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Mikel Arteta is in no doubt over Arsenal's ability to bounce back from a dreadful run in the Premier League, starting off against Burnley on Sunday.

Arsenal have won just two of their past seven Premier League matches, losing three of the previous four.

Their most recent defeat came against north London rivals Tottenham, with Son Heung-min and Harry Kane sending Jose Mourinho's side back to the top of the table and condemning Arteta to his second derby loss as Arsenal boss.

The Gunners now start a run of six games in the space of 17 days across all competitions, including an EFL Cup quarter-final against Arteta's former club Manchester City just before Christmas.

Burnley visit Emirates Stadium on Sunday, but Arsenal at least head into that clash on the back of a 4-2 Europa League triumph over Dundalk.

Arsenal triumphed in all of their group matches and have won six consecutive major European games (excluding qualifiers) for the first time since November 2005, and are the only team with a 100 per cent record in either the Europa League or Champions League this season.

"I have zero doubts about how the boys are going to respond, how hard we're going to try and how involved everybody is going to be in trying to support the team," said Arteta in his post-match news conference.

"We have to prove it and get the three points."

Arteta's side have struggled for goals in the Premier League, scoring just 10 in total, though his squad rotation in Europe has yielded much better results.

Arsenal scored 20 times in total in Group B, conceding just five at the other end, and Arteta suggested his fringe players would now be handed a chance to impress on the domestic stage.

"Now we have to forget about the Europa League until February and focus on the Premier League, EFL Cup and FA Cup when it starts," he added.

"We have a larger squad, we have players back from injury, so we will have the opportunity to pick who is better in the moment.

"It gives us more options in the Premier League to focus and get the results we need. We need to start winning football matches immediately. We cannot sustain the results we’ve had in the last six or eight weeks, that has to start on Sunday."

Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring in Ireland on Thursday, becoming Arsenal's leading goalscorer in all competitions this season in the process, with five.

Arsenal have won all 11 games in which Nketiah has found the back of the net, with the young forward scoring 12 times in total, and Arteta confirmed the youngster will get his chance in the Premier League.

"He has the possibility to start," Arteta said. "He is a goal threat and he is always very close in his actions around the box.

"He's got the hunger, he's only satisfied when he scores and he's what we need now so he is an option for sure."

Nketiah made way for Folarin Balogun just after the hour, with the youngster, who is out of contract next year, providing an assist for Joe Willock before helping himself to a goal late on.

Asked for an update on Balogun's contract talks, Arteta said: "We're having some discussions with the player. He knows that we want to retain him at the club.

"The length of his contract at the moment is an issue but he knows that we want him to stay. He said to me that he wants to stay at the club so hopefully we can reach an agreement."

Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi featured as Leicester City secure a 2-0 victory over AEK Athens to secure a place in the knockout stages of Europa League on Thursday night.

Iheanacho was afforded his sixth appearance in the European competition and spearheaded the Foxes attack.

The Super Eagles centre-forward gave a good account of himself in the encounter, although he could not add to his three goals in the tournament.

Nddi made his fifth appearance across all competitions for Brendan Rodgers’ men this season and helped them keep a clean sheet.

The 23-year-old midfielder only recently returned from a groin injury which kept him out of action since September.

Ndidi started in the midfield for Leicester along with Dennis Praet, Youri Tielemans, Cengiz Under and Harvey Barnes.

Cengiz Under put the Foxes in front as early as the 12th minute of the encounter, firing home a fine volley.

Barnes doubled the King Power Stadium outfit’s lead in the 25th minute which proved vital as it sealed the Foxes victory.

The second half continued in a similar fashion, with Leicester dominating proceedings but could not add to their lead.

The victory sealed the Premier League side’s place in the next round of the tournament after finishing top of Group G with 13 points from six games.

Ndidi featured for 63 minutes before he was replaced by Nampalys Mendy and made one tackle and three interceptions during the 61 times he had an opportunity to touch the ball.

Iheanacho, meanwhile, had 28 touches on the ball, struck one shot, made one key pass before making ways for Ayoze Perez in the 67th minute.

The centre-forward has now featured in 12 games across all competitions for Leicester City this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

The Nigeria international will be expected to be on parade again when Leicester take on Brighton & Hove Albion in their next outing on December 13.

Jose Mourinho admitted that Dele Alli is "not a happy player" after the Tottenham star left the bench during a Europa League win over Antwerp.

Tottenham secured top spot in Group J by earning a 2-0 home win over Antwerp on Thursday night.

Benfica loanee Carlos Vinicius opened the scoring just before the hour mark for the hosts when he tapped home from close range after Alireza Beiranvand spilled a brilliantly struck Gareth Bale free-kick.

Giovani Lo Celso doubled Spurs' advantage in the 71st minute, producing a cool finish after latching onto a perfectly weighted Harry Kane through ball in the opposition penalty area.

Mourinho's men held on for a victory which should ensure that they get a favourable draw in the Round of 32, but Alli endured another frustrating night on the sidelines.

