I would take another penalty - Gabriel published at 15:17 BST 12 October
15:17 BST 12 October
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal defender Gabriel has said he will would not hesitate to take another penalty in the Champions League if given the opportunity, despite missing the decisive spot-kick in the final against Paris St-Germain last season.
"In a final, anything can happen so I think we did really well. Of course, if I had another penalty I'm going to be there to take it and I think my team-mates helped me a lot after this," said Gabriel.
"Of course I was sad. I don't want to miss a penalty, but I've learned from this and if I have another opportunity I'm there to take it."
Arsenal take on Gabriel's former club Lille on Tuesday and the centre-back said it will be a "very special day".
The 28-year-old signed a long-term contract with Arsenal last summer and earlier this month, manager Mikel Arteta signed a new deal as he looks to build on the success of last season.
"Every week, I say thank you to Mikel for how he pushed me and the team, how he wants to win and the spirit he has. He pushed everyone," Gabriel added.
"He gives a lot of confidence to us to play games and enjoy every time we are on the pitch. We are really happy to have him."
Arteta on duo's 'far from ideal' injuries, Saliba and a need to be more clinicalpublished at 14:12 BST 12 October
14:12 BST 12 October
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Champions League game against Lille at Emirates Stadium (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi have not trained on Monday and are both doubts for Tuesday's game. They suffered respective ankle injuries during a post-match session at the Emirates following the win over Leeds United on Saturday.
On the severity of their injuries: "We need to assess them today and have further scans to see where they are, then we will have a timeframe on how long they are going to be out for."
Arteta said their loss is "far from ideal" and it's a situation that has "never happened" before in his seven-year tenure.
On what can be done to prevent it happening again: "What can you do? If I had a crystal ball I would just say: 'Guys, get in the jacuzzi and I will see you tomorrow.'"
William Saliba has been back on the grass for just over a week, but they are "carefully managing his load." Arteta added: "Let's see in the next few weeks if we can start to introduce him into the team."
He said there were "many positives" to take from coming from behind to beat Leeds and he was "really happy with the result, especially after the international break".
On Eberechi Eze only featuring from the bench this campaign: "Like everybody else, I think they need to earn the right to play. He is going to have many opportunities to do that. His attitude is phenomenal and our players have to adapt as well to his qualities."
Arteta said his side's attacking flow this season "has been going pretty well", with his players "getting in good positions" to create and take chances. He added they "just need to be more clinical now to finish more actions".
No Hincapie or Zubimendi in trainingpublished at 14:05 BST 12 October
14:05 BST 12 October
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty Images
The Arsenal squad have already been out training on Monday after their win over Leeds United as they prepare for the game against Lille in the Champions League.
There was no sign of Piero Hincapie or Martin Zubimendi with the rest of the players on the pitch though.
Hincapie got injured in the session that the players did after the game at Emirates Stadium on Saturday and there are pictures on social media of him having to be carried off the pitch.
Rachel: Not the performance I hoped for - the authority was lacking from the beginning. Once the tempo increased in the second half, the crowd got behind the team and they came to life. I didn't see an outstanding display from any player. Going forwards, we need more appetite and intent, and to play like Premier League champions.
Matthew: The biggest positive was Arteta's substitutions and the team's mentality to fight back after going behind. That said, we cannot afford to be so vulnerable defensively or waste so many chances if we want to defend the title. Champions must find ways to win even when they are not at their best, and Arsenal did exactly that. Three points are welcome, but there is still room for improvement.
Kevin: Very disappointing. Arsenal were lacking fire, determination and intensity and Leeds deserved their lead. Slightly better in the last 30 minutes and inspiration from Guimaraes saved us again.
Varoujan: Sloppy first 45 minutes and excellent second half showed why the Gunners are Premier League champions.
MC: Great spirit in the fightback but it took the subs to change the game. Some of those starters need to start turning in some performances or sit a few games out. Saka was particularly poor, and probably has been for some weeks.
