Arsenal
The Derby Weekend Warm Up: Mauricio Pochettino And Roberto Martinez Looking To End Derby Day Misery
The most intriguing sub-plot of this weekend’s action in the Premier League is the quest of two bright managerial talents trying to end away-day derby misery. For Roberto Martinez and Mauricio Pochettino, who prepare to face Liverpool and Arsenal respectively in two headline fixtures. However, the headlines in recent years have not been happy ones for Everton and Tottenham when they have travelled across town to face their bitter rivals and both managers are looking to put an end to the hoodoo.
It has been fifteen years since Everton last walked away from Anfield with three points and Martinez has urged his players to show their strength of character and give the fans making the short trip across Stanley Park something to shout about. The Spaniard, who saw his team go down 4-0 to their neighbours at Anfield last season, believes that his side must overcome a psychological barrier if they are to see an upturn in fortunes.
“I think the psychology is a very important point because if you look at the stats, 15 years without a win at Anfield, then it needs to be about a bit more than football. It can’t always be a football reason why you haven’t won a game over that period,” Martinez said.
“I’ll accept that but I think, with the psychology of this group, we are ready to go anywhere. I’m not highlighting Anfield as a place we don’t look forward to. I think the mentality of the group is to go anywhere and focus on our performance. Will be it be a difficult game? Of course. They are in a position where they need to perform well at home and get points, but I don’t see that psychologically we are not ready to go to Anfield and be ourselves.”
Everton have been slow to start this season- managing only a single win in their first five matches- and Martinez knows that their defending will need to improve vastly if they are to withhold Liverpool’s attacking style. With the worst defensive record in the league so far- thirteen goals conceded- Martinez knows there is a lot of work to be done but believes he needs to get his entire side working in tandem to give the defence added security and cover.
“We want to defend as a team and we attack as a team. The defenders and goalkeeper have a big influence in the way we play. It’s something we can all help as a team and we do not look to pass the responsibility just on to the defenders,” Martinez said of his team’s defensive wobbles.
It becomes a case for careful judgement, planning and weighing up calculated risks for Martinez as he knows his opponents are also failing to impress at this early stage of the season. Taking that into consideration, Martinez must now decide whether he will emphasise attacking football and attempt to unnerve Liverpool’s similarly fragile defence, or favour a more counter-attacking style.
Holding the key to unlocking the Liverpool defence for the Toffees is their record signing Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian forward has yet to fully hit his stride since sealing a move from Chelsea in the summer but remains hugely important in one the biggest game of the season so far. Lukaku, who recently revealed is working harder on sharpening his first touch, scored fifteen goals for Everton on-loan last season and his power, aggression and prowess in front of goal may be pivotal in silencing the Kop.
Everton will also need two of their most important figures in the dressing room- Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines- to stand firm and lead by example. The English duo had a terrible time in the World Cup and the belief is that they are still slowly getting over the fall-out from a dismal campaign in Brazil but the Merseyside derby offers the greatest opportunity to spark back into life and ignite Everton’s sluggish start to the season.
Mauricio Pochettino hopes to realise vision for Tottenham in his first North London derby
It is fair to say that the Argentine’s reign at White Hart Lane is yet to explode into life, after a fairly tepid start to the season. His first litmus test ended in ignominy when Liverpool romped to a 3-0 win over a Spurs side visibly easing their way in to their new manager’s vision for the squad.
Pochettino could take a significant step with victory at a stadium where Tottenham have a notoriously poor record and knows that upsetting Arsenal in Saturday’s late kick-off will kick his side fully into gear. An ambitious target for Pochettino’s men is finishing the season above Arséne Wenger’s men for the first time in nearly twenty years and going five points behind them with a loss will make hopes of attaining that goal falter.
The 41-year-old has made clear his for counterpart Wenger and spoke of his desire in building a dynasty similar to the Frenchman’s at Arsenal. “An 18-year stay in charge is not easy. Tottenham is a big job and it’s a dream to stay here like Arsene at Arsenal. I need to show my skill, work hard and get results,” Pochettino explained.