Although Tottenham's head coach made full use of the five substitutions rule over the course of the match, he opted against handing the England international some much needed minutes on the continental stage.

Alli was seen storming down the tunnel after Mourinho made his final change, but he did return a short while later, with the Portuguese tactician ultimately unconcerned by his natural reaction.

"Let's not run away from reality," Mourinho told reporters of Alli post-match. "A player on the bench who realises all five subs have been used of course is not a happy player and I would not expect him to be happy."

Harry Winks also appeared to head to the changing rooms in a sulk after coming off for Tanguy Ndombele on 59 minutes, but Mourinho says he instructed the midfielder to go inside for warmth.

"I told him to go, I told every player that left the pitch to go because when the weather is cold I prefer they go to the dressing room and have a shower," he said. "I told them to go, some prefer to stay.

"Winks decided to go and I am happy with that because I am the one that told him to do it."

Mourinho added on his team's latest performance in Europe and the difficult juggling act he has on his hands with a large squad to choose from: "The game is open, when I thought about the changes the result was 0-0 then we scored a goal but that didn't change my mind.

"We needed a little bit more of routines which these players (Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Tanguy Ndombele) have, and the intensity. They had the intensity because they play week in week out. We managed to keep Antwerp away from our goal. Joe Hart didn't make a single save. 0-0 at half time - I thought in the second half with bit of intensity they will collapse.

"It was a great free kick from Gareth Bale and a striker smelling the second ball to score. The decision was made. Harry is Harry and Sonny is intense.

"I can't keep the [whole] squad happy. I believe they are happy because we are winning but they're not happy because they're not playing."

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard believes his Manchester United counterpart Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sometimes receives extra criticism because he is a former Red Devils player.

Solskjaer once again finds his position under scrutiny following a difficult week that saw United crash out of the Champions League after a 3-2 defeat to RB Leipzig, despite only needing a point from the game to qualify.

The Red Devils went into the game in buoyant mood having secured a fourth successive Premier League victory at West Ham last weekend to move up to sixth in the table.

However, their poor performance in Germany was typical of a side that has been dogged by inconsistency for much of the season, with performances fluctuating even within matches.

Each defeat brings with it further criticism for Solskjaer, with some suggesting he is not the man to take United forward.

Lampard can empathise with Solskjaer given he too manages a club he played for with distinction.

The former England international feels the Norwegian may be getting rougher treatment because of his status as a club legend, with critics believing that is the only reason he was given the job in the first place.

"We all have good times, bad times, this job is taxing and the last thing I’d want to do would be to make an opinion on Ole’s position – I think it’d be wrong," said Lampard.

"I suppose I can answer the question - when you’ve played for the club, I think people do look at it with a different viewpoint. I think in certain tough times it can be very casual and very easy just to refer back to the fact you were a player and that’s why you got the job.

"That can be used against you and all you do is try and work against that. Whether it’s myself, Ole, or anyone else in that position – it’s not just us two that have taken that path, there are other managers. That’s kind of just how I feel about it.

"But one thing you can’t do is complain about it – you just get on with your job and I’m sure that’s exactly what Ole is doing behind the scenes as I do every day here."

Ali Sowe bagged a brace but was not enough as CSKA Sofia lost 3-1 to AS Roma to crash out of the Europa League on Thursday night.

The Gambia international was handed a starting role in the encounter, pairing Senegal’s Younousse Sankhare in attack and delivered eye-catching performances.

Tiago Rodrigues opened the scoring for the Bulgarian club as early as the fifth minute after he was set up by Sankhare.

Tommaso Milanese levelled proceedings for the Italian club in the 22nd minute after receiving a fine assist from Borja Mayoral.

Moments after the half-hour mark, Sowe gave the Bulgarian Army Stadium outfit the lead, hitting his effort beyond the reach of goalkeeper Pietro Boer.

The 26-year-old then completed his brace in the 55th minute, firing a fine effort into the back of the net to claim all three points.

Sowe featured for 74 minutes before making ways for Ahmed Ahmedov in his 10th appearance in the tournament this season.

Besides his two goals, the attacker also made one key pass and had 67 per cent successful pass rate in the encounter.

The forward’s impressive contribution was, however, not enough to help Bruno Akrapovic’s men reach the knockout stages of the European competition.

CSKA Sofia finished at the bottom of Group A after managing to gather five points from six games while Roma and Young Boys advance in the group.

Sowe has been with the Bulgarian club since the summer of 2018 from Chievo initially on loan before the deal was made permanent following his satisfactory performances.

The forward racked up 14 goals in 30 appearances to help the Bulgarian Army Stadium outfit finish second in the league and secure Europa League ticket.

Sowe has scored 11 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions for CSKA Sofia in the 2020-21 season.

The forward will hope to continue his blistering performances when his side takes on Botev Vratsa in their next league game on December 13.

Frank Lampard says his Chelsea players must be careful not to take any risks with socialising during the holiday period as the United Kingdom remains under a partial lockdown due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Chelsea are planning for a busy December period in the Premier League with five games in 16 days as they sit just two points behind Tottenham and Liverpool in third place.

