Coach Mikel Arteta has reason to praise Arsenal’s players for “dominating” in the 2-2 draw with Fulham in the third round of the Premier League on the evening of August 26, but he cannot hide the problems in the defense are causing problems. The “gunner” is messed up.
It is too early to say what problems in the defense will affect Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title in the 2023-2024 season. However, there have been problems, especially the confusing absence of the center. No. 1 defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the starting line-up in all three first games of the season.
Last season, Gabriel Magalhaes and Saliba were the fulcrum for Arsenal in defense, creating a launching pad for the attack to have a sublime season, compete for the championship with Man City to the final rounds. However, earlier this season, coach Mikel Arteta made a surprise change when he let Gabriel Magalhaes sit on the bench, dragging Ben White from the right (Thomas Partey replaced) to kick Saliba at center back. As a result of this disturbance, Arsenal went through the first 3 games of the season despite scoring 5 goals, but also conceding 3 goals, all from mistakes in the defense. In particular, the goal was lost in the first minute in the match against Fulham, making it very difficult for Arsenal to find a 1-1 equalizer from Saka’s 11-meter mark in the 70th minute, before making it 2-1 thanks to Nketiah’s score in the minute. 72. But at the end of the game, despite playing more than people, the “Gunners” could not keep the victory when Palhinha equalized 2-2 for Fulham.
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Leaving Gabriel Magalhaes on the bench, according to the British press, coach Mikel Arteta had a disagreement with the 25-year-old Brazilian midfielder. Even when central defender Tomiyasu did not play because of a red card, the Spaniard still “locked” Gabriel Magalhaes during the match against Fulham on the bench. There are many rumors from the British press that Gabriel Magalhaes is contacting to join Al Ittihad club (Saudi Arabia) with a very generous offer. Last season, he played all 38 matches for Arsenal in the Premier League and contributed 3 goals.
If Mikel Arteta does not completely solve the defense problem, Arsenal will still experience instability, especially in the battle with MU in the upcoming 4th round.