Liverpool survived an Arsenal barrage to claim a place in the FA Cup fourth round in dramatic fashion as a pair of late goals sealed a 2-0 win on Sunday.

While Kevin De Bruyne's long-awaited return for Manchester City in the holders' 5-0 rout of Huddersfield was a memorable moment on Sunday, it was Liverpool's victory in the blockbuster third round clash at the Emirates Stadium that stole the spotlight.

Jurgen Klopp's side rode their luck for long spells as Arsenal wasted a series of chances before Polish defender Jakub Kiwior headed Trent Alexander-Arnold's free-kick into his own net with 10 minutes left.

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Luis Diaz wrapped up the smash and grab raid in stoppage-time.

Liverpool's first FA Cup win over Arsenal since the 2001 final was a significant moment as the Premier League leaders inflicted a psychological blow on one of their main title rivals.

Arsenal have now won only once in their last six games in all competitions, an unexpected stumble that leaves them out of the FA Cup and League Cup and five points behind Liverpool in the title race.

No wonder Klopp celebrated with such gusto at the final whistle, pumping his fists in acknowledgement of a victory that could springboard Liverpool's bid to win four trophies.

"In the end we came through. I'm really happy we could win this game. Arsenal could have won it without a doubt. We finished it off and it spoke for the character of the boys," Klopp said.

The Reds, who drew 1-1 with Arsenal in the Premier League in December, face Fulham in the League Cup semi-final first leg in midweek and are also through to the Europa League last 16.

"The performance was there and the amount of chances too. We just have to win the game, but we lost it and we are not capitalising," Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said.&nbsp;

Klopp was without Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo, who are competing at the Africa Cup of Nations and Asian Cup respectively, and the ill Virgil Van Dijk.

Martin Odegaard should have rewarded the Gunners for their vibrant start, but the midfielder blasted his shot off the bar from 12 yards.

Ben White's thunderous strike from just inside the area forced a superb tip-over from Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker.

<h2>Liverpool ride their luck</h2>

By the time Kai Havertz wasted two good opportunities in quick succession, Arteta must have feared Arsenal would pay for their profligacy.

Arteta held his head in frustration as Bukayo Saka volleyed over from a dangerous position.

Liverpool finally came to life and Luis Diaz's snap-shot was well saved by Aaron Ramsdale, while Diogo Jota hit the woodwork.

In the 80th minute, Alexander-Arnold's free-kick was headed into his own net by Kiwior and Diaz sealed the win in final seconds of stoppage-time as he took Jota's pass and fired home from 10 yards.

Manchester City midfielder De Bruyne had been sidelined since tearing his hamstring during the Premier League opener against Burnley in August.

He finally got back in action as a 57th minute substitute in City's emphatic victory over Championship strugglers Huddersfield at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola's side were leading by goals from Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez when the 32-year-old was introduced.

City netted three more times through Ben Jackson's own goal, another Foden effort and a Jeremy Doku strike on his return from injury as a second half substitute.

Fittingly, Doku's goal was set up by a deft lofted pass from De Bruyne.

City have stayed afloat without De Bruyne, but his world-class quality in midfield will be a key factor in their bid to retain the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

"We are incredibly delighted to have him back because Kevin helps to win games. Kevin is exceptional. He is unique," Guardiola said.

Premier League strugglers Luton were held 0-0 by third tier Bolton at Kenilworth Road.

Nottingham Forest were also given a scare by League One opponents as Nuno Espirito Santo's men recovered from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Blackpool.

West Ham were held to a 1-1 draw against second tier Bristol City at the London Stadium.

Liverpool survived an Arsenal barrage to claim a place in the FA Cup fourth round in dramatic fashion as a pair of late goals sealed a 2-0 win on Sunday. While Kevin De Bruyne's long-awaited return for Manchester City in the holders' 5-0 rout of Huddersfield was a memorable moment on Sunday, it was Liverpool's victory in the blockbuster third round clash at the Emirates Stadium that stole the spotlight.

Liverpool survived an Arsenal barrage to claim a place in the FA Cup fourth round in dramatic fashion as a pair of late goals sealed a 2-0 win on Sunday. While Kevin De Bruyne's long-awaited return for Manchester City in the holders' 5-0 rout of Huddersfield was a memorable moment on Sunday, it was Liverpool's victory in the blockbuster third round clash at the Emirates Stadium that stole the spotlight. Jurgen Klopp's side rode their luck for long spells as Arsenal wasted a series of chances before Polish defender Jakub Kiwior headed Trent Alexander-Arnold's free-kick into his own net with 10 minutes left. Also Read: Foden’s brace steers Manchester City in round 4 with easy win over Huddersfield Town Luis Diaz wrapped up the smash and grab raid in stoppage-time. Liverpool's first FA Cup win over Arsenal since the 2001 final was a significant moment as the Premier League leaders inflicted a psychological blow on one of their main title rivals. Arsenal have now won only once in their last six games in all competitions, an unexpected stumble that leaves them out of the FA Cup and League Cup and five points behind Liverpool in the title race. No wonder Klopp celebrated with such gusto at the final whistle, pumping his fists in acknowledgement of a victory that could springboard Liverpool's bid to win four trophies. "In the end we came through. I'm really happy we could win this game. Arsenal could have won it without a doubt. We finished it off and it spoke for the character of the boys," Klopp said. The Reds, who drew 1-1 with Arsenal in the Premier League in December, face Fulham in the League Cup semi-final first leg in midweek and are also through to the Europa League last 16. "The performance was there and the amount of chances too. We just have to win the game, but we lost it and we are not capitalising," Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said. Klopp was without Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo, who are competing at the Africa Cup of Nations and Asian Cup respectively, and the ill Virgil Van Dijk. Martin Odegaard should have rewarded the Gunners for their vibrant start, but the midfielder blasted his shot off the bar from 12 yards. Ben White's thunderous strike from just inside the area forced a superb tip-over from Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker. Liverpool ride their luck By the time Kai Havertz wasted two good opportunities in quick succession, Arteta must have feared Arsenal would pay for their profligacy. Arteta held his head in frustration as Bukayo Saka volleyed over from a dangerous position. Liverpool finally came to life and Luis Diaz's snap-shot was well saved by Aaron Ramsdale, while Diogo Jota hit the woodwork. In the 80th minute, Alexander-Arnold's free-kick was headed into his own net by Kiwior and Diaz sealed the win in final seconds of stoppage-time as he took Jota's pass and fired home from 10 yards. Manchester City midfielder De Bruyne had been sidelined since tearing his hamstring during the Premier League opener against Burnley in August. He finally got back in action as a 57th minute substitute in City's emphatic victory over Championship strugglers Huddersfield at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola's side were leading by goals from Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez when the 32-year-old was introduced. City netted three more times through Ben Jackson's own goal, another Foden effort and a Jeremy Doku strike on his return from injury as a second half substitute. Fittingly, Doku's goal was set up by a deft lofted pass from De Bruyne. City have stayed afloat without De Bruyne, but his world-class quality in midfield will be a key factor in their bid to retain the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. "We are incredibly delighted to have him back because Kevin helps to win games. Kevin is exceptional. He is unique," Guardiola said. Premier League strugglers Luton were held 0-0 by third tier Bolton at Kenilworth Road. Nottingham Forest were also given a scare by League One opponents as Nuno Espirito Santo's men recovered from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Blackpool. West Ham were held to a 1-1 draw against second tier Bristol City at the London Stadium.

FA Cup: Liverpool seal dramatic win despite Arsenal's late barrage to enter fourth round

Arsenal's Premier League title challenge suffered another blow in a 2-1 defeat at Fulham on Sunday, as Tottenham beat Bournemouth 3-1 to close in on their north London rivals. The Gunners' high hopes of a first league title in 20 years have been rocked by two damaging defeats in four days. Mikel Arteta was looking for a response after losing 2-0 at home to West Ham on Thursday but was left angered by what he described as his side's "worst performance of the season".

Arsenal remain in fourth, two points behind leaders Liverpool and level on 40 points with Manchester City, but having played a game more than both their title rivals. "If we play like today we will be nowhere near. Today was a really difficult day to swallow," said Arteta on his side's title aspirations. "It's a really sad day today because we didn't deserve to win the game."

Arsenal had started brightly at Craven Cottage as Bukayo Saka pounced to tap home his first goal in six games after Bernd Leno parried Gabriel Martinelli's initial effort. But the visitors failed to build on their early advantage and Fulham hit back to snap a three-game losing run in the Premier League without even scoring a goal.

Raul Jimenez was badly missed during his three-game ban for a red card at Newcastle and the Mexican kickstarted the Fulham fightback with his fourth goal in as many games. Former Arsenal winger Willian sent Tom Cairney free down the left and his dangerous low cross was swept home by Jimenez at the back post.

Fulham were the better side in the second half and they got their reward just before the hour mark. Arsenal failed to clear a corner and the ball broke kindly for Bobby De Cordova-Reid to smash home from close range.

Only a fine save from David Raya to deny Cairney and the crossbar from Andreas Pereira's free-kick prevented Arsenal from suffering further punishment in the pouring rain in west London.

But enough damage may have been done to their title chances over the past week.

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<h2>- Son's parting gift -</h2>

Arteta's men could even be outside the top four by the time they are next in league action in three weeks' time as Tottenham closed to within a point of the Champions League places. Ange Postecoglou's men shrugged off a mounting injury crisis to inflict Bournemouth's first defeat in eight games.

Fifth-placed Spurs are just three points off the top with the table tantalisingly poised heading into 2024. "We're three points off the top so if that is the difference between having a great season and where we are, I'll take it," said Postecoglou. "When you're trying to build something you will undoubtedly come up against some challenges. I am seeing progress."

Pape Sarr's precise finish into the bottom corner opened the scoring after just nine minutes. But the Senegalese midfielder left the field in tears midway through the first half with an injury that puts his participation in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in doubt.

Bournemouth will feel they should have been level before the break as the in-form Dominic Solanke hit the bar amid a flurry of chances. Instead, the visitors were picked off in the second half.

Son Heung-min is also set to depart for a few weeks to lead South Korea at the Asian Cup. The Spurs captain signed off in style with a thumping finish from a narrow angle before Richarlison made it 3-0. Alex Scott pulled a goal back six minutes from time, but it was too little, too late for the Cherries, who remain in 12th.

Arsenal's Premier League title challenge suffered another blow in a 2-1 defeat at Fulham on Sunday, as Tottenham beat Bournemouth 3-1 to close in on their north London rivals.

Arsenal's Premier League title challenge suffered another blow in a 2-1 defeat at Fulham on Sunday, as Tottenham beat Bournemouth 3-1 to close in on their north London rivals. The Gunners' high hopes of a first league title in 20 years have been rocked by two damaging defeats in four days. Mikel Arteta was looking for a response after losing 2-0 at home to West Ham on Thursday but was left angered by what he described as his side's "worst performance of the season". Arsenal remain in fourth, two points behind leaders Liverpool and level on 40 points with Manchester City, but having played a game more than both their title rivals. "If we play like today we will be nowhere near. Today was a really difficult day to swallow," said Arteta on his side's title aspirations. "It's a really sad day today because we didn't deserve to win the game." Arsenal had started brightly at Craven Cottage as Bukayo Saka pounced to tap home his first goal in six games after Bernd Leno parried Gabriel Martinelli's initial effort. But the visitors failed to build on their early advantage and Fulham hit back to snap a three-game losing run in the Premier League without even scoring a goal. Raul Jimenez was badly missed during his three-game ban for a red card at Newcastle and the Mexican kickstarted the Fulham fightback with his fourth goal in as many games. Former Arsenal winger Willian sent Tom Cairney free down the left and his dangerous low cross was swept home by Jimenez at the back post. Fulham were the better side in the second half and they got their reward just before the hour mark. Arsenal failed to clear a corner and the ball broke kindly for Bobby De Cordova-Reid to smash home from close range. Only a fine save from David Raya to deny Cairney and the crossbar from Andreas Pereira's free-kick prevented Arsenal from suffering further punishment in the pouring rain in west London. But enough damage may have been done to their title chances over the past week. Also read: Argentina to retire Lionel Messi’s famous Number 10 jersey post his retirement: Official - Son's parting gift - Arteta's men could even be outside the top four by the time they are next in league action in three weeks' time as Tottenham closed to within a point of the Champions League places. Ange Postecoglou's men shrugged off a mounting injury crisis to inflict Bournemouth's first defeat in eight games. Fifth-placed Spurs are just three points off the top with the table tantalisingly poised heading into 2024. "We're three points off the top so if that is the difference between having a great season and where we are, I'll take it," said Postecoglou. "When you're trying to build something you will undoubtedly come up against some challenges. I am seeing progress." Pape Sarr's precise finish into the bottom corner opened the scoring after just nine minutes. But the Senegalese midfielder left the field in tears midway through the first half with an injury that puts his participation in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in doubt. Bournemouth will feel they should have been level before the break as the in-form Dominic Solanke hit the bar amid a flurry of chances. Instead, the visitors were picked off in the second half. Son Heung-min is also set to depart for a few weeks to lead South Korea at the Asian Cup. The Spurs captain signed off in style with a thumping finish from a narrow angle before Richarlison made it 3-0. Alex Scott pulled a goal back six minutes from time, but it was too little, too late for the Cherries, who remain in 12th.

Premier League: Arsenal falter once more at Fulham, Spurs close on top four

Arsenal missed out on the chance to return to the Premier League summit on Thursday, losing 2-0 to West Ham as Tottenham went down in a six-goal thriller at Brighton.

Mikel Arteta's Gunners were top of the tree at Christmas for a second successive year but trail leaders Liverpool by two points at the halfway point of the season.

Last year's runners-up dominated possession at the Emirates but lacked a cutting edge against the disciplined visitors, for whom Tomas Soucek and former Arsenal player Konstantinos Mavropanos scored the goals.

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Soucek opened the scoring from close range in the 13th minute following a pass from Jarrod Bowen, with the goal confirmed after a lengthy VAR check looking into whether the ball had gone out of play.

Arsenal surged forward in relentless waves and West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola made a fine reaction save from a Bukayo Saka header on the half-hour.

The England winger hit the post from a tight angle as the clock ticked down towards half-time but Arsenal trailed at the break despite enjoying nearly three-quarters of possession.

The Gunners came out determined to find a response but instead they found themselves 2-0 down when Mavropanos's bullet header cannoned in off the crossbar from James Ward-Prowse's corner.

Gabriel Jesus failed to beat Areola with a header when well-placed and shortly afterwards missed another glorious opportunity with his head at the back post.&nbsp;

Arsenal continued to bombard the visitors' goal but could not find a breakthrough and it could have been worse had Said Benrahma managed to convert a late penalty.

Defeat leaves the Gunners in second place on 40 points, one clear of Aston Villa and three ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

Arteta said his team deserved more for their dominance.

"We want to be at the top and today we are very, very disappointed," he told the BBC.

"We had so much dominance in the game. We are in a really good position. Today is a disappointing night. We have to pick ourselves up for a big game against Fulham."

He added: "The players put an enormous effort in. It's a difficult dressing room right now but we have another game in 72 hours. This is football, we have to improve in certain areas."

West Ham manager David Moyes celebrated his team's rise to sixth in the table.

"We are not one of the top teams," he told Amazon Prime. "We are trying to get up and grow the team. For West Ham to be in Europe (they topped their Europa League group) is a great period."

<h2>Spurs drama</h2>

Tottenham, this season's early pacesetters, remain in fifth spot after losing 4-2 despite threatening an astonishing comeback from 4-0 down against Roberto De Zerbi's Brighton.

Jack Hinshelwood finished with brutal power to put the home side ahead following a weaving run from Joao Pedro along the edge of the penalty area.

Brighton doubled their lead from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute through Pedro, who took full advantage after Dejan Kulusevski was penalised for a pull on Welbeck.

Brazil forward Richarlison twice had the ball in the net after the break but both times he was ruled offside.

Pervis Estupinan&nbsp;stretched the lead with a thunderbolt from 30 yards in the 63rd minute and Pedro scored a second penalty 12 minutes later.

Alejo Veliz grabbed what appeared to be a consolation goal in the 81st minute but it galvanised the visitors.

Ben Davies&nbsp;headed home Pedro Porro's deep cross as Spurs threatened to cut through every time they poured forward, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg hitting the post during nine frantic minutes of stoppage time.

But Brighton withstood the intense pressure to take all three points.

"I am really lucky to be this coach of this team with these players," De Zerbi told the BBC. "I am very pleased with the passion they have, they have everything.

"You can't forget we are Brighton. Sometimes they forget we are Brighton. We are not Manchester United, Manchester City, Newcastle or Arsenal, we are still Brighton."

Arsenal missed out on the chance to return to the Premier League summit on Thursday, losing 2-0 to West Ham as Tottenham went down in a six-goal thriller at Brighton.

Arsenal missed out on the chance to return to the Premier League summit on Thursday, losing 2-0 to West Ham as Tottenham went down in a six-goal thriller at Brighton. Mikel Arteta's Gunners were top of the tree at Christmas for a second successive year but trail leaders Liverpool by two points at the halfway point of the season. Last year's runners-up dominated possession at the Emirates but lacked a cutting edge against the disciplined visitors, for whom Tomas Soucek and former Arsenal player Konstantinos Mavropanos scored the goals. Also Read: Tottenham Hotspur’s Son to lead as South Korea aim to end Asian Cup drought Soucek opened the scoring from close range in the 13th minute following a pass from Jarrod Bowen, with the goal confirmed after a lengthy VAR check looking into whether the ball had gone out of play. Arsenal surged forward in relentless waves and West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola made a fine reaction save from a Bukayo Saka header on the half-hour. The England winger hit the post from a tight angle as the clock ticked down towards half-time but Arsenal trailed at the break despite enjoying nearly three-quarters of possession. The Gunners came out determined to find a response but instead they found themselves 2-0 down when Mavropanos's bullet header cannoned in off the crossbar from James Ward-Prowse's corner. Gabriel Jesus failed to beat Areola with a header when well-placed and shortly afterwards missed another glorious opportunity with his head at the back post. Arsenal continued to bombard the visitors' goal but could not find a breakthrough and it could have been worse had Said Benrahma managed to convert a late penalty. Defeat leaves the Gunners in second place on 40 points, one clear of Aston Villa and three ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand. Arteta said his team deserved more for their dominance. "We want to be at the top and today we are very, very disappointed," he told the BBC. "We had so much dominance in the game. We are in a really good position. Today is a disappointing night. We have to pick ourselves up for a big game against Fulham." He added: "The players put an enormous effort in. It's a difficult dressing room right now but we have another game in 72 hours. This is football, we have to improve in certain areas." West Ham manager David Moyes celebrated his team's rise to sixth in the table. "We are not one of the top teams," he told Amazon Prime. "We are trying to get up and grow the team. For West Ham to be in Europe (they topped their Europa League group) is a great period." Spurs drama Tottenham, this season's early pacesetters, remain in fifth spot after losing 4-2 despite threatening an astonishing comeback from 4-0 down against Roberto De Zerbi's Brighton. Jack Hinshelwood finished with brutal power to put the home side ahead following a weaving run from Joao Pedro along the edge of the penalty area. Brighton doubled their lead from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute through Pedro, who took full advantage after Dejan Kulusevski was penalised for a pull on Welbeck. Brazil forward Richarlison twice had the ball in the net after the break but both times he was ruled offside. Pervis Estupinan stretched the lead with a thunderbolt from 30 yards in the 63rd minute and Pedro scored a second penalty 12 minutes later. Alejo Veliz grabbed what appeared to be a consolation goal in the 81st minute but it galvanised the visitors. Ben Davies headed home Pedro Porro's deep cross as Spurs threatened to cut through every time they poured forward, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg hitting the post during nine frantic minutes of stoppage time. But Brighton withstood the intense pressure to take all three points. "I am really lucky to be this coach of this team with these players," De Zerbi told the BBC. "I am very pleased with the passion they have, they have everything. "You can't forget we are Brighton. Sometimes they forget we are Brighton. We are not Manchester United, Manchester City, Newcastle or Arsenal, we are still Brighton."

