Just over six games ago Arsenal were sat 15th in the league, six points off the relegation zone when Arteta finally changed the identity of the starting eleven, seeing younger, hard-working players replace older, non-performing players.
Youth players have been the way to go for Arsenal this season with Bukayo Saka the glue that held them together during the bad start and Emile Smith-Rowe, one of the most exciting youngsters in the league right now. However, relying on two youngsters with little experience to create all the goals could be a recipe for disaster, and having another attacker that will create is ideal. Arriving on loan from Real Madrid, attack-minded midfielder Martin Odegaard has been a reason for much excitement within the Gunners' fan base. He joins a plethora of midfielders but with few showing any sort of creativity or spark, there will be pressure on the young midfielder to perform from the off.
With Arteta favouring a 4-2-3-1 formation with Emile Smith-Rowe as the 'number 10' and performing very well, will it be a formation change to see the duo play together? If Arteta was to go to a 4-3-3 and have Partey as a pivot, it would allow the attacking midfielders to interchange and get the ball deeper, while still having Partey for stability.
Making his debut in a short 14 minute cameo off the bench against Manchester United in a 0-0 draw, the Norwegian was unable to change the game thanks to a lack of time on the ball, evident in his 3 touches. Despite this, he did get 100% pass accuracy from his minimal touches and the Gunners will hope to get him much more of the ball next time out. Arsenal fans can look forward to his added quality along with his forward passing and the high volume of positive carries.
With deadwood filling the club, it was certain that January would have to be faultless for Arteta to push on this season. Getting rid of players that are surplus to requirements, Kolasinac and Sokratis left the club so it is Odegaard's arrival that gives the fans hope for the remainder of the season. With Mesut Ozil, probably their most creative yet under-used player moving on, it seems set up for Odegaard to step up to the plate and be that creative spark that the likes of Aubameyang and Lacazette will be hoping for, along with the rest of the red side of north London.
留言