ARTETA READY TO CHOP AND CHANGE UP A GEAR
MIKEL ARTETA is happy to tinker during the title run-in.
Nobody could accuse the Arsenal boss of making line-up changes for the sake of it. Indeed, this year he has made the fewest of any of his rivals at the top.
Put it this way, Arteta is certainly no Claudio Ranieri, the original tinkerman when it came to constantly shuffling the pack.
Recently, however, the Spaniard has been rotating every game – in specific areas at least – to ensure no let-up in the Gunners’ bid for an elusive first championship in 20 years. For example, if not Gabriel Martinelli occupying the left-wing position, it is fellow Brazilian Gabriel Jesus. Or, if neither of them, in steps Belgium hotshot Leandro Trossard instead.
As for the inverted full-back role on the same flank, take your pick from Polish youngster Jakub Kiwior, experienced Ukrainian
Oleksandr Zinchenko or fit-again Japan ace Takehiro Tomiyasu.
But ahead of today’s visit of Aston Villa, Arteta said: “Of course, it’s about making the right changes. They are always right if you win because that’s the only judgment you’re going to get.
“But our intention is to keep everyone involved, feeling important and fresh. That’s going
to be crucial.” One Gunners star who is seemingly never up for rotation is Bukayo Saka.
The Arsenal winger is only one short of becoming the first Englishman at the club to score 15 goals in a league campaign since Ian Wright back in 1995-96.
Asked what the England man must do to earn the same legendary status enjoyed by Wright, Arteta said: “Keep learning from what Ian did, his character, his consistency, the hunger that he had always to improve and be in front of goal. If he does that he has a chance.”