Simon Collings
@srcollings.bsky.social
Sports Reporter for The London Standard. Views are mine.
Email: simon.collings@standard.co.uk.
Email: simon.collings@standard.co.uk.
Bukayo Saka has vowed England will not “take our foot off the gas” this week.
England have already booked a spot at next year's World Cup, but have two qualifiers left against Serbia and Albania.
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
England have already booked a spot at next year's World Cup, but have two qualifiers left against Serbia and Albania.
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Saka sets new England target after World Cup place secured
Forward hopes Three Lions do not underestimate upcoming qualifiers
www.standard.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Bukayo Saka has vowed England will not “take our foot off the gas” this week.
England have already booked a spot at next year's World Cup, but have two qualifiers left against Serbia and Albania.
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
England have already booked a spot at next year's World Cup, but have two qualifiers left against Serbia and Albania.
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Bukayo Saka on Arsenal being favourites for the title:
“People’s opinions and thoughts about us change like the weather.
“The most important thing is the changing room, how solid we are, the foundation we have, the belief we have in ourselves.”
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
“People’s opinions and thoughts about us change like the weather.
“The most important thing is the changing room, how solid we are, the foundation we have, the belief we have in ourselves.”
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Saka lifts lid on Arsenal squad mindset as title talk intensifies
Mikel Arteta’s side head into the international break four points clear atop the table
www.standard.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Bukayo Saka on Arsenal being favourites for the title:
“People’s opinions and thoughts about us change like the weather.
“The most important thing is the changing room, how solid we are, the foundation we have, the belief we have in ourselves.”
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
“People’s opinions and thoughts about us change like the weather.
“The most important thing is the changing room, how solid we are, the foundation we have, the belief we have in ourselves.”
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Martin Odegaard set to travel and be part of the Norway squad - in a non-playing role - for their World Cup qualifiers this week.
Will continue rehab at same time.
Norway trying to qualify for the World Cup for first time since 1998.
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Will continue rehab at same time.
Norway trying to qualify for the World Cup for first time since 1998.
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Odegaard joins up with Norway squad as Arsenal captain nears return
Gunners’ skipper has been out for more than a month
www.standard.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Martin Odegaard set to travel and be part of the Norway squad - in a non-playing role - for their World Cup qualifiers this week.
Will continue rehab at same time.
Norway trying to qualify for the World Cup for first time since 1998.
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Will continue rehab at same time.
Norway trying to qualify for the World Cup for first time since 1998.
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to use the international break to “reset”. The squad has been stretched, lately, but should look much healthier when Tottenham visit next.
Piece:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Piece:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arteta plots Arsenal ‘reset’ as injuries clear up before Spurs clash
International break comes at a good time for Arsenal after Sunderland setback
www.standard.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to use the international break to “reset”. The squad has been stretched, lately, but should look much healthier when Tottenham visit next.
Piece:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Piece:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
What's the Spanish for 'Hairdryer Treatment'?
November 8, 2025 at 7:03 PM
What's the Spanish for 'Hairdryer Treatment'?
Mikel Arteta believes Gabriel Jesus will bring “something extra” to Arsenal and insists the striker will have a role to play when he returns from injury.
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arteta reveals plan for 'unpredictable' Arsenal star after return to training
Positive news for Arsenal as Gabriel Jesus edges closer to a return from injury
www.standard.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Mikel Arteta believes Gabriel Jesus will bring “something extra” to Arsenal and insists the striker will have a role to play when he returns from injury.
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have no fresh injuries after Tuesday's win in Prague.
Asked if Gyokeres, Havertz, Madueke, Martinelli and Odegaard are all out of the Sunderland game:
“I cannot confirm all of that. But you are not far.”
Asked if Gyokeres, Havertz, Madueke, Martinelli and Odegaard are all out of the Sunderland game:
“I cannot confirm all of that. But you are not far.”
November 7, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have no fresh injuries after Tuesday's win in Prague.
Asked if Gyokeres, Havertz, Madueke, Martinelli and Odegaard are all out of the Sunderland game:
“I cannot confirm all of that. But you are not far.”
Asked if Gyokeres, Havertz, Madueke, Martinelli and Odegaard are all out of the Sunderland game:
“I cannot confirm all of that. But you are not far.”
Reposted by Simon Collings
Not for the first time this season, Arsenal finished Tuesday's game with Bukayo Saka playing on the left wing.
Mikel Arteta has always strived for his side to be "unpredictable" - and switching Saka late in games is a great way to do it.
Piece:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Mikel Arteta has always strived for his side to be "unpredictable" - and switching Saka late in games is a great way to do it.
Piece:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arteta's new move to make Arsenal more unpredictable
Arteta trials tactical switch that could have huge benefit in title race
www.standard.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Not for the first time this season, Arsenal finished Tuesday's game with Bukayo Saka playing on the left wing.
