Thomas Partey has really stepped up this season. Last summer, many people believed he’d depart for a Turkish or Saudi club. Despite this, he chose to stay put at the Emirates Stadium, and it has proven to be a wise choice.

Despite the hype surrounding the Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard, and Declan Rice midfield trio as Arteta’s go-to midfield trio leading up to this season, injuries have proven otherwise; instead, Partey has established himself as Arteta’s go-to midfielder.

He has converted critics into supporters; whether as a #6 or a right-back, the Ghana international has made significant contributions to Arsenal’s unblemished start to the season. H

is contributions have not gone unnoticed, and sources suggest the North Londoners may look to offer him a new contract. However, as they look to do so, their commitment to keep the ex-Atletico Madrid player is set to be tested.

According to Miguel Rico, Spanish giants Barcelona are looking at Thomas Partey as one of their most cost-effective recruits for 2024. Barcelona, whose Sporting Director Deco admires the Ghana international, had previously attempted to sign him from Arsenal, but coach Mikel Arteta refused.

Recent reports suggest that Martin Odegaard has experienced a significant setback in his recovery from the injury sustained during the September international break.

The Norwegian midfielder has been one of Arsenal’s key players this season, and his absence has impacted the team’s creativity.

Initially, the Gunners underestimated the severity of his injury and expected his return by November, even after realising the extent of the issue.

However, recent rumours have suggested that Odegaard suffered a setback that could keep him sidelined until December, dealing a significant blow to the team.

Despite these reports, Football London claims that Arsenal remains confident their captain will be back in action by November.

Liverpool is aiming to stay in the Premier League title race alongside Arsenal and Manchester City.

The Reds finished as the third-best team in the league last season, and new manager Arne Slot has made a strong start since taking over from Jurgen Klopp this campaign.

The Dutchman has led Liverpool to the top of the league standings, though many believe they have yet to face a major test, which will change after the international break.

One of their upcoming opponents is Arsenal, and goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has emphasised the importance of securing crucial results in the weeks ahead.

While speaking ahead of a tough run of games, the Irish goalie said, as quoted by Mirror Football:

Thomas Partey has remained injury-free for much of this season, establishing himself as one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers.

Since joining the club, injuries have frequently disrupted Partey’s time in London, prompting the Gunners to continually strengthen their midfield.

This season, they signed Mikel Merino, with many viewing the Spanish midfielder as a potential long-term replacement for Partey.

Arsenal has been pleased with Partey’s contributions so far, and his performances have caught the attention of pundit Darren Bent.

The former striker has been following the ex-Atletico Madrid player and is impressed with how he has contributed to Arsenal’s success this season.

Arsenal fans have more reasons to worry this season after Bukayo Saka left the England national team camp due to an injury.

The attacker was substituted during the match against Greece after appearing to experience discomfort, and he has now returned to Arsenal.

The Gunners are anxiously awaiting updates on the severity of his injury and when he might be fit to play again.

Already dealing with the absence of Martin Odegaard, losing Saka as well would be a significant setback.

Following the confirmation that Saka will spend the rest of the international break back at Arsenal, Football Insider reports that some Gunners supporters are devastated by the news.

Arsenal is among the clubs interested in signing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, as he continues to shine as the Hammers’ standout player.

Since joining the Premier League, few players have made as significant an impact as Kudus has at West Ham.

Even when the team struggles or has an off day, Kudus consistently makes things happen, attracting the attention of top clubs in England.

According to Football Insider, Arsenal is one of the clubs considering adding the skilful attacking midfielder to their squad.

Kudus excels at beating defenders, driving at defences, and scoring spectacular goals. He is also adept at providing assists, making him one of the few players considered the complete package in the league.

Graeme Souness recently claimed that Arsene Wenger was fortunate at Arsenal because he is not a “football man.”

The Frenchman revolutionised English football with his style of play when he became Arsenal’s manager in the mid-90s.

Under Wenger, the Gunners formed a fierce rivalry with Manchester United, making it challenging for either team to dominate the other.

Wenger also developed the careers of some of the Premier League’s greatest talents, and many regard him as one of the best coaches in English football history.

However, Souness suggested that Wenger was not truly passionate about football and was lucky to achieve the success he did at Arsenal.

Darren Bent is confident that Gabriel Martinelli is poised to shine this season after scoring his second Premier League goal against Southampton.

The attacker struggled to find the net early in the season but has now scored in his last two league matches and will be eager to maintain his goal-scoring form.

During his struggles, some Arsenal fans called for him to be dropped from the starting lineup, but Mikel Arteta remained loyal to the forward, and Martinelli appears to be repaying that faith in recent weeks.

Arsenal is confident that he will be a key player for them this season, and Bent has backed him to meet those expectations.

He said on Talk Sport:

Raheem Sterling is set to receive more playing time as Bukayo Saka appears to have suffered a significant injury.

Arsenal’s star player has been sent back from the England camp, leaving the Gunners anxious about his fitness ahead of their upcoming matches.

The North London club has been plagued by injuries in recent months, with Martin Odegaard also sustaining a significant injury during the September international break.

