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Mikel Arteta Reportedly Takes Action After Arsenal Star Leaked Team News
REUTERS/David W Cerny

Nov 7, 2026, 12:10 PM GMT

James is a Senior Editor for GIVEMESPORT with over eight years of experience in the industry.

After graduating from the University of Southampton in 2016 with a degree in history, he joined the company as an Academy member in July 2017 and, after a short time working as a freelancer, was given a full-time role in February 2018. 

He primarily covers the biggest stories in the football world but is also comfortable reporting on a variety of other sports including darts, golf, Formula 1, tennis, boxing and athletics.

He has covered some massive events during his time at GIVEMESPORT, including numerous Champions League and World Cup finals, as well as the Olympics in 2020 and 2024.
 

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Arsenal are sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League after beating Liverpool in their last outing on Sunday, November 1.

Following Manchester City's defeat against Aston Villa last weekend, the Gunners knew they would go three points clear at the top of England's top tier with a victory over Andoni Iraola's side at Anfield.

They got the three points they wanted as Kai Havertz's 16th minute winner proved to be the difference between the two sides. It was Arsenal's first win at Liverpool in the Premier League since 2012.

The reigning Premier League champions managed to pick up all three points despite their team news being leaked by summer signing, Christos Tzolis.

Mikel Arteta Takes Action After Team News Leaked

Christos Tzolis and Kai Havertz
REUTERS/Phil Noble

Tzolis made his return to action against Liverpool after missing Arsenal's previous six matches with a hamstring issue. The Greek, who signed for the club in a £34 million from Club Brugge this summer, played 84 minutes in his side's victory.

Fantasy Premier League is incredibly popular, with players themselves even getting involved. Tzolis is participating in the game this year, with his team called Tzatziki FC.

His team was leaked ahead of the match against Liverpool. He gave a huge hint that he would return to action and play some part when he transferred himself back into his lineup.

Riccardo Calafiori was also an injury doubt going into the match. But Tzolis kept the Italian in his team, hinting that he would start. He also kept Ezri Konsa in his side. Both started the game.

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Mikel Arteta has now reportedly taken action after Tzolis' team suggested that himself, Calafiori and Konsa would all start. According to NowArsenal, Arteta has decided against banning players and staff from playing the game.

But he has insisted that everyone around the club, both playing and coaching staff, cannot have any Arsenal players in their team. Arteta, considered one of the best managers in world football, wants to do everything in his power to ensure that any information around team news is not leaked again.

As a result, Tzolis used his wildcard to take himself, Calafiori and Konsa, as well as Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw, out of his side. He has transferred in Adrien Truffert, Cole Palmer, Virgil van Dijk, Rayan Cherki and Maxim De Cuyper in their place.

It is reported that an Arsenal staff member who also plays the game has followed suit and taken all Gunners players out of their 15-man squad.

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday when they welcome Hull City to the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners will be major favourites to pick up all three points and make it nine wins from 10 matches to start their title defence.

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