September 12th 2024.
Robert Pires was eager to see his former club Arsenal come out on top in their upcoming north London derby against Tottenham. Despite the absence of key players Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, Pires remained confident that the Gunners had enough depth in their squad to secure a positive result on Sunday.
Unfortunately, Arsenal would have to face their fierce rivals without their captain Rice, who sustained an ankle injury while playing for Norway. In addition, midfielder Mikel Merino would also be absent as he continued to recover from a shoulder injury. However, Pires believed that the team's experienced midfielders such as Jorginho and Thomas Partey would step up and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
Pires acknowledged that Rice's absence would be a significant loss for the team, as he was a key player and highly respected by their opponents. Nonetheless, Pires was confident in the team's depth and believed they could still come out victorious in the derby.
The former Arsenal player also highlighted the importance of Kai Havertz, who had been playing as a false nine for the team since last season. Pires praised Havertz's technical abilities and his ability to create space for his teammates, although he did not expect him to be the top scorer.
On the defensive end, Pires spoke highly of fellow Frenchman William Saliba, who was making a name for himself as one of the best central defenders in European football. Pires was impressed by Saliba's development and praised his positioning, passing, and discipline on the field.
Pires also noted the importance of Saliba's loan to Olympique Marseille in the previous season, which allowed him to mature and become a stronger player. He believed that this experience was crucial for Saliba, as it helped him avoid any potential mistakes and become a consistent and reliable player for Arsenal.
Despite the challenges, Pires remained optimistic about Arsenal's chances in the derby and was eager to see his former club come out on top. He also expressed his excitement for the upcoming season and the progress of the team under manager Mikel Arteta.
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