Arsenal Vs Sheffield United: 5 key players to watch – Who will respond?

1. Matteo Guendouzi

It has been quite the week for Matteo Guendouzi. The Frenchman started Arsenal’s first two games on the Premier League restart, performed excellently in the latter, especially in the first half, and then decided to chokehold Neal Maupay and face the consequences.

There was no FA ban for Guendouzi, fortunately, but he was left out of the matchday squad entirely for the midweek trip to Southampton, while Granit Xhaka was immediately ushered back into the starting XI upon his return from an ankle injury. And amidst all this, swirling rumours about a potential sale have also arisen, though the club was quick to dismiss them.

How will Guendouzi respond? He is a fiery character. He is extremely confident, a little arrogant at times, and can be spiky. This is both a positive and a negative. Arteta trusts Xhaka in the defensive midfield role, but Guendouzi is younger and far more talented. Can he earn his place in the starting XI?

If he is going to, it all starts with his attitude and performance on the pitch. Guendouzi may well return to the Arsenal team this weekend. How he plays will be fascinating to watch.