Mikel Arteta left press conference after question about Arsenal players left him stunned

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta brought a swift end to a press conference 12 months ago after being caught off guard by the line of questioning from the media

Several Arsenal players will be experiencing their first Christmas Day celebrations with newborns this year. The Gunners' squad will be hoping to enjoy a brief respite before taking on Brighton on December 27, as Mikel Arteta and his team attempt to navigate the demanding festive fixture list.

Just 12 months ago, there was perhaps even greater excitement within Arsenal's camp when their Spanish manager was left momentarily lost for words by a particular line of enquiry. Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both had partners expecting babies last Christmas, whilst Martin Odegaard had recently welcomed the arrival of his son with his wife Helene Spilling.

Following a commanding 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace last December, Arsenal had temporarily closed the gap to Liverpool to just three points. The circumstances this season are markedly different.

During that match, Havertz scored and celebrated by placing the ball beneath his shirt and sucking his thumb, a tribute to his wife Sophia Weber, who was expecting their child. This came just days after Jesus had performed an identical celebration during his hat-trick against the Eagles in the Carabao Cup.

The subject of expanding families was put to Arteta during his post-match press conference following the Palace victory. A journalist asked: "I noticed in the week Gabriel Jesus celebrated his goal by the pregnancy thing.

"Kai Havertz has done the same today because his partner's pregnant and I hear that Martin Odegaard's wife is pregnant as well. Is there anything you need to tell us about what you're giving the players?" Arteta could only respond with laughter to the situation, swiftly departing without providing a response.

However, he did wish the assembled press a festive season, saying: "Merry Christmas, have a great one for you and your family! Thank you so much!"

Both Havertz and Jesus haven't had much cause for celebration this season. Havertz was injured on the first day of the 2024/25 season, and a subsequent setback means he's likely to be sidelined until the new year.

The German international is currently doing some pitch work but was reported earlier this month as still being several weeks away from a return.

Arteta said: "Yeah so he was doing everything, he could not go to the next level. We are all desperate to have him.

"He's a player I love so much for what he brings to the team. I see him suffer. I think it's going to be a massive boost for the team (when he's back)."

Jesus, meanwhile, made his first start for the club since suffering his ACL injury in January against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.