Arsenal

Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's matches, he takes on Kasabian frontman Serge Pizzorno.

Sutton's prediction: 1-5

Manchester United fans need to stop living in the past and pretending we are still in the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

My favourite team of the Premier League era was Ferguson's Treble-wining side of 1999, so for everyone who thinks I dislike United, I don't. They were also the best team the Premier League has ever seen but, while they were brilliant then, they are not anymore.

Their manager Erik ten Hag is off at the end of the season, I'm convinced of that, and Arsenal should wipe the floor with them at Old Trafford.

The only question is whether the Gunners turn up but even if they are below their best, this could end up being a cricket score.

I've got to say that while I've been critical of Bruno Fernandes in regards to the Manchester United captaincy, they missed him badly against Crystal Palace.

United really need Fernandes back for this game but, even if he is fit, the only way they can win is by defending in numbers and taking whatever chances they get on the counter-attack.

They will also need Arsenal to not quite be at it but, with what is at stake, I think the opposite will apply. I am expecting the Gunners to win easily.

Serge's prediction: 2-3

There are going to be a lot of goals but Arsenal are going to win this one and push Manchester City all the way.

Read all of the predictions here

Fresh off the back of a humbling 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace, Manchester United can dent Arsenal's title hopes at Old Trafford on Sunday.

With simply finishing in the top seven now looking like a challenge, The Football News Show finds out why the Arsenal game is crucial for Erik ten Hag to show United's new co-owners that the players are still responding to him.

Watch The Football News Show on BBC iPlayer

Image source, Getty Images

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal "want to change" Manchester City's dominance of the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola's side are aiming to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title - their sixth in seven years - and only the Gunners stand in their way.

"We are in the journey to try and catch them and be better than them," said Arteta. "That is the aim.

"Competition makes you better because it challenges you to go further and further. We are focused on what we have to do but the same time I am very enthusiastic and excited.

"The league has gone to a different level. There is still a lot to play for against very difficult opponents.

"We want to change that [dominance of City's]. That is what is driving my energy, it is that ambition and objective."

Asked if he would have taken Arsenal's current position at this stage of the campaign were it offered at the start of the season, Arteta said: "I would take the pen and sign it.

"My brain tells me when talking to the players that we are lifting the Premier League. That's what my brain is doing at the moment and I want to follow my brain and my gut.

"This is the way I want everybody to think as well. Hopefully we can achieve it."

Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game at Manchester United.

Here are the key lines from the Arsenal boss:

• There are "doubts" over the fitness of Bukayo Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu but they will be assessed in the final training session on Saturday.

• Arteta said Jorginho, who has extended his contract with the club, is "a very important" part of the team and "it is impossible to not like him".

• On the psychological impact of not being in control of the title race: "It’s a very clear situation. We know what we need to do, but we have to perform at a high level in every match."

• He said he has been envisioning lifting the trophy and that is fuelling his "energy and ambition" to achieve it.

• On opponents Manchester United: "We know the difficulty of the game as it is in our results history against them. We will have to be at our best to try to win the game."

• He said the team will not be watching Manchester City's game against Fulham on Saturday as they will be training, but he is "sure people will be connected to it".

• On Pep Guardiola's side being 'juggernauts' and hard to catch: "We want to change that and we are doing everything we can to improve. We are in the journey to try to catch them and be better than them, which is the aim."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences here

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary of Man Utd v Arsenal at 16:30 BST on Sunday

Arsenal are looking at 34-year-old former goalkeeper and Poland international Wojciech Szczesny, as well as Brighton stopper Jason Steele and Ajax goalkeeper Diant Ramaj, as they look for a replacement for 25-year-old England international Aaron Ramsdale, who is expected to leave the Gunners. (Standard), external

The Gunners are also considering making a move for 30-year-old Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the summer transfer window. (Teamtalk), external

Arsenal are also targeting the signing of a defender, midfielder and forward as they look to strengthen the squad available to manager Mikel Arteta. (Standard), external

The club are prepared to sell 24-year-old England striker Eddie Nketiah this summer, if they can sign a new forward. (90min), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal midfielder Jorginho says it is "a privilege to be a part of this family" after signing a short-term contract extension with the club.

