Mikel Arteta has shared his perspective on why he relishes matches against Liverpool as his Arsenal team prepares to face them this weekend.

Having played for Liverpool’s city rivals Everton for several seasons during his career, Arteta is well-acquainted with the intense rivalry between the red and blue sides of the city.

As the manager of Arsenal, he recognises that Liverpool stands as one of his team’s most significant rivals, emphasising the need to approach each encounter with seriousness and determination.

In their last visit to Anfield, Arsenal secured a 1-1 draw, establishing themselves as a formidable opponent for the Reds.

Ahead of their game this weekend, Arteta said, as quoted by the Daily Mail:

Arsenal is showing interest in a potential move for Amadou Onana and may consider approaching Everton for his signature in the current transfer window.

Despite Everton’s recent struggles, the midfielder has been one of the standout players in the Premier League and has remained loyal to the club.

Onana’s combative presence has been instrumental in Everton’s resurgence under Sean Dyche, catching the attention of Arsenal.

According to Team Talk, Mikel Arteta is impressed with Onana’s performances, and Arsenal is contemplating a move for the midfielder in the ongoing transfer window.

With Thomas Partey facing an extended absence from training, Arsenal is actively seeking a replacement for the Ghanaian, and Onana is being considered as a potential heir to Partey’s role at the Emirates.

Arsenal Women lost legend Jordan Nobbs when she signed for Aston Villa in the 2023 winter transfer window. Jordan’s reasoning at the time was to give her more playing time and a far greater opportunity of being selected for the Women’s World Cup 2023 Lionesses squad – which she achieved.

Arsenal Women then lost former Arsenal Academy player, defender Anna Patten, when she signed to Aston Villa in the 2023 summer transfer window, after Patten had been on loan to The Villans for more than one season.

We reported this week that the latest departure from Arsenal Women is full back Noelle Maritz who has now completed her transfer to Aston Villa Women, which has been confirmed today by Arsenal.

It is highly anticipated that Arsenal will announce the signing of USWNT full back, Emily Fox, within the coming days.

Aston Villa Women had a roaring season last year, finishing 5th in the WSL table behind the traditional Top 4. This season however, has been a totally different kettle of fish for Carla Ward’s Villans. They currently occupy 9th position in the WSL. After losing their first 5 games, more recent wins have seen them move out of the relegation zone but Ward was expected to be a busy manager in the January transfer window, to boost Villa’s chances of moving up the table.

The transfer window will not save Arsenal; only Mikel Arteta and his tactical decisions will. by Jack

Arsenal has lost three of its last five games, which is disappointing, but in games against West Ham and Fulham, Mikel Arteta, on paper, clearly fielded his strongest available lineups. On a good day, with Raya at goal, Saliba at defense, Rice and Havertz at midfield, and the attacking trio of Martinelli, Jesus, and Saka, plus the other players, Arsenal have the ability to demolish any side that comes up against them. Having said that, the Gunners have not been performing as expected in recent weeks.

Many Gooners are certain that signing a super striker will solve everything. However, Mikel Arteta, like any other top coach, is dealing with a team that has lost form and whose tactics have become predictable. There’s no assurance that replacing Gabriel Jesus with Ivan Toney will return Arsenal to their top form.

Mikel Arteta’s tactical plan may have to be reconsidered. He has a variety of tactical options. He can, for one, choose to revert to a 4-4-2 shape, which will protect his fullbacks, particularly the left back, who have been exposed. One of the front two, Havertz and Jesus, or Havertz and the new attacker, can play as a No. 10. That’s only one of several ideas Arteta might consider adapting.

We need to be realistic about the transfer window; there’s even a suggestion that this may be a quiet transfer window due to FFP restrictions.

No more excuses!

What in the world is this pathetic excuse for a season? The FA Cup? Seriously? Oh, great, a chance for some silverware, but it damn well better not be the only one. As an Arsenal fan, I’m not settling for anything less than winning a minimum of two trophies and being the runner-up in the third.

And don’t get me started on the absurd amount of money we’ve squandered on this so-called “group of players.” Saka, ESR, Nelson, Nketiah – we didn’t even have to cough up for them, and Martinelli came on the cheap. So, let me get this straight, we shell out big bucks, and the players we actually buy aren’t even good enough to start? What a colossal waste!

Arteta and Edu, the masterminds behind this disaster, handpicked these players, and now they’re responsible when things inevitably go south. The Kroenke’s should demand more than this pitiful excuse of a season. We should be aiming for the top, not just some measly FA Cup. If we drop out of that, and our league position takes a nosedive, Arteta and Edu should pack their bags and make way for someone who can actually win the league and the Champions League. No more room for experimentation – this is business, and it’s time to deliver trophies or hit the road.

Last Minute Arsenal v Liverpool Tickets – Buy Now!

I’m supposed to feel confident going into this FA cup game at home, but instead, I’m fearing a thrashing from Liverpool’s B team. Arteta, it’s time to step up or step out. The Kroenkes can’t afford to wait around – a couple of games and, if things don’t turn around, it’s goodbye. We need a manager who’s a proven winner, not some apprentice learning on the job. No more patting ourselves on the back for participation – it’s about serious results now, a relentless run of victories, or it’s time to clean house.

