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Arsenal Daily: Havertz VAR reversal, plus Saka under scrutiny
Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesNoni Madueke has spoken about the unique position he is in, having to compete for a place in the side with Bukayo Saka for club and country.
The 24-year-old signed for the Gunners last summer and the right-winger plays in the same position as key player Saka for both Arsenal and England.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has used Madueke on the left wing while Saka has also played as a number 10, which has allowed Madueke to play in his favoured role while both players are on the pitch.
"It's competition," Madueke said before England's friendly with Uruguay on Friday.
"You guys probably see it like that more than we do. We don't see it like that, we play for Arsenal and England and we have the collective at the forefront of our minds.
"He's a top player, someone I'm very close to."
Former Chelsea winger Madueke has had some good moments for Arsenal this season, scoring in the win against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and registering seven goals in 31 games in all competitions.
"It's one of those things, I feel like when you play for a team like Arsenal and for England, competition is just a given," he continued.
"It is something that is always there at the highest level of football.
"Whether it is B (Saka) or me, the focus has to be on England and the collective as a whole and you just have to do your best."
"Anyone who knows us know that we have a mutual love and respect for each other. There are bits of his game I try to take, and I think there are bits of mine I think he tries to take too.
"We are very close and we know regardless of who is playing, we are pulling in the same direction and that's not going to change."
England manager Thomas Tuchel is a big fan of Madueke and said that the winger was England's best player in the June camp.
However, Madueke missed the October and November internationals and the games against Uruguay and Japan this month present his last chance to impress the manager as he aims to secure his place in the squad for this summer's World Cup.
"Football is a game of opinions," Madueke said. "Different people and different coaches have different opinions. The fact that I'm versatile helps me a little bit.
"I can play on the left and the right. I'll reiterate again - I'll play wherever the coach needs me to play and I'll try to do my best."
Scarlet Katz Roberts
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesWishing you the best birthday celebrations, Mikel Arteta - master of the dark arts and ruiner of modern football.
I wish we were celebrating in better circumstances after lifting our first trophy in six years last weekend, but it was not to be. We were outclassed, outthought and outfought by Manchester City on Sunday - all of the outs!
I did not hang around for the celebrations. As soon as the final whistle went, I was gone. I was too sickened to look over my shoulder at the blue sea of joy behind me.
But the Arsenal team stayed. William Saliba, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino watched stony-faced, alongside our manager, as City lifted the trophy.
Why? So they could congratulate the worthy victors - and feature in the background of one of Rayan Cherki's selfies.
Call it "copium" but it is this exact trait that underpins my belief that Arteta, who turned 44 on Thursday, is the man to lead us to the promised land. He knows how to take his medicine.
Certain Basque managers who did not turn out to be the kind of cultural figurehead required to deliver us from the darkness of the late Arsene Wenger years might have nipped down the tunnel and said it was too cold to hang around for a handshake...
But Arteta and his Arsenal players are nothing if not defined by learning from their mistakes.
Done on the break at Etihad Stadium in 2023 - sign Rice. A host of injuries in 2024-25 - sign everyone.
Wherever he is, I am sure Arteta is poring over the details of the game and saving the footage of Cherki doing keepy-uppies in the dressing room.
That is another thing about Arteta - he has a healthy appetite for revenge.
I hope you celebrated your birthday - but not too much. We go again on 4 April.
Find more from Scarlet Katz Roberts at the Goal Difference podcast, external
Marcus Alves
BBC Sport
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester City were all over Arsenal early in the second half of Sunday's Carabao Cup final when Rodri spread his arms calling for the ball on the edge of the area.
Rayan Cherki instantly spotted him and picked him out. Rodri controlled it and fired it right away.
The low shot looked destined for the bottom-right corner of Kepa's goal, but Martin Zubimendi got in the way and blocked his fellow Spaniard's effort.
Ultimately, Rodri came out on top as City won 2-0 at Wembley to lift the trophy.
But the battle of the two midfielders is far from over. It resumed on Monday when both of them reported to the Spanish national team camp in Madrid before the friendlies against Serbia and Egypt.
Not only are they still fighting for the Premier League title, but also for a starting place with the European champions.
That's one of the main debates in Spain before this summer's World Cup.
Can Rodri and Zubimendi play together?
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has had to address this question so often during the past few months that he has now reached a point where he is simply anticipating it in interviews.
"After all the setbacks he went through, Rodrigo is back at a high level. I've said before that he is the best in the world, but also on those same occasions that we are very fortunate," De La Fuente told TVE.
