When Arsenal acquired Matteo Guendouzi from Lorient earlier this summer, the 19-year-old was initially seen as a signing for the future, someone whose greatest offerings to the north Londoners would become more evident in the seasons to come.

But the promising Frenchman has been one of Unai Emery’s biggest success stories from his first pre-season with the north Londoners, not only in terms of his performances in midfield but also attitude – against Lazio he was seen praising and encouraging his more senior team-mates as they headed down the tunnel for half-time.

So the ultimate question is whether Guendouzi – who Transfermarkt value at just £2.25million – has impressed enough to warrant a start in what will probably be the toughest home game Arsenal will have this season with champions Manchester City travelling to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Arsenal fans, would you give Guendouzi the nod this weekend? Let us know by voting below…

Marcelo Bielsa has got his Leeds United regime off to a flying start with two excellent victories over Stoke City and Derby County, and the early signs suggest that he could be the man to take Leeds close to promotion this season. 

Naturally, it’s far too early to draw any conclusions regarding Leeds’ chances of earning promotion this season, but there is certainly evidence to suggest they will be in the mix for a place in the Premier League when the season reaches its final stages.

The addition of new talent in the final weeks of the loan window will certainly add further legitimacy to that notion, providing that Bielsa focuses on quality and not quality.

However, a recent report from Goal claims that Leeds could be set to miss an ideal opportunity to sign Manchester City’s Patrick Roberts this summer as the Fulham trainee is set to move to La Liga outfit Girona on a season-long loan.

The report claims that Roberts is ready for the challenge of moving to La Liga despite the fact he rejected the opportunity to join Nice last summer in favour of a move to Scotland.

After impressing at Celtic it will be interesting to see how Roberts copes with the step up in class to top-flight Spanish football.

The level of technical ability which Roberts has demonstrated during his career thus far suggests he is well-suited to the style and demands of La Liga, so it’s likely he will be able to take a significant step forward in his development throughout the season.

Although it would appear too late for Bielsa to make a loan bid for Roberts’ services, the Argentine manager should keep an eye on his progress as he will almost certainly be available for a permanent transfer next summer.

Pablo Maffeo’s transfer to VFB Stuggart on the back of his two-year stint at Girona served to prove that Man City are using their sister club as a place to showcase their young talent before selling them on.

It’s unlikely that Roberts will be an exception to the rule barring an incredible season in La Liga, so Bielsa would be wise to monitor his progress as Leeds could have an ideal opportunity to sign him permanently if they clinch promotion this season.

Leeds fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

Arsenal have made a disappointing start to the Premier League season.

Replacing Arsene Wenger in the Emirates dugout was never going to be easy, and Unai Emery was handed the hardest start of any Premier League club. The Gunners started the season against reigning champions Manchester City and were beaten 2-0 by Pep Guardiola’s men. A trip to Stamford Bridge followed with Chelsea running out 3-2 winners thanks to a late goal from Marcos Alonso.

It’s early days, but their performances aren’t looking promising. One man, in particular, struggled immensely against the Blues – Mesut Ozil. The German was invisible against the Citizens and failed to make a mark against Maurizio Sarri’s men also. Ozil was unable to put a shot on target, create a chance or complete a dribble during the defeat – proving the former Real Madrid man doesn’t have what it takes to perform in the big games.

Arsenal should make a tough decision and replace him with Real Madrid superstar – James Rodriguez. Valued at £72m by Transfermarkt, the Colombian joined Los Blancos back in 2014 after a sensational World Cup campaign. However, he struggled to make an impact at the Bernabeu and was loaned to Bayern Munich on a two-year deal.

The 27-year-old was a key player for the Bavarians last season, scoring seven goals and registering 11 assists as Bayern were crowned Bundesliga champions yet again. Rodriguez averaged 2.8 key passes per game in Germany last season, highlighting the creative ability he would add to the Arsenal squad (WhoScored). Rodriguez is comfortable through the middle or on the wing and would be much better suited to Emery’s system than Ozil.

It’s time for a change at Arsenal, starting with ditching Ozil for Rodriguez.

Arsenal fans, thoughts?

Arsenal finally got the Unai Emery era off and running as they beat West Ham 3-1 last weekend. 

