Arsenal are back in Premier League action this weekend as Mikel Arteta's side look to build momentum in their defence of the title
Mikel Arteta of Arsenal FC talks with Max Dowman of Arsenal FC during the during the pre-season friendly match between Girona FC and Arsenal FC at Montilivi Stadium on August 1, 2026 in Girona, Spain.
Mikel Arteta has responded to claims about Max Dowman(Image: Xavi Bonilla/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta turns his focus back to the Premier League following Arsenal's European clash with Lille last night.
The Gunners lost their grip on the top spot following a tough 3-0 loss to Brighton before the international break. Manchester City now sit three points clear but a 2-1 win over Leeds brought some confidence back.
Nottingham Forest are up next and Arteta is hoping that the team's mentality to fight back from a goal down last weekend continues into their upcoming clash. City host Ipswich Town on Saturday which means Enzo Maresca's side could go six clear of the Gunners by the time they take to the pitch at the City Ground on Sunday.
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Here, football.london has the latest coming out of the Emirates Stadium.
Max Dowman response emerges
Mikel Arteta has backed Lionel Messi's assertion that Max Dowman is destined for greatness. The Arsenal manager expressed immense pride regarding the teenager's inclusion in the Argentina legend's top 10 list of emerging Adidas athletes, stating: "If Messi, who is the best ever player, says that.
"His eyes are I think better than anybody else's. Hopefully he's right."
Mikel Arteta with Max Dowman.
Mikel Arteta believes the teenager is the next big thing(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arteta clearly values Messi's opinion, explaining precisely what separates Dowman from his peers. He added: "That he's got something special. In the few appearances that he had, he's already done remarkable things. That's somebody that is touched with a special gift.
"He's a joy to watch. The way he moves, the way he touches the ball, the way he carries himself, it's just different. And that's what makes him unique."
Shootout vow made
Gabriel has pledged to make amends for his Champions League penalty heartbreak by volunteering for spot-kick duties when required. The Brazilian defender blazed his crucial effort over the crossbar in May's final, handing PSG the trophy in the process.
Yet Gabriel is adamant that the miss will not discourage him from stepping up from 12 yards in the future. He said: "In the final, anything can happen, and we did really well. Of course, if I have another penalty, I will be there to take it. And my teammates helped me a lot after this.
Gabriel.
Gabriel has vowed to make things right(Image: David Ramos/Getty Images)
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"Of course, I was sad, and I didn't want to miss a penalty, but I have learned from this and if I have another opportunity, I will be ready to take it."
The Arsenal defender also praised his Brazilian international colleague Marquinhos, who comforted him out on the pitch during the final rather than joining his PSG teammates in their celebrations. Gabriel added: "It was brilliant for him to come to me. Of course, he missed a penalty in a World Cup and he has experience from this moment.
"He said some words to me, and helped me a lot, and after this I spoke with him and I said 'thank you' because in this moment it was really difficult. I learned a lot from him, too, so I say 'thank you' to him, because it was a difficult moment for me."