Arsenal face Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth away from home today in Mikel Arteta’s first game in charge of the club.
Arteta has named his maiden starting XI for the trip, with Sokratis, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette all coming into the team.
Twitter: 🚨 Three changes for @m8arteta’s first game in charge…
⬅️ Chambers, Smith Rowe, Martinelli
➡️ Sokratis, Ozil, Lacazette#BOUARS (@Arsenal)
Why?
Twitter: @Arsenal @m8arteta Why Pepe is on the beach again (@nelsono777)
Announce it…
Twitter: Announce defeat @Arsenal. (@Guendouzx)
Where?
Twitter: @Arsenal @m8arteta Where’s Martinelli? (@Kenboychild)
Bottled…
Twitter: @Arsenal @m8arteta Bottled the lineup but I’ll back arteta still (@4BAMEY4NG)
No Martinelli?
Twitter: @Arsenal @m8arteta Pepe on the bench and no Martinelli? Need the 3 points today #COYG (@xWhispy)
Wasted…
Twitter: @Arsenal @m8arteta Saka is wasted as a LB (@MOLEJAN)
READ ARSENAL VERDICT
It makes sense that Arteta wanted to freshen things up and make some changes to the side for his first game. He has brought three experienced members of the squad back into the fold, taking three of the younger players in the team out. Arteta is looking to get the job done, pick up the three points, and return to North London unscathed.
It is a sensible decision from the Spaniard, although he now needs his players to step up and show their experience. The likes of Ozil, Aubameyang, Leno, Sokratis – they all need to prove their worth.
