Steve Sidwell reckons Arsenal now actually have too many players in one key area

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Arsenal are preparing for their latest test in the Premier League as they travel to Newcastle United.

Mikel Arteta’s side cannot afford to slip further behind Liverpool at the top of the league with the gap already at five points following the 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

Arsenal have a poor recent record at St James’s Park having lost on their last three visits to the ground but could have captain Martin Odegaard back from injury for the clash.

Injuries are already piling up for the Gunners after news that Noni Madueke faces up to two months out with a knee injury but pundit Steve Sidwell believes that Arteta has an even bigger problem.

READ MORE: Wayne Rooney says Arsenal have an absolute game-changer in their squad

Steve Sidwell thinks Arsenal have ‘too many’ attacking options

Speaking on the latest episode of ‘That Peter Crouch Podcast’ former Arsenal midfielder Sidwell expressed his belief that Arteta may have too many attacking options at his disposal.

Arsenal strengthened their forward line in the summer with the likes of Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres but Sidwell now believes that the Spaniard is struggling to find his best formula to get the Gunners flowing.

Sidwell stated: “Just on Arsenal, just really quickly, attacking options, they’ve got loads. Do you reckon they’ve got too much? Like, they’ve got Madueke, Saka, Eze, Trossard.

“Martinelli, come on, scored. Gyokeres, obviously he’s the focal point at the top, but I just think in it, I think he’s a little… I don’t think Arteta knows he’s all out attacking best line-up.”

Injuries have already proven why the Gunners felt the need to have so many options with Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz missing significant matches during the campaign so far.

It has allowed the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to remind fans that they can still contribute to a winning cause and will play their part in the hunt for a trophy this campaign.

Mikel Arteta must start Eberechi Eze against Newcastle United

Arteta has come in for some criticism for his team selections so far this season, especially against Liverpool and Manchester City.

Fans and pundits have claimed the Arsenal boss was too cautious with a midfield trio that lacked creativity.

Newcastle have a formula for playing against the Gunners and their mid-bloc has proven to be extremely difficult to break down in recent encounters.

Eberechi Eze is exactly the type of player needed to carry the ball through the lines and find those intricate passes to fashion out chances.

With Martinelli’s pace on the left and Saka’s inventiveness on the right, Eze should operate in the number ten position with three points a must against Eddie Howe’s side.