GIVEMESPORT

Richard Keys has reacted to news that Arsenal must wear their away kit in the North London Derby clash against Tottenham this weekend because their home kit is "too white".

The Gunners will take a trip across the capital to take on their fierce rivals on Sunday afternoon, with both teams looking to further their own ambitions following a mixed start to the season while also putting a dent in their opponents.

The game is often billed as the red side of north London versus the white side of north London, however the visitors will not be permitted to wear their traditional red home kit for the game after a ruling by the Premier League, something which left beIN Sports presenter Keys bemused.

Arsenal Must Wear Away Kit v Tottenham

First time there will be no red since 1985/86 season

Despite being the away team, Arsenal have worn their famous red strip whenever they've played Tottenham since the 1985/86 season which has no doubt helped to escalate the rivalry between the sides since there is a clear divide.

But the Premier League have decided that their 2024/25 kit is "too white" and would present a kit clash against Spurs, meaning they must wear their away kit instead. That has sparked fury from fans, but also from Keys who reacted on his personal X account.

In a simple five-word response, the former Sky Sports presenter posted: "You can not be serious," along with a shoulder shrug emoji.

The Gunners have already been dealt a blow ahead of the game as they look set to be without what could be considered as their first-choice midfield for the game, leaving Mikel Arteta with a selection headache so early in the season.

Captain Martin Odegaard suffered an ankle injury on international duty with Norway and was pictured on crutches, with a doctor stating on Wednesday morning that he is expected to miss at least three weeks of action as a result. He joins summer signing Mikel Merino on the sidelines after the Spaniard broke his arm in his first training session following his move, while Declan Rice is suspended for the game after his controversial red card in the draw with Brighton before the international break.

Thomas Partey is expected to start at the base of the midfield alongside Jorginho, while any of Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz or Oleksandr Zinchenko could fill in alongside them as the third man.

GIVEMESPORT key statistic: Arsenal won't wear red in the North London Derby for the first time since the 1985/86 season.

Ethan Nwaneri Won't Start vs Tottenham

Academy starlet has been fast-tracked to the first-team

Despite a host of injury problems in midfield for Arteta to deal with, the Gunners manager will not throw teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri into the starting lineup for the clash with Tottenham according to GIVEMESPORT sources.

While there is incredible belief in the 17-year-old long-term, hence his debut in the Premier League at 15 years old, but the intensity of the game against Spurs and the importance means he is unlikely to get his full debut this weekend.

Gabriel Jesus' return to fitness means there are more options in attack and the manager could potentially look to switch the system around, while Raheem Sterling's addition to the squad could also see him get a nod in attack for his debut.

Key Takeaways

Sol Campbell joined Arsenal for free despite being a Spurs legend-in-the-making in 2001.

Campbell's lack of loyalty to Spurs and broken promises fueled fans' anger.

He has faced severe backlash from Spurs fans ever since, earning the unwanted nickname, 'Judas'.

Football is a trivial game. Actions speak louder than words – and fans act like one loss is the end of the world. To those who do not follow the sport, they might think these supporters are crazy, but - in the biggest grudge matches - defeat feels like a disaster. Epitomising this, the North London Derby brings out every emotion possible for both sets of fans.

Taking place between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, the two fanbases clash at least twice a season in an attempt to claim the north London bragging rights. Tackles fly in, red cards are thrown around and tensions flare up in the stands. It's one of the biggest derbies in British football.

Due to this, the thought of a player ever moving from Tottenham to Arsenal is a sin. It's forbidden – and fans will never forget. Sol Campbell, who is seen as one of the biggest traitors in the sport, made the crazy switch in 2001, so he is now one of the most-hated men in the Spurs fanbase. Here's why this hatred is still as fierce two decades later.

Campbell Joined Bitter Rivals Arsenal For Free

It's seen as one of the biggest moves a traitor can make

Before making the switch to the other side of north London, Campbell was seen as one of Spurs' greatest centre-backs of all time. He made 303 appearances over a nine-year period after progressing from the club's academy. The budding England international even won the 1999 League Cup with them. He was a hero, yet that quickly changed.

