ARSENAL legend Tony Adams is confident that his former club will beat Liverpool SunSport can exclusively reveal.
Adams said: "I watched Liverpool’s goalless draw at Chelsea the other day and they were an absolute mess.
"They were all over the place and looked as though they didn’t know what they were doing."
Meanwhile, the Gunners have approached £66million Porto winger Pepe, according to reports in Portugal.
And top-four chasing Newcastle are now reportedly keen on signing Gunners left-back Kieran Tierney.
SunSport have minute-by-minute coverage of Arsenal's thrilling encounter against Liverpool on our live blog.
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- Kiro Evans
Good Morning Arsenal fans
Mikel Arteta has revealed how Granit Xhaka has improved this season.
“It clicked. Mentality,” the Spaniard revealed.
“Feeling capable of doing it, understanding where he needs to be positioned in the right moments, training every single day.
“(He is) willing to improve and support the team in the areas that we felt was necessary for the team to take another step forward in our way of playing.”
Arsenal could net a huge windfall, if Matteo Guendouzi leaves Marseille.
The France midfielder has been tipped to leave the Ligue 1 club, following a breakout season.
A fee of £50million has been suggested – with Aston Villa one of the club’s said to be interested.
The Gunners reportedly inserted a sell-on clause and would be due a percentage of the fee, if a transfer happens.
Arsenal have reportedly “made approaches” for Porto winger Pepe.
According to Portuguese paper A Bola, the Gunners want to sign the 26-year-old.
Porto are looking to sell in the summer with the club in need of cash, with clubs from Spain and France also interested.
However, Pepe has a release clause of £66million. He has notched five goals and added nine assists across all competitions this season.
Kieran Tierney is the subject of transfer interest from Newcastle.
A Daily Mail report indicates Eddie Howe has picked four players with Prem experience to bolster the Magpies.Among them are Tierney, international team-mate Scott McTominay, Harvey Barnes and James Ward-Prowse.
Reiss Nelson is facing trial after his dog allegedly attacked a massage therapist.
Saeid Motaali was at the 23-year-old footballer’s home in North London when the horror unfolded.
It is alleged he was left injured by pooch Tiago on December 2, 2020.
The Crown Prosecution Service told The Sun Online Nelson is now facing trial on September 4 at Harrow Crown Court.
He is charged with being in charge of a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control. The forward denied the charge at a previous hearing in October last year, according to the Mail.
Arsenal target Ousmane Dembele’s contract talks have stalled, according to reports in Spain.
The 25-year-old has just 12 months left on his current deal.
Sport report that the negotiations have hit a stumbling block because the Catalans can’t afford the French star’s demands.That news has put several Premier League clubs on red alert.
- Jon Boon
Dembele contract stalls
Arsenal target Ousmane Dembele's contract talks have stalled, according to reports in Spain.
The 25-year-old has just 12 months left on his current deal.
Sport report that the negotiations have hit a stumbling block because the Catalans can't afford the French star's demands.
That news has put several Premier League clubs on red alert.
- Jon Boon
Pep talk
Pep Guardiola has revealed he would want to be in Arsenal's position as the league title race heats up.
However, he couldn't but resist a little dig – saying the Gunners probably would have wanted to have been in the FA Cup and Europa League.
City have a Champions League quarter final to contend, as well as an FA Cup semi-final to play.
Speaking after the 4-1 win over Southampton, Pep said: "I'd rather be where Arsenal are in the Premier League, but I'm sure they would want to be in Europe and in the FA Cup…”
- Jon Boon
Lead cut at the top
Arsenal go into tomorrow's game at Anfield knowing their lead has been cut short at the top.
Man City looked in ominous form as they thrashed Southampton 4-1 at the St Mary's.
That means, with level games played, the Gunners lead by just five points.
- Jon Boon
Arteta reveals how Xhaka improved
Mikel Arteta has revealed how Granit Xhaka has improved this season.
"It clicked. Mentality," the Spaniard revealed.
"Feeling capable of doing it, understanding where he needs to be positioned in the right moments, training every single day.
"(He is) willing to improve and support the team in the areas that we felt was necessary for the team to take another step forward in our way of playing."
- Jon Boon
Guendouzi windfall
Arsenal could net a huge windfall, if Matteo Guendouzi leaves Marseille.
The France midfielder has been tipped to leave the Ligue 1 club, following a breakout season.
A fee of £50million has been suggested – with Aston Villa one of the club's said to be interested.
