Mikel Arteta will have a difficult time substituting Declan Rice in the starting lineup as he gets ready for the North London derby against Tottenham following the international break.
The decision to send Rice off for delaying a quick free-kick by flicking the ball away has been hotly contested; figures such as John Terry have criticized the decision, labeling it the “worst ever,” while former Tottenham player Jamie O’Hara has defended Rice. Despite the outcry, the red card, which was given after two yellow cards, cannot be overturned, which has frustrated Arteta and Arsenal supporters.
Rice would have been a perfect fit for Mikel Merino, a major summer addition, in Arteta’s 4-1-2-3 formation, which has two No. 8s and one defensive midfielder. But Merino was sidelined for two months after suffering a shoulder injury in his first training session.
Because of this, Arteta is forced to think about switching up his midfield lineup or putting adaptable forward Kai Havertz in a deeper role. Since Jorginho hasn’t appeared in any of Arsenal’s three Premier League games this season, the first option might entail bringing him in. But doing so would probably necessitate a double pivot, which might lessen Arsenal’s offensive strength in their matchup with Spurs.
Spurs.
