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The Gunners have seen a host of title challenges fizzle out in recent years, perhaps none more disappointing than last season's capitulation, which allowed Leicester City to secure a fairytale success.

A 3-2 victory over Swansea City with 10 men on Saturday moved Arsene Wenger's side level on points with early pace-setters Manchester City after eight games.

And Cazorla believes his team-mates have learned their lesson for the current campaign.

"We have started the season in a good way," Cazorla told IBTimes.

"We are having a good run but it is a very long season. We have to go step by step. It is clear that we want to fight [for the title].

"We have always said we needed to give a step forward. We have started well and we are being more consistent. That's what we lacked in previous seasons."

The likes of Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie have all left the Emirates at the peak of their powers over the past decade, seemingly stunting the Gunners' title chances.

And Cazorla feels the same cannot be allowed to happen with Bellerin, as Manchester City and Barcelona reportedly circle the former La Masia man.

"It is clear that Hector is the right-back of the future," Cazorla said.

"You could see in the victory over Swansea how good he is. He was all over the place and never stopped running.

"For Arsenal it would be a mistake to let him go.

"It is obvious that many teams want him. There has been talk about Manchester City and Barcelona.

"He is a player with great potential and I am sure he will also be a key part of the future of the Spanish national team."

Santi Cazorla says Arsenal have discovered the consistency of champions, but they must keep hold of Hector Bellerin if they are to win the Premier League.

Midfielder says Arsenal can fight for title with Bellerin

<h1>Inters ultras have denounced Mauro Icardi as club captain, driving home a further wedge in the shattered relationship between the player and the teams fans.</h1>

Icardi infuriated sections of the Curva Nord ultras after a passage in his new autobiography suggested he had made himself a "hero" by standing up to one of the group's leaders.

The 23-year-old claimed he had argued with the fan following Inter's 3-1 loss to Sassuolo in 2014-15, after his shirt - which he attempted to give to a member of the crowd - was thrown back at him.

Banners were displayed during Inter's 2-1 loss to Cagliari on Sunday claiming Icardi's career with the club was "finished", while sections of the supporters cheered when he missed a penalty.

A club statement released on Monday confirmed Icardi had been sanctioned, although he is expected to retain possession of the armband, prompting the Curva Nord to claim the striker is not worthy of leading the team.

"For us as for everyone else - we hope - the captain of Internazionale should be a symbol," a statement read.

"Experience, charisma, humility, integrity, intelligence.

"[Armando] Picchi - [Giacinto] Facchetti - [Sandro] Mazzola - [Giuseppe] Bergomi - [Javier] Zanetti... basically the opposite of Icardi.

"We therefore cannot find agreement with the statement of the Inter hierarchy. We understand it, the logic, the motivation. But we can't accept it.

"It's not for us to decide though, to each his proper role. That's what we've always asked for, that's how it should be.

"We believe though that a club like Inter, outside of our views, shouldn't allow an individual like Icardi to wear the captain's armband.

"Icardi is a closed chapter, we don't want to talk about this anymore. HE IS NOT OUR CAPTAIN. HE IS NOT NOW, HE NEVER WILL BE."

Inter's ultras have denounced Mauro Icardi as the club's captain, driving a further wedge between the shattered relationship between the player and fans.

Striker not fit to captain Inter - Curva Nord

<h1>Carlo Ancelotti is adamant Bayern Munich are not in crisis despite their underwhelming performances in recent weeks.</h1>

The Bundesliga champions are on a three-game winless streak after defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and Bundesliga draws with Cologne and Eintracht Frankfurt.

As a result pressure has begun to build on the Ancelotti, but the Italian sees no reason to panic just yet.

"I have to stay true to myself. Of course, sometimes I have to be more strict than in other situations, but I am not going to punish the players," Ancelotti said at a media conference ahead of Wednesday's Champions League encounter with PSV.

"They have to understand what went well and what didn't go well.

"We are not in crisis. It is too soon to say that. There are always difficult moments throughout a season. It can happen in October or in January. It's the same everywhere. But I am confident. Things were going very well until three games ago."

