Arsenal have prefered to start Thomas Partey on the bench while naming Ainsley Maitland-Niles in midfield and handing a debut for Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Mikel Arteta has named a strong lineup to face Norwich City at the Emirates, as Arsenal eye the critical win to get their first points on board. The manager has welcomed some of his returning stars as he can finally name his preferred team.
The biggest boost has been the return of defenders Gabriel and Ben White, with the defensive duo starting their first-ever game together. It certainly will be a welcome change after three horrendous performances from Arsenal’s defence so far this season.
Aaron Ramsdale is handed his first Premier League start for Arsenal. As expected, Kieran Tierney starts at left-back, with the new signing Takehiro Tomiyasu playing in the right-back role ahead of Cedric Soares and Calum Chambers.
Here's how we line up for #ARSNOR ?
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 11, 2021
Arteta has chosen to start with Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Albert Sambi Lokonga in a double pivot in midfield, while Thomas Partey finds a place on the Arsenal bench.
Further, Martin Odegaard starts in the no.10 role for Arsenal, flanked by Nicolas Pepe on the right and Bukayo Saka on the left side of the attack. Club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is preferred to Alexandre Lacazette to lead the line for the Gunners.
Arsenal Starting Lineup: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney, Maitland-Niles, Sambi, Pepe, Odegaard, Saka, Aubameyang
