All posts by z3u9t.icu

With the 2024/25 season coming to a close, clubs have been fighting it out for the major trophies. The EFL Cup was wrapped up in February, with Newcastle United winning their first gong for 55 years, while the FA Cup went to Crystal Palace as they secured their first major trophy.

Both clubs overcame top opposition at Wembley to defy the odds on their way to silverware, with Liverpool and Manchester City on the wrong end of painful defeats under the arch.

Liverpool and Arsenal were the ones fighting it out for the Premier League crown, but it was the Reds who prevailed, in the process winning their 20th top-flight title.

And Tottenham Hotspur won the battle of the Premier League strugglers in the Europa League final, with their first major honour for nearly two decades coming at the expense of Manchester United, who will finish in the bottom region of the league table alongside the Lilywhites despite their progress in Europe.

Meanwhile, Chelsea lifted the Conference League and the first edition of the newly expanded Club World Cup.

Here, we take a look at the most trophies won by English clubs, with a detailed look at the top 11.

For this list, minor competitions like the Community Shield and the Intertoto Cup have not been taken into consideration, while ‘European cups’ does not include the UEFA Super Cup, though these are counted alongside honours such as the Intercontinental Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

Rank

Team

League titles

Domestic cups

European cups

Others

Total

Liverpool

20

18

9

5

Man Utd

20

19

5

3

Arsenal

13

16

2

0

Chelsea

6

13

7

4

Man City

10

15

2

2

Aston Villa

7

12

1

1

Tottenham

2

12

4

0

Everton

9

5

1

0

Newcastle

4

7

1

0

Blackburn

3

7

0

0

Nottingham Forest

1

6

2

1

11 Nottingham Forest 10 trophies

Nottingham Forest enjoyed their finest season in decades, finishing seventh in the Premier League table and qualifying for Europe. They haven’t won a major trophy since the League Cup back in 1990 under the leadership of Brian Clough, the most successful manager in the club’s history.

He led the team to their first and only top-flight title in 1978, before claiming back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980. Add in four League Cups, and it is no wonder why so many loved Cloughie. Forest have also won two FA Cups and a European Super Cup, taking their total to 10 major trophies won.

Competition

Times won

Last won

First Division

1

1978

FA Cup

2

1959

League Cup

4

1990

European Cup

2

1980

European Super Cup

1

1979

Nottingham Forest and 8 other Premier League surprise packages

The Premier League has had plenty of surprise packages over the previous 30 years – here are some of the best.

1 ByRoss Kilvington Nov 5, 2024 10 Blackburn Rovers 10 trophies

Blackburn Rovers haven’t been in the top flight since 2012, but they rank joint-10th with Forest in terms of most successful English clubs.

All but two of their major trophies came before 1930, winning two league titles and six FA Cups. They ended an 81-year drought for a league title by winning the Premier League in 1995, while Graeme Souness won the League Cup during the 2001/02 season.

This remains the last time the club lifted silverware.

9 Newcastle United 11 trophies

Before winning the EFL Cup in 2025, Newcastle United had the longest drought of any club in England that has won at least one major trophy. Indeed, the last time Newcastle had lifted silverware before 2025, the Beatles were still together and the Vietnam War was ongoing as the Magpies won the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.

The Toon have won four league titles in their history, along with claiming six FA Cup titles. The last of these came in 1927 and 1955 respectively.

Eddie Howe’s charges will now surely have their eyes on further success, particularly as they return to Europe and look to place themselves among Europe’s elite for the foreseeable future.

8 Everton 15 trophies

Everton have enjoyed brief periods of success during their history before going through long droughts.

Up until the 1940s, the Toffees had won five league titles and two FA Cups prior to enduring a quiet period. League titles in 1963 and 1970 sandwiched an FA Cup triumph in 1966.

Since then, only four more trophies have been won by the Goodison Park outfit, with the last one coming in 1995. They will have to wait until next year to end this drought.

7 Tottenham Hotspur 18 trophies

Much was made about Tottenham Hotspur’s trophy drought, which stretched back to 2008, as a club of their size should have claimed a couple of major honours since.

It took them 17 years to taste cup glory since Jonathan Woodgate’s winner saw them beat Chelsea in the EFL Cup final, with their 2025 Europa League final against Manchester United handing Ange Postecoglou the chance to break the club’s hoodoo – one that he took.

Brennan Johnson’s scrappy goal in Bilbao ended that long wait for major silverware, with Spurs lifting the Europa League trophy for a third time, with their latest triumph their fourth on the continent, having won the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1963.

