Fan Suggests Full-Back Injuries are Key to Arsenal’s Inconsistent Form

Fan Alex Moneypenny has attributed Arsenal’s inconsistent performance to defensive injuries. The Gunners, who are set to host Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, currently sit third in the Premier League standings after 16 matches. They are four points behind second-placed Chelsea and six points adrift of leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. However, Arsenal has dropped points in league matches against Everton and Fulham this month. “The issue with Arsenal at the moment is that we are so reliant on our full-backs to give us balance and structure and they are just not fit,” Moneypenny stated during an appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast. He added, “There is an argument that he puts too much physical strain on them.” Moneypenny further explained the impact of the injuries: “Calafiori isn’t fit. We don’t have Ben White or Tomiyasu. It’s underrated how important full-backs are for Arsenal.” He detailed the resulting tactical adjustments: “We end up playing Thomas Partey on the right and Timber, who’s right-footed, as the left-back, which causes a lot of problems.” Moneypenny concluded by emphasizing, “If we persist with some balance in those positions it will contribute us to playing well.”