At the start of his eighth Premier League game against Southampton, Emi Martinez produced a handsome goalkeeper to demonstrate to Mikel Arteta that he is taking this opportunity seriously.
The 27-year-old didn’t have much to do in the course of the game, but when he was called into action late, his concentration levels were vital. His bailouts from Shane Long and requests for crossings kept Arsenal ahead before Joe Willock’s goal in the dying minutes.
Considering that Kieran Tierney was sent off with a cramp against Southampton, using a three-way defense could lengthen the team, and he, too far away. Consequently, resting for Norwich and bringing Sead Kolasinac to play with the left back in four might be best.
Although Cedric Soares is fighting to conflict, using it in the Emirates against Norwich would seem to be a smoother introduction rather than against Sheffield United. Hector Bellerin will keep his place, as will Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding, who has performed exceptionally since returning to initial line-up.
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The move to a back four should see Arteta use the 4-3-3 system again. With Granit Xhaka available again, it is a must to start from the base of the midfield to help control the proceedings, but he also serves as a man to launch Arsenal in the third final with his disappearance.
Bukayo Saka played exceptionally well as a left midfielder in Brighton, who should see him present again but after three mediocre displays, Dani Ceballos should make his way. With Arteta admitting “he has changed many things, many positive things” and giving him the opportunity to play in midfield from the bench, now is the time to give Ainsley Maitland-Niles his chance to test himself.
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Higher, especially after Eddie Nketiah’s turn in Southampton, rotation will be required. This should revive Alexandre Lacazette in an attempt to forge a partnership with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang which seems encouraging in Brighton.
On the right, Nicolas Pepe could rest and take the place of Reiss Nelson on the bench. Nelson did not start from the return of football, but the FA was where Arteta gave him his chance to shine before the blockade, and now he could do the same with such a busy schedule.
Arsenal XI expected: Martinez; Bellerin, Mustafi, Holding, Kolasinac; Maitland-Niles, Xhaka, Saka; Nelson, Lacazette, Aubameyang
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