Arteta names starting eleven for Arsenal debut

Arteta names lineup for Arsenal debut in Boxing Day trip to Bournemouth

December 26, 2019 By Ali M.

Topics: Mikel Arteta, Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette, Reiss Nelson, Nicolas Pepe, Arsenal, Bournemouth, English Premier League

The Spaniard has made three changes to the starting eleven for Thursday's game.

Arsenal fans have had their eyes fixated on Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup for his debut game and it was announced around an hour before kick-off.

As revealed by the Gunners' official Twitter account, the Spanish tactician made three changes from the 0-0 draw at Everton, which caretaker Freddie Ljungberg oversaw. Mesut Ozil, who was both injured and out of favor with the Swede, is back in the lineup to offer creativity after his awful reaction to being subbed off in the Man City loss.

The German isn’t the only big-name player to return to the starting eleven. Alexandre Lacazette, who was dropped by Ljungberg, will start the trip to Eddie Howe’s struggling side. This means Aubameyang, the north London giants’ leading scorer this season, will play out wide to accommodate the Frenchman.

Finally, Reiss Nelson has also been handed a start. Fans are speculating that the promising Englishman is in the lineup to offer cover for Maitland-Niles who has been a mixed baggage this season. Unfortunately, this means there is no room for record-signing Pepe. Check out the starting eleven in the tweet below.

Three changes for @m8arteta's first game in charge...

Chambers, Smith Rowe, Martinelli
Sokratis, Ozil, Lacazette#BOUARS
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 26, 2019