Arsenal have been hit with a warning over Eberechi Eze as fans fume over Max Dowman's treatment with the Gunners suffering an injury blow ahead of their Premier League return
09:21, 08 Sep 2025Updated 09:23, 08 Sep 2025
Eberechi Eze joined Arsenal in a £70m transfer
Eberechi Eze joined Arsenal in a £70m transfer
Arsenal have an opportunity to regroup during the international break following their 1-0 loss to Premier League champions Liverpool in a big early blow in the title race.
The Gunners have secured two victories from their first three matches, netting six goals along the way. They've had a challenging start to the season, having faced Manchester United and Liverpool in their opening fixtures, with tough encounters against Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Newcastle still to come.
Several Arsenal players have flown out to represent their countries during the international break, providing a great chance for stars to boost their fitness levels and keep up the momentum, but injury issues have also raised their ugly head.
Manager Mikel Arteta is keen to get his squad back on the training pitch soon as he plots to renew his challenge on Liverpool in the Premier League title race. Here's all the latest news from the Emirates.
Keane warns Eze
Eberechi Eze of Arsenal
Eberechi Eze of Arsenal(Image: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock)
Arsenal's new recruit Eberechi Eze has only made one appearance for the Gunners since his £70m transfer from Crystal Palace, coming on as a substitute against Liverpool, and supporters are eager to see more of the attacking midfielder.
Fans got another taste of his skills when he started England's 2-0 victory over Andorra, playing for 78 minutes before being replaced by Morgan Gibbs-White.
Eze failed to hit top gear despite facing vastly inferior opposition, with many of Andorra's squad being part-time players. Pundit Roy Keane delivered a stark warning to Arsenal's fresh signing, insisting he couldn't get away with delivering "okay" displays following his major switch to the Emirates, reports the Mirror.
Keane was responding to an upbeat assessment of Eze from Arsenal icon Ian Wright, who remarked: "In some instances he stayed still and got on the ball, he had that opportunity in the first half where he did that and took the shot. He'll be disappointed he didn't do better with that, but as long as he is staying in that area, I am really happy."
However, Keane countered: "The worry for me when we talk about players like this... I think he done okay. But the manager will be saying, 'Okay is not good enough. We need to be setting higher standards than that'."
Arsenal supporters fume over Dowman treatment
Max Dowman of England is fouled by David Cordon of Spain
Max Dowman of England is fouled by David Cordon of Spain
There's little question Arsenal supporters are becoming increasingly thrilled about the prospects of 15-year-old sensation Max Dowman following his Gunners bow against Leeds United last month.
Despite his young age, Dowman is demonstrating wisdom well beyond his years and showcased that quality once more during England U19s' 3-3 stalemate with Spain this week.
The playmaker was singled out by Spanish players as he endured a total of 10 fouls in just the opening 45 minutes, with Arsenal fans expressing their anger and worry that left-back Davinchi received merely a yellow card late on despite repeated infractions.
Supporters voiced fears that Dowman might suffer injuries throughout his career if such tactics persisted. One supporter said: "I pray his career is not ended before it started with the way he is being kicked and the referee not dealing with those situations. He's got to be protected."
Another posted: "That [left back] probably should've been sent off in the first half. Dude just had his worst nightmare on display. Hopefully this kid won't have bad injuries considering how much he gets tackled in every game."
A third commented: "The Spanish lad who repeatedly fouled him, was subbed and sat on his own with his head down for ages - The officiating was beyond awful - weak and pathetic, no protection whatsoever.
"Refs need to protect these kinds of players more," read another tweet. "Poor ol' Jack [Wilshere] had this same treatment and look how it ended for him."
Dowman won a penalty - after dribbling beyond Davinchi - from which England made it 2-2.
Mbappe backs Gunners for title
Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe has backed Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal might not be everyone's favourite for the Premier League crown this season, but Real Madrid sensation Kylian Mbappe reckons they could be dark horses to claim their first championship in more than two decades.
Arteta's men are already lagging behind Liverpool in the title race following their 1-0 defeat at Anfield last week, but there's still a long road ahead.
Liverpool have splashed out more than £400m on new signings this summer, including high-profile stars like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, making them a formidable force. However, Mbappe reckons Arsenal could upset the apple cart due to the familiarity within their squad.
"Of course, Liverpool has to be mentioned first and foremost, as they're determined to win one title after another," he told Bild. "But I also have high hopes for Arsenal, because the core of the team has known each other for a long time, and that's a crucial factor in football.
"And Manchester City is always at the forefront anyway, with Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland.When asked to give a proper verdict on the title race," he added.
When pressed to give a definitive verdict on the title race, he added: "That's tough. Maybe Arsenal, maybe it will be their year. It would certainly be easier to say City or Liverpool."
Saliba update
William Saliba
William Saliba could miss a month of action(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal have been handed a devastating blow after William Saliba was sidelined for three to four weeks, according to sources in France.
The centre-back was withdrawn from the pitch just minutes into the Gunners' loss to Liverpool.
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Saliba hobbled off with an ankle problem before withdrawing from international duty with Les Bleus.
The 24-year-old could now face a month on the sidelines as Arsenal look to bounce back and Champions League action kicks off after the international break.