Overall, Spurs have won 18 major trophies throughout their history, with their other 14 being domestic honours, including eight FA Cups. Almost bizarrely, they have not even been in an FA Cup final since 1991, yet have played in two European finals in the time that has followed.

Meanwhile, their league titles tally stands at two, with their last one coming in 1961. Only time will tell if their Europa League triumph proves to be a catalyst for more success in the future.

Tottenham Hotspur's 11 best matches in European football – ranked

Spurs have had plenty of memorable matches in UEFA competitions over the years.

ByRoss Kilvington May 22, 2025 6 Aston Villa 21 trophies

Aston Villa’s main period of success came during the late part of the 19th century and early years of the 20th century. The club won six league titles and six FA Cups during this period.

Arguably, their finest achievement has been winning the European Cup in 1982, defeating Bayern Munich in the final. This came after they had secured their seventh top-flight title the season before.

A total of 21 major trophies have been won by the Midlands side, but you’d have to go back to 1996 for the last time they lifted anything of note.

5 Manchester City 29 trophies

Manchester City have benefited from being taken over by wealthy owners as, before the takeover in 2008, City had won just nine major honours.

The last 17 years have seen the club claim eight league titles, three FA Cups, a Champions League title and six League Cup trophies.

Pep Guardiola turned City into arguably the finest team of the Premier League era, but the club’s struggles in 2024/25 were summed up by a second successive FA Cup final defeat – most recently to Crystal Palace – when victories would have seen them tie with Arsenal in the overall list.

4 Chelsea 30 trophies

Chelsea’s success during the first 20 years of the 21st century was undoubtedly down to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. Between 2003 and 2022, the Blues won 20 major trophies, including five Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns.

It wasn’t until 1955 that the club won their first league title, while they had to wait until 1970 to win the FA Cup. Recently, Enzo Maresca led the club to a Conference League triumph and the expanded FIFA Club World Cup title in his first season.

3 Arsenal 31 trophies

While Spurs and Newcastle get flak for their respective trophy droughts, Arsenal have won just one FA Cup in the last eight years.

Overall, though, the Gunners have won a total of 31 major honours since their formation in 1886, including a record 14 FA Cup wins.

Furthermore, they have also won 13 league titles throughout their history, along with two European trophies – the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1970 and the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994.

The 9 most successful teams in the FA Cup

The FA Cup has been won by some of the biggest teams in the country since its inception in the 19th century.

ByRoss Kilvington Oct 30, 2024 2 Manchester United 47 trophies

Manchester United rank second on this list, courtesy of winning a staggering 47 trophies in their history. Two managers won the bulk of these honours – Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson.

Indeed, Busby won eight major trophies, culminating in the 1968 European Cup triumph, 10 years after the Munich air disaster. The Red Devils went through a slump until Ferguson managed to work his magic. By 2013, he had won 28 trophies throughout an iconic spell.

They have some work to do to reach number one, however…

The 15 best Champions League/European Cup finals – ranked

Ahead of the Champions League final, here are the best showdowns of years gone by.

ByPatric Ridge May 30, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has one player at the very top of his list of targets, and it is now believed the man in question is just as determined to make a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta makes new Arsenal transfer admission

With the first summer window just weeks away from opening, Arsenal supporters are eager to hear what their club has planned after reportedly striking an agreement for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal hold initial talks over signing £202k-a-week Real Madrid star

The Gunners have reached out and made contact.

ByEmilio Galantini May 14, 2025

Zubimendi will be Arsenal’s first signing of the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano and fellow reliable media sources, but one position they need to reinforce is further up front.

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Man City

65

5. Chelsea

63

6. Aston Villa

63

7. Nottingham Forest

62

Injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have forced Mikel Arteta to deploy midfielder Mikel Merino in an emergency striker role over the final stretch of this season, and supporters are desperate for Berta to end Arsenal’s long wait for a prolific number nine.

“I understand the narrative [about signing a No 9],” said Arteta about Arsenal’s rumoured pursuit of a striker.

“When you create five expected goals but only score one, it’s going to happen. It’s normal. We look at the things with much more data and resources than many people, but a lot of people have very good intuition on what is needed – and it’s good to listen to those opinions.

“We have a very clear vision from the ownership, the owner and the board, the new sporting director, we are all aligned on what we want to do. We are very close to achieving it – and that’s it.”

While Arteta remains coy, a host of strikers have already been linked with moves to N5, but one who stands out among them is Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

The Sweden international’s exceptional tally of 52 goals across 50 appearances in all competitions is understandably turning heads, and reports suggest Gyokeres could leave for much less than his £84 million release clause this year.

Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported earlier this week that Arsenal are offering the 26-year-old a £7 million-per-year salary to join them, roughly equating to around £135,000-per-week.