"It's been really positive, because I felt part of something big straight away," the former Chelsea player told the club website, external. "I felt involved and really in a good place. It's not always like that, so when you feel something like this, it's something important.

"I'm really happy to stay, because it's a privilege to be a part of this family. My family is happy, we are really well settled and there's more to come.

"There was not much to discuss [with Mikel Arteta and Edu] to be honest, because I feel really good here. Just to know that they appreciate me and want me to stay longer as well, it's a big thing for me. I feel that I have more to do, so that's the reason why I'm staying."

Despite winning some of the biggest titles during his career, including the European Championship, Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup and Coppa Italia, the 32-year-old has yet to win the Premier League trophy.

Arteta's side are currently top of the table, one point above holders Manchester City who have a game in hand.

"That's missing [the Premier League medal]. It's something that definitely I would like to add to that list and it would mean a lot to me," he said.

"I want to win as much as I can, and enjoy the moment because that's really important for me. If you are somewhere where you are not enjoying it, or you are not happy, then it's difficult. So moving forward is trying to be happy and achieve as much as we can."

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal have announced midfielder Jorginho has signed a short-term extension to his contract at Emirates Stadium.

The 32-year-old signed on an initial 18-month deal from Chelsea in January 2023 and has made 51 appearances for Mikel Arteta's side.

This season, he has played a key role alongside Declan Rice in anchoring Arsenal's title challenge.

"We’re delighted that Jorgi has signed a new contract with us," boss Arteta said. "He is such an important part of our team, a role model with great leadership skills and a unique playing style ability which makes everybody better around him on the pitch.

"We’re very pleased that Jorgi and his family have committed with us and we’re all excited to continue this journey together.”

Sporting director Edu added: "Jorgi represents what we stand for here at Arsenal with his professionalism and success. I know everyone at the club will be very excited that Jorgi will continue to be with us."

Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas spoke to the Planet Premier League podcast about Manchester United's game with Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday: "They have always been special games. It's true that Manchester United aren't at the level they were in the past, and I see Arsenal too strong for them at the moment.

"Arsenal play by memory. They are confident and believe they have the experience. They've grown over the last year and improved.

"I do think Arsenal will win that game comfortably. I will not say 'easily' because United are United and the history [they have]. At the end of the day, we need to respect the badge on the chest and Old Trafford is Old Trafford.

"But again I consider Arsenal too strong at the moment."

Listen to the full episode here

Image source, Getty Images

Nominees for the Premier League's manager of the season have been revealed:

• Mikel Arteta - Arsenal

• Pep Guardiola - Manchester City

• Jurgen Klopp - Liverpool

• Unai Emery - Aston Villa

• Andoni Iraola - Bournemouth

Voting is open now on the official Premier League website, external with the winner to be announced on Tuesday, 21 May.

Image source, Getty Images

The Premier League have released their nominees for the young player of the season and fans can vote for their favourite on the official website, external.

Here is the list of eight players:

• Bukayo Saka - Arsenal

• William Saliba - Arsenal

• Erling Haaland - Manchester City

• Phil Foden - Manchester City

• Destiny Udogie - Tottenham

• Alexander Isak - Newcastle

• Kobbie Mainoo - Manchester United

• Cole Palmer - Chelsea

The winner will be announced on Saturday, 18 May.

Image source, Getty Images

The eight-man shortlist for player of the season has been released and supporters can vote on the Premier League website, external.

Here are those in the running:

• Declan Rice - Arsenal

• Martin Odegaard - Arsenal

• Phil Foden - Manchester City

• Erling Haaland - Manchester City

• Virgil van Dijk - Liverpool

• Ollie Watkins - Aston Villa

• Alexander Isak - Newcastle

• Cole Palmer - Chelsea

The winner will be revealed on Saturday, 18 May.

