Mikel Arteta must choose between Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe if he is to get the best from either player this season. The pair have started together in the previous two matches which have both resulted in victories, but Saka, in particular, has looked out of sorts.
Saka has come off the back of an intense summer where he was one of Gareth Southgate’s leading lights and the mental impact of the final’s penalty shootout appears to have had an effect on his confidence.
It is seemingly difficult for Arteta who has made the decision to field his top two wide players despite them both preferring the right-hand side.
Interestingly, during a period in the winter last season, Pepe operated on the left and scored against both Southampton and Wolves. This wasn’t however something Arteta wanted to stick with for long and soon it was either a choice between Saka or the Ivorian for the right-hand side position.
Arteta has multiple options as alternatives for the left-wing. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has operated there for prolonged periods to a relative degree of success.
It was here that the Gabonese forward was so key to Arsenal’s FA Cup victory in 2020, albeit this was in a 3-4-3 system rather than the current 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formations.
Emile Smith Rowe has had great displays alongside Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian operating as the central 10 whilst the England under-21 star shifted out wide.
He and Kieran Tierney formed a good understanding between one another. The right-footed Smith-Rowe was great at reverse passing the ball to the Scot on the overlap.
Lastly is Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian has struggled for regular game time under Mikel Arteta to much of the fan base’s frustration having burst onto the scene with 10 goals in his first season at the club.
He could be the beneficiary of Arteta opting to choose between Saka and Pepe. Martinelli, despite just 20 years of age, is in need of more minutes and should the aforementioned starting duo continue to fail at bringing regular goals and assists it makes sense to turn to the former Ituano man.
The League Cup match against Wimbledon on Wednesday will likely provide an opportunity for Martinelli to showcase his talents. Enabling him to put a case forward to the coach to be given an opportunity.
The danger for Arteta will be that the aura around both Pepe, due to his price tag, and Saka, due to his Hale End wonderkid label, will be that he never decides to make the tough call.
However, this season has shown the Spaniard is willing to make the big decisions at crucial times. Bringing in Aaron Ramsdale for Bernd Leno is a clear example. Supported by his push to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu and send out former playing colleague Hector Bellerin.
Arteta is not a man without options. He is in need of making the right one regarding his winners in what could be crucial to the club reaching its targets this season.
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