Keep Martreneii on the right he's ok there, Trossard on the left,our goalscoring, number nine up top,and if it's not working we have options on the bench, Ipswich a good game for this formation.

If Arteta is determined to shoehorn Havertz into the team then it should be on the left/right in Saka’s absence. That gets him out of midfield and keeps Jesus at 9 for however long he keeps up his current run of form

Will be interesting to see how we adapt. Could even end up being a good thing if arteta gets it right, the "pass to Saka and insha'Allah" tactic was getting stale. Everton just put 5 men around him and we couldn't take advantage through the middle or on the left.

I dunno why arteta hasn't switched saka and Martinelli more during games, when there's that much of a tilt, it's bound to confuse the opposition.

Arteta uses Saka to control tempo with Odegaard. He maintains possession, is an outball and recycles the ball.

Martinelli had a semi-free hit yesterday because Palace had prepared for Saka. I am not that convinced he'll be the solution. Ethan could be.

However using Havertz or Jesus wider in a partnership maybe a better option, allowing Merino into the team at no.8.

Saka is a big loss. Bukayo established himself to the best Arsenal player bar Odegaard. As DJ pointed out that Martinelli is a good option there and dont forget Ethan Nwaneri. I could also see him in this position.

But really hope that we dont lose Bukayo for long but I fear the worst.

Arteta could play a little more direct without Saka.

4-4-2 with Havertz no.10. Jesus no.9. Odegaard/Martinelli wide. and Merino/Rice CM.

We aren't going to be playing anyone really touch for a month or so do we need to dominate possession?

We are away to the team with the best home record in the league. Away to a Brighton team who have a habit of causing us trouble. A semi final against Newcastle, a cup game with United and a NLD against Spurs. Then we host Villa, who have dented our title hopes more than once.

I would say we have a lot of tough games in the next month.

comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted 1 day, 11 hours ago
Arteta could play a little more direct without Saka.

4-4-2 with Havertz no.10. Jesus no.9. Odegaard/Martinelli wide. and Merino/Rice CM.

We aren't going to be playing anyone really touch for a month or so do we need to dominate possession?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From Arteta’s presser today, Sterling is out for weeks and Saka at least two months.
The extra load ( playing every three days until at least Feb) on the forwards left will make for more injuries(we are forgetting Jesus injury record once he starts playing regularly)
We are effectively 9 points behind Liverpool going into the new year. If we do not recruit in Jan and quickly, I am afraid our premier league challenge will be done.

And, can we terminate Sterling’s loan ?

comment by ubad9jagooner .Ramsey : don't get the hype ! (U7978)
posted 9 hours, 48 minutes ago
comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted 1 day, 11 hours ago
Arteta could play a little more direct without Saka.

4-4-2 with Havertz no.10. Jesus no.9. Odegaard/Martinelli wide. and Merino/Rice CM.

We aren't going to be playing anyone really touch for a month or so do we need to dominate possession?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From Arteta’s presser today, Sterling is out for weeks and Saka at least two months.
The extra load ( playing every three days until at least Feb) on the forwards left will make for more injuries(we are forgetting Jesus injury record once he starts playing regularly)
We are effectively 9 points behind Liverpool going into the new year. If we do not recruit in Jan and quickly, I am afraid our premier league challenge will be done.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Arteta said weeks for Saka. I think the clue is if he said he needs surgery or not. If he doesn't then its likely 4-6 weeks with grade 2. The higher grade is two months but that does need surgery.

I don't think we'll catch Liverpool anyway, and this is a nice excuse for Arteta.