Mikel Arteta has made it simpler than many expected to guess his teams at the start of this season, despite the mega recruitment drive adding so much depth to the group. The win in the UEFA Champions League over Athletic Club was a great moment, however, for the old guard.
Substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard came off the bench to secure the win in the Basque Country, to the delight of the travelling supporters and, of course, Arteta. He has spoken of the idea of “finishers” rather than substitutes many times, and it was these impact-focused stars who made the difference.
However, with Manchester City visiting, Martinelli's contribution could change the Spaniard’s mind regarding his team this weekend. Arteta’s keenness to build on a player’s emotion and form, as he mentioned regarding Mikel Merino last weekend, could see the Brazilian winger come in for the clash with Pep Guardiola.
Martinelli has already had a winning hand in a home win over the Citizens. Scoring the only goal in the 86th minute looked for a moment like it might give Arteta’s side the edge in the title race.
Another victory at home for the third season running would be yet another statement for Arsenal and the 5-1 win last season certainly did that. Although the club couldn’t sadly follow it up with a title success.
The start of Martinelli would see Eberechi Eze make way from the left, but not necessarily out of the team. Martin Odegaard’s injury means that Eze could instead move centrally, and it would be a switch welcomed by supporters.
Mikel Merino would then move out of the eleven after plenty of scrutiny surrounding his selection following the disappointment at Anfield. Elsewhere, William Saliba returned to the squad but was an unused substitute in Spain.
Therefore, he could return to the group in place of Cristhian Mosquera. Despite the Spaniard impressing greatly in Saliba’s stead, the Frenchman has a great record against Erling Haaland and will want to maintain it.
Just the two changes required with the midweek League Cup clash with Port Vale to come.
Changed Arsenal XI vs Manchester City – Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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