Solskjaer has brought Manchester United up off their knees

Unai Emery is prepared to stand up for himself against star players and even the crowd after he was booed for the first time as Arsenal manager when making a substitution.

The halfway point of the Premier League campaign dovetails nicely with Christmas so the time has come to provide a little festive cheer by handing out some imaginary mid-season awards, writes Darren Norris

Unai Emery has set a mean stall out. On Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Singapore, the team coach drove by the hotel from the airport and straight to the training ground. A signal of intent to his new players, perhaps, and certainly an instant contribution to the ‘narrative’.

Unai Emery believes it’s too early for chants of “we’ve got our Arsenal back” — even if the Gunners boss is currently overseeing a nine-match winning run.

Martin O’Neill reaffirmed his determination to continue in the Irish job after tonight’s Nations League defeat to Wales.

Ryan Giggs has challenged his Wales youngsters to prove people wrong in the absence of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.

If Ireland walk the walk tonight like Martin O’Neill talked the talk yesterday then an Aviva Stadium rendered almost mute by the dour spectacle of Saturday’s scoreless draw with Denmark might finally have something to cheer about.

The Bristol City midfielder suffered dizziness following a collision during the first half of Saturday's 0-0 draw with Denmark.

The only bit of good Nations League news out of last night for Ireland is that, with Denmark’s stand-off with their federation now resolved, they are sure to present a rather more formidable obstacle to Wales in Aarhus on Sunday than sorry Ireland were able to muster in Cardiff.

“There seems to be a feeling nobody totally understands what it’s about,” admitted Martin O’Neill ahead of this Nations League tie with Wales in Cardiff.

The Republic of Ireland fall behind to an early goal and it is a beautifully crafted strike.

Ger McCarthy poses four questions ahead of Ireland's rematch with Wales...

Petr Cech has given another indication that he is planning to stay at Arsenal by declaring himself ready to step up and be one of the club’s five captains.

Four things Unai Emery must get right if his tenure at the Emirates is to be a success.

Huddersfield defender Chris Lowe has attributed the club's improbable Premier League survival to the special bond between the club's players, fans and backroom staff.

Huddersfield 0 Arsenal 1

Diego Costa ensured Arsene Wenger's 22-year reign as Arsenal manager will end in Huddersfield and not Lyon as the former Chelsea man hit the winner for Atletico Madrid in a closely fought Europa League semi-final.

Monday morning quarterback

Champions Manchester City turned on the style to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to 16 points with a 5-0 demolition of Swansea.

A late flurry of goals saw Arsenal secure a 4-1 win over West Ham in their first game since Arsene Wenger revealed he is stepping down as boss.

In a week where European football has been dominated by dramatic comebacks and shocks, Arsenal were given an almighty scare by CSKA Moscow as they booked a place in the Europa League semi-final.

Red Bull Salzburg scored four times in 20 minutes to stun Lazio and make it through to the Europa League semi-finals.

Arsenal edged into the semi-finals of the Europa League, but only after surviving a major scare as CSKA Moscow threatened a memorable comeback.

Danny Welbeck scored twice against AC Milan to toast his England recall by sending Arsenal into the last eight of the Europa League.

Arsene Wenger has called on his Arsenal side to put on the sort of displays that will have stay-away fans returning to the Emirates Stadium.

AC Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso believes Jack Wilshere would grace any league in world football.

Goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Aaron Ramsey gave Arsenal the upper hand in their Europa League last-16 tie with AC Milan as the Gunners won 2-0 at San Siro.

When Arsenal lost 3-0 at home to the best team in England, four days after losing in the Carabao Cup final, there were some onlookers who described it as rock bottom. Now that statement is looking both over-ambitious and lacking in foresight.

Manchester City inflicted more pain on Arsene Wenger with a second crushing 3-0 victory over his Arsenal side in the space of four days.

Sooner or later, the Fantasy Premier League conversation always seems to come back to Sergio Aguero.

Arsene Wenger insists he wants to keep Danny Welbeck at Arsenal despite admitting he is no Harry Kane when it comes to scoring goals.

Daniel Storey breaks down the weekend’s big talking points...

Harry Kane's 23rd Premier League goal of the season gave Tottenham the North London bragging rights.

So scintillating were the skills and movement of this refreshed Arsenal side that seasoned manager Arsene Wenger felt it prudent afterwards to quash talk of a new generation of trophy hunters.

Swansea climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time in three months as Petr Cech's dreadful clanger helped condemn Arsenal to a 3-1 defeat at the Liberty Stadium.