David Raya has urged his Arsenal team-mates to play without fear as they attempt to end a 22-year wait for the Premier League title.
The Gunners remain in contention for an unprecedented quadruple and could extend their lead over Manchester City to seven points with a win at Wolves on Wednesday.
Mikel Arteta’s side have finished as runners-up in the past two campaigns.
However, their first-choice goalkeeper believes psychological resilience and enjoyment will be the deciding factors during the run-in.
Embracing the pressure
Raya, who joined the club permanently following a successful loan spell from Brentford, insists the squad must embrace the high stakes.
“Confidence and enjoyment are the most important thing in this sport,” Raya told Sky Sports.
“Being confident is the most important thing to be a footballer.”
The Spain international emphasised that anxiety on the pitch would only hinder their performance levels.
“You have to be confident, and you have to enjoy it because if you don’t, you’re not going to be yourself,” he said.
“You’re not going to be able to help the team. Confidence is going to be key for us.”
“Everyone needs to be confident to know what they’re doing, and the main thing is to enjoy the process.”
Focusing on the present
With Arsenal fighting for silverware on four fronts, including a recent progression to the FA Cup fifth round, the fixture list is congested.
The 30-year-old stopper has warned against looking too far ahead at potential trophy lifts.
“Everything is open,” Raya added.
“We cannot think too much about it. We just have to focus on ourselves and go day by day, training session by training session and game by game.”
“If you think too far ahead, you’re not going to see it. So, just go in the present.”
A united dressing room
Raya believes the culture established by Arteta in north London has created a unique bond among the players.
He suggests this unity will be vital as they approach the business end of the season.
“The whole squad is bonded together,” he said.
“We are literally like friends and team-mates at the same time.”
“It makes it so easy for everyone and for everything in life, not just on football.”
Tottenham midfielder Xavi Simons has declined a scheduled break to undertake extra training sessions ahead of the north London derby against Arsenal.
The Netherlands international opted to remain at Hotspur Way while the rest of the first-team squad were granted five days off.
Simons is reportedly keen to build fitness and form before the crucial Premier League encounter.
Focus on Arsenal clash
Reports indicate the summer signing prioritised preparation over recuperation during the brief interval in the fixture list.
Spurs face their fiercest rivals in their next outing as they look to correct a stuttering run of form.
The decision to train alone highlights a determination to make an impact in one of the season’s most significant fixtures.
Adapting to the Premier League
The former RB Leipzig playmaker arrived in north London with high expectations at the start of the campaign.
Despite showing glimpses of his Bundesliga quality, he has struggled to replicate that impact consistently in England.
Simons is not alone in finding rhythm difficult within a Spurs side that has faced collective challenges this season.
Supporters will hope this dedication translates into a decisive performance against the Gunners.
The Premier League has agreed a contract extension with ESPN worth £450m for broadcast rights in South America and the Caribbean until 2031.
Top-flight clubs were informed of the lucrative new agreement at a shareholders’ meeting on Friday.
This fresh package represents a significant financial boost for the competition, marking a 25% increase on the value of the current arrangement in the region.
International growth offsets domestic stagnation
While the English top flight continues to surge in value overseas, the domestic market has experienced a slight plateau.
Current UK contracts with Sky Sports and TNT Sports are valued at a combined £1.67bn, though the actual cost per fixture has dropped by approximately 10%.
This latest injection of cash from the Americas serves as a timely counter-balance to the falling individual value of broadcasted games within the United Kingdom.
Executives were also provided updates regarding rights in other territories that are approaching renewal, with hopes high for further increases.
Future of the 3pm blackout
The disparity between the booming international market and domestic figures has intensified discussions regarding the traditional Saturday 3pm blackout.
While fans in South America can access every fixture live, UK audiences remain restricted during the traditional Saturday afternoon slot.
Jonathan Licht, managing director of Sky Sports, suggested earlier this season that the industry is moving towards a debate on the issue.
“There’s clearly a direction of travel and lots of conversation about Saturday 3pms, and I think that will perhaps increase as we go through this cycle.”
Jonathan Licht, Sky Sports Managing Director
“It’s a conversation that’s coming.”
However, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters maintained in October that the organisation remains “committed” to the protected window for the time being.