Premier League: Arsenal fail to return on top after loss against West Ham; Spurs lose in six-goal thriller

Arsenal took a shock lead in their Premier League contest against Liverpool as they stunned the Kop end of the Anfield ground on Saturday (Dec 23). Playing in the top of the table clash, the North London side was given an early lead by Brazilian Gabriel in the fourth minute as the home fans were left furious. Both Liverpool and Arsenal are meeting for the first time in this Premier League season with the top spot at stake as both rivals headed into the contest having been separated by just one point.

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🚨🚨| GOAL: Gabriel scores for Arsenal 
 
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal 
 
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— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) <a href="https://twitter.com/centregoals/status/1738614163478376515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Gabriel stuns Anfield</h2>

Having been awarded a free kick in the third minute of the match, Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard flipped in a good ball on the edge of the Liverpool penalty area. With a spring in his step, Gabriel was first to get to the ball ahead of the Liverpool defenders and nodded in a good curling ball past Alison to open the scoring. This left the Kop end stunned with Jurgen Klopp’s side on the receiving end of a good set-piece play from Mikel Arteta’s men as they led 1-0 until the 28th minute.&nbsp;

At the time of writing during the half time, the match was all square after Mohamed Salah equalised in the 30th minute. There were close chances for both teams before the half came to an end, but it remained 1-1 as both failed to convert in the final third.

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<h2>Premier League top spot up for grabs</h2>

Liverpool dropped points against Manchester United last week after a goalless draw at Anfield last Sunday. The Reds&nbsp;started&nbsp;day third in the Premier League table with 38 points&nbsp;after Aston Villa (39 points) salvaged a point against Sheffield United on Friday. Arsenal headed into the match with 39 points from 17 matches and could open a four-point gap if they win against Liverpool. While City are not in action, Arsenal could have an eight-point advantage over the title favourites if results go their way.

Spurs are also in the title hunt after their win over Everton earlier on Saturday and are on 36 points in 18 matches. They currently are fourth in the Premier League with fixtures against Brighton and Bournemouth coming before the end of the year.

Arsenal took a shock lead in their Premier League contest against Liverpool as they stunned the Kop end of the Anfield ground on Saturday (Dec 23). Playing in the top of the table clash, the North London side was given an early lead by Brazilian Gabriel in the fourth minute as the home fans were left furious.

Arsenal took a shock lead in their Premier League contest against Liverpool as they stunned the Kop end of the Anfield ground on Saturday (Dec 23). Playing in the top of the table clash, the North London side was given an early lead by Brazilian Gabriel in the fourth minute as the home fans were left furious. Both Liverpool and Arsenal are meeting for the first time in this Premier League season with the top spot at stake as both rivals headed into the contest having been separated by just one point. 🚨🚨| GOAL: Gabriel scores for Arsenal Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal pic.twitter.com/tN412MPqqB — CentreGoals. (@centregoals) December 23, 2023 × Gabriel stuns Anfield Having been awarded a free kick in the third minute of the match, Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard flipped in a good ball on the edge of the Liverpool penalty area. With a spring in his step, Gabriel was first to get to the ball ahead of the Liverpool defenders and nodded in a good curling ball past Alison to open the scoring. This left the Kop end stunned with Jurgen Klopp’s side on the receiving end of a good set-piece play from Mikel Arteta’s men as they led 1-0 until the 28th minute. At the time of writing during the half time, the match was all square after Mohamed Salah equalised in the 30th minute. There were close chances for both teams before the half came to an end, but it remained 1-1 as both failed to convert in the final third. ALSO READ | Hardik Pandya likely to miss Afghanistan series in Jan due to ankle strain; doubtful for Mumbai Indians in IPL Premier League top spot up for grabs Liverpool dropped points against Manchester United last week after a goalless draw at Anfield last Sunday. The Reds started day third in the Premier League table with 38 points after Aston Villa (39 points) salvaged a point against Sheffield United on Friday. Arsenal headed into the match with 39 points from 17 matches and could open a four-point gap if they win against Liverpool. While City are not in action, Arsenal could have an eight-point advantage over the title favourites if results go their way. Spurs are also in the title hunt after their win over Everton earlier on Saturday and are on 36 points in 18 matches. They currently are fourth in the Premier League with fixtures against Brighton and Bournemouth coming before the end of the year.

WATCH: Gabriel stuns Kop as Arsenal take SHOCK early lead at Anfield in Premier League against Liverpool

Arsenal ensured they will spend Christmas Day on top of the Premier League as they held title rivals Liverpool to a pulsating 1-1 draw at Anfield on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta's side took an early lead through Gabriel Magalhaes, but Mohamed Salah hauled Liverpool level before the interval.

A draw was arguably the right result after both sides flexed their muscles to show why they have emerged as the leading contenders to win the title.

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-gabriel-stuns-kop-as-arsenal-take-shock-early-lead-at-anfield-in-premier-league-against-liverpool-672964">Gabriel stuns Kop as Arsenal take SHOCK early lead at Anfield in Premier League against Liverpool</a>

Chasing a first title since 2004, Arsenal sit one point clear of second placed Liverpool heading into the festive period.

The team that has topped the Premier League at Christmas has gone on to win the title in six of the past 10 seasons, but the draw on Merseyside was also a boost to the chasing pack.

Third placed Aston Villa are level on points with Liverpool, fourth placed Tottenham are three points further back, while champions Manchester City are six points adrift of the leaders with a game in hand.

Liverpool are unbeaten in their past 11 games against Arsenal at Anfield.

However, coming a week after their goalless stalemate against Manchester United, this was another frustrating result for Jurgen Klopp's team.

"Oh my god, how strong are they? The good news is we are good as well," Klopp said.

"We pass instead of shoot, four or five times we do that, it's a lesson. But generally the game is great."

Arsenal weren't completely satisfied either.

Last season they led 2-0 at Liverpool but ended up drawing 2-2, a result that started their collapse in the title race.

Their failure to hold on this time should not have such a damaging impact, but it was still a missed opportunity.

"Proud of the performance but the final pass went astray a few times. That's where the frustration lies," Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka said.

Klopp had urged Liverpool fans to give Arsenal the "proper Anfield experience" after saying he was unhappy with the atmosphere during Wednesday's 5-1 rout of West Ham in the League Cup.

But Arteta was well aware of the maelstrom lying in wait, likening the visceral Anfield experience to being thrown around in a "washing machine".

<h2>Red wave</h2>

Responding to Klopp, the Liverpool faithful bellowed their 'You'll never walk alone' anthem as loudly as ever before kick-off, but Arsenal took just 30 seconds to show they were unfazed.

A flowing move cut open the Liverpool defence and ended with Gabriel Jesus's shot deflecting just over.

It was a warning and Arsenal took the lead after only four minutes.

Martin Odegaard delivered a perfect free-kick into the Liverpool area and Gabriel rose to thump his header past Alisson Becker from eight yards.

The Brazilian defender celebrated by cupping his hands to his ears in front of the Kop.

Anfield was stunned but not silenced. Falling behind was nothing new to Liverpool, who had trailed in eight other Premier League games this season and only lost one of them.

Liverpool were controversially denied a penalty by VAR when Odegaard handled in the area after slipping under pressure from Salah.

Salah took it upon himself to ensure Liverpool weren't left to rue that debatable decision as the Egyptian conjured a superb 29th minute equaliser.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's raking pass picked out Salah down the right flank and he glided away from Oleksandr Zinchenko into the area before smashing a fierce strike past David Raya at his near post.

A thrilling half concluded with Arteta holding his head when Gabriel Martinelli shot wide moments after Saka ran through on goal but failed to finish.

Klopp's men had the momentum after the break and Joe Gomez rifled inches wide, while Harvey Elliott's long-range strike deflected onto the post.

They should have been in front in the 73rd minute when a break from an Arsenal corner climaxed with Salah teeing up Alexander-Arnold, but the ball took a slight bobble and his shot cannoned back off the crossbar with just Raya to beat.

As the relentless Red wave kept surging toward the Kop, Gomez's effort drew a good stop from Raya, but Arsenal held on.

Arsenal ensured they will spend Christmas Day on top of the Premier League as they held title rivals Liverpool to a pulsating 1-1 draw at Anfield on Saturday. Mikel Arteta's side took an early lead through Gabriel Magalhaes, but Mohamed Salah hauled Liverpool level before the interval.

Arsenal ensured they will spend Christmas Day on top of the Premier League as they held title rivals Liverpool to a pulsating 1-1 draw at Anfield on Saturday. Mikel Arteta's side took an early lead through Gabriel Magalhaes, but Mohamed Salah hauled Liverpool level before the interval. A draw was arguably the right result after both sides flexed their muscles to show why they have emerged as the leading contenders to win the title. Also Watch: Gabriel stuns Kop as Arsenal take SHOCK early lead at Anfield in Premier League against Liverpool Chasing a first title since 2004, Arsenal sit one point clear of second placed Liverpool heading into the festive period. The team that has topped the Premier League at Christmas has gone on to win the title in six of the past 10 seasons, but the draw on Merseyside was also a boost to the chasing pack. Third placed Aston Villa are level on points with Liverpool, fourth placed Tottenham are three points further back, while champions Manchester City are six points adrift of the leaders with a game in hand. Liverpool are unbeaten in their past 11 games against Arsenal at Anfield. However, coming a week after their goalless stalemate against Manchester United, this was another frustrating result for Jurgen Klopp's team. "Oh my god, how strong are they? The good news is we are good as well," Klopp said. "We pass instead of shoot, four or five times we do that, it's a lesson. But generally the game is great." Arsenal weren't completely satisfied either. Last season they led 2-0 at Liverpool but ended up drawing 2-2, a result that started their collapse in the title race. Their failure to hold on this time should not have such a damaging impact, but it was still a missed opportunity. "Proud of the performance but the final pass went astray a few times. That's where the frustration lies," Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka said. Klopp had urged Liverpool fans to give Arsenal the "proper Anfield experience" after saying he was unhappy with the atmosphere during Wednesday's 5-1 rout of West Ham in the League Cup. But Arteta was well aware of the maelstrom lying in wait, likening the visceral Anfield experience to being thrown around in a "washing machine". Red wave Responding to Klopp, the Liverpool faithful bellowed their 'You'll never walk alone' anthem as loudly as ever before kick-off, but Arsenal took just 30 seconds to show they were unfazed. A flowing move cut open the Liverpool defence and ended with Gabriel Jesus's shot deflecting just over. It was a warning and Arsenal took the lead after only four minutes. Martin Odegaard delivered a perfect free-kick into the Liverpool area and Gabriel rose to thump his header past Alisson Becker from eight yards. The Brazilian defender celebrated by cupping his hands to his ears in front of the Kop. Anfield was stunned but not silenced. Falling behind was nothing new to Liverpool, who had trailed in eight other Premier League games this season and only lost one of them. Liverpool were controversially denied a penalty by VAR when Odegaard handled in the area after slipping under pressure from Salah. Salah took it upon himself to ensure Liverpool weren't left to rue that debatable decision as the Egyptian conjured a superb 29th minute equaliser. Trent Alexander-Arnold's raking pass picked out Salah down the right flank and he glided away from Oleksandr Zinchenko into the area before smashing a fierce strike past David Raya at his near post. A thrilling half concluded with Arteta holding his head when Gabriel Martinelli shot wide moments after Saka ran through on goal but failed to finish. Klopp's men had the momentum after the break and Joe Gomez rifled inches wide, while Harvey Elliott's long-range strike deflected onto the post. They should have been in front in the 73rd minute when a break from an Arsenal corner climaxed with Salah teeing up Alexander-Arnold, but the ball took a slight bobble and his shot cannoned back off the crossbar with just Raya to beat. As the relentless Red wave kept surging toward the Kop, Gomez's effort drew a good stop from Raya, but Arsenal held on.

Premier League: Arsenal play draw with Liverpool at Anfield, remain on top of table at Christmas

Arsenal beat Brighton 2-0 on Sunday to dislodge Liverpool from the top of the Premier League as Jurgen Klopp's men prepared for a blockbuster clash against struggling Manchester United.

Aston Villa, fresh from potentially season-defining wins against Manchester City and Arsenal, came from behind to beat 10-man Brentford 2-1, while West Ham crushed Wolves 3-0.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, runners-up to City last season, dominated at the Emirates, wasting a succession of openings but they finally broke through in the 53rd minute.

Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke jumped to head a corner away but could only flick it into the path of Gabriel Jesus, who headed the ball into an empty net.

Kai Havertz doubled the lead for the Gunners in the closing minutes, slotting past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen after being found by Eddie Nketiah.

Across London, Unai Emery's Villa fell behind to a Keane Lewis-Potter&nbsp;goal on the stroke of half-time at Brentford.

However, Brentford's Ben Mee was sent off in the 71st minute and six minutes later Villa were level when Alex Moreno got on the end of a Leon Bailey cross.

Ollie Watkins&nbsp;completed the turnaround against his former club when he headed in a Boubacar Kamara flick-on from a corner with five minutes to go.

Villa now have 38 points from 17 games, one behind Arsenal and one ahead of Liverpool, who kick off later in the day.

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<h2>Paqueta shines</h2>

Mohammed Kudus scored twice and Lucas Paqueta provided all three assists at the London Stadium as West Ham put last week's 5-0 drubbing by Fulham behind them.

The Ghana forward netted midway through the first period following a swift counter-attack, finishing powerfully after he was found by the impressive Paqueta.

West Ham doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute, when Paqueta and Kudus again combined to deadly effect and top-scorer Jarrod Bowen hit the post with goalkeeper Dan Bentley a bystander.

Wolves thought they had pulled a goal back just before the hour mark but Pablo Sarabia's tap-in was ruled out for a marginal offside.

West Ham put the result beyond doubt when Bowen finished unerringly after receiving the ball from Paqueta.

On Saturday, Manchester City let slip a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Roy Hodgson's Crystal Palace, before jetting off to Saudi Arabia to play in the Club World Cup.

It means Liverpool can go six points clear of the defending champions if they beat struggling United at Anfield in the late afternoon kick-off.

Erik ten Hag's men who last season suffered a 7-0 drubbing at Anfield, have lost 12 of their 24 games in all competitions this season.

With the exception of last season's 2-1 win at Old Trafford, United's recent record against Liverpool is dire -- they have lost four of the past five meetings, conceding 21 goals in the process.

United captain Bruno Fernandes is suspended while out-of-form Marcus Rashford was once again left on the bench.

Saturday's Premier League action was overshadowed by a shocking incident at Bournemouth, where Luton captain Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest, forcing the game to be abandoned.

Luton confirmed Lockyer was responsive before being taken to hospital and was in a "stable" condition. In an update on Sunday the club said he was undergoing tests and scans.

Arsenal beat Brighton 2-0 on Sunday to dislodge Liverpool from the top of the Premier League as Jurgen Klopp's men prepared for a blockbuster clash against struggling Manchester United.

Arsenal beat Brighton 2-0 on Sunday to dislodge Liverpool from the top of the Premier League as Jurgen Klopp's men prepared for a blockbuster clash against struggling Manchester United. Aston Villa, fresh from potentially season-defining wins against Manchester City and Arsenal, came from behind to beat 10-man Brentford 2-1, while West Ham crushed Wolves 3-0. Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, runners-up to City last season, dominated at the Emirates, wasting a succession of openings but they finally broke through in the 53rd minute. Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke jumped to head a corner away but could only flick it into the path of Gabriel Jesus, who headed the ball into an empty net. Kai Havertz doubled the lead for the Gunners in the closing minutes, slotting past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen after being found by Eddie Nketiah. Across London, Unai Emery's Villa fell behind to a Keane Lewis-Potter goal on the stroke of half-time at Brentford. However, Brentford's Ben Mee was sent off in the 71st minute and six minutes later Villa were level when Alex Moreno got on the end of a Leon Bailey cross. Ollie Watkins completed the turnaround against his former club when he headed in a Boubacar Kamara flick-on from a corner with five minutes to go. Villa now have 38 points from 17 games, one behind Arsenal and one ahead of Liverpool, who kick off later in the day. ALSO READ | SA vs IND: Ishan Kishan withdraws from Test squad due to personal reasons; KS Bharat roped in as replacement Paqueta shines Mohammed Kudus scored twice and Lucas Paqueta provided all three assists at the London Stadium as West Ham put last week's 5-0 drubbing by Fulham behind them. The Ghana forward netted midway through the first period following a swift counter-attack, finishing powerfully after he was found by the impressive Paqueta. West Ham doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute, when Paqueta and Kudus again combined to deadly effect and top-scorer Jarrod Bowen hit the post with goalkeeper Dan Bentley a bystander. Wolves thought they had pulled a goal back just before the hour mark but Pablo Sarabia's tap-in was ruled out for a marginal offside. West Ham put the result beyond doubt when Bowen finished unerringly after receiving the ball from Paqueta. On Saturday, Manchester City let slip a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Roy Hodgson's Crystal Palace, before jetting off to Saudi Arabia to play in the Club World Cup. It means Liverpool can go six points clear of the defending champions if they beat struggling United at Anfield in the late afternoon kick-off. Erik ten Hag's men who last season suffered a 7-0 drubbing at Anfield, have lost 12 of their 24 games in all competitions this season. With the exception of last season's 2-1 win at Old Trafford, United's recent record against Liverpool is dire -- they have lost four of the past five meetings, conceding 21 goals in the process. United captain Bruno Fernandes is suspended while out-of-form Marcus Rashford was once again left on the bench. Saturday's Premier League action was overshadowed by a shocking incident at Bournemouth, where Luton captain Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest, forcing the game to be abandoned. Luton confirmed Lockyer was responsive before being taken to hospital and was in a "stable" condition. In an update on Sunday the club said he was undergoing tests and scans.

Premier League: Arsenal hit Brighton 2-0 to take top spot; West Ham, Aston Villa register vital wins

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looked in animated mood on Saturday (Dec 9) evening after his side lost to Aston Villa 1-0 in the Premier League. The defeat at Villa Park was the Gunners’ second of the league campaign while opposition&nbsp;Aston Villa now sit just a point behind them. The game though, had controversial moments with Kai Havertz denied a goal for handball, Douglas Luiz’s challenge on Gabriel Jesus in the penalty area was not deemed of a penalty.

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Aston Villa beat Arsenal to continue their winning home run 👏 
 
The Villans have now won 15 consecutive matches at Villa Park!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AVLARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AVLARS</a> <a href="https://t.co/0k2T2u2Uho">pic.twitter.com/0k2T2u2Uho</a>
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<h2>Arteta furious after defeat</h2>

"I prefer not to comment" though did admit the penalty decision was "even clearer" than the Havertz handball.

When asked about his response to the two incidents in his post-match press conference, Arteta replied, "Clear and obvious. Clear and obvious. That's what I mean. That's my opinion. That's all I can say."

Arteta has already been in hot water with the Football Association (FA) having been banned from the touchline for over-celebration during his side’s win over Luton Town in the midweek. His reactions in the post-match while speaking to Sky Sports suggested he was not happy with the referee’s decision. According to him, a penalty should have been given for the foul on Jesus while Havertz’s goal should have been allowed despite the Video Assistant Referee’s (VAR) consultation.

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<h2>Consequences of Villa's win</h2>

A seventh-minute strike from captain John McGinn was the only goal of the match as Villa registered back-to-back wins against the big boys. They had earlier beaten Manchester City in the midweek clash and followed that with another win on Saturday. Post the recent international break, Villa have so far beaten Spurs, City and now Arsenal and are within two points of leaders Liverpool.

As things stand, Villa are third with 35 points while Arsenal sit second with 36 points to their name. Interestingly, Liverpool’s late winner against Crystal Palace was the big difference-maker as they took the top spot with 37 points.

