‘TOP PLAYER!’ – MIKEL ARTETAFULL OF PRAISE FOR EBERECHI EZE AFTER FULHAM CLASH
Mikel Arteta says he is "very happy" with Eberechi Eze's performances for Arsenal, despite the £68m summer signing still waiting for his first goal for the club.
Mikel Arteta says he has been ‘very happy’ with Eberechi Eze’s performances (Getty)
After Arsenal defeated Fulham 1-0, Mikel Arteta insisted he was "extremely delighted" with Eberechi Eze's performances.
After moving from Crystal Palace for £68 million during the summer transfer window, Eze has made six Premier League appearances for Arsenal but has yet to score and has recorded two assists.
The 27-year-old found it difficult to contribute at Craven Cottage on Saturday night, and he was substituted in the 62nd minute as Mikel Arteta's team won thanks to a goal from Leandro Trossard in the second half.
Eze can play a variety of positions, and Arteta has stated that the England international will continue to be deployed in various areas of Arsenal's attack while Martin Odegaard is out until mid-November due to a knee injury.
"He is more used to attacking open areas and breaks and facing and carrying the ball with space in front of him; he is so excellent and comfortable doing that," Arteta remarked in response to a question concerning Eze's performance against Fulham.
He had his moments today, putting Viktor through once or twice in excellent positions, and perhaps the outcome would have been slightly different had it ended in a goal.
However, I am rather pleased with his work, and we may utilise him in a variety of capacities. We used him in that one today, and we can keep working to get better.
Trossard scored Arsenal's game-winning goal from close range following Gabriel's flick-on from a corner, and Arteta again applauded his "intuition."
"He is at the right position at the right time and has this ability to create these magical moments when the team needs it the most, which is a huge asset for the squad and a huge weapon for us," Arteta said.
So, I am quite content. We currently have several players in a pretty high emotional state and performance level, which is really fantastic to see, and I think he is been really, really good in recent weeks.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.