Mikel Arteta has named an unchanged side for the West Ham United encounter as Alexandre Lacazette captains Arsenal at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta has decided to keep the same lineup that secured a victory over Southampton, for the West Ham United clash. In the aftermath of the suspension and subsequent stripping of the captain’s armband, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is absent from the side, being led by Alexandre Lacazette.
Aaron Ramsdale starts in goal and is covered in defence by the same four players who started the previous game. Takehiro Tomiyasu is the current undisputed choice at right-back. Ben White and Gabriel continue their central defensive partnership. Kieran Tierney is selected ahead of Nuno Tavares at left-back for a second game running, with the Portuguese an option from the bench.
? #ARSWHU team news ?
? We’re unchanged from the team that beat Southampton at Emirates Stadium on Saturday
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 15, 2021
For the third game running, Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka are preferred in central midfield. Albert Sambi Lokonga was a big contender to start ahead of the Swiss star, although now he will have to be content with a place on the bench. Bukayo Saka is yet another undisputed starter, as he takes his right-sided spot in the attack. Martin Odegaard will be looking to stretch his scoring run, as he keeps his place in the attacking midfield role.
Gabriel Martinelli is afforded another opportunity to impress as he keeps his pace on the left side of the attack, as Lacazette leads the line and captains this Arsenal side in Aubameyang’s absence.
Arsenal Starting Lineup: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Lacazette.
