The 2025/26 season is looking even better for Arsenal. The Gunners continue to rack up wins with clinical regularity, further separating their Premier League title-winning rivals, many of whom are still struggling to find consistency.
Arsenal are not just winning, they are controlling the game at both ends of the field. Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded just three goals in 14 games across all competitions and are on track to break Chelsea’s long-held Premier League record of 15 goals conceded since the 2004/05 season. In the Carabao Cup held in midweek, they defeated Brighton 2-0, marking eight consecutive wins and six consecutive clean sheets. With a quarter-final match against Crystal Palace scheduled and a strong position in both the Premier League and Champions League, Arsenal are improving in every aspect. This schedule also gives them every opportunity to improve their impressive record. The draw with underdogs Slavia Prague in the Champions League comes between league games against newly promoted Burnley and Sunderland, all before the final international break of the year next month. We’ve compiled the latest Arsenal headlines.
Scholes doubles down on criticism of Rice
Paul Scholes has reiterated his opinion that Declan Rice is not one of the best midfielders in the world. The Manchester United icon sparked controversy earlier this month when he left Rice out of his ‘top five’ list, which also included fellow Premier League players Rodri and Alexis Mac Allister, as well as Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Vicinha.
Explaining his reasoning on the Stick to Football podcast, Scholes said he left out Rice and Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo because he prefers midfielders who dictate the tempo of games. “Sometimes I get criticized for this, but last week we were in the top five and we didn’t have players like[Moises]Caicedo or Declan Rice because we like different types of midfielders,” Scholes said.
“I like Vitinha from PSG. I think he’s great. He’s great. I thought (Alexis) Mac Allister who played for Liverpool last year was great, but this year he hasn’t had a great start. But I… I like that more. I like more of a controlling player who can do everything, not just a defensive player who might just dodge and score the odd goal here and there, rather than an attacking midfielder.”
He added: “People say, ‘We didn’t have Declan Rice in the top five,’ but that’s because he’s not my type of midfield player.”
Lewis Skelly sends a challenging message
Miles Lewis-Skelly has fallen down the Arsenal pecking order this season, but he insists he is relishing the competition for the left-back position with Riccardo Calafioli, who has started every league game so far, and boldly said he is “never going to step back”.
The 19-year-old made a huge impact last year, breaking through with some outstanding performances that suggest he is ready to become a first-team regular for club and country. But with just 85 minutes of league action over the past three months, the English prospect faces a serious battle to regain his place in Arteta’s plans.
Lewis Skelly, who assisted Ethan Nwaneri’s opener against Brighton despite limited playing time, said he accepted the challenge with drive and determination, although he was aware of the high standards within the squad. “I’m having fun,” he said. “It’s a different experience because I don’t play as much now, but I’m enjoying being part of the team.
“It’s important to compete for places and I’m competitive, so I’m never going to back down. I enjoy the challenge. It’s a pleasure to be with these players. The standards are high and everyone wants to play. The level is very high this season, so even though the places are short, we have to compete.”
“At the end of the day, I just want to express myself. Football is something I love and I don’t make excuses for whether I’m playing or not. I just want to go out and express myself. As long as I’m doing that, I’m giving the manager a choice.”
Arsenal eyeing ‘next Lewandowski’
Following the signing of Viktor Gokeres, Arsenal continue to evaluate the possibility of adding the Swede as an attacking option, either as a future replacement or as an attacking partner. One player who has been linked with them is Levante forward Karl Ellon, who has been attracting attention in Spain this season.
The 22-year-old Cameroonian, who has been likened to Robert Lewandowski for his intelligent movement and clinical finishing, has scored six goals in La Liga so far, only surpassed by Kylian Mbappé with 11.
Arsenal aren’t the only ones showing interest. Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also said to be keeping an eye on Etta Eyon’s development, with Barca reportedly viewing him as a potential successor to homegrown 37-year-old Lewandowski.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the striker’s contract includes a buyout clause worth around £26.5m to the La Liga side, but the Premier League club will have to pay around £35m.
