Had a feeling Merino would start if Odegaard wasn't quite fit enough (I thought he would be). Rice and Zubi have looked good as a double pivot, so Merino will probably play ahead of them as a number eight/ten; bit suffer-ball but the front three is transition heavy.
This lineup is not what I was expecting.
That makes sense as you're not Arteta.
not starting nwaneri is quite disappointing.
Why?
Zubi has good/established relationship with Merino, might also be part the thinking
Think with Calafiori too it's going to be very scrappy in our half then hope to break quickly and establish a mid block once we settle in theres. Should be nervy, but interesting
I hope this indicates an approach to get it into those 3 quickly
At this point in time, its results that matter. Pragmatism from Arteta is good. We haven’t clicked yet and Anfield is a difficult place. Set up to not lose, then hope to snatch the win.
Could be a tough watch. Basically 4-4-2 with Gyokeres and Merino up top, try hit them on the counter with Martinelli and Madueke?
Ready to watch Martinelli kill every counter attack by running straight at the corner flag?
Martinelli plays well v. Liverpool and I’d be thrilled to see a lotta Arsenal corners with the lineup in this match cuz one would probably go in.
My question is where is creativity coming from?
Away against the Champions requires a different skillset than home against a low block. Ability to be solid, win duels and break quickly is key. Same as it ever was.