At the end of the 2000/01 campaign, Spurs finished 12th, whilst bitter rivals Arsenal finished second – 10 points behind champions Manchester United. Despite the disappointing position, Spurs were confident Campbell would renew his expiring deal and offered him a contract that would have seen him become the club's highest-paid player ever.

However, Campbell opted to move on, insisting he needed to play in one of the hardest competitions in the world – the Champions League – in an attempt to become a regular in the England squad. Even Three Lions manager Sven-Goran Eriksson advised him to move to a club in UEFA's most elite competition. It was heavily believed that Campbell would go abroad to Barcelona, so - as he was revealed in a press conference by Arsene Wenger - the world was shocked.

As the tensions kickstarted, Campbell's lack of loyalty to Spurs made fans even angrier. They believe they gave him everything needed to become one of their greatest players of all time, whilst his decision to leave on a free transfer only added fuel to the fire.

Campbell's Actions Made the Move Worse

The centre-back didn't stick to his word

Spurs fans have always branded Campbell as a liar after he initially said he would stay at Spurs. "I'm not looking to move if they convince me about the future. Whether or not a new manager is in place is not a big thing for me. As long as the club is healthy and things are in place, then myself and other players will want to join Tottenham or continue with them," he said via Sky Sports.

"I want to stay at Tottenham."

Coupled with the fact he also said he would never play for Arsenal and that he was a 'Spurs fan', it's easy to see why those in N17 have hated him ever since. This betrayal bubbled into a dangerous cocktail of emotions when Campbell returned to White Hart Lane with the Gunners for the first time.

Campbell's Return to White Hart Lane

His first North London Derby as an Arsenal player was a frightening experience

On 17th November 2001, Arsenal travelled the short distance to Tottenham for the North London Derby. Everything chaotic ever connected with the famous fixture took place, as Campbell was on the receiving end of a barrage of insults.

During the warm-up, he was hissed, every touch was booed, and two bottles were thrown at him. During the match, fans held up signs which stated 'Judas', confirming that the Tottenham crowd thought he was a traitor of biblical proportions. Even his older brother Tony was pictured in the crowd shouting insults towards his sibling, symbolising the frantic nature of derby day. In the end, Spurs scored a late equaliser through Gus Poyet to draw 1-1.

Campbell is Keen to Move On

The hatred still exists to this day

However, Campbell always seemed to have the last laugh, as he won the Premier League twice – once unbeaten – and the FA Cup two times with the Gunners. The former centre-back has asked Spurs fans to let their hatred subside, but it seems unlikely that will be happening anytime soon. In Tottenham's opening game of the 2024/25 Premier League season, an away trip to Leicester City entirely unrelated to the Gunners or Campbell, Spurs supporters peppered the contest with sharp-tongued chants at Campbell's expense.

"It's almost as though people have forgotten how to be human," Campbell told The Guardian in 2023. "Wishing and hoping that someone is going to die? And you're going to be having a party? What world are we living in? I know football has its tribalism, but if no one around feels that this is unacceptable, well, we're in a really sorry place.

Manchester United were one of three clubs interested in Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero during the summer transfer window, reports in Argentina have claimed.

According to TyC Sports, the Argentine defender was on the radar of several European sides after another impressive season in north London, where he helped Spurs finish fifth in Ange Postecoglou's first campaign in charge.

The Red Devils, alongside Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, were reportedly eyeing a summer move for Romero, and made an approach to Tottenham, who were adamant about retaining their defensive anchor and even refused to name an asking price, as Romero was deemed not for sale.

A crucial player for Tottenham, Romero recently celebrated his 100th game in a Spurs shirt and is under contract with the club until June 2027.

The north Londoners would likely demand a huge fee for the Argentine, whom they signed for just £42.5m in 2021. It remains to be seen whether any of Europe’s powerhouses will attempt to reopen negotiations in the foreseeable future.

