Arsenal have named a much-changed line up to take on Bournemouth this afternoon, with Mesut Ozil dropped to the bench and manager Unai Emery switching to three at the back.
Emery has shown his tactical flexibility since replacing Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium, but this particular line up today has been met with plenty of surprise by supporters on Twitter.
? One hour until kick-off
? Time for team news? Our lineup for today’s @premierleague game at @afcbournemouth#BOUARS pic.twitter.com/FwJeh9P7xD
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) November 25, 2018
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Hector Bellerin and Sead Kolasinac should shine in wing-back roles due to their attack-minded nature, with Rob Holding, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Shkodran Mustafi making up the back three.
The rest of the team makes sense, with a strong midfield of in-form pair Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka, though one has to wonder what Henrikh Mkhitaryan has done to keep his place in the team ahead of Ozil.
The Germany international is joined on the bench by other big names like Petr Cech, Aaron Ramsey and Matteo Guendouzi as Arsenal look to continue their fine unbeaten run.
3 at the back
Bellerin Kolasinac wing backs
Ozil on the bench
Lacazette missing
Didn't expect this at all @Arsenal— Aashim (@broken602) November 25, 2018
Either Unai Emery is a genius or simply stupid. No inbetween. Going with 3 at the back and dropping Özil is big calls. Let's see what happens. https://t.co/5MDlFBOcRH
— Masud Jaffer (@GoonerJaffer) November 25, 2018
Ozil dropped despite not playing an international game?
— Daniel NHS (@DanielNHS1) November 25, 2018
No ozil and a system change, Emery has some massive bollocks on him. Fair play, let's see if this helps us defensively. #TFBS #COYG #BOUARS pic.twitter.com/VdkKf3XDXb
— Devo (@Devo_TFBS) November 25, 2018
No ozil Emery outtttttt
— Assistant Ozil (@Assistantozil10) November 25, 2018
Wow, Emery really changed a lot in that line up. That 5 man back line is a good decision imo. Ozil can come on and make an impact too. Big game, three points needed. Come On You Gunners!
— AFCJAS (@jasdgooner) November 25, 2018
Özil doesn't fit into a 343 and is benched. Wow, the size of balls on Emery pic.twitter.com/oE7xIIXApd
— ?? (@WolfpackGunner) November 25, 2018