Arsenal take on Newcastle United in today’s Premier League game at St James’ Park.
The Gunners have a brilliant opportunity to reduce the five-point deficit to leaders Liverpool following the Reds’ 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace yesterday.
Mikel Arteta’s side have a poor record against the Magpies on the road with just one win in the last five meetings, but they need to capitalise this evening.
Ahead of the game, we believe the manager must release the handbrake after cautious first halves against Manchester City and Liverpool this season.
Arteta has started with three defensive midfielders in Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino in both of those games – a decision which has backfired.
Martin Odegaard was unavailable for selection in both due to shoulder injuries, but it made sense to replace him with a creative midfielder over Merino.
Arteta obviously likes the physical presence and duel-winning skills of Merino, but the Spaniard has been slow with his decision-making on the ball.
Against Manchester City last weekend, he almost gifted a second goal during the opening half with a needless attempt to dribble past three players.
There has been much talk about Arteta’s handbrake approach in the big games. It is time for him to be proactive by dropping Merino from the XI.
Eberechi Eze, valued at £48 million by Transfermarkt, should feature as the creative playmaker as Odegaard may not be fit to start today’s game.
The club captain has been sidelined for the past three encounters with a shoulder issue, and he could be introduced off the bench against the Magpies.
Similarly, we would prefer Gabriel Martinelli over Leandro Trossard on the left wing, given that he has the counter-attacking pace which the latter lacks.
The £48 million-rated star has been in superb form with late goals coming off the bench against Athletic Club and Manchester City in the Champions League and Premier League respectively.
Martinelli can also operate centrally when required. With Eze’s quality long balls, the Brazilian has the chance to make runs behind the Magpies’ backline.
Arsenal must capitalise on Liverpool’s surprise loss at Selhurst Park. A win against the Magpies would put the Gunners just two points behind Arne Slot’s side.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
