Arsenal news: Ian Wright issues desperate plea as Erling Haaland ramps up Man City rivalry

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has called upon the club’s fans to stick by Gabriel Jesus, while Erling Haaland has spoken about the incident at the end of Manchester City’s 2-2 draw last month

Arsenal are in the midst of the international break, hoping they can avoid the injuries which marred the last one for Mikel Arteta and his team.

September’s two-week break saw Martin Odegaard go down with a serious injury during a match for Norway. The Arsenal captain remains sidelined for the time-being, but there are hopes Odegaard could be available sooner rather than later.

Arsenal play Bournemouth once the break is over and done with, travelling to the south coast on October 19 with their unbeaten record this season still intact. Arteta has been delighted with the performance levels and attitudes of his players so far in the 2024/25 campaign, but the form of Manchester City and Liverpool means it looks like it will be a three-horse race for the Premier League title.

And while many of Arsenal’s stars are now away on international duty, the news cycle continues around the club. Here Mirror Football takes a look over the latest headlines.

Wright appeals to Arsenal fans

Ian Wright has appealed to Arsenal fans to support Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian made his first start of the season in the 3-1 win over Southampton, but is battling for a place in the side, with Kai Havertz in fantastic form for the Gunners.

“I feel the need to support him right now. I really, really do. I know there’s a feeling that we may have outgrown him but remember when Gabby came, he was a leveller, he levelled us up,” ex-Arsenal striker Wright said on the Wrighty’s House podcast.

“Arsenal are at a certain level now but we will definitely need him at some stage so I think it’s important in this moment for the Arsenal fans to support him. They have to get behind him. Don’t be frustrated with the way he’s playing. He’s trying so hard at the moment and we’re going to need him.”

Haaland stirs the pot

Erling Haaland has refused to apologise for throwing the ball at Gabriel Magalhaes’ head during the final moments of the feisty 2-2 draw last month. Haaland launched the ball into the Arsenal defender after John Stones netted the late equaliser, prompting some fiery moments at the end of the game.

Haaland said: “I don’t regret much in life. In the heat of the moment, things happened in that game. What happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch. That’s how it is.” His words are likely to further increase the sense of rivalry between Arsenal and Man City during another title chase.

Webb explains Havertz decision

Howard Webb has praised the VAR system for intervening to allow a Havertz goal in the 4-2 win against Leicester. The German was originally deemed to be offside before VAR cleared the strike because James Justin had played the ball to him.

“It shows the benefits of having VAR doesn’t it, that we can rectify this clear and obvious error,” Webb said on the latest edition of Match Officials Mic’d Up.

“The on-field officials feel it’s been played by an attacking player to Havertz but when you watch it back, it’s not, it’s actually played by James Justin, the defender, and therefore very quickly, efficiently we can step in and we can give the goal back. It’s a really good demonstration I suppose of the benefit of VAR which doesn’t only take goals away but sometimes give them back.”

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.