The Blues usually organise a Christmas meal, but they have gradually scaled back the traditional social events that clubs used to enjoy in another era of the sport.

Lampard admits that there will be even more responsibility placed on his players this year, with London coming under the UK Government's 'Tier 2' Covid-19 restrictions.

“I will possibly have those conversations," Lampard said about ensuring good behaviour from his players. "I’d better read up on the tier system - there are certain factual things about tiers that a lot of us have doubts about.

“I know the basics and the players should do by now and I will reiterate to them their responsibilities. I think the Christmas party thing of yesteryear has mellowed now anyway regardless.

"Players are so well followed now on social media now that some of the parties I might have been involved in are a thing of the past.

“On a serious note, I do think we have missed out a bit. We have new signings this year, a new fresh squad in a way. And we have missed the opportunity to go out to dinner together more often and it’s been one of the tough parts of Covid. But it’s the same for everybody.

“Responsibilities for players are big, as role models to the outside world, for their professional careers, to do the right thing, particularly when they are playing so frequently over Christmas. They have to live differently to the rest of the public potentially and focus. That’s a constant reminder but yes, I will have those conversations.”

The Premier League has dropped their winter break due to renewed pressures on the football calendar after it was successfully used in February last season.

The mid-season interval was brought in for the first time in 2020, with the top flight previously being the only major European league to play on throughout the winter period. However, Chelsea's new signings like Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Thiago Silva and Hakim Ziyech are all used to having a break in play.

"We’re constantly thinking about the workload because this season has looked like the Christmas schedule," Lampard added. "We’ve been playing every three days and been away internationally, so there is nothing new in that respect.

"It will be a different challenge for them mentally but if you sign up to come to the Premier League, the greatest league in the world, and play for Chelsea, you have to be ready for that mental challenge. At the moment I see a squad that is very focused going into this period."

The Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) has nominated former President Issa Hayatou as honorary President on Thursday.

Hayatou led the African football body from March 1988 to March 2017 before he was eventually defeated by suspended President Ahmad Ahmad who won 34 of the 54 total votes in the last election staged in Addis Ababa.

During his tenure as Caf boss, Hayatou pushed for South Africa to host the Fifa World Cup on African soil in 2010 - the first-time ever for an African nation, the increase of African spots in the global competition from two to five countries, amongst other achievements.

His nomination is expected to be confirmed during Caf's 42nd General Assembly in Egypt on Friday which will be headed by interim Caf President Constant Omari with Ahmad serving a five-year ban for unethical dealings.

“The Executive Committee decided to propose to the General Assembly of CAF to grant the status of Honorary President of CAF to Mr. Issa Hayatou, eminent personality of African Football for all of his work,” the statement read.

“This emeritus leader presided over the destinies of CAF for 30 years, from 1987 to 2017, and this distinction salutes his action in the service of the development of African football that he defended wherever it was needed.”

His sojourn in football administration started in Cameroon when he became the Secretary General of the Cameroonian Football Federation at the age of 28 and he later attained the presidency position in the FA.

On the continental scene, Hayatou's reign at Caf began when he succeeded Sudan's Abdel Halim Muhammad in 1988 and he was contesting his seventh re-election campaign when he lost to Madagascan administrator Ahmad in 2017.

The 74-year-old who headed Fifa in an acting capacity between October 2015 and February 2016 following Sepp Blatter's ban, is also an honorary member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

He contested for the post of Fifa President in 2002 but he was unable to beat incumbent Blatter in the 53rd Fifa Congress staged in South Korea.

David Turnbull scored his first Celtic goal as the Hoops overcame Lille 3-2 to end their Europa League campaign on a high note and ease some of the pressure on Neil Lennon.

A dismal run of form has piled the pressure on Celtic boss Lennon and, despite a spirited display from his youthful side, it looked as though they would be extending their winless run to six matches.

Timothy Weah's maiden Lille goal – a fantastic volley from just inside the area – had made it 2-2, cancelling out Callum McGregor's first-half penalty, which came at the end of a frenetic seven-minute flurry in which Christopher Jullien and Jonathan Ikone also netted.

Lille looked well placed to push on and seal a win which would have seen them top Group H when Weah, son of Liberia legend George, struck against his former club, yet Turnbull's neat finish in his first European appearance secured a hard-fought Celtic triumph.

Celtic had the lead after 21 minutes – Julien heading in from Turnbull's fantastic left-wing corner.

Yet their advantage lasted under three minutes, with Yusuf Yazici taking advantage of McGregor's mistake by squaring for Ikone to tuck in.

Domagoj Bradaric's clumsy tackle on birthday boy Jeremie Frimpong gifted Celtic the opportunity to restore their lead, though, as McGregor atoned for his error with a composed finish.

McGregor got lucky when he diverted Cheikh Niasse's cross off Conor Hazard's left-hand post, before Turnbull saw a close-range shot deflected wide at the other end.

