Arsenal’s full squad for West Ham encounter revealed as Mikel Arteta issues Bukayo Saka update
Arsenal face West Ham United at the Olympic Stadium today, hoping to make it three wins in a row in the Premier League.
The Gunners responded emphatically to their three defeats against Crystal Palace, Brighton, and Southampton, winning both Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Manchester United at the Emirates stadium in four days.
It has certainly been a much-needed response, as manager Mikel Arteta has been under great criticism from the Arsenal crowd, with many upset with moves such as starting Granit Xhaka at left-back against Brighton.
However, it appears that the Spaniard has reverted to basics, primarily in his stance, which comprises having the left-back high and wide with a double pivot in place.
Nuno Tavares’ freedom to operate in the final third has allowed him to blossom, with the Portuguese defender netting his first goal for the club last Saturday against Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Xhaka and Mohammed Elneny have recently forged a superb engine room relationship, providing ball movement during the first and second phases of play as well as defensive consistency.
The former Manchester City assistant manager is anticipated to keep the same dynamics for this afternoon’s game, and rightly so, since the general squad functionality is significantly smoother.
In terms of team news, there appeared to be doubts about Bukayo Saka, who was injured in the previous match, but Arteta claimed that ‘he’s recovered nicely’ and should be available for the high-octane London encounter.
Meanwhile, Takherio Tomiyasu made his first appearance last weekend after a protracted absence due to a calf injury, and it is expected that he will start in place of Cedric Soares. With everything out of the way, let’s take a look at Arteta’s entire squad.
Goalkeepers: Aaron Ramsdale, Bernd Leno, Arthur Okonkwo
Defenders: Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Rob Holding, Nuno Tavares, Cedric Soares, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Mazeed Ogungbo, Zak Swanson,
Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Miguel Azeez, Omari Hutchinson
Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel Martinelli, Nicolas Pepe, Eddie Nketiah
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Arsenal’s full squad for West Ham encounter revealed as Mikel Arteta issues Bukayo Saka update
