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Arsenal Faces Challenges Ahead of Key Matches

Arsenal’s recent troubles intensify as they prepare for a critical home match against Liverpool, the current leaders in the Premier League, on October 27. The Gunners will have to navigate this encounter without the presence of defender William Saliba, who has received a suspension, adding to the team’s challenges.

Currently, Arsenal sits just one point behind Liverpool in the league standings. Should Arne Slot’s team manage to secure a victory against Chelsea this Sunday and then triumph over Arsenal, they would extend their lead to seven points, putting significant pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side.

Manchester City, last season’s champions and Arsenal’s closest competitors in recent years, could further distance themselves from the Gunners if they achieve victories against teams still searching for their first points of the season, Wolves and Southampton.

Team’s Struggles with Discipline

Arteta is acutely aware of the ramifications of playing with a diminished squad. He remarked, “Playing for 65 minutes with 10 men at this level is an impossible task. It’s an accident waiting to happen not to get the points.” This acknowledgment highlights the difficulty of competing effectively when a team is undermanned.

Addressing the recurring issues of discipline among his players, he stated, “There are things that we’ve discussed in relation to certain topics. Certainly, we need to play with 11 if we want to be in the position we want to be.” Arteta conceded that while his team’s effort under duress was commendable, such situations are avoidable.

Reflecting on Past Mistakes

The Gunners have faced disciplinary issues throughout the season, marked by red cards for players like Leandro Trossard against Manchester City and Declan Rice at Brighton due to avoidable infractions. Saliba’s recent sending-off was characterized as another missed opportunity, stemming from an awkward pass that led to his foul.

Declan Rice expressed feelings of pride for the resilience displayed by his teammates but acknowledged the “naivety” that has hindered their performance. “We’ve kicked ourselves in the foot three times in eight games,” he reflected, emphasizing the need for improved decision-making on the pitch.

Looking Ahead

Rice stressed the importance of maintaining all key players on the field, stating, “We can’t make silly mistakes. You need all your best players on the pitch at all times. The belief is so high, and we will stick together.” His remarks serve as a rallying call for the Gunners as they work to overcome their recent challenges and strive for better performance in the upcoming matches.

Source
www.bbc.com