It could solely be October, however there’s a real worry that Arsenal might be out of the title race earlier than it’s begun by the top of the month.
Poor outcomes in opposition to Bournemouth and Brighton earlier within the season imply that their upcoming conflict in opposition to an in-form Liverpool has turn out to be a must-win.
Hardly music to the ears of the Gunners’ fanbase on condition that Arne Slot’s rampant Reds have solely conceded three objectives within the English prime flight this time period.
Just one objective conceded got here away from residence (Wolves). Albeit, the Anfield-based outfit have but to face a regular of opposition larger in high quality than Chelsea.
Arsenal will battle in opposition to Liverpool with out Martin Odegaard
Paul Scholes was fast to speak up Liverpool’s title probabilities when evaluating the facet’s squad to fellow league rivals Arsenal.
The league leaders look markedly improved in all departments – regardless of a restricted summer time window – however Mikel Arteta’s largest downside might reside in his personal squad. Particularly, the injury-enforced absence of key midfielder Martin Odegaard.
“If you wish to win leagues, you need to win these large video games. It’s a must to win in opposition to your rivals. [Manchester] Metropolis was the identical final 12 months – [Arsenal] went to Metropolis final 12 months and acquired a draw and celebrated it. That was the time to go and win the league,” the previous Manchester United midfielder spoke on The Overlap’s Follow Soccer.
“With out the sending-offs, Arsenal haven’t been nice anyway. [The midfield] isn’t flowing, prefer it was final 12 months. [No Martin] Odegaard might be an enormous concern [against Liverpool].”
How lengthy is Martin Odegaard out injured?
The Norway star first sustained his ankle ligament damage while on worldwide obligation with Stale Solbakken’s males.
There had been some hope that the 25-year-old’s return date would see him play a component in Arsenal’s impending conflict with Liverpool on the weekend.
Sadly for Mikel Arteta, it very a lot appears that this was an excessively optimistic expectation.
The Spanish supervisor’s post-Shakhtar feedback to TV2 (through the Mirror) would as an alternative point out that Odegaard’s availability can be restricted till November.
“I don’t assume so,” the 42-year-old confirmed when requested concerning the footballer’s potential return in opposition to Liverpool. “Martin is annoyed and determined to return. However hopefully this era will train him some issues which can be vital in life.”
How large of a miss is Odegaard for Arsenal?
It will be unfair to counsel that Arsenal’s skill to safe three factors in opposition to the Reds on Sunday is severely compromised by Martin Odegaard’s absence.
Nonetheless, it might be remiss of any commentator to assert the Gunners received’t battle.
The previous Actual Madrid star is likely one of the most inventive midfielders in world soccer. He presently ranks within the 98th percentile for xAG and mixed non-penalty xG with xAG, in line with FBref.
Is it any shock that Arsenal consequently are struggling of their general xG rankings (Opta) (13.77) behind league challengers Manchester Metropolis (15.57) and Liverpool (15.97)?
1. Tottenham: 16.95
2. Liverpool: 15.97
3. Chelsea: 15.65
4. Manchester Metropolis: 15.57
5. Bournemouth: 14.07
6. Arsenal: 13.77
It’s a good level for any pundit, not to mention Paul Scholes, to boost.
