Arsenal have suffered a huge injury blow in Sunday’s Premier League clash with West Ham at the London Stadium.
Ben White has been forced out of proceedings, with the right-back injuring his knee following a clash with Crysencio Summerville.
Arsenal have Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie sitting on their bench for today’s match at the Emirates Stadium.
But Mikel Arteta has opted to bring on Martin Zubimendi, with Declan Rice moving to right-back as a result.
Reacting to that decision, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville expressed his astonishment.
“Rice is staying at right back,” he said. “I’m stunned.
“Taking him out of the middle of the pitch is a big call.”
Arsenal have suffered a huge injury blow in Sunday’s Premier League clash with West Ham at the London Stadium, with Ben White forced off
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Arsenal have gone into the contest knowing that three victories would deliver them a first Premier League title since the days of Arsene Wenger in 2004.
They’ve improved of late, having suffered a dip in form last month, with the Gunners overcoming Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night to reach the Champions League final.
However, they face a West Ham team who are fighting for Premier League survival after a dire campaign so far.
Gary Neville has criticised Mikel Arteta’s decision to move Declan Rice to right-back in Arsenal’s clash with West Ham
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Speaking prior to the match, Arteta called on Arsenal to ‘channel energy’ in the right way as they look to end the campaign on the highest of highs.
“I think we’re in a really good moment,” he said.
“You could sense the energy the night after the game. I see every single day, here, I know how much we want it, and those are elements that are very, very positive.
“I think we have to channel that energy in the right way – it’s very, very powerful.
“They [the players] feel confident. They are convinced, and they are really looking forward to playing on Sunday. That’s probably the best part of it.”
Arteta also praised his Arsenal players for bouncing back after some difficult moments last month, most notably when they lost to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Arsenal are looking to win a Premier League and Champions League double
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“I said it three or four months ago when I said about handling this situation and it’s been exactly like that,” added the Spaniard.
“The players have responded really well to that. We go there [to West Ham] understanding the importance of the match.
“What is driving and really pushing the team is that incredible will to win.
“We have shown throughout the last three or four seasons what we are capable of in terms of performances and consistency and now it’s about delivering when the moment matters the most.”
