AFTV News

  Has Mikel Arteta shown that the process is working? The Spaniard is entering a key phase in his Arsenal career. By Oli Dickson Jefford ‘Trust the process’ is certainly Mikel Arteta’s favourite sporting cliché.  Amid times of near-crisis the Spaniard has reverted back to this philosophy to ease the pressure on himself - and things might now be paying off. There is greater positivity around Arsenal this season than there has been in recent years, and definitely more so than any other period of Arteta’s reign. Has Arteta made an impact? Perhaps the biggest positive of Arteta’s time as Arsenal manager, and one of the biggest positives this season, has been the development of the club’s younger players. Academy graduates Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe have dazzled, leading Arsenal’s attack which has been particularly potent. Gabriel Martinelli is also much improved and looks like a really good centre forward, while summer signings Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu...

By Oli Dickson Jefford Arsenal are well and truly in contention to win a first EFL Cup title since 1993, with the first leg of this year’s semi-final now looming next week after being postponed due to covid cases at Liverpool. Compared to other English football heavyweights success hasn’t been guaranteed for Arsenal in this tournament with two titles but six final losses. However, there have been some memorable semi-finals for Arsenal in the EFL Cup previously and they’ll be hoping to channel that success ahead of their meeting with Liverpool. Here are some of Arsenal’s best EFL Cup semi-final moments: 2018: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea (aggregate) Arsenal were underdogs heading into this semi-final four years ago, and after a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge in the first leg Chelsea were still expected to seal a spot in the final. However, that did not prove to be the case, with a superb display from the Gunners at the Emirates helping them reach Wembley. Chelsea were 1-0 up just seven minutes in t...

By Oli Dickson Jefford There is an air of positivity around Arenal after a run of form that has seen them rise from the bottom of the table to fifth in the Premier League and reach the last eight of the EFL Cup. However, things are not going to be easy once the international break concludes in a few days with some difficult matches coming up in the winter period. Meetings against Liverpool, Manchester United, West Ham, Tottenham and Man City are among their league matches in the next couple of months. Ahead of what is a challenging period for virtually every club, we take a look at Arsenal’s run during the winter period and how it can be managed.  Tricky run of fixtures Mikel Arteta’s men face a huge test next weekend when they head to Anfield to take on Liverpool, though on paper should have an easier time of things the following week when hosting Newcastle. However, that is followed by a tricky run of matches against Man Utd and Everton - both away - before they host Southampton ...

 Arsenal vs Leeds: Arsenal take on Bielsa's men for EFL Cup quarter-final spot By Oli Dickson Jefford Arsenal’s quest for EFL Cup silverware continues tonight when they take on fellow Premier League outfit Leeds at the Emirates. After a fantastic performance against Aston Villa on Friday, Mikel Arteta’s men will be full of confidence as they take on Marcelo Bielsa’s side in this fourth-round clash. The action gets underway at 7.45pm and the Gunners will be eager to continue on their path towards what is a genuine shot at a trophy. Leeds United: What to expect Leeds are by no means an easy team to face, though now seems a better time than any to face a side that have not reached the heights of last season. They are hovering just above the bottom three in the Premier League having collected just seven points from nine games, winning once and tasting defeat four times. The absences of the likes of Patrick Bamford, Luke Ayling and Kalvin Philips have left Bielsa’s side looking a shadow...