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Arsenal boss Unai Emery told to make big change - it’s bad news for Henrikh Mkhitaryan
ARSENAL boss Unai Emery must change his formation so that he can accommodate both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette in his starting XI.
Arsenal: Lacazette must play through the middle says Mariner
That is the opinion of ex-Arsenal striker turned ESPN FC pundit Paul Mariner.
Emery lost his first competitive game in charge of the Gunners 2-0 to Manchester City last Sunday.
The Spaniard appeared to have adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Aubameyang up front on his own and Lacazette on the bench.
When Lacazette came on as a second-half substitute, Aubameyang moved out to the left-hand side.
Play Ozil in the 10, play those two through the middle, Lacazette and Aubameyang
However, Mariner wants to see the pair played centrally together, with Mesut Ozil behind them in a 4-3-1-2 formation.
And he admits that would see Henrikh Mkhitaryan pushed out of the starting XI.
“Here’s what’s got to happen with this team,” Mariner said.
“Unai Emery has got to look at his squad, he’s been there long enough now, he’s got to change the system, for me. 4-3-1-2.
“Play Ozil in the 10, play those two through the middle, Lacazette and Aubameyang.
“When it’s a goal kick (to the opposition), you just split them out, you get Ozil up so they can’t build up the back, that’s dead easy.
“You don’t bomb both full-backs on at the same time.
“No (Mkhitaryan doesn’t play). (Aaron) Ramsey is always in the team for me, always.”
Arsenal’s task does not get much easier on the pitch as they face a trip to Chelsea this Saturday.
Emery confirmed today Petr Cech will remain in goal against his former side despite an unconvincing performance against City.
"For Saturday, the decision for me is easy," Emery said at his press conference.
"Petr Cech can continue to start the match, I believe in him."
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri will take charge of his first home game after leading the Blues to a 3-0 win at Huddersfield last Saturday.