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Two of Arsenal’s new signings could force Unai Emery into key decision - Paul Merson
ARSENAL new-boys David Luiz and Kieran Tierney could spark Unai Emery into a formation change, reckons Paul Merson.
Arsenal: Unai Emery explains why he didn’t start new signings
Luiz and Tierney joined Arsenal on transfer deadline day from Chelsea and Celtic respectively.
Luiz watched on from the substitutes bench as the Gunners got their season off to a good start on Sunday with a 1-0 win at Newcastle United.
Fans will have to wait longer to see Tierney in action as he continues his rehabilitation from a double hernia operation.
Sokratis and Calum Chambers impressed in a back four for Arsenal at St James’ Park.
If Tierney can get forward he can play, so he’ll want to get forward
But Merson reckons when everyone is available, head coach Emery may choose to play with three at the back.
Merson believes that formation will help get the best out of Luiz and Tierney.
“When you’re looking at them and you’re naming them players, I wouldn’t be surprised if he started going to a three at the back,” Merson said on The Debate.
“Play them two and David Luiz in the middle of them.
“He can come out and play, you’ve got Tierney playing as one wing-back.
“Very much [that suits Luiz], I think it suits all of the defenders.
“If you have three centre-halves playing there it gives all of them something to fall back on.
“If Tierney can get forward he can play, so he’ll want to get forward.
Arsenal: David Luiz says he is 'very excited' to be at the club
“They’ll want to bomb forward down the other side and they can score goals.
“I’m looking forward to Arsenal this season. I was quite impressed [against Newcastle], I was quite impressed.
“It was a hard game, going to Newcastle, first game of the season, a couple of new players.
“For me it was comfortable and [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang what a goal, what a goal.”