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Martin Odegaard is out injured for a few weeks but it won't make a difference. Their squad depth is so strong and my feeling right now is that they are going to power their way to the title.
Fulham v Arsenal: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:44 BST 17 October
19:44 BST 17 October
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport journalist
League leaders Arsenal will attempt to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table as they travel to a Fulham side aiming for a third successive home win.
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Saturday's game at Craven Cottage.
Can Arsenal continue winning run?
Arsenal have won their past four games and begin this round of fixtures top of the Premier League and with a run of matches that could give them the opportunity to cement their status as leaders of the competition.
The 2-0 triumph against West Ham last time out was enough to move above Liverpool and the Gunners have lost to just once against Fulham in the past 14 Premier League meetings.
After the facing the Cottagers, Arsenal take on Crystal Palace at the Emirates, having lost only one of their last 18 London Premier League derbies, before travelling to promoted Burnley and Sunderland.
Arsenal then host Tottenham, who they have not lost to on home soil in nearly seven years.
Opportunity is knocking for Mikel Arteta's to begin their tilt at a first title since 2004 in earnest, starting with a trip to Craven Cottage.
Fourth time lucky?
The Gunners have finished runners-up in the past three seasons under Arteta and the victory over West Ham on 4 October was his 300th Premier League game at the helm, and his 177th win.
It means the 43-year-old ranks fourth among all English top-flight managers for wins in his opening 300 games with a club. However, Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Sir Kenny Dalglish had won at least five major trophies by that point, while Arteta's solitary silverware of real significance remains the 2020 FA Cup.
Arsenal's new emphasis on counter-attack
In order to improve that record, Arsenal have varied their tactics so far this season.
Set-plays and corners are still a super-strength, but Arteta has implemented a greater focus on counter-attacks in order to make his side more robust.
They have recorded 14 phases of counter-attacking play in the Premier League in 2025-26 - the most of any side.
Last term, the Gunners ranked 17th for counter-attacks, with just 47 in the whole of the campaign, and the change in approach has helped Arsenal to restrict their opponents to fewer than 10 shots in their past six Premier League games.
Iwobi Fulham's key player
Fulham, meanwhile, come into this fixture facing the prospect of losing three successive Premier League matches for the first time in nearly three years, following defeats at Aston Villa and Bournemouth, conceding three goals on each occasion.
Marco Silva's side, however, remain strong at home and have won their past two league outings at Craven Cottage.
Fulham could avoid losing any of their opening four home matches of a league season for the first time since 2011-12 and Alex Iwobi has been key to their success so far this season.
The former Arsenal midfielder has made eight line-breaking passing into the opposition's penalty area in this season's Premier League, including four which created chances.
Arteta 'sure it is going to happen' for Gyokeres published at 12:31 BST 17 October
12:31 BST 17 October
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Mikel Arteta has said he is "sure" Viktor Gyokeres will start scoring but said he already told the striker to expect tough times before he signed for the club.
The £64m summer signing has three goals in 10 matches for Arsenal, notching against Leeds and Nottingham Forest.
However, after featuring in both matches for Sweden during the international break without scoring, he has now gone eight games without a goal for club and country.
Despite those figures, Arteta made it clear he is satisfied by what Gyokeres is offering.
"He brings so much to the team," the Arsenal boss said. "Watching the games back, I'm very pleased with what he is bringing.
"I told him, in our first meeting that I want a nine that can handle it when he doesn't score for six or eight games. If not, you have to go somewhere else.
"The pressure is going to be there - the expectation is going to be there. If you put the number nine shirt on for Arsenal, you have to be able to say: 'Six games and I don't score, am I a different player? Do I act in a different way?'
"I want more of the same of what he is doing. When we have the opportunities put it [in the net]. I'm sure it is going to happen."
Arteta on Odegaard absence, Gyokeres' form and 'full gas' Hincapiepublished at 11:35 BST 17 October
11:35 BST 17 October
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Fulham at Craven Cottage (kick-off 17:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
There is "no definite date" for Martin Odegaard's return but he will be "out for weeks".
Arteta said they were managing Ben White and Martin Zubimendi's work load at the beginning of the week but both are available for Saturday's game.
Piero Hincapie has returned to training and is expected to be part of the matchday squad.
He said their performances so far this season have been a good platform to build on, but it's now about "consistency" because that's what will give them "a good chance" of achieving their goal.
On opponents Fulham: "We know it's a really tough place to go. They are a really well coached team and we will have to be at our best."
