As Arsenal prepares for a massive loss to Manchester City. When it comes to team selection, manager Mikel Arteta has some difficult choices. This pressure cooker match-up offers an opportunity for Arteta’s young team to showcase their mettle. Against perhaps their toughest opponent, they now have the ability to show off their skills. This is the game that may be most crucial in dictating the outcome of their season. They want to prove that they belong among the best of the best in the Premier League.
Arteta has been quick to emphasize the importance of grand occasions. He views them as an “opportunity” for his team to test their mettle and skill. Yet the manager finds himself with difficult decisions to make when it comes to his midfield and wide areas, especially after a spate of underwhelming displays. For context, in their last away match Arsenal mustered a paltry one shot on target en route to a frustrating 1-0 loss to Newcastle. Subsequently, they had nine attempts in a much more encouraging 1-1 stalemate with Brighton. This performance really highlights the things that Arteta now must address to make sure we’re not this inconsistent.
The passion and emotion from Arsenal’s recent friendly against Athletic Club demonstrated the uphill climb awaiting his squad. For his part, Arteta called this an old-fashioned game, filled with direct players and challenge upon challenge. He made a point of his team being in peak physical condition and tactically ready. Though they prepare for the very biggest, in Manchester City he admits that the margins at the elite level are razor thin.
Arteta’s selection headaches focus on these key four players. Gabriel Martinelli and debutant Leandro Trossard made telling contributions when introduced from the bench during the win in Bilbao. Their performances create debates among fans and pundits alike on if they should be starting against City or being kept as dynamic super-subs.
It’s a gamble that pays off if manager Gareth Southgate has the likes of Mikel Merino and Declan Rice as his midfield options. Third, he appreciates their capacity to succeed in one-on-one battles, decisive in tight contests. Now, Ethan Nwaneri has developed into the most likely candidate. He stepped up excellently in Martin Ødegaard’s absence during the national breaks matches against Leeds and Forest.
Cristhian Mosquera has been another bright spot for Arteta, having settled seamlessly into the defense since taking over for the injured William Saliba. After such performances, of course Arteta will be eyeing up his options. He’ll likely choose between Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly to start in that one.
The decision surrounding Eze’s potential role as a No. 10 adds another layer to Arteta’s selection conundrum. Bukayo Saka’s availability will have a huge influence on this decision. His return would be a massive boost to Arsenal’s attacking variety and all-round balance.
Arteta has reiterated the significance of substitutes, stating that players like Martinelli and Trossard are “at least equally important, or more important,” than starters. And he has faith in the strength of his squad. Every minute fresh legs can turn the tide in the toughest moments of a match.
Mikel Arteta is well aware that the stakes are higher than ever. He needs to be shrewd in order to maximise his side’s chances of toppling the Premier League behemoth that is Manchester City. Yet he still takes his time assessing his decisions. The result of this fixture is likely to go a long way in determining how Arsenal’s season plays out.
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