But Lille had a second equaliser when Celtic failed to clear a free-kick and Weah lashed in on the volley.

Celtic did not let their heads drop, though, and Turnbull was on hand to sweep home from Kristoffer Ajer's cross with 15 minutes remaining – Isaac Lihadji subsequently squandering a golden chance to snatch a point for Lille.

What does it mean? Lille miss out on top spot, Hoops avoid club-low

Celtic, who avoided losing a fourth straight home match in continental competition for the first time, finish bottom of Group H, but with four points – one more than their lowest tally in a European group.

Lille, meanwhile, have to settle for second place, with Milan having overcome Sparta Prague 1-0 to clinch top spot, and potentially an easier draw in the knockout stage.

Turnbull turns on the style

Former Motherwell midfielder Turnbull had stayed on the bench for all five of Celtic’s Europa League matches before Thursday’s clash, but he gave Lennon plenty of food for thought with a superb performance.

Playing in a free role off the striker, Turnbull had four attempts in total and created a joint team-high three chances.

Birthday blues for injured Frimpong

It was a 20th birthday spent in the wars for the versatile Frimpong. After clattering into the hoardings early on and taking a nasty blow to the head, he had to be withdrawn after sustaining an injury while drawing the foul which led to Celtic's penalty.

In his 30 minutes on the pitch, Frimpong had 12 touches, attempted five passes and lost possession six times.

What's next?

Celtic take on Kilmarnock as they aim to get their domestic form back on track, while Lille host Bordeaux in Ligue 1.

Milan secured top spot in Europa League Group H with a 1-0 victory at Sparta Prague on Thursday.

A first-half strike from Jens Petter Hauge sealed all three points for a much-altered Rossoneri, who fielded four players born after January 1, 2000 for the first time.

Despite making seven changes to the team that beat Celtic on matchday five, Stefano Pioli's men still made fairly light work of Sparta, who have now gone eight games without a win over Milan in European competition.

A red card for Dominik Plechaty left Sparta with too much to do, with Milan progressing as group winners after Lille's surprise defeat at Celtic.

Hauge opened the scoring in fine fashion 23 minutes in, nutmegging Tomas Wiesner before placing a precise low finish beyond the reach of goalkeeper Milan Heca.

Samu Castillejo was denied a second Milan goal by Heca shortly before the break as the Rossoneri sought to take control.

Sparta threatened little until David Moberg Karlsson's arrival 65 minutes in, the Swede producing a tantalising cross that just evaded the men in red shirts after a bamboozling run.

Once Plecharty was sent off with 13 minutes of normal time left for a poor challenge on Rafael Leao, the contest was effectively over, although Ciprian Tatarusanu had to make a fine one-handed stop to deny Karlsson an injury-time equaliser.

What does it mean? Milan season goes from strength to strength

Despite resting many of his first-team regulars, Pioli was still able to enjoy a victory that sends Milan through as group winners.

The fact they are seeded means a more favourable draw for the last 32 becomes probable and that would boost their hopes of maintaining a domestic challenge for a Champions League return or, perhaps, the Serie A title.

As for Sparta, their European adventure is over for another season.

Young guns impress

This was a positive outing for Milan's up-and-coming stars such as Daniel Maldini, Lorenzo Colombo and Pierre Kalulu.

Defender Kalulu looked particularly composed on his full debut, completing more passes (46) and interceptions (four) than any other Milan player.

Mindless from Plecharty

Plecharty had been leading the way for Sparta in tackles (three), clearances (two), interceptions (two) and possession gained (nine), but spoiled his efforts with a needless and dangerous tackle on the counter-attacking Leao.

What's next?

Milan host Parma in Serie A on Sunday, when Sparta are also in domestic action against Slovacko.

Tottenham sealed top spot in Europa League Group J as second-half goals from Carlos Vinicius and Giovani Lo Celso helped Jose Mourinho's side to a 2-0 win over Royal Antwerp on Thursday.

Premier League leaders Spurs lost the reverse fixture 1-0 in October - their only group defeat - and needed a win in front of their 2,000 fans to usurp Antwerp, who had also already booked a last-32 spot.

The visitors more than held their own in a first half devoid of any real action but Vinicius tapped in with 56 minutes played after Gareth Bale's sublime free-kick hit the post and landed at the Brazilian forward's feet.

Son Heung-min and Harry Kane were introduced at that point and the latter played in Lo Celso for the second to ensure Tottenham will be among the seeded sides for Monday's draw.

Alireza Beiranvand kept out long-range efforts from Vinicius and Lo Celso, either side of Cristian Benavente's angled shot being blocked by Davinson Sanchez.

Visiting keeper Beiranvand was called into action again late in a balanced first half as he closed the angle to deny Vinicius after the forward was played in by Lucas Moura.

But the half-time introduction of Steven Bergwijn for Sergio Reguilon and a switch to a four-man defence gave Tottenham more control and they were soon in front.

Bale's dipping free-kick from more than 30 yards out was pushed onto the post by Beiranvand and Vinicius reacted quickest to the loose ball.

