Arteta Should Bench Nwaneri and Start Arsenal’s “Deadly” Star Instead

Arsenal are one of the top teams in the Premier League this season, with the quality to potentially win their first title in 20 years. However, injuries have impacted their results lately. With Liverpool leading the table, manager Mikel Arteta knows Arsenal need to put together a strong run of form in the new year.

Against Brighton, Arteta faces some selection dilemmas due to injuries. Jurrien Timber is suspended, so Thomas Partey may play right-back with Ben White still recovering. Further forward, Kai Havertz is available again after illness, but Bukayo Saka remains sidelined.

Many fans hope to see 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri start after his impressive Premier League debut against Brentford. However, it may be wiser to bring Nwaneri on as a substitute and start Leandro Trossard instead.

Why Trossard Should Start Over Nwaneri

Brighton have been conceding more goals than expected based on chances created against them. This calls for a clinical finisher like Trossard, who can take advantage of opportunities.

While Trossard’s form has dipped recently with just one goal in his last 13 league games, he remains an efficient finisher. He’s only missed three big chances this season while scoring three goals and creating six big chances for teammates.

Last season, journalist Sam Dean praised Trossard as Arsenal’s “most deadly” forward, despite not being the most skillful or athletic. His natural goalscoring ability could be crucial against his former club Brighton.

Starting Trossard would allow Gabriel Jesus to play freely as the striker, with Martinelli keeping his place on the left wing after his recent improved performances. Nwaneri could then come on later to impact the game with his energy and creativity from a deeper position.

Arteta needs to carefully manage Nwaneri’s development and not overburden the talented youngster too soon. Against Brighton, Trossard’s clinical finishing may be the key to securing an important away victory for Arsenal.