Arsenal predicted lineup vs West Ham: Who replaces Aubameyang?
Midfielders
Thomas Partey (CM) – The Ghanaian is still way off where he needs to be. There was definite improvement from him against the Saints, just not enough. Positionally he still was suffering from his lack of confidence and he wasn’t as silky on the ball.
Will that keep him out? Unlikely.
Granit Xhaka (CM) – Arteta actually took him off! That was the biggest surprise of all, even if it was the right call to make as he builds up his fitness after that lengthy absence.
He too wasn’t at his best in midfield with sloppiness in possession, but Arteta isn’t going to change his central partnership and will want the two to build up their chemistry in the Premier League.
Martin Odegaard (AM) – Goals, goals, goals.
It’s obviously an unsustainable rate for Odegaard, although even without the goals his overall performances have been impressive enough to see him keep playing. The Lacazette move was only ever a stop-gap decision, and this position is now the Norwegian’s to nail down long-term.
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