"After all, in that position, the number six role, we have the two best players in the world: Rodrigo and Martin [Zubimendi].
"So I will get ahead of a question you are probably going to ask: can they play together? Of course they can play together."
The 64-year-old boss has yet to truly put that into practice, however.
He has done it once, but that was quite circumstantial. It took place in the Euro 2024 semi-finals against France, when Zubimendi came off the bench in the 93rd minute.
For most of their time at Las Rozas headquarters in Madrid, it has been either one or the other.
Rodri had long been undroppable and even had a say within the dressing room in how the team played, but his most recent start was in September 2024 against Switzerland.
In his absence, Zubimendi has made such an impact that what once felt unquestionable no longer does: there is life without the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner.
The first clues to what comes next could arrive on Friday when Spain face Serbia in Villarreal.
Manchester United have put Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly on their summer transfer shortlist, with the left-back struggling for regular game time. (Express), external
Arsenal want 26-year-old Atletico Madrid and Argentina striker Julian Alvarez. (Football.London), external
Newcastle United have earmarked Arsenal defender Ben White as a potential replacement for Kieran Trippier. (Sports Boom), external
Paris St-Germain are not expecting Arsenal to make a move for their 25-year-old Georgia winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this summer, with the Gunners also keen on Newcastle attacker Anthony Gordon. (Sky Sports), external
Arsenal and Manchester City are both hopeful of signing Hearts' 17-year-old defender Archie Osborne at the end of this season. (Caught Offside), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty ImagesThe Premier League's Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel has unanimously voted that Arsenal's Kai Havertz should have been awarded a penalty on-field against Everton.
But it was also ruled that the video assistant referee (VAR) was correct not to intervene.
The Germany international went down under a challenge from Michael Keane in the 24th minute of the Gunners' 2-0 win at the Emirates on 14 March.
Referee Andy Madley allowed play to continue with the VAR, Stuart Attwell, deciding that contact was "minimal".
Replays shows that the Everton defender had inadvertently stepped on Havertz's foot.
The five members of the KMI Panel all felt Madley should have pointed to the spot, but there was a split 3:2 vote that it "was not a clear and obvious error requiring VAR intervention".
Arsenal have had no VAR errors recorded against them this season.
But two missed spot-kicks for the opposition have been logged in their favour, in away games at Everton and Brighton.
Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesBukayo Saka's hamstring problem last season was the first major injury of his career.
And, in a sign of his robustness, it came on his 250th appearance for Arsenal and made him the the youngest Englishman to reach that milestone for the Gunners.
That injury kept him out for 101 days, but he scored on his return against Fulham before scoring away against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu as Arsenal reached the last four of the Champions League before going out to Paris St-Germain.
This season, he sustained a hamstring injury which kept him out for four weeks early on in the campaign, before a hip injury which meant he pulled out of the warm-up away at Leeds in January and missed three games for Arsenal.
This season, although low on numbers for Saka, could be one of the most important of his career as he looks to play a vital part in Arsenal winning major trophies.
For the past six seasons, Saka has consistently been among the highest Arsenal players for minutes played.
This season he has played 2,869 minutes in all competitions, which is more than the 2,619 he played last season.
With a World Cup coming up, England boss Thomas Tuchel is mindful of protecting his stars, saying "some of these guys have already played more minutes than the whole of last season and there is still a lot of football to play" when announcing his latest squad.
Saka could play up to 15 more games this season for Arsenal if they reach the finals of the FA Cup and Champions League, which would take his tally to 57 games if he plays in all of them.
It may not be his best in terms of numbers but, if he is one of the leading figures to help Arsenal end their trophy drought, while playing a key part in England's challenge for the World Cup, this could still be one of the most important campaigns of his career.
Rangers could bank a record fee for Emmanuel Fernandez this summer with the 24-year-old attracting interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, West Ham United, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. (TeamTalk), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesAre the first signs of Arsenal's reliance on Bukayo Saka starting to show?
Saka captained Arsenal for the Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester City and his performance, along with his recent form, has been called into question by supporters and pundits as the Gunners missed out on their first piece of silverware since 2020.
"That pressure to win trophies can tally up and make it difficult," former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney said when speaking about Saka's form.
"I think he has struggled this season. He has played a lot of games in his career already. I think we all know there is more there."
Part of the reason that Saka's form has been called into question is because of the high standards and impressive performances expected from the Arsenal winger.
The 24-year-old signed a new five-year deal with his boyhood club in February as they moved to secure his future for the prime years of his career.
Saka's importance to Arsenal cannot be underestimated. His story, connection with the fans and academy, and his importance to his team cannot be replaced.
