Arsenal fans have taken aim at Mikel Arteta’s tactics in the wake of the Gunners’ 1-1 draw with Fulham.
Whilst Arsenal were dominant for the majority of their visit to Craven Cottage, they lacked cutting edge in the final third and struggled to carve out opportunities in the final third.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are world class talents, but Mikel Arteta needs more from the rest of his attacking contingent.
Arsenal fans were furious with Gabriel Martinelli after his display in West London, whilst Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus all also underperformed.
Meanwhile, Declan Rice has also struggled to provide end product from open play this season, despite playing in a more advanced No. 8 role, alongside Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal need Declan Rice change
Rice has been hailed for his set-piece deliveries, but he is yet to get on the scoresheet himself in the Premier League this season.
The 25-year-old made some vital goalscoring contributions last season, but the fact remains that his greatest skillset is not put to its most efficient use in the final third.
Arteta encouraged Rice be more attacking as soon as he arrived at the Emirates Stadium, and pushed him further up the pitch. But the England international made his name at West Ham United in a more defensive role, and established himself as one of the best No. 6s in the Premier League.
Mikel Merino was fit enough to make an appearance from the bench against Fulham, and if the Spaniard is restored to the starting XI then Rice could be shifted into a deeper role, with Thomas Partey making way.
A clear message is sent to Mikel Arteta
Arsenal fans on X now want to see Rice restored to the base of the midfield trio and are urging Arteta to make the change.
One said: “It doesn’t help that a world class DM is being used as if he were Jamal Musiala.”
Another claimed: “Declan Rice was signed for 105m playing in the 6 for West Ham & England. So why are we trying to turn him into a Fabregas or a Gerrard..? Please someone explain this to me.? Were Carrick, Alonso and Mascherano all signed and then asked to play in the attacking 8? Not good.”
One Arsenal fan stated: “Rice being used as #8 is very annoying. Play him as -#6 and get somebody else at 8.”
Another added: “Declan Rice, amazing player. Was he the wrong signing though. We thought we were getting the best ball-winning 6 in the world and he might get better at controlling the game. He hasn’t though. So now he’s an 8, but he lacks to guile to support Odegaard in creating. What is he?”
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