[4-3-3]: Havertz sold, Academy striker in, Saka returns and Saliba benched- Arsenal predicted lineup against Leicester City as Mikel Arteta has finally decided to sell Kai Havertz and replaced him with academy striker
Arsenal’s first trophy hopes of the season were left in tatters by Newcastle – as fans were yet again left rueing their lack of a striker.
The Gunners’ 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park meant a 4-0 aggregate loss in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Mikel Arteta’s side are still in the Premier League title race, sitting six points behind Liverpool, and into the Champions League last 16.
Fail to win either of those and the wait for a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup will go into a sixth season.
“You need to be on the day very efficent. That is what takes you close to winning trophies and today we weren’t,” said boss Mikel Arteta.
“Today is painful and tomorrow is a different day.”
Ex-Gunners centre-back Matt Upson, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said: “For how good this team have been, for the squad that Mikel Arteta has built, they had had a lot of joy, but they haven’t won anything.
“That is not enough for what the club expects.”
They have finished second in the Premier League in the past two seasons to Manchester City – and are currently second behind Liverpool.
Arsenal had only finished second once between 2004-05 and 2022-23.
The ex-Manchester City assistant boss led the Gunners back into the Champions League for the first time since 2016-17.
Arteta has been backed in the transfer market – with the club having a net spend of about £500m since his arrival.
Morale was high coming into this game after a 5-1 Premier League win over City to keep the pressure on Liverpool. Will this affect things?
“Arsenal are out of the FA Cup and out of the League Cup, they can focus now on chasing down Liverpool, who are still in everything, and the Champions League,” said ex-Newcastle winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“They will not be happy with their performance over the two legs, particularly tonight. However it could help them chase down Liverpool.”
Fans’ views
Murphy, Bedford: I can’t see Arsenal winning anything this season. When the chips are down and they need a big performance, this frail mentality shows itself again. Comfortable for Newcastle.
Danny, Salford: You do worry about Arsenal’s erratic mentality sometimes. On the edge. Angry. All too often, fragile. Unable to build on their perceived momentum. Arteta has a big job on his hands.
Charles: Just as you start believing in Arsenal after their fantastic result against City they let you down again. Is there something in the water in North London?
Nicholas, Belfast: It’s time for us Arsenal fans to admit Arteta does not have the mentality to take us across the winning line.
Nick: So it took Arteta 3 days to go from beating Man City 5-1 to ‘not having the mentality to take us over the line’. Fans are ridiculous sometimes.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Leicester City(4-3-3)
GK: David Raya—Raya made two brilliant saves against Man City to keep the Gunners in the tie.
LB: Riccardo Calafiori—Myles Lewis-Skelly was impeccable last time out, but Calafiori gets the nod.
CB: Gabriel—Gabriel continues to build his case for Arsenal’s best player this season.
CB: William Saliba—Erling Haaland got the better of Saliba on the weekend, but the Frenchman remains one of the best defenders in the world.
RB: Jurrien Timber—Timber starts to complete the back four.
CM: Thomas Partey—Partey had his performance of the season scoring Arsenal’s go-ahead goal in the second half.
CM: Declan Rice—Rice assisted twice against Man City banking another strong performance. He’ll have to dominate once again if Arsenal are going to get off on the right foot.
CM: Martin Ødegaard—The Norwegian midfielder scored the opener and put in a captain’s performance against Man City.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli—Martinelli starts the game off the left looking to stretch Man City’s defense.
RW: Ethan Nwaneri—Nwaneri, alongside Lewis-Skelly, continues to make the most of the opportunities given him. He scored off the bench in the dying minutes against the reigning champions.
ST: Kai Havertz—Havertz assisted the opening goal and scored Arsenal’s fourth against Man City, though he should’ve had two goals on the night. He’s got a ton of pressure on his shoulders to perform given Arteta’s belief in him and the lack of a January transfer.
