Mikel Arteta urged to drop Arsenal star for Tottenham clash: ‘Due a rest’ | Football

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Mikel Arteta faced calls to adjust Arsenal’s defensive setup ahead of the north London derby against Tottenham, following a surprising midweek draw with Wolves. Arsenal maintained a five-point lead over Manchester City, while Spurs appointed Igor Tudor as caretaker manager until the season’s end, intensifying their relegation battle.

Mikel Arteta has been urged to consider a change in defence ahead of Arsenal’s critical north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday. Recent performances, including a surprising midweek draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, have raised concerns about Arsenal’s defensive reliability, even as they maintain a five-point lead in the Premier League title race.

Kieran Gibbs, a former Arsenal left-back, underscored the need for a proactive approach and suggested that defender Jurrien Timber, who has been heavily relied upon, could benefit from a rest. “I feel like Jurrien Timber’s played a lot of football, and I think he might be due a rest,” Gibbs told ESPN. He highlighted that Ben White is available and capable of stepping in, having performed well since joining the club.

Arsenal’s defence has conceded eight goals this year, a worrying statistic for a team traditionally known for its defensive sturdiness. Gibbs noted, “They’ve only conceded 18 goals in the whole season,” indicating that recent lapses could pose problems against a rival like Tottenham, who are seeking to improve under caretaker manager Igor Tudor. Given the unpredictable nature of derby fixtures, Gibbs emphasised the importance of Arsenal responding decisively to their recent struggles.

Arsenal will aim to return to winning ways against a Spurs side facing its own challenges, making this weekend’s match a crucial encounter for both teams in pursuit of their respective objectives.