Arsenal will return to Champions League action against Real Madrid on Tuesday night after Liverpool’s Sunday afternoon defeat offered them a glimmer of hope in the title race
Arsenal were offered a glimmer of hope in their pursuit of the Premier League on Sunday, but it remains a tall order and then some. Liverpool lost at Fulham – their first league reverse of the calendar year – but remain 11 points clear with seven games to go.
The Gunners rested players for Saturday’s draw with Everton, suggesting their focus is on the Champions League. On Tuesday they will welcome Real Madrid to the Emirates Stadium for their quarter-final first leg, with Madrid coming off a surprise loss at home to Valencia.
Arsenal have beaten the Spanish giants before – memorably doing so en route to the 2006 Champions League final. If they manage to overcome Carlo Ancelotti’s side this time, either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa will await in the last four.
Whatever happens between now and May, Arsenal may feel the squad needs refreshing. An injury crisis up front has left them lacking in key games, and efforts are likely to be made to avoid a repeat next term.
Some familiar names continue to be mentioned in connection with the club, but there’s a new name in the mix as well. That’s one of the talking points this week as Mirror Football brings you the latest lines from around North London.
READ MORE: Liverpool boss Arne Slot says ‘people want to make stories’ after rare lossREAD MORE: What Arsenal fans are saying about the title race after Liverpool defeat
Merino responds to Henry comparisons
Mikel Merino has played down comparisons with Thierry Henry as he prepares to lead the line for Arsenal against Real Madrid. Henry was Arsenal’s hero when the teams met in 2006, scoring the winner at the Bernabeu before a goalless draw in North London saw the Gunners progress.
“I don’t see myself as Henry, that’s for sure,” the makeshift striker said. “Let’s get that out of the equation because I don’t think there are many people, who can play like Henry. It’s another knock-out match against Real Madrid after such a long time and back then it was an historic moment for the club and for the Champions League in general.
“I have really fond memories of that match. So, everyone is really looking forward to it, to try and get the better of a top opponent on the best possible stage in front of the watching world.
England hotshot on Arsenal radar
Arsenal may yet move for more than one striker in the summer. While their search for a starting number nine has seen them linked with the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, youngster Harvey Higgins could also move to North London.
Higgins is currently on the books of Championship side Blackburn Rovers. According to The Sun, there is also Serie A interest in the teenage sensation, who would cost Arsenal a reported £1.5million in compensation.
The 16-year-old scored on his debut for Blackburn’s Under-21s when he was still just 15 years of age. He is an England Under-16 international who can play up front or on the wing whilst he has earned comparisons with Leicester frontman Jamie Vardy.
Slot points blame after Liverpool offer Arsenal hope
Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted his team were their own worst enemies against Fulham. Their 3-2 defeat came via a 14-minute first-half period during which the Londoners beat Caoimhin Kelleher three times, and their boss made his feelings clear.
“That was a difficult spell of 14 minutes,” Slot told Sky Sports after his team’s defeat. “Apart from [Fulham’s] quality and finishing, it was mostly to do with our errors.
“In general we are not making many of these errors – let alone three in one game. Our second half performance was so much better but it is hard to win a game at this level if you concede three in the first half.
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Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
