Five talking points ahead of the weekend’s Premier League action, featuring an injury-ravaged Arsenal attack, robust Newcastle, Bournemouth, Spurs and Man Utd.
Arteta needs to find winning formula from dwindling Arsenal frontline
There is little respite for Arsenal’s medical team this season. They’re not the only Premier League club dealing with a series of injury problems, and aren’t even the worst afflicted, but just when they seem to be approaching decent health again, another key player goes down.
This time it’s Kai Havertz, who joins Gabriel Jesus on the treatment table for the rest of the campaign. Bukayo Saka is still in recovery and it’s not clear when Gabriel Martinelli could return to action.
That’s four of the Gunners’ most important attackers sidelined as they enter the most important stretch of the season. Mikel Arteta will have to figure out which configuration of what remains of his forward players will line out against Wolves this weekend. Leandro Trossard seems to be the obvious choice as the no.9, although Raheem Sterling could play as a false nine. Teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri will doubtlessly feature on the right.
Read – Arsenal receive major White boost as Arteta addresses Saka ‘setback’
Newcastle can run Man City into the ground
Team have finally figured out how to beat Manchester City this season. Ever since the coronavirus pandemic, Pep Guardiola has dialled down his side’s press, but had been able to keep possession as opponents assumed they would harry and hassle them for the ball, forcing them into a mistake at the back or play through them if they themselves pushed up.
That assumption has been well and truly disposed of. Even Real Madrid, who are not a pressing team, were able to cause City trouble by putting them under a modicum of pressure in midweek. They simply cannot deal with sides who impose their physicality on them, which even Pep Guardiola admits.
This is one area where Newcastle United excel under Eddie Howe. The Magpies are an incredibly hard working and robust team who can suffocate the opposition. They are a nightmare opponent for City, particularly when you consider how porous their midfield is in its current state.
Read – Man City dealt major blow ahead of Newcastle clash
Bournemouth’s run for the top four starts here
This weekend Bournemouth have one of the easiest fixtures in the Premier League calendar this term: away to Southampton. The Saints have gained just four points from 11 games at St Mary’s, one fewer than they’ve picked up on the road. Something would have to go terribly wrong for Andoni Iraola’s men not to win.
Zoom out to look at the bigger picture, though, and you’ll find the Cherries are banging on the door for Europe – maybe even the Uefa Champions League. The seventh-placed side are one point behind Newcastle and Man City, so they’ll be hoping for a draw between those two on Saturday, and three off Chelsea in fourth.
Scan their fixture list and you’ll notice that the Cherries don’t play a club above them in the Premier League table until May. The south coast outfit have been mightily impressive this year and shouldn’t fear anyone over the next three months. Fifth place, which could be enough to qualify for the Champions League, is not inconceivable for them.
Read – Postecoglou urges Man Utd to stick with Amorim
The battle of the underachievers
When so many clubs are punching above their weight as they are in 2024/25, then it means someone must be playing below expectations. Not just one actually, it’s two: Spurs and Man Utd.
The pair have fallen far behind the pace, sitting uncomfortably in the lower half of the table, with little prospect of qualifying for Europe via the Premier League. Both sides are absolutely desperate for a win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Although they currently sit two points behind United, Spurs destroyed them the last time they met, winning 3-0 while putting up a whopping 4.59xG. Ange Postecoglou would kill for a repeat of that.
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See Also – Five of the most improved players in Europe this season
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