ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has apologised to fans after chucking in the title towel.
Gutted Arteta said: “I hate the feeling of letting people down when they are expecting something. That’s the biggest regret and I have to apologise for that.
“Second position is secure and that is not going to change but this result is going to take me a few days to digest.
And the Gunners are looking at Mohamed Simakan as their next centre-back signing but will face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United.
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Stay up to date with all the latest news from the Emirates Stadium
- Anthony Chapman
Sim City for Mikel's Gunners
Arsenal are reportedly interested in defender Mohamed Simakan – despite the star recently signing a long-term deal.
The Guardian claims that Arsenal have shown "strong interest" in the RB Leipzig star.
But the Gunners could have a real fight on their hands to secure Simakan after he signed a five-year deal in December.
The 23-year-old is now contracted to the German side until 2027, putting Leipzig in a strong negotiating position.
- Tony Robertson
Good morning Gunners
Mikel Arteta issued an angry apology to Arsenal fans after chucking in the title towel.
Gutted Arteta said: “I hate the feeling of letting people down when they are expecting something. That’s the biggest regret and I have to apologise for that.
“Second position is secure and that is not going to change but this result is going to take me a few days to digest.
“My job is to get the best out of every single player and obviously today I didn’t do that, so it’s my responsibility.
“What the team has done over the last ten months is very different to what anybody expected and we have to manage how we deal with those expectations.
“We fought really hard to be in this position but when you are in a critical moment like this, you cannot do what we did in the second half.
“Now we have to look at if this team is capable of doing it when it comes to the biggest stage.
“With the level that is required to fight for the Premier League title and to compete in the Champions League, there’s a lot of things to think about and analyse because a performance like this cannot happen.
“Last Sunday we were so proud of the way we won at Newcastle and today is the complete opposite.
“We fought really hard to be in this position but when you are in a critical moment like this, you cannot do what we did in the second half.
“Now we have to look at if this team is capable of doing it when it comes to the biggest stage.
“There were a lot of interruptions today. There were 30 fouls and the game had no flow. But we didn’t capitalise on our big moments, we lost a lot of duels and conceded some really poor goals.
“And after Brighton’s second goal, we had no answers. That’s the reality.”
Roy Keane has warned Arsenal they will have to pay a huge fee to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton.
“You can see why they’re in for him,” Keane said on Sky Sports.
“He’s a strong, powerful boy. He’s a good age at 21 and he’s obviously adapted to the Premier League very well.
“You need someone to kind of do a sitting job and be defensive-minded so there’s no surprise they’re interested.
“There was obviously talk they were trying to get him in January but I’m sure he’s got plenty of clauses. If Arsenal are keen on him, they’ll have to pay big money for him.
“But he’s certainly a big, strong, powerful boy and in an ideal world at the age he is, he’s a good investment for Arsenal.”
Arsenal cult hero Nicklas Bendtner made a surprise return at the Emirates for the Premier League clash against Brighton.
Bendtner was spotted in the entrance and looked almost unrecognisable with his long blonde hair, black cap and dark sunglasses.
However, the fans noticed the former forward, who donned a retro Gunners jersey from back in their glory years in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Man Utd have joined Arsenal in the race to sign French centre-back Mohamed Simakan.
The RB Leipzig youngster has played 34 times for the club, scoring three times and registering eight assists.
According to footmercato, the Gunners have enquired about the 23-year-old.
Now, the Red Devils are exploring a move for Simakan this summer.
- Jon Boon
Utd join Simakan race
Man Utd have joined Arsenal in the race to sign French centre back Mohamed Simakan.
The RB Leipzig youngster has played 34 times for the club, scoring three times and registering eight assists.
According to footmercato, the Gunners have enquired about the 23-year-old.
Now, the Red Devils are exploring a move for Simakan this summer.
- Jon Boon
Arteta's apology
Mikel Arteta issued an angry apology to Arsenal fans after chucking in the title towel.
Gutted Arteta said: “I hate the feeling of letting people down when they are expecting something. That’s the biggest regret and I have to apologise for that.
“Second position is secure and that is not going to change but this result is going to take me a few days to digest.
“My job is to get the best out of every single player and obviously today I didn’t do that, so it’s my responsibility.
“What the team has done over the last ten months is very different to what anybody expected and we have to manage how we deal with those expectations.
“We fought really hard to be in this position but when you are in a critical moment like this, you cannot do what we did in the second-half.
“Now we have to look at if this team is capable of doing it when it comes to the biggest stage.
“With the level that is required to fight for the Premier League title and to compete in the Champions League, there’s a lot of things to think about and analyse because a performance like this cannot happen.
“Last Sunday we were so proud of the way we won at Newcastle and today is the complete opposite.
“We fought really hard to be in this position but when you are in a critical moment like this, you cannot do what we did in the second-half.
“Now we have to look at if this team is capable of doing it when it comes to the biggest stage.
