Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta didn’t offer many assurances when discussing the fitness concerns plaguing an ever-expanding slice of his squad.
On the face of it, Sunday’s 1–0 victory at home to Crystal Palace capped a perfect weekend. Eberechi Eze scored his first league goal for the Gunners in another defensively sound display as Arteta’s side moved clear of their wobbling challengers Liverpool and Manchester City.
The Premier League title is Arsenal’s to lose, in the eyes of many outside north London.
However, it was not an entirely faultless afternoon. William Saliba didn’t emerge for the second half after flagging some discomfort during the interval. Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori were also forced off while even substitute Gabriel Martinelli couldn’t escape the spread of niggles and aches.
