Martin Odegaard reveals what Arsenal must do to beat Tottenham amid North London Derby challenge

Martin Odegaard has insisted Arsenal still have a “lot to play for” between now and the end of the season, with the Gunners captain warning his teammates of Tottenham’s quality ahead of Wednesday evening’s North London Derby.

Mikel Arteta’s side are without a win in their previous three games and go into the clash on the back of being dumped out of the FA Cup by Manchester United. Still, a win over Spurs will propel Arsenal into second in the Premier League and ensure they remain within touching distance of league leaders Liverpool.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are currently 13th in the league and have been inconsistent under Ange Postecoglou. The likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Richarlison have been out injured for the majority of the season, although the Brazilian is expected to make his return at Emirates Stadium.

Ahead of the second North London Derby of the season, Odegaard has opened up on what went wrong against Man Utd on Sunday and has looked ahead to the clash against Tottenham. Writing in his captain’s notes published in the matchday programme, Odegaard said: “We were all hurting after Sunday’s defeat, but as soon as we came into training on Monday morning we were determined to get going again straight away.

“Having a massive game like the derby tonight is a great way to get everyone completely focused again and looking forward. We know how much this game means to all of you – our supporters – but also to the players and everyone at the club. That’s the good thing about having a big game so soon after a disappointment.

“It was really tough to take on Sunday – it was very frustrating for everyone. On the pitch I had the feeling that we dominated the game from the first half until the end. We could have been sharper in front of goal and also in the last pass and the final shot. But to lose that game at home when we dominated everything, it’s a tough one to take.

“And of course I have to take responsibility for the penalty. I should have scored – that’s not good enough from me. It was a crucial moment of the game as well because I think if I scored that, we probably go on to win the game. I felt like I’d let the team down, so it was important for me to step up again in the shoot-out, and I wanted to go first like usual. It was good that one went in, but in the end it wasn’t enough, so I still feel that responsibility to the team.

“We have to keep on going though, and know we will get rewarded if we keep dominating games like that. In a single game of course it can happen that you don’t win, but in the long run it will pay off. We need to be sharper in the key moments to make sure we get the results we’ve worked for. We have to keep going and keep improving. There is no choice for us now. We have to be at our best back in the Premier League tonight.

Riccardo Calafiori’s unique nickname as Arsenal star makes telling Mikel Arteta admission

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has revealed why he was so keen to join Arsenal in the summer.

The Italian joined the Gunners from Bologna in a deal worth around £42million in July. Although the 22-year-old has suffered from a few injuries in his debut season in north London, he has impressed when he has been on the pitch.

Operating at mostly left-back but sometimes at centre-back, Calafiori has made 16 appearances so far and even scored the winner against Manchester City in September. Nearly six months after moving to Emirates Stadium, the defender has revealed Mikel Arteta was a major reason why he wanted to join the Gunners.

“I think the details, in everything. It’s something I’ve never seen before in a coach,” Calafiori told Arsenal’s official website. “Nothing is casual with him, we do everything on the training and mentally he’s strong.

“I was really excited because he showed me his idea and the project that he had for me and I couldn’t wait anymore to play for him because I think it was the right option to develop and to improve, to become a top player. That’s why I’m here and I want to keep going.”

It could have been so different for the defender, however. When he was just 16 years old he tore every ligament in his left knee, as well as the meniscus and the articular capsule, while playing for Roma’s academy. Doctors told the defender he may not play again but, instead, Calafiori used this as motivation to make it as a professional.

Barcelona keen to offload forward to make room for Rashford; exit compicated by high salary

Ansu Fati remains a contentious issue at Barcelona. The Spanish international has been excluded from the squad for the third consecutive game by Hansi Flick, with the latest omission occurring for tonight’s match against Real Betis.

The 22-year-old La Masia forward finds himself sidelined at the club with the manager no longer having a clear role for him.

As reported earlier today, Fati remains keen on staying at Barcelona despite the situation, but is facing pressure from the club, the staff, as well as some people from his own entourage to consider a January exit.

Barcelona want Fati out to create space for Rashford

Building on that, Matteo Moretto reports that Barcelona are indeed now encouraging Ansu to leave the club in the ongoing transfer window for two reasons: to find the minutes and rhythm he will not get under Flick and to make room for Marcus Rashford.

However, Fati’s potential move is complicated by his high salary – one of the most substantial in the squad – and his preference thus far to stay.

