Robert Pires gives prediction for North London derby after Arsenal double defeat | Football

Robert Pires is confident that Arsenal have enough reserve players to secure a positive result in Sunday’s north London derby, despite the absence of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

The Gunners have to travel to the home of their arch-rivals without their injured captain, who sustained an ankle injury during a game for Norway during the week.

Mikel Arteta will also be without his key midfielder Rice after he was sent off under controversial circumstances against Brighton two weeks ago before the international break.

Summer signing Mikel Merino will again be absent as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury sustained under unfortunate circumstances during his first training session with his new club.

Although on paper they lack their first-choice midfield, Pires is convinced that players like Jorginho and Thomas Partey will step in and ensure that his old club continues its unbeaten run into the new season.

“It is certainly a bitter loss because Rice is the linchpin of this team and his vast experience means that opponents have great respect for him,” said Pires Wettbasis.com.

“However, Arsenal can still win this derby without him as the squad is better staffed.”

At the heart of Arsenal’s hopes of a third consecutive win at Tottenham Stadium is Kai Havertz, who has been reborn as a false nine since being asked to lead his side’s attack midway through last season.

“Kai is not a classic number nine, but rather a false number nine who, with his back to the opponent’s goal, creates a lot of space for his teammates with his great technique,” ​​added Pires.

“You can’t expect him to be the top scorer, that’s clear. But he fits perfectly into Arteta’s system.”

At the other end of the pitch, Pires’ compatriot William Saliba continues to cement his reputation as one of the best centre-backs in European football.

“Williams’ development is absolutely first class,” said Pires. “I am particularly impressed by his positioning. He hardly makes any bad passes and never commits unnecessary fouls, which is a top quality. He has become incredibly consistent and fast. He is currently one of the best central defenders in the Premier League.”

“His loan to Olympique Marseille in the 2021/2022 season was extremely important, because otherwise he would have been at Arsenal too early and who knows if he would still be playing there today.”

“His first season in London was a bit bumpy with a few slip-ups, but he learned from it and has become more and more mature, which is why he played much stronger and more calmly in 2023/2024.”

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