Arsenal manager in a press conference confirmed that he will not rest any key players of the squad against the upcoming premier league match against Crystal Palace. Just as the Champions league semi final leg 1 against Paris Saint German is right next. As important as the match it will define Arteta results for this season. In the press conference ahead of the match, Arteta highlighted that maintaining consistency and a good positive mentality is important for heading into crucial important matches. As the match fitness of the players is always at check through this domestic league matches. His comments have come out at a time when many fans and experts hoped and believed for a heavy rotation in the Arsenal squad for the premier league game to preserve energy for the UCL semifinal against PSG. But the gunners manager Arteta has made himself clear that every match is important.
Arteta plan for a good momentum:
Arteta decision explains his idea of maintaining a good stable environment for the players. So that the players can perform well in any condition. It helps in a good momentum and rhythm for the players to move forward. Rather than breaking this constant game style he has adopted to go in a composed way to provide more rhythm to his players. “We want to keep the players sharp and in a competitive mindset,” he said. Arsenal may be out of the race of the race to win the English premier league but a win against Crystal Palace would provide and add a sense of strength to the gunners squad going into to PSG clash. Arteta dismissed the claims of any new major injuries to the squad. Stating that a well prepared team will perform better than a well rested rusty team that would lose.
Injury updates by Arteta:
Arteta also explained the current injury situations of the squad. In Arsenal‘s 4-0 win over the already relegated Ipswich Town, Bukayo Saka seemed to pick a knock. However, Arteta clarified that his knock was “not any serious injury” and will be ready to play against PSG in the coming UCL semifinal. Arteta also provided information German forward Kai Havertz, who seem to pick up a season ending injury earlier has recovered earlier that expectation and could be ready before the leg 2 against PSG. But Jorginho and Ricardo Calafiori would be the two players who will unable to appear in any of the legs of the semifinal. Without their presence the other key players in the gunners squad look in good shape to play all the upcoming games. It would be exciting to see which players would Arteta start and play in these upcoming games of premier league and UCL.
Opposition threat:
Despite being a mid table team Crystal Palace have turned out to be quite the opponent for other teams. The Eagles are having a wonderful run this season with beating big teams like Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspurs this season. Arteta the gunners boss would be very much aware of Crystal Palace threat to sting the opponents at the back. But the gunners have already defeated them two times this season once in the premier league and in the EFL cup. So going into the game Arsenal are the clear favorites to win the game this time too.
Author’s opinion:
Mikel Arteta’s decision to play all the key players against Crystal Palace is courageous but defines about his coaching ideology. His bold move does not focuses about the possible injuries but for a good momentum and rhythm for all the players. So that the players can approach the game with a more positive mentality. Arteta himself understands there many chances of high risks to fail with such plan, but if they succeed it would set them apart and could very well win them the UEFA champions league for the first time in its history.
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