As previously reported, Rashford is a key target for Barcelona this January. The English forward is pushing for an exit from Manchester United, and talks have already begun, with this week being pivotal for further progress.

Rashford’s arrival would further diminish Fati’s chances, prompting Barcelona to intensify efforts to find a new home for the No. 10.

Decision time for Ansu

Fati has only accumulated 186 minutes this season, with one start and no goal or assist to show for. As such, he faces a crucial decision: stay and risk a lost season or leave to revive his career.

However, as mentioned earlier, an exit is not easy to secure. While there is interest from La Liga clubs, there are obstacles to a transfer such as his high salary, which no Spanish club is likely to afford, and his reluctance to consider a move.

 

Raphinha names the only club he thinks can stop Barcelona winning the Champions League this season

Barcelona winger Raphinha has named the club he thinks could stop his side from winning the 2024/25 Champions League.

Raphinha, 28, has been a standout player during Hansi Flick’s first season in charge of the La Liga side.

The Brazilian has registered 19 goals and 11 assists in 27 appearances for Barca this season and has made clear that his side have ambitions of clinching their sixth European crown, having last won the Champions League against Juventus back in 2015.

Barca are currently second in the 36-team Champions League group phase, sporting an impressive record of five wins and just one defeat in six games which will likely see them progress to the round of 16.

The Barcelona skipper has already made clear that his side will “fight” for this year’s Champions League.

He backed his side to go all the way to the final, which will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany in May.

But he conceded that Manchester City could be their opponent. Raphinha gave his thoughts in an interview with Adri Conteras.

Barcelona star agrees to contract renewal

La Liga giants Barcelona have on Wednesday been afforded some fresh, and altogether positive news on the personnel front.

This comes amid confirmation that a verbal agreement has been reached, over the renewal of defender Ronald Araújo’s contract.

The name of Uruguayan international Araújo has of course dominated the headlines in Catalunya’s capital over the course of the day to date.

This comes after word was forthcoming that, out of the blue, the 25-year-old had gone back on his decision to depart, in favour of staying put with Hansi Flick’s squad.

And such news has since been swiftly followed by yet more of a positive nature for all of a Blaugrana persuasion.

As per a report from the reliable Fabrizio Romano, ahead of the expiration of his current terms in the summer of 2026:

‘Ronald Araújo has agreed in principle on new contract at Barcelona. Positive talks took place between the player and Barça director Deco, fully involved in the process.’

Back at the top: Pedri reclaims his throne as the best midfielder in the world

While thinking about the sheer efficiency of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, it is important to address the proficiency of certain player profiles that decide the height of its potency.

A number of players do come to mind – a runner in Raphinha, a lethal target-man in Robert Lewandowski, a creator supreme in Lamine Yamal and an anchor in Marc Casado.

But after looking at Barcelona’s performances this season, it is evident how none of them would be able to contribute as much as they do without a controller general in Pedri Gonzalez.

As high-tempo as Flick’s football is, Pedri is the link across the pitch that keeps the side ticking and in control.

Such high is his impact, that games where Pedri doesn’t see much of the ball or is lost between the end-to-end chaos that characteristically creeps into Barcelona’s performance these days, the team looks deft of all composure.

In fact, the strings he continues to pull this season come from a rather unfamiliar territory, earning deserved plaudits for his performances in this Barcelona side.

Once again operating at a high level after a few injury-plagued seasons, Pedri once again finds himself in shouts for the crown of the best midfielder in the world.

It is a recognition that fans of the club have come to rejoice and one that is starting to dawn upon those of the opposition as they are left bedazzled by the magic he wields by the ball at his feet.

Barcelona’s strong predicted XI to face Real Betis

An insight into the XI of players expected to be made use of by Barcelona in the club’s upcoming meeting with Real Betis has on Wednesday been unveiled.

Barca, of course, are primed to return to action later this evening.

Fresh off clinching their first silverware of the campaign at the expense of Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup over the weekend, the Blaugrana have turned attentions towards matters in the Copa del Rey.

A meeting with the aforementioned Real Betis lies in store, with a place in the competition’s quarter-finals on the line.

And, despite Barcelona’s busy recent schedule, and his squad being fresh off a long flight back from Saudi Arabia, Hansi Flick, it would appear, is ready to go all out to ensure victory this evening.

As per a report from Diario Sport, the German tactician is planning to make use of a near full-strength XI against Betis.

