Keeping Cech out highlights further problems for Wenger

depthh to remain effec tive through rotationon and injury. But how many other top sides frequently l e a v ee out their captainin and principal g o a l s cc oo rr ee rr Arsenalal do?

D a n nn yy We l b e c k is undeniablyniably in the team on meritrit at the moment, while Nacho Monreal has r ii gg hh tt ll yy u s u r p e d Kierann Gibbs at ll efef tt -back andand Hector Bel-Bell e r i n hh aa ss b e c o me such a firm favour-favourite on thethe opposite flank that Mathieu Debuchychy l eft the club on loan. It

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t h e w ay will be interesting to see what happens to AaronAaro Ramsey now he is availaavailable again, givengi Francis CoquelinC is a probable ss t a r t e r to give the ArsenaArsenal midfield bb aa ll a n c e and nenew-signing Mohamed E l n e ny h a s mmade a promisingising start to life at the clubclub.

Rotation can keep playeplayers on their toes but Arsenal’s slide sinsince the turn of the year suggests the inconsistencyinc in team selection has, to sosome extent, contributed to the inconsistencyincon in results.

Wenger has unerring ffaith in hi s players yet, at times, his ccompassion feels misguided. The sub-plot to the Ospi na - C e c h situation is t ha t t he former is ready to leave the club at the end of the season, as Standard Sport revealed in February.

Wenger is believed to be sincerely regretful that Cech’s arrival has had such a negative impact on Ospina’s career and is hoping that by showing loyalt y t o h i m n o w, h e m a y b e convinced to stay beyond the summer. There is no room for such sentimentality with Arsenal on the brink of another s e a s o n wi t h o u t a n e ndur i ng title challenge. Cech must play against Crystal Palace.

Iwobi and Welbeck are positive examples of how Wenger’s decision to lead with his nose has enabled certain individuals to impress. But, on balance, Wenger’s need to adapt his meritocracy before it leads to relative mediocrity once again.