The Premier League title race is likely to take shape as a two-horse contest, as Manchester City are aiming to chase Arsenal down once again.
Right now, things are looking good for the Gunners, who sit six points clear at the summit.
Mikel Arteta deserves a lot of credit for how he’s managed the Arsenal squad this season, as injuries have threatened to seriously derail the North Londoners’ title dream.
Fortunately, Arsenal’s increased squad depth has made a huge difference, so much so that Arteta’s side has proven they can cope without even their very best.
Opta says Arsenal have an 80 per cent chance of winning the Premier League this season. What percentage chance would you give the Gunners?
Gary Lineker says not many teams could cope with key defensive injuries like Arsenal did
One area of the squad that has taken a real beating is the defence, and the struggles continue.
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes were both missing when Arsenal lost to Aston Villa, a double absence that was felt.
Still, the Gunners found a way to cope without the pair, whether that be simultaneously or not, something Gary Lineker praised Arsenal for.
“They even coped, didn’t they, without Gabriel and Saliba,” Lineker said on The Rest Is Football podcast.
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“Not many teams could cope with losing their two central defenders. But they did because they’ve got good coverage in that position now.”
Andrea Berta’s decision to sign Piero Hincapie on deadline day is looking more and more wise as the season progresses, as the Ecuadorian has really saved the day.
A lot of preparation went into Arsenal’s summer transfer window, and so far, it’s paying off, with cover available in most positions.
Pep Guardiola has responded to Manchester City’s injury woes
The timing of Lineker’s comments is interesting, as the topic of having two injured central defenders is currently prominent in Manchester City’s squad.
Both Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol picked up injuries against Chelsea, forcing Pep Guardiola to find instant solutions, understanding that his side are short on depth.
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Unlike Arteta, who has been able to rotate and adapt, Guardiola is in the process of seeking an alternative solution: the January transfer window.
BBC journalist Sami Mokbel reported on X that Man City’s interest in Marc Guehi has accelerated as a result of the double injury blow.
It’s possible that City bring in a new defender to help ease the severity of their injury situation, which, from an Arsenal point of view, should prompt fans to applaud Arteta’s adaptability so far this season.
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