Time: 1945GMT/1445 EST/2:45 PM for those who aren't good at math Place: Emirates Stadium TV: ESPN+ Somehow Sunderland are in League One. Only other thing to be said for this is that Saka, ESR, Partey, Odegaard, Martinelli, Tomiyasu, and Tierney better not be in the stadium for this one. Might as well play Balogun, Eddie, Pepe, AMN, etc.
Balogun/Patino are in training pics and pipped to start/play. Gotta bring on as many kids as possible. Because of fixture pile-up, belief, development, and… Sunderland. If we err too young and we go out, so be it. But I’d back ‘em.
Sambi and Mari both out with covid. I think we might see ESR at 10 instead of Patino. He hasn't started since United, get him 60 minutes to build up his fitness for a start on Boxing Day. I could also see either Xhaka or Partey in place of AMN. Partey played in a League Cup match earlier this season, Arteta may think they need to play to work thru any rust rather than needing a rest. And AMN didn't make the bench against Leeds, I wonder if he is off in January.
I don't think Patino is actually a 10. Think he is more of a DLP or B2B. There are rumors that AMN is pushing for an exit again after getting so few minutes. Frankly I dont blame him. Thought he looked good in each of his few appearances this season. If Xhaka or Partey start this one and the rumors of AMN looking to leave are true, I could see Patino getting a start next to one of the vets.
No starters thanks. Play the kids, play the backups. Nothing else. Maybe get Pepe a few goals so his value goes up before we sell him. Play Nketiah in this game because it doesn't matter.
This is the first of 4 games in 11 days, Xhaka, Partey, and ESR should not be involved. Re AMN, even if he wants to leave in January he should play to put him in the shop window. However, if AFCON goes forward, a January exit for AMN would leave Arsenal incredible short in the midfield, especially with Lokonga currently out with covid.
I would too tbh, fool me thrice! He literally had a Man of the Match appearance against Wolves, 2 key passes (1 ruled out for offside), 5 tackles, no fouls, and 83% pass completion on 35 passes. Xhaka against Leeds which is arguably his peak level of performance was: 2 key passes, 5 tackles, 1 yellow card, should have 1 Red card, 90% pass completion on 50 passes. If Arteta doesn't think AMN has that in his locker against frankly a disaster of a Leeds side, let him go no need to be a dick about it.
What I was thinking, as well, upon seeing the lineup. Just hoping everyone stays healthy and that we don't wear down the regular starters.
Wow, so much for kids. Only Balogun makes it from the reserves to the XI tonight. Proving yet again about Arteta... whatever. COYG!!!!
Aha, I think I just figured out why Holding has been absent. Looks like he's been recovering from a hair transplant.
Yep. Looks like... ----------------- Eddie ---------------- Balogun ----------------------- Pepe ------- ESR --------------- MO -------- ---------------- El Neny ---------------- Nuno - Holding - White - Cedric
Players who consistently score those types of goals, like Nketiah, aren't lucky/flukey. Repeatability of positioning in the six yard box, following up on rebounds, etc. is a legitimate skill.— Carl Carpenter (@CarlonCarpenter) December 21, 2021