Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued a stern warning to Tottenham ahead of the highly anticipated North London derby on Sunday.
Arsenal are set to take advantage of Tottenham once again, with Arteta’s side aiming to exploit their rivals’ vulnerability to set-pieces.
Five months ago, the Gunners netted two crucial first-half goals from corners against Spurs.
Now, Arteta believes that even without their suspended set-piece specialist Declan Rice, they can remain unpredictable and lethal from dead-ball situations.
Last season, Arsenal led the Premier League in goals from set-pieces with 20 and boasted the second-best defensive record from such scenarios, thanks largely to set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.
Though the absence of Rice could disrupt Arsenal’s well-rehearsed routines, it may not be the biggest concern for Arteta.
The Gunners will also be missing Rice’s relentless energy and ball-winning ability in midfield, as well as the leadership and creativity of captain Martin Odegaard, who is sidelined with a serious ankle injury.
However, Arteta hinted at potential solutions, suggesting that versatile fan-favourite Kai Havertz and super-sub Leandro Trossard could step in to make an impact.
The manager might also hand Raheem Sterling his debut after his loan signing, offering additional attacking options as Arsenal look to maintain their strong form against Spurs.
He said: “It’s a very specific phase of play but if we were only dependent on one player, then we would have a problem.
“We haven’t built our methodology or our way of attacking or defending any phase of play in that way.
“So we are going to adapt to whatever players that we have and we will still be very efficient.”
Arteta added: “Kai is so important due to the consistency and performances that he’s shown over the last year or so.
“That’s what we need from our players, that’s why we brought him here, to be one of the main players and be a very prolific goalscorer, regardless of what position that he plays in.”
On Trossard, who wants more minutes, Mikel Arteta said: “I don’t think Leo needs any injury to shine.
“He has earned the right, with performances and the way he has conducted himself in any scenario, to have a very important role in the team.
“He’s a crucial player for us.”
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