TINKER MANIA Rotator Arteta will win it like Ranieri
MIKEL ARTETA is happy to be a tinkerman during the title run-in.
Nobody could ever accuse the Arsenal boss of making line-up changes for the sake of it. Indeed, this year he has made the fewest of any of his rivals at the top.
Put it this way, the Spaniard is certainly no Claudio Ranieri, who took Leicester City to the Premier League title in 2016 and was the original tinkerman when it came to constantly shuffling the pack.
Recently, however, Arteta has been rotating every game – in specific areas at least – to ensure there is no let-up in the Gunners’ bid for an elusive first championship in 20 years.
For example, if not Gabriel Martinelli occupying the leftwing position, it is fellow Brazilian Gabriel Jesus.
Or, if neither of them, in steps Belgium hotshot Leandro Trossard instead.
As for the inverted full-back role on the same flank, take your pick from Polish youngster Jakub Kiwior, experienced Ukrainian Oleksandr Zin-chenko or fit-again Japan ace Takehiro Tomiyasu.
But while tinkering is one thing, Arteta knows that perfecting the art so it does not damage his team’s booming confidence and momentum down the stretch, is quite another.
So far so good, though, in that respect, with the Gunners riding high in the title race and still unbeaten in 2024.
That ability to rotate a virtually injury-free squad – only Jurrien Timber is unavailable at present – is proving a key advantage for the North Londoners as they juggle domestic and Champions League ambitions.
Ahead of today’s visit of top-four contenders Aston Villa, Arteta said: “Having the squad healthy and the players we have available is obviously a big bonus.
“Of course, it’s about making the right changes. The answer to that is they are always right – if you win – because that’s the only judgment you’re going to get. But our intention is to keep everyone involved, feeling important and fresh. That’s going to be crucial.”
One man seemingly untouchable and never up for rotation in Arteta’s mind is the brilliant Bukayo Saka.
The Arsenal winger grabbed
HARRY PRATT
his 18th goal of the season in last week’s 2-2 Champions League quarter-final, first-leg thriller against Bayern Munich at The Emirates.
And Saka is only one goal short from becoming the first Englishman at the club to score 15 in a league campaign since Ian Wright back in 1995-96.
Discussing what the England star must to do to earn the legendary status enjoyed by Wright, Arteta said: “Keep learning from what Ian did.
“His character, his consistency, the hunger that he had always to improve.
“If he does that, with the qualities he has and the players he has around him, he has a chance.”
Without question is Saka’s willingness to face being kicked again and again in the quest for glory – an essential trait found in every all-conquering side, according to Arteta.
The Spanish coach added: “That’s a quality a team that wants to be successful and win has to have because you have to go through pain and difficult moments, as well as good moments.”