Arsenal are in a buoyant temper after recording two vital victories in a row.
The win in opposition to Olympiacos in the Europa League final 16 first leg offered the right platform for Sunday’s north London derby.
Mikel Arteta’s facet dominated nearly all of the sport in opposition to Tottenham and they are going to be trying to proceed their spectacular latest kind once they host Olympiacos once more on Thursday night time.
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Most of the headlines centered on the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the Gunners beginning line-up for the match, however the Gabon ahead is predicted to return to lead the road in opposition to the Greeks this week.
With the seemingly return of Auba and a completely match squad to select from, soccer.london takes a have a look at 4 things we spotted from Tuesday’s training session at London Colney.
Hale Enders working onerous
It’s been a troublesome few months for Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah at Arsenal.
After initially beginning the season with video games beneath their belt in the Europa League and cup competitions, each gamers have been frozen out of the primary group squad.
Nelson was anticipated to head out on mortgage in January however a transfer did not come to fruition, whereas Nketiah was linked with West Ham – though Arteta had all the time maintained he could be staying put.
(*4*)
ST ALBANS, ENGLAND – MARCH 16: (L-R) Gabriel Martinelli and Reiss Nelson of Arsenal throughout a training session at London Colney on March 16, 2021 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC through Getty Images)
Despite Nelson’s spectacular kind for the Under-23s in latest weeks, there seems to be no signal of him being named in a primary group matchday squad anytime quickly.
But that could possibly be about to change.
Nelson and Nketiah each skilled with the primary group forward of Thursday’s sport in opposition to Olympiacos and they are going to be hoping of working their method into the squad for the match at Emirates Stadium.
For Nketiah, a summer season transfer could possibly be on the playing cards as he’ll have one 12 months remaining on his deal. Nelson could look to go elsewhere in search of standard first group soccer.
Okonkwo’s time to shine
19-12 months-outdated goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has been training often with the primary group in latest months.
Okonkwo has a practical pathway to the primary group with Mat Ryan at present on mortgage from Brighton and Alex Runarsson’s lengthy-time period future unlikely to be at Arsenal.
Karl Hein was just lately the third goalkeeper who Arteta included in the squad to face Benfica, however it seems that the Arsenal boss needs to rotate his younger shot stoppers which might nonetheless imply Okonkwo has a future with the Gunners.
His contract expires this summer season and it isn’t identified whether or not his keep in north London shall be prolonged.
ST ALBANS, ENGLAND – MARCH 16: Arthur Okonkwo of Arsenal throughout a training session at London Colney on March 16, 2021 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC through Getty Images)
Auba again in enterprise
Much of the speak earlier than, throughout and after Sunday’s north London derby win was about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s absence from the beginning XI.
The Arsenal captain was late to the sport after being struck in site visitors, which Arteta described as ‘disciplinary causes’ after benching his star striker.
Auba regarded glum all through the match with the supervisor saying he would ‘draw a line’ beneath the state of affairs after coping with it internally.
ST ALBANS, ENGLAND – MARCH 16: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal throughout a training session at London Colney on March 16, 2021 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC through Getty Images)
Fortunately for Arteta, his choice labored out easily.
The 31-12 months-outdated regarded in tremendous spirits at London Colney on Tuesday afternoon and could possibly be seen sporting his infectious smile in most of the training pictures.
He’ll be determined to put the occasions of the weekend behind him and hearth Arsenal to European glory on Thursday in typical Aubameyang type.
Chambers listening fastidiously
Calum Chambers is now absolutely match and raring to go as he seems to be to compete for a spot in the Arsenal group.
ST ALBANS, ENGLAND – MARCH 16: Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta talks to Calum Chambers throughout a training session at London Colney on March 16, 2021 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC through Getty Images)
He confirmed together with his latest efficiency at proper-again in opposition to Burnley that he is greater than able to filling in for different gamers, however he shall be decided to safe common soccer for himself subsequent season.
Chambers could possibly be seen taking over board directions from Arteta throughout Tuesday’s training session, with the Spaniard insisting that he’ll compete for a spot in the group with Hector Bellerin and Cedric Soares.
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“I feel all people has to compete with one another. I feel Cedric has completed very well,” Arteta mentioned.
“We’ve obtained Calum now that has been training very well in the final three to 4 weeks as properly and seems to be fully prepared to step in.
“So all people has to play at their greatest stage and we’re going to have to rotate gamers as properly with the quantity of video games that we now have.”
