Arsenal

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Mikel Arteta has given more clarity about how Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi got injured after Arsenal's win over Leeds United on Saturday.

The Gunners had planned for the players who did not play a full game or had not had minutes in the 2-1 win to train at Emirates Stadium so that all of the squad could have a recovery day on Sunday, to get them ready to train on Monday.

Arteta, who says it was done to get "everybody in the best rhythm" revealed that both players have picked up ankle injuries. Hincapie's is more serious than Zubimendi's but both players have further scans planned.

The Arsenal manager called the incident "far from ideal" and something that has "never happened in the seven years I have been here". He said his Arsenal side trained that way 37 times last season.

Arteta regularly arranges for players who have not played a full match to take part in a small-sided game on the pitch and this is how Hincapie and Zubimendi picked up the injuries.

The Spaniard does this so that all of the players have a similar output when they are navigating their busy fixture schedule.

Substitute goalkeeper Illan Meslier was seen carrying Hincapie off the pitch on his back even though there were staff members present.

And this is something that Arteta does not seem to be happy about, saying: "That's something else, not to discuss here."

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."

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".

Follow the rest of the day's football news

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.

Zubimendi also seems to have picked up a knock.

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Arsenal and Leeds United.

Here are some of your comments:

Arsenal fans

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.

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.

Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are chasing Norway forward Antonio Nusa, who is valued at £60m by RB Leipzig. (Ekrem Konur, external)

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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.

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 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 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.

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Arsenal's performance

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Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

There are six games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Arsenal v Leeds United (12:30)

• Aston Villa v Brentford - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Chelsea v Bournemouth - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Ipswich Town v Fulham

• Sunderland v Brighton

• Manchester United v Tottenham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated.

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In this week's edition of The Football Interview, Kelly Somers speaks to Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.

They speak about last season's Premier League-winning campaign, his qualities as a captain and Norway's impressive journey at this summer's World Cup.

They also look at how the Gunners have already started this season, and whether they feel a different kind of pressure this time around as champions.

You can listen to the full interview above or on BBC Sounds here