Most Arsenal fans are waiting to be intrigued about which midfielder will win them the North London derby. Arsenal vs Tottenham is the highlight of this weekend’s Premier League action.
Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, and Martin Odegaard will not be present for the game. Arteta must be brave in his midfield selections; he may have to deploy a midfield that is not his strongest on paper but can create the groundwork for a dominant performance against Spurs.
Some have touted Ethan Nwaneri as the solution to Arsenal’s midfield dilemma. Some believe his preseason exploits demonstrated that he is ready to play against the big guys, while others believe it is too much pressure to start the 17-year-old in a high-stakes contest like the NLD.
Speaking to BBC Planet Premier League, their Chief Sports Writer Mark Chapman explained how he has been hearing whispers that Nwaneri will start against Spurs, one of several rumours surrounding the NLD.
“At the other end of the scale, as we move onto the north London derby, there are rumours going around at the moment, and these may be quashed by the time the game comes around,” Chapman said.
“They have some issues in midfield Arsenal; Declan Rice is suspended, Martin Odegaard picked up an injury during the week, their signing in the summer, Merino is already injured. So there are these rumours that they may start a 17-year-old, Ethan Nwaneri.”
Rumors about Nwaneri starting the North London derby are persistent, suggesting that he may indeed do so. Some people argue that starting the Hale End star isn’t right because of the pressure associated with that fixture. One could argue that pressure creates diamonds, so if Nwaneri is the star many believe he will be, the pressure on the NLD simply shouldn’t be an issue.
Daniel O
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I would like to think this is an ocasión a bit too soon for the Arsenal academy graduate, but it in these games legends are born.
The gaffer is known for stealing spot lights with amazing stats, surely he will be tempted.
What a tease this story is turning out to be. We had a discussion on JA yesterday about young Nwaneri starting the NLD and I think the general opinion was that he isn’t ready. Who knows though (other than Arteta)?
If he is selected, then it will either go one of three ways, won’t it. First, he’ll be a success, a “star is born” etc. Second, he’ll do OK, not spectacular but something to build on. Third, he’ll be a disaster – “not ready, put in too early” etc. which would also be damaging for his confidence. We’ll know all tomorrow.
It makes for great mind games, and difficult for spuds to plan tactically to counter our plans.
I think it more likely it’s more likely we see Partey, Jorginho, and Havertz in midfield, but we do have options.
Zinchenko is a long shot, Trossard, (we have seen before), even a Saka as a possibility with Sterling getting an appearance.
Arteta’s selections will be interesting, and how we play as well.