Arsenal sports scientists blasted in 'ridiculous' Rice, Havertz Man City update

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Arsenal sports scientists were on the receiving end of a surprise attack from Tim Sherwood during the side’s win over Girona in the Champions League.

The Gunners came from a goal down to beat the Spanish side 2-1 on Wednesday (29 January) and confirm their place in the last 16 of the competition, despite Raheem Sterling’s late penalty miss.

Next up for Mikel Arteta’s side is a clash with Man City at the Emirates on Sunday (2 February), in what is something of a grudge match given recent title races and even Rodri’s injury in the reverse fixture.

Ahead of that match, Arteta had rested some of his key Arsenal players in Europe, although he did bring Declan Rice and Kai Havertz off the bench late on.

Sherwood reacted to the move by taking a dig at some of those behind the scenes with the club.

Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Special, the former Tottenham manager said as the game ended (9:55pm): “Mikel was very, very comfortable. He ended up bringing on Havertz and Rice and Martinelli.

“Just to give them a run-out so they haven’t got to do that ridiculous running on the pitch what them sports scientists make them do after the game.

“So they can all have a day off tomorrow and get ready for the game at the weekend.”

Arsenal staff can feel hard done by over Sherwood criticism

Football Insider Verdict

These comments from Sherwood are something that may raise some eyebrows behind-the-scenes at the Emirates.

The sight of unused substitutes going through the drills on the pitch at the end of the game is far from something that is exclusive to Arsenal.

Indeed it is something that is seen at just about every ground and is no doubt vital in helping to keep players fresh to some extent even if they have not got on the pitch.

That can certainly be important in ensuring they are ready for when they are called upon, which will inevitably happen as injuries and suspensions take effect.

Mikel Arteta has to manage his Arsenal squad (Credit: Imago)

Even so, it may make sense for Arsenal to have got Rice and Havertz on the pitch late on against Girona, since they are key in terms of the options Arteta currently has available to him.

Having got that time out there, it gives them a chance to switch off, reset and turn their focus to a big game with Man City as quickly as possible, which could help come the weekend.

In other news, Arsenal are being tipped to move for a Celtic player in their search for a new signing.

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The post Arsenal sports scientists blasted in 'ridiculous' Rice, Havertz Man City update appeared first on Football Insider.

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