Shock recall, tactical change – Arsenal sent Tottenham midfield verdict amid Rice and Merino blow
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faces a dilemma in midfield ahead of the north London derby on September 15.
The Gunners have looked strong for much of the new campaign with comfortable wins over Wolves and Aston Villa in their first two Premier League matches. But last weekend’s 1-1 draw at home to Brighton was a blow, particularly with title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool both maintaining their 100 per cent starts to 2024/25.
And further concern emerged during last Saturday’s draw against the Seagulls. Key midfielder Declan Rice was sent off for a second bookable offence and will miss the clash against Tottenham.
It leaves Arteta with a selection headache as new signing Mikel Merino currently endures a spell out injured.
It’s a tricky one for Arteta as whoever they pick in that defensive midfield position will be a much weaker option than Rice or Merino. It’s a nightmare in such a big game which the Gunners must win.
I think Arsenal have probably got to go with Thomas Partey in a deep-lying position alongside Jorginho and Martin Odegaard in midfield. It’s far from ideal but what other choice do they have?
