Arsenal fans slam Mikel Arteta - Source: Getty/X
Arsenal fans slam Mikel Arteta - Source: Getty/X
Arsenal fans are slamming Mikel Arteta on social media after he picked Kai Havertz in the starting XI. The Gunners face Bayern Munich away from home today in the UEFA Champions League.
David Raya starts in goal as expected, with Ezri Konsa and Gabriel in front of him in the backline. Jurrien Timber is the chosen right-back today, with Riccardo Calafiori at left-back.
Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes anchor the midfield, with Martin Odegaard once again supporting in an attacking role. Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke play on the flanks as expected and will be the threat to the German side.
Kai Havertz is the chosen man to lead the attack over Viktor Gyokeres, and Arsenal fans have not taken the decision well. Many have questioned Mikel Arteta's choice and posted:
Arteta spoke about the game in his pre-match press conference and said:
"Well, I’m really looking forward to the game; this is the stage, this is the kind of team, this is the kind of coach, this is the kind of club, the stadium that you want to be involved in. So we have prepared the game with lots of enthusiasm, and really thrive to come here and win the game tomorrow."
"Yeah, we know the kind of game we’re going to play, I think both teams are very clear on that, and we experienced that at the Emirates, and it’s going to be a very similar one in many moments, especially we have a lot of connections and positiveness in and around the team, so yeah, very excited about it."
Arsenal won 3-1 at home against Bayern Munich last season, but have lost three of their last four visits to Allianz Arena.
Mikel Arteta not focused on Bayern Munich suspension ahead of Arsenal clash
Mikel Arteta spoke about Michael Olise's suspension, saying he was not sure if that would be an advantage for Arsenal. He said that the Bayern Munich squad has enough players to fill the void and said:
"I don’t know [if it is an advantage], I don’t want to say who is the best player in these kind of games. He’s out, but when you look at the squad the starting possible XI that they have, you know, first of all, as a team, how incredibly well coached they are, the mindset that they have, the competition that they have in every action and the individual quality moments that they can create throughout the game when you look at the goals and chances that they generate. So that’s the opposition that you want to be facing and we will be facing tomorrow and we’re just going to confront that and go for it."
Bayern Munich are also without Joshua Kimmich today, following a family tragedy.