He said club captain Odegaard "can push and support" the group off the pitch, but there are "various leaders who have leadership and accountability" in his absence on the field.
On Viktor Gyokeres, who has not scored in six games, Arteta said: "He brings so much to the team. Watching the games back, I'm very pleased with what he is giving to the team. I want much more of the same. When we have the opportunities to put it in the net, I'm sure it is going to happen. I am really happy with him and have full confidence."
He said Hincapie's return "will bring a different character and emotion to the team" because of his "aggression and determination." Arteta added: "He is a player that goes full gas to every action, especially in defending. A player that is very clean on the ball."
Gyokeres, White & Hincapie on agenda for Arteta conferencepublished at 10:30 BST 17 October
10:30 BST 17 October
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal take on Fulham tomorrow as they get back to Premier League action after the international break.
Mikel Arteta has some team news updates to give with captain Martin Odegaard ruled out for six to eight weeks and Piero Hincapie returning to training after a groin issue.
There are also questions to be asked about Ben White, who was not pictured in training and has had fitness issues this season.
Striker Viktor Gyokeres has not scored for six games for Arsenal and also did not score in his two matches for Sweden.
Arteta said he gave him a hug for his efforts after the last match against West Ham but with Kai Havertz still out injured, Arsenal need the striker to start firing.
Hincapie returns to training after injurypublished at 12:19 BST 16 October
12:19 BST 16 October
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Piero Hincapie is back in training following injury.
The defender picked up the issue after his debut for the club in the win over Athletic Club in the Champions League.
Manager Mikel Arteta revealed the Ecuador international had a groin surgery earlier in the summer while with Bayer Leverkusen and that the 23-year-old had small problem there before the international break.
However, Arteta said he expected Hincapie back available once the window was over and as he is training he looks to be available for selection.
Arteta will give more details about Hincapie's availability at his news conference on Friday morning.
Fulham visit 'the start of a crucial window'published at 11:14 BST 16 October
11:14 BST 16 October
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal come into this Premier League weekend at the top of the league and having only lost one of their opening 10 games in all competitions.
The Gunners have only conceded three goals too and on Saturday face Fulham at Craven Cottage, a place where they have not won on their last two visits.
However, this feels like a different type of Arsenal team and their squad is built to compete in all four competitions this season.
Interestingly, Arsenal actually had one more point at this stage last season and were third in the table.
But the games between October and November international breaks is where last season's title challenge fell apart.
They took two points from a possible 12 meaning Liverpool went into the next international window nine ahead.
Arsenal's fixtures are more favourable this season after they had a tough start, but it shows the match against Fulham is the start of a crucial window.
Nine Premier League players on Golden Boy shortlistpublished at 10:41 BST 16 October
10:41 BST 16 October
Image source, Getty Images
The 25-player shortlist for the Golden Boy award was revealed on Wednesday, with nine players from the Premier League selected.
The award, created by Italian newspaper Tuttosport, is given to the best under-21 footballer each year, with Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal last year's winner.
For a player to be considered for selection in 2025, they must have been born on or after 1 January 2005 and belong to a squad in one of Uefa's top 25 leagues.
Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have both been selected after their breakthrough seasons in 2024-25.
Lewis-Skelly played 40 times across all competitions and also made his England senior debut, while Nwaneri appeared 37 times and scored nine goals.
Chelsea are represented twice, with summer arrivals Estevao, who scored his first goal for the club with a dramatic late winner against Liverpool before the international break, and defender Jorrel Hato making the shortlist.
Tottenham Hotspur also feature, with midfielders Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray being chosen.
Manchester United defender Leny Yoro, Manchester City full-back Nico O'Reilly and Liverpool centre half Giovanni Leoni - a wildcard choice - have also been selected.
An international jury of 50 journalists will decide the winner, which will be revealed at a news conference in November.
Timber: Arsenal's new standard-setter at right-backpublished at 09:26 BST 16 October
09:26 BST 16 October
Karan Vinod BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal sit top of the Premier League after seven games and while much of the early-season focus has been on their title challenge and defence, Jurrien Timber's influence on the right side of their back four has been just as vital.
The Dutch international, who missed most of his first season with a serious knee injury, has returned, and not only has he re-established himself at Arsenal, but he's elevated the side. His form this season suggests he is now arguably the Premier League's best right-back, particularly in possession and attacking phases.
