Morning guys.
It’s now official, Mikel Arteta is staying put for a few more years having signed a new long term contract. As suggested before when rumours of his new contract were rife, I’m sure the majority of Arsenal fans will be happy but it’s inevitable others might not be. If the persons whose name is on the managers office door is doing all which is asked of him by his bosses, who that person is matters not. Managers come and go, players come and go too but The Arsenal will always live on. Off the back of a first Premier League trophy, Mikel was always going to stay in my opinion and now that Man City are in all sorts of trouble, in theory, his and the teams path towards further success, should be less complicated, domestically at least. Other clubs are going through mixed times because of squad overhauls, new managers or in certain circumstances, both.
Arsenal however, are settled, the manager has his message drummed into the players, all by now knowing what he expects of them. Even so, they can still deliver a shocker as seen the weekend before this long and boring international break which is finally over. Thank goodness!
The performance against Brighton was freak I think because so many players had a really bad day on the same day. Learn from it, move on and never repeat it. Starting on Saturday lunchtime against Leeds Utd.
Talking to Arsenal.com, co-chairs Stan and Josh Kroenke said:
It has been an incredible journey so far and we are excited for what lies ahead in this special relationship. Last season was an incredible moment in Arsenal’s history, a moment in which we created memories that will last a lifetime. We’re determined to create many more in the years ahead.
We share a special bond with Mikel. We are so proud of everything we have achieved since he returned to the club in 2019. He has a deep understanding of Arsenal’s values and carries them in his heart. He knows what this club means to everyone connected to it and is committed to building on everything we have achieved together.
CEO Richard Garlick added:
This is an important time in Arsenal Football Club’s history. We want to create a winning era together with Mikel. We will continue to work hard together as we aim to fulfil our long-term ambitions for the club and our supporters. Mikel has the belief, determination and the understanding of what it takes to build something remarkable and enduring here, and we are excited to continue that journey together.
Let’s be honest, unless Arteta chooses to seek pastures new or results/performances go downhill rapidly and consistently, his job is probably as safe as houses. One of his toughest jobs over the next few weeks is going to be managing the squad, especially as his seemingly first choice frontman Kai Havertz is expected to be ruled out for a while and Christos Tzolis is also set to miss a few games having suffered injury. Jurrien Timber is hardly fully fit and healthy and Ezri Konsa returned early from international football too. Thankfully, Ben White, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera are back in training although what shape they are truly in is unknown until Mikel Arteta holds his pre match press conference. I also read that Max Dowman has suffered an injury which would be pretty grim if true as surely now, he might be given more minutes. I guess it’ll be a toss up between Noni Madueke or Ebe Eze on the left, neither of whom fill me with confidence.
As for Mikel, well he’s thrilled to be staying:
It’s a privilege to commit my future to the club and to continue to work with exceptional people who want the best for Arsenal. This club is unique, its character and the way it makes you feel, and I have a great sense of privilege that our journey together will continue.
We have already built a special bond and created memories that will last a lifetime, and what is so exciting is that this is only the beginning of what we can achieve together. I’m extremely grateful to Stan and Josh for their trust and support, and feel honoured to be leading this club through such a special period in its 140-year history.
This is such a proud moment for me and my family. I feel the love and respect from our fantastic supporters, and they have mine – and ours – in return.
Mikel has managed 361 matches in all competitions, with a win percentage of 62.05%, the best of any full-time manager in our history.
Lastly, rumour has it that a new deal for Declan Rice is soon to be announced.. Excellent news.
Catch up in the comments.
Morning guys.
New post up.
Kev, I read a story online, I typed in rice arsenal, and it come up that way but not sure if the club has said anything yet
Not sure about the veracity of those Sean Rice rumours? Nothing online, but maybe Declan has been given time off because of his Dad’s illness, if he is in fact ill?
I guess we’ll know later today because if Declan is absent then there might actually be something in these rumours.
Merlin, what else would you expect any player to say about their manager getting a new contract, if they don’t like it the manager will drop them and as Arteta has shown he is happy to freeze out players that he doesn’t like or they don’t like him.
Knowing we will be fired up tonight, after our last performance and wanting to win even more for Delan father. Leeds United must be wondering why us this week.
