Mikel Arteta can now use ‘unstoppable’ Arsenal star in his best position as update emerges
Mikel Arteta’s squad depth is about to come into action against Manchester City when one star can make a claim to play in his best position.
Arteta signed eight new players during the summer after injuries hurt their title chances last season, where they eventually ended up 10 points behind Champions Liverpool.
Arsenal defeated Nottingham Forest 3-0 last time out in the Premier League to keep within three points off leaders Liverpool.
The Gunners are looking to topple the Reds and win a first Premier League crown in over 20 years, which Arteta is under increasing pressure to achieve.
Eberechi Eze should play number 10 for Arsenal against Man City
Martin Odegaard is likely to miss Arsenal’s match with Man City next with a shoulder problem, meaning Eberechi Eze should be given the chance to start in the number 10 role.
Eze was forced to play on the left flank against Nottingham Forest and Athletic Bilbao, and despite an assist in the first match the 27-year-old was largely ineffective.
Arteta has already been warned about playing Eze out wide, with it clear the Englishman is more impact as a number 10.
Meanwhile, after Gabriel Martinelli made an instant impact against Athletic Bilbao, surely he’s in with a chance at starting on the left wing.
Eze’s creativity and ability to score goals is diminished in a wide area, and under Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, the forward was largely used in central areas behind the striker.
| Stats/Position | Attacking Midfield | Left Winger |
| Appearances | 144 | 53 |
| Goals | 35 | 10 |
| Assists | 21 | 8 |
With Odegaard out, Arteta needs a technically gifted player against Man City to be able to keep possession, and the ‘unstoppable’ Eze can replace the qualities the Norwegian brings to the side.
Who does Mikel Arteta drop from Arsenal’s midfield?
Against Athletic Bilbao, Arteta started with a midfield three of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino.
Rice is a pivotal box-to-box player for Arsenal and Zubimendi shone in the win over Nottingham Forest.
Merino should be pulled from that midfield trio, as Arteta needs to be brave to beat Man City rather than thinking defensive minded with another ball winning player.
William Saliba is likely to return to the back four over Cristian Mosquera, but the 21-year-old has been a rock alongside Gabriel at the back in the Frenchman’s absence.
There is perhaps a suggestion that Saliba should not be rushed back into the team when Mosquera has also built a dominant partnership with Gabriel.
Arteta’s crucial team selection will under scrutiny and Eze has to start in the number 10 role if Arsenal are going to cause Man City problems in midfield.