Mikel Arteta explains why three Arsenal stars dropped for huge Premier League clash vs Chelsea
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has made the decision to drop Gabriel Martinelli, Thomas Partey and Rob Holding from the starting line-up for the crucial Premier League clash against Chelsea. The Gunners are looking to climb back to the top of the Premier League table with a win at the Emirates Stadium. However, the Blues are also in dire need of a win as they have not won in their last five games under Frank Lampard.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was surprisingly given a start against his former side tonight. Arteta's team selection has raised a few eyebrows, with Partey and Holding receiving criticism in recent weeks for their performances. Arsenal has not won in their last four fixtures and Manchester City have moved ahead of them in the race for the Premier League title following their 4-1 win against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium last week.
Arteta has made some big decisions with his team selection. All three of Arsenal's January signings - Leandro Trossard, Jorginho and Jakub Kiwior - have been brought into the team to face Chelsea tonight. Arteta explained in an interview with Sky Sports that "there are players that deserve to play minutes and that is Leo for sure, for the performances he's had. We've been winning games with him and he's been knocking on the door every week."
Arteta also stated that Jorginho is prepared and can give the team something very different to what Partey can offer. Kiwior was chosen over Holding due to Arsenal's recent defensive struggles. "We were conceding too many goals. We have to shake it up, we have to give other people opportunities that they fully deserve, and today was the day to do that in my opinion," said Arteta.
Arsenal has conceded 11 goals in their last four Premier League fixtures and has failed to win any of those games, losing valuable ground in the Premier League title race. Arteta's team selection shows that he is willing to make bold decisions to turn their fortunes around. Only time will tell if his choices will pay off against Chelsea.
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