The Norwegian midfielder is still not back to full fitness, and Saka may now be joining him on the sidelines.

Arsenal has yet to determine how long Saka will be out, but this situation could be a boost for Sterling. According to Football London, Sterling is set to get more game time in Saka’s absence.

Three reasons we should be prioritizing the Premier League title rather than the UCL. 

 This has been a minor topic for debate since the start of the campaign with some sections of the fanbase wanting us to prioritize winning the Premier League rather than making a maiden Champions League win.

At the very start of the season I was favouring towards the UCL and, quite frankly, why wouldn’t I? The trophy that has eluded this club since our inception is something every gooner would love for us to lift sooner rather later, because a club of our stature being without that trophy for this long is bordering on being abnormal. 

Midway through the season however and with a brand new perspective, I think Arsenal should be prioritizing the PL and for these following three reasons in particular: 

It's the bloomin' weekend and luckily for you, it's full of Nations League excitement. Seriously though, the whole football calendar is an absolute mess.

Marcus, Luke and Vish embark on the challenge of trying to fix the window, whilst also asking whether fans actually prefer boring football.

Oh, and listener Charlie has a wedding conundrum that we're called into action for advice on.

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Lee Carsley experimented with starting all the cooks for England and what transpired was one confusing broth. Today, Luke tells Marcus and Vish why England need a manager that is brave enough to drop some of England’s more talented players.

Elsewhere, we celebrate Marcello Lippi’s birthday and is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer positioning himself to have another shot at the Man United job? We bloody hope so…

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Is that… a half fit Harry Kane trundling up the pitch? Oh YES! International football is back and England face Greece tonight!

Marcus, Pete and Andy celebrate with wedding cake in the post (Marcus wishes), a sprinkling of David Beckham nostalgia, and some angry reviews of Andrés Iniesta’s vineyard to finish. Plus, Pete’s verdict on some wild fits in the French squad. Better than Harry Maguire’s ‘man accused of insider training’ chic, I suppose. Come join us!

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Manchester City laid the smallest of gloves on the Premier League this week. But what does it all mean? Today, Marcus and Andy crossover to our official legal reporter Pete Donaldson for some fascinating insight into this new development.

Elsewhere, Jurgen Klopp has somehow found the energy for a new job - a case of Red Bull will do that for you - and Andy explains the real reason why Man United appointed Ruud van Nistelrooy as Erik ten Hag’s assistant. Plus, Fizzer’s boys are on the march!

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This is a podcast we think you’re going to love. Our friends at Stak have made a unique six-part documentary about hooliganism in English football.

For decades, it dominated headlines, merging the two things England loves most: football and fear. But football hooliganism didn’t disappear. 

This series digs deeper – beyond the tabloid articles, beyond the stereotypes – to understand what first attracts people to this subculture and why it’s forced its way back into our society in 2024.

Today, you’ll hear Episode 1: Kicking Off. Subscribe at https://lnk.to/englishdisease or search 'The English Disease' to listen to Episode 2 and 3 right now. New episodes drop every Tuesday throughout October.

Extraordinary sporting stories that really matter. From Stak, this is Legacy.

Well, it looks like Erik Ten Hag has bought himself a bit of time following one of the dullest games the Premier League has ever seen. In other words, exactly what the big man needed.

But in better news for the Dutchman, Ten Hag wasn't the biggest bald fraud at Villa Park on Sunday. Nope, that honour would go to his ballboy doppelgänger who we're calling Timmy (what's a grown man doing in that role anyway?).

Marcus, Jim and Pete are here to dissect all the rest of the Premier League action before the real football starts this week. Bring on that international break!

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Is it Tottenham’s fault that people call 2-0 a dangerous scoreline? Today, even Jim admits to Marcus and Pete that he has some sympathy for Spurs fans after they gave up a 2-0 lead against Brighton.

Elsewhere, Adama Traoré gets the Nathan Redmond treatment after he broke London speed limits against Man City on Saturday. Plus, Andy Carroll is doing King and Country proud over in France. One last England call-up? Who says no…

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After the Emirates began to empty out despite Arsenal’s 2-0 lead over PSG, should fans who leave early be called out for their disloyalty? Or should we all just stop whining about it? Luke, Andy, and Vish tackle one of football’s big taboos.

Elsewhere, with the old guard of managers almost completely gone (just you left now, Dychey), have managerial mind games become a thing of the past?

Plus, why are more players returning to their old clubs and what are our favourite football noises? No, Gary Neville’s orgasm doesn’t count...

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Could Pete kick through a door? That’s the big question he poses to Luke, Andy and Vish on today’s Ramble.

Elsewhere, Andy also finds some time to explain why Man United won’t sack Erik ten Hag just yet, Luke backs the decision to call up Dominic Solanke to the England squad, and Pete is forced to talk about Only Fools and Horses The Musical.

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And to mark the occasion Pete and Luke are sniffing some mysterious minty white powder. IT’S MENTHOL, ALL RIGHT!

They discuss that Jhon Durán goal, that Emi Martínez save, and whether this was the greatest night in Villa’s history since Steve Bruce had that cabbage thrown at his head.

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