Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been tipped to bench a big-name player in a bid to help the star rediscover his very best form, despite his crucial contribution during their dramatic 2-1 win over Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
Arsenal boosted by William Saliba deal as they prepare for Olympiacos
It’s been an excellent last few days for Arsenal, with Arteta buoyed by the club’s new contract for star defender William Saliba as they gear up to take on Greek heavyweights Olympiacos in the Champions League.
Saliba rejected widely reported interest from Real Madrid to commit his future to the north Londoners, penning a new deal until 2030, and it is believed that star winger Bukayo Saka could soon follow suit by signing an extension of his own.
This follows what turned out to be a vital victory at Newcastle, which was very nearly more dropped points in the Premier League title race, if not for a last-gasp header from Gabriel to clinch all three points for Arteta’s side.
In a season where Liverpool have stolen all the headlines for their late-show goals so far, it was refreshing for Gunners supporters to see their side battle with grit and determination to the last second, while Arne Slot’s men found themselves on the receiving end against Crystal Palace.
The gap at the top of the table is now closed to just two points as Arteta braces for yet another cinematic title challenge, and he’ll need every single man at their very best if Arsenal are to finally stop being the ‘nearly men’.
West Ham United (home)
October 4
Fulham (away)
October 18
Crystal Palace (home)
October 26
Burnley (away)
November 1
Sunderland (away)
November 8
Club captain Martin Odegaard, having just returned from a shoulder problem, came off the bench to provide an assist for Gabriel to head home his winner from a corner.
However, pundit Perry Groves suggests that the Norwegian should stay out of the starting eleven, at least for the time being.
Perry Groves tips Mikel Arteta to bench Martin Odegaard for Arsenal
Speaking to The Metro Groves says that the £240,000-per-week attacker “hasn’t been himself” due to injuries, and a spell on the substitute’s bench could kickstart a comeback from Odegaard to his very best form.
Eberechi Eze’s arrival, combined with highly-rated youngsters like Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri sniffing for places in the first team, will undoubtedly have Odegaard looking over his shoulder.
Through no fault of his own, the former Real Madrid prospect has found himself on the sidelines for longer periods than he’d have liked, and this contributed to his lesser goal involvement last season.
Odegaard totalled 22 goal contributions in 22/23 and 23 goal involvements the season after, but didn’t quite get up to that tally last term despite some good form late on in the campaign.
Arsenal’s heightened competition for places means that the 26-year-old may no longer be considered undroppable, as a host of bright attacking stars, including super subs Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, battle for a place in Arteta’s first team.