Romero Linked with Old Trafford Move

Would only depart for a ‘high price’

According to TyC Sports, if Romero were to leave Tottenham in the near future, it would only be for a top club and for a ‘high price’ as he is considered a key player for Spurs and Ange Postecoglou.

One of the most consistent performers at Spurs last season, earning the label of "incredible" from Alasdair Gold, the central defender has formed a solid partnership with Micky van de Ven following the Dutchman’s arrival last summer and had a strong start to the 24/25 campaign after returning from Copa America victory with Argentina.

Romero’s impressive three years in the Premier League have seen him attract attention from several top clubs, including Erik Ten Hag's side, who were seeking defensive reinforcements this summer. United instead brought in Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, and beat Real Madrid to the signing of Leny Yoro, although the young defender has yet to feature after picking up an injury in pre-season.

Despite the transfer speculation, Romero, who reportedly takes home £165,000-per-week, has repeatedly stated that he is happy at Tottenham. In August, he told ESPN that he has 'a lot of respect' for Spurs and is not thinking 'about other clubs or their possibilities'.

Man Utd ‘Monitoring’ Eberechi Eze

Outline plans for three signings

Manchester United are monitoring Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze as they outline plans for three key signings next summer, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The Red Devils are reportedly looking at Eze as a potential addition on the wing, while reinforcements in defence and midfield are also among their priorities, as another squad overhaul looms at Old Trafford.

The MEN reports that Eze’s £68m release clause could be activated next summer, giving Man United a clear opportunity to secure the 26-year-old’s signature. Reports this summer suggested that Manchester City and Tottenham were also interested in the England international, but both opted against a move in the end. But with the release clause once again active next year, it will present a fresh opportunity for any interested parties to make their move.

Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard is set to miss the game against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend due to injury, according to the Norwegian national team's doctor.

The former Real Madrid man limped off during international duty after what appeared to be a worrying ankle injury. Arsenal supporters and Mikel Arteta will have been sweating over his fitness in the last few days as they prepare to face north London rivals Tottenham in the Premier League at the weekend.

Odegaard Could Miss Three Weeks

Speaking to the media, Norway's doctor Ola Sand has provided an update on Odegaard's injury...

"Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks. Anything other than that is just a bonus. And then it can take longer."

It's also been confirmed that he's set to miss the game against Tottenham in what is a worrying update from Norway. Odegaard is Arsenal's captain, so having him unavailable for such an important fixture is going to be a huge blow for the Gunners. Sand also adds that Arsenal believes there is no 'breach', but he still believes the injury will take time...

"It is always a bit difficult to interpret an MR image when you have had an old injury. But Arsenal are almost certain there is no breach. But this may still take some time."

Arsenal are already going to be without Declan Rice after he picked up a red card against Brighton & Hove Albion last time out, meaning Arteta is going to be short of options in the middle of the park.

Odegaard was spotted boarding a plane to England on Wednesday while walking with crutches, so it was always going to be tricky for him to recover in time for the weekend. Doctor Rajpal Brar analysed Odegaard's image, confirming that he was not wearing a protective boot, but he wasn't wearing a 'normal' shoe.

Norway appear confident that Odegaard shouldn't be involved this weekend, but it will be interesting to see how Arsenal view the situation.

How Arsenal Could Line Up Without Odegaard

Kai Havertz may need to drop deeper

With Rice and Odegaard out, Arteta will have some major decisions to make in the middle of the park. Mikel Merino, who was signed to strengthen Arsenal's midfield options, has already suffered an injury in training, so that's one less player who could come into midfield.

Thomas Partey is likely to start while Jorginho is also an option for the Gunners. In terms of replicating the role Odegaard plays, Arsenal don't have a like-for-like replacement, meaning we could see Kai Havertz drop into a deeper midfield role.

Arsenal's preparation for Sunday's pivotal clash with Tottenham Hotspur continues to suffer setbacks, with Martin Odegaard's injury sustained on international duty compounded by the appointment of the officials for the derby, with journalist Charles Watts joking about Jarred Gillet and Stuart Attwell taking charge against Spurs representing more negative news for the North Londoners.

