BRIGHTON RATINGS: Robert Sanchez, 6 - Despite commanding his box well and producing a fantastic second half save from Aubameyang, the Brighton goalkeeper couldn’t prevent Lacazette’s winner. AFP
BRIGHTON RATINGS: Robert Sanchez, 6 - Despite commanding his box well and producing a fantastic second half save from Aubameyang, the Brighton goalkeeper couldn’t prevent Lacazette’s winner. AFP
Adam Webster, 6 - His ice cool composure and focus on every passage of play is a real attribute for this Brighton side. EPA
Adam Webster, 6 - His ice cool composure and focus on every passage of play is a real attribute for this Brighton side. EPA
Lewis Dunk, 5 - Although he had consistently strong positioning, the captain lost his man for Arsenal’s winning goal and picked up a needless yellow card. EPA
Lewis Dunk, 5 - Although he had consistently strong positioning, the captain lost his man for Arsenal’s winning goal and picked up a needless yellow card. EPA
Dan Burn, 5 - The physical defender’s impressive outing was somewhat soured after he was beaten for pace by Saka who went on to set up Lacazette’s tidy finish. Getty
Dan Burn, 5 - The physical defender’s impressive outing was somewhat soured after he was beaten for pace by Saka who went on to set up Lacazette’s tidy finish. Getty
Joel Veltman, 6 - From smart play to quick passing movements, Veltman was a source of danger throughout the game for the Seagulls. AP
Joel Veltman, 6 - From smart play to quick passing movements, Veltman was a source of danger throughout the game for the Seagulls. AP
Bernardo, 6 - Held the ball up well but showed no real conviction when moving into the final third for the hosts. AP
Bernardo, 6 - Held the ball up well but showed no real conviction when moving into the final third for the hosts. AP
Yves Bissouma, 7 - Protected the ball and helped to dictate the pace of the game in the middle of the park from the first minute until the very last. EPA
Yves Bissouma, 7 - Protected the ball and helped to dictate the pace of the game in the middle of the park from the first minute until the very last. EPA
Davy Propper, 6 - While he did struggle in attacking positions, Propper’s grit and determination instilled some intimidation in Brighton’s play. EPA
Davy Propper, 6 - While he did struggle in attacking positions, Propper’s grit and determination instilled some intimidation in Brighton’s play. EPA
Pascal Gross, 5 - A string of poor free kicks summed up a disappointing evening for the usually reliable Gross. Getty
Pascal Gross, 5 - A string of poor free kicks summed up a disappointing evening for the usually reliable Gross. Getty
Alexis Mac Allister, 5 - Blasted an effort over the bar in what was his main contribution at the Amex. Getty
Alexis Mac Allister, 5 - Blasted an effort over the bar in what was his main contribution at the Amex. Getty
Alireza Jahanbakhsh, 5 - Seemed to panic whenever he found himself inside the box, and as a result, he fluffed a few important chances for Brighton. AP
Alireza Jahanbakhsh, 5 - Seemed to panic whenever he found himself inside the box, and as a result, he fluffed a few important chances for Brighton. AP
SUBS: Neal Maupay, 5 - Barely got a sniff at the ball and seemed to be thrown on more so out of desperation than anything else. Reuters
SUBS: Neal Maupay, 5 - Barely got a sniff at the ball and seemed to be thrown on more so out of desperation than anything else. Reuters
Solly March, 6 - Made a few nice runs down either flank but was unable to really influence the outcome of the game. Leandro Trossard, N/A -- Looked active and ready to create opportunities but didn’t receive the service necessary. Reuters
Solly March, 6 - Made a few nice runs down either flank but was unable to really influence the outcome of the game. Leandro Trossard, N/A -- Looked active and ready to create opportunities but didn’t receive the service necessary. Reuters
ARSENAL RATINGS: Bernd Leno, 7 - Outside of some cocky tricks in the 22nd minute, Leno was one of Arsenal’s most efficient players. EPA