Champions Manchester City will be in action on Sunday as they take on Luton Town. If they manage a win, it will take them within four points of leaders Liverpool.&nbsp;

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looked in animated mood on Saturday (Dec 9) evening after his side lost to Aston Villa 1-0 in the Premier League. The defeat at Villa Park was the Gunners’ second of the league campaign while opposition Aston Villa now sit just a point behind them.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looked in animated mood on Saturday (Dec 9) evening after his side lost to Aston Villa 1-0 in the Premier League. The defeat at Villa Park was the Gunners’ second of the league campaign while opposition Aston Villa now sit just a point behind them. The game though, had controversial moments with Kai Havertz denied a goal for handball, Douglas Luiz’s challenge on Gabriel Jesus in the penalty area was not deemed of a penalty. Aston Villa beat Arsenal to continue their winning home run 👏 The Villans have now won 15 consecutive matches at Villa Park!#AVLARS pic.twitter.com/0k2T2u2Uho — Premier League (@premierleague) December 9, 2023 × Arteta furious after defeat "I prefer not to comment" though did admit the penalty decision was "even clearer" than the Havertz handball. When asked about his response to the two incidents in his post-match press conference, Arteta replied, "Clear and obvious. Clear and obvious. That's what I mean. That's my opinion. That's all I can say." Arteta has already been in hot water with the Football Association (FA) having been banned from the touchline for over-celebration during his side’s win over Luton Town in the midweek. His reactions in the post-match while speaking to Sky Sports suggested he was not happy with the referee’s decision. According to him, a penalty should have been given for the foul on Jesus while Havertz’s goal should have been allowed despite the Video Assistant Referee’s (VAR) consultation. ALSO READ | Los Angeles Lakers beat Indiana Pacers in maiden in-season tournament final Consequences of Villa's win A seventh-minute strike from captain John McGinn was the only goal of the match as Villa registered back-to-back wins against the big boys. They had earlier beaten Manchester City in the midweek clash and followed that with another win on Saturday. Post the recent international break, Villa have so far beaten Spurs, City and now Arsenal and are within two points of leaders Liverpool. As things stand, Villa are third with 35 points while Arsenal sit second with 36 points to their name. Interestingly, Liverpool’s late winner against Crystal Palace was the big difference-maker as they took the top spot with 37 points. Champions Manchester City will be in action on Sunday as they take on Luton Town. If they manage a win, it will take them within four points of leaders Liverpool.

I prefer not to comment: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after Aston Villa's dominating Premier League win

Declan Rice's header deep in stoppage time sealed an enthralling 4-3 victory for Arsenal at lowly Luton Town to send them five points clear at the top of the Premier League on Tuesday. Arsenal had been knocked out of their stride by an energetic and direct Luton side and it looked as though they were about to extend their winless run at Kenilworth Road to 11 games.

But with six minutes of stoppage time played Rice found space to dispatch a header into the net. His last-gasp goal sparked unbridled joy for the visitors who have now won four league games in a row, but it was heartache for an intrepid Luton side who had twice come from behind to lead early in the second half.

Arsenal have now taken nine extra points this season courtesy of goals scored in the last five minutes of games. "Luton are a top side and they can't be overlooked in this league for the quality they have," Rice told Amazon Prime. "To score in the last minute and keep the momentum building it's massive for us. Those are the moments you look back on. What a game. To score the winner is an honour."

Arsenal have 36 points from 15 games played with Liverpool on 31 and champions Manchester City on 30 before their games at Sheffield United and Aston Villa respectively on Wednesday. After a weekend of high-scoring encounters the opening 20 minutes on a raw night at Kenilworth Road were uneventful with no hint of the thriller that was to unfold.

But the game exploded into life when some quick thinking from a throw-in ended with Gabriel Martinelli scuffing a shot inside the post from Bukayo Saka's cut back. Luton responded five minutes later with Gabriel Osho powering a header past David Raya from Alfie Doughty's corner.

Saka and Martinelli were both denied by saves from Thomas Kaminski but Arsenal did go ahead again just before the break with Gabriel Jesus heading in Ben White's dinked cross.

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Arsenal had not won at Luton since 1986 and they were rocked on their heels early in the second half as first Elijah Adebayo headed in another Doughty corner in the 49th minute before Andros Townsend played in fellow former England international Ross Barkley eight minutes later to drill a shot through Raya.

Raya should have done better for Luton's second and third goals but his blushes were spared by his team mates. The old stadium was still reverberating from Barkley's goal when Kai Havertz squared it up on the hour from Jesus's pass.

Arsenal applied intense pressure but Luton appeared to have sealed a memorable point until Martin Odegaard's cross picked out Rice who placed a perfect header past Kaminski. "Incredible evening. First of all, congratulations to Luton, their players, staff, the atmosphere they created made it a special night to play football and they made it very hard for us," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. "They are so good at set pieces and they made us really fight for the game and at the end it was a beautiful win."

Luton remain fourth from bottom with nine points and while the defeat stung, manager Rob Edwards was rightly proud of his players who gave Arsenal a real scare. "Arsenal wanted a game of order and we made it chaotic at times," Edwards said. "I don't think that has ever happened to me, conceding that late to lose a game so I'm flat right now."

Declan Rice's header deep in stoppage time sealed an enthralling 4-3 victory for Arsenal at lowly Luton Town to send them five points clear at the top of the Premier League on Tuesday.

Declan Rice's header deep in stoppage time sealed an enthralling 4-3 victory for Arsenal at lowly Luton Town to send them five points clear at the top of the Premier League on Tuesday. Arsenal had been knocked out of their stride by an energetic and direct Luton side and it looked as though they were about to extend their winless run at Kenilworth Road to 11 games. But with six minutes of stoppage time played Rice found space to dispatch a header into the net. His last-gasp goal sparked unbridled joy for the visitors who have now won four league games in a row, but it was heartache for an intrepid Luton side who had twice come from behind to lead early in the second half. Arsenal have now taken nine extra points this season courtesy of goals scored in the last five minutes of games. "Luton are a top side and they can't be overlooked in this league for the quality they have," Rice told Amazon Prime. "To score in the last minute and keep the momentum building it's massive for us. Those are the moments you look back on. What a game. To score the winner is an honour." Arsenal have 36 points from 15 games played with Liverpool on 31 and champions Manchester City on 30 before their games at Sheffield United and Aston Villa respectively on Wednesday. After a weekend of high-scoring encounters the opening 20 minutes on a raw night at Kenilworth Road were uneventful with no hint of the thriller that was to unfold. But the game exploded into life when some quick thinking from a throw-in ended with Gabriel Martinelli scuffing a shot inside the post from Bukayo Saka's cut back. Luton responded five minutes later with Gabriel Osho powering a header past David Raya from Alfie Doughty's corner. Saka and Martinelli were both denied by saves from Thomas Kaminski but Arsenal did go ahead again just before the break with Gabriel Jesus heading in Ben White's dinked cross. Also read: PL: Erik Ten Hag plays down reports of unrest in dressing room ahead of Chelsea clash Arsenal had not won at Luton since 1986 and they were rocked on their heels early in the second half as first Elijah Adebayo headed in another Doughty corner in the 49th minute before Andros Townsend played in fellow former England international Ross Barkley eight minutes later to drill a shot through Raya. Raya should have done better for Luton's second and third goals but his blushes were spared by his team mates. The old stadium was still reverberating from Barkley's goal when Kai Havertz squared it up on the hour from Jesus's pass. Arsenal applied intense pressure but Luton appeared to have sealed a memorable point until Martin Odegaard's cross picked out Rice who placed a perfect header past Kaminski. "Incredible evening. First of all, congratulations to Luton, their players, staff, the atmosphere they created made it a special night to play football and they made it very hard for us," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. "They are so good at set pieces and they made us really fight for the game and at the end it was a beautiful win." Luton remain fourth from bottom with nine points and while the defeat stung, manager Rob Edwards was rightly proud of his players who gave Arsenal a real scare. "Arsenal wanted a game of order and we made it chaotic at times," Edwards said. "I don't think that has ever happened to me, conceding that late to lose a game so I'm flat right now."

Premier League: Arsenal go five clear after Declan Rice seals seven-goal thriller at Luton

Declan Rice said his big-money transfer to Arsenal from West Ham United left him feeling "very nervous" and the midfielder arrived in North London knowing the club would expect to see him make an immediate impact. Arsenal signed the 24-year-old England international in July for 105 million pounds ($130.84 million), a record transfer between two British clubs, surpassing the 100 million pounds Manchester City paid Aston Villa for Jack Grealish in 2021.

"When the transfer was going through I was very nervous because of the price tag," Rice told reporters ahead of England's final European Championship qualifier against North Macedonia.

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"You're a human being bought for 105 million pounds, it doesn't feel very normal. But that was because of what I'd done at West Ham, what they valued me at. "It's 100 million pounds, it's a lot of money, I could understand the pressure that comes with it.

"Not only the pressure you put on yourself but there's an expectation of being bought for that much money we need to see performances straight away. They have invested a lot of money in me, I need to prove why I can go there and change things."

Rice also said he understood why England team mate Grealish, who won the treble with City last season, may have struggled initially after his transfer. "He was a 100 million pounds footballer but as he wasn't playing as much, it was probably as bit different for him. Now he's flying and it's the same for me," added Rice.

Declan Rice said his big-money transfer to Arsenal from West Ham United left him feeling "very nervous" and the midfielder arrived in North London knowing the club would expect to see him make an immediate impact.

Declan Rice said his big-money transfer to Arsenal from West Ham United left him feeling "very nervous" and the midfielder arrived in North London knowing the club would expect to see him make an immediate impact. Arsenal signed the 24-year-old England international in July for 105 million pounds ($130.84 million), a record transfer between two British clubs, surpassing the 100 million pounds Manchester City paid Aston Villa for Jack Grealish in 2021. "When the transfer was going through I was very nervous because of the price tag," Rice told reporters ahead of England's final European Championship qualifier against North Macedonia. Also Read: WATCH | Dallas Mavericks go 30-0 vs Oklahoma City Thunder to create history; still end up losing "You're a human being bought for 105 million pounds, it doesn't feel very normal. But that was because of what I'd done at West Ham, what they valued me at. "It's 100 million pounds, it's a lot of money, I could understand the pressure that comes with it. "Not only the pressure you put on yourself but there's an expectation of being bought for that much money we need to see performances straight away. They have invested a lot of money in me, I need to prove why I can go there and change things." Rice also said he understood why England team mate Grealish, who won the treble with City last season, may have struggled initially after his transfer. "He was a 100 million pounds footballer but as he wasn't playing as much, it was probably as bit different for him. Now he's flying and it's the same for me," added Rice.

Declan Rice feels 'very nervous' over his big-money transfer to Arsenal from West Ham United

Arsenal survived a late scare against Wolves on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League as Burnley lifted themselves off the bottom with a 5-0 trouncing of 10-man Sheffield United.

Mikel Arteta's Gunners, brimming with confidence after their 6-0 hammering of Lens in the Champions League in midweek, raced into a 2-0 lead at the Emirates within 13 minutes.

Bukayo Saka opened the scoring and Arsenal doubled their lead when Oleksandr Zinchenko cut the ball back for Martin Odegaard, who picked out the bottom corner.

The home side came agonisingly close to a third goal when Gabriel Martinelli cannoned a shot off the post towards the end of the first half.

But they failed to put the game to bed and were made to sweat when Wolves forward Matheus Cunha found the top corner in the 86th minute to set up a tense finale.

Despite the scare, Arsenal, last year's runners-up, held on to win 2-1 and notch their 10th win in 14 league games, which moves them four points clear of champions Manchester City, who host Tottenham on Sunday.

"Football is not perfect, but I'm really happy with the way we played," Arteta told the BBC.

"It should have been a much bigger scoreline. We made a mistake and they take the chance, and it's game on in the Premier League."

<h2>- Five-star Burnley -</h2>

At the other end of the table, Vincent Kompany's Burnley put five goals past Sheffield United at Turf Moor.

Jay Rodriguez fired the home side ahead with just 15 seconds on the clock -- the fastest goal of the season so far.

Jacob Bruun Larsen extended their lead shortly afterwards and Sheffield United's task was made almost impossible when Oli McBurnie received a second yellow card shortly before the break.

Zeki Amdouni made it 3-0 in the 73rd minute with Luca Koleosho and Josh Brownhill also finding the net as the floodgates opened.

Paul Heckingbottom's men are stuck on just a single win and have now conceded five goals or more on three occasions this season.

But Burnley are just two points behind 17th-placed Luton after only their second win of the season and Kompany said he hoped the three points would be a launch pad.

"I think the guys have deserved it," he said. "They have performed well for a while. This league is brutal.

"I haven't felt the nerves (from the team). I could barely contain them, they were raring to go. The frustration of last week (conceding two late goals against West Ham) didn't turn into negativity. It turned into 'we'll show people'."

Luton sank to a 3-1 defeat at Brentford, where Neal Maupay opened the scoring from close range early in the second half and Ben Mee made it two.

Substitute Jacob Brown rifled a shot low beyond Mark Flekken in the 76th minute to give the visitors hope but Shandon Baptiste restored Brentford's two-goal cushion just five minutes later.

Everton, in action against Nottingham Forest later on Saturday, are now bottom of the league, due to a swingeing 10-point deduction imposed for breaking Premier League financial rules.

In the late match, Newcastle face Manchester United at St James' Park, where a win for either side would lift them to fifth place in the table at the expense of Tottenham.

United have won five of their past six league games after a terrible start to the season but goalkeeper Andre Onana will be in the spotlight after costly errors in his team's 3-3 draw at Galatasary in midweek.

Arsenal survived a late scare against Wolves on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League as Burnley lifted themselves off the bottom with a 5-0 trouncing of 10-man Sheffield United.

Arsenal survived a late scare against Wolves on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League as Burnley lifted themselves off the bottom with a 5-0 trouncing of 10-man Sheffield United. Mikel Arteta's Gunners, brimming with confidence after their 6-0 hammering of Lens in the Champions League in midweek, raced into a 2-0 lead at the Emirates within 13 minutes. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring and Arsenal doubled their lead when Oleksandr Zinchenko cut the ball back for Martin Odegaard, who picked out the bottom corner. The home side came agonisingly close to a third goal when Gabriel Martinelli cannoned a shot off the post towards the end of the first half. But they failed to put the game to bed and were made to sweat when Wolves forward Matheus Cunha found the top corner in the 86th minute to set up a tense finale. Despite the scare, Arsenal, last year's runners-up, held on to win 2-1 and notch their 10th win in 14 league games, which moves them four points clear of champions Manchester City, who host Tottenham on Sunday. "Football is not perfect, but I'm really happy with the way we played," Arteta told the BBC. "It should have been a much bigger scoreline. We made a mistake and they take the chance, and it's game on in the Premier League." - Five-star Burnley - At the other end of the table, Vincent Kompany's Burnley put five goals past Sheffield United at Turf Moor. Jay Rodriguez fired the home side ahead with just 15 seconds on the clock -- the fastest goal of the season so far. Jacob Bruun Larsen extended their lead shortly afterwards and Sheffield United's task was made almost impossible when Oli McBurnie received a second yellow card shortly before the break. Zeki Amdouni made it 3-0 in the 73rd minute with Luca Koleosho and Josh Brownhill also finding the net as the floodgates opened. Paul Heckingbottom's men are stuck on just a single win and have now conceded five goals or more on three occasions this season. But Burnley are just two points behind 17th-placed Luton after only their second win of the season and Kompany said he hoped the three points would be a launch pad. "I think the guys have deserved it," he said. "They have performed well for a while. This league is brutal. "I haven't felt the nerves (from the team). I could barely contain them, they were raring to go. The frustration of last week (conceding two late goals against West Ham) didn't turn into negativity. It turned into 'we'll show people'." Luton sank to a 3-1 defeat at Brentford, where Neal Maupay opened the scoring from close range early in the second half and Ben Mee made it two. Substitute Jacob Brown rifled a shot low beyond Mark Flekken in the 76th minute to give the visitors hope but Shandon Baptiste restored Brentford's two-goal cushion just five minutes later. Everton, in action against Nottingham Forest later on Saturday, are now bottom of the league, due to a swingeing 10-point deduction imposed for breaking Premier League financial rules. In the late match, Newcastle face Manchester United at St James' Park, where a win for either side would lift them to fifth place in the table at the expense of Tottenham. United have won five of their past six league games after a terrible start to the season but goalkeeper Andre Onana will be in the spotlight after costly errors in his team's 3-3 draw at Galatasary in midweek.

PL: Arsenal maintain lead at top, Burnley hit five against 10-man Sheffield United

Arsenal are back on top of the Premier League with ambitions to stay there as they host Wolves this weekend while champions Manchester City play faltering Tottenham. Newcastle take on Manchester United in a clash of two teams with high ambitions of their own while Chelsea face Brighton, still searching for consistency.

Here's&nbsp;three talking points ahead of the action, as per AFP Sport.

<h2>Can Arsenal mix style with substance?</h2>

Arsenal's last-gasp 1-0 win at Brentford last week, which took them back to the top of table, was their fifth Premier League victory by a single goal this season. The Gunners lack the fluidity they showed in the 2022/23 campaign and attacking numbers are down but former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes they are now better equipped to win the league.

"Perfect, pretty football is unlikely to win the league unless it's combined with a doggedness and resilience," he said on X, formerly known as Twitter.&nbsp;"Arsenal are better this year in these areas and the football will come in due course."

But former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, a Sky Sports pundit alongside Neville, believes Mikel Arteta's team need to win games more convincingly. "If Arsenal continue how they are, if this is the Arsenal we're going to see this season, I don't think they can win the league," he told Sky.

He added: "So many games are going to the wire and sometimes that can go against you.... Those games that finish 1-0 can easily go 1-0 the other way." Arsenal smashed Lens 6-0 in the Champions League in midweek in a reminder of what can happen when everything clicks.

<h2>Tottenham face daunting Man City trip</h2>

Early pacesetters Tottenham desperately need to arrest their slide after three straight defeats but champions Manchester City are their next port of call. Ange Postecoglou's team, unbeaten in their first 10 games, have developed the costly habit of letting leads slip -- losing to Chelsea, Wolves and Aston Villa despite scoring first each time.

Postecoglou is grappling with a lengthy list of absentees and suffered another blow with the loss of midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, expected to be out until February after suffering a serious ankle injury against Villa.

City last week showed a chink in their armour, failing to win at home in any competition for the first time this year when they were held 1-1 by Liverpool.

But Erling Haaland notched his 50th Premier League goal in just his 48th game at the Etihad -- obliterating Andy Cole's record -- and this week became the quickest player to 40 Champions League goals with his strike against RB Leipzig.

City will be confident normal order can be resumed at home.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-liverpool-thump-lask-marseille-clinch-thriller-against-ajax-664850">Europa League: Liverpool thump LASK, Marseille clinch thriller against Ajax</a>

<h2>Newcastle bank on home form against Man Utd</h2>

Newcastle v Manchester United pits a team with one of the best home records against a side who have been picking up wins on the road. Despite a long injury list, Newcastle have won six of their seven Premier League games at their St James' Park stronghold this season.

Erik ten Hag's Manchester United, despite their patchy form overall, have four victories out of six games away from home. Both teams have ambitions of qualifying for season's Champions League and they each face a battle to qualify for the knockout phase of this year's competition after midweek draws.

Newcastle, who recently hammered Manchester United 3-0 in the League Cup, will fancy their chances against a team who, while they have started to score more freely, remain vulnerable at the back.

United have conceded 33 goals in all competitions this season, the most in their opening 20 matches of any campaign since 1962/63.

Fixtures&nbsp;

Saturday (1500 GMT unless stated)

Arsenal v Wolves, Brentford v Luton, Burnley v Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest v Everton (1730), Newcastle v Manchester United (2000)

Sunday (1400 unless stated)

Bournemouth v Aston Villa, Chelsea v Brighton, Liverpool v Fulham, West Ham v Crystal Palace, Manchester City v Tottenham (1630)

Arsenal are back on top of the Premier League with ambitions to stay there as they host Wolves this weekend while champions Manchester City play faltering Tottenham.

