As the international break continues, Mikel Arteta has been warned of one developing selection headache at Arsenal.
There isn’t much that the manager would change regarding the Gunners’ start to the season, as Arsenal sit one point off the top of the Premier League table.
Arteta’s squad remain unbeaten in all competitions, showing quality that could translate into another race for the league title.
That being said, Arsenal are just seven games into the league season, with change expected in the coming weeks when it comes to squad selection.
Mikel Arteta has a decision to make at Arsenal with Thomas Partey
It’s been an impressive start for Arsenal, particularly as Arteta is yet to have arguably his strongest favoured XI available concurrently.
Injuries to Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber have disrupted how the boss would want to line his squad up, opening debate over what the Gunners’ best side looks like.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s Inside Gooners podcast, former Spurs forward Darren Bent previewed a looming selection headache Arteta could face after the international break.
“Even though [Thomas] Partey’s been incredible, would you still take him out?” Bent asked the panel.
“Even in this form? I think at the moment the way Partey is playing, I’ve got so much confidence in him.”
The Ghana international’s days were considered to be numbered after Merino was signed in the summer, with the Spaniard’s early injury seeing Thomas Partey’s run in the starting XI continue.
Arteta is now set to have a considerable decision to make, as Bent referenced Partey’s form in Merino’s absence, celebrating the 31-year-old’s recent performances.
Mikel Merino can offer Arsenal a different edge to Partey
While Partey has impressed, Bent’s opinion on the midfielder was questioned by Adrian Clarke, who made a claim for Merino in response.
“I don’t know if Mikel would do that, he would still give Thomas a chance but, I think there’s a slight lack of athleticism compared to 4-5 years ago in his career,” Clarke said.
“He’s making a difference out of possession, he just can’t recover the same way that Merino might be able to.”
The former Real Sociedad midfielder was signed by Arteta and Edu in the summer to bolster Arsenal’s midfield, providing Declan Rice with a long-term partner.
Now, Arteta has a call to make on how he manages his options in midfield, whether that be to replace Partey after the international break, or, ease Merino into the side, handing the Ghanaian a further chance to impress.
Ultimately, it’s a dilemma that the boss will welcome with open arms, having two in form players at his disposal in midfield, something that will only benefit Arsenal.
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