If Arsenal sign one of the gap-plugging strikers on the market and Havertz picks up a long-term injury, the club's ability to make a run in the CL or truly push for the PL is no better than it would be if we were just starting Trossard
Comments
Log in with your Bluesky account to leave a comment
Sorry, to be clear this is specifically at the number 9. Obviously that would impact who starts on the wings. Players picking up long-term injuries is a tough thing. Saka's coming back soon, though. This world where everyone is knackered you're describing sucks, but that's what happens.
What I'm saying is it really doesn't mitigate the risk much. Apologies for not being clearer. The chances of making a serious push amid a Havertz long-term injury are slim in either scenario.
Arteta talks about being relentless, turning over every stone, covering every contingency. This was not that. This was guys in suits throwing up their hands and saying “fuck it, we’ll see how it goes eh?”
MA wanted signings. Plural. Whatever your personal opinion they haven’t backed him
Look, you’ve staked your claim here. It’s a tidy intellectual-ish niche. I know I’m not going to change your mind
I’d just remind you they only do 1 PL each year and things can change really fucking quickly. Taking the long view, letting opportunities slide and avoiding risk is its own kind of risk
who are we gonna start on the left wing if Martinelli, Trossard and Sterling are all hurt? Who are we gonna start at 9 if Havertz and the new guy both get hurt? Who are we gonna start at keeper if Raya and Neto both get hurt?
It was a simple and reasonable point. We are at the thinnest of margins.
But to respond, your first example is 3 people; the answer to your second question is Troussard; and the answer to your third question is Setford (who is as good as anyone else’s third goalie). Lesson: 3 is better than 2.
And this is the answer to your question. Likely that Martinelli or Trossard or Sterling or Nwaneri are as good as anyone's third choice at striker too (it's actually fourth choice but I digress)
Comments
If Havertz picks up that injury it means Nwaneri becomes an every game starter and sterling is the only option for rotation or off the bench.
At that point we have no depth, everyone is knackered and we’re flat out trying to hang on to 4th
Being one injury away from disaster, having the opportunity to mitigate the risk and choosing to do nothing is unserious.
MA wanted signings. Plural. Whatever your personal opinion they haven’t backed him
I’d just remind you they only do 1 PL each year and things can change really fucking quickly. Taking the long view, letting opportunities slide and avoiding risk is its own kind of risk
But to respond, your first example is 3 people; the answer to your second question is Troussard; and the answer to your third question is Setford (who is as good as anyone else’s third goalie). Lesson: 3 is better than 2.