Mikel Arteta faces his toughest test in a number of weeks when the Gunners welcome Tottenham on Sunday.
Arsenal started the season horrifically. 3 losses from 3 and the bottom of the table. There has been a slight revival since, with back-to-back 1-0 wins against Norwich and Burnley, but the opposition is about to step up a notch.
After three defeats, Arteta made big changes to his team, making the decision to bring the likes of Aaron Ramsdale into the starting eleven. Whilst the new players have improved results, this fixture will be a litmus test of both their quality and mentality.
Arteta has no excuses either, Arsenal have a fully fit squad to choose from.
Have a look how I think we could line up for the game below. Disagree? Create your Arsenal XI at the bottom of this article.
Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale
There’s no reason for Arteta to part with Ramsdale in this fixture. Probably man of the match at Burnely, Ramsdale will have to make more saves in this fixture, but he’s earned his place.
Defenders: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kieran Tierney
Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Nicolas Pepe
The big debate is whether Xhaka will start or not. Personally, I think Arteta will be tempted to stick with his winning team and select Odegaard in that slightly deeper role. It may seem risky against Spurs, but they aren’t a brilliant side and Arsenal are at home. I’d like to see Saka back on the right and Pepe on the left, running direct at Emerson Royal, who struggled with the likes of Zaha in previous weeks.
Striker: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Auba has notched one league goal so far this season, a chance he couldn’t really miss against Norwich. But he needs to improve his form and output if Arsenal are to mount a sustained challenge for European football. This would be the game to hit form for the Gabonese international.
How would you line up? Create your XI below and share it on social media!