Arteta must make brave decision by starting Arsenal youngster on Tuesday | OneFootball

Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the campaign against Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Gunners started the Premier League game slowly, and the momentum completely shifted in Bournemouth’s favour after William Saliba’s sending-off in the 30th minute.

Gabriel Martinelli squandered a glorious chance to open the scoring in the 68th minute, and his miss proved costly as the Cherries scored just moments later.

Bournemouth eventually doubled their lead from the penalty spot. Jakub Kiwior’s poor back pass gifted possession to Evanilson, who was fouled by David Raya.

Manager Mikel Arteta got his team selection completely wrong.

The Spanish tactician surprisingly chose midfielders Thomas Partey, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino for his starting XI at the Vitality Stadium.

Merino played as the furthest forward in the number 10 role, but the Spaniard had a tough full debut with a passing accuracy of 68 percent. He lost possession on 16 occasions.

He is a much better player than that but may need to be eased into the team after adapting to the league’s intensity.

Arteta needs to be more brave with his selection against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Irrespective of whether Bukayo Saka is fit or not, Ethan Nwaneri should play the number 10 role with Martin Odegaard sidelined with an ankle injury.

The 17-year-old has been limited to short cameos in the league this term, but he has been superb with his ball control and a 94 percent passing accuracy.

The teenager has caught the eye with his quick feet, clever dribbling and desire to shoot on goal.

He has yet to make a goal contribution outside of the Carabao Cup, but Arteta won’t get a better opportunity to test the youngster than against Shakhtar.

Nwaneri played 14 minutes versus the Cherries, where he completed all of his passes (8/8).

If Saka is deemed unfit for the game, Raheem Sterling should get the nod on the right wing.

Sterling was sacrificed to bring on Kiwior following Saliba’s red card yesterday, but he had a lively cameo with five touches in the opposition box – more than any other Arsenal player.

Martinelli should start ahead of Leandro Trossard on the left wing despite his big miss. The latter had an underwhelming display. His dreadful back pass contributed to Saliba’s sending-off.

Stats from Fotmob & Sofascore.com.