Mikel Arteta’s team selection has been decried as risk-averse, cautious and conservative on a couple of occasions this season, but the Arsenal boss opted to release the handbrake before the October break.
In a bid to give the Gunners the best chance of success against a West Ham United team that had won on their previous two visits to the Emirates, Arteta utilised a pair of standout creators in midfield, with captain Martin Ødegaard starting alongside Eberechi Eze.
However, the uber aggressive approach lasted just 30 minutes as a result of a knee clash, as Ødegaard succumbed to a ligament injury that could keep him out for the next month at least.
So, Arteta will have to readjust again when his team face another bogey opponent in Fulham this weekend, with the Gunners winless on their previous two visits to Craven Cottage.
Here’s how Arsenal could line up in west London.
