Arsenal has been playing really well this season and manager Mikel Arteta gets the credit for it. They have been performing on top of their game right from the start of the campaign. Though there have been some ups and downs, things are still quite good for them. The season has been a shock to many Pundits that did not think that the Gunners could be this good.
Keeping that in mind, the tough task of being consistent is right in front of them now. They need to ensure that they do not drop off. This comes down to Mikel Arteta and his squad rotation policies. He needs to make the best use of the squad that he has. And get the right results.
The referees and VAR have not helped Mikel Arteta and his side in recent times. And that was once again the case against Brentford. However, the PGMOL is looking into the matter, though nothing more than an APOLOGY can be expected.
With that being said, it is time for the big test. A game that could have serious implications in the title race. Arsenal face Manchester City at the Emirates next, with the Cityzens beating Aston Villa 3-1 at the Etihad.
Here are three things that Mikel Arteta needs to implement and fast if he wants to beat Manchester City at home next-
Revamp the left-side of the team apart from Zinchenko; Xhaka and Martinelli are out-of-form!!
Without a doubt, at present, the left side of the team is the weak-link. There needs to be either a major overhaul or proper fortification there. Zinchenko was our PLAYER OF THE MONTH for January. So, he is the one that needs to be playing for now. There is no doubt that he brings more quality to the team.
However, both Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Martinelli are out of form, at present. Though the energy portrayed by Martinelli can’t be matched by many stars in the team, Xhaka is looking very tired right now. The Swiss international can’t replicate the form that he showcased at the start of the campaign any more. That is why, the team’s attacking flow is being hampered. This makes the attacks and counter-attacks very slow.
Kieran Tierney is a good option to start. The Scottish international would be all-fired up and ready to go. He can either play as an LB and Zinchenko can be pushed ahead. Or Tierney can play in midfield and focus on keeping Kevin de Bruyne quiet and getting assists if not more. Tierney has a great left and right foot and can hit them really well, as all Gooners would remember.
To add to that, Martinelli’s decision making has now gone for a toss. His goal-scoring form was already not the best this season. Despite that, he was contributing to his personal G/A before the World Cup. But, since the conclusion of the tournament and Brazil’s exit, the forward has not been the same. It’s high time Mikel Arteta gives him some rest and uses the other options that he has.
Trossard has to be in the Arsenal lineup for sure
Talking about the alternatives to Martinelli, it is high time Leandro Trossard gets his opportunities. The attacker was brought on as a substitute in the game against Brentford. Four minutes after replacing Martinelli, he scored Arsenal’s only goal of the game. This is a clear indication that the Gunners need him on the pitch, as they are struggling to score goals.
Whether he replaces Martinelli on the left-wing or Eddie Nketiah up-top, that is a decision that manager Mikel Arteta can make. However, in recent times, Nketiah has been getting some crucial goals to his game. This might persuade the Spaniard on bench the Brazilian, rather than his current first-choice striker.
Mikel Arteta needs Tomiyasu to replace a tired and lacklustre Ben White
There is no doubt in most Arsenal fans’ minds that there is something wrong with Ben White. The centre-back turned right-back was totally a different player prior to the World Cup in Qatar. He returned prematurely from that campaign, due to certain personal reasons that were not disclosed to the fans.
Keeping that in mind, there is still something really wrong with Benjamin White. Ideally, Mikel Arteta and co. would be aware about the issue and we hope it can be resolved soon. However, for now, there is a really good option on the bench, one that has been performing way-better in recent times.
The player is Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu, who was a first-choice right-back till last season. However, he has not been utilized much this season. Further, he was out for some time with an injury. But he made a strong return. This is why fans are confused as to why he isn’t playing right now.
Ideally, Mikel Arteta can get the right combination, as the game against Manchester City at the Emirates is a do-or-die game. That is if Arsenal still want to stay in the title race. It will be interesting to see the lineup that the manger puts out for this fixture. Let’s wait and watch!!
