Mikel Arteta slammed by Arsenal idol as ‘big’ Granit Xhaka problem addressed
Kevin Campbell has pointed the finger at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after Saturday’s loss to Brighton.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Gunners and Everton striker said the 40-year-old is being “rightly criticised” for his decision to play Granit Xhaka at left-back.
Arteta dropped Nuno Tavares for the visit of the Seagulls as Arsenal lost 2-1 on Saturday.
Xhaka moved to left-back with Albert Sambi Lokonga coming into midfield at the Emirates.
As quoted by Football.London (9 April), Arteta justified his decision and suggested hindsight is a wonderful thing.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his assessment of the team selection, Campbell said: “Arteta is getting criticised and rightly so.
“That one is on the manager.
“If Partey is not there you need Granit Xhaka on the pitch. Coming from me, that is saying something.
“Xhaka has been a constant in midfield along with Partey. So to take him out of there to play left-back weakens us. That is what the big issue is.
“The centre of the pitch is the engine room. Xhaka is not the best player but he can do a job in there. He is also experienced so he could help Sambi Lokonga. Sambi looked like he was on his own in there. It was not right.
“The team didn’t perform. It is simple.
“But the manager rightly comes under criticism because he moved our second best midfielder to left-back when he really should have been in the middle of the pitch.”
In other news, a medical expert has named the exact date Thomas Partey may return amid season-ending fear.