Tim Sherwood urges Mikel Arteta to ‘resist temptation’ surrounding Arsenal player

Published on December 30, 2020

Tim Sherwood has told Amazon Prime Video Sport that Mikel Arteta must “resist temptation” as Arsenal defender David Luiz nears a return from injury – and continue to place his faith in the younger players.

Luiz, 33, has been sent for scans on his ankle after missing the last two matches in which the Gunners have secured two wins. The latter coming in the form of a 1-0 win over Brighton, after a 3-1 victory over Luiz’s old side Chelsea.

In those games, the youngsters have shown the more experienced players how it is done. Emile Smith-Rowe has impressed in the number 10 role, while Bukayo Saka scored against Chelsea and created the winner at Brighton.

Meanwhile at the back, Pablo Mari has replaced Luiz at centre-back alongside Rob Holding and it is clearly a combination that works following the two wins. Sherwood has advice for Arsenal manager Arteta.

(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The ex-Tottenham boss wants the Spanish manager to avoid bringing £8million (Sun) Luiz – and other experienced players – back into the Gunners starting line-up as his recent changes continue to do the job.

“When David Luiz and others are back fit, resist it, resist the temptation – they’re the ones who let you down before, they’re the ones who put you in that trouble. The kids have got you out of it, stick with the kids,” Sherwood said.

TBR’s view – Mari and Holding deserve to stay

Forget rotation at the moment, Arsenal need to gain momentum and the best way to do that is with consistency. Arteta needs to stop chopping and changing his side, he needs form and relationships in the team.

He seems to have finally struck upon a decent combination at centre-back. Now, he must continue to use Mari and Holding on a regular basis – rather than rotating. Even in the FA Cup, keep Mari and Holding together.

The duo have a good connection and to get them working as soon as possible, they must continue to play as many matches together. That means leaving Gabriel and David Luiz out, but if they keep winning, so be it.