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Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori boost, Martinelli decision - 5 changes Arteta can make vs Fulham

Wednesday night could prove to be something of a turning point for Arsenal's season. As Liverpool faltered at Newcastle, the Gunners came through a tricky test against Manchester United to run out 2-0 winners.

The result allows them to claw two points back on Arne Slot's side at the top of the league, cutting the deficit to seven points. Mikel Arteta isn't getting ahead of himself yet though.

"We want to have the right to win the games," the Spaniard said in his post-match press conference. "If we perform the way we're performing right now, we're going to win a lot of games. But right now is about Fulham.

"We have to go there. We know the experience of last season. We have to prepare really well to earn the right to win there and continue to do that. The rest, we don't know."

With the focus now on Sunday's trip to Craven Cottage, Arteta has a few big decisions in his in-tray. First up is what to do about his back line.

William Saliba was the standout performer against Manchester United, but Arteta singled out squad players Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko for praise after the game. "Big credit to Jakub and Alex," he said.

"It's the first start for Jakub after a long time. You have to be strong against this kind of opposition and front players. The same as Alex and they did magnificently well. Great. We trust them. They prepared so well, they had the opportunity, they grabbed it with both hands, so happy for the team."

It's quite possible that neither will start at the weekend though. Arteta was positive on the chances of Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori returning to the side.

"Gabi was a big risk to play today because he felt something against West Ham," he said. "Sunday he's going to be a possibility. With Ricci as well, let's see how we reacts."

It would not be too much of a surprise to see the pair return. With a huge game against Monaco coming up in the Champions League though, Arteta may be tempted to stick with the duo who did so well on Wednesday.

An alternative could be to drop Thomas Partey in to right-back and have Jurrien Timber switch over to left-back if Zinchenko isn't trusted against the pace of Adama Traore. That would see one of Mikel Merino or Jorginho come in to the midfield with Declan Rice capable of playing both as a six or an eight.

Don't be too surprised if we see a change on the left wing again too. On the tight Craven Cottage pitch Leandro Trossard may be better suited than Gabriel Martinelli who was underwhelming on Wednesday night. Raheem Sterling is also an option here.

Finally there is a decision to be made up top where Gabriel Jesus will be hoping for some minutes. Kai Havertz has been good recently, but with so many games coming up in a short space of time Arteta may want to rotate.

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