Mikel Arteta’s team were certainly not at their best in their narrow win at the Vitality Stadium, much like several of their recent victories. The 2-1 home win over Wolves, a narrow 1-0 away victory at Everton, and their 2-1 triumph over Brighton, Arsenal continue to find a way to win games. But if Arsenal can again find a way on Thursday, it will be another big step towards Arteta silencing the doubters. It was perhaps surprising that Arsenal coped so well without the ever-present Rice in their previous victory over Villa. “Declan is constantly adding things to his game,” Arteta said after the midfielder’s double.

Source: Irish Examiner January 05, 2026 11:10 UTC