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Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has been questioned by Gunners legend Ian Wright for an incident in the opening minutes of the game on Wednesday.

Where did it all go wrong for Arsenal?

After what has been a sensational season, on the whole, for Mikel Arteta's side, Wednesday night was certainly one to forget up at the Eithad Stadium.

The Gunners' hopes of lifting the Premier League title took a huge blow as Pep Guardiola's men flexed their experience in the business end of the season.

It is by no means over for Arsenal with just a matter of weeks remaining, however, Manchester City's two games in hand leave the north London side vulnerable at the top.

The game in Manchester offered Arteta's men minimal opportunities to get their name on the scoresheet with the away side registering just two shots on Ederson's goal (via SofaScore).

And it was apparent former England and Arsenal striker, Wright, was left confused about some of the decision-making from the current Arsenal striker, Jesus.

Indeed, speaking on Match of the Day on Wednesday night, Wright questioned the £265k-per-week forward's' positioning as he failed to provide Bukayo Saka with an option inside the box when Arsenal broke inside the opening minutes:

(21:55) "What it was, it's the only way you're going to get something off them and when you look where Jesus is here and this is the only way Arsenal are going to get something, any kind of half chance.

"And they did finally break through at one stage and then you look at that and then you see that's where you want your striker because you're not going to get too many opportunities where you're going to be able to break into City and do that and that is why when you get the opportunity – that was five minutes in – you've got to try and take it to get them on the back foot."

Did Jesus perform poorly against his former side?

Having missed the first meeting between these two sides earlier in the campaign through injury, this was the first time the Brazilian will have faced his former side.

It has been an impressive opening campaign in north London for Jesus with the striker netting nine league goals and providing six assists in an injury-riddled season (via Transfermarkt).

However, Wednesday night was not a game that the Brazilian will look back on fondly with a clear lack of input on his return back to the Etihad.

Throughout the game, Jesus only managed to record 28 touches of the ball and lost possession on nine occasions (via SofaScore).

But it was his efforts up top which will be most frustrating for the striker as he failed to record a single shot during the entirety of the game.

His lack of input on the game saw Arteta take him off after 80 minutes which is perhaps a wise decision with the Gunners needing to end the season strongly after the defeat on Wednesday.

Jesus has had a promising campaign at the Emirates, however, in a game against such fierce opponents, it is apparent Wright was wanting more out of the Arsenal number nine.

It is being reported by French news outlet L’Equipe that Arsenal central defender William Saliba will be out injured for ‘several weeks’.

The Lowdown: Conflicting reports

It was reported on Friday afternoon that Saliba is ‘not ruled out’ for Arsenal as they play Crystal Palace at home in the Premier League, after having to come off early in the first half of their 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium against Sporting in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night with a back injury.

Football.london have also since reported that Saliba is still in the squad to face the Eagles, although he is thought to be a ‘major doubt’.

The Latest: Out for ‘several weeks’

L’Equipe reported on Saturday evening that Saliba now faces ‘several weeks’ out with injury, and will subsequently miss both games for France against the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland coming up in the next international break.

This would also imply that he is ruled out for the match against Palace, contrary to reports that he could still feature.

The Verdict: Big blow

It is certainly a big blow for Mikel Arteta and his team to lose Saliba for this afternoon’s clash, as the Gunners aim to get another three points on the board in the Premier League, and give them an eight-point cushion over title challengers Manchester City going into the international break.

The France international has been such a key player in Arsenal’s Premier League title charge this term, with only his centre-half partner Gabriel in the squad winning more aerial duels than him per game, while he also averages more passes per match than any of his team-mates, and has played in every fixture so far under Arteta (WhoScored).

It will now be interesting to see who the Spaniard partners up with Gabriel at centre-back in the absence of Saliba, with Rob Holding the likeliest candidate after he came on for the 21-year-old against Sporting on Thursday night.

Arteta could also call upon January signing Jakub Kiwior, although it is unclear whether he would be willing to play two left-footed central defenders together with Gabriel making up the partnership.

Nonetheless, disrupting Saliba and Gabriel’s partnership is a huge blow heading into the clash, and will certainly give Palace supporters more encouragement, as they look for an immediate reaction following the dismissal of their manager and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira earlier on in the week.