Substitutes Son and Kane went close to doubling Tottenham's tally but there was to be no denying Lo Celso, who took Kane's pass in his stride and calmly picked out the bottom-left corner with an outside-of-the-boot finish.

That was the 27th goal Kane has been directly involved in for Tottenham this season - more than he recorded in 34 games in 2019-20 - and he would have added another goal to his collection had he not slipped when shooting late on.

What does it mean? Spurs avenge Belgian beating

Mourinho made four half-time changes in the reverse meeting as his side produced their sloppiest display of the campaign.

It was somewhat ironic, then, that the introduction of Bergwijn midway through - one of those hooked six weeks ago - helped turn the game in Tottenham's favour today.

The performance may not have been pretty, with Spurs seeing just 44 per cent of the ball, but they picked up the win they needed to overtake Antwerp into top spot.

Vini-three-us

The back-up striker has had to largely settle for appearances in the Europa League since arriving in the close season but he is slowly making his mark.

His strike today, from one of three shots on target, makes it three goals and three assists in his first three appearances in the competition at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

No room for Alli

Like Vinicius, Dele Alli has also had to do his talking in the cup competitions but he was left out of Tottenham's starting XI here despite Mourinho making nine changes.

Mourinho made all five of his subs with 22 minutes still to play and a frustrated Alli headed for the tunnel at that point.

Spurs certainly did not lack in terms of creativity in Alli's absence during a far improved second-half showing, getting six shots on target and scoring from two of them.

Key Opta facts:

- Spurs have recorded six consecutive home wins in all competitions for the first time since December 2018.

- Tottenham's Harry Kane has 13 assists in all competitions this season, the most of any player within Europe’s top-five leagues – three ahead of Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne with 10.

- Jose Mourinho has won 18 of his last 19 home matches in games played on a Thursday (D1), winning all five with Tottenham.

- Spurs have won 15 of their 18 home UEFA Europa League group stage matches (D2 L1).
 

What's next?

Tottenham return to Premier League action with a trip to London rivals Crystal Palace on Sunday, the same day that Antwerp host Club Brugge in the Belgian First Division A.

Leicester City sealed top spot in Europa League Group G as goals from Cengiz Under and Harvey Barnes led Brendan Rodgers' side to a routine 2-0 win over AEK Athens on Thursday. 

Leicester missed the chance to confirm first place when they lost to Zorya Luhansk last week, but the Foxes never looked in danger of squandering a second opportunity as they opened up an unassailable two-goal lead after 14 minutes at the King Power Stadium. 

Under put Leicester ahead with his first goal following a loan move from Serie A outfit Roma before Barnes' sixth goal of the season doubled the hosts' advantage soon after.

The result meant Leicester finished level on 13 points with Braga, but won the group courtesy of their better head-to-head record against the Portuguese side, while AEK ended bottom with just three points.

Despite making seven changes from the weekend win over Sheffield United, Leicester wasted little time stamping their authority on the game.

Under set the tone for Leicester in the 12th with a sumptuous volley from 15 yards after Stratos Svarnas had horribly sliced Youri Tielemans' cross into his path. 

Barnes added a second just two minutes later – the winger cutting in from the left and beating Panagiotis Tsintotas with a strike that took a significant deflection off Ionut Nedelcearu.

Barnes flashed wide after another impressive run, while Dennis Praet prodded wide from a corner as Leicester continued their domination in the second period. 

Leicester substitute Ayoze Perez was denied a third by Tsintotas, but it mattered little as the hosts wrapped up their Europa League group campaign with minimal fuss. 

What does it mean? Foxes in cruise control

With qualification for the knockout stages secure, Rodgers shuffled his pack for the visit of AEK and his new-look starting XI did not let him down.

They had 16 shots to AEK's three and enjoyed a whopping 68.9 per cent of possession in what was a dominant win.

Barnes adds to glowing reputation

It is hardly surprising that Barnes is attracting the attention of the Premier League's biggest sides. The 23-year-old was too hot to handle for AEK, taking four shots – scoring with one – making two key passes and generally running the defence ragged.

Iheanacho squanders opportunity to shine

Kelechi Iheanacho did little to suggest he deserves a place in Rodgers' best XI, the Nigerian having just one shot and winning only one of his six duels before he was replaced by Perez in the 67th minute.

What's next?

Leicester return to domestic action on Sunday, with the Foxes hosting Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta has demanded Arsenal transfer their Europa League form into the Premier League, where he says his side need to start winning matches “immediately”.

Goals from Eddie Nketiah, Mohamed Elneny, Joe Willock and Folarin Balogun helped the Gunners ease past Irish side Dundalk 4-2 in Dublin on Thursday to finish top of Group B with a 100 per cent record - the first time they have won six successive European matches since 2005.

That fine European form is in sharp contrast to their domestic struggles, where the club have lost six out of their last nine matches to slump to 15th in the table.

