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22 September 2023

Arteta's squad choice post PSV victory impacts entire Arsenal team, plus other top trending UK stories.

22 September 2023

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that David Raya could become the team's main goalkeeper, despite Aaron Ramsdale starting every Premier League game since March 2022. Arteta has expressed no regrets over his decision, and said he wants both goalkeepers to compete for the position. The move comes as Arteta wants two top players for each position on the team. Raya was selected for the Gunners' return to Champions League action against PSV this week.

Everton's Premier League start has been challenging, with only one point in five matches, placing them in the relegation zone. Early-season injuries have impacted performance, particularly Jack Harrison, Andre Gomes, Seamus Coleman, and Dele. Harrison is now in team training, though a return date is uncertain. Gomes has been absent since the opening game, and while Everton manager Sean Dyche has expressed a desire for his return, no date has been set. Coleman, absent since April due to a knee injury, is expected back in October. Meanwhile, Dele, who underwent hip surgery in April, is in rehab but has no return date.

Premier League clubs are set to be impacted by new broadcasting decisions aimed at airing an extra 50 matches per season from 2025 onwards. With current broadcasting deals set to end in 2025, it has been suggested that more matches could be broadcast in different time slots. However, this could further complicate fixture schedules for clubs with European commitments. Furthermore, the launch of FIFA's Club World Cup in 2025 would shorten the gap between seasons for some teams. Clubs are also expecting updates on the distribution of funds, amid disagreements between the Premier League and EFL.

In a solid team performance, Arsenal notably benefitted from the efforts of Bukayo Saka, who was awarded Man of the Match for his two assists, dribbling and crossing. Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice controlled the midfield effectively, while Gabriel Magalhães was a dominant defensive presence. Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard both found the net while contributing significantly in attack. Substitutes including Emile Smith Rowe, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jorginho, Fábio Vieira, and Reiss Nelson also made valuable contributions to the victorious effort.

Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly vying for £80m-rated Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who served an eight-month ban for gambling. Toney returned to training this week, with both clubs making inquiries about the 27-year-old's availability. Brentford manager, Thomas Frank, praised Toney as one of the world's best strikers, suggesting he could score over 25 goals for a top team. However, he admitted that Brentford would sell if the price was right.

In their first Champions League performance, two Newcastle United stars, Nick Pope and Dan Burn, have been selected for the Team of the Week following their game against AC Milan, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Pope, who kept a clean sheet despite 25 shots from AC Milan, scored 8.4 on WhoScored's ranking system. Meanwhile, Burn registered a 7.8 score. The team, managed by Eddie Howe, earned a point on the match, securing a strong start in the 'group of death'. Newcastle United will host Paris Saint-Germain in October.

Former Tottenham forward Harry Kane, now with Bayern Munich, has pledged to always remain connected with his previous club, despite rejecting a new contract offer. He moved to Bayern Munich seeking more opportunities to win trophies. Kane has already scored four goals for Bayern Munich, and helped them secure a 3-1 victory over Manchester United in a Champions League match. Although playing in Germany, Kane expresses eagerness to follow Tottenham's progress, especially in their upcoming match against Arsenal. Tottenham has started the season well in Kane's absence, remaining unbeaten in their first five matches.

Tottenham captain Son Hueng-min attributes the club's unbeaten start to the season to the positive atmosphere instilled by new manager Ange Postecoglou. Both Spurs and North London rivals Arsenal are on 13 points ahead of this weekend's clash at the Emirates. Despite their home advantage and impressive start under manager Mikel Arteta, Son believes Arsenal won't be pleased to face a confident, rejuvenated Spurs side. He emphasized the team's understanding of the fixture's significance and their readiness to give it their all.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya will hold his position for the Champions League group stage opener against PSV, after an impressive performance in the recent 1-0 victory against Everton. The starting lineup includes Leoandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz. The substitutes are Ramsdale, Smith Rowe, Nketiah, Kiwior, Cedric, Tomiyasu, Jorginho, Vieira, Nelson, Elneny, and Hein.

Arsenal's solid performance against PSV saw standout performances from Bukayo Saka, who was named Man of the Match after providing two assists, and Martin Ødegaard, who served as the team's creative force. Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard also scored in the match. Arsenal's defense, led by Gabriel Magalhães, performed excellently and David Raya proved dependable as the team's number one goalkeeper. Substitutes Emile Smith Rowe, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jorginho, Fábio Vieira, and Reiss Nelson all made positive contributions. Although Kai Havertz had a quieter game, he still contributed effectively.

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