Arsenal legend Paul Merson has praised Mikel Arteta for the 'masterstroke' decision in resting Eddie Nketiah against Leicester City at the weekend. Nketiah was thrusted into the starting lineup when the Premier League resumed on Boxing Day after Gabriel Jesus sustained a knee injury whilst away with Brazil at the World Cup.
football.london understands Arsenal are hopeful that Jesus will be available for selection again before the international break in March. The Gunners will be back in Europa League action next week as they take on Sporting CP in their round of 16 first leg in Portugal.
Arteta has been hampered by injuries to Jesus, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Mohamed Elneny in recent weeks, limiting his ability to rotate. The additions of Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior and Jorginho in the January transfer window bolstered his squad options, allowing him the ability to rotate his trusted attacking trio in the last few games.
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The Gunners won 1-0 at the King Power Stadium thanks to a second half strike from Gabriel Martinelli, but Merson wasn’t entirely convinced by the experiment of using Leandro Trossard up front. In his Sky Sports column, Merson wrote: “I wasn’t sure about Leandro Trossard playing up front, I didn’t think it worked.
"I’d have brought Eddie Nketiah on at half-time because for all the play Arsenal had they didn’t look like scoring in the first half. The VAR decision to disallow Trossard’s goal was a brilliant spot.
“Trossard playing in that position did mean they could keep possession because he was coming short for the ball. It was like Man City from last season playing a false nine.
“That said, it was a good decision to give Nketiah a rest and I’d be shocked if he didn’t play against Everton on Wednesday. So it’s a masterstroke really to get him out of the firing line to recharge."
Merson feels that the Gunners need to win against Everton tomorrow night to give them a commanding advantage over reigning champions Manchester City in the title race. The ex-Arsenal star continued: “Arsenal have got to win on Wednesday against Everton, which is their game in hand and can move them five points clear.
"You’ve got to make that game in hand count, that’s the name of the game. They should beat Bournemouth on Saturday and then you’re at least five points clear with 12 games to go – it’s in your hands.”
Nketiah has had an impressive season for Arsenal, but questions remain over whether he’s really good enough to be playing so many games. Jesus' return will boost Arteta's options but he may find it difficult to replace Nketiah in the first team following an impressive vein of form from the young English striker.
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