Arsenal will take on Molde this evening with the chance to seal top spot in their Europa League group, but the manager has bigger issues with his squad at present.
The Gunners have scored just one goal in their last five league matches, which came from the penalty spot against Manchester United at Old Trafford, and there is growing concerns about our scoring.
While we have struggled in the Premier League, we haven’t had the same issues in Europe, scoring two, three and four in those matches between those league struggles.
While our qualification is wrapped up, you could be forgiven for thinking that many squad or inexperienced players will get called up, but I think Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette could well start.
The duo will most definitely need a confidence boost after their struggles in the last six weeks, and while we could play some younger players in other spots, they would also help us to cement our place as group winners.
The Gabonese forward is one of the most influential players in our team, as highlighted by his promotion to captaincy, and while his woes may well because of help from his teammates, his confidence can’t be at its highest given the circumstances.
Lacazette was also dropped from the starting line-up against Leeds at the weekend, and could well be more likely to start in Norway, although the manager may have issues with fitness to consider.
If fully fit, should Laca or Aubz start this evening?
Patrick
Of course he should play – on his reported £300,000 a week, we should be getting some value for that kind of investment and the same goes for Lacs as well!!!
No way should auba play. Let the squad ayers and youngsters play. Maybe lacca should get some minutes. With William Pepe and saka out this weekend auba will definitely be back on the wing with laccz up front. Lacca gets a chance to show why he deserves to be there. Hopefully also reiss Nelson gets to showcase hime self in the prem due to the injuries.
I hope ESR also plays
Auba must play, if only to see if he can get back to goal scoring ways.
What is the point of having a player on a reported £300,000 a week, not doing what he’s supposed to be doing?
Once we’ve put the game to bed, then we can give our younger players a run out.
Also, if we win this game, then MA could select the under 21’s if he wanted for the remaining two games.