Arsenal vs Bournemouth: Ideal Starting XI Including Aaron Ramsey

Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey

Okay, look. I have been singing Aaron Ramsey’s praises lately because of that performance against PSG. Finally given a chance to run around in the middle of the pitch, he absolutely made the most of it and showed that he can, more or less, do exactly what Cazorla does. He just needs the rest of the offense to gel around him.

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Keep that going. Do not revert. Do no panic. Do not start changing random stuff just because you can. Ramsey is meant to be in that exact role and he proved why, despite the Gunner’s inability to create legitimate chances.

And then there is Granit Xhaka… Why this guy is being so wholly ignored is so beyond me it’s not even funny. I thought maybe he’d have a seat after his red card against Swansea, but instead, he came out against Tottenham and looked a proper stud.

And then he was sat. And then he was sat again.

Whatever Wenger is going for with Xhaka, it has to stop, because he is needed in this midfield, which has been the biggest problem area of recent matches. Possession has to be controlled and this pairing is the best opportunity at accomplishing that task.