The line-up in question would set up as follows:

Iñaki Peña; Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Balde; Pedri, Casadó, Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski

Arsenal guaranteed to be without six players for Tottenham as Mikel Arteta’s squad ‘confirmed’

Arsenal welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Emirates Stadium for the second North London Derby of the season and it’s fair to say Mikel Arteta is looking forward to the occasions.

“It’s probably the nicest game of the season to watch and play, because of the atmosphere, what it means to our people and everyone who is involved in the game,” the Spaniard said on Tuesday. “This is something that is in our hands, for example.

The Gunners go into the clash without a number of senior players, however, with Gabriel Jesus the latest player to pick up an injury. The Brazilian was stretchered off against Manchester United at the weekend and reports suggest he could be out for the season with an ACL injury.

Arteta said: “We know more now and it’s not looking good at all. We need to review one more specialist, so we will probably know more information this afternoon (Tuesday).” He added: “I don’t want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. It’s the doctor’s job to do that. But we were very worried after the game and we are very worried today.”

Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri will also miss the North London Derby, although the teenager is now back out on the grass. “He is good. He has started to do some work on the pitch already,” Arteta said on Nwaneri. “He is evolving well, he is young, he is healing very, very fast so hopefully we can have him soon.”

Predicted Arsenal line-up vs Tottenham Hotspur, three changes

Arsenal will be aiming to return to winning ways in today’s Premier League derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners received a boost yesterday with Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest. They can reduce the deficit to the leaders to four points with a victory in the north London derby.

Ahead of the game, the club have confirmed that Gabriel Jesus won’t be involved. The Brazil international is out for the long-term after picking up a serious knee injury at the weekend.

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya has played every minute of the Premier League campaign. He made a vital save in extra-time in the FA Cup third round against Manchester United but could have fared better in the penalty shoot-out. He will be eyeing a clean sheet tonight.

The backline could stay the same. Jurrien Timber was only substituted as he was cramping and should reclaim his place at right-back. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are assured starters in the heart of the defence for the Gunners.

Riccardo Calafiori needs to be assessed after a minor injury. We don’t see manager Mikel Arteta taking a risk with him. Myles Lewis-Skelly has been brilliant as a deputy, and the teenager should continue from the left-back role in the derby.

We expect a double change in the centre of the park with Jorginho and Mikel Merino dropping to the bench. The duo lack sufficient recovery pace, which is essential against Spurs’ attacking playing style.

Thomas Partey should feature in the number six role. Declan Rice should be reinstated into the XI to partner Martin Odegaard in central midfield. Rice was unlucky against United as Altay Bayindir made two stellar saves.

Further forward, Raheem Sterling looks poised to start on the right wing with Jesus out. The England international was superb with his distribution and direct dribbling on Sunday. He lacked the final end product but showed plenty of promise.

Gabriel Martinelli is likely to continue on the left wing ahead of Leandro Trossard due to his pace on the counter-attack, which could unsettle Spurs’ makeshift defence. Kai Havertz had a bad outing against United. He squandered two clear-cut chances before missing his penalty in the shoot-out.

Despite this, he has received a vote of confidence from the manager. The German has 12 goals for the campaign and has the opportunity to redeem himself with a strong showing against Spurs.

How Arsenal could line up vs Tottenham tonight

Arsenal make transfer decision on £50m release clause as huge Nico Williams update emerges

As the January transfer window hits the midway point, Arsenal finally look to be making some major moves. Despite the injury issues facing Mikel Arteta, there was minimal activity regarding new signings coming into Emirates Stadium but that has seemingly changed.

On Tuesday, it was shockingly revealed that Arsenal had all-but-wrapped up a deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad with the midfielder to join this summer. Such a decision being made ahead of the 2025/26 season suggests both Thomas Partey and Jorginho will depart at the end of their contracts.

As for imminent arrivals, the need for an attacker to come in continues to heighten following confirmation of Gabriel Jesus suffering a serious knee injury. Despite the complications over a potential deal, Nico Williams remains Arteta’s favoured target with a fresh update now coming to light.

Zubimendi release clause decision

Arsenal look set to pay Martin Zubimendi’s Real Sociedad release clause in instalments, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Speaking to NBC, he said: “Martin Zubimendi’s release clause is £50.6million (€60m), my understanding is that they [Arsenal] might look to pay a bit more so that they can stagger the payments and that would allow them to do other business next summer.”