Tim Sherwood suspects Mikel Arteta will regret one thing he did vs Liverpool, ‘in hindsight…’

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Tim Sherwood believes Mikel Arteta will have one big regret from Arsenal’s defeat against Liverpool.

Liverpool ran out 1-0 winners courtesy of a stunning late free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai, who stepped up in the 83rd minute and curled a beautiful effort in off the post and beyond David Raya.

Arteta’s side were competitive throughout, but lacked the offensive thrust to cause the Merseysiders any real issues.

Gary Neville criticised Arsenal’s approach, claiming Arteta’s team selection and tactics were too conservative.

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Tim Sherwood thinks Mikel Arteta will have regretted not starting Eberechi Eze vs Liverpool

The most contentious decision Arteta made against Liverpool was not starting Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal signed Eze for £67.5 million the week before the clash at Anfield, and the England international had therefore had at least five training sessions with the Gunners before the game.

However, Arteta opted for Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing, with the Brazilian presumably favoured for his defensive output.

While the winger fulfilled these defensive duties diligently, Martinelli offered almost nothing as an attacking player.

On the other hand, Eze looked sharp after being introduced in the 70th minute.

Speaking on the Weekend Wrap on Stan Sport, former Premier League manager Tim Sherwood claimed Arteta will likely regret this specific team selection decision.

“I expected him [Eze] to play,” Sherwood said.

“If it was a player from a foreign country, then bed him in, but not Eze, we know he’s ready. It’s his boyhood team, playing at Anfield, a huge game.

“In hindsight, I think Mikel would have started him if he looks back.”

Eberechi Eze will make the left wing position his own at Arsenal

While fans may be frustrated by Eze being given just a short cameo at Anfield, he’ll have plenty of time to impress this season.

With Martinelli misfiring and Bukayo Saka out injured, the 27-year-old should be granted his first start in red and white against Nottingham Forest after the international break.

He should be deployed off the left, and this position could easily be made his own with just a handful of impressive performances on this side.

Neither Martinelli nor Leandro Trossard appear likely to establish themselves as the undisputed starter on the left, with this position clearly up for grabs.

It’ll be Eze’s shirt to lose in no time.