Mikel Arteta has said Arsenal will have ‘a plan’ to disrupt the influence of Cole Palmer at Chelsea this weekend.
Palmer has emerged as one of the Premier League’s top talents at Chelsea and was named PFA Young Player of the Year in his debut campaign with the Blues.
The 22-year-old has started the new season in fine form, with seven goals and five assists in 10 league appearances.
Such is his influence, Palmer is the current favourite to win the PFA Player of the Year this season. Arteta is well aware of the threat the midfielder poses his side and said Arsenal have a plan in place to stop Palmer at Stamford Bridge.
“That’s a question that all the managers in the league have had and he’s still managed to impact games. We will have a plan for Cole and all their threats, and to exploit their weaknesses,” the Spaniard said at his pre-match press conference.
Arteta discusses Odegaard Arsenal return
Arsenal’s own chief creator returned to action in midweek as Martin Odegaard appeared from the bench at Inter Milan.
The Norwegian had not featured since before September’s international break and makes a timely return to the Arsenal side. Arteta is delighted to welcome the Arsenal captain back into his plans.
“It’s about the collective and everybody taking ownership. Certainly having a player like Martin helps because he has shown what an impact he has over the last four, five years.
“He’s always very close and active with the team. He knows his role and responsibility. It is different but the team had no issues at all.”