R,I,P Sean Rice – according by reports I have seen it was Lung cancer.
Deepest symphony to Delan and his family,
I agree with others, he must be given all the time and support he needs.
“It’s just tactically, training, managing, the detail he goes into, the things he sees that you would never see,” Rice told Renato Senise. “He’s constantly watching you when you don’t think you’re being watched.
“He’s watching, constantly asking questions to try and catch you out, to see if you’re listening. He’s always keeping you on your toes, making sure that you’re ready.
“Every time we go into games, tactically we know what we’re doing. Defensively, with the ball, how we’re going to beat the opposition. It’s just the fine details, the way he breaks everything down, which makes him the best for me. … ”
Arsenal ‘very lucky’ Mikel Arteta signed new deal, he is the ‘best’ – Declan Rice – ESPN
None better to comment on Arteta the Coach than his own players.
Guess we are no more Set Piece United.
After 9 games, including Community Shield, except for one penalty, all the goals were scored in open play.
I am dreaming of at least one set piece goal this weekend!
C’mon, Gabriel!:D
Goodnight all.
A brilliant article which Arteta’s critics would do well to read imo…
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7666168/2026/10/09/arteta-carrick-arsenal-man-united/
https://x.com/TheFootyFeed/status/2108319211613245584?s=20
Dec returning to training..
No, I thought there would have been, or from another reliable source.
No mention of it on Arteta’s press conference.
Me too, I hope his dad is fighting fit..
Well I hope that’s false about Declan,my feed seems to full of Man City fans whinging!
I’ve just googled Declan Rice and his dad and the only thing I have found is a Twitter post from back in June.
I hope this about his dad passing is not wickedness from some online scumbag…
Sad news, as Potter says, Declan needs time and space to grieve, and only play if and when he feels ready.
That’s sad re Declan’s father, wasn’t he at the trophy celebrations.
Everton Football Club put up for sale. No price quoted, no reasonable price refused.
Yes that’s awful for Declan,some time off coming up probably Merlin.Seems unimportant but we have player to cover,Zubimendi,Merino.
In reply to Arsenal playing not beating Top-6 teams, here are comparisons:
In 2023/24, Arsenal remained unbeaten against Top-6 with 6W 4D 0L and yet finished 2nd.
In 2024/25, Arsenal remained unbeaten against Top-6 with 5W 5D 0L and finished 2nd.
In 2025/26, Arsenal had the worst even result against Top-6 teams since 2022/23 with 4W 4D 3L and yet won the title.
It is counterintuitive really.
I recalled Arsenal played attractive attacking football in 2025 with Zubi in scintillating form and Rice brilliant as left side no. 8.
Come 2026, Zubi running on empty unable to cope without winter break and the physical, quicker and intense aspect of English Football took a toll on him resulting in his form plummeting.
Remember, Zubi played in Spain where football is slower, more tactical and also hotter climate. Whereas English Football is played in a cooler environment with players able to run intensely for 90+ minutes. Zubi can’t do that after being ran into the ground by Arteta in 2025.
I do agree that after Feb/March, our key players were run into the ground by Arteta due to lack of squad depth and Arteta inability to astutely rotated the squad.
But we won the title primary due to Arteta as follows:
#1 – Recruit Jover and he delivered his set-pieces to win 2025/26.
#2 – Arteta rebuilt the team from the back and cumulated into a formidable Defensive Unit that won us the title.
#3 – Recruiting David Raya to replace Aaron Ramsdale (how many Arsenal fans were moaning then when Raya replaced Ramsdale?) was a master stroke by Arteta. Which manager in his right mind will replace an up-and-coming England international with an unproven goalie then?
#4 – Arteta was prepared to pay through his nose to buy Declan Rice. A master stroke, proven by Rice as that lynchpin that command midfield and link it with Forward Line to win us the title.
No doubt it took 7 years to win his first title, but he was left with wrecks and debris when he took over, and took him years to clear them out and buying the players he needed.
Arsene Wenger?
Let’s not forget that GG left behind Seaman and Fab-4, a firm foundation for him to build his team, buying “unknown” French players that he knew from French League. Wenger was a first mover to snap up worldclass French footballers before rest of English teams woke up. Arsene Wenger got lucky as then French Football was entering a Golden Era with a legion of worldclass players which won then WC1998.
