Thoughts on that Arsenal XI vs Everton:
This is clearly a heavily rotated side from Mikel Arteta — eyes firmly locked on the Champions League showdown vs Real Madrid, and rightly so.
Key observations:
No Ødegaard, Saka, Havertz, or Martinelli: Rested for Europe.
Raheem Sterling starts? That’s the biggest eyebrow-raiser — if this isn’t an error, that’s a shock inclusion given his ties to Chelsea and no prior links to an Arsenal move. Might be a mistaken name or a surprise late deal we missed?
Jorginho, Rice, Kiwior, Saliba: Still enough spine to control the match.
Skelly, Merino, Nwaneri: Youth infusion and test of squad depth. Bold.
Trossard: Likely the attacking spearhead — needs to be clinical today.
Overall:
This line-up screams “preserve energy for Madrid” while trusting depth to grind out a result. Risky? Yes. But Arteta’s banking on Everton’s poor form and Arsenal’s discipline.
If Arsenal can snatch three points and keep key players fresh, it’s a tactical masterstroke.
If not… questions will be asked.
What’s your take — ri
sky or smart rotation?
