%20rotate(-8.06)%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22336.19%20136.81%20330.16%2094.25%20326.06%2071.19%20326.44%2071.13%20335.22%2093.54%20352.29%20134.52%20373.95%20131.46%20362.7%2052.01%20350.02%2053.8%20356.05%2096.36%20360.15%20119.42%20359.77%20119.48%20350.99%2097.08%20333.91%2056.09%20312.25%2059.15%20323.51%20138.6%20336.19%20136.81%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22402.91%2059.3%20412.36%20126.02%20427.17%20123.92%20417.72%2057.21%20431.59%2055.24%20429.79%2042.51%20387.23%2048.53%20389.04%2061.27%20402.91%2059.3%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22463.51%20118.77%20458.69%2084.71%20474.68%2082.44%20479.51%20116.5%20494.36%20114.4%20483.11%2034.95%20468.26%2037.06%20472.96%2070.25%20456.96%2072.52%20452.26%2039.32%20437.4%2041.43%20448.65%20120.88%20463.51%20118.77%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22540.5%20107.87%20538.77%2095.68%20518.91%2098.49%20515.77%2076.29%20535.63%2073.47%20533.93%2061.5%20514.07%2064.32%20511.11%2043.42%20530.98%2040.61%20529.25%2028.42%20494.53%2033.34%20505.78%20112.78%20540.5%20107.87%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22299.03%20155.17%20301.29%20171.58%20542.78%20138.39%20540.5%20121.97%20299.03%20155.17%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Mikel Arteta Injury Leaves Arsenal Even More Short-Staffed
By Josh Sippie
Mikel Arteta was subbed early in the second half after coming on for an injured Francis Coquelin. Arsenal’s midfield continues to thin.
Fresh off of being brought on for an injured Francis Coquelin, Mikel Arteta, always wanting for freshness, had to be subbed off early in the second half. The aging Spaniard has been a massive injury risk every time he is asked to play anywhere near 90 minutes. This time around, he was only able to play 30 before he had to be subbed off.
Related: Coquelin Injury Brings On The Nightmares
Francis Coquelin’s injury was bad enough, but now Arsenal has only Mathieu Flamini to man the position until Aaron Ramsey comes back. Until that time, Arsenal’s midfield is continuing to thin.
More from Pain in the Arsenal
- 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
- 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
- 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
- Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
- 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
Mikel Arteta was not having a good match. He had surrendered an own goal which was hardly his fault. But it was unfortunate nonetheless. Throughout his brief appearance, Mikel Arteta was again exposed for his lack of pace and lack of defensive qualities. Again we must ask ourselves why this is all Arsenal has.
For a title-contending team like Arsenal can be, they need to be as near to injury proof as possible. Staffing the midfield with one bonafide defensive midfielder and two aging, not even defensive midfielders is no way to accomplish that feat. Coquelin’s injury looked to be an MCL so he is expected to miss some time. Mikel Arteta probably will too as it always seems to take him ages to heal.
But it’s not like Arsenal will really miss Mikel Arteta. His leadership is great and all, but Per Mertesacker provides similar leadership and much more quality. The only problem with Mikel Arteta being down and out is that more injuries can surely follow with how much game time the thinly-staffed midfield will have to put in.
It’s more of the same old story for Arsenal. Injuries are derailing a potentially epic season. West Brom took advantage of Francis Coquelin’s absence. Mikel Arteta’s injury leaves the Gunners with just Flamini. Flamini has more important matters on his plate, like saving the world.
Next: Arsenal's Top 5 Midfield Transfer Options
Whatever the case, Arsenal need reinforcements if they are going to close out this season successfully and with confidence. This team had been rolling and international break figured to give everyone a break. That break could not save the Gunners from the injury monster that is constantly lurking around the corner.
Again, the hope is that the light has been seen by Arsene Wenger.