Now, that same source has provided another update, revealing the ex-Coventry star’s stance on returning to England with Arsenal.

Viktor Gyokeres decides he wants to join Arsenal

As per A Bola, Gyokeres has his heart set on joining Arsenal after being “emotionally” and “financially” convinced Arteta’s side are the right option for him ahead of Chelsea.

He is said to be at the top of Berta’s personal shopping list as well, with Sporting’s hopes of an auction between Arsenal and Chelsea quashed by Gyokeres’ burning desire to make a move to the former.

Gyokeres’ potential Arsenal deal would be a four-to-five-year contract, and the player apparently has an agreement already in place with Sporting that he can leave for around £63 million.

All signs are pointing towards an imminent Arsenal move for Gyokeres, but Emirates chiefs will be wary of potential hijacks, akin to Real Madrid’s swoop for Dean Huijsen.

Leeds United might well have a reported £100m in the bank to spend on new players ahead of their Premier League voyage, but the Whites have plenty of talent already being organically grown on the youth pitches at Thorp Arch.

After all, even when Championship promotion was narrowly missed at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, Archie Gray stood out as a homegrown gem, leading to a £30m deal with Tottenham Hotspur being agreed.

Moreover, if we move away from more recent examples with Daniel Farke at the helm, Marcelo Bielsa also had a huge part to play in Kalvin Phillips turning into an England regular, with the Leeds-born midfielder still eternally grateful to his hometown side.

Kalvin Phillips' unbelievable rise at Leeds

Nobody could have quite anticipated the unbelievable rise Phillips would enjoy at Elland Road, with the local starlet eventually leaving the comforts of West Yorkshire behind when a £45m move to Manchester City came to be.

Eight years prior to his big move to the Etihad, however, Phillips was a wide-eyed starlet attempting to cut his teeth with the Whites, with his first moment in the senior spotlight coming during the 2014/15 season under former youth coach Neil Redfearn.

The rest is now history for the 29-year-old, with those opportunities under Redfearn catapulting Phillips into a first-team regular, before Bielsa went on to refine the midfield battler’s game even more when he took over duties in the Elland Road dug-out.

By the end of his celebrated spell at Leeds, Phillips would notch up 14 goals and 13 assists from 234 total clashes, with his heroics also helping his beloved outfit gain promotion up to the Premier League under the eccentric South American.

Amazingly, there is another gem entirely of Leeds’ own making that has just tasted the glory of promotion, with the potential here for another new starlet to surpass Phillips and become an even brighter talent.

Leeds' finest young talent since Phillips

Unfortunately, the 29-year-old has experienced a lot of pain since exiting Elland Road, with only 31 first-team appearances coming his way at the Etihad to date, on top of other unmemorable loan moves just not working out, namely at West Ham and Ipswich Town.

So, who’s the next cab off the rank? Well, Harry Gray could well look up to Phillips and indeed his brother, Archie, when examining the potential for minutes at a first-team level.

Much like Redfearn before him with Phillips, Farke gifted the teenager his first ever senior clash in Leeds white at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, with his outrageous numbers in the youth set-up for some time now making this somewhat of an expected promotion.

Indeed, across just 18 appearances for both the U18s and U21s to date, the forward has bagged a deadly 11 strikes, living up to his billing as “one of England’s best prospects in his generation,” in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson.

1. Tom Elliott

16 years, 2 months, 25 days

4

2. Aaron Lennon

16 years, 4 months, 7 days

43

3. Harry Gray

16 years, 6 months, 13 days

1

4. James Milner

16 years, ten months, 6 days

54

5. Neil Aspin

16 years, ten months, 8 days

38

It’s rather frightening how ahead Gray already looks with his development, considering it would take Phillips a number of seasons before he was fully settled into first-team life.

With the new Thorp Arch sensation, however, he looks ready to already make an impact to keep his blistering goal record at youth level up.

Nobody can accurately predict what the future holds for Gray, but if he can continue to learn and grow under the tutelage of Farke, he could one day be an even bigger sale than Phillips, and perhaps even solidify himself as more of a Premier League worthy talent than his counterpart ever managed.

Time to go: 49ers must axe Leeds ace who's played even less than Schmidt

The Leeds United man who played less than Isaac Schmidt should be let go this summer.

ByDan Emery May 8, 2025

This summer is another opportunity for boss Enzo Maresca to make the desired changes he wants to his Chelsea squad to help in their ambitions of edging closer to a Premier League title.

The Italian took the reins last summer and has so far done a commendable job at the helm, still having the opportunity to claim a Champions League place for 2025/26.

