"Mikel (Merino) comes back after scoring four goals in two games with a really high emotional state and I want to use that when a player is in that moment, the Spanish tactician said. I want to play him because he's going to bring something different with the qualities that they have and Declan (Rice) comes in and it will have an impact immediately or he'll play the next game. That's what we need to try to manage the best possible way."
"Rice has been a star performer for Arsenal since his big move from West Ham a couple of years ago, so it seems unlikely that he's going to drop down the pecking order any time soon. The England international will need the occasional rest this season, with AFC already finding that they've had a few injury problems. They certainly won't want a repeat of last season when key names like Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes missed a lot of games."
Mikel Arteta chose Mikel Merino to start in midfield against Nottingham Forest to take advantage of Merino's recent scoring form and emotional momentum. Merino had scored four goals in two games for Spain during the international break and offered different qualities to the midfield. Declan Rice was used as a substitute and remains an immediate-impact player expected to start other matches. Rice has been a key performer since his transfer from West Ham and will receive occasional rests as Arsenal manage fitness and avoid repeating last season's injury absences for several key players.
Read at www.caughtoffside.com
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