Unlike the team he inherited over five years ago, Mikel Arteta could point to a number of world-class players in his Arsenal squad.
From the centre-back partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães to the likes of Declan Rice and potentially Martin Zubimendi, this team is full of talent.
However, when it comes to the most essential player in the North Londoners’ squad, it’s impossible to look past Bukayo Saka.
At just 24 years old, the talismanic winger has already made 265 appearances for the side, in which he’s scored 71 goals and provided 71 assists.
Moreover, it appears that the club have already got another version of him coming up through the ranks, and despite his unreal performances over the last week, we are not talking about Noni Madueke.
How Madueke is impressing fans already
While we do not think Madueke is going to be Arsenal’s next Saka-esque star, that doesn’t mean we think he’s not going to be a success for the club.
After all, the last couple of weeks have more than shown the kind of impact he can have both at club and international level.
For example, even though he didn’t score at Anfield, the former Chelsea ace was undoubtedly the Gunners’ best attacker on the day, completing 100% of his dribbles, registering a shot on target and taking 29 touches on a day when both teams struggled for chances.
Then, over the last week, he has proven that he’s one of England’s most effective wingers by forcing an own goal against Andorra and scoring his first international goal against Serbia.
In all, the former Chelsea ace looks like a player ready to explode and play a crucial role in Arsenal’s title charge this season.
Yet, he’s still not the closest thing the club have to their next Saka, that accolade belongs to another star in the making.
Arsenal's next Saka
Some may point to Ethan Nwaneri as being the closest thing Arsenal have to another Saka in the side, and while that makes sense, it looks like he will be spending far more time in the middle of the park this season.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Instead, the youngster who looks set to battle it out with Madueke on the right is Max Dowman, and, for our money, he is the closest thing Arteta has to another Saka-esque star.
For example, unlike the former Chelsea ace, the teenage sensation is another product of the incredible Hale End academy, and therefore has that bit more of a connection to the team.
Moreover, despite being so young, he has already made himself impossible to ignore.
For example, even though there was talk of easing him in slowly this season, the manager has already given him his Premier League debut and given him minutes away to Liverpool.
Not only that, but he’s also been included in the club’s Champions League squad, and should he get any minutes before the turn of the year, he’ll become the youngest player in the competition’s history.
It also looks like he’s going to share the trait of being constantly fouled with Saka, as thanks to his incredible control of the ball and impressive agility, opposing players often have no option but to bring the youngster down.
We saw this in the pre-season friendly against Newcastle United and then in the league against Leeds United, where his quick movement won a spot kick for the side.
Finally, just as the Gunners’ mercurial number seven has become an output machine for them in recent seasons, the “insane” 15-year-old, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, looks like he could follow the same path.
Appearances
23
Minutes
1945′
Goals
19
Assists
5
Goal Involvements per Match
1.04
Minutes per Goal Involvement
81.04′
For example, in just 23 appearances last season, totalling 1945 minutes, he scored 19 goals and provided five assists, which comes out to an average of 1.04 goal involvements per match, or one every 81.04 minutes.
Ultimately, Saka is a world-class star, and while it is still early in his career, everything we have seen and know about Dowman suggests he has the potential to become world-class in time.
Their homegrown Isak: Arsenal may regret selling "special" Hale Ender
The talented goalscorer could have become something really special at Arsenal.
Teenage batter takes the attack to CAXI with boundary-laden knock from No.9
ECB Reporters Network23-Jan-20250:33
Rocky Flintoff hits a century for England Lions vs Australia XI
Cricket Australia XI 214 (Hicks 64, Brown 5-21) and 33 for 1 trail England Lions 316 (Flintoff 108, Davies 76, McCann 51, Whitney 4-72) by 69 runsRocky Flintoff struck his first century in an England Lions shirt on the second day of the tour match against a Cricket Australia XI at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.Flintoff, 16, leapt in the air and kissed his bat as he acknowledged the applause of his team-mates after he dominated the home attack, his innings including six sixes, in a 124-ball century.Batting at nine, Flintoff ensured the Lions recovered from 161 for seven before being bowled out for 316. The teen’s second fifty came from just 45 balls and gave the Lions a 102-run first-innings lead before the CAXI reached 33 for one at the close.Skipper Alex Davies hit 76 at the top of the order and Freddie McCann added 51, while Tom Whitney was the best of the home attack with four for 72.Rocky Flintoff keeps a watch on proceedings•ECB via Getty Images
The Lions were in danger of conceding a first-innings deficit after they lost five for 27 when Flintoff strode out to bat.The Lancastrian added 66 with fellow teenager McCann, who struck eight fours in his half-century, before he slapped off-spinner Raf MacMillan to point.Flintoff then took charge, the feature of his innings of 108 the heaved sixes over the leg side that provided more than a striking resemblance to his father’s strokeplay, as the home bowlers had no answer.The comparison with Andrew Flintoff didn’t end there. At 16 years 291 days old, Rocky is youngest player to score a maiden hundred for England A / Lions .. beating 20 yrs 28 days by his father against Kenya at Nairobi in 1998.It was subtlety that took him to his century, however, a dab for two to the offside that immediately prompted him to remove his helmet and begin his celebrations.Sam Cook then reinforced the Lions’ advantage when he nicked off Henry Hunt to wicketkeeper James Rew for one.