Arsenal are back on top of the Premier League with ambitions to stay there as they host Wolves this weekend while champions Manchester City play faltering Tottenham. Newcastle take on Manchester United in a clash of two teams with high ambitions of their own while Chelsea face Brighton, still searching for consistency. Here's three talking points ahead of the action, as per AFP Sport. Can Arsenal mix style with substance? Arsenal's last-gasp 1-0 win at Brentford last week, which took them back to the top of table, was their fifth Premier League victory by a single goal this season. The Gunners lack the fluidity they showed in the 2022/23 campaign and attacking numbers are down but former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes they are now better equipped to win the league. "Perfect, pretty football is unlikely to win the league unless it's combined with a doggedness and resilience," he said on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Arsenal are better this year in these areas and the football will come in due course." But former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, a Sky Sports pundit alongside Neville, believes Mikel Arteta's team need to win games more convincingly. "If Arsenal continue how they are, if this is the Arsenal we're going to see this season, I don't think they can win the league," he told Sky. He added: "So many games are going to the wire and sometimes that can go against you.... Those games that finish 1-0 can easily go 1-0 the other way." Arsenal smashed Lens 6-0 in the Champions League in midweek in a reminder of what can happen when everything clicks. Tottenham face daunting Man City trip Early pacesetters Tottenham desperately need to arrest their slide after three straight defeats but champions Manchester City are their next port of call. Ange Postecoglou's team, unbeaten in their first 10 games, have developed the costly habit of letting leads slip -- losing to Chelsea, Wolves and Aston Villa despite scoring first each time. Postecoglou is grappling with a lengthy list of absentees and suffered another blow with the loss of midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, expected to be out until February after suffering a serious ankle injury against Villa. City last week showed a chink in their armour, failing to win at home in any competition for the first time this year when they were held 1-1 by Liverpool. But Erling Haaland notched his 50th Premier League goal in just his 48th game at the Etihad -- obliterating Andy Cole's record -- and this week became the quickest player to 40 Champions League goals with his strike against RB Leipzig. City will be confident normal order can be resumed at home. Also read: Europa League: Liverpool thump LASK, Marseille clinch thriller against Ajax Newcastle bank on home form against Man Utd Newcastle v Manchester United pits a team with one of the best home records against a side who have been picking up wins on the road. Despite a long injury list, Newcastle have won six of their seven Premier League games at their St James' Park stronghold this season. Erik ten Hag's Manchester United, despite their patchy form overall, have four victories out of six games away from home. Both teams have ambitions of qualifying for season's Champions League and they each face a battle to qualify for the knockout phase of this year's competition after midweek draws. Newcastle, who recently hammered Manchester United 3-0 in the League Cup, will fancy their chances against a team who, while they have started to score more freely, remain vulnerable at the back. United have conceded 33 goals in all competitions this season, the most in their opening 20 matches of any campaign since 1962/63. Fixtures Saturday (1500 GMT unless stated) Arsenal v Wolves, Brentford v Luton, Burnley v Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest v Everton (1730), Newcastle v Manchester United (2000) Sunday (1400 unless stated) Bournemouth v Aston Villa, Chelsea v Brighton, Liverpool v Fulham, West Ham v Crystal Palace, Manchester City v Tottenham (1630)

Arsenal plot long stay at Premier League summit, Man City play Tottenham and Newcastle host Man United

Arsenal blasted their way into the last 16 of the Champions League on a freezing night at The Emirates on Wednesday (Nov 29), crushing RC Lens 6-0 with goals from six different players and ensuring they qualify top of Group B.

The home side, back in European football's biggest club competition for the first time in seven years, needed one point to secure themselves a place in the knockout stages of the competition. Instead, they swept Lens off the park to secure all three.

"Today we were really attacking and we played to dominate the game - and we achieved that. Today we were really effective," Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told reporters.

Arsenal have 12 points with four wins from their five games, while Lens, who sit third with five points, can no longer reach the last 16.

Arsenal took the lead in the 13th minute with a scrappy goal from Kai Havertz, their late-goal hero at Brentford on Saturday. As Lens failed to clear their lines the ball fell to Gabriel Jesus on the edge of the box and the Brazilian laid it off to Havertz who prodded it in off Lens keeper Brice Samba from close range.

Jesus doubled the lead eight minutes later, collecting a sideways pass on the edge of the box from Bukayo Saka with his left foot, deftly switching back to his right to send the defenders the wrong way, and burying his shot in the corner.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-united-on-brink-of-another-champions-league-exit-after-galatasaray-fightback-664460">Also read |&nbsp;Manchester United on brink of another Champions League exit after Galatasaray fightback</a>

Saka drove the knife in with a third in the 23rd minute, bundling in a weakly parried ball with his body after a shot by Gabriel Martinelli, who twisted that knife four minutes later with a curled shot that left Lens goalkeeper Samba lunging at thin air.

Some of Lens' disgusted travelling supporters began letting off flares, briefly holding up play.

Gunners captain Martin Odegaard made it five with the last kick of the first half, volleying in a long cross from Takehiro Tomiyasu charging down the right wing.

Lens, last season's Ligue 1 runners-up, stunned Arsenal 2-1 in the reverse fixture, as striker Elye Wahi scored one goal and set up another. But the Frenchman cut a forlorn figure as the mercury dipped in north London.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice sat deep in the second half as the home side defended their huge lead, smothering the visitors' every attempt to find their way into the area.

After a quiet second half, Arsenal were awarded a penalty after a VAR review when Lens' Abdukodir Khusanov stuck out an arm in his own area in the 85th minute and late Arsenal substitute Jorginho slotted the ball home from the spot to complete a miserable night for the visitors.

Arsenal blasted their way into the last 16 of the Champions League on a freezing night at The Emirates on Wednesday (Nov 29), crushing RC Lens 6-0 with goals from six different players and ensuring they qualify top of Group B.

Arsenal blasted their way into the last 16 of the Champions League on a freezing night at The Emirates on Wednesday (Nov 29), crushing RC Lens 6-0 with goals from six different players and ensuring they qualify top of Group B. The home side, back in European football's biggest club competition for the first time in seven years, needed one point to secure themselves a place in the knockout stages of the competition. Instead, they swept Lens off the park to secure all three. "Today we were really attacking and we played to dominate the game - and we achieved that. Today we were really effective," Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told reporters. Arsenal have 12 points with four wins from their five games, while Lens, who sit third with five points, can no longer reach the last 16. Arsenal took the lead in the 13th minute with a scrappy goal from Kai Havertz, their late-goal hero at Brentford on Saturday. As Lens failed to clear their lines the ball fell to Gabriel Jesus on the edge of the box and the Brazilian laid it off to Havertz who prodded it in off Lens keeper Brice Samba from close range. Jesus doubled the lead eight minutes later, collecting a sideways pass on the edge of the box from Bukayo Saka with his left foot, deftly switching back to his right to send the defenders the wrong way, and burying his shot in the corner. Also read | Manchester United on brink of another Champions League exit after Galatasaray fightback Saka drove the knife in with a third in the 23rd minute, bundling in a weakly parried ball with his body after a shot by Gabriel Martinelli, who twisted that knife four minutes later with a curled shot that left Lens goalkeeper Samba lunging at thin air. Some of Lens' disgusted travelling supporters began letting off flares, briefly holding up play. Gunners captain Martin Odegaard made it five with the last kick of the first half, volleying in a long cross from Takehiro Tomiyasu charging down the right wing. Lens, last season's Ligue 1 runners-up, stunned Arsenal 2-1 in the reverse fixture, as striker Elye Wahi scored one goal and set up another. But the Frenchman cut a forlorn figure as the mercury dipped in north London. Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice sat deep in the second half as the home side defended their huge lead, smothering the visitors' every attempt to find their way into the area. After a quiet second half, Arsenal were awarded a penalty after a VAR review when Lens' Abdukodir Khusanov stuck out an arm in his own area in the 85th minute and late Arsenal substitute Jorginho slotted the ball home from the spot to complete a miserable night for the visitors.

Arsenal thunder into Champions League last 16, blasting six past Lens on frigid London night

Mikel Arteta has backed his former club Everton to "fight against anything" after a 10-point deduction for financial breaches left them in the Premier League relegation zone. The Arsenal boss said Friday he still felt "very connected" to the club where he spent six years, playing more than 200 games as a midfielder.

The punishment for Everton for breaking Premier League profitability and sustainability rules means they go into their match against Manchester United on Sunday level on four points with bottom club Burnley. But the nine-time English champions are just two points from safety, thanks to recent wins and the poor form of the other teams at the bottom.

"It's a very difficult moment," said Arteta. "Obviously it puts the club in a difficult position but they have been in many other difficult positions and they always find a way to get out. "If there is a quality that I think describes that club, it is the courage and determination and the fight and they will fight against anything and I wish them the best."

The Spaniard, whose third-placed side travel to Brentford on Saturday, said news of the punishment for Everton last week took him by surprise. "It's a big one in the middle of the season but I don't know the regulation or the whole story inside it so it's difficult for me to comment," he said.

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Arteta was charged earlier this month by England's Football Association over an explosive VAR rant following his side's defeat 1-0 against Newcastle. Howard Webb, chief operating officer at referees body PGMOL, has publicly explained the reason for the decision to allow Antony Gordon's controversial winner.

The Arsenal boss welcomed the open communication. "We want to improve the game, all of us -- referees, managers, officials, owners, sporting directors," he said.&nbsp;

"We all want a better game and to have a better game we have to have freedom of speech, respectfully, in a constructive way but we have to promote that. If not, you don't get there, that's for sure." Saturday's game against Brentford will be Arteta's 200th in charge of Arsenal and the Spaniard, who also played for the Gunners, said he was "very proud" to reach the landmark.

When asked which game was his favourite, he said: "The first one because it's a special moment to have the possibility to become the Arsenal manager. For me it was a dream come true and looking back to that first game it's something really special.&nbsp;"I'm very proud, I'm very grateful. Obviously so many people around that have contributed in a massive way to be here for almost four years."

Mikel Arteta has backed his former club Everton to "fight against anything" after a 10-point deduction for financial breaches left them in the Premier League relegation zone.

Mikel Arteta has backed his former club Everton to "fight against anything" after a 10-point deduction for financial breaches left them in the Premier League relegation zone. The Arsenal boss said Friday he still felt "very connected" to the club where he spent six years, playing more than 200 games as a midfielder. The punishment for Everton for breaking Premier League profitability and sustainability rules means they go into their match against Manchester United on Sunday level on four points with bottom club Burnley. But the nine-time English champions are just two points from safety, thanks to recent wins and the poor form of the other teams at the bottom. "It's a very difficult moment," said Arteta. "Obviously it puts the club in a difficult position but they have been in many other difficult positions and they always find a way to get out. "If there is a quality that I think describes that club, it is the courage and determination and the fight and they will fight against anything and I wish them the best." The Spaniard, whose third-placed side travel to Brentford on Saturday, said news of the punishment for Everton last week took him by surprise. "It's a big one in the middle of the season but I don't know the regulation or the whole story inside it so it's difficult for me to comment," he said. Also Read: WATCH | Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen fails to connect with WR Gabe Davis in OT for winning touchdown vs Eagles Arteta was charged earlier this month by England's Football Association over an explosive VAR rant following his side's defeat 1-0 against Newcastle. Howard Webb, chief operating officer at referees body PGMOL, has publicly explained the reason for the decision to allow Antony Gordon's controversial winner. The Arsenal boss welcomed the open communication. "We want to improve the game, all of us -- referees, managers, officials, owners, sporting directors," he said. "We all want a better game and to have a better game we have to have freedom of speech, respectfully, in a constructive way but we have to promote that. If not, you don't get there, that's for sure." Saturday's game against Brentford will be Arteta's 200th in charge of Arsenal and the Spaniard, who also played for the Gunners, said he was "very proud" to reach the landmark. When asked which game was his favourite, he said: "The first one because it's a special moment to have the possibility to become the Arsenal manager. For me it was a dream come true and looking back to that first game it's something really special. "I'm very proud, I'm very grateful. Obviously so many people around that have contributed in a massive way to be here for almost four years."

Mikel Arteta backs Everton to 'fight against anything' over ten-point deduction in PL financial breaches

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said he stands by his statements, made in the aftermath of the Premier League match against Newcastle last week. Arteta's comment comes after the Football Association (FA) wrote to him and requested his and the club's observations over the VAR call.&nbsp;

Speaking on the eve of his team's Champions League match against Sevilla, Arteta insisted it was his duty to defend the club.

"I reflected very openly how I felt the team played, and how the game was conditioned by the decisions which were made," said Arteta.&nbsp;

"It's my duty to defend my players, support my players, defend my club, support my club, in the best possible way. It's what I'm going to do time after time," he added.&nbsp;

Quizzed if his outburst on the weekend was related solely to events at St James' Park or a build up of decisions, Arteta said: "These things don't happen overnight. When I was that clear and had the evidence for the words I used in the media, it's because I feel strongly about it."

<h2>What happened in the match?</h2>

During the match, in the 64th minute, Joelinton&nbsp;jumped over Gabriel in the Arsenal penalty box which allowed Anthony Gordon to slot the ball past a diving David Raya.&nbsp;

However, during the VAR check, the referees looked at the possibility of the ball having gone out of play, Joelinton fouling Gabriel and Gordon being offside after goalkeeper David Raya came off his line.&nbsp;

After a good four-minute delay, VAR concluded it didn't have conclusive proof to overturn the on-field call. The decision left Arteta fuming as none of the three fouls went his team's way.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-blast-pgmol-over-unfair-var-call-release-hard-hit-statement-after-spurs-defeat-641656">Also read |&nbsp;Premier League: Liverpool blast PGMOL over 'unfair' VAR call, release strong statement after Spurs defeat</a>

<h2>Absolute disgrace: Arteta&nbsp;</h2>

During the post-match interview, a visibly frustrated Arteta pulled no punches and gave the FA and Professional Game Match Officials Limite (PGMOL) his piece of mind.&nbsp;

“Embarrassing, it’s an absolute disgrace, that’s what it is: a disgrace," said Arteta, before adding:&nbsp;“There’s so much at stake, we’ve put in so many hours to compete at the highest level and you cannot imagine the amount of messages we’ve had saying this cannot continue. It’s embarrassing."

The loss had significant ramifications as Arsenal slipped from third spot to fourth, behind Liverpool. With the top-6 teams bunched up and teams losing titles by one point at the end of the season for the last few seasons, every point is critical and that may have triggered Arteta's outburst.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said he stands by his statements, made in the aftermath of the Premier League match against Newcastle last week. Arteta's comment comes after the Football Association (FA) wrote to him and requested his and the club's observations over the VAR call.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said he stands by his statements, made in the aftermath of the Premier League match against Newcastle last week. Arteta's comment comes after the Football Association (FA) wrote to him and requested his and the club's observations over the VAR call. Speaking on the eve of his team's Champions League match against Sevilla, Arteta insisted it was his duty to defend the club. "I reflected very openly how I felt the team played, and how the game was conditioned by the decisions which were made," said Arteta. "It's my duty to defend my players, support my players, defend my club, support my club, in the best possible way. It's what I'm going to do time after time," he added. Quizzed if his outburst on the weekend was related solely to events at St James' Park or a build up of decisions, Arteta said: "These things don't happen overnight. When I was that clear and had the evidence for the words I used in the media, it's because I feel strongly about it." What happened in the match? During the match, in the 64th minute, Joelinton jumped over Gabriel in the Arsenal penalty box which allowed Anthony Gordon to slot the ball past a diving David Raya. However, during the VAR check, the referees looked at the possibility of the ball having gone out of play, Joelinton fouling Gabriel and Gordon being offside after goalkeeper David Raya came off his line. After a good four-minute delay, VAR concluded it didn't have conclusive proof to overturn the on-field call. The decision left Arteta fuming as none of the three fouls went his team's way. Also read | Premier League: Liverpool blast PGMOL over 'unfair' VAR call, release strong statement after Spurs defeat Absolute disgrace: Arteta During the post-match interview, a visibly frustrated Arteta pulled no punches and gave the FA and Professional Game Match Officials Limite (PGMOL) his piece of mind. “Embarrassing, it’s an absolute disgrace, that’s what it is: a disgrace," said Arteta, before adding: “There’s so much at stake, we’ve put in so many hours to compete at the highest level and you cannot imagine the amount of messages we’ve had saying this cannot continue. It’s embarrassing." The loss had significant ramifications as Arsenal slipped from third spot to fourth, behind Liverpool. With the top-6 teams bunched up and teams losing titles by one point at the end of the season for the last few seasons, every point is critical and that may have triggered Arteta's outburst. (With inputs from agencies)

Mikel Arteta refuses to backtrack on his VAR comments as FA writes letter

Arsenal have blasted the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and backed manager Mikel Arteta on Sunday (Nov 5) after their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the Premier League. The contest played at St. James’ Park saw referee Stuart Atwell award a controversial goal which sparked anger for the Gunners manager. The goal would later condemn Arsenal to their first defeat of the Premier League campaign, leaving Tottenham Hotspur as the only side unbeaten in the league.

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<h2>What was the incident?</h2>

In the 64th minute of the match between the two teams, Newcastle were awarded the only goal by the match officials. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR)&nbsp;had a lengthy look at the incident for three main reasons - whether the ball went out of play, a potential foul by Joelinton in the build-up, and an offside on Anthony Gordon. However, upon several checks, the on-field referee and the VAR agreed to award the goal, leaving Arteta furious in the post-match interview.

To support the manager the club released a statement, backing him with full velocity and questioning the standards of refereeing in the league.

"Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta's post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening," the statement read.

"We'd also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James' Park.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches, and supporters, all of whom deserve better. PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on the action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations, and apologies.&nbsp;

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"We support the ongoing efforts of chief refereeing officer, Howard Webb and would welcome working together to achieve the world-class officiating standards our league demands,” the statement further added.

The match also had other controversial decisions that could have seen both sides reduced to 10 men. Kai Havertz was fortunate to have avoided a red card for a reckless lunge at Sean Longstaff before Bruno Guimaraes could have been given his marching orders for an off-the-ball forearm on Jorginho.

Arsenal are now third in the Premier League table and could drop to fourth if Liverpool beat Luton Sunday evening. They have so far won seven Premier League matches while drawing three while they next are in action in the Champions League. Arteta’s side are second in the group behind Lens and will look for a double having beaten Sevilla 2-1 in Spain.

Arsenal have blasted the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and backed manager Mikel Arteta on Sunday (Nov 5) after their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the Premier League.

Arsenal have blasted the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and backed manager Mikel Arteta on Sunday (Nov 5) after their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the Premier League. The contest played at St. James’ Park saw referee Stuart Atwell award a controversial goal which sparked anger for the Gunners manager. The goal would later condemn Arsenal to their first defeat of the Premier League campaign, leaving Tottenham Hotspur as the only side unbeaten in the league. Club statement — Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 5, 2023 × What was the incident? In the 64th minute of the match between the two teams, Newcastle were awarded the only goal by the match officials. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) had a lengthy look at the incident for three main reasons - whether the ball went out of play, a potential foul by Joelinton in the build-up, and an offside on Anthony Gordon. However, upon several checks, the on-field referee and the VAR agreed to award the goal, leaving Arteta furious in the post-match interview. To support the manager the club released a statement, backing him with full velocity and questioning the standards of refereeing in the league. "Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta's post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening," the statement read. "We'd also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James' Park. "The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches, and supporters, all of whom deserve better. PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on the action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations, and apologies. ALSO READ | World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli marks special day with record-equalling knock, joins Tendulkar for most ODI tons "We support the ongoing efforts of chief refereeing officer, Howard Webb and would welcome working together to achieve the world-class officiating standards our league demands,” the statement further added. The match also had other controversial decisions that could have seen both sides reduced to 10 men. Kai Havertz was fortunate to have avoided a red card for a reckless lunge at Sean Longstaff before Bruno Guimaraes could have been given his marching orders for an off-the-ball forearm on Jorginho. Arsenal are now third in the Premier League table and could drop to fourth if Liverpool beat Luton Sunday evening. They have so far won seven Premier League matches while drawing three while they next are in action in the Champions League. Arteta’s side are second in the group behind Lens and will look for a double having beaten Sevilla 2-1 in Spain.