He could also secure the club another European title in the coming months, currently in the semi-final of the Europa Conference League, with a clash with Djurgarden on the horizon.

However, regardless of whether they achieve their goals between now and the end of the campaign, the 45-year-old will want new additions to help strengthen his first-team squad.

The hierarchy have already been laying the foundations for the summer transfer window, undoubtedly looking to back the manager in his quest to take the Blues back to their glory days.

An update on Chelsea’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Over the last couple of weeks, endless names have been thrown into the mix over a summer move to Stamford Bridge, but as of yet, no deals have yet been completed.

The likes of Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Benjamin Sesko have all been high up on their shortlist as Maresca desperately craves added quality within the final third.

However, another name has now been linked with a switch to West London in the form of Morgan Rogers, with The Independent reporting the club’s interest in the Aston Villa sensation.

They claim that Unai Emery’s side are reluctant to part ways with the 22-year-old, but could be forced to sell to maintain their current PSR standing and avoid a potential points deduction.

The report goes on to state the club’s keen desire to increase firepower, with Rogers doing just that given his record of 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions in 2024/25.

Why Morgan Rogers would revive Palmer at Chelsea

Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s go-to attacker in the final over the last couple of seasons, thriving beyond all imagination after the hierarchy forked out £40m for his signature in 2023.

The England international has notched a staggering 62 combined goals and assists in his 85 appearances for the Blues – with no other first-team member getting near such a record.

However, it hasn’t been all plain sailing for the 22-year-old in recent months, certainly enduring his trickiest period since moving to the Bridge, undoubtedly having an effect on the club’s form.

He’s now gone 16 matches without a goal in all competitions, dating back to the middle of January – by far and away his biggest drought since arriving in West London.

A move for Rogers in the summer window could allow the former Manchester City star to recapture his previous form, linking up with one of his former academy teammates.

His stats at Villa Park this campaign have been nothing short of sensational, undoubtedly enabling Palmer to hit the heights he’s previously demonstrated under Maresca.

Rogers, who’s been labelled as “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League” by podcaster and content creator Jamie Kent, has registered 1.5 chances created per 90, along with 3.7 progressive passes per 90 – handing his compatriot the chance to thrive in the final third.

Games played

33

Goals & assists

16

Chances created

1.5

Progressive passes

3.7

Successful take-ons

2

Progressive carries

3.3

Shot-on-target accuracy

37%

Goal per shot-on-target rate

0.5

He’s also completed two successful take-ons per 90, whilst posting a staggering 3.3 progressive carries, showcasing his excellent ball-carrying ability in moving into attacking areas.

However, the Villa star has also thrived in front of goal, getting 37% of his shots on target, along with a 0.5 goal per shot-on target rate, subsequently allowing Palmer to increase his own assist tally.

Palmer’s lack of form in recent weeks will be a concern for many, with their chances of success between now and the end of the season potentially falling onto his shoulders.

If he is to recapture his best form in 2025/26, a move for Rogers would be the perfect solution, with a familiar face allowing the England international to resurrect his recent slump.

It’s unclear how much a deal for Emery’s star man would set the hierarchy back, but given his form this campaign, it’s a deal they have to pursue – having the opportunity to develop further given his tender age.

Big upgrade on Gittens: Chelsea plan to enter talks to sign £55m winger

Chelsea could seriously boost their attacking options with this statement buy.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 29, 2025

Bramley Moore looms large for those of an Everton persuasion. In fact, David Moyes will lead his troops out just twice more before hallowed Goodison Park will be consigned to history.

Time was when Everton would fail to mark this new era with impactful activity on the transfer front, in the planning room. But this is an exciting new project on Merseyside and Moyes is back to front it.

While the Scottish tactician will expect powers to bring in a wealth of fresh quality this summer, he will of course need to part with a few of the rusted-over parts of the Toffees make-up.

And he won’t be afraid to do it.

Why Moyes will get rid of Everton's deadwood

Everton have no less than 15 players reaching the conclusion of their contracts this summer – some are out on loan or indeed are reaching the end of their loan stints at Goodison Park.

Abdoulaye Doucoure, for example, is expected to leave. Sure, he scored the winning goal at the City Ground last weekend, but the 32-year-old isn’t popping up with such moments with the frequency to justify his £130k-per-week salary, the loftiest at the club.

Moyes isn’t afraid to cut ties with his higher-profile stars, something he’s going to need to enact with another member of the squad, a player shaping up to be the 61-year-old’s next version of James Beattie.

Beattie spent two-and-a-half seasons under Moyes’ management at Everton, signed from Southampton for £6m in January 2005 after rejecting a move to Aston Villa.

