A bounce-back is needed desperately
Both David Luiz and Bernd leno were shown red cards in the clash at the Molineux and it will certainly take a toll on Arteta and the team, but the team must look ahead to the next few games in a busy schedule and decide what they need to do in order to make the most out of a tough run of fixtures coming up.
Arsenal’s next three games in the league are against Aston Villa who have lost three out of their last five, Leeds United who have been impressing recently and League leaders Manchester City, so it’s vital that Arsenal focus on each game at a time and what needs to be done in order to put in the best performances against these teams.
Gabriel will most likely replace David Luiz after returning from illness and coming on during the game. He’s been a brilliant addition to the squad and certainly one of many players that have put in brilliant performances this season.
Alex Runarsson came on to replace Leno in the second half and the Icelandic has moved down in the pecking order since the recent addition of Mat Ryan to the squad on loan till the end of the season. The Aussie is currently still overcoming a hip problem, so although he has plenty of experience playing in the Premier League, he may not be available so Runarsson will most likely have to step in for a few games.
Runarsson has only made one appearance in the Premier League for the Gunners so it will certainly be a big deal for him to start a few more games and I’m certain he will be able to show more of what he’s like as a goalkeeper and whether he can prove himself as competition for the other keepers.
The next few weeks are now possibly the most important, considering the circumstances and Arsenal also have their round of 32 first leg match against Benfica within these next few weeks, so it will be a test to both the team and the manager who have been in such a good run of form coming into this game.
What did you make of Arsenal’s performance?