ARSENAL'
Gabriel headlines the newsโฆ but Arsenalโs ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ lift is the two forwards returning
arsenal vs westham predicted lineup
Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke are
both pushing to return for Tottenham โ and could provide crucial attacking depth that was missing against Sunderland
Arsenal could welcome back several of their previously absent stars for the North London Derby this weekend, with two key attacking players closing in on returns that could transform Mikel Artetaโs options.
Mikel Arteta has been dealt many injury blows already this season, most recently with Gabriel Magalhaes coming off injured against Senegal for Brazil. However, the return of other stars could help mitigate such losses.
Jesus Return Still Premature
While Gabriel Jesus was spotted again with the Arsenal team in training pictures ahead of the weekend, a return for the striker still seems premature. Itโs worth remembering that Jurrien Timber trained with the group for a significant period before returning to the fold, so expecting Jesus to feature would be fantasy at this stage.
Martinelli And Madueke: The Game-Changers
For Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke, however, that could be a different story. The pair are pushing to return for the derby and could offer Arteta some game-changing quality he desperately lacked in the clash with Sunderland.
On the bench that day in an attacking sense were 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, 17-year-old Andre Harriman-Annous and 15-year-old Max Dowman. While all have plenty to offer, the lack of senior depth due to injuries could not be more apparent.
Having Martinelli and Madueke to back up the established stars โ Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard โ could be game-changing for the Spanish coach. Madueke was even believed to be pushing to be involved in the squad that travelled to Sunderland.
Perfect Timing For The Cavalry
While Jesus, Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Odegaard still might have to wait a little longer to make their impacts, the cavalry does appear to be on the way for Arteta โ and itโs coming at the perfect time.
The festive schedule can be a real gauntlet, and without key players in similar positions, the struggle can snowball. For Arsenal, however, the return of these stars plus the depth that already exists is hoped to be a recipe for success.
With Arsenal sitting top of the Premier League, having Martinelli and Madueke available for the North London Derby would provide a significant boost to their title challenge.
Why This Matters
The difference between having experienced attacking options on the bench versus relying on teenagers โ no matter how talented โ could be crucial in a high-pressure derby environment. Martinelliโs pace and directness, combined with Maduekeโs dribbling ability, would give Arteta tactical flexibility he simply didnโt have at Sunderland.
Both players understand the demands of Premier League football and have proven they can impact games when introduced from the bench or thrust into the starting lineup.
The Bottom Line
While much of the focus has been on Gabrielโs absence and the fitness of other key players, the potential return of Martinelli and Madueke represents a double boost that could prove decisive against Tottenham.
Arsenalโs attacking depth has been severely tested this season, but getting these two back would significantly strengthen their options just when they need it most.
ARSENAL'
Arsenal player ratings vs Wolves: That was lucky! TWO own goals give Gunners dramatic late win over Premier League strugglers as Viktor Gyokeres blanks again
Player ratings
Lucky Arsenal were let off the hook in dramatic style as they claimed a 2-1 win against Wolves thanks to two own goals from the Premier League’s basement boys, with Yerson Mosquera heading what proved to be the winner past his own keeper Sam Johnstone deep into stoppage time at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta’s league leaders looked to have dropped two costly points when Mateus Mane glanced a header past David Raya with just seconds remaining to cancel out Arsenal’s opener, which had come when Bukayo Saka’s inswinging corner had struck the far post and gone in off the back of the unfortunate Johnstone.
But they somehow found a way to claim a crucial victory moments later when Saka’s ball in from the right was flicked beyond the despairing Johnstone. It initially looked like substitute Gabriel Jesus, making his first Emirates appearance in just under a year, had got the decisive touch, but replays showed it was in fact Mosquera who got his head to the ball first and inadvertently deflected it into his own net.
It was a hugely fortunate moment for Arsenal, who were poor throughout, but they will take their bit of luck, with the win moving them five-points clear at the top of the table ahead of Manchester City, who play at Crystal Palace tomorrow.