Beattie was a talented centre-forward, hard to handle and powerful in the final third. He likely didn’t make too many friends with opposing defenders. He also didn’t make a friend out of Moyes, it would appear…

Across 85 appearances for the Merseysiders, Beattie only managed to score 15 goals, interestingly with 11 of them posted across the 2005/06 season before he provided a woeful product on his final term as a Toffee.

A five-cap England international, Beattie moved on to Sheffield United in 2007, the Blades breaking their transfer record and paying £4m for a player who had fallen by the wayside at Everton.

In fact, Moyes and his number nine had come to blows on numerous occasions, having to discipline his man after a headbutt on William Gallas in 2005 and Beattie later suggesting Everton didn’t treat him with respect while he played there.

His talent and focal presence got him far, but Moyes showed that he’s willing to make a tough decision for his team, and he’s going to have to make a similar one in the weeks ahead, with Everton needing to part ways with their new version of Beattie.

Moyes' new James Beattie

While he’s served at the club for a long time, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s best days appear to be long past, with The Athletic’s Paddy Boyland noting he has been “struggling” through the 2024/25 season.

Out of contract at the end of the season, Calvert-Lewin – who the Toffees signed from Sheffield United in 2016 – has toiled through what looks to be his final campaign as an Everton player, with a cruel injury picked up in January stunting any budding rebirth hinted at after Moyes’ return.

Still out of action, the 27-year-old surely needs to be axed this summer, with his inconsistencies and past successes suggesting that he is in a similar boat to Beattie way back when, albeit the older man being actively shoved out to sign for the Blades.

24/25

22

3

6.11 (-3.11)

23/24

32

7

12.93 (-5.93)

22/23

17

2

5.84 (-3.84)

Though DCL doesn’t share Beattie’s supposedly volatile temperment, he has been chained down by injuries and consequent issues, with his wasteful finishing and heavy wage rubber-stamping the expected decision to cut ties.

Calvert-Lewin has given Goodison Park so many fond memories. In his pomp, the long-discarded England international was among the most dangerous strikers in the Premier League, leading talent scout Jacek Kulig to remark in 2020 that “Carlo Ancelotti created a monster.”

But the truth is Calvert-Lewin’s finest days are behind him, at least in Evertonian Blue. With Beto looking like twice the player he was since Moyes came along and funding being handed ahead of the summer window, parting with the striker is sure to be the right decision.

Moyes proved before, with Beattie, that he’s not afraid to make a cut for the greater good of the team, and he must maintain this approach now.

He won't start again: Everton's £40k-p/w star looks finished under Moyes

Everton are undergoing a series of changes with David Moyes back at the wheel.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 15, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is facing an absolutely huge week in N17 amid mounting pressure on the Australian, with an all-important Europa League quarter-final clash against Eintracht Frankfurt on the horizon.

Ange Postecoglou facing key Tottenham decisions

However, before their most vital game of the season to date, Spurs must get past bottom side Southampton in the Premier League – and nothing but a win will do for Postecoglou as serious doubts surround his future.

Tottenham ready to move for "elite" Postecoglou replacement after Chelsea loss

The Australian is treading on very thin ice right now.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 4, 2025

The 59-year-old must get supporters back onside and inspire unity once again – a mountainous task for Postecoglou considering his row with the Tottenham away end over Pape Matar Sarr’s introduction during their 1-0 loss to Chelsea on Thursday.

Southampton (home)

April 6th

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Following a dismal campaign, with Spurs languishing fairly near the relegation zone after 16 league defeats, reports claim chairman Daniel Levy is in the market for a new manager, and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola is Tottenham’s top target.

“It’s been a ridiculously challenging season on all fronts and every fan has the right to show their frustration and again,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s disappointing 2024/2025.

“I think at times it has overstepped and when it oversteps, I will not stand for it because I am a little bit old school with that, but they have every right.

“I think I said before the game it is up to us to try and find a way to get them back on board with what we’re doing. I still can’t get away from the fact we have a real massive opportunity for ourselves between now and the end of the season.

“I think it would be different if that didn’t exist. It would be a tougher road to navigate, but I am hoping that irrespective of how the fans feel about me, what I’m doing and the project we’ve embarked on, I hope when the games come around, they just get behind the players and the team because they can make an enormous difference.”

Ahead of their clash with the Saints, a report by journalist Dan Kilpatrick has shared how Postecoglou is planning to shape up.

Tottenham to recall Porro whilst dropping Maddison and Son

According to the Standard Sport reporter, Postecoglou will likely completely overhaul his starting eleven and drop key men, with their European bout against Eintracht firmly in the tactician’s thinking.