Data from Opta via FBref shows just how complete his start to the 2025-26 campaign has been. The radar charts compare his percentile rankings against other Premier League full-backs: a measure of how often he outperforms his peers in specific metrics. A percentile of 80, for instance, means he's better than 80% of full-backs in that category.
Defensively, the 24-year-old's numbers reflect the control and composure that have defined Arsenal's start. He ranks high for tackles and interceptions, showing his sharp reading of the game and timing in duels. He's also notably low for errors, a key marker of reliability in a title-challenging team that often dominates possession but must deal with high-risk transitions.
While his aerial numbers are steady rather than spectacular, that's partly a reflection of Arsenal's tactical setup - rarely forced into long, direct duels - rather than a weakness in his game.
Where Timber really separates himself is in the attacking and build-up metrics. The radar graph above shows elite percentile ranks for shot-creating actions (SCA), passes completed, carries into the final third, and key passes.
These figures point to a defender who not only builds play but drives it forward, breaking lines, creating overloads and contributing directly to Arsenal's attacking fluency. His confidence in stepping into midfield mirrors the hybrid full-back role perfected under Mikel Arteta, offering both structure and unpredictability in possession.
The Dutch international's shot-creating actions (actions leading to a shot, such as a progressive pass or dribble) are among the highest for Premier League full-backs, underlining his evolution into a genuine attacking outlet and not just a supporting presence. Hence, he ranks in the 98th percentile for shots on target among full-backs and has helped himself to two Premier League goals already this season.
All of a sudden, you're not only worrying about Bukayo Saka on Arsenal's right-hand side, but Timber too. His overlapping runs and willingness to attack the half-space have forced opposition defences to stretch wider, creating more room for Saka to isolate defenders or drift centrally. It's that dual threat that has made their right flank arguably the most dangerous in the Premier League right now.
It's worth a caveat: we are only seven games into the Premier League season and Arsenal have enjoyed the lion's share of possession in most fixtures. That naturally boosts some of Timber's passing and attacking numbers.
Even so, the consistency and control he has brought in this campaign are undeniable. From his press resistance to his precision in build-up, Timber has become the embodiment of Arteta's blueprint - calm, intelligent, and technically elite.
If he sustains this form, he won't just be a key reason Arsenal stay top. He could be the player who sets the standard for modern full-backs in the Premier League.
What expected goals tell us about the start to the Premier League seasonpublished at 09:04 BST 16 October
09:04 BST 16 October
Chris Collinson BBC Sport statistician
Image source, Getty Images
The Premier League table is starting to take shape and while results are obviously what matter most, they don't tell the whole story in terms of how teams have been playing so far.
Expected goals (xG) tells us how much teams have been dominating games by creating lots of good chances up front and restricting opponents to few, bad ones at the back.
Penalties are excluded because they distort a team's numbers on how threatening or vulnerable they are in general, especially at this early stage.
Below is a graphic showing how good teams have been in attack and defence, with the most dominant teams in the top-right corner and the least impressive in the bottom-left corner.
Arsenal and Manchester City have been the most dominant sides, with the Gunners having the best defence and fourth-best attack and City the joint-best attack and fourth-best defence.
High-flying Crystal Palace are the only side to rival City's attacking threat, while Newcastle are living up to their name by being almost as impregnable at the back as Arsenal.
Both Manchester United and Chelsea have one of the top five attacks in the league but worryingly also rank in the bottom five defensively.
Liverpool's back-to-back defeats following five straight wins gives a more accurate picture of how they have been playing, while Tottenham have needed to be very efficient to make up for their lack of dominance in games.
Aston Villa's early-season struggles are no longer to do with finishing - they have now scored six non-penalty goals from an xG of 6.0 - but simply because they have not been playing well.
While promoted sides Leeds and Sunderland have adapted quite well to the top-flight, Burnley have struggled to make the jump so far with both the worst attack and the worst defence.
Gossip: Gunners keen on Juventus duopublished at 07:57 BST 16 October
07:57 BST 16 October
Turkey forward Kenan Yildiz continues to push for an improved contract at Juventus but with talks yet to bear fruit, clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona are keeping a close eye on the 20-year-old. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external
Juventus have rebuffed multiple enquiries for France defensive midfielder Khephren Thuram, 24, from Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool during the past six months. (TBR Football), external
'Can they do it on a mild October night in Fulham?'published at 14:18 BST 15 October
14:18 BST 15 October
Laura Kirk-Francis Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
When the fixture list was released back in June, many Arsenal fans looked at the first few weeks in horror.