Sean Dyche’s Everton kick off March by heading down to London to face league leaders Arsenal at The Emirates in the Premier League this evening.

The Toffees head into the match in the bottom three but could move out of the relegation zone, and above West Ham and Leeds, with a win tonight.

Everton were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa in their last outing in the top-flight as goals from Ollie Watkins from the penalty spot and Emi Buendia were enough to secure all three points for Unai Emery’s side at Goodison Park.

Dyche may now want to make some adjustments to his side after that defeat, in order to give his team the best possible chance of repeating their win over the Gunners earlier this year.

Should Ben Godfrey start for Everton against Arsenal?

One player who must be unleashed from the start is rarely-seen central defender Ben Godfrey, who missed 15 matches earlier this season due to injury, as the England international could be able to silence Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard.

Mikel Arteta lined up with a natural centre-forward in Eddie Nketiah when the two sides last met but opted to go with their January signing from Brighton through the middle in their recent win over Leicester – with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli either side of him.

This means that Arsenal could line up with a pacey front three of dynamic forward players, which could spell trouble for Conor Coady after his disappointing display against Villa.

The ex-Wolves captain was far too slow to move his feet as Buendia beat him with ease in the box and his lack of mobility could make Godfrey the perfect player to come in for him.

Journalists Patrick Boyland and Adam Jones have both hailed the former Norwich man as “absolutely rapid” and his pace at the back could allow him to deal with the threat of Trossard, Martinelli, and Saka in behind.

Godfrey, who has been an unused substitute in the last four matches, caught the eye in his last battle against the pacey Erling Haaland as he helped his side to pick up a 1-1 draw against Manchester City – limiting the Norway international to two shots, zero dribbles, and two duels won out of seven.

The £75k-per-week centre-back, who was once dubbed a “monster” by reporter James Whaling, has the athleticism and running power to deal with opposition attackers with quick feet and the pace to run in behind, which is the big threat that this new-look Arsenal frontline could pose.

Therefore, Dyche could silence Trossard through the middle of the pitch by ditching Coady and unleashing Godfrey in the starting line up tonight.

Chelsea have not taken flight since the arrival of Todd Boehly in the ownership role last year, and despite spending in excess of £550m on the transfer front since his arrival, the west London giants languish in tenth place in the Premier League and face a woeful end to woeful season.

What’s the latest on Chelsea’s manager situation?

Some are calling for manager Graham Potter to be dismissed from duty, having replaced Thomas Tuchel at the head of the table weeks into the start of the season, with the German manager sacked after Chelsea’s struggling start to the campaign.

While the mess the Blues are engulfed in cannot be solely attributed to Potter, he is the man at the helm and it is inexcusable that, given the rate of new arrivals, the club have won just one of their past ten matches across all competitions and are 11 points adrift of top-four.

And according to Football Insider, illustrious former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has been distinguished by the Chelsea board, who held an emergency meeting earlier this week to combat the situation; out of work since resigning from Los Blancos in 2021, Zidane would bring a wealth of experience and a supreme winning mentality.

Imagine Marc Cucurella under Zidane

Despite Real Madrid being Zidane’s sole senior managerial role, the 50-year-old has won three Champions League and two La Liga titles, with only Carlo Ancelotti winning Europe’s premier continental tournament on more occasions.

And having been named the World’s Best Club Coach in consecutive years, it is undeniable that he possesses the apt mentality to instil confidence and swagger back across the Chelsea squad.

Across his two spells at the helm of the Madrid ship, Zidane has recorded a points-per-match average of 2.30 and 2.04, highly impressive given Ancelotti’s current record in his second spell with the outfit stands at 2.29.

The World Cup winner’s tactical ingenuity is one of his most salient strengths, and among Chelsea’s expansive but beleaguered crop, he would only enhance their fortunes, with £60m summer signing Marc Cucurella perhaps cashing in.

Cucurella, despite a remarkable debut Premier League term with Brighton & Hove Albion last year, has not replicated the feats at Stamford Bridge, branded a “defensive liability” by journalist Okon Nya for his woes.

