What’s going on at Arsenal, 6 goals conceded in two games is unheard of. It’s time to hit the panic button! I jest of course. There’s no denying we are going to seriously miss William Saliba, Jurrien Timber too but as said after the Real Betis game, one defence minded midfielder on the pitch isn’t enough but right now, that’s all Mikel Arteta has available. Once Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and the newly signed Bruno Guimarães are back in the squad, the defence shouldn’t be under the cosh as much as it has been during pre-season. At least I hope it isn’t…
Martin Odegaard made his return to the side yesterday but not for long. He looked good though, as did Ethan Nwaneri who replaced him. He certainly took his goal well and worked hard at both ends of the pitch. Christos Tzolis looked good too I thought as did Max Dowman although I wish he’d stay on his feet a bit more.
As rusty as we looked in defence, we weren’t much better up front really as a few really good opportunities went begging.
Viktor Gyokeres fired home his spot kick with perfection and but for a wrongly raised offside flag by the now retired Sian Massey-Ellis, the game would have ended 3-3. The abuse directed at her on Twitter (X) was horrid.
On the hour mark, Marli Salmon came on from the bench and didn’t disappoint, nor did Theo Julienne, Josh Ogunnaike, Ceadach O’Neill and Ife Ibrahim who came on with just over ten minutes to go.
Our final pre-season is on Wednesday against Cesc Fabregas’ Como 1907. The game kicks off at 7.30pm.
After yesterdays match, Mikel Arteta gave an update on both Jurrien Timber and William Saliba:
> No, I cannot be very precise with that. Jurrien is progressing really well. He’s on the pitch, he’s doing quite a lot right now, but it’s still weeks away. I cannot tell you how much. William Saliba is in rest mode at the moment for two weeks. He had to do almost nothing, an aggravated injury, so it’s going to take some time to heal. We know that. And as soon as we have more news, we can inform you.
As previously said, these two are huge misses for Arsenal going into the new campaign and I don’t think the club can afford not to sign a right sided central defender before the transfer window closes. Ben White might be for now but if his body breaks again, we really would be up the creek without a paddle. I’m pretty sure none of us want to see square pegs forced into round holes again this season, ie; Declan Rice at right back because it doesn’t work.
**Arteta on if supporters should expect more additions to the squad:**
> Well, that’s what we’re trying to do. It has to be the right player in the market to make us much better. We are very much looking forward to that.
The rest of the squad return to the club today which is basically our Spanish and English players. Arteta said that everyone (not Timber or Saliba) should be available for the opening game of the season so I imagine some of them will get a few minutes on the pitch on Wednesday or Sunday in the Community Shield.
Come on Andrea, go and get us a defender. We need one. A darn good one too…
Catch up in the comments.
