Arguably the most entertaining derby in the league returns this weekend for more shenanigans. Arsenal will definitely be missing Rice who is suspended which along with Merino being injured means it's a bit of a mystery who will start in midfield. Also, remains to be seen if Sterling goes straight in. The temptation to go Martinelli/Sterling/Saka and have that speed on the counter against Spurs' high line is tempting.
Concerning fixture. This has been a favourable game for the home side for many years but Arsenal are a really good side now. Feels inevitable that Sterling scores, I'd be tempted to put money on it. Rice suspension is a little boost but I think Arsenal probably get something out of this. I've predicted a draw but this fixture feels like it could go any way. Way of the world with social media but even this early, it already feels like an important game for Postecoglou. I'm all in on Ange personally but I think that early positivity has started to wane for a portion of our support.
Big game for arsenal, city and Liverpool have very winnable games , lose this and they find themselves 5 points off those 2 with city away there next league game
The thing with Merino and Rice both being out is we now become very unpredictable in terms of who will start. Add Sterling into the mix and Ange is going to have a tough time figuring out who we might play. I don't know who is going to play!
I doubt it but you never know. I don't think they've played together since Jorginho joined in 2023. There's no previous to go off.
Tbh I don't get the impression that Ange will be too focused on your lineup anyway. It comes back to his "only has a plan A" criticism but I think he'll just be working on putting out the best team to play our football and control the game.
Odegaard had to go off injured tonight. Calafiori also came back early after a freak injury against France. Tough times ahead.
Thing is, both injuries are just part and parcel of a contact sport. Ok, Calafiori’s is a little more freakish but these could happen at any time. They aren’t muscle strains through overuse, they are just shit happens stuff. We were lucky with injuries last season so bad juju was always around the corner. I don’t know what we do now, I think it comes down to how we wish to approach games. Tbh, I think we’d likely park the bus again up at City so missing Odegaard for that isn’t the worst thing in the world. But for the games where we do dominate the ball and look to pick the lock, we’re going to have to get creative (pardon the pun) with our solutions. Maybe Saka moves to #8 and we play Sterling on the right. Just have to wait and see. Hopefully Odegaard’s injury is just a sore ankle roll. That’s the thing with them, they hurt like hell when they happen and then they’re fine by the next day.
Unless this is sarcasm you have to laugh that 2 players being injured means tough times ahead. Use your squad
Well I mean you’re here telling everyone how amazing Ange Postecoglu is right? Surely Arsenal need to be at full strength to overcome such an incredible manager? We’re missing nearly a quarter of our squad for the match so surely it will be a tough time against such a veteran giant of our game?
There was a time when i'd laugh at a comment like this so early in season but you're right. Doubt Liverpool win league but the second City get any sort of points lead the likelihood is they won't be caught..... From selfish point of view want Spurs win at same time want Arsenal to challenge more sides chase City the better.
Yeah clubs should be allowed to prohibit players to leave for these f*****g international games no one cares about.
Can't really recall Arsenal having too many injuries in the past couple of years, it has felt like they've largely had their best 11 available for most of that period. It'll be interesting to see how their squad copes with a few absentees. Certainly a boost for us.
TBF A Gooner has been pretty fair saying injuries happen but yes generally has caused some frustration. Read Odegaard had a knock after the game v you guys so maybe should have been pulled out like other players were?
Yeah funny seeing them bemoan injuries when they have been incredibly lucky with it the last few years. Still won nothing though the legopep effect lmfao.
