Arne Slot took the bold decision of benching Florian Wirtz in the Merseyside Derby and Pep Guardiola may have to follow suit by dropping one of Manchester City’s summer signings against Arsenal.
Mikel Merino predicted Manchester City’s title prospects by backing them to stay in the race but ultimately, that might become a far-fetched goal if they suffer their third defeat in five league games.
As a result, Pep Guardiola may have to take big decisions as they hopes to take home the all-important three points.
Despite Wirtz rejecting Manchester City to join Liverpool for a fee of £116 million (Sky Sports), Arne Slot decided not to start him against Everton and he was vindicated, with the hosts winning 2-1 at Anfield.
- READ MORE: Steven Gerrard says £62m Man City star is easily better than Florian Wirtz, ‘you’d have to go…’
Pep Guardiola should bench Tijjani Reijnders for Man City vs Arsenal
Similarly, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola should bench Tijjani Reijnders against Arsenal for multiple reasons.
First and foremost, Mikel Arteta arguably has the most physically dominant and defensively sound midfield trio at his disposal in the Premier League, featuring Merino, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
The trident have shown that they can bully opposition sides for fun by winning duels at will and setting Arsenal off on counter-attacks. Reijnders is yet to show he is at the races from a defensive and physical standpoint to go toe-to-toe with such midfields, with even Pep Guardiola tasking him to operate as a de-facto second striker.
When the Dutch international has played in central midfield, he has looked far too easy to dispossess when pressured, and if he does so against Arsenal, the hosts could run riot by winning the ball in advanced areas of the pitch.
As Hugo Viana claimed, Reijnders is an “unbelievable” midfielder but since his Premier League debut against Wolves, his form thereafter does not justify him starting against Arsenal. Even from an attacking standpoint, the former AC Milan star has not particularly impressed since then, as he has been getting in dangerous areas but barely looked like scoring goals or creating many chances.
Reijnders admitted he is studying Erling Haaland’s game and with time, he may form a lethal partnership with the Norwegian but against Arsenal, Pep Guardiola should replace him with his Manchester City teammate.
Nico Gonzalez should start for Man City against Arsenal
The name in question is Nico Gonzalez.
The La Masia graduate is yet to start a game alongside Rodri this season but during his time at the Etihad Stadium, the 23-year-old has shown that he has the imposing frame and energy in midfield to be excellent off the ball.
While on the ball, the Spaniard may not be as silky as some of his other teammates, he is adept at carrying the ball, breaking the lines and helping City assert their dominance in the middle of the park.
Furthermore, the former Porto midfielder could play alongside Rodri, who is currently being asked to man the midfield in City’s 4-1-4-1 shape when they are out of possession.
Pep Guardiola should play it safe and start Nico instead of Reijnders, as the former would add bite to this Manchester City midfield and give them more of a chance to go toe-to-toe with Arsenal and come out on top.
