Injuries don't impact Pep and City, no matter what way you spin it. That's a result of incredible squad building over just under a decade long period.
For Arsenal, though, they do, because Arteta has only been in charge since December 2019 (effectively 2020).
Context matters.
For Arsenal, though, they do, because Arteta has only been in charge since December 2019 (effectively 2020).
Context matters.
Are Arsenal weaker without Saliba? You're damn right they are, whereas Pep has the option to drop Ruben Dias, Laporte, Cancelo/Gomez, and Walker all at the same time and still play a defence consisting of Akanji, Stones, Rico Lewis, and AkΓ©.
The wealth of depth doesn't compare.
The wealth of depth doesn't compare.
The thing that's very frustrating from an Arsenal perspective is the fact that they actually strengthened their depth in defence this January, only for Tomiyasu and Saliba to get injured at the same time.
That's incredibly unfortunate, especially when they wanted Fresneda.
That's incredibly unfortunate, especially when they wanted Fresneda.
That's another clear differentiating factor between the clubs - resources. Arsenal have to be smart in the market financially. If they blow their load on one position, they can't simply go out and do the same again next summer - they have to be conservative.
City don't.
City don't.
The reason this is relevant is because Arsenal are undeniably weaker without Saliba so should they 'drop off' at this point in the season, that would not be a reflection of their lack of quality or mental fragility. It is merely a reflection of the fact that they're not complete.
That's completely fine, though, because Arsenal are way ahead of the timeline on their project. The goal this season was to finish in the top four and to get to a stage where they're one or two players away from winning the league.
They've done that, and are still at that stage.
They've done that, and are still at that stage.
They could still win the league, of course, but it's clearly going to be harder without Saliba.
There are internal solutions that Arteta can implement, but there's no doubt that such solutions will make the team weaker in certain areas (either technically or physically).
There are internal solutions that Arteta can implement, but there's no doubt that such solutions will make the team weaker in certain areas (either technically or physically).
What's important to remember, though, is that the future exists outside of this season. Mikel Arteta's Arsenal haven't even played a Champions League game yet, and it's not like they cannot win the league ever again if they miss out on it this year.
I'm near certain they will.
I'm near certain they will.
The process is too good for this team to not reliably challenge at the top of the Premier League.
It may be a great chance now, and as I said they can still win it, but come on.. this team is only going to get better, and when there's injuries, they'll have ready-made solutions!
It may be a great chance now, and as I said they can still win it, but come on.. this team is only going to get better, and when there's injuries, they'll have ready-made solutions!
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