Of course, credit should go to Bruce Rioch for buying Bergy (alleged then upon advice by Wenger to David Dein then) which was another major foundation stone for Wenger to build his French Spine.
Now, compare that to what Arsene Wenger inherited, and to what Mikel Arteta inherited, it is like comparing orange to apple.
Condolences to him , Only he will know whether he is up for it and there should be no recriminations if he feels that he isnt
Condolence to Declan and his family.
Arteta should drop him from the team and let him focus on his family.
I’m reading Declan Rices father has died after a long illness.
It’s not about falling into line, just the constant negativity.
The subject has only arisen because of the contract extention, and slow news because of the International break.
That’s it Rico, I’ve said my piece, now I won’t mention it again.
I shall fall into line and hopefully take plenty of positives from where we currently are as a club.
Add the “far” in though and it’s a very different line..
Dennis, look, we get it, you don’t rate Arteta and you don’t rate the football we play, our transfers, blah blah blah.
For goodness sake though and for the sake of all of us on here, can’t you just quit with the constant negativity every time you turn up. I’ve never known a football fan so utterly negative after winning a league title.
Who cares if set pieces formed part of our goal tally? Do you think Liverpool fans were bothered about how many penalties they were awarded a couple of seasons ago, despite a few being suspect? How many decisions went City’s way each season as they raced to a trophy?
Yet you focus on what you didn’t like instead of the glory last season gave the fans and the players.
I think he said Mikel Arteta will/would acknowledge that he took too long.
On the bright side the real football is back and come on you gunners lets show that our last match was just a slip up
Afternoon all.
Not bad Kev for an old one… 😂
Actually, I don’t think Jack said that about Arsenal, he said perhaps we should have won the league earlier than we did as we deserved to. I certainly didn’t hear the words “far too long” in his interview.
Tom Whittaker won the FA cup in your debut season, Cicero, 2-0 against Liverpool, good times.
So I guess you’re telling me you were happy with Jack Crayston, George Swindin and Billy Wright, absolutely no complaints at all.
I just don’t rate him Potter, and I’m not as excited or ‘on-board’ with his extention as others appear to be. Big clubs don’t wait around for seven years for success.
In a sense, Wenger spoilt us during his Highbury years, no-one before him had ever imagined this style of football.
It doesn’t erase or ignore our historical journey, it means that Arsenal evolved and were moulded into a side capable of beautiful winning football.
When we’ve witnessed this sustained for at least a decade, I think it’s reasonable to suggest that they are the standard by which future Arsenal sides should be measured, especially with their resources.
Very harsh, Potter, saying I sound like one of the horrible neighbours.
HH, how generous of you to welcome my opinion.
Sadly, for you, I have absolutely no wish and no intention of engaging in any discussion, argument or debate with you as you appear to be blinded by an almost pathological hatred of any-thing to do with the appointed manager of the football club to which I have held allegiance since attending my first game at Highbury in 1950.
HH you are beginning to sound like a Spurs fan who lives and breathes the Spurs way. In all my time at The Arsenal apart from a few early Wenger years success has always come from attrition , Mee , Graham and now Arteta .The Kroenke family are welded to the bottom line , Theyvinvested in Arteta to win things and presently he has bought returns on the pitch and the balance sheet . So as supporters we can bask in the wins and put up with the way we get them
You’re welcome to challenge my opinion, Cicero, or even point out which part you think is wrong.
I think he’s Championship level without unlimited funds that has helped fund his attritional fine-margins ultra-cautious football, why don’t you put an argument forward to prove me wrong?
Or convince me that he is capable of playing exciting attacking front-foot football against the City’s and Liverpool’s of this world.
Make a case for him deserving one of the best jobs in world football, and his extraordinary generous salary.
Question of the day?
Does Artificial Intelligence equate to dumbed down humanity?
Hey Rico, how are the Hampstead’s?
Does that mean that I have to call it a Bengalaru torpedo now?
🥱
Oh blimey, deja vu all over again.
As I said in a previous comment, Arteta put so much money in that slot machine eventually he was guaranteed to hit the jackpot.
