Top of the Champions League table. Still top of the Premier League table.
Given the context of Sunday’s game, it may have felt like a disappointing end to the week, but in truth it reflects something much bigger as the hectic December schedule arrives.
Following the paradisiacal 4–1 demolition of Spurs in last weekend’s North London Derby, the first team added another milestone in midweek: they became the only side to maintain a 100% record after five Champions League games.
And they achieved it in style, knocking Bayern Munich off their perch. Jurrien Timber opened the scoring with a lovely header, and after Lennart Karl’s strike levelled the contest, Arsenal reacted with conviction. Gabriel Martinelli restored the lead and Noni Madueke got his first goal for the club to seal all three points.
Sunday brought a different kind of challenge. A fired-up Chelsea side arrived intent on disrupting Arsenal’s rhythm with every tackle, pass and motion towards the crowd. It felt reminiscent of Arsenal in 2021/22, with a squad that is young and determined by their supporters, especially after their impressive midweek win over Barcelona.
Admittedly, for what feels like the first time this season, Arsenal showed signs of nervousness. Misplaced passes, rash challenges and a lack of cutting edge was not something that we’ve seen from Mikel Arteta’s side this season.
However, Mikel Merino, who has deputised superbly with the absences of Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus, stepped up once again. His header rescued a point and preserved Arsenal’s momentum - taking him to double figures for club and country this season.
Dowman dazzles against Bayern U19s
It was the Max Dowman show on Wednesday in the UEFA Youth League. Despite an underwhelming campaign so far, Arsenal’s U19s put on a display to be proud of, with Dowman at the heart of it.
With Martin Ødegaard returning to the first-team squad, Dowman started for the U19s and immediately returned to his usual habits, scoring twice.
David Horseman’s side fell behind early but equalised through Dowman, before Kyran Thompson and Ceadach O’Neill added a two-goal advantage.
However, the moment of the match came in the final moments of the match. Picking up the ball deep, Dowman weaved through Bayern defenders on a mesmerising solo run before lobbing the goalkeeper to seal the victory.
It was the type of goal that showcased why the 15-year-old is receiving such praise. It also underlined precisely why Mikel Arteta holds him in such high regard, and why first-team opportunities continue to come his way.
Mead and Russo shine for Lionesses
Beth Mead capped England’s final match of 2025 at Wembley Stadium with a brace in their 8-0 win over China. Alessia Russo also found the net, adding England’s eighth late in the second half to round off a dominant performance.
There were further Arsenal involvements for the Lionesses as Lotte Wubben-Moy and Taylor Hinds both came on from the bench during the friendly.
Elsewhere, Kyra Cooney-Cross was on the scoresheet in Australia’s 5-0 victory over New Zealand, while Mariona Caldentey played the full 90 minutes for Spain in a 0–0 draw against France in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Nations League final, with the decisive second leg to come on Tuesday evening.
Ecuadorian takeover
As per James Olley (ESPN), Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle to sign Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero from Independiente del Valle.
The highly rated 16-year-olds will officially join the club when they turn 18 in August 2027, forming part of Arsenal’s long-term recruitment strategy. The club have recently been turning to emerging international markets, most recently securing 16-year-old Victor Ozhianvuna from Shamrock Rovers, as they continue to look to strengthen across all departments.
Edwin, who plays off the right, and Holger, an attacking-minded midfielder, have attracted attention from several top European clubs after excelling in Independiente del Valle’s renowned academy setup.
The Ecuadorian side has produced several high-profile players in recent years, including Arsenal’s Piero Hincapié, along with Moises Caicedo, Kendry Paez and Willian Pacho.
A look ahead
Arsenal welcome Brentford on Wednesday evening as they aim to get back to winning ways and extend their lead at the top of the table, before travelling to face Unai Emery’s Aston Villa on Saturday.
Renee Slegers’ side will regroup following the international break and prepare for an important clash against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.