Pochettino- who will be the twelfth manager Wenger has faced during his 18 years at Arsenal- is acutely aware the derby represents a great test of Tottenham’s character after a miserable 1-0 loss at home to West Bromich Albion last week and is instructing his players to be “aggressive and confident” against their cross-town rivals. They bounced back admirably against Nottingham Forest in the Capital One Cup but Arsenal, who are yet to be beaten in the league, offer a much sterner examination of Tottenham’s progress under Pochettino that will require every ounce of bravery, concentration and skill they possess.
The critical issue for Pochettino is to show signs that Tottenham are not regressing after a promising start to the season. Having failed to muster a single shot on target in the goalless draw against Partizan Belgrade in Serbia last week, Spurs only managed one at home against Albion on Sunday. The fixture congestion due to involvement in the Europa League is something Pochettino did not experience during his time at Southampton but harnessing that difficulty by utilising squad rotation to minimise fatigue.
Pochettino will need either Emanuel Adebayor or Roberto Soldado to start finding the net if his first season is to do what Tim Sherwood couldn’t quite manage and sufficiently exorcise the ghosts of Andre Vilas Boas’ flailing faltering regime. It looks an extremely tough prospect on paper but players like Erik Lamela, Christian Eriksen and Nacer Chadli- leading goalscorer for Spurs this season- have the potential to be match winners in a pressure-cooker atmosphere and can upset Arsenal.
Tottenham must start looking more like Southampton under Pochettino as opposed to Spurs under AVB if they are to climb the Premier League ladder. Casting a revisionist eye over a reasonably quiet transfer window is meaningless. The reality is Spurs invested heavily in the squad last summer following the departure of Gareth Bale and are yet to successfully mould a team out of the vast influx of foreign imports. Pochettino has been hit by the reality in that his task appears to be growing and growing as the weeks go by but he can set the record straight and send out the right message to disgruntled corners of fans.
Arsenal Dragon
Three Years, Eight Months and 10 Days: Arsenal Stalemate Ends ‘This’ Run For Tottenham Which Began Way Back in 2022
Tottenham Women’s extraordinary 81-game streak without a goalless draw in the WSL finally ended on Sunday after a disciplined 0-0 stalemate against Arsenal at Brisbane Road.
The remarkable run spanning three years, eight months and 10 days represented one of the most unusual statistical quirks in women’s football, stretching all the way back to March 2022.
Tottenham’s Remarkable 81-Game Run Without Goalless Draw Finally Ends in Arsenal Stalemate After 1,346 Days
Tottenham’s last goalless draw before Sunday came against Reading on March 13, 2022. The statistics are staggering. Across 69 complete league matches spanning the 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, Tottenham never failed to find the net or concede.
Sunday’s result at Brisbane Road broke that pattern in front of a record-breaking 6,778 fans who witnessed a tactical battle where neither attack could break through. Arsenal dominated possession and registered 13 shots but found Tottenham’s defensive organization impenetrable.
Defensive Foundation for Impressive Campaign
The clean sheet showcased the defensive progress under manager Robert Vilahamn. Goalkeeper Lize Kop and her backline recorded their fourth WSL clean sheet of the campaign—six across all competitions, matching Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton for the joint-highest tally in the division at this stage.
Tottenham’s start to the 2025/26 season has exceeded expectations. They sit fifth in the table with 16 points from nine matches, just four points shy of last season’s entire total achieved across 22 games.
The point gained in the north London derby felt like a significant statement. Tottenham frustrated their fierce rivals whilst ending a statistical anomaly that had defined their recent WSL existence.
Whether this signals a tactical evolution towards greater defensive discipline or simply represents a one-off remains to be seen, but the 1,346-day wait for another goalless draw has finally concluded.