Why did he put so much money in? Because he kept choosing the wrong options, until he had so many defensive options, he couldn’t fail.
Jack Wilshere called it, just as I did, seven years to win a PL is far too long.
How did we win that title?
Mostly VAR assisted set-piece goals, even against smaller relegated or relegation threatened sides.
He didn’t put either Liverpool or City to the sword in four matches, he was too scared to play ball with them and went to his default setting of ultra-cautious, and accepted two points from the 12 available.
Yes, we smashed Leeds and Spurs, but did we play exciting entertaining attacking football often associated with champions?
I don’t think Arteta is capable of putting a vibrant exciting and prolific strike force together, as witnessed over the last seven years.
If he can do that and we see Arsenal playing brave front-foot attractive attacking football, going toe-to-toe with our direct rivals, then he’ll earn some respect, until such time, I regard him as a cheque-book manager who needed his set-piece specialist Jover, and VAR to help him get it over the line.
Hi Cicero, Emirates extended contract with Arsenal till 2033.
It is advantageous having a global recognized name as “sponsor” with that amount of flying by Arsenal team, plus warm weather training at Dubai and other parts of UAE.
Merlin, I am not in full disagreement with your comments about Arteta, but remember that Emery was not really supported by Kroenke and was only hired as a fill in to keep the fans happy and stop protesting, while Wenger was never given the amount of money that Arteta has been given,
I am still not convinced by Stan Kroenke and feel that it’s more Josh who wants success and understands that swapping managers and not giving them a good chance is not the way forward as Tottenham have shown every year a new manager and still nothing to show for it, The other thing that has changed is we now have an academy that is producing some very talented youngsters.
Hi Rico, hope you put up that Arsenal vs Leeds United thread soon.
Goodnight all!
Two more sleeps 😜
Isn’t that where Arsenal go for warm weather training too?
Roll on Saturday
Testing
I wonder how long it will be before we rename The Emirates the Sobah Realty Arena.
Sobah Realty are a real estate developer based in Dubai with an operating base in Bengalaru. (formerly Bangalore) They specialise in building high end luxury apartments.
Just a thought.
Exactly Kev but the critics forget that when recalling our journey. A bit like “that” Brentford game when we had injuries and players with Covid.
As a friend of mine oft says, never let the truth ruin a good story….
You could say – and I often do – that Arteta was ‘unlucky’ to lose William Saliba at such a crucial period during the 2022/23 season or maybe we might have won it 3 years earlier?
Souness, yes Rico, yesterday’s man, a bitter ex-Spurs player desperately trying to remain relevant by talking trash…
Well said Merlin..
Its funny how Arsenal only won the league because other clubs flopped or were in transition but when Arteta first arrived, we too we going through transition in addition to the points you make about the squad and the club as a whole wasn’t far from being in the gutter. Arteta, the Kroenke family too have brought us back to life in a big way.
Would Arteta have two more PL titles against his name had City been “found out” sooner? Perhaps. But it is what it is and we cannot turn back time.
Let’s recapped what Mikel Arteta had done.
Step #1 – He inherited a mess from Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery, with disrupted dressing room. Arteta restored the culture of what it meant to play for Arsenal. He got lucky by winning 2019 FA Cup and a stay of execution after 8th successive finish in EPL.
Step #2 – He started to clear those deadwoods and disrupted players not in tune of his vision.
Step #3 – He bought Jesus, Zinchenko, et al to instill a winning mentality in the team.
Step #4 – His team start to challenge for the title with 2 heart-breaking season finishing 2nd with late season collapse in April/May. Three successive 2-2 while leading 2-0 lost the 2023/24 title. Arteta made a fatal error in judgement by focusing on Bayern Munich resulting in Aston Villa loss and 2024/25 title gone.
Step #5 – Won 2025/26 title and fulfilled his promise in 2019 that his Project needed 5 steps to return to winning way.
Step #6 – Mikel Arteta Legacy is to build a dynasty, incorporating homegrown players akin to Ferguson Fledgings or Guardiola La Masia products that dominated Spanish Football. The jury is still out on Arteta Legacy, or he is just a lucky manager in the right place at the right time with all his rivals in transition and Arsenal is the only team with continuity and a formidable Defensive Unit rated the best in Europe in 2025/26 season.
