Arsenal

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Arsenal responded to the negative outside noise with a thumping win at Leeds on Saturday to put them back in the driving seat in the title race.

Confidence didn't look to be an issue at Elland Road, despite going into the game on a three-match winless run, and they lost Bukayo Saka to injury in the warm-up.

Up stepped Noni Madueke, who former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker was impressed by.

"Arsenal definitely have the strongest squad in the Premier League and they are going to need that squad effort because they are competing on four fronts," said Reo-Coker on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"Credit to Mikel Arteta because he has kept every player focused, whether they play or don't play, and has created the environment he has always wanted there.

"They are very much united and together, and ready to compete. You have to rely on your squad and every player has to play their part.

"The players are seeing and listening to things about them not being mentally strong enough, so they have to stay focused for the task at hand. It's tunnel vision time.

"I don't think people want Arsenal to fail but because they have been in this position before and they haven't got over the line people look at that and remember what happened."

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Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Arsenal are working on a deal to sign teenage striker James Wilson from Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts on an initial loan deal.

The 18-year-old has already been capped by Scotland and has scored eight goals in 21 starts for the Edinburgh club.

Initial discussions are over a proposed loan deal for the remainder of the season, with a view to signing the forward on a permanent basis should he impress during his time in north London.

The teenager, who has scored twice in 10 appearances for Hearts this season, is expected to compete for a spot within Arsenal's U21s side and is not considered a first team signing.

Arsenal are considering a move for St Mirren forward Evan Mooney, 18, as they ponder a £400,000 plus add-ons bid. (Sun), external

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

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Arsenal did their transfer business this summer and brought in eight new players for about £250m - so not much is expected on deadline day.

The Gunners have let youngster Ethan Nwaneri join Marseille on loan this month to aid his development and give him game time, and a large part of that is down to the depth that they have in their squad.

The only thing that could lead Arsenal into the market, although it seems unlikely at this stage, is if they want to add another squad option now Mikel Merino is due to have surgery on a foot injury.

Merino is a trusted member of the squad and his physicality and ability to also play as a number nine is a useful tool for the Gunners.

That said, it would be have to be a great market opportunity, and although Mikel Arteta said the club are always ready in the market, it seems as though there is no plans for a new face to join a squad top of the Premier League by six points.

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We asked you what still needs to happen before the transfer window closes at 19:00 GMT on Monday.

Here are some of your comments:

Roger: I can't see any reason to bring in any extra players now. This is a brilliant squad, with just about everyone fit and performing well. The end of the season will be the right time to reassess the situation, possibly with a top striker being the main priority.

Nanpon: Just get Julian Alvarez in. What difference will it make anyway if you are prepared to get him in the summer? Why wait when he can guarantee us trophies?

Curtis: Nothing needs to happen in this window. We have the squad, we just need to have faith and start having fun again - both on the pitch and in the stands.

Jack: We need to strengthen the squad as we have been hit with injuries a lot this season. We need a good midfielder and a defender or two. We won't win the league without strengthening the squad. Please, Mikel Arteta, just make a signing.

Mike: I don't think we need to add anyone. Let's keep the current ones as fit as possible.

Ali: Nothing. We already have the best squad in the league. We can look for a world-class striker in the summer.

Ask us questions about Arsenal and we'll put them to our experts

Today is the final chance of the season for your Premier League team to do transfer business.

The window closes at 19:00 GMT, meaning teams - and fans - can avoid the usual late-night transfer scramble.

It has already been a busy window - for some teams anyway - but whether it turns out to be a day of transfer action or a pretty quiet one for your club, you will be able to keep across it all on BBC Sport.

Follow our live text coverage throughout the day here

Get alerts and keep up to date with all the latest news, insight and fan views for your club

Alam Khan
BBC Sport journalist

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William Saliba says Arsenal will respond to their critics "on the pitch" as they pursue an unprecedented quadruple this season.

A 4-0 win at Leeds United on Saturday moved the Gunners seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, before Manchester City and Aston Villa play on Sunday.

Arsenal next host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday, holding a 3-2 first-leg lead, while they are in the Champions League last 16 and face League One Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round at Emirates Stadium.

No English team has won all four competitions in the same season, but defender Saliba believes Arsenal have the quality and squad depth to make history - and silence the doubters who question whether they can end their trophy wait.

"It's a big club, so there's a lot of pressure every time," said the 24-year-old. "It's good when there is pressure. We play football for that.

"We have to respond on the pitch. First, it will be Tuesday and then we'll see. We have a lot of games - there's four months left. We want to win every competition. We have the squad for that and we have the coach for that.

"Everyone wants to win on Tuesday. It would give us a lot of confidence because if we get to the final of the Carabao Cup, it would be the first final of everything.

"We have to prove we want to win everything."

Arsenal's dominant display at Leeds came amid mounting pressure following goalless draws with Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, and a 3-2 loss at home to Manchester United.

"It was so important to win because last week we weren't happy with the performance at home," added Saliba. "We conceded three goals and lost the points - that's a thing we don't like.

