Report: Arteta said to start with 'excellent' player at Brighton in place of £25m man

By Lee Connor

Arsenal take on Brighton in the late kick off in the Premier League today knowing their lead at the top has likely been eaten into come the whistle.

Manchester City host Everton at 3pm in a game that Pep Guardiola’s side should take three points from. That will put the pressure on the Gunners, who are looking to maintain their form at the top. Brighton, as Mikel Arteta knows, will prove as tough an away test as they can get.

For Arteta, it’s about keeping the momentum going. And to do so, he faces some tough selection calls, including who he starts at left-back at the AMEX.

And according to The Sun, left-back is where he’ll make a change today, with their report suggesting Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to start in place of Scottish star Kieran Tierney at left-back.

Tierney has slotted in with Zinchenko out injured but the Ukrainian is now back fit and The Sun claims that he will get the nod over £25m Tierney against the Seagulls.

Zinchenko has been a key figure since signing in the summer. Dubbed an ‘excellent‘ left footed player by Charles Watts, many expected Zinchenko to play in midfield when he signed. However, his form at left back has been exceptional.

TBR’s View: Zinchenko always likely to start when fit

Despite Tierney being a bit of a fan favourite and never letting Arsenal down, the signing of Zinchenko and his subsequent performances mean he’s always going to be first choice.

Crucially, he steps into midfield as an extra body and essentially helps Mikel Arteta’s complicated tactical plan come to life for Arsenal.

Tierney will feel hard done in some regard. However, Zinchenko was brought in to start games and make a difference and if he is fully fit, then he simply has to play.