Arsenal Seek Swift Response to Take Title Fight to Man City

Manchester City's Portuguese defender Ruben Dias (L) tackles Arsenal's Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 15, 2023. (Photo by Ian Kington / IKIMAGES / AFP)
Manchester City's Portuguese defender Ruben Dias (L) tackles Arsenal's Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 15, 2023. (Photo by Ian Kington / IKIMAGES / AFP)
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Arsenal Seek Swift Response to Take Title Fight to Man City

Manchester City's Portuguese defender Ruben Dias (L) tackles Arsenal's Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 15, 2023. (Photo by Ian Kington / IKIMAGES / AFP)
Manchester City's Portuguese defender Ruben Dias (L) tackles Arsenal's Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 15, 2023. (Photo by Ian Kington / IKIMAGES / AFP)

Arsenal have no time to lick their wounds after losing top spot in the Premier League to Manchester City as the Gunners aim to snap a four-game winless streak at Aston Villa on Saturday.

City must end Nottingham Forest's five-month unbeaten run at the City Ground in the league if they are to maintain their momentum towards a fifth title in six seasons, AFP said.

Liverpool's trip to Newcastle could have big implications on who finishes in the top four come the end of the season, while there is a huge relegation six-pointer at the bottom as Leeds visit Everton.

AFP Sport looks at some of the key talking points ahead of the weekend's action.

- Arteta still believes -Arsenal's unbeaten home record came to end on Wednesday as City stormed the Emirates 3-1 and went top for the first time since November in the process.

After dropping just seven points in their opening 19 league games, Arsenal have let eight slip away in the last three following defeat at Everton and a controversial 1-1 draw with Brentford.

"I have more belief than I had before the game," said a defiant Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after losing to City.

"With the performance and the level the team put in, we had the feeling we could beat them. Until the second goal we had them.

"But we gave them three goals and the game at the end. Certain errors at this level, you can't make. At the same time, the team put the level very high."

City lead only on goal difference and Arsenal still have a game in hand on their title rivals.

Victory at Villa Park would right the ship for Arteta's men, but there are fears fatigue and injuries are beginning to hamper a young squad.

Influential midfielder Thomas Partey is expected to miss Saturday's clash due to a muscle injury, while Gabriel Jesus remains out injured.

Last chance for Liverpool?
Liverpool's first league victory of 2023 against Everton on Monday night brought the Reds back into contention for a top-four finish.

Jurgen Klopp's men still have a lot of ground to make up if they are to qualify for the Champions League for a seventh consecutive season.

Liverpool are nine points behind fourth-placed Newcastle but have a game in hand on the Magpies and the chance to cut that gap at St. James' Park on Saturday.

Newcastle's only league defeat of the season so far came at Anfield in August.

But five draws in their last six games have slowed their charge towards a place in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.

- Everton back to earth -
An upturn in form for West Ham, Wolves and Leicester means it is increasingly likely that one if not both Leeds and Everton face the drop.

The Toffees were brought back to reality in the Merseyside derby on Monday after shocking Arsenal in Sean Dyche's first game in charge.

Everton's struggle for goals will not be helped by the continued absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin due to a hamstring injury.

"The Arsenal game's a reminder of the quality that is here," said Dyche. "Of course the striking department has got less options that you would like in the Premier League, and especially for a club of this size and the expectation of its fans."

Leeds remain in the caretaker charge of Michael Skubala after failing to land a series of targets to replace Jesse Marsch as manager.

Skubala oversaw two positive performances against Manchester United last week, but they only reaped one point as Leeds remain without a league win since November.

Fixtures (all times GMT)

Saturday

Aston Villa v Arsenal (1230), Brentford v Crystal Palace, Brighton v Fulham, Chelsea v Southampton, Everton v Leeds, Nottingham Forest v Man City, Wolves v Bournemouth (all 1500), Newcastle v Liverpool (1730)

Sunday

Man Utd v Leicester (1400), Tottenham v West Ham (1630)



Qiddiya Named Founding Partner of the Formula 1® stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025

Qiddiya Named Founding Partner of the Formula 1® stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025
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Qiddiya Named Founding Partner of the Formula 1® stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025

Qiddiya Named Founding Partner of the Formula 1® stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025

Saudi Motorsport Company, the promoter of the Formula 1® stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025, has announced a strategic partnership with Qiddiya Investment Company, one of the flagship initiatives of the Public Investment Fund. Under this agreement, Qiddiya becomes a Founding Partner of the 2025 edition of the Formula 1® stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, SPA reported.
This collaboration builds on Qiddiya Investment Company’s strong relationship with the Grand Prix and underscores its unwavering commitment to championing Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity on the global stage. As a Founding Partner, Qiddiya will support the continued growth of the Kingdom’s entertainment, sports, and cultural sectors—delivering world-class experiences that inspire both local communities and international audiences.
Commenting on the announcement, CEO of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation Khalid Al-Suwaidan said: “We are proud to expand our partnership with Qiddiya Investment Company. Their involvement will help unlock the full potential of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit – the fastest street circuit in the world – and further solidify Saudi Arabia’s position on the global motorsport map.”
“This partnership is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional sporting experiences on a global scale. We are confident it will pave the way for continued achievements, embedding sport more deeply into everyday life while enhancing the Kingdom’s image on the international stage,” Al-Suwaidan added.
Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company Abdullah AlDawood said: “We are proud to be a Founding Partner of the Formula 1® stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025, one of the most prestigious events on the global sporting calendar. This partnership reflects Qiddiya’s commitment to bringing world-class experiences to the Kingdom and supporting the continued growth of motorsport in Saudi Arabia. As we develop Qiddiya City into the future capital of Entertainment, Sports, and Culture, initiatives like this play a key role in shaping a vibrant and dynamic future for our youth and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position on the world stage.”