I was left baffled as I couldn't understand the changes made by Arteta over the weekend against Everton. From the starting lineup to the substitutions, it's either he's overthinking things (something we've always associated with Pep Guardiola) or he's becoming a bit bereft of ideas.
For starters, it's been established that Thomas Partey has had a Partey season so far. This is arguably the longest time he's been on a streak of games without injury in an Arsenal shirt. Not just that, he's been our best midfielder by far and dropping him to the bench in a must-win game was disturbing.
City have not really found their mojo this season and one would have thought that Arsenal having given them a run for their money in the past two seasons would take advantage of that, but it feels like Arteta just loves competing with City even when they're on a poor run of form.
As if that wasn't bad enough, when he eventually brought Partey on, he decided to switch his best right back this season, Jurien Timber to the left, taking out the impressive Myles Lewis-Skelly and restricting Partey to right back, knowing full well that Partey, while he's been decent whenever he's been required to play at right back, cannot make those advance runs into the opponents half that Timber can do, and that give us options in attack.
I see no reason why he cannot start with a backline of Gabriel, Saliba, Timber and Lewis-Skelly and allow Partey play in the middle.
Taking off Martin Odeegard for Ethan Nwaneri in a game where we were lacking creativity and clear cut chances was another no-brainer for me. Yes, we know Nwaneri is a direct replacement for Odeegard and we've clamoured to see more of Nwaneri, but as a coach, you don't take out your best creative player in such times. Either look for a way to play both (giving you more outlets to create chances) or leave Odeegard.
I think the hierarchy and fans have been too patient with him and perhaps, he needs more stick than he's getting. Playing well is one thing, winning games and titles is another.
It would be very sad and disappointing that in a season where the only one team that has stopped us from winning the championship in the last two seasons has failed to come to the party, we fail to take advantage and allow an outsider (Liverpool) take the glory. This is not even accounting yet for Chelsea who may take everyone by surprise
I'm seriously hoping they get their acts together from the next game. Every game now is a final if we're to still be in the title race.