The Gunners technical director insists Mikel Arteta’s side cannot be judged yet, despite a poor start to the Premier League season.
Critics should hold off on judging Arsenal until the team is back at full strength, says Arsenal technical director Edu.
Three defeats, no goals scored, nine conceded goals, and no clean sheets are what the bottom-placed Gunners have to show after their opening three games of the new Premier League season.
While most fans were braced for the worst against Chelsea and Manchester City, the way Arsenal lost was still disappointing. Especially upon losing to Premier League newcomers Brentford in the first game of the campaign.
But, as Edu points out, Mikel Arteta has begun the season without key players. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Nicolas Pepe and Ben White have all missed games due to COVID-19. Thomas Partey, Gabriel and Eddie Nketiah are also still recovering from injuries.
"Let's judge the team when they play together."
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Arsenal technical director Edu says the Gunners shouldn't be judged until they have a fully-fit squad after problems with injuries and Covid.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 4, 2021
“Of course, it has hurt us to be in that situation,” Edu told Sky Sports. “We are hurt, I am hurt. I don’t want to see the club there, but I want to see the team playing together.
“To be fair, we have had three games and I haven’t seen the team playing together yet. So, I want to see the signings and I want to see the squad prepare. All three games we have played against Brentford, Chelsea and Manchester City, unfortunately we have had some difficult moments in terms of Covid and injuries.
“I want to see the team play together and then let’s judge the team when they play together. Then, after that, no problem. Judge us then.
“I understand the situation we are in now is really tough. It’s not an excuse, but let’s judge the team when they play together.”
Arsenal return to action on September 11 for a Premier League match against Norwich City at the Emirates.
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