GOALย rates Arsenal’s players from Emirates Stadium…
Goalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (6/10):
Made one comfortable save in the first half to deny Hee-Chan. Swept up well and looked set for a clean sheet before Mane’s late header.
Ben White (N/A):
Awful to see him limp of with a hamstring injury early on, just as he’d got himself back in the side.
Jurrien Timber (6/10):
Started off at centre-back, but ended up at right-back after White’s injury. Comfortable night’s work for the large part.
William Saliba (6/10):
Back in the side after injury and looked quite sharp. Not tested too much until those final seconds.
Piero Hincapie (7/10):
Started out at left-back but shifted back into the centre after White’s injury. Solid.
๏ฟผGetty Images Sport
Midfield
Martin Zubimendi (6/10):
Replaced in the second half, neat and tidy but unable to make the sort of impact he did in midweek.
Declan Rice (7/10):
Set piece delivery was unusually poor. Put it a disappointing corner early on which set the tone for a frustrating night. Not at his best, but still probably the best player on the pitch.
Eberechi Eze (5/10):
No real impact. Was often picking the ball up deep and never really looked like hurting Wolves.
Attack
Bukayo Saka (7/10):
Probably the pick of Arsenal’s attackers, but that’s no saying much. Put in one great ball in the first half that deserved better. It was his corner that led to the Johnstone own goal and his crossed that forced the eventual winner.
Viktor Gyokeres (5/10):
Just couldn’t get into the game. Improved a bit after half-time, but Arsenal need more from him. Had one nice moment just before being replaced when he fired just wide.
Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):
His best moment came seconds before he went off when ย he drove into the box and curled an effort wide. Disappointing.
Subs & Manager
Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10):
Replaced the injured Ben White in the first half. Decent enough showing. Looked to get forward when he could.
Martin Odegaard (6/10):
Added a bit more energy, but is passing was a bit off.
Leandro Trossard (7/10):
Certainly improved Arsenal down the left flank.
Mikel Merino (6/10):
Used the ball well having come on in midfield.
Gabriel Jesus (7/10):
On for the final 10 minutes. Got a great reception on his first Emirates appearance in nearly a year and was really lively. Not credited with the winner, but made a difference.
Mikel Arteta (6/10):
Made five changes, but would have been hoping for far more from his side. In hindsight, starting White for the fourth time in a row did not look like a great decision.
Arsenal 2-1 Wolves
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In stoppage time it looked like Wolves had grabbed a hard-fought point.
It looked like Man City would have the chance to go top.
But a SECOND own goal of the game from the visitors brought Arsenal the precious three points.
Top vs bottom? Never assume it’s going to be straight forward!
Arsenal go five points clear at the top of the table. Wolves remain on two.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Wolves (Mosquera, 90+4)
ARSENAL STRIKE BACK!
Saka’s cross is directed in!
At first it looks like Jesus on his Emirates comeback but replays suggest it’s gone in off Mosquera!
TWO Wolves own goals!
Arsenal go five points clear
Arsenal extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points despite struggling against winless Wolves.
Mikel Arteta’s side triumph thanks to two own goals.
First Half: Arsenal 0-0 Wolves
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Arsenal aiming to go five points clear | Teams
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Commentary by Peter Smith, Nick Wright & Gary Cotterill at Emirates Stadium
Wolves team news
Team to play Arsenal: Johnstone, Doherty, Mosquera, Agbadou, Toti, Wolfe, Krejci, Andre, J. Gomes, Hwang, Strand Larsen.
Subs: Sa, Bueno, Arias, Arokodare, Chirewa, Hoever, Lopez, Mane, Tchatchoua.
Arsenal team news
Team to play Wolves: Raya, White, Saliba, Timber, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Martinelli, Gyokeres.
Subs: Kepa, Odegaard, Jesus, Norgaard, Trossard, Madueke, Nwaneri, Merino, Lewis-Skelly.
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