"We wanted to show it was just like a mistake that can happen. Now we're back to basics with a good clean sheet against a good team. It's never easy to come here and win.

"We are all happy with the performance - defensively and offensively."

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

Here are some of your comments:

Leeds fans

Eric: Offered no offensive threat or quality on the ball with our passing and distribution in the first half. With the second half changes we were much more positive but, let's be honest, Arsenal showed up our frailties and it was only ever going to be a loss. However, really BIG game against Nottingham Forest next, we can only have one result in that one or we are back in squeaky bum territory.

Wayne: Not a totally unexpected result but the performance was disappointing. Naive in both boxes and what does Tanaka have to do to get a game?

Andrew: Farke set up wrong - Gudmundsson is not a left centre-back, he's never played there! Too defensive a set-up with Gruev and Ampadu - we gave all the attacking initiative to Arsenal and DCL was isolated again. Didn't expect much from the game and not surprised.

Chris: Never expected Leeds to win but thought we would have put up more of a fight. Not a single Leeds player was of Premier League quality. Farke really needs to stop with the goalkeeper experiment and just leave Perri in -Darlow is a good back-up keeper and that's about as good as he gets.

Arsenal fans

Chris: Madueke was excellent and after all the talk of mental strength and open-play goals - well, there's your talk for the weekend. A positive result that really quickly eases the concerns from the loss to Manchester United.

Steve: Arsenal choking then? In January we played nine, won six, drew two and lost one. Doesn't feel like it to me.

Neo: When I saw Madueke earlier in the season when Saka got injured - I thought he was causing a lot of problems for the opposition down the right-hand side and is great at going round the defender and crossing. I am now more convinced than ever that he should play more often and we should rotate Saka, or try Saka on the left sometimes. Maybe better to rest Saka to get him sharper when he eventually comes on. Bottom line is that Eze and Madueke needs more game time somehow.

Sean: Arsenal have been playing Premier League games with the weight of expectations seemingly holding them back. This could be a big step toward winning the title.

It's transfer deadline day tomorrow, with the window closing at 19:00 GMT.

How would you assess Arsenal's window? Do you think any position needs more attention? If so, give us names of who should be brought in. And what about who needs to go?

Get in touch with your views here

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Arsenal have had injuries to key players in defence and attack throughout this season, but they have been able to navigate those challenges thanks to their strength in depth.

And Arteta will be delighted that the attackers in his squad performed in the win over Leeds.

Arsenal's attack has not always been firing this season, with Viktor Gyokeres' goal in the second half just his sixth in the league this season.

Before the Sweden international put Gabriel Martinelli's excellent cross into the back of the net, own goals were the joint top source of goals for Arteta's side.

The amount of own goals that Arsenal benefit from is in part down to their excellence from set-pieces and the pressure they put on the opposition.

The own goal which doubled their lead was the fifth in their favour this season and is the most that any side in the division has benefited from.

Only in the 2009-10 season have the Gunners 'scored' more own goals in a Premier League campaign, with six.

But despite Gyokeres' struggles at times this season, the £64m summer signing from Sporting has scored four goals in his past six appearances and is now the Gunners' top scorer with 11 goals.

John Bennett
Final Score reporter at Elland Road

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Off the back of a three-match winless run in the Premier League, heading away to Elland Road - described as "a fortress" by Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu pre-match - always felt like a test of character for Arsenal.

They passed the examination with relative ease. No wonder Mikel Arteta called the win "impressive".

There were questions about their mentality heading into the fixture, but afterwards Arteta stressed how "good" it was against Leeds, saying he was delighted by their level of "enjoyment" and "conviction".

And in response to title race questions, he insisted that all they can control is "giving their best".

Arteta had particular and well-deserved praise for Noni Madueke, who went from being out of the first XI to being a starter, just 20 minutes before kick-off, after Bukayo Saka's injury.

And Madueke's "mindset" is what Arteta liked the most about the performance, which included two goal involvements, and it will be great news for Arsenal if the former Chelsea winger can hit form at this vital time for the season.

A test of character in West Yorkshire and what feels like a significant win after all the noise following the home defeat by Manchester United.

Pundits Shay Given and Steph Houghton join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Brighton 1-1 Everton

• Leeds 0-4 Arsenal

• Chelsea 3-2 West Ham

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "To win 4-0 here is very difficult, let's see when the next time that happens. Big credit to the boys.

"The team showed a real dominance, resilience and character and obviously quality. I really liked the attitude of the team."

On Bukayo Saka's possible injury: "We don't know yet. He had a little niggle in the warm up."

On Noni Madueke coming in: "You have to be thrown out there when you least expect it and he reacted really well."

Did you know?

• Following wins at Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Chelsea, Inter and Leeds in January 2026, Arsenal have won five away games across all competitions in a single month for just a second time in the club's history, with the previous instance coming in April 2000 (that run also included a 4-0 win at Elland Road).

