It’s been a difficult few weeks for Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal troops after a draw with league rivals Liverpool was surrounded by disappointing losses to Bournemouth and Newcastle. Results which have harmed Arsenal’s hopes of mounting a title challenge. We caught up with former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn, a man who knows a thing or two about winning league titles. He shared his thoughts on Bukayo Saka’s emergence from Hail End graduate to Arsenal star as well as the loss of Martin Odegaard and Arsenal’s title aspirations after a difficult run of results.
In this article:
- Freddie Ljungberg Knew Saka Was The Real Deal
- Odegaard Has Been A Big Loss Claims Winterburn
- Arsenal Will Challenge For The League Again Despite Struggles
- Nwaneri Will Soon Be Knocking On Arteta’s Door
Freddie Ljungberg Knew Saka Was The Real Deal
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has sent a rousing message to his team mates urging them to stick together following their 1-0 loss to Newcastle at the weekend through another spanner the works of Mikel Arteta’s title hopes. The young star posted on social media ‘We stick together!’ after the loss which follows off the back of tough results against Liverpool and Bournemouth. Arsenal will need to turn their form around soon and Saka will be a key part of their hopes for a revival. Saka has now reached 50 Premier league goals. A feat not many would have seen coming when first burst into the Arsenal side. Winterburn has shared his admiration for Saka’s consistency since emerging from the academy.
“I was doing the co-commentary for Arsenal u21’s when Saka was breaking into the squad and Freddie Ljungberg was the manager at the time. I was interested as an ex Arsenal player who was going to be the one that has what it takes to break into the first team and he pointed at Saka and said he ‘hasn’t even started for me yet but he is the real deal’.
“Saka started at left back, left wing back and left wing but has switched to the right wing now and his level of performance week in week out has impressed me the most. He’s level headed, he’s consistent especially for a young player. It’s sensational.”
Odegaard Has Been A Big Loss Claims Winterburn
Arsenal have won just two of their last five games in all comps and find themselves without a win in three Premier League games after losing to Newcastle on Saturday. Club captain and chief creator Martin Odegaard has been out for a significant period of time having picked up an ankle injury whilst playing for his country Norway during the September international break. Outside of Saka, Odegaard’s absence has been felt from a creativity standpoint but Mikel Arteta recently shared some news that Odegaard could soon be ready for a return to first team training. Winterburn has claimed Odegaard to be a big loss and is welcoming the return of the midfielder.
“Odegaard brings energy, he has an ability to make a pass and score goals as well. He’s creative. He’s the one who leads the press from the front. He’s been a huge miss because he’s been in terrific form.
“Arsenal have had to mix things up with Trossard coming in as a ten. Havertz has dropped back on occasions. They’ve missed Odegaard’s ability and he’s captain of the team which tells you everything you need to know. Supporters will be hoping he’s back soon before the international break or just after.
“You expect squads to pick up injuries but I’ve never seen anything like this or this amount of injuries. It’s incredible but Odegaard is a big, big loss.”
Arsenal Will Challenge For The League Again Despite Struggles
Arsenal currently find themselves seven points off league leaders Liverpool and a run of form which they wouldn’t have become accustomed to, yet Winterburn still has faith that things can turn around for Arsenal and that they will find themselves challenging again.
“I think Arsenal will be challenging again. There’s been a difference in Arsenal during the last two seasons or so. They’ve got a resilience about them. Yes, they’ve conceded a few goals lately but I believe that’s due to the changes in the team.
“Come the end of the season I think they will be very close again because I don’t see the injury rate continuing at the rate it has been this season. Once they get everyone back they have the ability to flip things around during games.
“I think Arsenal are in the fight but they won’t want to drop too many more points between now and Christmas.”
Arsenal are set to return to action this weekend, when they take on London rivals Chelsea, in what promises to be an entertaining battle at Stamford Bridge. The Gunners are priced at 29/20 on Coral to win against Chelsea, and be sure to check out the Coral bonus code, as they’ve got an eye-catching sign-up offer, as well as being one of the best betting sites around.
Nwaneri Will Soon Be Knocking On Arteta’s Door
A lot of fans are hoping to see Ethan Nwaneri getting the chance, especially with all the injuries Arsenal currently have ongoing. The young star has an air of confidence and willingness to create which has been missing in Odegaard’s absence. Winterburn is a huge, huge fan of Nwaneri and says he will shortly be knocking on the door of Arteta.
“This kid has got some talent, I can tell you. He has developed more physically this season, which has impressed me. He has only had a small role, but in the cup games he has to start. I would like to see 90 minutes of what he is really like.
“As a young kid, he is not scared. He plays with freedom and his touch is incredible. He is going past players and I really like him. Arteta is there working with him every single day, so we trust him to get him to be a part of Arsenal for the next five or six years at the very least.
“He will be knocking at the door, and I reckon he will quite shortly say that he wants to play. Believe me, this kid has some absolute ability.”
