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Gyokeres struggles on mixed night for fringe players
Arsenal reporter Alex Howell byline banner

Mikel Arteta made five changes to the team that started the win over Leeds as the Gunners looked to navigate six matches in all competitions during this month.

Noni Madueke moved to the right wing after putting in a good performance on the left at the weekend, with Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres all coming into the starting XI.

Eze had started just two games in all competitions before the match with Lille and Arteta had said his attitude had been "phenomenal" despite a lack of game time.

The 28-year-old showed flashes of his undoubted quality and his finish for Arsenal's second goal - and his first of the season - will give him confidence going forward.

Madueke had a mixed night as he showed his ability to beat a defender, but questions remain over his end product - even if he provided the assist for Jurrien Timber's classy opening goal.

However, it was not a good night for Gyokeres.

The Sweden striker scored 21 goals in all competitions last season as Arsenal won the title for the first time in 22 years and displayed his willingness to run and work hard.

But Gyokeres had just 12 touches before being replaced and Kai Havertz, as he so often does, looked a much better and more natural fit for the Arsenal frontline, teeing up Bukayo Saka's goal too.

Arteta brought on Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard after going 1-0 up and all three contributed to show why they are still the first names on the teamsheet and why the Arsenal boss will be so reliant on them if they are to achieve more honours.

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