Saka’s update and two other observations from Arsenal’s training ahead of the crucial match against Everton.
Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal squad have been enjoying their final week of the 2023/24 season on the training pitches. Following their victory over Manchester United, which brought their points total to 86, the Premier League title race will be decided in the last game of the season. However, they no longer hold the advantage.
Manchester City’s win against Tottenham on Tuesday moved them ahead of Arsenal with 88 points. Arsenal will need City to drop points in their match against West Ham on Sunday to win the league. Arsenal will be hosting Everton at Emirates Stadium, needing to prepare thoroughly for this crucial match.
Football.london reviewed Arsenal’s recent training session, noting a few key observations. Despite Arteta providing a positive update on Bukayo Saka following his withdrawal against Manchester United, Saka was not seen in the training photos on Arsenal’s official website. This was similar to the lead-up to the game against Manchester United, where Saka didn’t appear in training but still started the match. Arsenal will need him fit to secure another victory and keep their title hopes alive.
Arteta’s tactic
Arsenal fans are optimistic about their chances against Everton. The team has been in excellent form, particularly at home, and has developed the ability to break down defensive teams. One contributing factor could be their decision to train at Emirates Stadium ahead of home games. This has been a strategy before matches against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, showing Arteta’s belief that familiar surroundings could benefit his team, even though they lost to Villa earlier this year.
Odegaard’s joy
During the latest training session, club captain Martin Odegaard was seen in high spirits. He was captured celebrating alone with his arms raised and later high-fiving Reiss Nelson with a big smile. Odegaard has been outstanding, especially in the latter half of the season, and will remain a key part of Arteta’s project after signing a new deal last year.