Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham are among the Premier League clubs keeping a close eye on Club Brugge and Serbia midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, 20. (Teamtalk), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesRecently, Liverpool and the Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk said former players-turned-pundits have a responsibility when discussing the performances of the current generation of footballers.
He believes they can stray into "clickbait" and have a possible impact on players' mental health.
On Thursday's episode of the More than the Score podcast, former Scotland international Pat Nevin and chief sports editor for Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf Marcel van der Kraan join John Bennett to discuss and analyse the modern world of punditry and the impact it can have on players and managers alike.
"As a player you do tend to take it to heart, especially when it feels a little personal," said Nevin.
"Generally, it isn't personal and the pundit is just having their opinion and we all kind of know where the lines are. But, the lines have been jumped over more often in recent years and I think Van Dijk is right about that.
"Because of the clickbait, it is so much easier to get more likes, views and work if you're a little bit more extreme. Ex-players aren't stupid and they know that. If you are too sensible and sit on the fence you won't get the big gigs.
"You have a dichotomy. Most ex-players would like to be balanced but they know if they are too balanced and sensible they won't be there next week.
"My criticism would always be constructive criticism which is explained. One-dimensional labeling of players should never happen. Sometimes if a big name says something enough it becomes accepted wisdom."
Van der Kraan added: "There are two different kinds of pundits; those who need to be on every week and those who are genuinely focused on what is right and what players should do.
"For Van Dijk, after so many years enough is enough.
"It all started after he came into the Netherlands team and became a big player at Liverpool. The first ex-player to really criticise him was Marco van Basten, saying he was not a leader. Van Dijk was biting his lip after every match because it became a bit of a stigma.
"Eventually it filtered to England and every time he had a bad game it became an open nerve."
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to BBC Sport: "The game had moments. We started without the control and dominance we wanted but after that we got the rhythm and had situations to score.
"We started the second half brilliantly. We scored the goal and then we controlled the game but after that the game became chaotic.
"The moment you start to give away one or two free-kicks, the ball goes into the channels in can go out for a throw and then it is a nightmare. They can throw the ball from anywhere on the pitch. You get into that game and it is very difficult to get out.
"They are one of the best historically in the league [from set-pieces] and they have developed this year with the long throw. It is a real threat and difficult to defend.
"We were giving free-kicks away you cannot do. We should have had more composure to play through them.
"We wanted to win so we feel like we dropped two points. They are very difficult. We keep going."
Declan Rice, speaking to BBC Sport: "The game was split into different halves. It was their first 20 minutes, we ended the first half strong, we started the second half amazingly well and they ended the half better than us. We suffocated a lot after the goal.
"In this journey you are never going to be at the level for 70 games of the season but you have to be at the best you can. The small details, the basics, like I say this is a rollercoaster of a season. You can't be naïve to think this is going to be easy. We are playing against the best teams week in, week out. We have to keep pushing and believing in ourselves, controlling the controllable.
"We have to block out the outside noise. We have done that really well. People are going to talk up the title race and Arsenal but we have a really calm group. I'm not naïve to think Brentford are a pushover. They are one of the best teams in the league and their recent form shows that. It's a point gained in our journey but we wanted to win the game."
Did you know?
Of the 17 games in which Arsenal have scored first in the Premier League this season, this is just the second time they've failed to win (W15 D1 L1) along with their 2-3 defeat to Manchester United in January.
Since the start of 2022-23, Arsenal have a 68.6% win rate and average 2.3 points per game with William Saliba playing in the Premier League (W83 D24 L14), compared to a 42.1% win rate and 1.6 points per game on average without him (W8 D7 L4).
Arsenal's 0.6xG total was their third-lowest in a Premier League game this season behind their games with Liverpool in August (0.49) and January (0.57).
Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on Brentford's performance
What did you make of Arsenal's display?
Come back on Friday for a selection of your replies
Keith Andrews makes just one change to the side that beat Newcastle at the weekend. Yehor Yarmoliuk comes in for Jordan Henderson.
