Arsenal: 3 vital changes to make to save the season

3. Trust Nuno Tavares

At the start of the season, the strategy of the concluded transfer window was clear for everyone (except Gary Neville) to see. The club had invested in young players from less prominent leagues who have the potential to develop into stars based on their potential. Because of their age and experience, these new recruits would spend more time learning in training as opposed to Premier League games, unless absolutely needed.

Early injuries to Xhaka and Partey saw Lokonga start in midfield during the early part of the campaign. Likewise, Tavares filled in for Tierney, performing to such a high degree that some fans thought Tierney shouldn’t come in straight away. He would be left to wait on the sidelines due to Tavares’ form at the time.

A few months later, the excitement around the Portuguese left-back has cooled and his confidence has plummeted. Quickly substituted at or even before half-time in his last two starts, Tavares has struggled, but changes must be made. Tierney has been ruled out for the season and the former Benfica man is the only left-back at the club, in a role he was specifically signed to fulfill.

Arteta seemingly viewed Tavares as a long-term replacement for the Scottish international. However, the reason Tavares was registered with the squad and not sent out on loan was for emergencies like this. Yet Arteta has not put his trust in him.

This lack of trust that Tavares can do his job at the level required or Arteta’s inability to adjust the system to cover his weaknesses has resulted with Xhaka and even Martinelli at left wing-back. These changes have resulted in a catastrophe at best and chaos at worst, with one change causing reverberations across the pitch. Arteta bought Tavares to sit, learn and play if needed. Now is the time for the manager to trust his bench.

As Arsenal creep towards the end of the season, Arteta must make changes to rescue what has largely been an impressive campaign. Whether or not he backs himself and his team to adapt is another question entirely.