It may only be October, but there is a genuine fear that Arsenal could be out of the title race before it kicks off at the end of the month.
Poor results against Bournemouth and Brighton earlier in the season mean their next clash against an in-form Liverpool has become a must win.
Hardly music to the ears of the Gunners fan base as Arne Slot’s rampant Reds have conceded just three goals in the English top flight this season.
Only one goal conceded came away from home (Wolves). Although, the Anfield side have yet to face a higher level of opposition than Chelsea.
Arsenal will battle Liverpool without Martin Odegaard
Paul Scholes was quick to talk about Liverpool’s title chances when comparing the team’s squad to their league rivals, Arsenal.
The league leaders look markedly improved in all departments, despite a tight summer window, but Mikel Arteta’s biggest problem may lie with his own squad. Namely, the injury-enforced absence of key midfielder Martin Odegaard.
“If you want to win leagues, you have to win these big games. You have to win against your rivals. (Manchester) City was the same last year: (Arsenal) went to City last year and got a draw and celebrated. It was time to go and win the league.” the former Manchester United midfielder spoke The overlap Stick to football.
“Without the sending offs, Arsenal haven’t been great anyway. (The midfield) doesn’t flow, like it did last year. (No Martin) Odegaard could be a big problem (against Liverpool).
How long is Martin Odegaard injured?
The Norwegian star first injured his ankle ligament while on international duty with Stale Solbakken’s men.
There was some hope that the 25-year-old’s return date would see him play a part in Arsenal’s impending clash with Liverpool at the weekend.
Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta, it appears that this was too optimistic an expectation.
The post-Xakhtar Spanish coach comments on TV2 (via the mirror) would indicate instead that Odegaard’s availability will be limited until November.
“I don’t think so,” the 42-year-old confirmed when asked about the footballer’s potential return against Liverpool. “Martin is frustrated and desperate to get back. But hopefully this period will teach him some things that are important in life.”
How bad is Odegaard for Arsenal?
It would be unfair to suggest that Arsenal’s ability to secure three points against the Reds on Sunday is seriously compromised by Martin Odegaard’s absence.
However, any commentator would be remiss to claim that the Gunners will not put up a fight.
The former Real Madrid star is one of the most creative midfielders in world football. He currently ranks in the 98th percentile for xAG and combines unpenalized xG with xAG, according to FBRef.
Little wonder Arsenal, therefore, are in trouble overall ranking xG (Opta) (13.77) behind league rivals Manchester City (15.57) and Liverpool (15.97)?
1. Tottenham: 16.95
2. Liverpool: 15.97
3. Chelsea: 15.65
4. Manchester City: 15.57
5. Bournemouth: 14.07
6. Arsenal: 13.77
It’s a fair point for any pundit, let alone Paul Scholes, to raise.
