Good morning, everyone!

Last night, Liverpool managed to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League standings with a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. However, the situation presents an opportunity for us to reduce the gap on Saturday if we secure a victory against West Ham. Achieving this goal hinges on our performance, as nothing is set in stone in football. Nonetheless, the opportunity has opened up just a fraction wider, which we must capitalize on.

Some fans expressed disappointment that Villa couldn’t claim all three points, but for me, a draw serves its purpose well. Reflecting on the 2007-08 season, we held a five-point advantage over Manchester United with just twelve matches remaining. Without wanting to stir up old memories, that infamous 2-2 draw with Birmingham City, followed by three consecutive draws, allowed United to surpass us and establish a three-point lead with only eight games left.

While the context of that season differs greatly from now, it’s essential to recognize the psychological impact it had on the team. The traumatic injury to Eduardo and the last-minute penalty that slipped away weighed heavily on the squad’s morale. Moreover, witnessing our captain on the pitch, seemingly devoid of leadership, likely contributed to the negative momentum that followed. The crux of the matter is that draws at this pivotal juncture can be detrimental. Ideally, while it would be advantageous for our rivals to drop points, our focus must remain on winning, making draws somewhat beneficial in the context of the title race.

This Sunday, Liverpool will face Manchester City, and by then, we could potentially narrow the gap to just five points with twelve matches remaining. A victory in our Saturday match at 3 PM would not only boost our confidence but also apply additional pressure on our competitors. However, our challenges extend beyond merely winning the match. We are currently missing crucial players from our attacking lineup, and last Saturday’s match against Leicester required a remarkable intervention from Mikel Merino. I’m certain Mikel Arteta is strategizing to find the optimal starting XI that can secure three valuable points against the Hammers. Despite the obstacles, there is a flicker of hope, which is certainly encouraging.

In other news, Arsenal has officially announced that Takehiro Tomiyasu has undergone surgery and provided a timeline for his recovery. The club stated:

Despite an initial surgical procedure in August, followed by a return to full training and appearing as a substitute in our Premier League match against Southampton in October, Tomi continued to experience problems with his knee, necessitating another corrective surgical procedure.

Tomi will now embark on his recovery and rehabilitation program, which is anticipated to conclude by the end of this year.

Last week, I shared more in-depth insights about Tomiyasu, but now that we’re in February, the prospect of him returning by the end of the year seems quite distant. It’s genuinely unfortunate for the player, and it’s crucial to approach this situation with empathy. While he is indeed well-compensated and has access to exceptional medical care, the human aspect of this ordeal cannot be overlooked.

This is a significant concern for Tomiyasu. Unlike an ACL injury, this issue has persisted for some time, with attempts to manage it without surgery ultimately leading to the necessity for another operation. Descriptions of his condition as complicated or complex underscore the seriousness of the situation. Given the duration of his absence and the various measures taken to rectify it, it’s evident that this injury poses a serious threat to his career trajectory.

It’s easy to read between the lines and understand that this injury could have lasting implications for his professional future. By the time his rehabilitation concludes, he will have only six months remaining on his Arsenal contract, although there is an option for an additional year. Whether that option will be exercised remains unclear and will depend on the success of the surgery. There are no guarantees that everything will proceed as planned, so it’s conceivable that Tomiyasu’s time at Arsenal could be drawing to a close.

He may return by the end of 2025, potentially go on loan to gain more playing time, and face a situation in the summer where Arsenal decides not to extend his contract. This scenario warrants more understanding and compassion for the player rather than criticism simply because he continues to receive his wages while injured—something any contracted employee is entitled to. I understand that the most extreme opinions online don’t reflect the views of the majority, but they still frustrate me because Tomiyasu is a dedicated professional, and none of this predicament is his fault.

Let’s not dwell on his salary; Arsenal is financially stable, as evidenced by the latest financial reports. While we can discuss his role in the squad and necessary adjustments, let’s avoid treating him like a broken asset devoid of value. Many of us have likely been guilty of such perspectives at some point. I recognize the frustration with players who could significantly impact the team but are unable to play. A slight shift in how we discuss these matters would be a welcome change.

For now, I’ll wrap things up. Stay tuned for an upcoming Arsecast later today, and in the meantime, enjoy your Thursday!