It is believed the Spurs boss will recall right-back Pedro Porro to the starting lineup versus Southampton, having recently lost his place to the rejuvenated Djed Spence, while big-name duo James Maddison and Son Heung-min will be dropped and rested for Frankfurt.

Criticism has centered on Son this season, with the South Korean megastar failing to replicate his best form this term and talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara questioning his leadership qualities.

“Son Heung-min did not show the demeanour of a captain,” said O’Hara on Son after the defeat to Chelsea.

“Son Heung-min is a player who sets an example, and he did so in the past, but that is no longer enough. Son Heung-min cannot dominate opponents and his sharpness has diminished, failing to make a difference.”

Maddison, meanwhile, has been in and out of the line-up recently despite bagging 11 goals and seven assists this term.

On Tuesday evening, the Emirates Stadium stood witness to perhaps its greatest result for a home team. Arsenal were the victors, defeating Real Madrid 3-0.

It was a remarkable display of football. The 15-time winners of Europe’s great competition, the Champions League, had been swept aside with relative ease.

Declan Rice was the hero, banging in two stupendous free-kicks to send north London into chaos.

Well, this time around, it was a rather more sedate affair. Brentford were the visitors to the Emirates and they were here to disrupt Mikel Arteta’s momentum.

The Gunners took the lead through makeshift right-back Thomas Partey, only for Yoanne Wissa to equalise. The game ended 1-1.

It marks a continuation of a poor run of form for Arsenal in the Premier League. The title race may have been done and dusted a few weeks ago but the run has still been a disappointing one, winning just two of their last seven league outings.

Still, they remain in Europe and are a game away from a semi-final spot.

Arteta will likely already know his team for the second leg in Madrid in Wednesday but did anyone stake their claim on Saturday evening?

Arsenal's best players against Brentford

This was a patched-together Arsenal side, make no mistake about it.

Despite the result, Arteta was right to rotate ahead of a trip to the Bernabeu but that did mean the likes of Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Mikel Merino dropped out.

As a result of those absentees, Leandro Trossard was handed a start as the central striker, Partey featured at right back, Kieran Tierney was on the left and Oleksandr Zinchenko came into the midfield.

Both full-backs very much caught the eye. Tierney, unfortunately, had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half but did well at the back. As for Partey, there was no denying his opening goal.

The man of the hour, Rice, broke from a Brentford corner, galloping forward like a racehorse beyond the halfway line. His pass had to be timed to perfection and indeed it was.

Partey was to his right and ran onto the ball, firing past Mark Flekken in the Bees net.

The Ghanaian enjoyed a fine evening at full-back, standing in for Timber and Ben White who picked up another injury in training. Rice was a machine in the middle again, but they weren’t the only two standouts from the draw on home soil.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Arsenal defender is now undroppable

When Gabriel hobbled from the field during Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham a few weeks ago, fear spread like wildfire through the fanbase. Rightly so, too.

The Brazilian has been one of, if not the best player at the club this season. He’s been a rock at the back and a menace from set plays, proving to be an asset in both boxes. He’d barely missed a minute of football either.

Yet, here was Arsenal’s third big hamstring injury of the season, following in the footsteps of Saka and Kai Havertz. The prognosis was that the centre-back would miss the rest of the season.

In his place has stood Jakub Kiwior, the Polish defender who hasn’t exactly set the world alight when handed rare opportunities this season.

Prone to a nervy moment, the former Spezia man now well and truly deserves his flowers. Indeed, across his last 19 starts in all competitions, Arsenal have not lost a single game, winning 13 matches and drawing six.

He saved his best performance for Madrid in midweek, putting a nervy error in the first half beyond him to deal with the threat of Kylian Mbappe and Co superbly well.

Wins

13

Draws

6

Defeats

0

Goals conceded

13

Clean sheets

9

Against Brentford, despite not keeping a clean sheet, he was also in top form.

It wasn’t the most eye-catching of displays but he came through the game ably, notably winning every single one of his four contested duels and completing 94% of his passes. It was a supremely composed display, building from the back and holding onto the ball well further up the field.

To sum up that influence in possession, only two players on the pitch registered more touches of the ball; William Saliba and Jorginho.

Handed a 7/10 match rating by Football.London at full time they wrote that “there is a sense of calm that previously was not there when he first came.” That sums things up rather nicely.

Previously, supporters didn’t want to see Kiwior anywhere near the starting lineup but he has very quickly become as undroppable as the likes of Rice and Saliba.

He will never be raved about from up on high but this is an underrated squad player who’s now played exceptionally well in recent weeks. The Pole will deserve his place in the starting lineup against Madrid in a few days’ time.

