Arsenal suffered consecutive cup exits, losing 2-0 to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and 2-1 to Southampton in the FA Cup, according to multiple reports. Despite these setbacks, the Gunners hold a nine-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League, though that lead shrank to three points after a loss to City. The contrasting fortunes in domestic cups and the league have sparked debate about the team's consistency and Arteta's ability to rotate his squad effectively.
Arteta's tenure has been marked by clashes with several players, as reported by major media sources. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang lost his place in Arteta's plans in December 2021 after returning late from an authorized visit to his ill mother, and subsequently moved to Barcelona in February 2022 by mutual agreement. According to Daily Mirror - Main, Aubameyang described Arteta shouting at him and saying he gave him 'a knife in his back.' Matteo Guendouzi was also involved in a mass bust-up at the Amex Stadium in June 2020, further illustrating the manager's firm approach.
He shouted at me and said I gave him a knife in his back.
Injury concerns continue to plague Arsenal. Martin Odegaard has a recurring knee problem that has kept him in and out of the side, according to major media. Steffen Iversen claimed Arsenal could be keeping the true nature of Odegaard's knee injury a secret. Arteta confirmed that Odegaard remains out, while he hopes Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori will be available against Bayer Leverkusen after they came off injured against Mansfield Town. William Saliba is fine to return from an ankle injury, and Gabriel, Declan Rice, and Martin Zubimendi will return after being rested. Kai Havertz had a hamstring injury requiring surgery and a knee injury last year, according to research.
Leandro Trossard has not scored since December, according to major media. According to Daily Mirror - Football, Nigel Winterburn voiced concerns about Trossard's form since his return from injury. However, Trossard scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Fulham that sent Arsenal top of the Premier League, and his goal involvements this season are five across nine appearances, the highest tally of any Arsenal player. He has started each of the last five fixtures across all competitions. Arteta criticized Trossard last season for a red card at Manchester City, an errant backpass against Bournemouth, and a missed penalty against Shakhtar Donetsk, but also praised him, saying, 'He has the quality to create magic moments and is in the right place at the right moment.' Trossard registered 10 goals and 10 assists across 56 appearances last season.
He has the quality to create magic moments and is in the right place at the right moment.
Transfer rumors are swirling as Arsenal look to strengthen. Celta Vigo boss Claudio Giraldez admitted it will be difficult to keep Oscar Mingueza this summer, and Arsenal are interested in signing him on a free transfer, according to major media. Arsenal also showed interest in Barcelona star Dani Olmo, and signed Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke in the summer, both expected to play on the left, according to research.
Pundit opinions on Arteta's future and team issues are divided. According to Metro - Main, Marco Materazzi urged Arteta to start Riccardo Calafiori at centre-back ahead of William Saliba. According to Metro - Main, Perry Groves urged Arteta to keep Viktor Gyokeres on the bench and persist with Kai Havertz. According to Daily Mirror - Main, Robert Pires warned that Arteta will be sacked if Arsenal do not win the Premier League. According to Metro - Main, William Gallas advised Arteta to replace Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard this summer. According to Metro - Main, Rio Ferdinand warned Arsenal fans calling for Arteta's sacking to be careful what they wish for, and believes Arsenal's biggest problem is lack of attacking flair.
We need to wait and talk to doctors about whether the players will be involved.
Gabriel Martinelli pushed referee Sam Barrott during the loss at Southampton and received a yellow card, according to major media. According to Daily Mirror - Main, Keith Hackett said Martinelli is likely to escape further punishment because the referee issued a yellow card.
Arsenal faces Everton this weekend, according to other sources. Arteta said, 'We need to wait and talk to doctors about whether the players will be involved,' regarding Odegaard and Trossard's availability. Odegaard has missed Arsenal's recent matches, and Trossard was absent against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. Arsenal tops the English league.
He has had three weeks of consistent training and gametime.
Kai Havertz is returning to Bayer Leverkusen, where he started as a boy, according to research. Havertz had a hamstring injury requiring surgery and a knee injury last year.
Cesc Fabregas is committed to Como and has turned their fortunes around as manager, according to major media.
I am concerned about his form since his return from injury.
He should start Calafiori at centre-back ahead of Saliba.
Keep Gyokeres on the bench and persist with Havertz.
Arteta will be sacked if Arsenal do not win the Premier League.
Martinelli is likely to escape further punishment because the referee issued a yellow card.
Replace Martinelli and Trossard this summer.
Be careful what you wish for.
Arsenal's biggest problem is lack of attacking flair.