Premier League: Arsenal blast PGMOL for referee controversy in Newcastle game

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was incensed after his side suffered a 1-0 defeat against Newcastle at St. James' Park on Saturday (Nov 5) evening. Arteta labelled the defeat a 'disgrace' after Anthony Gordon's tap-in goal stood despite the Video Assistant&nbsp;Referee (VAR) checking the goal for three possible fouls.&nbsp;

Speaking after the match, Arteta did not hold back and called out VAR and the officials associated with it for not chalking off the goal. Gordon's goal meant that Arsenal suffered their first defeat in the Premier League this season.&nbsp;

“Embarrassing, it’s an absolute disgrace, that’s what it is: a disgrace," said Arteta, before adding:&nbsp;“There’s so much at stake, we’ve put in so many hours to compete at the highest level and you cannot imagine the amount of messages we’ve had saying this cannot continue. It’s embarrassing."

“It’s not acceptable, there’s too much at stake. I don’t want to be in the hands of these people. I don’t know how to feel. I’m wasting my time, we are wasting our time."

With the match evenly poised after a competitive first half, Newcastle drew the first blood in the 64th minute when a cross from near the byline found its way in the six-yard box inside the Arsenal's goal. While Joelinton jumped over Gabriel, the ball ricocheted near Gordon who reacted first and tapped the ball home to gain the victory.&nbsp;

However, during the VAR check, the referees looked at the possibility of the ball having gout of play, Joelinton fouling Gabriel and Gordon being offside after goalkeeper David Raya came off his line.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-blast-pgmol-over-unfair-var-call-release-hard-hit-statement-after-spurs-defeat-641656">Also read |&nbsp;Premier League: Liverpool blast PGMOL over 'unfair' VAR call, release strong statement after Spurs defeat</a>

<h2>Arteta left fuming</h2>

After a good four-minute delay, VAR concluded it didn't have conclusive proof to overturn the on-field call. The decision left Arteta fuming as none of the three fouls went his team's way.&nbsp;

"I've been 20 years in this country and now I feel ashamed. It's a disgrace and there's too much at stake here. We are trying to do incredible things and be at the highest level each week."

With the loss. Arsenal have slipped to third on the points table and could tumble to fourth by the end of the match week if Liverpool manage to beat Luton Town, later on Sunday. VAR, however, has once again become the centre of controversy. In September, Liverpool's Luiz Diaz scored a clear onside goal against Tottenham Hotspur but the goal was not given after the VAR officials made a massive blunder.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was incensed after his side suffered a 1-0 defeat against Newcastle at St. James' Park on Saturday (Nov 5) evening. Arteta labelled the defeat a 'disgrace' after Anthony Gordon's tap-in goal stood despite the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) checking the goal for three possible fouls.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was incensed after his side suffered a 1-0 defeat against Newcastle at St. James' Park on Saturday (Nov 5) evening. Arteta labelled the defeat a 'disgrace' after Anthony Gordon's tap-in goal stood despite the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) checking the goal for three possible fouls. Speaking after the match, Arteta did not hold back and called out VAR and the officials associated with it for not chalking off the goal. Gordon's goal meant that Arsenal suffered their first defeat in the Premier League this season. “Embarrassing, it’s an absolute disgrace, that’s what it is: a disgrace," said Arteta, before adding: “There’s so much at stake, we’ve put in so many hours to compete at the highest level and you cannot imagine the amount of messages we’ve had saying this cannot continue. It’s embarrassing." “It’s not acceptable, there’s too much at stake. I don’t want to be in the hands of these people. I don’t know how to feel. I’m wasting my time, we are wasting our time." With the match evenly poised after a competitive first half, Newcastle drew the first blood in the 64th minute when a cross from near the byline found its way in the six-yard box inside the Arsenal's goal. While Joelinton jumped over Gabriel, the ball ricocheted near Gordon who reacted first and tapped the ball home to gain the victory. However, during the VAR check, the referees looked at the possibility of the ball having gout of play, Joelinton fouling Gabriel and Gordon being offside after goalkeeper David Raya came off his line. Also read | Premier League: Liverpool blast PGMOL over 'unfair' VAR call, release strong statement after Spurs defeat Arteta left fuming After a good four-minute delay, VAR concluded it didn't have conclusive proof to overturn the on-field call. The decision left Arteta fuming as none of the three fouls went his team's way. "I've been 20 years in this country and now I feel ashamed. It's a disgrace and there's too much at stake here. We are trying to do incredible things and be at the highest level each week." With the loss. Arsenal have slipped to third on the points table and could tumble to fourth by the end of the match week if Liverpool manage to beat Luton Town, later on Sunday. VAR, however, has once again become the centre of controversy. In September, Liverpool's Luiz Diaz scored a clear onside goal against Tottenham Hotspur but the goal was not given after the VAR officials made a massive blunder. (With inputs from agencies)

'Absolute disgrace': Mikel Arteta left fuming after dodgy VAR decision goes against Arsenal

Chelsea slumped to another damaging home defeat against Brentford on Saturday (Oct 28) as Eddie Nketiah hit a first Premier League hat-trick in a 5-0 win for Arsenal against struggling Sheffield United.

Chelsea slumped to another damaging home defeat against Brentford on Saturday (Oct 28) as Eddie Nketiah hit a first Premier League hat-trick in a 5-0 win for Arsenal against struggling Sheffield United. Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea appeared to have turned a corner in recent weeks, taking seven points from their three previous fixtures, but their 2-0 loss means they have just one home win from their past 13 games in the league. Ethan Pinnock took advantage of non-existent marking to head the visitors in front shortly before the hour mark at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea had failed to capitalise on their first-half dominance. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was embarrassed in added time after joining his team's attack for a corner, failing to catch Neal Maupay in a race as he broke with the ball, allowing Bryan Mbeumo to score in an empty net to compound home fans' woes. The result means Brentford leapfrog Chelsea into 10th place in the Premier League table, pushing Pochettino's men into the bottom half. "I'm not happy and think the players also and the whole club is not happy about the run (at home)," said the Argentine manager. "It's a long time that we need to be more consistent here and very disappointed with this. We feel the responsibility that we need to change the dynamic." The former Tottenham boss said on Friday that Christopher Nkunku is nearing a comeback from the knee injury that has prevented the $63 million signing making a competitive appearance yet for his new club. On this evidence, the French international's return cannot come soon enough as Chelsea's other new striker, Nicolas Jackson, again failed to fire. "If you don't score, you need to blame ourselves," said Pochettino. "We were not nasty or clinical in front of the goal." Also read | Premier League: Mikel Arteta calls for bigger squads as Arsenal suffer double injury blow Nketiah hat-trick It was a different story for London rivals Arsenal, who roared back from 2-0 down to draw against Chelsea last week to preserve their unbeaten league record. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta shuffled his pack --including dropping captain Martin Odegaard to the bench -- for the visit of bottom club Sheffield United and Nketiah celebrated his recall to the starting line-up in style. Replacing the injured Gabriel Jesus as Arsenal's target man at the Emirates Stadium, Nketiah proved he was up to the task as a swivelled finish gave the home side a 28th-minute lead. The England forward arrowed a shot into the top corner early in the second half and completed his treble with a stunning strike from distance just before the hour mark. Substitutes Fabio Vieira and Takehiro Tomiyasu added gloss to the scoreline with a penalty and a close-range finish as Arsenal moved up to second in the table, two points behind Tottenham, who beat Crystal Palace on Friday. "It's amazing," said Nketiah. "It's not been easy -- last month I lost my auntie so I want to dedicate these three goals to her. Her family was here watching so it is a really special moment." Bournemouth came from behind to beat fellow strugglers Burnley 2-1 and secure their first league win of the season thanks to a fine solo effort from Antoine Semenyo and a sensational lob from distance by Philip Billing late in the game. Newcastle, who have won four of their past five league games, take on Wolves in the late kick-off. High-flying Liverpool host Nottingham Forest on Sunday while champions Manchester City make the short journey to face Manchester United at Old Trafford. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Football: Chelsea stumble again, Arsenal blast 5 past Sheffield United

Mikel Arteta called on the Premier League to consider increasing squad sizes as the Arsenal boss revealed on Friday that Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey could be out of action for several weeks.

Jesus, 26, suffered a suspected hamstring injury in the midweek Champions League win at Sevilla while 30-year-old Partey is absent after sustaining a muscle injury.

"The scan shows that there is a muscle injury (for Jesus) and we might lose him for a few weeks again," Arteta told a press conference.

"With Gabby I cannot give you any timeframe because he always surprises us, but there is something there.

"He felt it in a really awkward action and it's true he's had quite a lot of load in the last few weeks with the national team and then playing those games, which he hasn't done in a long, long time. That's really bad news for us."

Arteta said the club did not yet know the extent of Partey's injury.

"He has more tests today but he picked up that injury in a training session with the last kick of the ball before Sevilla, so very unfortunate," he added.

The Arsenal boss believes expanding squad sizes beyond the current limit of 25 could take the pressure off players.

From next season, every side that qualifies for the Champions League will play at least eight matches, while from 2025 there will be an expanded 32-team Club World Cup.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/odi-world-cup-2023-watch-sad-to-see-says-australia-skipper-pat-cummins-with-smile-on-englands-campaign-651909">ODI World Cup 2023: WATCH | 'Sad to see,' says Australia skipper Pat Cummins with smile on England's campaign</a>

"If we have more games, more competitiveness and physically the standards are higher -- by playing more minutes -- we have to do that (increase the squad size) or instead of five subs, we have 10," he said on the eve of his team's match against bottom club Sheffield United.

"The five subs is now something normal but it was a big fight to go from three to five. I cannot imagine the game in the conditions we are in today after last year and the World Cup without five subs, it would be so difficult.

"If the calendar extends, for sure we would have to think of not dropping the quality. The only way to do it is players have to have certain availability and you need players to pick."

The unbeaten Gunners, last season's runners-up, are third in the Premier League table after nine matches, two points behind leaders Tottenham.

Mikel Arteta called on the Premier League to consider increasing squad sizes as the Arsenal boss revealed on Friday that Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey could be out of action for several weeks.

Mikel Arteta called on the Premier League to consider increasing squad sizes as the Arsenal boss revealed on Friday that Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey could be out of action for several weeks. Jesus, 26, suffered a suspected hamstring injury in the midweek Champions League win at Sevilla while 30-year-old Partey is absent after sustaining a muscle injury. "The scan shows that there is a muscle injury (for Jesus) and we might lose him for a few weeks again," Arteta told a press conference. "With Gabby I cannot give you any timeframe because he always surprises us, but there is something there. "He felt it in a really awkward action and it's true he's had quite a lot of load in the last few weeks with the national team and then playing those games, which he hasn't done in a long, long time. That's really bad news for us." Arteta said the club did not yet know the extent of Partey's injury. "He has more tests today but he picked up that injury in a training session with the last kick of the ball before Sevilla, so very unfortunate," he added. The Arsenal boss believes expanding squad sizes beyond the current limit of 25 could take the pressure off players. From next season, every side that qualifies for the Champions League will play at least eight matches, while from 2025 there will be an expanded 32-team Club World Cup. ALSO READ | ODI World Cup 2023: WATCH | 'Sad to see,' says Australia skipper Pat Cummins with smile on England's campaign "If we have more games, more competitiveness and physically the standards are higher -- by playing more minutes -- we have to do that (increase the squad size) or instead of five subs, we have 10," he said on the eve of his team's match against bottom club Sheffield United. "The five subs is now something normal but it was a big fight to go from three to five. I cannot imagine the game in the conditions we are in today after last year and the World Cup without five subs, it would be so difficult. "If the calendar extends, for sure we would have to think of not dropping the quality. The only way to do it is players have to have certain availability and you need players to pick." The unbeaten Gunners, last season's runners-up, are third in the Premier League table after nine matches, two points behind leaders Tottenham.

Premier League: Mikel Arteta calls for bigger squads as Arsenal suffer double injury blow

Andre Onana's last-gasp penalty save secured a vital Champions League win for Manchester United against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday, while Jude Bellingham scored again for Real Madrid in their victory over Braga.

Elsewhere, Arsenal beat Sevilla in the rain in Spain and Harry Kane was on target as Bayern Munich won a tough assignment against Galatasaray.

Before kick-off at Old Trafford, United held a minute's silence in memory of Bobby Charlton after the Red Devils legend died on Saturday at the age of 86.

They marked the occasion by claiming their first points in Group A as Harry Maguire's 72nd-minute header secured a 1-0 win.

The result keeps alive their chances of advancing to the last 16 but they needed Onana to produce a brilliant save from Jordan Larsson's 97th-minute penalty to see the game out.

The spot-kick was awarded when Scott McTominay caught Mohamed Elyounoussi as he tried to hook a ball clear in the box, but Larsson -- whose father Henrik briefly played for United in 2007 -- could not convert the chance.

"It is incredible and a great night. Especially in the dying second when you concede a penalty, but a brilliant save from Andre Onana," coach Erik ten Hag told broadcaster TNT Sports.

<h2>- Kane nets in Bayern win -</h2>

United are now back in contention to qualify but Bayern look set to run away with the group after making it three wins out of three with a 3-1 victory in Istanbul.

Kingsley Coman's early opener for the German champions was cancelled out by a Mauro Icardi penalty on the half-hour mark.

But Bayern pulled away in the second half, with Kane finishing in the 73rd minute to restore the visitors' lead with his 11th goal in 12 games for his new club.

He then set up Jamal Musiala to wrap up the win.

Bayern have now won 16 consecutive matches in the Champions League group phase and have not lost at this stage in over six years.

"I don't know how many group stage matches I've done as a coach, but it's always super difficult -- so it's great to find ourselves with nine points after three matches," said Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel.

<h2>- 200 up for Ancelotti -</h2>

Madrid, the record 14-time European champions, also have three wins out of three in Group C after Rodrygo and Bellingham scored in a 2-1 victory over Braga in Portugal.

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti was taking charge of his 200th game in the competition and he saw Rodrygo open the scoring on 16 minutes before Bellingham fired in just past the hour mark.

It was the England midfielder's third goal in as many Champions League games for his new club, and his 11th in 12 matches altogether since signing from Borussia Dortmund.

Alvaro Djalo pulled one back for Braga, but Real can secure qualification for the last 16 when they host the Portuguese side next.

Napoli are second in the group after a 1-0 win at Union Berlin, who are still without a point.

Giacomo Raspadori scored the only goal in the second half as the Italian champions won without star striker Victor Osimhen.

<h2>- Arsenal win in Seville -</h2>

In Group B, Arsenal bounced back from losing 2-1 to Lens in France in their last game as they beat Sevilla by the same scoreline on a sodden surface at the Sanchez Pizjuan.

Gabriel Martinelli ran clear to open the scoring in first-half stoppage time and a fantastic strike by Gabriel Jesus made it two.

Nemanja Gudelj pulled one back for Sevilla but last season's Europa League winners have won just twice in 13 games in this campaign.

"There are not many teams to have won here in the last ten years in Europe and we've done it," Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told TNT Sports.

Lens are second, a point behind Arsenal, after coming from behind to draw 1-1 at home to PSV Eindhoven with Elye Wahi cancelling out Johan Bakayoko's opener.

Last season's beaten finalists Inter Milan are joint top of Group D with seven points after defeating Red Bull Salzburg 2-1 at San Siro.

Hakan Calhanoglu’s second-half penalty won it for Inter after Alexis Sanchez's opener was cancelled out by young Israeli Oscar Gloukh.

Real Sociedad are level with Inter thanks to a 1-0 win over Benfica in Lisbon secured by a Brais Mendez goal.

Benfica are still without a point and staring at an early exit. 
 
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Andre Onana's last-gasp penalty save secured a vital Champions League win for Manchester United against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday, while Jude Bellingham scored again for Real Madrid in their victory over Braga.

Andre Onana's last-gasp penalty save secured a vital Champions League win for Manchester United against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday, while Jude Bellingham scored again for Real Madrid in their victory over Braga. Elsewhere, Arsenal beat Sevilla in the rain in Spain and Harry Kane was on target as Bayern Munich won a tough assignment against Galatasaray. Before kick-off at Old Trafford, United held a minute's silence in memory of Bobby Charlton after the Red Devils legend died on Saturday at the age of 86. They marked the occasion by claiming their first points in Group A as Harry Maguire's 72nd-minute header secured a 1-0 win. The result keeps alive their chances of advancing to the last 16 but they needed Onana to produce a brilliant save from Jordan Larsson's 97th-minute penalty to see the game out. The spot-kick was awarded when Scott McTominay caught Mohamed Elyounoussi as he tried to hook a ball clear in the box, but Larsson -- whose father Henrik briefly played for United in 2007 -- could not convert the chance. "It is incredible and a great night. Especially in the dying second when you concede a penalty, but a brilliant save from Andre Onana," coach Erik ten Hag told broadcaster TNT Sports. - Kane nets in Bayern win - United are now back in contention to qualify but Bayern look set to run away with the group after making it three wins out of three with a 3-1 victory in Istanbul. Kingsley Coman's early opener for the German champions was cancelled out by a Mauro Icardi penalty on the half-hour mark. But Bayern pulled away in the second half, with Kane finishing in the 73rd minute to restore the visitors' lead with his 11th goal in 12 games for his new club. He then set up Jamal Musiala to wrap up the win. Bayern have now won 16 consecutive matches in the Champions League group phase and have not lost at this stage in over six years. "I don't know how many group stage matches I've done as a coach, but it's always super difficult -- so it's great to find ourselves with nine points after three matches," said Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel. - 200 up for Ancelotti - Madrid, the record 14-time European champions, also have three wins out of three in Group C after Rodrygo and Bellingham scored in a 2-1 victory over Braga in Portugal. Real coach Carlo Ancelotti was taking charge of his 200th game in the competition and he saw Rodrygo open the scoring on 16 minutes before Bellingham fired in just past the hour mark. It was the England midfielder's third goal in as many Champions League games for his new club, and his 11th in 12 matches altogether since signing from Borussia Dortmund. Alvaro Djalo pulled one back for Braga, but Real can secure qualification for the last 16 when they host the Portuguese side next. Napoli are second in the group after a 1-0 win at Union Berlin, who are still without a point. Giacomo Raspadori scored the only goal in the second half as the Italian champions won without star striker Victor Osimhen. - Arsenal win in Seville - In Group B, Arsenal bounced back from losing 2-1 to Lens in France in their last game as they beat Sevilla by the same scoreline on a sodden surface at the Sanchez Pizjuan. Gabriel Martinelli ran clear to open the scoring in first-half stoppage time and a fantastic strike by Gabriel Jesus made it two. Nemanja Gudelj pulled one back for Sevilla but last season's Europa League winners have won just twice in 13 games in this campaign. "There are not many teams to have won here in the last ten years in Europe and we've done it," Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told TNT Sports. Lens are second, a point behind Arsenal, after coming from behind to draw 1-1 at home to PSV Eindhoven with Elye Wahi cancelling out Johan Bakayoko's opener. Last season's beaten finalists Inter Milan are joint top of Group D with seven points after defeating Red Bull Salzburg 2-1 at San Siro. Hakan Calhanoglu’s second-half penalty won it for Inter after Alexis Sanchez's opener was cancelled out by young Israeli Oscar Gloukh. Real Sociedad are level with Inter thanks to a 1-0 win over Benfica in Lisbon secured by a Brais Mendez goal. Benfica are still without a point and staring at an early exit. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Man Utd claim vital Champions League win, Bellingham strikes again

Fresh off the high of beating treble winners Manchester City, Arsenal have been seemingly dealt a blow as William Saliba pulled out of the France squad for international duty.

