Latest Arsenal headlines and transfer rumours with updates after Man City on Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu
Arsenal were left stunned after Manchester City scored a last-gasp equaliser in their Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon. Erling Haaland put Pep Guardiola’s side in front but goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes before half time put the Gunners in control.
With Leandro Trossard sent off moments before the interval for a second bookable offence, Arsenal were prepared for a second half onslaught and managed to repel every City attack until John Stones struck with just seconds remaining of the game.
Arteta was understandably left furious by the decision that saw his player red carded but he could have other more pressing issues to worry about. For the second half, Ben White was introduced despite Arteta admitting after the game that he was carrying an injury
Both Jurrien Timber and Calafiori were also subbed off after receiving attention from club physios but neither appear to have suffered a serious issue. The Gunners’ injury list is already at five with Arteta seemingly handed another four concerns coming out of the clash against City.
With that said, football.london has taken a look at the biggest Arsenal headlines and transfer news.
Tomiyasu decision after White admission
Given Arteta’s praise of White, it may spell the end of Takehiro Tomiyasu’s career at Arsenal. The Japan international has interest from Italy and is yet to feature this season because of injury, though other defenders are still willing to continue playing.
Asked about a possible injury to White, Arteta said: “Yeah, we didn’t want to [play him that long], but we had to. I spoke to him yesterday and I wanted to protect him. He’s not going to ever tell you that he’s not fit.
“He will run through a brick wall for you. The intention was not to use him today. But I’m very grateful because he performed extremely well.”
football.london says: “With White fighting through an injury to make himself available, Tomiyasu may no longer be trusted by Arteta. As was seen with Emile Smith Rowe, once he picked up a few injuries, he was rarely given chances to shine when fit before ultimately being sold to Fulham.
“When every option is available, Tomiyasu could find himself as the fifth-choice full-back available to Arteta with a number of his players versatile enough to play on both flanks. A January exit is entirely possible and given what has just transpired, that scenario playing out could be on the cards.”
Calafiori message
For the first time since joining Arsenal, Riccardo Calafiori was named in a Premier League starting XI. Though he was bypassed far too easily by Savinho for City’s opening goal, the Italy international made up for his error in judgement by expertly curling home the equaliser.
After the game, accompanied by Smallpools’ song Dreaming, he wrote on Instagram: “Amazing team spirit today, we deserved more. So happy to mark my full debut with a goal [red heart emoji] Thanks for the great support!!! #coyg”
otball.london says: “What a brilliant signing Calafiori looks to be. Regardless of his mistake, the 22-year-old put in an excellent performance in the context of it being his first start and that arriving against the Premier League champions.
“Arteta clearly trusts him and it also gives the Arsenal boss another reliable option if either White or Jurrien Timber are in need of a rest. Considering the Gunners have four games in the next 12 days, rotation is likely to take place with Calafiori sure to benefit.
“Given it was his first appearance from the off, it was hardly surprising he pulled up with cramp midway through the second half. Despite that, the former Bologna man was able to prove his worth to Arteta and thus could be on for a very fruitful career at Arsenal.”