Brentford starting XI: Kelleher, Kayode, Ajer, Van Den Berg, Henry, Yarmoliuk, Janelt, Jensen, Lewis-Potter, Ouattara, Thiago
Subs: Valdimarsson, Damsgaard, Hickey, Pinnock, Henderon, Collins, Donovan, Furo, Maxime Deyne
Image source, Premier LeagueThere's four changes to the Arsenal side that beat Sunderland 4-0.
Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres come into the starting line-up.
There's also a boost as Bukayo Sako and Martin Odegaard are back on the bench after injury.
Arsenal starting XI: Raya, Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Madueke, Eze, Trossard, Gyokeres.
Subs: Arrizabalaga, White, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Odegaard, Martinelli, Saka, Jesus.
Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist
Brentford are bidding for three successive Premier League wins against an Arsenal side who have scored seven goals in their past two matches.
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before their meeting at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford prepare to face the league leaders knowing their home form has generally been strong this season, although their most recent defeat happens to have taken place in their last match at the Gtech Community Stadium – and against an opponent battling relegation.
Brentford's 2-0 loss at home to Nottingham Forest on 25 January is one of only two defeats on home soil in the Premier League this season and the Bees have since responded with impressive away victories at Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Keith Andrews' side next take on the dual challenge of facing the competition's toughest team along with a quirk of statistics: since the start of last season, Brentford have only lost consecutive home league games on two occasions, the first time of which was also a 2-0 defeat to Forest followed by a loss to Arsenal.
Brentford, though, can rely on the superlative home form of their star striker. Igor Thiago has scored nine goals in his last 10 Premier League home games, including four braces. Only Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has scored more Premier League goals than Thiago so far this season.
Igor Thiago joined Brentford from Club Brugge a year ago
Arsenal's attackers have rediscovered good form of their own in recent weeks, including centre forward Viktor Gyokeres, who has scored six goals in his past eight appearances in all competitions.
The Gunners' 3-0 win against Sunderland last weekend followed a 4-0 triumph at Leeds United although the former was unusual in the sense that all three of Arsenal's goals came from open play. It is only the seventh time that has happened across the entire Premier League campaign so far – and first since the 2-1 loss at Aston Villa on 6 December.
Arsenal have scored more goals from set-pieces than open play in the Premier League this season
Should Manchester City defeat Fulham at home on Wednesday night Arsenal will kick off in west London with their lead at the top of the table cut to three points.
Arteta, however, has a strong record in London derbies, winning 41 of 67 at a 61% success rate - the best ratio of any Premier League manager to have taken charge of at least 20.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have lost just one of their past 20 away games against fellow London sides (W14, D5) since the start of 2022-23.
Can Brentford produce another shock after beating Aston Villa and Newcastle in the past couple of weeks? No, they can't.
Keith Andrews has done an incredible job as Bees boss and they will make life difficult for Arsenal because they are well organised and dangerous on the break.
But I still think Arsenal will win because of their sheer power that means they can run through anything.
This might not be the most entertaining game to watch, because Brentford will sit in and defend, and counter.
Arsenal will deal with that, and then find a way of scoring. A deflected goal will probably decide it.
People might say the way they win games is not pretty but there is still a lot to admire about Arsenal and, in the end, no matter what anyone says, it is all about winning, isn't it?
Arsenal are very good at winning games, and I am expecting them to win this one too. In my opinion, they will go on and win the title too, because of the quality of their squad and how good they are defensively.
As much as you want beauty to triumph over a beast, Manchester City are still far too flaky for that to happen.
Sutton's prediction: 0-2
Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal forward Kai Havertz has picked up a muscle injury and is set for another spell on the sidelines.
The Germany attacker will miss Thursday's Premier League match at Brentford and is likely to miss the FA Cup game against Wigan on Sunday.
Arsenal face north London rivals Tottenham on 22 February and Havertz is also a doubt for that fixture - meaning he could miss up to four matches with the Gunners also playing Wolves next week in the league.
Havertz has struggled with injuries and had only recently recovered from a knee problem he picked up on the opening day of the season which had kept him out for about five months.
Prior to that problem, Havertz injured his hamstring on a training camp in Dubai in February 2025 and needed surgery on the issue which saw him miss the end of last season.
His latest injury is a concern for Mikel Arteta as the Gunners boss is also without midfielder Mikel Merino who has had surgery on a foot problem.
