Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has declared his squad is now operating in "survival mode" after a defensive injury crisis worsened just moments before a nervy 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Defensive Blow Before Kick-Off
The Gunners' preparations were dealt a severe double blow ahead of the crucial Premier League clash. First, defender Jurrien Timber was ruled out on Friday after an awkward landing in training.
The situation escalated dramatically during the warm-up at the Emirates Stadium, when summer signing Riccardo Calafiori felt a tightness and had to be replaced in the starting lineup by youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly.
These fresh issues add to an already lengthy defensive injury list that includes Cristhian Mosquera and first-choice right-back Ben White.
Rice Steps Up in Unfamiliar Role
The late reshuffle forced Arteta into a drastic solution, deploying midfielder Declan Rice at right-back. The England international delivered a remarkably solid performance, helping Arsenal weather a late Brighton storm to secure three vital points.
"You speak with Declan and tell him he has to play right-back, and he said, 'Okay, I'm ready for the challenge, I'm going to do my best'," Arteta revealed. "The attitude is magnificent."
The result, combined with Manchester City's win over Nottingham Forest, saw Arsenal reclaim top spot in the Premier League table by a two-point margin.
A Nervy Finish After Dominant Start
Arsenal appeared to be cruising towards a comfortable 2-0 victory before a late goal from Brighton's Diego Gómez set up a tense finale. Substitute Yankuba Minteh forced a superb save from goalkeeper David Raya as the hosts clung on.
Arteta admitted his side should have killed the game off earlier, stating: "We were a huge threat, so very happy with all of that, but the margin should have been much bigger."
He added: "I mean the amount of situations, chances, open opportunities we generated throughout the game, it should never have been 2-1, but that's the Premier League."
Looking ahead, the Spanish coach emphasised the squad's resilience but acknowledged the severity of their injury predicament. "We have survived for six months now, so let's see, there are another five-and-a-half to go, so let's hope things improve," Arteta concluded.
