Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal probably need to find solutions in defence as they close in on completing a move for Ezri Konsa and prepare to be without William Saliba during the opening weeks of the season.
The Gunners have been masters of defending in recent seasons, continuing to show that they are one of the hardest teams for anyone to score against. They built their title-winning success on a strong defence and can continue to do so as they develop and evolve as a team.
However, that will only happen if they have their best defenders available. For now, Arsenal have arguably the best centre-back pairing in the league, and the Gunners could win even more matches than they did last season if Gabriel and William Saliba remain fit.
Arsenal face defensive problem
That is not the case at the moment, though, as the Frenchman is already out of action for a few weeks with an injury. Arsenal therefore need to find a solution, which helps explain why they have pushed to sign Konsa.
The potential arrival of Konsa would give Arteta another experienced option in defence and could help the Gunners cope with Saliba’s absence. Arsenal will hope the Frenchman can return as soon as possible, but they must also ensure they have enough quality to compete while he is unavailable.
Arteta confirmed that Saliba is not yet training with the group and acknowledged that the club have a specific issue in the backline. The manager also made it clear that Arsenal are working to strengthen that area.
Arteta confirms defensive plans
Arteta said via Arsenal Media:
“[He will be back] in the next few weeks, he’s not training with the group yet. We have a really specific issue in the backline, especially with the long-term injury of Wilo.
“We are trying to reinforce that area. Whenever we’re ready, we’ll announce something.”
Arsenal will therefore continue working on their defensive plans as they prepare for the new season. Saliba’s absence creates an immediate concern, but the club appear determined to address it by adding another defender.
If Arsenal can complete their move for Konsa and manage Saliba’s return carefully, Arteta should have greater depth available in defence. The Gunners will hope that this allows them to maintain their defensive strength while their key centre-back recovers from injury.
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We need attackers more than defenders although Konsa is a great player. Perhaps we will get both!
Do we need attackers though?
The media have certainly got everyone outside ourselves convinced we do, but when they put up how many goals Havertz and Odegaard scored last season to prove their point, it’s the most obviously appalling journalism in history. Havertz and Odegaard were barely fit last season, Merino missed half a season too, Jesus missed half a season, and Saka in and out hardly at his best due to fitness. If Saka, Ode, Havertz maintain fitness this time there’s plenty of flair and excitement, almost like signing new players. Ricky too is a goal threat often injured.
And then, if we do bring other players in, it means playing them ahead of what we got already on basis we believe they are better because of their record what they have done in Portugal, France, Spain, Germany, Turkey, etc? Could they look that betterer in the Prem, could they produce better in our system that doesn’t counter attack, or cross or shoot on sight, or hit long balls?
Wurz at Liverpool for example.
It’s a point isn’t it?
On top of that How plug in and play are flair goal scoring players into different leagues and systems? it takes some longer than others to adapt and settle into Prem and different manager system.
Is it grass greener on other side, and we under appreciate just how good Kai, Saka, Ode, Gyokeres actually are?
It’s a question of balance, and that is what Arsenal now have / are building on.
Defence may not be as glamorous or exciting as attack.
BUT
Man City scored 6 goals more than Arsenal last season and came 2nd.
Arsenal had the meanest defence in the P L and came 1st – P L Champions.
Stating the blindingly bleeding obvious.
Win every game 1 – 0 and be Champions
Lose every game 4 – 3 and get Relegated.
(Even though we haven’t been relegated in over 100 years)…. Thank God.!!!!
To follow on from that,just check where we appeared in the Goals For column last season and you’ll see Moon Girl has a very good point.
Can we improve on that though? That’s the real question.
Off Topic:
In the Emirates now and what a kick it is to see all the “CHAMPIONS 26” signs everywhere 👍👍
Thank you. ❤️
Goals for columns can lack a bit of context sometimes. Some sides can outscore you by being flat track bullies – 4’s and 5’s against some lesser sides, but show little cutting edge or defensive strength against the Top Five sides. So they weren’t all round good.
As I said above, showing the number of goals Havertz and Odegaard scored last season lacks the context that they were barely on the pitch, with successive serious injury issues.
That clogger for Man Utd caused Kai’s problems, and it had a bit of pre-mediated knee targetting about it if aware of the confrontation they had season before 😠
I do think that Moon Girl’s points are extremely valid considering all the injuries, (medium and long term) that had to be managed last season.
IF these type of injuries can be avoided this season – (here’s hoping they can) – ‘It’s gonna be a BLINDER’
Well. MA certainly blames back room for lack of availability, and sacked them.
Some players are just injury prone. Looking at Ode he has chicken legs, he’s too nobbly not to get bone on bone knocks.
But it’s only last season proper depth came to Arsenal to help Saka and Ode – historically they have played on too long with knocks.