Arsenal preparing mega £129m offer to seal their best signing since Rice

The game-breaking star would fire Arsenal to domestic and European glory.

7 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 10, 2025

Chelsea are weighing up the possibility of an early January move for one ‘magnificent’ forward with an agreement already in place for his arrival next year.

Liam Delap succumbs to another Chelsea injury blow

Liam Delap’s Chelsea career has descended into frustrating misfortune following another significant injury setback.

The 22-year-old suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder during Saturday’s goalless draw at Bournemouth, leaving the field in obvious discomfort after landing awkwardly following a challenge with Marcos Senesi.

Medical staff immediately applied a makeshift sling before Delap trudged directly towards the tunnel, his arm immobilised to prevent further damage.

Enzo Maresca then delivered a concerning post-match update that confirmed initial fears.

Reports suggest Delap faces approximately six to eight weeks sidelined, which comes as another devastating blow for the young forward after he was previously out of action for weeks with a hamstring injury.

Chelsea signed Delap from relegated Ipswich in June, beating the likes of Man United and Newcastle to his signature after an impressive maiden Premier League season.

The Winchester-born striker finished as Ipswich’s leading scorer with twelve goals across thirty-seven appearances last term, accounting for thirty-three percent of their total output despite their eventual drop to the Championship.

Estevao 2.0: Chelsea looking to sign "one of South America's biggest jewels"

Chelsea could pick up their next Estevao.

ByKelan Sarson 4 days ago

Delap also earned a PFA Young Player of the Year nomination and convinced Maresca – who previously managed Delap during his tenure overseeing Man City’s Elite Development Squad – that he represented an ideal target man.

However, the Englishman has since struggled to establish himself at Stamford Bridge, managing just sporadic appearances whilst failing to register a single Premier League goal for his new employers.

Player

Pedro

Guiu

Delap

Games

18

8

11

Minutes

1377′

280′

453′

Goals

4

1

1

Assists

3

1

0

His only Chelsea strike this season arrived against Barcelona in the Champions League, providing brief optimism before this latest injury.

Marc Guiu replaced Delap against Bournemouth but was rusty throughout, highlighting Chelsea’s lack of alternative options, and it has led to suggestions that Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha could arrive earlier than anticipated.

Chelsea weigh early January move for Emanuel Emegha

According to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea chiefs are evaluating whether to bring forward Emegha’s arrival from their sister club following Delap’s injury blow.

The Blues confirmed a deal worth around £22 million several months ago, that was scheduled to deliver Emegha to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

However, Delap’s absence has prompted internal discussions about accelerating that timeline to January.

Strasbourg initially resisted any mid-season departure for their captain, but circumstances have shifted considerably.

Argentine forward Joaquin Panichelli has emerged as Liam Rosenior’s first-choice striker, demonstrating excellent form which suggests the Ligue 1 side could accommodate Emegha’s premature exit.

The 22-year-old Netherlands international stands at a towering 6 foot 5 and recently earned his maiden senior caps for his country, establishing himself as one of France’s most promising attacking talents.

Should Chelsea trigger the January switch, they would also likely compensate Strasbourg by funding an immediate replacement through BlueCo’s multi-club network.

Emegha, who’s been called ‘magnificent’ by critics, scored 14 French top flight goals last season and ended the campaign as one of Ligue 1’s top scorers.

He’s also bagged seven goals across 11 appearances in all competitions this season, so he’s a man bang on form right now regardless of Panichelli’s rise.

Tottenham are looking to sell a Spurs regular who Thomas Frank no longer wants with the January transfer window looming, according to a new report today.

Tottenham's rumoured plans for the January transfer window

If there’s one thing the last month has taught us, it is that the Lilywhites are still far from the finished article.

Tepid London derby defeats to Arsenal and Chelsea in the last few weeks, where Spurs barely managed to threaten in either encounter, significantly highlight the need for more firepower in particular.

Striker Dominic Solanke remains out with an ankle injury that required minor surgery, while star playmakers James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are still working to come back from their respective long-term problems.

This has left Spurs starved of attacking quality at times, with summer signing Xavi Simons largely failing to impress bar a player of the match display at home to FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.

xG

11.0

17th

Non-penalty xG

11.0

16th

Progressive passes

413

12th

Shots

110

19th

Shots on target

40

15th

Average shot distance

15.6 yards

17th

A silver lining for the north Londoners was Randal Kolo Muani’s exceptional outing against parent club PSG in Europe on Wednesday, where the Frenchman bagged a brace and an assist during the thrilling eight-goal thriller in Paris.