The Gunners are expected to compete with Manchester City for the Premier League title once again this season, and have experienced a mixed start to their pursuit of securing the trophy. Victories over Wolves and Aston Villa were overshadowed by a draw against Brighton, marred by a red card for Declan Rice - with damning footage showing a new angle which has created more confusion around the incident.

Rice is now suspended for the encounter with Ange Postecoglou's side, while Mikel Merino is ruled out and Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori are doubts.

Watts: The News Just Keeps Getting Better and Better

Arsenal are beginning to look depleted in midfield

With Manchester City likely to exceed 90 points once again this season, the margin of error for Mikel Arteta's team if they want the elusive piece of silverware is certainly slim. Dropped points against Brighton have already dented their hopes, and tough away trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Etihad await next week.

The London giants travel to their neighbours' stomping ground without star midfielder Rice, while new signing Mikel Merino suffered a shoulder injury in his first training session with the club, with his return date confirmed as late October.

Meanwhile, Odegaard reportedly sprained his ankle in a collision against Austria for Norway on Monday night, with the Norwegian manager providing an update on the incident, saying 'it didn't look good'. The playmaker may now also miss the trip to Tottenham.

Calafiori has returned to Arsenal's training ground to undergo examinations after suffering a freak injury during Italy's 3-1 win over France. As a result of all these setbacks, the Gunners' squad looks thin ahead of the derby, with their midfield particularly light on options.

Gillet has been appointed referee for the game, with Atwell on VAR, news that Arsenal correspondent Watts believes rubs salt in the wounds:

Arsenal travel to Bergamo to face Atalanta after their journey east of Islington, just three days before the momentous clash with Manchester City.

Vieira Loan Has no Buy Option

The midfielder has gone to Porto for the season

While Arsenal are potentially facing a North London derby without Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard, the club did allow midfielder Fabio Vieira to join Porto on loan for the season, a player they could perhaps do with at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Portuguese was granted the opportunity to develop in his home nation, re-signing for the club he initially arrived at the Emirates from.

While the temporary stint could look to have spelled the end for Vieira at Arsenal, it's said that his future is in fact not over. Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the loan deal does not include an option to buy, and that the 24-year-old could be in Arteta's plans next season.

Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri could come into the first-team over the next few months as Gunners fans sweat on the fitness of club captain Martin Odegaard, after he picked up an injury on international duty - but GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed that the youngster won't be thrust into the side to take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday with the Gunners undergoing a short-term availability crisis.

It's a huge game in north London as the Gunners look to keep the pace with Premier League title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, especially after dropping points at home to Brighton and Hove Albion before the break - but Nwaneri won't be brought in thanks to his age and inexperience away at their local rivals.

Arsenal Injuries Have Given Arteta Selection Headache

Martin Odegaard is the latest casualty for Arsenal

Odegaard was injured in Norway's game against Austria in the Nations League on Monday, and that has thrown questions into the mix over who will replace the creative midfielder.

Declan Rice and Mikel Merino thanks to injury and suspension, and so Mikel Arteta is already looking at what could be a second-string midfield against their bitter rivals - which could push Nwaneri onto the bench at a minimum.

Sources: Nwaneri Won't Start vs Tottenham

The midfielder won't be thrown in the deep end

GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed that Nwaneri is considered as unlikely to get his full Premier League debut in the north London derby over the weekend, despite an injury to Odegaard in the international break. There is incredible belief in the youngster long-term, but the immediate hunch is that the crunch clash against rivals Tottenham is not going to result in his first start for the Gunners.

It is likely that in a bid to work around Odegaard's injury, Arteta will start Jorginho and Thomas Partey as the double pivot in midfield - thanks to Merino's two-month injury and Rice being suspended after being sent off against Brighton before the international break - whilst Kai Havertz will likely take up the creative role behind the striker.

Spanish boss Arteta is open to using new signing Raheem Sterling in the striker role, with Gabriel Jesus also in contention - though there is the feeling that he may come off the bench instead.

