The recent injury to Bukayo Saka is a devastating blow to Arsenal’s title aspirations, leaving Mikel Arteta with a significant challenge to overcome. The young winger has been instrumental in the Gunners’ success this season, providing width, pace, and creativity to the team’s attack. His absence, particularly if it’s a long-term one, will require Arteta to rethink his tactics and set-pieces.
One option available to Arteta is to shuffle his pack and experiment with different formations and personnel. The Arsenal manager has already shown his willingness to tinker with his team’s shape and selection, and this injury might force his hand further. For instance, Arteta could opt for a 4-3-3 formation, with Martin Odegaard or Emile Smith Rowe taking on more creative responsibilities. This would allow the team to maintain its attacking flair while also providing additional midfield support.
Another possibility is that Arteta turns to the transfer market to bolster his squad. The January window is approaching, and Arsenal might be tempted to bring in a short-term solution to cover for Saka’s absence. This could be a loan deal or a permanent signing, depending on the club’s priorities and budget. Arteta has already hinted at the possibility of bringing in reinforcements, stating that the club is “always looking to improve” its squad.
However, it’s worth noting that Arsenal’s squad is already well-stocked with talented players, and Arteta might prefer to rely on his existing personnel rather than bringing in new faces. In this scenario, the likes of Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira, could be given more opportunities to stake their claim. Nelson, in particular, has shown promise in his limited appearances this season, and could be an exciting option for Arteta to explore.
Despite the setback, it’s still possible for Arsenal to remain in the title race. The Premier League is a marathon, not a sprint, and there are plenty of twists and turns to come. Arteta’s side has already shown its mettle this season, and they can draw on their experiences to navigate this challenging period.
