Arteta: Arsenal hold vast shirt-pull video library

On 3 November 2026 Mikel Arteta told reporters that Arsenal possess a massive library of video clips documenting opponents pulling shirts, a revelation prompted by Jurrien Timber’s unpunished shirt‑tug on Alexander Isak during Arsenal’s 1‑0 win over Liverpool on Sunday.

Shirt‑pull footage and referee concerns

Arteta said referees might start awarding penalties or free‑kicks for shirt‑pulls, adding he could release the footage to remind everyone of the frequency.

Referee Andy Madley did not award a foul and VAR chose not to recommend an on‑field review.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola and captain Virgil van Dijk expressed outrage at not receiving a penalty after Timber’s shirt‑pull on Isak.

Last month Arteta claimed his own touchline conduct is penalised more harshly than that of other Premier League managers, and he is compiling clips of rivals breaching technical‑area rules.

He noted that some managers have been recorded leaving the touchline 36 times in ten minutes without receiving a yellow card, and he is gathering those images in his storage.

Arteta was booked during Arsenal’s 2‑0 victory over Everton, prompting him to stress the need for better sensors on the touchline.

William Saliba returns to Arsenal after two years' absence

He also announced that centre‑back William Saliba is ready to return after a back injury sustained in July, and could feature against Slavia Prague on Wednesday.

Saliba played 45 minutes in a behind‑closed‑doors friendly last week and was part of the travelling squad for the Champions League tie in Prague.

The 25‑year‑old also took part in full training this morning for the first time since his World Cup semi‑final injury.

Arsenal have coped well without Saliba, with new signing Ezri Konsa forming a strong partnership with Gabriel, and the Gunners have conceded only five goals in nine Premier League matches, the best defensive record in the division.

Arteta said Saliba feels “in a really good place”, that the injury management has been positive and that he feels comfortable after the 45‑minute friendly.

He added that all preparation has been done to measure loads and minimise risk, and that the decision to play him will depend on the team’s needs.

On Saliba’s eagerness, Arteta described him as desperate to play, loved by the squad and capable of creating something special, and that the right minutes will be given soon.