Oleksander Zinchenko missed Arsenal’s game against Fulham owing to a calf injury that Mikel Arteta could not clarify the severity of. After witnessing Jakub Kiwior struggle at left back against Fulham, and with Takehiro Tomiyasu joining the Japan national team ahead of the Asian games, Arsenal fans have been worried for the better part of this week that they may not have a recognized fullback when they play Liverpool this Saturday.

Throughout the week, there were numerous suggestions for how Arsenal should handle the matter. Many people did not want to see Kiwior play left back again; thus, some suggested recalling Kieran Tierney after his loan spell at Real Sociedad. There was also speculation about signing a left-back.

The good news is that, for the game against Liverpool, Mikel Arteta has hinted that Oleksander Zinchenko may be available for selection. He said of the Ukrainian international, as per Football London, “He’s progressing well. We have another training session tomorrow. We’ll evaluate if he’s ready to start the game. The rest, there is no news.”

It’s fantastic news that Zinchenko might be fit for selection against Liverpool. I hope he’s back to his best. Anyway, there has been discussion of Arsenal purchasing a top left back, and I believe that is a major move that should not be overlooked. Zinchenko hasn’t been very great at times, and competition may be the perfect way to motivate him to improve.

Darren N

The match between Arsenal and Liverpool is one that most football fans will want to watch this weekend in the round of 32 of the FA Cup.
Given that both teams will want to maintain their dignity as top clubs, the game is expected to be tight.

Liverpool will be without their star player, Mohammed Salah, but Jurgen Klopp has sent a warning to Arsenal, insinuating they should be worried as they are going to face a strong Liverpool team. The German coach wants to win the FA Cup, and he knows he has to beat Arsenal to do it.

“It is probably the most tricky draw you can get,” Klopp said at his pre-match press conference, as per the BBC. “It will be a tough one, but the game here was a good one, so let’s hope that we can show a good performance there as well.

“I don’t know if Arsenal is a game to rotate. I don’t know if we have 100% the opportunity to do it. It’s not as if we have the biggest squad available.

“We have players available, and we can line the team up 100%. A good team, and I think that is what we will do. If that looks then afterwards like rotation, then I don’t know that.

Should Arteta play Ramsdale or Raya to face Liverpool?

Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal squad will welcome Liverpool to The Emirates for the 3rd round of the FA Cup in what is set to be an action-packed game and a chance for our lads to go through to the next round. Arsenal holds the record for the most FA Cup won by one club and will be looking to continue this fine form this season and hopefully win our 15th trophy.

Arteta will no doubt make some changes and rotate his squad a bit as it’s a cup game and I’d expect the same type of thing for Jurgen Klopp, and with a chance to rotate and give the fringe players some minutes, all eyes will be on the team sheet to see who and who doesn’t start and for me, the biggest question is whether Arteta starts Aaron Ramsdale or David Raya for this cup clash.

Normally, I’d 100% expect Ramsdale to be starting cup games as he has all season and Arteta said he would, but because we were drawn against Liverpool, who have been in great form this season, currently sitting top of the table and look to be one of our main competition for the title, Arteta might decide to play what he thinks is his strongest squad and if the early part of the season is anything to go by, Raya is his ideal and first choice keeper.

Last Minute Arsenal v Liverpool Tickets – Buy Now!

For me, I think Ramsdale is more than capable of putting on a performance between the sticks, but with the 3-1 loss to West Ham in the Carabao Cup freshly in Arteta’s mind, I can see why he would put his trust in Raya against such a strong rival. Ramsdale last played against PSV in The Champions League, he had a very good game and made some incredible saves, looking a bit shaky and nervous at the start but really grew into the game in the second half.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank is looking forward to frustrating Arsenal this winter, hinting that an Ivan Toney transfer to Arsenal may not take place.

Toney is set to return to competitive football when the Premier League returns, after serving a suspension from football activities (since late last season) for a betting offense.

Brentford, of course, has missed his services and would welcome the opportunity to enjoy his goalscoring ability for as long as possible. Even so, Arsenal appear to believe that Toney is the striker to take them to the next level, and they have been linked with a deal for him this winter.

If Arsenal wants to recruit Toney, they may have to pay a lot of money, as the Brentford manager insisted in his most recent press conference.

“The very short answer is yes,” said Frank, when asked if Toney would stay. “He is a Brentford player. He is here, we miss a few offensive players and I cannot see why we should sell him. I would love to have him here for a long time.

Marcus needs consoling. Again. That’s because Fulham have been drawn against Liverpool in a two-legged semi-final. Oh no...

Luke joins Marcus to react to Liverpool dishing out yet another defeat to poor old David Moyes, who made history by becoming the first manager to try and play a Carabao Cup quarter-final via email. Plus, why Santa has been dragged into the middle of the Celtic-Rangers rivalry and bold predictions that Steve Cooper’s going to pop up in the Bournemouth end at the weekend. Probably topless.