Captain Martin Odegaard, England attacker Bukayo Saka and youngster Max Dowman have also been missing through injury in recent weeks.
Emlyn Begley
BBC Sport journalist
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Premier League game against Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Arteta did not really discuss how they felt on seeing title rivals Manchester City's comeback win over Liverpool and said there are "things we cannot control". He added: "We have to focus on ourselves. They were really happy when we beat Sunderland. Let's put all the energy into what we do."
A reasonable portion of the news conference focused around the sacking of Tottenham boss Thomas Frank. Arteta said: "It's very sad news when a colleague doesn't continue doing his job. He is an excellent coach and an extraordinary man. He's proved that in the league. I wish him all the very best."
On how to stay in a job, he said: "The first one is if you have the players right behind you. And then you have to win a lot of games. Creating that chemistry with everyone at the club. And win a lot of games. The percentage of wins has to be high if you want to continue in the job. I'm very happy. That's what we all wanted from the beginning. We have been able to bring stability, joy and progression to the club. Hopefully this season we'll be better."
On another similar question on his time at Arsenal, he added: "Something I learned, you can have an idea but the players' qualities are the most important thing. Asking them to do something they're not comfortable with won't work long term."
They face Spurs in a week and a half and Arteta was asked about the challenge of facing a different manager. "It happens a lot of times already this season for us," he said. "Focus more on us and what we want to achieve. We have to be able to adapt."
On midfielder Martin Zubimendi enjoying his most prolific season: "Credit to Mikel Merino showing him the celebration and how to arrive in the box. The first time I spoke to him he said he was a bit constrained to go forward in his position. He's been incredible."
On striker Viktor Gyokeres scoring more goals: "Not much [has changed]. His work ethic remains the same. Probably the energy and confidence, once you start to score and assist you start to believe it will happen and it increases. When he got himself fresh and available [after an injury] everything lifted and now he's clicking."
Arteta was only asked briefly about opponents Brentford. "The past few results - amazing," he said. "Big credit to them because they're a top side."
Got a question about Arsenal? Get in touch and we'll put it to our experts
Juventus and any other Serie A club would struggle to meet the salary of 25-year-old Newcastle United and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, who is interesting Arsenal and Manchester United. (Athletic - subscription required), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesSix of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres' eight league goals for Arsenal have come against newly promoted sides.
And since the turn of the year, Gyokeres has netted six goals across all competitions - more than any other Premier League player.
The Gunners beat all of the promoted clubs last season but have found it difficult to break down teams who defend in a low block, which is where Gyokeres' goalscoring ability could play a big part as Arsenal's title challenge gets to the final stages.
Last season, Arsenal dropped points away at Everton - but Gyokeres' goal from the penalty spot ensured the Gunners took all three points during this campaign.
Scoring against promoted sides does not take away the significance of his goals as Sunderland have been one of the surprise packages of the season.
However, Gyokeres' league goals have won Arsenal just two points.
Only three of his 13 goals in all competitions have changed the state of the game after he scored the opening goals against Burnley, Everton and Kairat.
A criticism of Gyokeres before he signed was that he was a flat-track bully, mainly scoring against teams lower in the Portuguese table.
He averaged 1.18 goals per game in the Primeira Liga in 2024-25, but only managed two goals in eight games against the sides that finished second and fifth, while 17 of his 39 goals (43.6%) came in seven games against the bottom four.
Gyokeres' style of play is not the most pleasing on the eye but can be effective.
But Arteta now has Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz to complement the forward, his impact can also come from the bench.
He has scored three goals from six shots in seven games when coming off the bench, compared to 10 goals from 55 shots in 25 games as a starter.
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal forward Charles Sagoe Jr has joined Swedish top-flight side Kalmar on loan until January 2027.
The 21-year-old joined the Gunners from Fulham in 2015 and signed professional terms in 2022.
Sagoe Jr, who can also play in midfield, was on Arsenal's bench when they faced Slavia Prague in the Champions League in November.
Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal's 3-0 win against Sunderland was proficient rather than magnificent. There is the square root of nothing wrong with that at this stage of the season.
As they edge towards the title some people, including me, would like a little more pizzazz, but in the end it doesn't matter. They just need the points and again they were at their miserly best with yet another clean sheet.