And from 2019 to last 2026 summer transfers, Arteta had spent over £1.0 billion in player transfers. On the other hand, it is money well spent as it generates growing commercial revenues, broadcasting & matchday revenues with our 2025/26 turnovers, I think, £670 million.
Regardless of Mikel Arteta “only” win 2019 FA Cup, 3 Community Shields and 2025/26 title, he was competing against financial doping by Man City and Chelski.
Of course, Arteta got lucky in 2025/26 with Liverpool collapse when Mo Salah stopped scoring, ManU lost its way, Chelski trying to buy a team, and Guardiola team was in transition.
In summary, it was Mikel Arteta that forged the best Defensive Unit in Europe that won him the 2025/26 title. Kudos to him for doing that and bringing joy back to Arsenal fans after a decade of bleakness with Wenger and Emery … and 2 years of Arteta! 😀
Max Dowman’s three Guinness World Records certificates are for – the youngest player to appear in the Champions League, the youngest Premier League goalscorer and the youngest Premier League title winner.
Well done young man..
Hi Geoff, I’d rather he were tied down for longer so a) he’s ours and b) if he opts for something new, his sale value is protected.
International you say that Kev, one of my neighbours on the camp site a week or so ago was a staunch Hammers fan. A lovely bloke too and he said the general consensus was fans were happy Rice joined Arsenal rather than City or Chelsea etc. They respected him for helping the club win in Europe and deserved his big move.
Pundits etc don’t like it though because they don’t like seeing Arsenal strong. It was inevitable England would be viewed in such a way in his absence, just look at what that idiot Souness said a while back. I love it though because we as a club are living rent free in their heads…
Rico, in regard to Rice, you say 3 years and I say 2 years, what about a compromise 2 years with the option of another 1 year subject to fitness
Morning Rico and all,
Congratulation to Max Dowman on gaining 3 Guinness books records
You know Rico, certain individuals in the media, and there are many, have never forgiven Declan Rice for his decision to join Arsenal. There is the West Ham mafia among the media of course but there are so many other Arsenal and Arteta haters who were sure at the time that Declan would return to Chelsea or to join Man City even though they all knew how dishonest both those clubs had been. Joining Arsenal was never in the script.
So we have many ex-players and pundits who periodically take their revenge by criticising Rice and by association Arsenal, of course they do. A recent theme emerged after England had played so well with Anderson and Scott putting in top performances. Instead of lauding the strength in depth of the England squad the snide comments took aim at Rice and his place in the team, much as those same haters dig out Saka.
Thanks Kev. Fingers crossed you’re right re Eze etc.
Continuity and success hopefully Cicero..
Morning Cicero, Kev, all.
It’s easier for you to do that Dennis, I’m waitlist to see the dentist.
City’s alleged cheating could have deprived Arteta from winning the PL earlier. To suggest he is a championship manager is crazy imo
Morning Gooners, morning Rico, excellent post and excellent news, the immediate future is secure and safe. Yes Rico the sudden demise of Man City could really open up the road ahead and with Arteta in charge it could be full of excitement and silverware.
I think that Gyokeres and Eze are both the types of players who build up momentum with a run of games as starters, so with Tzolis out for October and probably Havertz as well both Ebs and Vik will, or should, start most PL and CL games and by the end of the month be rocking.
Good morning Rico.
I don’t think Arteta’s new contract was ever in doubt, last season’s Premiership title was largely to do with the fact that the whole squad were singing from the same hymn book.
Yes it took maybe a bit to long to achieve but it was done despite City’s 115 crimes.
We now have a good balance between regular starters and up and coming youngsters who are gradually being integrated into what Stan and Josh happily call the Arsenal Family.
Continuity is becoming Arsenal’s watchword. Long may it remain so.
Could you transfer my last comment on the previous Post, please Rico.
I’m staunch and principled in my beliefs and strongly believe a lot of the hype around Arteta is smoke and mirrors.
I’m happy to share my personal opinion of Arteta and will not shy away from defending my views either.
I think he is Championship level without fortunes to spend on transfers.