David Ornstein, a renowned football correspondent, and Phil Hay, a leading football newsletter writer, dive deep into Arsenal's squad depth following their recent win over Tottenham. They analyze whether Arsenal can sustain competition against Manchester City without key players and discuss Mikel Arteta's new contract and its implications for the club's future. Additionally, they explore the tactical dynamics between the rivals and how injuries might affect Arsenal's chances in the Premier League and Champions League this season.
Arsenal's recent victory against Tottenham showcases their resilience and ability to compete despite a leaner squad and key injuries.
Mikel Arteta's contract renewal until 2027 reflects Arsenal's ambition and confidence in his leadership to contend for major trophies.
Deep dives
Arsenal's Resilience and Current Form
Arsenal demonstrated impressive resilience and skill during the recent North London Derby victory against Tottenham. Despite missing key players like Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice due to injury, Arsenal managed to secure a win that not only boosts their morale but also signals their capability in the Premier League. The victory marked Arsenal's third consecutive win at Tottenham, shifting the balance of power back in their favor after a difficult period under previous management. With upcoming challenges against Atalanta in the Champions League and a crucial match against Manchester City, this win reaffirms Arsenal's status as a genuine contender in both domestic and European competitions.
Arteta's Strategic Contract Renewal
Manager Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract that extends his tenure with Arsenal until the summer of 2027, reflecting the club's confidence in his leadership. This decision comes after multiple successful seasons under his guidance, including a second-place finish in the Premier League and a return to the Champions League after a seven-year absence. The contract renewal signals not only stability for the team but also further ambition to contend for major trophies as Arteta’s tactical approach has rejuvenated the club. His influence extends beyond tactics; under his management, the atmosphere among fans has improved significantly, marking a positive change for Arsenal.
Tactical Developments in Set Pieces
Arsenal's efficiency in set pieces underlines a significant tactical advancement, illustrating the importance of specialized coaching in this area. The addition of set-piece coach Nicholas Jova has resulted in Arsenal scoring 42 goals from set pieces, the highest among Europe's top five leagues. This proficiency has been critical in tightly contested matches, highlighting how marginal gains can influence results. In contrast, Tottenham’s struggles during the derby, particularly in defending set pieces, indicate a noticeable gap in coaching strength that may require urgent attention from their manager.
Future Challenges and Team Depth Considerations
As Arsenal continues its campaign, the necessity for squad depth is becoming increasingly apparent, especially with injuries impacting key players. Although the squad is well-equipped with versatile options, maintaining performance levels is crucial given the demanding schedule of upcoming fixtures. Players like Fabio Vieira and Emil Smith Rowe have left for more game time, prompting questions about depth during critical moments. Nevertheless, the adaptability within the squad, as demonstrated during the North London Derby, suggests that Arsenal has developed a robust structure that can withstand challenges ahead in both the Premier League and European competitions.
After victory in the North London derby, is Arsenal's leaner squad capable of keeping pace with Manchester City across both the Premier League and the Champions League?
Also, David Ornstein will bring us all the details of manager Mikel Arteta’s new contract
And what does defeat to Arsenal say about how far Ange Postecoglou are behind their local rivals.
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s football correspondent David Ornstein and newsletter lead writer, Phil Hay