Positives & negatives from Arsenal's 2-1 win away to Girona in the Champions League

  • Ethan Nwaneri continues to show promise
  • Jorginho showed his value
  • Raheem Sterling's still struggling
  • Neto faltered in relief of David Raya
Girona FC v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8
Girona FC v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 | Ryan Pierse/GettyImages
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Positive #3: Mikel Arteta rotated

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Mikel Arteta got it right. | MANAURE QUINTERO/GettyImages

The considerable importance of a small group of players in this squad is all the more reason for Arteta to rotate more often. It's not something he usually does, but the manager did shuffle the deck here ahead of welcoming Manchester City to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, February 2.

Changes were necessary after Arsenal had to survive most of the second half with 10 men during the 1-0 win away to Wolves thanks to more refereeing farce. Among those who toiled beyond the norm at Molineux was frontman Kai Havertz.

Although he got a 20-minute cameo in Spain, Havertz needed those 70 minutes on the bench. Similarly, Martinelli and Rice will have been grateful for not being called upon for 80-plus minutes after their relentless running against Wolves.

Arteta knows he'll need plenty of energy in the engine room to outrun City's sneaky recent revival. There are still too many injuries up top with Saka and Gabriel Jesus missing, but the players Arteta has at his disposal will at least be fresher than usual for a key moment of the season.


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