However, the England international has only two goals since the turn of the year. He has played 17 games and missed three matches with a hip injury.
And, before his goal in the 2-2 draw against Wolves last month, when Saka played as a number 10, he had not found the net for 15 games in all competitions. He has scored six league goals in 27 appearances this season.
Saka has played a lot of football in his career. The appearance against City in the final was his 305th for Arsenal in all competitions.
But that is exactly what his manager Mikel Arteta wants from him: reliability.
In 2022, when asked about giving Saka a rest, the Arsenal boss pointed at the number of games the elite players in football play.
"Look at the top players in the world. They play 70 matches - every three days - and make the difference and win the game," he said.
"You want to be at the top, you have to be able to do that."
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on whether the international break has come at a good time for Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta looks to bounce back from Carabao Cup final disappointment to prepare for the run-in.
Here are some of your comments:
Rachel: First and foremost, Arsenal should crawl away and lick their wounds. They have time to heal. It was unrealistic to expect to win four trophies. Then we need a shift in headspace because winning starts in the mind. Physically we are capable. Mentally we have to improve. After that it's all about the team and having the same attitude. We can if we truly believe we can!
Chris: There's been a lot of fuss about Arsenal 'bottling it' or running out of ideas. We have reportedly lost more players to injury than any other premier league team yet we are still in the mix for a Treble. A rest is needed to evaluate the disappointment from the weekend, get some players back to full fitness and plan how we are going to win, win, win.
Vince: What better after a potentially morale-sapping loss than to take some time off to rest, reassess, and come back stronger? We all do it after an injury or illness so why not Arsenal? What's more, we get a cup game against a Championship team - no disrespect to Southampton - to ease back into it before we go full-tilt in the Premier League once more. Assuming the international games don't take out any of our key men, the fixture list has never been kinder this season. So please go win the title, because we might never get a better chance.
Trevor: Good time to regroup and get the injured back for the run in. I can see the reasoning behind the decision to play Kepa, but let's get over the loss and support the boys for the rest of the season.
Matt: It couldn't come at a better time. With the injuries and workload, the players need a break 100%. Odegaard will hopefully return by the time we play Sporting Lisbon, players rested and ready to start the most important run in we have ever possibly had.
Mark: Without doubt the break has come at a good time. Most of our players look physically & particularly mentally shattered playing so many 'must win' games. Getting away from domestic action for two weeks could be a real positive moment in ensuring we have a strong & winning end to what could become an historic season.
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton doubts Arsenal will panic after their Carabao Cup defeat by Manchester City on Sunday and says they just need to "regroup" after the international break.
The Gunners could still win the treble as they are top of the Premier League and are into the quarter-finals of both the Champions League and the FA Cup.
"It's always a disappointment to lose a final, but if you were going to have to lose a contest this season then it would be the Carabao Cup," said Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.
"It's now just about regrouping. I'd still rather be in Arsenal's position - they have the most points, scored the most goals and conceded the least in the Premier League.
"Everyone wants to see Manchester City really push them, but I can't imagine Arsenal panicking in the dressing room because of one defeat against a good City team.
"It wasn't a shock result. It was a 50-50 game."
Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds
Laura Kirk-Francis
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesAs the clock ticks over into stoppage time, there is a sea of light blue flags swaying at the opposite end of the stadium to me. Among the remaining Arsenal fans, there is almost no hope of any last-minute turnaround, so it is just a matter of time until we face the final whistle and the battle to get down Wembley Way before the Manchester City fans.
This was my experience eight years ago, but also on Sunday evening. This was a performance I have seen from Arsenal before, but not for many years. It is one that collectively we thought we would never see again. And for me, this is why this one hurts.
Compared to the 2018 Carabao Cup final, Arsenal are a different club. At the end of the 2017-18 season, Arsenal finished sixth and it would be another five years until they challenged for the title.
Today, Arsenal sit top of the Premier League and are still in contention to win both the FA Cup and Champions League. But in isolation, the manner of Sunday's performance could suggest that nothing has changed. Without any silverware, progress is just that - progress.
I am allowing a few days to feel sorry for myself, but no more. To quote Shakira and her song to which Arsenal fans sing about Kai Havertz, now is the time to "pick yourself up and dust yourself off, get back in the saddle".
Abject as it was, Sunday does not have to be significant, or even a hint of evidence that the club is still where it was back in 2018. Arsenal do not play again until 4 April, leaving them time to rest, recuperate and most importantly learn from what went wrong.
