"That’s the difference" - Lukas Podolski highlights where Inter Milan are better than Arsenal ahead of the UEFA Champions League showdown
Former Arsenal star Lukas Podolski has pointed out a key difference between the Gunners and Inter Milan ahead of their UEFA Champions League meeting in midweek. The north Londoners travel to the San Siro on Wednesday (November 6) in what will be their fourth fixture in European competition this season.
While presenting his views on this fixture to Gazzetta dello Sport, Podolski highlighted the lack of an out-and-out number nine at the Emirates. Currently, German attacker Kai Havertz leads the line, while Marcus Thuram plays in this position for Inter Milan.
Speaking about this, Podolski said (via SportWitness):
“I say Thuram. Arsenal don’t have a striker like that. There’s Havertz, that’s true, but he’s not a number 9. That’s the difference.”
Despite the former Germany international's reservations, some would say that Havertz has done well in this role. He's made 15 appearances across competitions this campaign and has found the net on seven occasions.
When asked to pick a team based on their style of play between the two, Podolski said:
“It’s hard to say. Inter… is Inter. Inzaghi’s philosophy is known to everyone, but if I have to choose a style that bewitches me, I’d go for Arteta’s. I love what he manages to convey when the Gunners play football.”
Arsenal have had a tough time of late and are winless in their last three Premier League fixtures. However, the Gunners have won two and drawn one in their three UEFA Champions League ties so far.
This sees Mikel Arteta's side sit ninth in the standings, level on points with seventh-placed Inter.
Arsenal handed major injury boost ahead of UEFA Champions League match v Inter Milan - Reports
Arsenal have reportedly been handed a major boost, with Martin Odegaard returning to training ahead of their UEFA Champions League match with Inter Milan. This is according to the Independent, who say that key player Declan Rice wasn't present in these sessions.
The Gunners midfielder had been absent after picking up an ankle injury while on international duty in early September. During these months, Mikel Arteta missed a creative spark in the final third, with the Spanish tactician not having a similar alternative to turn to.
The closest to Odegaard's profile is 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who has never started a Premier League match for Arsenal. This season, the Norway international has made just three appearances across competitions and has yet to register a goal contribution.