Arsenal's Premier League campaign has been a tale of two narratives: a commanding lead at the top of the table contrasted with disappointment in domestic cup competitions. According to multiple reports, Arsenal have a nine-point lead over Manchester City, though that gap was reduced to three points after a recent loss. The Gunners suffered back-to-back defeats to crash out of both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. They lost 2-0 to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and 2-1 to Southampton in the FA Cup, according to major media sources. These exits have raised questions about squad depth and resilience, especially as the team prepares for a crucial Champions League tie against Bayer Leverkusen.
Injury concerns have added to the uncertainty. Martin Odegaard has been in and out of the side due to a recurring knee problem, according to major media reports. Former Norwegian footballer Steffen Iversen claimed that Arsenal could be keeping the true nature of Odegaard's knee problem a secret. Mikel Arteta confirmed that Odegaard remains out, while Leandro Trossard has not scored since December and has struggled with a hip injury, per multiple sources. Trossard was absent in the week against Bayer Leverkusen (1-1) away in the Champions League, according to reports. Arteta hopes Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori will be available for the Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen, but said, "We'll see. We have to wait and see and talk to the doctors about whether they are involved or not." William Saliba is fit to return from an ankle injury, and Gabriel, Declan Rice, and Martin Zubimendi will return after being rested, Arteta confirmed.
It's not done.
Arteta's management style has come under scrutiny, with reports of clashes with several players. According to major media sources, Arteta has clashed with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Matteo Guendouzi. Aubameyang lost his place in Arteta's plans in December 2021 after returning late from an authorized visit to see his unwell mother. According to Daily Mirror - Main, Aubameyang described that he would never apologize for taking his mother from Laval to London. Guendouzi was involved in a mass bust-up at the Amex Stadium in June 2020, and Arteta declined to confirm his future at the club. Meanwhile, Trossard's form has been a bright spot despite his injury. He scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Fulham, sending Arsenal top of the Premier League, according to research. Arteta praised Trossard, saying, "Leo has this quality to create these magic moments when the team needs it the most, and that intuition that he's in the right place at the right moment is a huge quality for the team and a massive weapon for us." However, Arteta criticized Trossard last season for a red card at Manchester City, an errant backpass against Bournemouth, and a missed penalty against Shakhtar Donetsk. Trossard registered 10 goals and 10 assists across 56 appearances last season, per research.
Transfer rumors continue to swirl as Arsenal look to strengthen. According to Spanish publication Sport, Arsenal showed interest in Barcelona's Dani Olmo. Celta Vigo's Oscar Mingueza is out of contract in the summer and likely to leave on a free transfer, according to major media reports. Celta Vigo boss Claudio Giraldez said, "It will be difficult to keep him." Arsenal signed Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke in the summer, both expected to play on the left, per research. Kai Havertz is returning to Bayer Leverkusen for the first time since leaving, adding a personal subplot to the Champions League tie.
That shows the mentality they have.
Reactions to Arsenal's season have been mixed. According to Daily Mirror - Main, Declan Rice described the title race as "not done" after defeat to City, while Pep Guardiola noted, "That shows the mentality they have." However, according to Daily Mirror - Main, Roy Keane described the title race as "over." Gabriel Martinelli is set to escape further punishment for shoving referee Sam Barrott, according to Keith Hackett. Arsenal faces Everton this weekend, with Odegaard and Trossard uncertain for the match, according to Arteta. The outcome could further define the title race as Arsenal seeks to maintain their lead.
It's over.
It will be difficult to keep him.