Four clean sheets in their last five league games tells a story of what Arteta wants right now and with William Saliba and Gabriel in front of David Raya he will regularly continue to get it.
They have lost only 17 goals in 25 league games this season, project that forward at the same rate and it comes to 28 goals in 38 games by the end of the campaign. That meanness is one of the major signs of champions. In the past six seasons, the Premier League winners have averaged losing 33.3 goals per campaign and only Man City in 2021-22 shipped fewer than 28 with a measly 26.
For all the star quality throughout their squad, it is probably those two stoic centre-backs who hold the keys to the Premier League trophy room.
Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter
Manchester City can bank on the presence of one of the world's finest goalkeepers in Gianluigi Donnarumma for years to come, says journalist Rory Smith.
The Italian keeper made a stunning save to deny Liverpool a point at Anfield on Sunday and bolster his side's Premier League title pursuit.
Such was the quality of the stop, City boss Pep Guardiola could be seen mimicking his goalkeeper's action on the touchline - which you can see in an image below.
Image source, Getty ImagesA debate on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club considered footwork, distribution and more, with some of the team giving Donnarumma the edge over other big-name keepers.
The Observer's Smith said: "In a really high-pressure game, would you want Donnarumma or David Raya? You'd go for Donnarumma. In Europe maybe the only one weirdly overlooked is Thibaut Courtois.
"I think it's probably those two as the best in the world. The sheer size of Donnarumma. Raya is fantastic but I think Donnarumma feels more secure to me."
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given added: "When he came on the market it was too good of an opportunity to turn down.
"He's 26 years of age and could be there for another 10 years.
"The save at the end, a lot of goalkeepers would have struggled to keep that out.
"The size of the man. The presence that some goalkeepers don't have, he has that. I just think you see the reaction of his team-mates, they didn't think he was saving that.
"Thinking up and down the league, who is better at the minute? David Raya perhaps."
Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds
Laura Kirk-Francis
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesWith his double in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday, Viktor Gyokeres has now scored six goals this year, more than any other Premier League player.
The Sweden striker arrived in the summer as a statement. Fans expected an instant impact, something like an Erling Haaland-esque explosion into the Premier League. They didn't get it. But with his recent run of form, it looks like he could be exactly what Arsenal needed.
Despite his recent improving run of form, a common criticism of Gyokeres from rival fans is that he only scores against the league's newly promoted sides, or those in the bottom half. Factually, this is true. Five of his eight Premier League goals have come against Burnley, Leeds, and Nottingham Forest.
But Arsenal's title charge faltered last season against exactly these types of sides. Conversely, this season, Gyokeres is precisely the man to dispatch these sides, even if they still put up an organised and, at times, suffocating defence against the Gunners. This isn't a player stat-padding against smaller sides, it's one doing exactly what we need him to do.
It's also been an eye-opener for fans watching a player adapt to life in the English top flight while very publicly learning on the job. Physicality-wise, there is simply nowhere to hide in the Premier League, and Gyokeres has sometimes looked significantly off the pace. However, he has failed, adjusted, and improved in the public eye and under immense scrutiny. This is to be lauded.
He is proof that the move from Primeira Liga isn't just about technical skill, which he is still working on. It is as much about the mental strength to fail and grow while the world watches.
These early signs of him 'coming good' are no fluke, but the result of a player willing to be imperfect while the finishing touches fall into place. And his recent form shows every indication that they will.
Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast, external
Bayern Munich are not looking at Atletico Madrid's Argentina forward Julian Alvarez, boosting Arsenal's hopes of signing the 26-year-old. (Christian Falk), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Premier League striker Clinton Morrison on Arsenal's title race: "It doesn't matter about style. Those Arsenal players and Mikel Arteta, come the end of the season when people say you didn't play attractive, they'll think 'I don't care, I have a trophy and medal'.
"I think the Sunderland game showed they are getting back to their best. Sunderland caused them a few problems but once Martin Zubimendi scored Arsenal were in cruise control.
"There's a long way to go.
"Do you know what the deciding factor will be in this race? I'll put it out there - the Carabao Cup. Whoever wins that, it's advantage for them.
"If City win it, they are full of confidence. If Arsenal win it - they are thinking they don't get over the line and haven't won a trophy - if they win it, you make them favourites.