Leeds fans
Mark: We played really well for an hour, then got sloppy for 20 minutes and finished fairly strongly - although I'm not keen on long balls to Calvert-Lewin without giving him support. Trafford may have done better with the equaliser, but defensively we were great. Our depth of squad is highlighted when we look to Aaronson to make a difference from the bench. Sad to lose but the team did us proud.
Dave: Deserved a point at least. Great performance at a ground where we have struggled for years. Gutted we lost.
Declan: Unlucky not to have capitalised on earlier chances. Should have won but we can hold our heads up. So different from same fixture last season.
Rob: Last year 5-0, this year we've taken them very close and competed on equal terms right to the end, showing massive improvement even in the loss. Next up, you know who.
Steve: Unlucky not to get a draw, which the performance merited. However, though Arsenal were poor, they still have the mentality to grind out a win - that's what good teams can do. Great improvement from Leeds compared with last season at Arsenal.
Guimaraes raises level after Brighton woepublished at 08:04 BST 12 October
08:04 BST 12 October
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Coming into the season as defending champions, Arsenal were looking to make a statement signing to make their rivals take notice.
They did not bring in the attacker they wanted but Bruno Guimaraes looks like he could be that key arrival to help Mikel Arteta's men build on their success.
The 28-year-old midfielder is a 'win-now' signing in the peak years of his career.
He responded well to a disappointing performance in the defeat by Brighton, where he made his full league debut.
The Brazil international has now scored two goals that have helped his side to valuable points and justified the decision to spend big on him, even if the Gunners are inundated with top quality options in midfield.
Arteta said: "He wasn't at that level against Brighton, and this is the level for Arsenal. Every week, every game, every minute, every action, you have to be at that level.
"That's what we have to demand. This is what I demand of myself and I'm going to demand the same with the players. If we do that, he will raise the standards and we will be a better team."
Guimaraes was the first player to score twice from the bench this season and both goals have been from outside the box.
Below-par Arsenal produce champion recovery - analysispublished at 15:18 BST 10 October
15:18 BST 10 October
Harry Poole BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
In contrast to the tumult and change afflicting their main title rivals this season, Arsenal's position as favourites to win back-to-back league trophies for the first time since 1935 is founded in the club's stability.
Already the current longest-serving manager in the English top flight following Pep Guardiola's departure at Manchester City, Mikel Arteta would surpass a decade in charge of the Gunners should he see out the new contract which he signed this week.
While Arsenal were far from the level Arteta has come to expect from his team on Saturday, their revival over the final half hour meant they have still lost back-to-back Premier League games only once under the Spaniard since the start of 2024.
The Arsenal boss will now hope this recovery, over one of the league's in-form outfits, will mark a return to the performances which preceded Brighton.
The hosts showed early intent but struggled for rhythm during a frustrating first half, and had David Raya to thank for the goalless half-time scoreline.
But Riccardo Calafiori's equaliser released the tension, and Arsenal's superior squad depth ultimately told as Guimaraes proved hugely influential following his introduction, finishing off a wonderful team goal to complete the turnaround.
'A hugely important win for Arsenal'published at 15:11 BST 10 October
15:11 BST 10 October
Image source, Getty Images
Former Newcastle United striker and Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer, speaking after Arsenal beat Leeds United 2-1 on Saturday: "Arsenal moved the ball a lot better in the second half. I thought it was all a bit slow and passive and a bit lethargic in the first half with too many sideways passes - not enough penetration.
"Once Bruno [Guimaraes] came on and moved it a bit better, he scored a great goal. Declan Rice, I thought, was very good in the second half.
"I'm not concerned over Arsenal's recent performances. I think especially early games after an international break, everyone's just got back probably Wednesday or Thursday. They still haven't had time to recover.
"I just think it was a hugely important win. It didn't matter how they did it after what happened at Brighton three weeks ago. They had to come back into it and get a win. And they've managed to do that here."