Rohit Sharma’s Ranji Trophy return after nearly 10 years wasn’t as memorable as he’d hoped it would be. His 19-ball vigil brought him 3, and he was out caught off the leading edge while attempting a half-nudge, half-pull into the leg side off a rising delivery from Jammu & Kashmir’s Umar Nazir. It was reminiscent of two recent Test dismissals for Rohit: against Pat Cummins at the MCG, and against Matt Henry at the Wankhede Stadium.Rohit’s dismissal quickly followed Yashasvi Jaiswal’s after Mumbai opted to bat first. Ajinkya Rahane, the captain, and Shreyas Iyer also managed just 12 and 11 respectively in a first innings that lasted just 33.2 overs with Mumbai bowled out for 120. But excellent work with the ball means Mumbai have a chance of limiting their deficit to under three figures.Related
Kohli available for Delhi's Ranji Trophy game starting January 30
Fresh off Australia setback, Test stars to add glitter to second leg of Ranji Trophy
Rohit's Ranji return lasts 19 balls as he falls for 3 against J&K
Stung by recent losses, BCCI cracks ten-point whip on men's national team
Rohit’s return to the domestic set-up comes on the back of the BCCI’s new guidelines, which have come into force since India’s 3-1 reversal in Australia earlier this month. Rohit’s Test future hangs in the balance after he opted out of the Sydney Test, but he has reiterated that he hasn’t retired and is still hopeful of leading the team in Tests.
Gill and Punjab collapse against swing and seam
In Bengaluru, Shubman Gill’s outing was equally forgettable, not just with the bat but on the field as captain too. Punjab, who were missing Abhishek Sharma, were bowled out for 55 with Gill managing just 4 before nicking behind as swing and seam bowlers ruled on a greenish deck at the Chinnaswamy. By stumps, Punjab were so far behind in the game that they’ll probably need a Gill special to even salvage one point from the match.Gill’s return to domestic cricket presented an opportunity for him to get some match time and confidence back following underwhelming returns in Australia where he featured in just three of the five Tests, while aggregating 93 runs in five innings. His returns outside Asia since the 2021 World Test Championship final have been in particular focus – he averages 17.64 across 18 innings.File photo – Ravindra Jadeja picked up his 35th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket•AFP/Getty Images
Pant misses out; Jadeja takes five on Rajkot turner
In Rajkot, Rishabh Pant lasted just 10 deliveries as he was out to Dharmendrasinh Jadeja. Pant’s dismissal was part of Delhi’s top-order collapse against spin. Ravindra Jadeja, a formidable threat on turners, thrived in conditions tailor-made for him as he picked up his 35th first-class five-for as Delhi were bowled out for 188.In reply, Saurashtra were adrift by 25 at stumps but had lost five wickets, including those of Cheteshwar Pujara and Jadeja, who has top-scored so far with 38. Pujara, who isn’t part of India’s Test plans, made just 6. Apart from the 234 he made against Chhattisgarh, Pujara has endured modest returns so far this season, managing scores of 16, 0, 2, 3 and 14 in his other innings.
Siddarth Desai misses perfect 10
Gujarat left-arm spinner Siddharth Desai picked up nine wickets in the very first session of play against Uttarakhand in Ahmedabad, and was in with a chance of becoming the second bowler – after Haryana’s Anshul Kamboj – to record a perfect 10 this season. That chance ended when Vishal Jayswal picked up the final wicket.Desai ended with 9 for 36, the best figures in first-class cricket by a Gujarat player, bettering the record held by Jasu Patel who picked up 8 for 21 against Saurashtra in 1960-61. Desai who scalped a match haul of nine wickets on debut, against Kerala back in 2017-18, has emerged as Gujarat’s front-line spinner since Piyush Chawla left to return to his home state Uttar Pradesh.
Khaleel takes maiden five-for
Eight years after he made his first-class debut, Khaleel Ahmed has picked up his maiden first-class five-for. This included key Vidarbha wickets including those of Karun Nair who was in prolific form at the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His figures read an impressive 15-5-37-5.Khaleel’s performance coincides with his being on the fringes of the national team, especially with the selectors keen on looking for left-arm seamers, a style of bowler India’s Test attack has missed since Zaheer Khan’s exit. This is only Khaleel’s 17th first-class fixture – three of them have come in the current Ranji season (including this game), and two in August in the Duleep Trophy, in which he took nine wickets at 21.66.
Em clima de festa após conquistar a classificação para as oitavas da Copa do Brasil, o Sport, agora, acompanha com atenção o primeiro confronto na Série B, contra o Novorizontino. A partida, válida pela terceira rodada da competição, acontece neste domingo (30), às 15h30, em Novo Horizonte. Os dois primeiros jogos, que seriam contra CRB e Vila Nova, ainda não tem data para acontecer.
