Mikel Arteta faces big Tottenham headache as star gives him plenty to ponder

Raya backed to beat Ramsdale to Arsenal starting spot

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faces the tough decision to select either Kai Havertz or Fabio Vieira for the Gunners’ North London Derby clash with Tottenham. One of the midfield stars will need to be left out despite their positive form, risking the prospect of an upset over being sidelined for a huge Premier League game. 

Havertz has played well in recent weeks following a slow start to his Arsenal career. A couple of below-par performances left some fans frustrated with the often languid £65million signing from rivals Chelsea. 

But the German was excellent in Arsenal’s 4-0 Champions League thrashing of PSV on Tuesday. He earned praise from Arteta for performing two roles in the game, allowing the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to thrive in the big victory. 

“Yeah, he [Havertz] was really connected today in the game,” the Spaniard reflected. 

READ MORE: Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou explains personal reasons for Q&A request[LATEST]

“It’s true I asked him to play two different roles in regards to the behaviours of the opponents and he’s so intelligent that he does it. It’s just finishing one or two actions that we had but it’s coming and he’s so willing to do it.”

But fellow midfielder Vieira has played well recently, too. The Portuguese playmaker was starved of game time last season following his £34m switch from Porto last summer, although has played his way into Arteta’s plans this term. 

An impressive cameo in last month’s draw with Fulham has been followed by four subsequent appearances. Arteta must now decide who to let down ahead of the tightest North London Derby in several years. 

Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard will almost certainly start in midfield. Only one more place remains in the middle of the pitch, with Arteta’s toughest decision coming down to whether he should complete his three-man midfield with Havertz or Vieira. 

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

DON’T MISS…
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou explains personal reasons for Q&A request[QUOTES]
Lehmann faces psychiatric report after ‘taking chainsaw to neighbour’s garage'[LATEST]
Arsenal boss Arteta provides injury updates as Martinelli chances made clear[TEAM NEWS]

Given his praise of Havertz’s tactical understanding in midweek, Arteta may decide that the 24-year-old is the best option in a game where concentration is key. But the key to unlocking such an important game could be the technical ability of Vieira. 

Arteta may decide to play Havertz as a striker. His ability to contribute goals in big games earned him a cult-hero reputation at Chelsea, for whom he scored Champions League and Club World Cup-winning goals. 

However, Gabriel Jesus’s return from injury and form will surely see him lead the line. Havertz and Vieira will be left to battle for the solitary midfield position available alongside Rice and Odegaard.

Source: Read Full Article