Mikel Arteta has revealed that Arsenal have suffered yet another major injury blow during the 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday.
Gabriel Martinelli salvaged a point for the Gunners in injury time following Erling Haaland’s early opener at the Emirates.
The result leaves Arsenal second in the Premier League table but five points behind Liverpool who are enjoying a 100 per cent start to the season.
Arteta came under-fire for his cautious starting XI against City, with Eberechi Eze benched in favour of Mikel Merino, while Bukayo Saka was also among the subs after recovering from a hamstring injury.
With his team behind and starved of creativity, the manager hauled off Merino and Noni Madueke in favour of Eze and Saka at half-time.
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Madueke had looked lively on the right-wing in the first-half and could have felt a little aggrieved to have been subbed off so early but it has now been revealed the England international has picked up an injury.
‘He had an issue very early in the match and he wasn’t well enough to continue,’ Arteta said in his post-match press conference when asked if Madueke’s substitution was purely tactical.
Madueke has won over fans since his surprise £52million summer transfer from Chelsea and his form has even made him an England regular.
But this could yet be another painful injury to a forward for Arteta to deal with, with Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all in the treatment room.
Saka, as well as defenders William Saliba and Ben White, have also only just returned from injury issues.
Metro at the Match: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City
Metro at the Match returns to bring you all the analysis from the biggest games of the season.
Here are our team’s key takeaways from Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City.
Anonymous Gyokeres again
‘Viktor Gyokeres struggled to have any sort of impact for Arsenal again, which is becoming a worrying pattern when they face a good side.
‘It remains early in the Swede’s Arsenal career but he has been concerningly anonymous in the majority of games he has played so far.
‘Goals have come at home against Leeds and Nottingham Forest, but he has been completely forgettable against the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Athletic Club and now Manchester City.
‘Gyokeres may well end the season with decent numbers if he continues to be a flat track bully, but will he win Arsenal the Premier League? Probably not.’ Phil Haigh – sports reporter.
Arteta gets midfield selection all wrong
‘Given the criticism Mikel Arteta faced for his midfield selection in the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool this season, it was a shock to see him go with the same trio at home to Manchester City.
‘Arsenal were far too negative in that match at Anfield and it was the same problem in the first-half against City as Arteta named Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino in his XI.
‘The Gunners were lacking in the creative department, especially with Martin Odegaard out injured and Bukayo Saka deemed not fit enough to start.
‘Eberechi Eze was dropped to the bench – a decision which baffled the pundits – and Arteta was surely aware of his error as he decided to bring on Eze and Saka for Merino and Noni Madueke at the break.
‘That’s twice this season Arteta has got his selection wrong in big games this season and he must learn from this mistake.’ Liam Grace – sports reporter.
Haaland wins this round with arch rival Gabriel
‘This was the latest battle in the ongoing war between Erling Haaland and Gabriel Magalhães and it was a clear win for the giant Norwegian.
‘Haaland left Gabriel in his wake as he sprinted beyond the Arsenal defence to score the opener, calmly finishing to put his team ahead.
‘The Brazilian was made to look slow, which he isn’t, but the Manchester City superstar looks like a powerful race horse when he gets going and he wasn’t going to be caught.
‘The rivalry was sparked when Haaland threw the ball at Gabriel’s head after a Manchester City equaliser in September last year, with the Arsenal man gaining revenge by screaming in the Norwegian’s face during the Gunners’ rampant 5-1 win in February.’ Phil Haigh – sports reporter.
No doubt Haaland has regained the upper hand.
A more detailed update on Madueke can be expected before Arsenal’s next match on Wednesday when they take on Port Vale in the Carabao Cup.
The Gunners then travel to Newcastle next Sunday for their next Premier League clash.
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