Tag: Riccardo Calafiori

Shearer backs Arsenal to end 22-year title wait

Alan Shearer
November 2025

Arsenal beat Burnley to go seven points clear, earning a ninth straight win and seventh straight clean sheet. Alan Shearer told BBC Sport he “can’t see a weakness,” praising set-piece threat and advanced use of Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber to overload wide areas and sustain pressure. Arsenal’s structure limits transitions and concedes few shots. Declan Rice anchors possession and rest defense; Viktor Gyökeres adds direct runs and penalty-box presence. Rotation keeps intensity high. Title push hinges on maintaining defensive health and chance quality across winter congestion and Europe. Chelsea’s 2004/05 goals-against mark is a realistic target.

Arsenal rule out Saliba and Martinelli for Brighton cup

William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
October 2025

Arsenal’s injury list deepened as William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli were ruled out of the Carabao Cup, adding to absences for Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and captain Martin Ødegaard. Mikel Arteta confirmed Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Declan Rice are available, but the leaders’ depth will be stretched during a dense run across competitions. Expect centre-back reshuffle and conservative winger usage to avoid recurrence. Arsenal should lean on rest-defence structure, short build sequences and controlled pressing to reduce transition exposure without Saliba. For Martinelli’s threat replacement, rotate vertical runners and pattern for back-post overloads. Medical: imaging, graded field re-entry, and micro-cycle load caps ahead of league duties.

Lewis-Skelly Fighting Back After Losing Spot to Calafiori

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
September 2025

The 18-year-old full-back, who impressed last season and on England debut, has lost his starting role to Riccardo Calafiori. Despite dazzling in the Champions League, his reduced attacking output compared to Calafiori saw him demoted to late-game cameos. Under assistant coach Gabriel Heinze, Lewis-Skelly is dedicating extra sessions to improve crossing and forward play. Arsenal coaches believe he remains far ahead of schedule, with determination and work ethic giving him every chance of regaining his place in Arteta’s plans.

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