Mikel Arteta will be keeping a close eye on his players as they return to action around the world for their national sides.
Spain’s media were impressed with Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino after the midfield duo produced a goal and assist between them in a 3-0 victory over Bulgaria.
Martin Odegaard played 45 minutes for Norway as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury, whilst Leandro Trossard also made a substitute appearance for Belgium in their 6-0 romp.
Arteta has time to mull over the recent defeat at Anfield and how best to move his side forward in their quest for a trophy this season. Pundit Adrian Clarke is still in shock over one of his decisions at Liverpool.
Adrian Clarke ‘shocked’ that Mikel Arteta brought on Max Dowman v Liverpool
Speaking on the latest episode of ‘Inside Gooners’, former Arsenal star Clarke has revealed that he was ‘shocked’ to see Max Dowman brought on for Noni Madueke in the clash with Liverpool.
Wayne Rooney is concerned by Arsenal in the fact that they turned to the 15-year-old in a moment of need rather than a more experienced player like Trossard and Clarke was also taken aback.
Clarke stated: “I thought Madueke was great, I mean if we’re talking about positives, his ball-carrying was so confident wasn’t it.
“Were you surprised that he got taken off because I didn’t feel he really needed to be changed and it was a shock to see Max Dowman come on for him.”
The Hale End star looked bright when he came on to the pitch and playing in front of such a raucous crowd at Anfield would have been a great experience for him.
However, after such a conservative team selection, Arteta’s decision to bring on Dowman with his side needing an equaliser certainly raised a few eyebrows.
Mikel Arteta can show bravery with Nottingham Forest selection
With Bukayo Saka expected to be absent for the majority of September, Arteta now has the opportunity to defy his critics and show some bravery with his next team selection.
Arsenal fans will be desperate to see Eberechi Eze from the start and using him on the left flank would mean he could continue his flourishing partnership with Odegaard.
Kevin Nolan was impressed with Odegaard and Eze when they came on against Liverpool and the duo are already showing signs of having a good understanding of each other’s game.
That will be music to the ears of striker Viktor Gyokeres, who cut a lonely figure in the recent defeat, feeding off scraps up against two experienced centre-backs.
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