Former Liverpool midfielder and Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy: "Declan Rice stood up when someone needed to get on the ball and make things happen, to carry possession. He had some great defensive moments as well. Last ditch tackles, plus a couple of great headers and interceptions. He looked like he was well rested after the international break.
"Maybe that's a blessing for Arsenal. Rice was back to [his] athletic and quality best. We know he's got it in abundance late in the game. Maybe if you look at the Brighton loss, it wasn't quite there."
Arsenal 2-1 Leeds: What Arteta and Guimaraes saidpublished at 15:07 BST 10 October
15:07 BST 10 October
Media caption,
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, spoke to TNT Sports after his side's victory against Leeds United: "Before the game we talked about two things. One, the challenge ahead because Leeds had not lost in the Premier League and it was going to be really tough. And second one, to restore our identity and be ourselves again, regardless of the context of the match.
"We weren't pleased against Brighton and today was an opportunity to put that right. We certainly reacted in the manner we expected."
On Leeds: "They are extremely well organised, they have very physical [players], they are committed in everything they do."
On Arsenal's equaliser changing the game: "When you play 12:30 at home and you go 1-0 down, you have to restore a lot of things. The energy is one of them. We had a incredible response, you could sense the crowd, the energy changed immediately. The finishers come in and made a huge difference to help us win the game."
On the substitutions: "We bring a lot of leadership on in those three players. Goal threat, players that can win duels, can play forward and penetrate against this high press."
On Bruno Guimaraes' goal: "The timing, the connection and the execution of it, it was a beauty."
Arsenal goalscorer Guimaraes spoke to TNT Sports: "It feels unbelievable. I felt in the last game against Brighton we were not at the level. Today the mentality was bouncing back.
"This is my first official game at home. It feels unbelievable to score and it's an important goal, three important points. Great finish and I am very happy.
On scoring two goals for Arsenal so far this season: "Great feeling. For me it is important to give my best and give a little bit of a headache to the manager. I'm just happy to score my first goal here, an important goal."
On having a point to prove to Arteta: "Yes, I have been proving [myself] in the Premier League for the past five years so of course it's a new challenge for me, its always important to play. The most important thing for Bruno is to go to the pitch and play the best football, I am very happy with that today."
On another victory for Arsenal: "We know the Premier League is very tough. Leeds have a great team, it was a tough game, I'm glad we can get the three points. Every time we get the three points is very welcome for us."
Did you know?
No defender has been involved in more Premier League goals than Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori this season (three – one goal, two assists). The Italian has as many goal involvements in six games this season as he managed in 26 appearances last term.
Arsenal 2-1 Leeds: How the players ratedpublished at 14:57 BST 10 October
14:57 BST 10 October
Arsenal starting XI:
David Raya: A smart save to stop Jayden Bogle and then an even better one to deny Gabriel Gudmundsson soon after. The cross for the Leeds goal evaded him though. 6
Ben White: His header set-up Riccardo Calafiori for the equaliser. Caught offside a couple of times when Arsenal were building good attacks in the first half. The Leeds goal came down his side. 6
Ezri Konsa: Involved with the physical battle against Dominic Calvert-Lewin. 6
Gabriel Magalhaes: It was not the usual convincing performance from the Arsenal back four or Gabriel. 6
Riccardo Calafiori: Scored the equaliser after Arsenal went behind. Tried to make things happen with his adventurous runs but the Arsenal attack did not click. 7
Declan Rice: Tried to inject some energy into the Arsenal as they struggled to create in the first half. A clever assist for Bruno Guimaraes winner. 7
Myles Lewis-Skelly: Back in the Arsenal starting line-up after being dropped for Guimaraes. Not his best day. 6
Martin Odegaard: Tried to get on the ball to make things happen and had a tame effort saved by James Trafford. 6
Bukayo Saka: The winger caused Gudmundsson some problems early but never capitalised on the opportunities. Missed a big late chance to add a third. 6
Noni Madueke: Given the chance to start on the left wing in place of the injured Christos Tzolis. Some good deliveries but not enough of a threat throughout the game. 6
Kai Havertz: Included from the start after picking up a hamstring injury on international duty. Did not look at full match sharpness. 6
Arsenal substitutes:
Viktor Gyokeres (on 63, Havertz): Brought physicality to the attack. 6
Bruno Guimaraes (on 63, Lewis-Skelly): Came on, changed the game and scored the winner. 8
Jurrien Timber (on 63, White): A calming presence in the backline. 7
Piero Hincapie (on 82, Calafiori): Brought on to see out the win. 6
Merino (on 90, Odegaard): No time to impact. 5
Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Zubimendi, Eze, Dowman.