“It’s not a decision we make alone. It’s done in conjunction with other footballing bodies, including the English Football League (EFL) and the Football Association (FA).”
Richard Masters, Premier League CEO
UEFA has issued new guidance to Champions League referees aimed at speeding up play and refining VAR usage following a series of controversies this season.
Roberto Rosetti, the governing body’s refereeing director, emphasized the need to avoid “slowing the game down” during video reviews.
While the technology remains integral since its introduction in 2019, officials have been told to prioritize the flow of the match when making subjective calls.
Prioritising match flow
The intervention comes as scrutiny on officiating standards has intensified across European competitions.
Rosetti insisted that while objective errors must be fixed, micro-analysis of subjective incidents is damaging the spectacle.
“We must remember why VAR was introduced,” said Rosetti.
“It was created to correct. The technology is excellent for objective decisions, like offsides, but for subjective judgments, we need to be cautious, because when we review tiny details we are slowing the game down.”
The former Italian official stressed that restarting play quickly is fundamental to the sport’s intensity.
“What is crucial is one concept, we cannot delay the restart of play,” he added.
“If something is in place to delay the restart of play, I think it’s not good for football.”
Player protection and handball
Beyond video assistance, the fresh directives focus on clamping down on serious foul play, particularly dangerous tackles near technical areas.
Officials have been instructed to evaluate the intent of challenges and act firmly against studs-up tackles that endanger opponents.
“We will continue to be strict,” Rosetti said. “The focus is always on protecting the players.”
Regarding the complex issue of handballs, referees must consider a player’s natural silhouette and potential deflections during physical contests.
Targeting simulation
The guidance also addresses player conduct, urging officials to penalize exaggeration following minimal contact.
Referees are expected to distinguish between genuine fouls and attempts to deceive through theatrical reactions.
This renewed focus aims to restore authority to on-field decisions as the Champions League knockout stages approach.
Mikel Arteta has revealed Bukayo Saka is embracing the challenge of playing in a central midfield role as Arsenal navigate an injury crisis.
The England international has been deployed almost exclusively on the right wing under the Spaniard, barring brief spells in other positions post-pandemic.
However, a warm-up injury to Riccardo Calafiori against Wigan on Sunday forced a late tactical reshuffle for the Gunners.
Saka was moved into the engine room alongside Eberechi Eze and impressed during his 45-minute cameo.
Adapting to the No 10 position
With captain Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz unavailable for Wednesday’s trip to Wolves, the Arsenal manager is seriously considering retaining the Hale End graduate in the centre.
Arteta believes recent fitness issues have forced the squad to demonstrate their versatility.
“Yeah, obviously the circumstances of certain players as well sometimes force you to do certain things,” Arteta said.
“Mikel [Merino] adapted incredibly well to a nine position because we missed Kai and Gabi [Jesus] at the time. And now we have issues with midfielders, and players are stepping in.”
The Gunners boss admitted that while the move was born out of necessity, it could be a long-term option.
“Bukayo’s case as well, it’s obviously one that we need to consider for the future,” he added.
“But really good, especially that the players respond to different types of roles in the manner that they are doing.”
Thriving on the challenge
When asked if the 22-year-old enjoyed the tactical switch, Arteta suggested the player is motivated by the need to validate his quality in different areas of the pitch.
“I think he does and everything that brings a challenge to him and he needs to prove something,” said the Spaniard.
“I think it takes something from him and I think it’s something positive.”
Deploying Saka as a number 10 would allow Noni Madueke to retain his spot on the flank, with the winger in fine form having scored three goals in his last five outings.
Chemistry with Madueke
The duo combined effectively against Wigan and share a close friendship off the pitch which Arteta believes is bolstering squad morale.
“This morning we had another one,” Arteta explained.
“They were in the gym and they were testing, and everyone was trying to compete with each other, and those two were hilarious as usual.
“It’s great to witness, because it’s natural – the way they like each other so much, they’re constantly together, and there is some competition within the places, but the team benefits from that.”
Bukayo Saka has committed his long-term future to Arsenal by signing a new five-year contract that makes him the highest-paid player in the club’s history.
The England winger has put pen to paper on a deal running until 2031, ending speculation regarding his future at Emirates Stadium.
