Nigel Winterburn believes Arsenal’s dip in form is down to a ‘few things’ – rather than just an injury to Martin Odegaard – as they prepare for tonight’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan.
The Gunners go into the clash with their Premier League title hopes looking precarious, having failed to win their last three outings.
Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle on Saturday, with that defeat coming after a draw with Liverpool and loss away at Bournemouth.
With the north London giants struggling, many feel the absence of Odegaard has played a key part.
Arsenal news: Nigel Winterburn has opened up on the Gunners ahead of their Champions League clash with Inter Milan
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Yet Winterburn, speaking exclusively to GB News via buy WOW gold, believes a few things to blame.
He believes the Gunners’ disciplinary issues have played a part, with Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard and William Saliba all seeing red already this term.
And he thinks injuries at the back haven’t helped either.
“No, it’s a few more things than that,” he said when asked of Odegaard’s injury was the only factor behind Arsenal’s recent woes.
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“Red cards make it hard and on three occasions Arsenal have had players sent off, which has hurt them.
“You can’t keep on getting reduced to 10 men and securing victories and Arsenal must ensure they keep 11 on the pitch.
“Injuries defensively have been an issue. Moving players around and playing them in different positions has also hindered the team.
“[Thomas] Partey as right back means he isn’t dominating the centre of midfield. This also brings uncertainty in the team with so much movement of players.
“Not having a settled back four is also a reason, but with Odegaard, he leads the press, so without him Arsenal aren’t always structured correctly.”
Arsenal are currently seven points behind Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.
Even Nottingham Forest have leapfrogged them, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side picking up one point more.
But Winterburn insists Arsenal should still be targeting title glory. The 60-year-old added: “Absolutely it’s not over. From Mikel Arteta’s view he will be telling the players that Arsenal can’t drop any more points if they want to challenge for the title.
Arsenal news: Nigel Winterburn thinks Martin Odegaard’s injury isn’t the only factor behind their poor form
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“As it stands, Arsenal can’t be thinking of a title until they get back to winning ways.
“Arsenal need to get that winning habit back again and also the belief must come back in the squad.
“Arsenal have to get their top players back fit and especially Odegaard. Defensively as well Arsenal need to restore a settled back four.
“But there is so long in the season to go, so Arsenal still can challenge.”
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The January transfer window is creeping closer. Some Arsenal fans feel a new striker should be targeted, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus still inconsistent.
Yet Winterburn can’t see that happening.
“You don’t get many top players mid season. This is the man issue. Striker wise, this debate has been on going for a while,” he added.
“Look how many goals Arsenal scored last season. If a Haaland was available, Arsenal would be in the market for sure.”