'Absolute madness', 'Big risk', 'Why?' - Fans rage at one Arsenal selection for Ostersunds clash

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

22 Feb 2018, 1:50 pm

By Richard Parks

Arsenal fans have taken to Twitter to express their concern at the selection of Hector Bellerin for Thursday's Europa League last-32 second leg clash against Ostersunds. The Gunners have a 3-0 lead from the first leg in Sweden last week but Arsene Wenger has opted to field a surprisingly strong side for the second leg fixture at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have made three changes from the first leg, with Rob Holding, Sead Kolasinac and Jack Wilshere taking the places of Shkodran Mustafi, Nacho Monreal and Mesut Ozil, who is ill. That means starts again for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Alex Iwobi, Danny Welbeck and, more surprisingly, Bellerin, who has played 2,880 minutes this season, 256 more than any other Arsenal player. Many Arsenal supporters on social media were critical of the decision to select the Spanish right-back given Sunday's League Cup final against Manchester City and the player's already hectic schedule this season. Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:

I can't believe Bellerin is playing. Surely just play *anyone* there
— Michael Cox (@Zonal_Marking) February 22, 2018

Great, but really should play AMN at RB and Willock in midfield. There's no reason to risk Bellerin, or even just tire him out ahead of a cup final. https://t.co/xbYKxEqYgx
— Gimme the Leut (@LeutrimRexhaj) February 22, 2018

Why are Bellerin and Wilshere playing? We have a final in 3 days against City. This is so needless.
— Tom (@TomL_1904) February 22, 2018

Big risk starting Bellerin given that he is our only recognised right back. Why not start Maitland-Niles or Nelson out on the right. Even revert to a back three with Elneny in that hybrid position between defence and midfield.
— Tad Swar (@tadswar) February 22, 2018

In other Arsenal news,

'RIP Cup dreams' - Gunners fans react after latest club announcement.

Don’t miss out on breaking and exclusive Tottenham news by clicking here for our brilliant 24/7 updates on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Arsenal

Hector Bellerin