EPL
Arteta tells Rice how many points they need to win title
Mikel Arteta has set a high bar for his Arsenal team, stating that they will likely need to amass at least 90 points to clinch the Premier League title.
Currently sitting five points behind leaders Liverpool in third place with 58 points, Arsenal face a challenging run-in with away fixtures against tough opponents such as the champions, Brighton, Tottenham, and Manchester United.
Last season, Arsenal led Manchester City by five points with 63 points after 26 games but faltered in the final stretch, losing three of their last 12 games and finishing five points behind the champions on 84 points. Arteta is keen to avoid a similar slip-up this season and believes that aiming for 90 points or more is essential for their title aspirations.
Asked how many points his side will need to win a first Premier League title since 2004, Arteta said: “The demands, you might have to win every game.
“There are a lot of games and we are all going to have crazy schedules and this league might be different to last season. Anything under 90 points I think would be very difficult.”
After suffering consecutive London derby defeats to West Ham and Fulham after Christmas, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta noticed a renewed focus among his players. This renewed determination has been evident as Arsenal have started the year with six consecutive Premier League wins.
“Yes and the target is clear,” Arteta said. “It’s to be better every day so that when it comes to the weekend, earn the right to win and do everything you possibly can to win the game.
“This is the focus and the way I see them training every day gives me more confidence and more reasons to believe that we have a good chance because they really want it.”
Against Sheffield United, Mikel Arteta could pair Declan Rice and Thomas Partey together in midfield for the first time since the Community Shield.
“I think they only played in the Community Shield together in midfield,” said the Spaniard. “That tells you how much we have missed Thomas. To play the whole season and a player like him who has not played much with us. The impact he can have for the next 3 months can be really big.
“He can also help Declan as well. I will have to see that chemistry on the pitch and those qualities and the things we have to treat around to make sure they play to their strengths and make each other better.
“But I think that will be a very powerful midfield.”
BUNDESLIGA
Alphonso Davies’ Agent Sets Up Talks With Real Madrid And Man Utd After Bayern Fallout
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies has been reinvigorated after a series of developments that suggest the Canadian defender’s future remains undecided. While Bayern had recently shown confidence in retaining Davies, Real Madrid has been given fresh hope of securing his signature.
Davies is unlikely to commit to any decision before January, allowing Real Madrid time to prepare an official contract offer.
According to Christian Falk via The Daily Briefing, Davies’ agent, Nedal Huoseh, was supposed to meet with Bayern officials in Munich.
However, the meeting was shifted to a virtual call, and Bayern’s Director of Football, Max Eberl, did not attend, reportedly frustrating Huoseh. This isn’t the first instance of strained relations between Bayern and Davies’ representative.
The next set of negotiations is now expected to happen in January. Although Bayern remains hopeful that Davies will sign a contract extension, Huoseh has scheduled meetings with both Manchester United and Real Madrid to review their offers.
Real Madrid’s current proposal is similar to Bayern’s, which could give Manchester United an edge if they table a significantly better offer. Despite Bayern’s push for a swift resolution, it appears the situation will extend into the new year.
EPL
OFFICIAL: Mohamed Salah Is The EPL Player Of The Month For November
Mo Salah has been named the Premier League Player of the Month for November, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top performers.
The Liverpool star outshone rivals Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Ryan Gravenberch, Martin Ødegaard, João Pedro, Bukayo Saka, and Yoane Wissa to clinch the award.
In November, Salah played a crucial role in Liverpool’s success, contributing to five of the team’s seven goals through either scoring or assisting.
His contributions helped the Reds secure victories in all three matches, keeping them at the top of the Premier League table.
This marks the sixth time in his career that Salah has claimed the Player of the Month honor.
He now stands alongside football icons Steven Gerrard and Cristiano Ronaldo in the all-time rankings. Salah is just one award away from matching the joint record of seven, currently held by Harry Kane and Sergio Agüero.
EPL
William Saliba Delivers Huge Arsenal Boost With Clear Message On His Future
William Saliba has significantly boosted Arsenal by committing his future to the club. The French defender has been pivotal to Mikel Arteta’s squad since cementing his place in the starting lineup during the 2022-23 season.
At just 23 years old, Saliba has already surpassed 100 appearances for the Gunners and has featured in 13 Premier League matches this season as Arsenal chase the title.
His standout performances have reportedly attracted interest from Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants identifying him as a key transfer target.
Despite the speculation, Saliba, who is under contract until 2027, made it clear that he feels “at home” at Arsenal and has no intention of leaving.
When asked about his future, he told The Mirror: “Yeah, of course, I feel at home. I signed for the club five years ago, but this is only my third season, and I’m enjoying everything — the players, the staff, and the fans. I feel at home, so of course, why not?”
Saliba’s consistent form has earned him a spot in the PFA Team of the Year for the past two seasons.
His defensive contributions have been crucial to Arsenal’s success, helping the team maintain the second-best defensive record in the league with just 14 goals conceded in 14 games. Only league leaders Liverpool have a better record, with 11 goals conceded.
Even though Arsenal trail Liverpool by seven points, Saliba remains confident that the gap can be closed. “Everything is possible,” he said. “The season is very long, and we’ve experienced that in the past two years. We just have to focus on ourselves. It’s still only December, so a lot of things can happen.”
Saliba was instrumental in Arsenal’s recent 2-0 win over Manchester United, scoring a crucial second goal that helped narrow the gap to Liverpool.
The Gunners now aim to build on that momentum when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, seeking to avenge last season’s defeat at the same venue.
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