Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta ‘upset’ as Chelsea tipped for transfer raid

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Arsenal’s belief that they can end a 21-year wait for the Premier League trophy this season grows stronger with every game. Mikel Arteta ’s men finished as runners-up in each of the past three campaigns but those gruelling shortcomings played a key role in the Gunners becoming the force we see today.

That was evident in Sunday’s North London derby, where Tottenham were outclassed in all aspects . If not for last season’s injury crisis, Arteta perhaps wouldn’t have bought quite so many crucial players in the summer, including Eberechi Eze , who netted a historic hat-trick in the 4-1 victory against the side he very nearly joined .

Arsenal now boast a six point lead over second placed Chelsea in the table after 12 games but a defeat to the Blues at Stamford Bridge this Sunday can blow the title race wide open. Mirror Football brings you two of the latest stories involving the Gunners ahead of another tantalising London derby.

Arteta joked he was “upset” that his side failed to score from a set piece in last weekend’s win over Spurs. All four of their goals came from open play, showing the Gunners are still capable of breaking down teams as they have been historically known to do, contrary to how some have looked to paint Arsenal’s approach this season.

Gabriel Magalhaes’ absence was a big miss in the opposition area when it came to trying to score from corners, where Arteta’s men have been so dangerous in recent years .

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And, having fielded questions about Arsenal’s reliance on set piece goals all season, the Spaniard said in a tongue-in-cheek manner at his post match press conference: "I am upset we didn’t score with a set piece. I want to score with a set piece as well."

The north Londoners ended November with more open play goals than any other Premier League side.

Shaun Wright-Phillips has predicted Ben White will make a surprise move to London rivals Chelsea in the summer. White, for much of his Arsenal career, was one of the first names on the team sheet.

Yet, since missing much of last season through injury, the English right-back has lost his place in the team to the indomitable Jurrien Timber, playing just 294 minutes this season across six appearances in all competitions.

That has led ex-Blues winger Wright-Phillips to sympathise with White, who he called “unbelievable” prior to his injury. He controversially went on to highlight Chelsea as a suitable next destination for the 28-year-old.

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Wright-Phillips told Best Betting Sites: “I could see a move for Ben White to Chelsea take place next summer. It makes sense, it’s possible. I feel quite sorry for Ben because he had an injury, and he was playing so well for Arsenal. He was unbelievable.

“Then he came back and he’d lost his place to Jurrien Timber, who’s the best right-back in the Premier League. It’s going to take something special to unseat him now."

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