After their disappointing Premier League draw against Fulham on Sunday, Arsenal will have a chance to get back on track with a Champions League clash with Monaco on Wednesday.
Mikel Arteta’s side to need to immediately regain the momentum that they had prior to their slip up at Craven Cottage.
The Spanish coach must also address some of the issues in his Arsenal team that came to light in West London, as his side struggled to create chances in open play and lacked a cutting edge in the final third.
Many Arsenal players underperformed against Fulham, and this upcoming continental fixture offers Arteta an opportunity to make changes that he can’t afford to miss.
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Mikel Arteta must drop Declan Rice deeper
Declan Rice arrived at Arsenal with a reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. However, he has spent most of his time in North London operating in a more advanced No. 8 role.
Whilst the 25-year-old has often impressed in this role, it is not where he is at his best. In order to get the best out of the England international, Arsenal fans are now calling for Arteta to deploy Rice deeper, as a No. 6 at the base of the midfield trio.
If Mikel Merino returns to the Arsenal starting XI against Monaco alongside Martin Odegaard, then Rice can slot in behind that more advance midfield pair, where he is more comfortable.
Kieran Tierney should make Arsenal return
Kieran Tierney could make a shock return to the Arsenal team this season, as he has been included in some recent matchday squads.
As the Scottish left-back spent last season on loan with Real Sociedad, it looked as though his career at the Emirates Stadium was all but over. Had he not picked up an injury at Euro 2024, he almost certainly would have been moved on on a permanent basis.
Arsenal are now facing a defensive injury crisis, with Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu all sidelined. Now is the time to bring Tierney back into the fold to provide fresh legs and a differing style of play.
Ethan Nwaneri deserves first Champions League start
Ethan Nwaneri is enjoying something of a breakthrough campaign, and the 17-year-old adds excitement and flair to Arteta’s team when he is on the pitch.
The Hale End academy graduate has already shown that he can shine on the big stage, and as Arsenal looked to run out of ideas against Fulham there is little to be lost in seeing what inspiration the teenager might be able to provide.
Arsenal fans are excited about Nwaneri, and rightfully so. He is still waiting for his maiden Champions League start, but now is the time for Arteta to give the supporters what they crave.
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