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Jim Campbell is happy with a point at Anfield. However, he’s not so happy with Zinchenko attempting to do the Stanky Legg when faced up against Mohamed Salah in the box.

He and Luke tuck into the festive feast served up by Liverpool and Arsenal, before enjoying Robbie Fowler sticking the boot into Michael Owen for dessert. Plus, Jim admits he would move in with Peter Drury for the rest of the year if it meant Arsenal win the league.

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Today, we’re throwing it back to the start of 2023 and reliving some of our favourite Ramble moments!

The final stretch of the 2022/23 season saw some “proper gubbings", including Liverpool's seven-goal demolition of Man United. Oh, and don't forget the poor bloke who went to fill up his car and returned to his radio to find Spurs 5-0 down to Newcastle. The first half of 2023 of course also featured Andy losing his head at Luke during a game of Jack’s Encyclopaedia and our glorious trip to Wembley! And remember, Vish will never be a better bloke than Bukayo Saka…

Make sure to join us for Part 2 on Thursday!

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Boxing Day, you never disappoint. Marcus, Andy and Luke are here and full of the joys of Christmas! And Luke can confirm that one Gosport Borough fan definitely was too…

We discuss Man United’s Christmas miracle and everything you need to know about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s deal (translation: we talk about his haunted pub). After another defeat for Newcastle, are reports that Eddie Howe is in trouble absolutely out of the question?

Plus, a detour to Egypt for our two new favourite football club names and what’s that coming over the hill… it’s Felipe Melo on all fours!

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We’re back with more fond reminisces! On today’s episode, we return to a difficult day for VAR and an even more difficult day for Pete Donaldson’s Twitter mentions. Plus, some of the worst stadium trivia you will ever hear in Jack’s Encyclopaedia and an update on Andy Carroll’s French renaissance!

If you missed it, catch Part 1 of our 2023 throwback which came out on Boxing Day!

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Marcus, Andy and Jim are back to answer more of your questions, and we’re kicking off with one that’s dominated English football discourse for years: why doesn't England produce many elite coaches?

Whether it’s a lack of intelligent football discussion (guilty), the FA resting on their laurels or dwindling opportunities in the Premier League, there’s loads to get stuck into. We then undo all our cutting insight by dreaming up some footballers’ appearances on celebrity cooking shows. Who would Jose Mourinho poison an unsuspecting victim with a pufferfish? And would Big Sam know his way around a Massaman curry?

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***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

What reason would Roy Hodgson have to incubate Pep Guardiola? I don’t know.

It’s cold outside, but Marcus, Luke, Andy and Jim are here to warm your footballing hearts with tales of Hodgson looking after his owl eggs, Ross County’s manager having a full-blown rant about the standard of Scottish football, and Gary O’Neil almost certainly getting a contentious penalty decision against him and his team on Christmas Eve! Probably in the 92nd minute.

Plus, can Luke Darth Moore at last turn his fortunes around on Jack’s Encyclopaedia before the end of the year? Tune in to find out!

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Our listener Christian has a theory: could a European Super League actually improve English football? Marcus, Luke and Andy debate the merits of that suggestion on today’s Mailbag.

Elsewhere, Luke explains why someone should make a biopic all about Paolo Maldini’s tennis career and there's agreement that humiliation is the key to improving players' conduct in football!

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If you’re going to make one New Year’s resolution, make it this: watch the Indian national team at the Asian Cup. Why, you ask? Trevor Sinclair has just been made their overhead kick coach.

Marcus, Andy and Jim look back on a bitterly disappointing night for Arsenal and Konstantinos Mavropanos, who had to go through the Scott Sinclair Moral Maze™ of scoring against a club he barely played for.

Plus, Roberto De Zerbi harnesses yet more chaotic energy, Phil Foden gets praise from a different bald fraud, and Jim explains how Jose Mourinho played mind games with his family on Christmas Day…

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Looking for a new podcast in 2024? This is what we’re all about! Hit subscribe for five episodes a week from the most entertaining football podcast out there.

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Arsenal are headed to Anfield full of confidence that they can finally beat the Reds after years of trying and failing to get an away win over them. Even so, Mikel Arteta understands Liverpool will be dangerous, and he knows how, as he stated in his pre-game press conference.

Arsenal now leads the Premier League with 39 points, although they are only one point ahead of Liverpool. Having said that, it is apparent that this game will be difficult for both teams, with consequences that could cost either team the Premier League title.

Arsenal have not won at Anfield since 2012, not even last season when they were at their best. In April, after going two goals ahead at Anfield by the 28th minute (goals by Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus), Arsenal couldn’t keep their lead and conceded two goals, one before halftime and one in the 87th minute, to draw the game 2-2.

Reflecting on that game and anticipating the one on Saturday night, Arteta urges his squad not to allow Klopp’s side to make the runs, not to give them room to breathe in order to get momentum, and to be clinical in order to capitalise on any chance thrown their way.

“There are certain things that we didn’t manage very well,” said the Spanish coach via Football London about his team’s last trip to Anfield. “The way we allowed them to run, especially, that we need to correct and be much better at because when they have that momentum and space, they are a really dangerous team.