Arsenal have confirmed their starting XI to face Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, with Mikel Arteta making a major call by leaving both Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres on the bench.
Ezri Konsa is handed his first Arsenal start following his £55million summer move, partnering Gabriel at centre-back in the 4:30pm Premier League clash.
Arteta has otherwise kept faith with the side that beat Aston Villa, including Christos Tzolis on the left despite Eze’s impressive second-half contribution at Villa Park.
Arsenal XI vs Chelsea confirmed
Arsenal: Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Ødegaard, Tzolis; Havertz.
Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Hincapié, Eze, Gyökeres, Madueke, Merino, Zubimendi, Guimarães, Dowman.
The biggest attacking decision surrounds Eze.
The summer signing replaced Tzolis at half-time during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Aston Villa and played a role in Bukayo Saka’s winning goal.
That led us to examine why Eberechi Eze could provide the tactical key against Chelsea, but Arteta has instead given Tzolis another opportunity from the start.
There is no change at centre-forward either.
Kai Havertz continues to lead the line, meaning Gyökeres remains on the bench as he waits for his first Premier League start of the campaign.
Konsa represents the major defensive change.
The confirmed team news reported by the Evening Standard confirms the England international is making his full Arsenal debut alongside Gabriel.
Cristhian Mosquera is absent from the matchday squad after being withdrawn against Villa, while Jurrien Timber also misses out despite recently returning to training.
Bruno Guimarães is fit enough for the bench following his own fitness concern.
Arsenal enter the derby with six points from their opening two matches and are yet to concede a Premier League goal.
Our Arsenal vs Chelsea preview explains the major tactical battle awaiting Arteta’s side as they attempt to continue their perfect start.
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