Mikel Arteta made clear where Arsenal’s priorities lie with the Gunners’ starting lineup for their Europa League last 16 first leg showdown in Portugal against Sporting.
The Spaniard named a much-changed side for the encounter with Ruben Amorim’s men, with one eye clearly on Sunday’s London derby against Fulham in the Premier League. With little more than 66 hours between the final whistle at the Jose Alvalade Stadium and kickoff at Craven Cottage - something which hasn't left Arteta particularly pleased - his balancing act makes clear that, priority No.1, is the Premier League title.
While first-choice goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was always set to be rested with USA international Matt Turner coming in between the sticks, there were question marks over how many changes would be made in the outfield position, as Arteta looks to juggle his squad to keep the side fighting for silverware on two fronts. The answer saw half of his outfield starters from the weekend’s thrilling 3-2 win over Bournemouth rotated out.
In defence, Ben White returned at right-back at Takehiro Tomiyasu’s expense, the England international having replaced the Japanese at half-time in the weekend win.
More notable was the break up of William Saliba and Gabriel’s partnership, with the Brazilian rested and January signing Jakub Kiwior, the Poland international signed from Spezia for £21million, getting his first taste of action for the Premier League leaders.
In midfield, both Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard - arguably Arsenal ’s two most important players this season - were missing. Partey was named among the substitutes, but the club captain missed out through illness, despite having travelled to the Portuguese capital.
In attack, Leandro Trossard's injury has further narrowed the attacking options - despite Gabriel Jesus’ return to full first-team training, he was left at home with an eye on being involved at Fulham, while Eddie Nketiah is sidelined too - meaning Gabriel Martinelli started as the focal point of the attack.
Bukayo Saka kept his place on the right, from where he has shone this term, with Saturday’s match winner, Reiss Nelson, handed a start on the left. Combined, that meant there was no place for Emile Smith Rowe, the substitute who found himself substituted at the Emirates prior to Nelson’s late winner.
Arsenal Starting XI: Matt Turner; Ben White, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Fabio Vieira, Jorginho, Granit Xhaka; Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Reiss Nelson
