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ARTETA LASHES OUT AT SUNDERLAND RESULT AS XHAKA LOSES COOL

Dive into the moments you missed from Sunderland's 2-2 draw with Arsenal: Arteta's angry reaction to the opening goal, Sunderland's tactical switch, and Granit Xhaka's fierce midfield reunion against his former club.

Arteta lashes out at Sunderland result as Xhaka loses cool
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during the draw with Sunderland - COURTESY/PHOTO

Following an outstanding tenacious performance against Arsenal, Sunderland's winning streak at the Stadium of Light continues.

Dan Ballard gave the Gunners the lead in the first half, but Mikel Arteta's team rallied in the second half thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard.

Brian Brobbey scored his first goal in a red and white shirt after coming off the bench, after Regis Le Bris made three changes shortly after the hour mark.

We have examined a few of the game's moments that you might have missed.

Arteta's outrage over Sunderland's first game


The manager of Arsenal has no problem portraying the villain in a pantomime, and he did a fantastic job tonight.

The decision to give the home team a free kick in the first half, even though Enzo Le Fee's foot was clearly trodden on, infuriated the 43-year-old. Disappointed by the choice, Arteta threw his hands in the air as he walked back to the dugout.

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Can you imagine his reaction if the officials penalised him for a good challenge? His wait would not be long.

Thus, the head coach of Arsenal was furious when Martin Zubimendi and Wilson Isidor won the ball in a tackle, which, from the press box at least, appeared to be a good challenge. It was a crucial point in the match.

Less than a minute later, Sunderland took the lead, and the Gunners manager returned to the bench to mockingly cheer the decision.

Dan Ballard wheeled away to the corner flag to celebrate against his old team, but the red and white supporters paid little heed.

Although the Black Cats were unable to achieve the same fluidity at Everton, we saw against Chelsea just how successful Sunderland can be when switching to a 4-3-3 in possession.

When Sunderland got control, both Reinildo and Trai Hume moved into midfield areas, but the Toffees had crowded the middle of the field, making it difficult for the Wearsiders to get on the ball.

Hume warmed up with Sunderland's offensive trio and midfield pair before kickoff tonight. During their play, the Northern Ireland international played on the right in a midfield three.

Although there was little sign that Sunderland would go as boldly as they did with the press, going man for man, it would hint at the strategy. Their centre-halves occasionally followed Arsenal's forwards far into their own half.

Le Bris took a courageous stance, and Arsenal's equaliser demonstrated how simple it is for elite clubs to discipline you at this level. Bukayo Saka made no mistakes when given the chance after Le Fee was caught in possession.

Granit Xhaka's thoughts on the reunion with Arsenal are apparent.


Before kickoff, the travelling Arsenal supporters gave the former Gunners midfielder a hearty round of applause as he talked positively about his time at the Emirates Stadium.

However, that all changed when the game began with the blow of the whistle. He helped the Black Cats gain traction in the game and was his typical polished, professional self.

There was a lot of discussion about how Xhaka had changed in the years after Arteta was appointed, but he still possesses the tenacity and determination that made him so well-liked and powerful at the Emirates.

When the Spaniard lost to the Swiss international's challenge, the Sunderland skipper made it apparent how he felt about Mikel Merino.

The Sunderland talisman yelled his disapproval at Merino as he lay in a heap on the ground after the referee gave a foul.

WHO IS DAVIDE BARTESAGHI? THE TEEN DEFENDER ARSENAL WANT TO SIGN THIS WINTER

Arsenal remains top of the Premier League after a win at Everton. Now, Mikel Arteta targets AC Milan’s Davide Bartesaghi for January.

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Arsenal Targets Davide Bartesaghi

Arsenal wants to finally grab the Premier League title this year with Mikel Arteta in charge.

They edged out Crystal Palace in a penalty shootout in the Carabao Cup quarter-final after a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night at Emirates Stadium. The team is back on the field Saturday afternoon, playing Brighton and Hove Albion at home in the Premier League.