However, amid Solanke’s injury problems and the uncertainty surrounding Kolo Muani’s long-term future, considering he is only on a dry loan, reports suggest that Tottenham could look to sign a striker in January.

Co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange are also targeting a winger, with Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo on their radar.

Semenyo, who has stood out as one of the Premier League’s finest attacking players this season, could leave for just £65 million during the early stages of January due to a release clause in his contract.

Ex-club chief now tips Tottenham to sign Man City star for £50m in January

A deal is apparently there to be done.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 28, 2025

Some media sources claim that Tottenham are prepared to shatter their winter transfer record by signing both Semenyo and FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, with the latter in excellent goalscoring form right now.

To fund such a big investment, player sales may be needed, and one man believed to be on the chopping block is striker Richarlison.

Tottenham looking to offload Richarlison in January

According to recent reports, despite selecting him 20 times this season, whether that be in the starting eleven or from the bench, Frank views Richarlison as ‘expendable’ heading into 2026.

Now, journalist Pete O’Rourke has told Football Insider that Tottenham are looking to sell Richarlison in January.

Amid concerns surrounding inconsistent form and the fact his contract expires in 2027, it is clear to see why.

The Brazil international has actually scored six goals and bagged a further two assists this term, including two stunning goal of the season contenders against Burnley and Arsenal respectively.

However, Richarlison has still come under criticism this season, and January represents an opportunity to offload for a significant fee before it is too late.

The 28-year-old cost £60 million to sign from Everton, and reports suggest that Richarlison could return to Goodison Park as one mooted destination.

It’s still early in the season, but Arsenal look almost unstoppable at the moment.

Mikel Arteta’s side continued their impressive form in the Champions League on Tuesday night, and now have the chance to extend their lead in the Premier League this afternoon.

However, to do so, the Gunners will have to beat an inform Sunderland side at the Stadium of Light, without Viktor Gyokeres, who scored last time out.

Fortunately, Arteta has a few ways of dealing with the Swede’s absence, and no, he doesn’t have to use Mikel Merino.

The Arsenal changes Arteta has to make

Before examining the players Arteta should bring into the team for this game, it’s worth taking a look at who is fit.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Fortunately, since Gyokeres’ injury, Arsenal have not lost anyone else to the medical room, and in even better news, Gabriel Jesus has returned to first-team training.

However, the Brazilian is unlikely to feature against Sunderland, nor are the likes of Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke or Gabriel Martinelli, with the manager telling the press that “nobody new that can join the squad.”

Even so, there are more than enough players fit for changes to be made to the team that won in Prague on Tuesday night.

The first of which should come in defence, with Riccardo Calafiori coming back in for the impressive Piero Hincapie.

Likewise, while Christian Norgaard did a good job anchoring the midfield, Martin Zubimendi, or the Gunners’ “signing of the summer,” as one analyst described him, should come in for him.

The final midfield change should see Eberechi Eze replace Ethan Nwaneri, as the 27-year-old’s creativity and playmaking ability could be crucial in breaking down the Black Cats’ low block.

Finally, while Merino did brilliantly in scoring two goals against Slavia, this might be a game for Arteta to pick someone else to lead the line.

The Arsenal player who could replace Merino

While Arteta could go rogue and opt to start Nwaneri up top for this game, the more reasonable way to go would be to start Leandro Trossard.

Now, there are certainly arguments for keeping Merino as the striker, but equally, there are reasons why the Belgian should be given a go up top, such as his technical quality.

Even though Sunderland are in fine form, the Gunners are more than likely going to face a stubborn low block at the Stadium of Light.

Therefore, it would make more sense to have someone like the 30-year-old leading the line who has the ability to pick a lock, not just with a pass, but with some quality close control.

As good as Merino has been this year, he has never shown an ability to get past a defender with the ball at his feet.

The second reason for going with the “little magician,” as Arteta dubbed him, is that, unlike last season, he seems to have rediscovered his form.

For example, in 13 appearances, totalling just 742 minutes, he has scored three goals and provided four assists.

Appearances

13

Minutes

742

Goals

3

Assists

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.53

Minutes per Goal Involvement

106′

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.85 games, or more impressively, every 106 minutes.

Finally, since he arrived at the club, the Waterschei-born dynamo has been a clutch player, someone who can and often does pop up with the all-important goal.

Moreover, as the legendary Ian Wright put it, he’s also shown himself to be the squad’s “best finisher and most clinical finisher of chances.”

Therefore, while it sounds counterproductive, Arteta might be better off starting Trossard in Gyokeres’ place this weekend.

Arsenal have their next Xhaka who's one of the best in "world football"

The international gem could end up being an even better version of Xhaka for Arsenal and Arteta.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 7, 2025