The Gunners reportedly inserted a sell-on clause and would be due a percentage of the fee, if a transfer happens.
- Tony Robertson
Arsenal 'approach' Brazil winger
Arsenal have reportedly "made approaches" for Porto winger Pepe.
According to Portuguese paper A Bola, the Gunners want to sign the 26-year-old.
Porto are looking to sell in the summer with the club in need of cash, with clubs from Spain and France also interested.
However, Pepe has a release clause of £66million.
He has notched five goals and added nine assists across all competitions this season.
- Tony Robertson
Tierney Newcastle interest
Kieran Tierney is the subject of transfer interest from Newcastle.
A Daily Mail report indicates Eddie Howe has picked four player with Prem experience to bolster the Magpies.
Among them are Tierney, international team-mate Scott McTominay, Harvey Barnes and James Ward-Prowse.
- Tony Robertson
New Dragon deal
Former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey will reportedly be offered a new deal by Nice.
According to L'Equipe, Ramsey has already made enough appearances to trigger a one-year contract extension.
The report adds that Nice are plotting to tie down the Wales captain for another two years, given his impressive form.
Ramsey, 32, signed a one-year deal when he joined Nice last summer but he has settled in well to the club owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is in the running to buy Manchester United.
- Tony Robertson
Gunners star facing trial
Reiss Nelson is facing trial after his dog allegedly attacked a massage therapist.
Saeid Motaali was at the 23-year-old footballer's home in North London when the horror unfolded.
It is alleged he was left injured by pooch Tiago on December 2, 2020.
The Crown Prosecution Service told The Sun Online Nelson is now facing trial on September 4 at Harrow Crown Court.
He is charged with being in charge of a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control.
The forward denied the charge at a previous hearing in October last year, according to the Mail.
Read the full story here.
Reiss Nelson in action for ArsenalCredit: Getty - Tony Robertson
Campbell on Henry and Co
Campbell even took the chance to heap praise on his fellow Invincibles, giving particular praise to the likes of Thierry Henry.
Hightlighting their 4-2 win over Liverpool that season, he said: "When Liverpool went 1-0 up in the first five minutes, and then regained the lead at 2-1, it’s in those moments you look around at team-mates and hope that collectively we can find that something extra to turn a game.
"That’s easier said than done against a side like Liverpool, who were packed full of game-changers.
"But like so many occasions in that season it almost felt our front four of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg could just flick a switch and create moments of magic.
"Thierry’s hat-trick was just sublime — his second, and our third, was the pick of the goals.
"The way in which he picked up the ball just inside the Liverpool half and then danced and weaved his way past players was brilliant.
"At his peak, Theirry was unplayable. And his link up play with Robert, Dennis and Freddie was on another level.
"When we were 2-1 down at half-time you could sense a nervous tension among fans — particularly on the back of two draws and two defeats beforehand.
"But by the end Highbury was really rocking."
You can read the full story here.
- Tony Robertson
Campbell reflects on Arsenal invincibles title
Sol Campbell has reflected on the Gunners invincibles title.
He said: "I believe our win [over Liverpool] 19 years ago was a defining moment in us winning the championship.
"What made our victory even more special was the fact we had gone into the game on the back of two defeats — exits from the FA Cup (vs Manchester United) and the Champions League (vs Chelsea on aggregate).
"When Liverpool went 1-0 up in the first five minutes, and then regained the lead at 2-1, it’s in those moments you look around at team-mates and hope that collectively we can find that something extra to turn a game.
"That’s easier said than done against a side like Liverpool, who were packed full of game-changers…
"Going into this match we were four points ahead of second-placed Chelsea and felt confident we were in the driving seat with eight games left.
"However, after this 4-2 win I genuinely think we all finally felt for the first time the title was in our grasp."
You can read the full story here.
- Tony Robertson
Legend backs title claim
Arsenal legend Sol Campbell has backed the club to win the title IF they beat Liverpool.
He said: "I am hoping it’s an omen if Arsenal defeat Liverpool — the last time they beat them on April 9 the Gunners went on to win the title.
"I believe our win 19 years ago was a defining moment in us winning the championship — albeit our victory against Liverpool was at home.
"The only shock for me is that it has taken almost two decades for the club to be in this position to win the league again…
"The progress they have made in 12 months — after missing out on a top four place a year ago — has been the story of the season.
"A combination of outstanding player recruitment, a brilliant start to the season — with five wins in a row — and then reeling off their last seven Prem wins on the spin."
You can read the full story here.