Fresh off the high of beating treble winners Manchester City, Arsenal have been seemingly dealt a blow as William Saliba pulled out of the France squad for international duty. The France national team confirmed the defender's absence, stating he was nursing a toe injury and that he will be replaced by Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo. "William Saliba is not able to participate in the gathering of the French team. The Arsenal defender suffers from pain in his right big toe. He will remain available to his club to treat this chronic injury," read the statement. "After speaking with Dr Franck Le Gall, the French team doctor, Didier Deschamps noted William Saliba’s withdrawal and decided to replace him with Jean-Clair Todibo. "The latter is expected at Clairefontaine on Monday at noon, like all the selected players." Saliba was instrumental in his side's 1-0 win against City on Sunday (October 8) in front of a boisterous Emirates crowd. The tall centre-back managed to keep City's goal-scoring machine Erling Haaland quiet and to the extent that the Norweigian did not have a shot on target throughout the game. The victory propelled Arsenal to the top of the points table alongside London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The club will now return to action after the international break and face a resurgent Chelsea. With over a week to go for the encounter, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would hope that his premier defender gets back to full fitness. Saliba - Arsenal's mainstay Ever since the last season, Saliba has been pivotal to Arsenal's chances in the league. In the 27 league games that Saliba started during the title charge, he helped Arsenal keep a clean sheet in 11 of them. However, post his injury, the London-based team could only keep two clean sheets in nine games as Manchester City came from behind to secure a third consecutive title. Last week, Saliba reflected on the injury that forced him to sit out the business end of the last season, which eventually cost his team the title. “Of course, it was really painful because I watched my team play every game, the most important of the season, and I was not able to play. Of course, it hurt me. Of course, I could have helped my team to maybe win the Premier League but we never know," said Saliba. Also read | 'It was really painful...': William Saliba on Arsenal slipping up in title race last season "It was a good experience because we were first for all the season and at the end we finished second. Every game is so important, we try to win every game to win the league. Injuries are part of football and hopefully I won’t be injured.” While Saliba has become a mainstay in the Arsenal squad, he is yet to become a first pick for Deschamps. The likes of Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate are seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Injury to THIS star Arsenal player could derail Arteta's title charge once again

Arsenal ended their eight-year wait for a Premier League win over Manchester City as Gabriel Martinelli's late strike sealed a dramatic 1-0 victory against the champions on Sunday.

After 12 successive league defeats at the hands of Pep Guardiola's men, the Gunners enjoyed a moment of sweet redemption at the Emirates Stadium.

With just four minutes left, Martinelli's shot took a hefty deflection off City defender Nathan Ake, sparking wild celebrations as Arsenal clinched a top-flight success against the treble winners for the first time since December 2015.

Arsenal had beaten City on penalties in the Community Shield in August, but that victory in the curtain-raiser to the domestic season could not be taken as seriously as this potentially crucial result.

It lifted unbeaten Arsenal two points above third-placed City into second place, leaving them behind leaders Tottenham on goals scored.

For the first time since December 2018, City have lost successive league games following their 2-1 defeat at Wolves last weekend.

Add in a League Cup loss against Newcastle and City have been beaten in three of their last four games.

It is a rare sign of vulnerability from a team who started their bid for a fourth successive title by winning the first six games of the season.

Few will expect City to surrender without a fight, but Guardiola has issues to solve as he looks to reinvigorate a squad that may have lost a little hunger after their treble triumph.

There is no lack of appetite for silverware among Arsenal as they try to erase the bitter taste of blowing an eight-point lead late in the season to finish five points behind City in second place.

Guardiola said this week that Arsenal "are back" as long-term challengers to City's domestic supremacy thanks to the astute guidance of his former assistant Arteta.

For once, Guardiola lost the tactical duel with his protege as Arteta's substitutions proved decisive and gave the title race an early plot twist.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/odi-world-cup-2023-ravi-ashwin-picked-gill-miss-out-as-australia-bat-first-against-india-in-chennai-643969">ODI World Cup 2023: Ravi Ashwin picked, Gill miss out as Australia bat first against India in Chennai</a>

<h2>Arteta masterstroke</h2>

City nearly took the lead inside five minutes when Josko Gvardiol's lunging effort was headed off the line by Declan Rice after Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya misjudged a cross.

With Arsenal failing to clear the danger after that narrow escape, City's Nathan Ake should scored from close range, but the defender wastefully fired over.

For the second time in the opening 20 minutes, Raya almost gifted City a goal as he took too long to deal with Gabriel's back-pass, allowing Julian Alvarez to close the 'keeper down and deflect his panicked clearance inches wide.

Eddie Nketiah tried to ease Arsenal's stress when he cut inside the City area and curled wide of the far post.

Frantically waving his arms to the crowd, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard raised the decibel levels before Mateo Kovacic brought the atmosphere to boiling point.

Crunching through the back of Odegaard's ankle, Kovacic earned a booking after a VAR check for a potential red card.

If Arteta felt aggrieved that Kovacic wasn't sent off for that challenge, the Gunners boss was apoplectic moments later after the Croatian avoided a second yellow card after chopping down Rice.

Following their tepid first half, Arsenal were the more forceful side after the break.

Martinelli, a half-time substitute, forced Ederson to save at his near post after sprinting onto Rice's pass.

Frustrated by City's disjointed display, Guardiola sent on John Stones, Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes, but the changes failed to produce the desired impact.

But Arteta countered by introducing Thomas Partey and Kai Havertz in a move that proved a masterstroke.

City looked content for a point as the half wore on with few chances, but Arsenal kept pressing and finally made the breakthrough in the 86th minute.

Partey's long pass reached Havertz and he laid the ball off to Martinelli on the edge of the area, where the Brazilian smashed a fierce strike that took a wicked deflection off Ake as it flashed past the wrong-footed Ederson.

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Arsenal ended their eight-year wait for a Premier League win over Manchester City as Gabriel Martinelli's late strike sealed a dramatic 1-0 victory against the champions on Sunday.

Arsenal ended their eight-year wait for a Premier League win over Manchester City as Gabriel Martinelli's late strike sealed a dramatic 1-0 victory against the champions on Sunday. After 12 successive league defeats at the hands of Pep Guardiola's men, the Gunners enjoyed a moment of sweet redemption at the Emirates Stadium. With just four minutes left, Martinelli's shot took a hefty deflection off City defender Nathan Ake, sparking wild celebrations as Arsenal clinched a top-flight success against the treble winners for the first time since December 2015. Arsenal had beaten City on penalties in the Community Shield in August, but that victory in the curtain-raiser to the domestic season could not be taken as seriously as this potentially crucial result. It lifted unbeaten Arsenal two points above third-placed City into second place, leaving them behind leaders Tottenham on goals scored. For the first time since December 2018, City have lost successive league games following their 2-1 defeat at Wolves last weekend. Add in a League Cup loss against Newcastle and City have been beaten in three of their last four games. It is a rare sign of vulnerability from a team who started their bid for a fourth successive title by winning the first six games of the season. Few will expect City to surrender without a fight, but Guardiola has issues to solve as he looks to reinvigorate a squad that may have lost a little hunger after their treble triumph. There is no lack of appetite for silverware among Arsenal as they try to erase the bitter taste of blowing an eight-point lead late in the season to finish five points behind City in second place. Guardiola said this week that Arsenal "are back" as long-term challengers to City's domestic supremacy thanks to the astute guidance of his former assistant Arteta. For once, Guardiola lost the tactical duel with his protege as Arteta's substitutions proved decisive and gave the title race an early plot twist. ALSO READ | ODI World Cup 2023: Ravi Ashwin picked, Gill miss out as Australia bat first against India in Chennai Arteta masterstroke City nearly took the lead inside five minutes when Josko Gvardiol's lunging effort was headed off the line by Declan Rice after Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya misjudged a cross. With Arsenal failing to clear the danger after that narrow escape, City's Nathan Ake should scored from close range, but the defender wastefully fired over. For the second time in the opening 20 minutes, Raya almost gifted City a goal as he took too long to deal with Gabriel's back-pass, allowing Julian Alvarez to close the 'keeper down and deflect his panicked clearance inches wide. Eddie Nketiah tried to ease Arsenal's stress when he cut inside the City area and curled wide of the far post. Frantically waving his arms to the crowd, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard raised the decibel levels before Mateo Kovacic brought the atmosphere to boiling point. Crunching through the back of Odegaard's ankle, Kovacic earned a booking after a VAR check for a potential red card. If Arteta felt aggrieved that Kovacic wasn't sent off for that challenge, the Gunners boss was apoplectic moments later after the Croatian avoided a second yellow card after chopping down Rice. Following their tepid first half, Arsenal were the more forceful side after the break. Martinelli, a half-time substitute, forced Ederson to save at his near post after sprinting onto Rice's pass. Frustrated by City's disjointed display, Guardiola sent on John Stones, Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes, but the changes failed to produce the desired impact. But Arteta countered by introducing Thomas Partey and Kai Havertz in a move that proved a masterstroke. City looked content for a point as the half wore on with few chances, but Arsenal kept pressing and finally made the breakthrough in the 86th minute. Partey's long pass reached Havertz and he laid the ball off to Martinelli on the edge of the area, where the Brazilian smashed a fierce strike that took a wicked deflection off Ake as it flashed past the wrong-footed Ederson. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Premier League: Gabriel Martinelli strikes late as Arsenal end City curse

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted for the first time that his club wanted to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United over the summer, adding that he would be judged if the club matched Arsena's offer. During the transfer window, City made a few overtures towards the midfielder before Arsenal swooped in and prized out the Englishman.&nbsp;

Guardiola's admission, ahead of the big Premier League encounter against Arsenal highlights the pedigree of Rice who is being regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders currently plying their trade in Europe.&nbsp;

“For sure everybody knows City wanted him, we wanted him. He could play not just when Rodri could not," said Guardiola, referring to the absence of Rodri who has been suspended due to the red card.&nbsp;

''At the end, Arsenal pushed more and wanted him more, maybe Arteta was more convincing than me, or the club itself,” he added.&nbsp;

The Spaniard expounded that the club would have been lambasted if they went into a bidding war with Arsenal.&nbsp;

“Normally when City spend this amount of money it is crazy. When others spend it, then it is how smart they are. That happens. But I am not denying anyone can do whatever they want. I never judge what the others do," said Pep.&nbsp;

“We are judged all the time, but it is fine. If we were in the middle of the table that wouldn’t happen, we would not be a problem or under scrutiny from the rest."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-was-really-painful-william-saliba-on-arsenal-slipping-up-in-title-race-last-season-643033">Also read | 'It was really painful...': William Saliba on Arsenal slipping up in title race last season</a>

<h2>Arsenal vs Man City&nbsp;</h2>

Currently, City sit second on the points table, having won six games and lost one. Meanwhile, Arsenal are on the third spot and remain only the second team to have an unbeaten record so far. However, they will be coming into the contest after suffering a shock 1-2 defeat against Ligue 1 side Lens in the Champions League on Tuesday (October 3).&nbsp;

The last time City visited the Emirates, Arsenal had to endure a harrowing 3-1 defeat after Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring in the 24th minute, capitalising on an error from Takehiro Tomiyasu.&nbsp;

Ahead of the match, the biggest concern for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains the injury of Bukayo Saka. The talented right-winger was taken off the pitch in the 34th minute against Lens and his absence could have a sizeable say in the outcome of the contest. Although Arteta has given hope to Gunners' fans that Saka remains in 'contention' for the match.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted for the first time that his club wanted to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United over the summer, adding that he would be judged if the club matched Arsena's offer.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted for the first time that his club wanted to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United over the summer, adding that he would be judged if the club matched Arsena's offer. During the transfer window, City made a few overtures towards the midfielder before Arsenal swooped in and prized out the Englishman. Guardiola's admission, ahead of the big Premier League encounter against Arsenal highlights the pedigree of Rice who is being regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders currently plying their trade in Europe. “For sure everybody knows City wanted him, we wanted him. He could play not just when Rodri could not," said Guardiola, referring to the absence of Rodri who has been suspended due to the red card. ''At the end, Arsenal pushed more and wanted him more, maybe Arteta was more convincing than me, or the club itself,” he added. The Spaniard expounded that the club would have been lambasted if they went into a bidding war with Arsenal. “Normally when City spend this amount of money it is crazy. When others spend it, then it is how smart they are. That happens. But I am not denying anyone can do whatever they want. I never judge what the others do," said Pep. “We are judged all the time, but it is fine. If we were in the middle of the table that wouldn’t happen, we would not be a problem or under scrutiny from the rest." Also read | 'It was really painful...': William Saliba on Arsenal slipping up in title race last season Arsenal vs Man City Currently, City sit second on the points table, having won six games and lost one. Meanwhile, Arsenal are on the third spot and remain only the second team to have an unbeaten record so far. However, they will be coming into the contest after suffering a shock 1-2 defeat against Ligue 1 side Lens in the Champions League on Tuesday (October 3). The last time City visited the Emirates, Arsenal had to endure a harrowing 3-1 defeat after Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring in the 24th minute, capitalising on an error from Takehiro Tomiyasu. Ahead of the match, the biggest concern for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains the injury of Bukayo Saka. The talented right-winger was taken off the pitch in the 34th minute against Lens and his absence could have a sizeable say in the outcome of the contest. Although Arteta has given hope to Gunners' fans that Saka remains in 'contention' for the match. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pep Guardiola says Man City would have been judged if they spent as much money as Arsenal did on Declan Rice

The Israel-Hamas conflict, a long-standing influence on stability in the Middle East, hinges significantly on Hamas' access to diverse weaponry. In view of the recent surprise attack by the Hamas in Israel, by launching thousands of rockets, arms being used by its terrorists who have infiltrated and taken soldiers and civilians hostage, it&nbsp;becomes pivotal to understand the&nbsp;numerous arms supply routes, including ship-to-shore transfers, and clandestine channels from Iran and Syria. The most important question that arises is:&nbsp;"From where does Hamas gets its so many weapons?"

<h2>Post-2005 shift</h2>

A pivotal shift occurred in 2005 when Israel withdrew from Gaza, enabling Hamas to establish a covert supply line with Iran and Syria, bolstering its weapons arsenal. Despite Israel's interception of a 2007 shipment of Fajr-5 rockets destined for Hamas via Sudan, ship-to-shore smuggling, a thriving black market, and the dominance of rocket weaponry ensured a steady flow of arms, according to the Co-operation of Worldwide Broadcast (CooPWB).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-shielding-skies-with-iron-dome-defence-system-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work-643921">Israel shielding skies with Iron Dome defence system. What is it and how does it work?</a>

<h2>Sea-based smuggling</h2>

Historically, a significant proportion of Hamas's weaponry arrived via sea, where sealed capsules containing arms are dropped off Gaza's coast, known as "ship-to-shore transfer." This method, despite the risks posed by the Israeli naval presence, allows Hamas to bypass official border controls, facilitating a continuous supply of substantial weapon caches.

<h2>Secret tunnel network</h2>

Following Israel's 2005 Gaza withdrawal, Hamas established a covert supply route with Iran and Syria through an intricate tunnel network beneath the Egypt-Gaza border, remaining largely hidden from the international community.

Foreign sources of weapons

While Hamas maintains close alliance&nbsp;with Iran and Syria, it has also procured arms, including Fajr-3, Fajr-5, and M302 rockets, from foreign sources. This diversity in sourcing enhances Hamas's capacity to engage in conflicts.

Also watch |&nbsp;Hamas attack lays bare intelligence gaps

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<h2>Dominance of rocket weaponry</h2>

Rocket weaponry holds paramount importance for Palestinian factions, particularly Hamas, as it enables cost-effective and relatively straightforward long-distance strikes. The 2014 Gaza War witnessed over 4,500 rockets fired at Israel by Hamas, underscoring their significance.

Unveiling the intricate supply chain for Hamas's weaponry is a challenging task, involving various actors such as smugglers, shippers, and financiers, each contributing to the continuous flow of arms. Both Israel and Hamas adapt constantly, rendering the weapons procurement process an ever-evolving landscape.

Hamas's weapon procurement methods are multifaceted and adaptable, encompassing ship-to-shore smuggling, covert alliances with Iran and Syria, and involvement in the black market. Rocket weaponry remains a potent element of Hamas'&nbsp;arsenal.&nbsp;

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The Israel-Hamas conflict, a long-standing influence on stability in the Middle East, hinges significantly on Hamas' access to diverse weaponry. In view of the recent surprise attack by the Hamas in Israel, by launching thousands of rockets, arms being used by its terrorists who have infiltrated and taken soldiers and civilians hostage, it becomes pivotal to understand the numerous arms supply routes, including ship-to-shore transfers, and clandestine channels from Iran and Syria.

The Israel-Hamas conflict, a long-standing influence on stability in the Middle East, hinges significantly on Hamas' access to diverse weaponry. In view of the recent surprise attack by the Hamas in Israel, by launching thousands of rockets, arms being used by its terrorists who have infiltrated and taken soldiers and civilians hostage, it becomes pivotal to understand the numerous arms supply routes, including ship-to-shore transfers, and clandestine channels from Iran and Syria. The most important question that arises is: "From where does Hamas gets its so many weapons?" Post-2005 shift A pivotal shift occurred in 2005 when Israel withdrew from Gaza, enabling Hamas to establish a covert supply line with Iran and Syria, bolstering its weapons arsenal. Despite Israel's interception of a 2007 shipment of Fajr-5 rockets destined for Hamas via Sudan, ship-to-shore smuggling, a thriving black market, and the dominance of rocket weaponry ensured a steady flow of arms, according to the Co-operation of Worldwide Broadcast (CooPWB). Also read | Israel shielding skies with Iron Dome defence system. What is it and how does it work? Sea-based smuggling Historically, a significant proportion of Hamas's weaponry arrived via sea, where sealed capsules containing arms are dropped off Gaza's coast, known as "ship-to-shore transfer." This method, despite the risks posed by the Israeli naval presence, allows Hamas to bypass official border controls, facilitating a continuous supply of substantial weapon caches. Secret tunnel network Following Israel's 2005 Gaza withdrawal, Hamas established a covert supply route with Iran and Syria through an intricate tunnel network beneath the Egypt-Gaza border, remaining largely hidden from the international community. Foreign sources of weapons While Hamas maintains close alliance with Iran and Syria, it has also procured arms, including Fajr-3, Fajr-5, and M302 rockets, from foreign sources. This diversity in sourcing enhances Hamas's capacity to engage in conflicts. Also watch | Hamas attack lays bare intelligence gaps Dominance of rocket weaponry Rocket weaponry holds paramount importance for Palestinian factions, particularly Hamas, as it enables cost-effective and relatively straightforward long-distance strikes. The 2014 Gaza War witnessed over 4,500 rockets fired at Israel by Hamas, underscoring their significance. Unveiling the intricate supply chain for Hamas's weaponry is a challenging task, involving various actors such as smugglers, shippers, and financiers, each contributing to the continuous flow of arms. Both Israel and Hamas adapt constantly, rendering the weapons procurement process an ever-evolving landscape. Hamas's weapon procurement methods are multifaceted and adaptable, encompassing ship-to-shore smuggling, covert alliances with Iran and Syria, and involvement in the black market. Rocket weaponry remains a potent element of Hamas' arsenal. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

From where does Hamas acquire its weapons? Understanding the sources and transit routes

Arsenal defender William Saliba has revealed it was "really painful"&nbsp;to watch his team lose out on the Premier League title after he suffered an injury that forced him to sit out the business end of the league last season.&nbsp;

Saliba, regarded as the next big defender of his generation, often drawing comparisons to Liverpool's Virgil Van Dijk for similar playing styles, was the mainstay for his side throughout the title run. However, his absence had a catastrophic effect on the team's performance as Arsenal slipped&nbsp;from the number one spot.&nbsp;

“Of course, it was really painful because I watched my team play every game, the most important of the season, and I was not able to play. Of course, it hurt me. Of course, I could have helped my team to maybe win the Premier League but we never know," said Saliba.&nbsp;

"It was a good experience because we were first for all the season and at the end we finished second. Every game is so important, we try to win every game to win the league. Injuries are part of football and hopefully I won’t be injured.”

