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Arsenal hero Martin Keown thinks Arsene Wenger would question two Mikel Arteta decisions
MIKEL ARTETA made just one change to his Arsenal side after losing 4-0 at Liverpool.
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Arsene Wenger would be questioning two aspects of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal team selection against Newcastle United, according to Martin Keown. Arteta made just one change to the team that was thumped 4-0 against Liverpool last Saturday, much to the bemusement of many fans.
Arsenal struggled to break Eddie Howe's visitors down in the first half at the Emirates Stadium, entering half-time at 0-0.
Despite the Gunners' humbling defeat last time out, Martin Odegaard replacing Alexandre Lacazette was Arteta's only switch.
And Keown believes Wenger would be questioning Arteta's decision to stick with Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga after the Anfield rout.
He told BT Sport: "I wonder whether he might've said to him, 'why are you not playing Tierney this week?' I wonder if he would've said, 'why is Lokonga playing?'
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"I admire that Arteta wants to stick with players - I'm not saying he's blinkered - and says, 'I believe in you enough to play you again.' It's very unfortunate for Tierney because he's one of Arsenal's best players.
"Tavares is a very good defender, and he's quick, but Tierney has a better all-round game, and today I felt that change should've been made.
"Let's back the young man, back the manager. He's going to be up against Saint-Maximin - he's so direct it's frightening."
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Keown remained on the topic of Wenger by questioning why Arsenal haven't kept him around after his 2018 departure.
The Gunners icon is currently FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, but Keown wants Arsenal to welcome him back in such form.
"I think the hand of friendship has been offered by the manager, I think that's an intelligent thing to do," he added.
"It doesn't sit well with me that Arsene Wenger doesn't sit around the table anymore at this football club that he's helped to create - it's an incredible stadium that we're sitting in, and he hasn't been back here.
"Why not [have Wenger back at Arsenal]? It seems to be a sensible fit for the club. Arsenal is a family, as we call it, then yeah, bring him back and welcome him.
"Whether it's in a proper role, then that's another matter - something that needs to be looked at - but I think it's right and proper to bring him back in."
Arsenal will go level on points with fourth-placed West Ham United if they can secure three points against Newcastle in the second half.
Meanwhile, the Magpies will be looking to snatch their first win of the season in Howe's debut in the dugout.