Arsenal
Wenger’s Reaction + Player Ratings Of The Liverpool Game
Arsenal picked up their first victory of the new season thanks to goals from Podolski and Cazorla. This is the third consecutive game that Arsenal have kept a clean sheet and Wenger was impressed by the performance of his players.
Wenger’s reaction of the game:
“I am pleased with the quality of our display, offensively and defensively. We were more composed today, and dominated in midfield. I still feel Liverpool is a good team. I am confident we have good potential. It is down to us to build on that and improve. It’s like scoring goals, as long as you don’t concede everybody defends a bit better as they want to keep the record, and that helps. But overall credit to the whole team, they defended well.”
Speaking about his new recruits, Wenger was positive that Giroud will find his feet soon and will get on the score sheet.
“It’s always a test when you arrive at a club like Arsenal. People have seen many, many, many great players so you have to convince people. They know what makes a good player. I think slowly they can convince our fans they are good enough to play for us. Everyone understood Cazorla would not need six months to settle. I am pleased for him, Podolski and Giroud.”
The manager then continued to talk about Diaby as he praised the French man for his determination and mental strength he has shown.
“It is massive for us to have Diaby back. He looks in good shape, and there is more to come from him. He is a fantastic footballer who has had just one problem Let’s hope he gets through the international break well.”
Player Ratings:
Mannone-looks like the best shot-stopper out of our lot of keepers,but lacks experience and decision making.Should have helped out the defense by coming out much often.Uneventful match.8/10
Jenkison-Despite lacking that extra drive and the ability to look up before a cross,he was rock solid at the back.Dealt with Sterling way better than Toure did last week when City played Pool.9/10
Per-Doesn’t move around but he doesn’t need to.Initially a quick striker can get the better of him,but does come charging back and uses his long experience and legs to good use.8/10
Captain-Played like one.Threw his body around like one.I just hope he is not injured and comes back stronger after the international break.9/10
Gibbs-Very different from Jenkinson.He might be the best crosser at Arsenal,which in itself is a bit depressing as he isn’t a Beckham in delivering the ball into the area.Needs much more positional awareness at the back,and if we are to play a high line in the coming matches(i suspect we will once Kos comes back) he needs to radically improve his game.7/10
Ox-anonymous.quick. disciplined.better than walcott.Looks a bit off though,maybe because Pool pressed him very quickly whenever he was on the ball.the same way they pressed City’s wide players last week.and he wasn’t helped by the fact that he had to had to help out Jenkison whenever Sterling had the ball.7/10
Arteta-Maybe we have our Pirlo!i know these are early days but his experience and calmness could play a huge part in this new concept of Arsene not to have a Makelele type of player in the team.8/10
Santi-Calm.wonderful.intelligent.everything we have missed since cesc left.boy he is so serene when he has the ball,and seems like he has all the time in the world to look up and pick whoever he wants with his passing range.9/10
Diaby-Now i can see what Wenger and Blanc see in him.i was a bit apprehensive when Wenger stuck by him throughout his injuries and when Blanc said he wanted to build his French team around him.Still very very early days and still could turn out shit the next match.But i just hope he stays fit one entire season and playes 40 matches.Then we can judge him.9/10
Podolski-didn’t have the ball much,but when he has the ball looks urgent and wants to make something happen.took his goal very well.and has a sweet left foot.and a much better defensive player than any winger we had over the years.9/10
The pretty boy Giroud-is something wrong with him.looks a bit languid today.maybe he is carrying some sort of a virus.or maybe am watching too much Dr.House :P//one thing that was obvious was his hold up play.could definitely come good.6/10
Ramsey-lacked speed,but did well despite being put on the wings(refreshing to see Wenger not making a like for like change after the 70 min mark).could come handy in certain matches if we want to give the likes of cazorla and arteta a break.6/10
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Arsenal
Eni Aluko Responds to Laura Woods’ Damning Comments With Long Statement as Ian Wright Row Continues
Eni Aluko has responded to a lengthy social media thread from Laura Woods amid the ongoing controversy surrounding her feud with Ian Wright. Aluko caused outrage in 2025 when she accused Wright of blocking opportunities for female pundits, and she has reaffirmed her stance this week.
The former England international, who represented the Lionesses 105 times during her career, bemoaned the fact that two men, Wright and Nedum Onuoha, were on the punditry panel for the Women’s Euro 2025 final. This reignited a debate that many thought had been settled months ago.
Woods Pushes Back on Caps Argument
Woods took to social media on Monday morning to post a long thread explaining that caps don’t win automatic work. That comment came after Aluko pointed out she was sitting in the stands of last year’s final next to Fara Williams, who has 172 England caps.
The TNT Sports presenter added, “The women’s game should be by women for women is one of the most damaging phrases I’ve heard. It will not only drag women’s sport backwards, it will drag women’s punditry in all forms of the game backwards.” This is a fair point from Woods, who has built her career on merit rather than relying on playing credentials.
Aluko Stands Firm on Position
Responding to Woods, with whom she has worked previously, the 38 year old stated, “I respect Laura’s opinion as I have always done. I believe that women’s football should prioritise women as the faces of the sport. I think women should be the dominant force in the women’s game in the same way that men are the dominant force in the men’s game.”
