Just what you need ahead of what is the most important North London Derby for many years is doubts over the first XI, isn’t it? I was sure that the nerves ahead of tomorrow wouldn’t grow anymore, however, the pre-match press conference has somehow added to the stress of it all.
There was hope that Ben White would be fit and ready for the derby, but Mikel Arteta was unable to give assurances that Arsenal’s most expensive summer signing would indeed make it. He instead described the defender as a 'doubt' and also mentioned Bukayo Saka in his injury summary; likening his situation to White’s.
”Ben [White] he is still a doubt, we have to assess him and see how he is feeling, which is much better. With Bukayo [Saka] the same,” said Arteta. Adding, "Very difficult to rate with injuries. It's just how they feel today, that's the last day that we can assess them and try to get the feeling, basically."
READ MORE: Nuno Tavares and Cedric Soares’ North London Derby snub as Mikel Arteta makes Ben White decision
Not what I needed, Mikel. However, in all seriousness, the Spaniard has been coping with numerous issues in the final run-in towards the end of the season.
Arsenal have had to contend with Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu all being out with the latter making his first start against West Ham United just over a week ago. This has cost the Gunners points yet Arteta’s team selection in their stead has turned the form and now the club finds itself four points clear in the Champions League qualification spots.
Therefore, should the worst-case scenario occur and both White and Saka are unavailable, I have the faith that Arteta will be able to find the solution. What that is was never eluded to in the press conference, however, we can speculate about the possible solutions.
In defence, should White not be available Arteta could continue with the back four that beat Leeds United with Cedric Soares and Tomiyasu the full-backs and Rob Holding and Gabriel Magalhaes in the middle. That said, it might be advised the superior defender Tomiyasu is brought back to his natural right-hand side to better deal with Heung-min Son.
Alternatively, Arteta could choose to match Antonio Conte’s system and switch to a back three made up of Gabriel, Holding and Tomiyasu. The wingbacks could then be the orthodox options of Cedric on the right and Nuno Tavares on the left.
This structure would mean Arsenal have plenty of defensive options back at all times and they can double up on the wide players too. Arsenal went to Chelsea in 2021 using a similar system and came away with a 1-0 win. How we would all take that scoreline right now.
In attack, without Saka, the options are limited. The obvious like-for-like change would be Nicolas Pepe, however, the Ivorian was very poor when coming on against Leeds and even received a talking-to from assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg after the game.
The alternative is to use Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith-Rowe on the flanks with Eddie Nketiah through the middle. All three are more than capable as a trio and the pace of the forward line will hopefully aid in improving the threat on the counter.
Hopefully, however, none of what I have just theorised will need to be introduced. Ben White and Bukayo Saka will be fit, and we’ll all have a brilliant evening winning the derby. Yes, I am now literally willing this into existence without any shame whatsoever. Come on you Gunners!
