I recall our having a really strong midfield in the mid-1980s – two pairs of two internationals; David Rocastle, Paul Davis, Steve Williams and Kevin Richardson. Fitting them all in was going to be a struggle. But then suddenly, all four were injured at once, and we had no one at all to play in the middle. I don’t remember how it was resolved, but I do know I wondered how we could lose an entire section of the team at once.
And it’s happened again. Once we were wondering how White, Tomiyasu Kiwior and others would fit into Arteta’s team, when the first choice of Timber, Saliba, Gabriel and Calafiori seemed settled. And look at how it finished on Sunday. And that’s before you think of the other injured or half-fit players.
It seems that no matter how big the squad, you can still end up struggling to fill the eleven slots. Of course, it does open up opportunities for youngsters, and it’s pleasing to see Arteta giving Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri time – though am I the only one wishing we could see more of the latter when the midfield seems to run out of energy and ideas in the last twenty minutes? Except Arsene Wenger used to say that young players cost points, and it might be argued that Lewis-Skelly’s positioning – high up the pitch and losing Salah – at least contributed to the equalising goal. But he’s a fine prospect and otherwise did so well in his short cameo.
The question is, what kind of team will play at Preston? It might well be the U21s who are on the verge of qualifying for the next stage of the Bristol St Motors Cup. Been following that? We’re at Colchester in the next round on Tuesday week. But with the injuries, it won’t be the U21s – they’ll be needed in the Premier League at Chelsea. It’ll be the U17s!
All this would be exciting – I love to see the young players coming through – if it weren’t for City who plough on relentlessly. But I read on social media, our fans baying for more signings. It seems that no matter how many we buy, we still end up with a massive injury list. And what happens when they’re all fit? How’s that going to work?
I guess that’ll be troubling Arteta at the moment. And the signs of tiredness. Did it not look like
they all thought they were down to ten men against Liverpool, once Gabriel went off, and that defending was the only way to go? We still looked good when we attacked. Shame we couldn’t do it more to take the pressure off the stretched and unfamiliar back four. Easy to write, less easy if you’re playing your umpteenth match against tough opposition! But I thought the crowd was magnificent yesterday, and seemed to help give the players a lift. It’s going to be needed again!!
Meantime, there’s the prospect of another international break looming. There aren’t many left to injure, but I’m sure Belgium, Italy, Germany and England will still find ways, and offer our players the opportunity to get hurt in meaningless matches and so give time to enjoy Christmas with the medics and in recovery.
At least the Arsenal Foodbank is unrelentingly successful! Thanks again all you who made cash,card and food donations
Until the next time!
Richard Smith
28/10/24