He added: "We have learned that we will not win anything without the right attitude and intensity. The players are very professional and intelligent. They know their attitude was not good enough.

"I believe in my players, even if they anger me occasionally. In the end, the players are the ones who will resolve the situation.

"We always want do well, but what matters most is that we are top of the table in April. We have to be patient and remain confident."

Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti sees no reason for concern just yet after three games without a win

No crisis at Bayern Munich

<h1>Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has nothing but praise for Pep Guardiola ahead of Wednesdays Champions League encounter and believes the current Manchester City boss will go down in history as one of the greatest ever.</h1>

Guardiola enjoyed a hugely successful spell in charge of Barcelona between 2008 and 2012, before guiding Bayern Munich to three consecutive Bundesliga titles between 2013 and 2016.

He left Bayern for City during the off-season and Luis Enrique already sees his compatriot's impact at the Etihad.

"I take it as a habit to value my friends more than enemies. Pep is a good friend. It is easy to value him. I think he is the best coach," Luis Enrique said at a news conference.

"When you coach at this level if you win everything it is easy. When you lose you are bad. Pep could have suffered from that when he took charge of Barcelona.

"When he took the chance it was a 180 degree turn for the team. It made Barca a really recognisable team with and without the ball. Pep's Barca were a spectacular team for four years.

"I have not seen his training sessions, but I have seen his philosophy and ideas. Basing everything on how you attack is very attractive as a football lover. I am sure he will go down as one of the most important coaches in the modern era of football."

He added: "We are attack-minded coaches. I cannot imagine a better game for any football fan, not just a Barca or City fan. But coaches don't play the game. Players decide the outcome.

"I was lucky enough to share a dressing room with Pep as a player. It's a privilege to do the same thing as managers at top level. Games against friends are even better to try to win them. But knowing Pep doesn't mean I know how he will manage his team."

Luis Enrique is relishing the chance to lock horns with Pep Guardiola when Barcelona host Manchester City on Wednesday

Man City manager one of the best coaches ever - Enrique

<h1>David Luiz has revealed that his desire to win the Premier League was the main reason behind his decision to return to Chelsea after a two-year spell with Paris Saint-Germain.</h1>

The defender completed a sensational return to Chelsea on the final day of the transfer window and has started four league games since.

During his first spell at Stamford Bridge the Brazil international won the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup and has now set his sights on the English league title after enjoying plenty of domestic success at PSG.

"I missed Chelsea a lot. I was very happy here before," David Luiz told Chelsea magazine.

"I was also very happy in Paris. I was winning trophies, I was having a great life there, but I know me and I like to have new challenges in my life, to have ambition.

"One of the reasons I decided to come back here is because I know the Premier League well, but I never had the opportunity to win it, so it is still one of my goals in my career."

His return to Chelsea saw David Luiz team up with Diego Costa and he is delighted to be playing alongside the Spain international rather than face him.

"I like Diego because he never forgets where he came from. That's why he fights until the end for his team. He never gives up," David Luiz added.

"Diego now plays for one of the best clubs in the world, Diego now plays in some of the best stadiums in the world, Diego is now one of the best strikers in the world.

"But he never forgets when he was playing in the second and third division, with small teams in difficult leagues and difficult stadiums, suffering many injuries and fighting for his career. He never forgets where he came from in Brazil.

"I like these kinds of people, because they really want to give everything. I love the way he plays, and I am happy now because he plays in my team and it's difficult to play against him. It's better to have him on my side. He never makes life easy for the defenders."

His desperation to win the Premier League prompted David Luiz to re-join Chelsea, while he is happy to be playing with Diego Costa.

I returned to Chelsea to win Premier League

<h1>Unai Emery sees Edinson Cavanis blistering start to the 2016-17 season as an example for the rest of his Paris Saint-Germain squad to follow.</h1>

Cavani has scored 12 goals in 10 appearances in all competitions for PSG so far this term, emphatically answering questions over his ability to fill the void left by Zlatan Ibrahimovic's departure.

Having seen the Uruguayan rise to the challenge levelled at him, the coach hopes other players in his squad can follow suit, in particular new additions like Grzegorz Krychowiak, who is reportedly unhappy with his lack of game time in Paris.

