Arsenal's Midfield Crisis: Impact of Rice and Odegaard Absences, Says Paul Merson

Arsenal Faces a Major Challenge: The Impact of Key Player Absences

If there are two players Arsenal can’t afford to lose, it’s Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard. The North London derby is notorious for being a thrilling encounter filled with goals, and losing these key figures could significantly hinder Arsenal's chances.

How Rice and Ødegaard Change the Game

Declan Rice is vital for transitioning the ball up the pitch, while Ødegaard is crucial in creating opportunities in the final third. Ødegaard, being a uniquely talented player, easily earns his spot at the top of the team sheet, particularly in high-pressure situations. Arsenal desperately needs Ødegaard’s playmaking skills and vision in key moments against rivals.

Strategic Adjustments in the Midfield

Mikel Arteta is facing a huge test as the team navigates a fixture gauntlet without their essential players. The challenge lies in forming an effective midfield trio. While Jorginho can occupy a deeper role, he may not recover the ball effectively against Tottenham. Meanwhile, Thomas Partey may struggle playing a more advanced No. 8 role.

Concerns Over Squad Depth

With Tottenham's squad poised to capitalize on Arsenal’s weakened midfield, Arsenal's defensive capabilities could be severely challenged. Arsenal may need to experiment with dropping Kai Havertz into midfield, although this may leave a significant gap at the striker position due to Gabriel Jesus’s absence.

Keeping Up the Title Challenge

Arsenal's title hopes now rest on their performance in the next two critical games against Tottenham and Manchester City. Securing at least four points is non-negotiable; anything less could leave Arsenal trailing significantly behind City, who are often relentless in their title pursuits.

The Importance of Points Against Key Rivals

If Arsenal were to draw against Spurs and subsequently lose against City, they could find themselves seven points behind, complicating their path to success. While the season is long and over 30 games remain, making up that gap would be daunting. Last year, Arsenal dominated the North London Derby until they allowed Tottenham a late goal, revealing how quickly fortunes can shift in such matches.

Reading the Challenges: Tottenham's Recent Form

Contrary to what many might believe, Tottenham has shown capable performances this season. Despite a couple of unfortunate results against Leicester and Newcastle, their squad remains competitive. The key question is how well they can hold their ground and avoid dropping points in crucial matches.

Dominic Solanke: An Asset for Spurs

Tottenham's addition of Dominic Solanke could significantly boost their attacking options. Solanke has the potential to score extensively, reaching upwards of 20 goals this season if he efficiently converts his chances. Meanwhile, Arsenal must contend with their own attacking shortcomings following a quiet transfer window.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Arsenal

With Rice suspended and Ødegaard, along with Mikel Merino, injured, Arsenal faces a critical moment. The absence of a central forward could force the team to rely on makeshift solutions, potentially limiting their effectiveness. As they prepare for challenging games ahead, Arsenal needs to find creative tactics to secure vital points in the title race.

What Can Arsenal Learn from This Season?

Ultimately, Arsenal must adapt to the challenges posed by injuries and suspensions. The development of their young talents and tactical flexibility will be vital in overcoming adversities in their football journey.