Mikel Arteta has revealed that squad rotation is the reason behind his surprise Arsenal team selection against Manchester United.
The Gunners manager named a very different lineup to the one that started against Dundalk in midweek, but has made three changes to the side which started last weekend's home loss against Leicester City.
With David Luiz ruled out because of injury, there's a rather unexpected return in central defence for Rob Holding who has been absent since Arsenal's last trip to Manchester.
Meanwhile, Willian returns to the starting lineup after making a substitute appearance in the Europa League three days ago.
But the surprising team news is in central midfield.
Whilst £45m summer signing Thomas Partey makes his first away start in the Premier League, he's not been joined in the middle of the park by Granit Xhaka or Dani Ceballos.
Instead, Mohamed Elneny gets the nod
Speaking ahead of kick-off, Arteta explained his team selection and hinted at perhaps having one eye on the second half.
"Well, it’s part of the squad management that we have to do," Arteta told Sky Sports. "They played a lot of minutes in the last four to six weeks, and there are lots of other players who are playing really well.
"We have to think about how we can develop the game as well, depending on what happens in the second-half.
"It’s part of the game."
Arteta also commented on the form of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who went into the game without a Premier League goal since the opening weekend of the new season at Fulham.
“He’s scored a lot of goals from playing in that position," he added. "There cannot be excuses of how much we generate for him in zones and areas where he’s really dangerous and prolific.
"We need to try to do it more consistently."
