In the lead up to Norwich, our head coach discussed returning home to Emirates Stadium, Guendouzi, Ozil, William Saliba and more.
Read on for a full transcript from Arsenal:
Arsenal are coming off two straight away wins during the restart after a terrible start. Arteta has shifted away from the 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 that Arsenal have usually played and it has paid off. While it is to be seen whether he will continue to stick with the fluid 3-4-3, 5-2-3 style, the adaptability of the squad is a positive sign.
Norwich are struggling immensely in their relegation fight and while they are not out of it being 6 points back from safety, they have lost every game since the return to action with a -5 goal differential, only netting one themselves. This poor form won’t cause Arteta to underestimate them:
“A team that is fighting for relegation always has an extra edge. They know the difference between playing in the Championship and the Premier League, and they fought really hard to be where they are. I’m expecting a fully committed team and they are really brave with the way they play. They cause you problems and I’m expecting again a very honest team that is going to fight for their lives to try to give them a better chance to stay in the league.”
It’s a game that is a tipping point for both teams. A loss for Norwich would see their relegation nightmares take a large step toward being a reality, a loss for Arsenal would quickly render the remaining league games a formality.
Norwich is coming off the back of a positive performance against Manchester United that saw them lose 1-2, but was enough to spark the thought that some of their technical skills are returning and they have not given up the fight on the season.
Asked how he will address that, Arteta said, “I will show them (the players) what they are able to do when you give them time to play and it’s a very tricky team with the way they play. I will make sure that we recover first and we’re ready tomorrow to go again.”
Team News
Cedric Soares
Back in full training and available for selection following facial injury.
Lucas Torreira
Back in full training and being assessed ahead of Norwich City (h) on Wednesday.
Mesut Ozil
Being assessed ahead of Norwich City (h) on Wednesday, following back soreness.
David Luiz
Right knee. Being assessed ahead of Norwich City (h) on Wednesday.
Bernd Leno
Right knee. Sustained moderate ligament sprain during Brighton & Hove (a) on June 20. Aiming to return to full training in approximately four weeks.
Pablo Mari
Left ankle. Sustained significant sprain to ankle ligaments during Manchester City (a). Has had a successful procedure to the injury this week. Aiming to return to full training in two to three months.
Gabriel Martinelli
Left knee. Sustained injury during training on June 21. Successful arthroscopic procedure undertaken to repair a lesion in the cartilage of the left knee. Will not be available for the current schedule of remaining 2019/20 matches.
Calum Chambers
Left knee. Ruptured anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee during Chelsea (h) on December 29. Rehabilitation post-surgical repair continuing and currently progressing well with running and gym work. Will not be available for the current schedule of remaining 2019/20 matches.
Gunner Thoughts 