A vaga para a próxima fase da Copa do Brasil quebrou um tabu de seis anos e garantiu R$ 3,3 milhões aos cofres do Leão. Na temporada, o rubro-negro já disputou 27 partidas onde tem um retrospecto bastante positivo de 21 vitórias, 4 empates e 2 derrotas. Além do retrospecto positivo, o título invicto no estadual e a decisão diante do Ceará, pela Copa do Nordeste, fortalecem o elenco comandado por Enderson Moreira.
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>Palmeiras ou Corinthians? Veja votação jogador por jogador feita pelo LANCE!
– Os resultados obtidos até agora são fruto de um trabalho árduo de toda a direção. O título estadual nos motiva ainda mais para o restante do ano. Sabemos das dificuldades que iremos enfrentar, principalmente durante a Série B, competição longa e com viagens desgastantes, mas queremos recolocar o Sport como um dos protagonistas do futebol brasileiro”, comentou o presidente do clube, Yuri Romão.
Diante da vitória sobre o Coritiba, o Leão manteve os 100% de aproveitamento na Ilha do Retiro na atual temporada. Com 65 gols, o rubro-negro possui, ao lado do Fortaleza, o melhor ataque do futebol brasileiro em 2023.
Entre os principais destaques do elenco, estão o experiente atacante Vagner Love além de Luciano Juba, atleta que passou pela base do clube da Praça da Bandeira e chegou a ser elevado para o time principal como lateral-esquerdo. Todavia, foi atuando como atacante que ele, efetivamente, despontou na equipe além de já ter chamado a atenção de outros clubes do cenário brasileiro.
Depois de sua estreia na Série B, no próximo domingo (30), a equipe irá retornar à capital pernambucana onde irá se preparar para o jogo contra o Ceará, valendo o duelo de volta na final da Copa do Nordeste. Após perder a primeira partida por 2 a 1, o Sport precisa, ao menos, vencer por um gol de diferença para carregar a disputa rumo as penalidades. Qualquer triunfo por dois ou mais tentos dá a conquista no tempo regulamentar para o Rubro-Negro.
The new Premier League season kicks off on Friday August 15 as Liverpool welcome Bournemouth to Anfield, and as always the eyes of Fantasy Premier League players will be on Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian King has been a near permanent fixture in FPL teams since his Reds debut, but has faced more competition for the top scorer crown in recent years, with the likes of Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer challenging his dominance.
AI predicts the 2025/26 Premier League table
Who are the winners and losers from AI’s table?
1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025
To help you select your teams for opening night, we’ve asked AI tool ‘Grok’ to predict the ten best FPL assets for the 2025/26 season based on total points.
10 James Maddison (Midfielder, Tottenham) Estimated FPL Points: 130–160
Tottenham Hotspur'sJamesMaddisonreacts
Grok believes a breakout season is on the horizon for England and Spurs star Maddison, expecting an uptick on his end product to around ten goals and 12 assists, with plenty of potential for bonus points due to his chance creation and dribbling ability.
The former Leicester City star has the added bonus of taking several of Spurs’ set pieces, and will hope to take centre stage in Thomas Frank’s new look attack.
Eze managed 161 points in 2024/2025 and if he stays put under Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park there is no reason he can’t replicate that feat at the bare minimum.
The FA Cup hero has been linked with a move to Arsenal however, which could reduce his ceiling if he is forced to rotate with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Grok predicts the Brentford star’s move to Manchester United will go through in the coming weeks, but after ranking as the second-highest FPL scorer in 2024/2025 this is actually expected to reduce his points potential.
Indeed, a reduction in role and no penalty taking duties at his new club leads to a prediction of 10–15 goals and 8–12 assists.
7 Bruno Fernandes (Midfielder, Manchester United) Estimated FPL Points: 150–190
Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes has a stunning 62 goals and 51 assists in 195 Premier League appearances, proving himself as one of the most potent midfielders in FPL.
His creativity and penalty taking duties make him a must-own asset whenever Manchester United hit a good run of form or some appetising fixtures.
6 Alexander Isak (Forward, Newcastle United) Estimated FPL Points: 160–200
Isak had his finest season yet in 2024/25, scoring 23 times and recording six assists despite missing a few games through injury.
The Sweden international has now improved his goal tally in each year of his Newcastle career, and his sure fire status as the penalty taker and head of the Magpies’ attack makes him a very safe FPL pick.
Starts
17
27
34
Goals
10
21
23
Assists
1
2
6
Shots per game
2.3
2.6
2.9
Dribbles per game
1.5
1.4
1.2
5 Bukayo Saka (Midfielder, Arsenal) Estimated FPL Points: 170–210
“Saka’s assists and consistent performances in 2024/2025 made him a key FPL asset,” writes Grok, predicting further success on the creative front due to the arrival of a clinical number nine, such as Viktor Gyokeres.
The England star takes Arsenal’s penalties and has a good record from the spot in the top flight, with just one of his four career misses coming in the league.