An away trip to Old Trafford on the first day of the season, followed by visits to Anfield and St James' Park - all before the start of October.
With such a brutal opening run of games, Arsenal could have been out of the title race before it had even started.
Fast forward to now and you would struggle to find a fan not impressed with how the Gunners have dealt with this difficult start. Sixteen points from a possible 21 and only three goals conceded. Arsenal have more than weathered the storm.
Attention now turns to what looks - on paper - like a kinder run of fixtures. But there is still reason to be cautious.
Arsenal's undoing last term came from dropping points against the exact teams they face in their next three games.
At Craven Cottage, last December Mikel Arteta's side could only manage a draw against Fulham, who are their next Premier League opponents.
Two 1-1 draws with Brighton, who they face next in the EFL Cup, saw the Gunners lose valuable ground on Liverpool. Then, the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace all but handed the league title to the Reds in the spring.
Arsenal can clearly get up for big games. But the true test of the team's improvement since last campaign will come over the coming weeks, including navigating the Champions League visit of Atletico Madrid and a trip to Slavia Prague.
Arteta has clearly answered his critics when it comes to registering wins against the 'big six'. The defeat at Anfield was the first time Arsenal had lost to such a side since April 2023.
The question is now: can they do it on a mild October night in Fulham?
Arsenal's 'finishers' proving effectivepublished at 14:17 BST 15 October
14:17 BST 15 October
Tyrese King BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
The impact sub changes the course of a game.
There were times last season when Mikel Arteta, in Arsenal's second consecutive title race, would look to a depleted bench in hard times and options would be found lacking.
They relied on set-pieces, but after a summer of reinforcement in attacking areas - including Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze - it is a player whose future has been a hot topic who is proving to be one of the Gunners' most clinical attackers.
Gabriel Martinelli was voted Arsenal's player of the month for September because of two standout moments.
It took the 24-year-old just 37 seconds to come off the bench and score the opener against Athletic Club in the Champions League, and he then provided the assist for the goal by Leandro Trossard - another of Arsenal's 'finishers' - that sealed the 2-0 victory. And fellow sub Trossard had laid on the first goal for his team-mate.
Only four Premier League players have contributed three or more goals and assists from the bench this season in all competitions, and Martinelli and Trossard are two of them.
When speaking about the mentality of the players left on the bench, Arteta has said: "They are at least equally important, or more important. We have discussed that.
"The finishers are going to be more important this season sometimes than the starters."
Finishers or game-changers are a concept taken from rugby union to describe players who start the match on the bench.
Though Trossard tops the list of goal contributions above, Martinelli's so far have arguably been more memorable and in big-game moments.
As well as his assist and late goal in Bilbao, the Belgian laid on the third goal in a routine 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest and scored the second late on in the 2-0 victory at Port Vale in the Carabao Cup.
Martinelli's other crucial moment as a sub, however, came against Manchester City in the Premier League, rescuing what could prove to be a huge point in injury time.
The superb, lofted finish after a ball over the top ended a move that took advantage of the space behind City's defensive line with Martinelli's direct running.
This perhaps highlights a key reason for the success of Martinelli being deployed largely in the latter stages of matches: he can be at his best when the game is opened up. Transitions are more frequent and there is often more opportunity to catch opponent on the break, which is how his goals off the bench this season have come about.
Martinelli has only started two of the Gunners' seven Premier League games so far this season - both in August against Manchester United and Liverpool - but has been introduced as a substitute in four of the other five.
He also featured from the outset against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup third round and started - and scored the opener - in the home Champions League win over Olympiacos.
Additional data collection and visualisation by Jordan Butler
'Not a question of Lewis-Skelly's quality' published at 12:53 BST 15 October
12:53 BST 15 October
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
When Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly scored the first goal of the Thomas Tuchel era against Albania in March, becoming the youngest player to score on his senior England debut, aged 18 years and 176 days, he not only looked like a superstar in the making but the answer to the problem left-back position.
He may well still be, starting England's victory in Latvia, but has a potentially major problem ahead that Tuchel has already made reference to.
And it is a problem that comes in the imposing shape of Riccardo Calafiori.
England apart, Lewis-Skelly has been ousted from Arsenal's left-back slot by the Italian this season, starting only two games for the Gunners and playing only 263 minutes.
This is not a question of Lewis-Skelly's quality - that is there for all to see. This is a question of how much football he will play.
