Three hardly-used Arsenal players could play huge role vs Southampton if Mikel Arteta learns from past mistake

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Mikel Arteta would be wise to rotate his Arsenal starting XI to face Southampton.

Arsenal will welcome Southampton to the Emirates Stadium for a Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon. 

The Gunners had a busy September, and had to contend with an injury crisis during the month. 

As such, Mikel Arteta will be aware of the need to rest and rotate his key players to keep them fresh. However, in previous seasons, the Spanish coach has not always managed this, leading to burn out towards the end of the campaign. 

The North London club cannot afford for that to happen again this time around. Arteta has a strong squad to call upon, and must trust his back up players to step up when required.

Arsenal will be heavy favourites against the newly-promoted Saints, making this an ideal fixture for the manager to rest some of his regular starters in favour of players pushing for more game time.

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Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling is yet to start in the Premier League for Arsenal, and may be growing somewhat impatient in that regard. The 29-year-old is a four-time title winner and will have come to the Emirates Stadium with the aim of securing regular game time.

Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka will feature for England during the international break, so will not be afforded a rest in that time. Now is the opportunity for Arteta to give the Hale End academy graduate a break.

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus is enduring a tough time in front of goal and finds himself firmly behind Kai Havertz in the pecking order. However, the Brazilian will only be able to rediscover his spark if he is given the chance to play.

Havertz has now matched Jesus’ goal tally for Arsenal. The former Manchester City man desperately needs to rediscover his finishing touch. He will fancy his chances of netting against Southampton.

Ethan Nwaneri

Ethan Nwaneri has proven that he is ready to perform at the highest level on a regular basis. The 17-year-old dazzled when handed his first start for the club against Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup, bagging a brace. 

With Martin Odegaard still injured, now is the ideal time for Arteta to let Nwaneri take the next step in his development and start a Premier League match.