ARSENAL RATINGS: Bernd Leno, 7 - Outside of some cocky tricks in the 22nd minute, Leno was one of Arsenal’s most efficient players. EPA
Kieran Tierney, 7 - Showed off his phenomenal gas tank by spreading his play from pillar to post, impressing both with his crosses and his defensive work. EPA
Kieran Tierney, 7 - Showed off his phenomenal gas tank by spreading his play from pillar to post, impressing both with his crosses and his defensive work. EPA
Pablo Mari, 8 - The calm demeanour of Pablo Mari has allowed Arsenal fans to relax more in their defensive structure, and that, in itself, is a huge compliment. AP
Pablo Mari, 8 - The calm demeanour of Pablo Mari has allowed Arsenal fans to relax more in their defensive structure, and that, in itself, is a huge compliment. AP
Rob Holding, 6 - He may have been static on a few occasions when Brighton pushed forward, but on the whole, he partnered up nicely with Mari. EPA
Rob Holding, 6 - He may have been static on a few occasions when Brighton pushed forward, but on the whole, he partnered up nicely with Mari. EPA
Hector Bellerin, 6 - After another lethargic first half the Spaniard battled hard and showed a lot of heart in helping Arsenal grind out the win. Getty
Hector Bellerin, 6 - After another lethargic first half the Spaniard battled hard and showed a lot of heart in helping Arsenal grind out the win. Getty
Granit Xhaka, 5 - Called Brighton’s bluff by allowing them to bleed into Arsenal’s half time and time again, and against a better team, that would’ve cost them dearly. AP
Granit Xhaka, 5 - Called Brighton’s bluff by allowing them to bleed into Arsenal’s half time and time again, and against a better team, that would’ve cost them dearly. AP
Mohamed Elneny, 5 - The Egyptian’s negative style pushed Arsenal back far too often, leaving many questions surrounding how necessary he is for the Gunners. Getty
Mohamed Elneny, 5 - The Egyptian’s negative style pushed Arsenal back far too often, leaving many questions surrounding how necessary he is for the Gunners. Getty
Emile Smith-Rowe, 6 - Grew into the game through nice one-twos and cutting inside, although he did look nervous in the first half. EPA
Emile Smith-Rowe, 6 - Grew into the game through nice one-twos and cutting inside, although he did look nervous in the first half. EPA
Gabriel Martinelli, 6 - He may have an explosive style, but it means nothing when he isn’t being provided with enough opportunities up top. EPA
Gabriel Martinelli, 6 - He may have an explosive style, but it means nothing when he isn’t being provided with enough opportunities up top. EPA
Bukayo Saka, 8 - After being marked off the ball in the first 45 minutes, Saka burst into life with a great assist to set up the winning goal. AP
Bukayo Saka, 8 - After being marked off the ball in the first 45 minutes, Saka burst into life with a great assist to set up the winning goal. AP
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 6 - Was forced out wide far too often, although he did bring others into the game very well - especially in the second half. AP
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 6 - Was forced out wide far too often, although he did bring others into the game very well - especially in the second half. AP
SUBS: Alexandre Lacazette, 8 - In addition to his strong service, Lacazette made an instant impact within seconds of coming on by scoring for the third consecutive game.
SUBS: Alexandre Lacazette, 8 - In addition to his strong service, Lacazette made an instant impact within seconds of coming on by scoring for the third consecutive game.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles, N/A - Served as another defensive option but didn’t have enough time to do anything of note. Getty
Ainsley Maitland-Niles, N/A - Served as another defensive option but didn’t have enough time to do anything of note. Getty
Dani Ceballos, N/A - Held the ball up as and when he could but was really introduced to further kill the clock. AP
Dani Ceballos, N/A - Held the ball up as and when he could but was really introduced to further kill the clock. AP

