A nonplussed Pep Guardiola dismissed a question from a reporter that related to Mikel Arteta chasing his first Premier League title as a manager, insisting that he had not attended his pre-match press conference to offer advice to the Arsenal boss.
The Gunners finished top of the table in the league phase, winning all eight fixtures, scoring the most goals and conceding the fewest of all 32 teams. A top two finish was then made official after a 3-1 victory in the San Siro, meaning Arsenal are now assured of hosting the second legs in all of their knockout matches.
Arsenal have relied heavily on White's versatility since his arrival from Brighton. Originally signed as a centre-back, he has adapted impressively to the right-back role, offering defensive solidity in Arteta's hybrid system. However, Arsenal's ambition to compete consistently for Premier League and Champions League honours requires constant renewal. White's form has fluctuated at times this season, and the club are believed to be assessing whether further competition, or eventual succession planning, is necessary.
Arsenal forward Olivia Smith was taken off on a stretcher during the Gunners' 3-0 victory over Bristol City in the Women's FA Cup. Smith, 21, was involved in a clash of heads early in the second half, which led to lengthy pause in play and 14 minutes of second-half stoppage time. She was carried off the pitch, having been fitted with a neck brace, to a standing ovation inside the Mangata Developments Stadium.
Image source, Getty Images Holders Chelsea edged past Manchester United into the FA Cup quarter-finals thanks to an extra-time tap-in from defender Naomi Girma. The United States international prodded home from close range in the 99th minute to open her goal account for the Blues after the visitors had failed to clear their lines from a corner. It was a disappointing end to the tie for Marc Skinner's side, who had battled from behind to take the contest into extra-time.
Arsenal's progress under Mikel Arteta has been as much about structure as it has style. While the Gunners of old under Arsene Wenger cultivated a reputation as English football's most silky side, Arteta's Arsenal is more robust and more physical with particular importance placed on the Emirates engine room. Gilberto Silva played that role during the Gunners last title win and believes that Arteta was able to add the final piece to a title-winning jigsaw in the summer.
Manchester City are timing their title run-in perfectly, to give Pep Guardiola a fine chance of a seventh title in a decade and to break Arsenal's hearts yet again. For fans of each team squeaky posterior time is officially entered. For the neutral the final 11 matches for City and the Gunners promise to be a cannot-miss spectacle. Manchester City 2-1 Newcastle: Premier League live reaction
Edu isn't just a friend to me he's like a brother, Gilberto tells FourFourTwo of his compatriot, who had returned to Arsenal in July 2019, initially as technical director. Gilberto's pride at seeing his friend transition from midfield metronome to the Emirates boardroom is clear, not least because of the size of that particular challenge at a club of Arsenal's stature.
Initial talks are said to have taken place through intermediaries, with Forest also recently scouting Setford, according to Football Transfers. Setford has only played two games for the Arsenal first-team, but the 19-year-old has long looked like a big prospect ever since catching the eye at former club Ajax. The Netherlands-born England Under-21 international could do well to think about his future this summer, as he's currently third choice in goal for the Gunners behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
It's a tough one, he said when asked about his favourite team in the Premier League. I don't have a favourite team, but if there was one club I would love to play for it's Arsenal. He added: The way they play now, they have a great coach, they have a great system, and I think I would fit into it.
Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in signing the PSG attacker Bradley Barcola at the end of the season. The 23-year-old has struggled to secure regular opportunities at PSG and needs to leave the club to play more often. Moving to the Premier League would be ideal for him. Liverpool and Arsenal need more quality on the flanks, and the French International could be ideal for them.
Karl Etta Eyong has been linked with a move away from Levante, and the Spanish club is willing to sanction his departure. According to Ben Jacobs, Manchester United and Arsenal are showing significant' interest in the talented attacker, and it will be interesting to see if they are willing to make an official move in the summer. CSKA Moscow is interested in signing the player now and has submitted an offer in excess of 30 million.
Arsenal remain interested in signing Nico Williams from Athletic Club Bilbao during the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old has done well in La Liga and is also a target for Arsenal. He has a 100 million release clause in his contract, according to Fichajes, and it will be interesting to see whether Arsenal are prepared to pay up. It seems unlikely that the Spanish outfit will let him leave for a knockdown fee in the summer.