<h2>Arsenal's defensive record without Saliba</h2>

In the 27 league games that Saliba started, he helped Arsenal keep a clean sheet in 11 of them. Post his injury the London-based team could only keep two clean sheets in nine games as Manchester City came from behind to secure a third consecutive title.&nbsp;

Saliba's statement comes days ahead of his side's all-important tie against City. The Gunners currently have the wood on City, having beaten them once already this season, winning the Community Shield via penalties, after scoring at the death to equalise the game.

The match on the weekend, scheduled to take place at the Emirates Stadium will be an opportunity for Arsenal to pip their rivals and go top of the table.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-inter-fans-are-distributing-50000-whistles-ahead-of-lukakus-visit-to-san-siro-642904">Also read |&nbsp;Why are Inter fans distributing 50,000 whistles ahead of Lukaku's visit to San Siro?</a>

Currently, City are at the top of the table, having won six games and lost one. Meanwhile, Arsenal are on the third spot and remain only the second team to have an unbeaten record so far. However, they will be coming into the contest after suffering a shock 1-2 defeat against Ligue 1 side Lens in the Champions League on Tuesday (October 3).&nbsp;

The last time City visited the Emirates, Arsenal had to endure a harrowing 3-1 defeat after Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring in the 24th minute, capitalising on an error from Takehiro Tomiyasu.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Arsenal defender William Saliba has revealed it was "really painful" to watch his team lose out on the Premier League title after he suffered an injury that forced him to sit out the business end of the league last season.

Arsenal defender William Saliba has revealed it was "really painful" to watch his team lose out on the Premier League title after he suffered an injury that forced him to sit out the business end of the league last season. Saliba, regarded as the next big defender of his generation, often drawing comparisons to Liverpool's Virgil Van Dijk for similar playing styles, was the mainstay for his side throughout the title run. However, his absence had a catastrophic effect on the team's performance as Arsenal slipped from the number one spot. “Of course, it was really painful because I watched my team play every game, the most important of the season, and I was not able to play. Of course, it hurt me. Of course, I could have helped my team to maybe win the Premier League but we never know," said Saliba. "It was a good experience because we were first for all the season and at the end we finished second. Every game is so important, we try to win every game to win the league. Injuries are part of football and hopefully I won’t be injured.” Arsenal's defensive record without Saliba In the 27 league games that Saliba started, he helped Arsenal keep a clean sheet in 11 of them. Post his injury the London-based team could only keep two clean sheets in nine games as Manchester City came from behind to secure a third consecutive title. Saliba's statement comes days ahead of his side's all-important tie against City. The Gunners currently have the wood on City, having beaten them once already this season, winning the Community Shield via penalties, after scoring at the death to equalise the game. The match on the weekend, scheduled to take place at the Emirates Stadium will be an opportunity for Arsenal to pip their rivals and go top of the table. Also read | Why are Inter fans distributing 50,000 whistles ahead of Lukaku's visit to San Siro? Currently, City are at the top of the table, having won six games and lost one. Meanwhile, Arsenal are on the third spot and remain only the second team to have an unbeaten record so far. However, they will be coming into the contest after suffering a shock 1-2 defeat against Ligue 1 side Lens in the Champions League on Tuesday (October 3). The last time City visited the Emirates, Arsenal had to endure a harrowing 3-1 defeat after Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring in the 24th minute, capitalising on an error from Takehiro Tomiyasu. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'It was really painful...': William Saliba on Arsenal slipping up in title race last season

Manchester United crashed to a second successive&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;defeat on Tuesday, losing 3-2 at home to Galatasaray, while Lens stunned Arsenal and Jude Bellingham once again inspired Real Madrid.

Mauro Icardi made amends for a missed penalty by scoring the winner for Galatasaray as the Turkish club twice came from behind at Old Trafford to pile more misery onto a deeply troubled United side.

United have lost their first two games of a&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;group for the first time, leaving Erik ten Hag's men in &nbsp;danger of an early exit.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-ten-hag-urges-manchester-united-to-stick-together-amid-crisis-642332">Football: Ten Hag urges Manchester United to stick together amid crisis</a>

"The mental errors we make, you cannot allow them at this level. You get punished. This is difficult to control," Ten Hag told TNT Sports.

"We are all in this together. We were twice up and in control of the game. We expect more together."

Rasmus Hojlund was one of the rare bright spots for United, scoring two well-taken goals, but Galatasaray responded both times as Wilfried Zaha netted against his old side before Kerem Akturkoglu struck.

Icardi dragged a penalty wide after Casemiro was sent off for a desperate lunge following a dreadful ball out from goalkeeper Andre Onana, but the Argentine had the last laugh when he chipped home on 81 minutes.

United are bottom of Group A, six points adrift of Bayern Munich who came from behind to beat FC Copenhagen 2-1 in Denmark.

Lukas Lerager fired the Danes ahead early in the second half, but Jamal Musiala bagged a superb individual goal to haul Bayern level before teenage substitute Mathys Tel lashed in a fine strike late on.

<h2>Arsenal lose Saka</h2>

Arsenal slumped to a first defeat of the season as Lens hit back to win 2-1 in northern France.

Gabriel Jesus gave Mikel Arteta's side an ideal start when he opened the scoring in the 14th minute to silence a raucous Stade Bollaert.

Adrien Thomasson soon brought last season's Ligue 1 runners-up level and the visitors saw Bukayo Saka limp off before half-time.

Wahi, the 20-year-old striker who became Lens' club-record signing when he joined at the start of the campaign, then fired home in the 69th minute and his side held on for a famous victory.

"It was a big night for us. We weren't able to take the result we wanted but we were able to learn," said Arteta.

Lens climbed to the top of Group B on four points, one above Arsenal.

PSV Eindhoven snatched a 2-2 draw at home against Sevilla in the other game in the group courtesy of Jordan Teze's stoppage-time equaliser after a late flurry of goals in the Netherlands.

England star Bellingham continued his sensational start to his Madrid career with a goal and an assist as Carlo Ancelotti's side beat Napoli 3-2 in Group C.

"What's so amazing about Bellingham is that he's only 20. He has great quality, a strong personality and character," Ancelotti told Sky Sport.&nbsp;

"He's a young man of 20 who's showing everyone what extraordinary talent he has."&nbsp;

Leo Ostigard headed Napoli in front but Bellingham set up Vinicius Junior to level before the England midfielder's brilliant run and finish put the Spaniards on top.

Piotr Zielinski converted a penalty to level for Napoli at the start of the second half but an unfortunate own goal from home goalkeeper Alex Meret handed Madrid victory.

Federico Valverde's thunderous drive from distance crashed back off the bar and hit Meret before bouncing back into the goal.

Braga ruined Union Berlin's home debut in the competition as Andre Castro struck a stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 victory.&nbsp;

Union were two goals ahead after Sheraldo Becker's brace but Sikou Niakate pulled one back before Bruma curled in a brilliant equaliser from 25 metres.

Castro broke Union hearts with a low strike from outside the area to give Braga their first points in their first&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;appearance since 2012.

Marcus Thuram struck the only goal as Inter Milan won 1-0 at home to Benfica in Group D. Inter are level on four points with Real Sociedad, who beat Salzburg 2-0 earlier in the day in Austria.

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Manchester United crashed to a second successive Champions League defeat on Tuesday, losing 3-2 at home to Galatasaray, while Lens stunned Arsenal and Jude Bellingham once again inspired Real Madrid.

Manchester United crashed to a second successive Champions League defeat on Tuesday, losing 3-2 at home to Galatasaray, while Lens stunned Arsenal and Jude Bellingham once again inspired Real Madrid. Mauro Icardi made amends for a missed penalty by scoring the winner for Galatasaray as the Turkish club twice came from behind at Old Trafford to pile more misery onto a deeply troubled United side. United have lost their first two games of a Champions League group for the first time, leaving Erik ten Hag's men in danger of an early exit. Also Read: Football: Ten Hag urges Manchester United to stick together amid crisis "The mental errors we make, you cannot allow them at this level. You get punished. This is difficult to control," Ten Hag told TNT Sports. "We are all in this together. We were twice up and in control of the game. We expect more together." Rasmus Hojlund was one of the rare bright spots for United, scoring two well-taken goals, but Galatasaray responded both times as Wilfried Zaha netted against his old side before Kerem Akturkoglu struck. Icardi dragged a penalty wide after Casemiro was sent off for a desperate lunge following a dreadful ball out from goalkeeper Andre Onana, but the Argentine had the last laugh when he chipped home on 81 minutes. United are bottom of Group A, six points adrift of Bayern Munich who came from behind to beat FC Copenhagen 2-1 in Denmark. Lukas Lerager fired the Danes ahead early in the second half, but Jamal Musiala bagged a superb individual goal to haul Bayern level before teenage substitute Mathys Tel lashed in a fine strike late on. Arsenal lose Saka Arsenal slumped to a first defeat of the season as Lens hit back to win 2-1 in northern France. Gabriel Jesus gave Mikel Arteta's side an ideal start when he opened the scoring in the 14th minute to silence a raucous Stade Bollaert. Adrien Thomasson soon brought last season's Ligue 1 runners-up level and the visitors saw Bukayo Saka limp off before half-time. Wahi, the 20-year-old striker who became Lens' club-record signing when he joined at the start of the campaign, then fired home in the 69th minute and his side held on for a famous victory. "It was a big night for us. We weren't able to take the result we wanted but we were able to learn," said Arteta. Lens climbed to the top of Group B on four points, one above Arsenal. PSV Eindhoven snatched a 2-2 draw at home against Sevilla in the other game in the group courtesy of Jordan Teze's stoppage-time equaliser after a late flurry of goals in the Netherlands. England star Bellingham continued his sensational start to his Madrid career with a goal and an assist as Carlo Ancelotti's side beat Napoli 3-2 in Group C. "What's so amazing about Bellingham is that he's only 20. He has great quality, a strong personality and character," Ancelotti told Sky Sport. "He's a young man of 20 who's showing everyone what extraordinary talent he has." Leo Ostigard headed Napoli in front but Bellingham set up Vinicius Junior to level before the England midfielder's brilliant run and finish put the Spaniards on top. Piotr Zielinski converted a penalty to level for Napoli at the start of the second half but an unfortunate own goal from home goalkeeper Alex Meret handed Madrid victory. Federico Valverde's thunderous drive from distance crashed back off the bar and hit Meret before bouncing back into the goal. Braga ruined Union Berlin's home debut in the competition as Andre Castro struck a stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 victory. Union were two goals ahead after Sheraldo Becker's brace but Sikou Niakate pulled one back before Bruma curled in a brilliant equaliser from 25 metres. Castro broke Union hearts with a low strike from outside the area to give Braga their first points in their first Champions League appearance since 2012. Marcus Thuram struck the only goal as Inter Milan won 1-0 at home to Benfica in Group D. Inter are level on four points with Real Sociedad, who beat Salzburg 2-0 earlier in the day in Austria. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Champions League: Real Madrid edge Napoli, Arsenal lose Saka in loss against Lens

Ligue 1, the French top-division football league on Tuesday (October 3) mocked Arsenal after the English club lost its Champions League encounter against Lens 2-1 on Tuesday at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.&nbsp;

Lens came from behind to beat the Gunners in front of a boisterous home crowd. Arsenal, who had been unbeaten since the start of the season, suffered their first defeat, despite bossing the field for the majority of the game.&nbsp;

Soon after the defeat, Ligue 1 took up the opportunity and mocked the unners by posting a photo of&nbsp;Adrien Thomasson celebrating the goal and captioned it as saying:&nbsp;"Farmers League Strikes Again."

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FARMERS LEAGUE STRIKES AGAIN 🇫🇷🗣️ <a href="https://t.co/zZfJ0CIpfi">pic.twitter.com/zZfJ0CIpfi</a>
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ligue1_ENG/status/1709311080349237500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>What does the jibe mean?</h2>

Notably, it was in reference to the derogatory jibes thrown around by fans, who consider Ligue 1 as a weak league and thus refer to it as a "Farmers league'. The jibe suggests that those playing in the league have taken up farming as their day job and then play football in the evening.&nbsp;

In European football, the 'top five leagues' comprise the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1.&nbsp;

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<h2>Arteta worried&nbsp;about Saka's injury&nbsp;</h2>

After the loss, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta talked straight and said his side dominated the game but failed to capitalise on the chances.&nbsp;

"There’s no point having excuses. We knew it was going to be a tough match. We were in total control and then one isolated situation we conceded," said Arteta.&nbsp;

"Then we conceded 2-1. The difference between today and PSV is clear. We had four or five big chances and we put them away. Today we weren't good enough in the boxes."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-real-madrid-edge-napoli-arsenal-lose-saka-in-loss-against-lens-642338">Also read |&nbsp;Champions League: Real Madrid edge Napoli, Arsenal lose Saka in loss against Lens</a>

Despite the loss, it was the injury of Arsenal's star forward Bukayo Saka that had the fans worried most. The winger was forced to go off the field in the 34th minute after developing a muscular problem.&nbsp;

"We don't know anything more.&nbsp;It was big enough not to allow him to continue to play the game and that's a worry for us," said the Spanish manager.&nbsp;

"Asked if he had hurried Saka into the squad, Arteta replied in negative.&nbsp;No. It was a knock that he had the other day and he was perfectly fine."

"It was a backheel, an action that can produce that kind of injury. He tried to backheel a ball in the first half and felt something muscular. He felt uncomfortable to carry on so we had to take him off."

Arsenal would hope that Saka's absence does not derail their Premier League campaign as they square up against champions Manchester City over the weekend.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ligue 1, the French top-division football league on Tuesday (October 3) mocked Arsenal after the English club lost its Champions League encounter against Lens 2-1 on Tuesday at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

Ligue 1, the French top-division football league on Tuesday (October 3) mocked Arsenal after the English club lost its Champions League encounter against Lens 2-1 on Tuesday at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Lens came from behind to beat the Gunners in front of a boisterous home crowd. Arsenal, who had been unbeaten since the start of the season, suffered their first defeat, despite bossing the field for the majority of the game. Soon after the defeat, Ligue 1 took up the opportunity and mocked the unners by posting a photo of Adrien Thomasson celebrating the goal and captioned it as saying: "Farmers League Strikes Again." FARMERS LEAGUE STRIKES AGAIN 🇫🇷🗣️ pic.twitter.com/zZfJ0CIpfi — Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) October 3, 2023 × What does the jibe mean? Notably, it was in reference to the derogatory jibes thrown around by fans, who consider Ligue 1 as a weak league and thus refer to it as a "Farmers league'. The jibe suggests that those playing in the league have taken up farming as their day job and then play football in the evening. In European football, the 'top five leagues' comprise the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1. Watch | ICC World Cup 2023: 1996 WC-winning coach Dav Whatmore picks game-changers for WC × Arteta worried about Saka's injury After the loss, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta talked straight and said his side dominated the game but failed to capitalise on the chances. "There’s no point having excuses. We knew it was going to be a tough match. We were in total control and then one isolated situation we conceded," said Arteta. "Then we conceded 2-1. The difference between today and PSV is clear. We had four or five big chances and we put them away. Today we weren't good enough in the boxes." Also read | Champions League: Real Madrid edge Napoli, Arsenal lose Saka in loss against Lens Despite the loss, it was the injury of Arsenal's star forward Bukayo Saka that had the fans worried most. The winger was forced to go off the field in the 34th minute after developing a muscular problem. "We don't know anything more. It was big enough not to allow him to continue to play the game and that's a worry for us," said the Spanish manager. "Asked if he had hurried Saka into the squad, Arteta replied in negative. No. It was a knock that he had the other day and he was perfectly fine." "It was a backheel, an action that can produce that kind of injury. He tried to backheel a ball in the first half and felt something muscular. He felt uncomfortable to carry on so we had to take him off." Arsenal would hope that Saka's absence does not derail their Premier League campaign as they square up against champions Manchester City over the weekend. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Champions League: Ligue 1 brutally mocks Arsenal following defeat against Lens

Bukayo Saka has joined Arsenal's growing injury list after Mikel Arteta revealed the England forward is struggling with a foot problem.

Saka limped off in the closing stages of Sunday's 2-2 draw against north London rivals Tottenham. The 22-year-old will definitely miss Arsenal's League Cup third round tie at Brentford on Wednesday and could also be sidelined for Saturday's Premier League game against Bournemouth.

If Saka is unable to feature this weekend, it will end his club-record run of 86 consecutive Premier League appearances.

"He was limping quite badly after the match. We had to get him off the field, which is never a good sign. He hasn't been able to participate in the session," Arteta told reporters on Tuesday.

Asked if he could miss the Bournemouth game, Arteta added: "It's a possibility, yes."

Saka is the latest Arsenal star to catch the injury bug after England midfielder Declan Rice was replaced at half-time against Tottenham with a back issue.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/president-of-colombias-second-division-club-fatally-shot-after-home-teams-loss-639825">President of Colombia's second-division club fatally shot after home team's loss</a>

Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli and Belgian winger Leandro Trossard missed the derby through injury, with Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey also sidelined by long-term fitness problems.

Losing Saka, who has four goals and four assists from the first eight games this season, for a sustained period of time would be an especially painful blow for Arteta.

Arteta once again highlighted the amount of football being played as a potential explanation for so many injuries.

"It's true that they play with the national teams and they're coming from a season where they had a World Cup and some players played 60-odd games," he said. "We've been unlucky. Jurrien, for example, was due to other reasons, while Bukayo was because someone stepped on him.

"There are some traumatic injuries, others are more muscular. We try to find the ways to avoid them but they're a part of football.

"It's true that we have a lot of internationals in the last few windows and they have quite a lot of exposure to minutes but at the moment we have a squad that is not 24 players. To change 11 or 12 players tomorrow is just not a possibility we have."

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Bukayo Saka has joined Arsenal's growing injury list after Mikel Arteta revealed the England forward is struggling with a foot problem. Saka limped off in the closing stages of Sunday's 2-2 draw against north London rivals Tottenham.

Bukayo Saka has joined Arsenal's growing injury list after Mikel Arteta revealed the England forward is struggling with a foot problem. Saka limped off in the closing stages of Sunday's 2-2 draw against north London rivals Tottenham. The 22-year-old will definitely miss Arsenal's League Cup third round tie at Brentford on Wednesday and could also be sidelined for Saturday's Premier League game against Bournemouth. If Saka is unable to feature this weekend, it will end his club-record run of 86 consecutive Premier League appearances. "He was limping quite badly after the match. We had to get him off the field, which is never a good sign. He hasn't been able to participate in the session," Arteta told reporters on Tuesday. Asked if he could miss the Bournemouth game, Arteta added: "It's a possibility, yes." Saka is the latest Arsenal star to catch the injury bug after England midfielder Declan Rice was replaced at half-time against Tottenham with a back issue. ALSO READ: President of Colombia's second-division club fatally shot after home team's loss Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli and Belgian winger Leandro Trossard missed the derby through injury, with Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey also sidelined by long-term fitness problems. Losing Saka, who has four goals and four assists from the first eight games this season, for a sustained period of time would be an especially painful blow for Arteta. Arteta once again highlighted the amount of football being played as a potential explanation for so many injuries. "It's true that they play with the national teams and they're coming from a season where they had a World Cup and some players played 60-odd games," he said. "We've been unlucky. Jurrien, for example, was due to other reasons, while Bukayo was because someone stepped on him. "There are some traumatic injuries, others are more muscular. We try to find the ways to avoid them but they're a part of football. "It's true that we have a lot of internationals in the last few windows and they have quite a lot of exposure to minutes but at the moment we have a squad that is not 24 players. To change 11 or 12 players tomorrow is just not a possibility we have." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Bukayo Saka joins Arsenal's growing injury list, to miss next two fixtures: Arteta

Harry Kane was among the scorers as Bayern Munich beat Manchester United 4-3 in their heavyweight Champions League clash on Wednesday (September 20), while Jude Bellingham snatched a dramatic late winner for Real Madrid and Arsenal began their campaign with a big victory.