“With the level that is required to fight for the Premier League title and to compete in the Champions League, there’s a lot of things to think about and analyse because a performance like this cannot happen.
“Last Sunday we were so proud of the way we won at Newcastle and today is the complete opposite.
“There were a lot of interruptions today. There were 30 fouls and the game had no flow. But we didn’t capitalise on our big moments, we lost a lot of duels and conceded some really poor goals.
“And after Brighton’s second goal, we had no answers. That’s the reality.”
- Jon Boon
Caicedo warning
Roy Keane has warned Arsenal they will have to pay a huge fee to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton.
“You can see why they’re in for him,” Keane said on Sky Sports.
“He’s a strong, powerful boy. He’s a good age at 21 and he’s obviously adapted to the Premier League very well.
“You need someone to kind of do a sitting job and be defensive-minded so there’s no surprise they’re interested.
“There was obviously talk they were trying to get him in January but I’m sure he’s got plenty of clauses. If Arsenal are keen on him, they’ll have to pay big money for him.
“But he’s certainly a big, strong, powerful boy and in an ideal world at the age he is, he’s a good investment for Arsenal.”
- Jon Boon
Bendtner back
Arsenal cult hero Nicklas Bendtner made a surprise return at the Emirates for the Premier League clash against Brighton.
Bendtner was spotted in the entrance and looked almost unrecognisable with his long blonde hair, black cap and dark sunglasses.
However, the fans noticed the former forward, who donned a retro Gunners jersey from back in their glory years in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Fans were so happy to see Bendtner that they even described him as the original Erling Haaland and claimed he paved the way for the Prem's top scorer.
- Jon Boon
Piers Morgan blasts Arsenal
Piers Morgan slammed Arsenal for a "lacklustre, passion-devoid, spiritless, pathetic performance" against Brighton on Sunday.
Taking to Twitter following the defeat, Morgan fumed that the Gunners had "choked" after leading the way for the majority of the campaign.
He blasted: "All over.
"Totally outplayed by a team that just lost 1-5 to Everton.
"A horribly lacklustre, passion-devoid, spiritless, pathetic performance that cements an inexplicably dismal run-in to a season which promised so much.
"Bottom line: we choked. #afc."
- Jon Boon
When City can wrap it up
The Premier League season is hurtling towards a dramatic finale.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have timed an incredible run since the World Cup.
With Arsenal losing to Brighton, Manchester City can win the Premier League title BEFORE they next have to even kick a ball in the league.
Should the Gunners lose to Nottingham Forest, City will be crowned champions on Saturday, May 20.
If Arsenal beat Forest, then City can instead win it the following day if they beat Chelsea at the Etihad.
Should Arsenal draw at Forest then City only need a draw with Chelsea to secure the title.
- Jon Boon
It's all over
Full-time at the Emirates.
The Gunners have been soundly beaten by Brighton 3-0 – in a stunning victory for the Seagulls.
That must mean the end of Arsenal's title challenge now.
- Jon Boon
Gilberto Silva's tip
Gilberto Silva has urged Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to rethink his midfield options and utilise Oleksandr Zinchenko in the middle of the park.
The Brazilian told casinosite.nl: “Before Arteta thinks about which players he can bring into his team, he needs to consider if he is going to lose players. If he is going to lose players, they will obviously need to bring in new players to replace them.
“Having Zinchenko play again as a central midfielder I think would be really good for Arsenal – so maybe left-back would be a position they could think about strengthening. But it all depends on Mikel and what he wants. He needs two players like Tierney and Zinchenko fighting for the same position so that it raises the standards.”
- Jon Boon
Half-time
It's been a tense first half at the Emirates.
The home side have been unable to find the break through against Brighton.
The visitors have dominated the possession, but it remains 0-0.
What will Arteta say at half-time?
- Jon Boon
Martinelli blow
The Gunners have been dealt a blow in the title run-in with an injury to Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazil winger had to be subbed off inside the first 20 minutes, after he was unable to shake off a knock from a mistimed challenge by Moises Caicedo.
Manager Mikel Arteta will be sweating on his fitness at a crucial time in the season.
- Jon Boon
Arteta on importance of winning
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stressed the importance of winning all three games.
Arteta revealed: “We don’t have any other choice, that’s for sure. We have to win to give ourselves the best chance [at the title].
"We have to start today.”
- Henry Tomlinson
Brighton team for Arsenal
Credit: Twitter – @OfficialBHAFC - Henry Tomlinson
Arsenal name team for Brighton
Credit: Twitter – @Arsenal
- Henry Tomlinson
Keane 'misses' rivalry with Vieira
Roy Keane has revealed he "really misses" facing off with Patrick Vieira during his playing days.
He told Sky Sports: “With the big clubs and obviously when I was playing and obviously Patrick [Viera]. We had a rivalry with you because you’re trying to win championships and we played the same position. So there was always going to be clashes, big personalities, the big clubs.
“Trying to win the big prizes and you’ve shown clips there of what it was like back in our time, and it was brilliant. You really really miss it because it was aggressive, it was nasty.
