Southampton vs Arsenal: 4 huge selection decisions

4. Alexandre Lacazette or Eddie Nketiah at Striker?

Arteta’s adoration for Lacazette will see him play every game he’s available for. Regardless of how lifeless and ineffective his performances are, the manager keeps sticking with his captain through thick and thin.

However, having missed training sessions in the build-up to Saturday’s game, it was revealed by the Spaniard that personal reasons had kept Lacazette out.

"“Obviously there are private reasons that I cannot comment on, but I have no other team news to give other than the guys we have discussed,” he said. However, despite that, he added: “We will see if he’s available. It’s a good possibility that that’s the case.”"

As per usual there is some ambiguity over what ‘available’ entails. Having missed sessions it could just mean a spot on the bench, and even that isn’t definite.

In either case, the impressive cameo appearances that Eddie Nketiah has produced of late – all of which come with the caveat of game state – coupled with Lacazette’s pitiful showings must be giving him food for thought. He isn’t holding the ball up, he’s barely linking play (seven completed passes vs Brighton) and the lack of any threat either in front or behind the opposition defence is alarming.

Missing training and having personal issues to deal with might just have forced his hand.

Prediction: Nketiah will start with Lacazette on the bench