Here are the key facts and figures before Sunday's game between Manchester United and Arsenal in the Premier League.

• Manchester United have lost just one of their past 16 Premier League home games against Arsenal, a 1-0 defeat in November 2020.

• Arsenal are looking to complete the league double over Manchester United for the first time since 2006-07. Plus, they have not won three in a row against the Red Devils between November 1997 and September 1998.

• Manchester United have lost 18 games in all competitions this season - they last lost more in a single campaign in 1977-78 (19).

• Arsenal have lost their final away league game in three of their four previous seasons under Mikel Arteta - the exception a 3-1 win at Crystal Palace in 2020-21. However, the Gunners are unbeaten when facing Manchester United in their final Premier League away game (won one, drawn two) and secured the title with a 1-0 win in 2001-02.

• Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford has been involved in six goals in his past four Premier League starts against Arsenal - scoring four and assisting two. His 10 goal involvements against the Gunners (six goals, four assists) is his most against a single opponent in the Premier League.

• Bukayo Saka has been involved in five Premier League goals against Manchester United (three goals, two assists), registering a goal (three) or assist (one) in each of his past four against them. Only Thierry Henry (12) has had a hand in more goals against the Red Devils for Arsenal in the competition.

Listen to full commentary of Manchester United v Arsenal from 16:30 BST on Sunday on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds

Aston Villa are confident they can beat Arsenal and Manchester United to the signing of French winger Michael Olise, 22, from Crystal Palace. (Football Transfers), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

Regular readers will know that I have been a stalwart fan of Kai Havertz, even when others had given up on him.

During the second half of the season, he has shown just what he is capable of, and he still is not being played in his favoured position behind the striker.

Along with Declan Rice, he is now pivotal - not just in open play, but crucially at set-pieces too.

The Gunners have improved again this season, but I believe it is only the start of something extra special.

The defence is settled and all the key players are the right age, each just coming into their prime.

Havertz is 24, Rice 25, Martin Odegaard 25, Bukayo Saka 22, Gabriel 26 and William Saliba 23. There is a minimum of five years' improvement to come from that core group.

This summer, I expect Mikel Arteta to add more quality. When they replace the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zincenko, I am sure they will get an even better return from who they bring in.

‌Arsenal fans live in hope that fellow Londoners Fulham and Tottenham will mug Manchester City in the capital over the next eight days. And they might - but the longer view is more important.

‌This is the best Arsenal squad since Arsene Wenger’s halcyon days.

There may be no trophies this season, but huge success could and should be just around the corner.

Pat Nevin was writing for the BBC Football Extra newsletter

Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund want Rennes' 18-year-old France midfielder Desire Doue. (TBR Football), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

At the heart of Arsenal’s convincing 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday was Declan Rice.

His goal and assist in a more advanced midfield role highlighted both his and Arsenal's progression.

Rice has now contributed seven goals and eight assists in the Premier League, as well as making consistent considerable defensive contributions.

His arrival has clearly taken Arsenal up a level and his personal development in his first season under Mikel Arteta highlights the Spaniard’s ability to develop top calibre players.

This will help the Gunners go and find another level-raiser in the transfer market in the summer.

Arsenal Football Club, with all it offers at the moment, must be considered one of the most attractive destinations for the world's best players right now.

Considering where this club was just a few years ago, the progression in performance and reputation is clear and exciting.

Oli Price-Bates can be found at The Fresh Arsenal podcast, external

Sweden forward Viktor Gyokeres, 25, has refused to commit his future to Sporting Lisbon amid interest from Arsenal. (Standard), external

Chelsea have stepped up their interest in Shakhtar Donetsk's £65m-rated Ukraine midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, 21, who is also being monitored by Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column