Read More: 3 Things We Learned From Arsenal Women’s Frustrating 0-0 Draw Against Tottenham Women
Player Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yan Diomande |
| Age | 19 years old (Born: November 14, 2006) |
| Position | Left Winger / Right Winger |
| Current Club | RB Leipzig |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Contract | Until June 2030 (5-year deal) |
| Market Value | €100 million (Leipzig valuation) |
| Transfer Fee Paid | €20 million (from Leganes, July 2025) |
| International | Ivory Coast (2 caps, 2 goals) |
| Previous Clubs | Leganes, DME Academy (USA) |
Scout Report
Overview
Yan Diomande represents one of European football’s most remarkable breakout stories in 2025-26. The 19-year-old Ivorian winger has exploded onto the Bundesliga scene just months after RB Leipzig activated his €20 million release clause from Spanish second-tier side Leganes. His four goals and three assists in 10 appearances have attracted interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and PSG.
Career Path
Diomande’s journey began in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, before his family relocated to the United States. He played high school football for Yulee Hornets in Florida before enrolling at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, where scouts first noticed his raw talent.
He featured for DME’s affiliate AS Frenzi in the amateur UPSL, winning the 2023 United Premier Soccer League Premier Division and earning 2023 STARI Player of the Year honors.
After unsuccessful trials with MLS sides Colorado Rapids and Charlotte FC, plus Scottish giants Rangers and clubs in England and Greece, Diomande signed with Leganes in November 2024. Shortly before his move to Spain, tragedy struck when his younger sister passed away. “My little sister died shortly before I signed my contract in Spain,” Diomande revealed. He promised his mother to dedicate his next goal to her, breaking down emotionally when scoring his first professional goal in May 2025 against Espanyol.
He made just seven appearances for Leganes before Leipzig identified him as a future star, paying his €20 million release clause in July 2025 and securing him on a five-year contract through June 2030.
Playing Style
Diomande operates primarily as a left winger despite being right-footed, allowing him to cut inside and create shooting opportunities. His technical ability in tight spaces, combined with sharp movement and creativity, makes him dangerous when receiving possession in advanced positions.
His purple patch of form has been extraordinary—scoring three goals in three consecutive games while registering three assists in his last three outings. These numbers reflect either a hot streak or genuine elite quality emerging. Time will determine which, but his current trajectory suggests the latter.
Diomande’s versatility allows him to play on both flanks and feature in midfield, offering tactical flexibility managers crave. His attacking awareness and eye for goal have impressed scouts across Europe, particularly during his Player of the Match performance against Stuttgart where he scored in a 3-1 victory in front of numerous observers.
Physical Attributes
While specific height and weight measurements aren’t publicly available, match footage shows Diomande possesses the pace and agility needed to beat defenders one-on-one. His quick feet and ability to change direction rapidly make him difficult to contain in wide areas.
His stamina allows him to maintain intensity across 90 minutes, pressing defensively when required while making repeated attacking runs. This work rate aligns with modern winger expectations at elite clubs like Arsenal.
Mental Attributes
Diomande’s mental strength is remarkable considering his age and recent personal tragedy. Making his senior Ivory Coast debut in November 2025 and scoring in both of his first two international appearances demonstrates confidence and composure under pressure.
His ability to dedicate his first professional goal to his late sister while maintaining emotional control shows maturity beyond his teenage years. This psychological resilience will prove crucial if he moves to the Premier League’s intense environment.
Diomande’s willingness to relocate from the United States to Spain, then Germany within 12 months demonstrates adaptability and ambition unusual for teenagers. Most players his age prefer stability, but Diomande chases opportunities aggressively.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Explosive Form: Four goals and three assists in 10 Bundesliga appearances represents exceptional output for an 19-year-old winger in his debut season at a major European league. His recent run of three goals and three assists in consecutive matches suggests genuine quality rather than lucky variance.
International Recognition: Earning senior Ivory Coast caps within months of his Leipzig debut validates his talent beyond just club performances. Scoring in both international appearances demonstrates he produces at multiple competitive levels.
Versatility Across Forward Line: Can operate on both wings and in midfield, providing tactical flexibility managers value. This adaptability allows rotation without dropping quality, crucial for squads competing across multiple competitions.
Youth and Resale Value: At 19, Diomande offers 10-12 years of peak football. Any club signing him secures an asset that appreciates if his development continues, protecting investment even if he doesn’t work out immediately.
