Arsenal have contemporary damage woes over captain Martin Odegaard after he was pressured off with one other shoulder damage of their 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Mikel Arteta stated he doesn’t anticipate Odegaard to wish surgical procedure on his proper shoulder, which he initially injured in opposition to Leeds final month.
Here, Standard Sport appears at 3 ways Arsenal may line up in Odegaard’s absence.
Arteta positioned his religion in Ethan Nwaneri when he introduced him on for Odegaard in opposition to Forest.
But regardless of a dominant Arsenal efficiency, Nwaneri was unable to affect the sport as he would have favored and it was Noni Madueke main the assault from the best wing.
Ethan Nwaneri got here on for Odegaard in opposition to Nottingham Forest
Arsenal FC by way of Getty Images
The 18-year-old had the second most touches of any Arsenal attacker throughout his 73 minutes on the pitch.
But, other than a few half-chances, he was unable to open up a Forest defence that seemed helpless to cease relentless waves of Arsenal stress.
Odegaard’s damage offered Nwaneri with a possibility in his favoured place but it surely was a irritating afternoon.
Nwaneri retains the complete belief of Arteta however, with added competitors this season, minutes are certainly not assured.
Possible Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Nwaneri, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Eberechi Eze deployed centrally
It is from the left the place Arteta sees Eze predominantly enjoying, however the 27-year-old’s versatility and intuition to come back centrally looking for the ball make him a viable substitute for Odegaard.
Eze’s potential to anticipate area and carve out taking pictures alternatives draw placing similarities to Odegaard, and a few of his finest moments in opposition to Forest got here within the pocket of area behind Gyokeres.
Eberechi Eze impressed in opposition to Nottingham Forest
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A deft dummy inside 5 minutes set the tempo for a assured show, and also you sense Eze will solely develop as his understanding along with his team-mates deepens.
He has already struck up a relationship with Gyokeres and that partnership may show a productive path to purpose for a new-look Arsenal assault nonetheless discovering its toes.
Arsenal’s new-found depth means Eze can transfer centrally with out an excessive amount of disruption to how the Gunners wish to play.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are pushing for extra minutes, whereas Noni Madueke is considered as an choice off each flanks, regardless of impressing from the best in opposition to Forest.
Eze’s versatility was an enormous a part of why Arteta was so eager to carry him to the Emirates.
So, with Odegaard out of the aspect, he might be utilised because the fulcrum of Arsenal’s midfield.
Possible Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Madueke
Opt for physicality over creativity
Arteta, as he did in opposition to Liverpool, additionally has the choice to sacrifice Odgeaard’s creativity for a extra bodily sturdy midfield unit.
The Arsenal boss was criticised by some for what was perceived as a unfavorable strategy at Anfield, however finally his aspect got here inside a Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick of stifling the champions.
Declan Rice and Mikel Merino, whereas revered for his or her potential within the breakdown, additionally possess a superb knack for attacking the field on the proper occasions, with Martin Zubimendi chipping in along with his first two targets for the membership in opposition to Forest.
Mikel Merino got here in for Odegaard in opposition to Liverpool final month
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This is actually essentially the most reserved set-up Arteta may go for in Odegaard’s absence, however that doesn’t essentially imply it lacks attacking aptitude.
One of Arsenal’s nice strengths is their potential to overwhelm opponents, and with Merino and Rice’s depth in the midst of the park, they will run over groups earlier than shuffling the ball rapidly by the strains and into Arsenal’s frontline.
With Manchester City and Newcastle to come back within the Premier League, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Arteta name upon a extra practical midfield, even when Odegaard is match sufficient to play.
Possible Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Merino, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
