Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

5 things noticed from Arsenal training as Mikel Arteta delivers promise to Ivan Toney

Arsenal's Premier League campaign continues on Sunday afternoon when they travel to Brentford to face Thomas Frank's side.

The Gunners have made a brilliant start to the season, winning five of their opening six Premier League games to sit at the top of the table before this weekend's fixtures. They also won their first Europa League game of the term by beating FC Zurich 2-1.

Mikel Arteta's side want to bounce back from their recent 3-1 defeat to Manchester United and avenge their 2-0 loss at Brentford last term. But what can fans expect to see on Sunday? Here are five things we noticed from Arsenal's most recent training session.

Arteta plotting to stop Toney

Ivan Toney riled up Arsenal last season following Brentford's famous win by tweeting: "Nice kick about with the boys."

Arteta used Toney's tweet to encourage his players ahead of the return game at the Emirates, which finished 2-1 to the hosts. As revealed on Amazon's 'All or Nothing: Arsenal' documentary, Arteta said: "Before I go, because it’s still in my stomach and I have managed to keep it for four months, five months, six months... 'Nice kick about with the boys.'

"So today, they play in our house, guys there is only one team on that f****** pitch – and it’s us! We take that f****** ball, we take the game, we go for it and let’s f****** win this game!"

Mikel Arteta has devised a plan to thwart Ivan Toney (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Do you think Arsenal will beat Brentford? Let us know in the comments below!

Toney will be at the centre of Arteta's game plan again on Sunday due to his impressive form. The Brentford striker has scored five goals in his opening six Premier League games this season to earn a first call-up to the England squad for this month's internationals.

Arteta knows he'll have to stop Toney if he's to beat Brentford. That's easier said than done, as the 26-year-old wants to be selected for the World Cup. It promises to be a huge battle between Toney and Arsenal defensive duo William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes on Sunday.

Marquinhos wants Premier League debut

Marquinhos is ready for his Premier League bow (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Brazilian teenager Marquinhos was involved in training and will be keen to make his Premier League debut against Brentford after a brilliant couple of weeks. The 19-year-old scored on his Arsenal debut against FC Zurich and was nominated for the prestigious Golden Boy award - a prize given to the best young player in European football.

"He’s very popular, with no English, just with his smile and attitude," Arteta said of the teenager at his press conference on Friday. "He has earned the respect and admiration of everybody here.

"It was a big step for him because he hasn’t played enough minutes with us but we were willing to give him the opportunity. I think he deserved it, I think he took it really well and he’s a player that needs to keep developing and in order to do that we need to give him opportunities."

Partey fit again

Thomas Partey's thigh injury appears to have healed (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Thomas Partey is expected to be involved on Sunday after missing Arsenal's last five games with a thigh complaint. The Ghana international took part in training on Friday, although Arteta didn't provide an update on his fitness when he spoke to the press.

"Unfortunately, updates will be tomorrow," the Spaniard said. "Whoever will have to be ruled out, that is going to be tomorrow. We have those 24 hours to see. One or two can be considered tomorrow for training and for selection and that will be key in the next 24 hours."

Vieira continues progress

Fabio Vieira's first Premier League start is on the horizon (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Fabio Vieira is yet to make his first Premier League start following his £34million move from Porto in July. The Portuguese midfielder picked up an injury in pre-season - delaying his progress - and has played just 12 minutes of Premier League football so far.

However, Vieira started the victory against FC Zurich and is getting closer to full fitness, giving Arteta another option in central midfield. The 22-year-old was pushed hard in training on Friday, as goalkeeper Matt Turner was pictured helping him back up to his feet.

"We were looking for players that could play in three positions in the frontline and in the attacking midfielder positions," Arteta said this month when asked why he signed Vieira.

"We were looking for very specific qualities in the market and when I saw him, I really liked what I saw. Straight away, I was convinced that he was a player who can help us go to the next level and that he had the right personality and character to play for our club."

Tierney and Jesus expected to start

Kieran Tierney is likely to be selected ahead of Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Gabriel Jesus has been dropped from the Brazil squad (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Kieran Tierney looks ready to play at left-back against Brentford after completing training on Friday. Oleksandr Zinchenko, the other recognised left-back in Arsenal's squad, is struggling with an injury and Arteta has admitted he may miss the game.

When asked about Zinchenko's fitness on Friday, the Arsenal boss said: "Again, we have to wait until tomorrow to make that decision. Where he was on that moment and what we have decided to do for international week, doesn’t mean that we are going to say the same for the weekend, so it’s something we will address tomorrow."

Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus, who has scored three goals and provided three assists in the Premier League this season, was also working hard in training. He's out to remind Brazil boss Tite what he can offer after being left out of his country's squad for this month's internationals.

On Jesus being dropped by Brazil, Arteta said: I haven't [been given a reason why]. What I have to do is try to convince the players that they have to continue to do that, put their heads down, accept the decision that is made by the coach of the national team and give them even more reason if necessary that they have to be selected. That's the way the boys reacted and there's nothing else to comment on."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.