It may be a surprise to see Liverpool’s record signing crack the top five, but Grok believes he will reach a minimum of 15–20 goal involvements in his debut Premier League campaign, due in large part to a thriving relationship with Salah.
The Germany superstar may have to compete for minutes however, with Dominik Szoboszlai’s running from the number ten position an important part of Arne Slot’s system.
3 Erling Haaland (Forward, Manchester City) Estimated FPL Points: 200–240
Grok expects a bounce back season for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City after a miserable 2024/25 campaign by their own lofty standards.
Haaland is predicted to score a minimum of 22 goals, but will rack up fewer bonus points than Salah due to his role as a pure number nine.
Palmer led all players in 2023/2024 with 244 points and followed that up with 214 last season, proving he has the consistency to be one of the best assets in FPL.
As the “creative hub” in Enzo Maresca’s system Grok sees another fruitful campaign for the Blues’ new number ten.
1 Mohamed Salah (Midfielder, Liverpool) Estimated FPL Points: 300–350
No surprises here, as the AI tool predicts Liverpool’s Salah to continue his dominance as the go to captain choice most weeks in FPL.
Salah registered 344 points last season, and will now have even more weapons at his disposal with the addition of Wirtz.
عقد الكولومبي أوسكار رويز، رئيس لجنة الحكام بالاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، اجتماعًا مع حكام الدوري الممتاز وحكام تقنية الفيديو المساعد “VAR” قبل انطلاق الجولة السادسة من المسابقة.
وجاء ذلك فى إطار سياسة لجنة الحكام بتطوير أداء الحكام ورفع كفاءتهم الفنية خلال مشاركتهم ببطولة الدوري المصري.
طالع | أوسكار رويز يوجه طلبًا إلى حكام الفيديو في الدوري المصري
وتناول الاجتماع إلقاء محاضرات فنية لتطوير مستوى الحكام، بالإضافة إلى مناقشة أبرز الحالات التحكيمية التي شهدتها الجولات الماضية.
كما أكد رويز على أهمية تفادي الأخطاء في المباريات المقبلة بعد العودة من فترة التوقف الدولي.
كما حرص رويز خلال الاجتماع على توجيه الشكر لعدد من الحكام والاشادة بمستواهم التحكيمي خلال إدارتهم للمباريات الماضية.
ومن المقرر أن تُستأنف بطولة الدوري المصري يوم الجمعة الموافق 12 من شهر سبامبر الجاري، بعد انتهاء فترة التوقف الحالية.
The decision came after Kapil Dev and Sandeep Patil urged the board to help Gaekwad
PTI14-Jul-2024The BCCI has decided to release INR 1 crore for the treatment of former India batter Aunshuman Gaekwad, who is battling blood cancer at a medical facility in London.The BCCI’s decision came after Kapil Dev and Sandeep Patil urged the board to help Gaekwad.”Mr Jay Shah has instructed the BCCI to release INR 1 crore with immediate effect to provide financial assistance to India’s veteran cricketer Mr Anshuman Gaekwad, who is battling cancer,” the BCCI apex council said in a statement.”Shah has also spoken to Mr Gaekwad’s family to take stock of the situation and extend support,” the statement continued. “The board stands by Gaekwad’s family in this hour of crisis and will do whatever is essential for Mr Gaekwad’s quick recovery.”The BCCI will continue to monitor Mr Gaekwad’s progress and is confident that he will come out of this phase strongly.”Gaekwad, 71, played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India between 1975 and 1987. Later, he became a selector and then the coach of the national team.
Burnley are preparing for life back in the Premier League and could now be in the lead to sign a proven international defender, according to a report.
Burnley ready to break cycle of newly-promoted clubs in Premier League
Many newly promoted sides of the past have found it difficult to transition to life in the Premier League after claiming promotion, which is something the Clarets are desperate to change at Turf Moor.
Speaking ahead of their return to top-flight action, Nedum Onuoha believes Burnley should use Brentford as an example of how to survive and grow among the elite of the English pyramid over the next few years.
He explained: “It sounds a bit dull if you are a Burnley fan, but stick with the process. Clubs that manage to maintain their identity, can end up doing well. Brentford, for example. They never really deviated away from the model that they have, and now they’re an established Premier League side.”
Nevertheless, signings are necessary for the EFL Championship runners-up to build a squad that can live up to that feat. CJ Egan-Riley could be set for the exit door, and Burnley are now plotting an ambitious swoop for Liverpool’s Joe Gomez that could total £25 million.
Rennes midfielder Jordan James is also on Scott Parker’s radar. This development may become an ideal trade-off between youth and experience if Josh Brownhill leaves Turf Moor, signalling that there is plenty of work going on behind the scenes in Lancashire.
Burnley now enter race to sign new winger for Parker as talks intensify
Talks are believed to be intensifying over the player in question.
ByHenry Jackson May 26, 2025
The revolving door of transfer speculation never stops and Burnley are now reportedly in the lead to win the race to sign a talented defender with top-flight experience.