Harry Kane was among the scorers as Bayern Munich beat Manchester United 4-3 in their heavyweight Champions League clash on Wednesday (September 20), while Jude Bellingham snatched a dramatic late winner for Real Madrid and Arsenal began their campaign with a big victory. The meeting between German champions Bayern and a struggling United side, a repeat of the 1999 final, was the biggest game of the opening round of matches in this season's competition and it did not disappoint. Leroy Sane gave Bayern the lead at the Allianz Arena with a shot that squirmed through the grasp of United goalkeeper Andre Onana, and Jamal Musiala set up Serge Gnabry to make it 2-0 just after the half-hour mark. Rasmus Hojlund pulled one back early in the second half with his first United goal, but shortly after Christian Eriksen was penalised for a handball in the box and Kane blasted in the resulting penalty. Sane hit the post for the hosts before a crazy finish saw Casemiro reduce the deficit again, substitute Mathys Tel score Bayern's fourth, and Casemiro nod in another at the death to make it 4-3. "A crazy finish," Kane told British broadcaster TNT Sports after netting his fifth goal in six games for his new club. "We lost a bit of concentration there in the last five minutes. Thankfully we were able to hold onto the lead. Overall it's a really good start to the campaign against a tough side," he said. Erik ten Hag's United team have now suffered three consecutive defeats in all competitions and lost four of their last five matches. "After my mistake we lost control of the game. It's a difficult situation for us, for me," said Onana about Bayern's first goal. Thomas Tuchel's side are already in control of Group A, in which the other game saw Galatasaray come from two goals down to draw 2-2 with FC Copenhagen. Goals from Mohamed Elyounoussi and Diogo Goncalves had the visitors in control in Istanbul but they then had Elias Jelert sent off and Galatasaray struck twice in the last four minutes of regulation time through Sacha Boey and Tete to earn a point. Also read | UCL roundup: Lazio goalkeeper scores 95th min equaliser, Man City fashion comeback win Bellingham strikes again In Madrid, Bellingham popped up from close range to score a 94th-minute winner as record 14-time European champions Real beat tournament debutants Union Berlin 1-0 in Group C. The England international has started his Madrid career in stunning goalscoring form with six goals in six games for the club across all competitions. "He has great qualities, it seems he's got luck too, because the goal is a rebound, but he was there, he arrives from deep, and he's more switched on than others, he's got that quality and he's taking advantage of it," said Real coach Carlo Ancelotti. Madrid's next game is away to Napoli, who won 2-1 against Braga in Portugal with Sikou Niakate's late own goal giving the Italian team victory. Giovanni Di Lorenzo had put Napoli ahead but Bruma looked to have earned Braga a draw when he struck with six minutes left. Arsenal cruise Arsenal cruised to a 4-0 win over PSV Eindhoven in their first Champions League game since the 2016/17 season. Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus all scored first-half goals in the rain in London and Martin Odegaard wrapped up the win after the break. "It was a beautiful night after such a long time. It was great to see the atmosphere, the Champions League music. It was emotional before the game," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. Their Group B rivals Sevilla and Lens drew 1-1 in Spain, with Angelo Fulgini's free-kick earning the French side a draw after Lucas Ocampos headed the hosts in front. Last season's beaten finalists Inter Milan needed an 87th-minute Lautaro Martinez equaliser as they came from behind to draw 1-1 at Real Sociedad in Group D. Brais Mendez had given the home team an early lead in San Sebastian. In the same group, Red Bull Salzburg missed one penalty but scored another in a 2-0 win away to Benfica in Lisbon. Karim Konate blazed the Austrian team's first spot-kick over the bar in the third minute but home defender Antonio Silva was sent off on 13 minutes for a handball on the line and Salzburg's second penalty was converted by Roko Simic. Oscar Gloukh scored their second goal just after the break. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UCL roundup: United lose after Onana howler, Bellingham strikes again for Madrid at death

Manchester United came back from conceding twice in the first four minutes to beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 on Saturday as Arsenal dropped points for the first time this season in a 2-2 draw with 10-man Fulham.

The Gunners slip up allowed north London rivals Tottenham to remain at top of the table on goal difference after they won 2-0 at Bournemouth.

United were looking to kickstart their season after losing 2-0 to Tottenham last weekend, but could not have got off to a worse start at Old Trafford.

Taiwo Awoniyi burst clear from a United corner to score for the seventh consecutive Premier League game after 90 seconds.

There were just three minutes and 45 seconds on the clock when Willy Boly then found the net from Morgan Gibbs-White's free-kick.

United escaped with a 1-0 win over Wolves in their opening game of the season despite being outplayed by the visitors to dampen expectation they could challenge for a first league title in a decade.

But they battled back to secure a vital three points in thrilling fashion.

Cristian Eriksen started the comeback when he turned home Marcus Rashford's cross.

Casemiro missed an great chance to level before the break but made amends when he fired home Bruno Fernandes' knockdown.

Forest captain Joe Worrall was then sent off 23 minutes from time for bringing down Fernandes as he bore down on goal.

The new United captain was criticised for his body language in defeat at Spurs, but Fernandes was the match winner from the penalty spot after Rashford was brought down in the area.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virender-sehwag-handpicks-this-batter-to-finish-with-most-runs-in-cricket-world-cup-2023-629474">Virender Sehwag handpicks THIS batter to finish with most runs in Cricket World Cup 2023</a>

<h2>Arsenal blow lead</h2>

Arsenal made to a similarly disastrous start when Andreas Pereira pounced on Bukayo Saka's poor pass to catch Aaron Ramsdale off his line in the first minute at the Emirates.

Fulham's rearguard &nbsp;held out for more than 70 minutes, but their resistence was finally broken when Saka levelled from the penalty spot.

Two goals in two minutes looked to have turned the game around as substitute Eddie Nketiah slotted home Fabio Vieira's inviting cross.

Fulham's Calvin Bassey was then sent-off for a second bookable offence.

But the 10 men salvaged a point when Joao Palhinha swept home a corner three minutes from time.

<h2>Tottenham on top</h2>

Earlier, Tottenham maintained their bright start under Ange Postecoglou as James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski struck to see off Bournemouth.

Postecoglou's men have so far shrugged off the departure of the club's all-time record goalscorer Harry Kane to Bayern Munich with new signing Maddison at the heart of most of their good work.

The England international's first Tottenham goal on 17 minutes was just reward for the visitor's dominance of the first half.

But Bournemouth looked the more likely to score in the second period before Kulusevski steered Destiny Udogie's cross into the far corner just after the hour mark.

At the other end of the table, Everton's miserable start to the season continued as Sasa Kalajdzic struck a late winner to secure Wolves' first points of the campaign with a 1-0 victory at Goodison Park.

Brentford remain unbeaten but were denied by Joachim Andersen's equaliser for Crystal Palace in a 1-1 draw.

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Manchester United came back from conceding twice in the first four minutes to beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 on Saturday as Arsenal dropped points for the first time this season in a 2-2 draw with 10-man Fulham.

Manchester United came back from conceding twice in the first four minutes to beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 on Saturday as Arsenal dropped points for the first time this season in a 2-2 draw with 10-man Fulham. The Gunners slip up allowed north London rivals Tottenham to remain at top of the table on goal difference after they won 2-0 at Bournemouth. United were looking to kickstart their season after losing 2-0 to Tottenham last weekend, but could not have got off to a worse start at Old Trafford. Taiwo Awoniyi burst clear from a United corner to score for the seventh consecutive Premier League game after 90 seconds. There were just three minutes and 45 seconds on the clock when Willy Boly then found the net from Morgan Gibbs-White's free-kick. United escaped with a 1-0 win over Wolves in their opening game of the season despite being outplayed by the visitors to dampen expectation they could challenge for a first league title in a decade. But they battled back to secure a vital three points in thrilling fashion. Cristian Eriksen started the comeback when he turned home Marcus Rashford's cross. Casemiro missed an great chance to level before the break but made amends when he fired home Bruno Fernandes' knockdown. Forest captain Joe Worrall was then sent off 23 minutes from time for bringing down Fernandes as he bore down on goal. The new United captain was criticised for his body language in defeat at Spurs, but Fernandes was the match winner from the penalty spot after Rashford was brought down in the area. ALSO READ | Virender Sehwag handpicks THIS batter to finish with most runs in Cricket World Cup 2023 Arsenal blow lead Arsenal made to a similarly disastrous start when Andreas Pereira pounced on Bukayo Saka's poor pass to catch Aaron Ramsdale off his line in the first minute at the Emirates. Fulham's rearguard held out for more than 70 minutes, but their resistence was finally broken when Saka levelled from the penalty spot. Two goals in two minutes looked to have turned the game around as substitute Eddie Nketiah slotted home Fabio Vieira's inviting cross. Fulham's Calvin Bassey was then sent-off for a second bookable offence. But the 10 men salvaged a point when Joao Palhinha swept home a corner three minutes from time. Tottenham on top Earlier, Tottenham maintained their bright start under Ange Postecoglou as James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski struck to see off Bournemouth. Postecoglou's men have so far shrugged off the departure of the club's all-time record goalscorer Harry Kane to Bayern Munich with new signing Maddison at the heart of most of their good work. The England international's first Tottenham goal on 17 minutes was just reward for the visitor's dominance of the first half. But Bournemouth looked the more likely to score in the second period before Kulusevski steered Destiny Udogie's cross into the far corner just after the hour mark. At the other end of the table, Everton's miserable start to the season continued as Sasa Kalajdzic struck a late winner to secure Wolves' first points of the campaign with a 1-0 victory at Goodison Park. Brentford remain unbeaten but were denied by Joachim Andersen's equaliser for Crystal Palace in a 1-1 draw. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Premier League: Manchester United rally to beat Forest 3-2, Arsenal held by 10-man Fulham

Arsenal suffered a setback on Wednesday when they announced Dutch defender Jurrien Timber would be sidelined with a major knee injury.

The 22-year-old damaged the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the Gunners' 2-1 win at home to Nottingham Forest in their opening match of the new Premier League season last weekend.

A statement on Arsenal's website said: "Jurrien will undergo surgery in the coming days and will be out of action for a period of time."

"The support and expertise from our medical team and everyone at the club will now be focussed on Jurrien's rehabilitation programme, to ensure he recovers well and is back playing as soon as possible."

Timber only joined Arsenal, bidding to go one better than last season's second place in the Premier League, in July in an initial 40-million-euro ($45 million) move from Dutch giants Ajax.

He won two Eredivisie titles in 121 appearances for Ajax and was a member of the Netherlands squad that reached the quarter-finals of last year's World Cup.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-needs-to-be-more-aggressive-kapil-dev-advises-indian-captain-cites-bazballs-example-626012">Rohit Sharma needs to be more aggressive: Kapil Dev advises Indian captain, cites Bazball's example</a>

He can operate at both centre-back and right-back and it had been hoped he would bring added depth to an Arsenal defence that struggled to cope with injuries to William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu towards the end of last season.

Timber's arrival at the Emirates Stadium came as a part of a pre-season spending spree that saw Declan Rice and Kai Havertz join the club, with the trio's combined transfer fees totalling in excess of £200 million ($254 million).

Arsenal, however, may now have to go into the transfer window again to get cover for Timber, with Mikel Arteta's side looking to overhaul treble-winners Manchester City as Premier League champions.

The Gunners' next match is away to Crystal Palace on Monday.

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Arsenal suffered a setback on Wednesday when they announced Dutch defender Jurrien Timber would be sidelined with a major knee injury. The 22-year-old damaged the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the Gunners' 2-1 win at home to Nottingham Forest in their opening match of the new Premier League season last weekend.

Arsenal suffered a setback on Wednesday when they announced Dutch defender Jurrien Timber would be sidelined with a major knee injury. The 22-year-old damaged the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the Gunners' 2-1 win at home to Nottingham Forest in their opening match of the new Premier League season last weekend. A statement on Arsenal's website said: "Jurrien will undergo surgery in the coming days and will be out of action for a period of time." "The support and expertise from our medical team and everyone at the club will now be focussed on Jurrien's rehabilitation programme, to ensure he recovers well and is back playing as soon as possible." Timber only joined Arsenal, bidding to go one better than last season's second place in the Premier League, in July in an initial 40-million-euro ($45 million) move from Dutch giants Ajax. He won two Eredivisie titles in 121 appearances for Ajax and was a member of the Netherlands squad that reached the quarter-finals of last year's World Cup. ALSO READ | Rohit Sharma needs to be more aggressive: Kapil Dev advises Indian captain, cites Bazball's example He can operate at both centre-back and right-back and it had been hoped he would bring added depth to an Arsenal defence that struggled to cope with injuries to William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu towards the end of last season. Timber's arrival at the Emirates Stadium came as a part of a pre-season spending spree that saw Declan Rice and Kai Havertz join the club, with the trio's combined transfer fees totalling in excess of £200 million ($254 million). Arsenal, however, may now have to go into the transfer window again to get cover for Timber, with Mikel Arteta's side looking to overhaul treble-winners Manchester City as Premier League champions. The Gunners' next match is away to Crystal Palace on Monday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Premier League: Arsenal's Jurrien Timber out with knee injury; to undergo surgery in coming days

Manchester City could be without Kevin De Bruyne for the rest of the year after manager Pep Guardiola said on Tuesday he may require surgery on a hamstring injury.

De Bruyne limped off early in City's 3-0 win over Burnley to open the Premier League season on Friday. The 32-year-old had suffered a similar injury in the Champions League final just over two months ago as City beat Inter Milan to become European champions for the first time.

"It's a serious injury," said Guardiola ahead of the UEFA Super Cup between City and Sevilla in Athens. "We have to decide surgery or not surgery."

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Pep Guardiola: “Kevin de Bruyne’s injury is serious one. He will be out for a few months”. 🚨🔵 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MCFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MCFC</a> 
 
“We have to decide in the next days on surgery but for sure we lose Kevin for some time”. <a href="https://t.co/F2sAcD5ERz">pic.twitter.com/F2sAcD5ERz</a>
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He added: "Surgery I think will be three or four months out."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-to-host-zimbabwe-for-one-four-day-test-in-may-2025-as-bilateral-ties-resume-for-first-time-in-20-years-625732">England to host Zimbabwe for one four-day Test in May 2025 as bilateral ties resume for first time in 20 years</a>

City have already lost two of their most potent attacking players from last season as Ilkay Gundogan joined Barcelona and Riyad Mahrez departed for Saudi club Al-Ahli.

And Guardiola said De Bruyne is "irreplaceable" despite having the likes of Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez to call upon to deputise.

"Kevin has specific qualities. To lose it for a long time is really tough for us.

"At the same time we have to look forward. The skills for Kevin is irreplaceable but we have players with different talent."

<h2>Arsenal signs Raya on season-long loan</h2>

Arsenal signed Brentford goalkeeper David Raya on a season-long loan on Tuesday. Raya's move to the Emirates Stadium puts the Spain international in an intriguing contest with England's Aaron Ramsdale to start in goal for the Gunners. The 27-year-old played in all 38 Premier League games for Brentford last season, earning widespread praise for his performances.

He had been linked with a £30 million (35 million euros) switch to Arsenal prior to his loan deal, which is reported to have cost the north London club around £3 million.

Arsenal have the option of making the Raya signing into a permanent transfer for a reported £27 million at the end of this season.

"We welcome David to us on a season-long loan. David is a top-quality goalkeeper, who has consistently performed to a high level with Brentford in the Premier League," Arsenal Sporting Director Edu said. "With David joining us we are adding quality and depth to our squad so we can perform at the highest possible level in all competitions."

Raya was spotted in the stands at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday for title-chasing Arsenal's season-opening 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.

Ramsdale has been a solid performer for Arsenal since arriving from Sheffield United in 2021.

But Gunners boss Mikel Arteta wanted more competition for Ramsdale after selling back-up Matt Turner to Forest.

Raya will put the 25-year-old Ramsdale's hold on the Arsenal keeper's jersey under intense pressure.

Raya has 20 clean-sheets in 62 Premier League games and made 161 appearances in all competitions for Brentford.

Despite his loan move on Tuesday, the Spaniard has also extended his contract with Brentford by two years, with a club option for an additional 12 months.

Brentford director of football Phil Giles said: "I'm sure the first question that all Brentford fans will ask is why this transfer has been structured as an initial loan with Arsenal having the option to make it permanent in the future.

"The answer to that is simply that it enables this deal to be done more rapidly between both clubs, with all parties wanting to make this a permanent transfer as soon as practically possible, whenever that might be."

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Manchester City could be without Kevin De Bruyne for the rest of the year after manager Pep Guardiola said on Tuesday he may require surgery on a hamstring injury.

Manchester City could be without Kevin De Bruyne for the rest of the year after manager Pep Guardiola said on Tuesday he may require surgery on a hamstring injury. De Bruyne limped off early in City's 3-0 win over Burnley to open the Premier League season on Friday. The 32-year-old had suffered a similar injury in the Champions League final just over two months ago as City beat Inter Milan to become European champions for the first time. "It's a serious injury," said Guardiola ahead of the UEFA Super Cup between City and Sevilla in Athens. "We have to decide surgery or not surgery." Pep Guardiola: “Kevin de Bruyne’s injury is serious one. He will be out for a few months”. 🚨🔵 #MCFC “We have to decide in the next days on surgery but for sure we lose Kevin for some time”. pic.twitter.com/F2sAcD5ERz — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2023 × He added: "Surgery I think will be three or four months out." ALSO READ: England to host Zimbabwe for one four-day Test in May 2025 as bilateral ties resume for first time in 20 years City have already lost two of their most potent attacking players from last season as Ilkay Gundogan joined Barcelona and Riyad Mahrez departed for Saudi club Al-Ahli. And Guardiola said De Bruyne is "irreplaceable" despite having the likes of Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez to call upon to deputise. "Kevin has specific qualities. To lose it for a long time is really tough for us. "At the same time we have to look forward. The skills for Kevin is irreplaceable but we have players with different talent." Arsenal signs Raya on season-long loan Arsenal signed Brentford goalkeeper David Raya on a season-long loan on Tuesday. Raya's move to the Emirates Stadium puts the Spain international in an intriguing contest with England's Aaron Ramsdale to start in goal for the Gunners. The 27-year-old played in all 38 Premier League games for Brentford last season, earning widespread praise for his performances. He had been linked with a £30 million (35 million euros) switch to Arsenal prior to his loan deal, which is reported to have cost the north London club around £3 million. Arsenal have the option of making the Raya signing into a permanent transfer for a reported £27 million at the end of this season. "We welcome David to us on a season-long loan. David is a top-quality goalkeeper, who has consistently performed to a high level with Brentford in the Premier League," Arsenal Sporting Director Edu said. "With David joining us we are adding quality and depth to our squad so we can perform at the highest possible level in all competitions." Raya was spotted in the stands at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday for title-chasing Arsenal's season-opening 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest. Ramsdale has been a solid performer for Arsenal since arriving from Sheffield United in 2021. But Gunners boss Mikel Arteta wanted more competition for Ramsdale after selling back-up Matt Turner to Forest. Raya will put the 25-year-old Ramsdale's hold on the Arsenal keeper's jersey under intense pressure. Raya has 20 clean-sheets in 62 Premier League games and made 161 appearances in all competitions for Brentford. Despite his loan move on Tuesday, the Spaniard has also extended his contract with Brentford by two years, with a club option for an additional 12 months. Brentford director of football Phil Giles said: "I'm sure the first question that all Brentford fans will ask is why this transfer has been structured as an initial loan with Arsenal having the option to make it permanent in the future. "The answer to that is simply that it enables this deal to be done more rapidly between both clubs, with all parties wanting to make this a permanent transfer as soon as practically possible, whenever that might be." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

PL News: Kevin De Bruyne out for four months, confirms Pep; Arsenal sign goalkeeper Raya on season-long loan

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