Football

Mikel Arteta aims to trim bloated Arsenal squad in transfer window

Gunners manager admits club 'cannot sustain the numbers that we have in certain positions' with likes of Ozil, Mustafi and Kolasinac surplus to requirements

The National

December 31, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal's priority in the January transfer window is to trim their bloated squad as he seeks to build on a mini-revival at the Premier League club.

The Gunners were able to offload Emiliano Martinez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the summer window while Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira departed on loan.

But forgotten man Mesut Ozil remained at the Emirates along with Shkodran Mustafi and Sead Kolasinac, who have barely featured this campaign.

And defender was the first go when he joined German strugglers Schalke on loan for the rest of the season

Read More

James Milner admits Liverpool need to 'kick on' as in-form Manchester United build pressure

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Manchester United face crucial test of title credentials at Liverpool

Ozil, whose deal expires in summer 2021, has been left out of the Gunners' Premier League and Europa League squads this season.

Arsenal have been linked with a loan move for Real Madrid playmaker Isco next month, but first of all technical director Edu will attempt to raise funds by moving on those who are surplus to requirements.

"There are some players that are going to go on loan and going to leave and that is the priority at the moment," manager Arteta said ahead of Saturday's trip to West Brom.

"We cannot sustain the numbers that we have in certain positions and we are looking to do that, and then we will see if we have the right opportunity in the positions where we need some more help."

The pressure on Arteta has eased after wins against Chelsea and Brighton lifted Arsenal to 13th in the Premier League table following a miserable run.

Bukayo Saka, who starred in the 1-0 win at Brighton on Tuesday, is expected to be fit for the match against Sam Allardyce's West Brom.

The teenager was forced off during the latter stages of the victory after a strong challenge, but should recover while David Luiz and Willian, who both tested negative for Covid-19 earlier this week, may return this weekend.

Allardyce this week called for a "circuit-breaker" in the Premier League as coronavirus cases spike in Britain but league bosses said the competition would continue as planned.

"All the protocols we have in place, everything we do around the training ground and matches, the fact that we play our game outside, it minimises the risk a lot," Arteta said.

"We're going to have more restrictions I think, we're going to have more tests to try to be as efficient as we were before and we will see. But I think it will work and I think we can carry on doing it."

________________________________________________________________________

Gallery: Arsenal 3 Chelsea 1

Alexandre Lacazette is mobbed by teammates after opening the scoring in Arsenal's 3-1 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, December 26. PA
Alexandre Lacazette is mobbed by teammates after opening the scoring in Arsenal's 3-1 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, December 26. PA
Arsenal's Granit Xhaka scores from a free-kick to make it 2-0. EPA
Arsenal's Granit Xhaka scores from a free-kick to make it 2-0. EPA
Arsenal's Granit Xhaka scores from a free-kick to make it 2-0. EPA
Arsenal's Granit Xhaka scores from a free-kick to make it 2-0. EPA
Arsenal's Granit Xhaka scores from a free-kick to make it 2-0. EPA
Arsenal's Granit Xhaka scores from a free-kick to make it 2-0. EPA
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Reuters
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Reuters
Chelsea's Ben Chilwell. Reuters
Chelsea's Ben Chilwell. Reuters
Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring Arsenal's third goal. PA
Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring Arsenal's third goal. PA
Arsenal win a penalty after Kieran Tierney is fouled by Chelsea full-back Reece James. Getty
Arsenal win a penalty after Kieran Tierney is fouled by Chelsea full-back Reece James. Getty
Arsenal's Granit Xhaka celebrates with Alexandre Lacazette after scoring his team's second goal. EPA
Arsenal's Granit Xhaka celebrates with Alexandre Lacazette after scoring his team's second goal. EPA
Chelsea's American midfielder Christian Pulisic. AFP
Chelsea's American midfielder Christian Pulisic. AFP
Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette scores a penalty to make 1-0. PA
Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette scores a penalty to make 1-0. PA
Arsenal's French striker Alexandre Lacazette celebrates scoring. AFP
Arsenal's French striker Alexandre Lacazette celebrates scoring. AFP
Chelsea attacker Timo Werner - challenged here by Arsenal's Rob Holding - was taken off at half-time by manager Frank Lampard. Reuters
Chelsea attacker Timo Werner - challenged here by Arsenal's Rob Holding - was taken off at half-time by manager Frank Lampard. Reuters
Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy watches Bukayo Saka's cross-come-shot hit the back of the net to make it 3-0 to Arsenal. EPA
Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy watches Bukayo Saka's cross-come-shot hit the back of the net to make it 3-0 to Arsenal. EPA
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard. AFP
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard. AFP
Tammy Abraham chests the ball home to pull one back for Chelsea. PA
Tammy Abraham chests the ball home to pull one back for Chelsea. PA
Jorginho misses a late penalty for Chelsea. Getty
Jorginho misses a late penalty for Chelsea. Getty
Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno saves Jorginho's penalty. EPA
Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno saves Jorginho's penalty. EPA
Arsenal's Bernd Leno is congratulated after saving Jorginho's penalty. Reuters
Arsenal's Bernd Leno is congratulated after saving Jorginho's penalty. Reuters
While you're here
Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

'Munich: The Edge of War'

Director: Christian Schwochow

Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons

Rating: 3/5

JAPAN SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Masaaki Higashiguchi, Shuichi Gonda, Daniel Schmidt
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Tomoaki Makino, Maya Yoshida, Sho Sasaki, Hiroki Sakai, Sei Muroya, Genta Miura, Takehiro Tomiyasu
Midfielders: Toshihiro Aoyama, Genki Haraguchi, Gaku Shibasaki, Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Shoya Nakajima, Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita, Ritsu Doan
Forwards: Yuya Osako, Takuma Asano, Koya Kitagawa

