Return of Defensive Rock Admired by Europe’s Elite Could Be The Difference for Arsenal
William Saliba is back training and running on grass as he intensifies his efforts to regain fitness so he can get back on the field for Arsenal’s title defence
Estimates suggest the French colossus could be back sometime in mid November from his back injury subject to any set backs and his training going according to plan. Looking at the squad composition right now the club is very strong in many areas.
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Defensive depth proving key
Ezri Konsa
Ezri Konsa
The prudent signing of Ezra Konsa in the summer and the previous signings of Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié give Arsenal plenty of options to partner Brazilian Gabriel in the centre of the defense. Even Ben White who most people think of as a right back can play as a centre-back very comfortably having played in that position for both Leeds United and Brighton.
But the return of William Saliba would make this unit the most dominant unit it is designed to be. Mainstays Saliba and Brazilian Gabriel in the middle of the defence with a Timber and Califiori full back pairing backed up in all positions by solid performers provide a deep and powerful unit.
The bottom line is Arsenal’s defence has plenty of cover with multiple options in the centre-back position and contrary to some thinking there are good options for the full backs with Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera all solid options at right back while Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie and Myles Lewis-Skelly can all operate at a high level at left back.
So the defence is not an issue especially with David Raya who is widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world right now (backed up by capable duo Kepa and Ilian Meslier) there is arguably no stronger defence in World football when Saliba is fit again.
What are Arteta’s midfield options
In midfield after the addition of Bruno Guimaraes this summer and the return to full fitness of Martin Odegaard Mikel Arteta has a versatile selection of midfield options which also includes young phenom Myles Lewis-Skelly, Spanish World Cup winners Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino plus the sheer class of top operator Declan Rice.
The addition of Guimaraes has given Arsenal more high quality depth in an area on the pitch where they were already strong so midfield is certainly even stronger with higher quality squad players pushing for starts and able to step in without affecting the team’s performances.
Arsenal attacking options – are they a goalscorer light?
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres
The headline here sadly has to be the injury to Kai Havertz. The German going down is a big hit as he had clearly emerged as being Mikel Arteta’s preferred option in the striking role.
The possible counter to this is a hungry player with a point to prove in 21 goal man from a year ago Viktor Gyokeres who has played less than he would have liked only starting in the EFL Cup, has not started a game in the Premier League so far and is goalless for the Gunners across the season.
However Gyokeres has 2 goals in the Nations League for Sweden in the Nations League going on right now so could well be the player to start against Leeds United on October 10th. Plus they have Mikel Merino who is a much stronger option as a striker when called upon having honed his skills since Arteta dropped him in at the deep end 2 seasons ago.
It’s clearly in attack that there is a vulnerability with the reliance on Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and new man Christos Tzolis already showing problems. As we know Havertz is out for an unknown period so Gyokeres and Merino or Saka in a false nine seem like the options unless you dip into the academy products like Andre Harriman-Annous. Out wide Tzolis has started well with 4 assists but is goalless. Bukayo Saka looks like the Saka of old showing the moments of magic and always looking forward.
Noni Madueke looks like he is recovering from a long season last year with his key role in England’s run to the semi-final as reason for him taking his time to reach his highest levels. He can provide the options Arteta needs but after the loss of Martinelli AND Leandro Trossard Arsenal still look a genuine attacking goal threat light.
With the loss of Havertz for an unknown spell and the time in the season there is an opportunity for Arsenal’s existing including the emerging Max Dowman to hold down the fort until Havertz is back.
Kevin Schade
Kevin Schade
You would still say Arsenal could do the job and retain the title ahead of rivals Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and others with the strength of their defence plus the returning Saliba and such a dynamic midfield plus a solid attack without adding a genuine goalscorer.
However, if they could add someone like and get ready for some names from outside the box: Brentford’s impressing young attacker Kevin Schade, Ivan Toney, Victor Osimhen or Robert Lewandovski on loan or with an option to buy in Schade’s case they should pull the trigger and add the player.
The ship has sailed on deals for Julian Alvarez and Vini Jnr so we will see where the team sits nearer Christmas before we understand what the braintrust at Arsenal are going to do.