"The team is working well, with the intention to improve, and they listen. We can play better than we did in our last game [a 2-1 win away at Nancy]," said Emery ahead of Wednesday's Champions League meeting with Basel.

"They've done the work we wanted them to do. That's the first thing, and after that we have a team with a lot of quality and growing confidence.

"Look at Edinson Cavani. People wanted him to score more goals and now everyone is happy. The quality in the team is clear.

"The new players have to adapt to the team, Grzegorz Krychowiak included. It's a question of personal progression and working for the team, but it's important to have competition in the squad.

"We want to improve our position in the league and how we play tactically, and improvement breeds confidence. There are some players who aren't at their best, but I have confidence in them."

PSG are joint-top with Arsenal in Group A, three points clear of Ludogorets and Basel, but Emery is not underestimating the Swiss champions.

"Basel have lots of experienced players, and international players. They're very competitive and used to winning in their league. If they're in the Champions League, it's because they deserve it. We respect them," he added.

According to Blaise Matuidi, the Ligue 1 champions are more interested in reaching the knockout stages than finishing top of the group.

"The first goal is qualification, but if we can have first place as the icing on the cake that'd be good," said Matuidi.

"For that we need a win tomorrow and to see what happens after. The game against Basel will be difficult, but we're prepared. We expect a difficult game, but that's how it is in the Champions League.

"Every game is difficult. Here we'll play a team wanting to do their best to take points because they're low in the table. They're here to put us off our stride."

Unai Emery wants PSG to follow the lead of Edinson Cavani, who has stepped up following doubts over his goalscoring ability.

Unai Emery praises forward ahead of Basel clash

<h1>Theo Walcotts impressive form in front of goal for Arsenal can be put down to the forward playing with more freedom, according to Arsene Wenger.</h1>

Walcott has found his goalscoring boots in recent weeks with six goals in his last five matches in all competitions for the Gunners, and he could have had even more.

The England international struck a double in Saturday's 3-2 win over Swansea City in the Premier League but was denied a further two by the post and crossbar.

Wenger has been impressed with the 27-year-old's performances and believes less pressure is helping Walcott finally deliver in front of goal after seasons of inconsistency.

"He lets the passion for the game come out of his body and that is what you want from him," the Frenchman told a media conference ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash with Ludogorets on Wednesday.

"When he plays with more freedom, he lets his thoughts come out and plays with more desire because he is a less restricted player."

Wenger could have Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey back for the visit of the Bulgarian champions, and Granit Xhaka is also set to feature despite his red card against Swansea.

"[We will have a] similar [squad] to the squad that faced Swansea," he added. "There are no [new] injuries.

"They [Ramsey and Giroud] are close."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Theo Walcott's impressive form in front of goal can be put down to the forward playing with more freedom.

Theo Walcott playing with freedom

<h1>Barcelona defender Gerard Pique feels Manchester Citys style of play is very similar to that of the Catalans following the arrival of Pep Guardiola.</h1>

Guardiola returns to Camp Nou on Wednesday for only the second time as City and Barca put their unbeaten start to Champions League Group C on the line.

The former Bayern Munich boss replaced Manuel Pellegrini as the man in charge at the Etihad Stadium after three years in Germany, and Pique feels the former Barca coach has already made a major impact.

"These games are big matches, games in which we need to give the most. We will be playing against a very different City to the one from previous seasons," Pique said at a media conference on Tuesday.

"Pep is in charge and has changed things. I think City are a different team to last year and all the years they came here with Pellegrini. Their style is different. They pressure high. I think they try to play more or less like us. Pep understands football the way we do. It will be a very challenging game and I hope we can win.

"Pep marked all of us who worked under him. We understand football in a different way ever since he was with us. He changed the history of the football club.

"The game will be a challenge. City play very similar to us. They will be pressuring. It will be a good challenge to demonstrate we are still on top by winning.

"We are in this group to try to be first. In order to reach this goal we need to win. If we win we are almost through and City will be five points behind us. We will have a good margin."

