A last minute winner from Neal Maupay at the weekend piled more misery on Arsenal. With two losses from both of their games since the Premier League returned, the side’s hopes of a Champions League place are very slim.
Up next is Southampton, who looked very good as they beat Norwich 3-0 last Friday. This will worry Arsenal, but the game at St. Mary’s stadium is a must win for Mikel Arteta if he wants to still battle for a Europa League place, let alone a Champions League one.
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Here is the Transfer Tavern predicted Arsenal starting XI, which sees Mikel Arteta make three changes for the fixture.
With Bernd Leno stretchered off in the first half against Brighton, it looks like Emiliano Martinez, who has played 26 senior games in his ten years since he has been at the club, will be filling in between the sticks for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, Saed Kolasinac and Hector Bellerin produced poor performances at the AMEX, highlighted by the fact SofaScore gave them the two worst ratings out of the Arsenal outfield players who started, (6.6 and 6.7). Kieran Tierney, who had a decent game against Manchester City and Ainsley Maitland-Niles could come in to replace them.
Granit Xhaka still looks to be injured as well so there will likely be no change in the central midfield positions, whilst Bukayo Saka was one of the best Gunners players on the pitch in a centre attacking role, and he looks like he will still play in this spot as Arteta does not favour Mesut Ozil.
Nicolas Pepe scored a great goal, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette showed glimpses of hope. With Arteta desperately needing a win, it will be likely he picks this same attacking trio over youth.
Gunners fans, what are your thoughts on this team? Comment below!
