Arsenal will turn their attention away from thePremier League towards theFA Cup this weekend when they face League One outfit Mansfield Town on Saturday. Recent discussions surrounding the Gunners have been largely centred on the aftermath of Wednesday evening's 1-0 victory against Brighton.

The north Londoners now sit seven points clear at the Premier League summit following Manchester City's 2-2 stalemate with Nottingham Forest. The result has ignited fierce discussion regarding the side's approach, with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler delivering a scathing critique of Arteta's methods.

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Today's developments include a former Premier League boss criticising the Gunners for their style of football. Arsenal are also confronting the possibility of one of their emerging talents departing.

Former Arsenal forward Alan Smith suggests there is 'every chance' that Gunners prospect Myles Lewis-Skelly could depart the Emirates Stadium this summer.

The 19-year-old established himself as a fixture under Arteta last season, but has struggled for opportunities this term. He has mainly been deployed at left-back in the first-team environment and even earned recognition at England level.

Lewis-Skelly made 42 appearances for Arsenal in the 2024/2025 season. However, Smith is uncertain whether the young player sees his long-term future at the club, despite being contracted to Arsenal until 2030.

"It's been a really challenging season for Myles Lewis-Skelly, hasn't it? He's second fiddle to two players for the left-back position," Smith told BestBettingSites.

"If he were given an opportunity, I'd be keen to see him deployed in midfield. That's his natural role. Just observe how he performs there. He's not the strongest of defenders, so a midfield position suits him better. He's highly creative.

"I suspect it'll likely serve as a showcase for him. I believe there's a strong possibility he might depart in the summer. We'll have to wait and see on that."

Ex-Newcastle United and West Ham manager Alan Pardew has astonishingly proposed that an asteriskshould accompany Arsenal's potential Premier League title if they clinch the league this season.

The Gunners sparked controversy with their midweek victory over the Seagulls. Brighton's manager Hurzeler criticised Arsenal's tactics, which involved goalkeeper David Raya going down injured three times whilst the Gunners only managed seven attempts on target.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Pardew commented on Arteta's prudent strategy this season. He said: "When I'm analysing them with my football manager's hat on, they're incredibly professional. They employ every bit of gamesmanship to get the result.

"There'll be an asterisk next to their name [If they win the league] because you've only got to look at them really in these types of performances and say it's just a functional display. It's a professional, functional display. They're good, they're strong, they're powerful. But there is nothing beautiful about them. That's the truth."

In the aftermath of his team's defeat, Hurzeler said: "I will never be the kind of manager who tries to win in that way. If I ask everyone in the room, did he really enjoy this game?".

"I'm sure maybe one raises his arm because he's a big Arsenal fan. Where will this go in the future? Is this what the supporters are paying for?".