“What’s the Solution?” – Emmanuel Petit Reveals His Long-term Concern as Arsenal Set to Return to Champions League Action
French World Cup winner and Gunners legend Emmanuel Petit has expressed a long-standing concern about Arsenal. Despite the team’s progress, there’s one issue that has troubled him deeply over the years.
As manager Mikel Arteta and his squad prepare for their fierce north London derby against Tottenham, the tension is palpable. With the match set for a 14:00 kickoff, Arsenal are eager to secure all three points against their rivals.
Unfortunately, Arsenal are missing a few key players, particularly in midfield. Mikel Merino is sidelined until at least mid-October, and Declan Rice is unavailable due to suspension.
In response to these absences, Arteta may shift Kai Havertz into a midfield role. Additionally, Raheem Sterling, a new signing, could make his Arsenal debut as a false-nine in an attempt to fill the gaps left by Rice and Merino.
There are also fitness concerns about several other players. Defender Riccardo Calafiori, captain Martin Odegaard, and striker Gabriel Jesus are all facing late fitness tests, according to Arteta’s comments in his pre-match press conference on Friday. Their availability will depend on last-minute assessments.
Arsenal, one of the Premier League title contenders, have been hit hard by injuries, both during and before the international break. These injuries, unfortunately beyond Arteta’s control, add to the challenge as he prepares his team to face an attacking Tottenham side.
Over the summer, sporting director Edu Gaspar made five significant signings to strengthen Arsenal’s squad. These additions include Sterling, Neto, Merino, Calafiori, and David Raya, with a total outlay of less than £100 million.
Despite these reinforcements, Petit remains concerned about the team’s lack of depth. This issue, he believes, continues to hinder Arsenal’s ability to compete consistently at the highest level.
Emmanuel Petit Reveals the One Real Worry He Has About Arsenal
In an interview with TalkSPORT, Petit expressed his genuine concern about Arsenal’s limited rotation options, warning that it might become their Achilles’ heel as Arteta strives to break the club’s 21-year league title drought.
“City started poorly (last season) and they were missing big players during the season, but they won the title,” Petit said.
“I’m not sure that can be possible for Arsenal in terms of quality and quantity of players. That’s what I’ve been worried about for ages, the rotation of the team.
“Now they are back in the Champions League again. Playing every single three days, international duty as well with your country, that means you need to get rotation in your team.
“When you get important players injured, what’s the solution for Arteta? He’s got players, but not in the same position and who cannot bring the same qualities on the pitch.
“I’m pretty sure that Arteta and his staff have been scratching their heads trying to find the best solution, especially in midfield.
“In modern football, you win games in the midfield most of the times. Those two guys are leaders, Rice and Odegaard. I’m very, very upset they won’t be here on Sunday because in terms of rotation, it’s already quite limited for Arteta.”
After their match against Tottenham, Arteta and his team will quickly face critical challenges, with a Champions League clash against Atalanta just days later and a trip to Manchester City on the horizon the following weekend.
In other Arsenal news, “World class” Player Has Rejected Two New Contract Offers as Arsenal Open Talks Ahead of January Swoop
