Arsenal’s midfield has been seriously weakened due to the injury suffered to Thomas Partey against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The detrimental impact it had on Mikel Arteta’s side was clear in the Gunners’ 2-1 defeat against Brighton as there was a lack of attacking intent, and the midfield was easily exposed.
Albert Sambi Lokonga was tasked with replacing Partey, but he struggled in the defeat against the Seagulls. The Belgian is equipped with great potential, but fans have questioned if he is ready to anchor in a midfield that are chasing a place in the Champions League next season.
A potential alternative to Sambi Lokonga is Mohamed Elneny, who has only started one Premier League this season. Arsenal’s football.london writers discuss whether the Egyptian midfielder should be reintegrated into Arteta’s XI.
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Kaya Kaynak - Arsenal writer
I wouldn't look to bring Mohamed Elneny back into midfield myself. I get that some people think Arsenal need experience in the middle of the park, particularly with Thomas Partey potentially out for the season and Granit Xhaka shunted out to left back, but I still don't think the Egyptian is the answer.
Without Partey Arsenal need someone capable of progressing the ball up the pitch. Elneny is not that man. His conservatism in possession was a painfully familiar sight last season and given the poor record of their front line at the minute, catching teams in transition is probably the best chance they have of scoring regularly.
Albert Sambi Lokonga's positive passing from deep is far more capable of providing that, and while I feel the Belgian is overexposed on his own in the number six role, I still would still opt for him over Elneny at the minute. At just 22-years-of-age he may be inconsistent, but at least he has a high ceiling. With Elneny it feels like the dye is cast, and I feel as though Arsenal should learn from the lessons of the past.
Kaya Kaynak's verdict on whether Mohamed Elneny should start for Arsenal in Thomas Partey's absence: NO
Bailey Keogh - The Arsenal Way Writer/Presenter
If Mohamed Elneny could replicate his form for the Egypt national team in an Arsenal shirt, then it would be a no-brainer to having him in the starting line-up. However, he has shown in his six years at the club that he is unable to enhance the Gunners’ midfield.
Arteta must stick with Sambi Lokonga in the starting line-up but play him in a pivot alongside Granit Xhaka to have the needed experience in the middle of the park. Sambi Lokonga has shown in games this season that he is good enough to start in the midfield, but there have been times when he has looked isolated if not positioned within a pivot.
Elneny lacks the ambition or confidence in the midfield to help create chances, and for that reason, he should not be starting. His sideways passing can be a hindrance to Arteta’s attacking build-up play, and it is for that reason he should not be starting.
He is a useful option from the substitutes' bench when Arsenal are hanging on to a lead, as his instincts to keep it safe and pass to the easy option avoids the risk of the Gunners losing possession. But to have in the starting-up would certainly prevent the north London side from reaching a Champions League position.
Bailey Keogh's verdict on whether Mohamed Elneny should start for Arsenal in Thomas Partey's absence: NO
Tom Canton - The Arsenal Way Writer/Presenter
There is little debate that Arsenal’s confidence is currently on the floor. The pressure is on and the decision-making from the coach and the players is being affected, creating multiple issues leading to results as seen in the Crystal Palace and Brighton defeats.
Is Mohamed Elneny the type to come and light up the end of season run? No, of course not, that question will be nothing more than rhetorical. However, what the Gunners do need is some control and maturity in the side and that is what the Egyptian will bring over Albert Sambi Lokonga.
The Belgian is the future but there were several times against Brighton where the pressure was clearly onto him. Granted, playing as the lone central midfielder in the first half did not help, but in these final games, some doggedness will be what turns the tide for Arsenal.
Whilst his contract expires in the summer, unlike others, there is little question about the commitment Elneny has for the club and if called upon he will give everything. A goal from range too is never off the cards, in fact, he might be the most reliable from distance. His importance is an underrated element of our run-in.
Canton's verdict on whether Mohamed Elneny should start for Arsenal in Thomas Partey's absence: YES
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne - Arsenal Writer
Mohamed Elneny to Arsenal's rescue? Not for me. I know midfield options are limited at the moment with Thomas Partey out injured and Granit Xhaka potentially required at left-back against Southampton, but Elneny is not the answer. Certainly not as a starter.
Having made one Premier League start all season, it's painfully obvious that Elneny is nothing more than a squad option so to turn to him at an important part of the campaign will just wreak of desperation to me. Yes, he is an experienced head, but the whole point of signing Albert Sambi Lokonga was for moments like this. It's crucial for his development that he continues in midfield and gets a chance to prove his doubters wrong.
Whilst Elneny does a good job at keeping possession, Arsenal need a more incisive passer at the base of midfield in Partey's absence and the Egypt international simply doesn't offer that. He's a safe option and right now, the Gunners need to be bold if they're to win the top-four battle.
Furthermore, the fact that Elneny is almost certainly leaving in the summer is another reason he should not be starting. I'd rather see his minutes given to the likes of Charlie Patino or Miguel Azeez as they represent the future of this club.
Deniran-Alleyne's verdict on whether Mohamed Elneny should start for Arsenal in Thomas Partey's absence: NO
Do you think El Neny deserves a chance? Leave a comment below to share your views.