“There was some top-quality play. There’s obviously the pace to the game and you knew every time you played Arsenal from United’s point of view, that result was going to be so vital if you want to get your hands on the title and honestly, they were great days.”
- Henry Tomlinson
Man City in driving seat
Manchester City's two goal lead over Everton at half time at Goodison Park has put them in the driving seat for the Premier League trophy.
Ilkay Gundogan and Erling Haaland were on the scoresheet as they took control of the match.
Arsenal kick-off after the Citizens' game finishes and will need to beat Brighton if the scores stay the same to catch them.
Soccer Football â Premier League â Everton v Manchester City â Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain â May 14, 2023 Manchester Cityâs Erling Braut Haaland celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates REUTERS/Carl Recine EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or âliveâ services. Online in-match use limited to [â¦]Credit: Reuters - Henry Tomlinson
Silva backs Arsenal target for 'big move'
Gilberto Silva believes that Declan Rice is ready to make a move to a bigger club and thinks that arsenal should pay the "expensive" fee for him.
He told casinosite.nl: "There have been some rumours about Arsenal before, but they seem to be increasing again. I’m not 100 per cent convinced this is the first position Mikel [Arteta] is going to strengthen first, but he is a really strong candidate.
"He has done so well at West Ham; I’ve watched their last few games and he has shown exactly why people are talking about him so highly. It’s not going to be an easy transfer because of the high price, but the market is crazy nowadays – you have to pay expensive fees for good players.
"Declan Rice is ready for a big move, he has given a massive contribution to West Ham, so let’s wait and see what happens in the transfer market. West Ham are more than entitled to listen to offers for their player in the market, it won’t be only Arsenal trying to sign him in the window.
"There will be big competition for Arsenal to try and sign him, from across Europe."
- Henry Tomlinson
Arsenal wish Ramsdale happy birthday
Arsenal have wished Aaron Ramsdale a happy birthday on social media.
The England goalkeeper turned 25 today and will be hoping to keep a clean sheet against Brighton to celebrate.
Credit: Twitter – @Arsenal - Henry Tomlinson
Guard cop
Arsenal have a Met Police officer stationed at their training ground to prevent players being targeted by thieves.
There are fears criminals could hide among fans looking for autographs, then make off with players’ fancy watches or supercars.
A Met spokesman said: “Each London club has a Dedicated Football Officer who acts as a liaison between police, fans and the club.
“These officers are responsible for dealing with any policing issues and crime relating to the club.
“They will have regular visits to the club, including meetings at stadiums and training grounds, in order to discuss policing priorities in these areas.
“However, they are predominantly based in a police building in central London.”
- Henry Tomlinson
Arsenal linked with former player
Arsenal are reportedly one of a number of Premier League sides interested in signing Valencia star Yunus Musah.
The USA international is a former member of the Gunners academy and has been impressive since breaking into the first team of the LaLiga side.
According to El Desmarque, Arsenal are one of six teams to have sent scouts to watch him ahead of a potential move this summer.
Credit: Getty
- Henry Tomlinson
Arteta on Brighton clash
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expecting a "tough" clash when facing Brighton.
He said: "They are a really complete side. The way they are playing under Roberto and the coaching staff is remarkable, it’s just a joy to watch them play.
"He’s brought a different idea to the league and that’s a different challenge for managers as well.
"This is what you want. We want to be the best league in the world and we need the best managers and the best players.
"What he’s done with the team, after all the foundations that Graham Potter left at the club, is incredible. It’s going to be a very tough match."
- Henry Tomlinson
De Zerbi message for Trossard
Roberto De Zerbi has sent a message to former player and now Arsenal star Leandro Trossard.
He said: "Trossard is a fantastic player.
"He was a fantastic player when he played for us and he still is a fantastic player.
"Now we have other players. I am proud for my players and I’m proud of my squad.
"I only want to speak about my players and don’t want to speak about players from other teams."
Credit: Alamy - Henry Tomlinson
Tella reveals Arsenal love
Southampton prospect Nathan Tella has admitted that he is a fan of Arsenal and that club legend Thierry Henry was his "biggest inspiration".
He told Football Daily: "I’ve always been an Arsenal fan and at that time I’d look at Thierry Henry and say he was my biggest inspiration in football.
"He’s someone I tried to model my game after.
"Of course, at seven years old you can’t really say you play like someone, but the stuff he was doing in games I would try to do with my local team."
Tella enjoyed a brilliant season on loan at Burnley in the Championship, helping the club to promotion back to the Premier League.
Credit: PA - Henry Tomlinson
Trio interested in Gunners ace
West Ham, Brighton and AC Milan are reportedly among the clubs interested in signing Reiss Nelson this summer.
The Arsenal ace's contract expires at the end of the season, and will be free to leave the Emirates.
According to The Evening Standard, the three clubs are looking at signing the attacker on a free transfer.
Credit: Getty
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