Technical Security: His quick feet and calm touch in tight areas allow him to receive possession under pressure and eliminate defenders with close control. This technical foundation suggests he’ll adapt to Premier League physicality.
No Release Clause: Leipzig removed any release clause from his contract, meaning they control negotiations completely. This provides contract security while allowing Leipzig to demand maximum value if selling.
Proven Adaptability: Successfully transitioning from American high school football to Spanish segunda division to Bundesliga within 18 months demonstrates rapid learning curve and mental resilience unusual for teenagers.
Weaknesses
Extremely Limited Sample Size: 10 professional appearances at elite level represents insufficient data to project long-term trajectory. Many players produce excellent short-term numbers before regression toward mean performance levels.
Physical Profile Unknown: Lack of publicly available height, weight, and athletic metrics makes comprehensive scouting difficult. Premier League demands specific physical attributes, and insufficient information exists to project his suitability.
Unproven Against Elite Opposition: Has yet to face Champions League football or genuine top-tier defensive systems. Bundesliga provides competitive environment but differs significantly from Premier League’s intensity and tactical sophistication.
Potential Purple Patch Player: His recent three-goal, three-assist run in consecutive matches could represent variance rather than sustainable performance. History shows many players produce excellent short periods before fading.
Adaptation Risk: Moving from high school football to Bundesliga in under two years seems remarkable, but Premier League represents another significant step up. Players often struggle when making too many transitions quickly without consolidation periods.
Age and Development Uncertainty: At 19, predicting his ceiling remains speculative. Physical and technical development could plateau, or injuries could derail trajectory before reaching predicted potential.
Language Barriers: Has relocated from United States to Spain to Germany within 18 months, potentially speaking limited Spanish and German fluently. Communication challenges could impact tactical understanding and integration.
Opportunities
Gabriel Martinelli’s Injury: Arsenal’s Brazilian winger has been sidelined with a thigh injury since October 26, creating immediate vacancy on the left wing. Diomande’s profile fits this position perfectly.
Gabriel Jesus’ Fitness Issues: Arsenal’s backup striker continues struggling with injury problems. Diomande’s ability to play multiple forward positions provides cover across attacking line.
Noni Madueke’s Knee Injury: The Chelsea transfer suffered knee problems after joining Arsenal last summer, highlighting squad depth concerns. Adding another winger addresses this vulnerability.
January Transfer Window Timing: Arsenal sit top of the Premier League and could use January reinforcement to consolidate position. Diomande’s form makes him available target during crucial period.
Leipzig’s Sales History: The German club has track record of selling young talents to Premier League—Benjamin Sesko, Josko Gvardiol, Dominik Szoboszlai all made similar moves recently. Leipzig understand Premier League valuations.
Reduced Competition in January: Many clubs wait until summer to pursue targets. Acting in January could secure Diomande before bidding war intensifies with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and PSG all interested.
Ivory Coast AFCON Participation: If selected for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, Diomande gains additional platform to showcase abilities. Strong tournament performance would increase Arsenal’s confidence in investment.
Comparable to Erling Haaland Trajectory: Experts suggest Diomande could become Leipzig’s most valuable player since Haaland. If comparisons prove accurate, any price paid now will seem bargain within 18 months.
Threats
€100 Million Valuation: Leipzig reportedly value Diomande at €100 million despite paying just €20 million six months ago. This 500% markup seems unrealistic for player with 10 senior appearances, creating negotiation impasse.
Overwhelming Competition: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and PSG all monitoring him. Competition from clubs with deeper pockets threatens any deal.
Leipzig’s Development Track Record: RB Leipzig specializes in developing young talents before selling at premium prices. Diomande might benefit more from staying in Germany to consolidate development before Premier League move.
Premier League Adaptation Concerns: Transition from Bundesliga to Premier League has destroyed many promising careers. Physical intensity, tactical sophistication, and pressure differ significantly from German football.