Gerard Pique feels Pep Guardiola has already made a major impact at Manchester City as Barcelona prepare to face their former boss

Guardiola turning Manchester City into Barcelona

<h1>The route for the 2017 Tour de France has been announced and includes stages in all five of the nations mountain ranges.</h1>

For the first time since 1992, the Vosges, Jura, Pyrenees, Central Massif and Alps regions will all feature in the same edition of the Grand Tour.

Although there will be fewer climbs than in previous years, steeper gradients and the return of the iconic Col d'Izoard climb could favour riders who flourish in uphill battles.

The Izoard will host the final summit finish, the first time a section has concluded at the spot, while the queen stage will take place in the Jura mountains between Nantua and Chambery for a total altitude gain of 4,600 metres.

The race will begin in Dusseldorf, with the Grand Depart returning to Germany for the first time since Berlin kicked the 1987 edition off, and take in Belgium and Luxembourg before reaching French soil.

A time trial on the eve of the traditional Champs-Elysees finale will take place in Marseille, with the start and finish lines inside the city's impressive Stade Velodrome.

However, defending champion Chris Froome believes it is the mountains that will play the decisive role in who finishes in the yellow jersey.

"It's definitely going to be a climbers' race from what I can tell, very light on time-trial kilometres but that's all part of the race," Froome told Eurosport. "That's something I'm going to have to focus the training on so I can be at the best I can be.

"Initial feelings are that it's going to be a race that's won or lost in the mountains. It's a Tour and anything can happen. We've got to be ready for all eventualities."

All five mountain ranges will feature in one edition of the Tour de France for the first time in 25 years in the 2017 race.

Mountainous 2017 route announced

<h1>Luka Modric has signed a new contract with Real Madrid that will keep him at the club until June 2020, the Santiago Bernabeu side have announced.</h1>

The Croatia international’s previous deal was due to expire in 2018, but he has now agreed a two-year extension to commit his future to Madrid.

Modric joined the Champions League holders from Tottenham in August 2012 and has since developed into a key figure in the Spanish capital.

The 31-year-old has made 180 appearances in all competitions for Madrid so far, winning two Champions League titles, two UEFA Supercups, the FIFA Club World Cup, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana.

He is currently recovering from a knee injury on which he underwent surgery at the start of October, having picked up the knock in the 2-2 Champions League draw with Borussia Dortmund.

Modric started his professional career with Dinamo Zagreb and also wore the jerseys of Zrinjski Mostar and Inter Zapresic on loan before joining Spurs in 2008.

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Real Madrid have confirmed Luka Modric has signed a contract renewal until the end of the 2019-20 campaign

Midfielder agrees Real Madrid renewal until 2020

<h1>Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus feels Carlo Ancelottis relaxed approach is not working and has urged the Italian to be stricter with his players following the reigning Bundesliga champions recent struggles.</h1>

Bayern are on a three-game winless streak following their Champions League defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid and consecutive Bundesliga draws with Cologne and Eintracht Frankfurt

That poor run has seen Ancelotti come in for some criticism and Matthaus believes the 57-year-old has no other option but to alter the way he treats his players.

"Giving players a bit of freedom is a good thing on one hand, but you have to keep them on a short leash if you notice it is not working," Matthaus told Sky.

"The players will feel the consequences, particularly those who have disappointed Ancelotti, the players who have not been performing as expected. With such a strong squad, those players could be dropped from the starting XI.

"I think Ancelotti has what it takes to be stricter with his players. I think it is a good thing that he called on the players to take their own responsibility, but perhaps some of them did not understand it.

"But I am convinced that he can be very strict if necessary. He tried a certain approach and will have to try something else now that this isn't working.

"It's now up to Ancelotti to get the best out of the team again. Maybe some of the players thought it would all go automatically. You need to go the extra mile. The coach has to acknowledge this and take action."

