Arsenal’s psychological power was questioned when their earlier Premier League title run-ins faltered below Mikel Arteta, however considered one of their most well-known followers feels their mindset is not going to be a difficulty this season.
Golf famous person Ian Poulter, famend for his personal rock-solid self-belief and dominant performances below strain within the Ryder Cup, feels Arteta has that aspect of issues below management.
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“I positively need not give them a pep speak about it,” he informed BBC Sport. “Mikel has bought that properly lined and they’re in the fitting place. He actually backs them up 100%, even when they make errors.
“Expertise counts right here, too.
“A few of them have gotten some scar tissue of not getting over the road up to now however, mentally, you’ll hope Mikel has bought the gamers extra collectively than ever simply by saying ‘look you’re adequate and we now have a deep sufficient squad, so you’ve each purpose to enter each sport extra assured than you have been earlier than’.”
You’ll be able to watch Poulter play for on the LIV Golf occasion in Adelaide, Australia from 12-15 February on TNT Sports activities.
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He’s additionally taking up BBC Sport soccer skilled Chris Sutton – in addition to the BBC readers and AI – by attempting to foretell the outcomes of this week’s midweek Premier League matches on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Do you agree with their scores? You’ll be able to choose your personal beneath.
The preferred scoreline chosen for every sport is used within the scoreboards and tables on the backside of this web page.
An accurate outcome (choosing a win, draw or defeat) is price 10 factors. The precise rating earns 40 factors.
Poulter says he did not actually have a lot selection about changing into an Arsenal fan. “My dad simply dragged the shirt straight over my head, and that was it!” [Getty Images]
Earlier than turning to golf, 50-year-old Poulter was a eager footballer and had trials with Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham aged 13.
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“I’m so glad that by no means labored out!” he defined. “I had two left toes, and it turned out everybody else Spurs have signed since has bought two left toes as nicely.
“As quickly as I turned 16, my focus was 100% on golf, and each waking minute of the day was about me being my very own boss and telling myself that if I labored arduous sufficient I might obtain massive issues.
“However I do miss soccer. I miss the form of staff camaraderie it gave me and I feel that is why I’ve all the time beloved the Ryder Cup as a lot as I’ve beloved it.
“It is as a result of that is the place I can get the staff side, the bonding and studying to the right way to win as a staff, in addition to the disappointments that include that as nicely – I’ve all the time beloved the dynamic of that additional strain.
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“Clearly going out to play golf for your self is okay and you may take the hit if it does not work out, however having that the additional weight of taking part in to your friends and your captain is good – for those who can take care of it.”
Chris Sutton and Ian Poulter have been chatting with BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.
The AI predictions have been generated utilizing Microsoft Copilot Chat – we merely requested the software to ‘predict this week’s Premier League scores’.
Poulter, who is understood for his flamboyant gown sense, brought on a stir when he wore an Arsenal shirt on the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in 2006 [Getty Images]
Premier League predictionsTuesday, 10 February
Stamford Bridge, 19:30 GMT
Leeds turned Chelsea over at Elland Street in December however they aren’t the identical drive away from house and this sport smells of Chelsea revenge to me.
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The Blues have made a great begin below new boss Liam Rosenior, with 4 wins out of 4 within the league. Cole Palmer has hit type too, and they need to win this pretty comfortably.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Ian’s prediction: We annihilated Leeds a couple of days in the past, and will have scored far more than the 4 we bought. Chelsea look fairly strong for the time being too. 3-0
AI’s prediction: 2-1
Hill Dickinson Stadium, 19:30
Everton did nicely to struggle again to beat Fulham late on on the weekend, however they may have been greater than only a purpose down on the break, whereas Bournemouth have been unfortunate solely to attract with Aston Villa. They peppered Villa’s purpose with pictures.
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I’m going to go a bit leftfield right here as a result of though Everton beat Bournemouth earlier within the season, it was solely due to a late deflected effort by Jack Grealish.
I often again Everton at house, and I am often fallacious… so I’m going to do one thing completely different this time. I’m backing Bournemouth to pinch it.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-2
Ian’s prediction: Will probably be shut however Everton to take it. 1-0
AI’s prediction: 1-1
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 19:30
Tottenham captain Cristian Romero let his supervisor down along with his crimson card in opposition to Manchester United, and now he’s dealing with a four-game ban.
It is positive for Romero to be a motor mouth on social media, calling the membership’s recruitment “disgraceful”, however he clearly wants to focus on his personal sport as a result of he has been wild within the problem once more.
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For a supervisor like Thomas Frank, who’s below strain, that’s the very last thing you want.
Poor outdated Eddie Howe is feeling the warmth at Newcastle too, although. We had callers in to 606 on the weekend saying it’s time for a change – my response was ‘what!?’.
I actually do not get that considering in any respect, and never simply because Howe’s the man who ended their lengthy anticipate a trophy, lower than a yr in the past.
His squad is stretched now due to the Champions League and their run to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, and he additionally had every little thing round Alexander Isak’s exit to take care of initially of the season, when it wasn’t his doing.
