Arsenal assess key doubts before Leverkusen as Rice hails squad depth
Fans hit back after Edwin van der Sar said David Raya is not world class, noting Raya’s 43 clean sheets in his first 100 Arsenal games matches Van der Sar’s own mark.
Declan Rice says Arsenal’s edge is fewer long-term injuries and a calm, family feel. He praises squad depth as Arteta manages issues before Leverkusen and Everton.
Opinion touts Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as a left-wing upgrade for Arsenal, citing goals, assists and durability, and potential openings with Martinelli or Trossard futures debated.
Arteta says Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi stayed home with minor issues, rested to ‘clean’ problems amid a demanding schedule after the 2-1 FA Cup win at Mansfield.
Eberechi Eze hails 16-year-old Max Dowman as ‘special’ after Mansfield win, but the piece argues Dowman’s rise could threaten Eze’s Arsenal minutes and England pecking order.
Pep Guardiola’s sixth yellow will not trigger a ban for the League Cup final vs Arsenal due to a loophole, as City are backed by Eddie Howe as strongest side.
Trossard, Calafiori and Saliba are major doubts for Leverkusen after knocks, with Odegaard and White also uncertain. Rice, Zubimendi, Gabriel and Raya were rested. No suspensions for Arsenal.
Report claims Myles Lewis Skelly has slipped behind Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie at left back and may seek a summer move for regular minutes.
Tottenham’s Luca Williams-Barnett praised Arsenal’s Max Dowman on Instagram after the 2-1 Mansfield win, irking Spurs fans amid wider club unrest and poor form.
Leon Goretzka will leave Bayern and is open to England. Reports link Arsenal and Spurs, with Arsenal seen leading. He could partner Declan Rice if signed.
Noni Madueke’s scoring run, including vs Mansfield and in Europe, eases the load on Bukayo Saka and gives Arteta vital depth for a four-trophy push.
Opinion: after impressing in midfield at Mansfield, Max Dowman may need a carefully chosen loan for regular minutes, mirroring Ethan Nwaneri’s path, to accelerate his Arsenal development.
