Partey update
Mikel Arteta has given an update on Thomas Partey’s return from injury.
The midfielder has been sidelined since November with a hamstring injury.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to West Ham, Arteta explained: “He’s progressing well.”
However, he went on to add: “It’s too soon to tell when he will be back.”
Marquinhos close to loan
Fluminense are finalising the details of their deal to sign Marquinhos from Arsenal.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the loan move has been agreed to by all parties.
The Brazilian winger spent the first half of the season on loan at French side Nantes, making seven appearances.
Southgate on Rice
Gareth Southgate says he is not worried about Declan Rice and Jack Grealish copping an earful from Irish fans when England make a Nations League trip to Dublin.
He said: “Yes [Rice and Grealish can handle the hate].
“I have to say that I don’t know where we would have been without them, especially Declan.
“If we hadn’t had Declan over the past four years then I don’t know what we would have done.”
Next up for Arsenal
Arsenal are back in action on Sunday as they travel to West Ham.
This starts a run of three away games in a row, with trips to Burnley and Porto to follow.
Arsenal ‘not in title race’
Mark Lawrenson has suggested that Arsenal are not in the title race despite their win over Liverpool.
Mark Lawrenson was speaking to Paddy Power: “The title race is still just between Liverpool and Manchester City. It was a good result for Arsenal but they’re just lacking something which is a striker.
“They can’t nick a win on a bad day and that’s how you win the title. It’s not by winning 4-0 against the lesser teams, it’s when you’re not playing well but you can still win.
“City are a bit different, but they still go behind in some games – like Brentford – and manage to come back to win the game. I don’t think Arsenal have got that back.
“They get a bit panicky when they’re chasing games and they’re not particularly good at that. The top teams have this patience where they keep playing a certain way, knowing they’ll get opportunities and often, they’ll win games.”
Jorginho urges focus
Jorginho has insisted that Arsenal need to remain focused ahead of the clash against West Ham.
He said: “I think we need to focus, as I always said, game by game.
“The Liverpool game is gone now and we need to focus on West Ham and the next one after that and the next one after that.
“If we want to stay in the race, we need to focus on each game and give everything we can in every single game.”
