Leicester vs Arsenal: 3 selection decisions for Arteta to make

3. Continue With Sambi Lokonga & Thomas Partey as a Double Pivot

One can hope the manager learned his lesson last week. The difference between the Palace and Villa games was chalk and cheese and the decision to go with a double pivot in the latter was a huge reason behind the improvement.

Not only that, Sambi Lokonga wasn’t asked to fill in behind Tavares on the night. Doing so is a negative move from Arteta – one he began utilising with Granit Xhaka but has been asked of nearly every midfielder on the left – that focuses more on protecting Arsenal’s weaknesses than playing to their strengths.

Vacating the midfield in that way limits Partey’s options on the ball and doesn’t allow Arsenal to press as fiercely through the middle. Seeing the angled combination play between Sambi and Partey against Villa, the reasons to revert to form dwindle further.

Furthermore, with the performances Lacazette has put in across the last three fixtures it would be an odd choice from the manager not to stick with a double pivot. Has Arteta sprung a surprise before? Numerous times. Nothing is out of the question.

With the exception of Tierney coming in if he’s fit, there is no reason for the manager not to stick with the same personnel and shape as against Villa. Leicester also play with a back three and pinning their wing-backs into their own half as was seen at the Emirates would bring Arsenal joy.