Robert Pires insists Arsenal can shrug aside major issue and beat Tottenham
Arsenal will have to travel to Tottenham without Declan Rice in their ranks after his recent red card - but Robert Pires is still backing them to get the job done against their rivals
by Samuel Meade · The MirrorRobert Pires believes Arsenal's depth can help them overcome Declan Rice's absence in the north London derby.
The Gunners will make the short trip to Tottenham without their midfield anchor, who was controversially dismissed in the draw with Brighton before the international break. It means Mikel Arteta will be have to find a replacement as he looks for a makeshift solution.
Thomas Partey had played in all three games so far and is likely to be joined by Jorginho at the base of midfield. Rice has been a towering presence since his club-record move from West Ham, but Arteta has continued to add more quality to his squad and has been backed to make do with the Englishman.
Pires told Wettbasis.com: “It is certainly a bitter loss because Rice is the linchpin of this team and his vast experience means that opponents have great respect for him. Nevertheless, Arsenal can win this derby without him because the squad is better staffed.”
Arsenal have won on their last two visits to Tottenham - securing a 3-2 success in the final weeks of the season last term. William Saliba has been present for both wins as he continues to see his stock rise. The Frenchman and Rice have helped make Arsenal one of Europe's best defences.
Saliba was sent out on loan numerous times by Arteta, who inherited the young defender from Unai Emery's tenure. It was unclear whether he had a future at Arsenal but his constant game time in Ligue 1 has helped him become one of the world's elite defenders.
“William's development is absolutely top-notch," said Pires. "I am particularly impressed by his positioning. He hardly ever makes bad passes and never makes unnecessary fouls, which is a top quality. He has become incredibly consistent and fast. He is currently one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League."
Arsenal are two points off Manchester City with three games gone, but have seen in recent seasons how relentless the champions can be in pursuit of the title. It means they can ill-afford to be playing catch up with Pep Guardiola's men, placing more onus on Sunday's clash.
Kai Havertz may have to shift role with Martin Odegaard, who picked up an injury whilst on international duty, absent. The German could drop into a midfield position having been deployed as a false nine for months, but Pires admits he can't be expected to be the team's main poacher.
He said: “Kai is not a classic number nine, but rather a false nine who, with his back to the opponent’s goal, creates a lot of space for his teammates with his great technique. You can't expect him to be the top scorer, that's clear. But he fits perfectly into Arteta's system."
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