Arteta and the boys will face a struggling Bournemouth side in the Premier League this weekend. We are still unbeaten in all competitions this season, with two draws and six wins, after beating Brentford in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Mikel Arteta was forced to rotate his squad with 8 changes owing to injury problems and rest needed, and the hope is that some of our best stars, such as Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli, will be back and available for selection against Bournemouth although right now it’s looking unlikely.
According to Paul Merson, we can’t afford to lose to the Cherries because we’ll be playing our main title rivals, Manchester City, the weekend after the trip to the Vitality Stadium.
Merson believes Bournemouth lacks the ability to cause us problems, and that because most of our key players were rested against Brentford on Wednesday night, we will be strong enough to pick up another win on the road. Although Declan Rice’s likely absence due to injury is a concern, our legend predicts a comfortable 2-0 victory.
He defends his prediction, saying on his Sportskeeda column, “This is a must-win game for Arsenal considering they face Manchester City next weekend, and I think they will get all three points at the Vitality Stadium.
“Bournemouth simply haven’t got going this season and are struggling to put points on the board, so I can’t see them getting anything out of this game. The Gunners rested a lot of players for the Carabao Cup clash against Brentford and still won 1-0, so their main players will be fit and raring to go this weekend.
“Arsenal need Rice back as soon as possible, although I don’t know how long it’s going to take for him to return to full fitness.”
As far as I’m concerned, every single game is a must win now, including our game against City, or we will see them open up at big gap at the top of the table…
Sam P
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Dont think every game is a ‘must win’.
Maybe a “dont lose!”.
BB, this one is a ‘must win’. The next one against City could be a ‘not lose’
Realistically, given that City look very likely to end up with close to 100 points, as thay have done before, or at least say 92, in the best sensible analysis, our chances of winning the title are already distant.
Our better aim should be to try to exceed last years 84 points and thus gain either second or third place . We are better advised to spend a greater concentration on doing better in cups than in last seasons rather dismal attempts.
We’ll beat Bournemouth otherwise this season will pretty much become a treadmill. I’m going to stick my neck out big time. Based on what I’ve seen so far, ie the football we’ve been playing, our squad, and potential to improve I think that we’ll get one win against Man. City and Liverpool. However I also think we’ll lose one game against Newcastle, Aston Villa and also Chelsea. Brighton and Westham are difficult to predict but I wouldn’t be surprised if we take all the points or fall flat. Obviously, I’m not as confident as I was a week before the start of the campaign. I just don’t understand why why Arteta has spent so much energy on a squad with six centre halves ( all good) and two champion goal keepers. Let’s face it. We didn’t miss out on the title because Holding and Ramsdale made a mistake but rather because our much vaunted midfield of Partey, Xhaka and Odegaard died in the bum when they were most needed. Also Martinellii and Saka were left to carry the can because our wing backs were non existent when needed to create space and help relieve them from their markers That one is definitely on Arteta.
Merson a legend?!?!
Maybe in his eyes, but I believe he’s a chelsea supporter?
We don’t need to remain unbeaten, we need to win games – it could be that we draw every game left, remain unbeaten and get relegated!!
Every game is a must win game, if we are to go one better this season and I predict a big win this Saturday and three points against city.
I don’t consider an Arsenal legend either. He’s also predicted we would ‘tear Spurs to shreds’ last week!! Easier prediction tomorrow, us to win by 2 clear goals!!
‘him’ an Arsenal legend!
The only reason why we cannot buy Ivan Toney, phase five will be upon us in the Twinkling of an eye