So far this season there have been players that have impressed in cameo roles and some that have faltered. This has led to widespread criticism of Kai Havertz in particular, which has been exacerbated by the early form of Fabio Veira. Veira has looked electric when coming off the bench and seems like a new player for Arsenal. He has contributed crucial goal involvements which is a stark contrast to what we have seen from Havertz.
The glaring miss against United over the weekend, as well as the misplaced pass that led to their opening goal immediately spring to mind. He’s been under the microscope for fans and pundits alike and he’s not made life easy for himself so far. This lack of confidence is quite evident and many are calling for him to be dropped.
Is Everton Away the game for Veira?
Despite the mounting pressure, it seems that Arteta is steadfast in his support of his new player. But there could be a tactical reason for his continued inclusion in the starting XI to face Dyche’s Everton. The Toffees deploy a very physical midfield 3 of Onana, Gueye and Doucoure. While there is no doubting the skill and ability of Veira going forward, there are some lingering questions over his size.
Fabio Veira has enjoyed a fruitful start to the season coming off the bench. [Image Credit: Getty Images]
It is with this in mind, that Arteta may look to persist with Havertz to assist Rice physically in the midfield. It is in this department that Havertz has actually been excelling so far this season. We know that Arteta is a big fan of his players winning their duels and Havertz has done this well, even in the United game.
It is also believed that playing with Gabriel Jesus could better suit Havertz in the final third by utilizing clever link up play to unlock defenses. Jesus has yet to start a game this season since coming back from minor corrective knee surgery. But a brilliant cameo at the end of the United game showed that he is fit and raring to go. This was capped off by a beautifully finished goal to seal the game against United in the dying minutes.
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When will we see minutes for Emile Smith-Rowe?
Smith-Rowe is another player that has suffered from the purchase of Havertz and his constant inclusion in the starting lineup. He has not had a look in so far during the preseason and opening fixtures of the Premier League. There were rumors that he could have been moved on during the transfer window, but he remains Arsenal’s number 10 and will need minutes to prove his worth.
Arsenal would benefit from a return to form for this sparkling young talent. [Image Credit: Getty Images]
With Veira’s sparkling form off the bench and Trossard’s immense ability, ESR has slipped down the Premier League pecking order. This would suggest that the next minutes that are made available to the player will be away to Brentford in the Carabao Cup. Once again Arsenal have drawn a tricky Premier League opponent in the third round of the League Cup.
Last season Arteta’s men fared particularly poorly in the cup competitions, despite their dazzling league form. This is no doubt something that Arteta will look to rectify this season with a deeper squad that will be hungry for minutes. These competitions are going to give the wealth of attacking talent their chance to shine in a bid to earn more first team football for the Gunners. The likes of Smith-Rowe, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah and Trossard will be hoping to make their mark.
Will David Raya make his Arsenal debut at Goodison Park on Sunday? [Image Credit: Getty Images]
Another player that will be expecting a start will be the former Brentford keeper that has joined Arsenal on loan. David Raya was brought in to provide competition for Ramsdale and this will certainly pique the interest of many Arsenal and Brentford fans. The depth of Arteta’s squad now looks ready to compete on multiple fronts and we’ll likely see a rotated lineup.
Who will step up and add further selection headaches for the Arsenal boss in this fixture?
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