It's no more news that Harvetz has gotten injured in Dubai.
🚨 "Kai Havertz set to miss rest of season through injury. Arsenal forward suffered torn hamstring during training at #AFC camp in Dubai. Unclear if 25yo Germany international will require surgery but focus is getting fit for 2025-26 campaign"– @TheAthleticFC
Before that Arsenal's last match, I was of the opinion that if Arsenal puts in their best performance, Newcastle will crack. I also was sure they will turn up with fire.
Then about 45mins before the match, the lineup was revealed and my enthusiasm was a little dampened. I was wondering how Mr. Arteta came up with the idea to use EXACTLY same team that played City. I don't just get! I was thinking, must Martinelli start? Can't Harvetz be benched?
True to my expectation, Arsenal came out ready and firing, but fatigue is not feather that you cab just blow away, it began to betray some of the players. I never knew thag the Martinelli I was wondering why he started will be the worst hit and he was carried out injured.
Some things baffle me about Arteta. You know how that Newcastle MUST press heavily, that's always their plan against Arsenal. Plus you are chasing the tie being 2-0 down, so is that not more than enough reason to freshen things up? You need top fitness to execute that match that day. Good enough you are blessed with a rich bench to make changes to the starting 11.
Only for me to hear now that the other player I questioned on why he should start is now injured.
Permit me to congratulate Arteta because as you make your bed, so you lie on it.🤷♀️
So today in the forward role, there are only 3 fit players– Trossard, Sterling and Nwaneri. Well Saka is gaining momentum on his return.
Does Arteta know that since Calafiori is fit, Skely can play in midfield just incase you want to use Odegaard as a false 9 sometimes?
Anyways, I don't want to hear any excuses, the Dubai trip has just been concluded, they should come back and perform at the very highest level.