With the Europa League now finished with until February, Arsenal can focus all their attention on domestic competition, with Arteta stressing the urgent need to pick up positive results, starting with Sunday’s home match against Burnley.

“At the end of the day we need to start winning football matches immediately,” he said.

“We cannot sustain the results we had in the last six to eight weeks and that has to be immediately and we know that has to start on Sunday.

“Now we have to forget about the Europa League till February and focus on the Premier League strongly, and the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup when it restarts in January.

“And now we need everybody on board. Obviously we have a large squad and we have a lot of players back from injury so we will have the opportunity to pick who is better in the moment to still rotate some players, but that gives us more options in the Premier League as well to focus there and to get the results that we need.”

Arteta also reiterated Balogun’s desire to stay at Emirates Stadium.

The 19-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and had looked set to leave last summer after talks over a new deal broke down.

However, negotiations have now resumed and Arteta says the teenager wants to remain in north London.

"We’re having some discussions with the player, he knows we want to retain him at the club," said the Spaniard. "We know that the length of his contract at the moment is an issue, but we’re trying to resolve it in the best possible way.

"We want him to stay he said to me he wants to stay at the club, so hopefully we can reach an agreement and extend his contract."

Leon Balogun, Joe Aribo and Bongani Zungu featured as Rangers secure a 2-0 win over Lech Poznan in Thursday’s Europa League game.  

Balogun was handed his fifth appearance in the European competition since teaming up with the side in the summer after leaving Wigan Athletic.

The centre-back formed a four-man team for the Gers along with Borna Barisic, Connor Goldson and Nathan Patterson and delivered solid defensive performances to help Rangers keep a clean sheet.

Aribo, meanwhile, was afforded his second start in five games in the tournament, starring in the midfield along with Ianis Hagi and Scott Arfield and gave a good account of himself.

Cedric Itten opened the scoring for Steven Gerrard’s men in the 31st minute, firing home his effort past goalkeeper Filip Bednarek.

Hagi then sealed the Gers’ victory in the 71st minute, with a fine strike after benefitting from Barisic's assist. 

Balogun featured for 80 minutes in the encounter and had 47 touches on the ball, made one interception and three clearances before he was replaced by Calvin Bassey.

The Super Eagles defender has now made 13 appearances across all competitions for Rangers in the 2020-21 campaign.

Aribo on his part was on parade for the duration of the game, struck one shot, had 57 touches on the ball and made 80 per cent successful pass rate.

Zungu played for 76 minutes, had 60 touches on the ball, won two tackles, made two interceptions and two clearances before making ways for Brandon Barker.

The victory ensured Rangers top Group D with 14 points from six games to seal a place in the next round of the European competition.

The African stars will be expected to continue their contribution to Rangers when they take on Dundee United in their next league game on December 13. 

The Gers are currently on top of the Scottish Premiership table after gathering 44 points from 16 games.

They finished as runner-up behind champions Celtic last season and are looking to clinch the highly coveted trophy this term.  

West Ham United defender Arthur Masuaku has seemingly ruled himself out of Friday's Premier League match against Leeds United after having a knee surgery.

Earlier on Thursday, David Moyes did not give any news about Masuaku's condition but he confirmed Michail Antonio will miss their visit to Elland Road due to a hamstring injury.

Masuaku played the entire duration of last Saturday's Premier League match against Manchester United which ended in a 3-1 loss.

In his social media post which was later deleted, the DR Congolese star stated that the knee problem has been affecting him for nearly two years.

Although no timescale has been given for his return to action, the former Olympiacos defender expressed his readiness to support the Hammers from the sidelines.

“Hi everyone, I hope you are all good. Today I’m having a knee surgery to help me remove the pain that’s been bothering me for nearly two years now,” Masuaku wrote on Instagram before deleting.

“It’s been a very difficult decision to make but for my good being and the rest of my career I have to make it.

“I’ll be giving updates here through my recovery and will see you soon again on the field. I wish my teammates/brothers the very best.”

The 27-year-old has been a crucial fixture in Moyes' squad this campaign with his fine performances in the left-back position.

Masuaku's absence might create a vacuum in West Ham's defence having started all but one of West Ham’s Premier League matches so far this campaign.

With a record of five wins and two draws from11 matches, the Hammers are placed eighth in the league table with 17 points and victory over Leeds United would stretch their dominance over Marcelo Bielsa's side who occupy the 14th spot with 14 points.

Marcelo Flores has outlined his ambition to become an Arsenal legend while revealing the influence of Bukayo Saka and Per Mertesacker on his career so far.

Flores signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in October, having enjoyed a rapid rise through the club's academy ranks at Meadow Park following his move from Ipswich Town in 2019.

The 17-year-old, who has scored three goals in his first 12 outings for the Gunners' U18s, was invited to train with the senior squad in pre-season, and he is now hoping to build on that platform by making a big impact at Emirates Stadium in the near future.

“It was like a dream training with the first team, I couldn't believe everything that was happening," Flores told Goal.

"After training, it went well for me, I went out to play as normal. I am delighted, enjoying all the moments that I am living.