Burnley could win the race to sign Chris Mepham
According to Graeme Bailey in conversation with EFL Analysis, Burnley could trump Sheffield United and Sunderland to sign Chris Mepham, potentially on a free transfer with his contract at Bournemouth set to expire at the end of this month.
The Wales international earns £35,000 per week and spent the campaign on loan at the Black Cats, scoring once in 40 appearances as they also claimed promotion via the playoffs.
Chris Mepham’s campaign for Sunderland in numbers – EFL Championship (Fotmob)
Tackles won
31
Aerial duels won
109
Interceptions
34
Recoveries
138
Blocks
3
Dubbed “superb” by Dan Ballard, Bournemouth also have an option to extend his deal for a further 12 months despite his contract being set to run out, though Bailey anticipates that Burnley could skip to the front of the queue in any case.
He stated: “It could be one of those promoted teams. Do we see Burnley coming in for him? They may have to lose Maxime Esteve, and they’ve lost CJ Egan-Riley already. I wouldn’t rule Burnley out of the running on that one.”
Whether Bournemouth do activate his extension clause or not, the Clarets appear to be well in the race to bring Mepham to Turf Moor and he would be an ideal fit given he has made over 60 Premier League appearances across his career.
Arsenal have been one of the Champions League’s most frequent participants, but have not been able to take home the famous trophy.
The Gunners have come unstuck against Bayern Munich and PSG since returning to the competition after six seasons away, with Mikel Arteta’s side spending years in the relative wilderness of the Europa League (as well as one year out of Europe altogether) before threatening to go all the way in 2024/25.
From repeated last-16 heartache to final… heartbreak, the Gunners have had quite a journey in the Champions League over the years.
So how does Arsenal’s Champions League record shape up? While they had two European Cup campaigns in 1971 and 1991, they have appeared in 21 of the last 27 editions of the UEFA Champions League ahead of their expected entry in 2025/26.
Arsenal's top 25 Champions League moments
Arsenal have enjoyed some of their greatest European nights in the Champions League.
ByMark Marston May 15, 2025
Here is a complete Arsenal record in Europe’s premier club competition.
Arsenal’s record in the Champions League
Season
Stage reached
Beaten by
1998/99
Group stage
Dynamo Kyiv, Lens, Panathinaikos
1999/00
Group stage
Barcelona, Fiorentina, AIK
2000/01
Quarter-finals
Valencia
2001/02
Second group stage
Leverkusen, Deportivo, Arsenal
2002/03
Second group stage
Valencia, Ajax, Roma
2003/04
Quarter-finals
Chelsea
2004/05
Round of 16
Bayern Munich
2005/06
Final
Barcelona
2006/07
Round of 16
PSV
2007/08
Quarter-finals
Liverpool
2008/09
Semi-finals
Man Utd
2009/10
Quarter-finals
Barcelona
2010/11
Round of 16
Barcelona
2011/12
Round of 16
Milan
2012/13
Round of 16
Bayern Munich
2013/14
Round of 16
Bayern Munich
2014/15
Round of 16
Monaco
2015/16
Round of 16
Barcelona
2016/17
Round of 16
Bayern Munich
2023/24
Quarter-finals
Bayern Munich
2024/25
Semi-finals
PSG
1998/99 First CL campaign ends in group stage disappointment
Arsenal secured their maiden UEFA Champions League berth after winning the Premier League title in Arsene Wenger’s first full season at the club.
Their first two seasons in the competition were marked by the Gunners playing their home games at Wembley in order to play in front of larger crowds, with the national stadium having almost double the amount of seats as Highbury.
Unfortunately, with only group winners guaranteed a quarter-final place, Arsenal were left to rue some late equalisers as they ended up finishing third on the head-to-head rule.
Arsenal Champions League results 1998/99
Round
Opponent
Result
Goalscorers
Group stage
Lens (a)
D 1-1
Vairelles / Overmars
Group stage
Panathinaikos (h)
W 2-1
Adams, Keown / Mauro
Group stage
Dynamo Kyiv (h)
D 1-1
Bergkamp / Rebrov
Group stage
Dynamo Kyiv (a)
L 1-3
Rebrov, Holovko, Shevchenko / Hughes
Group stage
Lens (h)
L 0-1
Debeve
Group stage
Panathinaikos (a)
W 3-1
Sypniewski / Asanovic (og), Anelka, Boa Morte
1999/00 Fiorentina and Barcelona win at Wembley to eliminate Gunners
Arsenal came up against some world superstars such as Gabriel Batistuta and Rivaldo in the first group stage, and while they were far from embarrassed, they fell short by a point to finish third once again.
They found solace in a run to the UEFA Cup final, where they were beaten on penalties by Galatasaray.
