There is never a good time to lose a north London derby but for both Mikel Arteta and Ange Postecoglou a defeat on Wednesday would only serve to further rile fanbases whose murmurs of discontent have grown more audible.

Mikel Arteta tells Bukayo Saka to go on holiday during injury absence - The 23-year-old England international has been ruled out until at least March following surgery on the muscle tear.

Arsenal could have Riccardo Calafiori back for their Premier League clash with Aston Villa. Calafiori missed games against Manchester United and Tottenham but the Italian has not been ruled out of featuring against Villa at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has told Bukayo Saka to take a well-earned holiday. Saka is currently out injured after tearing his hamstring last month and is not expected back in action until at least March. The injury is the first major one of Saka’s career and prior to that he had been one of Arsenal and England’s most consistent performers.

Arsenal have been linked with a host of top forwards in the January transfer window, but have so far been unable to get a deal over the line as Mikel Arteta looks for reinforcements

Liverpool and Arsenal currently occupy the top two places in the Premier League standings but Mikel Arteta is expecting more clubs to be involved in the title race

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recalled his conversations with former midfield partner Jack Wilshere about the significance of the North London Derby.

Losing to Aston Villa twice played a major role in Arsenal falling short in last season's Premier League title race, and manager Mikel Arteta does not want to take Unai Emery's side for granted despite a win at Villa Park in August.

Mikel Arteta insists it is not a two-horse race between Arsenal and Liverpool in the battle for the Premier League title.

The Gunners head into the game following a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Read more at straitstimes.com.