"Right now I don't know (when I will debut), let's see how things turn out. I want to play and become a club legend."

The Mexican teenager went on to credit Arsenal and England winger Saka for playing a key role in his development over the past year.

"I see Bukayo, he is a very good role model for me. He is the best person to talk to, we text and we talk a lot," he said.

"He worked very hard to get where he is. He gives me advice and shares his own experiences so I'm ready for whatever is coming”.

Flores also expressed his gratitude towards Arsenal academy director Per Mertesacker, as he added: “He is a very good friend, he helped me enormously.

"I am grateful to him because he believed in my abilities, he gave me a lot to be what I am now."

The former Ipswich starlet wants to break into Mexico's set-up as he progresses at Arsenal, and has already received positive feedback from those in charge of the national team with regards to stepping up to the international stage.

“I haven't heard anything yet. But I am working hard for that call and live that experience," said Flores.

"A couple of people from the Mexican Football Federation have called me and told me to keep working, and something good will come soon".

Quizzed on the similarities that have been drawn between him and former Mexico striker Carlos Vela, the talented young forward responded: “They still remember Vela, but they never made the comparisons to me before.

"He is a great player and I love seeing him, but we're different. [My favourite position] is the No. 10 behind the strikers, although I don't mind doing it as a winger to be in one-on-one situations."

John Obi Mikel is still a doubt for Stoke City's Championship trip to Derby County, according to manager Michael O'Neill.

The Nigeria international is yet to recover from a calf injury he picked up since the Potters' goalless draw against Sheffield Wednesday on November 28.

Having played 14 matches in the English second-tier in this campaign, Mikel missed his third straight game on Wednesday as Stoke City suffered a 2-1 loss to Cardiff City.

O'Neill's side dropped to eighth in the Championship table after the defeat, however, the former Chelsea midfielder still needs to wait for his return to action and might miss the trip to Pride Park Stadium on Saturday.

"We will wait to see on Tyrese. Jacob collided with an advertising hoarding and felt his shoulder,” O’Neill told the club website.

“Jacob had probably run his race. He gave us so much on Saturday (1-0 win against Middlesbrough) and also against Cardiff.

"We are hopeful, without being definitive, about Fletcher and Jordan, but the Derby game might come too soon for John Obi Mikel. I don’t think any of the other injured players will be available.”

Mikel moved to the bet365 Stadium on a free transfer after leaving Turkish club Trabzonspor in the wake of the coronavirus crisis in June.

The former Nigeria captain has made himself a key player for O'Neill's team since he returned to England and he was appointed as stand-in captain back in October following injuries to Ryan Shawcross and Joe Allen.

In addition to the worrying team update, Stoke City will be without James McClean after the Irish midfielder picked up his fifth yellow card of the season on Wednesday, and he will consequently serve a one-match ban.

Wes Brown has expressed his belief that Manchester United can finish above Manchester City and win the Premier League this season.

United find themselves in a strong position in the top flight heading into Christmas period, despite having flattered to deceive with a string of unconvincing performances.

A 3-1 win away at West Ham last week epitomised all that has been good and bad about the Red Devils in recent months, with a stunning attacking display in the second period ultimately making up for a terrible first-half showing.

That result saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side rise to sixth in the standings with a game in hand on all five teams above them, but a disappointing Champions League defeat at the hands of RB Leipzig on Tuesday brought them crashing back down to earth.

United will be looking to bounce back from an early European exit when they take on City in the Manchester derby on Saturday, with the Sky Blues currently sitting just a point behind their local rivals in the table having played the same number of fixtures.

Brown is optimistic that his old club can get one over on City come the end of the season, and has also backed them to silence their critics by going onto lift the Premier League trophy for the first time since 2012-13 - providing they can put together a consistent run of form at home.

“The way the season has gone so far, I think Man United could finish above Man City. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still going to be tough, and there are probably six – not Arsenal – teams in there that’ll be fighting for the title," the former Red Devils defender told Ladbrokes.

“I don’t see why United can’t finish above City and win the league, just based on how the season has gone so far.

“United came top four last season when nobody thought they would, so sometimes you have to give them credit where it’s due.

“More consistency in the Premier League is all I’d ask for – at home, especially. Put together a six or seven-game run at Old Trafford and I don’t think anyone can have any questions about whether or not you’re genuine title contenders.”

Speculation over Solskjaer's position at the Theatre of Dreams has been raging in the wake of United's Champions League failure, but Brown is still certain his ex-team-mate is the right man to take the club forward.

“He’ll always get stick in the media, but he knows what he’s doing. He’s doing his thing, he’s getting the players playing the way he wants them to," he added.

“He’s trying to build a really strong squad, because you need exactly that in this league with so many competitions you’re playing in.

“Ole gets a lot of criticism, but that’s Manchester United for you. If you do get beat, you’re going to get stick, and if you win, you’re going to get praise.

“Ole understands the club. He’s been a manager for a while now and he knows where he wants to put the club, back where it belongs. We all understand that doesn’t just happen overnight."

