Arsenal claimed a 1-0 win away to Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday and now face a trip to Sunderland as they aim to maintain their perfect start to the season
An Arsenal star has sparked controversy with a statement that might not be viewed favourably by his team-mates.
The reigning Premier League champions got off to a good start in the Champions League as they secured a 1-0 victory away at Napoli on Wednesday, thanks to Martin Odegaard’s second-half strike. The Gunners skipper maintained his excellent form this season with his match-winning effort at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, taking his tally to three goals for the campaign.
Mikel Arteta’s men will be hoping to progress further in Europe this time around, after their final heartbreak against Paris Saint-Germain in May. And next up they travel to face Sunderland in their bid to retain their domestic crown, amid a controversy involving one of their top stars. Here’s all the latest news from the Emirates.
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Rice snubs team-mates
Rice has courted potential backlash from Arsenal supporters after confessing he would favour seeing Tottenham legend Harry Kane claim the Ballon d’Or, reports the Mirror.
The midfielder earned a nomination for the prestigious award alongside team-mates William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes following their Premier League triumph last term.
The Bayern Munich frontman ranks amongst the leading contenders for the prize after netting 61 goals for his club while helping secure back-to-back Bundesliga crowns.
The England skipper now enjoys the support of his international colleague, who disclosed his preference following Wednesday’s triumph.
Rice said: “Yeah for sure [I’m proud], second year in a row nominated, it’s obviously really good, I’m really proud.
“Obviously I know who I want to win it, I’d love to see Harry Kane win it, so I’m wishing him all the best in that. Kane has never won the Ballon d’Or, but this is surely as good a chance as he’s going to get.”
Merino ‘rusty’ verdict
Mikel Merino secured his first start of the campaign in the triumph over the Serie A outfit.
The Spaniard rejoined club duties late following his European Championship success alongside team-mates David Raya and Martin Zubimendi.
He has subsequently been gradually reintegrated into the squad during the opening weeks of the season, appearing as a substitute in all three of Arsenal’s Premier League fixtures, accumulating 46 minutes of playing time.
He featured for 65 minutes against Napoli and his display was described as “rusty” by Gunners legend Martin Keown.
He said: “I thought Mikel Merino coming back into midfield missed an opportunity tonight. We missed him last season but I thought he was a little rusty on his first start for a while.
“But overall it’s looking good for Arsenal. The drive and determination and hunger is there.”