• The Gunners have scored more goals from corners (14) than any other side in the Premier League this season, while no side has scored more headed goals than the Gunners (10 – level with Tottenham).

• Only in 2009-10 (6) have Arsenal benefited from more own goals in a single Premier League campaign than the five they've benefited from so far in 2025-26 (5).

• Viktor Gyokeres has scored four goals in his last six appearances for Mikel Arteta's side across all competitions and is now the Gunners' outright top scorer this season with 11 goals.

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

What did you make of Leeds' display?

Have your say on Arsenal's performance

Come back on Sunday for a selection of your replies

Alex Howell
Football reporter

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Bukayo Saka has left the warm-up early and gone down the tunnel.

A concern for Arsenal.

It's now confirmed that Saka is now out of the game against Leeds.

The winger picked up an issue in the warm-up and left the pitch, walking down the tunnel with a physio.

Noni Madueke has taken his place in the starting XI.

A big blow for the Gunners in what is an important match after their recent run of form.

Saka had been set to captain the side but now centre back Gabriel Magalhaes takes the armband.

Alex Howell
Football reporter

Daniel Farke makes just one change from the side that drew with Everton on Monday. Gudmonsson comes in for Bornauw. Leeds have an excellent record at home and have only lost twice at Elland Road all season.

Leeds starting XI: Darlow, Bogle, Strujik, Rodon, Ampadu, Justin, Gruev, Stach, Aaronson, Gudmondsson, Calvert-Lewin

Subs: Perri, Longstaff, Okafor, Piroe, Tanaka, Bornauw, Byram, Gnonto, Buonanotte

Mikel Arteta makes a big call and drops club captain Martin Odegaard to the bench. Kai Havertz comes into midfield for his first start in the Premier League in around a year.

Arsenal starting XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, White, Odegaard, Jesus, Eze, Martinelli, Madueke, Calafiori

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

• Brighton v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Leeds v Arsenal - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Wolves v Bournemouth

• Chelsea v West Ham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Liverpool v Newcastle (20:00)

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v West Ham", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

This is going to be a really good game, and it might tell us where Arsenal are at.

For starters, Leeds' recent home record is really good and I have been really impressed by the job their manager Daniel Farke has done. They were unlucky not to get three points against Everton on Monday.

On top of that, though, there are lots of question marks around the Gunners' form and whether the choke is on.

Plenty of Arsenal fans that I know are getting nervous and you are thinking, blimey, there are still 15 games to go... so heaven help them when they get into the home straight.

Arsenal hammered Leeds 5-0 at the Emirates in August, but now we are all wondering about their ability to score goals from open play.

I still think Mikel Arteta's side will win, but it is going to be very different to that last meeting. Instead, this is the type of game where they will go and grind a 'one-niller' out by nicking a set-piece goal.

Sutton's prediction: 0-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist

Premier League leaders Arsenal are unlikely to have it easy against Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday (15:00 GMT) as they look to steady their wobble at the summit of the table.

The Gunners have a healthy four-point advantage over Manchester City going into the weekend but seem vulnerable given their recent league form. Back-to-back 0–0 draws at home to Liverpool and away at Nottingham Forest were followed by a 3–2 loss to Manchester United last time out.

The atmosphere should be white-hot when they rock up in Yorkshire this weekend, with Leeds unlikely to take a backward step. Daniel Farke has made the team a serious proposition in recent weeks and they have relished bloodying the nose of some of the division's more glamorous names since their promotion.

Leeds looking up after superb surge

Leeds showed what they are all about in their 1–1 draw with Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday.

In the first half, they physically bossed and tactically outsmarted their opponents and should have been more than one goal ahead at the interval. When the inevitable Everton pressure came in the second half, they were able to bend rather than break, conceding a goal but coming away with a creditable 1–1 draw.

That point means Leeds have still lost only one of their last 10 Premier League games (W3, D6). No side have lost fewer matches since the start of December.

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While they have won just one of their 12 away games, they have frequently found an extra gear to get them over the line in front of their own supporters.

Leeds have lost only twice at Elland Road all season and beaten Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Everton, as well as picking up draws against Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle.

Arsenal out of sync as pressure builds

Arsenal do at least have some good memories of matches against Leeds, the most recent of which was a 5–0 win at the Emirates Stadium back in August.

Even at Elland Road, the Gunners have won four and drawn two of the previous six meetings.

Still, it is clear the balance is not quite right for Arsenal at the moment. Against Liverpool and Forest, they were arguably a little too cautious, whereas in the loss to United they never really felt in control of the game.

There has been plenty of focus on the forwards given their recent issues. Since the turn of the year, none of Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke nor Leandro Trossard have scored a Premier League goal.

But what kind of service are they getting? In recent years, Arsenal's main creative force has been captain Martin Odegaard. Lately, he has been well below his best too.

Speaking after the defeat to United, Odegaard said that "obviously" the team's three successive runners-up finishes were a factor in this title race. While the captain will need to showcase leadership during this trying spell, an uplift in his own performances on the pitch would undoubtedly help to calm nerves.

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