The beauty of the progress this team has made is that despite this loss, the story of this season is far from finished and there is still plenty left to play for.
Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast, external
Ben White may be back in the England squad but could leave Arsenal this summer, with Everton keen on the defender. (FourFourTwo), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesThe Premier League is on a break for almost three weeks as international football takes centre stage.
For some clubs, the pause in domestic action has come at the right time as they look to regroup, but for others it halts some much-needed momentum.
With the FA Cup quarter-finals being played during the first weekend in April, the next Premier League action will not be until 10 April.
Premier League leaders Arsenal head into the international break in a strong position, sitting nine points clear of second-placed Manchester City, albeit having played a game more than Pep Guardiola's side.
But with their next league game not until 11 April when they host Bournemouth, it is a long time to stew on their Carabao Cup final loss to City.
They are not completely without fixtures until then as they play Championship side Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on 4 April and then Sporting in the Champions League quarter-finals three days later.
"They were unbeaten in 14 so it's about how they react to this loss," former Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul said on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast on Sunday.
"The nerves are clearly there because they've been that close [to winning the Premier League] in the past few years.
"If they just keep their cool in the next few weeks - how the club reacts is going to be so important.
"They've still got City away in April and that game is going to be huge for the title."
Gunners fans, has the international break come at a good time? What will Mikel Arteta be most focused on during the break? And in what shape will the Gunners return to face the rest of the season?
Get in touch with your views here
The Monday Night Club's Rory Smith and Chris Sutton debate whether Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made the correct decision in starting Kepa Arrizabalaga over David Raya in the Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester City.
Listen to the best bits of Monday Night Club on BBC Sounds, or watch on BBC iPlayer
Image source, PA MediaFormer England captain Wayne Rooney, speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show about Arsenal's Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City: "They don't take many risks, do they? That's why they've been successful this season, in terms of the league position and in the Champions League.
"I really like how efficient they are, but when something like that happens in a cup final and you lose the game, you maybe regret some decisions or not being a bit more expansive.
"I think they haven't been great performance-wise over the past six weeks or two months, but they're winning games so I've given them big praise.
"I think they could have went for it a bit more, knowing that the league probably is in the bag anyway.
"But you've got to give Manchester City credit. City smothered them, they didn't let them out of their own half, especially in the second half, and Arsenal had no answers to how City played, both with the ball and without the ball."
Will the result affect the Premier League title race? "I don't think it will. Arsenal are in a very good position - as good a position as you can be in at this stage of the season.
"For City to catch them, I think they have to win every game and Arsenal [need to] drop six or seven points.
"It's a tough ask. You never know, but I just think Arsenal do need to dust themselves down and move on from this quickly, and I'm sure they will go back to winning games and see the title out."
Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked if you think Arsenal's defeat in the Carabao Cup final could have an impact on their chances of winning the Premier League title.
Here are some of your comments:
Herbie: I believe the loss will affect the players' mentality, dampening the arguable momentum we had after a very positive game against Bayern Leverkusen. However, with the international break, I don't believe it'll be an issue because the players will have the time to reflect and improve, while staying fit and in form playing for their country.
Chris: Not particularly worried, international break now and also we don't play City every week so I don't think there's much riding on the defeat! Even if City win all their remaining games, that's not enough so long as we do the same.
Tony: The main worry is that the midfield and attack have lost form. They have been grinding out results and riding their luck. Too many players look sluggish and predictable in their decision-making. Unless players who can step up are introduced, it's all very likely to slip away from them.
Paul: No, I don't believe it will. There is an international break to recover in, then back to business. It was a huge disappointment, but Arsenal will still win the league.
Dave: Arsenal were beaten by a better side on the day. You learn more from a defeat and often come away better prepared next time. Journalists want a headline, like Arsenal have bottled it or they'll lose everything, but there is a different narrative which is of a team that reacts positively to defeat. That's what winners do.
Eliza: I think the boys will use this as fire in their bellies to go hunting for the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. I see a lot of things that can be learned from and, no matter what, we made it to a cup final. I know most people will be negative but I see many positive takeaways.
Image source, PA MediaArsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, speaking after Sunday's Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City: "Of course we don't feel great right now but it's not like we have another game in three days. It's a few weeks until the next one.
"For sure, we'll go again and be even more motivated for those games coming up.
"I think we started quite well. We created some OK chances in the beginning of the game and then it was maybe 10 minutes from the break when they got the momentum.
"They maybe didn't create so many dangerous chances, but they had the ball for a long time and it looked the same in the second half.
"Playing top teams can be like that. From the moment they scored, it was difficult to get back."