Nwaneri will be eased into the first-team ranks this season, and he will start soon in the EFL Cup clash against Bolton Wanderers - though he has only played 14 minutes of Premier League football in his entire career, and throwing him into the deep end from the start in one of the biggest games of the league campaign is unlikely, with Arteta unlikely to act in such a manner typically.

Nwaneri Should Recieve Minutes This Season

The England youth international is highly thought of

Nwaneri is a huge talent at Hale End and could join the likes of Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe in becoming vital components of Arteta's side in the near future - but there his minutes will be managed so that he is eased into the team and his development is not stunted.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Ethan Nwaneri scored 15 goals in 28 games for England's under-17 team

Nwaneri, born in Enfield, made history back in September 2022 when he became the youngest player to feature in the Premier League aged 15 years old and 181 days old - beating the all-time English top-flight record held by Sunderland's Derek Foster back in 1964.

He hasn't featured much since, only coming on in the 6-0 drubbing of West Ham United back last season, but at the age of just 17 he is more likely to garner minutes throughout the season.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has been urged to leave the club "before it goes wrong" by presenter Mark Goldbridge if he wants to maintain his reputation.

The Australian tactician has made an impressive start to life in north London since taking over in June 2023, winning fans over with his attacking philosophy and possession-based approach.

However, despite a promising start and an unbeaten ten-match run that saw Tottenham top the Premier League table in October last year, things have not been as smooth as Spurs squandered another top-four finish and only won 12 of their remaining 28 top-flight games.

Fans have started to question Spurs’ chances under Postecoglou since their form dipped last autumn, and doubts have already surfaced about whether the Australian will see out another season in north London, given Daniel Levy’s unpredictability when hiring and firing managers, including Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, and Mauricio Pochettino.

Ange Tipped to Leave Spurs

If he wants to maintain his reputation

Goldbridge, speaking on the That’s Football podcast, suggested Postecoglou, who signed a deal worth £5million-per-year until 2027, should consider departing Spurs if he wants to avoid a scenario similar to his predecessors:

“I feel that, in a way, is there not a statement that if Ange wants to maintain his reputation, he’d be better off getting out of Spurs before it goes wrong.”

Tottenham’s unbeaten run last season earned Postecoglou three Manager of the Month awards – under his guidance, Spurs collected 23 points from their first nine games, a record for any Premier League manager.

However, the start to his second campaign has been less impressive, with Spurs collecting just four points from their opening three matches, sitting in 10th place before the North London derby on Sunday.

Postecoglou admitted he was ‘very disappointed’ with his team’s efforts in a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle just before the international break. Despite dominating possession, Tottenham were toothless in front of goal without their club-record signing Dominic Solanke, who missed the last two games due to an ankle injury after a £65million move from Bournemouth in the summer.

It remains unclear at this stage whether Solanke will be fit to face Arsenal in a crucial match for the Lilywhites, who are looking to bounce back after an uninspiring start to Postecoglou’s second season. Tottenham now face a challenging run of four matches in September, with clashes against Arsenal, Brentford and Manchester United on the horizon.

Galatasaray Eye Ben Davies

‘Test waters’ for the 31-year-old

Galatasaray are reportedly eyeing a late move for Tottenham defender Ben Davies, who has less than 12 months remaining on his current agreement in north London.

Reports in Turkey claim the Super Lig giants are now ‘testing the waters’ to see if the Welsh centre-back would be available ahead of the September 13 transfer deadline as they look to bolster their defence with another arrival from north London.

With former Tottenham ace Davinson Sanchez already in Galatasaray’s rotation, Davies could soon link up with the Cameroonian again, 12 months after Sanchez’s departure to Turkey. But it remains to be seen if Spurs would be open to letting him leave with the transfer window closed, since the experienced defender can play at both left-back and centre-back.

Manchester United and Tottenham target Patrick Dorgu has been criticised in Danish media for an 'anonymous' cameo display for Denmark against Serbia in the Nations League on Sunday night.

