Opinion Column: Reasons for Optimism Remain for the Gunners After the International Break
Hi all, I am Oliver Reeves and welcome to the first Arsenal Canada Opinion Column of the season. This is a blog for Arsenal Canada covering first team football and an opportunity for Arsenal Canada members to have their thoughts and opinions featured.
The men’s team headed into the international break following some disappointing results, most recently a 1-1 stalemate at Stamford Bridge. However, our women’s team continues to dominate, whether in the North London derby or against teams like Juve in the Women’s Champions League. In their last five games, the girls have conceded just once and scored 15 🤯. They currently sit 4th in the FA WSL and are chasing Bayern Munich in their Champions League group.
Photo Credit: Arsenal FC
Encouraging signs remain for the men’s team as well, though, - particularly their performance in the final thirty minutes vs Chelsea - keeping hopes alive for the rest of the season. Let’s have a look at:
Martin Ødegaard
The main one is that arguably Arsenal’s most important, influential player, and captain is back: Martin Ødegaard.
Ødegaard created four chances in his first game back versus Chelsea after six weeks on the sidelines - more than any other player on the pitch. The press looked more cohesive, intense, and incredibly he managed to play the full ninety minutes.
I spoke with Maneet, an Arsenal Canada member ahead of writing this blog, who labelled the Norwegian as “Captain Fantastic.” He added “He is our creative heartbeat. His vision and passing ability are crucial for breaking down well-organized defences.With Ødegaard back, Arsenal’s attack should become more fluid and effective.”
Against Chelsea, new signing Mikel Merino finally looked like the player we were all expecting from the Spain side that won the 2024 European Championship last summer.
Key players such as Rice, Saka and Ødegaard have had some time over the international break to rest which will be crucial heading into the hectic winter schedule. Fans will be hoping these guys come back fully fit and fresh for Nottingham Forest at home on the 23rd of November, which is followed by a tough Champions League trip to Lisbon.
Additionally, Manmeet is hopeful of Arteta giving “more opportunities to Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly besides EFL matches” as another reason to remain positive for the rest of the season.
Ben White Injury Blow
The bad news is the recent emergence that Ben White will miss approximately eight weeks after undergoing minor knee surgery. Manmeet, alongside every Arsenal fan I’m sure, feels this could be a big blow.
“Ben White has been a crucial part of Arsenal’s backline. Losing him will disrupt the defensive setup and make us more vulnerable, especially against teams with quick wingers.”
Not only defensively. “His passing range, ability to drive forward with the ball, and link-up play with Bukayo Saka on the right flank have been instrumental in Arsenal’s attacking transitions.”
It feels like every week another player is out, through injury or suspension, which seems to be the narrative of Arsenal’s season so far. Best of luck to Ben in his recovery. Without a doubt fans will be crossing their fingers to have him back fit as soon as possible, as well as hoping for some positive news regarding Calafiori and Tomiyasu in light of this.
Things can change quickly in football.
Being written off early isn’t new to this team who found themselves in a similar position last season (albeit only five points off Liverpool instead of nine).
At the start of 2024 they were in fourth place - behind Aston Villa in the league, - and being written off by pundits left, right, and centre. The Gunners then hit an extraordinary run of form to take the title race down to the wire.
Manmeet definitely doesn’t believe it’s over. “We certainly have the quality to challenge for the title, especially how it ended last year. Key factors will be consistency, how well Arteta manages the squad, and how effectively we perform in big matches.”
No doubt nine points feels like a big gap but if Arsenal can keep key-players fit, avoid red cards, and string together consecutive wins between now and the end of December there is still a strong chance of a successful season.
GIFT A MEMBERSHIP TO AN ARSENAL FAN IN CANADA
Just to round-off, a huge shout-out to the Arsenal Canada members and their support so far. It’s awesome to see some of the turn-out to local branches - especially for the big games.
Mississauga (left) and Halifax (right) Gooners celebrating our NLD win
A big thank you to Manmeet for agreeing to take part and thanks to all those for reading. Stay up to date on socials if you would like to have your opinion featured moving forward.
Cheers. COYG
About the Author
Oliver Reeves is a marketing volunteer and a contributor to Arsenal Canada. This Blog was written for Arsenal Canada as an opinion blog feature. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views, and members (unless otherwise stated in the article), of Arsenal Canada. Check out out rest of the Arsenal Canada Volunteer team here.
