BBC pundit Garth Crooks has told his Team of the Week that Mikel Arteta naming a weakened side against Brighton in the Carabao Cup shows that Arsenal are serious about mounting a title challenge come the end of the season.
Arsenal suffered only a third defeat of the season against Roberto De Zerbi’s side – a 3-1 loss at The Emirates. Arteta made 10 changes from the win over Chelsea, William Saliba the only player to remain. He was taken off after 63 mins.
The Gunners’ starting players returned at Molineux on Saturday evening and they were efficient. Not their best display, but a brace from Martin Odegaard got them over the line – with new Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui watching on.
The win was perfect timing. Manchester City suffered defeat to Brentford, Ivan Toney showing Gareth Southgate why he might have been picked. Crooks says Arteta’s selection against Brighton shows his belief Arsenal are in a title race.
“If you think Mikel Arteta isn’t serious about this title challenge one look at his team selection against Brighton in the Carabao Cup in midweek should tell you all you need to know about his priorities,” Crooks told his BBC column.
Arteta naming weakened side shows Arsenal are serious about title
Can Arsenal win the title? You feel that the results on Saturday have given the Gunners a real chance. The five-point gap over Pep Guardiola’s side is not only sizable at this stage – and with the World Cup break – it feels momentous.
The issues Arsenal have, if they are to beat City, are two-fold. One, is that they need to sign players in January. They need a bit more out wide. A proper replacement for Thomas Partey if he gets injury. Maybe another defender.
The second, is the trend that Arsenal have shown in recent seasons of dying off towards the end of the campaign. If they can rid themselves of that, why not? But they will get top four, and that is still a huge improvement.
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