Hakim Ziyech walking off the pitch vs Leeds United last Saturday was a particularly worrying sight for many Chelsea supporters.

Clutching his hamstring as he trod off the Stamford Bridge turf moments after playing a role in Olivier Giroud’s equalizer, the average fan understandably feared the worst. Injuries of that nature usually put you out for a few weeks at least or a couple of months, in the case of a tear, so the fact the Morocco playmaker pulled up with the Blues’ demanding Christmas schedule imminent prompted concern.

Easing fears of the club’s followers on Tuesday night, Frank Lampard revealed the former Ajax man shouldn’t be ruled out for long, much the same as Callum Hudson-Odoi who picked up a similar injury in training before Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Krasnodar.

“Both players are hopefully going to be missing for around two weeks,” the Blues head coach disclosed in midweek. “They had scans yesterday and they’re showing it will be about two weeks so I think that’s positive, particularly with Hakim.

“With Callum, we didn’t know what to expect because it was an injury he got in training a couple of days ago.”

While the relief at not missing a lengthy period is almost palpable, the ill-timed nature of Ziyech’s layoff and the profile of the player in question will test, stretch and possibly unsettle the Blues in the next fortnight or so.

Lampard seemed to have found a balance in the last few weeks with Mason Mount and Kai Havertz or Mateo Kovacic playing as free 8’s in a three-man midfield, while Ziyech started on the right side of attack along with Timo Werner or Christian Pulisic on the opposite side, flanking either Tammy Abraham or, recently, Giroud.

The Moroccan’s injury means Havertz may be played in the Ziyech role as he did vs Krasnodar on Tuesday, while it could be Mason Mount to moonlight as a right-sided forward, to the chagrin of Blues fans who absolutely feel the England international shouldn't be moved from his best position in central midfield.

In a sense, this adds to the frustration over Callum Hudson-Odoi’s absence given he’d deputised for the North African in recent games where Lampard has rotated. Due to the significant strides the Bayern Munich target has made in recent months, the youngster could certainly have been a beneficiary of the absence of the ex-Ajax man.

Having the 20-year-old winger — by and large, the only natural winger in the Chelsea side — available will have mitigated for Ziyech’s injury and allowed Lampard keep the shape that’s provided the side’s best performances this season in an impressive 14-game unbeaten run (17 if you, strangely, include the League Cup defeat by Tottenham Hotspur on penalties).

Indeed, there are other alternatives for the Blues legend including utilising both Pulisic and Werner as wide attackers, as witnessed against Leeds following the withdrawal of the maverick. The American initially played on the right after the like-for-like substitution but switched to his favoured position on the left having initially struggled to get into the game.

The upshot of the tweak saw Werner play on the right flank for the majority of the second half, largely unideal for the Germany international, who is anything but a natural winger.

Even though the rapidity of the former RB Leipzig man and evident threat when he turns on the after-burners, as seen in Chelsea’s third vs Leeds, means the possibility of Werner the winger may not be the worst idea in the world; the 24-year-old certainly wasn’t signed for that purpose.

Possible replacements for Ziyech include Mount (better suited in central midfield), Havertz (still yet to hit the heights since his big-money move), Pulisic (more proficient on the left) and Werner (evidently not a winger and in the same boat as the US star).

None of the aforementioned quartet neither has the skillset and invention of the Moroccan nor relationship with Reece James, whose budding partnership with the wide playmaker was evident in that 4-1 success over Sheffield United.

Ziyech leads the way for Expected Assists per 90 in Premier League games, with Mount, Havertz and Pulisic some way off with 0.17, 0.09 and 0.03 respectively. Werner, though, has xA per 90 of 0.21, second to the ex-Ajax player.

The Moroccan also tops for Shot-Creating Actions per 90 (5.80) as well as Goal-Creating Actions per game (1.39). Mount (4.00 and 0.67 for SCA and GCA per 90 respectively), Havertz (3.17 and 0.43), Pulisic (3.21 and 0.36) and Werner (3.18 and 0.77) all trail the 27-year-old and, despite boasting impressive strengths, don’t have his unique final-third influence and artistry.

The playmaker’s impact isn’t surprising given Goal predicted before the start of the season that the arrival from Dutch football would thrive due to his knack for the unexpected, among other qualities.

There was also a feeling that, of all the top Chelsea signings, Ziyech’s role and position were pretty defined, unlike Havertz and Werner who have now been used in several positions since September.

Everton are the opponents this weekend (and Goodison Park hasn’t been the kindest ground to the Blues for a while), while games against Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United follow before Ziyech’s expected return against Arsenal on Boxing Day.

The Blues then play Aston Villa two days later to close out 2020 at the Bridge and begin the New Year with an interesting clash with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City; games they'll hope to have the team's creative hub available for.

Lampard has shown impressive adaptability in the Chelsea job so far, but how his side navigates yet another tricky period will greatly enhance or diminish the West Londoners’ reputation as title contenders.