Arsenal Q&A RECAP: What is the latest on Ivan Toney? Can the Gunners maintain their title charge? And more as Mail Sport’s Isaan Khan answers your question
This was Mail Sport’s live blog as Isaan Khan answered all the big questions regarding Arsenal.
Thanks for following along!
For more Premier League Q&A, you can follow along with Tom Collomosse’s assessment of Villa and Forest by clicking the link below.
Rounding things off with one last question… Q: Liverpool haven’t beaten Arsenal at Anfield for over two years, but the Gunners haven’t won there since a 2020 Carabao Cup match – what will Arteta be focusing on to break down an impressive Liverpool side?
The first task will be to get through the first 15 minutes without conceding. An early goal conceded at Anfield can cause the crowd to engulf you and from there it can be hard to gain a stranglehold of the game.
Arsenal’s full back areas will be key. Without Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber, the Gunners arguably lack that defensive solidity they need against the likes of Mo Salah.
It’ll be interesting to see how Oleksandr Zinchenko plays, with the defender so keen to be up-field.
Q: Kai Havertz impressed again against Brighton and is increasingly living up to his transfer fee – how is Arteta managing to get the best out of the former Chelsea player?
A: It’s a mixture of confidence and Havertz becoming more accustomed to what Arteta demands from his role.
At first, he was being shoehorned in different positions.
Now, he has made that left-sided midfield spot his own, and utilising his best attributes.
That includes his aerial ability and ability to link-up play. He looks a different man.
Q: How happy will Arsenal be with the Champions League draw and preparing to face Porto? They were shut down by Portuguese opponents on their last outing in Europe, but it’s generally been regarded as a kinder draw
A: They will be rather happy indeed. It won’t be a tie Arsenal can afford to take their eye off, but one the Gunners will be firm favourites for.
RB Leipzig and Inter Milan were among Arsenal’s potential opponents – both would have presented a far harder test.
So the north London club can feel relieved, and their fans will have eyes on at least the quarter-final stage.
Q: Arteta received another yellow card during victory…