It is a subject that has already been exercising Tuchel's mind, even though he played Lewis-Skelly in Riga.
It is clear that unless he can find his way back into Arsenal's starting line-up, Tuchel may face a difficult choice with the gifted youngster, saying: "Maybe it becomes a problem for him, yeah.
"Being a good team-mate in camp may not be good enough to stay the whole year with us. You have to perform at club level on a regular basis."
Lewis-Skelly's task is clear. He may yet claim the left-back berth if Tuchel is unable to find a better alternative but he cannot rely on past credit. He has to find a way into Arsenal's starting line-up.
In case you missed it: Dowman makes history?published at 11:35 BST 15 October
11:35 BST 15 October
Image source, Getty Images
On Tuesday, Arsenal's teenage sensation Max Dowman likely made another bit of history - becoming the youngest goalscorer for England Under 19s, breaking Ryan Sessegnon's record from 2016.
When asked by BBC Sport, the FA could not definitively confirm it as a record, but conceded he is probably the youngest to notch for the under-19s.
The 15-year-old, who does not turn 16 until December, has already featured for Mikel Arteta's first team, making his Premier League debut as a substitute in the 5-0 win over Leeds United in August.
Dowman's rise has been rapid, from Hale End standout to first-team appearance and now a record-breaking England goalscorer.
This is just the latest milestone in what is shaping up to be a hugely exciting journey for one of the Gunners' brightest young talents.
Eze, Nwaneri or Merino? Fans divided on who should replace Odegaardpublished at 09:58 BST 14 October
09:58 BST 14 October
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on who Mikel Arteta should pick to replace Martin Odegaard while he recovers from injury - Eberechi Eze, Ethan Nwaneri or Mikel Merino.
Here are some of your comments:
Dave: I really hope Arteta doesn't go back to Merino. The Zubimendi-Rice-Merino axis hasn't worked, so don't go back to it. Eze is the easy choice for me. It is where he played naturally at Crystal Palace, and has shown his worth there (if not getting the goals and assits yet).
Carrick: It has got to be Eze, surely? If not, then why invest such a lot of money in signing him? This sort of situation is surely where he steps up?
Neil: Nwaneri is the most similar player to Odegaard so, if Arteta wants a like-for-like replacement, he should pick him. However, it is horses for courses, game by game. Eze offers that X-factor in games when we face the low block because he is prepared to shoot from long range or try that audacious flick or pass. Merino is solid and versatile but less dynamic and I don't see him with the speed of thought or creativity required in a number 10. A lot has been said about our squad depth. Arteta will have to have real clarity of thought around how he utilises the weapons at his disposal if Arsenal are to claim either of the big pots.
Harry: Losing Odegaard is a big blow. I'd like to see Merino in there, although Eze could possibly fill in.
Tim: Nwaneri deserves a chance. I'm not sure if Arteta trusts him, but he is the only one of the three who has the vision and range of passing comparable to Odegaard. If he gets a run in the side, he can prove himself as Odegaard's future successor.
Nwaneri plays in England U21s winpublished at 08:56 BST 14 October
08:56 BST 14 October
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Ethan Nwaneri started as England Under-21s beat Andorra in their European Under-21 Championship qualifier.
Starting on the right-hand side of England's attack, the 18-year-old showed flashes of his quality on the ball, but looked to come centrally when he could and had an effort saved from the edge of the area.
He was then moved into number 10 role after Josh King was removed but came off with just over 10 minutes to go.
Head coach Lee Carsley is aware of of the amount minutes each player is playing at their clubs and uses the international breaks to build up game time for his squad, with Nwaneri playing the full game against Moldova before the Andorra match.
That time on the pitch could benefit Nwaneri, who has only played one full match for Arsenal this season, against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup.
Carsley referenced Nwaneri being one of the "excitin" attacking talents in the group, alongside Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens and King of Fulham.
Nwaneri was part of the squad that won the U21 Euros in the summer, coming off of the bench to play extra time as the Young Lions beat Germany in the final.
Arsenal have matches in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup before the next domestic pause in Novebmer, and Nwaneri will be hoping he can get some more minutes on the pitch after a successful international break.
Gossip: Gunners target Brown will not be available in Januarypublished at 07:12 BST 14 October
07:12 BST 14 October
Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid are among the clubs interested in signing 22-year-old Germany defender Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt, but the Bundesliga club will not listen to offers until next summer. (Bild - in German), external