Mikel Arteta has opted to begin Mikel Merino at striker in Arsenal’s Premier League conflict with West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners are and not using a pure striker resulting from accidents to each Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, and Leandro Trossard’s spell as a false 9 in final week’s victory over Leicester Metropolis provided little to impress.
Arsenal have been toothless earlier than midfielder Merino got here off the bench to take over as a striker. The Spain worldwide netted twice late on to seal all three factors, and Arteta has given him the nod from the beginning this time.
Merino’s inclusion means Raheem Sterling drops to the bench, with Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri flanking the makeshift striker.
Sterling got here underneath fireplace after a poor efficiency in opposition to Leicester. Arteta acknowledged the Chelsea loanee must do extra to contribute within the closing few months of the season, having didn’t catch the attention so far.
The one different change from the group that started in opposition to Leicester comes at left-back. Myles Lewis-Skelly drops to the bench, with Italy worldwide Riccardo Calafiori taking his place.
The Gunners have the possibility to shut the hole to league leaders Liverpool to simply 5 factors forward of the Reds’ assembly with Manchester Metropolis on Sunday.
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