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Howe simply hasn’t been in a position to change Isak, both. Yoane Wissa has taken some time to rise up and operating and Nick Woltemade could be very completely different to Isak in that he likes to come back to the ball on a regular basis.
Persons are saying a change of voice would possibly assist, however what about backing the man who has given you a lot happiness? I do not perceive why you’d need him out.
This can be a very troublesome sport to foretell for numerous causes, however we do know Spurs are poor at house and Newcastle aren’t nice away.
I nonetheless suppose somebody will win it, however I’m going to sit down within the center anyway, and go for a draw.
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Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
Ian’s prediction: Some extent apiece. 1-1
AI’s prediction: 1-2
Each of those groups have discovered a little bit of type, and West Ham’s victory over Burnley was big for them of their struggle in opposition to the drop.
It appears Manchester United can do no fallacious below Michael Carrick, who has typically been linked with the West Ham job down the years however goes again to his outdated membership searching for a fifth straight win.
I feel he’ll get it, too. We had some callers into 606 considering United could be Arsenal’s greatest challengers any further, which appears a stretch, however there isn’t a doubt they’re on a little bit of a excessive.
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That is the kind of sport the place idiots like me can get sucked in and get on the Carrick bandwagon… I’m cautious, however I’m nonetheless going to be constructive and bounce on board too.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-2
Ian’s prediction: I do not prefer to say it however United have gained their previous 4 video games and so they have really regarded actually good. They have the bit between their tooth. 0-2
AI’s prediction: 1-2
Wednesday, 11 February
Brighton have solely gained considered one of their previous 12 league video games so the fear for them needs to be that they may get sucked into the relegation scrap.
It was a 4-3 house defeat by Aston Villa in December that was the beginning of this poor run for Fabian Hurzeler’s aspect, and I do not see it ending at Villa Park.
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I am shocked that the Seagulls are struggling. I checked out their bench in opposition to Crystal Palace on the weekend and thought ‘blimey, they have a great squad’ however they’re underperforming and the followers appear actually cut up on Hurzeler, and have been for some time.
Villa have been fortunate to get some extent in opposition to Bournemouth on the weekend and I could not consider how Lucas Digne simply let Rayan run previous him for the Cherries equaliser. He appeared to surrender and it was astonishingly unhealthy defending.
Unai Emery’s aspect have misplaced their previous two house league video games, in opposition to Everton and Brentford, which worries me.
Will it’s a hat-trick of house defeats, or will they arrive good once more? I’ve bought to again my outdated staff, so I’m going with my coronary heart right here and saying Morgan Rogers will make the distinction.
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Sutton’s prediction: 3-1
Ian’s prediction: Villa would possibly stumble once more. 0-0
AI’s prediction: 2-1
Crystal Palace’s win over Brighton was an enormous outcome for them and the Eagles are positively not in need of firepower – if something they’ve too many centre-forwards now, however that is a great drawback to have.
Burnley have had it although – I believed that earlier than they misplaced at house to West Ham on Saturday, however there cannot be any doubt they’re going down now.
I do not suppose the Clarets will get something right here, both, however their followers appear to have turned on supervisor Scott Parker which I actually don’t love.
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That is the man who bought them up however as a result of the opposite promoted sides, Sunderland and Leeds, are having higher seasons, that has gone in opposition to him.
Simply on the eyes, each time I’ve watched them, Burnley have been aggressive and have been in video games.
I simply suppose there must be a little bit of endurance from their supporters, however after all they’re entitled to their opinion.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-0
Ian’s prediction: Burnley actually need a win however they will not get one. 1-0
AI’s prediction: 1-0
Was Sunday’s late comeback to win at Anfield the sport that can spark Manchester Metropolis’s title bid?
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Time will inform, however I’m not satisfied. I nonetheless suppose the problems that noticed Metropolis fall behind within the first place will nonetheless value them in future video games too.
Honest play to Pep Guardiola’s aspect for turning issues round with six minutes to go, as a result of their report at Anfield was so poor and some extent wouldn’t have been sufficient for them.
However I simply do not see this Metropolis staff controlling video games anymore in the way in which they used to. Up to now, for those who bought a outcome in opposition to Metropolis you have been both lucky or needed to play exceptionally nicely, however this season I’ve seen them let groups again into video games on quite a few events.
Sunday was no completely different. They have been getting mauled within the second half by wave after wave of Liverpool assaults, earlier than the chaos on the finish. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s save was an enormous second and I used to be delighted that Erling Haaland caught his penalty away as a result of he is captain of my fantasy staff and that gave me a great rating.
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As a impartial, I hope the title race lasts till the ultimate few weeks of the season however I simply really feel like Metropolis will drop too many extra factors earlier than then.
Fulham are a great footballing aspect and virtually bought one thing from Metropolis at Craven Cottage in December – I used to be there, and Metropolis solely simply held on for a 5-4 win.
Marco Silva’s aspect have been arduous executed by of their previous couple of video games as a result of they’d loads of probabilities of their defeat at Manchester United, then might have been nicely forward on the break earlier than they misplaced to Everton too.
