After such a huge win against Chelsea, Mikel Arteta had a big decision to make with the return of Takehiro Tomiyasu to full fitness in addition to Alexandre Lacazette. Consistency has stayed with Arteta for his tenure as head coach and manager.
That theme has continued with just the single change from the Arsenal side that beat the Blues. Cedric Soares comes in for Rob Holding with Ben White returning to centre-back. Tomiyasu does make the bench.
This was a pleasing sight for the supporters who have singled out a number of players to have big games today. Mohamed Elneny, Eddie Nketiah and Tomiyasu getting the limelight. Although there was some trepidation about Cedric’s return to the starting line-up.
READ MORE: Arsenal vs Manchester United LIVE: Cedric only change as Nketiah starts up top
@EGTVEgal: Elneny masterclass incoming
@afcjxmes: Basically the same as before but Holding hooked because we can’t play a high line with him
@JahanM_AFC: Nice to see Tomi back even if it's on the bench. Welcome back lad.
@BergHenryVieira: Nervous about Cedric but COYG
@David_Dein_FC: Would've preferred the same team that beat Chelsea but still confident this team can get the points.
@TheGunnersWay: Utd are there for taking, don't show em respect. We're Arsene's heritage of attacking football do not let him down.
@finessedfut: Should of started tomi and switched Cedric to the left
@foxseabirds: Can’t wait for Tomiyasu to come back. Being in the squad is a big step for us. Hope he’ll have 30 minutes in second half.
It makes sense that Arteta has decided to make the switch to the back four. Arsenal are expected to be much more dominant at home against a Manchester United team more vulnerable than Chelsea and less dangerous in the offence… touch wood.
Tomiyasu would be a great cameo if he is to get any minutes from the bench. It is important to manage the Japanese international without risking injury and getting some match minutes would be beneficial with West Ham to come.
Most importantly though will be getting more scoring opportunities to Eddie Nketiah. The young striker wanted to be given successive starting chances and now is his time to prove that the Spaniard was right to stick with him.
A final mention for the strength of the bench. Joining Tomiyasu is Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel Martinelli, Rob Holding, Nicolas Pepe and Albert Sambi Lokonga. Should he need it, Arteta has plenty of senior options now available to him.
