Arsenal fans have responded well to Mikel Arteta's surprising decision to drop Bukayo Saka to the bench for this afternoon's [July 12] north London derby.
The 18-year-old has been one of the Gunners most influential players this season and was rewarded with a new long-term contract on July 1.
Instead, Nicolas Pepe returns to the starting XI in the position Saka has taken on the right wing, while Alexandre Lacazette starts through the middle and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang off the left.
Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney will act as the wing-backs in Arteta's 3-4-3 system as Dani Ceballos and Granit Xhaka continue their partnership in central midfield.
The back three also stays unchanged as Shkodran Mustafi, David Luiz and Sead Kolasinac will play in front of Emi Martinez, who has been impressive since replacing the injured Bernd Leno in June.
Joining Saka on the bench are Matt Macey, Sokratis, Rob Holding, Cedric Soares, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Joe Willock, Lucas Torreira and Reiss Nelson.
Whereas some Arsenal fans were surprised at the decision, others felt it was a good opportunity to give the youngster some much-needed rest.
Ahead of the game, Arteta did address Saka's development and that the youngster was going to have to prepare for ups and downs in his career.
"First of all, enjoy the moment," was Arteta's message to his top prospec t. "We can all have some really good moments and some difficult moments. If you are doing so well enjoy.
"But then understand that this changes in 24 or 48 hours. You have to live with your toes all the time ready to react and act.
"Bukayo is like this. Every training session he gives you no sign of anything different. A performance is a collective performance. You need everything to work. There are moments where it goes a little bit up and down because it’s normal and it happens to every player whether you are 18 or 38.
"He needs to understand that, take it naturally and we’re here to support him, to make him better and that’s it. Enjoy!"