However, given the semblance between the £175k-per-week gem’s own game and Madrid legend Marcelo’s, there is no reason why Zidane – who was hailed as a “real luxury” by ex-midfielder Marcos Llorente – can’t nurture him into the force many expected him to be.

As per WhoScored, Marcelo completed 83.2% of his passes over his career, also averaging 2.1 tackles and 1.7 interceptions; Cucurella, comparatively, has recorded a 76.6% pass success rate, while averaging two tackles and 0.8 interceptions, and while he hasn’t quite exhibited the offensive side he would have liked, an area Marcelo was renowned in, Zidane’s fluid philosophy could break this aspect of his game out of hibernation.

Pulling off a deal for a manager of Zidane’s calibre would be nothing short of a major coup, and one that reflects onto the squad that boasts a collective skill set, on paper, that can rival any top aspiring outfit across Europe.

And should the Frenchman indeed take to the dugout in west London, the likes of Cucurella, who was hailed a “class act” by former Seagulls team-mate Lewis Dunk, might finally start exuding the quality that earned him the extravagant move last summer.

Manchester United are set to rival both Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to sign Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Striker shortage

Erik ten Hag only has just two senior centre-forward options on the books at Old Trafford at this moment in time, one of which is loanee Wout Weghorst. There is no option to make a move for Weghorst permanent in the summer, whereas Antony Martial has missed large parts of the season trough injury.

That has resulted in Marcus Rashford moving in from the left to a more central role from time to time, but the England international has been starring on the wing so the manager really needs to find a focal point for him to play off of.

The Latest: Martinez update

FI reporter Pete O’Rourke shared a story regarding Martinez in the last 48 hours, claiming that Martinez is on the wanted list at Old Trafford.

United look set to battle Chelsea and Arsenal for the World Cup winner, who ‘would be very keen on a potential move to the Premier League at the end of the season’.

O’Rourke added that a fee in the region of £70m-£80m would be enough for Martinez’s services.

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The Verdict: Get it done

Martinez has contributed to 120 goals in 212 appearances for Inter Milan and is still just 25 years of age, so you could argue that he is about to enter the peak years of his career. Lionel Messi has also hailed the player as “spectacular”, with Martinez contributing to 22 goals in 31 games during the current campaign.

He has been Inter’s best-performing player this season with a match average rating of 7.28/10, as per WhoScored, a score which outperforms every United player apart from Bruno Fernandes.

Therefore, you could say that Martinez and Fernandes could form a frightening duo in Manchester next season, with Rashford able to continue his fine form on the left-hand side, so hopefully, a transfer will gather pace over the coming months.

Southampton staff and players have internally decided on their new manager as they reportedly ‘want’ Ruben Selles to take the reins.

The Lowdown: Saints seal impressive win…

The south coast side sealed a very impressive 1-0 win at Chelsea last weekend with midfield star James Ward-Prowse grabbing the game’s only goal.

Reports have suggested that Selles, currently taking interim charge of Southampton, is on a trial-run as Sport Republic and the board decide their next managerial step.

After the Saints’ victory at Stamford Bridge, Selles could hardly have started off better with a win and clean sheet against one of the Premier League’s big name clubs.

The Latest: Southampton player and staff ‘want’ Selles…

According to reliable journalist Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic, Southampton players and staff desire Selles as their permanent manager as those inside the club make their feelings known.

He explained:

“Saints’ players and staff want Ruben Selles as manager – ‘he has the ability to make them run through brick walls.’

“Selles told home truths, pushed players & restored Southampton’s best strengths. He’s given fans & the club hope.”

The Verdict: Right man?

The Spaniard has now shown that he can guide Southampton to absolutely crucial top flight victories against star-studded opposition.

Southampton’s victory at Chelsea represents both their first win in four league games and a serious statement of intent from Selles – who has admitted that he wants the job.

The 39-year-old is not only ‘highly regarded’ by players, but also ‘ambitious’ and fluent in multiple languages – suggesting Selles has the mentality to make it as a coach in world football’s most prestigious division.

