Arsenal will be desperate to maintain their Premier League title challenge and goal scoring form this weekend when they face Crystal Palace and there has been plenty going on away from the pitch
06:55, 22 Oct 2025Updated 06:56, 22 Oct 2025
Mikel Arteta
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Mikel Arteta's table-topping Arsenal return to Premier League action
After their thrilling 4-0 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid, Arsenal will now refocus on the Premier League.
The Gunners currently sit at the top of the table following a close 1-0 victory over Fulham away at Craven Cottage last weekend. Mikel Arteta's squad hold a three-point lead at the top, with Manchester City hot on their heels and champions Liverpool languishing four points behind after three straight losses.
Next up for the North London giants is a home game against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, after the Eagles' own European adventures on Thursday night. It offers the opportunity for striker Viktor Gyokeres to remain among the goals after firing a brace against La Liga side Atletico last night.
Here's all the latest news from the Emirates.
William Saliba's future
William Saliba has hailed a player that snubbed Arsenal when he was younger
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William Saliba is the rock in Arsenal's defence(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Real Madrid's interest in Saliba has been well-documented since the Frenchman made his Premier League debut for the Gunners three seasons ago.
However, the 24-year-old, widely considered one of the world's best defenders, quashed growing speculation by signing a new contract until 2030, reports the Mirror.
In a recent interview with Marca, Arteta was asked if it was challenging to keep Saliba amid links to Madrid, who have become notorious for snapping up players on free transfers in recent years.
The Spaniard remained confident that Saliba would commit to a new deal, explaining: "All the previous conversations I had with him were based on the intuition of what he wanted and which he later confirmed by renewing, since his number one intention was to stay here because he is happy here."
Saliba himself has emphasised his contentment in north London, declaring: "I didn't win anything here except the Community Shield. I want to stay here and win a lot of trophies. I love this club, I couldn't leave this club without giving something back, I've won nothing. I want to stay here and win."
Arsenal apologise
Diego Simeone manager / head coach of Atletico Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on October 21, 2025 in London, England
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Diego Simeone endured a difficult evening at the Emirates Stadium(Image: 2025 Catherine Ivill - AMA)
The Gunners were compelled to issue an apology to Atletico Madrid after the Spanish side found themselves without hot water in their changing room at the Emirates Stadium.
The La Liga team had been training in N5 on Monday evening before their Champions League encounter but were obliged to return to their hotel for showers following the session due to the absence of hot water.
Atletico officials informed Arsenal of the issue at 6.45pm on Monday, whilst their squad was still training. Their session was scheduled to conclude at 7.30pm but wrapped up 15 minutes early instead.
The hot water problem, which is believed to have impacted both home and away changing rooms, wasn't fixed until 7.25pm, by which time Atletico had decided to head back to their hotel. Arsenal are understood to have apologised to Atletico staff for the disruption caused.
Big spenders
Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal
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Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal
Arsenal's remarkable summer transfer window saw the club splash out over £250million on new signings Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Piero Hincapie.
While all have contributed in varying degrees, it was midfielder Zubimendi who Arteta singled out as a standout performer at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners shelled out £60m for the former Real Sociedad star, beating off competition from Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid.
The Spanish international's smooth transition to English football, including two goals already to his name, has even taken his own manager aback.
Speaking to Marca, Arteta said: "I don't like comparisons [to Man City's Rodri]. I think Zubi has to make his own way, and he's doing so. Since he's arrived, his impact on the team has been exceptional, and that's very difficult.
"I've seen many midfielders reach the Premier League, coming from top positions in other leagues, and they've struggled; it's taken them a year or two to become who they are.
"The speed and naturalness with which he's adapting is surprising. We've given him confidence and a clear role, at all levels, including decisions we've made here with players who were there but are no longer here.
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"We gave him space. And then, he feels comfortable with our style; it suits his way of playing."