Changing three positions because of one suspension. I would be SHOCKED
This is quite a handicap. Quite a puzzle for Mikel to solve, if Jorginho really has no chance to make it too.
Not sure what I would do. Most probably itās Rice as a 6 and Merino in his position, but the issue is neither have played in those roles for Arsenal on a more consistent basis and truly succesfully. You could make a case for Rice, but I was never truly happy with how we looked as a team with him there.
Idk, then again, Villa did pretty good with their midfield the other day. We will probably adopt a more physical approach (not that we arenāt quite physical already) maybe losing some fluidity etc.
No matter how you play it it will demand changes in multiple positions.
I said I have huge hopes of Skelly as a 6 long term, but I donāt think he can play such a pivotal role in our system just like that, withouth ever playing it for us on senior level.
Idk, maybe we could try him in some of the next games, wither as a 6 or as a left 8.
Actually that might be the least harmful option.
If White can get fit we all know heāll do the job, while itās never an issue for Timber to switch flanks.
We would also keep Merino up front while heās on a good run. Not that I exclude Trossard doing a good job too. The only true big changes would be those in the middle, the biggest one probably Skelly in stead of Merino, and Iām pretty confident he could do a better job than Merino there.
No doubt playing in that left 8 position would be easier for him now, would be less risky. I like his press resistance more than Riceās, but Iād rather have Riceās experience in the 6 position for such a huge game.
Yep.
Skelly ā midfield. Soon. Donāt be surprised when you see it.
Hmmmā¦ Thinking again, itās 50-50. Merino did have some decent games in midfield somewhere in the middle of the season (Liverpool, PSG (at least one half, canāt remember).
I would definitely try Skelly midfield in these next two games.
Big, big challenge for Arteta ahead.
(out of context smiley)
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Havertz in two weeks:
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You donāt think it will catch on? 
It might do whilst heās warming the bench for the better defensive midfielder sure.
Just wait! And he aināt gonna be warming the bench!
Another Champions League winning goal for King Kai incoming
As much as it was a stupid decision from Partey, does Mikel hold some responsibility for not subbing him when the game was effectively won?
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Letās hope
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Iād feel much more confident about our fortunes next season if we keep Partey. Heās still one of our better players and will be very hard to replace. Players with his qualities arenāt easy to find.
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https://x.com/parteysznx/status/1913192817901383714
This and what he did to Ceballos. How are you so cool in these situations every single time. No wonder our players call him Zizou.
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Thatās proper football.
In PL a lot of players would go for Parteyās foot instead of going for the ball.
But my sale value?
Wtf.
Definitely worth keeping based on this season and so that we donāt immediately need to find a direct replacement this year and can plough our efforts into the elusive striker.
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Partey has been one of our most influential and reliable players in recent seasons so why would we want to sell him?
But with Zubimendi being tempted by Real Madrid, Partey has to stay.
Heās out of contract this summer and thereās has been no indication that his contract will be renewed.
To replace such an important player, who is a key part of Artetaās team, is going to cost a lot more than it would be to give him a new contract so we have to keep him.
Who has been more consistently influential for us in recent seasons?
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isnāt there a court case/police situation to consider in this also? Would the club consider shifting him on because of the allegations?
Letās be real, weād all be resigning him if it wasnāt for this.
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