Following two tough opening games against Manchester City and Chelsea, the Gunners boss will have been desperate to finally get three points on the board. Although the Gunners may not have played their best game so far this season, coming back from 1-0 down will have been pleasing for the former PSG boss.

Although the win would have helped alleviate some of the pressure he was starting to come under, the omission of Mesut Ozil brought about rumours that he had a training ground bust-up with Emery. To add even more pressure to the Spaniard, according to French news outlet Le10Sport, Alexandre Lacazette is considering leaving the club before the transfer window closes.

The Breakdown

Arguably one of the best players for the Gunners during the pre-season, Lacazette has found himself starting on the bench for each of Arsenal’s first three games of the Premier League season.

In Emery’s 4-2-3-1 formation, Aubameyang has been tasked with playing the lone striker while having Ramsey, Ozil, Iwobi and Mkhitaryan as the three behind him.

The rumour seems relatively unbelievable due to the impending closure of the window but it surely is an indication to Unai Emery that he has to find a way of getting Lacazette on the pitch with Aubameyang.

The French striker isn’t a winger and has to play through the middle, while that would mean shifting Aubameyang out wide, it’s something that has to be done to get the best out of Arsenal.

Arsenal fans – thoughts? 

Jurgen Klopp will be pleased with Liverpool’s start heading into the international break.

The Reds have won their first four fixtures of the season for the first time in the Premier League era with victories over West Ham, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Leicester. While they have looked unconvincing at times, three points will be all that matters to Klopp and his team. Liverpool still have £40m signing Fabinho to welcome to the side ahead of their visit to Tottenham after the international fixtures.

After failing to offload a number of fringe players in the summer, Klopp will likely use the January transfer window to clear some of the deadwood in his squad. However, the German has shown a willingness to spend big in the past; spending £75m on Virgil van Dijk earlier this year. One man Klopp should be keeping tabs on is Manchester City youngster – Brahim Diaz.

Valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt, the Spaniard is widely regarded as one of the most promising youngsters to progress through the club’s academy. Pep Guardiola is also a huge admirer of the 19-year-old and sees a future for him in the side. However, Diaz has less than one year remaining on his deal and is yet to come to new terms.

Reports earlier this year suggested that City wanted to send the youngster on loan to Girona while the player wanted to stay and fight for a place in the first-team. However, with his route blocked by the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva, he may have to leave permanently in search of first-team opportunities.

With Adam Lallana sidelined with injury again, Liverpool should offer him the chance to move to Anfield. Diaz will be buoyed to see youngsters Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold earn key roles under Klopp meaning he could be tempted to ditch Manchester for Merseyside.

Not only would Liverpool improve their side, but they would also deal a massive blow to their Premier League rivals.

Liverpool fans, thoughts?

Excitement amongst Rangers fans online for Sunday’s trip to Celtic Park for the first Old Firm derby of the Steven Gerrard era is palpable. Indeed, for the first time since the Gers’ return to the top flight of Scottish football, they seem like genuine challengers and the mess behind the scenes at Celtic is giving the Light Blues real hope. 

Gerrard, who remains unbeaten in charge at Ibrox, has really impressed during his short managerial tenure thus far, though few would doubt that this is his biggest test so far. Pitting his wits against former mentor Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool legend will endear himself to Rangers fans forever if he manages to beat the Scottish champions in their own backyard.

The boss, however, isn’t looking to get too far ahead of himself, though is clearly enjoying the mouth-watering prospect. Talking to the club’s official Twitter account in his pre-match press conference, the 38-year-old has spoken of how big the game is, even suggesting he’d like to be playing in it himself.

As you can imagine, much like anything Gerrard says at the moment, Rangers fans online are absolutely lapping it up. With that in mind, here’s a closer look at some of the reaction.

West Ham United will attempt to record their first Premier League win of the season when they travel to Everton on Sunday afternoon.

The Hammers have lost to Liverpool, Bournemouth, Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League this term, with new head coach Manuel Pellegrini not exactly making the most ideal of starts.

Everton are unbeaten in the league this term, but have drawn three of their four matches, and might well struggle to put a team out this weekend.

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Indeed, the Toffees face being without the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Seamus Coleman, Idrissa Gueye, Yerry Mina, Andre Gomes, Phil Jagielka, Michael Keane, James McCarthy, Theo Walcott and Richarlison.

That is some list of absentees, and should be seen as a huge boost to West Ham.