This time? Properly I feel Fulham will rating at Etihad Stadium too, and they’re due a little bit of a break. Perhaps they may get it in opposition to Metropolis, however I’m nonetheless going for a house win.
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Sutton’s prediction: 3-1
Ian’s prediction: Metropolis will win this one. 2-0
AI’s prediction: 3-0
I used to be at Elland Street on Friday and Nottingham Forest have been insipid of their defeat by Leeds – they have been actually flat.
This can be a actual strain sport for Forest, and in some ways it’s the worst doable fixture for them. Wolves are hopeless so, if Forest win, their followers will say ‘nicely we needs to be beating them, as a result of they’re garbage’.
Lose and even drop factors, nevertheless, then you’ll be able to think about the ambiance and the temper of the followers, and the strain that can placed on the gamers.
I do not imply strain by way of any calls to sack Forest boss Sean Dyche, however the negativity there shall be across the staff, when the temper of the followers could be huge when a staff is preventing the drop.
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Leeds are an important instance of that, really. Simply have a look at the positivity at Elland Street just lately and the way that has helped Leeds up to now few weeks. It was a really completely different story when the followers have been sad earlier within the season.
As for Wolves, nicely they aren’t below any strain any extra.
They’re taking part in for delight which is completely completely different to Forest’s scenario, the place each level counts – and that is going to be a nervy night time for the house followers on the Metropolis Floor.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Ian’s prediction: Forest to edge it. 1-0
AI’s prediction: 2-1
The Liverpool followers appear to have had sufficient of Arne Slot, which once more is not sensible to me. Simply because they don’t seem to be going to win the title once more does not imply they don’t seem to be constructing something.
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Evidently making the Champions League locations is just like the title was once now – as in, for those who do not make the Champions League then the supervisor has bought to go. It drives me potty.
I do know Sunderland misplaced at Arsenal on Saturday however I nonetheless loved their efficiency.
Which may sound odd as a result of they have been overwhelmed 3-0 however I nonetheless thought the Black Cats have been aggressive, and so they have been actually bodily too. They matched Arsenal for lengthy spells of the sport.
So, Liverpool will know what to anticipate once they attempt to develop into the primary staff to win at Stadium of Mild this season, and that is going to be a really troublesome sport for them.
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Slot wants a constructive outcome right here, for Liverpool to keep up a correspondence with the groups above them within the race for the highest 4. My solely concern about Sunderland is whether or not they can convey that very same physicality once more, however I nonetheless do not suppose Liverpool will win.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
Ian’s prediction: I simply have a sense Liverpool can sneak this one. 1-2
AI’s prediction: 0-3
Thursday, 12 February
Gtech Neighborhood Stadium, 20:00
Can Brentford produce one other shock after beating Aston Villa and Newcastle up to now couple of weeks? No, they can not.
Keith Andrews has executed an unimaginable job as Bees boss and they’ll make life troublesome for Arsenal as a result of they’re nicely organised and harmful on the break.
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However I nonetheless suppose Arsenal will win due to their sheer energy meaning they’ll run by means of something.
This won’t be probably the most entertaining sport to observe, as a result of Brentford will sit in and defend, and counter.
Arsenal will take care of that, after which discover a manner of scoring. A deflected purpose will most likely determine it.
Folks would possibly say the way in which they win video games is just not fairly however there may be nonetheless quite a bit to admire about Arsenal and, in the long run, it doesn’t matter what anybody says, it’s all about successful, is not it?
Arsenal are superb at successful video games, and I’m anticipating them to win this one too. In my view, they may go on and win the title too, due to the standard of their squad and the way good they’re defensively.
As a lot as you need magnificence to overcome a beast, Metropolis are nonetheless far too flaky for that to occur.
Sutton’s prediction: 0-2
Ian on Arsenal’s title hopes: I really feel fairly assured, even with the couple of slip-ups we have had up to now month. We have the power in depth we want the place different gamers can step up after we are lacking gamers by means of damage.
If Viktor Gyokeres can begin filling the onion bag up and Bukayo Saka can bag a couple of as nicely then that will be good, however we glance so good from set-pieces anyway. Our scoring stats from open play might be a little bit of a difficulty however so long as we’re scoring and successful then it does not actually matter.
Ian’s prediction: That is going to be a non-stressful win. We shall be 2-0 up, concede a silly purpose however then end the sport off. 1-3
AI’s prediction: 1-2
How did Sutton do final week?
Chris and AI each bought 4 appropriate outcomes with no actual scores from the ten video games in week 25, giving them a complete of 40 factors apiece.
His visitor, Gladiators star Apollo, was proper about Manchester Metropolis’s win at Anfield [everyone else went for a 2-2 draw] and ended up on 70 factors due to 4 appropriate outcomes together with one actual rating.
However the win went to the collective efforts of the BBC readers, with 5 appropriate outcomes and one actual rating [Bournemouth’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa] for a tally of 80 factors.