Mikel Arteta should make a controversial team selection decision for Arsenal against Newcastle United on Sunday.
The Gunners travel to the north-east to take on Eddie Howe’s side, looking to return to winning ways after a disappointing draw at home to Manchester City last time out.
Arsenal’s attack was blunt against City, and they need to find a way to add increased offensive firepower against a resolute Newcastle defence, which has conceded just three goals in the league this season.
Viktor Gyokeres should lose his place as the Swede has struggled to influence three away games against tough sides already this campaign.
Mikel Arteta should start Leandro Trossard as a striker against Newcastle
Arsenal should look to beat Newcastle with their technical superiority, rather than trying to match them physically.
Instead of engaging in a physical battle, the Gunners should deploy as many technical players on the pitch as possible, and play their way around the Magpies’ press.
In order to do this, they need their striker to be capable of dropping in deep and facilitating the build-up.
Gyokeres simply doesn’t do this, with the 27-year-old largely peripheral throughout most games.
However, Leandro Trossard does do this to a high level and showed his composure in front of goal and technical quality with his strike against Port Vale on Wednesday.
The Belgian expertly took down a long ball from William Saliba before cutting inside and powerfully firing into the bottom corner.
This is the sort of exceptional technical quality the Gunners need against Newcastle, while Gyokeres offers them an excellent option off the bench against tiring legs late in the game at St. James’ Park.
Mikel Merino shouldn’t start against Newcastle
As Arsenal shouldn’t be prioritising physicality against Newcastle, there shouldn’t be room for Mikel Merino.
Merino’s inclusion in the starting eleven has annoyed fans in the last few weeks, with many feeling the Spaniard’s presence reflects Arteta’s conservatism.
If the Gunners want to play slick passing football and break through Newcastle’s aggressive midfield press, then the Euro 2024 winner ought to be on the bench.
Merino can often get caught in possession deep on the pitch, and thus will inhibit Arsenal’s ability to play through the thirds.
Eberechi Eze should start as the most creative midfielder if Martin Odegaard is still unfit, with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi accompanying the former Crystal Palace man.
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