Lothar Matthaus believes Carlo Ancelotti's loose approach has not been paying off at Bayern Munich and thinks he might have to change

Bayern coach must change approach - Matthaus

<h1>Thiago Silvas representative Paulo Tonietto has suggested the Brazil international could leave Paris Saint-Germain if his future is not resolved by December.</h1>

PSG risk losing the Brazil international as he continues to wait for a new contract offer for the Ligue 1 champions, his current deal due to expire at the end of the 206-17 season.

The 32-year-old is keen to stay in the French capital, but his agent has made it clear there is plenty of interest in the centre-back's services.

"It is very important for everyone - both for us and for PSG - that everything is clear by December," Tonietto told Le Parisien.

"We can imagine leaving PSG if the club have not made us an offer by then. We already have offers from three or four big teams.

"But Thiago's desire is to stay at PSG. He is feeling very well in Paris, as is his family.

"But it all depends on what the club want."

Thiago Silva joined PSG from AC Milan in 2012 and has made over 160 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 giants since, winning four league titles in the process.

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Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva could leave the Ligue 1 champions on a Bosman move come June 2017

Brazilian's agent hints at Paris Saint-Germain exit

<h1>Usain Bolt headlines the list of male nominees for the 2016 IAAF World Athlete of the Year award.</h1>

Jamaican sprint icon Bolt completed an unprecedented 'triple-triple' by winning gold in the 100 metres, 200m and 4x100m relay for the third successive Olympic Games at Rio 2016.

The 30-year-old, set to retire after the World Championships in London next year, could take the accolade for the sixth time in his career on December 2.

Bolt will have to depose 2015 winner Ashton Eaton, who successfully defended his decathlon gold in Rio.

Other male Olympic champions on the 10-man shortlist include Mo Farah, David Rudisha, Wayde van Niekerk and Thiago Braz da Silva.

For the women's award, two-time gold medallist Elaine Thompson will be among the frontrunners.

The Jamaican will hope to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce, who won the award in 2013 and with whom she took silver in the 4x100m relay in Rio.

Caster Semenya, Almaz Ayana and Anita Wlodraczyk will also be in the running having impressed at the Games.

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Rio 2016: Usain Bolt headlines the list of nominees for the 2016 IAAF World Athlete of the Year award.

Jamaican sprinter on IAAF World Athlete of the Year list

Palermo's 1000th Serie A match ended with a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Torino that marks their worst run of form at home in the top flight.

Roberto De Zerbi's side suffered a fourth-straight league loss at the Renzo Barbera thanks to a double from Adem Ljajic and a goal each for Marco Benassi and Daniele Baselli.

The match was played out in near total darkness after a floodlight failure just after the 85th minute, with referee Michael Fabbri opting to allow play to continue to full-time as supporters held up mobile phones to shed some faint light on proceedings.

The victory fired high-flying Torino above Napoli into fourth place, while Palermo remain in the bottom three with just one win from their first eight matches.

However, De Zerbi - who watched Ivaylo Chochev score his side's first home Serie A goal of the season after just five minutes - felt the scoreline was harsh.

"I'm disappointed, because in terms of the scoreline, it was a big defeat," he told Sky.

"We knew we were facing a very strong team who will finish not far behind the big clubs, although I think I can say that the scoreline was harsh.

"Of course you can lose, but a team that wants to avoid relegation has got to turn defeats around. Our mentality won't change, but changes will be made."

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Palermo's celebrations over a 1000th game in Serie A were short-lived, as Torino inflicted upon them a record fourth home loss in a row.

Palermo mark 1000th Serie A game with record loss

Jose Mourinho claimed Liverpool and not Manchester United should be criticised for their cautious approach at Anfield as the highly-anticipated fixture ended in a dour draw.

United produced a performance typical of a Mourinho-led team on the road, stifling their in-form opponents to earn a share of the spoils on Monday.

Liverpool, who had won four successive Premier League fixtures heading into the contest, were frustrated by United from the opening whistle, though the hosts were twice denied by the brilliance of goalkeeper David de Gea in the second half.

United ended the match with just 35 per cent possession - their lowest since Opta began recording data in 2003-04 - but Mourinho disputed the stat post-game as he shifted the focus on Liverpool.

"I've just been told it was not 35 per cent. It was 42 per cent. That is from our guy," Mourinho told reporters as he returned to the news conference.