While his lack of first team managerial experience comes as a caveat, there is only one way for him to gain that know-how – by being given a chance to fully coach Southampton in their battle against relegation.

Leeds United have placed Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou on their managerial radar, according to Italian journalist Marco Conterio.

The Lowdown: Marsch gone

The Whites officially parted ways with Jesse Marsch on Monday, less than 24 hours after a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Marsch departs Elland Road after 11 months in charge, with Leeds without a top-flight victory since November and level on points with Everton, who occupy the final relegation spot.

Owner Andrea Radrizzani and Paraag Marathe, the president of investors 49ers Enterprises, appear to have the key say when it comes to managerial decisions, and it looks as if Postecoglou is now of interest.

The Latest: Postecoglou interest

Conterio, chief editor for TuttoMercatoWeb, took to Twitter following Marsch’s dismissal to share a Leeds managerial update.

He stated that Victor Orta is a great admirer of West Brom boss Carlos Corberan, however, both Postecoglou and former Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard are also on the list of potential successors.

The Verdict: One to watch?

Postecoglou has transformed things at Celtic Park after taking over in June 2021, winning a league and cup double during his first season in charge and averaging 2.46 goals per game in Scotland.

The 57-year-old has continued to impress during the current campaign, winning 23 of a possible 25 Scottish Premiership games (92%). He also likes to play an attacking 4-3-3 system, so could get the best out of a number of wide options at Elland Road that include Wilfried Gnonto, Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra and Crysencio Summerville.

Marsch tended to play a narrow system during his time in charge, so a change of approach with someone like Postecoglou could help turn things around, making this potentially one to watch.

Tottenham Hotspur aren’t giving up in their pursuit of Sporting CP wing-back Pedro Porro after transfer guru Fabrizio Romano provided an update on the situation heading into the final week of the January window…

What’s the word?

“Tottenham are not giving up on Pedro Porro deal despite Sporting stance not changing: €45m release clause or no way. Spurs will insist again this week,” he tweeted.

“Last week, Tottenham proposal also included one player but it was rejected. New round of talks, soon.”

The north London side are yet to make any moves this month and are running out of time to bolster Antonio Conte’s playing squad, though there is still hope after this encouraging claim.

Conte needs him

Porro is a player that the Italian head coach would surely love to have at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as it would solve his ongoing right wing-back nightmare.

Ever since he took over from Nuno Espirito Santo in the dugout, finding a regular and consistent starter in the role has been tough, especially as Conte has never been convinced by either of his current options in Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal, and clearly doesn’t trust young summer signing Djed Spence either.

Just a few months into his reign, The Times revealed Spurs’ interest in Adama Traore, suggesting that he had been targeted to replace the aforementioned first-team duo but he would go on to sign for FC Barcelona on loan.

This time around, it seems that Porro is the man that Tottenham want, and it’s easy to see why.

In the current system, Conte relies upon his wing-backs to do a magnitude of work, helping defend as per normal but also aiding the attack with creativity, which is why the Spaniard fits the bill as he has registered three goals and 11 assists already this campaign. That’s more than Doherty and Royal combined.

It’s also double the number of Dejan Kulusevski and Ivan Perisic combined as well, which only highlights just how influential he could be as a playmaker in this squad.

And when compared to others in the position across FBref’s ‘next eight’ competitions over the last year, the former Manchester City gem is in a league of his own, ranking inside the top 1% for total shots, assists, shot-creating actions and touches in the opposition box per 90.

It’s also why the “special talent” – as lauded by journalist Zach Lowry – is considered to be the “perfect for Antonio Conte’s football” – in the eyes of the aforementioned Romano – and that is exactly why he’d be something of a dream signing before deadline day.

As such, sporting director Fabio Paratici must look to get this £40m swoop for the assist-machine over the line, with less than a week to go.

AND in other news, Forget Tuchel: 50 y/o could save Spurs again…

Everton have made contact to enquire about signing Mislav Orsic according to reports, but a more recent update indicates that they could be unsuccessful in their pursuit of the Dinamo Zagreb forward.

The Lowdown: Orsic profiled

The Croatian has recently returned from the World Cup, where he was a standout performer after scoring the winner in the third-place play-off which secured his nation the bronze medal.

