You sense Arsenal fans need a boost ahead of the north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.
The international break hasn’t gone well for Mikel Arteta because he was already one big player down for the Tottenham trip and you might have to add Martin Odegaard’s name to that list now.
Declan Rice is suspended after he was sent off during Arsenal‘s draw against Brighton, but will their captain be available?
It’s looking less and less likely after Odegaard was injured on Norway duty when he twisted his ankle, with fans downbeat ahead of a huge game.
The Gunners have already dropped points – their draw against Brighton – but they did produce a statement win at Villa Park last month.
Arsenal are closer than ever to winning the Premier League title after they missed out by two points during the previous campaign.
The job Arteta has done since he took over the job in 2019 – his first-ever job in management – is rather impressive and he has everyone on board at the club.
That’s why Ally McCoist thinks it’s ‘absolutely brilliant news’ that Arteta has signed a new three-year deal at the club, as he told talkSPORT (12/09/24 at 8:15 am).
Amid the gloom of injuries ahead of the Spurs game, this will provide a feel-good factor to everyone and focus their mind on the task ahead.
McCoist touched upon the changed mood around Arsenal under Arteta and you sense he is going to use that for the north London derby.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal contract
“Absolutely brilliant news for Arsenal fans,” responded McCoist. “But, let’s be honest, not the most surprising news.
“Good news for Arsenal fans, it has to be! We expected that kind of news, but at the same time, it’s a boost.
“He won one (a trophy) in his first year. But I don’t think anybody could argue the progress that has been made at Arsenal is fabulous. Even within the stadium. I have enjoyed the emotion and feeling within the stadium. Beforehand, let’s be honest, it was a lot quieter. But the fans (they are on side) now.”
Arsenal’s midfield against Tottenham
With two big names – Rice and Odegaard – missing, then all eyes will be on how Arteta shuffles his pack in the middle of the park.
You can guarantee that Thomas Partey will start, it’s just a case of who sits alongside him and who plays that number ten role.
READ MORE: Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher predict Tottenham v Arsenal
Raheem Sterling is expected to make his Arsenal debut, but will he start straight away or come off the bench?
Kai Havertz could play as a ten, even Leandro Trossard, Sterling or a wildcard. Arsenal are lucky that they have so many versatile players, but winning here when they are weak would be a huge statement.
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