Morten Wieghorst's side ran out 2-0 winners in Copenhagen, a result that sees the Danes cement their place at the top of their Nations League group, above European Champions Spain. A neat finish from Albert Gronbaek opened the scoring in the first half, before a spectacular acrobatic effort from Yussuf Poulsen put the game beyond Serbia and secured all three points.

Dorgu, who was being eyed by Tottenham late in the transfer window and has also been liked with Chelsea, replaced Christian Eriksen in the 68th minute, and struggled to impact proceedings in the final 20 minutes. The 19-year-old was making just his second international cap, having scored on his debut against Switzerland last Thursday.

Dorgu Struggles for Denmark

The full-back was a target for Spurs and United

Developing through FC Nordsjaelland's academy, Dorgu completed a switch to Italian side Lecce in 2022 at the age of just 17. The youngster enjoyed his breakout campaign in senior football last year, making 34 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice, as the Southern Italian side secured their Serie A status comfortably.

This impressive campaign from the Copenhagen-born man, who can be deployed as a full-back or in midfield, prompted interest from a host of clubs and saw him described as "absolutely absurd" among other things. Spurs were said to have identified the player as a deputy for first choice Destiny Udogie, while United envisaged him providing cover and competition for the perennially injured duo of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

While Lecce's excessive asking price is understood to have deterred suitors, a future move for the starlet cannot be ruled out. However, Dorgu produced an uninspiring cameo for his national team on Sunday night, just days after scoring on his debut for the Red-Whites.

Writing in their player ratings, Danish publication Ekstra Bladet attributed the versatile teenager with a three out of ten:

"While he was the big hero the other day, Sunday's entry was more anonymous. Made a couple of goal errors and had a shot well over the target. "

Dorgu completed just six passes in his 22 minutes on the pitch, while contributing little defensively, making no tackles and winning just two ground duels.

Manchester United Looking to Sign Rabiot

The midfielder is available for free

While Dorgu won't be heading to Old Trafford, with the transfer window slammed shut, the Red Devils could still dip into the market for one final addition. United are set to enter talks to sign free agent Adrien Rabiot, who is available for nothing after rejecting a contract prospoal from Juventus earlier this summer.

The Frenchman is yet to find a new club, likely deterring suitors due to his hefty wage demands, but could now be set to join the north-west club as they look to bolster their weak midfield cohort. According to reports in France, Rabiot is looking for in the region of £162,000 a week.

However Manchester United aren't the only club interested, with Arsenal have been offered his services recently while Newcastle are also said to be in the mix for his signature.

Arsenal have received a major boost ahead of Sunday's North London derby, with striker Gabriel Jesus passed as fit for the game, while Takehiro Tomiyasu is also said to have made 'excellent progress' on his road to recovery.

The Gunners head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium off the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw with Brighton, a game overshadowed by a controversial red card for Declan Rice. The English midfielder is now suspended for the showdown with the London giants' fierce rivals, while Mikel Arteta will also be without Mikel Merino, who is out of action until late October, after breaking his arm in his first training session.

While Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori are also doubts, Jesus is now set to return and is in contention to start the game. The Brazilian missed Arsenal's last two fixtures with a groin issue, but has stepped up his recovery plan over the international break and is likely to feature in some capacity on the weekend.

Gabriel Jesus Fit for Derby

The Striker has had persistent injury issues

With Arsenal expected to compete with Manchester City for the Premier League title once again, and the Citizens likely to amass over 90 points, the margin for error in regard to dropping points is slim. Having let two points slip at home to Brighton, the pressure is on Arteta's side to return to London Colney from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with all three.

The Gunners may be without captain Odegaard, as well as Rice and Merino, as the Norwegian playmaker was pictured on crutches as he boarded a plane to take him to London for an MRI scan. The creative midfielder collided with Christoph Baumgartner during Norway's clash with Austria on Monday night, in what looked like a sprained ankle incident.