No Guarantee of Playing Time: At Arsenal, Diomande would compete with Saka, Martinelli, Madueke, Eze, and Trossard for minutes. Lack of guaranteed starts could stunt development or create frustration leading to departure demands.
Contract Length Until 2030: Leipzig hold all negotiating leverage with five years remaining. They can demand astronomical fees knowing Diomande cannot force exit through contract pressure.
Potential For Overvaluation: His €100 million reported valuation after 10 appearances represents extreme overvaluation unless he becomes generational talent. Arsenal risk overpaying for potential that never materializes.
Personal Tragedy Impact: Losing his sister shortly before turning professional could have long-term psychological effects not yet apparent. Mental health challenges sometimes emerge months or years after traumatic events.
Verdict for Arsenal
Yan Diomande represents exactly the profile Arsenal typically pursue—young, talented, technically secure, and capable of playing multiple positions. His explosive start at Leipzig validates his potential as future elite winger.
However, the €100 million valuation after just 10 senior appearances represents insane overvaluation that Arsenal should reject immediately. Paying that sum for unproven teenager with such limited sample size would be financial malpractice regardless of talent.
If Leipzig reduce demands to €40-50 million, conversation becomes more reasonable. At that price, Arsenal acquire a prospect with genuine upside while maintaining financial flexibility for other positions.
The timing feels premature. Diomande should consolidate his Bundesliga performances across full season before making another significant move. Jumping from high school to segunda division to Bundesliga to Premier League within three years risks overwhelming development with too many transitions.
Arsenal’s left-wing situation isn’t desperate enough to justify €100 million gamble. Martinelli will return from injury, Eze can cover, and Trossard provides experience. Investing that sum in proven talent like Rafael Leao or Antoine Griezmann makes more strategic sense if addressing immediate title ambitions.
Summer 2026 represents better timing. By then, Diomande will have full Bundesliga season completed, providing larger sample size for evaluation. His valuation might decrease if form regresses, or Arsenal’s conviction strengthens if he maintains production.
Rating: 7/10 transfer prospect for summer 2026, 4/10 for January 2026—exciting talent with genuine potential but premature timing and unrealistic valuation make immediate move illogical.
Read More:
Arsenal
Bukayo Saka Names Former Arsenal Star as Best Player He’s Played With Despite Kane and Rice Options
Bukayo Saka overlooked current Arsenal teammates and England stars to name Mesut Ozil as the best player he’s shared a pitch with during his career. The 24-year-old’s choice surprised many given he’s played alongside Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Phil Foden at international level.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Saka was unequivocal when asked about his best teammate. “Maybe Mesut Ozil. High quality player, man. It was just fun, hard to describe it. Fun to play with him, fun to watch him.”
The endorsement holds particular weight considering Saka played just 17 matches alongside Özil during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. His Arsenal debut came in December 2018 against Qarabağ FK, where the then-17-year-old earned Player of the Match honors in a match decided by Özil’s assist for the game’s only goal.
Mesut Ozil Was Instrumental in Arsenal’s Multiple FA Cup Success
Özil joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2013, accumulating 44 goals and 77 assists across 254 appearances. His 19 Premier League assists during the 2015-16 season remain second only to Thierry Henry in Arsenal history, demonstrating the creative excellence that captivated young Saka.
The German playmaker helped Arsenal secure four FA Cup titles, breaking their nine-year trophy drought. However, his Arsenal career ended controversially after publicly criticizing China’s human rights policies in 2019, leading to marginalization under Mikel Arteta and eventual departure to Fenerbahce in January 2021.
Saka’s choice becomes more intriguing when considering Martin Ødegaard has already surpassed Özil’s Premier League goal total despite playing 3,000 fewer minutes. Yet the England international’s admiration for Özil’s effortless quality clearly left an indelible impression during those brief 17 matches together.
Özil retired from professional football in March 2023 after spells with Fenerbahce and İstanbul Başakşehir. He joined Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party’s central council in 2025, pursuing political interests alongside business ventures including esports and Mexican club Necaxa ownership.
Also Read: Gabriel Magalhaes Suffers Injury During International Break: What Do We Know So Far?
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