Earlier, the Portuguese insisted: "Last season United won here and Liverpool had 14 shots and United had one. Today Liverpool two shots? With 65 per cent of possession you have to be critical of Liverpool not us. That is their problem not our problem.

— David De Gea (@D_DeGea) October 17, 2016

"I think the team was perfect. Even the goalkeeper was on holiday for 90 minutes but he had two big saves to do and he did."

Mourinho, whose United remain three points behind Liverpool and five adrift of Manchester City and Arsenal in seventh, added: "We stopped them to play, but they also did very well by the defensive point of view. They played [Emre] Can and [Jordan] Henderson for some reason, and they did that for 90 minutes, so they normally project more players in attack.

"They were very cautious, they kept always Can and Henderson in position, they had only one player behind the three more offensive players, so I think it was that intention to try and control us, which they also did well.

"I think it was a good performance, difficult match for us and for them and I think we controlled the game tactically and we controlled the game emotionally, and it's not easy to do both things in here.

"The result I think is acceptable, we wanted more for long periods in the game we thought that we could be positive but we didn't score and we don't score we don't win, but I think a very positive performance."

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Jose Mourinho claimed Liverpool and not Manchester United should be criticised for their cautious approach as the highly-anticipated fixture ended 0-0.

Premier League: Jose Mourinho disputes possession stat

Mannering did not take part in last weekend's 26-6 defeat against Australia in Perth in a bid to aid his recovery from the issue.

However, the forward, who has already been replaced as captain by Jesse Bromwich, has not been passed fit for the competition.

"He's up and running, but his knee isn't game ready," said New Zealand team doctor Greg Macleod in a statement.

"We have maintained regular contact with the New Zealand Warriors medical staff and we were optimistic that Simon would be ready for the tour. It turns out he needs a bit more time to make a full recovery."

Kiwis coach David Kidwell is disappointed to lose Mannering but is excited by the potential of his replacement, James Fisher-Harris of Penrith Panthers.

"Simon is a big loss for us. His leadership, experience and work ethic are really valuable, but I'm confident in my senior playing group to demonstrate those characteristics, on and off the field," said Kidwell.

"He [Fisher-Harris] was really high on our list for the initial squad, but narrowly missed out. We are fortunate to have this calibre of player to call on.

"He's come through the NZRL [New Zealand Rugby League] pathways and has performed at a very high level in the NRL. I'm looking forward to getting him in camp."

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New Zealand will be without the experienced Simon Mannering for the upcoming Four Nations in England due to a knee injury, James Fisher-Harris replaces him.

Simon Mannering out for New Zealand

<h1>The cast of second-year players had a big impact as the Arizona Cardinals posted a 28-3 victory over the New York Jets in NFL action on Monday.</h1>

No player was more impactful than running back David Johnson, who ran for 111 yards on 22 carries and three touchdowns. Johnson also caught three passes for 27 yards and now leads the NFL with eight touchdowns.

The Cardinals ripped through the Jets' second-ranked rush defense. New York had allowed just 68.4 rushing yards per game, but Arizona blew past that number in the second quarter, finishing with 171 yards on 35 attempts and Johnson's three rushing touchdowns.

With Johnson, a third-round pick from Northern Arizona last year, pounding the rock, Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer was an efficient 23 of 34 for 213 yards and a touchdown.

Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick did not fare as well. Fitzpatrick has been disappointing all season and went 16 of 31 for 174 yards and his NFL-leading 11th interception before getting replaced in the fourth quarter by Geno Smith.

Smith did not exactly impress with a brief four-for-six night for 31 yards and a late interception by Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu.

JOHNSON SETS THE TONE

With Richardson lined up at middle linebacker and coming on a blitz in the first quarter, Cardinals coach Bruce Arians dialled up the perfect play with a counter. It was perfectly executed and Johnson set the tone with a 58-yard run for the game's first score.

TOUCHDOWN TRIFECTA

The Cardinals rode Johnson the entire night as had three rushing touchdowns in a game for the second time in his young career. It was his second straight 100-yard game and third of his career.