Premier League clubs have duly been attracted to the 30-year-old, and the Toffees had been hoping that he could be on his way to Goodison Park. According to 90min, Everton, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest have all ‘been in contact’ with Dinamo Zagreb regarding Orsic in ‘recent weeks’.

However, news which filtered through this afternoon does not make for good reason for Farhad Moshiri and co.

The Latest: Orsic set for Southampton medical

Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor relayed an update via Twitter from Croatian reporter Ižak Ante Sučić which hinted that Southampton have had an offer accepted for the player, who is on his way to the south coast of England for a medical.

Taylor tweeted: “As reported by @IASucic, Dinamo Zagreb have now accepted an improved offer from Southampton for Mislav Oršić. Deal worth in region of £7m including add-ons (Premier League survival). Told Croatian international winger has already travelled for medical.”

The Verdict: Everton have missed out

Everton now find themselves in the relegation zone and are the Premier League’s third-lowest scorers with just 14 goals. Therefore, the need for attacking reinforcements is clear, and Orsic would have been the perfect candidate to come in and make the significant impact that Frank Lampard craves.

The Croatian has posted an outstanding 21 goal contributions in just 27 appearances across all competitions this season and is a versatile player with the ability to operate at centre-forward, as well as out wide (Transfermarkt).

Orsic has been hailed by Sučić for being able to produce moments of ‘magic’, and that is the profile of player that Everton need if they are to enhance their prospects of preserving their top-flight status.

Alas, it now looks like Lampard and co will need to turn their attention elsewhere in the transfer window in that regard.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has his sights set on turning the tide of the club that he joined earlier this year, with Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham perhaps the marquee signing in mind to lay down a firm marker of intent.

Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg tweeted last month that the Red Devils are very much in the race for the 19-year-old, despite interest from some of the Premier League’s other big hitters. 

The journalist said: “He’s [Bellingham] the transfer target No. 1 for #MUFC confirmed! They expect him to cost around €150m (£129m), they have scouted him a lot. Ten Hag wants him in 2023! But: Chances are low due to competition from #MCFC and #LFC and due to Financial Fairplay!”

Various sources, including The Athletic, are now reporting that United maintain an intense desire to lure Bellingham to Old Trafford, with ten Hag having been wowed by his performances at the recent World Cup.

The centrepiece of a new era?

Should United secure Bellingham, they would shatter the dreams of their fellow suitors in what might be the most lucrative transfer at the club since the arrival of Paul Pogba from Juventus for a then world-record £89m in 2016.

The 19-year-old Englishman might not taste the instant success at Old Trafford that the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid seem better placed to offer, but the idea of assuming a defining role as the centrepiece of a team looking to rise once more is tantalising, to say the least.

Also, as the third-richest football club in the world, United have the wealth and backing to get a move for Bellingham over the line and clinch a deal which would send a real statement through the Premier League and Europe, reaffirming their stature and their intent to regain their pedestal among football’s elite.

Bellingham himself would bring a skill set which would stand him head-and-shoulders above his peers, combining offensive and defensive prowess in a box-to-box role which would enable him to make his all over the pitch, issuing stability and providing the necessary spark to up the ante in the biggest moments. 

For Dortmund this season, the 19-year-old has scored nine goals and provided three assists from 22 appearances, captaining his side on two occasions – evidence of the maturity that the Old Trafford faithful could yet witness in red. 

As per FBRef, the “prodigy” – as hailed by journalist Raphael Honigstein – ranks within the top 20% for progressive passes, 6% for dribbles completed and 5% for touches in the attacking penalty area when compared to midfielders throughout Europe’s big five leagues in 2022. 

Meanwhile, his defensive mettle is illustrated by his averages of 3.2 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 1.1 clearances per match in the Bundesliga, as per Sofascore.

Still just a teenager, this all-encompassing level to Bellingham’s play is something which only falls upon a handful of players every generation, and at United he could certainly nurture his precocious, innate football ability, and perhaps inspire the Red Devils to glory once again.

A signing like this, if it comes off, could well and truly kick-start the Erik ten Hag era at Old Trafford.