The Gunners currently enjoy a five-point advantage over Manchester City at the summit and secured a 2-0 triumph over Brentford on Wednesday evening. ..Continue Reading
Arteta is contending with several defensive setbacks, as both William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes were absent for the Brentford clash, and Cristhian Mosquera had to be withdrawn during the first half at the Emirates.
Ben White delivered a strong showing on the right side of the backline, while Riccardo Calafiori’s consistent displays on the left have limited Myles Lewis-Skelly’s involvement this season.
Hargreaves believes Arsenal’s physical edge distinguishes them from their title challengers and feels the depth Arteta now commands could be decisive compared to previous seasons.
‘I thought they’ve been looking comfortable all season,’ Hargreaves told Premier League Productions.
‘[Noni] Madueke was amazing, think about these guys who don’t even start all the time then they come in, [Piero] Hincapie, Mosquera, I thought Ben White was terrific as well, they have all these different options.
‘A couple of seasons ago, if [Bukayo] Saka or Declan [Rice] or [Martin] Odegaard are missing, Arsenal struggled. They’re missing their two starting centre-backs, Timber can pop in there and Ben White can play.
‘I mean they probably have the four best full-backs in the country, all playing in one team, and probably the best goalkeeper as well.
‘Then you’ve got Declan, [Martin] Zubimendi has been amazing, Odegaard, [Eberechi] Eze, the list goes on. Obviously when they get Kai Havertz back to go with [Viktor] Gyokeres. They’re the real deal.
‘That [Rice’s injury] would be a worry because Declan virtually plays every game.
‘That’s the biggest difference to this Arsenal team, they can compete in every phase, they’ve got size, they’re all 6’2″, except [Leandro] Trossard, set-pieces they’re good, they’ve got size, they can compete, technically they’re very good and they’ve got finishing.
‘I think Mikel has got all the ingredients for the recipe to go and win the Premier League this year, maybe even the Champions League.’
When asked whether Arsenal might face difficulties in central defence without Saliba, Gabriel, or Mosquera for the upcoming match against Aston Villa, Hargreaves responded: ‘Timber, I think is the best full-back in the Premier League this season, and I’m sure he can pop in there.
‘He maybe not be physically the size of Saliba and Gabriel but he’s got proper personality, he’s as strong as anything, and obviously Ben White can play in there.
‘They’ve got all these options, I think Mikel so far has done a brilliant job of picking what they need in the game. I think Mikel will be quietly confident wherever they go with what they have at the moment.’
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