Arsenal Champions League results 1999/00
Round
Opponent
Result
Goalscorers
Group stage
Fiorentina (a)
D 0-0
None
Group stage
AIK (h)
W 3-1
Ljungberg, Henry, Suker / Nordin
Group stage
Barcelona (a)
D 1-1
Luis Enrique / Kanu
Group stage
Barcelona (h)
L 2-4
Bergkamp, Overmars / Rivaldo, Luis Enrique, Figo, Cocu
Group stage
Fiorentina (h)
L 0-1
Batistuta
Group stage
AIK (a)
W 3-2
A. Andersson (2) / Overmars (2), Suker
2000/01 Gunners suffer away goals heartbreak Pt. 1
The 2000/01 campaign was the first time the Gunners made it through the group stage – a feat they repeated for the following 16 years.
It was also the one and only time they made it past the second group stage before it was discontinued in 2003.
Qualifying comfortably from the group as winners, they survived a second group stage including would-be familiar foes Bayern Munich, before falling to Valencia on away goals in the quarter-finals despite Ray Parlour’s first-leg screamer.
Arsenal Champions League results 2000/01
Round
Opponent
Result
Goalscorers
Group stage
Sparta Prague (a)
W 1-0
Sylvinho
Group stage
Shakhtar Donetsk (h)
W 3-2
Wiltord, Keown (2) / Bakharev, Vorobey
Group stage
Lazio (h)
W 2-0
Ljungberg (2)
Group stage
Lazio (a)
D 1-1
Pires
Group stage
Sparta Prague
W 4-2
Parlour, Lauren, Dixon, Kanu / Labant, Rosicky
Group stage
Shakhtar Donetsk (a)
L 0-3
Atelkin, Vorobey, Byelik
Second group stage
Spartak Moscow (a)
L 1-4
Marcao (2), Titov, Robson / Sylvinho
Second group stage
Bayern Munich (h)
D 2-2
Henry, Kanu / Tarnat, Scholl
Second group stage
Lyon (a)
W 1-0
Henry
Second group stage
Lyon (h)
D 1-1
Bergkamp / Edmilson
Second group stage
Spartak Moscow (h)
W 1-0
Henry
Second group stage
Bayern Munich (a)
L 0-1
Elber
Quarter-final 1st leg
Valencia (h)
W 2-1
Henry, Parlour / Ayala
Quarter-final 2nd leg
Valencia (a)
L 0-1
Carew
2001/02 Double winners fall short in Europe again
Arsenal won all their home games to squeeze into the second group stage, where although they defeated eventual finalists Bayer Leverkusen, the Gunners were knocked out, with two defeats against then-Spanish giants Deportivo proving crucial.
Wenger’s men continued to impress on the domestic front, with another league and cup double leaving European success as the missing part in the trophy cabinet.
Arsenal Champions League results 2001/02
Round
Opponent
Result
Goalscorers
First group stage
Mallorca (a)
L 0-1
Engonga
First group stage
Schalke (h)
W 3-2
Ljungberg, Henry (2) / Van Hoogdalem, Mpenza
First group stage
Panathinaikos (a)
L 0-1
Karagounis
First group stage
Panathinaikos (h)
W 2-1
Henry (2) / Olisadebe
First group stage
Mallorca (h)
W 3-1
Pires, Bergkamp, Henry / Novo
First group stage
Schalke (a)
L 1-3
Mulder, Vermant, Moller / Wiltord
Second group stage
Deportivo (a)
L 0-2
Makaay, Tristan
Second group stage
Juventus (h)
W 3-1
Ljungberg (2), Henry / Taylor (og)
Second group stage
Bayer Leverkusen (a)
D 1-1
Kirsten / Pires
Second group stage
Bayer Leverkusen (h)
W 4-1
Pires, Henry, Vieira, Bergkamp / Sebescen
Second group stage
Deportivo (h)
L 0-2
Valeron, Naybet
Second group stage
Juventus (a)
L 0-1
Zalayeta
2002/03 Gunners draw four of six second-phase games
Experienced Champions League participants by this point, Arsenal secured a routine second group stage spot after seeing off the likes of Borussia Dortmund and PSV.
While they had their moments in the second group stage – including Thierry Henry’s hat-trick against Roma – failure to convert draws into wins saw Ajax and Valencia pip the Gunners to the two quarter-final berths.
Arsenal Champions League results 2002/03
Round
Opponent
Result
Goalscorers
First group stage
Borussia Dortmund (h)
W 2-0
Bergkamp, Ljungberg
First group stage
PSV (a)
W 4-0
Gilberto, Ljungberg, Henry (2)
First group stage
Auxerre (a)
W 1-0
Gilberto
First group stage
Auxerre (h)
L 1-2
Kanu / Kapo, Fadiga
First group stage
Borussia Dortmund (a)
L 1-2
Rosicky (2) / Henry
First group stage
PSV (h)
D 0-0
None
Second group stage
Roma (a)
W 3-1
Cassano / Henry (3)
Second group stage
Valencia (h)
D 0-0
None
Second group stage
Ajax (h)
D 1-1
Wiltord / De Jong
Second group stage
Ajax (a)
D 0-0
None
Second group stage
Roma (h)
D 1-1
Vieira / Cassano
Second group stage
Valencia (a)
L 1-2
Carew (2) / Henry
2003/04 Wayne Bridge denies Invincibles shot at European glory
Thierry Henry celebrating for Arsenal.
