#arsenal

#arsenal

And for large portions of Arsenal's 3-2 win at Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg on Wednesday, it certainly was not. But for Mikel Arteta and his players, there was a beauty in the physicality, the remorseless levels of aggression. Arsenal won because of what they did without the ball. Yes, there were nice moments from them in possession, most obviously Martin Zubimendi's goal for 3-1.

Holding a commanding six-point buffer at the top of the Premier League table and sat firmly in the driving seat to claim a first domestic crown since way back in 2004, Arsenal have gained a fearsome reputation from across the globe. However, although Mikel Arteta 's men might be dreaming of the chance to complete an iconic silverware sweep this year, it has been suggested that the Spanish tactician is planning another defensive overhaul in north London.

Eze, meanwhile, hasn't quite got going at Arsenal, currently understudying Leandro Trossard. In a sense, his signing was a risk as, at 27, he's not getting that much better, but when you're competing for the big pots it's not just about the best 1-11 but about the ability to rest players whole having serious talent able to affect games from the bench,

Arsenal missed the opportunity to make up ground on their Women's Super League title rivals as they drew 0-0 with Manchester United, who had Jayde Riviere sent off. Riviere was given her marching orders after committing two bookable offences, the second of which was a late challenge on Caitlin Foord in the 65th minute. But United stood firm against a barrage of Arsenal shots at the Emirates Stadium, with Phallon Tullis-Joyce remaining unbeaten between the sticks to keep the gap between the teams

Not many teams like coming to Fratton Park and we've got to put them under pressure early on,

Eight months on from their historic UEFA Women's Champions League (UWCL) victory, Arsenal have been less than convincing. This season they have lost or drawn key games, both in the Women's Super League (WSL) and Europe, and sit third in the league, eight points off leaders Manchester City, while they have to contend with a two-legged playoff against OH Leuven in February to reach the quarterfinals after failing to finish in the top four of the UWCL's new league phase.

Arsenal are interested in signing the Real Madrid playmaker Arda Guler. A report from Fichajes claims that Mikel Arteta views the Turkish International as the ideal player to strengthen his team. He is looking to add more creativity and ingenuity to his side. Guler could be the ideal acquisition. He is capable of creating opportunities in the final third and breaking the lines with his incisive passing. He will help break down deep defences and add a new dimension to the Arsenal attack.