Mikel Arteta has always strived for his side to be "unpredictable" - and switching Saka late in games is a great way to do it.
Piece:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Mikel Arteta has always strived for his side to be "unpredictable" - and switching Saka late in games is a great way to do it.
Piece:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Not for the first time this season, Arsenal finished Tuesday's game with Bukayo Saka playing on the left wing.
Mikel Arteta has always strived for his side to be "unpredictable" - and switching Saka late in games is a great way to do it.
Piece:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Mikel Arteta has always strived for his side to be "unpredictable" - and switching Saka late in games is a great way to do it.
Piece:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arteta's new move to make Arsenal more unpredictable
Arteta trials tactical switch that could have huge benefit in title race
www.standard.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Not for the first time this season, Arsenal finished Tuesday's game with Bukayo Saka playing on the left wing.
Mikel Arteta has always strived for his side to be "unpredictable" - and switching Saka late in games is a great way to do it.
Piece:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Mikel Arteta has always strived for his side to be "unpredictable" - and switching Saka late in games is a great way to do it.
Piece:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has been left out of the Sweden squad for the upcoming international break.
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arsenal learn Gyokeres injury update as Sweden make squad decision
The striker missed Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Slavia Prague
www.standard.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has been left out of the Sweden squad for the upcoming international break.
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Every successful sports team needs a 'glue player'.
In Mikel Merino, Arsenal have their's.
Piece here:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
In Mikel Merino, Arsenal have their's.
Piece here:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
How Merino has become Arsenal's 'glue' after Arteta 'invention'
Spaniard has stepped up in absence of star striker
www.standard.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Every successful sports team needs a 'glue player'.
In Mikel Merino, Arsenal have their's.
Piece here:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
In Mikel Merino, Arsenal have their's.
Piece here:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Merino the obvious choice to lead the line for Arsenal tonight, but must be a temptation to play him in midfield so Rice can be rested.
If Rice is booked tonight, he will miss Arsenal's game with Bayern later this month.
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
If Rice is booked tonight, he will miss Arsenal's game with Bayern later this month.
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Three ways Arsenal could line up without Gyokeres after injury setback
Mikel Arteta facing selection dilemma in attack following fitness blow for £55m striker
www.standard.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Merino the obvious choice to lead the line for Arsenal tonight, but must be a temptation to play him in midfield so Rice can be rested.
If Rice is booked tonight, he will miss Arsenal's game with Bayern later this month.
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
If Rice is booked tonight, he will miss Arsenal's game with Bayern later this month.
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arsenal v Crystal Palace to take place on 23rd December.
Both clubs will play two days after matches on 21st December.
Both clubs will play two days after matches on 21st December.
November 3, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Arsenal v Crystal Palace to take place on 23rd December.
Both clubs will play two days after matches on 21st December.
Both clubs will play two days after matches on 21st December.
No sign of Gyokeres, Havertz, Jesus, Madueke, Martinelli and Odegaard in training.
Kepa not out here, either.
Worth noting Andre Harriman-Annous is training with first team, not U19s.
Kepa not out here, either.
Worth noting Andre Harriman-Annous is training with first team, not U19s.
November 3, 2025 at 12:41 PM
No sign of Gyokeres, Havertz, Jesus, Madueke, Martinelli and Odegaard in training.
Kepa not out here, either.
Worth noting Andre Harriman-Annous is training with first team, not U19s.
Kepa not out here, either.
Worth noting Andre Harriman-Annous is training with first team, not U19s.
Zubimendi in training today.
November 3, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Zubimendi in training today.
Piece on how Declan Rice has become a “total player” under Mikel Arteta.
In the Arsenal squad in the Premier League this season, no player has created more chances or won possession more times.
www.standard.co.uk//sport/footb...
In the Arsenal squad in the Premier League this season, no player has created more chances or won possession more times.
www.standard.co.uk//sport/footb...
How 'total player' Rice has taken his game to a new level for Arsenal
Rice has evolved to become the heartbeat of the Arsenal side marching towards the Premier League title
www.standard.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Piece on how Declan Rice has become a “total player” under Mikel Arteta.
In the Arsenal squad in the Premier League this season, no player has created more chances or won possession more times.
www.standard.co.uk//sport/footb...
In the Arsenal squad in the Premier League this season, no player has created more chances or won possession more times.
www.standard.co.uk//sport/footb...
Looking at Rice's numbers for a piece today.
Plenty of impressive ones, but his carrying numbers in the Premier League this season are crazy compared to rest of Arsenal squad.
Only player over 2,000 metres - and is 750 ahead of the next best. No wonder he is called The Horse.
Plenty of impressive ones, but his carrying numbers in the Premier League this season are crazy compared to rest of Arsenal squad.
