All eyes are on Arsenal as the Gunners prepare to visit the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford.
On Wednesday night, Manchester City closed the gap at the top of the Premier League table to three points, meaning Arsenal really need to win at Brentford.
Ultimately, it’s business as usual for Mikel Arteta’s squad, who will know what they need to do if they want to be crowned champions in May.
There is, however, a problem, as City’s win over Fulham wasn’t the only delivery of bad news Arsenal received on Wednesday evening.
Kai Havertz has suffered a muscle injury and will be sidelined for a number of weeks, giving Arteta a headache in attack.
GRADE Mikel Arteta’s management at Arsenal this season so far…
Kai Havertz’s injury piles pressure on Arsenal against Brentford
Havertz has been so good in Arsenal’s attack since returning from injury, but now, the Gunners have to press pause on the German’s impressive form.
It’s a blow with the run-in to tend to, but particularly when it comes to Brentford, as Havertz has been Arsenal’s secret weapon.
During the 2023/24 season, Havertz was responsible for Arsenal’s match-winners against the Bees both home and away in the Premier League, so naturally, tonight’s opposition will be relieved he will play no part.
In truth, for the Arsenal manager, Havertz’s injury isn’t the only concern; it’s who the striker could join on the sidelines.
Fill the blanks, Arsenal’s biggest miss against Brentford will be _________
Arteta is waiting to learn of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard’s fitness, and the same applies to Leandro Trossard.
Mikel Merino is also out of action after undergoing surgery, and when looking at who Arsenal’s top performers have been against Brentford in recent years, it’s a blow.
Saka, Havertz, Merino and Trossard have all stung the Bees in the red and white of Arsenal, giving Arteta an additional challenge to find who his hero will be at the Gtech.
Arsenal have to beat Brentford to avoid title race hysteria
Injuries, Brentford’s home form and Man City’s win over Fulham presents Arteta with what could be his biggest test of the season to date.
If you had one message for Mikel Arteta ahead of facing Brentford, what would it be?
Given how the media exploded when Man City beat Liverpool, the last thing Arsenal need is to encourage another title-race frenzy by dropping points at a critical moment.
The possible absences do throw a spanner in the works, but that’s when the boss needs to step up and show just how adaptable his squad is, and that Arsenal are not going away easily, unlike past seasons.
It’s a must-win occasion for the Gunners at the Gtech, with the opportunity to respond to pressure there for Arteta.
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