3 positives & negatives from Arsenal's 1-0 defeat at Newcastle

Negative #2: Leandro Trossard lost in the middle

Somebody pass a law prohibting Arteta from playing Leandro Trossard in the Martin Odegaard role. The Belgian winger doesn't have the vision nor technique to be a chance-creation machine from central areas.

Typically, Arteta has prized Trossard's experience, and the apparent safety it implies, above the risk of deploying Ethan Nwaneri's youthful exuberance. Nwaneri might get swamped by a physical team or awed by a big occasion away from home, but the 17-year-old could also be fearless and back his quality and craft to offer Arsenal greater rewards for taking a risk.

Arteta eventually made the move on 61 minutes, although it was Martinelli who made way. The latter hardly deserved to stay on the pitch, but Trossard's disappearing act in the de facto No. 10 role was arguably more damaging than Martinelli being out of sorts.

Positive #2: Oleksandr Zinchenko's return

Arsenal have gone too long without a true left-back. Riccardo Calafiori's injury hasn't helped, but wedging Jurrien Timber into that spot was always a dubious stop-gap. Especially when combined with Thomas Partey having to leave midfield to play right-back.

All of these factors made some minutes for Zinchenko in the north east good news for the Gunners. He gave Arsenal what was missing. Namely, balance in multiple phases of the team.

Zinchenko at left-back meant Timer could move to his natural position on the right. That left Partey free to shift back into the middle.

It was no coincidence the visitors offered a greater threat once the team shape made more sense. Zinchenko still needs to prove he can stay fit and rediscover his best form, but Arteta should give him every chance to do both.

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