There is little more than fear as Arsenal approach their next game. It is so difficult to try and predict what is going to happen with simply the team selection, let alone the match’s result.
Mikel Arteta cost Arsenal against Brighton with his selection and that was reflected not only in the goals conceded in both halves and the eventual defeat but the switch in formation at halftime. The choice to put Granit Xhaka at left-back and drop Nuno Tavares had a doubly damaging impact.
Not only did Arsenal become vulnerable in both defence and midfield, but the confidence hit to Tavares must have been significant too. To know as the second choice left-back that a central midfielder by trade was chosen ahead of you is a tough pill to swallow.
READ MORE: Arsenal debate: Mikel Arteta's tough Southampton decision amid Xhaka and Tavares conundrum
Interestingly, Ben White is a player who has continued to impress despite Arsenal’s poor form. He was the most secure in the defeats to Crystal Palace and Brighton and has been comparatively more consistent defensively across the season compared to teammate Gabriel Magalhaes.
His versatility though is how Mikel Arteta will find his solution to the selection issues. Having Cedric Soares and Tavares is too offensive and leaves the backline exposed, as was seen against Crystal Palace.
Takehiro Tomiyasu’s presence often allowed for Kieran Tierney to bomb forwards. The defence becoming a back five when attacking down the left flank.
White has operated at right-back for both Arsenal and England this season with varying degrees of success. Clean sheets were kept against both Norwich City and Burnley as he deputised in the role.
Should Arteta choose to return White to the position and bring in Rob Holding to cover the right centre half slot, this would enable Tavares the defensive security he needs to operate more effectively.
However, as is with these discussions surrounding formation and selection choices, Arteta’s motives give cause for concern. I personally cannot see Arteta opting to switch in White to right back. He has put confidence in Cedric and granted the Portuguese international has done well in Tomiyasu's stead.
More so, however, it is Tavares that it is difficult to predict being recalled. Hooked against both Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, it has been a rarity to see players dropped then return to the line-up.
It would be a shame to see the 22-year-old full-back fall by the wayside considering what was seen in the first half of the season. The former Benfica man kept Tierney out the side for a time after the Scot returned from injury.
His performances against Newcastle United, Watford, Leicester City and Aston Villa impressed many. Manchester City were even credited with having an interest in Tavares ahead of the January transfer window. Things however have changed rapidly.
Southampton is a game Arsenal must win. If they have any hope of pushing Spurs all the way in the race for the fourth spot, losing games against beatable sides needs to be a thing of the past. It is recent past granted; however, the Gunners have responded to patches of bad form already this season. White, Tavares and Arteta all can hopefully have a crucial part to play.