"That is a huge game that one."
Will Perry
Final Score reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal are a step closer to the big prize! Fans would be more than happy with just the Premier League trophy in the cabinet at the Emirates, but somewhere in the back of their minds there is the thought of competing for an unprecedented quadruple.
They are the best team in England this season by a distance but a six-point lead is certainly not enough breathing room to calm anyone of a red persuasion. Arsenal would really like a much bigger gap before that trip to Manchester City in April.
Their strength in squad depth really could prove the difference in these final few months.
With six goals in eight games, Viktor Gyokeres has finally found some form, while Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have returned from injuries with a bang and the goals keep coming.
When the full-time whistle blew against Sunderland, it was the biggest lead Arsenal have had at the end of a day since 2004, and we all know what happened that season.
Is the 22-year wait finally going to come to an end?
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney speaking on his BBC podcast on the ramifications for Arsenal after Manchester City's comeback win at Liverpool: "The effect it can have is huge. I remember when we were in title races when we played earlier and won. [Arsenal] see the gap at nine points come back to six. And the way it happened as well because when Liverpool go a goal up, they think, 'if this stays at nine points then what a boost that is for us'.
"But then Manchester City come back. You waste energy watching it - 100%.
"I'm sure Mikel Arteta will be telling his players to focus on their job and what they have to do, because you can get caught up in it and look at other people's results. I don't think that's a good thing.
"Arsenal will be looking at the fixtures coming up and trying to work out how many points they feel they'll win or City will win. In the end, all that matters is if you win your games. That's it.
"Arsenal have backed him massively and given him a fantastic squad. If they don't win it this year, then there'll be pressure on Arteta - definitely."
Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds
This content isn't available anymore.
There was an error
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Arsenal and Sunderland.
Here are some of your comments:
Arsenal fans
Andrew: No nerves. Easy win. Three open-play goals. Lovely football. What will the next media narrative be? Haircuts unbefitting of champions? Havertz too strong a Scrabble word?
Richard: At the time it was needed the team and manager have answered their critics. Now is not the time to get carried away - take every game as it comes, block out the noise. Arsenal will have some more difficult days before this season is over. They are very unlikely to go from nothing since 2020 to a quadruple, but they compete on all fronts and that's something to enjoy. The team is playing how they have to, against opponents who play to avoid a battering. Lazy commentary about it being boring to watch is something to ignore. Arsenal are proving they can break down any team tactically. It's a masterclass in adaptation. Just be patient and enjoy it.
Tokunboh: Dominant victory! The first goal is the most important but Kai Havertz's spontaneity - like his first-time pass to Gabriel Jesus for the offside chance - can make a difference for Viktor Gyokeres. With 11 matches to go, being six points ahead and with just two of the current top 6 still to play, the omens look good for us.
Phill: Mikel Arteta's message has clearly reached the players and the fans. It is an enjoyable run we have started. It also shows the plan Mikel has had in mind since the summer, with his consistent talk of starters and finishers. Long may it continue.
Sunderland fans
Ginny: A positive performance despite the result. Sunderland matched Arsenal physically and were on the wrong end of numerous contentious decisions. Individual errors led to the first two goals, the second of which was very much against the run of play, and Sunderland were chasing the game at the time of the final goal. Arsenal were clinical - if Sunderland had a goal merchant like Gyokeres they may have given the Gunners a scare. Overall, lots of positive aspects to take into the next match.
Dave: We played like we could afford to lose but not lose heavily. A sensible if not exciting display where we needed to be clinical and have luck on our side to make it work. Nothing lost long-term - on to the next and concentrate on what's there to be won.
Malcolm: Harsh scoreline but defenders losing possession in our third cost us dearly. No-one stepping up into Granit Xhaka's shoes. Subs came on too late and the ref gave Brian Brobbey nowt.
David: The scoreline was a bit harsh and not a fair reflection of the game overall. If Regis le Bris can figure out how to get more bodies in and around man-mountain Brobbey it would help, but it is difficult to be too critical of a newly promoted side playing away against the impressive Premier League champions elect. Let's learn, take the positives and bounce back against the current champions under the lights on Wednesday. Haway The Lads.