The London club’s supporters are still pessimistic when it comes to the clash at Goodison Park, however, with many still expecting to lose despite Everton’s issues.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

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While Rangers are averaging over a goal a game so far this season, having found the net six times in their opening four matches of the Scottish Premier League campaign, Steven Gerrard’s side are four points behind rivals Celtic and seven points adrift of league leaders Hearts.

What’s gone wrong at the Ibrox?

Whilst the legendary Liverpool midfielder turned manager has guided the Gers to qualification for the group stage of the Europa League, Rangers have had their worst league start since 1989.

Currently sitting in seventh place in the Scottish Premier League table, and having already lost the first Old Firm game of the season courtesy of Olivier Ntcham’s second-half strike, Steven Gerrard is in desperate need of victories.

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Despite bringing in 15 new arrivals throughout the summer transfer window, if matches don’t start going Rangers’ way, Gerrard may turn to the transfer market in January to solve their issues.

With mistakes occurring at both ends of the pitch, perhaps the loan acquisition of Middlesbrough back-up striker Ashley Fletcher could improve Rangers’ attacking arsenal for the remainder of the season.

What’s the appeal of Ashley Fletcher?

Middlesbrough have started the 2018/19 Championship season without defeat in their opening six matches of the campaign under the reign of Tony Pulis, with striker Ashley Fletcher featuring four times off the bench.

Competing for a place in the Boro starting XI against the likes of Martin Braithwaite, Britt Assombalonga and Rudy Gestede, the 22-year-old, who joined the ranks at the Riverside in July 2017, is yet to find the back of the net this season in his four substitute appearances.

Fletcher, who started his career in the youth set up at Manchester United, spent the latter stages of last season on loan at Sunderland, where he scored two goals in 16 Championship appearances.

Despite the lack of goals last season, with a consistent run of games in a first team and Ashley Fletcher could be a top class centre forward.

With height, pace, power and precision, Fletcher could provide goals for Steven Gerrard’s side, and help them out of the rut they currently find themselves in. But, of course, they will have to wait until January to make a move for the youngster.

It’d been a tough start to the season for West Ham as they lost their first four league games this season but now have now beaten Everton, while also holding Chelsea to a draw this weekend. 

The Hammers spent heavily over the summer as they broke their transfer record twice on Issa Diop and then Felipe Anderson, while also bringing in former Machester City boss Manuel Pellegrini. With so many changes over the summer, it was always going to take time for the team to adapt and gel together and it seems as though they are finally beginning to hit some form.

Following the game, Declan Rice admitted that not only were the players confident following the win against Everton but are also looking to take another three points against Man U this weekend.

The Breakdown

Obviously holding a Chelsea side that had been so impressive this season to a draw, was a great result for the Hammers but the fans need to be careful about getting too carried away. Only in the last two weeks have West Ham picked up any points and go into a run of fixtures where they play Man U, Tottenham, Leicester City and Man City.

While it does seem that Pellegrini has finally discovered which formation to play, the Hammers still have a tough run of fixtures to play and if Mark Arnautovic continues to struggle with injuries, they could find it very hard to win games.

West Ham fans, what do you think?

In what came as surprising news, reports emerged yesterday that talks between Aaron Ramsey and Arsenal had broken down and it now looks likely that the Welshman will either leave in January or on a free next summer. 

According to David Ornstein, Arsenal had agreed a deal with Aaron Ramsey but have now pulled the plug on the deal. The Daily Mail is now reporting that the midfielder will not be forced out in January despite Arsenal putting him up for transfer.

The Breakdown

Despite having a fairly strong year last season, Ramsey doesn’t hold the sway that the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez had as their contract negotiations rumbled on. In truth, Arsenal are in a much stronger position with Ramsey and shouldn’t be held to ransom.

Over his Arsenal career, Ramsey had lived off his one exceptional season in 2013/14 where he scored 10 goals to go along with nine assists. Since then, his stats have been solid but not spectacular enough for him to command a wage anywhere close to that of Ozil.

At this point in the season, Arsenal are just starting to build some momentum after a fairly tough start and have won their last six games. With that air of positivity starting to permeate through the team, the Gunners can ill afford to have yet another contract saga derail their season.

With that in mind, Arsenal should do all they can to sell Ramsey in January and get some financial return.

What do you think Arsenal fans?