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‘Wenger said’: Arteta warned by Arsenal legend that ‘phenomenal’ star may get exposed against Southampton today
Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes Granit Xhaka will get exposed against Southampton this afternoon if Mikel Arteta starts him at left-back again.
The Gunners lost Kieran Tierney to a season-ending injury at the start of this month. That has left Arsenal in a spot of bother at left full-back, especially as Nuno Tavares’ confidence has been shattered.
Arteta had a decision to make against Brighton after substituting Tavares at half-time in the previous game. The Arsenal boss went with Xhaka, , and that didn’t quite work out.
Keown has now urged Arteta to not use Xhaka at left-back and he has used one of Arsene Wenger’s past comments to make his point.
Martin Keown: Playing Granit Xhaka at left-back will expose him
Speaking on , Keown said: “Now Wenger said something very telling… And he told us in the first few weeks (after signing Xhaka): ‘I bought a player who can’t tackle’.
“He actually told us that in a press conference. ‘I think it’s something you develop when you’re very young, it’s too late for him now. I’ve told him to stay on his feet’.
“Maybe that said it all. There’s an issue for him with mobility, and he really shouldn’t be playing left-back in the most recent games because you expose him again.
“But, he puts a performance in and he’s vital in terms of leadership. But, for us to go to the next level, we need a player of better quality.”
Who should start at left-back for Arsenal vs Southampton?
Arteta has a lot to think about ahead of the game this afternoon and his decision at left-back could easily determine the result.
If the Arsenal boss goes with Xhaka in Tierney’s position, Arsenal run the risk of losing the midfield battle again, just like they did against Brighton. That could prove to be costly against Southampton.
The other option would be to bring Tavares back in but can Arteta really trust the young man who has no confidence at all at the moment to step up when the pressure is high? It would be a risky move.
The third option would be to switch Cedric Soares to left-back but that would mean Ben White will have to play as a right full-back. That may upset the balance of the squad, but Arteta just has to find a way to make it work today.
