability to exploit space behind defensive lines would add directness to Arsenal’s build-up play.
Technical Versatility: Comfortable on both feet and across the front line, Leao offers tactical flexibility. His crossing ability enhances Arsenal’s wide threat.
Physical Presence: At 6’2″, he provides aerial threat while possessing strength to hold up play and bring teammates into attacks.
Mental Strength: Performances in Champions League and title races demonstrate resilience under pressure.
Weaknesses
Consistency Issues: Leao can drift out of games, particularly against deep-lying defenses that limit space in behind. His shot conversion rate (12.8%) suggests room for improvement in clinical finishing.
Defensive Positioning: While his work rate has improved, Leao occasionally loses concentration in defensive phases, which could be exploited by Premier League teams’ quick transitions.
Adaptation Period: Moving from Serie A’s tactical environment to the Premier League’s intensity represents a significant adjustment that could affect immediate impact.
Opportunities
Premier League Suitability: The league’s high tempo and space available on the counter-attack could suit Leao’s strengths perfectly, potentially elevating his output beyond current levels.
Arteta’s Development: Working under Arteta’s tactical guidance could refine Leao’s positional discipline and decision-making, similar to improvements seen in other Arsenal forwards.
Commercial Value: A high-profile signing would enhance Arsenal’s global profile while potentially increasing shirt sales and sponsorship appeal.
Squad Depth: Adding quality depth in attacking areas would allow rotation in multiple competitions while maintaining tactical flexibility.
Threats
Adaptation Risk: The transition to Premier League football isn’t guaranteed to be smooth, with numerous high-profile signings struggling initially.
Financial Outlay: Milan’s likely asking price (reportedly around £67 million) represents significant investment that could limit other transfer activities.
Competition: Other elite clubs monitoring Leao’s situation could drive up the transfer fee or wage demands beyond Arsenal’s comfort zone.
Tactical Disruption: Integrating a new player into established attacking patterns could temporarily disrupt the team’s rhythm and understanding.
->READ MORE – 3 Tactical Reasons Why Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal Makes Perfect Sense
Transfer Assessment
From a tactical perspective, Leao represents an ideal fit for Arsenal’s evolving system. His combination of pace, technical ability, and improving tactical intelligence addresses several areas where the Gunners could strengthen. The Portuguese’s versatility across the front line would provide Arteta with options to rotate and rest key players while maintaining attacking threat.
However, the financial commitment required – likely exceeding £67 million, if you include the add-ons – demands careful consideration. Arsenal’s previous investments in attacking players haven’t always yielded immediate returns, and Leao’s adjustment period could prove costly if the team’s momentum suffers.
The timing appears opportune, with Milan potentially willing to sell if their valuation is met, and Leao reportedly interested in testing himself in the Premier League. For Arsenal, securing a player of his caliber could represent the difference between competing for top-four positions and challenging for major honors.
-> READ MORE: Leandro Trossard’s Wife Drops Major Exit Hint After Final Emirates Game
Conclusion
Rafael Leao to Arsenal represents more than just a high-profile signing – it’s a statement of intent that could transform the club’s attacking dynamics. His pace, versatility, and developing tactical maturity make him an ideal candidate to thrive under Arteta’s guidance while addressing Arsenal’s need for greater attacking depth and directness.
The transfer’s success would ultimately depend on Leao’s adaptation to Premier League intensity and Arsenal’s ability to integrate his unique skill set into their established patterns. If executed successfully, this signing could prove pivotal in Arsenal’s pursuit of sustained success at the highest level.
-> READ MORE: 3 Pacey Wingers Arteta Could Sign to Fight Liverpool and City for the title
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