- Kealan Hughes
Good morning Arsenal fans
Bukayo Saka is fit to return at Liverpool tomorrow. – just as Arsenal are tipped to sign Dusan Vlahovic in July.
Gunners' boss Mikel Arteta confirmed England winger Saka has overcome a knock in time for another crucial Prem weekend for the leaders.
Arteta was coy about his plans for visiting unhappy hunting ground Anfield.
And despite Liverpool's dodgy season, Arsenal will surely be happy if they finish Easter still eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola's men have a game in hand plus an easier-looking clash away to Southampton at 5.30pm today.
It comes as Italian outlet Calciomercato claim the Gunners have made contact over signing Juventus striker Vlahovic.
Manchester United were rated as frontrunners for the Serbia star, 23, as recently as last month.
But that's reportedly changed as Juve struggle to keep hold of their best players amid financial issues.
Meanwhile, it's claimed Arsenal want to extend Reiss Nelson’s contract.
Aston Villa are said to be amongst the versatile frontman's suitors.
Finally, Arteta says the Gunners sticking with him this season provided the security needed to scent their first title since 2004.
He said: "That showed me that I was in the right place here and with the right people.
“Obviously, it gives you stability and gives you even more drive and determination. Then we have a better team, we have better players and we are better equipped."
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners rated favourites for Vlahovic ahead of Utd
Dusan Vlahovic will be an Arsenal player by July 1.
That’s the stark claim from Italian outlet Calciomercato as Juventus battle to keep hold of their top players.
Just last month it was claimed Manchester United were frontrunners for the Serbia striker, 23.
But Calciomercato say Juve are willing to sell the ex-Fiorentina star – albeit for a sizeable fee.
- Ian Tuckey
Mikel: Backing me gave Arsenal stability
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal's faith in him last season provided the stability for this year's title charge.
It is a year since the Gunners, in the midst of a run of three Premier League defeats, opened talks with their manager over a new contract.
The deal was confirmed almost a month later, but in opening talks during a spell of losses to Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton this time last year, Arteta was given a huge boost.
Arsenal's vision and patience is in stark contrast to London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea, who have both axed managers in recent weeks, with the Blues killing off their own long-term plan when giving Graham Potter the boot.
Their London rivals are back at square one once again while the Gunners, in pole position to claim the title heading to Liverpool today, have won 28 of their 36 Premier League games since Arteta's deal was announced.
He said: "It certainly gave me all the right reasons to continue here.
“I knew it wasn’t going to be about a game or two we had lost."It was more about what we were doing during the season. That showed me that I was in the right place here and with the right people.
“Obviously, it gives you stability and gives you even more drive and determination. Then we have a better team, we have better players and we are better equipped.
"And we have one more year’s experience all together. And then it’s about the support and the right environment we’ve created is very helpful."
- Ian Tuckey
Arteta unfazed by critics
Mikel Arteta doesn't care what critics think of his methods despite getting his fingers burned the last time he went to Anfield.
The innovative Arsenal boss was derided for playing You’ll Never Walk Alone to his players ahead of last season’s away game at Liverpool.
But his team were still spanked 4-0 and his motivational tactics were brutally exposed by the Arsenal: All Or Nothing documentary on Amazon Prime.
Yet Arteta insists he has no regrets about his preparations and says: “You cannot train the players in a zoo and then go into the jungle on Sunday. That’s impossible.
“You have to recognise what you are going to be facing in the next game and prepare for that.
“If the players have to shoot on Sunday, you cannot tell them not to shoot in training just in case they miss.
“I have done some things before games and people have told me ‘that was incredible’. But it’s only incredible if you win. If you lose, it’s terrible.
“If we play with a back six tomorrow and win it’s ‘hah, he’s a magician’, If not they will say ‘what the hell are you doing? Why did you change things?’
“The result changes everything but if I have to worry about what people are going to think every week, I would rather do something else.
“We prepare for every game in a different way and I just do my best for the team. That’s all I can do.”
- Ian Tuckey
'Everything about Gunners is exciting'
Ahead of Liverpool vs Arsenal this weekend, Jamie Carragher claims the Gunners are the team his old side “used to be”.
Mikel Arteta has built a squad packed full of hungry young stars, with his side currently eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Carragher wrote in his Telegraph column: “Arsenal are the team Liverpool used to be.”
“They are young, fast, energetic, thrilling, hungry, dynamic and on the threshold of ending a long wait for the Premier League title.
“Everything about them is exciting.
