Hello, and welcome along to live coverage of the Arsenal press conference ahead of the Champions League Group B clash against Sevilla.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta and Takehiro Tomiyasu, separately, are set to face the media this morning, where they will be previewing tomorrow night's fixture under the lights at the Emirates Stadium as the north London outfit look to build on the 2-1 win in the reverse meeting a fortnight ago.
That result put Arsenal top of Group B once again but just four points separate them and their Spanish counterparts in fourth. In fact, all four sides - RC Lens and PSV Eindhoven included - can qualify for the knockout stages which makes matchday four so important for Arteta's side.
Of course, the Gunners head into the game on the back of a controversial 1-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United at the weekend. Arteta had a few choice words to say about VAR after the game and with it still being a hot topic of discussion, we will see if the Spaniard is ready to close the book on that chapter.
As the fallout from St James' Park remains somewhat fresh, there could be an update on captain Martin Odegaard who missed the game as he was not fit enough and you can hear what the Arsenal manager has to say on all these issues with football.london writers Tom Canton and Tashan Deniran-Alleyne in the live blog below.
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Key Events
Every word from Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta spoke to the media today ahead of Arsenal's game against Sevilla and he touched on:
- VAR
- Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard
- Facing Sevilla
Read the full transcript right here.
Tomiyasu on struggling with injuries
I'm feeling very well. I have struggled with injuries, especially last season. Last season was my toughest season in my career.
Tomiyasu on playing different things
It's not easy and obviously, my role changes each game.
Tomiyasu on whether VAR has improved the game
I don't know to be honest. But it's better not to say a lot of things.
Tomiyasu on the goal
Yes, it doesn't burst the atmosphere because we lost a game against them.
As you say their goal was not an acceptable decision. That's why we were more emotional. But obviously, when we lost a game we are disappointed. It is not the best feeling to lose a game.
Tomiyasu on the goal at the weekend
This is a decision, it's football. I think Mikel has spoken about it. So I'm not saying anything.
That's it!
That is all from the Arsenal manager. A full transcript will be with you soon on football.london.
Tomiyasu still to come.
Arteta on the tribalism of the reaction
No, because I think I have defended lots of situations.
First, we look inside and I am the first one to look in the mirror.
Arteta on European form
The presence that they have shown has been really good and it is about doing it consistently.
Arteta on the Arsenal statement being labelled "dangerous"
Again, we have a duty to express how we feel with the evidence we have and the history we have.
On Odegaard call-up despite missing the weekend
Martin loves to play for his country and every time he was called up and he was fit and he will be there if that's the case.
Arteta on his touchline behaviour
Your colleague just mentioned how emotional I was after the game. I didn't get a yellow.
Arteta asked on his comments a month ago
I stand for the same words. Mistakes are part of football.
Arteta asked about which of the 3 checks he took issue with at Newcastle
Now we talk about Seville, and the beautiful game we have tomorrow.
Arteta on whether this is a build-up of mistakes
Yeah, some things they don't happen overnight.
Arteta on how he spoke after Newcastle
It is my duty to defend my players, supporting my players.
I do it the way I feel with the evidence.
Team news
Yeah, Gabby won't be fit, with Martin it is still uncertain.
With the rest, no news so far.
We're waiting
Still no sign of the Arsenal boss just yet. Edu however is here in the press room.
Jesus goal
He may not feature tomorrow because of injury, but Gabriel Jesus certainly left his mark in Spain a fortnight ago. His strike earned the UEFA Champions League goal of the week and it's hard to argue against the decision.
Wonderkids to feature?
As Arsenal are in Champions League action, Mikel Arteta is allowed to name a 23-man matchday squad. This means there could be space on the substitutes bench for at least two youngsters especially when taking the club's injury situation into account.
The Gunners boss can select from those registered on the club's B-list which must be submitted no later than 11pm tonight and Reuell Walters, Amario Cozier-Duberry, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are eligible for a European debut against Sevilla.
Whether any are called up remains to be seen because they could be in UEFA Youth League action earlier in the day.
In position
We have arrived at London Colney to hear from Mikel Arteta ahead of Arsenal's game against Sevilla.
As well as previewing the Champions League tie and discussing Martin Odegaard's injury, there could be a follow-up to his VAR rant from a few days ago.
Ramos a doubt
Despite Sergio Ramos' words - as above- he will not be at the Emirates it seems to help his side deliver in the game.
The Spaniard has suffered a calf injury which is likely to rule him out.
Sergio Ramos warning
Sevilla's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League knockout phase are hanging in the balance following the 2-1 loss against Arsenal.
However, when speaking after the reverse meeting in Spain a fortnight ago, the legendary Sergio Ramos made it clear that he hasn't thrown in the towel as he bids to avoid dropping into the Europa League.
A defeat that hurts, but it doesn't end here. There are three games left and we will play with our heart and soul.
Premier League change
Arsenal lost 1-0 to Newcastle United on Saturday evening due to a second-half goal from Anthony Gordon which was shrouded in VAR controversy.
Click here to read the change the Premier League needs to make as a result.
Loan latest
Another week has come and gone for the Arsenal first-team players out on loan.
Albert Sambi Lokonga and Kieran Tierney remain sidelined through injury, Marquinhos has helped Brazil win a gold medal at the Pan American Games and Arthur Okonkwo is on course to play for Wrexham in the FA Cup third round.
For updates on all the senior loan stars, click here.
Group B looking good
Group B makes for pleasant viewing from an Arsenal perspective ahead of matchday four. Can the Gunners qualify for the knockout stage tomorrow night?
Arsenal's results so far
Arsenal 4-0 PSV Eindhoven
RC Lens 2-1 Arsenal
Sevilla 1-2 Arsenal
Two wins and a defeat for Arsenal so far on their return to the Champions League following a six-year absence. The loss on matchday two was certainly frustrating but they responded in the best possible fashion against Sevilla last time out and are on course to qualify for the knockout phase.
Martin Odegaard alternatives
Arsenal may be without Martin Odegaard yet again when they take on Sevilla on Wednesday. He will be assessed in the coming days before a decision can be made.
If it's decided that the game comes too soon for his return, Mikel Arteta will need one of his several talented attacking midfielders to step up and football.london runs through the ideal alternatives right here.
