Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has been missing through inury for the past six weeks.
Tottenham legend and current BT Sport pundit Glenn Hoddle has explained how Santi Cazorla’s absence has been beneficial to two of Arsenal’s other midfield stars, as quoted by the Metro.
The 31-year-old Spaniard has been absent from action for the Gunners since their 6-0 Champions League win over Ludogorets on October 19th, and many Arsenal fans feared their side would suffer an impeding dip in form as a consequence.
Glenn Hoddle
Hoddle though, highlighted how Granit Xhaka and Francis Coquelin’s presence in the middle of the park has given Arsene Wenger’s team a more solid structure, and that Cazorla hasn’t necessarily been a big miss, as quoted by the Metro:
“Although he’s a really good offensive player, for me I don’t think it’s a massive miss. With Xhaka and Coquelin in that holding position in midfielder, that gives them a real base and a real defensive structure in front of the back four. That then allows the top four players, Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and whoever the wide players are to really go and attack and play without the worry of defending.”
Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla
Arsenal have actually maintained their fine run of form during the absence of the diminutive Spaniard, and are currently sitting in second position in the Premier League table, just three points behind league leaders Chelsea.
With a tricky looking set of fixtures throughout December though, including trips to Everton and Manchester City, it remains to be seen just how much of an impact Cazorla’s absence will have on the Gunners push for the Premier League title.
Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla
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