Mikel Arteta said he was “praying” that Arsenal’s injury “nightmare” is over as his side were left nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after a 1-1 draw at Chelsea.
The Gunners looked on course to end a three-match winless run in the league after Gabriel Martinelli turned in Martin Odegaard’s brilliant cross on the hour mark.
However, Arteta’s men pulled one back after just 10 minutes after Pedro Neto fired home from range before Leandro Trossard failed to convert William Saliba’s close-range pass in the dying seconds of the match.
Trossard was eventually left behind to see Arteta collapse on the pitch, while the Spaniard also contemplated a second injury after Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were ruled out of the match. Arteta said the England duo were doubtful for the upcoming international break.
Odegaard’s first start since September provided Arsenal with a timely start, but the season has been marred by a number of injuries and suspensions.
Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard returns from injury at Chelsea
Speaking after the draw at Stamford Bridge, which marked the first time Arsenal had gone four games without a win in the top flight since April 2023, he said: “There is nothing we can do.
“What I’m praying for is that after the international break we have a full team physically, available and fit, because it’s been a nightmare eight weeks.
“Doubt after doubt, problem after problem, not only with those who can’t play, but with those who can play.
“I’m disappointed with the result because I think we deserved more. After scoring the first goal, I was very disappointed with how we conceded the goal. That was nowhere near the standard of our defensive habits, how we allowed it.
“When you give space and time, you will be punished, so it’s not bad luck. Then the team showed its teeth. We created three great chances. Unfortunately, we couldn’t put the ball in the net. , but we deserved to win.”
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Highlights from the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal
Saka and Beras are not looking good, Arteta said
Rice, who was doubtful entering the match with a broken thumb, was replaced after 71 minutes, while Saka was also withdrawn in the second half after a strong tackle by Marc Cucurella.
“It doesn’t look good, because for two important players to be told that they can’t continue the game, it’s obviously not good news,” added Arteta.
Asked if he expected to be available for England’s Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland, Arteta replied: “Well, the two players that have just come out, I don’t know if they will be fit, because if not. they are not out.”
‘Arsenal must run’
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Highlights from the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal
Sky Sports Paul Merson:
“It’s difficult for Arsenal. They have a bullseye at the back. They are a big team and everyone wants to beat them.
“I found that his confidence is a bit low at the moment. It was not free against Chelsea and when your confidence goes, not everyone wants the ball. red arrow.
“Against Chelsea, when Partey, Rice and Odegaard had the ball, there weren’t many options. There weren’t five or six passes.
“Arsenal need to run now. They need to find consistency. They can do that, they can get five or six wins on the spin and that’s what they need to do to get back in the title mix.
“He will not go far, (it was) a good performance in Milan, although he did not look like scoring goals and it was a difficult place to go and he was very comfortable. Raya did not make a world-class save.
“So it’s a start, but as Arteta said, he has to satisfy the players now, he has to run and make sure that we get to six points before we get to 12 points – if we get to 12. , good night.”