Aluko also slammed Wright for declining her attempted apology last year. “When I apologised to Ian Wright publicly and privately, he had an opportunity to show grace. Unfortunately my sincerity, my humility, was met with disrespect.” This ongoing feud shows no signs of ending anytime soon.
Also read: London City Lionesses vs. Everton Women: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
Arsenal‘s 2-1 win over Brighton on December 27 revealed three critical truths about their title challenge and season trajectory heading into the final stretch.
The Gunners showed resilience but exposed defensive vulnerabilities that could prove catastrophic against Manchester City. Martin Odegaard’s clinical finishing and Brighton’s own goal masked deeper problems within Arsenal’s structure. Mikel Arteta’s men survived because Brighton lacked quality, not because Arsenal dominated.
Arsenal’s Defensive Fragility Remains Their Achilles Heel
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s nervous display highlighted Arsenal’s defensive depth concerns. The young left-back was withdrawn after 67 minutes with Arteta forced to shift Piero Hincapie left and introduce Gabriel Magalhaes. Brighton created legitimate chances through Yasin Ayari and Yankuba Minteh, with the latter forcing a world-class David Raya save in the 89th minute.
Manchester City will punish these defensive lapses ruthlessly. William Saliba appeared uncomfortable throughout, and Lewis-Skelly’s inexperience showed repeatedly. Arsenal need Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori back to full fitness immediately. Without consistent defensive solidity, no amount of Odegaard brilliance secures the title.
Fortuitous Circumstances Carried Arsenal Rather Than Merit
Georginio Rutter’s own goal proved the difference in reality. Arsenal should have been 2 to 0 up at half-time with multiple clear chances. Martin Zubimendi had a guilt-edge header saved by Bart Verbruggen. Leandro Trossard fired wide from close range.
The hosts never played at optimum level despite dominating possession. Brighton grew into the game after half-time and genuinely threatened. The narrative of Arsenal’s unstoppable form crumbles when examining performance metrics. They’re winning tightly contested matches through individual moments rather than systematic dominance.
Gyokeres Still Needs Time to Adjust
Viktor Gyokeres had a sloppy opening 45 minutes according to GOAL’s ratings. The Swedish summer signing is struggling to find rhythm in Arsenal’s system. His involvement in link up play remains pedestrian.
Arsenal invested heavily in Gyokeres expecting elite performance immediately. Instead they’re watching a player adapting to new surroundings without consistent output. Against City’s defensive intensity, Gyokeres cannot afford settling in periods. Arsenal need him sharp now, not eventually.
Also read: Opta Supercomputer Predicts Arsenal’s Upcoming Fixture Against Brighton
Arsenal
Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Brighton: Odegaard’s Clinical Finish and Rutter Own Goal Secure Gunners Top Spot
Arsenal secured a 2 to 1 win over Brighton on December 27 to maintain their Premier League summit position. Martin Odegaard’s clinical 15th-minute finish set the tone before Georginio Rutter’s own goal in the 53rd minute appeared to secure a comfortable victory.
Diego Gomez’s 64th-minute rebound sparked a nervy finish, but David Raya’s world-class save from Yankuba Minteh sealed crucial three points as Arsenal held their two-point cushion over Manchester City.
Goalkeepers and Defence
David Raya (8/10): Didn’t really have a great deal to do for the first 60 minutes. He could do little about Brighton’s goal but made a world-class stop to deny Minteh late on with fierce curling strike.
Declan Rice (7/10): Playing in an unfamiliar right-back role, the midfielder played his part in the buildup to Odegaard’s goal. His corner led to Arsenal’s second. Did a solid job once again for his team in an energetic display.
William Saliba (6/10): The Frenchman had no real howlers but didn’t excel in Arsenal’s backline either. Will be glad to have centre-back partner Gabriel Magalhaes back alongside him soon.
Piero Hincapie (7/10): The summer signing has been a solid addition for Arsenal and didn’t do much wrong, both at centre-back and left back against Brighton.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (5/10): On his first Premier League start of the season, partly due to Riccardo Calafiori’s withdrawal from the warm-up, he did not do a great deal. Arteta chose to take off the left-back, move Hincapie to that position, and bring on Gabriel instead.
Midfield and Attack
Martin Odegaard (7/10): Rifled in a terrific finish when given time and space to do so. Had a bit of swagger early on but that dimmed as Brighton turned on the pressure.
Martin Zubimendi (6/10): Was part of a midfield that looked in control and then that switched after the Brighton goal. May need to offer a bit more going forward.
Mikel Merino (6/10): The Spaniard has been excellent as a makeshift striker but wasn’t nearly as effective in his usual midfield role.
Bukayo Saka (7/10): Calmly assisted Odegaard for Arsenal’s opener and had the beating of left-back Maxim De Cuyper. Didn’t have many moments to shine but still can produce something from nothing.
Viktor Gyokeres (5/10): Had a sloppy and unconvincing start, both with and without the ball. Improved a bit but it’s just not clicking for the summer signing.
Leandro Trossard (6/10): The Belgian, who was getting a bit of stick from the travelling support, had a decent game against his former club but wasn’t as effective as the encounter wore on.
Also read: Arsenal vs. Brighton: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
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