February Premier League Manager of the Month nominee, Mikel Arteta took to the journo stands to give updates ahead of the important encounter against Sheffield United, as they eagerly anticipated the fitness information of the long-term absentees, Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
In his Sheffield United pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta gave the following updates,
On Zinchenko and Tomiyasu,
“[Zinchenko and Tomiyasu] are possible but we have to wait and see, especially with the last two sessions that we have on Saturday and Sunday. If that’s the case, they might be available on Monday.”
On Partey,
“Thomas had a session before the last game and now he’s done two consecutive sessions so he should be part of the squad on Monday.”
On Gabriel Jesus,
“He’s fit enough, but knowing how long he will last is something different probably, but we didn’t want to take any risks after the result that we had against Newcastle,” he added. “Obviously we need him fit. He’s a massive player for us and we want to make sure that now we load the players in the right way.”
Gabriel Jesus was on the bench when Newcastle came to town, but he was somewhat considered as an emergency option and wasn’t required as Arsenal sent the Magpies to the cleaners, which showcased the depth in the squad, especially in the attacking department, but Partey wasn’t also available for selection, allowing the likes of Jorginho excel in his stead. Jorginho’s exemplary performances has earned him a potential new deal, which has gone down well with everyone connected with Arsenal.
In as much as I am elated with the news of Partey’s fitness, I’d take it with a pinch of salt till I see him on the bench at Bramall Lane. We have been here times without number regarding Partey, when we get favorable news on his fitness, only to see him miss a few more weeks. However, in Partey’s absence, other players have shone like stars, and no one shone as bright as Declan Rice, who replaced Martin Odegaard as the Player of the Year in the London Awards.
Arsenal had a clean sweep at the London Awards last season, with Aaron Ramsdale, Bukayo Saka, Odegaard and Arteta winning the Keeper, Young Player, Player and Manager of the Year respectively. Saka and Arteta’s efforts have been recognized yet again, as they, alongside Rice, were nominated for respective Premier League awards for the month of February 2024.
Mikel Arteta, alongside his mentor, Pep Guardiola, and Erik ten Hag, yes Manchester United’s ten Hag, have been nominated for the Manager of the Month award. Ten Hag won three Premier League games against West Ham, Aston Villa and Luton, before his team capitulated in grand style against Fulham. Serial winner, Pep Guardiola, won Brentford twice, Everton and Luton, but shared the spoils with Chelsea courtesy of Erling Haaland’s profligacy. In this run, Manchester City had a goal difference of +6. Arsenal played four games in February, smashing past Liverpool, West Ham, Burnley and Newcastle, with an impressive goal difference of +16 in the month. It’s clear who the undisputed winner should be.
To the Player of the Month award, Saka (six goals in four games) faces still competition from the likes of Phil Foden (four goals in five games), Joao Gomes (two goals, one assist in five games), Pascal Gross (one goal, four assists in four games), Rasmus Hojlund (five goals, one assist in four games), Rodrigo Muniz (four goals in four games) and Ollie Watkins (four goals, two assists in four games).
Finally, that wonder long range strike from Declan Rice in the 6-0 drubbing of West Ham earned him a place in the Premier League Goal of the Month awards. There were some impressive goals that were nominated which included Kobbie Mainoo’s late goal against Wolves, Richarlison’s second goal against Everton, Joao Pedro’s goal against Crystal Palace, Jefferson Lerma’s goal against Chelsea, Darwin Nunez’s delicate chip against Brentford, Jordan Ayew’s goal against Brighton and Emerson’s long range belter against Brentford.
Arsenal’s good form has seen its contingent challenging for individual awards and it bodes well for the team. I hope Saka, Rice and Arteta have the clean sweep with the awards.
Sayonara.
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