Not entirely sure about this but the priority was to keep out the Xhakas and Mustafis who are too slow and constantly give the ball away, plus have pace in attack to move the ball quickly

i realise Nelson might not be a popular choice instead of Pepe, but for me he's shown a greater sense of team-play in attack than Pepe lately and he won't be scared of Citeh

i think Hector can link up well with him and of course Saka links up well with Martinelli on the other side (on the odd occasion Arteta actually plays them together)


Leno

Hector Socratis Luiz Mari Saka

Ceballos

Ozil

Nelson Auba Martinelli