Three ways Arsenal can replace Martin Odegaard as Mikel Arteta faces North London Derby dilemma
Martin Ødegaard's potential absence due to an ankle injury comes at a critical time for Arsenal, with three major fixtures on the horizon, including the North London Derby against Tottenham, a midweek clash with Atalanta, and a trip to face Manchester City. Mikel Arteta now faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for his influential captain, a task that requires careful consideration given Ødegaard’s pivotal role in Arsenal's midfield. Here are three potential approaches Arteta could take to fill the void:
1. Deploying Kai Havertz in a Central Role
One of the most straightforward solutions could be moving Kai Havertz into a central attacking role. While Havertz has been primarily used as a centre-forward at Arsenal, his experience playing in various attacking positions, including as an attacking midfielder, makes him a viable option. During the international break, Havertz played off Niclas Füllkrug for Germany, operating effectively as a second striker, which suggests he could adapt to a similar role for Arsenal.
If Gabriel Jesus returns to fitness in time for the derby, Havertz could be positioned just behind him, functioning as a link between the midfield and attack. This setup wouldn’t directly mirror Ødegaard’s style but could provide Arsenal with a different kind of threat, leveraging Havertz’s physicality, aerial ability, and knack for finding space in the final third. Although Havertz had mixed results in this position earlier in the season, his recent performances for Germany indicate he is in good form, which could give Arteta the confidence to utilize him in this role.
2. Switching to a Back Five Formation
Another approach Arteta might consider is altering the team’s formation to a back five, or a 5-2-3 setup. This formation would involve deploying Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori, and Oleksandr Zinchenko in defense. The midfield would be anchored by a duo of Jorginho and Thomas Partey, focusing on providing defensive stability and controlling the tempo from deep positions.
By sacrificing the traditional attacking midfielder role, Arsenal could maintain a solid defensive structure while still posing a threat on the counterattack. This setup could be particularly effective against Tottenham’s potent attack, allowing Arsenal to absorb pressure and exploit spaces behind the opposition’s defense. The emphasis would be on defensive solidity and disciplined positioning, with the wing-backs providing width and supporting transitions from defense to attack.
Giving Emile Smith Rowe a Chance
Another option for Arteta could be to bring Emile Smith Rowe into the starting lineup. Smith Rowe, who has struggled with injuries and limited game time, could be eager to prove himself in Ødegaard’s absence. His creativity, dribbling ability, and understanding of Arsenal’s attacking philosophy make him a natural fit to step into the attacking midfielder role.
Smith Rowe’s tendency to drive forward with the ball and link up with the forwards could help Arsenal maintain their fluid attacking style. He could offer a more direct replacement for Ødegaard, providing the team with similar technical qualities and the ability to operate between the lines. However, his lack of recent match sharpness might be a concern, and Arteta would need to weigh the risk of thrusting him into such a crucial fixture without much game time under his belt.
Conclusion
Replacing a player of Martin Ødegaard’s caliber is never easy, but Arsenal does have options that could mitigate the impact of his potential absence. Whether Arteta opts to shift Havertz into a central role, adopt a more defensive back five formation, or place his trust in the returning Smith Rowe, each strategy comes with its own set of advantages and risks. The decision will likely depend on the fitness of key players, the tactical approach Arteta wants to take against Tottenham, and the specific demands of the North London Derby.
Arteta's ability to adapt and make the right call in these crucial moments will be key to ensuring Arsenal navigates this challenging period successfully, especially as they aim to maintain their momentum in the Premier League and European competitions.
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