“When I look at Arsenal, I see an evolving team with the core of their strongest XI at the start of what should be an illustrious career. When I look at Liverpool, I see a core of players whose peak is behind them.”
- Ian Tuckey
Bukayo green light to play
Bukayo Saka did not start last weekend’s 4-1 win over Leeds due to illness.
Instead the winger came off the bench for the final half an hour of the game.
But there are no fresh concerns over the 21-year-old going into this weekend’s game.
When asked if Saka is available for the trip to Liverpool, Arteta said: “Yeah he is.”
- Ian Tuckey
Klopp full of praise for Arteta
Jurgen Klopp heaped praise on Mikel Arteta ahead of Sunday’s showdown between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield.
The Gunners are top of the Premier League while Klopp and Co are languishing in eighth place.
And the German boss said on Arsenal: “They are a different team.
“Mikel has been building for a few years now and the outcome is pretty impressive. Really good football, top players and good match plans.
“It’s a mix of really good football and extreme emotions. It is a good way to play. I know people ask for time for managers but I really think Mikel deserved each minute he got there when things weren’t going well.
“The team is very well set up, good transfers on top of that but a really stable team. That’s what they’re using now.”
- Ian Tuckey
Mikel delight at Saka return
Bukayo Saka will be available for Arsenal's crunch clash with Liverpool this weekend.
The England international was a doubt for Sunday's trip to Anfield after missing the Gunners' rout of Leeds last weekend.
Saka missed the 4-1 win due to illness but is ready to start Sunday's match with the Merseysiders.
When asked if the 21-year-old will be fit to play, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said: "Yeah he is."
Saka has been one of the league leaders' star performers this season, scoring 13 goals and racking up ten assists in all competitions.
But Arteta is adamant the winger hasn't even scratched the surface of his full potential.
The Spaniard told Sky Sports last month: "First of all, I think you have to recognise what he's been doing.
"The consistency he's shown at his age and at this level is something rare to see. He's taken it with normality.
"If you ask me if he has room for improvement, I would say: 'Yes – a lot.'
"He's never satisfied, he always wants more and he can still do a lot of things better and more efficiently, but we are really pleased to have him."
- Ian Tuckey
Arteta eyes Nketiah return
Mikel Arteta hopes Eddie Nketiah will be back soon.
Gabriel Jesus timed his return last month perfectly as his fellow Arsenal striker got crocked.
And ahead of Sunday's trip to Liverpool, boss Arteta said: "Yeah, I’m very hopeful and he is as well.
"Back injuries are a bit tricky, how they evolve with the load in certain areas but he’s very positive about it, the medical staff are positive about it.
"So let’s push it every day a little bit and see how he copes with that and how the pain develops.
"He’s so willing to be back with the team."
- Ian Tuckey
'Gunners keen to keep Villa target Nelson'
Arsenal want to extend Reiss Nelson's contract amid interest from Aston Villa, reports say.
Fichajes say the super-sub, 23, is wanted by rival clubs.
But the Gunners hope he'll agreenew long-term contract after fellow starlet Gabriel Martinelli did the same.
- Ian Tuckey
Arteta coy on team news
Mikel Arteta remained coy when asked about his team news ahead of this weekend’s trip to Liverpool.
When asked about his team news, he said: “No no real changes with the rest of the players that were still injured.
“We have some hope with one of them who will maybe be able to train but we’ll see.”
The Spaniard then did not reveal who he is hoping will return to the training pitch.
- Ian Tuckey
Wrighty identifies 3 positions Utd must strengthen
Arsenal legend Ian Wright insists Manchester United need to sign a new right-back, goalkeeper and striker.
Wright told Wrighty’s House podcast: “That man [Erik ten Hag] has got to get everything he needs to try and do his job well and play the football he wants to play. For what he’s done at Manchester United this season, he deserves that.
“I still don’t think the right-hand side of the team is working right now. You’ve got [Jadon] Sancho and Antony who are capable of doing unbelievable stuff.
“Antony had so many options [at Ajax] – he could cut in and target the No9 or there would be a player overlapping him. He had so many different options to get the best out of him.
“The same for Sancho at Borussia Dortmund. You have two unbelievable players who can do loads of great stuff but they’ve not been put into a system where they can thrive.
“I can’t wait for Erik ten Hag to get the right-back he wants and the No9 he wants. At some stage something needs to be done about the goalkeeper [David de Gea]. I want to see all of those things before I judge Erik ten Hag too much.”
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