Last time in the league, the Gunners secured a 1-0 victory at Everton, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring the winning penalty at Goodison Park. After 17 games, the London team is still leading the pack, sitting above Manchester City and Aston Villa in the standings.

Arsenal is keeping an eye on AC Milan defender Davide Bartesaghi.

According to the Italian news source Gazetta Dello Sport, Arsenal is watching AC Milan's Davide Bartesaghi as the January transfer window approaches. They're thinking about bringing the fullback to England this winter. His contract with AC Milan runs until 2030, so the Italian team isn't in a rush to sell him and can afford to wait for the right offer to come in next month.

Bartesaghi, who's 19, began at Atalanta before moving to AC Milan 12 years ago. Since then, he moved through their youth teams and played a lot growing up. The teen started training with the first team back in 2023.

He made his first senior appearance playing for the Italian team in September of that year, in a league game against Hellas Verona. Not long after, he signed his first professional deal. The Italy youth international is now a valuable player with 28 appearances, 13 of which have been this season, and has scored two goals from defence.

Would Davide Bartesaghi be a good fit for Arsenal?

Arsenal might see Bartesaghi as a way to strengthen their defence, giving them more competition and depth. He's young and has the potential to get better.

He could be a smart addition for the long haul, someone they can help to become better in the years ahead. The Erba-born player would compete with Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly for a spot in Arteta’s starting lineup. He’s a left-back who likes to run up and down the defence and join the attack when he can.

Filippo Galli, who used to play for AC Milan, recently spoke highly of Bartesaghi, saying, “We have to give credit to this young man for how he’s grown, and to those who guided him. He's improved at a steady pace, which isn't common. He seems like a very reliable player to me, and that’s a good thing. He plays really well and could even play as a centre-back on the left side. We have to recognise how this kid has one of the best qualities for raising such skills.”

Arsenal’s next opponent, Brighton, is currently 9th in the league, only five points away from the top four. The Seagulls tied 0-0 with Sunderland in their most recent game.

THE HIDDEN TACTICAL REASON GABRIEL MARTINELLI WAS REPLACED BY LEANDRO TROSSARD

Mikel Arteta confirms Gabriel Martinelli "could not carry on" as Arsenal reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals

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Martinelli could not carry on after a knee injury

Mikel Arteta said Gabriel Martinelli couldn't keep playing during their Carabao Cup game, which is a worry for Arsenal.

Martinelli got taken out, and Leandro Trossard came in around the 60-minute mark on Tuesday. Arsenal won thanks to a penalty shoot-out. Kepa Arrizabalaga saved Maxence Lacroix's penalty, which means Arsenal is going to play Chelsea in the semi-finals.

Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi scored late, so the game went to penalties. Before that, it looked like Lacroix's own goal would win it for Arsenal. Arteta said he had to sub Martinelli off because he couldn't carry on.

Even with the injury concern, the Spanish coach was happy his team was getting closer to Wembley.

"Really happy to be in the semi-final," he said. We played a team that doesn't give you many chances. We made a bunch and should've scored more.

He added, "When you don't finish the game, a late goal can happen." The guys were really calm during penalties. They got more aggressive in the second half, but overall, it's another win, and I'm happy.

Kepa, who's been David Raya's backup this season, enjoyed having a chance to shine. The Spanish player wants to finally win the title, since he's been a runner-up twice with Chelsea.

I think we played great, but then things changed, he told Sky Sports after the game. We need to get better at not giving up goals at the last minute.

Before his save from Lacroix, both teams made all seven of their penalties. You have to stay calm and focused and not lose it.

William Saliba scored the winning penalty. He's 24 and was only playing his third game since coming back from an injury. He was relieved they made it through the tough match.

It was a hard game against a great team. "We played well, other than my mistake," the French player said.

We're really happy to be in the semi-final. We need to remember last season (when Arsenal lost to Newcastle in the semi). Kepa saved us in the end. We want to win both games and get to the final.

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