Arsenal’s Defensive Conundrum: How Arteta Can Compensate for Saliba’s Absence Against Liverpool

William Saliba’s towering presence has become synonymous with stability in Arsenal’s backline. Mikel Arteta’s reliance on Saliba, who is indisputably one of the most impactful defenders in the Premier League, has shaped the Gunners’ defence into a formidable unit. Yet, when Saliba is unavailable, the gap he leaves is evident and difficult to fill. With the defender sidelined for the upcoming clash against Liverpool, Arteta faces an uphill task.

In Sam Dean’s article in The Telegraph, he underscores the Saliba-sized void in Arsenal’s defence, which, based on statistics, translates to a tangible drop in Arsenal’s performance without him. While Arteta is equipped with multiple options to counter this, each comes with unique risks and potential repercussions. Let’s dive into these options and assess what each might mean for Arsenal’s upcoming challenge.

Timber’s Return: A Slim Hope?

In a world where all players are fit, Jurrien Timber would be the natural replacement for Saliba. A summer signing from Ajax, Timber brings versatility and experience, capable of slotting in as either a centre-back or right-back. His presence would allow Ben White to move centrally, preserving some of the team’s defensive shape and balance. However, Timber is not yet match-ready, having been sidelined by a muscular injury sustained during a Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month. If Timber does not recover in time, Arteta will need to consider one of his more makeshift options.

Risking Zinchenko Against Salah

One potential solution lies in Oleksandr Zinchenko, who could be positioned on the left to cover gaps in Arsenal’s backline. However, deploying Zinchenko in such a high-stakes match presents its own set of challenges. Zinchenko’s prior encounters with Liverpool’s star forward Mohamed Salah have often seen the defender outpaced and outmanoeuvred.

Additionally, his injury layoff since August adds to the uncertainty surrounding his performance. Yet Arteta may feel he has little choice but to gamble on Zinchenko, given the injuries affecting his other defensive options. Whether Zinchenko can hold his own against the relentless attacking prowess of Salah will undoubtedly be one of the defining elements of this matchup.

Reshuffling the Backline and Moving White Inside

Another approach Arteta may take is to reshuffle his defensive line, shifting Ben White into the centre-back position alongside Gabriel Magalhães. White has been integral as a right-back, supporting Arsenal’s build-up play and defensive transitions, but he also has experience in the centre. This option, while not ideal, could bring some level of continuity, albeit at the expense of White’s right-flank duties.

In this formation, Thomas Partey may be deployed as a makeshift right-back – a role he filled during the second half against Shakhtar Donetsk earlier this week. This restructuring would allow Arsenal to maintain some of their regular defensive shape, but it also disrupts Partey’s effectiveness in his natural midfield role. Against a Liverpool team known for quick transitions, Arsenal may risk leaving gaps in midfield that could be exploited by the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.

Jakub Kiwior: A Dependable, if Unspectacular, Option

Arteta could also look to Jakub Kiwior, whose strengths lie in his disciplined defensive play. Though Kiwior may lack the dynamism of Saliba, he brings a level-headed approach to the centre-back position. Placing him alongside Gabriel might not deliver the same poise and pace that Saliba offers, but it could provide Arsenal with a solid base, allowing them to focus on minimising risks rather than overextending defensively.

Kiwior’s inclusion would represent a cautious approach, one that places trust in Arsenal’s midfield to manage Liverpool’s advances while the defence holds its ground. However, this option might limit Arsenal’s ability to play with the high defensive line that has been so successful under Arteta. A deeper line could mean ceding possession and control to Liverpool, making this choice more of a compromise than an ideal solution.

The Bold Move: Declan Rice as a Centre-Back

Perhaps the most radical option at Arteta’s disposal would be to position Declan Rice as a centre-back. Rice’s physicality, leadership, and passing abilities could fill part of the void left by Saliba, and he has occasionally played as a central defender in his career. This tactical shift would undoubtedly be risky, considering Rice’s primary influence lies in midfield. Arteta may not be eager to sacrifice his midfield’s stability by repositioning Rice, especially in a game that will require Arsenal to compete with Liverpool’s intense midfield press.

However, as a last resort, moving Rice into a centre-back role might be the best option Arteta has. It could be a defensive strategy designed to limit Liverpool’s ability to penetrate through Arsenal’s defensive lines, giving Arsenal more options to counter Liverpool’s attacking play. Still, pulling Rice out of midfield presents significant risks, especially with Liverpool’s formidable midfield players who thrive on dominating that central space.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

It’s hard not to feel confident about the prospect of facing an Arsenal team weakened by Saliba’s absence. Saliba’s remarkable defensive prowess – showcased by his pace, physicality, and calmness under pressure – has been one of the primary reasons for Arsenal’s recent defensive solidity. His absence presents an undeniable advantage for Liverpool, and the question remains whether Arsenal’s alternative defensive configurations can handle the intense attacking pressure that Liverpool is known for.

Among the options Arteta has, the most interesting (and from a Liverpool fan’s perspective, the most favourable) is the idea of risking Zinchenko against Salah. Zinchenko’s history against Salah has hardly been favourable, and with his lack of recent match fitness, there’s a likelihood he’ll struggle against Salah’s speed and creativity. This matchup could open up opportunities for Salah to exploit Arsenal’s left side, especially with Zinchenko potentially caught off-guard after his injury layoff. In contrast, the more cautious approach of deploying White centrally, or bringing in Kiwior, may offer a more conservative structure that limits Liverpool’s opportunities but does not eliminate them.

This could be the game where Liverpool’s relentless high press overwhelms a makeshift Arsenal backline. With Van Dijk anchoring Liverpool’s defence and the attacking strength of Salah, Díaz, and Núñez ready to seize on any defensive lapses, Anfield Index foresees a challengingday for Arteta. Arsenal will need to produce something exceptional to prevent Liverpool from capitalising on Saliba’s absence and continuing their march at the top of the league.