With the second group stage now a thing of the past, Arsenal were arguably at their very best and poised to bring the Champions League to N5 for the first time.
A disastrous start to the group stage was remedied by three successive victories which included their 5-1 demolition of Inter at San Siro, before easing past Celta Vigo in the last 16 and being handed a quarter-final tie with London rivals Chelsea.
Despite a rocking first 45, Arsenal were unable to make their home advantage count as the Blues snatched the tie late on, leaving the Gunners to wonder what might have been as FC Porto went all the way.
Arsenal Champions League results 2003/04
Round
Opponent
Result
Goalscorers
Group stage
Inter (h)
L 0-3
Cruz, Van der Meyde, Martins
Group stage
Lokomotiv Moscow (a)
D 0-0
None
Group stage
Dynamo Kyiv (a)
L 1-2
Shatskikh, Belkevich / Henry
Group stage
Dynamo Kyiv (h)
W 1-0
Cole
Group stage
Inter (a)
W 5-1
Vieri / Henry (2), Ljungberg, Edu, Pires
Group stage
Lokomotiv Moscow
W 2-0
Pires, Ljungberg
Round of 16 1st leg
Celta Vigo (a)
W 3-2
Edu, Jose Ignacio / Edu (2), Pires
Round of 16 2nd leg
Celta Vigo (h)
W 2-0
Henry (2)
Quarter-final 1st leg
Chelsea (a)
D 1-1
Gudjohnsen / Pires
Quarter-final 2nd leg
Chelsea (h)
L 1-2
Reyes / Lampard, Bridge
2004/05 Arsenal fall to Bayern despite second-leg win
Arsenal topped their group despite winning just two of their six matches, though their reward of meeting Bayern Munich in the last 16 (sound familiar?) saw the Gunners endure another early exit.
After a 3-1 defeat at a snowy Olympiastadion, Arsenal threatened to stage a remarkable comeback in the second leg, but their 1-0 win was not enough to advance to the quarters.
Arsenal Champions League results 2004/05
Round
Opponent
Result
Goalscorers
Group stage
PSV (h)
W 1-0
Alex (og)
Group stage
Rosenborg (a)
D 1-1
Strand / Ljungberg
Group stage
Panathinaikos (a)
D 2-2
Gonzalez, Olisadebe / Ljungberg, Henry
Group stage
Panathinaikos (h)
D 1-1
Henry / Cygan (og)
Group stage
PSV (a)
D 1-1
Ooijer / Henry
Group stage
Rosenborg
W 5-1
Reyes, Henry, Fabregas, Pires, Van Persie / Hoftun
Round of 16 1st leg
Bayern Munich (a)
L 1-3
Pizarro (2), Salihamidzic / Toure
Round of 16 2nd leg
Bayern Munich (h)
W 1-0
Henry
2005/06 Gunners lose in Paris finale amid historic campaign
Arsenal’s closest call to date came in what was their final European campaign at Highbury. They bowed out in style by easing through the group, and enjoyed a magical night at the Santiago Bernabeu before holding Real Madrid to a goalless draw in north London.
Their penultimate night under the Highbury lights in Europe saw Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry see off Juventus before another shutout in Turin, while there was more drama in the semi-final.
Kolo Toure scored Highbury’s last-ever Champions League goal as they took a slender advantage to Spain, where a late Jens Lehmann penalty save secured Arsenal a place in the Champions League final.
The final was also fraught with controversy, with Lehmann’s first-half sending-off leaving the Gunners up against it, though they somehow led at half-time through Sol Campbell’s header.
Barcelona’s equaliser had more of a hint of offside about it, before the 10 men’s luck ran out late on, as Juliano Belletti’s winner broke Arsenal hearts.
Arsenal Champions League results 2005/06
Round
Opponent
Result
Goalscorers
Group stage
FC Thun (h)
W 2-1
Gilberto, Bergkamp / Ferreira
Group stage
Ajax (a)
W 2-1
Rosenberg / Ljungberg, Pires
Group stage
Sparta Prague (a)
W 2-0
Henry (2)
Group stage
Sparta Prague (h)
W 3-0
Henry, Van Persie (2)
Group stage
FC Thun (a)
W 1-0
Pires
Group stage
Ajax (h)
D 0-0
None
Round of 16 1st leg
Real Madrid
W 1-0
Henry
Round of 16 2nd leg
Real Madrid
D 0-0
None
Quarter-final 1st leg
Juventus
W 2-0
Fabregas, Henry
Quarter-final 2nd leg
Juventus
D 0-0
None
Semi-final 1st leg
Villarreal
W 1-0
Toure
Semi-final 2nd leg
Villarreal
D 0-0
None
Final
Barcelona
L 1-2
Campbell
2006/07 PSV’s Alex nets at both ends to send Gunners out
Arsenal’s fourth-place finish the previous year – their lowest under Wenger – saw the Frenchman’s side in the unfamiliar territory of having to enter the qualifying rounds, where they defeated Dinamo Zagreb over two legs.
