Troy Deeney has responded to Dimitar Berbatov’s joke that Arsenal is the “new Stoke City” because of their impressive set-piece play, specifically their dominance from corners. Arsenal has been one of the best teams in the Premier League when it comes to executing set-pieces this season, with Mikel Arteta’s side scoring twice from corners in their recent match against Manchester United. The Gunners have been developing this aspect of their game for some time, particularly after appointing a specialist set-piece coach to refine their tactics.

While Arsenal’s success from corners has earned praise from many, it has also attracted criticism, including from Berbatov, who likened their style to that of Stoke City, known for their physical and direct set-piece approach in the past. However, Deeney, the former Watford captain, took exception to this criticism. Writing in his column for The Sun, Deeney defended Arsenal’s tactics, saying, “I loved Berbatov as a player, he is a real football man. But it feels a lazy comparison from a really smart guy just to protect his old club. If United won 2-0 from two corners, would Berbatov call it a tactical masterclass? Yet, when Arsenal do it, it’s Stoke?”

Deeney went on to emphasise Arsenal’s overall dominance in the match, pointing out that the Gunners controlled possession for most of the game. He argued, “It’s called winning football,” and stressed that the criticism of Arsenal’s corner tactics is simply a reflection of their success with it.

Arsenal has found a weapon in set pieces that is unsettling for their opponents, and Deeney believes the critics are simply jealous of their effectiveness. Despite the praise and criticism, Deeney pointed out that Arsenal must continue to improve and evolve, as becoming predictable could allow opponents to eventually find ways to counter their corner routines.

Arsenal will visit Fulham for their next Premier League fixture, a match that the Gunners know will not be easy to win. While Arsenal has been one of the top teams in England for some time, Fulham has gained a reputation for being giant killers, capable of taking down some of the biggest sides in the league. The Cottagers are currently in excellent form, and they will do everything they can to cause problems for Arsenal on Sunday.

Arsenal is well aware of how challenging this fixture can be, having suffered from two strong performances by Fulham last season. In fact, the Gunners dropped five points across the two league encounters with the West London side. This upcoming match is expected to be similar, and Mikel Arteta is taking it very seriously as he prepares his team.

Speaking ahead of the game, Arteta acknowledged the difficulty of facing Fulham, emphasising the challenges they presented last season. He told Arsenal Media, “It’s going to be a big challenge which we experienced last year when we lost five points against them. I have been very complimentary about them, the coach and what they do, so it’s always a really tough place to go.” His words reflect the respect the team has for their opponents, but also the understanding that Fulham’s resilience could present a serious test for Arsenal’s ambitions.

Despite the challenges, Arsenal remains confident in their ability to succeed. Arteta’s squad is filled with talent, and the Gunners have the quality to defeat any team on their day. Regardless of how Fulham sets up or how they perform, Arsenal’s strength and focus will be key in securing three points at Craven Cottage. The Gunners must be in top shape, both mentally and physically, to ensure they are ready for the task at hand.

Arsenal faces Fulham this weekend in what promises to be one of the toughest games of the season. Mikel Arteta’s side has been in excellent form since the conclusion of the last international break and is eager to continue their strong performances. Despite finishing as the second-best team in the Premier League in consecutive seasons, the Gunners have shown the hunger and determination to compete at the highest level.

Fulham proved to be a challenging opponent last season, with Arsenal failing to secure a win in either of their league encounters with the Cottagers. This weekend, Arsenal will need to demonstrate that they have improved and are now better equipped to overcome difficult challenges. Arteta’s men must prove that they can break down teams that traditionally cause them problems and show that they have developed further under the Spaniard’s guidance.

Ahead of the match, Arsenal Media has highlighted some key statistics that could play a role in the game. Bukayo Saka has been outstanding in London derbies, having scored or assisted in 14 goals in 14 such fixtures. His form could make him a key player against Fulham, and the Gunners will be hoping he can continue his impressive run. Meanwhile, former players such as Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Iwobi could pose a threat; since 2017, no ex-Arsenal player has scored a home goal against the Gunners, but this streak may be tested in this match.

Defensively, Gabriel Magalhães has the opportunity to make history. He could become the first Arsenal defender since William Gallas in 2010 to score in three consecutive games. This highlights the growing influence of Arsenal’s defence, which has been solid under Arteta’s leadership.

The Fulham game will certainly be a tricky test for Arsenal, and they must be fully prepared to give everything to secure a crucial victory.

