Mikel Arteta has revealed why he chose to bring in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for Sunday's clash with Leeds United.
The Gabon forward has not started for the Gunners since the 3-0 victory over Newcastle last month after being absent to deal with a personal family matter.
After substitute cameos against Wolves and Aston Villa he was given the chance from the off for the Premier League game against Leeds, scoring the opening goal in the first half.
And now Mikel Arteta has revealed exactly why he took the decision to start his captain against Marcelo Bielsa's side.
"It’s part of the game plan and the things we believe we can exploit against them," he said to Sky Sports ahead of the game. "Let’s see if it works."
Arteta also added that he was absolutely delighted to have Aubameyang back in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Leeds.
"Yeah it's great," said the Spaniard. "Obviously he needed a little bit of time.
"He spent a few days without any training sessions, away from the family emotionally drained as well.
"He's back, he's been training really well and that's why he's starting the game."
Arsenal also took the decision to hand Martin Odegaard his first start for the game against Leeds.
The Norwegian has made a couple of substitute appearances against Manchester United and Aston Villa since arriving on loan from Real Madrid last month.
But speaking ahead of the game at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta revealed that now felt like the right time to start the new signing.
"He had a really good path in the last two weeks where he’s been playing some parts in games he’s been training really good and he deserves the chance to start," he said.
The Gunners go into the match having failed to win in their last three matches despite playing well in each one, and Arteta admitted that victory against Leeds is vital for his team's confidence.
"Yeah, we need a win because the way we played the last two games not to get anything is incredible," he said.
"We’ve been very unlucky with certain decisions it’s true, but we need to put that right and start winning games again."
Aubameyang gave Arsenal the lead in the 13th minute of the game, with Arsenal having the chance to move above their opponents and into the top half with a victory.
