Arsenal Mikel Arteta and Declan Rice
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has explained why he benched midfielder Declan Rice during his side’s Premier League 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Arteta opted to start Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, and Martín Zubimendi in Arsenal’s midfield ahead of Declan Rice.
Speaking in his post-match interview after the win, Mikel Arteta explained that his decision to bench Rice was based on utilising the best possible lineup to gain an advantage.
READ MORE: Martin Keown’s ‘weird’ exchange with Noni Madueke after Nottingham Forest win
“Mikel [Merino] comes back after scoring four goals in two games with a really high emotional state and I want to use that when a player is in that moment,” Arteta said .
“I want to play him because he is going to bring something different with the qualities that they have and Declan comes in and it will have an impact immediately or he will play the next game. That is what we need to try to manage the best possible way.” He continued.
Rice was reportedly fit to play, but Arteta chose to prioritise Merino’s momentum after scoring four goals in two games.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
This decision paid off, as Zubimendi scored a brace and Viktor Gyokeres added another goal to secure a convincing 3-0 win for Arsenal
Arsenal - Declan Rice
Declan Rice (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arsenal’s next match is against Athletic Club in the Champions League on Tuesday and Declan Rice may have his own chance to impress for the Gunners as Arsenal will hope to challenge again for the Champions League after narrowly missing out last season.
Arsenal captain Martin Ordegaard was also forced off the match with a worrying shoulder injury, freeing up more space in the Arsenal midfield. Declan Rice has the qualities to move upfront to fill in his boots.
NEXT ARTICLE: Arsenal new signings impress in convincing win over Nottingham Forest