Mikel Arteta’s decision to stick predominantly with his core Arsenal lineup against Ipswich Town almost turned into a significant nightmare, reminiscent of the tightrope walk Arsenal will face over the coming weeks. The Gunners’ manager fielded a strong side, including David Raya, William Saliba, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and the returning Mikel Merino, in a bid to maintain sharpness ahead of their Champions League semi-final first-leg clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
While the 4-0 victory appeared comfortable, a reckless challenge on Bukayo Saka just 30 minutes in threatened to derail Arsenal’s season. Leif Davis’s hasty tackle, which rightly saw him dismissed, highlighted the inherent risks Arteta must juggle in the lead-up to the PSG showdown. Saka and Merino were withdrawn before the hour mark, while Rice and Martinelli followed shortly after. Odegaard, meanwhile, played the full 90 minutes.
With Arteta’s squad already depleted by injuries, the manager finds himself in a precarious position—forced to balance the necessity of keeping key players match-fit without adding to his injury woes. This is exacerbated by the fact that Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber remained unused, and with several players ruled out for the season, options are limited.
The upcoming fixture against Crystal Palace, which has been rescheduled to Wednesday due to FA Cup commitments, does offer a silver lining of added rest. Yet, the dilemma remains stark: Should Arteta risk his vital players in domestic matches of lesser importance, potentially jeopardising their availability for PSG?
Arteta has publicly pondered this balancing act, acknowledging the “rhythm” his players are accustomed to and the practical limitations of rotating his squad. The sight of Saka sprawled on the turf at Portman Road and the replay of Davis’s studs clattering down onto his ankle will linger in the minds of Arsenal’s faithful as a vivid reminder of the fine line Arsenal tread between domestic and European duties.
With critical ties against Palace and Bournemouth sandwiching the PSG fixtures, the stakes are incredibly high. Protecting Arsenal’s principal players like Saka, Saliba, Odegaard, and Rice as much as possible is essential, yet remains a formidable challenge given the team’s existing vulnerabilities, notably in defence and midfield.
Ultimately, Arteta’s intricate balancing act in the face of mounting adversity could well determine the success of Arsenal’s European campaign—a tantalising prospect for fans eager to see their best XI make it through to the Champions League final.
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