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Arsenal v Leeds United: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:17 BST 9 October
19:17 BST 9 October
Matt Jones BBC Sport journalist
Having had three weeks to stew on their loss to Brighton, Arsenal will be itching to get going in the Premier League again. Unbeaten Leeds United are their opponents in the Premier League on Saturday (12:30 BST) at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners were uncharacteristically out of sorts at Amex Stadium before the international break, as their perfect start to the season was ended in spectacular fashion by a 3-0 defeat. Mikel Arteta, who signed a new contract this week, will want to see his side bounce back like champions.
Leeds will pose a big challenge, though. After a summer of solid transfer business, they have started the campaign well, winning two and drawing three of their first five fixtures. Daniel Farke's side have the joint-best defensive record in the league too and will fancy their chances of springing a surprise.
Gunners to get back at it?
The 3-0 reverse at Brighton was Arsenal's biggest Premier League defeat since May 2023 against the same opposition. Arteta said it was a "big lesson", so supporters will be expecting a response.
In fairness to the Gunners, the nature of the defeat was out of sync with the defensive standards they have set under the current head coach. They only lost by more than one goal once in the whole of last season, against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.
So how do they do it? They need to take more care in possession to start. Against the Seagulls, the Gunners lost possession in their own final third nine times, which was the most for them since December 2023. Leeds are second for pressed sequences in the Premier League so far this season, with 63, and will fancy their chances of potentially pinching possession back in dangerous areas too.
While so far this season teams with less than 50% of possession have won more games than teams with 50% of the ball, Arsenal have pivoted towards a controlled style of play with the ball.
In Leeds, they do at least have historically accommodating opponents. Arsenal have won nine of their past 10 Premier League games against the Whites, including the past seven by an aggregate score of 24-5.
Whites keeping it tight
Farke's side can go to the Emirates with nothing to fear, though, and will take confidence from the robustness of the squad they have assembled.
They have been superb at the back, with goalkeeper James Trafford and defender Tarik Muharemovic adding extra steel since their summer arrivals. As a team, they have limited their opponents to just 0.09 xG per shot, a tally only the Gunners can better with 0.08.
Where Leeds may also be able to match Arsenal is from attacking set-pieces. They lead the Premier League for the percentage of their shots (46.7%) and xG (41.0%) which have come from non-penalty set-pieces, with three of their seven goals coming from dead-ball situations.
Arsenal scored a massive 29 goals from set-pieces on their way to the title last season, with their inswinging corners a defining feature of their play. But five games in, Arteta's side have yet to score from a dead-ball situation.
Sutton's predictions: Arsenal v Leedspublished at 18:01 BST 9 October
18:01 BST 9 October
Brighton were brilliant when they beat Arsenal before the international break - the Seagulls really harried and hassled the champions and went toe-to-toe with them.
I don't think Leeds will go about things the same way, but they will still provide a stern test.
Daniel Farke's side are really solid but also carry a big threat too, and they are a very different proposition to the side Arsenal thumped 5-0 at Emirates Stadium at the start of last season.
So, this game will tell us a lot about where Arsenal are and how they have recovered from that Brighton defeat.
I'd still back the Gunners to find a way to win, especially because they are at home, but it will be a lot closer than last time. Leeds don't concede goals as freely any more.
Image source, Getty Images