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Tree of Hell

Starring: Raed Zeno, Hadi Awada, Dr Mohammad Abdalla

Director: Raed Zeno

Rating: 4/5

Abu Dhabi GP schedule

Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm

Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm

Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm

Stage result

1. Jasper Philipsen (Bel) Alpecin-Fenix 4:42:34

2. Sam Bennett (Irl) Bora-Hansgrohe

3. Elia Viviani (Ita) Ineos Grenadiers

4. Dylan Groenewegen (Ned) BikeExchange-Jayco

5. Emils Liepins (Lat) Trek-Segafredo

6. Arnaud Demare (Fra) Groupama-FDJ

7. Max Kanter (Ger) Movistar Team

8. Olav Kooij (Ned) Jumbo-Visma

9. Tom Devriendt (Bel) Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux

10. Pascal Ackermann (Ger) UAE Team Emirate

BMW%20M4%20Competition
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.0%20twin-turbo%20inline%20six-cylinder%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20eight-speed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E503hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20600Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20from%20Dh617%2C600%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More from Aya Iskandarani
On Women's Day
Results

Male 51kg Round 1

Dias Karmanov (KAZ) beat Mabrook Rasea (YEM) by points 2-1.

Male 54kg Round 1

Yelaman Sayassatov (KAZ) beat Chen Huang (TPE) TKO Round 1; Huynh Hoang Phi (VIE) beat Fahad Anakkayi (IND) RSC Round 2; ​​​​​​​Qais Al Jamal (JOR) beat Man Long Ng (MAC) by points 3-0; ​​​​​​​Ayad Albadr (IRQ) beat Yashar Yazdani (IRI) by points 2-1.

Male 57kg Round 1

Natthawat Suzikong (THA) beat Abdallah Ondash (LBN) by points 3-0; Almaz Sarsembekov (KAZ) beat Ahmed Al Jubainawi (IRQ) by points 2-1; Hamed Almatari (YEM) beat Nasser Al Rugheeb (KUW) by points 3-0; Zakaria El Jamari (UAE) beat Yu Xi Chen (TPE) by points 3-0.

Men 86kg Round 1

Ahmad Bahman (UAE) beat Mohammad Al Khatib (PAL) by points 2-1

​​​​​​​Men 63.5kg Round 1

Noureddin Samir (UAE) beat Polash Chakma (BAN) RSC Round 1.

Female 45kg quarter finals

Narges Mohammadpour (IRI) beat Yuen Wai Chan (HKG) by points.

Female 48kg quarter finals

Szi Ki Wong (HKG) beat Dimple Vaishnav (IND) RSC round 2; Thanawan Thongduang (THA) beat Nastaran Soori (IRI) by points; Shabnam Hussain Zada (AFG) beat Tzu Ching Lin (TPE) by points.

Female 57kg quarter finals

Nguyen Thi Nguyet (VIE) beat Anisha Shetty (IND) by points 2-1; Areeya Sahot (THA) beat Dana Al Mayyal (KUW) RSC Round 1; Sara Idriss (LBN) beat Ching Yee Tsang (HKG) by points 3-0.

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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Read more about the coronavirus
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Main report
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Gremio 1 Pachuca 0

Gremio Everton 95’

How to help

Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:

2289 - Dh10

2252 - Dh50

6025 - Dh20

6027 - Dh100

6026 - Dh200

more from sholto byrnes
While you're here
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20HyveGeo%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abdulaziz%20bin%20Redha%2C%20Dr%20Samsurin%20Welch%2C%20Eva%20Morales%20and%20Dr%20Harjit%20Singh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECambridge%20and%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESustainability%20%26amp%3B%20Environment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24200%2C000%20plus%20undisclosed%20grant%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVenture%20capital%20and%20government%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Trump and Covid-19
ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

The hotels

Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.

The tours

A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages. 

While you're here
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
German plea
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the German parliament that. Russia had erected a new wall across Europe. 

"It's not a Berlin Wall -- it is a Wall in central Europe between freedom and bondage and this Wall is growing bigger with every bomb" dropped on Ukraine, Zelenskyy told MPs.

Mr Zelenskyy was applauded by MPs in the Bundestag as he addressed Chancellor Olaf Scholz directly.

"Dear Mr Scholz, tear down this Wall," he said, evoking US President Ronald Reagan's 1987 appeal to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.

Arsenal