Why Granit Xhaka shouted at Nicolas Pepe as Mikel Arteta hints at first choice Arsenal defence - ArsenalGist

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Monday, April 19, 2021

Why Granit Xhaka shouted at Nicolas Pepe as Mikel Arteta hints at first choice Arsenal defence

Why Granit Xhaka shouted at Nicolas Pepe as Mikel Arteta hints at first choice Arsenal defence


All the talking points from Arsenal's 4-0 win over Slavia Prague in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final.


Arsenal had some injury problems going into the game against Slavia Prague.


With knee injuries, Kierney and David Luiz were both ruled out, while Martin Odegaard and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remained in question.

Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, on the other hand, were two players Mikel Arteta would have been thrilled to have open.

On the night, both teenagers were sensational, but in different ways, making them difficult to handle for Slavia.

Smith Rowe, who came within millimeters of scoring, was critical in ensuring the Gunners were high up the pitch in a way that penned the Czech champions in inescapably during the six-minute first-half blitz.


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One of the main positives against Sheffield United was how many men Arsenal was able to get forward to build a goal hazard, and despite not starting, the England under-21 international was crucial in maintaining that trend, averaging a place on the pitch comfortably higher than Alexandre Lacazette.

When you compare this to the differences between the attack and the midfield during the dark days of November and December before Smith Rowe was introduced to the first team, it's easy to see how important he was.

Saka, on the other hand, was back to his best in the right-wing role, where he has contributed 11 goals since Boxing Day.


Why Granit Xhaka shouted at Nicolas Pepe as Mikel Arteta hints at first choice Arsenal defence


Jan Boril, Slavia's left-back, struggled against him in the first leg, but by improving his quality, the 19-year-old was able to take full advantage this time and put the Gunners firmly in charge of the tie.

Arteta shared his joy after the game that the two academy graduates were doing it on the first team stage when it really counted.

'It's a pleasure for me to see them play and to see them every day in training, to see how they act, their enthusiasm, their loyalty to the club, and then how much they enjoy playing football,' he said.

'You have to give them space to express themselves, and then you have to give them work frames and suggestions on how they can use their strengths.' Then it's up to them, and I thought they were both excellent today."

Given how often the two Hale Enders have performed at this stage, it should come as no surprise that they were so dependable in a crucial situation for Arsenal.


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Saka and Smith Rowe, both 19 and 20, are certainly the Gunners' potential, but if Arteta needs them now, there's no doubt that they can deliver.

Arteta's preference for a center-back pairing is hinted at.

Mikel Arteta may have been most pleased by how impressive his team was at the back, despite Arsenal's blistering attack.

Granted, Slavia provided very little offensively, and it was obvious from Jindich Trpiovsk's triple substitution at halftime that they had given up.

However, the fact that they controlled 61 percent of the ball and had zero shots on the goal means that the Gunners' defensive performance was excellent as well.


Why Granit Xhaka shouted at Nicolas Pepe as Mikel Arteta hints at first choice Arsenal defence


Many expected Arteta to tinker with his back four again before the game.

Throughout the last few games, the Spaniard has continued to switch between various defensive lineups depending on the rivalry in which Arsenal was competing.

With Calum Chambers and Pablo Mari replacing Hector Bellerin and Gabriel in the backline, and Granit Xhaka filling in for Cedric at left-back against Sheffield United, the Gunners were expected to return to the defense that had played the home leg against Slavia at the Emirates.

Despite this, Arteta surprised everyone by sticking with the same back four and, even more importantly, the same two central defenders as at Bramall Lane.

Mari's partnership with Rob Holding has been the most fruitful in terms of points per game among the many center-back pairings we've seen this season. With those two at the back, the Gunners average 2.4.



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