Mikel Arteta explains new-look Arsenal XI vs Everton as Martin Odegaard drops to bench
The Gunners have made five changes to their side.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta says a number of ‘niggles’ led him to naming the new-look starting XI he has selected to take on Everton at Goodison Park this afternoon.
The Gunners face the Toffees in the Premier League, just three days out from the first leg of their all-important Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid at the Emirates.
Europe’s premier competition represents Arsenal’s most realistic shot at silverware this season and it comes as no surprise that Arteta has adopted a cautious approach for today’s lunchtime kick-off.
The north Londoners were dealt a major blow in the week as it was confirmed that Gabriel Magalhaes would miss the remainder of the campaign due to a hamstring injury.
Jakub Kiwior comes in for the Brazilian at the heart of Arteta’s defence, in one of five changes for the visitors, while Ben White returns to the XI to start at right-back on Merseyside.
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Club captain Martin Odegaard has been named among the substitutes and Arteta has instead opted for a midfield combination of Jorginho, Mikel Merino and Declan Rice.
In attack, Raheem Sterling has been given the nod for the first time in five league games. Ethan Nwaneri is expected to start on the right flank with Leandro Trossard given the nod through the middle in the absence of long-term absentees Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
Everton and Arsenal XIs
Everton XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Patterson; Gueye, Iroegbunam; Ndiaye, Doucouré, Harrison; Beto.
Subs: Virgínia, Keane, Young, Coleman, Alcaraz, Garner, McNeil, Chermiti, Broja
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Jorginho, Merino, Rice; Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling
Subs: Neto; Timber; Tierney; Zinchenko; Partey; Gower; Odegaard; Martinelli; Saka
‘There were many other niggles that we had with players that have played a lot of minutes and after the Fulham game we had some issues,’ Arteta told TNT Sports ahead of kick-off.
‘It’s not just the way we start, it’s the way we can finish as well, the way we can change and alter the game, is really important to the context that we face today.
‘We wanted to have the versatility today, especially in relation to how they’re going to behave.’
Asked if Merino could again be used as a false nine, Arteta chucked and replied: ‘Good try! Next question.’
The Spaniard admitted his Arsenal side had lost a ‘leader’ in Gabriel and encouraged those players selected to step up and fill the void.
‘What we are playing for is that important that you just have to move on, you just have to demand that the players step in again and do other jobs,’ he added.
‘Obviously, Gabi has a really important role. Tactically and technically, for sure, but he has a presence, a leadership, a way to command, and it’s something that’s not easy to replace.’
On Arsenal’s limited defensive options, Arteta continued: ‘They all have different qualities so play a game that fits the qualities and hide the weaknesses that we have.
‘Because with Gabi missing we have some others and as usual play to your strengths.’
There will be just three more matches plays at Goodison Park after this afternoon’s clash and Arteta is pleased he could be a part of the history of the stadium during his time at Everton.
‘A lot of history, a lot happened in this stadium for this football club. I was part of that for almost seven years which was a huge privilege,’ he went on.
‘A new era is going to start here and I’m very proud to be here.
‘Like always, the people [make the difference].
‘The people are special fans that feel very attached to the club and they are so passionate.’