Only player over 2,000 metres - and is 750 ahead of the next best. No wonder he is called The Horse.
November 3, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Looking at Rice's numbers for a piece today.
Plenty of impressive ones, but his carrying numbers in the Premier League this season are crazy compared to rest of Arsenal squad.
Only player over 2,000 metres - and is 750 ahead of the next best. No wonder he is called The Horse.
Plenty of impressive ones, but his carrying numbers in the Premier League this season are crazy compared to rest of Arsenal squad.
Only player over 2,000 metres - and is 750 ahead of the next best. No wonder he is called The Horse.
David Raya reveals how Gabriel Heinze has made Arsenal’s defence even more formidable this season.
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Raya reveals how former Man Utd star is helping Arsenal's title charge
Gabriel Heinze joined the Gunners’ backroom team in the summer
www.standard.co.uk
November 2, 2025 at 5:07 PM
David Raya reveals how Gabriel Heinze has made Arsenal’s defence even more formidable this season.
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Reposted by Simon Collings
Monster performance from Declan Rice, MOTM for me.
But thought that was also Gyokeres’ best game. Shame he came off at half time.
Player ratings from Turf Moor:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
But thought that was also Gyokeres’ best game. Shame he came off at half time.
Player ratings from Turf Moor:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arsenal player ratings: Gyokeres excellent as Rice dominates
Viktor Gyokeres produces arguably his best performance in an Arsenal shirt as Gabriel makes the difference in both boxes
www.standard.co.uk
November 1, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Monster performance from Declan Rice, MOTM for me.
But thought that was also Gyokeres’ best game. Shame he came off at half time.
Player ratings from Turf Moor:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
But thought that was also Gyokeres’ best game. Shame he came off at half time.
Player ratings from Turf Moor:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Reposted by Simon Collings
Snap analysis from Arsenal 2-0 Burnley:
🔺 Gyokeres has his best performance cut short
🔺 Rice runs the midfield
🔺 The defence sets more records
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
🔺 Gyokeres has his best performance cut short
🔺 Rice runs the midfield
🔺 The defence sets more records
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Three things we learned from Arsenal win as defence continues to set new records
Viktor Gyokeres also shows considerable improvement as summer signing ends his Premier League goal drought
www.standard.co.uk
November 1, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Snap analysis from Arsenal 2-0 Burnley:
🔺 Gyokeres has his best performance cut short
🔺 Rice runs the midfield
🔺 The defence sets more records
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
🔺 Gyokeres has his best performance cut short
🔺 Rice runs the midfield
🔺 The defence sets more records
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Scott Parker on Arsenal: "They are a team that has every single ingredient to win the league this year."
November 1, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Scott Parker on Arsenal: "They are a team that has every single ingredient to win the league this year."
Snap analysis from Arsenal 2-0 Burnley:
🔺 Gyokeres has his best performance cut short
🔺 Rice runs the midfield
🔺 The defence sets more records
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
🔺 Gyokeres has his best performance cut short
🔺 Rice runs the midfield
🔺 The defence sets more records
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Three things we learned from Arsenal win as defence continues to set new records
Viktor Gyokeres also shows considerable improvement as summer signing ends his Premier League goal drought
www.standard.co.uk
November 1, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Snap analysis from Arsenal 2-0 Burnley:
🔺 Gyokeres has his best performance cut short
🔺 Rice runs the midfield
🔺 The defence sets more records
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
🔺 Gyokeres has his best performance cut short
🔺 Rice runs the midfield
🔺 The defence sets more records
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arteta says Gyokeres and Zubimendi both had muscular issues, which forced them to come off at Burnley.
November 1, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Arteta says Gyokeres and Zubimendi both had muscular issues, which forced them to come off at Burnley.
Monster performance from Declan Rice, MOTM for me.
But thought that was also Gyokeres’ best game. Shame he came off at half time.
Player ratings from Turf Moor:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
But thought that was also Gyokeres’ best game. Shame he came off at half time.
Player ratings from Turf Moor:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arsenal player ratings: Gyokeres excellent as Rice dominates
Viktor Gyokeres produces arguably his best performance in an Arsenal shirt as Gabriel makes the difference in both boxes
www.standard.co.uk
November 1, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Monster performance from Declan Rice, MOTM for me.
But thought that was also Gyokeres’ best game. Shame he came off at half time.
Player ratings from Turf Moor:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
But thought that was also Gyokeres’ best game. Shame he came off at half time.
Player ratings from Turf Moor:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
This Arsenal side have now matched George Graham’s famous team, who hold the club record for the most successive wins without conceding in all competitions - seven between September and October 1987.
November 1, 2025 at 5:02 PM
This Arsenal side have now matched George Graham’s famous team, who hold the club record for the most successive wins without conceding in all competitions - seven between September and October 1987.