The suspension of Declan Rice has thrown a wrench into Mikel Arteta’s preparations for the upcoming North London derby against Tottenham, which will take place after the international break.
Arsenal, who are eager to bounce back after a frustrating 1-1 draw with Brighton, now face the additional challenge of finding a suitable replacement for Rice in their lineup.
Rice’s suspension stems from a highly controversial red card he received for delaying a quick free-kick by flicking the ball away, an incident that has sparked widespread debate among football pundits and fans alike.
The decision to send him off, which was the result of two yellow cards, has been heavily criticized.
Notably, former Chelsea captain John Terry has slammed the decision, labeling it the “worst ever,” while Jamie O’Hara, a former Tottenham player, has also come to Rice’s defense.
Despite the uproar surrounding the incident, the red card stands and cannot be overturned, much to the disappointment of Arteta and Arsenal supporters.
This situation leaves Arteta in a difficult position as he seeks to find a replacement for Rice, who has been a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield.
The timing of the suspension couldn’t be worse, as the derby against Tottenham is a crucial fixture in Arsenal’s quest to establish themselves as title contenders this season.
One potential solution Arteta might have considered is Mikel Merino, a significant summer signing who was expected to play a crucial role in Arsenal’s midfield.
Merino, with his blend of defensive solidity and technical prowess, would have been the perfect fit in Arteta’s 4-1-2-3 formation.
This setup typically features a single defensive midfielder, a role Rice has excelled in, flanked by two more advanced No. 8s.
However, Merino’s unfortunate injury during his first training session with the club has ruled him out for two months, leaving Arteta scrambling for alternatives.
With Merino unavailable, Arteta is now faced with the dilemma of either adjusting his midfield structure or deploying a less conventional option in the absence of Rice.
One possibility is to utilize Kai Havertz, a versatile forward, in a deeper midfield role.
Havertz has experience playing in various positions across the midfield and attack, but using him as a central midfielder in a defensive capacity would be a significant shift from his usual role.
Another option Arteta might explore is bringing in Jorginho, the experienced Italian midfielder who has yet to feature in any of Arsenal’s three Premier League matches this season.
Jorginho is known for his calmness on the ball, ability to dictate the tempo of play, and tactical intelligence—qualities that could make him a suitable candidate to step into Rice’s role.
However, this would likely necessitate a change in Arsenal’s formation to incorporate a double pivot in midfield, pairing Jorginho with another midfielder to provide additional defensive cover
While a double pivot could offer greater defensive stability, it might come at the cost of Arsenal’s attacking fluidity.
The 4-1-2-3 formation Arteta has favored allows for a more dynamic and expansive style of play, with the single defensive midfielder providing the platform for the more advanced players to express themselves.
Switching to a double pivot could reduce Arsenal’s attacking options, potentially making them less effective against a Tottenham side that is likely to be well-organized and difficult to break down.
This tactical conundrum is further complicated by the importance of the North London derby, a match that carries significant weight for both clubs.
Arsenal’s recent draw with Brighton has already put pressure on the team to secure a victory in their next match, and losing Rice, one of their most influential players, only heightens the stakes.
As the international break provides a brief respite from domestic competition, Arteta will have some time to reassess his options and determine the best course of action.
The absence of Rice is a significant blow, but it also presents an opportunity for other players in the squad to step up and prove their worth.
Ultimately, how Arteta navigates this challenge could have a lasting impact on Arsenal’s season.
The manager will need to carefully balance his team’s defensive needs with their attacking ambitions, all while preparing for one of the most fiercely contested matches of the Premier League season.
With the derby fast approaching, Arsenal fans will be anxiously awaiting Arteta’s decision, hoping that the team can overcome this setback and secure a crucial victory against their bitter rivals.
