Mikel Arteta retrieves the matchball during the Southampton v Arsenal Emirates FA Cup Quarter-final match at the St Mary's Stadium, Southampton 04/04/2026
Mikel Arteta retrieves the matchball during the Southampton v Arsenal Emirates FA Cup Quarter-final match at the St Mary's Stadium, Southampton 04/04/2026
Andoni Iraola will hope to maintain Liverpool’s momentum when they welcome Premier League champions Arsenal to Anfield on Sunday.
Liverpool needed penalties to overcome Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday following a 1-1 draw, with Florian Wirtz also returning from a knock.
Arsenal sit second on 21 points, six ahead of fourth-placed Liverpool, having won seven of their eight league games. Bukayo Saka is unavailable with a quad injury, while Noni Madueke is a doubt after picking up an ankle problem against Fleetwood Town.
Arsenal have also suffered a setback after their appeal against Max Dowman’s red card against Fleetwood was dismissed. The youngster will serve a three-match suspension, ruling him out of Sunday’s clash at Anfield.
The FA statement read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has dismissed claims of both wrongful dismissal and excessive punishment for Max Dowman.
“The Arsenal player was sent off during their EFL Cup game against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday 27 October and will be suspended for three matches. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.”
Arsenal suffered a shock Carabao Cup exit on Tuesday, losing on penalties to League Two side Fleetwood Town after a 1-1 draw. The major talking point was the late red card shown to Max Dowman in the 86th minute for violent conduct.
The Arsenal forward kicked out at Harrison Neal after the Fleetwood midfielder caught him with a heavy challenge from behind.
As Dowman left the field, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta appeared visibly frustrated, giving the young winger a stern look and seemingly making an angry remark.
Arteta said after the game: “When we prepared the context of the match, we were very clear on the things to respect, the things that emotionally we have to dominate. It was very clear.”
Arsenal are already short of options on the wings, with Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis and Noni Madueke currently sidelined by injuries.
Regulation & Discipline update on @Arsenal: https://t.co/FZuSVXvRF5
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) October 29, 2026
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