Arsenal continues to monitor the progress of Victor Osimhen, who has been impressing in the Turkish top flight with Galatasaray. The Nigerian striker has long been on Arsenal’s radar, and there were high expectations last summer that the Gunners would make a move for him. However, no top clubs were able to secure his signature, and he was instead loaned out to Galatasaray for the duration of the season. Since joining the Turkish giants, Osimhen has continued to shine, solidifying his reputation as one of the top strikers in European football.

His performances in Turkey have further demonstrated his potential to succeed in multiple top-flight divisions, and Arsenal has kept a close watch on him. According to a report by Sport Witness, the Gunners have been sending scouts to observe his matches, with the club keenly aware of his ability to make an immediate impact in the Premier League. Osimhen’s form in Turkey has made it clear that he is a player capable of improving any team, and Arsenal is determined to assess whether he could fit into their plans.

Arsenal understands that if they do not act quickly, one of their rivals could swoop in and secure Osimhen’s services, which would leave the Gunners regretting the missed opportunity. With the striker remaining consistently strong in front of goal, adding him to their squad would give Arsenal a significant boost in their pursuit of the Premier League title. Strengthening their attacking options has been a priority for Arteta, and Osimhen, with his skill set and potential would be a perfect fit.

As the season progresses, Arsenal’s chances of entering the race for Osimhen could increase, and they must act decisively to secure his signature at the end of the campaign. His addition could prove crucial in Arsenal’s quest for silverware, particularly in the battle for the Premier League crown.

Arsenal has been tracking Atalanta midfielder Ederson for some time, with the Brazilian impressing in Serie A. Ederson has delivered standout performances in recent seasons, helping Atalanta achieve their goal of competing at the highest level in European football. His playmaking ability, composure on the ball, and versatility in midfield have made him one of the most highly regarded midfielders in Italy, attracting the attention of several top clubs across Europe.

Arsenal is one of the clubs that have shown consistent interest in Ederson as they seek to further strengthen their squad. Mikel Arteta has already assembled a talented midfield group, but he is keen to improve the depth and quality of his options, especially with the demands of competing in multiple competitions. A versatile player like Ederson could offer Arteta greater flexibility, providing an additional option in the middle of the park. The Brazilian’s ability to play both as a deep-lying playmaker and as an attacking midfielder makes him an appealing target for Arsenal as they aim to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League and European glory.

However, acquiring Ederson will not be easy. Atalanta is reportedly reluctant to part ways with their prized midfielder, especially after his successful season. The Italian club has set an asking price of €50 million for the player, which has made some interested clubs, including Arsenal, hesitant. According to Sport Witness, while Arsenal has been keeping a close eye on Ederson, they view the €50 million price tag as steep for a player who has yet to fully establish himself at the top tier of European football.

While Ederson could be an excellent addition to the squad, Arsenal may hold off on a move if the asking price doesn’t meet their valuation. With the transfer window also on the horizon, the Gunners might look to explore other options that could offer better value for money.

Moises Caicedo has been one of the Premier League’s most in-form midfielders this season, with his impressive performances for Chelsea drawing comparisons to some of the best in the league, including Declan Rice. Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, recently spoke highly of Caicedo, claiming that the Ecuadorian midfielder now belongs at the same level as Rice and Rodri. Maresca said, as quoted by Goal.com: “He [Caicedo] is for sure now at that level. No doubt. Unfortunately, Rodri is injured but Declan is playing. But I think Moises can sit at that table with that kind of midfielder.”

Caicedo’s rise to prominence has been remarkable, especially considering the slow start he had after his high-profile move to Chelsea from Brighton. His performances have steadily improved, and it seems he is now living up to the £115 million price tag Chelsea paid for him.

It’s interesting to reflect on Arsenal’s pursuit of Caicedo. Back in January 2023, the Gunners were desperate to sign the midfielder as part of their bid to strengthen their midfield, but Brighton rejected their offers. In the end, Arsenal turned to Jorginho and secured a deal for Declan Rice in the summer of 2023. While Caicedo moved to Chelsea, Rice has been a brilliant addition to the Gunners, establishing himself as one of the best in the Premier League.

Rice’s transfer fee of £105 million was the subject of much debate, but he has already proved his worth at Arsenal. His leadership and ability to control games have made him indispensable to Mikel Arteta’s team. Both players, Caicedo and Rice, have had excellent seasons so far, but Arsenal’s choice to go for Rice looks like it has paid off, as he has settled into his role at the club seamlessly. While Caicedo’s growth at Chelsea is impressive, Arsenal fans can be satisfied that Rice’s impact has been immediate and crucial to the team’s success this season.