The Gunners topped their group once more, but their run came to an abrupt end when Alex nodded in a last-gasp equaliser for PSV in the last 16 to defeat Arsenal on aggregate.
Arsenal Champions League results 2006/07
Round
Opponent
Result
Goalscorers
Third qualifying round 1st leg
Dinamo Zagreb (a)
W 3-0
Fabregas (2), Van Persie
Third qualifying round 2nd leg
Dinamo Zagreb (h)
W 2-1
Ljungberg, Flamini / Eduardo
Group stage
Hamburg (a)
W 2-1
Sanogo / Gilberto, Rosicky
Group stage
Porto (h)
W 2-0
Henry, Hleb
Group stage
CSKA Moscow (a)
L 0-1
Carvalho
Group stage
CSKA Moscow (h)
D 0-0
None
Group stage
Hamburg (h)
W 3-1
Van Persie, Eboue, Baptista / Van der Vaart
Group stage
Porto (a)
D 0-0
None
Round of 16 1st leg
PSV (a)
L 0-1
Mendez
Round of 16 2nd leg
PSV (h)
D 1-1
Alex (og) / Alex
2007/08 Contentious penalty sees Arsenal’s San Siro victory count for nothing
This was another campaign that left the Gunners licking their wounds, as Arsenal were minutes away from the semi-finals before a late, debatable penalty call at Anfield put paid to their efforts to see off English opposition in the Champions League.
Arsenal dazzled at times in the group stage, securing their biggest-ever Champions League win in their 7-0 rout against Slavia Prague. They then dispatched holders Milan with a memorable victory at San Siro before meeting Liverpool in the last eight, where the Reds’ European experience showed.
Whilst they may have fallen out of the automatic promotion places over the weekend, Leeds United’s attackers have caught the eye throughout 2024/25.
Joel Piroe still sits as the Whites’ top scorer, registering 15 goals in the Championship, playing a key role in Daniel Farke’s ambitions of securing a return to the Premier League.
Daniel James is another talent who’s thrived over the last couple of months, notching 20 combined goals and assists throughout the league campaign – the joint-best season of his professional career.
The pair have contributed to their impressive tally of 79 league goals in their 40 outings, currently boasting the best-attacking record of any side in the division.
Regardless of which division they find themselves in next season, they could be about to land a star who’d add to their already impressive record in attacking areas.
Leeds targeting move for EFL attacking star
According to Alan Nixon, Leeds are one of a number of clubs interested in a move to land West Brom’s forward Grady Diangana ahead of the summer window.
Wolves have also been credited with a keen interest in landing the 26-year-old talent, who’s registered four goals and two assists in the Championship throughout 2024/25.
The Democratic Republic of Congo international joined the Baggies for £18m back in the summer of 2022 but could be available as a free agent this summer with his deal set to expire in June.
The report from Nixon states that the former West Ham youngster is hoping Farke’s side show concrete interest this summer, potentially favouring a move to Elland Road.
Whilst it’s unclear if a deal will be completed this summer, he would be a superb addition – potentially allowing the hierarchy to forget about a permanent move for one player.
Why Diangana would be a superb Solomon alternative
Manor Solomon joined Leeds on loan from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, looking to kickstart his career after a stop-start period with injuries and lack of first-team action.
The Israeli international made an immediate impact in Yorkshire, notching 14 combined goals and assists up until the start of February – including a goal and two assists in the 4-0 win over Oxford United.
Leeds United'sManorSolomoncelebrates scoring their first goal
However, he’s now gone eight games with a single contribution, leading to doubts among the fanbase over a permanent transfer for the 25-year-old this summer.
Such concerns could see the hierarchy target a move for Diangana as a result, with the West Brom star a safe option given his potential move on a free transfer.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the Championship this campaign, the West Brom winger has managed to match or better Solomon in numerous key areas, highlighting how impressive a deal to land him this summer would be.
Diangana, who’s previously been labelled “unbelievable” by teammate Jed Wallace, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has registered a higher pass accuracy and completed more through balls – showcasing his talent in attacking areas.
How Diangana compares to Solomon in the Championship (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Diangana
Solomon
Games played
30
33
Goals & assists
6
14
Progressive passes
4.3
3.7
Pass accuracy
80%
79%
Aerials won
0.9
0.3
Fouls won
2.3
1.6
Through balls
0.9
0.2
Stats via FBref
He’s also won more aerials and been fouled more per 90, highlighting his all-round nature with and without the ball, making him a threat at either end of the pitch if required.
Solomon could still be a viable option for the club this summer regardless of promotion, but after his recent lack of form, it’s understandable that there are doubts over his future.
As for transfer target Diangana, he’s proved that he’s an impressive talent, with any deal to land him this summer incredible business, especially considering the fee paid for his signature a couple of years ago.
Meslier included: Leeds must axe £150k-p/w quartet if they go up
Daniel Farke will tempted by a slight clear-out at Leeds United if Premier League football returns to Elland Road.