Sources have told BBC Sport the agreement is worth in excess of £300,000 a week, rewarding his status as a talismanic figure for the side.
Negotiations had been ongoing for nearly a year, with the 24-year-old verbally agreeing to the terms in January.
Boost for Premier League title charge
The announcement provides a significant lift for Mikel Arteta’s side as they compete on four fronts, seeking their first major silverware since 2020.
Arsenal currently sit four points clear at the Premier League summit and are preparing to face Manchester City in the EFL Cup final in March.
The Gunners have also progressed to the Champions League knockout stages and remain in contention for the FA Cup.
Securing Saka’s services ensures the north London club retains one of their most productive attacking outlets for his peak years.
Securing the core for the future
This renewal is the latest strategic move by the Arsenal hierarchy to keep their title-chasing squad together.
Defensive pillars William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have also signed long-term extensions recently.
Academy prospects Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly were similarly tied down in the summer, ensuring the club’s production line remains intact.
Saka has remained integral to Arsenal’s attack this term, contributing seven goals in 33 appearances across all competitions.
‘Impossible to replicate’
The forward’s journey from the Hale End academy to the first team has forged a unique bond with supporters that the club viewed as irreplaceable.
Mikel Arteta relies heavily on the winger, with the majority of the team’s attacking mechanics flowing down the right flank.
Beyond his club duties, Saka faces a pivotal summer representing England under Thomas Tuchel at the World Cup.
Supporters will hope that after a season of domestic success, the winger can translate his club form to the international stage.
Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal are investigating a spate of warm-up injuries after Riccardo Calafiori became the latest player to suffer a pre-match setback.
The Italian defender was forced to withdraw moments before the Gunners’ FA Cup clash with Wigan Athletic on Sunday.
It prompted the Arsenal manager to admit the club is "looking into" why key personnel are breaking down before kick-off.
Defensive disruptions
This marks the second occasion this season that Calafiori has dropped out of the starting XI following the pre-match warm-up.
The summer signing previously suffered a similar issue ahead of a Premier League fixture against Brighton in December.
William Saliba also fell victim to the trend in August, sustaining a twisted ankle prior to a 1-0 defeat by Liverpool.
The French centre-back was replaced just five minutes before that fixture by Cristhian Mosquera.
Saka setback adds to concerns
The issue has not been confined to the backline, with Bukayo Saka limping off before a match against Leeds United in late January.
Noni Madueke replaced the England international that day, helping the side to a comfortable 4-0 victory at Elland Road.
Arteta will be keen to resolve the recurring problem to ensure his squad remains fit for the remainder of the campaign.
The Premier League relegation battle has intensified with West Ham United closing the gap on safety, causing panic at struggling rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest.
With just 12 games remaining, the fight for survival has entered a critical phase defined by managerial upheaval and rising tension.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s Hammers have found form at the crucial moment, narrowing the gap to the safety line to just three points.
Managerial merry-go-round
While confidence grows in east London, anxiety has gripped the boardrooms at the City Ground and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has acted ruthlessly, dismissing Sean Dyche to appoint Vitor Pereira.
The Portuguese coach becomes Forest’s fourth manager of a chaotic 2025-26 campaign, following previous spells by Nuno and Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham are also reeling, having parted company with Thomas Frank following a disastrous run of form that has dragged the north Londoners into the mire.
The fight for survival
Burnley remain in the bottom three but have opted for stability, with Scott Parker retaining his position despite a recent FA Cup exit to Mansfield.
A vital 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace has offered the Clarets a lifeline, though they remain favourites to join Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Championship next season.
The Molineux club appear resigned to their fate, sitting rock bottom with just nine points and a single victory all season.
Wanderers have already begun planning for the second tier under Rob Edwards, recently signing proven Championship scorer Adam Armstrong.
Looking over their shoulders
The erratic form of sides just above the drop zone suggests the relegation picture could yet widen.
Crystal Palace have been in freefall since Oliver Glasner announced his summer departure, sitting in 13th place on 32 points.
Brighton are also under pressure under Fabian Hurzeler, sitting a point worse off than the Eagles, while Leeds United appear the most stable of the strugglers under Daniel Farke.