Mikel Arteta admitted how happy he was with Calum Chambers after his return to action for Arsenal against Burnley on Saturday.
It was the defenders first Premier League start since the manager’s first official game in charge against Chelsea back in December 2019, and he was more than solid on the pitch.
Burnley earned a draw through no fault of his own, and Arteta insists that was ‘extremely happy’ with what he saw from Chambers.
“I’m extremely happy with him,” the Arsenal boss told reporters after the match (via Football.London).
“He deserved completely his chance to start the game because of the recovery he’s done, the preparation he’s done to get to the level he’s at at the moment and the way he trains and behaves every day.
“I think it was a really good game for him, for the needs that we had on the pitch and I think he had a really good performance.”
Chambers has always been one to impress me, whether filling in at right-back or his preferred centre-back position, and it is nice to see him survive through the full 90 minutes.
Hopefully he will be able to build his way back to 100% and finish the season strongly, and that could well allow the manager to include him in his plans for next season.
There is many reports claiming that Hector Bellerin could potentially be leaving this summer, with Juventus, PSG and Barcelona all having been linked with his signature at some point in recent months according to ESPN.
Is Chambers a better option to Bellerin when fit? Will there always be question marks over the English defender’s proneness to injury?
Patrick
I like Chambers but I find that he lack the required pace, athleticism and agility to be a full back in todays game. I think he is perfect for RCB if we play 3 CBs.
Didn’t he played as a DM at Fulham during his most successful spell? I think he is better suited as a Partey backup. We have better options as CB’s, but we don’t have a proper DM, since Elneny and Ceballos have not impressed at that position.
Couldn’t agree morePJ-SA.He has been plagued by injuries, which is a pity because he has a great attitude.
“Is Chambers a better option than BELLERIN” asks PATRICK! Well, since that clearly rhetorical question does not need a serious answer, let me ask a more pertinent question which is “Is my cat better than BELLERIN?” Not at fashion or planting trees of course but at fooball, my cat is faster, more reliably accurate and has a real bite, so my question has more credence that that of Patrick!
I would in all serousness ask “Is there a regular right back in the entire Prem who is worse than BELLERIN? CAN’T THINK OF ONE PERSONALLY.
jon fox, sorry but I massively disagree. Bellerin has been an important player for us for years, he’s one of our quickest sprinters, always has an eye for an interception which has gained us countless counter-attacks, links up very well, incredibly loyal, he is a professional who the dressing room looks up to, he always embraces responsibility, and is a very intelligent footballer.
I’m getting sick of these aftv style folk who don’t rate Bellerin as he doesn’t “get enough goals or assists“ or because he cares about the environment or enjoys fashion. He’s an attacking full back that does exactly what he’s supposed to. Yes he’s had injury troubles, and it can take him 2-3 games to find form after returning from a long time out (like 99% of all footballers) but there’s a reason why the likes of European heavyweights Barca, PSG, Juve etc are so keen on him. And given how some fans disrespect him needlessly I wouldn’t blame him for leaving, he deserves better. I lost track of how many times he had to sit next to weak CB’s the likes of Mustafi et al and have to cover their asses while everyone expected him to do that and play as a winger. Jump off the nonsensical bandwagon and open your eyes. I’m sorry but Barca, Juve, PSG know how to win and if they’ve identified Bellerin as a top player that’s because he is, and they know a damn sight more than any of us.
We need to focus on a back up LB, two CM as Xhaka and Elneny are good but not the level we need, a number 10 especially if Odegaard doesn’t stay, and possibly a more effective CF than Lacazette. Every other position isn’t a concern for the time being.
All this talk of getting a RB when we have Bellerin, Cedric, Chambers and even AMN, and is just ridiculous. And another CB shouldn’t be a priority, as we have Mari and Gabriel at LCB, then Holding, Chambers, Saliba, Mavrapanos (both are playing incredibly well at present) are all great options at RCB.
Obviously we could improve any and all positions but for once can we prioritise the areas that are costing us points?
jon fox,only bellerin is worse than bellerin.and as for your cat,has she attracted the interest of psg,barcelona or juventus?
Chambers when full fit is better than most Arsenal defenders, Cedric, Bel, Louis, Rob etc. He is a monster in the air and on the ground, He only lacks pace but otherwise he is more reliable than those that I mentioned