While Calafiori has also returned to London after suffering a freak injury for Italy, and may not feature on Sunday, the potential return of Jesus is a huge boost for Arteta's side. Writing on X, the Hand of Ozil revealed that the striker will be available to play against Spurs, while Tomiyasu is making progress after suffering from a knee problem:

Jesus netted in his first North London derby back in October 2022, in a 3-1 Arsenal win, and Arteta will be hoping he can cause similar problems to Ange Postecoglou's back-line, featuring in an attack that could include debutant Raheem Sterling.

Jesus has been a regular in the team when he has been fit since joining from Man City, penning a long-term deal worth around £265,000-per-week at the Emirates

Key Match Incidents Panel Reveals Verdict on Rice Red

They insist the decision was correct

With Arsenal's game at the Emirates against Brighton poised at 1-0 to the home team, official Chris Kavanagh opted to dismiss Rice from the pitch for delaying the restart. While many felt the decision was harsh and demonstrated a lack of consistency in conjunction with similar incidents, the Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel have insisted that the correct decision was made in the moment.

The panel, which consists of three former players or coaches, a single representative from the Premier League and one from the Professional Game Match Officials Board, say the decision represented an accurate implementation of the law and were unanimous in their thought process.

It was the first red card of Rice's Arsenal career and he will miss the clash with Tottenham as a result, but should be well rested ahead of the Champions League clash with Atalanta on Thursday before the Gunners host Man City the following weekend.

Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski produced an impressive performance for Sweden in their Nations League win over Estonia last night, with Swedish media praising his ability to take the creative mantle in Jon Dahl Tomasson's team.

Sweden ran out comfortable winners against their Northern European neighbours, with a brace from in-form Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres and a poacher's finish from Newcastle's Alexander Isak seeing off Estonia. Kulusevski ran the show, creating five chances for his teammates, as well as registering an assist for Gyokeres' second goal.

The former Juventus man's creative assets have been highlighted in the Scandinavian nation's press, with his ability to provide for the two prolific strikers ahead of him deemed essential to Tomasson's outfit. The result sees the Swedes sit top of their group in the third tier of the Nations League, having eased past Azerbaijan in Baku on Thursday night.

Swedish Media Full of Praise for Kulusevski

The Spurs man will be looking to replicate this form in the Premier League

Joining Tottenham from Juventus for a total of €45 million in 2022, Kulusevski has produced mixed displays thus far in a Lilywhites shirt, although he enjoyed a productive 2023/24 campaign, netting eight league goals in 36 appearances. Frustration has grown around this inconsistency, although Ange Postecoglou has opted to retain faith in the 24-year-old, starting him in two of the North London side's opening three games of the new season.

Thriving as a number ten behind two mobile strikers for Sweden last night, Postecoglou could draw on the way the Blue and Yellow utilise Kulusevski, with these performances provoking positive feedback from several Swedish publications.

Outlet Sport Bladet gave the player plaudits, writing in their report of the encounter with Estonia:

"The team captain tunneled, spliced ​​and had a show for large parts of the first half. (He) was extremely important for Sweden as always and was extremely close to getting on the score sheet."

Meanwhile, Svenska Fans awarded Kulusevski with a rating of three out of five, describing him as the 'big creator':

"(Kulusevski) threatens, dribbles, passes and runs. Has taken over as the big creator and against a team like Estonia, he sometimes has a playhouse."

The wide man accumulated 0.49 expected assists, took six shots and managed 101 touches in an accomplished performance in front of a boisterous crowd in Stockholm. The appearance takes his cap tally to 41 in a Sweden shirt, scoring three goals for his nation.

Former Spurs Player Shines for Denmark

Hojbjerg showed Tottenham what they're missing

Another player affiliated with Tottenham earned rave reviews for a Nations League performance last night, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg lighting up Copenhagen with an impressive display in Denmark's 2-0 victory over Serbia, the Scandinavian nation's second consecutive win in the competition. The Marseille midfielder made over 100 passes throughout the game and made seven tackles in what was an imperious outing for his country.

Hojbjerg joined Marseille this summer in an initial loan deal which includes an option to buy. While Spurs were keen to move the Dane on, he demonstrated what Postecoglou's side may be missing with an exceptional display for the Red-White last night.